Water N Woods Magazine February 2012 by TEE TIMES GOLF GUIDE Magazine

Complimentary

February 2012 Covering Eastern Kansas, Western Missouri, Lake of the Ozarks, Branson & Springfield.

STOP HUNTING FOR LAND WITH NO GAME — WE HAVE PLENTY OF BOTH! Adrian, MO 64720 A full-service, family owned and operated big game hunting ranch offering a wide variety of native game, exotic, super exotics, wing shooting and more. Knowledgeable friendly guides, and staff dedicated to making your hunting adventure one of the most exciting and memorable you'll ever experience.

No Game, No Pay Policy

Win A Free Hunt worth up to $1400! Enter the

“Get Out ‘n Hunt!”

We’ll Put a Roof Over Your Head

Sweepstakes at our website. Book Your Hunt by Calling Dan Hertzog 816-805-2611

Visit Our Wesite For a Complete Listing of Hunts Offered www.HedgeHollowRanch.com www.WaterNWood.com

February 2012

Water `N Woods™

CONTENTS 8

February 2012

Trout Season!

March 1 is the much anticipated trout season opener. Anglers are excited, but how about the ﬁsh?

National Pheasant Fest & Quail Classic

Kansas City Hunter’s Expo

For the ﬁrst time, Kansas City will host the nation’s largest trade show focusing on wildlife conservation, upland game bird hunting, dog training and wildlife habitat management and restoration.

One of Kansas City’s best kept secrets, the Hunter’s Expo, showcases hunting opportunities from all over the world. The event directly supports hunting and wildlife conservation in the greater Kansas City region.

Spring Drive Through the Ozarks

Although gas prices are high, consider a drive through the Ozarks. There is much to see and many places worth a visit.

14 16

Ironic Intersections

Robby’s Hunt

Hammock Camping

Branson Ziplining

Hunting geese in the world-famous destination along the Santa Fe Trail known as Pawnee Rock.

A very special young man, and a very special hunt.

You’ve seen hammocks. You may have used one for napping, but have you thought about using one for camping?

Ziplining has come to Branson, but be careful. It can become most addictive.

From the Managing Editor: 6 Mountain Man Territory: 7 Ask Missouri Trout Hunter: 9 Angler Guides - Missouri & Kansas: 12-13 Directory - Bait &Tackle, Taxidermist: 20-21 4

Water `N Woods™

February 2012

30 Missouri Department of Conservation News: 23 Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks News: 25 Trophy Room: 27 Directory - Hunting, Guns, Clubs, Shows: 28-29 Cover Photo: Bill Cromwell ©2012 Photos by Cromwell

Visit Our Online Magazine at www.WaterNWood.com

WNW Magazine 2/2012

water `n woods™ magazine

From the

published by, Tee TImeS golf guIde™ Inc.

Managing Editor

Mailing Address: P.O. Box 2196 Independence, MO 64055 office: 816-878-4509 Cell: 816-739-5760

www.waternwood.com

“Sittin’ round the campfire, listenin’ to the crickets — they’re singing a song. Come on, let’s sing along. Gone campin’ ….” Stuck in my head ― the melody of the song I wrote for my much younger sisters during a camping trip many years ago keeps repeating, and the onslaught of memories associated with it motivates me to tune my guitar. I wonder if the recent January thunderstorm, and thus far the mild winter, awakened this wellkept memory, and now I am itching to plan a trip to, well, quite frankly, anywhere. Of course, I might be just a bit jealous of the friends heading for adventure in the Yucatan, my father's plan to kayak fish in the Gulf — heck, even my son's ice-fishing adventure sounds almost inviting, and I am not extremely fond of the cold. Even with the barrage of travel destinations bouncing around my imagination, adventures closer to home are most appealing to me — a lot is going on right in our own neck of the woods. The National Pheasant Fest and Quail Classic, February 17-19; Kansas City Hunter's Expo, February 24-26; and Trout Season Opener on March 1 are just a few of the opportunities for closeto-home adventure — not forgetting my old standby favorites of the Ozarks and Branson. Heck, who am I kidding? I still envision myself casting from a kayak in the Gulf. Enjoy the outdoors, Victoria Cromwell

Subscribe To:

bill cromwell bill@waternwood.com

managing editor/Vice president Victoria Cromwell Victoria@WaterNWood.com

contributing writers Walt Fulps Steve Felgenhauer Billie R. Cooper Alex Riester David M. Zumbaugh Alan Hoskins Mike Mansell (Three Toes) copyeditor: Karen Burch layout & graphic design Victoria Cromwell

Del i ver ed to Yo ur Doo r e ach mon th

Ad placement Information Bill Cromwell office: 816-878-4509 email: bill@waternwood.com

now for only $24 You can have 12 Issues delivered To Your door. The publication will always remain FREE to subscribers. The subscription fee only covers the cost of postage and envelopes. Simple To Order: Complete the form below and mail with your $24 check. You will receive one issue every month for a the next 12 months following received payment. mail To: p.o. box 2196, Independence, mo 64055 SEND ME Water `N Woods™ Magazine TODAY!

published monthly Distributed in approximately 250 locations within the Kansas City Metro , Lake of the Ozarks, and Branson, MO.

Become a Fan

Name________________________________________ ___ Address__________________________________________ All InformATIon IS confIdenTIAl. City_________________________________________ You wIll noT be Added To AnY mAIlIng lIST State______________________Zip____________________ or AnY phone SolIcITATIon

E-mail:________________________________________

Water `N Woods™

February 2012

Including: Fishing Stores, Restaurants, Sports Bars, Resorts, Hotels and other select locations.

