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35 YEARS EXPERIENCE
877.314.1237 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // SEPTEMBER 2021 3
HUNTING & FISHING IN ALABAMA & THE FLORIDA PANHANDLE
8
12
20
CONTENTS
Freshwater Striped Bass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 by John E. Phillips How to Scout for Deer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 by Josh Honeycutt Common Mistakes in Boat Dock Designs. . . . . . . . . 16 by Ed Mashburn Choosing & Growing Clover. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 by David Strickland Selecting the Best Inshore Fishing Rods. . . . . . . . . 26 by Ed Mashburn Expert Tips for Dove Season 2021. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 by Josh Honeycutt The Outdoorsman’s 4x4 Inspection & Maintenance Checklist. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 by David Strickland Air Rifle Hunting from Small Game to Big . . . . . . . . 38 by Stephanie Mallory Fall Tripletail Fishing Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42 by Ed Mashburn Planting Food Plots for Deer in the Woods . . . . . . . 46 by John E. Phillips Marine Night Vision for Boats & Boaters . . . . . . . . . 50 by Frank Sargeant Deciding on the Best Hard Sided Hunting Blinds. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54 by David Strickland How to Build a Fishing Pond. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58 by William Kendy How to Buy Land When Short on Cash. . . . . . . . . . . 60 by Joe Baya Simple Hunting Cabin Plans. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62 by John E. Phillips Land Loan Interest Rate Update . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68 by William Kendy
In Every Issue
42
4 SEPTEMBER 2021 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // 877.314.1237
46
Best Bets. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 by William Kendy Camphouse Kitchen. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72 by Hank Shaw New & Cool Gear for Outdoorsmen. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74 by William Kendy From the Commissioner. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76 by Chris Blakenship From the Director . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78 by Charles Sykes The Gun Rack . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80 by Craig Haney Paddle Fishing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82 by Ed Mashburn Coastal Outlook. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84 by Chris Vecsey Pier & Shore. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86 by David Thornton Regional Freshwater. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88 by Ed Mashburn Prime Feeding Times, Moon, Sun, and Tide Charts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92 Pensacola Motorsports Trophy Room. . . . . . . . . . . . 96 Great Days Kids Corner. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98 Fishing Tips. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101 by William Kendy A Great Day Outdoors. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102 by Jim Mize
E
D I V I LD
WIL
Elliotts Creek Hunting Tract
Cowpen Creek Farm, Quail, Lake, and Hunting Preserve
This is a great deer and turkey hunting tract located less than 30 minutes from Tuscaloosa, near Moundville. This property is loaded with mature hardwood and the entire North boundary joins Elliotts Creek, providing a water source for wildlife in the area. There is also a good internal road/ trail system, making it easy to get around the property on an ATV.
Fishing lake, tillable farmland, well managed timber, and superb hunting. Located just east of Atmore in the Canoe community, with easy access off of Highway 31 & Jerkins Loop Rd and a short drive from both I-10 & I-65. The wildlife habitat has been meticulously managed for quail, turkey, dove, trophy deer, ducks, & other wildlife for years, with as many as three dozen coveys of wild quail present, an abundance of turkey on site, and 140+ inch deer harvested or seen regularly. Wildlife food plots, & several duck ponds. Cowpen Creek, a lg year round creek, flows through the property for over a mile. 4 water wells, a 2BR cabin, a 1BR cabin, several camper hookups, equipment shed, pole barn, fenced acreage designed for equestrian use that adjoins a 10 stall horse barn w/tack rm, full BA, and office / condo with kitchen. 90+/- acres of income producing farmland is some of the highest yielding in this region, and the large 35+/acre dove field, which has produced many “barrel burner” hunts, could also be converted to tillable land or other agricultural uses. Stocked fishing lake is 4+ acres with a pier and tackle shed, and there are multiple scenic home or lodge sites around the lake overlooking the surrounding farmland. Property may be divisible and additional acreage may be available.
Escambia County, Alabama, 1219+/-Acres
Hale County, Alabama, 295+/-Acres
FL Panhandle Listings
Alabama Listings COUNTY Autauga Autauga Autauga Autauga Baldwin Baldwin Baldwin Baldwin Baldwin Barbour Barbour Barbour Barbour Bibb Bibb Bibb Bibb Bibb Blount Blount Blount Blount Blount Bullock Bullock Bullock Bullock Butler
ACRES 116 114 110 85 1995 710 113 44 39.43 1331 351 342 179 653 573 416 395 368 211 165 153 81 67 2436 99 92 30 394.47
COUNTY Butler Calhoun Calhoun Calhoun Chambers Cherokee Cherokee Chilton Choctaw Choctaw Clarke Clarke Clarke Clarke Cleburne Cleburne Cleburne Colbert Colbert Colbert Conecuh Conecuh Conecuh Coosa Coosa Coosa Coosa Covington
151.05 337 80 48 103 938 0.3 34 175 37 1450 620 176 54 856 856 65 49.8 20 10 119 1 0.77 1200 430 100 55 730
ACRES
Covington Covington Covington Covington Cullman Dale Dale Dale Dale Dallas Dallas Dallas Dallas Dallas DeKalb DeKalb Elmore Elmore Elmore Elmore Elmore Escambia Fayette Fayette Fayette Fayette Fayette Franklin
360 63.04 0.86 0.84 20 115 104 31 27 1204.51 510 327 270 94 338 6 194 163 62 36.44 4.37 1219 672 640 484 473 344 38
Franklin 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 Lamar Lauderdale
8 775 295 265 160 150 26 18 17 15 6 155 93 6 695 80 60 256 132.62 39 23 21 373 202 153 92 90 160
COUNTY
ACRES
Lauderdale Lauderdale Lauderdale Lauderdale Limestone Limestone Limestone Limestone Limestone Lowndes Lowndes Lowndes Lowndes Lowndes Macon Macon Macon Macon Macon Marengo Marengo Marengo Marion Marion Marshall Mobile Mobile Mobile
108 75 60 35 60 30.31 3.42 1.6 1.17 1587 1083 1013 783 656 486 483 320 289 232 585 451.21 40 133 40 40 1800 439 308
COUNTY Mobile Mobile Monroe Montgomery Montgomery Montgomery Montgomery Montgomery Perry Perry Perry Perry Perry Pickens Pickens Pickens Pickens Pickens Pike Pike Pike Russell Saint Clair Saint Clair Saint Clair Saint Clair Saint Clair Shelby
260 160 129 353 250 116 80 60 610.57 330 270.21 240.75 240 430 121 40 40 5 400 162 9.2 50 1174 585 304 281 237 182
Shelby Shelby Shelby Shelby Sumter Sumter Sumter Sumter Sumter Talladega Talladega Tallapoosa Tallapoosa Tuscaloosa Tuscaloosa Tuscaloosa Tuscaloosa Tuscaloosa Walker Walker Walker Walker Walker Washington Washington Washington Washington Washington
ACRES 79 75 74 45 2151 1282 842 640 630 137 112 264 13 817 479 357 341 281 220 140.27 131.47 95.91 82 1320 240 213 200 200
Wilcox Wilcox Winston Winston Winston Winston Winston
522 180 160 160 81 40 10
COUNTY
Calhoun Calhoun Holmes Holmes Holmes Santa Rosa Walton Washington
ACRES 30 10 127 64 63 95 52 68
Over 700 more tracts across 47 states available...
®
877.314.1237 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // SEPTEMBER 2021 5
BEST BETS
BEST BETS FOR SEPTEMBER These are our top targets for hunters and fishermen this month! BY WILLIAM KENDY
IT’S HUNTING TIME
September in Alabama kicks off the hunting season. Early waterfowl seasons start in September with the goose season kicking off on September 1st. That is followed by the special teal season which begins on September 12th. Both rabbit and squirrel seasons officially start in September. The hunting headliner in September though is the start of dove mourning dove and whitewing dove season. The first dove season in the North zone begins on September 4th and opening day in the South zone is September 12. The daily limit is 15 birds. For more details on dove hunting check out Josh Honeycutt’s article, “Expert Tips for Dove Season 2021”. In addition, both Chuck Sykes, Alabama Director of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries and Conservation and Natural Resources commissioner Chris Blankenship address doves in their columns.
SEPTEMBER SMITH LAKE STRIPED BASS
VOLUME 25 ISSUE 9 SEPTEMBER 2021
PUBLISHED BY: Great Days Outdoors Media, L.L.C. PUBLISHER/EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: Joe Baya EXECUTIVE EDITOR Butch Thierry MANAGING EDITOR: William Kendy GENERAL MANAGER: Samatha Hester CREATIVE DIRECTOR: Wendy Johannesmann
Lewis Smith Lake is located about 90 miles Southwest of Huntsville and it’s deep and cold water offers one of the finest striped bass fisheries in the southeast. The largest striper taken from Smith was 45 pounds and it isn’t uncommon for fish to run 20, 30 or even larger while the average fish ranges between 10 to 20 pounds.
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.
Bill Vines has been fishing Smith since 1988 and began his guiding service in 1991. To get the inside skinny on how to catch these thugs, John Phillips interviewed him for his article, “Catching Freshwater Striped Bass”.
POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Great Days Outdoors Media, LLC PO Box 460248 Escondido, CA 92046 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.
Vines says in September stripers will be in 40-60 feet of water and he primarily fishes blueback herring and gizzard shad.
HUNTING BLIND CONSIDERATIONS
While many deer hunters spend their hunting time in trees, those of us who are older (and some may say smarter) sometimes prefer to stay a little more comfortable and safe with just a few more amenities. Now I agree that tree stand hunters often see more deer and other game than ground blind hunters and have an advantage when it comes to concealment and scent distribution but the new blinds, on the ground or elevated, minimize those advantages. If you are looking to place your blinds so that the game gets used to their presence, September is the time. David Strickland in his article, “Deciding on the Best Hard Sided Hunting Blinds” sheds light on the different types of blinds and other things to keep in mind.
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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Bill Vines shows off one of the monstrous-sized Gulf Coast strain of stripers taken from Smith Lake.
8 SEPTEMBER 2021 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // 877.314.1237
FISHING
Freshwater Striped Bass
BY JOHN E. PHILLIPS
For September angling fun, fish for the Gulf Coast strain of stripers at Lewis Smith Lake. I could see fish at 23-feet deep on my depth finder at Lewis Smith Lake. When I let my live bait down, I watched my bait in relation to the fish and spotted a 12 pounder moving toward my bait. My rod tip bent down and kissed the water, as my drag screamed the song of successful striper fishing. When Alabama’s population centers grew in decades past, due to the increase of manufacturing and medicine, the need for more electric power became paramount here and in Georgia and Florida. To solve the problem, power companies in these three states built dams on many rivers and streams to produce hydroelectric power. Prior to the building of the dams, anglers in many river systems flowing into the Gulf of Mexico caught saltwater stripers there. In the late 1960s and early 1970s, fisheries’ biologists discovered that fewer stripers were being caught in Alabama waters. In the 1960s, striper anglers believed that a striper was a striper was a striper. However, once biologists identified the two separate and different strains of saltwater stripers, the Atlantic strain and the Gulf Coast strain, the fisheries departments of Alabama, Georgia and South Carolina along with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service made a concerted effort that’s been very successful saving this Gulf Coast strain of stripers. BILL VINES HUNTS SMITH LAKE STRIPERS “Smith Lake is where my father taught me how to fish,” explained Bill Vines of Morris, Alabama, who began fishing for stripers at Smith Lake in 1988. “I started taking friends and family striper fishing and guiding some. I began guiding for stripers full-time in 1991.” FISHING WITH SHAD Vines primarily fishes blueback herring and gizzard shad to catch the stripers that usually hold from 20-60 feet deep during the late summer and early fall at Smith Lake. Blueback herring aren’t native to Smith Lake but have been introduced by fishermen bringing these bait fish from other waters where stripers had been caught. “We catch our bait in either a cast net or with a sabiki rig (a line with several small flies attached to it with a sinker on the end of the rig that, when cast out to bait fish, is small enough for the bait fish to attack and then get hooked by the tiny hooks in the individual flies attached to the rig) that’s used on the Gulf Coast to catch live bait. However, I’ve found that we catch more bait fish quicker in a cast net.”
Vines usually catches his bait by throwing his cast net at night around lights on boat docks. “I use my depth finder to locate the schools of herring and shad I want to catch, and then I throw my cast net in to cover the school. When I pull my net up, I’ve captured these bait fish alive. When the bait fish are thick around the lights, on piers and docks, I often can catch 100 of them with one throw of my cast net. But sometimes I’ll only catch two or three, depending on how deep the bait fish are holding, and how many of these baits are in a school that I find,” Vines said. On an average day or night of striper fishing, Vines and his party generally will fish 50 of these live baits. To keep them lively and frisky, he uses an insulated bait tank and puts ice in it. Also, this tank has a filtering system to keep the water in the tank clean. “Using this tank system, we can fish with live bait all day long - even during hot weather in August and September,” Vines explained. FINDING THE STRIPERS Vines not only uses his Lowrance depth finder to locate the bait, he also pinpoints stripers with it. “I find stripers during this time of the year around the mouths of major creeks or main lake points running into the lake in 25-30 feet of water. When I idle across a school of stripers I’ve seen on my depth finder, I’ll turn my big engine off, place my trolling motor in the water and start putting bait on hooks to send down to the stripers,” Vines explained. “I vary the depths I want my baits to fish but do try to keep my baits at the same depth or somewhat above where the stripers are concentrating.” VINES’S TACKLE FOR STRIPERS Vines prefers Shimano baitcasting reels on Seeker composite rods and uses 17–29 pound P-Line. “I fish with fluorocarbon leaders, three footers at night and four to five feet long during daylight hours. My rig is much like a Carolina rig. I’ll put a twoounce slip weight up the main line and a glass or a plastic bead below the weight, tie the main line to a barrel swivel and then tie my leader to the other end of the barrel swivel. On the end of the line, I’ll attach a circle hook,” Vines noted. “I also carry spinning reels for my left-handed clients. I can quickly 877.314.1237 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // SEPTEMBER 2021 9
Freshwater Striped Bass
and easily change a right handle on a spinning reel to a left-handed spinning reel to accommodate these anglers.” During the summer, Vines’s baits will be four to five inches long. He hooks them coming from the inside of the mouth and out the nostrils. If the bait is relatively small, he’ll put the hook through the bottom jaw of the bait fish and bring it out of one of the nostrils on the head of the bait fish. If he’s fishing the small herring, he’ll use a No. 1/0 Owner or a Gamakatsu circle hook. After Vines has baited his hooks and lets the baits down to the water depth where he sees the stripers, he puts all his rods in rod holders. First-time striper fishermen often ask, “How will we know when to set the hook?” Vines tells them they’ll know they’ve hooked a striper when the tip of the rod goes down under the water. “That’s when I’ll tell you to take the rod out of the rod holder and start winding the handle on the reel,” Vines said. “Don’t jerk the rod, and try to set the hook because we use circle hooks that allow the fish to hook itself. Just start reeling on the reel handle while the rod’s in the rod holder, and then take the rod out of the rod holder, and fight the fish.” “I’m often asked how many stripers we’ll catch in a day. That number’s often determined by how many fish we find. The last party I took at this writing in the summer of 2021 caught nine stripers for a four-hour trip. We average about five to nine stripers caught on a four-hour morning trip. Although the biggest fish we caught on this last trip weighed 20 pounds, the average striper will be from 10-20 pounds,” he said. LOCATING STRIPERS AT NIGHT Vines emphasizes that an advantage of striper fishing at night is that the air is much cooler and there is less activity on the water. “We dodge the boat traffic, jet skiers and the water skiers. Many of the anglers I take fishing work during the day but can striper fish at Smith Lake at night,” Vines said. “Later in the summer, when the water becomes very hot, we seem to catch more stripers at night than we do in the daytime. When fishing in the daytime, stripers generally bite at the crack of dawn. Since that bite won’t last very long, we don’t catch as many stripers as we do at night. Fishing at night, we start right at dark and catch a few stripers. As the night becomes darker, we generally start catching more fish. On an average night’s trip, my customers will catch from 8-10 stripers.” DOCK LIGHTS ARE VINES’ PRIMARY TARGETS. “In June, the stripers will hold at about 25-30 feet deep; in July, they’ll be at about 25-35 feet deep; and in August and September, the stripers will be down about 40-60 feet. But that’s when I usually prefer to fish during daylight hours, because you can catch them just as easily in the daytime as you can nighttime fishing,” Vines explained. Other lights Vines fishes are called monster lights, generally found on a dock in 10-25 feet of water that give off a green glow underwater. “Sometimes we’ll see the stripers swimming around and through the deeper lights and often fish right on the edge of the light instead of fishing over the light,” he said. Vines still fishes live bait deep in August and September, besides using big spoons, swim baits and jigs. “To be honest, the stripers don’t hit the artificial lures as well as they do the live bait,” Vines emphasized. “However, we may pick up an extra fish or two using the artificial lures like the Red Fin, the Sammy and the Zara Spook once the stripers quit biting the live bait.”
10 SEPTEMBER 2021 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // 877.314.1237
CATCHING AND RELEASING STRIPERS OR CATCHING AND EATING THEM ‘The majority of my anglers just want to catch and release stripers. However, about 30-35% of my clients want to keep and eat the stripers,” Vines said. I’m often asked, ‘How are you releasing stripers that you bring up from 60-feet deep?’ If we release a striper, and it won’t swim back down because its air bladder has inflated, we’ll pick the striper up and hook it to a device called a SeaQualizer Descending Device. This pressure device hooks on the striper’s bottom lip and takes the striper down to whatever depth it’s set at and automatically releases the fish. I usually have the device set to release the fish in 50-60 foot deep water. Generally, the striper will acclimate to the depth from where it’s come. Now and then we’ll see one of the stripers we’ve caught and acclimated floating up back to the surface. When that happens, the striper becomes an ‘eater’ instead of a ‘releaser.’” VINES’S FAVORITE STRIPER RECIPE Vines prefers to grill stripers and fillets the striper like he does a crappie or a bass. “A red lateral line runs down the middle of the fillet. I’ll cut two pieces of meat off that fillet by cutting that red lateral line out on both sides of the fillet and removing it from the clear white meat I’ll grill. I’ll use Pilleteri’s Greek Seasoning and Tony Chachere’ Original Creole Seasoning to mix together, coat the fillets with the mixture and put them on the grill at 450-500 degrees for 1-2 minutes. The grill is almost as hot as it is if I’m cooking blackened fish. Everybody I prepare this dish for likes stripers cooked this way,” he said. UNDERSTANDING THE DIFFERENCE IN THE GULF COAST STRAIN AND THE ATLANTIC STRAIN OF STRIPERS: “The Smith Lake Gulf Coast strain of stripers are more heat tolerant than the Atlantic strain,” Vines explained. “I believe the Gulf Coast stripers have a better survival rate during the hot summers than we have in Alabama. As they get bigger, they don’t die off when they reach a certain weight, like some of the Atlantic strain of stripers have done in some southern waters. Striper fishing has become so popular that now the State of Alabama has been restocking the Gulf Coast stripers back into Smith, besides sharing them with other southern states.” LEARNING ABOUT CATCHING SMITH LAKE’S SPOTTED BASS AND STRIPERS The bait for stripers, blueback herring, also pull spotted bass out into open water. Once herring were introduced to Smith Lake, spotted bass fishermen at the lake had a hard time finding and catching spotted bass, although in past years, the lake has produced four world’s record spotted bass. Striper anglers began catching spotted bass out in open water following and eating blueback herring where they’d never been caught spots before. “Today we catch numbers of four to five pound spotted bass when we’re fishing for stripers in open water,” Vines said. “I’ve had a few six pound spotted bass caught by my striper fishermen. I always keep at least one or two top-water lures tied on the rods because, often, the spotted bass will push the herring up to the surface and attack top-water lures. We can catch stripers on top-water lures every month of the year, when fish are chasing bait on the surface.” The History of Smith Lake Stripers The first stripers stocked in Alabama waters were the Atlantic Coast striped bass that came from Georgia and South Carolina. Although there were two types of stripers, the Atlantic strain and the Gulf Coast strain, people didn’t understand their differences. The Gulf Coast stripers always had come out of the Gulf of Mexico, moved up rivers in Alabama as well as Georgia and Florida, spawned and returned back to the Gulf to live out their lives. One of the historic places these Gulf Coast stripers were caught was below the dam
Freshwater Striped Bass
at Tallassee, Alabama. Once biologists found that the stripers being caught in Alabama were a different strain of stripers from the Atlantic strain, efforts were made to try to save this native subspecies. When many Alabama rivers were dammed-up to produce hydroelectric power, this Gulf Coast strain of saltwater stripers started vanishing. However, about 36-years ago, Alabama’s Department of Conservation and Natural Resources along with the states of Georgia, Florida and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service established a cooperative agreement to jointly work to restore this native strain of Gulf Coast stripers. The Gulf Coast strain then was stocked into Alabama’s Coosa and Tallapoosa rivers where they always had roamed. However, because the Atlantic Coast stripers were stocked in some of these same waters in the 1960s and early 1970s, genetic contamination of the Gulf Coast strain resulted when the two strains crossbred. Biologists needed another place to try and save the pure Gulf Coast strain of saltwater stripers. Lewis Smith Lake never had been stocked with any Atlantic stripers or hybrid striped bass. The conservation departments in Alabama, Georgia and Florida and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service agreed to take the pure Gulf Coast striped bass to stock Smith Lake to become the genetic repository of the pure Gulf Coast strain of stripers. Later Alabama stocked stripers from Smith Lake in the rivers and streams in the state where these fish once lived and discontinued stocking the Atlantic strain of stripers. The thought was that the Gulf Coast strain of stripers would be more heat-tolerant and survive better in southern waters than the Atlantic strain. Today, Smith Lake is seen as the nursery for the remaining stock of the pure, native Gulf Coast strain of saltwater stripers. Many southern states are stocking offspring from the Smith Lake stripers to repopulate the home range of the Gulf Coast striper. Important Contact Information Bill Vines Guide Service https://stripefishingheadquarters.com/. Cotton Cordell Red Fin https://www.lurenet.com/cotton-cordell-red-fin-fishing-lure Gamakatsu Hooks https://www.gamakatsu.com/ Lowrance Depth Finders https://www.lowrance.com/ Lucky Craft Sammy https://www.luckycraft.com/luckycrafthome/Products/topwater/sammy100.htm Heddon Zara Spook https://www.lurenet.com/heddon-zara-spook
BY FOOD NETWORK
Recipe courtesy of Food Network Kitchen Image courtesy of Antonis Achilleos
Striped Bass with Mushrooms Total: 35 mins
Ingredients
• • • • • • • • • •
3 tablespoons unsalted butter 5 large shallots, thinly sliced 2 sprigs fresh thyme Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper 10 ounces white mushrooms, trimmed and quartered 4 6-ounce skin-on striped bass fillets (about 1 inch thick) 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil 3/4 cup dry white wine 3/4 cup heavy cream Chopped fresh parsley or chives, for garnish (optional)
1.
Heat the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the shallots and thyme and cook until the shallots are translucent, about 7 minutes; season with salt and pepper. Add the mushrooms and cook, stirring occasionally, until brown and tender, about 8 minutes. Discard the thyme sprigs. Meanwhile, season the fish with salt and pepper. Heat the oil in another large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the fish, skin-side down, and cook until the skin is crisp, 3 to 4 minutes; transfer to a plate. Add the wine to the skillet and scrape up any browned bits with a wooden spoon. Boil over high heat until syrupy, 2 to 3 minutes. Add the cream and simmer to thicken slightly, 2 to 3 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Pour the cream sauce over the mushrooms in the skillet, then add the fish, skin-side up. Simmer until the fish is just firm and translucent, 5 to 7 minutes. Garnish with parsley if desired.
Instructions
Owner Hooks https://www.ownerhooks.com/ Pilleteri’s Greek Seasoning https://pilleteri.com/?s=Greek+Seasoning
2.
SeaQualizer Descending Device https://seaqualizer.com/product/seaqualizer-descending-device/ Seeker Composite Rods https://seekerrods.com/ Shimano Baitcast Reels https://fish.shimano.com/ Tony Chachere’s Original Creole Seasoning https://www.tonychachere.com/product/original-creole-seasoning/
3.
