Adventure Sports Outdoors May 2004

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Tourney Tourney Sat. Sat. June June 19th 19th •• www.uscats.org www.uscats.org

Havana Havana Outdoor Outdoor Show Show June June 18th 18th & & 19th 19th

“Voice of the American Sportsman” www.asomagazine.com www.asomagazine.com

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ADVENTURE SPORTS OUTDOORS “THE VOICE OF THE AMERICAN SPORTSMAN”

May 2004

ADVENTURE SPORTS OUTDOORS “THE VOICE OF THE AMERICAN SPORTSMAN”

May 2004

ON THE COVER:

By: Harry Canterbury Tales Canterbury

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Taylor F. Lockwood P.O. Box 1412 Mendocino, CA 95460 (707) 937-2004 www.fungiphoto.com

OUTDOORS

VOL. 8 • NO. 4 • MAY 2004 ©Copyright 1994 Published monthly by: Red Nose, Inc. TREMONT OFFICE 1408 Downing Ct. • Tremont, IL 61568 (309) 925-HUNT(4868) • Fax: (309) 925-2308 Mobile: (309) 360-0487 Home Office: (309) 925-7313 E-mail: rednosegc@outdrs.net or rednoscgc@aol.com Website: www.asomagazine.com Harry & Cathy Canterbury, Owners Advertising Sales Scott Langloss - Tremont Office Call Toll Free: (877) 778-HUNT(4868) Bob Williams - Southern IL Rep. Ph. (618) 684-2219 Brian Jenkins - Missouri Rep. Ph. (573) 686-2657 Mike Bartlett - Sales Rep. Cell. (217) 202-5346 • duckhunt95@aol.com Steve Zarley - Assistant & Radio Show Producer Cell. (309) 251-0225 Becky Driscoll - Graphic Design - Creation, Layout Ph. (309) 637-6737 • beckyaso@insightbb.com Adventure Sports Outdoors is published monthly by Red Nose, Inc. Adventure Sports Outdoors and Red Nose, Inc. are not responsible for any injury or harm received as a result of information or advice given by writers of this magazine. The articles contained in this issue of ASO are published by outside sources and may not necessarily reflect the opinions of Adventure Sports Outdoors or Red Nose, Inc.

RONALD L.

HAMM ATTORNEY AT LAW

Keith Graham & Harry Canterbury with their turkeys.

The state of Illinois historically has had a pretty darn good IDNR. It has been the protector of our natural resources since 1925.

Over the years this Dept. has had its ups and downs. At this time in history they are in the down mode. How low? Who knows? But their operating budget is at an all time low.

Just a few years ago they were at $764 million. Today the budget is less than 550 million. They have been cutting programs like filleting bluegills during the spawn. The weak under belly of the dept. is being eviscerated. Due to the financial ills of our recent state budget restraints, created by a buy now pay later legislature, and a past governor who’s money tree died.

Our new governor who inherited this mess is looking to pay off this massive debt by cutting everywhere he can. He is told by

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city bean counters to cut where it will be not noticed as much. He will cut and is cutting programs that are not important either to him or his voting constituents. He is not interested if you need more land to hunt and fish on. Or if some invasive plant or fish invades your favorite fishing hole. All he cares about is cutting, cutting and more cutting. But doesn’t have a problem promoting expensive social programs such as $26,000,000 for books for kids. I thought that’s what the Public Library is for. Well my point is this has got to stop.

The IDNR should be a separate entity from the state ills, only to be held hostage up every time it has a financial cold. If the state sneezes the rest of the state gets sick and why is it the IDNR takes one of the biggest blows? Is there a better way of administrating our state’s precious natural resources? Yes there is.

It is called a commission, the directors are chosen by either the governor or by constituency groups such as Conservation Congress. Why don’t we look at states like Arkansas, Missouri, Kentucky and Michigan? These states have an efficient form of running their natural resources. And are not effected by the actions of their legislatures mismanagement of precious state tax dollars.

It is totally irresponsible for us to sit back and allow the status quo to take us down the road of no return. We have a moral obligation to ourselves and to future generations to make a change. This conversation has been brought up many times in the past, but now is the time to act. This concept of a commission is supported by the largest outdoor organization in the state.

That is IFOR (Illinois Federation For Outdoor Resources) who represent 116 outdoor user groups such as gun clubs, sportsman clubs, hunters, fisherman, trappers and all other associated groups. We need a commission that is interested in all areas a of concern in the outdoors and not a select few.

There have been allegations that the current administration is not open to public input. I have been told by many people this administration will do what they want and that’s just the way it is. I hope that is not the case. When you need to know what’s going on, you ask the people in the trenches. Not some high paid bureaucratic who is only looking for a pension. We as a state need to take action and keep politics out of the IDNR. We have a obligation, that is if you give a dam, to change the way business is done and return it back to the people and not in the hands of politicians. Even past Director Brent Manning proposed a commission long before his term was up. Brent is a man with grit and got things done. Sure he didn’t make everyone happy, but kept things running as smooth as possible. And he did listen to the sportsman’s concerns. There are several groups that are considering starting a movement to create a commission for our state. Call me at 309-925-4868 if you have comments and want to help in this over due attempt to make Illinois a better place to live and recreate in. Illinois deserves the best. At least I think so.

It’s been dryer than gunpowder the last month and mushrooms have not been very plentiful. In April we did get some rain and it looks like we will get a few of the fungi but not like last year. Last year was a bumper crop, a real bin buster. I ate mushrooms till they came out my ears.

I was fortunate to get a nice turkey the first season. I shot a 25-pound bird with a 10-inch beard. I am heading down to Missouri to Lebanon to hunt with the guys at Crappie Masters.

My friend Ed Johnson said he’s got one tied up for me at his happy hunting grounds. Look forward to taking a Missouri gobbler.

I would like to welcome onboard Diamond Archery of Shreveport, Louisiana for becoming the official bow sponsor of ASO. They are a newer manufacture of quality lightweight bows.

Look for Diamond Bows at your local archery dealer or call us for more information.

Don’t miss the upcoming Catfish tourney with USCATS and ASO in Havana, IL on Sat. June 19th. Last year the tourney gave away over $8,000. This year we’re looking for over 150 boats and the purse will be a lot bigger! This is billed as the largest Catfish Tourney in the U.S. Without the help of Virgil & Virginia Agee of USCATS we wouldn’t be able to put on this big event.

Havana is hosting an Outdoor Show June 18 & 19 on the riverfront with fun for the whole family. My Uncle Wes Hilst is putting on an Antique cruise in along River Park and all the autos will be on display. This event is a great way to spend the day. Hope to see you there.

We would like to thank The Sportsman Channel for putting ASO on National TV. We have been on PBS stations for over 12 years and always will be. But getting national exposure is real exciting. If you don’t have the Sportsman Channel on your cable or satellite system PLEASE CALL THEM & REQUEST IT! They have a great line up of outdoor programming and your can watch ASO. In the fishing arena I hear that ReelFoot Lake is tearing up the Crappies. I always like to go down there and enjoy the greatest fishing that is available in the Mid-West, see local resorts from ReelFoot in ASO. Back to what we talked about earlier on the IDNR, we need to make a change and the time is now. Until next month, Keep your Powder Dry and Your Worm wet. Harry

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ADVENTURE SPORTS OUTDOORS “THE VOICE OF THE AMERICAN SPORTSMAN”

Msy 2004

ADVENTURE SPORTS OUTDOORS “THE VOICE OF THE AMERICAN SPORTSMAN”

May 2004

MOM’S RECIPE Crispy Turkey with Creamy Pesto Sauce

By Scott Leysath www.sportingchef.com

Betty Canterbury

1. Prepare Creamy Pesto Sauce. In a food processor, combine basil leaves with pine nuts and garlic.

Pulse for a few seconds. Add lemon juice and 1 - 2 tablespoons olive oil and process until coarse, scraping sides as you process. Add remaining olive oil, cheese, salt and pepper and process until almost smooth.

Transfer contents to a saucepan and warm over medium heat while stirring. Stir in cream and heat to a boil, stirring often. Reduce heat and simmer for 2-3 minutes while stirring.

Keep warm.

4 SERVINGS 2 wild turkey breast halves, skinless - cut into 1-inch strips 1 cup flour 1 tablespoon salt 1 teaspoon pepper 3 eggs, beaten with 2 tablespoons water - in a medium bowl 2 cups Japanese or seasoned breadcrumbs 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon onion powder 1 teaspoon garlic powder vegetable oil for frying Creamy Pesto Sauce 2 cups fresh basil leaves (packed) 1/4 cup pine nuts, toasted (or substitute almonds) 2 cloves garlic 1 lemon, juice only 1/2 cup olive oil 1/3 cup Parmesan cheese 1/4 teaspoon salt pinch white pepper 2/3 cup heavy (whipping) cream

2. Place turkey strips in a plastic bag and lightly pound with a mallet until about 1/4-inch thick.

3. Combine flour, salt and pepper in a medium bowl. Combine breadcrumbs, salt, onion powder and garlic powder in a medium bowl.

4. Heat oil, at least 3 inches deep, in a deep saucepan until medium-hot (about 360 degrees). Dredge turkey strips in seasoned flour, then egg mixture, then breadcrumbs. Carefully place strips in heated oil, one or two strips at a time. Cook until golden brown.

NOTE: Use long tongs when adding turkey slowly to the oil. There's a very good chance the oil will splatter and burn you if you aren't careful with hot oil!

5. Drain cooked strips on paper towels. Serve with warm Creamy Pesto Sauce.

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ADVENTURE SPORTS OUTDOORS “THE VOICE OF THE AMERICAN SPORTSMAN”

6

GUIDE TO ASO WRITERS

May 2004

62 ......Bill Tapella, Why I Hunt 65 ......Scott Leysath, SportingChef.com: Wild Turkey 66 ......Bob Hendricks, Outdoor Writer: Gypsy Fishing 67 ......Take One Minnow Trap, Pangrcic Products.com 68 ......Donna Givens, A Turkey Hunter’s Dream 69 ......Matt Porter, Life of a Charter Fisherman 70 ......Dr. Dru Hauter M.D./Sunny Slope Hunt Club: Itching for Spring 71 ......Dennis Hunt, Outdoor Writer: Goose Hunting, Playing the Wind 75 ......Rich “Poor Richard”Wagoner: “Starry Night” 78 ......Kirby Schupp, The Shotgun Shop: Help Your Gunsmith Help You 79 ......Mudbuddy Motors, New Hyper Drive 80 ......Herd, Health & Nutrition: Monson Consulting 81 ......Wolf Hollow Archery Report, Larry Pollack 82 ......Melissa Kellenberger, Ariel’s Kennels: Now That You Have Your Puppy Home 86 ......Al Rostello, Outdoor Writer 87 ......Canton Student Wins Duck Stamp Contest 88 ......Joe Hines, Mockingbird Retrievers 89 ......Randy Oitker, Through the Eyes of a Young Hunter 90 ......Jerry Pabst, Outdoor Writer: If Turkeys are Stupid 92 ......Dan Vinovich, Outdoor Writer/TV Host: Turkey-He’s No Gentleman 94 ......Larry & Linda Dozard, LarrysFishingHole.com 95 ......David Ludington, TOTGA Musky Guide 98 ......Jay Angle, Outdoor Writer: White Bass Action on the Illinois 100 ....Herman Kunz-Fish Illinois: “CLICKER RIG” BASS LURE 101 ....Herman Kunz-Question & Answer 102 ....Mike Cyze, Outdoor Writer: Caring For Your Catch the Right Way 103 ....Phil Trager, Outdoor Writer: In the World of the Senses 104 ....Karen Holtz, Federation of Christian Anglers & Sportsmen 105 ....Capt. Rick, Safe Boating Week, May 22-28 106 ....Tim Lesmeister, Kings of the Nushagak 107 ....Johnnie Crain, Bluegills Are Fun 108 ....Dan Gapen Sr. Gapen.com: Spring’s Fun Fish 112 ....Dan Galusha, Dan’s Fishin Tales(r) Writer/Radio Host: “Tools for Fishing” 113 ....Kevin Wright, Pre-Spawn Bluegill on Flies 114 ....Don Dziedzina, Illinois Outdoors: Spinnerbaits For Bass 115 ....Woo Daves, Bass Fishing Champion: Tips on Carolina Rigging 116 ....Babe Winkelman, New Biosonix System Seeks to Revolutionize Fishing 117 ....Bill Hancock, Marine Biochemists: Benefits of Aeration in your Pond Bottom 120 ....Tom Berg, The Spin on Spring Crappies

5 ........Mom’s Recipe-Scott Leysath: Crispy Turkey-Creamy Pesto Sauce 7 ........Steve Zarley, Outdoor Writer: Annie Oakley 9 ........The Sportsman Channel 10 ......Theresa Maybrier-Team Morel.com Mushroom Hunting 13 ......Rich Pearson, Illinois State Rifle Assoc.

14 ......Dr. Stephen Havera Honored by Duck Unlimited 18 ......Steve Pitzer - Great Turkey Hunt 19 ......IL Walleye Trail & Bass 25 Club Tourney Results 20 ......Meandering Murrays: Hook’em 22 ......Outdoor Illinois May Schedule 23 ......IDNR News Bits 24 ......Williamson County Fishing 27 ......Bob Williams, ASO Rep. D & S Handmade Turkey Calls 28 ......Rob Somerville, Writer/Radio Host-Tennessee: Woodsmanship 30 ......Charlie Daniels on Gun Control 31 ......Steve Welch, Crappie Specialties: Early Spring Fishing 32 ......John Meacheam, Lordnose Publishing: Outdoor Hall of Fame Inductee 33 ......Dave Shadow, Outdoor Writer, Instructional Guide: Lake Kinkaid 34 ......Barb & Don Satterfield, Lake Shelbyville 35 ......Keith Graham, Graham Outdoor Adventures: Beaver trapping 36 ......Kevin Patton, Tournament Lessons form Newton Lake 38 ......Wayne Baughman, Wildlife Biologist & Writer 39 ......International Migratory Bird Day Chautauqua Refuge in Havana 42 ......Archery Hall of Fame & Fred Bear Museum New Home 43 ......Missouri Youth Turkey Hunt 44 ......Craig Sondker, Barely Legal Guide & Broadway Bait-West Alton, MO 45 ......John Neporadny, Lake of the Ozarks 46 ......St. Louis, Missouri Area Outdoor Classes 48 ......Colby Simms, Simms Guide Service-Sport Fishing: Muskie on Lake Kinkaid 50 ......Daniel D. Lamoreux, Outdoor Writer/Photographer 51 ......Keith Graham, Graham Outdoor Adventures: Terrorism on the Tundra 52 ......Ted Nugent, Rock n Roll Star and Outdoorsman 55 ......Mike Roux, Outdoor Writer/Videographer 57 ......Brodie Swisher, Outdoor Writer: Summer Coyotes 58 ......Tiffey Hats 59 ......T.R. Michels, Trinity Mountain Outdoors: Turkey Calling 60 ......Ron Sheller-Backwoods Trapper

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2004 A Tradion of Quality

Mail payment & form to: ASO, 1408 Downing Ct., Tremont, IL 61568 Or Call Toll-Free 1-877-778-HUNT(4868)

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May 2004

ADVENTURE SPORTS OUTDOORS “THE VOICE OF THE AMERICAN SPORTSMAN”

Bits Z

By Steve Zarley • mr-z-man-56@excite.com

Well Behaved Woman Rarely Make History!

Annie Oakley Annie Oakley born Phoebe Ann Oakley Mozee on Aug. 13, 1860 in Patterson Township, Darke County, Ohio was one of the finest markswoman ever. Parents, Jake and Susanne Mozee were farmers originally from Pennsylvania. Her father died in 1866 from pneumonia and overexposure in freezing weather. Annie was only six and grew up with no formal education.

Be it a pistol, rifle, or shotgun, the legendary markswoman Annie Oakley was masterful with them all. Dubbed "Little Sure Shot" (she was 5 feet tall) her sharp shooting in Buffalo Bill's Wild West Show won her many awards and captivated audiences far and wide. Her name remains synonymous with firearms and entertainment.

Born in a log cabin on the Ohio frontier, Annie began shooting game at age nine to support her family. She quickly proved to be a dead shot and word spread so much that at age sixteen, Annie went to Cincinnati to enter a shooting contest with Frank E. Butler (1850-1926), an accomplished marksman who performed in vaudeville. Annie won the match by one point and she won Frank Butler's heart as well. Some time later they were married and she became his assistant in his traveling shooting act. Frank recognized that Annie was far more talented and relinquished the limelight to her, becoming her assistant and personal manager. In 1885 they joined Buffalo Bill's Wild West Show, run by the legendary frontiersman and showman Buffalo Bill Cody.

For seventeen years Annie Oakley was the Wild West Show's star attraction with her marvelous shooting feats. At 90 feet Annie could shoot a dime tossed

7

in midair. In one day with a .22 rifle she shot 4,472 of 5,000 glass balls tossed in midair. With the thin edge of a playing card facing her at 90 feet, Annie could hit the card and puncture it with five or six more shots as it settled to the ground.

In days gone by, when a theater would give tickets to an actor or actress so that they could in turn give them to friends/relatives/agents/whatever, they would first punch a hole in the ticket, so that when the night's box office receipts were counted up and compared to ticket stubs, they would know not to count the complimentary tickets. A ticket with a hole punched in it looks somewhat like the playing card with a hole shot through it. This led to complimentary tickets being called "Annie Oakleys" and eventually, "Annies". Nowadays, box office accounting is done in a more computerized way, and the days of punching holes in complimentary tickets are through.

In a celebrated event while touring in Europe, Wilhelm, Crown Prince of Germany, invited Annie to shoot a cigarette held in his own lips.

She accomplished this challenge, as always effortlessly. In this period Annie Oakley was easily recognizable by the numerous shooting medals that adorned her chest.

In a train wreck in 1901, Annie suffered a spinal injury that required five operations and even left her partially paralyzed for a while. Although she recovered very well, Annie toured less frequently during the latter part of her career. Nonetheless, her shooting expertise did not wane and she continued to set records. In a shooting contest in Pinehurst, N.C. in 1922, sixty-two-year-old Annie hit 100 clay targets straight from the 16-yard mark.

Annie Oakley died of pernicious anemia on Nov. 3, 1926, in Greenville, Ohio, at the age of sixty-six. A legend in her own time, the remarkable life of Annie Oakley would be celebrated in the 1946 Herbert and Dorothy Fields musical Annie Get Your Gun. Today woman in shooting sports comprise almost on quarter of the population. In the 1800’s and early 1900’s woman were not recognized nor invited to participate in shooting sports. Until the mid 1900’s there was a phrase “You never give a woman a gun let alone a loaded gun”. This saying has interesting connotations and comments clearly on the relationships of men and woman. Annie was able to cross the line when she could outshoot and out perform her husband as seen earlier in this story when he became her assistant and she became the star!

Thanks to the WOMEN IN HISTORY Website. For more details on other women in history visit: http://www.lkwdpl.org/wihohio/index.html Serving you since 1972

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ADVENTURE SPORTS OUTDOORS “THE VOICE OF THE AMERICAN SPORTSMAN”

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May 2004

Prairie State Chapter of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation Annual Fund Raising Banquet Sat. May 1st The Prairie State Chapter of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation will hold their annual fund raising banquet, Sat. May 1, 2004. At Wildlife Prairie State Park with social hour at 5:00 PM, Dinner 6:30 PM and auction at 8:00 PM. The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation has over 138,000 members and 10 chapters in Illinois. Over 90% of the funds we raise go directly in to habit or education and we have protected nearly 4 million acres of habit along with conservation easements and habit improvements. The Prairie State chapter in Peoria is holding their ninth annual banquet.

Some of our prizes include a Henry yellow boy rifle, limited addition Banquet rifle, Hunting Bow, Prints and much more.

We have committed through our Pass It On Campaign to protect 5,000,000 acres of habit by 2005. This is a big order since it took 17 years to protect the first 3 million. We are limiting our attendance to 200 this year so get your ticket order in early, so you won’t miss out. For tickets call Frank Barnhart at 309635-8784. For further information call Chuck Gabbert at: 309 692-6748

Rolando’s Supper Club Hennepin, IL 61327

“Home of the Prime Cut”

Serving Friday & Saturday • Full Menu 5p.m. til 9p.m.

Phone 815-925-7211 Formerly of George O’s

LAKEVIEW MUSEUM OF ARTS & SCIENCE Lakeview is the home of Illinois’ largest museum collection of Illinois River Decoys!

May 2 & 9…Family Art Exploration in the Galleries Join us during Artist in the Studio for family art activities in the gallery. Meet the artist working in the Modern Studio beginning at noon, art activities 2-4 p.m. Free with gallery admission.

May 7…FELICE FRANKEL LECTURE 7 p.m. Welcome Felice Frankel as the inaugural speaker of the American Chemical Society's Distinguished Scientist Lecture Series.

May 13…The Studio of History Step into a scene from the past as we explore paintings inspired by historical events. Guernica by Pablo Picasso (1937) May 26…SENIOR MORNING Coffee 10 a.m. Experience the Planetarium with a special show at 10:30. Free for seniors May 28…MEMBER'S OPENING for Football: The Exhibit 5 - 7 p.m.

May 28-September 5…FOOTBALL: THE EXHIBIT All the excitement of the big game with a close-up look at the strategies and scientific principles behind the plays, including passing the ball, blocking, kicking, speed & more! Check out the cheerleaders & band!

June 5…BIENNIAL AUCTION at the Par-a-dice ballroom. Tickets $150 per person. Call to reserve your spots.

www.lakeview-museum.org 1125 W. Lake Ave. • Peoria, IL 61614 Lake & University in Lakeview Park

COME VISIT US!

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The Sportsman Channel, a network that has been created for hunting and fishing enthusiasts…sounds like something from a dream, well your dreams have now become a reality.

The Sportsman Channel provides continuous hunting and fishing programming, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. What does this really mean to a serious sportsman like you? We are sticking to our motto of ‘All Hunting. All Fishing. All the time.’ The Sportsman Channel separates itself from those other outdoor networks by not showing any gold panning, bull riding, or bicycling events just to name a few. You will not see any infomercials on the network, so anytime you want to tune in you will find programming that is strictly devoted to hunting and fishing.

What prompted the need for The Sportsman Channel was that producers of hunting and fishing programming knew what a dedicated following they had.

There were networks that once had been or are claiming to be made for sportsmen, but would include a large amount of programs that had nothing to do with sportsmen. The Sportsman Channel decided to grab the bull by the horns and give the viewers exactly what they wanted. Not only was the following pertinent but they found facts that have enforced the need for a network even more.

The U.S. Census Bureau, Statistical Abstract of the United States: 2002 found that in the United States alone, there are approximately 47 million people who hunt and fish, and the industries of hunting and fishing combined is nearly worth 57 billion dollars.

To guarantee that the independent producers would get their programs shown, being vertically integrated was the smoothest way to run the network.

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ADVENTURE SPORTS OUTDOORS “THE VOICE OF THE AMERICAN SPORTSMAN”

May 2004

The concept of vertical integration is removing the middle man, or the other networks, and creating a company that would be a national television network of their own. A network needs programming and the producers owned their own programming content, this made it easy to form a co-op comprised of the top independent producers in the industry. It also gives producers an opportunity to own a portion of a company. With vertical integration they could control program content, promote only the hunting and fishing industries and ultimately give the viewer a quality channel that would serve their interests.

Independent producers banded together to provide programs that are truly unique. Programs will be geared anywhere from the expert to the beginning sportsman. Every program has a flavor of it’s own and certain programs have topics that are geared for women and even children. During the week there are block of programming during primetime hours with genre specific shows. For example, on Monday night there are programs that deal with Bow and Black powder, from 8 p.m. until 11 p.m. Eastern Time, Friday has the same time frame and the theme is the Friday Night Fish Fry, featuring all fishing programs.

There have been some familiar faces that have appeared on the network such as Bob Euker, Dan Marino, and Jim Shockey. In future seasons there will be many more familiar personalities such as the Benoit Brothers, who have been coined as the best deer hunters in America and will be appearing on the program The Outfitter. There are also many programs that did very well in their regional areas and are now being broadcast nationally such as Adventure Sports Outdoors, Louisiana Outdoor Adventures, and NorthEast Angling. Adventure Sports Outdoors can currently be seen on The Sportsman Channel.

Based out of Big Bend, WI, The Sportsman Channel launched one year ago on April 7, 2003. The network feels very fortunate to have done so well in their first year. The Sportsman Channel has signed on with the National Cable Television Cooperative (NCTC), and many high and low powered broadcast affiliates. It is also in negotiations with many of the top Multi Systems Operator’s (MSO’s). The Sportsman Channel started with a dream, but with hard work and initiative it has turned out to be the only producer owned and operated channel dedicated to all hunting, all fishing, all the time.

Now, you’re probably wondering to yourself . . . “Self, how can I get The Sportsman Channel from my cable or satellite provider.” One way that would greatly assist us is having you contact by phone or e-mail (e-mail usually your best bet) your cable or satellite provider and politely let them know you would like to see The Sportsman Channel added to their lineup, at least once a week.

This assists us by letting them know that there is a call for the network in your area, and it tends to move the process along a little quicker when they can see

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the need is in your area. We greatly appreciate all of the help we have received and continue to receive by our fans.

Contact your cable or satellite TV provider!

Direct TV: 1-800-531-5000 Dish Network: 1-800-333-DISH Insight: www.insight-com.com/ Comcast: www.comcast.com/localization/ Time Warner: www.timewarnercable.com/dispatcher/contactUs Charter Communications: www.charter.com/site/address/addr_entry_rd.asp Cox Communications: www.cox.com/support Adelphia: www.adelphia.net/contact_us/ Cable Vision: www.cablevision.com/index.jhtml Not sure who your cable company is, or how to reach them? Try here: http://www.ncta.com/industry_overview/top50mso.cfm.

Todd Hansen, Senior Vice President, giving a toast as the Sportsman Channel crew celebrates their first year since the channel was launched.

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ADVENTURE SPORTS OUTDOORS “THE VOICE OF THE AMERICAN SPORTSMAN”

10

By Theresa Maybrier As Team Morel, John Maybrier and I (Theresa Maybrier) have been educating and guiding morel mushroom hunters for several years now. Our methods are tried and true. Unlike most mushroom hunters, we are willing to share our skills with other mushroom hunters at seminars and guided hunts throughout the Midwest.

We recently created quite a stir in the usually quiet town of Ashland, Ohio. We were invited to do three seminars, two on Saturday and one on Sunday. The goal of the host was originally to have fifty persons per seminar. They advertised it and promoted it. While at the Ohio Deer and Turkey Classic they had over five hundred people asking about the morel mushroom hunting seminars so they ordered three hundred more chairs. To their surprise we had standing room only with nearly five hundred attendees per seminar.

Mushroom hunting has come out of the closet.

There are over twelve million mushroom hunters in North America alone. Most of us learned from grandpa or other family member. A few of us learned from our friends. Usually the “knowledge” came from hearsay or whatever success our teachers had. Some of this folklore can be helpful.

It has only been in the last twenty years that significant scientific knowledge has come out about the morel mushroom. Unfortunately, most of this knowledge will not help you be a better mushroom hunter. We have put together information to help you not only be a better mushroom hunter but to help you pre-

Wilderness Productions Announces…

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May 2004

serve your mushrooms for eating fresh, traveling with, and long term storage.

We have a book coming out before next spring but for this year here it is in a half-cap (nutshell).

To begin with there are five basic varieties of morels that grow in the Midwest.

Each variety has a temperature zone. The first variety to pop its’ little shroom out is the angusticeps or black morel. The black morel likes the cooler temperatures of the sixties. It is followed by the semilibera or half-cap (often having a variety of names not spoken by ladies). This morel has a long stem, short top and is the most misunderstood of all the morel family. Because of its’ unusual appearance people often mistake it for a verpa (false morel) or think that it is poisonous. It is truly a morel and absolutely delicious, but better sautÈed than battered and fried.

When the temperatures reach the seventies the gray and yellow morels come out. They are deliciosa and esculenta. In the lower Midwest these are the favored morels. Michigan has more blacks and favors them. I prefer all five varieties in the skillet. When it warms up to the high seventies and low eighties the big-foots or crassipes come out. They are easiest to see because like their name, they are large. Typically they are the size of pop cans. Unfortunately, they mark the end of the morel mushroom hunting season.

We keep our fresh from the woods morels in the refrigerator for up to two weeks by using a paper towel lined bowl, then layering morels, paper towels, morels, paper towels, and then an extra paper towel on top sprinkled with water.

By separating the morels they will keep longer. If one develops mold it will only spoil the ones nearest it. If the morels were altogether in the bowl, they would all deteriorate. Don’t worry about the little bugs. They will go back to “sleep” in the refrigerator as if it were winter.

The best tried and true method we have for traveling with morels is to plan ahead. Either purchase ice sealed in a plastic wrapper or zip them into a sealed container. Place the ice at the bottom of the cooler. Place newspaper or cardboard fitted to the cooler above the ice. Leave the morels in their mesh collection bag and place them on the cardboard. Do not close the lid of the cooler.

Like me, the morels like to be comfortable. We put them on the back seat of the car, on the shady side.

For long term storage (up to twenty years) we air-dry our morels. We determined air-drying was the easiest, laziest and least expensive way to preserve our morels. We spread the morels out on a non-metallic screen and let the sun do the work. Then we store them in a paper sack and keep them cool and dry. Four pounds of fresh morels dry to half a pound. Storage is no longer an issue.

Morels should be kept cool and dry until they are ready to be cooked. When the morels sit in the refrigerator for a few days they will dry out some. Immerse them in a bowl with running water. This will remove some of the bugs and dirt.

Generally they will plump right back to the way they were picked. When they have been fully dried it takes four hours for them to equilibrate, in other words, get back the moisture content they had when they were picked. At that time, we

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ADVENTURE SPORTS OUTDOORS “THE VOICE OF THE AMERICAN SPORTSMAN”

May 2004

rinse them well, pat them dry and cook them.

The most important thing to do as a morel mushroom hunter both for the environment and the produce is to use a mesh collection bag. We developed a Spore Bag TM designed exclusively for morel mushroom hunting. The mesh bag has a large bottom to spread out the morels. This keeps the mushrooms from getting crushed and at the same time it allows the spore (seeds) to drop back into the environment. The mesh is black which helps attract the sun’s heat. As the mushrooms are drying out the little bugs will leave.

The pouch on the side is safety orange. Morel mushroom season is generally turkey season. Best to be seen not shot. The purpose of the pouch is to store the mesh bag with its’ residue spore and make a lot of mushrooms for the future.

This product can be seen on our web site...www.team-morel.com If you are new to the mushroom hunting craze beware. Anytime you try new foods you should start out with a small taste test, wait twenty-four hours and if you’re not allergic to it, go for it. Of course, you could always start with a guided hunt.

Make plans to attend the best guided mushroom hunts available this spring.

May 14, 15, 16, or May 18-19-20 or May 21, 22, 23. Only $349.00 per person held at the Ruttgers’ Bay Lake Lodge, Deerwood, MN. For more information contact us at: 816-746-4066 or E-mail John@teammorel.com www.team-morel.com

11

THE 9TH ANNUAL ILLINOIS STATE MOREL MUSHROOM HUNTING CHAMPIONSHIP AND SPONGY FUNGI FESTIVAL SAT., MAY 1, 2004 Co-Hosts:The Village of Magnolia, Illinois and Morel Mania OPEN HOUSE Friday, April 30, 2004 7:00 to 9:00 pm at Magnolia Fire Station Enjoy Scenes from Morel Maniacs Video and Mushroom Soup.

It is our great pleasure to announce that Mr.Taylor Lockwood of Mendocino, California will be our special guest speaker at the Friday night Open House on April 30. Mr. Lockwood travels the world to photograph mushrooms (he’s just returned from Borneo and Australia). Visit his Website at www.fungiphoto.com.

His photos will amaze you. For more information see: www.morelmania.com

Andy Herrera of Ottawa, IL with his 4 lb. largemouth caught 4/10/04 at a farm pond.

Thanks to Starved Rock Bait in Utica for the great photo!

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ADVENTURE SPORTS OUTDOORS “THE VOICE OF THE AMERICAN SPORTSMAN”

May 2004

May 2004

ADVENTURE SPORTS OUTDOORS “THE VOICE OF THE AMERICAN SPORTSMAN”

Bill Dodds, of Pleasantview is one busy kid!

In the photo to the left, he’s shown wrangling a snake!

DRAWING A BEAD

by Richard A. Pearson Blagojevich’s Legitimization of Backdoor Gun Registration

It was confirmed on April 8, 2004 by the Chicago Sun Times’ article that the state of Illinois has been illegally keeping records of law-abiding gun arms owners’ firearm transactions. This isn’t a recent development; it turns out this has been going on since 1992. In 1998 it became illegal to keep those records beyond 90 days. After all kinds of attempts to pull backdoor registration in Pennsylvania and other places, Congress reduced the time limit to 24 hours.

Anti-gunners everywhere squalled like stuck pigs. The reason the law was changed from 90 days to 24 hours was because anti-gunners who had infiltrated various government organizations blatantly abused the law, your Second Amendment rights, and your right to privacy.

The State of Illinois has received an order from the United States Government to destroy those records, forcing the state to comply with the law. Governor Blagojevich has asked Attorney General Ashcroft to change the law to legitimize the illegal activities of the State of Illinois. In defense of the State’s illegal activities, “they” claim they tracked one guy who “straw purchased” 20 guns for a street gang. That’s one out of 2,150,000 transactions. That’s a lower yield than an Iraqi war bond. The cost to you is not money – the real cost of maintaining this illegitimate system is your freedom and your children’s freedom. Registration schemes have always led to confiscation and a loss of freedom.

When you tell this to the average gun owner, they give you a blank stare, and their usual response is that this isn’t Great Britain or Australia. Excellent knowledge of geography, but we’re talking about gun confiscation. Do you think it hasn’t happened here? Try Chicago, New York City, and California. It has happened here and unless we, the gun owners, get together and stay together, the next place this will happen is right here in Illinois. I urge you to join the Illinois State Rifle Association (ISRA) now. I mean today. Joining the ISRA is your best chance to keep your rights and freedoms.

And right, Bill is helping his uncle, Shawn Dodds, of Rushville, hoist a couple deer he took this year.

Thanks to Bill’s Dad, Teddy Dodds for sending these photos to ASO!

Listen to The Red Nose Gang 7-10 AM Sundays on WMBD Radio 1470 AM! Win prizes & learn what’s happening in the outdoor world! www.wmbdradio.com Watch ASO-TV May 29 at 5pm on WTVP Ch. 47

Midwest Gun Collectors Association

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Setup Available Per Federal & State Law Friday Modern & Antique Guns • Knives Coins • Cartridges • Antique Items Evening

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For Show Info Contact: Bill Fritz • Gun Show Manager • 309-274-2977

BRADLEY’S MILITARY

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And they're starting to make the other guys a little nervous. Maybe it's because Gator® Utility Vehicles come in gas or diesel, 2- or 4-wheel drive. Or maybe it's their 1,400-pound payload,** or their footprint that lays down just 5.6 to 7.5 psi. Whatever the reason, you'll love this rugged pack animal for all the places it can go, things it can do, and stuff it can haul. \/isit your nearest John Deere dealer and see for yourself. No matter what you have in store for a Gator Utility Vehicle, we've got one in store for you. **For 6x4 Diesel. Includes 200-lb. passenger, 200-lb. operator, and maximum box capacity. *Offer ends 03/02/01. Subject to approved credit on John Deere Credit Installment Financing Plan. For commercial use only. Taxes, freight, setup, and delivery charges could increase monthIy payment. Other special rates and terms may be available. financing available 6.9% fixed up to 60 months. 10% down (Personal) 20% Down (Commercial). Available from participabng dealers. www.deere.com

FLIGINGER’S OUTDOOR POWER CENTER, INC. 1900 S. MAIN • MORTON, IL 61550

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DUCKS UNLIMITED HONORS DR. STEPHEN HAVERA The Illinois Natural History Survey’s Dr. Stephen P. Havera has received Ducks Unlimited’s (DU) 2004 Conservation Achievement Award in recognition of his lifetime contributions to the field of waterfowl research and conservation. Winners of DU’s 2004 Conservation Achievement Awards and the State Grant Awards were announced at the 69th Annual North American Wildlife and Natural Resources Conference in Spokane, Washington on March 19th.

“Steve Havera has long been a leader of waterfowl conservation issues in Illinois, the Mississippi Flyway, and the country,” said Dr. Alan Wentz, DU Group Manager for Conservation. “His research has ranged from toxic shot ingestion to river ecology, and he is widely appreciated for his rigorous attention to science-based conservation - the approach that DU wholeheartedly embraces.”

Havera, a Fulton County resident, has long been a leader of waterfowl conservation issues in Illinois, the Mississippi Flyway, and the country. He has led the Illinois Natural History Surveys’ Forbes Biological Station for most of his distinguished career. His most visible accomplishments are two books about the waterfowl of Illinois that are the standard references for waterfowl ecology and management within the State and far beyond.

Steve has been a consistent leader in the Mississippi Flyway Council Technical Section where he served on several committees including Environmental Issues, the Diving Duck Committee, and others. His research has ranged from toxic shot ingestion to river ecology, and he is widely appreciated for his rigorous attention to science-based conservation - the approach the DU wholeheartedly embraces.

DU’s Conservation Achievement Awards recognize individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the restoration and protection of North America’s wetlands and waterfowl habitats. The awards are presented in six categories. For more information see: www.ducksunlimited.com

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May 2004

WMI AWARD FOR ILLINOIS RIVER VALLEY HABITAT ENHANCEMENT For their part in improving duck habitat in the Illinois River valley, Ducks Unlimited, Caterpillar, Inc., the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, and a variety of businesses and citizens recently received the Wildlife Management Institute’s (WMI) prestigious 2004 Touchstone Award presented during the annual North American Wildlife and Natural Resources Conference in Spokane, Washington.

The Touchstone Award recognizes the winners’ initiative, cooperation, and diverse investments to improve and enhance wildlife habitat on more than 10,000 acres in the Illinois River Valley during the past three years.

Caterpillar provided heavy equipment, while Ducks Unlimited offered biological expertise and IDNR land managers identified wetland sites in need to attention. In late 2001, seven areas were beneficiaries of the cooperative venture with creation of 20 new wetland acres, improvement of 200 acres of degraded habitat, and needed maintenance of about 5,000 acres. Since then, approximately 150 new wetland acres have been created or reclaimed, 400 acres improved and maintenance done on nearly 10,000 acres.

This international award - one of only three awards conferred by WMI - recognizes persons, groups or agencies involved in professional natural resources management, whose ingenuity and initiative result in a program or product that notably advances sound resource management and conservation in North America.

The Illinois River Valley Habitat Initiative was a notion conceived by Mike Hitchcock, owner of Hitchcock Scrap Yard in Canton, Illinois, and Jay Alexander, then manager of building equipment for Caterpillar, Inc. Hitchcock and Alexander aimed to use available resources to improve and enhance waterfowl habitat in the Illinois River Valley, a vitally important segment of the Mississippi Flyway migration corridor.

The proud warriors of Baker Company wanted to do something to pay tribute to their fallen comrades & the only way they could think of doing that is by taking a picture showing the way they feel.

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Where Nature & Lodging Meet.

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May 2004

Spring Season Mar. 20-May 31

259

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00

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ADVENTURE SPORTS OUTDOORS “THE VOICE OF THE AMERICAN SPORTSMAN”

May 2004

17

Jim Madson took this 10 pt. Fulton Co. buck on Dec. 5, 2004 with his Thompson Center Muzzleloader at about 160 Yards. He says this is the largest buck he’s ever taken. Nice shot!

Thanks for sharing your awesome hunt with ASO!

(Left) Ten-year-old Narissa Orwig of Canton shot her first turkey at Spoon River Woodlands near Bernadotte, in Fulton County during the Youth Season. This is her 2nd year hunting.

She shot her Tom on Saturday, April 4th at 6:45am. Her bird weighed 22 lbs, had a 9 1/2 inch beard and one inch spurs.

She used a Remington 1100, 20 gauge.

Narissa is a member of the NWTF Jakes Club. (Bottom) 15-year-old Drake Pollitt of Canton shot his 2nd turkey on April 4th during the Youth Season. Drake harvested his bird at 12:25pm down at Spoon River Woodlands near Bernadotte, Fulton County. This is his 4th year hunting. His Jake weighed 18lbs, had a 5-inch beard.

He used a Remington 1148, 12 gauge.

Drake is a member of the NWTF Jakes Club. Thanks to Stu Harrison of Canton these two photos!

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ADVENTURE SPORTS OUTDOORS “THE VOICE OF THE AMERICAN SPORTSMAN”

May 2004

spot picked out if they crossed that spot I would shoot but they didn’t. I’m beginning to not like those hens much!”

The next morning we were back in the same blind we used the day before. The toms were sounding off in the valley Mark showed a lot of patience the first day, we had turkeys below us some within 50 yards. One-half hour after the fly answering our calls all morning having 8 come in close. down Mark spotted 2 jakes and 2 longbeards running Only to have them do the usual turkey stunts; stay behind the through the woods toward us. Mark quickly shouldered his thick brush and trees where Mark couldn’t get a clear shot.

Mossberg as the 2 jakes ran 15 feet by us; the longbeards ran One came up behind us through the woods, silent, just after in the thick brush 20 yards from us. I waited for the anticiMark had just turned around to watch a long beard coming pated boom...no boom...after things settled down a bit I’m up another ridge 50 yards away. By the time he turned thinking he didn’t get the safety off or there is another tom around and aimed the bird was puttin and running, this of standing still in the woods I don’t see but Mark does and he course alerted the other gobbler and they both vanished.