Reproduction of this publication’s contents is strictly prohibited.

WnW11/11

Date Mailed____________________$__________________ 6

editor-in-chief & publisher:

Watch Our Channel

Visit: www.WaterNWood.com

Advertising is accepted at the discretion of the publisher and does not imply endorsement. Written views and information expressed in this publication belong to the writers and do not reflect the sentiments or editorial opinion of ©Water `N Woods™, the Editor, Publisher, or Staff.

©Water`N Woods™ 2011 All Rights & Proprietary Conceptual Designs Reserved. no part of This publication may be reproduced without written permission of the publisher.

©TEE TIMES Golf Guide™ Inc.

We Encourage Our Readers To Do Business With The Advertisers Listed In This Publication.

Mountain Man Territory whether Laughing Bear knowed the brave was behind him or not, he let go of this here sapling and it slapped the brave right smack dab in the middle of his face, knocking him down and then knocking himself out on a rock when he hit the ground.

Photo Credit: Karen Mansell

Now Laughing Bear, being the ornery fellow he is, just couldn’t pass up a golden opportunity to have a little fun with this here knocked-out brave. He cut all the stitches in the brave’s moccasins, smeared a little beaver “medicine” on and around him and, being he was along a crick, moved the brave next to the water’s edge. Now can ya imagine waking up to find some beavers sniffing around ya and then getting up to find your moccasins falling apart? Now that would have been one hopping mad brave, especially when he found out that beaver castoreum don’t wash off and ya stink for two weeks afore the smell disappears. Wagh!

eings we’re caught up with the chores around here, what say we start setting some traps. I just know them beeves are getting restless just waiting to jump in our traps.

Pilgrim, ya was asking how come we don’t have more than two or three traps apiece, and the reason for that is this ― if’n ya set four or five traps for yourself and when ya checked your traps and found all the traps had beeves in them, there is not enough time in the day for you to skin ‘em, flesh ‘em and stretch ‘em. If’n ya trapped for one of them brigades, they’d have folks that their entire job is take care of the beeves. Others do the cooking, hunting for food, gathering firewood and such. Them brigades normally have at least 75 or 100 folks to do the work. Seeing how it’s just us three, we have to do all the work ourselves. So that is why we only set a couple of traps apiece. Now me and Laughing Bear have six or more traps apiece, and the reason for that is if’n ya have to run for your life, the traps are the least of your worries. I have traps stashed in caches here in these mountains, with extra traps just in case I lose some; same with Laughing Bear. Now grab a couple of traps and make sure you have your hawk and rifle. We always try to keep each other in sight just in case we should run into trouble. Always try to keep your’n smoke pole within reach if’n you can, even when you are standing waist deep in the water. As we head up this here crick, make sure you stay well back behind Laughing Bear, ‘cause if’n ya don’t, he’ll sure enough let a branch go and it’ll slap ya upside your noggin. He’s bad about that, and it’s frustrating to no end, although I have to admit, it did save his top knot one time. A couple of years back, he was trapping around the headwaters of the Missouri when a Lakota brave decided he needed another decoration on his lance pole and proceeded to sneak up on Laughing Bear. Now Visit Our Online Magazine at www.WaterNWood.com

Let’s get on up here where that beaver sign is, and we’ll get started on teaching ya how to trap them fellers. Q

Three Toes

Beaver “Medicine” Beaver “medicine” is made from the castor glands of a skinned beaver, located near the tail end of the beaver. The castor glands are about three inches long and once removed, are dried then pulverized into a rough powder form. Add a pinch of nutmeg, three or four cloves and six or seven drops of cinnamon oil to the powdered castor and stir together. Then add just enough water to make a paste and put paste “medicine” into a well-sealed bottle. Make sure you don’t get any paste on you or you’ll lose most of your friends. To trap beaver, the paste is dabbed onto a stick and placed at the water’s edge. A beaver will smell this from great distances and will come and sniff the stick. Beaver swim with their heads out of the water. When their chin touches the bank to sniff the stick, the beaver will drop his rear feet in order to brace himself and hopefully your trap is placed in the right spot so that when the beaver’s foot touches the pan on your trap, the jaws will clamp around his foot. I never use the “medicine” made from a beaver caught in the same area. Use it in a different area, as beavers are very territorial and will almost always come to your “medicine” if it thinks another beaver has moved to its territory. Make your own “medicine” and you’ll be trapping like Lewis and Clark and the mountain men of a bygone era. Mike Mansell February 2012

Water `N Woods™

Water ‘N Woods | fishing

Trout Season! by Walt Fulps

Fishing Bennett Springs (Photo Credit: Dave Jacobsen. Courtesy of The Bender-Walker Group)

or outdoorsy folks, there are a number of traditions to look forward to each year. Of course, the hunters among us wait with bated breath for our favorite season’s opening morning, whether it be deer season, turkey season, duck season or wabbit season. Perhaps for you, it’s the year’s ﬁrst canoeing, backpacking or RV adventure, or maybe you get more excited by the return of the hummingbirds to your feeders or the ﬁrst tomato harvest from your garden. However, if you have never had the experience of wearing rubber pants while standing hip-to-hip with a few thousand new friends in an ice-cold stream on a frigid winter morning hoping to catch a trout…, well, you simply haven’t lived a full life yet.