877.314.1237 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // SEPTEMBER 2021 11
How to
Scout for Deer BY JOSH HONEYCUTT
Spend plenty of time glassing from afar, especially if you can do so from long distances or enclosed blinds. (Realtree Media photo)
12 SEPTEMBER 2021 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // 877.314.1237
HUNTING
Drilling down on target buck’s home ranges and core areas has never been easier Summer is passing us by like a jet in the sky, and there’s nothing we can do about it. For deer hunters, the season prep window is closing, and once it’s gone … it’s gone. There’s no getting it back. Because of that, now is the time to scout, prep and make plans for fall and winter. Get your ducks in a row for the early season, pre-rut, rut and late season. Sure, you can’t figure out everything right now. But you can stack the deck in your favor. Here’s how to scout for deer. THE RISE OF TECH While we still love and use classic methods of scouting, the rise of technology has changed how we do things. Digital resources, mobile apps, trail cameras, cellular models and more have modernized the way hunters find and pattern whitetails. It’s really changing the landscape, so much in fact, that some places are banning the use of not just cellular cameras, but all trail cameras (https://www.deeranddeerhunting.com/ content/articles/deer-news/trail-cameras-were-just-banned-here). Personally, I believe trail cameras are completely ethical and their use shouldn’t be infringed upon. I don’t think these place an unfair advantage, and those who advocate against these are merely bitter. So long as these are legal, keep using them, y’all. Other means of technology are at the modern hunter’s fingertips. E-scouting online is another beneficial tool in our arsenal. Studying online maps of properties offers land details. Pouring over hunting forums can relinquish clues. Digital sources offer tips and tactics on how to get the job done. The list goes on. An endless amount of knowledge and resources are at our disposal. E-SCOUTING WITH PURPOSE Speaking of tools, those who choose to e-scout prior to drilling down can do so. For example, using Boone & Crockett, Pope & Young, and Buckmasters records maps help show us where the most top-end bucks come from. These yield clues on where deer herds are doing the best, where the habitat is better suited for deer, where the soil is in the best shape, where hunters are the best at managing whitetails and much more. This information gives you a starting point, and even helps select a region to focus on. State agencies, and other public-land managers offer maps, and even interactive tools, that show open hunting access. Sometimes, these tools even illustrate detailed aspects of such properties and help hunters understand the dynamics of each property. This too can help narrow the search to specific properties, and even gives you clues what the place looks like prior to seeing it in person. The same holds true for Google Earth, as well as other online mapping services. You’re able to get a feel for what properties look like, their features and where potential hotspots might be located. Get an idea of what the vegetation looks like before ever arriving at the property.
BECOMING AN APP MASTER In today’s age, online scouting is almost old-school itself, especially considering the advancements of hunting apps, such as HuntStand. It’s a free app, but those who choose to level up to HuntStand Pro unlock powerful tools to use at their disposal. As an ambassador for the brand, I’ve been able to test this resource extensively, and the performance surpasses the hype. For starters, it offers numerous map layers. Those who want to pick apart a property from an aerial view will love the hybrid, satellite, and satellite vivid map layers. This helps reveal what the foliage looks like on the property, and helps distinguish between hardwoods and conifers. It even reveals potential feeding destinations, such as ag fields and food plots. That’s powerful insight. Those aren’t the only options, though. Hunters wanting to scout in topography mode have additional layers at their disposal. The contour, hybrid, terrain and topo layers are perfect for this. These oftentimes reveal quality hunting spots, such as benches, pinch-points, saddles, and much more. Hunters even have water-based map layers at their fingertips. This is especially important where water is more limited. Use the contour, outdoors and topo layers to find some high-quality H2O. Finally, using the ever-popular 3D map layer is the king of all map layers. It reveals terrain and topography all at once and greatly surpasses the value offered by aerial-topo hybrid options. This layer is incredibly adept at showing you what a property looks like — from a distance — as if you’re walking around on it. It’s no replacement for seeing land in person, but it’s the next best thing. DEPLOYING TRAIL CAMERAS Once you’ve selected a region, then specific properties, and even e-scouted these tracts of land with online and app services, it’s time to deploy trail cameras. Personally, I prefer to position my cameras along terrain, and topography-based hotspots, or places that offer hunting and trail-camera-related advantages. Generally, these are linked to bedding areas, feeding destinations, water sources, and staging areas. That said, deploy your armada of cameras to these locations. Let them soak for a period of time, effectively capturing images of deer in the area. Then, move in to check them. Leave the cams that produced, and relocate those that didn’t. One option is to move unproductive cameras closer to those that produced. This can help home in on a buck’s core area. Just be careful not to push too deep toward bedding, as this can pressure deer and cause them to change their behavior. 877.314.1237 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // SEPTEMBER 2021 13
How to Scout for Deer
Another option is to move cameras to entirely new areas where cameras aren’t already present. In my opinion, if you find a target buck you’ll for sure go after, maybe go with the former option. If you’re still on the fence about the deer your scouting efforts have dug up, perhaps go with the latter option.
New-age scouting tools, such as HuntStand, help provide modern scouting options to deer hunters. (Honeycutt Creative photo)
USING PAST INTEL It’s important that hunters don’t just rely solely on current data. Sure, the most recent intel is the most important information. That said, past info from previous seasons can be relevant, especially if the information is tied to specific bucks still on the landscape. For example, for each target buck, analyze trail camera photos from past seasons. Doing so can help reveal clues for the coming fall and winter. This is even truer for deer that tend to repeat their patterns each year. If you have seen the deer from the stand, add these encounters to the mix. For the sake of past intel, these are even more important than trail camera photos, because in-person sightings provide greater context to this situation. These helped show where the deer came from, where it was going to, and what all it was doing. OLD-SCHOOL FINISHERS While new-age scouting technologies are important, old-school methods are not to be ignored. These tactics are still useful, and they certainly have their place in the scouting mix. Anyone who refuses to use these is significantly hindering themselves. First, for people who are new to a property, or who haven’t seen it in a long time, certainly put boots on the ground and see what the area has to offer. (During the post-season, I do this on every property that I hunt on.) Move in and verify expectations and findings from your e-scouting and app efforts. Seeing it in the flesh will give much more context to the area. Plus, things could have changed
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How to Scout for Deer
since the maps and apps were last updated. Plus, despite the advancements of technologies, it still doesn’t compare to being there. Glassing from afar is another tactic to use, especially for those who hunt in areas that allow it. Sitting back and watching major food sources is a great way to see what deer are in the area, and what they are doing. Trail cameras do this, but don’t paint the entire picture. Seeing deer in person does, though. In a nutshell, technology gets you close. It certainly saves time, and even helps eliminate obvious bad spots. But old-school scouting methods help close the gap from “close” to “dead deer.” Use a healthy combination of new and old scouting tactics to fill tags this fall. CLASSIC HOTSPOTS No matter the type of scouting you’re conducting, it’s important to recognize a potential hotspot when you see it. Deer are creatures of habit, and in general terms, they often behave similarly. As such, keep an eye out for the following terrain and topographical features. As edge animals, deer love edge habitat. Most places where two types of terrain meet, such as hardwoods meeting conifers, is an edge. Deer gravitate to these areas.
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Leeward ridges are also important. These are best described as the downwind side of a ridge line. Here, the wind creates a tunneling effect, and offers winding advantages for deer. Benches are good, too. These are long, flat shelves along hillsides and ridgelines. Deer like to bed on these, and travel along them, too. Ridge endings are also important. These are common bedding areas for whitetails. This is especially true for mature deer. Outcroppings and overhangs are common hotspots, too. As long as deer have appropriate escape routes, deer sometimes bed underneath these. This makes them important areas to keep an eye on. Don’t sleep on saddles, either. These are gateways within long ridges, and deer travel through them so they don’t have to hike up and over the higher elevations. These are solid stand locations. Water seeps are big in areas where water is limited. It’s not uncommon to find these seeps at mid-elevation points, whereas lakes, rivers, creeks and streams are at lower elevations. Because of this, seeps are commonly used during daylight hours, while other water sources are not. Waterway oxbows are important too. This is where a river or creek creates a U shape around land. The land forms a peninsula shape. Deer like to bed on these, especially when the wind is blowing from land toward the oxbow. If they smell danger, they slip out the back door and head across the water, which serves as a barrier to predators. Inside field corners are other places to consider. Deer like to emerge into the open from such areas. Keep them in mind during scouting efforts. Small woodlots and thickets are good, too. If they’re isolated and overlooked, it can be even better. When deer go unnoticed, they get old, and sometimes, even complacent. Those are the deer I like to hunt. Lastly, look for tree and plant species deer prefer. Hardwoods that drop quality mast, such as acorns, chestnuts, etc., are good. Other trees that yield soft mast, such as apples, pears, persimmons, plums, etc., are good, too. And don’t forget evergreens, such as cedars and pines. These offer thermal cover deer rely on in winter.
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BY GREG MCCAIN
Common Mistakes in
BOAT DOCK
DESIGNS BY ED MASHBURN
16 SEPTEMBER 2021 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // 877.314.1237
LIFESTYLE Of all the things which improve boat life on the water, there is nothing which offers more convenience and easy access to the water than a good, well-made dock. Docks provide safe and secure lodging for boats, and when equipped with dock houses, lots of boat and fishing gear can be stored for easy access for those fishing trips. Docks can provide swimming access, and if desired, docks can even provide extremely comfortable living space. Whether it’s building a new dock from scratch or rebuilding a dock after a storm, new dock construction requires some planning and thought before the construction begins. THERE’S A LOT TO CONSIDER Daniel Miller of Chattanooga Dock Builders said that folks wanting a new dock have a lot to consider before construction starts. “Taking a step back from all assumptions to determine the big picture of what our client is trying to achieve is the first step to a dock design,” Miller said. “An example of this would be a client requesting a quote for a floating dock with a boat lift when the water at their site is too shallow for a floating dock lift. Site conditions play a big role in good design and considering all of the constraints and site conditions will prevent a lot of headaches.” In addition, there are a lot of potential limitations which new dock builders have to consider. “Design restrictions imposed by AHJs (authorities having jurisdiction) including TVA, Army Corps of Engineers, U.S. Forest Service, homeowners associations, state or federal environmental protection divisions. Shoreline profile- bottom slope and water depths around the dock, shoreline and bottom composition (clay, rock, sand, silt), expected and/or historic low and high water levels, shading and sun exposure, distance to adjacent structure (docks, navigation channels, sand bars) and fetch the maximum length or open water wind can travel must be considered”, Miller noted. NEW MATERIALS FOR DOCK CONSTRUCTION Dock construction has come a long way from the days of pounding some pilings into the bottom and nailing on some cross-pieces and then some decking. Modern docks offer safety, long-life, and much more convenience than old slapped-together docks. “For fixed docks, at a minimum, it is imperative to select pressure treated lumber and pilings that are treated to the correct use category rating by the AWPA. When constructing our fixed docks out of pressure treated lumber, we like to take a few extra steps like coating the end grain cuts with copper naphthenate and using an isolation wrap between the galvanized steel joist hangers and treated lumber to prevent reaction and premature corrosion. For longer lasting alternatives to wood framing and pilings, we use WearDeck joists and decking and Eco Pile pilings,” Miller noted. COMMON DOCK MISTAKES Miller outlined many of the common and costly mistakes folks who have new docks built. Building a dock without first obtaining a permit Dock houses can provide great living space and storage.
•
Stretching the budget to build the dock as large as possible while skimping on material quality
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Common MIstakes in Boat Dock Design Ideas
Not having to clean fish in the hot sun makes the chore much more pleasant.
Modern engineered dock structure timbers and supports are much superior to traditional wooden materials. The KillerDock system can be modified to suit individual angler’s needs.
18 SEPTEMBER 2021 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // 877.314.1237
Common MIstakes in Boat Dock Design Ideas
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Walkway/gangway too short
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Improper floatation calculations resulting in inconsistent freeboard on the dock
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Floating docks with inadequate anchoring systems
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Fixed dock pilings not driven deep enough to prevent uplift in flood conditions
”Killerdock fish cleaning stations mount to wooden docks, decks, and seawalls with lag bolts or threaded bolts. They mount to concrete using wedge anchors,” Williamson explained. The marine grade aluminum is ceramic coated and half the weight of stainless steel. It won’t rust or rot like a wooden table with screws or nails. The High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) cutting board is UV protected and lasts many years under your knife blades. KillerDock fish cleaning station are designed with the ability to overhang the water which minimizes the footprint on your dock. They also have an engineered wind rating of 150 mph.”
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Boat slips and boat lifts that are undersized and not designed to allow for size or weight increases in future boat purchases
The KillerDock fish cleaning station is very flexible in design and can be custom-fitted to provide even more conveniences to specific locations.
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Selecting pressure treated lumber from big box stores which is not suited for use in freshwater, brackish, or saltwater environments.
“We provide several different combinations of options so you can choose what works best for you. We have multiple patented table draining options including draining below the dock through the table legs. You can choose to add a sink, a drawer, or a LED light. Built-in hose stations on each station bring convenience and keep you from dragging a hose across your dock every time you need to clean fish,” Williamson added.
AND FOR THOSE WHO CATCH FISH… There are few things more miserable than trying to clean a mess of fish without the right tools, and cleaning fish on a worn out, nasty tabletop or deck railing in the hot Gulf Coast sun is no fun. “Many new dock constructions will build a wooden table with some metal or plastic cutting board. Unfortunately, these have a short life of looking clean and functioning well. The mix of salt water, fish guts, sun exposure and time will rot and rust most of these setups. What KillerDock offers is an incredible solution that you don’t have to figure out to fabricate yourself or worry about having to replace it in a couple years. Docks are now being utilized as so much more than just a place to store your boat. Having a fantastic fish cleaning station that is designed to look awesome and last a long time is exactly the best choice to finish out your dock project,” said Aaron Williamson, sales manager of KillerDock.
Important Contact Information Chattanooga Dock Builders 423-752-0708 info@chattanoogadockbuilders.com www.chattanoogadockbuilders.com KillerDock 251-207-1743 www.killerdock.com aaron@killerdock.com
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Turkeys, quail, deer and even bees all benefit greatly from a good stand of clover
20 SEPTEMBER 2021 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // 877.314.1237
Clover
LIFESTYLE
Choosing & Growing
BY DAVID STRICKLAND
Years ago, when most local hunting clubs got together to discuss what to plant for wildlife, the most talked-about plants were oats, wheat, and rye. Today it seems, the discussions have changed when those same local hunters talk about what to plant for their deer and turkey. Terms like cereal grains, winter peas, and brassicas now dominate the discussion, with clover playing a minor role in the conversation.
For Food Plots
and products to get the pH just right for whatever they plant. They also provide the appropriate fertilizers and the plant-specific herbicides needed for maximum nutrition and yield. If you are not taking full advantage of the wisdom and services provided by your local Co-Op, then I suggest getting in touch with one before the planting season gets into full swing.
Unfortunately, many local clubs don’t view clovers as a top choice for their food plots. The result is that most hunters are not taking full advantage of the multitude of benefits that the various clovers offer.
LOCAL FARMERS CO-OP I visited my local Tuscaloosa Farmers Co-Op recently to ask a few questions about the benefits of planting an entire field in pure clover vs. mixing clover seed into the traditional cereal, peas, and brassica mix.
Although selecting the correct type of clover for a food plot requires a little planning, it can benefit your soil in numerous ways and produce abundant, quality forage throughout a long growing season. Red and white clover are the traditional choices, but there are many varieties with different growth characteristics and even some new ones that have recently hit the shelves.
Wayne Gillium is the general manager, and he shared a little of his background. He began working at Tuscaloosa Farmers CoOp at the age of 23, fresh out of the Army, and he learned every facet of the business. He eventually became the manager and has now accumulated 50 years of experience with every aspect of farming-for food and wildlife.
Seed companies often mix clover into their wildlife blends because they produce high-protein forage throughout the hunting season, into the spring, and well into the warmer months. Of course, clover also adds nitrogen back into the soil through its root system, but a stand of pure clover in a food plot can benefit deer and turkey in ways that many planters might not realize.
Gillium said that in addition to offering a wide variety of seed, fertilizer, and herbicides, they can assist with planting, fertilizing, or liming. They also rent large capacity lime spreaders and offer delivery.
Land managers and landowners usually have a good relationship with their local seed stores. These dealers are well aware of their area’s soil types and varied geography. In addition, they get instant and long-term feedback from the seed buyers and those that run the tractors. They keep abreast of the latest research, and as a result, they have the information and know-how to help land managers provide their wildlife with the best forage for the money. Alabama Farmers Co-Ops have been in business since 1936 and can assist farmers and hunters with soil testing, equipment,
SOIL “It begins with the soil,” Gillium said. “Our local soil is clay, sandy, or loam, or it can be a mixture of all those.” He explained that clover grows best with a soil pH of 6 to 6.5 and needs the right amount of lime to achieve those levels. He pointed out that after plowing lime into the soil, it starts lowering the pH in as little as two weeks, but it can take a few months to reach the target ph level. He also recommends testing the soil in each food plot on a two-year schedule. It’s easier to make short-term pH adjustments so the plants can better utilize the soil nutrients, which means that less fertilizer is required and helps cut costs.
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Choosing & Growing Clover For Food Plots
Gillium also mentioned that the soil moisture content, how well a field drains, its elevation and how much shade it gets are all part of the equation. He added that once you know a field’s personality, it’s easy to adjust the pH and zero in on the best clover seeds for each parcel. ANNUAL VS. PERENNIAL CLOVER Gillium described several differences between annual and perennial clovers. ANNUAL • Plants produce only from seed. All the plants in a field will die within 12 months. Any regrowth that occurs the following year is due to delayed sprouting or plant-produced seeds from spring or summer. • Some annuals can endure for several years by mowing or light discing after seed production in the Spring or Fall. • Typically produce more warm-weather forage than 1st-year perennial clovers. • Generally has more grass/weed issues than established perennials. PERENNIALS • Fall growth, once established, is better than annuals. • New plants continually emerge from their roots and seed. • Once established, have better, more extensive root systems. • Better soil and moisture retention/improves the soil. • Established plots have both new and older plants. • Can provide continual growth for several years. • Eliminates yearly reseeding, reduces costs. PLANTING GUIDE Clover is a tiny seed that needs a firm, level seedbed and germinates best when planted from 1/8” to no deeper than 1/2” depth, with good soil contact. Light discing is adequate for preparing seed beds for clover, and a cultipack-
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er is the best tool for leveling the dirt and covering the seeds. However, a suitable wire or board drag can work in a pinch. White clover (Ladino-Murano-White Dutch) generally does well in heavier soils or bottomland that have more moisture. Red clovers (Red Gold-Cherokee) are usually better choices for drier soils or higher elevation. Crimson clovers(Dixie-Chief-Common) prolific production during early season Arrowleaf clovers (Yuchi-Apache) do well in sandier soils, are cold-tolerant, and produce forage later into the summer than most varieties. Berseem clovers(Frosty) Rapid growth, high leaf to stem ratio and rated by some researchers as the most preferred by deer. PURE CLOVER White clover is the better choice when planting a stand of pure clover because of its ability to produce new growth from both root and seed production. A few local land managers plant a mix of perennial and annual clovers in their fields to take advantage of the benefits of both varieties. Some annual species can last several years if mowed when seed heads are full and light discing can often improve regrowth. Gillium pointed out that White Dutch and Ladino both do very well as pure stands. However, he noted that some area managers mix different types of clover to get the full benefits of early fall growth and forage production well into warmer weather. Yuchi is a type of Arrowleaf clover named after a Native Indian tribe that inhabited east-central Alabama. Gillium placed this variety high on his preferred list because it grows well even in sandier soils and produces up to two months longer than crimson varieties. Even though it’s an annual variety, it can reproduce for several years with well-timed mowing & discing.
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A SITE BY HUNTERS FOR HUNTERS! 877.314.1237 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // SEPTEMBER 2021 23
Choosing & Growing Clover For Food Plots
A smooth, relatively flat seed-bed is vital for maximum clover seed germination
WEED MANAGEMENT IN CLOVER Gillium recommended either Broadleaf or 24DB herbicide to kill any weeds that intrude into your clover patch. However, the longer that clover grows, the more its root system intertwines to form an extensive underground network that helps prevent new weed growth. FINAL THOUGHTS Clover is one of the few plants that add nitrogen to the soil as it grows. Once it becomes established in a field, the combined root system also helps retain moisture and eventually grows thick enough to crowd out most weeds and grasses. Clover also grows well in a wide range of soils and provides abundant high quality forage and habitat for deer, turkey, and quail. It also stands up well to heavy grazing and helps prevent soil erosion. The fact that you can skip the expense of adding nitrogen fertilizer, is an added bonus, whether planted as a stand alone plot, or mixed with cereal grains, it should be part of everyone’s food-plot equation. There are over 50 locations of Farmers Co-Ops spread out from Florida throughout Alabama to Tennessee. So, stop by your nearest Co-Op or give Mr. Gillium a call to talk about your soil and let them help you choose the best seed from the many types of clover they carry. Also, take advantage of their many products for your home, garden, and wildlife.
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Selecting the Best INSHORE FISHING RODS BY ED MASHBURN
These Sam’s Super Salt Series of inshore rods are some fine fishing tools, strong, and affordable.
26 SEPTEMBER 2021 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // 877.314.1237
FISHING
Managing Wild Turkeys Through Teamwork
When it comes time to choose an inshore fishing rod, most anglers are left puzzled by the number of choices in length, action, construction and how these elements affect the rod. Let’s see if we can’t help simplify choosing an inshore rod.
permits,anwhich partmay of the licensdemands asthe anmoney inshore spent rod. Inon anyturkey day’s fishing, inshoreis rod be called upon to fishing lures and bait over grass beds, and then theinto same rodfund. may requirement toshallow hunt turkeys in Florida, goes that have to work jigs along deep water and drop-offs, and then the same rod may have to horse hooked fish away docks and bridge “Many hunters and from NWTF members arepilings. heavily involved in
I could see the water bulge as a big fish moved toward the splash of my ¼ ounce jig and plastic body lure. This light–weight lure can be a real challenge to effectively cast on some rods, but my seven-foot long rod handled the cast just fine.
There are many demands placed on inshore rods. whereby a portion of in NWTF hunting heritage banquets,
When the big redfish reached the area of my lure, I bumped the lure once and the water exploded as the big red jumped all over the lure. One of those famous big redfish runs began, and the line peeled off my reel as the big red charged down the bayou making a wave and clouds of muddy water.
Program, brings federal grantthefunding Inshore rodsFish alsoRestoration need to be able to makewhich long distance casts when angler to state wildlife working management as the FWC.” is working flats. Sometimes fish willagencies be seen a such long way off and a rod which can’t propel the lure to reach the fish is just not going to be a good choice for these conditions. Through this combined effort from the NWTF, FWC, FFS and
It took me a while and I had to be patient, but my inshore spinning rod did its job, and I finally had the big red exhausted at boat side. I reached to the fish and carefully removed the hook from its jaw and lifted it up for a quick photo from my buddy. The red revived quickly and when I let it go, it moved strongly away from the boat.
Inshore rodsand have to have the move a big fish away from structure. flourishing in stiffness Florida. toAnd, if you’re a turkey hunter, then Inshore rodsyou have a lot of demands placed upon them, and a poorly made must be getting excited because spring turkey seasonrod will not giveand goodthe service a serious angler.are just around the youthforturkey huntinshore weekends
My new rod was faced with a number of challenges on this fish, but as the good, well-made rods do, it met these challenges and performed perfectly. Let’s get one thing straight. When we look at the entire inshore fishing gear setup, the rod is probably the most crucial element of the package. The rod will largely determine casting distance, and the rod provides the leverage used to manage the action of the fish. For most inshore anglers, using the best rod will determine largely the success of fishing. INSHORE IS NOT ALL THE SAME There’s probably no rod in any angler’s arsenal of rods that faces such varied
42 APRIL 2020 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // 877.314.1237
raising funds for the wild turkey and its habitat by participating those funds raised goes into the cost-share program,” Nichol-
Inshore rods need to be able to cast soft live bait such as shrimp and minnows son said. “Hunters’ purchases of hunting equipment also helps while still having the strength to fight really big fish when they come along.
support wildlife conservation through the Wildlife and Sport
Florida turkey hunters, the wild turkey population is healthy
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VIEWS FROM A GUIDE WHO HAS FISHED INSHORE FOR DECADES Captain Richard RutlandInformation has spent a lot of time fishing the inshore waters of Contact the Mobile Bay system and he has some good advice for anglers who want to purchase a good Wildinshore Turkeyrod. Cost-Share Program Florida State Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation “Inshore rods(NWTF) need to be application specific- different lengths and actions to suit different ways of fishing,” “When I’m fishing a jig(FWC) and grub Florida Fish andRutland Wildlifenoted. Conservation Commission Florida Forestsay Service on bottom, I like a shorter, seven (FFS) foot long rod with softer action and more Wildlife Management Area (WMA) limber. WhenGreen I fish aSwamp Slick Lure, I prefer a seven footthree inch to seven Gulf Coastal Plain Ecosystem Partnership foot-six inch long rod with medium action and medium light power. When I’m Wildlife and Fishlures, Restoration Programfast light action rod throwing popping corks or Sport topwater I want a medium in the seven foot-six inch range.”