Mark turned and looked at me, I expected to see a disap- Mark Pitzer 12, of Bartonville & is waiting for a clear shot! Then he lowers the gun, sighs and says “I couldn’t get aimed good, it happened so fast I just pointed young man but instead his eyes were wide open with father Steve, with Mark’s 1st excitement. He leaned back and whispered, “dad that was turkey: 15 lb., 4.5in. beard, .5in. don’t want to shoot till I’m sure I’m going to hit him in the neck or head”. awesome that turkey was 10 feet away”. Others answering spurs, taken in Brown Co. IL. I felt so proud of him, not only that he was showing our calls only to group with hens who were also yelping right Mark was using his Mossberg patience he already was a sportsman. I told him to sit tight along with us.

Bantam 500, 20 ga. which he got were not done yet. After 15 minutes I began clucking and Later that morning we walked to a fence line looking into a picked cornfield. We called for a while on a long box we for his birthday. We were using a purring on my ol Betsy slate with my cherry striker it wasn’t Primos ol Betsy slate call with long we spotted that bright red head and black body walking decided to use for volume since the wind had picked up. I a homemade cherry striker toward us through the timber Mark was ready this time! As spotted a gobbler 400-yards across the corn stubble strutting, I turned on my lathe. he closed in we could see the beard sticking out in front of we soon realized he was fanning every time we called on that him; a nice sized jake. Every time he stepped from behind a tree I thought to box call, we could see him gobbling but could not hear him. After about 25 myself shoot! Okay next tree shoot! No shot. minutes of this to our surprise he started across the field toward us. Also every I remembered in the months before the season telling Mark to wait till he gets time I called he would stop fan out and strut in circles for about 5 minutes then as close as you can, but if he stops and putts you better take your shot because slowly flatten out and start walking straight at us again. he isn’t coming any closer and he is fixing to run.

This took about 1 hour before he got 1/2 way across that field, at that point The jake began heading toward some heavy brush so I purred on the slate he another longbeard and a hen appeared along the edge of the same field and were turned stepped out from behind two trees faced us and stopped. Again I thought also heading our way. This tom too was strutting. At 40 yards the 2 toms began shoooot son. I heard a loud putt come from the bright red head standing 25 to square off at each other while the hen walked straight at us, came about 10 yards in front of us followed by a loud boom which sent the bird down to the feet of Mark’s nose and began looking him up and down. Mark didn’t move a ground flapping, then a joyous “YES!!” from a thrilled young man. muscle, after 30 seconds of this stare down the hen decided she didn’t like the I have hunted turkey and deer for 30 years and have enough stories to write a camo kid with the big stick and started walking back clucking to the toms. book but this hunt by far was the most rewarding, enjoyable experience I have Which in turn followed her back down the tree line and into the woods, fanning had in my hunting career. I look forward to many more over the years like this every time I called but showed no interest in turning around and coming back one with my new hunting buddy Mark. our way. Mark looked up at me again and said, “That was so cool dad they weren’t close enough to shoot yet, and I don’t want to wound one but I had a

MY BEST HUNTING EXPERIENCE

By Steve Pitzer

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ADVENTURE SPORTS OUTDOORS “THE VOICE OF THE AMERICAN SPORTSMAN”

Illinois Walleye Trail Tournament Results Apr. 18, 2004 The Illinois Walleye Trail held its fifth tournament of the 2004 season on April 18, 2004 in Ottawa Illinois. Teams from Indiana, Iowa, and Illinois participated.

The team of Steve Lotz, Lena, Illinois and Robert Apple from Chadwick, Illinois won the tournament with a 6 fish limit of 12.95 pounds. Steve and Robert elected to lock through the Starved Rock Dam and fish the lower pool in the Pure area of the river. There best presentation was pulling a 3-way rig with a big jig on the bottom and then a floater or crank bait above that. This earned them a check for 1,360.00 along with points in the race for qualification for the Cabalas National Championship in 2005.

Placing second was Jim Melton, Wyoming, Illinois and Joe Tonozzi, Dalzel, Illinois with a 6 fish limit weighing 11.65 earning 935.00.

Placing third was Lee Scott and Randy Carroll from Oswego, Illinois with a 6 fish limit weighing 11.51 pounds paying 375.00. Big Fish honors went to Rick Parrott, Sparland and Mike Tatera St. Charles, Illinois with a 3.18 pound sauger earning 290.00.

The next Illinois Walleye Trail Tournament will be the State Championship on Lake Shelbyville May 15 & 16, 2004. We would like to Thank our fine Sponsors for there support, Hennipen Marine, Lund Boats, Mercury Marine, and St. Louis Beverage in Ottawa.

Complete results or additional information can be located on www.prairielandeyes.com or e-mail walleye@elpaso.net

19

Illinois Bass 25 Club 1st Regular Club Event April 18th, Banner East & West Lake Illinois Bass 25 Club held its 1st regular club event Sunday April 18th at Banner Marsh East and West lakes. 47 teams competed in Sunday’s windy event with 17 teams bringing 18” minimum fish to the scale. 28 fish were weighed in with an impressive total weight of 110.84 lbs. This first event 16 teams fished the West lake and 31 teams fished the East lake. Anglers where hampered by strong south west winds with gusts over 40 mph.

1st place: 5 fish, 19.44 lbs.

Team 11 - Kevin Patton, Washington and Donna Kumpf, East Peoria 2nd place: 3 fish, 12.0 lbs Team 31 - Larry Leemon, East Peoria and Ray Crotts, Peoria 3rd place: 2 fish, 9.0 lbs.

Team 54 - Mike Perfetti, Pekin and Joe Iles, Manito 4th place: 2 fish, 7.38 lbs.

Team 29 - Mike Rudolphi, Chillicothe and Tony Roby, Pekin 5th place: 2 fish, 7.31 lbs.

Team 16 Joe Beeney and Tom Hackman, both of Pekin Big Bass: 5.38 lbs. Team 10 - Rod Haley, Pekin and Kevin Franklin, Peoria

1st Place Winners

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ADVENTURE SPORTS OUTDOORS “THE VOICE OF THE AMERICAN SPORTSMAN”

20

The Meandering Mur rays By: Bob Murray Hook ‘Em He stood at the display fingering the package with a far away look on his face. The softness spoke to him in a way that convinced him that a bass would grasp and hold it in its mouth for that extra time he might need to feel the subtle tug and be able to set the hook.

Set the hook...cross his eyes...what ever you call that critical moment when you try to impale that wily bass with your hook. The hook: The very end of your terminal tackle, the end of your line, if you will. Is the hook the most important part? That is like asking if your heart is your most important organ.

Our shopper knows that fishing soft plastic baits can be one of the most effective methods of bass fishing. Since CrËme created the first plastic worm, the technology applied by them and other manufacturers has spawned an industry that offers as many choices as there are places to fish.

The variety of bait shapes and styles has affected the hook industry in a similar fashion. As more fish were caught on soft plastics, fishermen across the country began modifying existing hooks to improve presentation and hook setting ability. Eagle Claw is introducing two new varieties this year. Designed by Shaw Grigsby the famed bass fishing pro, the R-Bend and HP hooks are purported to offer features that improve the presentation of that new bait you just had to have.

Manufacturers had to modify their offerings in order to stay with the demands

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that professional and amateur anglers sought in their hooks. The classic hook, still in use today is the sproat hook. This hook is the original straight shank hook that applies well today for finesse and wacky rigging. As new bait and bait presentation evolved so did hook design.

Wide gap: A good hook So...what hook does our shopper buy for thicker plastic baits. to best present his new irresistible bait?

The wide gap help prevent There are so many choices...critical choices. When we shop for hooks we the bait from balling up on look at a number of variables. We look at the shank of the hook. brands. From the ones we have always known such as Eagle Claw, Mustad and Tru-Turn to relatively new offerings, such as Owner and Gamakatsu. Price is an issue of course. We can buy hooks five for a dollar or three for five dollars.

Just like knives, you can buy a tendollar knife that looks good and won’t Extra wide gap: Offers the same hold an edge or a simple blade for one benefits as the wide gap, good hundred and fifty dollars. It is all in the for tube fishing and serves as manufacturing. Start with the steel. The a keel to keep the bait from tempering process controls the hardness rotating as you retrieve it. of the steel from which the hooks are made. According to Daiichi, a manufacturer of Japanese hooks the higher the carbon percentage the stronger the hook. My sources reveal that there is another basic process that is important in making hooks: Forging. A forged hook has been flattened on each side. Compared to unforged round hook stock, the forged variety is 15 to 20 percent stronger while still allowing necessary flexibility. All hooks do not need to be forged. The factor to remember in hook selection is that the heavier the cover you fish the stronger the hook needs to be.

I would expect that one of the final steps in making a hook beyond cutting in the barb, plating with bronze, nickel or dye and then creating the desired shape, is the sharpening process. Some hooks are sharpened the old fashioned way by simply grinding the tip to a sharp point. There is new point technology such as Owners “cutting point” which is ground to a three-edged blade that purports to

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ADVENTURE SPORTS OUTDOORS “THE VOICE OF THE AMERICAN SPORTSMAN”

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Selecting the size of the hook depends on a number of variables, including the size of your bait, how it will be rigged, the size of the fish you are expecting to catch and enough other issues that could fill a whole separate article. I use a lot of number 3/0.

My thanks to the fish hook manufacturers and retailers I spoke with or that sent material to me. Based on the knowledge of their people, I am assured they offer us a selection of hooks that can satisfy the novice or the pro and all points in between. I was impressed with some of their obvious concern with the environment by providing assurances that a lost hook will deteriorate in a very short period of time. Not everything we use in the outdoors can make the same claim.

Please dispose of your fishing and hunting refuse properly, particularly fishing line which can be devastating to wildlife.

Thanks.

Offset: Probably the most popular bass fishing hook.

The bend in the hook helps keep the bait in place better than a straight shank hook.

Sproat: The traditional straight shank hook that provides good hook sets.

Good for wacky style rigging and finesse presentations.

Bob and Cheryl Murray can be contacted at: bigmur2@aol.com

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penetrate more efficiently when the hook is set. X-Point has four “blades” in an X configuration that offers the same hook setting claim.

The concern that I have with the bladed hooks is the effects of sharpening have on the edges of the “blades”. My instinct tells me that once the point is resharpened it is simply the same as any other hook.

Beyond the basic grinding process some brands use a special chemical process that finishes the hook to a needle sharp point. Laser Point creates the same sharpness with laser technology. In all cases the sharpness of the hook is vital to the success of any fisherman.

One element must be considered Round bend: Believers contend that this hook witll hold fish regardless of the brand you buy, is that better. It is good for floating the bigger diameter of the hook you are using, the bigger hole must be punched soft plastics and soft jerk baits such as the Zoom fluke. in some bass’s mouth. The bigger the hook, the harder the hook set...or the sharper the hook must be.

Regardless of how much you pay for your hook, all hooks get dull. Catching fish, bouncing over rocks or tearing through the cover that you are fishing, they get dull. There are bazillion hook sharpeners on the market. If you don’t have one, get one and keep it with you whenever you are fishing.

I know there are arguments to the contrary but I still use the hook point on the thumb nail method to determine if I have a good point on my hook. Just rest it with little pressure on your nail and try to slide it toward the tip of your thumb.

If it is sharp it will grip the nail, if it slides... keep sharpening. If you elect to buy the cheapy hooks check the sharpness right out of the package. It will probably need a couple whacks on your sharpener. Always hone from the point towards the barb and work your way around the hook to ensure a uniform point.

Do not over sharpen as the point will be too thin and bend at very little pressure.

Never use an electric wheel because the heat caused by the friction can take the temper out of the metal and soften the point.

Hooks come to market with varied modifications, such as a Teflon coating or other slippery substance that is supposed to aid in penetration. Other hooks come with bait keepers that help in holding the plastic baits in place. Some have weights built on to them for specific baits fished without additional weight for slower presentation to picky bass. Cheryl uses a sproat hook with a spring that runs from the end of the shank to the point, for her wacky worming. It works well for her and she rarely gets snagged. The spring is light enough so that it does not seem to adversely affect her hook set what so ever.

The basic hook’s shapes that in my opinion, one needs for soft plastic baits are five: The spoat, offset, wide gap, round bend and extra wide gap. To go beyond those gets in to very specialized presentation or is an add-on to one of these basic hook designs. (inset) To take the confusion away from hook sizes for people that have been buying crappie, walleye or bream hooks; bass hooks are the opposite. In selecting regular hooks, the smaller the number the bigger the hook is. For selecting bass hooks, which are sized 1/0 through 5/0, the larger the number the larger the hook.

21

PUBLIC IS ALWAYS WELCOME Open to Everyone (We’re always looking for shooters) Regular Hours: Thurs.-Sat.-Sun. 11 a.m. to Close

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. 1470 Spring Bay Road, Route 26, Peoria, IL

ADVENTURE SPORTS OUTDOORS “THE VOICE OF THE AMERICAN SPORTSMAN”

22

May 2004 Calendar of Events From OUTDOOR ILLINOIS magazine May 13 - Fifth turkey season closes in the North Zone.

May 14-15 - Director’s Team Challenge, Bi-State Sportsmens’ Association, Colona. Shooting events and competitions on Friday evening and Saturday.

Food provided each day. Proceeds benefit DNR and Illinois Conservation Foundation youth shooting programs and promotions. For more information, call DNR Special Events at (217) 782-7181 or Bi-State at (309) 792-8455 or email events@dnrmail.state.il.us.

May 14-16 - Camp River Dubois Point of Departure, Lewis and Clark State Historic Site, Hartford. Historic relaunch of the Corps of Discovery flotilla at 4 p.m. on Friday. Call (618) 251-5811 or visit: www.lewisandclarkillinois.org.

May 16-22 - National Bike to Work Week. Visit www.bikeleague.org/educenter/bikemonth for more information.

May 2004

May 21 • National Bike to Work Day. • Endangered Species Protection Board meeting, Brookfield Zoo, Brookfield.

10 a.m. For more information, call (217) 785-8687.

May 21-23 - Southern Illinois Field Trip, Audubon Society. Meet in Murphysboro at 4:30 p.m. on Friday to begin your journey through several state and federal properties in search of southern Illinois specialty birds. Registration required. Contact Vern Kleen at (217) 787-3515.

May 22 • Kid’s Fishing Expo, Baker Lake, Peru. Sponsored by the Better Fishing Association of Northern Illinois, the Illinois Valley Sunrise Rotary Club and DNR. For more information, call Mark Dudek at (815) 220-3901 or Tom Wall at (815) 223-3671.

• Illinois Commercial Fishing Association Fish Fry/Fundraiser, Bear’s Den, Lomax. Serving from 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Door prizes and raffles.

• Developing a Wetland in Your Yard, Volo Bog State Natural Area, Ingleside.

1:30-3 p.m. Ages 11 to adult. Call (815) 344-1294 for reservations.

• Nature’s Highlights, Giant City State Park, Makanda. Meet in the Visitors Center parking lot for an astronomy program presented by the Astronomical Association of Southern Illinois. 8:30-10 p.m. Call (618) 457-4836 for more information.

May 23 - World Turtle Day.

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May 29 - Memorial Day Weekend Hike, Giant City State Park, Makanda. This moderate, 1-mile hike will explore the geology, nature and history the park. 1011:30 a.m. For more information, call (618) 457-4836.

May 29-30 - Massiac Marines Re-enactment, Fort Massac State Park, Metropolis. Step back in time as the Massiac Marines host a French and Indian War re-enactment. For more information, call (618) 524-4712.

June 1 • Woodchuck hunting and trapping seasons open at sunrise.

• Illinois Conservation Foundation Downstate Golf Outing, Rail Golf Course, Sherman. To register, call (217) 785-8955 or email events@dnrmail.state.il.us.

June 5 - World Environment Day

Campground 5 Fishing Lakes with Boat Ramps, & Fishing Docks Electrical or Primitive Campsites Showers Available Playground

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ADVENTURE SPORTS OUTDOORS “THE VOICE OF THE AMERICAN SPORTSMAN”

NATURAL RESOURCES NEWSBITS FREE FISHING DAYS 2004: Dozens of organizations are expected to conduct fishing derbies and other special events as part of Illinois Free Fishing Days, June 11-14. The four-day promotion of sport fishing provides anglers the opportunity to fish without first purchasing a fishing license, salmon stamp or inland trout stamp. Free Fishing Days is co-sponsored by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources and Plano Molding Co., the world’s largest manufacturer of fishing tackle boxes. Organizations interested in receiving educational and promotional materials to be used as part of a Free Fishing Days event, or for more information, should contact Gary Watson, IDNR Public Events and Promotions, One Natural Resources Way, Springfield, IL 627021271, phone 217/782-9990. *** SPECIAL FIREARM DEER HUNT AT KASKASKIA RIVER STATE FISH AND WILDLIFE AREA: In an effort to better manage the deer population adjacent to Baldwin Lake in southwest Illinois, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources is instituting a special firearm deer hunt on part of the Kaskaskia River State Fish and Wildlife Area this fall. Firearm deer hunters will be able to apply for a permit to hunt deer on part of the rest area between Baldwin Lake and the Doza Creek Waterfowl Management Area. Permits to take antlerless deer will be issued to 30 hunters for use during the first firearm season Nov. 19-21 and to 30 hunters for use during the second firearm season Dec. 2-5. Hunters interested in this opportunity should apply using the 2004 firearm deer permit application, specifying the Kaskaskia River SFWA as their preferred special hunt area and their preference for the first or second season. Each hunter issued a permit will be assigned a specific hunting location through a site drawing and will be notified by mail in advance of the season.

Additionally, hunters with valid Randolph County deer permits will be llowed into the Doza Creek Waterfowl Management Area beginning at 1 p.m. each of the four days of the second firearm season Dec. 2-5. Waterfowl hunting at Doza Creek on those days will end at 11 a.m. For more information on these new deer hunting opportunities, call either district wildlife biologist Brian Mahan at 618/4432925 or site superintendent Vic Hamer at 618/785-2331. Permit applications are available at IDNR offices or on the Department’s web site at http://dnr.state.il.us/admin/systems/. *** The Illinois Conservation Foundation (ICF) will recognize a select few high school students in the state’s prestigious “Youth Conservation Achievement Scholarship.” The annual $1,000 scholarship will be awarded to 10 high school juniors or seniors who have truly made significant contributions or exhibited unparalleled dedication in preserving, promoting, enhancing or supporting natural resources. Two students will be selected from each of the five Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) regions. Scholarships will be presented to the students during the 2005 annual ICF Hall of Fame Banquet. To access the nomination form, visit http://dnr.state.il.us/YAS/index.htm . For more information, please contact Kathy Wheeler at: wheeler@dnrmail. state.il.us or 217-785-2003. Application deadline is June 1, 2004. *** The Off-highway Vehicle (OHV) Recreational Trails Advisory Board will conduct a public hearing at 1 p.m. on Monday, May 17, to consider recommendations for off-highway vehicle recreational trail grants. The OHV quarterly business meeting will begin at 10 a.m., followed by the public grant hearing at 1 p.m. in the Lakeview Conference rooms of the Department of Natural Resources in Springfield. The public may comment on any of the proposed grants during the afternoon session.

Off-highway vehicle recreational trail grants are being considered for the fol-

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lowing locations: Little Egypt Off Road Motorcycle Club in Crab Orchard Township in Williamson County, Crooked Creek OHV Riding Area in Glasgow Township in Scott County, Williams Hill Pass in Independence Township in Saline County, Planet X-treme Motorsports Park in Blair Township in Clay County, South Fork Dirt Riders in South Fork Township in Christian County, Cliff’s Insane Terrain in Marseilles Township in LaSalle County, Rocky Glenn, LLC in Rockford Township in Winnebago County. If you are unable to attend the public hearing but would like to comment, please send written remarks by May 16, 2004 to Brenda Potts, IDNR Constituency Liaison, One Natural Resources Way, Springfield, 62702. *** The Illinois Department of Natural Resources is sponsoring the fifth annual “Outdoor Illinois Photo Contest.” This year’s contest has been expanded, and we hope you join us in “Celebrating the Seasons of Life in Illinois.” For more information about the photo contest, please visit www.dnr.state.il.us/photos.

O-R SALES & SER VICE • (217) 923-3082 28 Co. Rd. 1900 E. • Greenup, IL 62428

ADVENTURE SPORTS OUTDOORS “THE VOICE OF THE AMERICAN SPORTSMAN”

24

WARM WEATHER BRINGS BLUEGILL FISHING ACTION SPAWNING BLUEGILL PROVIDE FISHING FUN FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY MARION, Illinois - The return of warm weather inspires anglers to dig out the rod and reel and take to the waters of Williamson County. The entire family can all take part in bluegill fishing. The many public fishing areas around Williamson County provide ample space to enjoy an uncrowded angling experience.

The bluegill’s habit of racing one another to a worm dangled beneath a bobber endears it to every angler from novice to expert. Children need to catch fish regularly on their first exposure to angling in order to help maintain their interest. Its flat, compact body enables the bluegill to maneuver in weedy areas as well as open water.

Although the best populations of bluegills are found in clear, well-vegetative lakes, they are adaptable and can be found in most any water conditions. The ideal water is clean, deep and has a PH of 7.2. Most Williamson County waters meet that standard. In the less desirable waters they will not reach the greatest numbers and size.

The body of a bluegill is seldom more than an inch thick. They have a dark olive-green back with dark blue vertical stripes on the sides. The breast of males are bright red-orange with the female being a dull yellow. The chin and lower

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portion of the gill cover is blue. Hence the name bluegill.

Bluegills are at their best when water temperatures range between 50 to 90degrees.

They will feed on aquatic insects and larvae as well as arthropods and crustaceans. A scrappy fighter, the aggressive behavior of the bluegill is an indicator that the species does not flourish in a body of water because of its intellect.

Spawning appears to be closely related to the full moon phases, with fish moving onto the beds for about five days prior to the full moon and remaining there for a like time thereafter. Fish can still be located after that time on the same spawning beds later on during the secondary spawning activities of the later weeks.

During the spawn, males scrape a depression in the bottom of the body of water. They build nests on sand and gravel bars near shore in about 12 to 40 inches of water. Bluegills prefer less turbid, shallow shorelines around weeds and other cover.

The male guards the nest with vigor. They will strike anything that comes into the area. The action can be so active that bubbles are observed on the surface.

It is this aggressive action and it’s predictable occurrence that makes bluegill a good fish for teaching youngsters to fish.

Bluegills school according to size. Catching small “gills” is easier because they lack experience despite their aggressive behavior. Schools of small bluegills can be found near all kinds of structure in shallow water all day. Some good locations might be: boat docks, overhanging trees, fallen logs and shallow patches of vegetation adjacent to deeper water.

The big bluegills isolate themselves from the small fish and tend to stay in deeper water. They are more selective in what they eat and are less aggressive.

They will cruise the open water feasting on bugs and minnows. Big gills suspend in water of from 10 to 30 feet. They will be found near drop-offs along the outside edge of shallow water and in the deep water. They can be located by fan casting.

An often overlooked bluegill location is where open fields extend to the shoreline. The insects from the fields are blown into the shallow water of the shoreline. A summer shower will also wash insects and worms into the water at the same location. The big fish learn early to wait there to be first in line for dinner.

A Free fishing guide and information regarding on motel accommodations and points of interest is available from Williamson County Tourism Bureau, P.O. Box 1088, Marion, Illinois 62959 or by calling 1-800-GEESE-99.

Information is also available online at: www.WCTB.org the Williamson County Tourism Bureau Website and e-mail is: wctb@midamer.net

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ADVENTURE SPORTS OUTDOORS “THE VOICE OF THE AMERICAN SPORTSMAN”

May 2004

Fishin’ Around with Kolt Ringer…

Eight Hours of Kid-Style Fishing Parents often ask me how I keep kids interested during fishing trips that last a half day, or longer.

“My kid is whining after 20 minutes,” one father told me recently. “I don’t even take him out anymore.”

My teaching background influences how I handle my young fishing clients. Check out a Kindergartner’s daily schedule sometime. Their teachers never spend more than a half hour, or even 15 minutes, on any subject. As students grow older, the length of a school subject gradually increases with their attention spans.

The same rule applies in a boat. Change your tactics often, particularly with young kids. No one wants to stare at a bobber for an hour. Keep their interest engaged by keeping their minds engaged. Young minds are sponges eager to soak up all the information and facts you can throw at them. Change lures and bait frequently and explain why you’re doing it.

When in doubt, keep ‘em talking! In school and at home, teachers and parents constantly harp on kids to “listen!” In the boat, it’s their time to ask questions, tell stories, and have fun.

Change fishing spots frequently. When the fish aren’t cooperating, some of my trips feel like boat tours more than fishing outings. That’s OK, because kids like seeing new places and terrain. In all my outings with kids - and some of these trips last seven or eight hours - not one has demanded to leave early.

Usually they want to stay out longer.

In the Midwest, most kids have some fishing experience. Challenge this next generation of Roaches and Lindners by getting beyond the simple worm, hook, and bobber rig. Kids love trolling, and it’s a fast way to locate active fish. Plus, when that big northern hits, the hook usually sets itself, leaving the kids to the fun part - reelin’ ‘em in.

Another good tactic: Bring lots of live bait, particularly large sucker minnows. Work a weedline for pike with those suckers, and you’ll likely have steady, arm-tiring action.

Kick it up a notch with the older kids. Before you leave shore, explain a new technique you’d like them to master. Rigging plastics Texas-style, for example, is a technique they can take anywhere in the country to consistently catch bass.

Teach a kid to consistently catch bass and you’ve created an angler for life.

Older kids who display a deft touch with the rod and reel may be ready for walleye rigging. Much of my fishing occurs on Lake Minnetonka, a multispecies body of water where kids can sample virtually very style of freshwater fishing. Consider similar fisheries before hitting the water with your own kids.

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carp, and tossed out Lindy Rigs with corn. The result: a mess of fast-running carp, exhausted forearms, and a pair of smiling faces at the day’s end. Mixing in new species, whether it’s channel catfish on a river system, a roughfish hunt, or even tossing serious lumber for muskies will keep them coming back for more.

Hey, if it bites, kids like ‘em.

If you do chase muskies or bass, just crank that spool tension down on those baitcasters so they’re easier to cast. Last summer, I watched a 12-year-old work an impressive figure-eight in front of a muskie’s nose on Minnetonka.

Instill a conservation ethic and respect for catch and release at a young age.

Handle fish carefully and stress the need to snap pictures quickly, then gently return fish to the water. In my experience, kids eagerly grasp the concept of catch and release. Set an example yourself by demonstrating proper catch and release.

Also stress safety. At the landing, talk through the number of lifejackets on board. Again, set an example by wearing your lifejacket. Discuss general boat safety, as well as rod and reel etiquette to avoid any hooked thumbs or ear lobes.

Remember, creating a fishing partner for life should be fun!

Kolt Ringer is a grade school teacher and angling guide specializing in youth fishing. For other information and columns by Kolt, visit www.adamjohnsonoutdoors.com

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May 2004

ADVENTURE SPORTS OUTDOORS “THE VOICE OF THE AMERICAN SPORTSMAN”

D&S Hand Made Turkey Calls

By Bob Williams, ASO-Southern Illinois Representative

27

there own trees, saw them up, and then dry the wood for two years. They spend hours carving, assembling and fine tuning the calls to get them ready for turkey hunters to purchase and ultimately lure in a big tom.

Calls range in price from $20 to $150. The price is based on the type of wood used in construction of the call. Woods vary from walnut, cherry cedar, popular, maple osage, birds-eye-male and sycamore. The better quality the wood determines the higher quality and price of the call.

David and Sam have traveled and sold calls in numerous states. North Carolina, Missouri, Wisconsin, Alabama, Kentucky, Indiana, Tennessee and Pennsylvania are just a few of the states where the calls are sold.

D & S Hand Make Turkey Calls can be viewed and tested at Rend Lake Sporting Goods in Mt. Vernon, IL. With the wide price range of calls they offer any hunter should be able to select a call to fit the budget and get great results.

Be sure to tell Alan, the owner of Rend Lake Sporting Goods that you heard about D & S Calls here in ASO Magazine.

If you are interested in a certain type of wood for your turkey call give D & S a call direct. David Morris of Opdyke can be reached at: 618 242-5413 and Sam Settle of Bluford is at: 618 732-6293. These guys really know how to make turkey calls. The handle on the call is the only difference between the two call makers.

Located in Southern Illinois live two gentlemen who have one of the best turkey box calls this writer has ever seen or listened to. David Morris and Sam Settle have been making box calls and using them to score turkey kills for many years.

Recently several notable turkey call makers and a turkey guide have bought attention to the calls that these guys make.

Mr. Eugenen Upard from Hazelgreen, WI noticed the calls at the Southern Illinois Hunting and Fishing Day Show held annually at John A. Logan College in Carterville. The calls he makes are on display at the Southern Illinois Museum in Carbondale. Eugene came back the second day to show David and Sam two of his award winning calls. Eugene’s words to David and Sam was, “Keep up the good work!”

Don Bald who has won awards in the NWTF shows, feels the same way that Eugene does.

Carey Gregory from Cleaton, KY has purchased the call to use in his turkey guided hunts.

He is excited to get in the field and start using his new call, hopefully drawing the big bird in to score.

David and Sam cut

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ADVENTURE SPORTS OUTDOORS “THE VOICE OF THE AMERICAN SPORTSMAN”

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May 2004

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By Rob Somerville Most of the most renowned hunting icons I have had the pleasure of talking about hunting with have shared a common thread.

They all believe that in order to be consistently successful in harvesting big game one must first learn proper woodsmanship skills.

So what is woodsmanship? Today we will study this concept to help us better understand the term.

Mother Nature vs. Man The first step in mastering the woods is to understand that animals and birds have Mother Nature on their side. Their physiology has been adapted over centuries for two simple reasons – in order to procreate their species and to survive. Think about it for a moment. As an example to prove this theory, I will use the two most popularly hunted big game animals in North America – the whitetail deer and the wild turkey.

The Elusive Gobbler Turkeys, without a doubt, are the most elusive and unpredictable species to hunt in the Volunteer State. For a bird that has a brain smaller than a ping-pong ball, they have continually frustrated “gobbler getters” year after year. They seemingly have eyes in the back of their head and sometimes I think they can see a flea wink at 50 yards. Their super-charged hearing allows them to pin point the location of a hunter from 200 yards away, from a simple purr on a diaphragm call. Turkeys have developed these survival skills by being the prey of hunters for centuries, first for food and later for sport. These natural senses of survival are only weakened for a short period of time in the spring of the year when a stronger need takes over their system – the urge to mate. They then become like all males of all species; careless and foolish.

Deer – The Human Detection System.

Whitetails are live-wired alert systems. They are equipped with mini-radar dishes for ears, which can rotate independently from each other, constantly scanning the airwaves for any unnatural sound in their surrounding area. A deer can smell water from over two miles away. So if you happened to stop off for a pre-hunt Egg McMuffin in the morning, you smell as out of place to them as a McDonald’s Restaurant does in the woods. You might as well hang up a big sign saying “I am here to kill you, you better leave’.

Their eyes are located on the sides of their head, giving them nearly a 360-degree field of vision. Deer can move through a woods full of brittle, dead branches as quietly as a summer’s night breeze. And even with all of the high-tech camo patterns available to hunters, a deer’s natural coloration is better and allows them to literally disappear in the woods – seemingly at will.

What’s a Person to Do? Alas, there is hope! Science has proven that man {and woman} are the only creatures on earth with the ability to reason. That is where woodsmanship skills come in.

When you step in to the woods you are entering the creatures of the wild’s bedrooms, kitchens, and living rooms. Sawing off a limb can mean sending a signal of intrusion similar to as if I walked in to your house and moved your favorite recliner from your den to your bathroom.

Good woodsmanship requires becoming one with the habitat. You must move with stealth, be scent free as possible, and become as invisible in the woods as you can.

Woodsmanship requires proper scouting. You must learn the lay of the land you are hunting; your prey’s feeding and bedding areas and travel routes. You must find where the species you are hunting are feeding and watering during all times of the year. These will change with agricultural crops being harvested, acorns dropping, insect population etc.

A good woodsman must be able to read sign, and know when to move and when to be as still as a statue for long periods of time. You must have patience! Over time, you will learn to be in the right place at the right time doing the right thing.

Practice Makes Perfect How do you attain these skills you might ask? Sure, you can start by reading outdoor magazines and watching hunting videos and TV Shows. That will give you a basic building block for success. But the best way to sharpen your skills is by experience itself. Spend time in the woods.

When you make a mistake, learn from this experience. Ask yourself what happened and why it happened when you see a deer with his tail flagged high, emitting a shrill alarm snort. Figure out what you did and should have done when a big gobbler, strutting at 60 yards and coming towards you, all of a sudden cranes up his neck and

May 2004

ADVENTURE SPORTS OUTDOORS “THE VOICE OF THE AMERICAN SPORTSMAN”

putts, and runs off faster than you believed was possible.

When in Doubt – Ask Questions.

Anytime I happen to be around someone who I believe is proficient at hunting a certain species, I bombard them with questions. It is also a good idea to tag along with one of these wily veterans on scouting forays. More often than not, you will notice that they pick up on details that you may have overlooked. Learn from these experiences. Spend as much time in the woods as your schedule allows. It is the ultimate classroom. Do a lot of listening and looking, and very little walking. It will amaze you as to what Mother Nature is willing to share.

Summary: Nature has equipped the wildlife we pursue with many survival tools. The Good Lord has seen fit, in His infinite wisdom to supply us with brains with which to reason. I have found that when I am properly prepared, slow down and analyze a situation, and plan out a strategy, I have a better chance for a successful harvest. We should all learn something new every time we enter the woods. I know I do. If you ever hear someone refer to themselves as an expert on deer or turkey, keep in mind what my friend Harold Knight said. When he was being referred to as an expert on deer and turkey by a fan at an outdoor event, the founder of Knight & Hale Game Calls said, “Wait a minute friend. I am by no means an expert on deer and turkey. I am merely a student and admirer of these species. The only expert on deer and turkey, are the deer and turkey themselves”.

Sound like pearls of wisdom from a man of experience to me.

Please always remember that our kids truly are our most precious natural resource. They are our future.

See ya, Rob PS – Check out the West Tennessee Outdoors Magazine Website at: www.wtomagazine.com

Woodsmanship helped Stu Wolcott, of Primm Springs Wildlife Company, harvest this rare albino jake, which had a double beard.

29

Public Land Auction Cont’d. on next pg.

550 Acres Adams County Land Mon. May 3, 2004 • 10am Located 20 Miles NE of Quincy, IL To be Sold in 8 Tracts (3 miles off 336. From 336 go East at Ranging from 20 - 135 Acres the first crossroads N. of the Mendon • Excellent Hunting & Recreational Land, abundance of wildlife and several good plot areas.

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ADVENTURE SPORTS OUTDOORS “THE VOICE OF THE AMERICAN SPORTSMAN”

30

CONTROLLING GUNS By Charlie Daniels I received an e-mail the other day which informed me that there were member countries in the United Nations trying to persuade our politicians to ban private gun ownership.

I can't vouch for the validity of the information but I don't doubt it.

When the gun control crowd goes on its tirade they site the countries that don't allow its citizens to own guns and how the crime rate in those countries are lower than ours.

Funny thing is they always leave out Switzerland, where ex-military people are required to keep a gun. Switzerland's crime rate is extremely low, despite the massive amount of guns there.

The real reason that the crime rate is so low is that the Swiss just don't put up with crime. They simply will not tolerate it. We could learn a lesson from them.

For some reason this nation has been led down the primrose path of simplistic thinking when it comes to placing blame. Cigarettes cause cancer, blame the tobacco company, not the smoker.

Now I know cigarettes are killers and goodness knows I'm not taking up for

May 2004

the tobacco companies, but let's face it, who is to blame? The people who make the cigarette or the person who smokes it?

If you drink a jug of battery acid do you sue the manufacturer?

After all, the warning is right on the package. Well the warning about the harm cigarettes can do to you is right on the package too.

I know how hard it is to stop smoking. I quit a four to five pack a day habit in 1967. It's a terrible addiction and one I would strongly advise anyone to avoid but there will always be temptations and it's up to the individual to avoid them.

If you shut down every tobacco company in America people would still find a way to smoke. There would be a thriving black market.

The same thing is true of guns.

Let's be sensible. Who is causing all the trouble with guns now?

Criminals of course, the majority of which have been in prison, many of them on some parole program or other and they are forbidden by law to own or possess a gun. So what is one more gun law going to mean to them? They're breaking the law already by just having a gun, much less using one.

Do you know where to buy an Uzi submachine gun? You probably don't and I don't either. But odds are that your neighborhood drug pusher does.

All the laws in the world can't bend a person bent on violence from carrying it out. They'll use a knife or a brickbat if they have too.

If we truly want to stop the violence in America we have to get the violent people off the street and keep them off.

Too many plea bargains, too many repeat offenders, too much protecting the rights of violent criminals while ignoring the rights of their innocent victims.

Lock up the criminals, not the guns.

Pray for our troops.

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ADVENTURE SPORTS OUTDOORS “THE VOICE OF THE AMERICAN SPORTSMAN”

May 2004

LAKE SHELBYVILLE COMBO TRIP

By Steve Welch The month of May has got to be my favorite time of the year. I can run up the creeks at daybreak and get a limit of big Crappie and still have time to hit the flats for some Walleye action by lunchtime.

Lake Shelbyville, an Army Corp of Engineer flood control lake, will fill up from winter pool to summer. That means an additional six-foot of water. But more importantly it means I can get my big Ranger up the rivers.

When this happens the channels are still visible and all the banks have gotten a good stronghold of smartweed and willows. The fish will use the edges of the weeds and of course any wood they can find. I will use a spring cork set just a foot above a jig and just throw it to any target I can find. Even though the spawn will happen mid month, the fish will remain up in the creeks in shallow water as long as there is food available. Last year I still found three limits of fish up there on my last river trip on June 30th. Pretty late to be fishing in less than three feet of water.

The tackle that I use to catch these big Crappie is an eight foot pole to help with accuracy and an under spin reel spooled with six or eight pound test. I like large tubes like the Mid-South two and a half-inch in some sort of chartreuse or the Southern Pro umbrella or the Bass Assassin twister tail. All of these are big baits to Crappie fish with but these Crappie are in very shallow water and will hit anything that goes by them. The big bait just eliminates little fish. I have had many ten fish weights in the ten to thirteen pound range. That means ten fish at least twelve inches long. As far as fishing goes this pattern is as fun as it gets.

The fish just slam the baits and fight like Smallies in water this shallow.

May is also the month that starts the Walleye bite. Some years ago they realized at Lake Shelbyville that if you put the Walleye fry in the Bass rearing pond and let them get some size the survival rate is much better and we have been reaping the benefits for some six or eight years. I have now been able to actually get a couple of limits on a good day and throw in some short fish-a ton of Bass, White Bass and assorted trash fish. Suddenly Walleye fishing isn’t so bad.

The best thing is that this pattern lasts just about all summer.

The huge expansive flats on Lake Shelbyville get wind and boat traffic creat-

31

ing a mud line and opportunity for aggressive Walleyes. I used to take my trolling knowledge that I have honed for years at Clinton Lake to Shelbyville, not any more. Mind though trolling still works but with the aid of GPS and all the time I have put into marking all the individual stumps on point five and six and the Findley flat and numerous other little lesser known spots. I now use marker buoys and fish with a jig and twister tail tipped with a crawler or minnow. I back up enough to just throw a fifteen-foot shot just past the stump and swim it by it down in the root system of the old tree stump. These might only be in a couple of feet of water. Let wind tell you which one to fish on a given day, as they will clear quite quickly in the summer months.

Last year the wife and I were up on the five flat fishing this pattern and there happened to be a guys and gals big Bass tourney going on. We had thrown back so many three-four pound Bass back in, that a couple came up to us thinking we were in the tourney and asked us if we had fish bigger in our live well that we could afford to throw back all those quality fish. I informed him that they were in the way of my Walleye fishing and didn’t want them. Since they weren’t from the area they were shocked that Walleye fishing existed south of Wisconsin.

The tackle that I use is a seven-foot spinning outfit and eight-pound test. I throw a couple of rigs. One is a jig and twister, be it just a single eighth ounce or two tied a foot above each other. I sometimes tip this with a crawler or minnow. The other bait that I throw is the Gay blade, in the smallest size available. This bait is the best catch-all bait up on a flat that there is. I use either the chartreuse or chrome and blue model. This is a fun change of pace for me after chasing Crappie for the last four months.

If this combo trip is to your liking, then call my guide service and set something up. Call early as I now only guide on weekends and my trips fill quickly.

Steve Welch • Crappie Specialties 217-762-7257 • 217-840-1221 Cell sjjwelch1@net66.com 327 N. Logan Mattoon, IL 61938 www.crosscountyrv.com crossrv@advant.net

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“The Lord knows I don’t know much!”

By John Meacham Hunting Today’s Wild Turkey

It was just after sunrise April 6, and I had two toms gobbling on the ground on the East Conant Area of Pyramid State Park down here in Little Egypt/The Land Between the Rivers/The Other Illinois/The Southern Illinois Country. One was east of me, and the other was west. I was in a narrow strip of woods between them, frantically looking for a good place to stick my decoy and a good tree to sit against. I’d used a Quaker Boy Tom Turpin suction yelper to inspire the first response from the bird to the east. He was still on the roost then, but had flown down by the time I moved into the timber. The second tom answered when I switched to a Primos aluminum-surface friction call.

I quickly stuck my decoy in an old road and sat down facing south against a trunk that was smaller in diameter than I wanted, but in a good spot. I put the striker to the Primos again, and my heart sank. The gobbler on my right was moving away from me and I didn’t hear a thing from the one on my left. I didn’t give up hope, though. I knew the west edge of the woods was a tangle of briars. Maybe - just maybe - Tom Number Two was circling around to an easier point of entry.