While the centerpiece of the event is, of course, the fish, those fishermen who make the pilgrimage year after year will tell you that the allure is much more complicated. What draws these sportsmen to a trout park on March 1 is the love of fishing, as well as the camaraderie among the fishermen. In some regards, it’s more like a festival than a fishing trip. Many of the trout opener attendees will fish the exact same fishing spot they’ve inhabited every spring, perhaps for decades, and they’ll fish standing next to friends they’ve known for years, although they may only see them once every 12 months. That said, if you can’t bring yourself to be social fisherman, then you should probably pass on joining this particular party. Trout park trout act maddeningly goofy at times, but that’s actually part of the fun. When you fish wilder waters, you can predict how the fish will behave based on the season, the weather and the water conditions. You can take an insect sampling and try to match the hatch. You can sneak upstream, making long delicate casts to present a fly to a fish that doesn’t know you’re there and has no reason to be nervous. Sometimes the hits are aggressive, and sometimes they’re subtle. The bottomline, though, is that you can learn the nature of the fish and finetune your technique and catch those trout day in and day out. You can predict how trout park trout will behave as well, but there is one great big difference. The primary factor influencing their behavior isn’t the weather, the season, the water conditions or the natural forage present in the stream. The greatest influence is us! What I mean to say is the intense fishing pressure is mostly what dictates how these fish act and react to their environment. Once you adapt your techniques to accommodate that fact, you’ll be the Brad Pitt of the river — except not as pretty. A trout park trout has spent over a year living in a concrete tank with several thousand of his or her siblings, and that encourages competitive behavior — we like that. They have also been hand-fed their entire lives, promoting aggressive feeding behaviors — we like that, too. 8

Water `N Woods™

February 2012

Those two characteristics lead to the early-morning feeding frenzy that you’ll usually find at the trout parks. Anglers will line the banks, watches synchronized and hooks pre-baited, and when the siren blows, signaling the start of the fishing day, the trout are pelted with food. For 20-30 minutes, you’ll generally see the competitive and aggressive feeding behaviors the fish developed as residents of the hatchery community, and you’ll have a great time. Many fishermen will catch their four-trout limit and head to the restaurant for breakfast, their fishing day ended. Those who stay will discover that fishing will suddenly get tough as soon as the feeding frenzy ends. When trout feel a hook for the first time, whether they managed to get away or were returned to the water by a fisherman, they get nervous about their food supply. They react to this nervousness by changing their feeding behavior in one or more of the following ways. Trout will closely inspect their food before eating it. If you’ve fished the trout parks much, you’ve probably seen trout approach your bait or fly, study it for a moment, and then turn away. Maddening! Here’s the secret you didn’t know. Yes, they are looking at it, but they are mostly relying on their acute sense of smell to give them an excuse to refuse your offering. You can cope with this behavior to a certain extent by keeping your hands clean ― washing with a scent-free soap after eating or using the restroom. Some fishermen have even been known to rub algae onto their hands to mask odors. If you smoke, try to keep the cigarette in only one hand and handle your fly or bait with the other. Trout will quickly taste potential food. You may have seen this before, too. A trout approaches your bait, studies it briefly, and then in and out of his mouth it pops, quick as lightening. It’s a simple test — food or not food? Your best way to defeat this trout is to STOP staring at your strike indicator. Either cast to fish you can see and set the hook when you actually witness the take, or broaden your scope of vision when fishing under an indicator. Watch the cork, but also watch the water below and behind it. If ANYTHING happens that looks even the slightest bit fishy, even if you’re not sure if anything happens at all, set the hook. Trust your spider sense. Trout will stop feeding. I’m sure you’re already well-versed in this frustration. One technique to overcome a fish’s outright fear of feeding is to target his stupidity and/or his territorial nature. By using a large, ridiculously-obvious bait, you can trigger an emotional hit. Marabou jigs, trout worms and big rubber-leg nymphs are popular park choices for this reason. And a territorial trout will eat smaller fish as an act of aggression rather than feeding — he’s protecting his turf. So aggressively stripping an enormous streamer or big crankbait through some deep sheltered water may give you a shot at a dominant fish.

Visit Our Online Magazine at www.WaterNWood.com

Later in the day when the crowds of fish and fishermen thin a bit, you’ll find the holdover trout will begin to act a bit wilder. It doesn’t take long for them to discover that real food is drifting by, and they’ll begin to feed on drifting nymphs and scuds. So switch your tactics to more traditional methods, and you’ll have a great time — as long as you’re watching for super-quick hits and keeping your hands clean!

Opening Day of Trout Season at Bennett Spring State Park

The harvest season starts March 1 every year and extends through October 31 at all four of Missouri’s trout parks: Bennett Spring State Park near Lebanon, Montauk State Park near Salem, Roaring River State Park near Cassville and Maramec Spring Park near St. James. If you’re interested in giving the trout opener a try, I suggest Q you book a room right now.

Ask Missouri Trout Hunter

The Witch House at Bennett Springs. (Photo Credit: Barb Baird)

This month’s question via Twitter: what is your ﬂy selection methodology when ﬁshing new waters?

Easy! I find someone who is catching fish, and I ask him what he’s using! Okay, not really. In reality, I’m fairly methodical. Trout generally feed in one of four ways: Aggressively, Opportunistically, Passively or Selectively. My goal is to find which attitude the majority of the trout are sharing, and target those fish.

The regular trout season at the park runs from March 1 to Oct. 31 and the spring branch is stocked daily with trout during this season. To fish at Bennett Spring, anglers 15 and older will need to buy a Missouri State fishing permit and will have to purchase a trout permit each day. These daily trout permits or “tags” are required to trout fish at Bennett Spring. Both of the permits mentioned above are available at the Bennett Spring State Park Store.