877.314.1237 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // SEPTEMBER 2021 27
Selecting the Best Inshore Fishing Rods
When this sort of beast shows up in shallow water, the rod must be of high quality to meet the challenge.
When fishing live bait, Rutland goes in a different direction. “When I am fishing live bait, I go softer on the action and power of the rod. You don’t have to work live bait as you do artificials, and a more limber rod is more forgiving and helps hold the hook when fighting the fish,” he said. “If I were limited to a single inshore rod, I’d take a seven foot three inch long baitcasting rod with extra fast action and medium power. I’d have it strung with 30-pound test Spiderwire Stealth Smooth braided line,” Rutland said. A GOOD SERIES OF INSHORE RODS B’n’M Poles of Mississippi is famous for producing some of the most popular and well-built crappie rods to be found anywhere. B’n’M is also a maker of some first-rate rods intended for inshore saltwater use. The Sam’s Super Salt line of rods is built to offer inshore anglers all of the qualities which make a good inshore rod. These inshore rods are made on all graphite blanks, and they feature stainless guides to minimize line wear and tear and also insure long life. The Portuguese cork handles are easy on the hand for long days of hard fishing, and the short rubber butt cap eases pressure when fighting big fish. “ A lot of the properties required for inshore rods were sensitivity, rod bend amount and location, were similar to our freshwater rods. We wanted to make 28 SEPTEMBER 2021 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // 877.314.1237
sure our inshore rods had strength, tip sensitivity and were built of materials able to withstand the saltwater conditions,” says B’n’M President Jack Wells. “This line of inshore rods does have features that higher-priced rods have, the handle, very good cork and the butt knob and we can put these nice features on a pole that folks can afford,” Wells said. “In December of 2021, our Sam’s Super Salt inshore rods will be sold in Gulf Coast Wal-Mart stores, but anglers can order these rods right now directly from us.” For a price point of $55.99 to $64.99 for these rods, anglers will have to look far and wide to find another inshore rod that provide this kind of quality at this price. Important Contact Information B’n’M Poles 662-494-5092 PO box 231 60 Mac Cox Road West Point, MS 397 Capt. Richard Rutland Cold Blooded Fishing coldbloodedfishing.com 251-459-5077
877.314.1237 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // SEPTEMBER 2021 29
Expert Tips for
Dove Season 2021 BY JOSH HONEYCUTT
Spend plenty of time scouting for doves. The hunt will be much better if you do. (Honeycutt Creative photo)
Prepping, planning and executing a successful dove hunting experience It’s hard to believe, but another dove season is here. The hot summer days are winding down, and as they grow shorter, we know it’s time to head afield with shotguns, shells, and five-gallon buckets. It’s time to dove hunt. Here are some tips to kick it off right.
1. Use the Right Shotgun
Having a shotgun that fits is important. Find the right gauge, length of pull and overall fit is important. Don’t know what’s best for you? Go to the local trap range and see if they have different models you can try out.
2. Use the Correct Choke
Some dove hunters use a really tight choke. I’ve found that to be a mistake for numerous reasons. First, close-range shots become very difficult. Secondly, if you do hit, it can decimate the bird at close range. It’s best to use either a modified or improved cylinder choke tube.
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3. Master the Stance
Knowing what gun to use and how to hold it isn’t enough. You have to get your feet right, too. Everything from your toes to your fingers should follow quality shooting form. The same is true for those who like to shoot doves from a bucket seat, too.
4. Shoot the Optimal Shot
The optimal shot size for doves is bigger than you might think. Rather than using smaller shot sizes, go with a No. five or six instead. These retain more energy, and work well at both close and long range.
5. Scout Aplenty
Those who want to have a good dove hunt should put in the work. Finding doves is half the battle, and that requires glassing fields, food plots, ponds, power lines, graveled areas, and other places these speedy birds hang out.
HUNTING 6. Knock on Doors
If you don’t already have good dove ground, and you don’t want to take the time to spice up your property with dove-centric plantings — such as sunflowers — there’s only two options. First, fight the crowds at public dove fields. Or secondly, start knocking on doors. Use a hunting app, such as HuntStand, to verify landowner information and property lines.
7. Plant a Plot
Putting in a good dove plot is a surefire way of drawing some doves, but don’t expect it to happen overnight. It takes time for these nomadic animals to find what you plant for them, especially if the plot is in its first year. And remember, always follow laws, regulations and recommendations when planting food plots for doves.
8. Consider the Crops
Doves are migratory, but once they find a good spot, they generally stick to it until the food is gone. Cut corn, oats, sorghum, sunflowers, wheat and other options are all solid bets for finding hordes of mourning and white-winged doves.
9. Weigh the Water
Oftentimes, doves head to water very early and late during the day. This can make for a great multi-stage strategy. Hunt over water very early and late, and hunt the food the rest of the day.
16. Eyes on the Prize
People oftentimes put their primary focus on the bead, and use their peripheral vision to track doves during the shot process. Instead, shooters should do exactly the opposite, and use their peripheral vision for the bead, while focusing on the dove.
17. Lead the Bird
Keep in mind that the closer the bird, the smaller the lead hold. Also, the flight pattern, direction of travel, and gun being used influence the lead hold as well. For example, in some cases, a bird at 10 yards might only require an inch or so of lead, whereas it might be 5-6 inches at 40 yards.
18. Swing Through the Shot
Those who want to limit out on doves instead of burning through boxes of shells should focus their attention on executing a good shooting form. Having a good stance and following proper shouldering protocol isn’t enough. Making sure you swing through the shot is crucial, too. The gun muzzle should be in motion before, during and after the trigger pull. Don’t pull off until the bird begins falling.
19. Don’t Shoot the Flock
When large groups of doves fly past, rookie dove hunters are known for
10. Focus on Hotspots
Anyone who finds a field with plenty of action will see concentrated activity in certain areas of it. These are called hotspots, and every field has them. Oftentimes, these look different from field to field, but typically, field corners, tree lines, isolated trees, power lines and other perches serve as hubs for flying doves.
11. Find the Fly Zones
Another commonality is that birds seem to follow similar flight patterns in the field. This can be because they’re flaring from hunters throughout the area. But, more often, these are the straightest routes between roost locations, food sources, water sources, and loafing areas.
12. Perfect the Hide
Doves have good eyes and hiding from them is pretty important. Wearing good camo helps with that, but finding a good spot to sit and blend into is equally crucial. For those who plant food plots, seeding some Egyptian wheat around the edges of it offers an incredible hide, and works just fine for concealing shotgunners.
13. Deploy the Dekes
While it isn’t the same as seeing a cupped duck land in the spread, deploying dove dekes is pretty effective. If nothing else, it will help draw them in a little closer for the shot, or perhaps draw attention away from you as you shoulder, aim and shoot.
Once you find a good spot with doves, mark that area on an app, such as HuntStand. (HuntStand photo)
14. Mark Your Ranges
Top-end dove setups offer plenty of advantages, including marked yardages. Use different colored flagging for 10, 20, 30 and 40 yards. Place these in each safe shooting lane.
15. Know the Hold
Learning the right lead is an important aspect of dove hunting. If the bird is flying directly away, hold directly below it. If the bird is flying toward you, aim just above it. If it’s descending toward the ground, hold just below it. If it’s moving left or right, do the same, lead that bird. When doves are somewhere in-between these directions, split the difference between the two most associated hold options. 877.314.1237 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // SEPTEMBER 2021 31
Expert Tips for Dove Season 2021
Dove season is almost here. Are you ready?
shooting at the group, rather than picking out a single bird. Quite frankly, this will almost always result in missing birds. Focus on one member of the flock, drop that bird, and then go to the next one.
20. Be Safe
No matter the stage of your dove hunt, always be safe. This is a group activity, and ensuring the safety of yourself and others is very important. Don’t endanger yourself, or anyone else.
P.S.: Stop Poppin’ the Power Lines
You’ve seen it, and if not in person, a video of it. Someone shot at a bird sitting atop a power line, and that isn’t cool. It produces a lot of unnecessary work for electric company crews. Not to mention the serious safety hazards of a dropped line. It’s not good for anyone. Just don’t do it. READING REGS As with any form of hunting, it’s crucial to follow all applicable laws. Remember, doves are migratory birds, which means they’re regulated by state and federal agencies. Read your regs before heading afield. In Alabama (https://www.outdooralabama.com/ seasons-and-bag-limits/mourning-and-whitewinged-dove-season), dove hunters will need an All Game or Small Game Hunting License (unless exempt), a free Harvest Information Program Cer-
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Expert Tips for Dove Season 2021
tificate (HIP), and a free map permit if hunting on a WMA. Non-residents also need a WMA license if hunting on a WMA. The North Zone season is September 4 (afternoon only), September 5-October 24, November 2028, and December 18-January 16. The South Zone season is September 11 (afternoon only), September 12-October 31, November 20-28, and December 18-January 16. In Florida (https://myfwc.com/hunting/regulations/birds/), dove hunters need a Migratory Bird Permit (no cost), a hunting license, and HIP certificate. Here, dove season runs September 25-October 17, November 13-December 5, and December 19-January 31. Season dates may not apply to any or all wildlife management areas (https://myfwc.com/hunting/ wma-brochures/).
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In Mississippi (https://www.mdwfp.com/wildlife-hunting/dove-program/), dove hunters need a current hunting license, HIP certificate, and might need more, situation depending. Anyone hunting on a wildlife management area (WMA) must purchase a WMA User Permit. The North Zone season (https://www.mdwfp.com/media/253620/21-2021-2022-huntingseason-flyer-web_final.pdf) is September 4-October 17, October 30-November 28, and December 25-January 9. The South Zone season is September 4-19, October 9-November 7, and December 19-January 31. In general, daily limits are 15 and possession limits are 45 (https://www. mdwfp.com/media/news/wildlife-hunting/dove-season-starts-september-2/). Additional regulations apply to each state. Of course, hunting doves over bait is illegal nationwide. Please read your state’s dove hunting regulations. KNOW WHERE TO GO Some places are just better than others, and certain regions of states produce better numbers than neighboring areas. Knowing where these areas are located can help provide an edge to those who are still looking for a place to go. And no matter the state or region, whether it be Alabama, Florida, Mississippi, or some other southern state, certain areas will likely serve as hotspots (https://www.outdooralabama.com/seasonsand-bag-limits/mourning-and-white-winged-dove-season).
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In most states, it’s legal to hunt on, over or from “lands where seeds or grains have been scattered solely as the result of normal agricultural operations, which include normal agricultural harvestings, normal agricultural post-harvest manipulations, or normal agricultural practices,” says the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR). It’s also permitted to hunt over lands planted by means of top-sowing or aerial seeding. However, this must be done as the result of normal agricultural planting, planting for agricultural soil erosion control, or a planting for post-mining land reclamation. It’s also acceptable to plant food plots, as previously mentioned. Just make sure plantings are consistent with recommendations, guidelines, and laws. Those who have permission to hunt on livestock farms can also target doves near feed sites. “It is legal to hunt doves on, over, or from lands or areas where grain or feed has been distributed or scattered solely as the result of the manipulation of an agricultural crop or other feed on the land where grown,” ADCNR said. There are other areas similar to the aforementioned that are legal to hunt over, such as fields seeded for pasture, but stipulations apply. On the contrary, some places are illegal to hunt over, such as baited areas, fields broadcasted with seed NOT for the purpose of agriculture, etc.
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A well serviced All Terrain Vehicle can get you into the wilderness, and back, in comfort
34 SEPTEMBER 2021 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // 877.314.1237
The Outdoorsman’s 4X4 Inspection &
LIFESTYLE
Maintenance Checklist BY DAVID STRICKLAND
Charles Cotta designed and built the first production 4-wheel drive vehicle in the United States in 1901. It was a steam-driven design using chains to transfer power to all four wheels. It also had all-wheel steering and an unusual transmission. A few decades later, Willys sold the first civilian Jeep (CJ) model in 1945. The first 4-wheel drive vehicle I ever rode in was my uncle Buck’s International Harvester Scout. He had a pen full of hound dogs that he carried in the back of that old Scout to our hunting club on the weekends and holidays. I rode with him and my cousin on many remote muddy roads. When we got stuck he would holler, “Y’all get out and push.” Today outdoorsmen have an overwhelming number of choices if they decide to own a 4-wheel drive vehicle. Modern technology has made switching into 4-wheel drive as simple as pushing a button. What hasn’t changed is the need to inspect and maintain those many moving parts that drive through water and mud. It’s just a matter of time before friction, muddy water or obstacles cause a seal to leak, or a part to fail. Those many seals protect bearings and some major mechanical parts, so early detection and repair can save both money and downtime. There are many reasons an owner needs to inspect the various parts of a 4x4 drivetrain. First, a thorough pre-season inspection can increase the odds that everything will work flawlessly in the months ahead. Secondly, a good postseason inspection can determine if month’s of hard use have caused any problems. Or maybe you’re in the market for a used four-wheel-drive vehicle and you need to be sure you’re making a good buy. No matter why you need to know, the experts at Clutch and Powertrain can explain how to prevent, detect and rehabilitate the most common four-wheel drive issues that hunters and anglers face with their equipment. CLUTCH AND POWERTRAIN I spoke to Wesley Ellard at Clutch and Powertrain in Mobile about some of the more common issues that sportsmen encounter on their off-road vehicles. “Leaks are an early sign that you have a potential problem. It might just be a seal that needs replacing, but often it can be an underlying mechanical issue,” Wesley said. Brothers Wesley and Jesse Ellard started Clutch and Powertrain in Mobile in 1969. They have supplied parts and repaired trucks and SUVs for over 50 years. As we discussed how to inspect and maintain a 4-wheel drive powertrain, he described some of the services they offer. “We specialize in building and selling clutches, driveshafts, differentials, axles, cables, manual transmissions, Power Take Off (PTO’s), and numerous bearings and seals,” Wesley added. “We also offer parts for cars, trucks, heavy-duty, high-performance racing, agricultural and industrial applications.” Wesley said that checking for dripping fluid around the transfer case, axles and driveshafts should become a habit. In addition to an inspection before a road trip, it’s a good idea to make a follow-up inspection after any trip, especially if it involves any off-road adventures. A good cleaning and bright light allow for an easier examination. Here are a few items that may warrant your attention:
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The Outdoorsman’s 4X4 Inspection & Maintenance Checklist
Periodic maintenance and inspection can prevent costly repairs for off-road vehicles
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.
Axles & Differentials – Inspect all bolts, boots, clips, u-joints, and grease points. Check to ensure everything is tight and look for leaks or oily residue. Body/Frame – Look closely for any cracks or rust. Remove any sticks or debris that often get wedged underneath. Powertrain/Transmission – Inspect transfer case and shifter for leaks. Check fluids, universal & CV joints, and skid plates. Exhaust – Check muffler, tailpipes, and all hardware holding tailpipes in place. Steering – Inspect tires, fluid level, belts and hoses, pump, and reservoir. Check all boots for tears or rips. Check joints for any slack. Suspension – Springs, shocks, wheel bearings, steering linkage, and control arms. Note any unusual play in components.
7.
Winch – A good winch is like an insurance policy. Grab leather gloves first. Free spool rope/cable from the winch and inspect. Check for loose connections and look for frayed rope or wires; rewind.
BUYING A USED 4-WHEEL DRIVE Buying a used off-road vehicle can be challenging, and the more information you have about its owner and how they maintained it is vital. Still, buying a used pickup or sport utility vehicle is appealing for many outdoorsmen on a budget, mainly because of the price of buying used compared to a showroom model. New 4x4s depreciate quickly, losing (on average) half of their value within three years. By focusing on a 4×4 that’s three to five years old, you can increase your odds of getting something dependable while saving money. Also, used vehicles are generally cheaper to insure.
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The Outdoorsman’s 4X4 Inspection & Maintenance Checklist
USED 4X4 CHECKLIST • When looking over a used off-road vehicle, make sure you do so on a bright, sunny day. Take a friend along with good eyes. • Switches on the dash activate the differential on many newer models. The amount of wear on and near that switch can help indicate the amount of use. • Start at one corner and walk around the vehicle. Inspect lower edges for rust or damage. Make another pass and look closely for any fresh touch-up paint. Ensure all the paint matches. • Ask about any past repairs and primary use and then drive it. • Shift the vehicle in and out of 4-wheel drive several times and listen closely for any unusual noises. Then, drive to an off-road location while listening for any vibration or unusual noises on the way. • Have someone watch the traction of each wheel as you go forward and in reverse. Have your friend watch to see if the wheels track evenly. • If the transmission is automatic, depress the brake and shift through forward, reverse, hi, and lo range. Listen for any hesitation or unusual sounds. • For manual transmissions, find a slight incline and release the clutch slowly as you back uphill. Listen for clutch chatter and notice at what point the clutch engages. • Take a good flashlight and inspect for leaking fluids and check for slack in the driveshafts and all the u-joints. If the vehicle looks good up to this point, ask if you can let a good mechanic give it a once over. If agreeable, this will determine if it’s a keeper. REPAIRS Keep in mind that servicing and repair of 4X4s require additional expertise when compared to the average automobile. Therefore, it’s a good idea to
have your work performed by certified, experienced mechanics specializing in 4-wheel drives. If you need parts or service, call Wesley or Jesse at Clutch and Powertrain. They also offer repair work in their machine shop with same-day service. So whether you are a Do-It-Yourself kind of person or a take-it-to-the-shop type of person, they have you covered. FINAL THOUGHTS Having friends with 4-wheel drives is a good thing. If there is an off-road group in your area, join it, and you will learn and benefit from their collective experience. I think I called on my cousin to pull my old CJ5 out of the mud twice before I invested in a winch. If you carry along a couple of tree straps, a good clevis hook or two, and a snatch block, it can make the difference between a long walk out of the swamp or just a few more details added to an adventure.
Visit or call Clutch and Powertrain all your parts or repairs
Contact Information Wesley Ellard Clutch and Powertrain http://www.clutchproducts.com/ 800-239-2191
TM
Wherever fishing takes you, B’n’M has been there.
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Air Rifle hunting from Small Game to Big BY STEPHANIE MALLORY
38 SEPTEMBER 2021 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // 877.314.1237
HUNTING When you think of an air rifle, do you think of the BB gun you found under the Christmas tree when you were a kid? Well, the modern airgun has come a long way from the plinkers of the past. Sure, the beloved Daisy Red Ryder is still around and a lot of fun, but modern, technologically advanced pre-charged pneumatic (PCP) airguns are changing the game among hunters looking for new challenges and opportunities. This growing population of airgun enthusiasts are using airguns of varying sizes and capabilities to take everything from small game at greater distances to some of North America’s largest game. Tyler Patner, product manager for Pyramyd Air, one of the world’s largest airgun retailers, said that when people think of airguns, they likely think of the break-barrel air rifles, like the Daisy Red Ryder, which is a spring-piston air rifle and not powerful enough for hunting. Then you have the CO2 cartridge guns that aren’t used a lot for hunting because the CO2 is a temperature-sensitive gas that doesn’t perform well in cold weather. The next step is multi-pump guns, which shoot either BBs or pellets. The higher-powered models are effective on small birds or game chipmunk size at close range. Patner said the real excitement is focused on the new generation of PCP air rifles that are providing new opportunities for hunters in calibers ranging from .177 all the way up to big-bore .50. “The .22- and .25-calibers PCPs are being used to take squirrels, prairie dogs and groundhogs at insane distances, but ethically and accurately and hunters are taking deer, hogs and even larger game with big-bore air rifles,” he said. As it relates to hunting, Patner said the PCP air rifle has definitely created a new and unique niche among deer hunters looking for something different. “They’ve taken whitetails with muzzleloaders, compound bows, traditional bows, centerfire rifles, shotguns, etc. and they want to try something new. Airguns are refreshing their interest in hunting,” he noted. The PCPs use cylinders filled with compressed air to launch projectiles downrange with incredible accuracy and consistency. These guns get off a specific number of shots before having to be refilled. New technology has greatly broadened the capability and range of these air rifles. Patner explained that a top-end .50-caliber PCP air rifle can put out 800 foot-pounds of energy – more than enough for use on deer or hogs. While it is still dwarfed by most centerfire rifles, it is greater than the average centerfire pistol. Additional interest in the use of airguns by hunters has come about thanks to state legislation that allows for the use of big-bore air rifles, such as .30 caliber and larger for taking big game. Approximately 24 states allow for some type of big-game hunting with air rifles. The Air Arms S510 Carbine PCP with a Hawke Vantage 30 SF scope is perfect for small game.
“Texas just came onboard in terms of airgun hunting legislation, allowing their use for deer, bear, feral hogs and more. And, Arizona will let you hunt just about any large animal with an air rifle, such as bear, elk, bison and mule deer. The state is at the forefront of legislation, but it comes with a lot of restrictions,” he said. “You need to be aware of what caliber and type of airgun you’re using. Each state has different laws that must be followed.” 877.314.1237 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // SEPTEMBER 2021 39
Air Rifle Hunting from Small Game to Big
This longbeard fell to.50-caliber Air Bolt shot from a Seneca Dragon Claw .50-caliber PCP.
Pyramyd Air has a helpful website that outlines the rules and regulations for airgun hunting in each state. According to the website, in Alabama, feral hogs and deer can be taken with .30-caliber and larger PCP air rifles. In Mississippi, whitetail deer can be harvested by airguns on private land only. The use of airguns is legal in Florida for wild hogs and whitetails, which can only be taken during firearms season with .30-caliber and larger PCP guns that propel a single projectile. “There are two or three states that have additional restrictions or requirements for airguns and those are states that consider them firearms,” Patner said. Since airguns are not classified as “firearms” by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF), they are not subject to significant government regulations. You do not have to go through a background check to purchase one and it can even be shipped directly to your front door “In most states you can buy airguns online and they can be shipped right to your door,” Patner said. “A lot of these guns even have built-in suppressors from the factory. In the firearm’s world, you have to go through a lot of paperwork, etc. to purchase a suppressor.” Fewer laws and ease of purchase is just part of the appeal. Because they are so quiet, airguns don’t require that the shooter wear hearing protection in the stand or blind. They’re also cheaper than standard firearms, easy to use, safer than standard firearms and quite fun. And, since you have to be closer to your target (within 50 to 75 yards) to make an ethical and accurate shot, the hunter can enjoy a more intimate experience with the animal and it is much like bowhunting. “Although they are powerful, they are not in the range with a centerfire rifle,” Patner pointed out. “It’s pretty rare that you’re going to take a shot on deer and drop it. So, you will need to develop your tracking skills – much like when archery hunting. Using an airgun to hunt larger game can help the hunter become well-rounded with his skills.” Of course, there are some disadvantages to hunting with airguns. “To get that higher energy, the airgun shoots a heavier projectile, which means you’ll have a slower velocity. So, you have to shoot at closer distances which are the distances that crossbow hunters and bowhunters shoot. The projectile’s trajectory drops once you stretch past that. Not that they don’t 40 SEPTEMBER 2021 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // 877.314.1237
have the power, but it puts the hunter at a greater disadvantage,” Patner said. Patner pointed out that those who are well-practiced and know their equipment can stretch the shooting distance out further. But, if you’re gonna treat it the same way you do your crossbow and pick it up a week before the season, you’re gonna want to stick to shorter distances. “Another drawback is that PCP rifles need an external source, such as a compression scuba tank or carbon fiber tank, to fill them,” Patner said. “Getting that air is easy, but you’ve got to factor that in to your packing and plans. Your ignition source is not in the cartridge itself. So, if your gun develops a leak, there’s a broader range of things that can go wrong. You’ve got to be more diligent to make sure the equipment is ready to go.” While there are those who are taking larger game with air rifles, the majority of air rifle use is still going to be by those who are hunting small-game animals. “From a capability standpoint, airguns have only gotten more powerful, which makes them a more ethical choice for small-game hunting,” Platner said. “You can push boundaries past what was previously thought possible.” He said air rifles continue to be an excellent tool for youth and new hunters and they offer a great way to learn both shooting and hunting skills, emphasizing shot placement over everything else. “When using an airgun, you need to be in the moment and precise,” he said. “There is very little or no recoil. You’ll get no loud bang or pop. No explosion. They are quiet and easy to use. They provide good accuracy to hunt effectively at short distances. And, you can use them in the backyard without causing a disturbance in the neighborhood.” BEST OF ALL, THEY’RE RELATIVELY INEXPENSIVE. “Ten years ago, a gun that could shoot accurately 50 to 75 yards on a squirrel would cost $1,000. Now the cost is in a $200 to $300 range. To get into a whitetail-deer-capable big-bore air rifle, you’re looking at a $600-$700 investment to begin with. For a PCP gun, you’ll need a tank and you can’t forget a scope, so you’re looking at a total of $1,000 or more,” he said. When it comes to airgun popularity among hunters, the word is spreading and more and more people are giving them a try and liking the results. They are realizing that airguns are truly viable hunting tools to add to their arsenal.