And that proved to be the case - I think. I think that ol’ boy went south, east, north and west on his lust-driven journey to the hot hen he thought he heard. On the other hand, the gobbler that I eventually shot may have been Tom Number One, and he may have slipped up the east edge of the woods and then come to me. I don’t know, and I really don’t care. I do know that one of the two came in spitting, drumming and strutting, and I put him down at 30 steps with a twoounce load of copper-plated 6s.

Believe me, after the season I had in 2003 and the day I had the day before, I was mighty happy to hear these birds, mighty happy to see one of them, mighty happy to get a good shot and mighty happy to fasten my tag to a turkey leg. This feller weighed about 21 pounds, had a 10-inch beard and three-quarter-inch spurs, and tasted mighty good smoked!

I learned a couple lessons from this successful hunt, and I’m happy to share them with you, my faithful ASO readers.

Lesson One - Hunt today’s wild turkey, as opposed to yesterday’s wild turkey.

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I say that from bitter experience, because I spent the better part of opening morning waiting in vain for the big flock of wild turkeys I’d seen Sunday morning. I drove to East Conant early on the 4th in hopes of determining which way the birds were moving through the area where I’d found the most sign on previous scouting trips. The yelps and gobbles I heard told me the way led northeast, so that was where I went, and found the Mother Lode/Holy Grail/Lost Dutchman Mine of turkeys - 25 or more circling a patch of brush in a cornfield.

“That’s where I’ll be tomorrow morning!” I vowed, and I was, too. I left my home in booming and thriving Bremen (Gateway to Welge and Wine Hill) about 3:15 Monday morning, in order to beat the mass migration of Dreaded Other Hunters (DOHs). I had my hen, jake and gobbler decoys set long before daylight, and I stretched out with my seat cushion under my head and took a well-deserved snooze.

The first gobbles I heard came from a bunch of birds well to the south and east.

I figured that was my flock, and knew I’d have to be patient, because they had a long way to come before they’d be in shotgun range. The next gobbles came from across the road, from a tom I’d heard before. That morning, he’d kept it up for nearly two hours. He carried on like that this morning, too, and I started to go after him several times, but talked myself out of it. With my luck, I thought, a DOH will already be working him. Meanwhile, my friends from Sunday morning will arrive and I won’t be here to greet them.

Finally, though, I could stand it no more. I got up and went - about the time the tom did the same. He gobbled one last time just as I reached my truck, and then he quit. Fortunately, as I said, he and a rival were back in business at the same old stand on Tuesday morning.

Therefore, I say again, go to the gobbler you hear today! Don’t wait for the one you saw yesterday! It’s a simple rule, but I seriously doubt I was the first to break it.

(Now that I think about it, I know I wasn’t, because my brother, Wild Bill, once spent opening day hunting last year’s wild turkey. I picked him up at his home in Edwardsville on a Sunday afternoon and we drove about 135 miles up to George Metcalf’s White Oak Reserve in Pike County. Just before we turned in for the night, I asked Bill if he’d signed his permit. He said he’d check, and it was then that he discovered he’d packed his unused tag from the previous spring.)

Lesson Two - Speak softly but carry a big stick when talking to the weatherman. Last spring was miserably wet, windy and cold, but the first week of this year was beautiful down here in the Southern Zone.

I’m off to South Dakota Tuesday (4/13) to hunt the wily and elusive Merriam’s turkey on the Rosebud Reservation. Friends and fellow outdoor writers tell me the place is literally crawling with big toms eager to be shot. We’ll see. When I get back, I have a fourth-season permit for Jackson County. If there’s any time left after that, I’ll make my annual pilgrimage to Texas County, Mo., to hunt with my good friends Andy Ramsey and Randy Adey, proprietors of the A&R Guide Service. That means I could have a six-turkey spring this year.

We’ll see.

I hope all of you have had a safe and enjoyable season so far, or have just that Myself with Tom Number Two (or Tom Number One) in the days that remain.

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May 2004

KINCAID…A Scenic Wonderland

By Dave Shadow I thought Paradise was both a lake located just across the field and a Village just a half-mile down the road from my front door. I was correct in both assumptions, however I rediscovered another piece of paradise while fishing the Hawg-Dawg Bass Club’s first 2004 tournament of the season. The proof of the quality of this lakes’ scenic beauty lies in the fact that I suffered terribly in my fish catching abilities and still came away from the lake with a great sense of appreciation.

Having very little man-made structure within view of the lake and an incredible array of God-made beauty including giant rocky cliffs, waterfalls, and miles of wooded shoreline, adds to the incredible possibilities for sportsmen, outdoor-lovers, and campers alike.

Located in Southwestern Illinois, in Jackson County, Kinkaid Lake is about five miles northwest of Murphysboro, IL and 100 miles southeast of St Louis.

Built in 1968, the lake covers about 2750 acres and the surrounding land is divided among the ILDNR, the U.S. Forest Service, and Kinkaid-Reeds Creek Conservancy District.

The lakeshore scenery varies from tall sandstone bluffs to rolling hills covered with hickories and white oaks. Several flat areas have prairie grasses and various food plots. Picnicking, boating, hiking, and camping facilities abound and hunting is permitted governed by state regulations.

The lake offers myriad fishing possibilities including Largemouth bass, bluegill, catfish, crappie, walleye and muskie. It is a renowned muskie fishery and produces monsters of this toothy variety each year.

As I said earlier, my fishing success was quite limited during this tournament but I intend to catch up at the upcoming Rend Lake event. Someone almost always catches fish however and J.T. Garrison led the way to the winner’s circle capturing all of the “marbles”. He not only won the event with two bass weighing in at 4.9 pounds, he also took the “big bass” of our event with 2.7 pounds. - Sam Strader placed second with one fish at 2.15 pounds. Repeated weather fronts just prior to the event had the bass with a case of “lockjaw” and it was very hard to just get a bite. J.T. solved the mystery by fishing secondary

33

points with a Driskell black/blue jig. He related that the fish were about 14 feet deep and the jig had to be presented very slowly to educe a strike. It was still tough and it takes lots of patience to fish this type of pattern for eight hours, maintaining a high level of concentration, and being ready when you know you may only get a couple of bites all day. Good job J.T. If you’re interested in some fun and low-level competitive fishing with a local bass club, contact me or J.T. Garrison for details and tournament schedules.

This is a fun way to see some new waters and hone your angling skills while in the company of your fellow anglers.

Also, the Lake Shelbyville Alliance is off to a great start. The monies raised last year will be utilized to boost bass and walleye production in the “Fin and Feathers Nursery Pond” this coming spring and summer. Participation is encouraged for anyone who fishes and/or is interested in the overall good and improvement of Lake Shelbyville. The LSA meeting was held at the Inn at Eagle Creek on Tuesday April 13th at 7 p.m. EVERYONE is encouraged to attend and support this worthwhile effort. For more information call Bruce Sanders at 217 581-7381 or Mike Mounce at 217 345-2420.

If you’ve got some fish stories, tournament results or other interesting information to share, let me know at davidsha@consolidated.net It’s Faith, Family, and Fishin.

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LAKE SHELBYVILLE FISHING REPORT

By Don Satterfield

May 2004

Walleye fishing is still slow, but will improve as the waters warm.

Good fishing till next month! Don and Barb Satterfield

Schedule Don or Barb for your next fishing trip call: 217-774-2419 E-mail: donandbarb@ouroldhouse.net See updated fishing reports & pictures at: www.ouroldhouse.net

In mid-April the lake level was 599.76 which is 5.76 feet above normal winter pool and falling. The water temperature is in the low to upper 50’s. The water is clearing up fast because of the release rate. You’ll find clear water on the south end all the way to Findlay Bridge. Murky to muddy from Findlay bridge north. The backs of creeks and coves are clearing and very fishable.

Fishing is improving and will only get better as the waters warm.

Crappie are your best bet for a mess of fish to go home with. We’re still catching most of ours deep, on points and drop offs 15-25 foot deep. You can catch fish shallower, with a jig and bobber around standing timber, or use the count down method without a bobber and a slow retrieve. We are using 1/8 oz. lead heads with 3 inch tubes, twisters or shad bodies, but minnows will also catch these fish. Once again, we want to tell you, you’ll need to move around until you find the keeper size fish. You may have to fish lots of places to get your limit. We have not found these fish in big schools yet. 3 or 4 fish off a spot, then move.

White bass fishing is also starting to improve. You can catch these fish on wind blown shore lines with a two jig rig or on deep points and drop offs with spoons and jigs.

Bass fishing looks promising for this year. We are catching lots of bass that are fat and healthy, most by accident fishing for crappie on main lake and secondary points. Anywhere from 2 foot to 20 foot deep. Your bass baits in these same areas should produce for you.

Casting the banks and trolling is catching muskies.

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Barb Satterfield with a nice catch!

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May 2004

35

tinely by beaver to freshen them with castor produced in glands. These glands are prized by trappers for lure and used in the perfume industry for the ladies.

We constructed our sets mostly by placing traps in front of existing mud pies.

We then used a castor lure to entice the beaver to the mud pie. This lure is made

by Ron using castor glands and oil sacs from the beaver. The oil sacs located Once every two or three years Ron Jason and I get next to the castor glands are used by the beaver as water proofing for his under together and beaver trap. The last time we did this we fur. This creates an air pocket around the beaver when he is in the water. made a movie and it was shown on Adventure Sports We also set a trap on a beaver dam. This set was made by making a hole in Outdoor TV show on the the dam and placing a trap in front of it. Some PBS channels. I rememcastor was a added to further entice the beaver to bered it rained real hard and the trap. This set is very effective as beaver are the creek was up and we very protective of there dams. When there is a had to cross it with four leak in the dam beaver will sense the change is the wheelers. The creek swept away one of the water level. As soon as the sun goes down they Honda’s. We did get it out of the creek but had to will arrive at the dam to repair the leak. The drain out the oil and put new in it before we started repair is made using mud and debris from the botit. On that trip we caught 6 beavers, the largest was tom of the beaver pond, creek or river. fifty pounds.

We also set a 330 conibear in a beaver run.

A little about Ron. Ron has been trapping since These runs are made by beaver by excavating 1962. Having 40 years experience on the trapline, mud creating a canal. This makes it easier to missing two years for military service. He now travel to feeding areas and trees. We caught a runs a nuisance control business traveling in Illinois beaver in this run. Also caught beavers in the dam Ron Jason with two beavers. and Missouri. His phone number is 618-232-1252. set plus mud pie sets.

About the traps we used. Conibears are a square trap that the beaver swims All in all we had a great time trapping and great to be with Ron again. When though but a wire trigger dispatches quickly catching them by the neck or chest.

I was 14 years old I ran a 100 traps on a trap line and that is how I made money.

These are effective traps when they can be used. Unfortunately not all situaToday it is hard to believe a person can still make a living doing that. Ron tions allow their use. The foothold traps are equipped with a swiveled slide sysmakes hoop beaver skins mounts and back scratchers with the rear feet. He has tem. The trap is round with large springs on each end with a round pan in midjust bought a building in Kampsville on the corner of Routes 96 and 100 to sell dle and a trigger system. The trap is staked to the bank with the end of the cable skims, back scratchers and many other products. If you make a week end trip attached to a heavy weight in deep water. When a beaver is caught his natural to Cahloun County stop in and see Ron If you are looking for a Mississippi tendency is to dive to deep water for safety. Because of the slide system he canRiver fishing trip call Heartland Lodge 800-717-4868 or Graham Outdoor not return to the surface and quickly drowns. This system is not only humane Adventures 217-854-9394. www.grahamoutdooradventures.com but results in very few lost beavers. The draw back is having Name Brand Merchandise to carry the weights, at least 30 lbs. each, on the trapline. at Low Retail Prices!

On March 13 we set 12 mud pie sets using 330 conibears and number 5 double long spring foot hold traps.

The beaver makes mud pies on the bank to mark his territory, announcing his presence to intruding beaver. They are made by piling mud and debris off the bottom on the bank. He then deposits castor on the mud pie, both male and female constructs mud pies.

These mud pies are visited rou-

Basics of Beaver Trapping

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ADVENTURE SPORTS OUTDOORS “THE VOICE OF THE AMERICAN SPORTSMAN”

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May 2004

Tournament Lessons from Newton Lake

By Kevin Patton With two full days to practice for our mid-March tournament, my partner and I were confident that we could figure out a successful game plan. After all, we not only had many years of experience fishing on Newton Lake, but also had finished in the money at several previous tournaments.

Newton is a “hot water” lake, heated by a coal-fired power plant. The warmer water temperatures make it an early season destination for Illinois anglers. The 1750-acre lake is v-shaped, with the warm water entering the West arm at the north end of the lake. There are a few areas of isolated rip rap, mostly near the upper end of the hot arm, but the primary cover is wood in the form of stumps, fallen trees, and planted brush piles. There is some scattered shoreline grass, but no weed beds, docks or bridges. A legal keeper bass at Newton must measure 18 inches.

Tournament morning was windy with bright skies. A spring cold front had blown through Illinois on Wednesday night so the weather was no surprise. We expected the fishing to be tough during the two practice days, but hopefully improving by Saturday.

We decided to divide the lake in half, fishing the hot water arm on Thursday and the cold arm on Friday. We figured that the first day after the cold front would be better spent in the dirtier, warmer water in the hot arm. Friday we would fish the cold arm, compare the results from both practice days, and make a decision about where to begin the tournament based on the results.

After two days of practice, one in each arm, we had boated a total of only five fish. We had caught three in the hot arm and two in the cold arm, but one of those two was a nice 4-pound, 5-ounce keeper. We obviously had no clue where to locate feeding fish, but we felt that crankbaits were a key, since all five of the

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Kevin Patton with his biggest bass. It was an 8 pound 6 ounce fish caught at Newton Lake several years ago. fish were caught with them.

We had limited our search for bass to concentrated wood cover in ten feet of water or less, but had fished a wide variety of main lake points and pockets, as well as secondary points and pockets in coves and the backs of coves. We didn’t know much, but we did know that our fish had come from the main lake areas on crankbaits.

It wasn’t as though we had not tried a wide variety of baits. We came up empty on jigs, spinnerbaits, buzzbaits, topwater, and others.

I’ve always prided myself on making a game plan for fishing based on what I know, not what I don’t know. We decided to start the tournament in the cold arm at the spot where we caught the keeper, with lots of crankbaits tied on our lines.

Tournament morning saw a major weather change on the way. After two post-

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May 2004

ADVENTURE SPORTS OUTDOORS “THE VOICE OF THE AMERICAN SPORTSMAN”

cold front days, a storm front was approaching with thunder, lightening, and heavy rain. Even if the storm somehow managed to avoid us, it would be a dark, overcast day.

We drew for our take-off number and got number 25 of 32 boats (typical for us), but were glad when we saw only three other boats head for the cold arm of the lake. We would at least have our meager spot to ourselves.

The thunderstorm arrived shortly after takeoff and we fished in heavy rain and lightening for 1-2 hours before the day settled in to occasional light rain and dark skies. This weather was radically different than our two practice days.

The rest of the story is predictable. We failed to boat an 18-inch keeper, but did catch 10 fish, three of which measured between 16-17 inches. We went to the weigh-in confident that our experience would be typical with few heavy bags of fish showing up at the scales.

We were humbled when 18 of the 32 teams brought bag after bag of keepers to the scales. Those teams weighed a total of 70 fish with more than 21 pounds being required to even finish in the money at fourth place. The winners had more than 25 pounds and big bass for the day was 6.74 pounds.

Our dismal showing on a day that was a good fishing day forced us to reflect on why we were doing the wrong thing in the wrong area all day. We knew the lake well and had experienced many successful days there in the past. Our practice days were poor and didn’t provide us with much of a starting point.

So what should we have done differently? Neither of us believes in selecting fishing areas on a whim. We try to eliminate unproductive water and baits to arrive at a game plan.

Our three and one-half hour ride home gave us plenty of time to arrive at some conclusions.

1) Usually, our experience has been that tournaments are held on post-cold front days that are very tough fishing days. Typically, good practice days precede poor tournament days. Rarely, does it seem to happen in reverse, but this was one of those times.

We should have considered that the fish would turn on during the approaching weather change and discarded our game plan based on two totally different, postcold front days. We should have planned to be in areas that had produced for us during previous trips to Newton in similar weather conditions at this time of year.

We have dozens of log books of previous days on Newton and should have trusted them to be our starting point, since the weather change would obviously change the fishing. If the weather Saturday would have been identical to the practice days, our approach may have been more successful.

It may also have helped to scour our logs for baits that worked under the severe

37

weather conditions and check our “keeper” map for areas that produce numbers of big fish during this time of year. Sometimes practice isn’t as important as experience.

2) A large part of the fun of tournament fishing for my partner and I is putting together the puzzle. We would never follow other contestants to fishing areas.

However, our delight that most teams headed up the hot arm may have been misplaced. It is preferable to be in an area that is full of feeding fish and have to contend with other boats than to have an unproductive area all to ourselves.

If we had decided because of our fish logs, keeper map, or practice days to fish the hot arm, convinced that our chances were best there, then the presence of other teams should not affect our decision. Sometimes, while running away from the competition, you run away from the fish. I say this fully realizing that many tournaments have been won by those finding isolated fishing spots in remote areas. We should keep an open mind that the scenario works both ways.

3) I try to not break any of the cardinal rules that I have established for fishing any lake during a specific season of the year unless I have an excellent reason. I don’t establish many “rules” for fishing lakes, but one of them is to fish the hot arm of Newton Lake during March and the cold arm during April. This is a guideline based on years of experience and results documented in my fishing logs. I broke that rule this trip, but didn’t have a sound reason.

When the weather and sky conditions are radically different during the practice days than the tournament days, rely on your experience on the lake, as well as your knowledge of bass behavior and seasonal location. My experience told me to fish the hot arm so I should have stayed there unless circumstances forced me to make an exception.

Practice can put you in a position to win many tournaments, but you must also be open-minded enough to know when to throw it out the window and rely on your experience.

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May 2004

WESTERN ILLINOIS God’s Country

T HE M ORNING IS MINE By: Wayne Baughman Turkey Hunting Tips...

Do Not Over Call From time to time I like to share some of the developments in agriculture for our area. Much of what we do or don't do has an impact on wildlife.

Farming has always been a dicy endeavor at the best. With each passing year the challenge to generate sufficient income to support the operation and the family has become greater. The cost of inputs, (seed, fertilizer, fuel, insurance, equipment, etc.) continue to increase while market value of crops plateau. Weather of course is another major factor in determining the quantity and quality of the crop. The value of this immediate past years crops have been a big exception with soybeans and to a much lesser degree corn selling well above usual prices. For those farmers that could and did take the gamble of holding their crops into this year the rewards have been substantial. For those of use that couldn't or didn't hold the commodities from the market it was dejavue.

For as long as I can remember those fully committed to farming have been constantly exploring new avenues to improve cash flow on the farm. We apply new technology, strive to improve our productivity, some move to specialty crop production targeted towards niche markets and supplement regular farm income with compatible enterprises. Diversity is the name of the game.

I am currently involved in such an endeavor. A group of us in my area are working with an engineering/investment business to research the potential of a wind energy operation on our farms. I have a particular interest in the project not only from the income potential but from an environment point of view as well. I spent a number of years working on environment issues including the energy aspect. Although the bulk of my efforts were directed toward expanding

the market for ethanol, to do so meant being in tune with what was happening in the other energy fields. Much has already been said about the American appetite for energy whatever the form and our dependence on off shore sources of fossil fuels..Certainly anything we can do that is environmental sound to reduce our dependence on outside sources of energy accrues to our national well being.

Generating electricity via wind driven turbines is not cutting edge technology. California has had wind farms for at least a couple of decades and such facilities can be found in several other States. There are a couple of relative new wind farms in Northwestern Illinois.

Like most everything in the fields of technology continuing improvements in equipment is constantly increasing the efficiency of the turbines. With an investment of about a million bucks per turbine unit, productivity is an absolute necessity If our plans proceed on schedule we will undertake a series of development steps including seeking modification of county zoning regulations, then tests to measure wind velocity over an extended period of time, soils structure analysis to evaluate what type of foundation will be necessary to support the tower and generator assembly, and finally the positioning of the electric transmission transfer lines.

We have already considered set back provisions to minimize possible sound or visual problems for area residents. Wind turbines do produce a swishing sound as the blades rotate. Likewise there is a potential of a strobe effect as sunlight reflects from the turning blades.

Questions have also been raised on what effect wind turbines have on wildlife. To this point in time there are no absolute answers. I speculate that the deer will quickly acclimate to the system and ignore the equipment just as they do operating farm machinery. We are not on a major migration route thus I don't envision any real problems for migratory fowl.

Our group is not alone in exploring the opportunities of utilizing wind energy. The Illinois Rural Electric Cooperative that serves much of area is also working to built a wind turbine in the county.

Well, that’s the latest from Pike County. I'll plan on visiting you again in about 30 days. Have a good one.

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ADVENTURE SPORTS OUTDOORS “THE VOICE OF THE AMERICAN SPORTSMAN”

May 2004

39

INTERNATIONAL MIGRATORY BIRD DAY TO BE OBSERVED AT CHAUTAUQUA NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE International Migratory Bird Day will be celebrated at Chautauqua National Wildlife Refuge on Saturday, May 15. The auto tour route will be open from 9:00 AM until 3:00 PM beginning at the Eagle Bluff Access area and leaving the refuge at the refuge headquarters.

The day will begin at 7:00 AM with a bird walk led by Tom Lerczak. The bird walk will begin at the headquarters parking area and will take a hike to some good birding spots. Tom is president of the Emiquon Audubon Society. The Society has “adopted” the refuge under the Audubon Refuge Keeper (ARK) program and assists the refuge with open houses, vegetation restoration, and other projects. Last year, the Society received a grant from the Fish and Wildlife Foundation to purchase two telescopes and four pair of binoculars which are now on permanent loan to the refuge.

Ross Adams, Refuge Manager, commented, “Tom is a wealth of knowledge on bird identification, bird songs, and bird habitat requirements and is eager to share his knowledge and skills with other birders regardless of experience.”

Participants will receive tips on identifying birds by song, call note, and habitat. Instructions will be given on the proper use of binoculars and spotting telescopes. Participants are encouraged to bring their own equipment; however, for those who need to borrow binoculars, four pair will be available to loan for the bird walk.

Waterfowl numbers are dropping off with most of the ducks and geese heading to the nesting grounds in the prairie pothole country and points north this time of the year. The bald eagles are presently in the nest on the west side of the lake. Refuge staff or volunteers will have a telescope set up so visitors can get a good view of the nesting eagles.

The public is invited to come to Ride the Refuge for this one day event. While Chautauqua Refuge is open much of the year for hunting, fishing and wildlife observation, the Wildlife Drive offers an opportunity to travel the levee that circles the 2,100 acre South Pool of Lake Chautauqua. The refuge is designed to recreate the historic wetland complex that originally provided the backwater lake and floodplain habitat for wildlife along the Illinois River.

Ross Adams suggests, “Bring your family out to the refuge on this special day for a special treat of spring birding. “ For more information, contact the refuge office at (309)535-2290 or visit us at Chautauqua National Wildlife Refuge, 19031 E. County Road 2110N, Havana, Illinois 62644.

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42

ADVENTURE SPORTS OUTDOORS “THE VOICE OF THE AMERICAN SPORTSMAN”

May 2004

N e i g h b or s o f th e m i s s i s s i p p i ARCHERY HALL OF FAME AND MUSEUM MOVES TO NEW HOME Springfield, MO—The Archery Hall of Fame and Museum, Inc. (AHF) has moved from Angola, Indiana to its new home in Springfield, Missouri. The AHF will be located at Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World in an area designated by Bass Pro Shops for use by the nonprofit Wonders of Wildlife Zooquarium. The Bass Pro Shops store is the number one tourist attraction in the state of Missouri.

“The AHF was founded in 1971 as a way to recognize outstanding members of the archery community,” stated Executive Director Donald L. Clark.

“Through a nominating and voting process, the electorate inducts members from the following categories: Bow hunter, Coach, Competitor to the Sport, Educator and Influence on the Sport.”

The AHF’s first induction was held at the Fred Bear Museum at the Bear Archery Company in Grayling, Michigan in 1972. All future AHF inductions will take place in Springfield, Missouri.

The original inductees in 1972 included — Fred Bear, Howard Hill, and Ann Hoyt — who were giants in their own areas of modern archery history. Bow hunting icons Saxton Pope and Art Young were inducted in 1973. Earl Hoyt, Jr., one of the sport’s great innovators was inducted in 1977. Other notable inductees include champion tournament archer, bow hunter, spokesperson and mentor Ann Clark (1984), founder of the Pope &Young Club Glenn St. Charles (1991), internationally known bow hunter and book author Bob Swinehart (2000), and one of today’s most recognizable writers/bow hunters and founder of Bowhunter Magazine M. R. James in 2003.

“The vision, dedication and passion Johnny Morris and the people at Bass Pro Shops have for creating the premier presentation of America’s sporting heritage unites us in an ideal partnership to showcase archery’s past, present and future,” commented AHF president Dave Staples. “The AHF looks forward to working with the Bass Pro Shops team and the Wonders of Wildlife Zooquarium in the promulgation of archery, bow hunting and all of the shooting sports.”

The new site for the AHF at Bass Pro Shops will also include displays of Hall

Is there anything more important than your vision, for hunting, shooting and fishing?

members’ memorabilia, trophy mounts, archery archives, and a research library devoted to the sport, people and industry of archery. Visitors will be able to touch, see, hear, and experience archery history and walk away with a better understanding of modern man’s timeless romance with the bow and arrow. They will also discover how these ancient implements of primitive sustenance and warfare gradually evolved into the 21st century archery tackle that so successfully blends tradition with technological progress.

“We are thrilled with this wonderful addition to America’s premier fish and wildlife museum,” said Wonders of Wildlife Zooquarium interim director Max Peterson. “The Archery Hall of Fame and Museum will mirror our mission which is to educate, inform and entertain our visitors as well as help them appreciate our heritage of hunting and fishing.”

“It’s important to recognize the people who made outstanding contributions to the sport of archery and for people to learn more about the history behind it,” stated Bass Pro Shops founder Johnny Morris. “All of us at Bass Pro Shops are proud that with the recent move of the Fred Bear Museum and this move of the Archery Hall of Fame and Museum to our store, we will be able to partner these two significant elements of archery history together in the Wonders of Wildlife Zooquarium and help pass on this great outdoor tradition to future generations.”

A special ribbon cutting and grand opening ceremony will be held to commemorate the opening of the Archery Hall of Fame and Museum and the Fred Bear Museum some time in early 2004. Details will be released at a later date.

Denny Dennis of Denny Dennis Sporting Goods, in Fenton, MO with a real nice Illinois buck.

Thanks for sharing your hunt with us!

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May 2004

ADVENTURE SPORTS OUTDOORS “THE VOICE OF THE AMERICAN SPORTSMAN”

43

No MOre Trash Week Encourages Action Against Litter

Youth Turkey Harvest Dips From Last Year’s Total

Those who care about the state’s beauty and its environment can help reverse the costly effects of discarded trash.

This year’s harvest of 3,258 represents an 11 percent decrease.

JEFFERSON CITY—Everyone knows litter is unsightly, but the Missouri Department of Conservation says litter does much more than deface the Show-Me State. The agency is urging Missourians to take direct action to reverse litter damage during No MOre Trash Week May 1 through 9.

Each year, the Missouri Department of Transportation spends approximately $5 million clearing litter from highways. More than 3,000 Adopt A Highway groups invest approximately $1 million in litter pickup work annually. On Missouri rivers and creeks, Missouri Stream Team members pick up hundreds of tons of trash ranging from milk cartons to major appliances. The Conservation Department spends more than $1 million annually clearing litter from conservation areas. Cities and counties invest millions more in cleaning their areas, and law-enforcement officials at all levels issue thousands of littering citations each year.

Amazingly, all this effort is not enough. Litter still mars views statewide.

Worse, some litter harms water quality and imperils wildlife.

In 2002, the Conservation and Transportation departments launched No MOre Trash! in an effort to raise Missourians’ awareness of the problem and encourage direct citizen action to solve it.

“We have two goals, really,” said Ginny Wallace, the Conservation Department’s No MOre Trash! coordinator. “One is to get more people involved in cleaning up litter. We hope thousands of Missourians will organize litter pickups the first week in May to get rid of litter that already is out there.

“Ultimately, though, picking up litter isn’t a complete solution. We have to change the way people think—help them realize littering isn’t good for anyone. We need to get people to stop littering themselves and convince their friends to stop, too.”

To find out how to get involved in No MOre Trash!, visit www.nomoretrash.org.

-Jim Low- www.conservation.state.mo.us

JEFFERSON CITY—Missourians 15 years and under killed 3,258 turkeys during the state’s two-day youth turkey hunting season April 10 and 11. The figure is 11 percent fewer than last year’s youth harvest.

As in the three previous years of the youth season’s history, no firearms-related turkey hunting accidents were recorded.

Franklin County led the state with 83 turkeys checked, followed by Laclede County with 62 and Osage County with 61.

Regional totals were: Southwest, 505; Central, 502; Northwest, 478; Kansas City, 427; Northeast, 394; Ozark, 358; Southeast, 306; and St. Louis, 288.

The season was open to Missouri residents 15 and younger. Those 11 and younger had to hunt under the supervision of a hunter-education certified adult.

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ADVENTURE SPORTS OUTDOORS “THE VOICE OF THE AMERICAN SPORTSMAN”

44

Motion Gadgets Have No Place in Waterfowling

by Craig T. Sondker I have just laid down a catalog from an outdoor mail order supplier and was thinking about what I just saw in the waterfowl section. Page after page of mechanical flip-flopping, splashing and swimming gadgets. All of which I refer to as “Flipping Chickens”.

What really struck me is that how many folks out there feel they need to have not just the newest and most realistic of these gadgets, but also the most in order to consider themselves a successful duck hunter; and to think they must have all of these gadgets to harvest a bird.

This section in the catalog preempted the most important and useful tool of waterfowling, the calls and decoys. The very foundation our sport was structured and grew on. The hunting skill and knowledge of your quarry is more important than the (R.P.M.) of your rotating wing decoys. These are the very tools that separate men and boys (experienced and novice hunters), were the only two needed for success, experience and luck.

Don’t get me wrong, I won’t tell you that I have never used these “Flipping Chickens” myself; for I have, but mostly not to my liking. I can honestly say, I have shot ducks that have locked in on my Robo and I never blew my call. But none of these are as rewarding as those that I called up and worked round and round again and brought to the decoys by my own knowledge of the bird and how to hunt them with the use of no mechanical devise at all.

If I had an opportunity to speak before members of the Flyway Council, a group of conservation leaders and biologists responsible for managing our population of birds and setting our regulations; the number one thing on my agenda would be a total and complete ban on any mechanical devices used for waterfowling. With the exception of electronic callers for use only in a situation such

May 2004

as the conservation order for light geese; a situation where use only helps the long term effect of the flock.

“Flipping Chickens” have done more to hurt waterfowling as a whole than they could ever possibly help. One of the first cries of support for their use was they helped reduce the number of cripples. In their first season or two, this might have been the case, but only a group of hunters here and there had these devices and birds would drop from great distances and land in their decoys.

Now that most every group has a minimum of one “Flipping Chicken”, the amount of cripples seems to be increasing again. Birds are making one pass at a marginal range and taking a look at your decoys and away they go. Hunters have learned this and are taking those less than perfect shots, thus crippling and loosing more birds.

I know that some will disagree, but us hunters as a whole, need to put a ban on these devices and help police our own ranks. Robo’s and there like have to be removed from waterfowling and take it back to the basics of hunting. After all, when we go afield, is it not most important that we have the most enjoyable time. Carrying all of these devices and maintaining them is a real pain in the seat of my waders. If shooting is all you go to the marsh for, maybe you should take up trap, skeet or sporting clays; this way you can shoot as often, as far away and repeatedly as you want and it’s a whole lot cheaper than duck and goose hunting.

For now, good luck and happy hunting and fishing and remember, a safe trip is always a good trip.

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This 10 pt. buck is Ryan Prouhet’s first!

It was taken back in November of last year.

Nice hunting! Thanks to S&H Bait, Tackle & Sporting Goods in O’Fallon, MO for the photo!

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ADVENTURE SPORTS OUTDOORS “THE VOICE OF THE AMERICAN SPORTSMAN”

May 2004

Flip Docks in May for Lake of the Ozarks Bass

by John Neporadny Jr. Even though bass will be in different stages of spawning during May on the Lake of the Ozarks, one pattern remains consistent throughout the month.

Harold Stark, a tournament competitor from Eldon, Mo., can catch bass in three stages of the spawn (prespawn, spawn and post-spawn) all at one time by flipping jigs behind boat docks on the lower end of the lake. Since the water temperature runs from 59 degrees at the beginning of the month to 75 degrees by the end of May, the flipping pattern produces best because the fish will stay behind the docks the entire month.

Stark prefers fishing from the dam area to the 35-mile marker of the Osage arm since this area contains more boat docks. “There are also so many bigger coves in that area and they all have more cuts to fish.” The ideal locations to try are behind docks in small indentations or cuts in the banks of bigger coves. The cuts should have a bank consisting of both pea gravel and chunk rock. “Cuts that sit in closer to the main part of the cove (near deep water) are best,” says Stark.

This pattern produces best in stained water with the lake level at or above normal stage. The higher the lake level, the move cover available for bass behind the docks, Stark says. He usually finds fish 2 to 5 feet deep near any available cover. The most appealing docks to bass contain the most junk in the rear section of the floating structure. “You’re fishing the ramps, the cables and any brush that might be behind the dock then,” Stark says. Even the cables dangling in the water will hold fish during this time.

When Stark finds an ideal dock, he works it deliberately and thoroughly. He skips past the front end and sides of the dock and concentrates his efforts behind the cables. “If you think a fish is in a spot, flip to it more than once,” Stark advises, “Generally though at that time of year, when you flip in and that fish is there, it usually bites right away.” When he finishes behind one side, he will

45

move around the dock and work the other backside.

His favorite lure to flip is a 5/16- to 9/16-ounce Stanley jig with a number 1 pork frog. He prefers a brown jig with a black and red pork frog. He also always adds a fish attractant, such as Bang or Fish Formula, to his jig-and-frog combo.

Stark uses 14- to 25-pound test line, depending on the water clarity. In clear water, he selects lighter line and switches to the heavier monofilament in darker water.

Flipping works better than pitching in this situation. “You want to get in there just as quiet as you can,” Stark says. “You can pitch it, but if you pitch too far back and you hook one, then you have to get him out from behind those cables.

If you’re too far away then you’re not going to get him out.”

After flipping his lure to a target, Stark quickly retrieves the jig. “Put it in there, jig it a couple of times, then move it on out.” He says the fish are aggressive enough during that time of year that they will usually hit the lure on the initial fall.

The flipping pattern produces best under bright skies when the fish hold tighter to the cover behind the docks. During cloud cover the bass will roam all over the back of the dock. Stark says the fish will hit more aggressively but you just have to scatter your flips to more areas behind the dock.

While flipping behind docks produces bigger fish, keeper-size bass will fall for Fat Gitzits thrown on a 1/16-ounce jighead with spinning tackle. Another successful pattern for getting a limit in a hurry is to throw a buzz bait. Stark suggests keeping your boat parallel to the bank and the trolling motor constantly running while you work the buzz bait along the whole bank of a cove. An effective pre- and post-spawn pattern during this time is throwing a Carolina-rigged plastic lizard along pea-gravel secondary points and channel banks in coves.

For information on lodging and other facilities at the Lake of the Ozarks or to receive a free 152-page vacation guide, call the Lake of the Ozarks Convention & Visitors Bureau at 1-800-FUN-LAKE or visit the Lake of the Ozarks Convention and Visitors Bureau web site at funlake.com.

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May 2004

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MISSOURI BOWHUNTER EDUCATION CERTIFICATION COURSE, Wednesday, May 12 - Thursday, May 13, 6pm each night SHOTGUN BASICS AND SPORT SHOOTING, Friday, May 14 - Saturday, May 15, 6pm on 14th at classroom and 8am on 15th at range MISSOURI HUNTER EDUCATION CERTIFICATION COURSE, Saturday, May 15 - Sunday, May 16, 9am to 4pm each day KIDS FISHING FAIR, Saturday, May 15, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

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MISSOURI HUNTER EDUCATION STUDENT COURSE, Saturday, May 15 - Sunday, May 16, 9am to 4pm each day WOMEN’S BASIC HANDGUN ORIENTATION COURSE, Wednesday, May 19 - Saturday, May 22, May 19, 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. (Lecture) May 22, 8:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. (Range)

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MISSOURI BOWHUNTER EDUCATION COURSE, Friday, May 21 Saturday, May 22, Friday evening 6pm - 9pm and Saturday 9am - 4pm LEARN TO CANOE, Saturday, May 22, 8am to 12pm INTRODUCTION TO SPORTING CLAYS, Wednesday, May 26, 6:00 p.m. 9:00 p.m.

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YOUTH CATFISHING CLINIC, Thurs. & Sat. May 13 & 16, 5:00 pm-9:30 pm Thurs. & Fri. 5:30 am-1:00 pm Sat. Call (660) 885-6981

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This massive buck was taken in Schuler Co. Thanks to Unger Bait, in Rushville, IL for sharing this awesome photo with ASO!

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ADVENTURE SPORTS OUTDOORS “THE VOICE OF THE AMERICAN SPORTSMAN”

POST-SPAWN MUSKIE PATTERNS AT LAKE KINKAID By: Colby Simms Spring is a great time of year to be outdoors enjoying all that the wilderness has to offer, and it’s hard to find a better way to spend one of these warming days than fishing at magnificent Lake Kinkaid, in the heart of the majestic Shawnee National Forest in Southern Illinois.

Southern Illinois is a great place to bring the family and offers something for everyone. Lake Kinkaid provides fantastic fishing opportunities and incredible scenery in one great package. The only tough decision is which species of fish to target, as Kinkaid offers superb angling for many different fish including largemouth bass, white bass, crappie, bluegill, catfish and many more. These fish species have all benefited greatly from the muskie fishery. Muskies control the large populations of big baitfish that quickly grow to an unusable size. If not for muskies, these big baitfish would quickly overpopulate and take over the lake, stunting the other species.

One of the biggest draws to Lake Kinkaid is the incredible muskie fishing, and spring is a prime time to get in on a good bite. Lake Kinkaid is one of the country’s premier muskie fisheries and is considered one of the best in the southern muskie range. Kinkaid is a great fishery for both numbers of muskies and big fish as well, and Kinkaid definitely has great potential to produce the next state record. Kinkaid muskies are very heavy for their length and stay fat year round on a steady diet of gizzard shad and spotted suckers. The muskie fishery is very healthy and continues to improve every year. Since the introduction of the spillway barrier in 1998, muskies can no longer escape from the lake as they do in so many other waters throughout the Midwest. The result is more fish per acre than most waters and more big fish still swimming in the lake.

THE SEASON The entire spring season offers great opportunities to tangle with big Kinkaid

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May 2004

muskies, but today we’ll focus on the post-spawn period. The post-spawn spring period is marked by water temperatures in upper 50 to mid 70 degree range. This period can start as early as the beginning of April in some areas of the lake, and lasts until early to mid June during most years. Water temperatures and spawning will vary throughout the different areas of the lake.

During the early period of pre-spawn, the muskies will be a little lethargic from going through the rigors of spawning. It usually takes a couple of weeks before the majority of the population of fish in a given area really become aggressive again and start feeding heavily. There are a few methods that will tempt these neutral or negative fish to strike.

As the water climbs, the muskies become more active and start feeding heavily. During this period the muskies metabolism is on high and they gain a lot of weight, and begin to strike a variety of presentations.

PRESENTATION Downsizing is one tactic that I use to take Kinkaid muskies during early postspawn, in water from about 58 to 65 degrees. Big bass lures are excellent tools for taking muskies when they’re less inclined to bite. Long arm, safety pin style spinnerbaits are very versatile lures and excel during this period. Dunn’s Big Bite Premium Spinnerbaits are my choice for this technique (dunnssportinggoods.com). Dunn’s spinner baits have realistic baitfish head designs, and light reflecting, shimmering skirts and blades, for the look and action of real prey. I always add a soft plastic trailer to my spinnerbaits. In clear water I choose a 3 or 4 inch split tail trailer. When fishing in stained water or during low light conditions, I opt for a 4 or 5 inch curly tailed grub such as the premium models available from Dunn’s Big Bite Lures. These grubs add bulk and vibration to the lure, making it easier for fish to locate in lower visibility conditions.

Another good lure choice is a jig and plastic combination. I choose a quality snag resistant jig such as a Dunn’s Big Bite Rattle Jig in 1/2 to 3/4 ounce sizes, or a J-Mac Muskie Pike Jig in 11/4 to 11/2 ounces. I pair these lures with a 5 to 8 inch soft plastic trailer such as a Dunn’s Pro Grub, Pro Lizard, or Bush Pig. Lipless crankbaits in 3/4 to 11/2 ounces sizes will take muskies, and slow twitching with 5” to 9” floating minnowbaits is a great early post-spawn tactic as well.

As the water warms into the upper 60 to mid 70 degree range during the late period of the post-spawn, muskie activity levels rise substantially. They begin to take larger lures with more frequency and respond well to a run and gun approach of covering water and presenting lures at higher speeds. Large in-line spinners, long arm spinnerbaits and surface lures take lots of fish when burned through weedy areas, and 7” to 10” crankbaits will produce well on rocks and wood, as well as off the deep weed edge. The folks at Dunn’s Sporting Goods

Call for more information: TY or PAM Office: 636-464-4162 • Fax: 636-464-5634 #9 Milanna Drive • Arnold, MO 63010 LandPoutdoors@aol.com

May 2004

ADVENTURE SPORTS OUTDOORS “THE VOICE OF THE AMERICAN SPORTSMAN”

(636-916-0242) will get you ready with the fishing lures and equipment that you’ll need.