Step one. Test the trout to see if they’re feeding aggressively. The simplest method is to tie on a big streamer and strip it through some fishy-looking areas as you wade downstream. If you get hits, keep going! If not … Step Two. Test the trout to see if they’re feeding opportunistically by drifting some big goofy flies that don’t really look like something they’d eat in nature. You’re trying to assess if the trout will try something that looks like it “might” be edible, even though it doesn’t look like something familiar. Try bright yellow wooly worms, multicolored glo-bugs, y2k bugs, thread jigs and so on. Step Three. Still no takers? Maybe the trout are feeding passively, meaning they’re simply nibbling at real bugs that happen to be drifting by. In other words, they’re not going to act stupid, and you’re going to have to work for every fish you catch. Usually, these trout are not terribly hungry or excited about life, so you’ll have to match a real bug and drift it pretty close to a fish’s nose. This is when you’ll be breaking out the scuds, beatis nymphs, pheasant tails, zebra midges and so on. A quick sample of the bug population present in some riffles will serve you well here. Step four. If that didn’t do the trick, it could be that the trout are being selective. Do you see any evidence that a hatch is going on? Can you see any feeding behavior at all? Get ready to be frustrated. It’s time to start trying a million different flies in an effort to find the exact bug in the perfect size, presented in just the right way to match what the trout have decided they want. If you find the fly, it’s magic. If you’re unfamiliar with the stream and its fish, though, it will take an amazing degree of luck. It may be time to visit the local fly shop for advice. Q Walt Fulps is the owner of Trout Hunter Guide Service, Trout Hunter Fly-Fishing School, and Trout Hunter Replicas. You can reach him through his website, www.MissouriTroutHunter.com. www.WaterNWood.com

ishermen get your casting arms in shape, because March 1 is Opening Day of Trout Season at Bennett Spring State Park.

There are three different zones for trout fishing at Bennett Spring, each with its own regulations: • In Zone 1, from the hatchery dam upstream to the end of the Bennett Spring area, only flies are permitted. • In Zone 2, from the hatchery dam to the whistle bridge, only flies and artificial lures are permitted. • In Zone 3, from the whistle bridge to the Niangua River, only soft plastic, unscented baits or natural and scented baits are permitted. All flies and other artificial lures are prohibited in Zone 3, even if natural bait or scent has been added. Zone areas are marked in the park and zone maps are also available at the park. For more detailed information about fishing regulations at Bennett Spring, visit the Missouri State Parks trout fishing regulations page located at MoStateParks.com/page/54109/fishing. In addition to the park store, Bennett Spring has just about everything for your outdoor family fishing trip, including onsite lodging (campgrounds, condos, motel rooms and cabins), a swimming pool, canoe rental and a rustic, stone dining lodge with plenty of delicious menu items. For a small fee, the chefs at the dining lodge will even cook the trout you caught for lunch or dinner. Fishermen looking to pick up a few tips to land a trophy trout or two, the fantastic Jim Rogers Fly Fishing School, is located within the park and provides instruction for anglers of all ability levels. Families looking to pass the time in between casting sessions may visit the on-site trout hatchery to feed the growing fish and could attend one of the many presentations and/or displays at the Nature Center. For more information about Bennett Spring State Park, including lodging rates, please call the state park’s office at 800-334-6946 or visit BennettSpringStatePark.com. Q February 2012

Water `N Woods™

National Pheasant Fest & Quail Classic at the Kansas City Convention Center-Bartle Hall,

February 17, 18 & 19, 2012

ansas City plays host to the National Pheasant Fest & Quail Classic for the first time, February 17‒19, 2012, at the Kansas City Convention Center ‒ Bartle Hall. It is a perfect location as Kansas and Missouri are home to a combined 47 local Pheasants Forever chapters and 34 Quail Forever chapters, which sport more than 10,000 Pheasants Forever and/or Quail Forever members. Pheasants Forever, including its quail conservation division, Quail Forever, is the nation's largest nonprofit organization dedicated to upland habitat conservation. Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever have more than 130,000 members and 700 local chapters across the United States and Canada. Chapters are empowered to determine how 100 percent of their locally-raised conservation funds are spent, the only national conservation organization that operates through this truly grassroots structure. Pheasant Fest & Quail Classic is the nation’s largest trade show focusing on wildlife conservation, upland game bird hunting, dog training, and wildlife habitat management and restoration. The Quail Classic portion of the 2012 event will be a first, devoted to quail hunting and conservation, representing the strong tradition of bobwhite quail hunting and conservation found in Kansas, Missouri and across the Great Plains and southeast United States. Both the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks and the Missouri Department of Conservation will be participating in the event, which is presented by Cabela's and will feature more than 300 exhibitors.

bird dog Stage: All things bird dog-related have been the biggest attractions at previous National Pheasant Fest events. The Bird Dog Parade will kick off the event with some of the rarest and most unique sporting dog breeds parading through the show ﬂoor. Upwards of 40 different sporting dog breeds will be represented. Bird Dog Alley, Bird Dog Stage and dog training seminars occurring throughout the event offer attendees the opportunity to meet face-to-face with breeders, dog kennel and club representatives, and the top dog trainers in the country, including Bob West, Tom Dokken, Jim Morehouse, Delmar Smith, Rick Smith and Ronnie Smith. wild game cooking Stage: Everyone can learn enjoyable and delicious ways to prepare wild game from accomplished, nationally recognized chefs. In addition, hunter, angler, gardener, author, food blogger and renowned outdoor chef Hank Shaw leads live seminars ― samples included. Recipes range from Venison Tequila Chili to Country Fried Bison Steak to Outdoor Cooking for Upland Game Birds ―BBQ and Grilling. free wildlife habitat consulting: If you own land anywhere in the country, you can receive free land-use management consultation at the Landowner Habitat Help Room. “The Landowner Habitat Help Room is one of the many ways Pheasants Forever's premiere event goes beyond a

Floorplan subject to change.