Air Rifle Hunting from Small Game to Big
GROWING ENTHUSIASM FOR PCP ARROW-FIRING AIRGUNS Another sector of the PCP airgun market that has hunters excited is the arrow-firing airguns. Arrow-firing airguns are typically broken into two categories -- airguns that fire only arrows, where the arrows slip over the barrel and airguns that fire both bullets/slugs and arrows, where the arrow goes inside of the barrel. Tyler Patner, product manager for retailer Pyramyd Air, said many brands offer airguns that fire arrows exclusively, including Benjamin, Umarex, Hatsan and FX. The arrows that go inside of the barrel are called “air bolts’ ‘ and are available predominately in .45 and .50 caliber and work in a variety of PCP airguns. Either way, these arrow-firing airguns typically shoot at velocities much higher than the average crossbow (though that gap is closing). “To give you an idea, all of the PCP-powered arrow-firing airguns shoot at velocities at or above 450 fps. The air bolts in most PCP guns will shoot at least 500 feet per second (FPS) and one gun, the Hatsan Harpoon, has actually broken the 600-fps mark. So, there’s really nothing you cannot take with them from a lethality perspective, just select a broadhead that gives you good results and go,” he pointed out. Legality wise, they are presently allowed for shooting whitetail in only a handful of states, including Indiana, Georgia, Tennessee, South Carolina, North Carolina, Arizona and Florida. “From an advantage/disadvantage perspective, the only real disadvantage is that in most cases, these PCPs are louder than a crossbow. I suppose you could also consider it a disadvantage that they need to be filled with air from an outside source (like a hand pump, tank or compressor). Outside of that, the advantage is almost all in the favor of the arrow-firing airguns. They are easier to load, there is no crank or other cocking mechanism to deal with. Most are bolt-action operated just like a standard rifle to make them ready to fire. They shoot faster and just as accurately as most top-end crossbows, but cost considerably less than today’s top end crossbows, even with fill equipment factored in,” Patner explained. According to Patner, there’s been a big push for arrow-firing airguns from both aging archery hunters (folks that are having trouble with even their crossbows) and those individuals that have limited or no use of one of their arms or hands. Of course, there are also a lot of current airgun users that are simply enthusiasts that want to get into the woods with one of these PCPs because it’s their preferred hunting tool. Contact Information: www.pyramydair.com 888-262-4827
BY CHEF MIKE ROBINSON
Image and recipe courtesy of Farming the Wild (www.farmingthewild.com)
Rabbit Loins with Lemon, Capers, and Sherry Ingredients • 1 Rabbit – skinned and de-boned • 1 Shallot, finely chopped • 2 tbsp Olive Oil • A generous knob of butter • A sprig of Rosemary • Salt and Pepper to your taste • A handful of capers • 1 lemon • A glug of Fino Sherry (my measurement of a ‘glug’ is: slightly more than you would want to swallow in one swig) Instructions 1. Fry shallot in butter and olive oil 2. Add the loins and cook them with rosemary, capers, and salt and pepper. 3. Add zest from the lemon and then juice the lemon over the pan 4. Add glug of Fino Sherry to deglaze the pan I would serve this on top of boiled diced waxy Potatoes – in the same way the Spanish serve grilled Octopus. Or, you could serve with a purée of Chickpeas or Cauliflower. 877.314.1237 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // SEPTEMBER 2021 41
Fall Tripletail Fishing Tips BY ED MASHBURN
42 SEPTEMBER 2021 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // 877.314.1237
FISHING
Fall tripletail fishing gives anglers just as much excitement as reds and specks, and perhaps even better eating than flounder. Although hunting seasons for deer and ducks won’t open until quite a bit later this winter, I am absolutely hunting this morning as I slowly motor through a string of crab trap floats. This kind of hunting doesn’t involve camo clothing, scent blockers, or welltrained retrievers to bring the downed game back to the blind. This kind of hunting is simply a matter of me looking for dark, stealthy, eager to bite tripletail which love to conceal themselves under floating stuff of any kind. Tripletail are perhaps the prime sight fishing quarry for northern Gulf Coast anglers from Louisiana to the Big Bend of Florida. And now my hunt seems to be paying off. Below a big green crab trap float, I see a dark shadow which slowly moves around the line which attaches the Styrofoam float to the metal trap on the bottom below. This dark shadow is a tripletail, and it appears to be a good one. I think this fish will go better than eight pounds- maybe a lot better. When fall tripletail fishing, I have my standard tripletail rig ready. I use a medium action spinning or casting rig with 20 lb. line and a popping cork fixed a couple of feet above a hook with a live shrimp. I cast this rig past the crab trap float and then quickly work the shrimp close to the float. When my bait reaches the float where the tripletail was spotted, I let the shrimp sink below the popping cork. The shadow below the float seemed to disappear. I can’t see it at all, and I would hate it if the fish had spooked by my cast. But tripletail don’t spook easily, and as my popping cork reaches the float, I see the dark shadow appear from below the float. The tripletail sees my shrimp, and it appears to be very interested in a nice shrimp dinner. My popping cork bobs once, and then it just disappears. When I come back on the strike, I decide that this tripletail may just go over eight pounds. I manage to get this fish clear of the nasty, line-cutting crab trap float rope and into open water. I get a strong, powerful run, and then the tripletail comes to the surface where it puts on a fight that is worthy of any game fish. This tripletail jumps like a ladyfish, and it pulls hard like a bull redfish. Fall tripletail fishing is a whole lot of fun. WHERE ARE THEY? Tripletail are creatures of contradiction. For instance, trips are always found near some sort of structure, except for those times they’re in open water. Anglers that enjoy fall tripletail fishing can reliably look for them near floating stuff, but many times the tripletail are caught in open water away from any kind of floating stuff. These fish can make anglers go a little bit nuts. Anglers that are fall tripletail fishing may locate great fish in the big bays where the fish have spent the summer feeding on a wide range of fish, crabs, shrimp and other food. Tripletail can also be found in the fall in near shore waters where the fish will be moving toward open waters of the Gulf for escape from cooler water.
with good success slowly running down rows of crab trap. However, weed mats, floating wood, even dead fish on the surface can hold trips that will respond to angler’s offerings. Anything that is floating is a potential hotspot for fall tripletail fishing. Fall tripletail anglers would be making a terrible mistake to overlook other kinds of structure. Any kind of solid structure such as channel markers and major reefs can hold tripletails in fall. Gas rigs in Mobile Bay and permanent navigation markers along the ICW can be great locations for tripletail to hold close to. The biggest tripletail I’ve ever seen caught, a massive 27 lb. stud, was caught off a navigation pole just north of Dauphin Island. This massive tripletail came during the fall, and it came in deep water. The first indication we had of this very big tripletail came when my buddy let a live shrimp drift down alongside the nab pole until the tripletail devoured it. OPEN WATER It is not unusual for anglers to encounter tripletail in open water. For whatever reason, in the fall many times anglers will be anchored up working an oyster reef or sunken shrimp boat and a big tripletail will appear out of nowhere and just drift by the anchored boat. It can be a real wake up to an angler to realize that a big tripletail has just arrived unannounced. These open water fish often appear to just be floating along, and they don’t seem to be in a hurry to get anywhere. These open water fish are almost always a very light color, almost white. This is in contradiction to the very dark, almost black color, they tend to be when they are hanging around structure. Most open water trips look like some sort of trash drifting in the current. When fall tripletail fishing, most tripletail will respond to a shrimp or properly sized artificial put in its neighborhood. HOW TO RIG FOR TRIPLETAIL Fall tripletail have had all summer to eat and get big, so anglers need to make sure their equipment is up to the task. A good spinning or bait casting rig- say about a seven-foot long medium to medium-heavy rod with a 3000 to 4000 series reels with a couple of hundred yards of 25 lb. line will work well. Since tripletail have very abrasive gill covers, a couple of feet of 30 lb. or heavier fluorocarbon leader can be a very good idea for big fall tripletail. Sometimes some pretty long casts will be needed to reach tripletail on distant cover, so whatever kind of rig is used, it should be comfortable for the angler to make long casts. One of the most fun ways to participate in fall tripletail fishing is to use a fly rod. Many times, trips holding tight to cover can be approached closely enough for anglers to make a good accurate cast with a fly rod. An eightweight rod or heavier is a good idea. Tripletail are strong fish, and a too light long rod may quickly be overwhelmed by a big fish that doesn’t want to come in. Make up a strong leader of a 30-lb. butt section with a 20-lb. tippet. It may be necessary to have a short section of fluorocarbon in 30 lb. weight as a bite leader.
Studies indicate that tripletail in the northern Gulf of Mexico are somewhat migratory as they move between the ocean in winter and inshore waters in summer. Unlike cobia, there appears to be little east and west movement.
A wide range of saltwater flies will work for fall tripletail fishing. Anything that looks like a shrimp or minnow will work. Most tripletails I’ve seen caught on a fly rod came on weighted clousers that were slowly worked right in front of the tripletail.
STRUCTURE Crab trap floats are the classic floating structure, particularly in the Mobile Bay system and Apalachicola Bay. Anglers that are fall tripletail fishing can meet
Make a strong strip-set when the fish strikes on a fly. A weak rod-bending hook set that works for bass and bream won’t work for tripletail. Point the fly rod at the fish and get the line tight and set the hook with a direct, sharp pull 877.314.1237 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // SEPTEMBER 2021 43
Fall Tripletail Fishing Tips
on the fly line. As soon as possible, get the fly line on the reel so the reel’s drag can help work the tripletail. These are not good fish to try and work toward the boat by hand-stripping the fly line- strong runs and powerful jumps make using the reel’s drag the best idea. DON’T GIVE UP ON A GOOD FISH In October, tripletail are feeding actively to build up energy reserves for the upcoming winter, so they eat just about anything that comes their way. At any point in the year, trips are not especially spooky. Some anglers call them “dumb” and anglers in October can find some really big tripletail. Cast to them, miss on the hookup and cast right back to the fish and give it another chance to eat. Even trips that are hooked and lost on the way back to the boat will very often respond to the same bait cast in their direction again.
they cook up very well on the grill or cut into strips for frying. Don’t over-season tripletail fillets- the fish tastes very good on its own with no need for lots of seasoning.
Tripletail Regulations and Current Status Tripletail anglers on the Gulf Coast will want to keep in mind that the bag and size regulations vary slightly depending on the waters being fished. Here are the current state regulations for tripletail Alabama Three per person daily 18-inch TL
Tripletail will generally stay in their preferred location even if a boat gets pretty close, and trips will often make multiple strikes on live shrimp, especially.
Florida Two per person daily 15-inch TL
And once the tripletail is caught, if it meets state regulations, some great eating is in store. Tripletail because of their tough scales and odd shape can be a bit of challenge to clean. A good very sharp fillet knife- electric knives are good for cleaning trips- is essential. The filets are solid, firm white flesh, and
Mississippi Three per person daily 18-inch TL
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Right now you can start putting out a feed attractant like Antler Magnet to draw in the deer where you want to plant your hidey hole green fields to habituate deer to come to that spot to find food before the season.
46 SEPTEMBER 2021 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // 877.314.1237
LIFESTYLE
Planting Food Plots
for Deer in the Woods BY JOHN E. PHILLIPS How do you find a nice deer to hunt that other people don’t? We spoke with some experts and got their recommendations on planting food plots for deer in the woods. WHY AND HOW TO CREATE EASY “HIDEY-HOLES” “In the last few years on many properties where I’ve hunted, deer have become scarce in established food plots and most open-wood places. But I’ve found the best way to ensure that I have a place to hunt deer, and where my odds of seeing and taking deer are extremely high during the season, is to create hidey-holes,” said longtime deer researcher Dr. Grant Woods of Readsville, Missouri.
“I start making hidey-holes every Saturday, beginning in September. I continue to create them all the way to deer season. As long as the ground isn’t frozen, the seeds will germinate. I only hunt each hidey-hole about three times a season, not every weekend. Whether you blend your own seeds or use commercial seeds, you’ve only got about $25 worth of seed and fertilizer and about 45 minutes’ worth of sweat equity invested to create a killer food plot to take deer,” Woods said. Other products you can use to make hunting spots are buckwheat, peas and other fast-germinating seeds. You can use this method for making hidey-holes until about two weeks away from a killing frost.
To make a food plot in the woods, you only need three items – a backpack leaf blower or a rake, seeds and fertilizer. Try and get as far away from a 4-wheeler trail or a food plot as you can, take a backpack leaf blower and four to five pounds of some type of seed that germinates really quickly with you.
“Instead of spending so much time scouting, look for places where other hunters don’t hunt, and develop hidey-hole green patches in those spots. You’ll drastically increase your deer-hunting success. Even in just-thinned pine stands, you can create these types of food plots and be highly productive over them,” Woods noted.
“I use my backpack leaf blower to blow the leaves away in about a 20×20 circle or rake them away,” Woods explained. “I’m simply exposing the ground. I’ll search for a place where perhaps a tree has fallen down, or there’s some sunshine peering through the treetops deep in the woods. By yourself, you can carry a five-pound bag of seeds, a leaf blower and a 50-pound bag of fertilizer without much trouble to your destination. In about 45 minutes, I can blow all the leaves off the ground, spread the seed on the ground, spread the fertilizer and create some green forage for deer. Then when there’s nothing more for them to eat, the deer will be there.”
Many hunters also consider the OxCart an invaluable tool to move seed, fertilizer and other items to make hidey-holes in the woods. This load-tested to 1,100 pounds small cart makes hauling and unloading large loads easier, while reducing physical strain and enabling you to get more work done quickly and with much less effort.
“People make two mistakes when they create hidey-holes like this. They hang their tree stands right on top of the hidey-hole, instead of putting up their tree stands 20 to 40 feet away. The second mistake hunters make is telling their buddies where they’ve planted their killer food plot, because their buddies more than likely will hunt them and scare the deer away,” Woods said. Woods gives some advice on how you can constantly keep killer food plots to hunt throughout most of bow and gun season. “Come down out of your tree after hunting in the morning, get your leaf blower, seed and fertilizer, go in and create a hidey-hole, and then return to camp and eat lunch. Don’t hunt that site for two to three weeks, so the deer will discover that little green patch and start feeding on it. Remember, this is a hunting spot, not a food plot. I try to create these green patches where my hunting buddies won’t find them. Food plots receive so much hunting pressure that these little hidey-holes are generally much-more productive for taking big bucks than food plots are.
The OxCart combines a rear-offset dump-pivot point for greater control with a hydraulic-assisted tub lift for easier heavy-load handling. Featuring a swivel feature that reduces backing, the OxCart also has commercial-grade durability with an all-square-tube construction, full mandrel bent NASCAR-designed axle support and tractor-grade run-flat tires. You can purchase a conversion kit accessory that turns it into a farm cart/wheelbarrow in seconds for use in land maintenance and hunting prep. In states permitting the baiting of deer, hunters use the OxCart too for carrying corn to feeders. Visit www.oxcart.com to learn more. WHAT TO PLANT WHEN IN SMALL FOOD PLOTS One of the problems associated with hunting the same food plots every year is that the deer, especially bucks, learn to stay out of those food plots until after dark usually, except during the rut. If you’re wondering where bucks stay before entering the food plots at night, and where they can get snacks before moving to their beds in the mornings, you need to learn how, where and when to plant small food plots. Often only about 1/4-acre in size, they’re referred to as honey holes, hidey holes or hot spots. These small food plots generally are 100-250 yards away from large green fields and often are planted where you’ve been baiting and have put up trail cameras before the season to census your deer herd. 877.314.1237 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // SEPTEMBER 2021 47
Planting Food Plots for Deer in the Woods
When you plant small green fields, either on wet or dry ground, you’ll have a place to take bucks in the early season and throughout the season where the bucks will stop off to snack before moving into the large green fields at night.
Some of the most-productive small food plots for deer will be: • • • •
In a pine plantation where a skip in planting trees has occurred, or a die-off of trees has created an opening in the middle of the thick cover; Near loading docks where logs have been loaded onto trailers after a timber harvest has taken place and created openings; On a ridgetop deer travel to reach a main food plot; and/or In an opening where your trail cameras have reported deer to have been traveling.
To learn a good deer food plot mix to plant now in these small food plots, “GDO” talked with David Brown, sales manager of Southern Seed & Feed, headquartered in Macon, Mississippi, with distribution of its wildlife feedings and seed blends products for deer in more than 150 stores under the Southern Buck brand. “Antler Magnet that contains roasted soybeans, corn and peanuts is in great demand by hunting clubs and landowners and has a much-higher protein content than just pouring corn out or feeding it to deer,” Brown reported. “Antler Magnet not only feeds deer but is an attractant too. As more landowners and hunting clubs have tried it, the demand has grown. product. You can put this product in a trough feeder, a spin feeder or pour it out on the ground. Since the bag weighs only 40 pounds, it’s light enough to carry in a backpack to create a small food plot.” Because Alabama hunters now can put out bait to attract deer, they can use Antler Magnet in these small food plots before the planted crop comes out of the ground. Brown also says that Southern Buck has developed more, new wildlife 48 SEPTEMBER 2021 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // 877.314.1237
plantings, including: *Buck Magnet that’s designed for wet areas, although it works in various types of soil. Made up of a blend of wheat, forage oats, rye, berseem clover, appin turnips and balansa clover seeds that all grow well in wet areas, this seed blend is productive for early bow and early gun season. “It’s especially effective when planted in harvest spots in the woods away from your main green fields to provide food for deer to snack on before dark when they move into bigger green fields,” Brown said. ”The seed blend grows best when you turn the ground but it also fairs well if you scratch-up the ground with a rake to plant. It produces well in shady areas, swampy places and creek bottoms but not where there’s standing water or that may have standing water.” Protein-rich Antler Magnet contains corn, soybeans and roasted peanuts to not only attract deer but also provide them with good nutrition close to or right beside where you plant a small green field. * Rack Zone seed blend produces well from early deer season throughout deer season and beyond and generally will do best in green field sites already established. “The landowner will get about 10 months of grazing out of this product that contains crimson clover, balansa clover, arrowleaf clover, forage oats, rye, berseem clover, wheat, appin turnips and Austrian winter peas,” Brown explained. “Rack Zone needs plenty of sun and drier land and is a good planting for early season when the bucks are developing antlers, and the fawns are growing.” * Super Buck has been used successfully by landowners for several years on large green fields and includes wheat, forage oats, Austrian
Planting Food Plots for Deer in the Woods
winter peas, trophy rape, balansa clover, crimson clover, daikon radishes and turnips. Katie Koehn, whose father, Roger Koehn, started Southern Seed & Feed in 1983, tells of her dad’s interest in farming and providing feed for various livestock and eventually feed for wildlife. “One of the reasons our wildlife plantings have been so successful is due to all the seeds being coated with Delta Ag seed coat, a powdery substance that coats the seeds, enhances emergence and helps in stand establishment, whether planting in dry or wet soil,” Koehn said. “The Southern Buck products are scientifically formulated to promote antler growth and herd health.” When you plant small green fields, either on wet or dry ground, you’ll have a place to take bucks in the early season and throughout the season where the bucks will stop off to snack before moving into the large green fields at night. “By going to www.southernseedfeed.com/product-category/wild-life/, you can learn about the many products offered that you can buy at stores primarily located in Mississippi and Alabama www.southernseedfeed. com/where-to-buy/. Too, the wheat in our plantings is all grown locally to insure that we have a variety of wheat to add to our deer food plot seed blends that grows well in the South,” she said. “If you start attracting deer and planting food plots for deer now, you’ll drastically increase your odds of taking one or more bucks this upcoming season.” WHY PLANT A SMORGASBORD OF FOOD FOR DEER Dr. Woods mentions that no magic crop exists that meets all his requirements for a good food plot for deer in the woods: production, palatability, digestibility and nutrition. So, he suggests that you choose plants that
will mature and become palatable to deer at different times. Rotate your crops just like a farmer does to provide more of what a deer needs in its food and food that’s available year-round. ANOTHER SIMPLE WAY TO CREATE A SMALL FOOD PLOT If you fertilize naturally-occurring plants and trees, deer will select those plants to feed on much more readily,” says Dr. Keith Causey, retired wildlife professor from Auburn University, “For instance, if you fertilize one end of a large patch of Japanese honeysuckle or blackberries, deer will come to the fertilized patch.” Identify foods deer enjoy, and fertilize them. For instance in the South, during early hunting season, deer often feed on poke sallet, which usually lasts for the first week or two of hunting season. Deer may favor greenbrier (smilax) next, honeysuckle, blackberries, sumac, wild plums, persimmons, pecans and acorns, to name a few. These fertilized naturally-occurring plants will attract deer to your killer food plots. Today John has about 100 books available on Amazon in Kindle, print and Audible versions, and you can find those at this link www.amazon. com/author/johnephillips.
Contact Information Oxcart www.oxcart.com Southern Feed and Seed www.Southern Seed & Feed
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50 SEPTEMBER 2021 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // 877.314.1237
LIFESTYLE
Marine Night Vision for Boats and Boaters
BY FRANK SARGEANT
Navigating a tricky harbor or one you don’t know well can be a challenge even in daylight hours, but at night the task is multiplied many times. Ditto for crossing a broad shoal in low light, where the markers are more likely to be pieces of PVC pipe stuck in the sand rather than 20-foot-tall lighted channel markers. And of course night operation always presents possible unmarked hazards that can pop up out of nowhere, like an angler drowsing in his unlighted boat, on the exact path you choose to travel across an open bay or a palm log floating just awash, smack in the middle of the channel. That’s why it makes sense for anglers who frequently leave before dawn or return after sundown to invest in a high-quality night-vision device, a device that in effect turns night into day. Considering that some multi-engine open fishermen cost upwards of a million dollars and the sky is the limit for big sportfishers, a top-end night vision system can be seen as an added form of insurance for those who operate in low-light conditions. Those who leave the docks in the dark might be big-money billfish or king mackerel tournament anglers, swordfish anglers looking for a night-bite, tarpon anglers fishing famed Boca Grande Pass in Florida, and charterboat operators headed for the distant oil rigs of the Gulf who want to be there for the dawn bite. While the best night-vision systems are pricey, their ability to see in the most minimal light conditions—on starlight alone in clear air—makes them worth the spend. They virtually turn night into day and you become sort of like the Navy SEALS, known to boast that they “own the night” due to their night vision equipment. There are two routes to allowing our eyes to see after dark with current technology. Conventional night vision gear intensifies reflected star, moon or manmade light electronically, while less common infrared thermal imaging equipment reads residual heat radiated from an object. Night vision systems for recreational use are most commonly the type that intensifies reflected light. Systems are classified by “generations”, based on when they were originated and on their capabilities. Least expensive Generation I equipment increases light about 500 fold and range is 75 to 100 yards in good conditions, which might be adequate for small boat operation in lakes, rivers and nearshore coastal use. More expensive Gen II products amplify light about 10,000 times but at lower resolution and have ranges to around 200 yards, depending on conditions. The newer—and most expensive—Gen III units amplify light 30,000 to 40,000 times and provide sharp images at longer ranges, up to 300 yards in favorable conditions. (Rain, fog, smoke and mist can cut down visibility dramatically, however.) Among the best are the new PD systems from Photonis Defense, a company that for over 40 years has supplied night-vision equipment to military operators around the world. Built to survive battlefield conditions, including some models that function as weapons sights, Photonis gear is more than capable of surviving conditions on any sportfishing boat. According to company VP Sean Kirk, in clear air the Photonis PD systems, available in both monocular or binocular models, allow excellent viewing with only starlight to aid the equipment. 877.314.1237 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // SEPTEMBER 2021 51
Marine Night Vision for Boats & Boaters
The Photonis Defense PD-PRO-16B is the lightest and smallest binocular device available to the market. Each PD-PRO device is water-resistant to industry-leading levels
“Our systems are ideal for use around the water,” Kirk said. “All of them are rated to survive immersion up to 33 feet deep, and the submersible models are rated to survive immersion to 66 feet, so the spray and salt encountered in rough seas are just not going to be a problem.” Kirk says the PD systems are also engineered to handle the bumps and bruises of offshore life with ease. “Our equipment is built to survive battlefield conditions, and a lot of it has for years,” he said. “Use in marine recreational situations, including rough seas at speed, is not likely to be an issue.” Photonis offers two models particularly suited to recreational fishing and boating. The PD Pro M 16 mm Monocular is a single-eye system that can be used like a telescope, or mounted on a helmet for hands-free operation. It’s 58% smaller and 38% lighter than competing premium night vision monoculars, making it easier to carry, handle and stow than others, according to the company. An aerospace aluminum alloy housing makes the system environmentally resistant to extreme heat, cold and salt. German proprietary optical coatings on the lenses add to the clarity and color of images. Battery life with a lithium battery is about 25 hours of steady use at 72 degrees F, according to the company. The weight is just 9 ounces, and it’s small enough to fit in a jacket pocket. Another important feature is that the 4G image intensifier tubes are equipped with the fastest “auto-gating” in the industry. This is a system that reacts over 3 times faster than the blink of an eye to sudden lighting transitions, such as a lightning flash or someone turning on a spotlight, conditions that can temporarily blind a viewer with less effective night vision systems. This pocket-sized monocular is the perfect system for first responders, search and rescue personnel, fish and game enforcement officers, border patrols, hunters, ranchers and more.