LOCATION Now that we’ve discussed the season and the best lure choices to use during the early and late periods of the post-spawn, let’s talk about where to put these lures to work. During the early period, focus your efforts in transition areas around spawning grounds. Muskies will spawn in shallow, warm water bays, creeks and coves, usually on the north side of the lake. After locating these spawning grounds, look for major structures downstream from these areas.

Points, flats near channel edges, inside turns, and other structures will all hold fish. These structures could be at the mouth of a creek or they could be most of the way back in the creek itself. It just takes a little time to find out which areas hold the most fish. Post-spawn muskies like cover, and the best structures will have plenty of cover on them for the fish to use.

The water continues to warm as the late post-spawn period settles in. The fish continue to move further away from the spawning grounds and out toward main lake areas. Focus on shallow to mid-depth weedy areas such as flats, points, humps and islands. The best spots are weed related, but they also have some other type of cover, either rock, wood or man made. Another key ingredient is deep water. A large expanse of deep open water nearby is a definite plus, especially for big fish.

When the water climbs into the upper seventies in June, the fish settle into more of a traditional summer muskie pattern for a short period of time, usually until the end of June. After the water climbs into the 80s, most muskies will move into deeper water and become very inactive, making them nearly impossible to catch until early fall temperatures begin to cool the lake again. Being a northern fish that is stocked in these southern waters, muskies don’t handle the hot water temperatures well. Most of the fish caught during the summer are doomed to die even if quickly released, which is why we do not fish for muskies in the south during the hot summer months. Anytime the water reaches eighty degrees we will not fish for muskies at Kinkaid. Even though we have this short break, we do enjoy a long muskie season from mid-September to mid-June.

During most years we’re able to pursue these magnificent creatures right through the winter with very little or no ice at all.

Kinkaid Lake is a beautiful body of water, a phenomenal fishery and a great place to chase the powerful and elusive muskie. Muskies are touted as one of the toughest, hardest fighting game fish in the world, and to hunt them is a true measure of an angler’s skill. The top predator isn’t the easiest fish to catch, but when we do, it makes for a story that everyone wants to hear. Like the slaying of a dragon in mythology, muskies haunt our minds, hearts and souls. They

49

invade our dreams and rule our lives, and it is truly a gift to catch such a creature. Good Luck!

Colby Simms is a professional fishing guide, tournament angler, outdoor writer, photographer, speaker, and tackle builder based at Lake Kinkaid, IL. Colby and his tournament partner Ray Simms are the 2003 IMTT Illinois State Muskie Tournament Champions. Colby owns and operates Simms Sport Fishing Tackle and the Simms Southern Illinois Guide Service LLC, employing professional guides in Missouri and Illinois.

Colby Simms is a member of the Dunn’ Big Bite Lure Co. Pro Staff and the Midwest Bass Tournaments Magazine Pro Staff. Colby is sponsored by: Dunn’s Big Bite Lure Co. and Sporting Goods Retailers, Mineral Area Office Supply, Keeping You In Stitches Embroidery Shop, Artistic Signs, and the Tourney Shirts Company.

Book a guided sport fishing or hunting trip with a professional multispecies guide from the SIMMS SPORT FISHING & HUNTING TEAM. Our team has guides available throughout Missouri, Illinois and Ontario.

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ADVENTURE SPORTS OUTDOORS “THE VOICE OF THE AMERICAN SPORTSMAN”

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BAD INVESTMENTS Every year we are informed that the agencies responsible for managing our wildlife and other natural resources are strapped for cash. They simply do not have enough time, manpower or dollars to do everything they are asked to do.

This problem is often addressed in a straightforward manner - raise taxes and charge sportsmen more for the privilege of hunting and fishing. Yet, it never seems to be enough.

It is with this thought in mind that I bring to your attention two articles that crossed my desk during the month of April.

The first story came from National Geographic News under the title “Protected Areas Don’t Protect Many Endangered Species, Study Finds”. Here is the lead paragraph from that article: The good news is that more than a tenth of the Earth’s land surface is now a designated safe haven for wildlife, exceeding international targets. But the bad news, according to a new study, is that many of the world’s most threatened species don’t actually live in those areas.

The second story came from The Washington Times under the title “Report pegs cost of species protection in billions”. The opening paragraphs from this article went like this: The yearly cost of enforcing the Endangered Species Act runs into the billions of dollars, not millions as reported to Congress by government agencies, says an audit released yesterday by property rights groups.

Despite the estimated $3 billion per year spent, the government has little to show for its recovery efforts, says the Property and Environment Research Center, which conducted the study for the Pacific Legal Foundation.

The audit reviewed 19 federal agencies that spend “significant” amounts to comply with the act and found that salaries, maintenance and services associated with enforcing

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the ESA are not reported to Congress.

We are often told that our efforts to save endangered species and to protect the environment as a whole are worthy activities that simply will cost us a great deal of money.

We all realize that there are times when reaching lofty goals may require sacrifice. But what about those times when our sacrifices do not produce positive results?

Here is another excerpt from the second article: Brian Kennedy, spokesman for the House Resources Committee, says the report shows “either a success rate of 0.01 percent, or a failure rate of 99.9 percent in helping endangered species recover enough to be removed from the list.

The costs to taxpayers in general, and sportsmen in particular, are staggering. Factor in the success generated by these dollars and the sensation of nausea can be overwhelming.

But there is another set of costs to consider. Here is another excerpt: The economic impact of the Endangered Species Act is not reported to Congress. The report says $300 million a year in federal efforts and regulations to protect the habitat of the California gnatcatcher bird also caused a one-year delay on construction of a high school, costing an additional $1 million locally. Farmers in the Klamath Basin of Oregon lost nearly $54 million in crops in 2001 when irrigation water was shut off to protect the shortnose sucker and coho salmon.

Incidents like these are too numerous to mention. In fact, the complete tally will never truly be known. In all of this discussion, no one has even brought up the topic of dollars spent on the state, county or local level. Let alone that burden shared by private industry.

Here’s yet another quote: “The government has no idea what the ESA is truly costing, but it does give us an idea of the enormous human costs of ESA regulation - and it’s often devastating,” said Emma T. Suarez, a lawyer for the Pacific Legal Foundation, a Sacramento, Calif.-based organization that defends property owners against endangered species lawsuits.

“People have lost their jobs, businesses, homes, farms and even their lives to protect plants, insects and fish,” she said.

When we run into financial difficulties in our own homes we recognize the need to prioritize. We often have to eliminate one expense to make room for another.

We have reached that point in regard to the management of our natural resources.

One final quote: Rep. Richard W. Pombo, California Republican and House Resources Committee chairman, called the report “astounding” and proof that the law “is broken.”

“American taxpayers are spending billion after billion to fund programs that don’t work,” Mr. Pombo said. “That’s like buying a new set of tires every year for a car that doesn’t run. But until Congress reforms the law, this is essentially what will continue to happen.”

I have one serious question: What are we waiting for?

Visit Dan’s website www.MasterHunters.com and feel free to contact Dan via e-mail dan@masterhunters.com

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ADVENTURE SPORTS OUTDOORS “THE VOICE OF THE AMERICAN SPORTSMAN”

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ADVENTURE SPORTS OUTDOORS “THE VOICE OF THE AMERICAN SPORTSMAN”

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by:

Surviving Nuge So this guy from MTV calls and asks if I’d be interested in doing a “Survival” type TV show, and I say’s, “Sure, as long as it doesn’t interfere with my hunting time.” I was aware of the genre and its TV saturating successes, however, I had not, and cannot bring myself to sit in front of the TV set to watch anybody do much of anything, much less grovel for simple survival. I am also acutely aware as to why this type of program would be so highly rated. You see, in the modern world of America’s lifestyle (death-style) of ever increasing dependency, gluttony and apathy, tossing average folk into inhospitable environments and situations would be very interesting if not downright entertaining. To find joy and pleasure in watching people scramble and stumble to fend for themselves, even endure pain and embarrassment, is symptomatic to the dumbing down of America. Boredom comes easy to lazy, fat, apathetic people of limited creativity, I believe. Witnessing others forced into compromised drama allows the more soulless amongst us to rationalize their own undisciplined and often wasted lives. (Don’t get your blubber in a twizzle, as only the guilty need feel guilty.)

How could we, afterall, possibly get by, much less survive, without all those taken-forgranted conveniences in our daily lives? No more light-switches, thermostats, faucets, toilets, showers, shelter, towels, refrigerators, roomservice, washers, dryers, home pizza delivery or any of the gimme cush so many have come to completely rely upon for daily existence. Way too many Americans are so spoiled and take everything in our daily lives for granted, it is a wonder anyone survives power outages at all. If I hear another plucked, painted, coiffed, dyed, stinky wench squawk over a broken fingernail I think I’m gonna puke.

May 2004

As the last real man in the world of Rock-N-Roll, I see it on a constant basis where the minutest little inconvenience brings about cries of terror and whining. Only a spineless asshole would trash a dressing room. That being said, I also know how the primal scream of rugged individualism and courageous independence runs wild in the heart and soul of mankind in general. Like the ultimate City Kids in New York City on that traumatic 11th day of September, 2001, average citizens instinctively manned-up to the life and death cries of need by their fellow Americans and accomplished miraculous life saving feats when the chips were down. So goes the human spirit. So goes my SURVIVING NUGENT TV Show.

We are in a cultural war for sure. There is an evil wave of liberalism that would gut our US Constitution, eliminate God and those pesky Ten Commandments from our society and from our societal pillars of literature and historical documents that clearly identify this glorious experiment in self-government as the moral and ethical imperative it is. I have been fighting for the right to keep and bear arms, to carry said arms on our persons, and the obvious God given right to hunt, fish, trap, and pragmatically utilize our gifts of life giving renewable resources in a responsible and intelligent manner. It’s not just creation, it’s science. I know that like those warriors in Manhattan on 9-11, most of us will do the right thing given the opportunity and provided honest information for such a decision. I have seen hardcore antigunners and antihunters come full circle in support of these truisms during many a radio talkshow dialog of truth and reason. It is this same force of public relations that will ultimately create a driving voting force for our 2nd Amendment rights and honorable hunting heritage rights that will turn the tide of politically correct tomfoolery around. PR is our ultimate weapon in this cultural war, and intelligent, heart and soul relations with the public, means simply maximizing visibility for the truth. Not my truth or your truth, simply truth.

So immediately upon the MTV dude inquiring whether I’d be interested in such a TV show or not, I began to rant and rave about funny, outrageous, hysterical ideas and scenarios how a gaggle of citykids would grovel in the natural Nugent Ranch American Dream swamp, and entertain the masses by trying to do routine Nuge stuff. Shoveling kennels and horsebarns, fetching decoys from black muck, hauling grain and feed bags into the wilderness, saving wild geese from our swimming pool, slopping hogs, shooting guns and bows, building and using an outhouse, killing, gutting, skinning, butchering, BBQing and eating a wild boar, identifying animal spoor and feces, cutting, splitting and stacking wood, sleeping in the barn, baling hay, you know, everyday fun with Tribe Nuge. The guy went nuts. I was already there.

I knew instinctively that the Nugent Tribe’s warm hospitality and goodwill would cut through the tension and drama of such an escapade, but most importantly, how our everyday lifestyle of hunting, fishing, trapping, shooting, conservation, animal husbandry and resource stewardship would shine through to the masses. Huge, positive, far reaching PR, counterpunching the numbnuts who are against such purity and perfection. And in the enemy’s own foxhole! How cool is that? Let’s git it on!

I conduct more than 1000 media interviews per year, and have done so for more than 30 years. In the liberal world of entertainment media, I understand their desperate need

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ADVENTURE SPORTS OUTDOORS “THE VOICE OF THE AMERICAN SPORTSMAN”

May 2004

to fan flames for ratings. Recording artists and actors who hate guns and hunting are everywhere, and even though there are plenty out there who ideologically support the 2nd Amendment and conservation, it is indeed rare to hear from them. Not so Uncle Ted. I’ve lived a shooting and hunting life my entire life and take great pride in these honorable pursuits. I derive even more gratification in fighting for them and squashing the anti’s. My professional and able assistant, Linda Peterson, fields numerous interview requests daily, and schedule permitting, I accept those most effective. I knew the MTV/VH1 demographic was in desperate need to hear our side, and giggled with excitement knowing I could positively impact tens of millions of viewers in the humorous, entertaining context of such a show. Plus it would be a riot, and riots are my specialty.

Now that the dust has settled, our SURVIVING NUGENT show has been a huge success, (#1 rated VH1 program for the fall books) we are in pre-production for the upcoming ‘04 series, and I wish to expose a few heinous observations about the core of our hunting industry that has plagued the hunting community forever. Sadly, it’s getting worse.

Hunting and shooting television shows have been a dismal failure forever. What the hell happened to The American Sportsman with Fred Bear and Curt Dowdy? Sadly, it’s getting worse. We have The Outdoor Channel now, providing some really good hunting and fishing shows. Some. Unfortunately, it is a small percentage that qualifies as good, none as great, and most, shamelessly embarrassing in their unsophisticated Bubbaness.

If they’re not trying to shove God and the bible down our throats with an almost teary eyed James Baker-like transparent cheapness, the really knowledgeable and technically proficient producers are over-editing the most important natural visuals about how we kill our food and that blood and guts are not only OK, they’re real and real good. Add pathetically monotone, hokey, Mr. Rogers type, or worse, sing-songy used-car-salesman narration, and you’ve got a surefire recipe to chase away new viewers, new consumers, and ultimately, new voters for our side. Why on God’s good green earth would the best satellite hunting/shooting TV network insist on airing gold-panning programs at all, much less at prime time? We’re at war here friends!! I don’t get it.

Our TED NUGENT SPIRIT OF THE WILD show has twice won the most important award any show could ever aspire to, The People’s Choice Award. We’re not perfect, yet, but we try to keep it honest and real, and the people have responded favorably. (thank you) While I thank and salute TOC team for busting through the PC quagmire with a channel that I can watch for the most part, during this fiery cultural war, I am compelled to push for upgrade.

I could point out a number of TV 101 decision failures at TOC, but the obvious, conclusive, monster indictment of all times is the fact that VH1 didn’t hesitate for a nanosecond to show the gutting, skinning and butchering of a wild boar, but amazingly, TOC has insisted on a warning and disclaimer before such footage is shown. On The Outdoor Channel-Real hunting for real hunters!! Say what? VH1, land of hippies, homos, hip hop gangsta bangers, dope fiends and “We Are The World” Michael Jackson creeps, blood, guts, no problem. TOC, “we don’t want to offend anyone.” Huh? Can you say “Leave it To Beaver”?

53

I watch TOC cancel better than average shows like The Journal of The Texas Trophy Hunter, but continue with gold panning shows and automotive infomercials. I watch The Discovery Channel, PBS’ Nova, National Geographic and the like, unhesitatingly air graphic predator programming, no editing of blood, guts, gore or the truth about nature’s cycle of life and death and other such PC reality. Then I see the only real TV channel our hunting industry has, defanging our honorable Tooth, Fang and Claw culture and lifestyle and neutering the fascinating personalities I know to be the norm out there. It aint right.

It is time to encourage the positives, but never settle for denial, compromise or apologies.

It’s time to man-up. It’s time for the hunting industry to stand our ground, stand together.

Gun owners and sporters cannot support any limitations on our 2nd Amendment rights just because a certain gun is small, inexpensive, holds more rounds or is black and composite. We cannot cannibalize and inbreed with the nonsense that quail are OK to hunt but doves are too cute or small or peaceful or some such mindless twittle. The people in charge of image decision making cannot live in the 1950’s or pretend that Americans are too stupid to know that a gazillion Thanks Giving turkeys had a gazillion gutpiles and are dead. To show any hesitancy whatsoever to acknowledge blood and guts on a hunting show is to show guilt and fear. That’s stupid and cowardly and I’m not standing for it.

When I’m finished here, everybody’s going to have to survive Nugent. It’ll do ya good.

Communicate with Ted at www.tednugent.com or write him at 4008 W. Michigan Ave, Jackson, MI 49202. Ted Nugent Spirit of the Wild airs on The Outdoor Channel Thursday nights at 7:30pm Central time, Fridays at 3:30pm and Sundays at 12:30am.

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ADVENTURE SPORTS OUTDOORS “THE VOICE OF THE AMERICAN SPORTSMAN”

54

TERRORISM on the Tundra

By Keith Graham I guess it is up to us American sportsman to clean up the Canadian snow and blue goose problem, like our troops taking care of the problems in Iraq. But for me to circle a pond where the snows and blues are roosting early in the morning with 20 or so hunters is not on my menu. It is a very effective way of solving the problem and I have heard of 200 to 300 geese killed at one rise. I saw my neighbor at the Shell Station one morning with a whole pick up truck completely loaded with dead snows and blue geese. I don’t know if they eat them or not but I do know they make great barbecue and breakfast sausage. Around here there is a time period of around two weeks in March that the snows and blues migrate back to the tundra but the flocks are so big with so many eyes watching you that they are hard to call them in close enough range to get a shot. Some flocks have from 1000 birds to 5000 birds in them.

We would put 500 to 1000 rags out and are lucky to kill 5 or 6 birds.

I hunted a place in Southern Illinois called Gander Hill Goose Club owned by Dale Beetley and Jim Knope that shot from 50 to 100 geese a day from December to March. They can be contacted at 618-329-3373 or 618-527-2038 if interested.

Harry Canterbury called me back in December and said he wanted me to go with him to Nebraska to hunt and film a snow and blue goose hunt with Riverfront Hunt Club owned by Rick Olson at Tekamah, Nebraska. Of course I said yes. We left from Harry’s at 9:30 am Wednesday March 17 for a 6 hour drive to Rick’s place to hunt all day Thursday and Friday morning. We took Interstate 80 to Omaha, then 17 miles north to route 75 to Tekamah. We met a group of hunters that we would be hunting with from Ottawa, Illinois that we followed to the hunting area. There was 17 of us total. Rick had a place that was 28 acres about a mile from the Missouri River. He had 3 pits in a straight line with a phote pit for 2 which Harry and I shared. The flooded field was milo with a levee around it flooded about one foot deep. He has 750 decoys made up of floaters and shaddows. By the way they were all within shooting range and so tight you could hardly walk though them. Calling was done with a electronic calling system with speakers all spread out among the decoys. Flaging was also used. There was two labrador retrievers that got one hell of a work out. `The first day we killed 75 geese made up of snows , blues and rosses geese. All of the shots were 20 to 30 yards. The flocks ranged from 20 to 200 geese. More than one time I shot three times and killed three geese. It was easy shooting I remember one time there was 18 geese came in and we killed all 18. Harry did most all the

May 2004

filmimg because I messsed up a couple of times filming. I guess I got to excited with so many geese, I forgot I had a camera and not a gun. But Harry got to shoot the next day ,Friday. Harry puts a lot of effort in his films and this one will be a good one. It will be shown on TV soon. ` Friday is hard to talk about.. Every time we would get the geese picked up from the shooting before, there would be another flock coming in. We shot 125 geese before 12;00 noon and we had to leave to come home.Friday the wind was out of the south so the geese flew right over Harry and I. Some times there were only ten feet above our heads. One of the big things you had to worry about was shooting the geese and watch out it didn’t fall and hit you in the head. It was hard for me to imagine 200 geese coming in your face at 20 yards and watching 25 geese get shot at one time and watching a rain of geese falling out of the sky. I don’t ever remember a goose hurt like this before and I dought I ever forget. If you ever what to hunt snows and blues I highly recomend hunting with Rich Olson at Riverfront Hunt Club at Tekamah, Nebraska. 402-374-2582 and check www.riverfronthuntclub.com I knew the snows and blues have terrorized the tundra, but on those days we hunted, we terrorized the snows and blues. You know the American way! Also I forgot to tell you Dave Evans and Jerry Sampen from the Outdoor Connection booking company also went along, these guys sure make the trip enjoyable. Thanks Harry! By the way if you are interested in a Mississippi River fishing trip this summer check www.heartlandlodge.com and click on fishing or check www.grahamoutdooradveentures.com Thank you for reading my article Keith Graham

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ADVENTURE SPORTS OUTDOORS “THE VOICE OF THE AMERICAN SPORTSMAN”

May 2004

55

strutting. I stayed within binocular range of the big bird until he roosted. He never gobbled.

I later spoke with the guides who had done battle with this bird earlier in the week. They told me of his routine. He had PART II consistently flown off the roost, ignored all calling attempts, shied away from decoys and entered the wheat field from the north every morning that he had been seen. The guides also explained all of the aggressive calling they had done to try to I mentioned last month that I too, have a few years of turkey get him excited enough to come in. One guide said, “He’s not hunting experience. And, I too am a member of the new a turkey...he’s a demon.”

FIELDLINE Pro Hunting Staff. So I will take this opportuniLooking at an aerial photo of the area while the guides ty to pass along some of the knowledge I have gained in the were talking, I developed my plan for the next morning. I late season. knew exactly where he was roosted. He would have two obviThe added week lets us spread-out the pressure on his birds. ous options to get into the wheat field, his chosen strut-zone, I am not sure the extra week necessarily adds more hunters. from his roost. I had to help him choose which one.

Instead, it just spreads the pressure out over a longer period of Well before daylight the next morning I placed three hen time. decoys at the edge of the wheat, just about where I thought he Also, spreading hunters out over 5 weeks instead of just 4 might come out. I then went east along the field edge a full 80 would make for safer hunts as well. There should not be as yards from the decoys. As the light got better, he gobbled from many people in the woods at one time as before. Therefore it his tree. is safer and puts less pressure on the gobblers.

I waited fifteen minutes from his gobble before I respondAs mentioned earlier, heavily hunted gobblers can become FIELDLINE Pro Staff member hunter shy and call shy. It has been my experience that they Mike Roux proves thathis late-season ed. I made a series of very light clucks and purrs on a slate call.

I then actually put the call back in my vest. I would not call to can also become decoy shy. In the past 10-years the use of methods are effective. him again. I hoped I would not have to. decoys for spring turkey hunting has gained huge popularity.

Photo by Caleb Roux When he finally hit the ground, he gobbled again. He then Early in the season I like to use several decoys, including a moved toward the field. If he came out in my direction he would pass 20-yards from strutting jake decoy. By the end of the season I have usually cut back to a single hen me. If he tried to enter the field from the other probable route, he would see the decoy. Again, the subtle approach seems to be more appealing to pressured toms. decoys and hopefully shy away from them. If so, I hoped that my single series of I put most, if not all of these late season tips to the ultimate test last May. I got a light calls would coax him in my direction. call from a friend in Missouri on Saturday morning of the second weekend of their The big bird never gobbled again, but I could hear him constantly drumming as he season. He asked if I had filled my second week’s tag. I told him I had been guidcame strutting down the trail toward the decoys. He hung-up just inside the timber, ing and had not hunted for myself. He then leveled a challenge. obviously watching the foam deceivers. He then became silent.

It seemed as though there was a particular gobbler in Lewis County who was I had convinced myself that I would not call again, but after 30-minutes of total “untouchable”. He said this fully mature longbeard stayed in the middle of a wheat silence, I was really tempted. As I continued to talk myself out of moving, I heard field almost all day. He would not respond to calls and walked wide paths around him spit and then drum. He was along the edge of the wheat, 25-yards away. Three decoys. Three guides had been beaten by this tom and he offered me a chance at him more steps would bring him into the open. on the final day of the season.

My gun was up and ready, but I was in no hurry. This huge, black bird had betI accepted his invitation and was in camp by 3:00PM that day. He and I slipped tered several good turkey hunters in his life. He had now played his game which put through a ditch to the edge of the wheat field. Sure enough, there he was. Alone and him at my mercy. He had done everything right, just as I had planned. He could outrun me, he could out-fly me, he could even out-hide me...but he could not out-think me. He is one of my greatest trophies.

Applying the methods, techniques and strategies we have discussed here will help keep you on the same plane as the gobblers in the extended portion of this spring’s Boats Stern Drives Illinois turkey season. To get more information on quality turkey calls contact Outboards FIELDLINE at 479-271-6899.

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ADVENTURE SPORTS OUTDOORS “THE VOICE OF THE AMERICAN SPORTSMAN”

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May 2004

NEW WEBSITE LAUNCHED AS 2004 FISHING SEASON BEGINS SPRINGFIELD, ILL. - A new fishing season has arrived in Illinois, and with it comes a new web site (www.ifishillinois.org) that provides the public with an array of informative resources about fishing and boating on Illinois waters.

“The weather is warming up and everyone is eager to get out on the water.

The Department is excited to begin the new fishing season with the launch of www.ifishillinois.org,” said Joel Brunsvold, Director of the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. “For anglers looking for a place to fish - in search of that elusive hot spot - ‘ifishillinois’ provides one-stop-shopping.”

Weekly fishing reports, sport fishing prospects, regulations, and fishing tips are just a few examples of the services provided by www.ifishillinois.org.

Information is provided about more than 70 inland lakes, eight major rivers and streams and Lake Michigan, making it one of the most comprehensive online resources for Illinois fishing available. There’s also a special section called “Kids and Family Fishing,” which includes a kids fishing hotspots information and identifies the best spots for family outings where kids can expect to catch a lot of fish.

The website features profiles of inland lakes in Illinois that include lake maps describing habitat types and depth contours, information about on-site public recreational facilities, sport fishing prospects, and annual sport fishing status reports generated by Department of Natural Resources fisheries biologists. The website also features a science section that highlights various fisheries-related studies conducted by DNR personnel, including creel survey reports, fish species profiles, and information about exotic and endangered species.

The Department’s fisheries programs are also highlighted on the website, including information on the Tackle Loaner, Urban Fishing, and Hatcheries and Stocking Programs.

“We believe this site will be a tremendous tool for anglers across Illinois,” said Mike Conlin, DNR Fisheries Chief. “We intend an ongoing expansion of “ifishillinois”in the coming months by adding more lake and stream profiles and developing online access to summary fisheries data collected by our staff.”

The web site (www.ifishillinois.org) was developed cooperatively by two divisions of DNR - the Division of Fisheries and the Illinois Natural History Survey — and is partially funded by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Sport Fish Restoration Fund.

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ADVENTURE SPORTS OUTDOORS “THE VOICE OF THE AMERICAN SPORTSMAN”

May 2004

Movin’ and Shakin’ for Summer Coyotes

By Brodie Swisher Like a ghost, the ol’ coyote appeared at the edge of the pasture. It was the desperate cries of a critter in distress that brought the coyote into the field, but it was the erratic movement of my decoy that sealed the deal. The dog immediately switched from audio to visual. With his eyes locked on the decoy, he came on the run, slowed only by the crack of my .22250.

The passion for deceiving wild game by the use of decoys has continued to burn within me with each passing season.

Whether it’s deer, ducks, turkey, or even the super-keen coyote, fooling game to within killing range is simply fascinating.

As mentioned, coyotes can quickly switch from audio to visual. No matter how good the sound of your call may be, coyotes often have the tendency to hang up at the edge of the field as they pop into view. A decoy is often all it takes to convince a coyote that what it’s heard is the real thing.

Its been said that the use of a decoy adds greatly to the percentages for success, but by adding movement to that decoy you can easily increase your odds by at least another 10%. Remember, a decoy only works when it catches the eye of an approaching coyote. Decoy manufacturers have gone to great lengths to offer the hunting public some of the most realistic, lifelike decoys ever. There has been a craze in the waterfowl industry over decoys that fly, splash, flap, swim, and dive. Duck and goose hunters have learned that movement is the key to fooling game.

It’s taken some time, but now the predator hunter also has a plethora of decoy tricks and tactics that allow for a lifelike presentation of a rabbit, rodent, deer, or bird in distress. My good friend, George Brint, helped pioneer the motion decoy market. Brint is the founder of Advanced Decoy Research, Inc., a company specializing in motion decoys.

Brint offers the Predator Supreme Predator Decoy (decoyheart.com). The furry critter is not species specific. It could be a cat, rabbit, rodent, or pup. The coyote couldn’t care less. As far as he’s concerned its dinner. The Predator Supreme body sits atop a battery operated motion ball that produces an erratic movement that coyotes find irresistible. One AA battery will provide hours of movement for the decoy.

Brint also offers the Cripple Crow decoy. A decoy originally intended to lure crows that works equally well as bird-in-distress decoy for coyotes. Coyotes will often respond to the sounds of crows gathering and/or the sound of a crow in distress. Upon seeing a fallen crow, a coyote is likely to march in to take advantage of the situation. I’ve used this decoy along with my Johnny Stewart Digital Prey Master caller throwing a variety of crow sounds. The combination is absolutely deadly.

Two coyote decoys that I’ve grown very fond of are in the Coyote Kit from Renzo’s Decoys (renzosdecoys.com). The kit consists of photo-realistic coyote, deer fawn, and rabbit silhouettes. These decoys offer unbelievable lifelike appearance. One of my favorite

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setups consists of the Renzo’s coyote silhouette standing over the Predator Supreme decoy. This setup allows me to play mind-games with the coyote. One, it works on the coyotes desire to fill its belly. It’s heard the prey sound and knows food is available. But upon further investigation, it realizes that an intruder has invaded its territory. Coyotes are very territorial and rarely tolerate competition for food. When he spots what he thinks is another coyote in his territory munchin’ on the groceries, it’ll be all over.

Another decoy in the Renzo’s Coyote Kit that I like, particularly for hunting summer coyotes is their fawn decoy. It is absolutely the most lifelike looking fawn on the market. It works great as does begin to drop fawns in the early months of summer.

Both of the last two decoys mentioned are stationary decoys and do not move on their own. Although I’ve found fishing line to work well as a jerk cord to add a spinning movement to these decoys, I’ve recently stumbled across a new product that brings even stationary decoys to life. It’s the Decoy Walker from True Huntin’ Products (truehuntin.com). The Decoy Walker allows me to move nearly any decoy along a three-foot track. With just a simple pull, I can make the fawn or coyote silhouettes walk one direction then turn around and walk back the other way. It is truly awesome.

Poor coyotes haven’t got a chance!

Whether you’re just getting started in the predator hunting pursuit, or a seasoned veteran, decoys will add an exciting element to your next hunt like nothing else can.

Try adding a little movement to your setup. I’ll bet you’ll find movin’ and shakin’ just the ticket for killing more coyotes. Until next time, you’ll find me In His Tracks.

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May 2004

MAY DEER MANAGEMENT During May both bucks and does may begin to move to summer home ranges.

Does will begin looking for fawning locations.

By T.R. Michels Herd Health and Social Structure More and more hunters are interested in hunting for trophy animals. But, because State game managers are often interested in providing a large, healthy, balanced herd, and not necessarily trophy animals, these hunters are taking it upon themselves to try to increase their chances of seeing a trophy by some type of deer management (sometimes with the emphasis on growing trophies) and improving the habitat. Hunters who are only interested in helping the animals grow bigger racks by providing food plots, minerals and limiting their hunting to larger racked animals often unwittingly improve the quality of the entire herd. Not only will the bucks use the food and minerals, but so will the does and fawns. If the hunter then passes up smaller animals he gives them a chance to mature, develop fully and contribute to the gene pool.

Management Practices There is no question that deer herds must be managed. Increasing human populations, urban sprawl and changing land practices have led to less available deer habitat while deer herds have continued to increase, which has led to an overpopulation of deer in many areas. This has compelled wildlife managers to issue abundant doe permits each year in order to keep the deer herds within the carrying capacity of the available habitat.

The deer management practices of many wildlife agencies revolve around the need to balance the deer herds in relation to the habitat while still trying to keep deer populations high enough for hunting, with hunting as the primary method of deer reduction. The current practice of keeping deer populations high enough that they can be hunted, and the past management practice of bucks only hunting, combined with the belief by many hunters that they should only shoot bucks if they want to keep deer numbers high, is precisely the reason why there are too many deer, particularly does.

It is usually too many does (as in Minnesota and Wisconsin), not too many bucks in a deer herd, that prompts game managers to issue numerous doe permits in the hopes that enough deer will be removed to keep their numbers at acceptable levels. Eventually this becomes a vicious cycle and both the deer and the habitat suffer. The effects of this cycle generally result in low buck:doe ratios and fewer numbers of dominant breeding bucks, which leads to breeding periods that are later, and longer, than they should be, resulting in poor spring survival rates of fawns.

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To add to the problem of too many deer, but not enough bucks, the interest in trophy hunting for white-tailed deer has skyrocketed in the past few years. This interest in high scoring whitetail racks by numerous hunters puts added pressure on the already depleted number of large antlered animals, and further reduces the number of available older dominant breeding bucks. Fewer numbers of bucks, particularly older dominants, result in fewer contacts between the does and the priming pheromones deposited by bucks at rubs and scrapes. These priming pheromones are thought to cause the does to come into estrus and help synchronize the rut activity between the does and the bucks. When these pheromones are absent the does may come into estrus from as early as mid-October to as late as January.

In a deer management study by Larry Marchinton between 1981 and 1986, an increase in the buck to doe ratio from 25:100 in 1981-82, to 54:100 in 1983-84 resulted in the average breeding date changing from November 11 in 1981 to October 15 in 1982, almost a month earlier than normal, and the length of the breeding period was shortened from 96 to 43 days. In another study using quality management techniques, the average breeding date occurred almost two months earlier.

If you are interested in more hunting tips, more biology and behavior, click on Trinity Mountain Outdoor News and T.R.’s Hunting Tips at www.TRMichels.com. If you have questions about log on to the T.R.’s Tips message board. To find out when the rut begins, peaks and ends in your area click on Whitetail Rut Dates Chart.

This article is an excerpt from the Deer Manager’s Manual ($19.95 + $5.00 S&H), by T.R. Michels.

T.R. Michels is a nationally recognized game researcher/wildlife behaviorist, outdoor writer and speaker. He is the author of the Whitetail, Elk, Duck & Goose, and Turkey Addict’s Manuals. His latest products are the 2003 Revised Edition of the Whitetail Addict’s Manual, the 2003 Revised Edition of the Elk Addict’s Manual; and the 2003 Revised Edition of the Duck & Goose Addict’s Manual. For a catalog of books and other hunting products contact: T.R. Michels, Trinity Mountain Outdoors, PO Box 284, Wanamingo, MN 55983, USA. Phone: 507-8243296, E-mail: TRMichels@yahoo.com, Web Site: www.TRMichels.com

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Backwoods Trapper

By Ron Scheller Poison - Poor Choice for Wildlife It sure seems strange that in this time of environmental “awareness” we still find an arsenal of poisons on the shelves at any garden center or hardware store.

Spending a small amount of time researching poisons and chemicals for rodent or other wildlife control will quickly reveal many negative aspects of using chemicals.

I have never been able to comprehend how most people will quickly place mouse or rat poison around their home, but refuse to use mouse traps because they are “cruel”. How can a slow, painful death (by poisoning) be more humane than a mouse trap? Let’s see, writhing around in severe pain for days until your stomach explodes is okay, since it happens “out of view” of a “compassionate” homeowner.

Discovering your home has a rodent problem is not a pleasant ordeal, but it is a very “real” occurrence. The diseases that can be carried by mice (or rats) can pose a serious health threat, and facing reality is the first step in taking control. In 30plus years of wildlife control, I’ve determined it’s impossible to “kill” something without “hurting it”. Go buy some mouse traps and deal with it.

It is very common for people to try multiple concoctions to eliminate problem rodents or animals. Their efforts usually cause serious problems for many other types of wildlife. Poisons are not selective, and are also dangerous to humans.

Secondary poisoning is another drawback of chemical use for animals.

Poisoned animals are often ingested by predators and scavengers, both of which are extremely important in maintaining a balance in nature. Indirectly killing your resident barn owl or red fox will create an even greater rodent problem by lessening the natural reduction by predatory animals. I have yet to see a fox, owl, snake, or any other beneficial predator killed in a mouse trap, and I’m not holding my breath.

Speaking of snakes, they offer some of the best natural rodent control available.

I often receive calls in my wildlife control business pertaining to snake “problems”.

If a person has a high number of snakes around, it signifies there is a very abundant rodent population present. The person usually has a rodent problem that is far worse than any snake sightings.

Bird feeders are the number one cause of snake calls. The seeds that drop to the ground attract mice and chipmunks which quickly multiply. Suddenly you have the ultimate attraction for snakes.....an abundant supply of tasty rodents. I’m not suggesting to stop feeding the birds, but snake numbers will be lower if you keep brush piles, lumber, or other debris in your yard to a minimum to provide less cover for snakes.

However, the next time you see a snake in your yard, try visualizing 50 mice in your cereal cabinet. Now, before you run the snake over with your lawn mower,

Heartland Marine

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consider the fact it is about to eat the 2 mice that will create those 48 others in your kitchen. Keep in mind the snake is NOT going to eat you or your neighbor. It is 10 times more afraid of you than you are of it.

Another disturbing trend I have been alerted to is the growing number of farmers using poison for raccoon control. Even though the raccoon population in Illinois is at an all time high, it does not warrant illegal poisoning for control methods.

Many other animals will ingest the poisons and die off. Raccoons are protected and managed as a valuable fur resource, and it is illegal to use any poisons or chemicals for raccoon control.

To use any chemical or poison for any animal not specifically listed on the container is a federal offense. Even pest control companies cannot use chemicals for animals unless the animal is listed as a target species on the container. Using chemicals and poisons will not provide a permanent solution for an animal problem, so it really makes no sense to use such methods.

Mothballs, ammonia, and other “home remedies” will not evict problem animals from an attic or home. Those methods only cause irritation and problems for the people living in the house. Snake repellants are not effective, as I have seen snake “tracks” through piles of the powder leading under porches and homes. Most of the chemicals have a very limited effectiveness.

The regulations for commercial nuisance wildlife control in Illinois do not allow any use of poisons or chemicals. Years of research and studies have proven the most effective and eco-friendly method of wildlife control is by selective trapping. Using a trapping program followed up by structural repairs and/or exclusion materials is the proper method to deal with animals in your home.

It sure is funny how the media has falsely portrayed trappers as such barbaric individuals. With the constantly rising number of urban wildlife problems, the image is starting to subside, as it becomes apparent that wildlife control is now a very professional business, and operates under strict regulations. By preventing the use of chemicals or poisons, the DNR is demonstrating Clayt Scheller helps his they support environmentally compatible control dad install exclusion methods.

The big challenge will be to get consumers to reduce mesh after trapping the amount of chemicals they use for insect, rodent, several squirrels from and animal control. As long as the retail stores are the attic of this home. making money by selling the products, they will keep Preventing other aniit on the shelves. The public drives the market, and mals from entering a until they change their way of thinking about dealing home is an important with pests, the use of poisons and chemicals will constep in any wildlife tinue. www.thebatguy.com control job.

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ADVENTURE SPORTS OUTDOORS “THE VOICE OF THE AMERICAN SPORTSMAN”

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WHY I HUNT

Bill Tapella & Floyd Brosam after a hunt.

by Bill Tapella

Article by Bill Tapella, who lives and hunts in Coles County, Illinois with his wife, Lela, two children, Mia and Will, and three dogs, Max, Artie and Sadie.

I have many friends who have never hunted.

Some are intrigued and others horrified by my passion for bird hunting. The understanding types view my pursuits with a “to each his own” attitude. Those with less than an open mind take a different view. In my efforts to explain, I have offered the nonbelievers a number of points from the joy of watching dogs work to the camaraderie of fellow hunters. I have never attempted to put into words those large and small things that combine to make each hunt a great

joy and treasured memory.

Bird hunting starts early; yet I always manage to shut off the alarm before it rings.

I love the early mornings, the feel of cold jeans and warm wool socks, skipping the shave and capping rather than combing bed head. The dogs know what the day holds the minute I slap that faded “Illinois,” blaze orange hat on my head. Their excitement turns disruptive to Lela’s slumber the minute I unlock the gun case and quickly hustle them out of the bedroom.

Downstairs, I love the smell of coffee brewing as I gather gear to load the truck.

That first sip that burns the tongue always taste best. Boots over wool socks and my wool sweater ward of the cold of the garage. As I load equipment, I torment the dogs who sit patiently at the back door waiting for their turn to bound into the back of the vehicle. Once released, the dogs take care of business, while I conduct a last minute check of equipment and load their kennels.

I love the drive to Triggers, the usual gathering spot for my hunting buddies. The dark morning sheds no light on the possibility of missed shots or sore feet. In the glow of headlights, only promise and bag limits appear in the day ahead. The dogs sense the same optimism and always moan and whine anxiously for the festivities to begin.

I love the morning gathering around the wood stove, on bad chairs, eating day old donuts with Floyd and Trigger. I love Floyd’s stories about friends, dogs and hunts of years past. Amidst the stories and laughter, it is never to early to start lying about one’s hunting exploits. No one spares an insult about another’s shooting ability at a time when they have yet to miss a shot. While individual dogs are off limits, dog

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breeds are fair game and opinions concerning the obvious superiority of your chosen breed over all others are anticipated and appropriate.

I love standing at the edge of a large expanse of prairie covered with a light skiff of snow, my dogs at the heel and the sun just peeking over the eastern horizon. For those minutes before the sunrise, there is a Zen-like calm. The plan for the hunt made, no one need speak. Each hunter has checked their gun safety and snugged the hat down low to warm a cold face. We look at the field judging where we think the first point will come and the first pheasant rise.

I love the easy walking through fields of thigh high grasses, the trudge through muck and thick cattails and the prick of briars in fencerows and tree lines.