February 2012

Visit Our Online Magazine at www.WaterNWood.com

tradeshow ― an interactive event where wildlife habitat is the main focus,” said Steve Riley, Farm Bill Wildlife Biologist Manager for Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever.

More importantly, the Youth Village is something the entire family can enjoy.”

Workstations in the Help Room will feature largescreen monitors to provide a detailed look at each piece of property. Trained Pheasants Forever or Quail Forever biologists will show landowners how they can improve their acres for wildlife and whether they qualify for enrollment in any local, state and federal conservation programs.

Familiar favorites and new activities for youth and families include:

Members of Pheasants Forever's National Youth Leadership Council (NYLC) will also be on hand, running many of the activities. Members on the NYLC are spokespersons for their age group on hunting and conservation issues and help advise Pheasants Forever.

• • • • Pheasants Forever is dedicated to the conservation of pheasants, quail and other wildlife through habitat improvements, public awareness, education and land management policies and programs.

The most current streaming data allows the Landowner Habitat Help Room to offer topographic and aerial maps on any piece of property in the entire country. Landowners just need to bring the legal description of their property (township, range and section) or pinpoint that property’s exact location on the map, and they will leave with a free wildlife habitat management plan for the land. Youth Village and family Stage: This area features activities the entire family can enjoy, offering everything from live storytelling, how-to demonstrations on skills such as casting and ﬂy-tying, and nature crafts. Youth and their families will also have the chance to meet Pheasants Forever's lovable youth mascot, Rudy the Rooster. “This will be Pheasants Forever's biggest and best Youth Village yet,” said Rich Wissink, PF's Youth Program Specialist. “We have an assortment of activities that are not only fun, but also educational. www.WaterNWood.com

•

Laser Shot, Air Riﬂe Range, Archery, Casting Booth Visits from Rudy the Rooster, Pheasants Forever's youth mascot Wildlife Jeopardy ― challenge friends and family Variety of crafts and activities ― make plaster animal tracks and make a seed ball of prairie ﬂowers to plant in spring Game Scene Investigation (GSI) ― it's like CSI, but with animals!

wildlife conservation experience and career day: Area high school students will have the opportunity to participate in hands-on sessions focused on wildlife and conservation topics and how some of these topics can lead to careers in conservation, education or the outdoor recreation ﬁeld. Students will also have the chance to learn about educational and recreational opportunities that are available to them through the Missouri Department of Conservation, Kansas City Parks and Recreation, local businesses and organizations. A history of making national news: U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack has attended the past two National Pheasant Fest events to make federal conservation announcements. Find out what conservation news will be made this year. Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever’s National Pheasant Fest and Quail Classic has something for everyone, and you can preregister to get your tickets today! Find out more at www.PheasantFest.org. Q Attend National Pheasant Fest and Quail Classic, and stop by to visit with us at the Water 'N Woods booth! February 2012

Water `N Woods™

Anglers Guide for Missouri Creel Limits

©Water `N Woods. 2012, All Conceptual Designs & Reprint Rights Reserved

Game

Primary Season Dates

Bag Limit

Possession Limit

Bass - White, yellow, striped and hybrids

Open All Year

Black Bass - Impoundments

Open All Year

05/28/2011 - 02/29/2012

Catfish - Blue

Open All Year

Catfish - Channel

Open All Year

Catfish - Flathead

Open All Year

Common Snapping Turtle

Open All Year

Crappie - Black and White

Open All Year

Gigging - Non-game Fish

09/15/2011 - 01/31/2012

Muskellunge

Open All Year

Mussels and Clams

Open All Year

Non-Game Fish

Open All Year

Northern Pike Paddlefish

Open All Year

TBA

Pickerel – Chain and Grass

Open All Year

Rock Bass

Open All Year

TBA

Black Bass - Specified streams

Snagging - Non-game fish Soft-shelled Turtle

TBA

Sturgeon - Shovelnose

Open All Year

Walleye and Sauger

Open All Year

See Wildlife Code at www.sos.mo.gov/adrules/csr/current/3csr/3c10-6.pdf for length limits

Anglers Guide for Kansas Creel Limits

©Water `N Woods. 2012, All Conceptual Designs & Reprint Rights Reserved

Type of Fish

Number of Fish

Channel and Blue catfish (single species or in combination)

Walleye, sauger, saugeye (single species or in combination)

Rainbow trout, brown trout (single species or in combination)

Black basses (largemouth, smallmouth, spotted, single species or in combination)

Flathead catfish

Northern pike

Striped bass

Wiper (white bass/striped bass hybrid)

Crappie

White bass, bullhead, bluegill and all other legal species

Length of Fish 15 inches 15 inches 30 inches

No limit

Paddlefish

34 inches

The possession limit on all fish is three times the daily creel limit.

Trout Parks: March 1 - October 31 Miles

Trout Water

1.5 miles Bennett Spring State Park Maramec Spring Park 2 (Open daily from the 2nd Mon. in 0.7 miles Nov. to the 2nd Mon. in Feb.) 3 miles Montauk State Park 3 miles

Roaring River State Park Trout Parks: Fri.–Mon. from the 2nd Fri. in Nov. to the 2nd Mon. in Feb.