Photonis Defense also makes a binocular system, the PD Pro B 16 mm Binocular, which functions like standard binoculars with two tube viewing. It’s 32%lighter and 25% smaller than any competing night-vision binocular, according to Photonis—light enough to be worn on a lanyard around the neck, at hand anytime you need a quick look ahead while underway. The device allows users to see 30% more of the visible light spectrum in low light conditions, and also has the coated, precision-ground German lenses like the monocular model. It functions for up to 20 hours with a lithium battery. Both models are available in exterior housing colors including standard black, desert tan and olive green. These are premium systems with premium pricing that are designed for those who want, and can afford, the very best on the market. Price for the monocular is about $5000, and for the binocular about $10,000. Visit www.photonisdefense.com for details.
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Deciding on the Best Hard Sided Hunting Blinds BY DAVID STRICKLAND
54 SEPTEMBER 2021 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // 877.314.1237
HUNTING BENEFITS OF BLINDS One of the primary benefits of a stationary blind is that it helps prevent deer or other game from seeing your outline and helps conceal any movement. An enclosed blind can also help contain a hunter’s scent and keep it from traveling on the wind currents to the surrounding area. In addition, the controlled environment and comfort provided by a modern blind can help hunters remain more alert no matter the weather. A sturdy blind that can repel snow and rain while containing a hunter’s scent and movements would be called a reasonably good blind. However, if it’s also insulated, suppresses sounds, and does so in comfort and safety, well, that would be called a great stand. Now, suppose a blind had all that with a beautiful wood-trimmed interior and provided enough silent power for a flat-screen television, phone-charger, heater, a/c, refrigerator, or other amenities; what words would describe that type of stand? This article will look into several aspects of modern hunting blinds and how technology has transformed fixed-position and portable hard-sided blinds into things of beauty, comfort, and safety. THE EVOLUTION OF HUNTING BLINDS If you grew up hunting deer in the 60s or 70s, you probably hunted out of or helped build a few wooden blinds. Many hunters made their blinds at ground level, but those stands could be perched several feet above the ground on posts if a tractor with a bucket was available. These wooden structures offered concealment and some protection from the elements. They usually lasted several years but required annual maintenance. In addition to bugs, wasps, and snakes, various other critters often took up residence in the off-season, and the mess they left behind had to be dealt with and cleaned up before the first hunt. Few of those early blinds had windows, and if they did, they were crude and noisy. TYPES OF BLINDS Currently, several companies offer hard-sided blinds that may look like their wooden predecessors, but only at a distance. The variety of construction materials and assembly techniques used to build these state-ofthe-art blinds seems limited only by one’s imagination. Fiberglass, plastic, wood, composites, and metal are the primary choices for most fixed position hard-sided blinds currently in production. Some are attached to skids or have short legs, while others have tower options that can elevate a blind to 25 feet or more. Although pit blinds are primarily for ducks and geese, one company (MB Ranch King) offers a sunken deer blind for guns or bows. This company also designs single and double axle trailer-mounted units in various sizes, and some are wheelchair accessible. FIBERGLASS, PLASTIC, WOOD, OR METAL After discussing the merits of different blind materials with numerous hunters, it’s clear that the initial cost often sways their purchase choice. Still, barring price, it seems that most prefer the stability of metal blinds. Their strength and durability allow them to withstand severe weather and high winds. In addition, their rigid structure enables them to be repositioned or moved to a different location without any issues. Fiberglass and plastic blinds have their defenders, but they seem to come up short in durability and structural integrity when compared to blinds built with steel, like the one’s Mark Bogart, the owner of Ranch King Blinds, has designed. MB KINGS RANCH BLINDS I visited a local sporting goods store in Tuscaloosa with a large selection of blinds and feeders manufactured by several prominent companies. There were blinds made from metal, plastic, and fiberglass, and I examined them inside and out. However, the door to one metal blind was locked, so I contacted Mike Beck, the store owner.
“We keep this one locked because of the carpet,” said Beck. When he swung the door open, I could see why. The padded, camouflage carpet was simply a compliment to the 3/8” stained and sealed yellow pine wood paneling covering the walls and ceiling. Mike said they carried several different models built by MB Ranch King, but this was one of their insulated versions. “It has two inches of foam insulation in the floor walls and ceiling, but as nice as this one is, they have another line of even more deluxe blinds called the “Accommodator.” I contacted Kevin Kloda in Birmingham to find more about this company out of Joshua, Texas. Kevin is an MB Ranch King sales specialist for my area, and he discussed their entire line of products. “In addition to an extensive line of metal blinds, we also offer a variety of patented solar-powered deer and fish feeders. Our deer feeders hold up to 600 pounds of corn and are hog and raccoon-proof. A big plus is that both our corn and protein models are easy to refill from the ground. In addition, we also offer several trailer-mounted hunting blinds and even have a ramped wheelchair-accessible model,” Kloda said. LONG TERM COST There are several factors to consider when comparing the initial cost of a blind. Serious hunters realize they are part of a gear-intensive pursuit and have high expectations from their equipment. A hunter often develops a mental checklist before adding a piece of equipment to their hunting arsenal. So naturally, before spending their hard-earned money on a blind, they expect it to last and function properly for many seasons. Ultimately, the initial cost of any hunting equipment is only part of the equation until a hunter can reasonably calculate its lifespan. Although a well-constructed blind can last beyond 15 years, some deluxe blinds, like the MB Ranch King, can last even longer, and this is where the actual costs are determined. MB RANCH KING FEATURES AND MODELS The fit, finish, and seals are tight and durable, meaning you will never have to clean up after insects, rodents, wasps, or other pests. Solid steel construction that can withstand severe weather and keep a hunter safe, cozy, and comfortable is the hallmark of their top-rated blinds. I had a conversation with Will Bruser about hunting blinds in general and why he prefers MB Ranch King blinds. “I bought a farm in south Alabama several years ago, and the previous owner had a metal camouflaged blind in a remote field. I gripped the handrails on each side of the steps and climbed to a platform in front of the door. I glanced back down and marveled at how safe I felt while climbing. After unlocking the door, I was immediately impressed with what I saw. You could say I was shocked when the previous owner stated he had put it in that field 24 years ago. At that point, I was so impressed with the MB Ranch King brand that I purchased several more and eventually became a regional distributor for these blinds.” “One hunt is all it takes” seems to be the consensus among owners of the blinds built by Mark Bogart and family out of Joshua, Texas. The company guarantees their camouflage paint for ten years, and even their Economy Models have carpet on the floor, walls, and ceiling. Here is a list of some of the various models and features. In addition, delivery and setup are available:
877.314.1237 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // SEPTEMBER 2021 55
Deciding on the Best Hard Sided Hunting Blinds
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56 SEPTEMBER 2021 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // 877.314.1237
Visit our website www.southernseedfeed.com or call 662-726-2638 to find the dealer nearest you.
Deciding on the Best Hard Sided Hunting Blinds
Economy 4’x6’ – 5’X6’ – 6’X6’ • 6′ Wall height • Composite shelves • Steel tubing structure • Door chain and door lock • Carpeted floors, walls, and ceiling • Exterior window and door shades Available Tower Heights: • 5′ • 8′ • 12′
Contact Information Kevin Kloda MB Ranch King Sales Specialist 2220 Finley Boulevard Birmingham, AL 35234 205-807-2937 https://www.ranchkingblinds.com, https://www.bigriglodge.com/
Insulated 6’X6’ - 6’X8’ - 6’X10’ - 8’X8’ • 7′ Ceiling height • 26 gauge metal exterior • Square tube steel frame • 2″ Foam insulation • Camouflage carpet • Wood trim molding • 28″ x 70″ storm door • No blind spots • Platform with handrail Available Tower Heights: • 5′ • 10′ • 15′ Accommodator 10’X10’ - 12’x12’ - 14’x14’ • Insulated or non-insulated windows • Wired for generator or electric • Wood interior • Foam insulation • Complete steel structure • Installed on concrete slab or piers – customer’s responsibility to prepare • Camouflage carpet • Heavy-duty steel structure for high winds Available Stand Heights: • 5′ • 10′ • 15′ • 25′ Options: • A/C and heat, refrigerator • Wood Blinds • Flat-screen TV • Window tint • Gun rest pads • Curtains FINAL THOUGHTS So, if you’re in the market for a new blind, first look at all the blinds on the market and then compare them to the MB Ranch King blinds. If you’re concerned about older relatives or friends climbing into an elevated stand, then check out safety, comfort, and quality, built into each all-metal Ranch King hunting blind. The zero-maintenance design and superior components are apparent in all the models of these rugged yet luxurious blinds. They also have several trailer-mounted blinds with an optional wheelchair ramp. They’re designed and built to last for decades, so go check one out at your local sporting goods store or give Kevin a call.
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How to Build a
Fishing Pond Designing your Pond
BY WILLIAM KENDY
When you build a pond make sure that there is access to launch a boat or have a dock
58 SEPTEMBER 2021 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // 877.314.1237
FISHING
When it comes to building a fishing pond it is a lot more detailed then just contracting with an excavating company and digging a hole in the ground. To find out what the considerations are in the fishing pond construction process we reached out to Norman Latona, founder and president of Southeastern Pond Management to find out what the process flow is in constructing your own pond and some of the things you need to consider. SEPond services a large part of the Southeast and provides ecosystem analysis, management programs, pond construction, liming, fertilizing, fish inventory assessment, removal processes, stocking of forage and game fish, pond maintenance and more. Latona recommends that before one square inch of dirt is moved that a site assessment and feasibility study needs to be done to determine what is the best pond location and establish some baseline data. That analysis includes looking at topographical maps, aerial photos and soil maps. “Actually, we would start out in the office looking at topographical maps and that allow us to get a pretty good precursory analysis of the property to get an idea about the watershed and its ability to fill and maintain the pond, the shape of the land and determine the best location for the pond,” Latona said. “We also look at soil composition and types to determine if that location has suitable soil to hold water and to construct a dam, which is the most important part of the pond in respect to holding water.” Once that initial analysis is finished it is time to get boots on the ground at the site to either verify or disprove what the team saw on the maps and aerial photographs. If everything checks out and it is a suitable site with good water holding soil and an adequate watershed then it is time for a survey. “We actually use survey equipment to mark the water line, mark the dam, both front and back sides and ultimately that leads to a design on paper and we spec it all out,” Latona said. “This isn’t a cookie cutter deal and each site is unique and presents different challenges and opportunities” Latona explained that watershed ponds are often referred to as “hillside” ponds because they are damed up between two hillside and while they may be gradual hills and relatively flat there is still an elevation change which allows a dam to impede that natural flow of water, even if it isn’t from a stream or creek. “For watershed ponds we place a dam that impedes the natural flow of the water at the end of the drainage. It catches and impounds the water and ultimately it fills up and if the water overflows, that water just returns to the natural flow through spillways,” Latona said. Latona pointed out that there are ponds built on flatlands but most of them are built with a well because there just isn’t enough water coming out of the sky or the watershed isn’t substantial enough to fill or maintain them. Because in the heat of the summer water level will begin to drop in watershed ponds due to natural seepage and evaporation and it requires rainfall to fill it back up which is why it is critical to make sure that the watershed is big enough and with the right soil to support the pond “It is not only about the ratio of acres of pond to acres of watershed but also the type of watershed,” Latona stated. “If it is open land, pasture or forested, depending on soil type or other factors an acre of pond may need 15, 20 or even 25 acres of watershed to maintain it.”
Once you have confirmed the ability of the acreage to maintain a pond and decided on location, then what? “We use best practices and we design the slopes of the dam on both the front and back sides, the depth of the pond, the bottom contour and features, the slope of the banks, the minimum depth and other things,” Latona said. “In terms of minimum depth, we want to get from ground zero to 36 inches of depth as quickly as possible because that gives us the best opportunity to combat aquatic vegetation after the pond is established.” “You want to make sure that you have the proper slope on the front of the dam which should be a 3 to 1 ratio. You want the back slope of the dam to be a minimum of 4 to11 ratio so you can get back there with a bush hog, mower or tractor to cut it every year,” Latona added. Latona said that in terms of depth typically ponds are deepest at or near the dam and as you get to the “upper end”, which is opposite the dam when the typography starts to slope up it will gradually get shallower. Sometimes that shallow water, if it is less than 36 inches, may need to be dredged to combat heavy aquatic weed growth. He also pointed out that one of the biggest misconceptions about pond building is that “the deeper the better” for fishing. “Fish are pretty adaptive to all conditions. For example, we have about 80 acres of ponds in western Alabama in which we have the best possible conditions to grow as many fish as possible for sale and the ponds are all about five feet deep with no bottom contour or real structure so we can easily use nets to catch them,” Latona pointed out. “Obviously, a deeper pond has more water in it and a larger storage capacity which makes sense if you are using it as a resource to irrigate a crop field or something like that” Fish and Fisherman Friendly Latona emphasized fish habitat while fish habitat such as structure is important, it is key to design the bottom and side contour of the pond to be “fisherman friendly”. “By fisherman friendly I mean design the pond around elements that will attract and concentrate fish so it will be easier to target them,” Latona said. “Shape the bottom with contours, dig some deep holes and drop off, creating shelves and benches so the water doesn’t just drop off to the bottom and fish have a place to hold. Create humps, rock piles, spawning areas, put in natural structure like Christmas trees, stumps, logs and artificial structure.” “If you have a fishbowl with a smooth bottom and it’s the same depth everywhere, the fish are going to be anywhere and everywhere and there isn’t going to be much of a pattern so it makes it less likely that they will be in an area where you can target and catch them,” Latona added. Latonas final word of advice for pond builders is to be proactive and make sure there is access to and around the pond for present and future needs. “Remember to make sure there is access, especially on those ponds where people are going to be fishing from the banks to walk about the pond. Build access to launch a boat,” Latona concluded. “Think about down the road if maybe you want to put in a dock or a boathouse or any other type of structure. During construction is the time to do it”
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How to Buy Land When Short on Cash BY JOE BAYA
60 SEPTEMBER 2021 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // 877.314.1237
LIFESTYLE You always wanted to have your very own piece of outdoor heaven and you finally found that ideal tract of land. It is the right size, in the right location and at the right price. Based on your income and credit history you are qualified for financing, except you are short on cash and don’t have the full required down payment. In general, it is the job of the financial institution you work with to adequately assess the credit risk of each loan. So, whenever a financial institution sees an applicant that may have a good financial history and credit, but has no cash to put down, it may raise the question “Why does someone with good income and credit history not have cash saved up?” Although this shortage of cash will likely be addressed by a lender, all is not lost. According to Brandon D. Simpson, Assistant Vice-President/Account Executive at First South Farm Credit (FSFC), there are ways to come up with that downstroke to make the dream a reality. Simpson stressed that there are ways to accommodate a “short on cash” situation and stresses that applicants have different financial circumstances and First South Farm Credit doesn’t take a “cookie cutter” approach in qualifying applicants. They can customize and tailor a solution that meets a customer’s needs. “There are ways to accommodate a cash shortage and everybody who applies for a loan will have their individual situation considered,” Simpson said. “What works and applies to you when you apply for the loan may not work for someone else because everyone’s financial situation is different.” Simpson said that there are four basic ways that FSFC deals with a “short on cash” situation and they are based on a “least risky” to “most risky” pecking order. ADDITIONAL RURAL REAL ESTATE COLLATERAL “Ultimately, cash is king. But if you don’t have cash, the best option from a lender’s risk perspective is additional similar real estate collateral. This option is generally used by existing land owners rather than new land buyers,” Simpson said. “For example, if you own 10 acres of land (with clear title and no debt) worth $30,000, and you wanted to purchase 40 acres of land worth $120,000, but didn’t have the cash for a down payment, we can look at taking a lien on both tracts in an effort to finance the property being purchased. In this example, the lender would have a total of 50 acres of collateral, valued at $150,000 with a loan amount of $120,000 or 80% loan to value. Note: The maximum loan to value in most cases is 85%.” UTILIZING GIFTED FUNDS In Simpson’s experience, a gift from a family member is a common way to produce a down payment for financing land, especially for younger buyers who are just getting into the land-owning game. “A lot of times mom and dad will give a financial gift to their kids to help them get started,” Simpson said. “A young couple may want to buy 20 or 30 acres for $100,000 and they need $15,000 for a down payment to purchase the land - mom and dad can gift them the money.” Simpson points out that in the case of a gift, FSFC requires the family to sign gift letters stating that the money is a gift and it isn’t expected to be paid back. A gift of a down payment doesn’t necessarily have to be from just parents. A gift can come for other family members, friends or anyone…but it has to be a gift and be correctly documented. LIQUIDATE OTHER ASSETS OR ACCOUNTS Other assets could be personal property as in boats, cars, recreational
vehicles, personal possessions whatever can generate cash. “I had one person liquidate a $70,000 boat. He was tired of offshore fishing and wanted to buy land. Selling the boat generated the cash needed for the down payment.” Simpson said. Simpson pointed out that while personal property is used to raise capital for a down payment, most liquidation efforts are focused on financial instruments such as retirement accounts, traditional 401Ks to IRAs to money market accounts and others, “We’ve found that it is common for people to tap into their retirement funds for a down payment on property.” Simpson said. “We don’t encourage anyone to do anything that would negatively affect their retirement, and each person should be mindful of penalties or tax consequences they might incur if they choose to utilize certain retirement dollars.” Simpson noted. “However, in our experience, we’ve seen that many people want their kids or grandkids to have the same outdoor experiences that they had when they were growing up and they are willing to take money out of their retirement to do it.” Simpson noted that some people will simply cash it out, while others may choose to take a loan out against the account (if that is an option). USING FUNDS FROM OTHER DEBT Simpson said that number four on in the list is the use of other debt to finance a down payment for property. “Typically, this isn’t about getting another credit card or signing over the title of an automobile and getting a loan. It is mostly the situation in which people have some equity in their house and they are going to draw off of their equity line for the down payment or take out a second mortgage,” Simpson said. “Whether it is an equity loan, second mortgage, or another borrowing arrangement, the additional debt and payment amount will be taken into consideration when we calculate the cash flow projections of the borrower’s total debt.” Simpson added, “To summarize, if you choose to use other debt to come up with a down payment, you need to communicate that to the lender so they can accurately evaluate your income to debt ratio. In summary, Simpson pointed out that these four options are standards in the real estate finance industry and he had some parting comments on each of them. “Using additional real estate for collateral typically applies to those people who are landowners and not for people trying to get started. Gifting is often for people trying to get started and the gift normally comes from family. Liquidating assets is a common option for those people who really want a piece of land and don’t have a lot of cash, but have good jobs, other assets, and/or good retirement dollars. And, for those that have equity in their homes, they can draw on their home equity line or take out a second mortgage to purchase land.” And Simpson concluded, “All four are viable options to answer the question, ‘How in the world can I buy land when I’m short on cash?” First South Farm Credit specializes in providing credit for farming operations, including crops, livestock, land and timber and is also chartered to help with financing lifestyle farms, rural home sites or rural land tracts for enjoyment or investment purposes. And, as a successful financial cooperative, First South shares its profits with its members in the form of a Patronage refund, which reduces your cost of borrowing. First South has over 40 branches with 9,000 members and serves Alabama, Louisiana First South has over 40 branches with 9,000 members and serves Alabama, Louisiana and Mississippi. Visit their website at www.firstsouthland.com to learn more about how First South can help you finance your land. 877.314.1237 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // SEPTEMBER 2021 61
Simple Hunting Cabin Plans
DIY or Find a Builder? BY JOHN E. PHILLIPS
62 SEPTEMBER 2021 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // 877.314.1237
LIFESTYLE
Since I always took all three of my children to hunting camps with me, one of the requirements I had about joining a hunting lease was that it have a house or a cabin where friends, relatives and my children and I could stay whenever we went there to hunt or fish. However, if you own land, or you’re part of a long-term lease, you may want to build your own hunting cabin, either from your own design or, possibly, a log cabin kit. And when you are looking to build, the first place to start is with a good set of hunting cabin plans. To learn the best information on how to build a hunting cabin and what to consider before starting construction, we interviewed the man who wrote the book on how to build a hunting cabin, J. Wayne Fears. Fears, a wildlife biologist and outdoor writer, has owned and operated two different hunting lodges and has supervised 220 hunting clubs for a major timber company WHY J. WAYNE FEARS WANTED TO BUILD A HUNTING CABIN When Fears bought property adjoining a national forest, he knew he wanted to spend a lot of time with his children and grandchildren on the property. He longed for a place where they could camp and enjoy a true log-cabin experience. So, he decided to build a log cabin with the help of his children, neighbors and friends. “Because I’d built log cabins in Alabama and helped build three log cabins in Alaska and one in British Columbia, I had a fairly-good idea of what was required to build a sturdy log cabin,” Fears explained. “Although plenty of good log-cabin kits are on the market, and you usually can get hunting cabin plans and floor plans from log-cabin manufacturers you can find on the Internet, I wanted to design and build a log cabin that I felt met my requirements and the needs of my family and friends. Luckily, I had grown sons with carpentry skills.” WHAT TO CONSIDER BEFORE STARTING TO BUILD A LOG CABIN You must decide whether: •
• • •
• •
to build a log cabin or a hunting cabin from your land’s timber. Not many people have timber on their property that they can cut, take the logs to the saw mill, have those logs squared-up and build a cabin from the logs they cut off their land. to use a log-cabin kit. Fears suggest searching the internet for log homes and/or log-home manufacturers, looking at the floor plans and prices and choosing a kit that fits your budget. to use round logs, “D” logs that are square on the inside and round on the outside or Appalachian logs that are squared logs. That decision can help you choose the appropriate company to work with. to build your cabin yourself, if you have plenty of help from family and/ or friends with woodworking skills. Or, you can take time off from your work to build your cabin, or you can hire someone in your local area with skills and experience building log cabins that you oversee. These options usually will cost you less money. to have the company you buy the log-cabin kit from send in its crew to build the cabin for you; to use a log-cabin kit that’s three-fourths finished, with you buying the roofing and flooring materials, floors and windows yourself; or having the company provide the finished roof materials, flooring materials, doors and windows.
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Waves lapping. Warm coastal breezes. Pelicans and herons soar overhead. Steam rising off a plate of fresh shrimp. A big fish pulls on your line. When you’re ready, come experience the sights, sounds and scents of the Alabama Gulf Coast. We’ve missed you.