More than anything, I love watching dogs move through the field. The dogs work to appease a hundred years of bred instinct and to please their owner. A hunting dog coursing back and forth through snow covered grasses, nose aloft in an effort to catch scent, is as pleasurable a sight as I can imagine. A group of two or three dogs working together only adds to that pleasure. When those dogs transform from constant motion to statuary in an instant, pleasure turns to giddiness and hushed shouts of “I’ve got a point” carry across the field.

I love the careful double time towards a dog on point. While nervous excitement consumes the calm, I make executive decisions on how to approach the point, zone of fire, locate the other hunters and all other dogs. With those decisions made and the dog still frozen, the entire play nears its climax, as one of us calls “kick it up.”

I love the expected surprise of a pheasant. I know that the bird is there. Max, my shorthair, tells me that the bird is there and I know Max never lies. Beyond the rigid dog, with his slow, controlled, nasal breathing, I step into the pointed area in slow half steps with each foot carefully placed for balance. I peer into the grass for a quick glimpse of feather or the flash of an eye and expectantly kick at tufts of grass. Rarely, I catch the glimpse or flash just before the bird explodes into the air. More often, however, there is no notice or warning past the dogs nose; just an explosion of red followed by brown, blues and gold. The bird catapults out of the grasses and into the air flapping away from dog and hunter. The smart ones make their jump away from any reasonable effort to bring it down. Dinner jumps close, right up the vest and jerks out in front offering that easy shot moving away.

I love the razzing I take when I miss and the pride I feel when my shot hits its’ mark.

I love the way a dogs flies after a retrieve in a low sprint and then prances back full of pride in his effort and my success. I love the slight strain on the shoulders applied by a full game bag and the look of tail feather gaudily extruding from that bag.

I love sitting on the tailgate with steaming coffee warming my face reliving every point and back, every flush and every shot taken. I love hearing Floyd tease Trigger about the one that got away and Trigger giving as good as he got. I puff up with pride at every compliment for my dog’s work. I admire Floyd’s resolve. With two bad knees and weeks not months from his surgery, he’ll walk until my legs are tired, without a visible or audible sign of his obvious pain.

I love the return to the hot stove to clean the game and swap more lies, claiming more birds than I shot and denying the fine shots made by my companions. Again, any problem with a dog remains off limits. Only those verbal salvos that deal with an individuals looks, shooting abilities or judgments regarding dog breeds are allowed.

I love the birds, the gorgeous plumage covering a powerful build. I hold each one.

Before dressing it, a small toss in my hand measures the bird’s heft in a respectful last rite. I love the tail feather and the proud display Lela has arranged on my fireplace mantle. I love the pheasants’ breast, lightly browned and sautÈed in Lela’s special red sauce. I love that manly pride I feel in knowing that tonight’s dinner is there through my effort and by my hand, without the aide of cellophane and meat lockers.

I love the hot shower and a hot bowl of soup waiting at home, after the hunt. I love an afternoon of quite content, fond memories, tired dogs and a nap, when work and Lela let me.

For someone that’s never been there on the edge of that field, none of these things may seem significant. For those that have, none of this needed to be said. For once you’ve been there and felt that calm, you realize that these weak efforts to put the experience into words can never do justice to those special moments.

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ADVENTURE SPORTS OUTDOORS “THE VOICE OF THE AMERICAN SPORTSMAN”

May 2004

Something’s Fishy

by Scott Leysath www.SportingChef.com The weatherman tells me that it’s going to be warm to hot today. He told me the same thing yesterday and, if I don’t miss my bet, I’ll get pretty much the same forecast all through the summer, until the day before dove season opens. When the temperature rises, I go fishing. If I’m lucky, I’ll catch and release a bunch and save one or two for dinner.

The rules of handling game also apply to fish. If you leave a game bag full of quail sitting in your truck on a hot autumn day, they just might take on some pretty nasty aromas and flavors when you finally get to processing and cooking them. If you leave a stringer of fish in seventy-degree water for a few hours, they won’t be nearly as good as if you were to bleed and ice them immediately. Bring along a few extra plastic bags and save room in the cooler for your fish.

The most obvious difference between fish and game is the length of time they can be kept frozen. Oh sure, you can freeze fish for years, but they really start to head south after a few months. Vacuum packaging is the best way to keep them at their best. The manufacturers claim that they’re good for a couple of years. I’m not sure I buy into it, but I do know that I’ve had commercially frozen and vacuum sealed fish that wasn’t bad after a year. Best rule of thumb is to eat it as fast as you can. Look in your freezer. See those trout way in the back from last year’s opener? Time to throw them out and make a promise to yourself never to do that again. Ideally, you should keep them on ice and eat your fish within a day or two of yanking them out of the water.

The recipe below is my all-time favorite fish preparation. The fish cakes are as good as, or better than, crab cakes. I prefer to use light flaky fish like crappie, halibut or rockfish. The idea is to flake the fish into pieces roughly the size and consistency of crabmeat. Lay the fillets on a flat surface and chop with a knife or shred with the tines of a fork. It is critical that you squeeze the moisture out of the fish and pat dry with paper towels or the cakes won’t hold together.

Southwestern Fish Cakes There are two things to keep in mind when making fish cakes. First, they have to be just moist enough to hold together, but not so moist that they fall apart when cooked. Second, you can’t mess with them when they’re in the pan or they’ll break apart.

4 servings 1 tablespoon butter 1/2 cup onion, finely diced 1/4 cup red bell pepper, finely diced 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped 4 cups fish fillets, flaked and pressed dry with paper towels 1 tablespoon red pepper flakes 2 garlic cloves, minced

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2 tablespoons flour 3 tablespoons Japanese breadcrumbs (or any breadcrumbs) 1/2 teaspoon Lawry’s Lemon Pepper 3 tablespoons mayonnaise 2 egg whites, beaten oil for frying Heat butter in a medium skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion and bell pepper and sauté for 4 - 5 minutes. Make sure that fish has been patted dry thoroughly with paper towels. In a large bowl, add cilantro, fish, pepper flakes, garlic and cooled onion/pepper from pan. Sprinkle flour, breadcrumbs and lemon pepper over while tossing, making sure to coat fish evenly. Fold in mayonnaise and egg whites. Take some of the mixture and form into a ball, about 3 inches in diameter. If it holds together, you’re in business. If it’s too dry and flaky, add some more breadcrumbs.

It should be moist, but not soggy. Form mixture into 8 equal sized patties.

Add enough oil to just cover the bottom of a large skillet and heat over medium heat. When oil is hot, add cakes and cook until medium brown on one side, about 5 - 6 minutes. Carefully flip over and brown other sides, about 5 minutes more. When cakes are just cooked, remove from pan and top with a blob of Chipotle Mayonnaise.

Chipotle Mayonnaise 2/3 cup prepared mayonnise 1 lime, juice only 1 tablespoon Creole mustard 1 teaspoon, or more Tabasco Chipotle seasoning (or substitute any hot sauce) Combine ingredients.

Visit SportingChef.com for more great fish and game recipes and catch The Sporting Chef TV show on The Sportsman Channel.

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ADVENTURE SPORTS OUTDOORS “THE VOICE OF THE AMERICAN SPORTSMAN”

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Spring Fishing, Gypsy Style

By Bob Hendricks What could be better, open water, spring in the air, and so many places to try for those springtime fighters that bend your rod half way to the water and cause your reel’s drag to sing sweet music?

I enjoy springtime fishing because the action can be red hot and it gives me a foretaste of the summer to come. Spring time fishing also allows me to use pretty simple baits in my arsenal of fish getters. If I am not in my boat I am moving like a gypsy from one body of water to another. Today it may be a secluded creek, this afternoon it may be a farm pond. The key is to cover as many bodies of water as you can. One area may be stone cold My first bass of the with nary a bite while another may be a total turn year caught Gypsy on for springtime fishing.

Style fishing.

I generally carry a Jim Grandt ultra light rod spooled with either four or six pound Trilene XL. Another rod I use is a two piece Jim Grandt medium action rod spooled with eight-pound test. Both of these rods fit easily behind my seat in my truck and can be taken out at a moment’s notice. I usually have one rigged with a small chartreuse beetle spin while the other may have a small in line spinner such as a Mepps.

I make my tackle box one of the small one-sided Plano clear plastic containers and it works great for gypsy style fishing. I will generally stock my small tackle box with some beetle spins, some small crank baits such as Tiny Traps which are very small Rat-L-Traps, and of course a few small Mepps inline spinners. I also carry a few IKE-CON pre rigged worms in the purple color with chartreuse tails. I will put some small split shot, ball bearing swivels, and small slip bobbers along with some small gold Aberdeen hooks in the event I want to go to some form of live bait.

I like to work the areas of the water that have been exposed to more sunlight because the water temps there will be warmer and more conducive to hungry fish. Deep drop offs and around brush are all great springtime fishing structure and for all times of the year really.

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May 2004

Stay on the move, if one spot is not turning on after an hour or so hit another, that is the whole charm of gypsy style fishing. It is packing light, being mobile, and going from place to place in search of that hot bite or one big fish that is lurking in the shallows just waiting for a tasty little beetle spin to go spinning by her massive jaws. When it all comes together look out, because it is gypsy party time and the water will boil with heart thumping thrashing action.

Gypsy fishing can also be done out of a boat. By motoring a fair distance away from your intended fishing area and turning your electric trolling motor to a lower speed you can move up and use these same tactics to fish area after area on any lake. You may find a weed flat where the fish are in full throttle mode to chase your offerings, while other areas are dead zones.

Use hit and run tactics and gypsy fish the lake covering all the hot spots. IF you do not know the lake very well try to get a map of the lake which will show various depths and fish the shallow bays and drop offs. Piers or docks of course can be great at this time of the year but move up to them with some stealth.

The water can be very clear this time of the year and you have to use stealth to not spook the fish holding in this area. Move off the spot when you are through before cranking the big motor over.

Spring time has a charm of its’ own and if you utilize these gypsy tactics you can up your odds on some great fishing action.

Levi Sarff, 10, with his first turkey! 23#, 9” beard, 3/4” spurs.

Here’s Levi again… this time with the biggest bass he’s ever caught - 6 lbs!

Thanks to The Livewell in Manito for these awesome photos!

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ADVENTURE SPORTS OUTDOORS “THE VOICE OF THE AMERICAN SPORTSMAN”

May 2004

Great news for all fisherman who use minnows when fishing for crappie and other fish. Inventor Rob Pangrcic of La Salle, and his business sales representative, Paul Moreno of Ladd, now have the Take One Minnow Trap available for fishermen & women to purchase.

The Take One Minnow Trap is a black wand with a partially closed tube on either end. It will pick up both big and small minnows.

According to inventor Pangrcic, here’s how this amazing device works: 1. Submerge the Take One Minnow Trap to the bottom of the minnow bucket: 2. Pull the trap upward and turn so the large hole faces upward: and 3. Turn the trap and dump minnow in hand.

“You just lay it in the bucket and the fish swims in,” Moreno said. “It never, ever misses.”

“When they swim in the trap, the little hole on the other side makes them feel safe, but we made it long enough so their dorsal fin is in there and they can’t swim in reverse out,” Moreno added. “They just sit in there.”

The quote “necessity is the mother of invention” certainly applies to Pangrcic. One day while fishing for crappie, the action got fast and furious.

In his efforts to re-bait quickly, Pangrcic became frustrated because of the hassle involved in rounding up the minnows in his bucket. About the time Pangrcic thought “There’s got to be an easier way,” the proverbial light bulb in the brain lit up and presto - he came up with his invention.

The Take One Minnow Trap is especially a godsend for crappie anglers because it’s a crappie’s nature to be in schools (that’s why they are smart) and feed in a relatively short time frame. Therefore it is important to bait your hook as fast as possible to take advantage of the window crappie give you.

A number of anglers can relate to Pangrcic’s situation and understand why it’s important not to waste time when the crappie are biting. Remember going crappie fishing and waiting and waiting for the crappie to bite? Then all of a sudden they’d start biting and you’d catch 20-25 in a hurry, but within a couple of hours, the crappie would “turn off” as quickly as they started. The Minnow Trap allows you to keep baiting quickly and catching the crappie.

Another advantage of the Take One Minnow Trap is that it gives you only the minnow you need. Therefore there is less handling of minnows.

Pangrcic and Moreno are experienced anglers, so they have a product that is promoted by fishermen for fishermen rather than a sales item that was

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hatched in some office.

Moreover, its nice to have a product available from local residents that you can deal with personally rather than sight unseen from someone you don’t know.

However, if you feel the convenience of personal contact is unimportant, a video about the trap is available on the Website: www.pangrcicproducts.com The best feature of the Take One Money Trap is that you are getting a premium product at a bargain price - only $8.39 plus tax and S&H. The trap’s cost is very reasonable when compared to the price of various lures.

Rob has plans in the works to make a longer Minnow Trap that will be on the market soon. See the Website for more information or call to order yours today. 815 252-7254.

Ernie & Bob caught 28lbs. of largemouth while fishing out of Sportsman’s Resort North on Reelfoot Lake. Come on down for some great fishing!

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ADVENTURE SPORTS OUTDOORS “THE VOICE OF THE AMERICAN SPORTSMAN”

A Turkey Hunter’s Dream

By Donna Given The morning sky was just turning pink. I’d put “Bubba Jake and Henny Penny” (my favorite turkey decoy couple) about 25 yards from me, out in a disked corn field. I was set up at the edge of the field, leaning against a big white oak that sat atop a high ridge that drops down to the Mighty Spoon River.

The turkeys like to roost in the trees along the river banks that were just behind and below me. I’d been successful here before.

As I sat waiting, a Barred Owl gave his wake-up call, “Who-cooks-for-you... who-cooks-for-you-a-l-l-l” Then I heard it. The music I’d come here for: GOBBLE-GOBBLE-GOBBLE!! I love it! The sound has become addictive. I may be the only known “Gobbla-holic”. When there’s no gobbling going on, I feel let down...cheated...empty...unfulfilled and flat-out disappointed. If you’ve ever

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May 2004

heard a turkey roar back at your hen yelp, you know what I’m talking about.

It gets your heart pumpin’ like a jack hammer. If it doesn’t, either your startle point is blunted or you’re dead!

Tucked inside my “hide-out”, I answered the robust gobble with a quiet hen call made on my slate. BOOM! He immediately hammered back at me and was joined by three more of his buddies.

Now, all this high-powered conversation was taking place behind me, when — all of a sudden — the field and woods in front of me just EXPLODES with GOBBLES. I’m loving it. I’m in a great position — right in the middle of the competition. I just knew there’d be some action soon.

Then — silence. “The birds are on the ground now,” I said to myself. “Better get my gun up.” I reached over to get my 870 Remington ready and IT WASN’T THERE!! Frantically, I looked around but could not find it.

All of a sudden, gobblers were coming into the field from all sides. They were heading straight for “Bubba and Henny Penny” like they were running an allyou-can-eat cracked corn buffet!

I stared in disbelief!! There...lying in the field right next to the decoys...was my Remington. I’d set it down when I set out the decoys and forgotten to pick it up!!! I know! It sounds like a nightmare, right?

About that time, the alarm went off and my husband nudged me. “You gotta get up,” he said. Whew! Was I ever glad it was only a dream.

And I know the “real-life” experience that prompted it.

Just a couple of days before, I’d gone out...getting to my “turkey spot” well before daylight, just the way I like. I’d laid my 870 down while I was setting out my decoys: 2 hens and a jake. I put Bubba Jake and Henny Penny together.

Then I took several steps and placed the hen. When I turned around to walk back and pick up my gun, I realized that it was still dark as a dungeon out...and I was hunting - in the dark - for a gun that was perfectly camouflaged to boot!

Sheer panic set in before I was able to locate it.

After that episode, I’m very careful to lay my gun down right next to the first decoy I set out. Also, now, no matter what happens — whether it’s nature calling or getting up to clip a branch out of the way, my gun goes with me.

I know the minute I have my gun out of my reach, that’s the precise moment I’ll see that trophy buck or long-bearded gobbler. And I speak from experience on that. (But, of course, that’s another story.)

As I write this, turkey season is fast approaching. My wish is that you all have a safe, fun, and gobble-filled hunt this year.

And even though I’ve got my latest issue of “Turkey and Turkey Hunting Magazine”...I no longer read it just before bed. Can’t risk it triggering another turkey nightmare!! Sweet Dreams Everybody!!

May 2004

ADVENTURE SPORTS OUTDOORS “THE VOICE OF THE AMERICAN SPORTSMAN”

The Life of a Charter Fisherman

By Captain Matt Porter The first thing that I need to tell you is that I am the luckiest man in the world because I absolutely love my job. I get to fish and hunt for a living. During the spring and summer I run a Salmon Charter Fishing Boat on Lake Michigan, and in the fall and winter, I run a waterfowl hunting club.

Having said that, let’s take a look behind the scenes and see what the life of a Charter Captain really looks like. Becoming a skilled enough fisherman to catch fish day in and day out takes years and years of experience, but running a Charter Fishing Business is a whole different ball game.

When you climb aboard a pristine charter boat again this year for another exciting salmon fishing trip, this article will hopefully give you a little better insight into the life of your Captain.

As a full time Charter Captain, I spend about 1/2 of my time during the fishing season actually on the water fishing. The other half of my time is divided between being a boat mechanic, a fish butcher, a maid, a deck scrubber, an office manager, a receptionist and a booking agent. The greatest thing about working in your own business is that we get to choose the hours that we work......I can pick any 18 hours out of the day that I want to work.

These less enjoyable tasks are necessary to enable me to do the thing that I love, which is to spend my days on the water fishing, meeting new people, and fishing with customers who have since become old friends.

April through October, are the months that we Salmon fish here in the Great Lakes, and by the time October gets here, the Charter Captain is definitely in need of a break.

The winter months will find us sitting behind the high rent booths at Outdoor Sports Shows, talking to prospective customers about seasons past and booking trips for the year to come. Late winter and early spring bring the time for repairs and maintenance, which is a tough time of year, because there is little or no money coming in, and boat repairs are extremely expensive.

As Spring nears, the prospect of sunrises and sunsets over the Lake, while catching awesome Salmon and Trout, again provide the spark which will again light the fire of enthusiasm in the fisherman who are indeed the luckiest men on earth.

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There is a song on the radio which says “So you wanna be a rock star.....then goes on to say that it’s a good job, but it’s still a job” Editors Note: In addition to Being a full time Charter Boat Captain aboard Jackpot Sportfishing Charters, and running Porters Hunting Club - (Illinois #1 Goose Hunting Club Every Year since 1993), Captain Matt Porter also owns a Commercial Snow Plowing business...How else could he afford to fish and hunt “for a living”?

To book your Charter, or your next Goose hunting trip, call Porters Outdoors at 847-639-8590, or e-mail matt@portersoutdoors.com.

3rd Annual In the Water Boat Show May 21-22-23 Peoria Riverfront FREE Admission For info. Call: 309-693-9667 ext. 18

May 15th and 16th (Sat. & Sun) • 8am-6pm At Fort Massac State Park in Metropolis, IL

FREE ADMISSION! S PECIAL HUNT ING S EMINAR S PEAKERS INCLUDE: • Michael Waddell, Realtree Outdoors Co-Host/Producer and Host of "Realtree Road Trips" on the Outdoor Channel airing July 2004 • Stan Potts, Realtree and Hunter's Specialties Pro Staff and Co-Host of "North American Whitetail Television" airing July 2004 on the Outdoor Channel • Alex Rutledge, Hunter's Specialties • Buck Gardner, Champion of Champions Duck Caller and owner of Buck Gardner Game Calls • Randy Oitker, Outdoor Writer and Archery Trick Shooter • Garry Mason, Fishing Legend

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ADVENTURE SPORTS OUTDOORS “THE VOICE OF THE AMERICAN SPORTSMAN”

70

Itching for Spring...

Wet compresses to the blistered area help and should be used for 15 to 30 minutes several times a day for 1-3 days until blistering and itching is controlled.

Topical steroids do not penetrate through the blisters to reach the allergic area of inflammation. Colloidal oatmeal (Aveeno) is soothing and can decrease inflammation. Calamine lotion can control itching but can promote drying that can decrease topical steroid penetration. Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) can decrease itching and may help people sleep. More severe cases are usually treated with an oral steroid like Prednisone. This is an anti-inflammatory and is not like the East German, weight lifting steroids. This medicine should be given for a 10 to 14 day course for severe cases. Some people may receive an injectable steroid, although the response is usually not more rapid than with pills.

There is no immunization or shot to prevent the outbreak to Poison Ivy and desensitization does not work so this was taken off the market by the FDA. IvyBlock is a lotion made of clay and bentonite compounds and can prevent the oil contact with the skin by acting as a barrier. Still the best prevention is avoidance of the plants and washing immediately with soap. I use my grandma’s homemade soap or Fels-Naptha which is a bar soap found in the laundry department of grocery stores.

Good luck and good hunting.

by Dru Hauter, MD ‘Tis the season for Poison Ivy. Every year as sportsmen return to the woods I begin to see the return of Contact Dermatitis to my office. I am usually asked these classic questions: What is this rash and how did I get it?

How can I get rid of it?

How can I keep it from coming back?

Isn’t there a shot I can get to keep it from coming?

Poison Ivy, Poison Oak and Poison Sumac produce more cases of allergic dermatitis than all other contacts combined. The part of Poison Ivy that causes the allergic reaction is the sap. This plant group is called Rhus and all parts of the plant contain the oily sap called Urushiol. Other members of this group include cashew trees, mango trees, and ginkgo trees. People who are very sensitive to Poison Ivy could also breakout to raw cashews (roasting destroys the oily sap), mangos (only the skin of the fruit) and ginkgo trees (often seen when raking the leaves).

The classic presentation is that of raised blisters in groups and often in straight lines. This is from the direct contact to the oily sap from the plants. It can be transferred from shoes, clothes, or even the dog. The severity of the rash is directly related to the amount of the oily sap contacted to the skin. Larger amounts can cause blistering were smaller amounts may only give redness. The smaller amounts of exposure may erupt skin lesions across a several day period. This has led to the myth that the fluid from the skin rash can spread the rash when other parts of the body are touched. Blister fluid does not contain the oily say and cannot spread the rash.

The rash can develop as quickly as 8 hours or can be delayed up to a week or more from exposure. Washing the skin with any type of soap inactivates and removes the oily sap.

Washing immediately can prevent an exposure. After ten minutes only 50% of the oil can be removed; after 30 minutes only 10% can be removed; and after 60 minutes the oil usually has bound to the skin and the allergy sequence has started.

Dru Hauter, MD is a Central Illinois native and a physician practicing Internal Medicine and Occupational Medicine at HealthPoint Urgent Care in Normal, Illinois. He can be reached at 309-454-4411 or dhauter@bromenn.org

This photo of Dr. Hauter and his dog Katie was taken during the National Bird Dog Challenge at Sunny Slope Hunt Club, where they took 2nd place in their division.

Dr. Hauter, along with his wife, Dr. Marcia Hauter, operate the Sunny Slope Hunt Club on their property. Thanks to Gerry Sampen for sharing this photo with us!

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ADVENTURE SPORTS OUTDOORS “THE VOICE OF THE AMERICAN SPORTSMAN”

May 2004

GOOSE HUNTING… Playing in the Wind

By Dennis Hunt - The friend of the goose hunter The average goose hunter will hunt geese 7 or 8 times each goose hunting season. Most of the average goose hunters would like to hunt more but goose hunting is not high on their priority list because the job and family have to come first. Others are not economically able to hunt more than that. The average goose hunter is not able to improve his or her goose hunting skills because they are not able to hunt geese more. As a result, their skills become dormant and they do not improve while the goose hunter who hunts geese 20 to 120 times a year has figured out the geese because of the experience he or she has obtained from being out in the field trying to fool a goose or a flock of geese. Let me tell you about the wind that the average goose hunter is not aware of or hasn’t thought about.

ABOUT THE WIND. The wind can be your best friend if you use it correctly or your worst enemy if you are not aware of it. A few facts: • Geese will almost never migrate against a strong wind. They wait for the wind to blow from the correct position and fly with it. They get up in drafts of wind and have an easy ride to their destination. This saves them a lot of important energy. When hunting snow geese in the spring, A SOUTH WIND is important because that is the day the geese will be migrating. This is when they will fly 200 to 500 miles to their destination. They will usually arrive after 3pm and the first thing they will do is to fly into some body of water to get a drink and rest their tired bodies.

• Geese will almost always try to land against the wind. The exceptions would be if they have to fly a very short distance or if the wind is almost calm.

• Geese might not fly at all if the winds exceed 35mph. Their instincts remind them of the danger of flying low and slow and they might avoid coming out to feed or returning to their roost if they have been out feeding.

PLAYING THE WIND. When hunting geese at any time of the day, I always check the weather conditions and find out - WHICH WAY THE WIND IS

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BLOWING AND HOW STRONG? If I cannot get this information thru the weather channel or a radio station, I will look for a flag blowing on the way to my hunting destination. If I still don’t have this information, I will throw up a piece of tissue paper or wet my fingers and hold it up. Lighting a match will also work. There is always a wind because the earth always rotates. I want to know the wind direction because I have to know where to set my Final Approach Eliminator blind and my decoys out in the field. The blind position is important because I always set it 30 to 200 yards downwind from the decoys because I know the geese will be flying against the wind as they check my decoy spread out. Setting the decoys up so they face slightly into the wind is important because the wind will make the skirts on my windsocks move and any movement will catch the eyes of the geese.

DEALING WITH A STRONG WIND. I pray for a strong wind because if the wind is blowing over 30 mph, I usually have a super day because I take advantage of it. The instincts of the geese tell them to BEWARE! They will be flying very slow and the wind drafts might force them to fly low. This is the day that you have to capitalize on this as you wait for them to come to you. They will try to land as soon as possible and they do not take a lot of time to look over your decoy spread. They will want to get out of the strong winds and they will want to settle down whether it is a field or a body of water. When a weather front comes thru and it suddenly starts to rain or snow and the wind starts blowing strongly, this is the time to move quickly and get in position for some great shooting.

DEALING WITH CALM WINDS. This is a condition I don’t like to see unless the lack of wind and lots of ground moisture manufactures some fog.

This results in an ideal situation! When there is less than a 3 mph wind, I have to change my decoy strategies and use: • The Higdon Finisher System.

• A Wing Waver or two.

• Goose size balloons filled with helium and a 4” piece of string.

Always check out the wind because it can mean the difference between success or failure.

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ADVENTURE SPORTS OUTDOORS “THE VOICE OF THE AMERICAN SPORTSMAN”

74

May 2004

Havana Outdoor Sports Show On the Illinois River in Havana, IL

Sponsored by the Havana Chamber of Commerce & The Havana Park District.

June 18 & 19

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Friday Evening 6/18 - 5PM-9PM Come down and enjoy the riverfront on a summer evening - Lots of great food & music! ✮ Wheel-In and DJ -- join us on 2, 3, or 4 wheels or just stroll the riverfront and enjoy the show.

"2004 Chamber's Choice" trophy for best entry overall. 50 dash plaques will be awarded to the first 50 entries. ✮ 7-9PM ASO & U.S.-CATS Tourney registration ✮ Lighted boat parade after dark sponsored by Tall Timbers Marina. Participation open to anyone.

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ADVENTURE SPORTS OUTDOORS “THE VOICE OF THE AMERICAN SPORTSMAN”

May 2004

STARRY NIGHT

By Richard “Poor Richard” Wagoner The first thing he saw were the stars and a moon drifting through clouds that seemed to melt from its cold heat. “ I must be alive”, he thought. His head felt like it had been crushed. He panicked; he didn’t know where he was.

His body was soaked in something red and sticky.

BLOOD. Lots of BLOOD. The cool wind whispered to him. “You’re all right, your safe, everything will be ok, I’m watching over you.” The last thing he remembered was hearing the whining sound of a German shell headed his way. A sound he had heard a million times. He had even gotten used to the cry of metal against air. If it was his time to go, he was ready, he wasn’t going to lay down in the squalor of the trench every time the Germans poked a shell his way.

He tried to appear to be braver than the other men even though he wasn’t. There was nobody back home to worry about him and that made him more reckless. The other guys with sweethearts and parents that wrote letters every week seemed to be the first ones to hit the deck, and the last ones to stand, after an incoming round. He didn’t carry that burden. He was all alone in the world, relying on his instincts and inner strength to get him though this nightmare.

He was almost glad he didn’t have people fretting about him. But right now he had to shake it off and see how badly he was hurt. His hands were numb but intact; his ears rang like someone had dropped a railroad spike in a cast iron bathtub in his head. But the stars and moon and the clear air calmed him. He sat up and looked to his side. Dan’s head lay on his shoulder. Dan, like him, was an Illinois farm boy. They had been through basic training together and shipped out in the same unit for France.

He lay perfectly still trying to wake Dan. He noticed a small hole in Dan’s Temple, the size of a dime. From the hole trickled the blood that ran down onto his uniform. Dan was lifeless, with eyes staring directly into his. “ Dear God.” he thought. Suddenly his mind blocked out the horror. He wanted to be back in Chandlerville walking the beautiful hills and listening to the doves coo early in the morning before work starts. He closed his eyes and choked back tears. Dan had offered to get up when John entered the trench. Dan was sitting in the only dry spot and had offered it to him-his best buddy. If he had taken the kind offer he would be dead now. Dan had shielded him from the deadly missile. For the rest of his life John would try to repay the world for Dan’s kindness.

He returned from France a different man. He never picked up a gun a again. His friends all liked to go hunting for the bountiful game around Chandlerville but he didn’t join

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75

them. Every time he looked at a gun it reminded him of the War. It brought back the memories of seeing men cut down in their youth. Men that he had met, shared a meal with, or maybe even told about his home back in Illinois. He had better things to do with his time. He loved to work outdoors.

Farming became his passion. It only paid a few dollars a day but he saved and scrimped to buy his own farm. First a few acres and then a few more. Soon he owned 40 acres and could plant a little corn crop to buy the necessary things for survival and feed his horses.

He made good his promise he made that night in that trench so far across the world. Every Sunday he would put on a clean pair of overalls and go to church. Nobody turned around when he came into church. John was the only man big enough to make the boards creak so loudly. They all knew it was the kind man from the hills with a deep faith in God arriving a little late. No labor was too painful or hardship to great to break that faith. He knew life was a test of strength. Nobody met that test more head-on than John.

Once, when he was cultivating, the seat on the cultivator broke under his 300 pound weight. He tried to catch himself, but his thumb was trapped between the seat and the frame and severed by his weight on the seat. He calmly smiled as he watched his thumb hit the ground. “ Shoot, I better pick that up, I don’t want it to take root and grow another one of me. One of me is enough for this ole world.”

“Shoot” was as profane as John ever got. He unhitched the horse, led them back to the barn, made sure they were safely in their stalls, gave them a little grain, walked back to the field, picked up the thumb and drove to town to get the thumb sewed back on.

He took in people that needed a place to stay. His house wasn’t fancy. It was shelter only. It didn’t have to be like the ones people were building in town. He had a little porch attached where chickens roosted. He could get up in the morning, go out and get a fresh egg and never leave the house. He didn’t need electricity or running water, kerosene lamps and a weather tight outhouse with corncobs were good enough for him. Strangers were always welcome. Hitchhikers were always picked up. Neighbors didn’t ask him twice if they needed help, and usually didn’t ask at all. They didn’t have to. John seemed to know if somebody was sick or needed help on their farm. It was amazing to watch him work. John could shuck a hundred bushels a day. He was paid a few pennies, and that included harnessing the team up, shucking, driving the load back to the barn, scooping the corn into the crib, un- harnessing the team and rubbing the tired animals down, and haying and watering them.

But those few pennies added up. He was too busy to get to town much, so when the peddler came by one day and mentioned that there was a way for John to get a wife without a lot of fuss and commotion he listened intently. Store-bought bride is what the feller was selling.

“Shoot.” John thought,” That might work. As big and ugly as I am, it’s probably the Cont’d. on next pg.

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ADVENTURE SPORTS OUTDOORS “THE VOICE OF THE AMERICAN SPORTSMAN”

NIGHT… Cont’d from previous pg. only way I’ll ever meet a woman.”

So that’s how the love of his life came to Possum Hollow. Laura was beautiful, more than he could ever expect. He figured that buying a wife sight unseen would be pretty risky at best. He waited patiently. He never forgot that day when she came. He thought she was the most beautiful woman he had ever met. And she was.

The romance blossomed from necessity producing two wonderful children. Laura, however, was not meant to be with John for very long. She died when the second child was 3 years old. The night she died he went out in the woods and looked up at the starry night and thanked God for letting him have her for the little time he did. The stars and moon soothed him once more and at set a resolve in his strong heart to continue on.

When the child welfare do-gooders came to take the children away from John he stood in the doorway like a block of granite. “If it’s all the same to you folks, I’ll raise my children myself. They are good children and I’ll make sure they are fed and cared for.”

That’s all he had to say. That’s all he needed to say. The children went shoeless in the summer; they were cold in the winter and died a thousand small deaths when childhood illnesses visited the little house in the hills. The garden supplied enough food for the little family. John dug a trench and layered in vegetables, covering each level with fresh straw and dirt.

In the winter he would go out and dig through he frozen ground to find the treasures buried there. On Christmas Eve he would go to the frozen pantry and dig up the best of his preserved vegetables, arrange them in a basket and walk to the neighbors house and present them with fresh cabbage, carrots, apples, potatoes. No Christmas present was ever as beautiful and more cherished than those baskets of food. The test of life took place every day in that little house in Possum Hollow. But the little family made it through somehow.

John sacrificed. He never wore socks, he washed clothes in a washtub with a bar of ivory soap, he mixed kerosene with the gas in the old car and pushed it down the hill to get started, he made sure the kids got an orange and a few nuts in their Christmas stocking, and never missed his weekly meeting with his protector. He never got married again; and the children grew up to be very successful people that continued his greatness. How could they not be strong and loving growing up under the shadow of a man like John.

As he grew older he began to feel weaker. He knew he had to give up the rigorous life of farming with animals. He never bought a tractor - he couldn’t make the transition. So he rented out his farm to a neighbor and spent his time working his garden and listening to his beloved Cubs on the radio. He would take the battery out of the car and hook it up to an old radio and sit in the front yard under that giant cottonwood and listen to every play. He rolled a Bull Durham cigarette, licked the paper, and closed his eyes. He never saw a real baseball game. He didn’t have to. He never saw heaven either, but he believed

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May 2004

it was there.

He never forgot about Dan either. His dreams haunted him. He couldn’t forget that act of kindness fifty years ago. He knew Dan was in heaven. He was somewhere above that starry sky, maybe where the moon melted the clouds and a hole took you through.

Well, those Bull Durham cigarettes and 80 years of hard work were testing him pretty hard. His lungs were racked with asthma and his bones ached more and more every day.

Somebody at church mentioned how beautiful and warm Florida was in the winter. The farm was rented out, there were no more horses to take care of, the kids were grown with families of their own - so off he started. He made a budget to travel on. With no savings, his pension from the army would have to get him by. He would either sleep in the car or stay at a motel. Five dollars a night would be the most he would pay for a motel. Taking some vegetables from the garden, he would eat sparingly. He would make the trip for 8 years. Hitchhikers were never passed. Motels along the way got to know the wonderful giant and his quite ways, always staying at the same places he became familiar with.

O ne night in deep Georgia the rain wouldn’t stop. Thunder and lighting followed him all day. As night approached the rain intensified. Flashes of light hurt his eyes and he couldn’t see the road. He pulled into the first motel he came to. The light outside said NO VACANCY, but he had to stop.

There was a little doorbell he pushed with his large fingers and a man appeared with a frowning face. “Can’t you read the sign buddy-it says No Vacancy!” “ I’m sorry,” John replied, “ But the rain is so bad I can’t go no further, is it ok if I just sleep in the parking lot tonight? I’ll be glad to pay ya five dollars. I won’t be no trouble. I didn’t want to sleep out here without telling somebody.”

There was something in John’s eyes that made the man’s heart soften. He could see the years of hard work in those eyes. They were honest eyes, your favorite teacher’s eyes.

“I’m sorry old man, but all my rooms are sold out tonight. Must be the rain. But, I can’t let you sleep in the parking lot.”

“Well if its all the same to you I can sleep right here in the lobby”, John replied. “ I don’t need no fancy room.”

“Well I do have room I’m remodeling. The place is all torn up, but if you don’t mind a little mess?”

“That will be fine. I’ll just need it for one night and I’ll be on my way. But I can only afford five dollars.”

“Don’t worry”, the man smiling now, assured John, “No charge.”

“Well I can’t accept charity, but I have some good vegetables form Possum Hollow, Illinois I can trade for the room, if that’s ok with you?”

The deal was sealed and John followed the man to a room on the very end row of the motel. The wind was howling now and the rain came down on torrents. The motel owner opened the door and turned on the lights. Walls with big holes and wallpaper pealing off greeted the pair. John just smiled.

He had always wanted wall paper for Laura, but could never afford it. She would have liked the pretty flowery pattern that was now leaving the wall, touching the floor in several places. The bare light bulb glared at them.

“This is fine”, John exclaimed. “Shoot, I’ll be all right. And I really appreciate you letting me stay.” “G’nite” was all the man said as he left the old man alone.

John was too tired to unpack. He lay down on the bed and instantly fell asleep. The

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May 2004

ADVENTURE SPORTS OUTDOORS “THE VOICE OF THE AMERICAN SPORTSMAN”

77

Some hunters hunt turkey, and some actually get a kill.

Few can measure up to Tiffany Dukes. March 27 and 28, the 13-yearold of Harrisburg went on her first wild turkey hunt, participating in the Illinois Youth Turkey hunting season for those 15 and younger.

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wind outside screamed like a freight train leaving the tracks. The shingles on the roof loosened and were soon flying like bats leaving the roost. The plywood was rotten and it wasn’t long before it was gone too. It left a gaping hole in the roof. Luckily the rain had stopped but the thunder in the distance pried the lid off old memories.

His nightmare returned. He was back in the trenches with shells landing all around him.

The screams of his friends were muffled by explosions. He had to leave the safety of the foxhole he had dug, and attack a machine gun nest. He didn’t want to do it— Dan looked him in the face and offered to go in his place. John stared at the ghost from fifty years ago and smiled. This time he would protect Dan. As he left the foxhole he patted Dan on the shoulder. “Dan, keep your head down and wait for me to return. I need to do this on my own.”

The bullets sounded like bees zipping by his head. Then he heard the sound. The sound of metal against air. The sound he had heard a long time ago. It was headed his way.

Should he stop running or should he run faster? The fear had dulled his reaction. He looked up and saw the shell coming straight at him through the smoke. It landed at his feet — and exploded.

John woke. He was covered with sweat. “I must be alive,” he thought. He couldn’t remember where he was. As his eyes adjusted to the darkness of the motel room he gazed upward through the gaping hole in the ceiling at a starry sky and a moon gliding through clouds that seemed to melt with its cold heat. The air was sweet and repeated its long forgotten message that he was safe. The old man breathed a deep sigh. Then he remembered the storm and the motel room. His eyes grew heavy but his heart felt lighter. He was soon fast asleep and slept the first peaceful sleep in fifty years. He was never to have the nightmare again. He had finally paid back his friend.

In the morning he walked to the office. He smelled fresh coffee. “Good morning. How did you sleep last night?”

“I had the best sleep I’ve had in years,” John replied. “I sure like your motel. If it’s ok with you, I want to stay here again when I come back in the spring. But remember, I can only afford five dollars.”

“Hey! We agreed that there would be no charge for the room because it’s all tore up”, the owner interjected, “I was glad to do you a favor.” “ Well, here’s some vegetables anyway.” John laid a large basket of tomatoes, corn, beans and cantaloupe on the motel desk. “This is for you. Thanks for everything, I’ll be on my way now.”

Later that morning, the owner went to the room at the end of the row. “What a nice man” he kept thinking about John. “He’s awfully old to be by himself.” He opened the door and looked in. The room looked like a disaster. Water stood in pools on the floor and the roof of the room was gone. Plaster cracked beneath his feet as he stared upward in amazement. Something caught his eye. On the bed laying on a wet pillow was a five dollar bill and a faded old picture of two soldiers standing together long ago in a place very far away.

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636-667-9908 Nights

636-629-1622 Open Everyday after 5pm

ADVENTURE SPORTS OUTDOORS “THE VOICE OF THE AMERICAN SPORTSMAN”

78

Help Your Gunsmith Help You Kirby Schupp • The Shotgun Shop PO Box 212, Arnold MO 63010 • 636-282-0146 General gunsmithing is mainly repair and alteration of firearms to improve or adapt for the shooter’s benefit. Enhancing the fit for a particular user can help a shooter become more comfortable and consistent with a particular firearm.

Suppose a shotgun is difficult to mount when wearing heavy clothing for a cold morning in a duck blind, and you are tired of that hindering your pleasure.

When you arrive at the gunsmith’s shop, do you have your hunting coat with you to aid in the fitting measurement? Not just any coat will do, if one fits more loosely than another. A baggy coat may be more easily gripped and bunched by contact with the recoil pad rubber.

A cartridge that fails to fire (feed, load or other function) should be retained for the gunsmith to examine. Any previous shells that may have not failed to fire (FLOOF) may also be useful for comparison to the failing shell. The gunsmith may request some unused shells of the same type, so save the shells left in the box. Defective operation may only occur with one type of shell, so in the event a history can be explained to your ‘smith, exact details of brand, shot or bullet weight (and shape configuration) that works consistently (and/or not consistently) will help the diagnosis. Can you bring along some of your never-fail shells for comparison, or tell the gunsmith what type always has worked?

These shells show that one hit from the firing pin was not always sufficient to fire, but at least there was a mark indented for each attempt. The next shell needed only one hit to fire, but the mark being closer to the edge than the center of the primer is evidence of poor alignment. This condition may be a con-

May 2004

tinual source of future misfires.