Water `N Woods™

As posted

February 2012

©Water `N Woods. 2012, All Conceptual Designs & Reprint Rights Reserved County

Length Limit

Daily Limit Lures & Baits

Dallas & Laclede Rainbow trout–none. Brown trout–at least 15”

As posted

Phelps

Rainbow trout–none. Brown trout–at least 15”

As posted

Dent

Rainbow trout–none. Brown trout–at least 15”

As posted

Barry

Rainbow trout–none. Brown trout–at least 15”

As posted

Winter catch-and-release season.

Flies only

All four trout parks

Visit Our Online Magazine at www.WaterNWood.com

Anglers Guide for Blue Ribbon Trout Areas

©Water `N Woods. 2012, All Conceptual Designs & Reprint Rights Reserved

Trout Water

Miles/ Area

County

Barren Fork Creek

3.2 miles

Shannon

At least 18”

Artificial lures and flies only

Blue Springs Creek

4 miles

Crawford

At least 18”

Artificial lures and flies only

Crane Creek

8 miles

Stone and Lawrence

At least 18”

Artificial lures and flies only

Current River

9 miles

Dent, Texas, Shannon

At least 18”

Artificial lures and flies only

Eleven Point River

5.5 miles

Oregon

At least 18”

Artificial lures and flies only

Little Piney Creek

9.9 miles

Phelps

At least 18”

Artificial lures and flies only

Mill Creek

7.7 miles

Phelps

At least 18”

Artificial lures and flies only

North Fork of the White River

8.6 miles

Ozark

At least 18”

Artificial lures and flies only

Spring Creek

6.2 miles

Phelps

At least 18”

Artificial lures and flies only

Anglers Guide for Red Ribbon Trout Areas

Length Limit

Daily Limit

Authorized Lures & Baits

©Water `N Woods. 2012, All Conceptual Designs & Reprint Rights Reserved

Meramec River

8.2 miles

Phelps and Crawford

At least 15”

North Fork of the White River

7 miles

Ozark

At least 15”

Roubidoux Creek

2.2 miles

Pulaski

At least 15”

Artificial lures and flies only

Meramec River

8.2 miles

Phelps and Crawford

At least 15”

Artificial lures and flies only

North Fork of the White River

7 miles

Ozark

At least 15”

Roubidoux Creek

2.2 miles

Pulaski

At least 15”

Anglers Guide for White Ribbon Trout Area

Artificial lures and flies only All

All Artificial lures and flies only

©Water `N Woods. 2012, All Conceptual Designs & Reprint Rights Reserved

Capps Creek

2 miles

Barry and Newton

Rainbow trout– none. Brown trout– at least 15”

All

Current River

7.7 miles

Dent and Shannon

Rainbow trout– none. Brown trout– at least 15”

All

Eleven Point River

14.2 miles

Oregon

Rainbow trout– none. Brown trout– at least 15”

All

Hickory Creek

2.7 miles

Newton

Rainbow trout– none. Brown trout– at least 15”

Little Piney Creek

3.7 miles

Phelps

Rainbow trout– none. Brown trout– at least 15”

All

Niangua River

11.5 miles

Dallas and Laclede

Rainbow trout– none. Brown trout– at least 15”

All

Roaring River

4 miles

Barry

Rainbow trout– none. Brown trout– at least 15”

All

Roubidoux Creek

0.9 miles

Pulaski

Rainbow trout– none. Brown trout– at least 15”

All

Stone Mill Spring Branch 1

0.3 miles

Pulaski

Rainbow trout– none.

www.WaterNWood.com

4 All from Mar. 1–Oct. 31, artififrom Mar 1 cial lures and flies and Catch & release from Nov 11–Feb 13 Oct. 31

4 All from Mar. 1–Oct. 31, artififrom Mar 1– cial lures and flies and Catch Oct. 31 & release from Nov 11–Feb 13

February 2012

Water `N Woods™

February 24 - 26, 2012, at the KCI expo Center

Kansas City Hunter's Expo All About Hunting

f you want to do more hunting, you have to get out of your comfort zone. One of the easiest ways to start planning more days in the ﬁeld is to attend one of Kansas City's best kept secrets: Hunter's Expo. Now the largest hunting show in Kansas City, Hunter's Expo showcases hunting opportunities from just outside our back door to all over the world. In addition, seminars and presentations by a wide variety of hunting professionals can help you take your woodscraft to a higher level. Could there be a better way to spend a cold winter weekend? (A hunting trip to the Southern Hemisphere comes to mind....) One of the great things about Hunter's Expo is that everything that happens there supports hunting and wildlife conservation in the greater Kansas City region. The show is put on by the Kansas City Chapter of Safari Club International. For those that may not yet realize it, Safari Club International (SCI) is the leader in supporting the freedom to hunt and in promoting wildlife conservation worldwide. The Kansas City Chapter supports a signiﬁcant number of hunting and conservation programs in our area with funding, volunteers and more. Nearly every youth hunting program in the area sees some support from the Kansas

By David Soine

City Chapter, and did you know that the Salvation Army's Three Trails Camp has a new Outdoor Learning Center thanks to the Kansas City Chapter's hard work? Every one of the local chapter's programs promotes scientific wildlife management and hunting, especially amongst those that don't always have "traditional" opportunities to be in contact with wildlife. Here is how it works. The Kansas City Chapter of SCI works year-round in partnership with members of the hunting industry to bring outfitters, makers of outdoor products, speakers and celebrities to the Hunter's Expo. Many of those industry partners donate some of their services or products to the Chapter. The Chapter then auctions the donated items on Friday night and Saturday night at the Hunter's Expo. Funds generated by the auctions are then used by the Kansas City Chapter to support local hunting programs and education efforts. This is the only fundraiser of the year for the Kansas City Chapter of SCI, and it takes a lot of hard work to pull it off. So why not commit yourself to finding a way to spend more quality time hunting this coming year? Mark your calendar and plan to attend the 2012 Hunter's Expo at the KCI Expo Center. If you want to get in on the incredible deals at the Friday night or Saturday night banquet and auctions, you may want to purchase your auction tickets prior to the show. Visit the Hunter's Expo website, www.Hunters-Expo.com for more details.