877-341-2400 64 SEPTEMBER 2021 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // 877.314.1237
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Simple Hunting Cabin Plans
“To make these decisions to determine how much time realistically you and your family are willing to invest to get the cabin built, you must consider all these items,” Fears reported. “My experience has been that if you only work on the cabin on off-days, holidays and weekends with four or five people helping you, you may spend 1-1/2 years building your cabin.” “There’s a lot of lifting involved in building a log cabin, and those people need to have some home-building experience as well as carpentry skills. You may learn that your costs to build will be almost as much as if you let the kit company crew build it for you. The company can build your log cabin in a matter of days or weeks, instead of 1-1/2 years,” Fears pointed out. WHAT PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS TO ASSESS BEFORE CARRYING OUT HUNTING CABIN PLANS? Fear’s property had three hollows (drainages coming off a mountain) through it, with one of the hollows containing a creek that had year-round water running through it. He wanted to have a creek nearby, so his cabin could use the water from the creek in the kitchen and for bathing. However, Fears realized that a creek wouldn’t remain at the same level all year long. “I found an older gentleman who had lived on the land for many years before I bought it and knew the history of the creek,” Fears reported. “When I asked him about the highest water level he’d ever seen on that creek, he pointed to the belt on his blue jeans to indicate that the water had come up to waist-high. So, I knew I must build my cabin above the ground, possibly on stilts, more than waist-high to keep the cabin from getting flooded when the area had unusually large amounts of rain coming down the mountain in that little creek.” Fears required a high-enough, dry ridge, close to the creek to build an outhouse that wouldn’t leak into the water supply. He also wanted a secluded location to deter people from breaking into the cabin when no one was there. He chose a site 1-1/2 miles from any public road and in an area that either
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had been farmed or used for pasture with no trees on it, ensuring that during a storm, a tree wouldn’t fall on his cabin. Fears did his research before he ever put boots on the ground to start building. “You can save a lot of problems, headaches, disappointments and destruction, if you’ll spend the time to thoroughly research the site where you want to build a cabin, learn what type of permitting you’ll need to build the cabin and other considerations and spend time studying, planning and researching what type and size of cabin you want to build before you ever start construction,” Fears emphasized. HOW FEARS BUILT HIS CABIN “My log cabin wasn’t really a log cabin,” Fears said. “Everyone thought it was a log cabin because it looked like a log cabin. My log cabin was a conventional cabin built with log siding on the outside and the inside” Fears worked with a sawmill that cut siding to look just like a log but that is actually a board paned from a piece of two by eight-foot lumber. He installed the siding on the outside of the cabin and log siding on the inside of the cabin and it looks exactly like a log cabin. This technique allows you to not only save money but also labor. “We actually built a box shape like you’d build a shop in your backyard and then covered the exterior walls and the interior walls with log siding,” Fears pointed out. “I spent a lot of time by myself working on the parts of the cabin that I could build myself, but I also had my three boys to help. We built our cabin in about six months, working part-time when we could.” “Anytime you’re building a cabin you really are building a box,” Fears Explained. “The first thing to consider is how many people will use that cabin, and what kind of sleeping accommodations you’ll need. In my cabin, I decided on bunk beds. So, I took a piece of graph paper and drew the size of the
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Simple Hunting Cabin Plans
rooms I wanted inside my box (cabin). I wanted one room to be a sleeping room and the other room to be a great room with a kitchen, a stove, a dining area and a sitting room.” Fears shaped his kitchen like an “L” in the corner of the cabin to contain a sink, a stove and cabinets for storing food and pots and pans. He allowed enough square footage in the kitchen for two people to cook at the same time. He required a space for a table big enough to seat six or more people at mealtime, a wood stove or fireplace and enough room for people to sit and tell hunting and fishing stories. “Another very-important part of the cabin that wasn’t really figured into the size of the cabin was a front porch,” Fears emphasized. “We did a lot of cooking on the front porch and sitting there, especially during the summertime, because the cabin wasn’t air conditioned.” . Fears pointed out that not included in his hunting cabin plans, a bathroom. “I built a first-class, nice-looking outhouse with a partial moon cut out for ventilation. I wanted my sons and grandsons to experience what I did growing up when we had to take a flashlight and walk to the outhouse on a frosty morning to go to the bathroom,” Fears said. Fears’ cabin also didn’t have running water or electricity. Most people today would want a flush toilet. However, a well for running water would be expensive to dig, and then you’d have to hire a plumber to put all the plumbing in the cabin. To have electricity, you’d spend a good bit of money to get on a grid or have to buy a gasoline generator and the gasoline to power it. That isn’t even considering the time and expense to get the requisite permits. These 66 SEPTEMBER 2021 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // 877.314.1237
modern amenities were left out of Fears, hunting cabin plans. THE ADVANTAGES OF USING A LOG-CABIN KIT COMPANY One of the advantages of using a kit company is once you decide how big you want your box, and how many people you want it to accommodate, a log-cabin company will send you the specifications and the cost of the materials required to carry out your dream hunting cabin plans and/or the cost to have them partially built or completely built by its crew. If you have the company, send its crew in to build your log cabin, the crew will stay on-site and work on that cabin until it’s completely built. Due to their experience and know-how, they can build that cabin much faster than you and your crew, but that time frame still depends on the weather and the size of the cabin you are building. Rich memories and nostalgia are associated with having a log hunting cabin today like early hunters and settlers had during the founding of this country. Today you can have much or all of the work of building a log cabin done for you, or you can build it yourself. BUILD A SOLID FOUNDATION As founder and president of MDH Foundation in Daphne, Al, Mike Hayes has built and repaired the foundations of numerous hunting cabins ranging from simple to enormous. One of the points you must consider is the soil in a given area. “Many hunting cabins are built on land with poor soils that are prone to shifting. The solution for some is a lot of time spent hauling out the poor soil and hauling in better dirt. One of the ways you can save a lot of time and money
Simple Hunting Cabin Plans
in building your foundation is through the use of a Helical Piering System,” Hayes said. “This system will get down to the stable soil and allow for the hunting cabin to be placed on these piers, saving you a lot of time and money in the process.” A lot of people who are interested in a simple hunting cabin are buying a piece of property that already has an old cabin in place. It’s often questioned whether one should replace the cabin all together or repair what is there. Hayes almost always recommends repairing an existing foundation over building a new one. “If you have sagging joists on an existing hunting cabin, you can use our SmartJack® System to sure up those joists. This can also be used in conjunction with the Helical Piering system where it is needed.” WHY PUT A METAL ROOF ON YOUR LOG CABIN? More and more individuals building log cabins today are opting for metal roofs. To find out why, I talked with the folks at Dixie Building Supply, who referred us to Billy Vallas, Chief of Operations at Baker Metal Works & Supply, an authority on metal roofs. When asked why his company recommended people building log cabins to put metal roofs on them, Vallas pointed out that metal roofs are strong, have a long lifespan, hold up to high winds and are fire-resistant. “Metal roofing is very durable and has a very-long lifespan. A metal roof installed correctly can last from 50-75 years, whereas a shingle roof has a lifespan of 10-20 years,” Vallas said. “Metal roofing also can withstand winds of up to 180 mph, which is why it’s so popular in coastal areas where hurricanes are prevalent. It’s also fire-resistant and won’t ignite in a wildfire or due to a lightning strike. Vallas explained that metal roofing can be made out of many different materials. Primarily, at least in the South, it’s a combination of steel with a coating made of aluminum, zinc and silicon. Aluminum makes up the majority of the coating, which means it’s much more likely to withstand scratches and be more resistant to corrosion. A customer also can select more-expensive metal roofing made of copper and aluminum. PRICE AND INSTALLMENT CONSIDERATIONS “The initial upfront cost for a metal roof will be higher than a shingle roof. First, you’re installing a higher-end product, and you’ll need a more-specialized crew to put it on correctly,” Vallas said. “Depending on the final product chosen, the metal roof may cost 25% more than a shingle roof. But with a shingle roof, every 10-20 years, you’ll have tear-off costs and have to buy materials for another roof. So, actually over the life of a home, a metal roof is less expensive” “Since metal roofing is a more-specialized installation, the person installing it must have knowledge of how to install it correctly. Some metal-roof projects, depending on the complexity, can take twice as long to install as a shingle roof. The average home probably will require one week to 10 days for proper installation,” Vallas noted. THEN THERE IS ENERGY EFFICIENCY “A metal roof will keep your home cool in the summer and warm in the winter. It reflects the sun, whereas shingles absorb the sun, making your air conditioning work harder and driving-up your energy bills,” Valla said. “Metal roofing also is available in many profiles and colors. We’re all concerned too about the environment, and metal roofing generally is made from recycled products that leave a smaller carbon footprint than shingles.” FINANCING YOUR HUNTING CABIN PLANS Taylor Hart, the branch manager of First South Farm Credit, explained that
First South Farm Credit is a rural lender. If you decide to build a log home or a hunting cabin on your property, Hart reports that First South loans money for those kinds of property improvements. “Absolutely. We can make construction loans and turn those loans into longterm loans, if need be. Some landowners are building secondary homes, hunting cabins or lodges, and others are wanting to put their primary residences on 20-30 acres,” Hart said. “First South can make loans for anything a landowner wants to do to develop his property. 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.”
Contact Information J. Wayne Fears How to Build Your Dream Cabin in the Woods Mike Hayes MDH Foundation mdhfoundationrepair.com 251-250-4855 First South Farm Credit www.firstsouthfarmcredit.com Taylor Hart 334-826-2563 jhart@firstsouthland.com Dixie Building Supply www.dixiesupply.com
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877.314.1237 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // SEPTEMBER 2021 67
Land Loan Interest Rate Update BY WILLIAM KENDY
Farm Credit of Northwest Florida is headquartered in Mariana, Fl with offices in Milton, Monticello, Jay and Tallahassee with a mission of “Helping Rural America Grow”.
When it comes to the type of loans available, Chappell said he typically does long term fixed rate loans and tries to stay away from balloon loans.
As a cooperative lender, excess profits (above capitalization and operating needs) earned by Farm Credit of Northwest Florida are refunded to the members. This profit sharing provides members the opportunity to lower the cost of borrowing below already competitive interest rates. This unique structure may also save members money on closing costs.
“In a low-rate environment like we are in, you are going to get a better deal going with long terms,” Chappell said. “We can go up to 20 years on land and we require 20% down but you are also able to use additional collateral. So, if you are buying 100 acres if you own 20 or 30 acres free and clear you can use that to put up for the 20% instead of coming out of pocket for the down payment. We’ve got a lot of options.”
Farm Credit realizes that “one size lending doesn’t fit all” so they offer options for interest rates, terms and repayment, including no prepayment penalties and no acreage limitations. For most loans, if interest rates fall, your lender can work with you to lower your rate with no hassle and no costly refinance.
Chappell pointed out that the “patronage” refund that Farm Credit of Northwest Florida offers lowers the overall cost of the loan in terms of interest.
Logan Chappell is a loan officer at Farm Credit of Northwest Florida and works out of the Marianna office. He specializes in all types of properties, including agricultural, recreational, timberland, row crop land and cattle. Chappell says that demand has been strong in 2020 and believes that it will stay strong through the first quarter of 2021 and property values have remained constant. When it comes to what type of property buyers are inquiring about, Chappell said that recreational land is “hot”. “There definitely is a focus on timberland and timberland that has a little bit of pasture or cropland on it and most of it is going to be used as recreational property,” Chappell said. “Specifically, undamaged timberland is a big thing. We’ve had several hurricanes come though so timber properties with minimal damage are really getting a lot of interest right now.”
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“In 2020, Farm Credit of Northwest Florida distributed $3.5 million back to our borrowers. So effectively, that’s reducing your cost of borrowing,” Chappell said. “It’s lowering your interest rate, because you’re getting back money that you paid in as interest.”
Current Interest Rates from Farm Credit of Northwest Florida (As of 8/10/21) 5 year – 3.9 7 year – 4.15 10 year – 4.35 15 year – 4.75 20 year – 5.1
Contact: Logan Chappell CP (850)-209-0250 lchappell@farmcredit-fl.com www.farmcredit-Fl.com
Wind of Change Adventure’s calling. Answer it with something completely different.
If you’re looking for a decidedly different way to answer adventure’s call, the Seneca Dragon Claw 500cc precharged pneumatic (PCP) air rifle might just become your favorite hunting firearm’s heir apparent. Capable of handling not only conventional, metallic projectiles, the Seneca Dragon Claw can also hurl specialized air bolts downrange at velocities up to 500 FPS, with muzzle energies as high as 230 FPE. This effectively turns it into a powerful, deadly accurate air-powered crossbow. Whether you’re a seasoned, veteran hunter or new to the sport entirely, the experts at Pyramyd Air are eager to guide you through the process of assembling the tools necessary to pursue your next lifelong passion. Call or visit us online today to embark upon the adventure.
big bore air guns have “ Using taken my big game hunting to a new level by increasing the challenge and the quality of the experience. Plus, they are deadly accurate and FUN! Keith Warren, Host of High Road Hunting on big bore hunting with the Dragon Claw Air Rifle Item # PY-2500-4995 and .50 cal Air Bolt Item # PY-P-1357
AVAILABLE ONLINE AT: PYRAMYDAIR.COM
”
OR CALL US AT: (888)-262-4867 877.314.1237 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // SEPTEMBER 2021 69
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
A Thin Blue Line Presents “Guns and Hoses” to benefit the Behind the Line Foundation Nationwide Tournament in support of First Responders. Open ticket entry fee $50.00 (required) Jackpot Payout - 100% of Net entry fee minus admin fee paid to the top 3 in each category. 1st - 50%, 2nd - 30%, 3rd - 20% September 1, 2021-September 30, 2021
KSS Redfish - September Challenge
Saltwater Series - Redfish ENTRY FEE $46.00 CASH PRIZES 100% payout of Net Entry Fees per division.(Gross entry fees less $8.00 championship holdback and $3.00 admin/payment processing fees) September 1, 2021-September 30, 2021
2021 Realtree Fishing KBF Trail Kentucky Lake I presented by Dee Zee KBF Trail Live Event Series Kentucky Lake 1 Entry Fee $115.00 CASH PRIZES 100% payout of Net Entry Fees (Gross entry fees less $10.00 championship holdback and $5.00 admin/payment processing fees) September 4, 2021
2021 Realtree Fishing KBF Trail Kentucky Lake II presented by Dee Zee
KBF Trail Live Event Series Kentucky Lake 2. Entry Fee $115.00 CASH PRIZES 100% payout of Net Entry Fees (Gross entry fees less $10.00 championship holdback and $5.00 admin/payment processing fees) September 5, 2021 70 SEPTEMBER 2021 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // 877.314.1237
FISHING TOURNAMENTS NEAR YOU
Know of a tournament not listed? Let us know! info@greatdaysoutdoors.com 2021 Saltwater Finnaddicts 6th Annual Inshore Championship
Saltwater finaddicts 6th annual inshore championship. Lowest entree fee and the highest payouts, this is a tournament you for sure will not want to miss. Details and rules available on fishing chaos. September 11, 2021-September 12, 2021
2021 US Kayak Open
The overall top finisher of the USA Kayak Fishing Open will be offered a spot on the world team and join current world team members: Rus Snyders, Drew Gregory. Eric Jackson, Ron Champion, Cody Milton, Jaxton Orr, and Guillermo Gonzalez. This event is the USA Kayak Fishing Team qualifier with the top 6 men & 6 women receiving an invitation to join the USA Kayak Fishing Team & attend the next Pan American Kayak Fishing Championship. Ticket: $150.00 includes official USA Kayak Fishing Hat Prizes: Cash prizes, based on 50/50 entry fee split, will be awarded to top placing competitors. September 11, 2021-September 12, 2021
KBF Challenge Series September State Challenge
KBF State by state month long event ENTRY FEE $46.00 CASH PRIZES 100% payout of Net Entry Fees (Gross entry fees less $8.00 championship holdback and $3.00 admin/payment processing fees) September 1, 2021-September 30, 2021
OGS Crank 4 Bank Virtual Late Summer Shootout
OGS Tournaments and Crank 4 Bank is hosting a Virtual Bass Tournament on Lake Martin. A $75 dollar entry fee will put you in the running for cash prizes (ex: Based on 60 participants 1st place receives $1,500, second place receives $1,000, third place receives $700, fourth place receives $500 and fifth place receives $200) from OGS Tournaments. A Big Bass award of $450 will be awarded to the longest bass uploaded.The Fishing Chaos App will manage your creel with the best five bass listed for each angler. 100% of the net entry will go to payouts (less administration cost). August 13, 2021-September 12, 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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BY HANK SHAW Photos by Holly A. Heyser
Grilled Dove and Blueberry BBQ Sauce Grilling doves is the best way to cook them, bar none. Small birds need high heat to cook properly: You need temperatures in excess of 500°F to crisp the skin and still keep the meat pink inside. And yes, doves should be served medium. Think of them like steak or duck, only with little or no fat and much, much smaller. Prep: 20 mins • Cook: 25 mins • Total: 45 mins Ingredients
• • •
12 to 16 doves, or 2 pounds chicken thighs Salt Olive oil
Blueberry or Huckleberry bbq sauce • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter • 1/2 cup chopped onion • 2 garlic cloves, chopped • 2 cups blueberries or huckleberries (fresh or frozen) • 1/2 cup tomato puree • 1/2 cup brown sugar • 1 cup cider vinegar • 2 teaspoons dry mustard • 1 teaspoon cayenne • 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste • 1 teaspoon minced fresh rosemary Instructions DOUGH 1. Take the doves out of the fridge, salt them well and let them rest at room temperature while you make the sauce. 2. To make the sauce, heat the butter in a pot over medium-high heat. Sauté the onions for 2 minutes, then add the garlic and cook for another minute. Mix in the remaining ingredients and simmer gently for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. 3. Turn off the heat and allow the sauce to cool a little. Pour it into a blender and puree. Be careful blending hot things, and keep your hand on the top of the blender; sometimes the steam can make it pop off. Wipe out the inside of the pot you cooked the sauce in and pour the pureed sauce back in. Keep warm over low heat. 4. Coat the doves in the oil and get your grill fiercely hot. Grill the doves breast side up, with the cover down, over medium-high to high heat for 2 minutes. Lift the cover and paint them with the BBQ sauce. Cover the grill again and grill for another 8 to 10 minutes, depending on how well-done you like your doves. Remove to a platter and paint with a little more sauce. Let them rest for 5 minutes before eating. 72 SEPTEMBER 2021 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // 877.314.1237
CAMPHOUSE KITCHEN
Venison Birria Prep: 30 mins • Marinate 8 hours • Cook: 8 hours Ingredients
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
4 pounds shoulder or neck roast 12 guajillo or ancho chiles, about 4 ounces 2 pounds Roma tomatoes, sliced in half 1 white onion, sliced in half 1 head garlic, separated but not peeled 2 tablespoons black peppercorns 4 to 6 whole cloves 2 teaspoons cumin seeds 1 tablespoon salt 3 bay leaves 1 tablespoon dried Mexican oregano 1 cup Mexican beer (I use Negro Modelo or Bohemia) 1/4 cup pineapple or cider vinegar Banana leaves 1 cup corn masa or flour (to seal the pot) Cilantro and chopped white onion, for garnish corn tortillas
Instructions 1. Stem and seed the dried chiles, then pour boiling water over them. Let them soften while you chop the other vegetables. 2. Get a comal or cast iron pan hot, and lay the onion and tomatoes, cut side down. Scatter the garlic cloves around the edge of the pan. Let them blacken a bit, which should take
3.
4.
5. 6. 7.
8.
about 6 to 10 minutes. Turn the garlic cloves after about 5 minutes. Use a metal spatula to turn the onion and tomatoes, scraping all the blackened and browned bits. Move those bits to the blender. While this is happening, toast the cumin, black peppercorns and cloves in a dry pan until you can smell them. Grind them in a spice grinder and put the powder into the blender. Put the tablespoon of salt, bay leaves and oregano into the blender, too. When the vegetables are nicely charred, put them in the blender. Tear the chiles into pieces and add them to the blender, along with a healthy glug of their soaking water. Puree this, adding the beer and vinegar as you go. You want it pretty smooth. Coat the meat with this sauce, put it all into a covered container and let it sit overnight, or at the very least an hour. When you are ready to cook, preheat the oven to 275°F. Line a heavy, lidded pot like a Dutch oven with banana leaves and put the meat in the center. Add the remaining marinade. Wrap the meat up as best you can with the leaves, then put the lid on. Mix the masa or flour with water until you have a clay-like paste. Jam it all around the seal between the lid and the pot, and put the pot in the oven. Let it cook for at least 4 hours before checking, no matter what. I don’t check until 8 hours have passed. You want the meat to be falling apart. When you are ready, move the meat to a large bowl and pour all the broth over it. Pull the meat into largish pieces and give everyone some. Let them make their own tacos as they wish, or completely shred the meat and just make tacos. Garnish with the cilantro and chopped onion soaked in lime juice. 877.314.1237 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // SEPTEMBER 2021 73
NEW & COOL GEAR BY WILLIAM KENDY
With Anglers’ Best New Lazy Joe Everything is Within Reach
Lazy Joe is a patented-designed tough weather resistant tackle box and accessory holder that fits around your boat seat pedestal and keeps gear within easy reach. This has three bait box holder slots and includes three custom bait boxes that fit in them securely along with a hook removal holder, two accessory slots and a drink cup holder. Suggested Retail Price: $149.99 www.anglersbest.com
Berkley Gulp! Saltwater 8-inch Grub
Now available in an 8-inch size, the Berkley Gulp! Grub offers maximum scent dispersion that expands the effective fish strike zone. It has a tail action that accurately mimics real bait and swims with realism under any conditions. It is designed for targeting big saltwater fish and is ideal on a jig head or bucktail. It is available in 13 different colors. Suggested Retail Price: $8.99 (pack of 3) www.berkley-fishing.com
Seneca Dragon Claw Air Rifle
The Seneca Dragon Claw throws a .50-caliber projectile at 679 ft per second and gets 230 ft-lbs. of muzzle energy, giving you the power to quickly and humanely take out feral hogs, coyotes, deer and even larger game. You can shoot either lead ammo or air bolts with deadly accuracy. It features dual air chambers, built in pressure gauge, low and high-power level, a checkered Monte Carlo hardwood stock and more. Suggested Retail Price: $699.99 www.pyramydair.com
Firminator Helps Make Food Plots Better
The Firminator’s cultipacker allows you to prepare your food plot by turning the soil. Shortening the top link on the Firminator’s main pitch adjustment gives you a deeper cut into sod and stubborn soil. The mid-range setting gives varying degrees of disk depth while maintaining good ground contact to help break apart clods while leveling and firming the soil. It can also compact the soil for better “seed-to-soil” contact. Suggested Retail Price: Quote www. thefirminator.com
Spot More Game with the New ZEISS Victory SF 32
The Zeiss Victory SF 32 offers a wide field of view and only takes 1.6 revolutions of the focus wheel to adjust from infinity to the minimum focusing distance of 6.4 feet. That enables you to quickly cover large areas and see small wildlife movements at the end of the viewing field. It features 92% light transmission, Zeiss T* coated lenses and more. Suggested Retail Price: $2,699 www.zeiss.com
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NEW AND COOL GEAR FOR OUTDOORSMEN
Ignik’s 2-in-1 Heater-Stove delivers Heat and Cooking The 2-in-1 features a chromed cast iron cook-top, spring-grip handle, piezo ignition and, for safety, an anti-tipping kill switch. It provides heat from 4,000 BTU/hour to 10,000 BTU/hour. The propane powered 2-in-1 includes a heater-stove and 2-foot hose/regulator and is compatible with Ignik’s Gas Growler propane tank. The Growler, is refillable, easy to carry and compatible with most home barbeque propane grills. Suggested Retail Price: $139.99 www.ignik.com
Amped Outdoors introduces 48Ah 14.8V Battery
Designed for isolation of your fishing electronics, this battery weighs only 7 pounds and delivers 14.8V and 48Am of total capacity. That means you can run most electronics for multiple days without charging or get through a full day with two graphs while not having to worry about low voltage alarms or degradation in image quality. A 16.8V charger is included. Not for use with trolling motors. Suggested Retail Price: $359.99 www.ampedoutdoors.com
SawHaul Offers Complete Kit for Tractors
The SawHaul is a universal chainsaw carrier/mount. It is compatible with all chainsaw brands and the kit includes all mounting hardware, and installs in less than 30 minutes. The scabbard is made of proprietary UV protected 1/8” plastic and has a weep hole in the bottom for drainage. It fits any standard bar up to 20”. Longer scabbards are available. It is backed with a Limited Lifetime Warranty. Suggested Retail Price: $129.99 www.gearhaul.com
B’n’M Announces New Inshore Fishing Rod Line
The B’n’M Sam’s Super Salt series inshore rods are designed for shallow water fishing for trout and redfish. They feature genuine Portuguese cork handles for maximum comfort and control and the exposed blank/touch system adds increased sensitivity resulting in more hookups. It also offers a reinforced reel seat and durable stainless-steel guides Available in medium light and medium actions in 7 and 7 ½ foot lengths. Suggested Retail Price: Starting at $74.99 www.bnmpoles.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 newon-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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Get Ready for the First Hunting Action of the Fall
BY CHRIS BLANKENSHIP Commissioner of the Alabama Department of Conservation & Natural Resources
Many of us who love the outdoors will head to Alabama’s fields and abundant waterways this month for the first hunting opportunities of the fall, whether we’re granted a reprieve from the summer heat or not!
mourning doves and white-winged doves. The bag limit of 15 birds can include either species or a combination of the two. The Eurasian collared (ringneck) dove is considered an invasive species and is not included in the regulations.
With Alabama’s dove season coming in early this year, hunters can pursue the nation’s most popular game species the Saturday of Labor Day weekend. Traditionally, the season has opened the Saturday after Labor Day. However, the holiday is later this year, so the Alabama Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries (WFF) Division gave Alabama hunters what they requested in a WFF survey of numerous dove hunters throughout the state that asked for opinions on season dates.