When a problem is intermittent, making it occur again, on cue, can be difficult. One shooter recounted that his shotgun only misfired occasionally, at first, but the misfires happened with more frequency as time passed. There was not a total failure to fire, but the shooter was convinced his gun was now unreliable. Whenever a shell failed to fire, though, he would re-load the shell into the gun until it did fire, so he had no examples to bring along. After an internal inspection and initial cleaning/deburring, a test session produced the example with the tiny dent in the primer.

Some problems can be fixed by repairing what is there, so you may not necessarily need a replacement part. Gunstock defects and cracks may be repairable, and even one in several pieces may be just a jigsaw, not Humpty-Dumpty. Each piece can be put in place again, in order, unless we look at the exception shown next. Replacement of the buttstock for this imported double would be a long search and considerable expense. The one side shown was a simple split and not splintered (requiring gap filling work).

The other side of the stock did not show its true condition until removal was nearly completed. Several disconnected sections fit together in an interlocking fashion, so the re-attachment process would need to be done in a simultaneous manner, rather than piece by piece. The retained shape was critical for proper fit against the metal, and no second chances were possible. This example did assemble fairly well, with little dressing work needed to blend joint lines. I use this example to make the point that what may seem a hopeless case is not always necessarily so. If you happen to have a multiple fracture case, remember to pick up the pieces.

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ADVENTURE SPORTS OUTDOORS “THE VOICE OF THE AMERICAN SPORTSMAN”

May 2004

The New Mud Buddy HyperDrive Mud Buddy has forever changed the look, feel and performance of mud motors with the release of its stout and limber new HyperDrive lineup of advanced technology mud motors for 2004.

The HyperDrive, a short-coupled version of the traditional mud motor has the handling, feel and top end performance of an outboard with the amazing fourwheel drive versatility of a mud motor. Its unique design features a bold new look, a short threefoot drive shaft, a lightweight cast aluminum main frame, low maintenance patented bearing drive and the legendary and spunky Tiger propeller.

What makes this mud motor so different than mud motors of the past, is its short drop-down drive, its capability to be run in the standing or sitting position, its impressive hole-shots, top end speed, and its ability to make sharp turns under full power.

Those that travel big water in search of game will welcome its impressive power and overall speed. Those that hunt mud, weed and stump filled marshes, timber and rivers will love it shortened stance, ease of operation and maneuverability.

The Mud Buddy HyperDrive will to be released early this summer. Seven models will be available from 14 to 31 horsepower.

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79

The Mud Buddy guys didnπt stop there. Adding to the HyperDrive impressive list of features is the all new marsh brown powder coat finish, a twist grip throttle, adjustable floating handle, a patented bearing and seal system, stainless drive components, oversize mufflers and rubber vibration isolators that make this machine a dream to drive.

Engine choices will include Honda, Kohler, Vanguard and the impressive fuel injected Kawasaki.

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This .125 thick one-piece hull, slick bottom, rounded chine custom boat will satisfy the most demanding waterfowl hunters. The new Hyper Gator will also feature a tunnel hull that allows the Hyper propeller to run just 1.75 inches below the bottom of the boat. Together, the HyperDrive and Gator Tunnel will churn up the marsh and turn a lot of heads this season.

So, if you want to go places quicker than you have ever gone before, check out the new Mud Buddy HyperDrive for 2004.

(801) 352-8011 www.mudbuddy.com

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ADVENTURE SPORTS OUTDOORS “THE VOICE OF THE AMERICAN SPORTSMAN”

HERD HEALTH & NUTRITION Ruminant Nutritionists discuss deer-related issues Food Plot Strategy: Winning the Weed War After you put a lot of time and effort into establishing a food plot, watching the weeds creep in and take over a plot can be very frustrating. The battle for the life of your food plot is on. In fact, controlling weed competition can be more important for the longevity of the food plot than fertilizer application.

A weed is simply defined as any plant growing in the wrong spot that competes for moisture and nutrients from the desired plants. In a food plot, a variety of plants will try and compete for the nutrients that you applied carefully to sustain your plants.

Identification...

In any battle, it’s important to know the enemy. If you are planning on establishing a plot in an area or are trying to reestablish a failed plot-uproot the predominant weeds for identification. Some weeds are tougher to kill than others and will require different strategies to do so. For example, weeds such as some ferns propagate by extensive underground root systems. These underground root systems may extend several feet from the above ground plant. Due to this unusual root formation, herbicides such as Round-Up may only weaken the plant-not kill it. There are many sources of information to identify your plants.

You can take them to your local county agricultural extension office for identification. There are several good pictured books available at your local library in the agricultural section. Online services are also available for weed identification.

Herbicides...

Unfortunately, because of the many different types of plants we actually want to grow in our food plots, finding an herbicide that will kill the weeds and leave the desired plants alone is difficult-if not impossible. Some post emergence herbicides exist that will help control weeds but may also weaken the food plot plants. The best herbicide for weed control for food plots is Round-Up. RoundUp is a systemic herbicide meaning that it does not discriminate among plantsit will try to kill all of them. Round-Up should be applied before you plant your

May 2004

food plot, to kill the established weeds. Round-Up needs to be applied on green plants, the application is absorped by the leaves and will eventually kill the roots. Working this way has a distinct advantage-there is no residue in the soil.

After about 7-10 days (3-5 with Round-Up Ultra) the weeds will be brown and dead and the soil is ready for preparation for your food plot.

Planting a companion crop...

Many food plot seed preparations come already blended with a companion crop. Companion or cover crops are extremely hardy plants that will compete aggressively with the weeds and not the desired plants. Companion crops can do this because they “match” or “pair up” with the desired crop’s traits. For example, some companion crops grow very thickly in the spaces not occupied by the budding desired crops. While they grow thickly to crowd out the weeds, the companion crop will usually have a shallow root system or a vertical root system that doesn’t compete with the desired perennial crop’s spreading root system.

Mixing a companion crop with the desired seed can be tricky. Too much of the companion crop and it becomes a weed, competing with the desired crop.

The wrong companion crop will also act like a fast growing weed. For best results, purchase a food plot seed blend with the companion crop already blended in the mix.

Mowing, clipping,etc....

After you’ve applied Round-Up and planted, the battle may not be over. Some weeds are late germinating plants, which means they sprout at a later date than your food plot blends. Sprouting later means that the weeds were not green when Round-Up was supplied, so the herbicide had no effect. Weeds such as foxtail grasses are late germinating, extremely aggressive and will crowd out the existing plants in the food plots. Other weeds have such extensive root systems that they will creep underground from the edges of your food plot until they are established there. The main means of control is to weaken the enemy so that the desired plants can compete more aggressively. Clipping or mowing plants such as foxtail after they germinate, (usually in June) will weaken these aggressive weeds in their early stages of development. This allows the food plot plants to “take over” the food plot. Food plot seed usually consists of perennials that respond very well to clipping or mowing-in fact it can actually strengthen the plants in some cases. In fact, clipping or mowing periodically will weaken aggressive weeds, prevent weed seed heads forming and will stimulate vegetative growth from the desired plants.

In any battle, vigilance is a key to success. Identifying your weed problem, planning and implementing the correct action will improve the life and productivity of your food plot.

Jim or Carmen, ruminant nutritionists at Hard Hunter\Monson Consulting, 1562 160th St Centuria WI 54824 1-800-700-9334 • www.hardhunter.com New & Used Guns

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May 2004

ADVENTURE SPORTS OUTDOORS “THE VOICE OF THE AMERICAN SPORTSMAN”

Wolf Hollow Update By Larry Pollack I hope everyone’s Turkey season has been a good one. I had the privilege of hunting in Henderson County during the first season. Every morning we had frost in some areas. I was set up in a narrow spot of a large field were they have killed lots of turkeys in the past. It was a twenty-five yard wide strip, which would funnel the bird’s close since I was hunting with a bow.

Every morning I had between eight and eleven Toms gobbling their heads of within 100 to 150 yards. They would hit the ground with the hens and continue to gobble for about 30 minutes and then shut up. For some reason they all stayed in the woods and wouldn’t come out.

In three days of hunting I had three toms cross the field at 30.06 range. They would stop and look at my decoys after I called, but they would not budge towards me.

The toms crossed the field gobbling and strutting. They disappeared were I last heard the other toms gobbling. Thirty minutes later they came back out into the field and crossed in the same area stopping only to glance my way as I called before continuing on to their destination. Needless to say nothing showed up close enough except two hens. I was looking hard for a possible beard but know luck.

As I was pulling out of Nauvoo heading for home I was about 6 miles from

Larry Pollack of Wolf Hollow Archery in Chillicothe, poses with his trophy!

81

town when a nice tom ran across the road in front of me. Again no luck at filling my tag. I never figured out what the problem was with not connecting with the birds.

I still have a fourth season tag so maybe things will be better then. I talked with a friend of mine who bumped a hen off of a nest the third day of first season. She had 13 eggs in the nest. Seams a little early to me.

I’ll keep you posted as to how the fourth season goes for me. We’ve had several very nice toms brought to the shop to be weighed so far.

Then there’s beginners luck. Luke (who works for me at the shop) decided to try turkey hunting this year. He got Peoria County, second season. He went out the night before his opening day and roosted a tom. We talked for a while about how to set up and try to draw him in. The next morning he went to a valley a set up his decoys and started to call softly. The tom responded immediately with a gobble. Within 15 minutes the tom was on the ground and headed towards Luke with every hen yelp that he made. As the tom went behind a brush pile Luke drew his bow and released the arrow as the tom came out the other side.

The tom immediately fell face first on the ground and started kicking. Within 10 seconds he was back up on his feet and flying away. Need less to say the bird was not found. I just wish I could get one that close this year. Just wait until fourth season.

Good luck on your hunting adventures and don’t forget to take a kid hunting with you.

. Archery Pro Shop . Indoor Shooting Range . Bow Tuning & Repairs . Bait & Tackle Larry & Celeste Pollack 15704 Vonachen Dr. Chillicothe, IL 61523

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ADVENTURE SPORTS OUTDOORS “THE VOICE OF THE AMERICAN SPORTSMAN”

82

CONTRARY TO POPULAR BELIEF

By Melissa Kellenberger, Ariel’s Kennels Now you have your new puppy home, you have all the items that are good for his teething, toys and a good nutritious puppy food. Now we need to talk about whether or not to keep him in the house or make him an outdoor dog. There are several opinions out there that say “never keep a hunting dog in the house, he will loose his nose”. Unfortunately, this is not true. It seems to us that when a puppy is kept in the house to be with the family, be a part of everyday life, it makes the puppy grow up with great temperaments and more loving and affectionate toward the owners. You really don’t want a hunting robot, right?

When the puppy is kept in the house, he learns what to do and what not to do in a good way. The family already has a dominance established; now the puppy needs to learn where his place is.

How can this be done if he is kept outside and not played with?? A puppy learns just like a child only quicker. Would you put a 6 month old child into a cage and then take him out 6 to 8 months later and expect him to know everything he needs to know? I didn’t think so. Therefore, why would you put a puppy into a kennel, leave him there with just feeding and watering him everyday, not really spending quality time with him and expect him to know what his name is, know how to hunt and be willing to hunt for his owner and not him-

May 2004

self. When that dominance is established, the puppy understands that the owner is the “alpha” and he will obey anything and be willing to please that “alpha”.

Dogs are pack animals, not solitary creatures. They need that relationship to understand what and how they are to do things correctly. If it is necessary to keep your puppy in an outdoor kennel, that is fine too. If you elect to do this, just remember, that the puppy will need approximately 2 or 3 hours every day of “bonding” time spent with you and your family. He needs to be made to understand that you are the alpha and he needs to love you as such. Trust me, once this dominance is established, you will find that it makes training a little easier.

It is also a belief that you not start training until the puppy is at least a year old. This is not true either. A puppy starts learning at about 2 to 4 weeks old and never stops. They learn how to use their legs, what to eat and what not to eat, they establish a dominance order in the litter, etc. Why would you think that a puppy would stop learning until it is a year old?? When your new puppy gets home, start training!

Make the first training issue for him to learn his name and what ‘come’ is.

Start with playing games with him. Just as you do with a child that is about 1 to 2 years of age. Make everything you do with that puppy a fun and exciting game. Use high pitched voices and try not to talk “baby talk” to him. Remember to use one or two word commands. Puppies do not understand complete sentences.

After the first 3 or 4 months of the games and play commands, then the real training begins. We will go over what to do and what not to do at a later date. If you want your puppy to be willing to retrieve to hand every time when it is an adult, start by throwing things for him to retrieve to you a few days after you get him home. If he doesn’t want to at first, that’s OK. He will eventually get the hint and this will make retrieving training easier when it is time to really get him going. I just can’t stress enough to make the first few months of beginner training fun for him and make it a game. If he thinks that you are playing, he will want to play your game too.

Puppies want to be part of everything! They want to please their “alpha”.

Make sure you establish that right off the top. He will understand and be more willing to do anything that you want him to do when this is established and when the time for the “real” training begins. Use your own opinions and judgment. Use common sense! Don’t take anyone’s word as the “Bible of Dog Training”, even ours. Make your new puppy, you have just put an investment into, a part of your family and he will make you a part of his “pack”.

Reach Melissa & Jason at Ariel’s Kennels, 309 639-2090 in Brimfield, IL. www.arielskennels.com

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ADVENTURE SPORTS OUTDOORS “THE VOICE OF THE AMERICAN SPORTSMAN”

May 2004

83

Register to Win a FREE fishing trip to Eagle Nest Resort! See pg. 82 BEAUTIFUL CEDAR CABINS! BOTH SLEEP UP TO 17! GREAT FOR REUNIONS, GROUPS OF HUNTERS & FISHERMEN. COME DOWN, RELAX & ENJOY REELFOOT.

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ADVENTURE SPORTS OUTDOORS “THE VOICE OF THE AMERICAN SPORTSMAN”

84

May 2004

Pictured is Ken Graf, of Graf’s Taxidermy in St. Charles, MO & Keith Graham, of Graham Outdoor Adventures in Carlinville, IL posing with Harry Canterbury’s 2003 gobbler.

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This young lady took this buck, 1st season, 1st day, at 70 yds. with a 54 cal. muzzleloader.

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We shot the circle at Riverview Hunting!

May 2004

ADVENTURE SPORTS OUTDOORS “THE VOICE OF THE AMERICAN SPORTSMAN”

85

ADVENTURE SPORTS OUTDOORS “THE VOICE OF THE AMERICAN SPORTSMAN”

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From the Question Box

By Al Rostello Since my last “Question Box” column I have received two very good questions. Therefore in this month’s Adventure Sports Outdoors (ASO), I will try to answer these curious inquiries.

Q. How can a shooter find shotshell brands and loads that are not available at Central Illinois sporting goods stores and chain stores like K-Mart?

When I was stationed in Europe, the military forces in the NATO Alliance were supplied with Fiocchi ammunition and we thought Fiocchi’s cartridges were top notch. They were good enough to trust our lives with, so this is the ammo I want to use in the field hunting.

A. In order to best answer your question I called Terri Scherff at (417) 7254118 who handles customer relations for Fiocchi, USA. She recommended checking out Fiocchi’s website (fiocchiusa.com) for distributors and their dealers nearest you.

She also recommended going to your favorite ammunition dealer and request a special order of the shotshells you want. Come to think of it, Terri offered a good tip. The best way a dealer has of knowing what hunters want, is if customers ask for a product.

I would think in today’s economic climate, if consumers wanted to buy certain shotshells, some dealers would be glad to fill that special order. Soooo.

Visit the websites of the ammunition companies for all the necessary information you need, and then head to the dealer to make a deal. Who knows?

Maybe the particular brand and load of shotshell you want is in a nearby store.

Q. It seems like you are hunting all the time. What do you find to hunt every month? Are you poaching?

A. I’m not Robin Hood, so it’s not necessary to poach King John’s deer.

LEGAL hunting seasons are open all year in the Rostello household. I’ll answer your question by using “bullets.”

• September: that’s easy. There’s dove hunting (one of my favorite seasons),

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May 2004

September Canada goose and teal seasons.

• October: another easy one. Dove season is still open. While October doves require more effort to find than September birds, some of my best dove shoots happened in early October. About mid-October I start hunting waterfowl in the North Zone. By late October I’m after ducks and geese in the Central Zone.

• November: a “gimmie” (give me). There’s ducks, geese, pheasants and quail to hunt. I don’t deer hunt but the opportunity to go after whitetails is there. In all my years of hunting, I have never missed going hunting on Thanksgiving Day. • December: the best month of the year. I usually shoot a lot of mallards in December. Goose hunting, which I dearly love, is generally at its best for me.

In addition, I always harvest most of my pheasants this month because the cover is not as thick and snow on the ground makes it easier to find birds.

• January: still plenty of action. Thanks to CILCO’s warm water and plenty of resident giant Canada geese, I am hunting geese more in January than I ever did 15 years ago. Moreover, crow season is open. Whenever I can’t go goose hunting, I go out for a few hours and blast these raucous varmints.

• February: from loneliness to a wedding ring. For years February was the dreaded month because with nothing to hunt I felt alone and sad. Then it happened four years ago, I met a new love of my life - crow hunting. Like a new girlfriend, crow hunting is exciting, challenging and a good time. This February I went crow hunting whenever I could and enjoyed every hunt. Now I can’t hardly wait until next February.

• March: enough to hunt. Being busy with February crows means that all my few preserve pheasant hunts occur during this month. What I like most about March is that it’s time to scout for turkeys. Expert gobbler hunters (e.g. Ray Eye) believe that 90 percent of turkey hunting is scouting. I agree and feel that I’m back in the hunting game.

• April: quality not quantity. Besides the scouting that’s involved, there is one week of turkey hunting which is my true love. Heaven forbid, but should I ever be told: “Al, you are only allowed to hunt one week a year,” my choice would be to go play chess with the gobblers.

• May: more of the same. Every year I apply for an April permit and May permit. This year I did not get a second permit. I’m not upset though, I’ll be in the woods with a camera instead of a gun.

• June, July and August: the hard times. I survive by going on a coyote hunt in June, a woodchuck (groundhog) hunt in July, barnyard pigeon hunting whenever a farmer is kind enough to give me permission and shooting sporting clays courses a few times. Since sporting clays simulates wingshooting, I’ll accept it as a substitute for actual hunting.

Good thing I only had two questions because my answers got long-winded.

No doubt about it! When I cannot go hunting, I enjoy writing and talking about my favorite sport.

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ADVENTURE SPORTS OUTDOORS “THE VOICE OF THE AMERICAN SPORTSMAN”

CANTON STUDENT WINS ILLINOIS JUNIOR DUCK STAMP CONTEST SPRINGFIELD, ILL. Helen Schenck, a student at Canton High School, won “Best of Show” honors during Illinois’ segment of the Federal Junior Duck Stamp Conservation and Design Contest, Department of Natural Resources Director Joel Brunsvold announced.

The 15-year-old won the top prize with her Helen Schenick’s “The Observer” colored pencil and air brush drawing entitled “The Observer,” depicting a Canada goose swimming in a pond. Her winning entry now advances to the national competition scheduled to be held on April 24, 2004 in Ocean City, Maryland. ASO will have an update on the winning status in the June edition. Her teacher is Marnie Eskridge.

Illinois’ “Best of Show” and 11 first place winning entries can be viewed at: http://dnr.state.il.us/lands/Education/ classrm/RIBBON/MAIN.HTM. “Kids of all ages seem to enjoy this competition each year, from those who are just starting their artistic efforts and often display their work on the front of their parents’ refrigerator, to very experienced students who have been studying art and wildlife for sometime,” Brunsvold said. “It is a joy to see each and every one of the entries.”

The Federal Jr. Duck Stamp Conservation and Design Program’s goal is to teach environmental science through the arts. Curriculum guides are available to teachers at no cost by calling 703/358-2000 or by downloading them from the Website: http://duckstamps.fws.gov/.

Schenck’s “Best of Show” design was chosen from a group of 12 first-place winners in four categories: grades 10-12; grades 7-9; grades 4-6; and grades K3. Three first, second and third-place winners were selected in each age group, along with 16 honorable mentions. There were approximately 600 entries in all.

Helen Schenck’s work was judged a first-place winner in the competition among 10th-12th grade students. The two other 2004 first-place winners in this

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category are Randi Braham of Canton High School and Anna Wilcoxen of Bureau Valley High School.

There were 157 entries in this age group. First-place winners in the grades 7-9 category are Blake DeBrock of Manlius, Riki Hicks of Cobden and Isaac Day of Hamilton. This age group had approximately 141 entries for judging.

Randi Braham’s 1st place entry.

In the category for grades 46, first-place winners are Anna Dryden of Morton, Andrew Smith of Dixon and Cortni Hicks of Cobden. A total of 162 pieces of artwork were judged in this age group.

First-place winners in the K-3 category are Zach Schroeder of Western Avenue School in Flossmoor, Laura Burns of Epiphany Grade school in Normal, and Shannon Geary of Bureau Valley Elementary in Sheffield. This age group had 88 entries.

A complete listing of all winners can be viewed on the IDNR website: http://dnr.state.il.us/lands/Education/classrm/RIBBON/MAIN.HTM For her effort, Schenck will receive a variety of gifts and recognition’s from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Illinois Waterfowlers Alliance and the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.

All students who place 1, 2, 3 or honorable mention receive ribbons. All participating students receive certificates. The annual contest is part of the Federal Junior Duck Stamp and Conservation Program, administered by the Department of the Interior’s U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.

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ADVENTURE SPORTS OUTDOORS “THE VOICE OF THE AMERICAN SPORTSMAN”

RETRIEVERS With Joe Hines Reader’s Question: I’m looking for a Labrador puppy to replace my old gun dog. Where can I find a good pup and is there really any difference between a $100 pup as compared to a $500 pup.

Answer: The best advice that I can give to anyone looking for a retriever pup is to buy the best pup that you can find for the money you have to spend. Experience has taught me that you usually get what you pay for and when it comes to pups, you are paying for intelligence and natural ability. The reason that some pups cost more is because of their pedigree, which usually means that their ancestors have competed successfully in field trials or hunt tests.

The goal of any knowledgeable breeder is to “better the breed” by producing physically sound pups that are free of any genetic or hereditary defect. A conscientious breeder will select their breeding stock after studying pedigrees to identify the type of dogs they are trying to produce. Breeders prefer to use field trial and hunt test dogs in their breeding program, because these dogs have a record of proven performance.

Are there good hunting dogs out there producing inexpensive litters?

Absolutely, but the problem becomes how do you identify these “good” dogs.

Just because the dog will swim out and pick up a duck, does this make him a good candidate for a breeding program? Can the dog perform a triple marked retrieve, and how difficult was it to train him to take a line and handle? These are tasks that require a retriever to have good intelligence and natural retrieving desire. Field trials and hunt tests measure a retriever’s ability to perform advanced tasks against a standard and against other dogs. So dogs that have earned field trial and hunt test titles have proven their ability in the field against an objective standard.

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The puppy buyer must beware of breeders who are just out to make a quick buck. A common strategy is to breed mediocre brood bitches to champion stud dogs, with the goal of producing high dollar pups. The uninformed consumer doesn’t realize that a pup gets just as many genes from the bitch as he does from the sire. So the sire may be a Field Champion or Master Hunter and an excellent candidate for breeding. But the dam may have no record of performance and no titled ancestors in her pedigree. So a pup out of this type of breeding is merely a crapshoot and for the money, there are much better alternatives.

We’d prefer to find genetically sound breeding stock, where the sire and dam both have some proven record of performance. Does this mean that you have to spend $2,000 for a pup out of two Field Champions? If you’ve wanting to compete at the highest level of field trials, then the initial cost of a pup is insignificant in comparison to the time and expense that you will invest in training and campaigning a trial dog. But for the average hunter, you don’t have to go to this expense to find a good pup.

There are a number of litters born every month where a titled sire has been breed to a quality bitch with hunt test titles or minor field trial placements. Pups out these types of breedings can cost anywhere from $400 to $1,000 and in this modern age of Internet access, they’re not that difficult to find. I’d consider breeding stock that had earned some of the following titles: FC (Field Champion), AFC (Amateur Field Champion), Qualified All Age, Derby points, MH (Master Hunter), SH (Senior Hunter), JH (Junior Hunter), HRCH (Hunting Retriever Champion), HR (Hunting Retriever). Dogs with these titles have a proven record of performance in the field.

Another advantage of buying a pup from a reputable breeder is that they will normally provide a written guarantee against hereditary health problems. So if your pup has a problem, they will replace the pup or refund your purchase price.

So where do you find a good pup? A good place to start is to contact the local retriever club in your area. Members of a field trial or hunt test club will know about litters that are available in your area and can help you to locate the type of dog that you’re looking for. Another valuable resource for locating a good retriever pup, is the website for Working Retriever Central (www.workingretriever.com). This website is used extensively by the field trial and hunt test community and provides a classified section for advertising quality pups.

Working Retriever Central has standards for the quality of pups that can be advertised on their website and most people are overwhelmed by the number of outstanding litters that are available each month.

So good luck in the search for your next great gun dog. And remember that it costs just as much to feed a good one as it does a bad one.

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ADVENTURE SPORTS OUTDOORS “THE VOICE OF THE AMERICAN SPORTSMAN”

May 2004

How I Started Trick Shooting Everybody asks me how I got started in archery. Well, its pretty simple, my dad had a friend that was bowhunting some property that we own. I saw him using a bow and thought it was pretty cool.

But, going into more detail, what makes archery fun is improving as you shoot.

Most people grab their bows just a couple of weeks out of the year because there is a bowhunting season. But I have found out that true bowhunters shoot their bow at least a couple of times a week. I had a lot of help when I first started and still do get a lot of help from people like legendary shooter and bowhunter Randy Ulmer, one of the biggest money tournament winning shooters. I’ve gotten help from George Dixon and Jack Wallace known as the young gun. Jack started helping me back in 1996, when he was only 21 years old.

Then there were some hunters that caught my eye, that were for the most part bowhunters, like Stan Potts, David Blanton, Bill Jordan, Michael Waddell, and many others.

Then I had the opportunity to meet Dave Watson before he was the host of Bushnell’s Secrets of the Hunt and Bushnell Outdoors. He taught me the ins and outs of sponsorship and how important appearance and personality is.

In 1997, a year after I first started all of this, I had the opportunity to meet Ted Nugent. The first thing that Ted said to me was that I was his Bloodbrother.

Over the past few years, we have become good friends and I consider Ted my Bloodbrother.

Actually, if you get involved in archery, you will understand what a Bloodbrother really is. Most archers are like a close knit family. I truly love tournament shooting, hunting and writing about what I do. But, every since I can remember the one person that I knew about before I ever knew anything about archery was Byron Ferguson. I always watched him on television doing his trick shots. I got to meet Byron about five or six years ago. Now I get to see Byron about once or twice a month. I had never watched him perform live before until I was in Lansing, MI at the Deer Classic this year and I made it a point to go watch his show.

Not only is Bryon a great archer, he is quite the showman. He put on a very

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entertaining and funny show along with his archery exhibitions. I have always admired Bryon because of his archery ethics and his politeness toward everyone.

I never started out to be a trick shooter myself, it just kind of happened. Just standing in front of a crowd shooting dots at a shooting bag did not get a lot of enthusiasm. I could shoot a group of arrows into a quarter size dot and the crowd did not seem enthused, but I could put up a couple of balloons the size of a softball and bust them and the people seemed to like it. Well, then I started shooting other things like lifesavers and lollipops and it seemed to draw more enthusiasm.

But, I was at a show where I had to perform every two hours for mostly the same people and I knew the crowd was getting bored watching me do the same thing. So, I lined up a couple of balloons, where I had to shoot uphill from my knees and hit both balloons at the same time. Which, it really wasn’t a big deal, but the crowd really liked it.

I am always trying to come up with ideas for new shots to entertain the crowd.

I was in the backyard one night, and my mother asked me if I could shoot two arrows at same time. I said that was only Robinhood in the movies. But, my dad said lets just try it. Well, as you know I use a Muzzy Zero-Effect arrowrest, which makes this shot possible. I tried it and the arrows flew kind of erratic. So, I set up a shot that I could hit two balloons at the same time, 16 inches apart, at 20 yards. I perfected the shot where I could hit 2 balloons the size of baseballs at the same time.

Well, that seemed to be a crowd pleaser, until I was performing at the grand opening of a Bass Pro Shop in Memphis, TN. When one of the guys that worked there started kind of heckling me. I was shooting one lifesaver in my show, as one of my shots, and for the grand finale, I was shooting two balloons mounted on 2 Rinehart coon targets that were mounted side by side. After I made the shot everyone clapped but the employee from Bass Pro, who said that’s pretty good, but can you shoot 2 lifesavers at the same time? I said that I didn’t know but I would give it a try.

I put 2 lifesavers up and hit both of them the first shot, the crowd went wild. Then the guy from Bass Pro said, “what a lucky shot.” I ended up doing it 2 more times in a row before he would admit that I could actually do it and that it wasn’t just luck. Since then I have had people ask me can you Cont’d. on next pg.

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ADVENTURE SPORTS OUTDOORS “THE VOICE OF THE AMERICAN SPORTSMAN”

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RANDY… Cont’d from previous pg.

May 2004

If Turkeys are Stupid, Then What Am I?

shoot 2 aspirins or can you shoot 3 arrows.

Well, I keep trying to come up with different shots and they don’t always work every time but when they do, it makes you look like a real star. But, the best compliment that I have ever had as an archer or trick shooter, is when I had Byron Ferguson, a man that I admired before I even started archery, ask me to perform some of my trick shots for a segment on his new TV show called Amazing Shots. For me that is better than having Tiger Woods ask a golfer to play 18 holes with him.

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By Jerry Pabst Turkey season has come and gone, and the meat manager at the local supermarket can safely order one more Butterball Selfbasting bird, complete with pop-up button to let me know when it is properly cooked. When it comes to anything having to do with a turkey, I apparently can use all the help I can get.

This season’s effort was more than an exercise in futility, it was down right embarrassing. It is one thing to fail to shoot one of the big critters due to bad weather, bad luck, lack of experience, or even a missed shot. All of these things can be rectified over time. But, coming up empty after being outwitted by a witless gobbler can only be viewed as a crushing defeat. And, believe me, I am crushed.

The whole fiasco began the week prior to the opening segment of the North Zone turkey hunt. I had lost my prime hunting spot, due to it being bought by a fellow who believed he had more business hunting there than I did. A rather bizarre attitude, but as the rightful owner, he had the last say. I spent the last year relentlessly prospecting for new ground to hunt, a fact undisputedly attested to by my increased bar bill. The investment paid off, as I approached the 2004 season with four hunting permission slips in my pocket. I should have quit at that point, while I was still ahead.

During the week before opening day I scouted all four properties, and found one to be pretty promising, one a fair possibility, and other two long shots. The best spot featured a goodly flock of birds with a high proportion of really big toms. The tricky part was, this bunch roosted nightly in some woods across a road east of my farm, but they regularly worked their way west, through an intervening horse pasture, then over the black top, and hopefully, right into my lap.

On my scouts I had seen them follow this pattern several times. I set up a small blind with woods at my back, facing the road and the small field they would enter after crossing it.

As the sky brightened on Monday morning, I slipped into my hideout, settled into a chair, tucked a diaphragm call into my cheek, loaded the 1187, and poured my first cup of hot coffee. It shouldn’t be long, now.

The geese in a near-by pond began to squabble first, and were scolded by the crows. As if to back up their brethren in the morning’s shouting match, three more raucous honkers sailed into the pond, adding to the cacophony of bird calls. At that point, the roosted gobblers chimed in, and before long at least five

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ADVENTURE SPORTS OUTDOORS “THE VOICE OF THE AMERICAN SPORTSMAN”

calls. At that point, the roosted gobblers chimed in, and before long at least five of them were yelling their heads off from the distant woods.

A pair of hens, perched high in an oak tree, flopped their way to the ground at 6:45 a.m. Within minutes, the entire flock was land based, and the gobblers fell silent as they dutifully followed the foraging ladies, waiting to do their duty.

I set down my coffee cup, slipped the diaphragm call from cheek to the roof of my mouth, and waited. By habit, the birds would soon be emerging from the wood line and searching for acorns in an open grove of oak trees in the horse pasture. Next stop, my place.

A half hour later I was still waiting, and then I heard the worst possible sound.

A turkey gobbled in the distance, revealing the flock was moving east, away from my position. Twenty minutes later my fears were confirmed when a shotgun blast echoed over the fields.My chances for a successful hunt had just been reduced by one gobbler.

Half way through a mind numbing morning a group of six turkeys suddenly walked out of the woods to my left. They were a full sixty yards away, and my shot could possibly carry past the target and onto the road. Too far, too dangerous, so I held fire and watched as they strolled over the road, and away, reversing the pattern I had observed on my scouts. Except for two more shots from the east, nothing broke the solitude until the one o’clock quitting time, when I was more than ready to head home for lunch, and a nap.

Things went much the same the following three days, and I never saw another bird. The big flock roosted in the usual place, then flew down and strolled away, where I could not follow. Each day, as boredom grew, my patience became depleted.

Friday was the final day of my hunting permit. It was now, or never∏ but I had a hard time crawling out of bed to face another seven hours sitting in my cramped blind, watching four mindless horses wander around their enclosed pasture. The day began as it had four times before. Gobbling on the roost, then the fly down, and then, adios amigos.

At 7:30 there came yet another shot from the east. At this rate, would any toms be left in the flock if they did decide to come my way? I determined to wait until 8:30, and then take a ride to check out the other properties I could hunt. If I found some birds, I would hunt them. If not, return later and wait it out in my blind as long as sanity permitted. At 7:50 I was going stir crazy, so I changed the plan and went for a ride.

I toured the three farms, but could find no reason to stay. Where ever those birds were, it wasn’t where I could get to them. I figured I might as well go back to the original field, pull the blind and decoys, and take my beating like a man.

After all, I had given it my best try. It wasn’t my fault the stupid turkeys had

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altered their daily routine. That didn’t make me a bad hunter, just an unlucky one, this year. As I turned off a gravel road onto the black top, about 500 yards from my blind, I immediately spotted a large black form standing in the center of the highway. You know what it was. I had no choice but to drive toward the Jake, and as I neared, it calmly walked into the little field, paused dramatically ten feet from my blind, then sauntered into the woods. The clock in dash board read 8:30 a.m., of course.

To pursue the bird through the woods would be futile, but I knew I could drive around to the back of the lot, and set up half way in. With a little luck, I may be able to cluck the young bird within range. I was optimistic.

Sneaking into the woods, I found a good tree to back me up, with an open area ahead, and nestled in, at the same time sending out a few seductive clucks and purrs. The bird had to be several hundred yards to my front, so it was now a matter of waiting him out.

Then, the woods fairly exploded with the full throated gobble of a big tom.

There was more than one big boy in these trees. By the sound of it, the big bird was in the front of the lot, so I wrote off the Jake and went for the old man. I knew that revealing my position would cause the young bird to flee, but I didn’t want him anymore, so let him go. I’ll kill him next year.

Slithering through the dense thicket, as best as I can slither, I paused, calling a few times just to fix the gobbler’s position. The turkey answered me twice, and then fell silent. After another twenty minutes of slithering, it became apparent I had either spooked the bird, or it had left the woods on its own. This was another fine mess I had gotten myself into.

Five yards from my blind a narrow, sandy path exits from the woods. It is a turkey highway, and one reason I stuck the blind where I did. When I reached that point I glanced down, and there in the soft soil was a fresh, no, make that a smoking hot turkey track about the size of my hand. Clearly, the gobbling tom was not entering the woods when I heard him; he was leaving, and walked out right past my blind. It was 8:50 a.m.

How much humiliation can a grown man take, I ask you?

Even the stupid horses across the road were snickering. I packed up all my gear and went home. But, as a life long Cub fan, I left the turkey flock with this promise, “Wait ‘til next year.” Then, I wept.

As if to complete my disastrous turkey 2004 season, good friend, Ivan Trauernicht, nailed this 25 lb. beauty in an hour during the 2nd segment of the season on a farm I chose not to hunt. Some days you’re the bug, and some days you’re the windshield.

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May 2004

to fire off again so I could get a better fix on him. A few minutes passed without a gobble. It was starting to get light quickly. I needed to get set up on this bird before he hit the ground. I was going to have to make an educated guess on where he was roosting. I chose to move north on the ridge, thinking he was in the big oaks on the south end of the ridge. This would give me a spot to set up within calling distance, but still offer me a window of a couple of moves if he The anticipation was killing me as I sipped my did not respond to my sultry yelps. coffee waiting for the first glimmer of dawn. I As I reached the flat on top of the ridge, I quickly looked for a spot with checked my vest over and over trying to make enough cover to hide, but also, giving me enough open area to see him coming sure I had not forgotten anything. It was not before he sees me. A small dead fall was over to my right about 50 yards that long before I heard the first sounds announcing would make a good ambush spot. One step after another, each one carefully calthe coming of a new day. A small wren started culated as to make a minim noise. I was close. Then it happened. I heard somecalling out to any available female that might thing to my right. I froze. No, it couldn’t be. Another sound rattled my cage. be in shouting distance. It won’t be long now This one could not be mistaken. It was the alarm put from a nasty hen. before one of those big gobblers I saw last fall Suddenly, the woods were alive. Turkeys were busting from the roost like malcuts loose, giving me a fix on his location. lards working a corn field. I had made a terrible judgment call on my first set The pre-dawn sounds started getting louder, but still no gobble. Ten more up. Well there was nothing to do now but move to a different spot. minutes passed with out even a tree yelp. I have filled every turkey tag I have I sat and waited a spell until the sun was up high enough to where I was sure ever drawn for this county in these woods, so I know there has to be some birds all the birds had hit the ground. I worked four different areas that morning withhere. I closed my eyes and pictured that bunch I saw walk by my stand last deer out as much hearing anything that even sounded like a turkey. The morning sun season. Boy, there was a sight! Seven big gobblers all in one bunch. was getting high as I worked my way back to the truck. I stopped and cut along Another vision flashed through my subconscious. Not two weeks earlier I had the edge of the fields, hoping to catch a gobbler looking for another hen. No seen a big tom strutting in the very field I was standing in. Suddenly, a gobble luck. These birds were as tight lipped as I have ever hunted. pierced the still air. I quickly grabbed my gun and started in his direction. All Days 2 and 3 were no better. Two days and no gobbles. I even tried to put a my senses were in full gear. He is on the west ridge, but at which end? My pace few birds to bed on both days. I was hearing similar stories from other hunters quickened as I tried to cover as much ground before my silhouette along the in the area. They just weren’t gobbling. Could it be the hunting pressure? Or edge of the field gave me away. I reached the cover of the woods before there was it because they were all henned up? I knew there were a good number of was enough light for him to pick me out. I leaned against a tree waiting for him birds in the area because signs were everywhere.

Scratchings, droppings, feathers along the field edges, and the tell tale signs of turkeys moving in the distance, busted from their feeding areas by mushroom hunters.

Three days of hard hunting was done. My tactics had to change if I was going to get my bird before my tag ran out. I knew a few areas where there were a lot of signs. This would at least give me a starting point for the next morning. My plan was simple. I needed to try a less aggressive approach to these seasoned veterans of the forest. I made a pact that night. No aggressive calling. I was going to spend the last days clucking and purring in known feeding areas. I had also packed a wing in my vest to make some flapping sounds. I wanted no more than to sound like a few turkeys moving through the timber looking for a meal.

The next day brought, once again, the unmistakable sounds and smells of turkey season. I had set up on an oak flat in the center of two adjoining ridges before daybreak This is where I had often seen birds feeding in years past. This area showed a lot of signs and was my best bet for a shy gobbler.

The morning rays of sunlight started to cut into the timber. I had heard a few gobbles early, off to the west, but nothing in my area. It was hard not to let www.gutters-more.com out a few yelps and cuts. Every few minutes I would only scratch the dried leaves, flap the wing, and give

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ADVENTURE SPORTS OUTDOORS “THE VOICE OF THE AMERICAN SPORTSMAN”

May 2004

a few clucks with the occasional purr.

This was killing me. I am, by heart, one who likes to run and gun. I fish tournaments this way and hunt turkeys the same. I always said, you stay in one area too long and you are going to die. I have always left lethargic fish in search of aggressive ones. So you can imagine what this was doing to me. Two hours had passed without so much as a hint of those birds that were using this area. In the back of my head, I was beginning to wish I had pursued those birds I had heard gobbling on the roost at dawn. Well, it was too late to change now. I had decided to give this alternate strategy another hour before going back to my old ways.

The sun was starting to get a little warm. Time for a stretch and a sip of water.

As I started to stand up, I caught some movement to my right. I peered through the underbrush, trying to get a fix on the movement. A couple of seconds passed when a large doe appeared over the ridge. She moved up the trail feeding as she walked. Two more small does followed. I watched the does move off to the west. Wait! There was more movement from the same fire trail. Yes, it was a hen turkey. She was feeding along at a slow pace behind the deer. I positioned my gun in the direction of the feeding flock as more turkeys appeared, but this couldn’t be. They were all hens. I had hens all around me, purring, clucking and, well, driving me nuts. Man, if it were not for bad luck, I would have no luck at all. Twelve birds and not a gobbler in the lot.

I was beginning to think all of the toms had left the county. Then it happened right in the middle of those hens. A big gobbler went into full strut. He made no sound as he turned a semicircle, displaying his fan for all of the girls to see. How had I missed him when he came over the ridge. I thought I had seen and accounted for every bird in the bunch. He was about 60 yards out. Too far for a good shot.

I had put my Murphy Diaphragm call in my mouth when the first bird appeared, just in case.