THE EXPO WILL OFFER EXHIBITORS FROM THE USA, AFRICA, CANADA, NEW ZEALAND AND EUROPE. 14

Water `N Woods™

February 2012

Visit Our Online Magazine at www.WaterNWood.com

Trout Hunter Replicas For Catch & Release Anglers

Original Caught & Released

Email Us a Photo, We’ll Ship You a Trophy!

HUNTS AVAILABLE AT THE SILENT AUCTION ALONG WITH OTHER OUTDOOR MERCHANDISE.

Replica for Your Wall

Larry Potterfield of MidwayUSA Keynote Speaker at the Saturday Evening Benefit Auction.

what is Safari club? Safari Club International (SCI) is a worldwide hunting and conservation organization that is dedicated to conserving wildlife and preserving the right to hunt. With over 185 local chapters and 43,000 members, SCI represents a vast network and infrastructure in the hunting world today. SCI maintains ofﬁces in Tucson, AZ and Washington, D.C. With one of the largest Political Action Committees (PAC) in Washington, SCI maintains a full-time lobbyist. For more information on the national organization, visit www.safariclub.org

what is the Kansas city chapter? The Kansas City Chapter of SCI (KC-SCI) was established more than 29 years ago and is extremely active in local conservation and educational projects within Kansas and Missouri. Each February, KC-SCI hosts one of the largest Hunters Banquet & Auction in Missouri. What really places this banquet in a class of its own is that 70% of the proceeds remain in Kansas and Missouri to be used for local projects as determined by its members.

Museum-Quailty Replica Fish Mounts! We are dedicated to providing TRUE Museum-Quality Replica Mounts with layer-upon-layer of colors and shimmers. No one will ever say, “What a great looking replica!” All they will see is a beautiful ﬁsh.

who Should Join ScI? Anyone who believes in conserving wildlife, preserving the right to hunt and educating young people about both.

hunter's expo, february 24-26, 2012 KcI expo center

11730 N. Ambassador Drive, Kansas City, MO 64153 www.Hunters-Expo.com Kansas City Chapter of Safari Club International www.kcsci.com Dan Hertzog Chairman Hunter’s Expo danh@kcsci.com or 816-805-2611. www.WaterNWood.com

Email Your Photo To Walt@MissouriTroutHunter.com or For More Information Visit: www.MissouriTroutHunter.com February 2012

Water `N Woods™

Spring Drive Through the Ozarks by Billie R. Cooper

hile studying outdoor recreation at Mizzou some 40 years ago, I learned that driving for pleasure happened to be the most popular outdoor activity among Americans at the time. With the price of gasoline well over three dollars a gallon, I wonder where driving for pleasure ranks now?

Scenic Route 19 is a difﬁcult path to beat when traveling through the Ozarks. From the exit off I-44 at Cuba, all the way to the Arkansas line at Thayer, this winding path through the hills reveals numerous mountaintop vistas, rivers, springs, mills, caves, trails, wildﬂowers and wildlife galore.

Americans are a resilient lot. There seem to be more vehicles on the road than ever. However, it is a fact that Americans are now taking vacations closer to home, and the good old Sunday afternoon drive for fun is somewhat shorter than in days gone by.

Shortly after leaving I-44, you cross the Meramec River and enter the quaint little town of Steelville, the canoeing capitol of Missouri. The friendly folks at the visitor's center will help you plan a ﬂoat for a day or a week.

Impromptu, unplanned, spur-of-the-moment drives are fun, but over the years, as gas prices rose, I discovered that I got more bang for the buck by carefully planning travel routes and taking in as many sights as possible.

Continuing south out of Steelville, you will come to Hwy 49, which leads to Dillard Mill, one of the most spectacular mills in Missouri. Here a red mill sits on a short rock bluff, and waters of the tailrace plunge into a picturesque pool below. Blooming redbuds and dogwoods make a perfect photographic moment.

A springtime drive in the Ozarks provides a stimulating visual outdoor experience, as well as a refreshing breath of aromatic spring air. Deciding where to begin and end a trip is the most difﬁcult task associated with planning such an excursion. Looking at maps, websites and scenic photos is major fun, and it pumps the anticipation level off the charts.

Dogwood blossoms with a pink blush may be seen in hollows near Dillard Mill and Indian Trail State Forest. (All Photo Credits: Billie R. Cooper)

It would take a major book to cover all of the possible travel routes through the Ozarks and all the sights that exist; therefore, I will share one of my favorite routes. You can follow the same course, or adapt and devise your own pleasurable plan.

Watch for wild turkeys and white-tailed deer while driving through Indian Trail State Forest.

The wild horses of Shannon County can often be seen along the spring branch at Round Spring in late winter and early spring.

Retrace your path to 19 south and 20 miles later, signs for Indian Trail State Forest will appear. Thousands of acres of hardwood and pine forests offer many miles of scenic gravel roads. Hollows are flush with flowering dogwood. Look for those special trees with light pink blossoms. Keep your eyes peeled for brilliantly colored wildflowers and wild turkeys and deer. Back on the highway, you will pass through Salem. Just south of Salem, take K Hwy towards Akers Ferry. One of the best vistas in the Ozarks is along this route. There is a pulloff high above the Current River. The Current River appears as a ribbon far below, painted with the purple and white blossoms of redbud and dogwood.