The 2021-2022 season September 4 start date is for the North Zone, and that first North Zone segment runs through October 24. The season starts at noon on opening day and ends at sunset. After opening day, hunting is allowed from onehalf hour before sunrise until sunset. The second segment is November 21-29, and the final segment is December 12 through January 16, 2022.
WFF Director Chuck Sykes said the survey revealed that the majority of hunters wanted dove season to open as early as possible in September, and they wanted to maximize opportunities to hunt these aerial acrobats on weekends and holidays. With Labor Day falling on September 6, WFF decided not to push the season opener to September 11 in the North Zone. Since the majority surveyed wanted it early, WFF opted for the earliest date possible. The way the season segments are set, dove hunters get an extra weekend and a holiday to hunt for the 2021-2022 season. Alabama’s dove season regulates the hunting of
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In the South Zone of Baldwin, Barbour, Coffee, Covington, Dale, Escambia, Geneva, Henry, Houston and Mobile counties, the 2021-2022 season opens on September 11 and runs through November 1. The final two segments are the same as the North Zone. For some wing-shooting action even before dove season opens, waterfowlers can hunt geese during the early waterfowl seasons. The early seasons for geese run September 1-30 and then October 12-24. The goose season regulations are broken down into dark geese (Canada, White-Fronted and Brant) and light geese (Snow, Blue and Ross’s). During the September season, hunters can take five dark geese per day, but only one Brant is allowed in that bag limit. The bag limit for light geese is five per
FROM THE COMMISSIONER day for the entire season. As many people know, Alabama has a significant Canada goose population, and this is the perfect opportunity to take advantage of that resource. Other waterfowl hunters will be waiting for the Special Teal Season, which runs September 12-27, 2021, with a daily bag limit of six birds. Depending on the weather during September, Alabama could have teal-hunting opportunities from the Tennessee Valley to the Alabama Gulf Coast. Before you head out in September, make sure you have renewed your licenses. All Alabama hunting and fishing licenses expire on August 31, so don’t forget to purchase your licenses at a retail outlet or online at www.outdooralabama.com. Just like last year when we introduced the collectible hard-card licenses, the 2021-2022 hard-card licenses are available with more beautiful wildlife and outdoor life art. For a nominal $5 fee you can purchase a piece of art, with six new cards to choose from that depict a variety of outdoors scenes. The art scenes include a beautiful buck, strutting turkey, crappie, redfish, wood duck, and a Second Amendment-themed card for shooting sports. A total of 32 license privileges are eligible for purchase as a hard card, including annual hunting and fishing licenses for residents and non-residents, state duck stamp, Wildlife Heritage and bait privilege licenses. This feature is not available for trip licenses and no-cost privileges. Lifetime licenses will also now come on a beautiful new hard card. To obtain a hard-card license with the wildlife and nature scenes, go online at www.outdooralabama.com and click the link to purchase a license. Buyers can choose one or all of the six new cards at $5 per card. License purchasers who use retail outlets can also obtain a hard license. For those who want to get a hard card after a license has already been purchased, go online and click on the “Replacement/Additional Hard Card” link to purchase any or all of the six cards.
After purchase, the hard-card licenses will be mailed to buyers within 10 days. If you haven’t received your hard card before you plan to hunt or fish, be sure to keep a paper copy of your license or have it available in the Outdoor AL app on your smartphone. As I said last year when we unveiled the first set of hard-card licenses, purchasers still must comply with harvest reporting requirements. Deer and turkey hunters should report through Game Check. The easiest way to comply is to use the Outdoor AL app. If you don’t use the smartphone app, you must retain a paper record of your harvests. Every time I talk about hunting and fishing licenses, I always remind the general public how important this revenue source is to conservation and wildlife and fisheries management in Alabama. The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR) is an agency that is funded through license sales and revenue from visitors to our beautiful Alabama State Parks. Most licenses sold by ADCNR receive three-to-one federal matching funds through the Sport Fish Restoration Act and the Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration Act. Those funds are derived from excise taxes on firearms, ammunition and fishing equipment and are distributed according to the number of licenses sold and land mass and miles of waterways of the state. I hope you will join me in the field this month. For me, trying to hit a fast-flying teal or an acrobatic dove means I get to do a lot of shooting to get my limit. No matter, it’s just great to be outdoors, and Academy Sports and Outdoors will sell me all the shotgun shells I need.
EASY APPLICATION!!! Unlike many liquid fertilizers, Clark’s Plot Nutrients: • Will not settle out in your tank or application equipment • There are no particles large enough to clog spray nozzles • It is readily absorbed by plants because it is a foliar application. Therefore, within one hour 80-90% of the fertilizer is already absorbed into the plant and working • Heavy rain will not wash away the fertilizer See what a difference it can make on your place!
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Liquid Food Plot Fertilizer Plus Calcium
Clark’s Plot Nutrients is a true liquid fertilizer that is designed to not only provide fertilizer to your food plot, but also supply calcium. Calcium is vital to the development of deer antler growth and egg shell strength in turkeys.
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Chris & Kelley Grantham Elba, Alabama
334-233-2687 ALFandSupply@gmail.com www.alfandsupply.com
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The Opportunities and Demands of
Dove Hunting
The dove season opener marks the beginning of fall hunting seasons!! The new hunting seasons are right around the corner, and they begin with the muchanticipated dove season. This highly regarded annual tradition is the culmination of spring plantings and late-summer harvest. In Alabama, it has been a time-honored tradition for generations, providing high-quality family time and entertainment for all ages.
BY CHARLES “CHUCK” SYKES Director of the Alabama Division of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries (WFF)
Alabama has two dove hunting zones, a North Zone and a South Zone. Beginning with the 2021-22 hunting season, the zone boundary alignment will change slightly with Barbour County moving from the South Zone to the North Zone. The North Zone consists of the northernmost 58 counties in the state, now including Barbour, and the South Zone consists of the nine southernmost counties in the state, including Baldwin, Coffee, Covington, Dale, Escambia, Geneva, Henry, Houston, and Mobile.
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As with last season, Alabama Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries (WFF) utilized the 2018 Alabama Dove Hunter Survey data to help determine the best season dates for 2021-22. In the North Zone, the season is set to open at noon on September 4. The first segment of the season will run through October 24. In the South Zone, the season is set to open at noon on September 11. The first segment of the season will run through October 31. The bag limit is 15 mourning doves and white-winged doves in aggregate, meaning combined total. Eurasian collared-doves and rock doves (pigeons), being non-native species, do not count toward the bag limit. WFF offers many great dove hunting opportunities across the state on 30 of its Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs). Seventeen of these WMAs have fields specifically managed for dove hunting. These fields are planted with an agricultural crop in
FROM THE DIRECTOR the spring and legally manipulated in late summer by mowing, disking, or burning before the season opener. Be sure to check each WMA’s hunt schedule on the Outdoor Alabama app or website for open hunting days. These hunts are self-limiting and operate on a first-come, firstserved basis. Dove hunting on a WMA only requires a small game or a Wildlife Heritage license and a Harvest Information Program (HIP) validation for those 16 - 64 years of age. Also, new this year, check-in/ checkout is mandatory on all WMAs and can be accomplished by using the Outdoor Alabama app or Daily Permit cards found at any of the WMA check stations or kiosks. As many Alabamians continue to move toward major metropolitan areas in the state, dove hunters often must travel farther and dedicate more time to attend a quality dove hunt. Most private hunts can also be quite pricey due to all the work required to prepare and maintain a dove field that will produce a successful hunt year after year. Recognizing these issues, WFF wanted to make more public dove hunting opportunities available across the state. Research shows that most dove hunters want more hunting opportunities and are willing to drive an hour from their homes to attend a dove hunt that will provide ample shooting opportunities. To meet these needs, WFF began looking for properties within a 60-mile radius of Alabama’s major metropolitan areas that had the potential to support a dove population that would meet the expectations of dove hunters. The first property dedicated to providing plentiful wing shooting opportunities was purchased in the spring of 2021 in Montgomery County, a close drive for anyone in the River Region metropolitan area. The 165-acre tract, named Prairie Glades to pay homage to the Blackbelt region, will be part of the Special Opportunity Area (SOA) program. Eighty acres of open fields on the property have been planted in strips of corn, grain sorghum, sunflowers, and browntop millet to
provide much more than just an opening day hunt. Open strips are maintained between the agricultural strips to ensure doves have areas to feed on native plant seeds all summer and the area remains attractive throughout the year. A limited-quota dove hunt will take place every two weeks during the first segment of the season, for a total of four hunts in the first year. Registration for these hunts will open on September 1. The registration for the earliest hunt will only be open for a few days. Registration for the remaining three hunts will be open a short time later, so keep a watchful eye on the Department website and the WFF Facebook page for this announcement. A WMA license and a small fee will be required to register for these hunts. Hunters will be selected by a limited-quota drawing in early September. Thirty hunters will be selected for each hunt and each selected hunter is allowed to bring a guest, for a total of 60 hunters per hunt. To apply for the drawing visit www.outdooralabama. com/what-hunt/mourning-dove-hunting-alabama. We realize gaps remain in public hunting opportunities around the state. WFF plans to add fields and opportunities near other metropolitan areas around the state to fill in those gaps as quickly as possible. There is no better way to spend an early-fall afternoon than on a dove field with friends and family for camaraderie and fine table fare. WFF hopes you can take advantage of the opportunities we currently offer or register for one of the new Special Opportunity Area dove hunts that will be available this fall. Remember, all hunters ages 16-64 must have a HIP validation to hunt doves and other migratory game birds. After a successful hunt, be sure to check your doves for leg bands and report any bands at www.reportband.gov. Both the HIP and banding programs provide valuable data that aid biologists in managing dove populations and hunting opportunities.
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850-832-2238 877.314.1237 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // SEPTEMBER 2021 79
Properly Mounting a Rifle Scope Yourself
Check the scope for proper reticle alignment before tightening the screws firmly.
“I hope your company is going to pay me back for the ammo I wasted trying to get that sorry scope y’all make sighted properly!” said the irate customer as he burst into the store as soon as it opened that morning. That was not the way I thought I’d be starting my day. I was helping a gun dealer customer of mine at his “Get Ready for Deer Season” sale a number of years ago when this occurred.
BY CRAIG HANEY Photo submitted by Craig Haney
The customer explained he had bought the scope the week before at that store but did not have time for them to mount it on his rifle. So he bought a set of bases and rings to mount it later at home and sight it in. He shot a lot of ammo but could not come close to getting the zero he wanted. I told him I understood why he was upset and I would check it out. It didn’t take long to realize he had failed to fully tighten two screws on the back set of rings. After showing him the problem, I tightened them down and double checked the screws in the front ring. A day or two later, he called the store and reported he had gotten
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his rifle sighted in and felt stupid for not doublechecking the tightness of the screws. THE PROCESS Get Ready Be absolutely positive your firearm is completely unloaded. Take the bolt out of bolt-action rifles and pull the toggle back to lock the action on semiautomatic rifles. Put the rifle in a gun vise or gun rest to keep it stable and secure while mounting your scope. A gun vise is a good long term investment for a hunter, you’ll be surprised how much it gets used. Assemble the tools or accessories you will need and you are ready to start. The Base The base attaches with screws directly to your firearm and supports the rings and scope. Bases are attached to the firearm with screws into the holes that are drilled and tapped into your firearm.
THE GUN RACK You can choose between a one-piece base, two-piece, Weaver style or Picatinny rail base for mounts. There are different bases for different brands or models and your local gun shop can help you choose the correct bases for your firearm. First, double check that your firearm is not loaded before proceeding. Wipe down the base to remove any grease applied at the factory. Then apply a very thin layer of oil to the bottom of the base to protect against corrosion. Secure the correct base to the top of the firearm’s receiver, lining up the holes in the bases over the factorydrilled holes in the receiver. Make sure the bases are properly aligned and you haven’t attached them backwards. Don’t laugh, it happens. Put a drop of Loctite Blue or clear fingernail polish on the screw threads to prevent loosening and tightening. A word of caution, usually there are two lengths of screws so make sure you put the right ones in the right holes. Some rifles are made with an integral base meaning the base is machined into the receiver with the Ruger M77 being a prime example. AR platform rifles have Weaver-style or Picatinny rails to which the bases are attached. Make sure you purchase the correct style of rings for these bases. RINGS, RETICLES AND EYE RELIEF Ring height refers to how high the rings hold the scope above the bore of the firearm and is dependent on the size of the objective lens of the scope you choose and to a certain extent the taper of your firearm’s barrel. One inch scope tubes are the most common and require one inch rings, however some scope tubes are 30mm or 34mm in diameter so make sure you have the correct rings. Once you have chosen the correct rings, you will need a hex or Torx head tool which are usually packaged with the rings. Scope rings generally are divided horizontally or vertically . Degrease
the rings, if needed, as you did with the base. For rings that are divided horizontally, attach the lower portion to the bases and make sure the rings are in alignment before proceeding. For vertically divided bases, the left and right halves are tightened around the scope using side-mounted screws. If your rings attach to the front base by rotating the ring into position, do not use the scope to turn the ring into position. A one-inch wooden dowel works fine. Again use a small drop of Loctite Blue or clear fingernail polish on the screw threads to freeze the threads in place. With the bottom of the rings in place, tighten the rings only enough to allow the scope to rotate and move forward and backward. Holding the rifle level, adjust the scope until the reticle is perfectly vertical and horizontal. Adjust your scope for eye relief by mounting the firearm to your shoulder and placing your head on the stock in a natural position. Looking through the scope make sure you see the reticle cleanly and you have a full, clear sight picture meaning there is no black around the perimeter of the scope. If you are seeing black around your sight picture, move the scope slowly back and forth until you have a clear view. Check again the vertical and horizontal alignment of the reticle of the scope before tightening the screws. Once you start tightening the screws, alternately tighten each one a half-turn or so until the ring halves are equally spaced and the scope is firmly in place. Next step is bore-sighting your firearm and then heading to the range for the final sight-in, which will be covered in the next column.
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Destination
Coosa River
Kayak anglers can access backwater on the lakes of the system and fish water that no other anglers can reach.
Running from the Georgia border to the confluence with the Tallapoosa River to form the Alabama River at Montgomery, the Coosa River and its associated system of lakes offers kayak anglers a wide range of fishing locations and a very wide range of potential fishing targets. Paddle anglers will have to look long and hard to find an area which is better suited to kayak fishing than the lakes and streams of the Coosa River system. And along with the great fishing in the Coosa river system, kayak anglers will find some convenient and helpful shops which can provide gear, tackle, and some good deals on new kayaks. BY ED MASHBURN Photos by Ed Mashburn
Tim Perkins, a long-time kayak angler and very successful kayak bass fishing tourna-
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ment angler, knows the Coosa country very well, and he offers some good advice. “There are many reasons the Coosa Chain is so great for kayak anglers. It’s geographically well-located for kayak angler convenience. It’s half-way between Birmingham and Atlanta on Interstate 20, but within an hour’s drive you can be as remote as you want to be. When on the Coosa, you’re in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, so the terrain has highland qualities as well as lowland qualities. This offers a wide variety of terrain, rock formations, elevation, plant life, forest surroundings and aquatic life is totally different and unique. This all makes the Coosa chain a perfect destination for any kayak angler.” LAKES- MANY AND VARIED There is a string of lakes created by dams across the Coosa River, and these lakes offer some prime kayak fishing. Whether an angler wants big largemouth, strong and aggressive spotted bass, or a wide range of panfish, these lakes are prime places.
PADDLE FISHING Tim Perkins, a long-time kayak angler and very successful kayak fishing tournament angler knows the Coosa system very well, and he offers some advice for kayak anglers who want to fish this area. “The upper ends of each of the Coosa chain of lakes offer the appearance of free-flowing waters. Each reacts and fishes just like free-flowing rivers.,” Perkins said. There are many boat ramps and roadside locations where kayak anglers can access Weiss Lake, Lake Neely Henry. Lake Logan Martin, Lake Mitchell, and Lake Jordan along the river system. Kayak anglers can drive along the lakes of the Coosa chain, find a good-looking spot and slide the kayak in for some fast bass fishing. These lakes are all fine places to find largemouth bass, spotted bass, and a wide range of panfish. Weiss Lake in particular is famous for its crappie fishing, and kayak anglers can get on Weiss easily and get into some great crappie fishing year-round. THE RIVER AND ITS TRIBUTARIES All along the run of the Coosa, kayak anglers can find some great moving water fishing as the river leaves the dams and spills downstream. Much of the Coosa River is naturally rock bottom, and by reading the moving water, kayak anglers can find very reliable bass fishing just off the main current of the river. Fishing the Coosa River is structure fishing at its best and most demanding, and there are some world-class bass, especially hard-fighting spotted bass, in the Coosa. The Coosa River itself below the dams offers kayak anglers some of the most outstanding bass fishing to be found anywhere, and the water- well, it’s spectacular. “The last twelve miles of the Coosa before it meets up with the Tallapoosa is an awesome stretch as a fishery as well as a scenic paddle.” Perkins said. Kayak anglers will find fast currents here in the final stretch of the Coosa below Lake Jordan dam as well as many backwaters and still-water fishing possibilities. Kayak anglers should be warned- there is a stretch of some pretty severe white-water runs along the lower Coosa, and in particular, a run called Moccasin Gap is a famous location where white water kayakers come to test their skills against the steep drop and ferocious backwash of the rapids. Moccasin Gap is not a good place to try with a sit on top fishing kayak. Hiring a guide for the first trip down the lower Coosa might be a very good idea as these local guides will know water conditions and how to work around the potentially dangerous areas. In addition to the main Coosa River fishery, kayak anglers can find some tremendous unpressured fishing locations by working the many tributary streams which empty into the Coosa along its run. Many of these small flows are unnamed and may not appear on some topo maps. But they still hold lots of good fish. “From the Georgia state line to the confluence of the Tallapoosa, there are dozens of great tributary creeks that feed the Coosa that can be just as awesome but smaller versions of the Coosa. Let me warn you- these tributaries take a little more work and intelligence. The Coosa itself lies in the heart of Southern Tornado Alley. This means that on the Coosa itself
you’ll be fine, but the tributaries can be impassable due to downed trees and debris. Attempting some of these tributaries may be more work than you care to tackle on a family outing,” Perkins cautioned. A SPECIAL PLACE FOR A SPECIAL FISH We can’t have any discussion about the Coosa River area without mentioning the fact that there may be no place on Earth better for finding big spotted bass- now also known as Alabama bass. And these spotted bass from the Coosa River chain of lakes and the river itself are current-oriented fish. This means they are strong, and they are aggressive. Spotted bass are hard-fighters wherever they live, but these Coosa River spots are something special, and they get big here. Five pound spots are not uncommon, and even larger fish are caught regularly here. When asked about best fishing techniques for the Coosa system spots, Perkins said, “Spinnerbaits with skirts- I like Redline spinnerbaits, swim jigs, and buzz baits will all work along with soft plastics. You’ve got to understand, these Coosa River Alabama spotted bass are aggressive, and success is for sure. My advice is to fish what you’re comfortable with, and you’ll be fine.” BUCK’S ISLAND MARINE Another element which makes a kayak fishing trip to the Coosa River chain such an attractive possibility is the closeness of kayak supplies and a good selection of new kayaks to examine. Buck’s Island Marine located just outside of Gadson in Southside, Alabama, offers kayak anglers a full line of services to meet kayak anglers’’ needs. “We are a Hobie and Jackson dealer, and yes, we have boats in stock, but they are going quickly. We sell hundreds of fishing boats a year with complex electronics set ups, so we can get a kayak rigged up the way you want it. We’re also starting to see more and more repair jobs,” said Michael Wildman of Buck’s Island Marine. Wildman adds, “It’s also worth noting we carry all kinds of Hobie accessories, YakAttack products, and Power Pole Micros. We carry Dakota Lithium, Battle Born, and Impulse Lithium batteries and sell all major electronics brands. We are also a Torqueedo motor dealer.” Buck’s Island Marine has water access which is perfect for kayak demos whenever the store is open. The Loft, a tournament-level tackle store with full tackle selection input from some of the best anglers in this area.
Important Contact Information Buck’s Island Marine 4500 Hwy 77 Southside, AL 35907 256-442-2588 (call or text) www.bucksisland.com
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Gulf Coast Fishing Outlook
September is easily one of the most pleasant months on the northern gulf coast. We typically see our first cool mornings and evenings and the fishing can be unbelievably good throughout our area, both inshore and offshore. MISSISSIPPI From the creeks to the barrier islands, Mississippi’s inshore waterways will be very active this month. Captain Bill Hancock with Reel Outlaw Charters will be covering all of the zones this month, primarily targeting the “big three”; redfish, speckled trout and flounder. “This year has been challenging due to the excessive rainfall, but the action has remained steady.” Hancock said. Hancock pointed out that a huge factor in September success revolves around the full moon. “We will have a harvest moon on Sept. 20th that should generate a spawn for Speckled Trout. Usually, the best window is three days before the full moon and then three days afterwards,” he said. Fishing both artificial and live baits will draw strikes from hungry trout. Hard baits like the Mirrolure MR17 and MR18 and soft plastics like the Slick Lure and Matrix Shad will get the job done. Various live baits will work but a live croaker is generally best. Croaker can be rigged a few different ways but freelining or fished off the bottom with a Carolina rig are your top options. Another prime target is flounder. “As water temps cool off, flounder will start moving into the coastal rivers and bayous,” Hancock pointed out. He works the shorelines of these areas thoroughly with soft plastics. “I use various paddle tails and rig with 1/8-¼ ounce jigheads. You want to bounce these baits right on the bottom and cover water,” he added.
BY CHRIS VECSEY
Along with the flounder, big numbers of redfish will work their way into the marsh and bayous and will hit a lot of the same baits as trout and flounder, but Hancock likes to mix in some other options as well. “I bring out a lot of bass gear when redfishing
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FISHING OUTLOOK and always include various colors and styles of spinnerbaits along with soft plastic craws,” he explained. “Craws can be fished both weedless or with a jighead depending on depth and structure, but usually the same 1/8-¼ ounce heads used on paddletails will work.”
Howell likes to keep his rigging simple, with a leaders of 30 pound fluorocarbon and a #1 kahle style hook. For keeping his rigs down, Howell uses a knocker style of rigging, with a weight that slides all the way to the hook.
Further out at the barrier islands, bull reds, jack crevalle and large speckled trout will be consistent opponents for anglers running out. Look for birds and surface frenzies and throw larger baitfish imitations like spoons, four to five inch paddletails and larger topwater lures.
“Knocker rigs keep rigging simple and allow better accuracy on casts. The fish can also pick up the bait with less initial resistance as the line slides through the weight.” Howell’s bait choices vary, but live shrimp or LYs (scaled sardine) are his top picks.
ALABAMA Dryer weather patterns typically mean clear, higher salinity water off Alabama’s beaches and inshore waterways. This pays off for many species and usually jumps starts the fall
One of Howell’s favorite nearshore targets through the month are vermilion snapper. Howell likes to head to structures in 80-120 feet of water for these tasty prizes. “We fish two-hook ‘chicken rigs’ with pieces of cut squid or mackerel. Once we locate the vermilions, the action is usually nonstop,” Howell said.
Pompano run in the surf. Once water temps dip into the mid to upper 70s, expect these silver speedsters to fill the troughs and run-outs along the sugar-sand beaches. Set rigs with baits of peeled shrimp, sand fleas and Fish Bites will produce good numbers. Artificials take their share of pomps as well. Small, bright nylon tailed jigs worked with rapid twitches will catch the eyes of feeding pompano as they speed through the surf zone. Just off the beaches, redfish and jack crevalle will provide plenty of sore arms for anglers willing to “Run-n-Gun” in search of feeding frenzies. Once located, rods will stay bent for as long as the frenzy continues. Lure choices are easy; just about baitfish imitating lure or fly tossed into the fray will usually be bit. Don’t be surprised to get other bonuses like king and spanish mackerel, cobia, various shark species and even the occasional tarpon. Nearshore gas and oil platforms will be holding ample amounts of bait and many species will take advantage of this. A crowd favorite that’ll be present during this time is the mangrove snapper. These tasty brawlers will hold tight to the legs of the platform, but can be coaxed away from their homes with small chunks of sardine or menhaden. Small chunk baits drifted back without weight will get bites as long as the leaders are light and the hooks are small and hidden within the chunk.
Take advantage of the beautiful weather and cap off the summer in style. Fall is around the corner and fishing is only going to get better.