I had met the whole Murphy group while doing walleye seminars in March at D & J Outfitters, a Tracker dealership in Greensville, Illinois. One of the seminar speakers I had met was Wade Watson. Wade won the Tennessee State Turkey Calling Championship in 2004. His son, Zach, also won the Junior State Calling Championship of Tennessee the same year. Wade set me up with one of his competition calls, and man does it work. Those cuts and yelps roll out of your mouth like water over rocks. It was a good thing I had put it in my mouth when the first bird appeared because any movement now would blow the whole party.

I had my sights on busting the jolly good fellow. I let all of the birds move off

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before attempting any calls. The flock was out about 80 yards when I lit that Murphy call up like the Fourth of July. Cuts were screaming from my mouth in his direction. The big gobbler turned to try and see the hen that had slipped from his harem.

He peered long and hard in my direction. Then it finally happened. He bellowed two deep and hard gobbles. It was music to my ears. Once again, I lit him up with hard cuts. He gobbled again. I gave him no more music. He had to see for himself where his hen had gone. He moved 15 yards my way and gobbled. Still, his girl gave no answer. He moved 25 yards Colt Vinovich with his closer. Still no answer. A big South Ridge bird. move was next, 30 yards in full strut and into my lap. My gun had a mind of its own. It raised and fired, removing that bird’s hat. He must not have had any manners, because every gentleman knows you REMOVE YOUR HAT IN THE PRESENCE OF A LADY! If you would like to purchase one of Wade Watson’s hand made diaphragm calls, you can go on-line to murphygamecalls.com or you can call Ray Murphy at 731-925-0105.

For guided walleye, smallmouth, or muskie trips, you can call Predator Guide Service at 309-347-1728 or by e-mail at trolling@mtco.com See ‘ya on the water!

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ADVENTURE SPORTS OUTDOORS “THE VOICE OF THE AMERICAN SPORTSMAN”

SWIM BAITS We may call shad shaped baits Swim Baits but have heard those called sassy shad and more. These soft plastic shad imitations can really fool and catch fish when all else fails. I was introduced to these shad imposters about 7 years ago as mainly a striper or white bass lure.

Since then we find these baits to be deadly for all species of fish that chase and feed on shad. Since shad are a major part of most game fish diet, they are a sure bait and even more so when used with moon phases as an indicator.

Swim baits are rigged by threading onto a jighead of 1/8 or 1/4 ounce, and the long shank thin wire hooks with line tie on top are best for allowing a more natural swim motion.

Jig weight will depend on water depth and current you fish and we have even used very little weight or no weight for suspended fish and when shad are near surface.

As far as colors, we stick to natural colors such as pearl in clear water with some pepper and we dye with some chartreuse in stained water.

However, we have found some great hand poured swim bait colors from COOL LURES in watermelon, pumpkin, pearl/blue, pearl/red and had the opportunity to try the Great New pearl with a slash of red poured in to resemble a bleeding shad.

As the name implies, you can swim these baits along cover where predator fish hold waiting to ambush prey but remember, in spring as the weather is unstable, fish will hold real tight to that cover. After the spawn and before the thermocline gets set, many fish will be found off shore near bottom and around structure as summer hits.

During fall we all know shad and other fish will migrate into coves, but many bigger fish can be found at mouth of these coves. As winter sets in you need to move out where shad and most fish will congregate in deep creeks.

For size, we have good success with 2 - 4 inch baits, which seem to match most forage.

Although we call these swim baits, they can be fished many different ways.

If fish are holding on the bottom, you can just drag the lure, like a Carolina rig.

May 2004

When fish are just off bottom, a hopping or pumping retrieve allows the bait to get within the fishes level. Weed edges and gradual sloping points are great spots to wiggle or twitch the bait along. When fishing boat docks skip it in or under and try a yo-yo or fall and jerk retrieve.

During summer and fall when shad are being pushed onto flats, stay back, make a long cast and slowly swim through the commotion keeping your rod at about 10 o’clock position when retrieving to make bait run high and to better feel the bite.

We have been told that a great technique during a spawn is to use a heavy jig to make the bait rest in a nose down angle to imitate an egg robber.

These swim baits are extremely effective for catching most all species of fish and are easy to use. So make room in your tackle box for these irresistible shad or minnow imitators.

PRODUCTS: First is the TAKE ONE Minnow Trap by Pangrcic Products that eliminated us sticking our hands in the water and trying to catch a minnow or using a net to scoop up several minnows when we only need one. The “Take One” not only cut down time getting bait but reduced the number of dead minnows because of abuse, but gave us ONE minnow most every time. A great tool for every fisherman so check it out at www.pangrcicproducts.com Second is the AEROBAIT Aerated Minnow Bucket from Magic Products Inc. This self-contained insulated minnow bucket helped prolong the life and liveliness of our minnows for two weeks with only a few minnows lost. We kept it running round the clock and the “D” cell battery lasted 5-days at a time. This aerated minnow bucket was a Big money saver not to mention providing better fishing, check them out on the web at www.magicproducts.com ALSO as a follow-up to last month on Jimbo’s Jigs, Crappie USA Pro fisherman Ben & Vicki Short of Bartonville tell us, “they are really impressed with Jimbo’s Jigs which were the only things working around cold fronts and tough fishing conditions at last few tournaments”. CONGRATS to Ben & Vicki who as of last month were in first place for Region 3.

During this field testing, we did some good fishing with our friends Bob & Vicki and Dale & Chris at the Brass Bell Cottages on Bull Shoals Lake, YeeHaa, Let’s do this again!

Check our latest fishing reports and more at www.larrysfishinghole.com Till Next Time BYE & GOOD FISHING

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May 2004

ADVENTURE SPORTS OUTDOORS “THE VOICE OF THE AMERICAN SPORTSMAN”

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by David Ludington

Here’s another question I received this past month.

“Dave, I attended one of your seminars last winter and am now using the Bloomington, Illinois • (309) 663-2483 “Smity” leader you recommended. It is just as you said it would be. Does Smity Last month I make any other products?” wrote briefly about Yep, they sure do. One of the first Musky baits I ever a lure called the owned was a Smity Bait (jerk style). Besides the fabuUKKO. Since that lous leaders mentioned, Russ Smith makes Musky and article I have been Bass baits. He also markets numerous fishing accesbesieged with sories. I featured Russ and his company in an article two phone calls wanting years ago. to know more inforI recently spoke with Russ who is excited about some mation about the new baits added to his line of Musky catching offerings.

UKKO. New for 2004 is the Mercer Creek countdown glide bait.

The UKKO hails from Finland and is a crank bait The Mercer Creek is available in nine fish catching colfirst developed in the early 1990’s by a gentleman ors. Another new glide bait from “Smity Baits” is the named Seppo. Seppo wanted a crank bait to fish for the Power Glide. Russ also told me he is re-introducing a native Northern Pike in Finland. He also wanted his bait bait after a twenty-five year absence from the Musky to more closely mimic the natural tail movement of baitfishing scene, the Snodlow Splash Tail. Another surface fish. To accomplish this on a straight model crank bait bait that is not new but has received some new looks for Seppo used a unique design tapering the head of the bait 2004 is the Smity Scuttle Bug. Russ has added two new down. This continues about two-thirds of the length of colors, Baby Loon and Field Mouse. Russ and company the bait to a bulge in the bait, than it’s appearance tapers continues to make outstanding baits for us to use. Check back down. This design gives the UKKO the tail driven out all of Smity Bait selections at www.smitybaits.com action it currently posses. or call Russ at (715) 356-5565.

The UKKO was first sold in the United States after Remember, when you are in the Normal area to stop in being licensed to Howard Yielding. Mr. Yielding than at Dick’s Sporting Goods and check out all the fine fishsold the distribution rights to “ODYSSEY LURE’s” ing and hunting supplies in the lodge area. Be safe on the where it is currently distributed from. Thor Pearson, of water and as always, I’m Dave Ludington and I’ll see Odyssey Lures, described the construction of the bait as, you on the water.

Ken Snider with a nice muskie! “made of exotic wood construction with an aluminum lip”. The lip is pinned inside the lure itself. Eight different color schemes are currently available for the UKKO. Thor told me that the bait is an excellent casting bait but it is most commonly used trolling. The current New York State record Musky was taken by a UKKO trolling. The behemoth was fifty-three inches long with a thirty-one inch girth. The fish weighed in at a hefty fiftythree pounds, eight ounces, Thor said.

Short line trollers will experience depths between six to eight feet down.

Live Bait . Full Line of Tackle . Rods & Reels . Gas & Oil Personally, I will typically put out two lines at fifteen to twenty feet. With this Hunting & Archery Supplies . Ice . Soda . Snacks amount of line out and trolling speeds between 2.5 and 3 miles per hour, I have my UKKO’s running at five and 6 feet. Long liners can achieve deeper depths and get the bait down to twelve feet. To get your bait down in the twelve-foot range you will need to put out about forty to forty-five feet of line. Increase the Fishing on the Illinois and Fox Rivers speed to 3.5 to 3.8 miles per hour for best results.

The UKKO is not just a trolling bait. When other baits being used are not proWalleye . Sauger . White Bass ducing in the late spring and early summer I’ll use the UKKO as a crank and Catfish . Large & Smallmouth Bass twitch bait. They have a different wobble than many of my other twitch baits and as with trolling, sometimes a different look produces a Musky. With a length of eight inches and wood construction, the UKKO is perfect for getting into Illinois’ reservoir fallen timber areas. If you decide you want to add a UKKO to your arsenal, you can reach Thor Pearson and “Odyssey Lures” at www.odysseylures.com or call him at (651) 653-6810.

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ADVENTURE SPORTS OUTDOORS “THE VOICE OF THE AMERICAN SPORTSMAN”

May 2004

May 2004

ADVENTURE SPORTS OUTDOORS “THE VOICE OF THE AMERICAN SPORTSMAN”

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ADVENTURE SPORTS OUTDOORS “THE VOICE OF THE AMERICAN SPORTSMAN”

May 2004

White Bass Action on the Illnois

By Jay Angel White bass action is really hot on the Illinois River around the Starved Rock area. This is a great way to capture and keep a young child’s interest because if you find a big school of “whites”, you will catch one fish after another for hours! These scrappy fighters will smash a bait and fight you all the way back to the boat.

Locations: The first spot you should target is Plum Island. Plum Island is located in the middle of the river next to Starved Rock State Park. Most if the island is lined by a rocky shoreline. These rocks extend out into the river and act a magnet for whites. I like to begin targeting this area by jigging the eddy at the downstream end of the island. I will jig with a small glitter tube and my partner will cast Zip blades. We cast all of the current breaks, eddies, drop offs and rocky shorelines.

I continue my way up the north side of the island concentrating on the rocky shorelines and points. The eddy at top of the island is a hotspot. Continuing around the island; there is another eddy on the south side. This is another hot spot that has saved many fishing trips from being fishless.

The next spot is the Vermilion River. I could write a book about the great white bass spots on the Vermilion but I will try to cover the high points for you.

One of the most important points to remember about the Vermilion is rocks. If you find shoreline rocks that extend out into the water you will find whites.

There are lots of spots that you will find rocks. Look for bass on them. If you don’t find whites move to the next spot after you are certain that you have worked the spot thoroughly. Whites will sometimes bunch into tight schools.

If you can maneuver your boat all the way up to the first rapids there is a great spot. Please be sure that you are careful when you are driving upstream because the water is very shallow and fast moving. The pool underneath the rapids is very deep. On the edges of the deep water you will find many eddies and rocks.

Large schools of white bass inhabit the edges of this pool.

These are just a few of my favorite spots. The Illinois River is full of whites, therefore there are lots of places to fish for them. Experiment with places and find your favorite.

Baits: White bass will hit on small, flashy jigs. You do not want to use the large jigs that you use for saugers while fishing for white bass. A one-eight ounce jig tipped with a silver glitter tube is my favorite bait. When fishing is slow, you should tip the jigs with a small river shiner. Jigs are certainly the most popular method used to catch white bass. River shiners are flashier than fathead minnows and they tend to catch more fish.

White bass are also more than willing to hit just about any small, noisy crankbait. Many anglers like to use small Rattle Traps or small Shad Raps. The key is to use the flashiest lure you can find.

I also like to use blade baits. Lots of companies make blade baits and they are not all created equal. I like to use small Zip blades. On bright sunny days I will use either gold or silver and when it is overcast I like to use blue or pink. What I like about blade baits is that white bass really smash them.

One of the best methods used to locate white bass is to drive your boat down the river and look for schools of minnows hitting the surface. White bass are voracious feeders and they travel in large schools. You will see minnows jumping out of the water in an attempt to elude the white bass. This means that you have found a school of hungry whites and it is time to fish for them. Remember that you are attempting to imitate an injured minnow when you are selecting baits.

The white bass run is going to continue through the first couple of weeks of May. This is the best times of the year to get out and catch hundreds of fish.

White bass can really make an anglers day.

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May 2004

ADVENTURE SPORTS OUTDOORS “THE VOICE OF THE AMERICAN SPORTSMAN”

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ADVENTURE SPORTS OUTDOORS “THE VOICE OF THE AMERICAN SPORTSMAN”

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FISH IL The “Clicker Rig” Bass Lure Is This the Next Super Bass Rig?

By Capt. Herman Kunz

Bass baits! If I had to count them all I would have to take off my shoes and socks to just come close to the number of baits, and the ways to catch bass that are on the market today, and then I would need four feet! Well, every time I think I know every way that there is to hook the wily bass a better mouse, or shall we say bass trap comes along.

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May 2004

This time it’s the “Clicker Rig.” If I hadn’t seen it, and done it with my own eyes, I couldn’t believe that there are still new innovations that are different and more tantalizing to Mr. Bass, than the ones already beating the bassy waters to a froth. Crankbaits, Jigs n pigs, spinnerbaits, Texas rigs, drop shot rigs, Carolina rigs, I’m sure I’ve missed a dozen or more, but that’s all right.

Now along comes the “Clicker Rig.” Since it was designed right here in Illinois maybe it should be called the “Illinois rig.” In any case it catches fish...BIG fish! First of all, you must understand, I am not a bass fisherman in the true sense of the word. I am a fish fisherman. If the bass are not biting, the crappie rigs come out. If the crappies are not biting, bluegills are OK with me. I am not real fussy. I might draw the line at carp. But then even that is questionable.

I just love to catch fish, and I’ll use any (legal) means possible to do so. Big fish are a bonus. Here enters the “Clicker Rig.” On my first outing using this rig I shocked even myself. Usually I’m pretty thick skinned and don’t get impressed too easily. I caught five for seven on bass in just three hours of fishing. Not bad, but no big deal, until you realize that the runt of the catch weighed in at a little over three and a half pounds. That is scale weight, not “it looks like.” The biggest bass was just over five pounds. This is the same body of water that I have fished for three or four years and the occasional three pounder was cause for excitement. I never before had put together a string of five bass that weighed in at over twenty pounds in that short of a time.

Then again, like I said, “If they don’t come easy, I fish for something else.” I like the “jerk” at the end of the line. (No wise cracks here please!) Was this a fluke? Did I just get lucky? Or did I really stumble onto something. I had to find out.

A week later I tried the “Clicker Rig” again. This time the catching was not as good...But! I had five bass on the line, two of which I never saw and three that made an encore appearance by leaping out of the water and staying visible just long enough for me to see that these three fish were all in the three pound plus range. They gave me the middle fin just before plunging back into the depths, free of any encumbrances like hooks or lines. I probably should have set the hook harder instead of just sitting there in awe.

This venture was in just two hours of fishing. Now I’m excited! These weren’t just tap, taps, but honest to goodness slam bams! The last test was on a day when fishing was to put it mildly, rotten. Hardly anyone I spoke to had any fish at all. This day I boated seven fish and although they were all “short fish,” but one, it was five more than anybody else had gotten a look at.

So just what is this magic rig that makes fish appear out of now where? You make it yourself! It is simple and easy to rig, you just need a few items, most of which should be in your tackle box.

First add a Lindy-Little Joe bobber stopper to your line. It can be adjusted up or down and eliminates the damaged line you can get by pegging...and no, you won’t be using a bobber, second use a bullet weight appropriate to the depth of the water that you are fishing in. To me the smallest weight that you can get by with, the better off you will be. Most of my fishing/experimenting was done with 1/16th and 1/8th ounce bullet weights, although on the worst day, I was using a 1/4 ounce weight. Next slide onto your line a 3/16th inch chartreuse bead, when you look at this rig, the bead actually looks like an eye as it snuggles into the hollow of the weight. My beads are plastic. Glass would probably work if you can find them. Next, tie on a # 3 or # 4 Daiichi Bleeding Bass Bait Hook.

Finally, to the hook I’ve been using a six-inch Texas rigged Berkley pumpkinseed colored Power Worm. That is all there is to the rig. By moving the bobber stopper up or down an eighth of an inch or so from the weight you can make this rig click in different cadences against the bead. Up close you get sort of a rattle, moved away a bit you get more of a tap, tap. I usually kept mine about a 1/6th of an inch from the weight. It worked for me. As far as the line itself is concerned I like using Spider Wire in the 6/30 weight. I have at times, since using this rig when faced with clear water conditions, have tied on a two or three foot leader of Berkley Vanish fluorocarbon. Here I think personal taste comes into play, use the line that you are comfortable with.

What makes it work? Is it the “clicking” that provokes the strike? Is it the beady eye looking back at the fish? Is it the “Bleeding Bait Hook” that simulates an injured meal? Or is it the Berkley Power Bait that by design, is made to attract the bite of a hungry fish? I don’t know!

All I do know is that since I have been using this exact combination, my bass fishing success has gone up a thousand percent. You can try experimenting with different colored beads or worms, but for my money, it’s the rig that “keeps gettin bitten, while it keeps on clickin!!” Try it, you might like it!!!

Big bass, like the one shown here, can be more readily caught by using the “Clicker Rig” method of fishing, while pursuing big bass on your favorite bass waters.

May 2004

ADVENTURE SPORTS OUTDOORS “THE VOICE OF THE AMERICAN SPORTSMAN”

IS THAT YOUR FINAL ANSWER? with Capt. Herman Kunz Spring has been slowly working its way here and as the weather heats up, and let’s face it, this past winter has been a real bear, so does our adrenaline work to get us heated up to get going and get out and fish, it is just like many of the questions that I receive that start to heat up our attitudes. Hot questions for a cool spring!! Some of the questions this month are right on track having to do with fishing early in the season.

Q. I like to bass fish as soon as the air temperatures allow me to venture out on the water in some semblance of comfort. Many times the fishing is still real slow because of the colder water this early in the season. Any suggestions as to what might increase my catch ratio? Mike J. Pinckneyville, IL A. First of all, nothing can replace warmer, more comfortable water to get fish on the move, but there are a couple of things that you can do to increase your chances for a better bite. First remember that although at first thought, fishing the north side of the lake seems to fly in the face of common sense, realize this. When the sun rises in the late winter and early spring, it is angled from the south, southeastern sky. This causes less sun to reach the southern shores of a lake because of trees, homes or buildings, and the land itself. Meanwhile the north and northwest shores are bathed in whatever sun is available from sun up until almost dark. At some point later in the day, the northeast shore will get some slight warming, but the north shore is still receiving much of the suns benefit. Getting out early at this time of the year will usually do no good as the fish will only gravitate up from their deeper haunts as the temperature of the water begins to rise, as the day goes on. Then, often times, these fish might be in as little as one or two feet of water, until the evening shade begins to cool the water back down some. And as always when fishing colder water, fish very deliberately and slowly to create your best opportunities to catch fish. Fish in colder water are very sluggish and will not move very far for a meal.

Q. As soon as the ice leaves the water near where I live, I like to go out and fish for walleyes and sauger on the Illinois River. Sometimes that can be pretty early in the season. My problem is that these fish bite light enough when the water is warm, let alone when the water is cold. As a result I have much difficulty detecting a pickup of a fish when working a jig or jig and minnow combination off of the bottom. Do you have any ideas on how to better hook up with these fish? Don S. Peru, IL A. Hey Don, you’re not alone. I had the same exact experience last year, fishing Little Bay De Noc in the U.P. of Michigan. By the time I felt the bite of the fish, it had already detected my presence and would let go before I ever had a chance to set the hook. Here is how I solved my problem and will help yours. I switched from the rod that I was using, an older heavier rod, to one of my new Rapala Signature rods: (SE80SP62L2).

This is a 6’ 2” rod that still has plenty of backbone but a very, very sensitive tip. This, as I found out was an excellent choice for walleye fishing I was doing. When I did this

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101

I had to watch the rod tip closely because the “feel” was virtually eliminated, and contrary to the popular belief of, “the softer the rod tip, the easier to feel the bite,” which incidentally, I think, is a myth, because in actuality I think you can see the rod bend ever so slightly but without the fish “feeling” your own presence and vice versa. The stiffer rod allowed me to “feel” the fish, but also telegraphed down, and allowed the fish to “feel” me. Using the Lighter Rapala rod let me “see” the bite and catch my share of fish, where beforehand I was not doing so. A simple change of rods...and realizing what was happening made all the difference in having a successful outing or getting skunked!!

Q. Any suggestions on which lure colors will work better in colder water versus warmer water? John P. St. Louis MO A. John, I think color has no preference at all when it comes to cold water compared to warmer water. I think the same color patterns of a particular lake will hold true early and late in the year depending on water clarity. What I think is more important is lure presentation. Generally the colder the water the slower the presentation, also the lure you use in colder water will get more attention if it is “down-sized, that is a smaller lure in colder water will usually get more attention...Usually!

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This months “Captains Hint”

When preparing fish that have strong flavored tendencies such as salmon, white or striped bass, etc. For cooking, first remove all the lateral line and red meat from the fillet and then soak the fillets overnight in milk. The milk breaks down the enzymes that cause the stronger flavor and will leave you with a milder sweeter tasting fillet. Many times fishermen will avoid keeping these fish because of their strong flavor. This process will change your thinking!!!

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If you have a question or even just a comment, be sure to contact me at:

ADVENTURE SPORTS OUTDOORS C/O Capt. Herman Kunz, RR #3, Box 206, Fairfield IL, 62837 Or you can E-Mail me at: salmonark@wworld.com Subject matter: ASO QUESTIONS All questions without names and addresses will not be considered.

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ADVENTURE SPORTS OUTDOORS “THE VOICE OF THE AMERICAN SPORTSMAN”

102

THE LAST CAST

by Mike Cyze Caring for Your Catch the Right Way Having the opportunity to appear and at many sports shows across the country, I have the unique opportunity to speak with many folks regarding the great sport of fishing.

During these shows I also enjoy doing live cooking demonstrations on how to properly handle and cook your days catch.

Over the years, I’ve learned a lot about the habits of anglers and the different ways that they handle their days catch. Problem is that some of their stories would make you cringe. One of the things I stress during these demonstrations is that proper, safe handling is a must when you are going to use it as a food source. As simple as this may sound, many anglers still handle their catch improperly.

This month, lets discuss some of the correct methods that will keep your catch fresh from the time you catch it till the time you prepare and eat it.

Proper handling of your catch should start as soon as you have caught the fish and made the decision to keep it. You should make it a habit to cool your catch as soon as possible. It makes no difference if you fish from shore or from a boat, you should get into the habit of bringing an ice chest with ice with you to preserve your catch. The reason for this is that fresh caught fish should be cleaned and iced as soon as possible if you truly want to retain the flavor. For this purpose, crushed or cubed ice will work much better than block ice. The reason is that you can fully cover the fish and more evenly distribute the cold more evenly. In most cases, you will also be able to cool more fish at one time with this method.

Many anglers make the mistake of putting their catch into their boats livewell and then continue fishing. As the day winds down, they look in the well and find the fish have all died. How long have they been this way? Who knows. Now at the end of the day, they will make the ride home, (fish still in boats well) and then clean them. You can see by this scenario that conditions are not favorable to keeping the fish fresh.

Now it’s not only the boat angler that does this. The shore angler will catch fish, put them on a stringer and toss them into the water off shore, hoping they survive. Again,

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in most instances, they do not. In reality, both these anglers have taken away from the taste of their catch by the way they handled it.

We have talked about the initial handling but lets now focus our attention on after you get the fish home.

If you are not going to eat the fish immediately, it should be cleaned, washed and frozen as soon as possible.

It’s important to understand that the refrigerators in our homes will usually be in the 40 degree temperature area or so. This is not a temperature that is cold enough to keep your fish in top quality freshness. In fact, it is a known fact in the seafood industry that fish will keep twice as well if you keep it chilled to 32 degrees. Now I know your probably wondering what you can do then? Well, there are some tricks you can do to keep your catch at the optimum temperature.

First, remember that cold air sinks. For this reason, the bottom part of your refrigerator will always be the coldest. One trick that I have found that works extremely well for keeping your catch fresher is to take and fill one of the bottom bins with crushed or cubed ice. What this does is to actually make the bottom even colder. Simply put your catch in and amongst the ice in the bin. Now when you do this, I want to stress the fact that you should still use the fresh fish as soon as possible within a day, two days maximum. The main reason for this icing is to preserve flavor, along with freshness to the fish.

One little know fact is that it is safe to re-freeze thawed fish as long as it was fresh when it was originally frozen, was properly thawed for use and has been kept properly refrigerated for not more than a day.

All right, now you want to cook some of those fish to eat so lets talk about just how to do it safely and properly.

It will make no difference if you are using some of those fresh fillets from the ice bin or some just thawed fillets, it is always a good idea to soak the fish in a salt water solution for a bit and then rinse the fish thoroughly under cold running water before you start to prepare them. When you do this, you are rinsing away any possible surface bacteria that may be present. You are also going to improve the overall taste of the fish.

Fried or deep fried fish seem to be the most popular so lets talk about preparing those.

One of the first thing you want to do is use fresh cooking oil for your fryer. DO NOT use old used oil, and do not use oil more than one cooking session. As you cook, you can add fresh grease as needed but again, do not reuse when you cook fish.

Depending on what species you are preparing, the fat content of the meat will be different. This will have an effect on how the fish cooks. A good rule of thumb to use is that the whiter in color the meat, the lower the fat content of that fish.

When getting ready to cook your fish, some simple preparation will make things go smoother. First, arrange your fish pieces by size. You can also cut your fillets to a uniform size if you wish. After your cooking oil has been heated to the proper temperature, carefully add the thickest pieces of fish first. When you do this, do not overload the fryer. This will cause the grease to loose optimum cooking temperature causing greasy fish. After you cook the thickest pieces, now do the thinner pieces.

Regarding oil temperature. most folks prefer the 350 to 375 degree range. Just remember, to hot an oil will quickly cook fish on the outside but not inside. Best is to try your frier since all cook slightly different. Once you get the temperature range that works best for you, leave it set or make a note of it so next time you can go right back to that setting.

It’s very easy folks, by taking the time to handle your catch properly after you catch it, you will have everyone asking you what’s your secret for the excellent tasting fish you prepare.

Till next time, Take Care and I’ll See You On The Water...........

You can E-Mail your fishing and hunting questions to Mike Cyze at: lastcast13@yahoo.com

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ADVENTURE SPORTS OUTDOORS “THE VOICE OF THE AMERICAN SPORTSMAN”

May 2004

103

In the World of the Senses

FREE FISHING DAYS 2004

by Phil Trager

Dozens of organizations are expected to conduct fishing derbies and other special events as part of Illinois Free Fishing Days, June 11-14.The four-day promotion of sport fishing provides anglers the opportunity to fish without first purchasing a fishing license, salmon stamp or inland trout stamp. Free Fishing Days is co-sponsored by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources and Plano Molding Co., the world’s largest manufacturer of fishing tackle boxes.

Organizations interested in receiving educational and promotional materials to be used as part of a Free Fishing Days event, or for more information, should contact Gary Watson, IDNR Public Events and Promotions, One Natural Resources Way, Springfield, IL 62702-1271, phone 217/782-9990.

Whether casting or vertical jigging for walleyes, sauger, crappie, white bass or small mouth, jig fishing involves being sensitized and feeling the strike. Graphite rods wherein the rod blank is naked at the reel handle in order to provide feel at the finger tips holding the rod are especially artful to pursue the oft timid prey. And those rods with the best vibration - sending qualities make a “flea landing on a fish in 20’ of water” resound like an alarm clock. What a pleasant way to be “awakened”! And what fun it is to use a rod that sends such a minute touch. The Legend Series by St Croix, even the Premier Graphite of old or the Avid Series now, all such rods, Berkley Bionix, and Series One, several Loomis blanks and on and on to the favorite of many are “tools” of enjoyment on the water.

Being sensitized to the very precise behavior of nature’s creatures creates a temporary closeness both within the bite and within the surroundings as well. Often when a fish is hooked, eyes peer toward shoreline in search of a point to mark the area. A log, a rock, a tree, a sign or any of several items sitting on shore give an indication of the area the hooked was caught. Eyes on the locator present the depth of the action. The line may have jumped or moved slightly to one side or the other. Weight may have been felt as the jig was raised from the bottom. And through sight or feel, awareness takes place as the rod is raised to set the hook. Yes, involvement of many of the senses is the internal being coming alive in relation to a goal. In fact, intuition and wonder are often part of choosing locations with the possibility of holding fish. And what fun when discovery affirms a hunch. Or presentation confirms hope.

And how about the excitement as the boat initially touches the water on its way to floating off the trailer?

The feel of the wind blowing on the body, even in cold weather, as the boat heads toward fish. And water is doing its thing whether forming an eddy, a riffle, a channel or flat. All create moments of being at one with the outdoors. And then to enjoy a cup of coffee, a can of pop, a little food while in the company of companions adds such joy to an outing. Yes, freedom would have it so. Each new spot holds excitement as it is checked out. Conversation takes on twists of its own to keep things alive and well.

Some day’s freedom wins alone. And other day’s fish win. At the same time, fishermen do take fish and that is almost a bonus - a necessary bonus - once in a while. Freedom, fish and fisherman usually do take one another by surprise, and come in harmony to produce fullness at the finest. At any rate, time spent in the outdoors has a way of enlivening and proving the real world of the senses, and belief in the visible and the invisible. What a rewarding deal!

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ADVENTURE SPORTS OUTDOORS “THE VOICE OF THE AMERICAN SPORTSMAN”

The Federation of Christian Anglers & Sportsmen F.O.C.A.S. LAKE KINKAID TOP HONORS GO TO RAGLE AND RAGLE

“Fishin With A Mission” The second tournament of the F.O.C.A.S. season on Lake Kinkaid brought out 95 boats who had a sunny but windy day to compete. Lake Kinkaid continues to be rough fishing with only 27 boats bringing 38 fish to the scales for a total of 116.86 lbs.

The Father and Son team of Charles and Charlie Ragle brought in the only limit and won the tournament with a margin of 5.8. Their limit weighed in at 15.56 and earned them a check for $1,800. They fished in one section of the lake using a Mad Dog Spinner bait and caught their fish shallow early in the day. Charles Ragle Sr., is from St. Jacobs, IL and Charlie, Jr. is from O’fallon , IL. They are sponsored by Mad Dog Spinner Baits and Bass Cat Boats.

Jack Watkins of Belleville, IL and Steve Odom of Granite City, IL caught three keepers and weighed in at 9.76 for Second Place. Fishing Carolina rigs on the inside part of secondary points, they had their last keeper around noon. Pay day for them was $ 1,150.00. Jack is sponsored by Scenic Rivers Boat and Motors, Bonne Terre, MO, Castrol Oil, Hartog Distributing and Flying Fisherman Sunglasses.

Another Father and Son partner team, Mike and Kyle Radake, Cape Girardeau, MO had three keepers which weighed in at 8.54 lbs. Using Carolina rigs and working the main lake points, Dad gave son, Kyle all the credit for the catches. He commented he was just along net the catch. They are sponsored by Foutz’s Hunting and Fishing Shop in Cape Girardeau, MO. A check for $750 was theirs to take home.

F.O.C.A.S. encourages fishing with a spouse or youth, which earns you points in the Family Divsion. First and Second Big Bass was won by two father and son teams who are regulars to the F.O.C.A.S. tournament trail. First Big Bass went to Robert and Aaron Nosbisch from Collinsville, IL. They brought in a 6.01 lunker and earned a check for $570.00 and a Wizard Rod. Add that to their $350.00 earned for 6th place and they took home, $920.00 for the day They caught their fish early on a Lucky Craft crank bait, crawfish colored CB001.

They are sponsored by Outlaw Rods, a F.O.C.A.S. sponsor.

Second Big Bass with a weight of 4.76 was won by Father and son team of

May 2004

Jim and Josh Jenkins. They took home $380.00, plus an Outlaw Rod. The Jenkins are another F.O.C.A.S. sponsor, The Millstadt Storage Center.

The remaining pay out places: 4th PLACE Vitale and Vitale 2 fish 7.36 lbs $550.00 5th PLACE Goessman 3 fish 6.38 lbs. $450.00 6th PLACE Nosbisch and Lake Kinkaid First Place winners, Nosbisch 1 fish 6.01 lbs Charles Ragle Jr. and Sr. with their $350.00 15.56 lb. limit which earned them $1,800.

7th PLACE Jenkins and Jenkins 1 fish 4.76 lbs $250.00 8th PLACE Huie and Keller 1 fish 4.68 lbs $175.00 9th PLACE Luttrell and Dearworth 1 fish 4.05 lbs $125.00 10TH PLACE Boschert and Cox 1 fish 4.01 lbs $100.00 F.O.C.A.S. wants to thank all of our sponsors and welcome one of our newest, Open Season, Inc., Belleville, IL. Open Season is owned by Bill Slaten who fished his first F.O.C.A.S. tournament with his wife Kim this weekend.

Like all F.O.C.A.S. tournaments, there was food Father and son team, waiting for the anglers when they came into the Robert and BLAKE weigh in. Brats and sodas were handed out free to all Nosbisch with their the participating anglers. winning Big Bass at It’s not too late to fish our tournaments and quali- the F.O.C.A.S. Lake fy for the Classic in October. You have to fish four Kinkaid tournament. to qualify and we have four left this season. Our next tournament will be held on Rend Lake, May 15th. Call the office at (618) 2356373 for information or to register by credit card. Visit our web site at www.focasoutdoormagazine.org for schedules, points and pictures of our events. F.O.C.A.S. is “Fishin’ With A Mission.”

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ADVENTURE SPORTS OUTDOORS “THE VOICE OF THE AMERICAN SPORTSMAN”

May 2004

SAFE BOATING WEEK May 22-28 The 2004 North American Safe Boating Campaign theme is BOAT SMART BOAT SAFE. This year like last year the phrase WEAR IT has been added to the logo. In the center of the logo depicts a person wearing a Life Jacket. If more boaters wore their Life Jackets, there would be more boaters on the water the following year. The year Safe Boating Week is May 22-28.

The latest Coast Guard statistics are from 2002. There were 750 fatalities. Of that number, 591 were not wearing a PFD. That means 159 boaters could be enjoying their boats this year, but will never see another boat. From 1997 until 2001 the fatalities had been on a steady decline. In 1998 there were 815 deaths and in 1999 there were 734 deaths. 2003 had been projected to be 622. Next year’s campaign will have the 2003 statistics, then we will see if 2002 was a reverse in the trend or just a bad year. We can do our part in making boating a safe summer activity by keeping our boats in safe running order and wearing our PFD’s and setting a good example for the children. If we wear PFD’s then they will wear them. Having someone on our boat fall overboard and drown will certainly ruin our interest in boating for quite awhile.

Lets make an extra effort to start the trend down again. In 2002, the District of Columbia again led the nation in the fewest number of fatalities at 0 and the fewest number of accidents with 4.

Hawaii also had 0 fatalities and 14 accidents. Next-door Iowa had 2 deaths and 38 accidents. Of the territories, American Samoa and N. Marianas each had 0 accidents and 0 deaths. The state with the highest number of accidents is Florida with 831 resulting in 52 deaths. Texas had 60 fatalities as a result of 204

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accidents. So where does Illinois rank? We had 134 accidents resulting in 24 fatalities.

When looking at the statistics based on type of boat, the open motorboat had 3,260 vessels involved in accidents resulting in 423 fatalities and 1,925 injuries.

This boat type was the highest of all boat types. This is the boat type most of us have. The boat type with the fewest number of vessels involved in accidents is the airboat with 9 and 1 fatality and 6 injuries. Another interesting stat is the number of numbered boats in each state. California is number 1 with 1,051,606.

American Samoa is in last place with 140. Illinois is number 9 with 398,431.

One more stat, of the 750 fatalities, the accident that resulted in the highest number was capsizing at 228. This number points out the importance of wearing a Life Jacket.

I continue to advise boaters to take safe boating courses, which are offered by the United States Power Squadron, the USCG Auxiliary, and DNR. Remember safe boating is fun boating. Capt’n Rick

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ADVENTURE SPORTS OUTDOORS “THE VOICE OF THE AMERICAN SPORTSMAN”

106

The Kings of the Nushagak

By Tim Lesmeister When the float plane landed it softly brushed the surface of the river before settling in. It was a picture perfect landing, which can be expected when floats take the place of wheels and the landing surface is water instead of tarmac.

Expectations were high on the Nushagak River in southwestern Alaska because “The Noosh” as this river is often referred has the largest king salmon run in the world, and the fish are huge. It’s not at all unlikely to tie into fish over 40 pounds.

The trip was arranged on short notice. While many anglers think that a trip to fish kings in Alaska requires a lot of preparation the reality is that a phone call to the camp and a few travel reservations are all that’s required. For a last minute guy like me, it’s a blessing to know that there are always a few open spots that can be filled when a week suddenly opens up in the schedule. This situation pertains to anyone; you don’t have to be “connected.”

The first day on The Noosh was cool, but the skies were clear. It was a short boat ride to a spot on the river where the big king salmon had stacked up behind a rise in the bottom.

The guide positioned the boat to hold steady in the current and handed me a rod with a Kwikfish lure to toss out. The Kwikfish looks like a big Lazy Ike and it dove right to the bottom where those big salmon were stacked. It’s the current that gets that lure to wobble so the guide holds the boat steady in a spot with the motor, just slipping slightly one way or the other to keep the lure in the zone. When you’re on fish it doesn’t take long to get a bite.

Even though these big king salmon are spawning they will crush a lure, and

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the fight is beyond compare. Rod bent and drag screaming the salmon bulldog out into the river. Head shaking and with long leaps these fish even take to the air as they try to shake loose from the bond that ties them to the angler. You don’t just reel in an Alaskan king salmon. It’s a give and take battle where you reel in ten feet of line and they take back twenty. The longer you hold your ground, the easier it gets, but there is no easy when you’re on the end of the rod that has just tagged a Nushagak king. That’s why it’s so much fun.

After a few hours of fighting the fish that were bunched up in the trench, the hole dried up. The guide informs me that the salmon are on the move and spread out in the channel. It’s time to change strategies. “We’ll soak some berries,” he says, and we move on.

We making the switch to a spin-and-glo setup with salmon eggs (soaking berries) where a two-ounce weight is used to get a spinning attractor tipped with a half-dollar size piece of Pro-Cured salmon eggs down to the bottom. This technique lets you cover some ground and pick off the kings that are spread out on the bottom and meandering upstream.

You don’t troll upstream with this method. You slip and drift downstream keeping the weight on the bottom and the spinner turning. The scent from the salmon eggs lures the big kings into biting and when they tug you tug back.

The weather may change in Alaska on The Noosh, but the salmon fishing remains consistent. Salmon from 20 to 40 pounds don’t hesitate to step into the ring to do battle. By the end of each day, with plenty of salmon recorded on film, stories about the big ones that didn’t get away are told over a hot meal of - what else - salmon. There’s a slight feeling of remorse when it’s time to jump back in the float plane for the trip home, but those big salmon run strong every year and they’ll be there when I return.

For more information about the mighty salmon run on the Nushagak visit: www.nushagakadventures.com.

Jeff Barnes holds up a beautiful king salmon that was caught on the Nushagak. Even though these big king salmon are spawning they will crush a lure, and the fight is beyond compare.

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May 2004

ADVENTURE SPORTS OUTDOORS “THE VOICE OF THE AMERICAN SPORTSMAN”

May 2004

Bluegills Are Fun

By Johnnie Crain While watching my Grandson, Trayven Howard, fish for bluegill in one of our small lakes it was evident that he was having a lot of fun. I have been a hard core bass angler for nearly all my life, including my youth and never had really pursued panfish. I couldn’t help but notice that often, Trayven would have a difficult time reeling the fish in. Most fish were between 1/4 pound to 3/4 pounds, how tough could that be? I had taught my grandson to fish for bluegill because they are abundant and minimal tackle is needed. I had always encouraged him to use a bobber/float so that he could visually see that he was getting a bite. Then one day the fish simply wouldn’t cooperate. I suggested trying fishing without the float. We took it off and tossed a hook baited with pieces of dew worm out into the pond. Immediately he hooked a nice bluegill, then another, then another. He learned to watch his line where it entered the water for a tell-tale sign of a bite. Since we had additional rods rigged for panfish I decided I’d try it too. I added a piece of worm to the hook, no weight added and cast out. In seconds I was hooked into a solid 1/2 pound gill. The bluegill made several tight circles then bulldogged toward the bottom. I was amazed at how strong those little fish were. Now I know why they are many anglers favorite fish. They taste very good, they aren’t too hard to locate or catch and fight like an angry pit bull. I feel I have missed many great opportunities for fun times by not pursuing fish other than bass. I do fish for walleye and pike too, but not much in the panfish line. That has all changed now. My Grandson has a new fishing partner. I have always enjoyed catching nightcrawlers after a rain, so I usually have plenty of bait for us to use.

The tackle requirements are quite simple, just about any rod and reel capable of being Trayven Howard (8) has been fishing used with small diameter line bluegills for six years now and loves it! will work great. Spincast, spinHe is also helping me demonstarte the ning or under-spin reels work new Catch ‘N Keep fish basket. Bluegill well. We use Berkley 6# XL line most of the time. Small, fine don’t have to be large to be enjoyed, and keeping a few for lunch never hurts. wire hooks are ideal and we have

107

been experimenting with the new Bleeding Red Tru-Turn Panfish hooks and they do seem to attract more and larger fish. If it’s windy we add a very small split shot to aid casting and simply leave the bait on the bottom and let the wiggling worm do the work. We use pencil bobbers/floats, they pull under much easier than round bobbers and will tip over if the fish should come up on the bait instead of pulling down. A light action rod makes casting easier and lets the gills put up a good fight. Some anglers use cane poles and simply dip baits into likely looking areas. This technique works well where casting is difficult due to overhanging tree limbs or whatever. I have after fifty years of fishing learned what some anglers learn by age four, that fishing for panfish, especially bluegill, is fun.

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By Dan Gapen

Dan with daughter, Debbie, showing off a spring eating salmon.

Spring brings three highlights in fishing anticipation to this writer.

First, providing a warm spell occurs, the challenge of boating a few scrappy saugers comes to mind. In with the sauger you’ll always catch 3 or 4 eating size firm meated male walleye. These I keep for a pan fry of fresh tasty fillets, my first fish of the year.

Most Midwestern anglers head for the downstream tail races of the lock and dams systems on our big river. Here, in water depths of 18 to 28 feet, over hardpan bottom spawning sauger and walleye migrate by the tens of thousands. They come to reproduce. The male of the species come with an attitude. It is this attitude that creates an advantage for the anglers. In seminars I’ve often compared Video Tape:

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May 2004

ADVENTURE SPORTS OUTDOORS “THE VOICE OF THE AMERICAN SPORTSMAN”

the antics of the male sauger and male walleyes to that of young single human males in a singles bar, “they hit on anything that moves.” This being the case it doesn’t take a genius to properly choose a bait or technique to entice these male fish. Jigs tipped with fathead or sucker minnows will do just nicely. The more erratic the action given this combo the more strikes enticed.

However, if it’s the trophy size females you’re after, an opposite style presentation is used. Big female walleye and sauger prefer a bait that produces little to no action.

To properly present your big female jig minnow combo, drop bait to bottom, reel up a foot and hold tight. No jigging action is required. Large females in pre or post spawn mode will back off a lure that’s worked too fast. If you jerk your jig, you’ll only catch the males.

My second choice in spring fishing is chosen strictly for its food value. It’s the trip I take my crew on to Waukegan, Illinois for a Coho bonanza on Lake Michigan. The fish are small but the meat is red and delicious.

I know, what happened to catch and release? You’ll have to forgive me readers, but I grew up in a world where we depended on our ability to catch fish for food. Thus, my early spring craving for a plateful of pan-fried fillets. Besides a trip out of Waukegan on my buddy Jim Bobendrier of Ninja Charles, always produces a few hard fighting 10 to 18 lb. Chinook salmon.

Spring fish number three is one that is easy to catch and our rivers are full of them.

It’s the spring run of red-tail, hognose, white, brown, and black suckers. YES, I SAID SUCKERS. Once you get the hang of how to hook them, suckers will come to the boat by the dozens.

Look for suckers to hold in your local river on the shallow gravel rips. Water depth will vary from 2 to 6 feet in the most productive areas.

Night crawlers and bait walkers are the lure and bait combo which work best. The best setup is to use a 24inch drop back line behind a 5/8 or 1 oz. Bait Walker.

Your hook should be a #4 short shank up turned eye.

Use a half to 1/3rd of a crawler and bunch it up on the hook.

Keep in mind suckers are a bottom feeding scenter.

Thus, position yourself upstream from the area you target, cast downstream and wait for the telltale “tap-tap” of a sucker bite. Here’s the secret of hooking the sometimes bait stealer. Don’t set the hook on the first “tap- Joe Gapen shows off a tap”, wait for the second series of “tap-taps”. Don’t set stringer of spring red too hard but do so with a positive wrist snap. Waiting tail & white suckers past the second set of taps will always see the fish missed. Suckers, though they host an ugly mouth, they headed for the smoker.

Suckers are excellent carry the most sensitive one of all fish species.

Yup, this old timer loves fast spring action and suck- eating when smoked ers give you that. or pickled.

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109

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110

Basin Bites Can Happen Any Time Even though the technique of trolling over open basins is still ‘young’ in the sense that most of our grandfathers never did it, there is a set of rules that has sprung up around it.

Perhaps the most deeply set notion is that basin bites don’t ‘set up’ until sometime in ‘midsummer,’ which is a loose season you know when you feel it, depending on where you live.

Ironically, the same people who write most of the trolling rules≠≠tournament walleye anglers≠≠usually end up making most of the changes to them. The pressure to find and catch fish in competition only rarely intersects with really nice summer days, and so top pros end up trying anything when the first three things they try don’t work.

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So it is with Scott Fairbairn, a member of the Rapala pro staff, who has seen basin bites before and after they are ‘supposed’ to be occurring enough times that he is no longer surprised about finding them.

When asked about the general tendencies of predator fish≠≠be they walleyes or practically any other species≠≠he offers an opinion shared by other insightful anglers.

“Most predators would probably prefer to be ambush feeders,” says Fairbairn. “They do well when they wait in one spot and wait for food to come to them. But when there isn’t enough food available on the prime ambush spots and they get hungry, they go out searching for something to eat. That’s where flats and basins come into play, and it’s fairly universally true no matter where you fish or what you’re fishing for.”

How do you know a basin bite might be going on the waters you fish? The most obvious clue is that structure-oriented patterns are not producing. Even if you are the classic weekend angler who fishes mainly for fun, borrow a page from the tournament pro and grow impatient if the first thing you try doesn’t work. Too many casual anglers are content to fish the same way every weekend, and simply take the good days when they come. A better mindset is to assume that catchable fish are somewhere on most days, and you should keep searching for them until you find them or run out of time.

“Sometimes,” says Hank Steele, longtime director of Club Rapala, “they have moved from one point to another point. But if you have fished five points and caught nothing, and fished other structures like humps and weed edges and caught nothing, at some point you have to think they might not be there.”

If you suspect that a lot of fish may have moved out over basins or flats, the best way to find them is to “put your boat almost up on plane,” says Fairbairn, “and run along looking for baitfish. You have to have a depthfinder that gets a good high-speed reading, but most of them do these days. You can run at speeds up to 20 miles an hour and still watch the display. You’ll see nothing, nothing, nothing, and then this blob. Slow down and go back through the blob, and many times it’ll be baitfish.”

Basin fish are never far from their food supply, so when you find a section of the basin with a good concentration of baitfish (or emerging insects, or whatever the fish are feeding on), that’s a good place to start trolling. Next month, we’ll discuss the latest tips for choosing the right lures for basin trolling, and executing efficient trolling passes.

In the meantime, remember that basin bites can be going on at many seasons of the year, and it might not be too early to find one on a lake near you. “At any time of the year other than when fish are getting ready to spawn,” says Fairbairn, “those fish can be using open water as feeding grounds. If Lake Erie didn’t freeze over in the winter, you could go out there and troll for suspended walleyes and catch them.”

And remember this: it isn’t just walleyes that feed over basins.

“On any lake with forage fish that suspend or roam flats,” says Fairbairn, “you are going to have basin fish. I’ve caught smallmouths, stripers, walleyes, northerns, muskies, everything. In tournaments, we happen to be fishing for walleyes, but I keep thinking if I just wanted to catch fish and didn’t care what kind, this would be a great way to fish.”

Note: This article was crafted by the Rapala Professional Advisory Team. For more fishing insights, go to www.rapala.com.

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ADVENTURE SPORTS OUTDOORS “THE VOICE OF THE AMERICAN SPORTSMAN”

DAN’S FISH ‘N’ TALES

May 2004

helpful for ice fishing. Take a photo of some land marks when a potential spot is found while using the boat, and then look back at this when the terrain has changed with snow cover.

Lake maps are a vital part of a serious angler’s equipment. Having one loose in the boat some times ends up blowing out as the boat is powered down the lake. An item called a Map Trap can solve this problem. It is a solid, clear plastic unit, which seals Tools For Fishing a map inside, and weights it to the floor of the boat. An angler is able to mark the outside case with an erasable pen. This helps for quick reference when discussing locaA rod, reel, line, lure and tackle box are part of every tions, but doesn’t mark the map permanently. The pen and Map Trap can also be used anglers fishing equipment. There are some other items, to keep track of catches during a tournament to help in culling fish. Further inforwhile having other uses, can be called “tools for fishmation on this product can be obtained from Gameday Products, 697 ing”.

Willett Ave., Riverside, RI 02915; or by phoning 888-442-6332.

Binoculars are used in many sports, but For the high-tech angler folded road maps can be a thing of the past. they are not often seen in use by a fisherWhen a location for a new fishing spot is known pop it into a laptop comman, other than on the Great Lakes or in puter using Delorme’s Street Atlas USA. Team this with an Earthmate saltwater areas. They are an extremely useGPS, and it will take you right to the spot. The map program can also be ful tool. Feeding or schooling action can be used in conjunction with Phone Search, which will aide in located the seen from a distance.

This is very important A pair of hemostats numbers for any area tackle shops or resorts. For more information on when chasing any of the striped bass famiis the perfect tool for Waterproof these programs check out Delorme’s web site at www.delorme.com. ly, and when the Kentucky spotted bass are helping release a binoculars are a From high-tech to manual labor, a very handy unit to have in a vehicle, feeding in larger bodies of water. Another brown trout back into use is for looking for a certain type of shore must for any angler. boat or during a trip on the ice is Gerber’s Utility Pack. This product is a White River, to grow line. For example, if fish are being caught on a gravel nylon folding case, which contains a small first aid kit, flashlight, folding shovel, ax, bigger, and once folding saw and multi-pupose tool. Most applications are self-evident, but the ax and area with scattered chunk rock, an angler can scan other again test an folding saw are excellent tools for removing brush, and small limbs to aid in reachshores to see if there is anything similar. Not to forget angler’s line. ing inaccessible fishing spot, that perhaps nobody else has touched. In that respect, I the ice fisherman, binoculars are an excellent way to have removed a limb, which was blocking my bass boat from an access point to a watch tip-ups, and to look for distant areas of possible bad ice. There are other things potentially good fish producing brush pile. Just remember not to use these tools to as well that may require getting a closer look, including enjoying nature, and, on the cut down, or damage living trees, when it is not an emergency. The foldsafety side, spotting a person that needs assistance. ing shovel works well for ice fishermen to remove snow from small It is a good idea to get a top quality pair of waterproof binoculars. I’ve areas, and dip skim ice from holes. As for the multi-purpose tool, there tried a few, but have found the Pentax DCF WP to work very well. Mine are all sort of uses, but the main one would be the use of the long nose are 10x42, but they are also available in 8x42. The Super-Multi-Coating pliers for quick hook removals. More details can be obtained on the combined with Pentax’s phase coating on the lenses creates one of the Gerber web site at www.gerberblades. com; or by contacting Gerber at brightest and sharpest views I have ever experienced with a viewing P.O. Box 23088, Portland, OR 97281-3088; phone 503-639-6161. device. Further details can be found on the Pentax web site at www.penCover the field There are many products that are not identified as fishing tackle, but tax.com. of tools an can be used as tools for fishing. Until next time, get out on the water and Along the same path as binoculars is a camera. The camera not only allows an angler to take photos of a catch before its release, but it also outdoorsman can have a great day of fishing. use, but getting Visit the Dan’s Fish ‘N’ Tales(r) web site at www.dansfishntales. com, helps identify a location for future reference. When the water is low, or a Gerber Sport where you can contact me, and also link to the Adventure Sports before a new lake is completely filled, take photos of the structure that Outdoors website. will later be under the surface, and hopefully holding fish. It is also very Utility Pack.

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May 2004

Pre-Spawn Bluegills…on Flies

By Kevin Wright I have flyfished many of Montana’s famous trout waters, watched the sun set over the Ruby Mountains and inhaled the fresh scent of sage. It is Montana that I love but it is Illinois that I live. So by the very fact that I do live in Illinois the chances of catching a colorful rainbow or a plump brown trout from a cold mountain stream in this state are null. Therefore I must compromise and challenge those fish that call Illinois home. And one of my favorites to tackle with fly gear are bluegill. Big pre-spawn bluegill on flies, what a great challenge!

Once water temps move into the mid-60 range bluegill begin to head to the shallows in preparation of the spawn. This is the time when a flyfishermen must hit them hard, before they get on the beds! By following a few simple techniques you can gain the advantage over these pre-spawn bluegill!

Early in the season water temperature plays a big part in your fishing success.

Illinois has had a few rough spring seasons as of late. Warm days and nights are quickly followed by cool days and nights causing the fish to keep moving in and out of the shallower waters. The spring season is very unpredictable so you must keep close tabs on water temperatures. Keep that thermometer with you at all times. Make quick stops before or after work if you are nearby. Having some idea where the fish are will get you started in the right direction before you start fishing.

If you just plain want fishing action then keep yourself in the shallow water.

The majority of the fish (especially the smaller ones) will be here. But if you are interested in getting the big bulls then place you flies in some deeper water.

In lakes that offer a mixed bag of sizes the bigger bluegills will tend to stay away from the smaller ones. In such cases this will mean that the bigger bluegills will be in deeper water. But when we mean deeper water, I mean deeper then where the smaller gills are spawning. Some lakes will find smaller fish in waters not quite a foot deep, meaning the bigger fish could be in two feet of water, and you understand the rest. But there will be times when the big fish are spawning in water six feet or deeper. Scouting plays a big role at this time.

I love using poppers. Watching a bull bluegill smack the surface is truly exciting. Typically water temperatures are well into the 60’s before top water fishing is successful. I have also found that a slight ripple on the water aids in your fishing success. Top water insects that imitate ants, spiders, mosquitoes, small grasshoppers, crickets and bees are also productive. When I am fishing top water I will use a 5-weight outfit with a level floating, or weight forward line.

A leader of at least 7 1/2 feet is sufficient.

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You will have to change tactics if the fish will not surface. First you will have to switch to a sinking tip or a full sinking line. Terrestrials like those mentioned above work great during this period. I have also had good luck with wooly buggers and San Juan worms when the fish go south. Another tip that I feel works is to dress accordingly. When wading try to blend in with your surroundings and keep quick sudden moves to a minimum.

When a fish does take the bait I will give it a second or so to “eat” the bait.

This is especially true if you are using surface flies. When a strike does occur I will not yank my rod up to set the hook. At this time I will use more of a stern lift on the rod. Many times I will set the hook with the free line in my hand. This keeps me from over doing it and jerking the fly out of the fish’s mouth. As well, I always make sure that I have very sharp hook points. You want that hook to always able to grab into your fingernail. (I check my hooks by scraping them along my thumbnail, if they get a good grab my hook is good, if the hook just slide across the nail easily I will give it a quick sharpen).

If you are fishing weedy cover and the fish are hitting top water stuff then you will want to keep that rod tip high after you hook the fish. Do not give him his head for he will dive right into the thickest of the cover which more than likely will result in a lost fish. Try to keep him on top if at all possible. If you cannot avoid this situation then you must go to a heavier tippet section in order to not brake off the fish. Heavier tippets will have little effect on the fish but they inhibit your excitement of light tackle fishing.

Just remember to keep close tabs are the temperatures of your local fishing holes. Also remember that all waters warm up differently. A difference of just one or two degrees can cause the fish to move. Flyfishing for bluegills with flies, in the spring can be an exciting time. It may not compare to a big rainbow on the Madison River but by Illinois standards it will not get much better! Great adventures to you!

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ILLINOIS OUTDOORS WITH DON DZIEDZINA Spinnerbaits for Bass At this time of year success can be achieved if you use one type of spinnerbait blade over another. When the water is cool, make sure you have a Colorado bladed bait. These blades are relatively round in shape. They can almost be described as being a wide teardrop shape and very different than the other popular style which is the willow leaf blade. The Colorado blade give more of a thump while spinning and will work well with a slow retrieve.

Willow leaf blades are long and narrow and pointed at each end. Like the Colorado blade, it gives off vibration, but it’s a lot tighter or higher pitched if you will. This is what’s important in cold water conditions. The Willow leaf blade vibrates, for sure, but has a tighter wobble in the water that is not as noticeable. The Colorado blade has a wider or larger profile which is also a good thing.

When the weeds in your favorite lake start to come up, the willow leaf blade will skim through them without getting tangled. So the willow leaf bade is good for later in the year.

As for blade colors, two basic colors pretty much make up the majority of blades on the market. Silver and gold are the main colors and there are two general rules of thumb. Use silver on bright sunny days. On cloudy days, or when the sun is not high in the sky, go with gold blades. Gold is good for working in shadows while silver is good when working cover that is exposed to the sun.

Spinnerbaits come with one, two and even three blades. They also come in a variety of sizes like 1/4, 1/2, and 3/8 ounce sizes. Sure you can find smaller and larger sizes, but these are the basics. What size should you have in the tackle box? Well, they will all work, but your best bet is to have the size that will match your gear. Lighter gear will work a lighter bait well while heavier gear would depict that you can throw heavier baits. A1/4 ounce bait is pretty much a good all around size.

Colors of the skirt are also another thing to consider. Many swear by white and/or chartreuse. Some say that you have to have a black skirt in the box as well as some with a combination of colors like white and blue, blue and char-

aC With ckle… a T y it Qual

May 2004

treuse, black and white, or even a fire tiger pattern. Not that one is better than another, but just think of this. Certain colors will work better on one body of water over another. Let me explain with an example.

On Lac Vieux Desert in Vilas County in northern Wisconsin, I would fish with a purple bucktailed in line spinner. This bait would catch northern pike, walleyes and musky regularly for me. I tried many different colored bucktailed spinners and none would work. I even tried a different shade of purple, but caught no fish. By switching back to the regular shade of purple, it was fish after fish after fish once again. Ironically, this same bucktailed spinner never did any good at any other lake. So, trial and error will tell you which color skirt will work best on your spinnerbaits on any given body of water.

Spinnerbaits are great for spring time bass. Get an assortment of them in different sizes and colors and start using them on your favorite lake. It’s warming up so let’s have some fun catching fish rolling those spinnerbaits around the trees and other cover.

In your presentation of a spinnerbait, try a slow steady retrieve while working certain depths. Sometimes the fish will react to a different presentation. So now it’s time to try something else. After casting the bait towards the shore, raise and lower the rod tip to make the bait slowly hop down a drop off. Quite often the fish will strike when the rod tip is lowered because that is when the bait will be dropping or free falling.

What I like so much about a spinnerbait is that quite often in clearer water I can see the blade spinning and the skirt shaking. I’ll watch the bait propel it’s way back to the boat, then all of a sudden, it disappears. A second after that the bait feels heavy and it’s time to set the hook. I recall one time fishing a windy shore on the Cal River below the O’Brian Locks. I literally connected with 8 bass in one drift about a city block long. I saw every one of the bass hit the lure.

What a day that was.

So dig out the spinnerbaits and work them during your whole trip on the water. Once you get the feel of it and connect with a few fish, you’ll be bringing them to the top shelf of the tackle box with all your other favorite lures.

Thanks for reading my articles. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to write me at iloutdoors@comcast.net or visit my website at www.illinoisoutdoors.com. You can also send your fishing and hunting reports or photos to Illinois Outdoors, Inc, PO Box 713, New Lenox, IL 60451.

Zack Quoss, of Jerseyville, caught this 21 inch, 6.5 lb. bass at Beaver Dam State Park with a little help from his dad, Tim. Way to go Zack!

Thanks for sharing your catch with us!

hoice

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WOO’S CORNER

BY WOO DAVES

Tips on Carolina Rigging Fishing is at its best right now.

One of the best proven methods for catching bass in the spring is Carolina rigging. Whether you’re a novice angler or a serious tournament angler Carolina rigging is a proven technique that will work anywhere with great results.

If you see my Nitro on the water after mid-March you can bet I will have two to four Carolina rigged outfits ready to go. I like to Carolina rig because I can cover a lot of water pretty fast and fish from shallow to deep. Once you establish where the fish are main points, secondary points, backs of coves, sandy banks, rocky banks, red clay banks, pea gravel banks, etc. Then you establish the depth the fish are in, the lure they want, and you’re in business.

You need a long rod with a sensitive tip, the longer rod will allow you to cast easier with a long leader and you need the extra length for hook setting. I use the Woo Daves 7'4" Extreme Bass Pro Shop pitching rod and it is a perfect rod for Carolina rigging. I will usually fish 12 lbs Stren Extra Strength line about 85% of the time. I’ll go heavier in dingier water and heavy cover situations, and lighter in clearer water conditions.

I like to rig with a Lindy Rattlin’ No-Snagg 3/4 to 1oz. weight, a bead and then I will use the Carolina Keeper to adjust my leader length. I use a Mustad J-Bend wide gap 1/0 to 2/0 hook. A lot of fisherman make the mistake of using a large hook and this doesn’t allow your lure to float around. I like the NoSnagg weight for two reasons, one obviously is the fact it is almost impossible to hang up and the other is that each time you pull it, the lure raises off the bottom creating more strikes.

Choice of lures is very easy Zoom Lizards, Brushhogs, Trickworms, Centipedes, and Finesse worms. In spring time, lizards seem to be the best by far. Post spawn and frontal conditions the Centipede is great. Into the summer I will go to bigger baits like the Ole Monster worm.

To Carolina rig is a very simple way to fish, Get a good depth finder, Raymarine L470 and pay close attention to where you are, especially if you catch a fish. For instance if the boat is in 12 ft. of water when you catch a bass maintain that depth to see if you have a pattern going. Make long casts and simply drag the lizard a foot or two at a time and let it sit. I need to mention that I usually use a 3 to 4 foot leader, so remember when you feel structure, i.e.,stump,

115

rock, etc. with your weight, your lure is still 4 ft. away. Now is when you want to slow down and work the strike zone area real good. If you don’t get bitten, then go back to the drag and pause method until you hit another structure.

When you get the bite use a sweeping hook set and you don’t have to get in a hurry when fishing the Carolina rig. Bass will hold on to your lure especially if you have it sprayed with Jack’s Juice Lizard or Crawfish scent. Let me caution you, if you feel a peck-peck bite don’t assume it is a small fish. A lot of times the bass is swimming with the lure and you are feeling the weight bounce on the bottom creating this pecking sensation.

One other tip is to get a pack of Line Keepers to aid in keeping your leaders straight and not tangled.

May God Bless you and good luck on your next fishing trip.

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BABE’S C OLUMN

By Babe Winkelman New Biosonix System Seeks to Revolutionize Fishing Duck and goose hunters employ them in their arsenal of tricks. Turkey hunters and deer hunters as well.

They use calls that emit sounds for the express purpose of attracting game, in hopes of bettering their odds for a clean harvest.

Sounds perfectly reasonable, right? Been doing it forever, right?

But what if this sort of technology existed in the fishing industry? Imagine being able to call fish within casting range, either from a boat, a dock or from shore.

Imagine how that would change your fishing experience. Imagine how it would revolutionize recreational angling.

Imagine no longer.

In a technological development that rivals monofilament line, trolling motors and depth finders, Biosonix Systems Inc. has developed a sonic fish attraction system in which digital recordings of actual distressed baitfish are played under water. These “signature sounds” have a proven track record of attracting game fish and stimulates them to feed more aggressively. The idea is to bring more fish to anglers, instead of anglers chasing fish hither and yon.

Call it the new fishing frontier.

“Having witnessed the consistent effectiveness of Rat-L-Traps lures for catching many species of fresh and saltwater fish, I became convinced that we had only scratched the surface in harnessing the power of natural sound for developing more effective fishing tackle products,” said W. H. Buddy Lewis, president and founder of Biosonix Systems Inc. “Biosonix allows fisherman to bring more fish into casting range and stimulating more aggressive feeding behavior.”

According to Ken Chaumont, marketing director for Biosonix Systems Inc., water conducts sound vibrations extremely well — nearly five times greater than air.

“Living in a watery world, fish respond naturally to sound and their survival depends on it,” Chaumont said. “Using sound, fish locate food and detect predators. When game fish attack a school of shad, for instance, the sounds they make, and the sounds baitfish make, stimulate an aggressive response and trigger fish to feed.”

Utilizing the expertise of a team of scientists and fisheries biologists, the company has been researching this new technology for several years. According to

Chaumont, tank tests conducted over five years demonstrated the effectiveness of their new fishing system. In tests under “fair” fishing conditions, anglers using Biosonix caught twice as many fish compared to when they didn’t use it. In tests under “good” fishing conditions, anglers experienced a 216 percent increase in catch rates.

“In field tests, bass, bream, crappie and several other fresh and saltwater fish responded favorably to the stimulation,” said Chaumont. “The bottom line here is that using Biosonix even in the poorest conditions can help anglers better their odds of putting fish in the boat.”

It’s Chaumont’s contention that Biosonix is good for both the economy and good for the environment.

To illustrate, he cites figures from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service that show the number of licensed anglers has decreased dramatically in the past decade. That’s neither good for the fishing industry nor for the long-term health of our fisheries, he said.

“If the fishing industry is in a slump, that means fewer jobs are being created nationwide,” Chaumont said. “Also, if we have less anglers, we have fewer advocates for resource management.”

Put another way, as Biosonix stimulates fish to feed, the new technology will also stimulate more people to fish because catch rates will increase. It will also stimulate, if you will, the next generation of conservationists. “If more people have success in a shorter period of time, they’re more apt to continue fishing and pass on their love of the sport to their kids and friends,” he said. “This is all a part of thinking longterm.”

In addition, if anglers spend less time “running and gunning” while searching for fish, less fuel will be used and shoreline degradation will decrease. “Hardcore anglers spend a lot of time on the water, and that can have some unintentional consequences,” Chaumont said.

An avid angler himself, Chaumont says he used the Biosonix system while fishing for crappies last year and had good results. During his personal experiment, he fished the same spot, with the same lure, for one hour — 30 minutes with it on, 30 minutes with it off.

“In the first 30 minutes with the system off, I caught one fish,” he said. “With it on, I caught three fish. Day in and day out, this ratio could produce dramatic results.”

The portable unit comes in a hard (and waterproof) plastic case similar to those used by photographers. According to Chaumont, the unit is extremely easy to use.

“You just drop the transmitter into the water and select one of several sounds,” he said. “As technology goes, Biosonix is probably as easy as it gets.”

For more information about the Biosonix Fish Attraction System, see www.biosonix.com Babe Winkelman is a nationally known outdoorsman. Watch his award-winning “Good Fishing” and “Outdoor Secrets” television shows on Fox Sports Network, The Outdoor Channel, WGN-TV, and the USA Network. Visit: http://www.winkelman.com for air times where you live.

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one can keep the debris from entering the pond, one can make headway on what is in the pond. Several watershed management techniques that accomplish this task and enhance aeration’s ability to reduce organic sediment include • Leaving an uncut buffer zone of vegetation around the pond • Limiting yard and garden wastes from entering the pond • Discouraging waterfowl to congregate in or around the pond • Removing debris/organic materials from the pond Physically removing organic debris such as branches or leaves from a pond can enhance aeration’s effect. This type of debris eventually breaks down There is no doubt that properly aerating a pond or lake provides many beneadding to muck accumulation. If branches or trees have been added for fish fits important for supporting fish, regulating nutrients, and for increasing the structure, consider replacing them as they age with strucgeneral health of the aquatic environment. However, tures created from plastic drain tile or other substances there are some misconceptions concerning aeration’s that do not undergo organic decay. Dredging is an immeactual effect on the bottom “muck”. Contrary to some diate way to reduce soft sediments and debris, but such claims of being a “magic bullet” aeration cannot on its projects are limited due to suitable sediment disposal own solve all of a pond’s soft sediment or “muck” probsites and significant costs. lems. Aeration can, however, be a key component in If good watershed management practices are put in accelerating the natural or enhanced digestion of soft place, aeration can be expected to reduce muck of a perisediment if certain watershed controls are put into place. od of several years. Bioaugmentation accelerates this process, but its impacts will not be seen until a few years Muck is basically a complex mixture of organic comafter its implementation. In three test ponds serviced by pounds originating from erosion, run-off debris, windMarine Biochemists - Wisconsin where watershed manblown “dusts”, leaf litter, plant decay and animal wastes. agement was enhanced and bioaugmentation implementAnything from grass clippings to goose droppings add to ed, measured soft sediment levels were noticeably the loading of organic soft sediment. The levels of the reduced by several inches during the first season. In the build-up of organic muck depend on the age of the pond, second and third years of the program, soft sediment was erosion, drainage patterns into the pond, disruptive activities around the pond including development of shoreline Twister TA-22 Diffuser. This is one of visibly reduced along shoreline areas. In all three of the the diffusers that we would use to do ponds, hard bottom was achieved along near shore areas or drainage areas, fertilizer use in drainage areas, waterwhat we talked about in this article. after the fourth and fifth year. fowl populations, etc.

The successful results in these test ponds can be attributed to the cooperation In almost every pond, organisms that feed upon organic sediment are initialof the surrounding landowners and the continuation of programs over several ly aerobic or oxygen-requiring bacteria. In ponds without aeration, aerobic bacseasons. Unfortunately, other ponds with aeration introduction showed few teria thrive until dissolved oxygen levels near the bottom sediment water intersigns of soft sediment improvements largely due to continual organic influxes face (SWI or “where the muck meets the water”) become depleted. Once conoutside of adjacent landowners’ direct control. Aeration can definitely make a ditions turn anaerobic (devoid of oxygen), anaerobic bacteria take over the SWI dent in the amount of muck in a pond, but expectations have to be tempered niche. Anaerobic bacteria are far less efficient at breaking down organic matter with patience and the importance of long-term control of surrounding influthan aerobic strains, and lead to the production of noxious decay gases such as ences. Aeration alone cannot magically eliminate a pond’s “mucky” problems, hydrogen sulfide and methane. but it is an essential step in halting or reversing soft sediment accumulation.

The addition of aeration aids in maintaining dissolved oxygen levels near the If you have questions or would like to find out more about your pond, you can SWI. Ideally, the dissolved oxygen level near this interface should be maincall Marine Biochemists at 309/452-0461. tained 2 ppm or higher at any given time, thus allowing sustainable aerobic decay of the muck. Proper aeration accomplishes this task by circulating a pond’s entire water column over a relatively short period of time allowing oxygen to dissolve into moving surface waters exposed to the atmosphere, and then distributes these oxygen-enriched waters to bottom areas. This circulation pattern also allows organic decay gases to “gas-off” into the atmosphere.

The overall effect of proper aeration on the bottom muck is going to depend on several influencing factors. First, if the input of organic debris exceeds the consumption of the existing muck, muck will continue to accumulate. The converse is also true. If organic debris inputs are less than the consumption of muck, then levels of muck in the pond will begin to decrease. In other words, if

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ADVENTURE SPORTS OUTDOORS “THE VOICE OF THE AMERICAN SPORTSMAN”

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May 2004

The Spin On Spring Crappies

spinners come in almost every color in the rainbow, from orange to white to blue (and every color in between). Some colors are best based upon prevailing weather conditions, like bright day = bright colors and dark day = dark colors.

Other colors are made for different water conditions. Fluorescent colors are often the hot ticket when the water has been muddied by spring rain storms.

That’s when fluorescent chartreuse and fluorescent orange (and others) are best.

Fishing for crappies in the springtime is an annual ritual for many Midwestern Natural or muted colors like brown, smoke and green are usually better when anglers, and I must admit that I’m one of them. There is just nothing like the the water is clear and the fish can see them better. There are no absolute rules, feeling of seeing a 13 or 14 inch (or 15 inch!) crappie come up to the surface though, so experimentation is always important. out of the depths after a harrowing battle on ultralight tackle. That’s when your Popular Crappie Spinners heart races and you yell “Get the net!”

Johnson Beetle Spins are deadly for spring crappies, I can distinctly remember a cloudy early-spring day in the whether you are working on schooling fish around subnot-so-distant past, when I found a small school of crappies merged weedbeds or whether you are targeting individuals holding around a sparse weedbed in 8 or 9 feet of water. I that are spawning in shallow water. Two Beetle Spin colors was using a small Beetle Spin that was green with black that are absolutely fantastic for crappies are the green body stripes, and the crappies were jumping all over it. They were with black stripes (catalpa) and the white body with red all big pre-spawn slabs, too, averaging between 12 and 13 spots. inches and weighing a pound or more.

The classic Mister Twister spinners can also spell doom They would not rise up and hit the spinner if I ran it too for unsuspecting papermouths. Mister Twister Curly Tail fast or too close to the surface. I had to reel it in slowly, and Grubs come in a wide variety of colors, and the curly tail let it flutter down to the tops of the weeds. If the presentahas excellent action underwater. Some of my favorite tion was just right, they would nonchalantly glide up off of springtime colors include plain white, plain yellow, charthe bottom and suck the bait it. It was almost magical. Ever treuse and white/pink firetail. Plain white is particularly since that day, small spinners have been among my favorite good when paired with a pink jighead. spring crappie baits.

If the crappies become finicky and won’t hit a larger spinCrappies have always been attracted to spinners, and they ner, switch to a Mister Twister 3” Meeny or even a 2” Teenie are still falling for them today. Inline spinners and safety grub. Downsizing often results in good action when the pin-style spinners (spinnerbaits) are both productive, but fishing gets tough. If the fish want something even smaller, the safety pin-style spinners are probably the most widely Ken Crappie! go with a Mister Twister 1” Li’l Bit spin combo (1/32 oz). used by crappie fishermen.

Tiny baits can be deadly.

Spinners are such good crappie baits because they use three different attracFor those who prefer inline spinners, I have found that ultralite Mepps Aglia tion factors. The first is the silver spinner blade. Spinner blades revolve and and Comet Mino spinners are very good. The tiny Mepps Spin Fly is another spin faster and slower depending on the retrieve speed. When the blade spins, it great choice. I prefer spinners with a polished silver blade for crappies rather catches sunlight and reflects it - resembling silvery minnows and other baitfish. than a gold or copper blade, and I usually use one with a white or red tail. My The flash from the spinner blade is a major attractor. other favorite inline crappie spinner is a small white Rooster Tail spinner.

The second attraction factor is the spinner body itself. The spinner body repOne thing is for sure: when crappies hit the shallows in the spring, they can resents a minnow or other prey animal that the crappie can key-in on once it is be caught in great numbers with spinners. When the action really heats up, small attracted by the flashy spinner blade. Some spinner bodies have a single or douspinners can even outproduce live bait since no time is lost re-baiting (and you ble tail, while others have a curly tail that undulates and seems to “swim” in the don’t have to worry about running out of minnows!). Give spinners a try this water. All of these factors help convince a hungry crappie to take the bait. year and see for yourself!

The final and often most important attraction factor, is the body color. Crappie

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1600 & 1700 Explorer Transom - 20" Beam - 86” or 92” Length - 16' 6" or 17’ 2” 19 or 27 Gal. Fuel Tank

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COME SEE 19 FULLY RIGGED LUND BOATS IN OUR HEATED SHOWROOM! 1800 Fisherman Transom - 20" Beam - 96" Length - 18' 6" 32 or 40 Gal. Fuel Tank

y red b Powe rcury Me

1600 Pro Sport

2000 Alaskan

Powe r Merc ed by ury

Transom - 20" Beam - 85" Length - 16' 2" 19 Gal. Fuel Tank

Transom - 20" Beam - 89" Length - 20' 5" 27 Gal. Fuel Tank

HOURS: M W TH F 8am-5pm TU 8am-7pm • SA 8am-3pm SU Closed

2004

A

T R A D I T I O N

O F

Q U A L I T Y

The Difference Between the BEST & Everything Else Is Just a Few Dollars Per Month…

SO WHY NOT OWN THE BEST? LUND!!!

• THE BEST MATERIALS • THE BEST CONSTRUCTION • THE BEST TECHNOLOGY • THE BEST WARRANTY • THE BEST RESALE

FULL LINE OF MARINE ACCESSORIES!

Easiest Financing Around Competitive Prices Fully Trained, Certified Mechanics

Check Our Website For Up-to-Date Inventory, Specials & More! www.hennepinmarine.com

ADVENTURE SPORTS OUTDOORS “THE VOICE OF THE AMERICAN SPORTSMAN”

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May 2004

CALL FOR THE LOWEST PRICE IN THE COUNTRY! Rusty Ott’s EVERYONE RIDES!!!

No Credit Denied…

Call for Details!

We’re Chicagoland’s #1 New & Used Bike & ATV Superstore!

DEALS OF THE MONTH

NEW 2004 YAMAHA GRIZZLY 660

VIPER RXL 50

ONLY $6,299

ONLY $1,649

NEW 2003 YAMAHA RAPTOR WAS $6,499…NOW $5,195

NEW 2004 YAMAHA KODIAK 450

VIPER RXL 90

VIPER JR. JXL 40

ONLY $5,499

ONLY $1,899

NOW $1,149

NEW 2003 SUZUKI OZARK LT250

NEW 2003 SUZUKI LTZ400 WAS $5,699…NOW $4,595

NEW 2004 SUZUKI VINSON 500 4X4

BLOWOUT! $2,495

ONLY $5,799

Call Toll-Free:

1-888-219-7244 Visit Us at Our New Location!

630 E. US Route 6 • Morris, IL

www.prosourcemotorsports.com

ADVENTURE SPORTS OUTDOORS “THE VOICE OF THE AMERICAN SPORTSMAN”

May 2004

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Hats

T-Shirts

2004 Crestliner 1648 Jon Boat 9.9hp, 4-Stroke Merc., Trailer Retail: $5,250 SPECIAL...$3,750

2004 Crestliner 1752 Jon Boat

2004 Crestliner CX 1860

25hp Merc., Side Console Retail: $8,750 SPECIAL...$6,995

90hp Merc.

Retail: $17,950 SALE...$14,995

2004 Crestliner 1850 Sport Fish

Powered

by Mercury

2004 Crestliner CX 1754

115 EFI 4-Stroke Merc., Fish Finder, 24 Volt Trolling Motor & Custom Trailer, Best Selling Fish & Ski! Retail: $28,250 SALE...$24,750

50hp Merc., Loaded!

Retail: $13,750 SALE...$12,500 2004 Crestliner 1850 Fish Hawk Muskie Ed.

2004 Crestliner 1750 Fish Hawk 90hp Merc., Trailer, Trolling Motor, Depth Finder Retail: $17,850 SPECIAL...$15,995

115 EFI 4-Stroke Merc., Depth Finder, Trolling Motor Retail: $25,950 SPECIAL...$20,995

Sweatshirts

See our website for the latest used models available!

Dog Training • Upland Game Restocking Available

KLAUSER MARINE

BAUER’S GAME FARM 11600 N 150 East Rd. • Stanford, IL 61774

(309) 379-2481 www.bauersgamefarm.com

Early Season Spring Special Bird Prices!

217/774-4798 • www.klausermarine .com Rt. 4 Box 193 • Opossum Creek Rd. • Shelbyville, IL Hours: Mon-Sat 8am-5pm

While Supplies Last.

INTRODUCING COOT2

22

CREST

A New Standard in Off-Road Utility Vehicles Four Wheel Drive Four Wheel Steer Center Articulation Hydrostatic Transmission • All Steel Powder Coated Body No Sprockets to Wear • No Chains to Clog • No Bearings 27 HP Kohler Engine • 28” Aggressive Tread Tires Wide 67” Stable Stance • 12 3/4" Ground Clearance Four Passengers • 1250 # Payload Come See The Coot2 In Action American Video Available Made in for $10.00 Disk Brakes Fairview, Power Steering Illinois Oil Cooler Flow Divider Hi and Low Speed Drive Range • Four Individual Wheel Motors Tow A Wagon • Pull A Drag Hauls Hunters Deep into the Toughest of Woods & Hauls Game Out of the Woods!

Drive It Once – You Won’t Be Able To Do Without It

CALL: 309-245-1010 www.Coot2.com

Prices good on boats in stock only.

PONTOONS 2004 Crest Savannah 25’ Tri-toon, High Performance, 225 EFI Honda, Hydraulic Steering Retail: $45,295 SPECIAL PRICE...$34,895

ON DISPLAY! Prices good on boats in stock only.

• Honda Marine’s 115hp engine benefits from decades of proven engineering from the world’s largest engine maker.

• Programmed electronic fuel injection delivers the precise air-fuel mixture for easy starts, instant throttle response, and outstanding fuel efficiency.

• And power is what it’s all about—their 137 cubic inch displacement is the largest of any engine in their horsepower range.

• A sophisticated engine alert system lets you see, hear, and feel a warning for overheating, low oil pressure, over-rev, battery condition, waterin-fuel, and critical engine functions.

2004 Crest II DL XRS Rear Entry, 50hp Honda 4-Stroke with Power Trim Retail: $24,895 SPECIAL PRICE...$17,950

2004 Crest Explorer 18’ Rear Entry, 25hp Honda 4-Stroke with Power Trim Retail: $15,200 SPECIAL PRICE...$12,300 2004 Crest III XRS Rear Entry, 115 EFI Honda 4-Stroke with Power Trim Retail: $30,550 SPECIAL PRICE...$24,200

2004 Crest Explorer 22’ 40hp Honda 4-Stroke with Power Trim Retail: $15,550 SPECIAL PRICE...$13,995

All Boats Powered by Honda!

KLAUSER MARINE 217/774-4798 • www.klausermarine .com Rt. 4 Box 193 • Opossum Creek Rd. • Shelbyville, IL Hours: Mon-Sat 8am-5pm AIways wear a personal flotation device while boating and read your owner's manual. ©2004 American Honda Motor Co., Inc.

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ADVENTURE SPORTS OUTDOORS “THE VOICE OF THE AMERICAN SPORTSMAN”

May 2004