Important Contact Information Reel Outlaw Charters Captain Bill Hancock 601-807-5811 Tradition Fishing Charters Captain Miles Howell 850-497-2451 Hilton’s Realtime Navigator www.hiltonsoffshore.com
Further out, calm weather windows will certainly see no shortage of swordfish anglers as they head to do battle with the true gladiator of the gulf coast. Baits of squid, bonito strips and rigged eels will get the job done when fished at depths of 1,200-1,600ft. Use your depthfinder to find bait at depth near the bottom before deploying. FLORIDA PANHANDLE Hard to pick a better time to fish the panhandle than September. Water conditions are generally optimal and with cleaner, higher salinity water in close, the action with pelagic species like wahoo, mahi mahi and billfish can be closer than most realize. Finding temperature breaks current rips makes the difference. When all “tell-tale” leads aren’t present, work the edge of the shelf along the 50 and 100 fathom curves. Pulling a mixed spread of ballyhoo/lure combinations in conjunction with a couple plugs like the Rapala X Rap and Yo Zuri Bonito will score on most pelagic species. Speeds of seven to nine knots allow for a greater range of lures to be pulled. Close in, the inshore bite throughout the bays and sounds of the panhandle will be on fire. Captain Miles Howell of Tradition Fishing Charters will be hard at it, working various structures like piers and seagrass beds for many species. Redfish in particular will be a main target on most of Howell’s trips. “I like to focus on areas with good current flow, typically along drop offs and deeper piers. Practically any kind of structure inshore that breaks current will hold good numbers of redfish,” he said. 877.314.1237 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // SEPTEMBER 2021 85
Pier & Shore Fishing Outlook
September is a great month to help kids learn about pier fishing.
Three inch long LYs (scaled sardines) make ideal live bait for a variety of predators.
BY DAVID THORNTON Photos by David Thornton
Even as summertime is winding down along the north central Gulf coast, the warm, nearshore waters still offer a plethora of fishing options to shorebound anglers. The water temperature usually lingers in the middle 80s for most of the month. And the tides are still in a summerlike pattern with morning high water and an early evening low tide. NEAP tides on the 8th-9th, and 20th through the 22nd will present extra challenges to some fishermen. Also, the full moon near the Autumnal Equinox on the 21st might make fishing even more interesting depending on water clarity. Of course, we are passing through the peak of hurricane season this month, and residents can attest it doesn’t always take a major hurricane to disrupt fishing
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for a long time. A year ago this month Hurricane Sally left some lasting marks on the beaches of Alabama and northwest Florida. In fact, the Pensacola Bay fishing bridge was heavily damaged and will not reopen. The Pensacola Beach Pier did not reopen until late June 2021. The Gulf State Park Pier has partially reopened, but construction to repair the missing spans to reach the marooned ‘octi’ may not begin until near the end of this year. Let’s hope that gets fully restored soon, because when the weather cooperates, September can provide some fantastic fishing opportunities not just at this pier but all along the Emerald Coast. Late summer is often the relatively driest season for the region. Dry summers usually see an influx of offshore pelagic species
FISHING OUTLOOK like mahi, blackfin tuna, and even sailfish within casting distance of the Florida panhandle piers. It is an unforgettable experience to see this type of world-class fishing from a land based venue, but it happens often enough that panhandle pier anglers do not consider these encounters “rare”. Otherwise, many pier anglers are focused on catching king and spanish mackerel this month. The warm Gulf waters are teeming with young-of-the-year anchovies, sardines, herring, scad, and jacks that provide endless forage for the larger, faster, toothy predators. Add bluefish, ladyfish (called skipjack) and Little Tunny (bonita) in the mix, and there is surely something for just about everyone out there! Live bait and fresh dead are hard to beat, but these ravenous nearshore pelagics can be fooled with a variety of artificial lures too. Spoons are most effective at this time of year. They are easy to cast long distances, sink fairly fast, and have a built-in wobbly, flashy action that quickly gets the attention of hungry predators. Medium sized plugs can be used quite successfully,especially to “weed out” smaller mackerel and jacks like blue runner (hardtails). Bubble rigs are another crowd favorite, mostly because of the ease of using them but also because they are consistent producers this time of year. Keep in mind though they have a tendency to catch mostly smaller sized predators like “key-chain” spanish mackerel, blue runner, and juvenile jack crevalle. “Baby jacks” (weighing less than a pound) become the predominant fish in the surfzone this month. At times, they may be schooling so densely it is difficult to catch much of anything else in that vicinity from the pier or beach. Still, these mini-jacks pull really hard for their size, making them great candidates for light tackle jigging. Though the vast majority are released, they are quite edible when bled out, with all the skin and red meat removed; then pan-sauteed in a splash of olive oil with light seasoning. They cook up firm, white and flavorful. Early morning plugging along the Gulf shoreline can be quite productive to target two to three pound bluefish. On calm mornings a surface popper or topwater lure will get you some crushing strikes. This also works around piers, jetties and inlets. Often at first light, these bruiser blues will briefly invade even the shallow troughs near shore. There they will chase small baitfish en masse right up against the beach where many of the hapless minnows are stranded. It has paid dividends to carry a pail or bait bucket on the beach cart to save a few of these for live bait later on. Once the sun comes over the horizon or clouds, these wary predators look for nearby deeper water where they may continue to feed. Then a well placed live bait will often continue the action for such savvy anglers. Three inch long LYs (scaled sardines) make ideal live bait for a variety of predators. They can be caught with a 3/8 inch mesh monofilament cast net, or tiny gold hook rigs or sabiki rigs from piers and seawalls. In Alabama, pier anglers use strips of old 3/8 inch mono cast net with a length of red ribbon running up the center, to make a red ribbon rig (LY ribbon). These small sardines are attracted to the red ribbon and dart at it and become stuck by the gills in the mesh. The angler reels it up and removes the baitfish into a bait bucket. A five gallon bucket, 2/3rds full, with two aerators can keep several dozen baits alive all day. Place a towel over the opening to keep the direct sun rays off the water and discourage marauding herons from stealing your bait. And use a dip net to extract the fragile baitfish. Sweat, sunscreen and extreme heat can quickly kill your bait in a bucket. Adding a small bottle of frozen water will help keep the water temperature lower in the bucket on a hot afternoon. And additives like Pogie Saver will help dispel ammonia and nitrates that can poison the baitfish. This holds true for
other live bait as well, such as live shrimp, bull minnows, or “finger mullet”. The livelier the bait, the more likely and quickly it will get the attention of a predatory fish. Then you are hooked up and back in the action! Along the western Alabama beaches and the Mississippi coast, speckled trout, redfish and white trout can be targeted with live and artificial baits this month both day and night. In fact, lighted inshore docks, piers and bridges can offer some outstanding trout fishing. Every light seems to be unique in what it can offer anglers as far as which species they attract and when. Water depth, current, water visibility and baitfish types all factor in, contributing to what fish come around and feed. Though free-lined live shrimp are a mainstay for night fishermen, matching the hatch can be even more productive at times. Small plastic minnow imitations like Fin-s and Zoom’s Tiny Fluke on a light weighted crappie jig head are great mimics of the natural fodder the fish are actively pursuing around the lights. Stealth is a key to continued success as any hard footsteps, splashing or thrashing of a hooked fish will spook your quarry. It is best to give the gamefish a few minutes to reappear and resume their normal feeding behavior before attempting another catch. In the long run, this method results in more fish landed. Watching the tropical weather outlook gives anglers at least a basic idea of when conditions may not be conducive to what we normally can expect through this month. Let’s hope and pray to be spared the worst this September as we prepare for our great days (and nights) outdoors.
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457 Dauphin Island Parkway “At the Loop” Mobile, AL 36606 877.314.1237 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // SEPTEMBER 2021 87
REGIONAL FRESHWATER Fishing Outlook BY ED MASHBURN Photos by Ed Mashburn
Soft plastics will always attract some early fall bass.
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FISHING OUTLOOK
FLORIDA WATERS
ALABAMA WATERS
“There ought to be some good crappie fishing, some excellent bass fishing, and some pretty good hybrid and white bass fishing on Lake Seminole this month,” advises Lake Seminole fishing guide and Captain Jody Wells.
“I love a Talon spinner bait in shad pattern with gold willow leaf spinners. I have good luck in September with a Gene Larue Bifflebug in Okeechobee Craw and green pumpkin colors. A Larue Tattletail worm rigged on a shaky head is also very good at this time,” says fishing guide and captain Lee Pitts
LAKE SEMINOLE For some hot white bass and hybrid bass action, anglers should look over the sandbars in the main lake which are 10 to 15 feet deep. The whites and hybrids will be chasing shad, and they’ll be schooling in September, so look for birds working bait.
Bass will be good on topwater lures, frogs are very good, early and late. Try frogs in dark colors for best results. Crappie anglers will find good success in September using minnows or jigs- whichever you prefer. Deep water from 20 to 25 feet deep is a good depth to start looking for crappie. According to Wells, they often suspend at the 16 foot level, but the most important element for fall crappie fishing is to fish over tree tops. Find the tree tops and the crappie will be close. APALACHICOLA RIVER SYSTEM Tony Poloronis of Outcaster’s Bait and Tackle in says that bream will probably be off the beds now and will be scattered in deeper water holding close to structure. Live baits such as crickets, worms, and small shrimp if they can be found will work. Bass will be in all of the regular late summer places. Look for them on ledges and drop offs in the main river and up the larger feeder streams. Soft plastics will work well, and there is usually a good early and late topwater place in sloughs and bayous off the main river. Stripers and hybrids will be showing up in the main river as the water temperatures start to cool toward the end of the month. Fishing live bait such as shrimp and minnows downstream from the train trestle can produce good stripers in the fall. Of course, catfish will still be good in the river system. Fish live bait and chucks of shad in fairly deep water for good September catfish. LAKE TALQUIN The bass will start schooling on Lake Talquin in September in open water, so a shad-look lure that can be cast a long way to reach the schooling fish is good. Little Georges and Rat’L’Traps are both good for this kind of long distance fishing. Jeff DuBree of Whippoorwill Sportsman’s Lodge on Lake Talquin says that the weather will still be hot in September, so anglers should work ledges on the main river channel. Try deep running crankbaits, shakeyhead worms bounced on the bottom, and soft plastics on heavy jigs for best bass fishing. Some big bass will be caught around lighted docks at night. Stripers will still be in cooler water up creeks where springs feed into the lake. White bucktail jigs in four to six feet of water will work. Bream will be scattered around the lake, but fishing around deeper docks is always a good technique for September bream. Catfish will still be biting well in deeper water on live bait and chunks of shad.
LAKE WEISS Bass fishing at Weiss in September will start the annual fall transition and bass anglers can find good fish in a wide range of locations. Some bass will still be found on deeper ledges in the main body and river channels, but a lot of bass will follow bait up into shallow water.
“In September we usually have good luck using vertical presentation for crappie on Lake Weiss. We either lower live minnows or use jigs over deeper brush piles in 12 to 18 feet of water,” Pitts said. “As September moves along, the crappie will move to deeper boat docks in the mouths of creeks. This produces some fine dock shooting with jigs far up under the shaded parts of docks,” he added. Pitts particularly recommends the Yellow Creek and Bay Springs areas of Weiss Lake for early fall fishing because both of these areas have deeper feeder sloughs with lots of cover that the crappie like. LAKE GUNTERSVILLE Both milfoil and hydrilla weed mats next to the river channel will be prime places to find big bass in September. Early fall on Lake Guntersville means topwater fishing over the weed mats. According to Captain Jake Davis from Mid-South Bass Guide Service, the bass will be all up and down the entire lake at this time, and where there is grass, there will be bass. Davis recommends that anglers looking for the best bass should use their ears. “Listen for ‘Rice-Krispie’ popping sounds coming from the weeds. That’s shad and bream feeding in the grass. The bass will be in there feeding on the shad and bream. If there’s no snapping, find another weed bed,” Davis said. Davis likes a Missile Bait D-Bomb in Super Bug colors for punching through the grass mats. For the famous top water frog bite on Guntersville in September, Davis is a fan of the Pro-Z Frog in Scooby-Doo color. This lure fished on a start and stop retrieve will produce some heart stopping strikes at this time. Bass anglers should start shallow with the top water fishing and work out as the day warms. LAKE EUFAULA Big old Lake Eufaual is a good place for anglers to visit to find some hot bass fishing and Captain Sam Williams from Hawks Fishing Guide Service said that the biggest bass will be deep in the weeds. Anglers will have good luck punching through the grass with heavy jigs. Williams recommends the Big Bite Yo Momma and Yo Daddy jigs in hemotoma color pattern. Anglers will not want to concentrate totally on the grass at this time because there will still be plenty of good bass holding on deep ledges. Bream anglers will want to fish around lily pads with live bait for some hot bluegill and shell cracker action in September. 877.314.1237 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // SEPTEMBER 2021 89
Regional Freshwater Fishing Outlook
Crappie will be on open water trash piles where they will respond well to vertical jigging. Catfish are always good at Eufaula, and jug fishing in September is a very good way to gather up the main course of a fish fry. Cut bait, especially shad, is best at this time. MOBILE DELTA Crankbaits in shad and crawfish patterns on the major rivers are very good for bass at this time. Moving water, either incoming or outgoing tides, are important. The fish can be lethargic in slack tide periods. “Typically we get a saltwater infusion up in the Delta in September. The salinity can go out of sight from the Causeway up to I-65. This brings schools of baitfish and shrimp into the rivers of the Delta. The fishing can be fantastic, but if something breaks the pattern, fishing can be tough,” said Captain Wayne Miller of Mobile-Tensaw Guide Service fame. Bass on the Delta are still in deepwater summer pattern. The topwater bite on the Delta picks up when the shrimp migrate. There will be lots of shrimp moving. Soft plastics and especially 1/8 to 1/4 oz white buss baits can be very effective, and mid to late September fishing just gets better. MILLER’S FERRY Over at Dunn’s Sport Shop in Thomasville owner Joe Dunn tells us that anglers may have to do some searching to find the best concentrations of fish. For crappie, Dunn advises anglers to look out in the main river channels
where deep sunken timber and treetops will be holding some good schools of crappie this month. To catch the better crappie, drop live minnows down to reach the fish over the tree tops. Remember to keep the minnows just above the holding crappie- the big ones don’t like to move down to reach a bait, but they will move upwards to eat. Trolling jigs and minnow-tipped jigs can be very productive for Miller’s Ferry fall crappie, and as the month moves on, crappie chasers can focus their search on deeper slough mouths where they meet the main lake body. These crappie will be suspending in open water waiting for schools of shad to show up. Bass anglers will still want to concentrate their efforts out in the deeper ledges along the main river channels. Of course, when the water in the lake is moving from water being pulled through the dam is best for bass fishing. Big spinner baits worked on the deeper ledges can be very effective here in September. Shad patterns are best since everything will be feeding on the shad. Catfish will be good. Use cut shad on tight lines and try live bream for some really big trophy sized cats here in September. SIPSEY FORK September is a great time for float trips on the Sipsey Fork. As the anglers move downstream, hopper patterns and streamers are very good. In addition to the stocked rainbow trout, anglers can expect to encounter some big pickerel in September. Brandon Jackson from Riverside Fly shop in Jasper told us that in September, usually the temperatures start to cool and the grasshoppers
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Regional Freshwater Fishing Outlook
Important Contact Information Capt. Brian Barton 256-412-0969 Brianbartonoutdoors@aol.com www.brianbartonoutdoors.com Capt Jake Davis Mid-South Bass Guide Service 615-613-2382 www.midsouthbassguide.com Capt. Lee Pitts 256-390-4145 www.pittsoutdoors.com
September crappie will be deep and will take jigs worked slowly.
start to fall into the river where the trout gobble them up. A very good fly combination at this time is a hopper pattern on the surface with a dropper fly in a midge pattern. Sow bugs flies can be very effective in September, too. If the September weather stays warm, sinking ant patterns can be good.
Capt. Sam Williams Hawks Fishing Guide Service 334-355-5057 www.hawksfishingguideservice.com Jeff DuBree Whippoorwill Sportsman’s Lodge Lake Talquin 850-875-2605 Fishtalquin@gmail.com Jody Wells Lake Seminole 850-209-2420
Anglers will need to keep in mind that stocking of trout goes on yearround in Sipsey Fork, so there are always trout to be caught. Various size trout are stocked from ten to twelve inches fish up to fifteen and sixteen inches. The much larger holdover trout which have survived from the previous year’s stockings will move up toward the dam later in the fall.
Brandon Jackson Riverside Fly shop 17027 Hwy 69N Jasper, Al 256-287-9582 riversideflyshop.com
Jackson reminds trout anglers that September is a good time to think about obtaining a new pair of waders since the water will be getting even colder.
Tony Poloronis Outcaster’s Bait and Tackle 631 Hwy 98, Apalachicola, FL 850-653-4665
WILSON LAKE September is the official start of the fall fishing season on the Tennessee River lakes even though two-thirds of the month is still summer. Cooler water temps and shorter days initiate the fall bite. ”For trophy catfish, the deep waters of Wilson Lake are your best bet. Begin your search from the mouth of Shoals Creek to Wilson Dam on the north side of the lake. Look for fish in 56 to 90 feet of water on the river channel ledge and submerged islands and canal system,” said Captain Brian Barton who specializes in fishing with live bait for multiple species.
Joe Dunn Dunn’s Sports 334-636-0850 33356 Highway 43 Thomasville, Alabama Capt. Wayne Miller Mobile-Tensaw Guide Service 251-455-7404
Barton tells us that the trophy catfish bite starts in September on the big northwest Alabama Tennessee River lakes, and this is especially true on Wilson Lake. The big cats feed more during the day as fall starts, and the lower portions of Wilson Lake will be very good for the biggest catfish. The very best times for fishing Wilson Lake for big catfish will be when the dam is generating and moving a lot of water through the lake. September means the superior smallmouth bass bite will start up for the fall, and anglers can expect some hot brown bass fishing, especially below Wheeler Dam. For the biggest smallmouths, anglers should drift live shad as close to the bottom in the fast water as possible. Look for ledges and humps in the fast water which will break the current and give the big smallmouths places to hold out of the current. 877.314.1237 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // SEPTEMBER 2021 91
MOON & FEED TIMES
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Richard Skellie on King Family Lakes, Livingston, AL with a 6.5 pound and 1.5 largemouth on the same line!
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Micaiah Lindquist with a couple of nice Speckled Trout off the Gulf State Pier 877.314.1237 // GreatDaysOutdoors.com // SEPTEMBER 2021 97
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Gaddy Rice , 10, chased this Jack from Dauphin Island to Mississippi!
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CATCHING EARLY FALL DELTA PANFISH “Delta” Don Green has fished the Mobile-Tensaw Delta for decades and is a noted panfish catching machine. In 2017 Green did an interview with GDO and shared his expert advice on how to catch panfish/bream in early fall in the Delta. ON FISHING TIDES “The best time to fish for shellcrackers and bluegills is on a low tide, the lower the better. I like it best from halfway through going out to a fully low tide. Bluegills, and especially shellcrackers, get in the grass along the shorelines during higher water periods. As the water drops and comes out of the grass, it pushes fish to the grass edges in slightly deeper water. WHERE TO FISH - MAIN CHANNELS OR SMALLER STREAMS? “Anywhere in the delta, anglers fishing this month will find the most fish in the smaller creeks. I look for points and pockets and fish around the edges of them. At a bend in the creek, I always fish the point first. Often, if the tide is moving, the fish will be on the point grabbing anything that comes through that spot. I start on the upstream side of a point and let the boat drift. With the trolling motor down, I can keep the boat positioned right and slowly fish
downstream. If someone catches one or two fish, there will be a lot more in that area. As the current slackens, fish go into the pockets and get next to the grass. Shellcrackers will be in the edges of pockets on the edge of the grass. Bluegills will be around the points more than the shellcrackers will be. BAIT “My favorite bait is seed shrimp with wigglers coming in second. When using wigglers, make sure both ends dangle really well because big shellcrackers like it that way. With a wiggler, I want it lying on the bottom. If the cork is standing up, bring it down until it floats at an angle, but not flat. If it stays at an angle, the lead is not quite on the bottom, but the worm is. When a shellcracker bites it, he’ll swallow it. If the cork is sitting right, when the fish bites, the cork will just bump a bit and the fish has the bait.” ARTIFICIALS Green said that during the early fall, fish will hit a popping bug or cricket better than at any other time of the year so unpack your fly rod. Beetle spins and jigs also work but he still thinks that live bait is the best bet. (Editor’s Note: Don Green compiles the GDO monthly Moon and Feed Times and Tide Charts)
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A GREAT DAY OUTDOORS
Beanpole Goes Seagull Fishing “You could clean out your garage. That would be a first.” “That’s what Nell said.” “She’s a smart woman,” I responded. I then ordered breakfast without glancing at the menu. I knew it by heart anyway. BY JIM MIZE Beanpole sat in the back booth of Ronnie’s diner as was our custom, only this time he was almost hidden behind a stack of outdoor magazines. I approached cautiously as I’d learned that such signs foretold impending danger or at least discomfort. I wasn’t wrong. “What’s with the magazine collection?” I asked while sliding in on the opposite side of the mound. “Just studying,” said Beanpole, hardly looking up. He seemed capable of simultaneous reading, deep contemplation, and precise sopping of gravy with one of Ronnie’s biscuits. Usually I didn’t have to pry words out of Beanpole, just unplug him and let them flow. So I waited until he finished either the article or biscuit figuring one or the other would bring him out of his trance. “You know,” started Beanpole, “striper fishing doesn’t sound that difficult. You just watch for seagulls and when they start diving into the lake you zoom in on your boat and cast into the gulls. The stripers are underneath and will attack your lure.” “Your boat doesn’t exactly zoom,” I reminded Beanpole. “That 9.9 horsepower motor won’t even make your boat plane out until it’s warm.” “True.” “And you know that the closest striper lake is 200 miles away.” “True.” “And you’ve never caught a striper in your life.” “True.” “What am I missing?” I asked. “Oh, I’m just looking to try something different,” sighed Beanpole.
“Well, I’m going tomorrow,” said Beanpole. He gathered up his stack of magazines and surprisingly was able to balance them all. “I’ll let you know how it turns out.” I waved over my shoulder and watched Beanpole out on the street attempting to get his keys out of his pocket while holding too many magazines in one hand. It ended about the way I expected his fishing trip to end. It reminded me of watching someone falling on ice with no way to help and only one possible outcome. Beanpole dropped his keys, his magazines went skyward, and the only two cars on the street screeched to a halt. I didn’t hear from Beanpole for a few days and began to wonder how his trip went. On Sunday morning, I was back in the diner and Beanpole came in with a bandage over his neck. He sat down without a word and I waited. “What happened to your neck?” I finally asked. “It’s a long story,” said Beanpole, as if that was all the answer I needed. “I’ve got time,” I said. Beanpole sighed and seemed to get smaller. “Well,” said Beanpole, “I went striper fishing like I said I would. I got there before daylight after driving half the night. I drove out into the river channel like the magazines said I should and then I waited. Pretty soon, I hear boats screaming up the lake so I follow them.”
“Can’t say I have.” “It’s not pretty. For one thing, it’s just the opposite of fish. Gulls fly up, fish swim down. It swerved, crashed into the lake, got back up in the air, and finally got so tangled up I could reel it in. It’s a weird experience.” “Then, when you get one in the boat, the gull is not happy to be there. As soon as I start to get it unwound, the wings, feet, and beak all start in on you. All that flapping and pecking is dangerous. Got me once on the neck.” “So that’s under the bandage?” “Yep. Hope I don’t catch something. I don’t know what diseases you can get from seagulls.” “Me neither. So did you catch any stripers?” “No. When I got back to the ramp I asked one of the locals about the fish and all the seagulls. He had a big laugh. Said every morning the guides get followed up the lake so they always dump a bag of Cheetos in the same spot to attract gulls. The fishermen who follow the guides don’t know any better and stop to fish under the gulls. Said it works every time.” “So you drove all night and most of the next day and all you caught was a seagull?” “Yep.” Beanpole was mopping up the last of his gravy and pushed himself out of the booth. It was unusual for him not to stay for at least one free refill on his coffee. “Where you headed?” I asked. “Striper fishing didn’t work out so I thought I’d try something else different.”
“But not screaming,” I offered.
“What’s that?” I asked.
“Not yet anyway. As I rounded the bend, the sky was full of gulls. Just as I pull up, all the other boats leave and I think I’ve got the school to myself. So I start casting jigs and spoons into the school. But nothing happens. No stripers. Yet the gulls keep diving.”
“Cleaning out the garage.”
“Then, I took one really long cast and fling it all the way across the apparent school. A gull flies into my line and gets tangled up. You ever caught a gull on spinning tackle?” asked Beanpole.
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JIM admits to having once caught a seagull himself. You can find more Beanpole stories in his award-winning book, Hunting With Beanpole, available at www.acreektricklesthroughit.com.
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