Fifteen miles further south, you will enter Eminence on the Jack’s Fork River. Alley Spring and Mill are to the west on Hwy 106. Alley Mill is the most photographed mill in the Ozarks. The spring and tumbling spring branch are especially inspiring in spring. To the east out of Eminence, follow the signs to Rocky Falls. It is especially full and ﬂowing in the spring with a wide drop down 50 feet of stair-step rock formations into a dazzling pool.

Trout Lilies blanket the rich river bottom forest ﬂoors along the Current River and Jack's Fork Rivers. Only one in ten thousand plants blossom.

Five miles south of Eminence, you will see signs for Peck Ranch Wildlife Area. A drive through this splendid conservation area might reward you with a glimpse of one of the elk released there last year.

Alley Mill and Spring is the most photographed spot in the Missouri Ozarks.

Take a gravel road to the right to Welch Spring. A quarter-mile trail leads to the spring. The slopes will be covered with yellow bellwort, Dutchman’s breeches, bloodroot, trout lilies and wake-robins. Be sure to stop at Akers Ferry and say hello to Gene and Eleanor Maggard. They are icons of the upper Current River and full of wit and wisdom. Here you can cross the Current River on one of only two ferries still operating in the interior of Missouri. Take K Hwy east towards Hwy 19. Along K you will see signs for Devil’s Well, a vast sinkhole and cave system that leads to Current River. Where it meets the river, Cave Spring is large enough to allow a canoe to enter. Once back on Hwy 19, you will soon cross the Current River at Round Spring. The deep blue spring is well worth the stop. Keep your eyes peeled for wild horses feeding on watercress in the spring branch. This is one of their favorite hangouts in winter and early Round Spring, just south of the Current River Bridge, spring. holds the deepest blue waters found anywhere.

www.waternwood.com

Drive 40 miles further south on 19 and you will arrive in Eleven Point River country. One mile north of the Hwy 19 bridge that crosses the river, you will find Forest Service Road 3152 on the left. Follow it about five miles to Falling Spring and Mill, perhaps the most nostalgic mill in the Ozarks. One can still feel the presence of the people of the Irish Wilderness. A log cabin and graveyard mark this charming spot, which is ablaze with wildflowers during spring. Falling Spring and mill, north of the Eleven Point

River Bridge, is the most nostalgic mill in the Ozarks.

Just after crossing the Eleven Point River, Greer Spring is on the right. A steep, rough trail leads to the spring that emerges from two openings in a rock bluff. The quarter-mile spring branch is perhaps the most beautiful in all of the Ozarks. One can travel on to Thayer and Grand Gulf State Park, which some call the Grand Canyon of the Ozarks; however, you probably will have already consumed more than a long day. That’s why I always carry an overnight bag in the truck. There is nothing like extending a driving trip though the Ozarks in the spring. Q Billie R.Cooper, from the Missouri Ozarks, earned a Masters in outdoor education from the University of Missouri, as well as a commission in the U. S. Army. He has written extensively about his life's passion, the outdoors, since 1972 and received honors from Missouri in 2000 and 2008 as both the Outdoor Educator of the Year and Conservation Communicator of the Year. Cooper is a member of the Professional Outdoor Media Association and a lifetime member of the Missouri Outdoor Communicators and can be contacted at billrcooper801@gmail.com.

February 2012 Water `N Woods™

Ironic Intersections by David M. Zumbaugh

or millennia the great flights of waterfowl migrating from the Arctic Circle to the Gulf States have replenished themselves at Cheyenne Bottoms and the Quivira wetlands near the great bend of the Arkansas River in Central Kansas. Similarly, early explorers of the humankind paused for necessaries at nearby Pawnee Rock, while journeying along the Santa Fe Trail in the ultimate pursuit of fortune further west. For both voyagers, this milestone was not the destination, but the midpoint of their travels. Pioneers knew that Pawnee Rock was a treacherous place as the bluffs were a convenient position for Native Americans to waylay and pilfer vulnerable wagon trains. Today, the adjacent flatlands still serve as an ambush point for hunters seeking succulent goose dinners. Standing alone on Pawnee Rock in November and December, one can literally see tens of thousands of flighted geese at the break of day and sunset, and hear an echoing cacophony of spirited song from geese exchanging directions to the best meals of waste grain in the fields below. I recently had the privilege of hunting in this world famous destination with Brad VonFeldt and Lonnie Carter of Great Flyway Adventures. We rendezvoused the Monday before Thanksgiving at the Angus Best Western Motel in Great Bend and headed out in the pitch-blackness to set decoys in an attempt to intercept naive honkers scavenging for their breakfast. These guys believe in big spreads, finding just the right spot in a harvested field and adjusting the imposters in exacting, but strategic, patterns. After unloading two large trailers of gear and slogging repeatedly through the mud to place about 400 decoys of various designs, I was ready to relax in one of their comfortable, dry layout blinds. We did not have to wait long for frenzied action. The familiar foghorn cries of Canadas and the high-pitched “barking” of white geese began to rise in volume as their fuzzy silhouettes materialized on the dawn’s horizon. I quickly had to transform my awareness level from a sluggish haze to alertness, as dozens of pintails buzzed the spread just before legal shooting time. The temptation to bust a few was overshadowed by my host’s penchant for goose-only shooting.

All photo credits: david Zumbaugh

Water `N Woods™

February 2012

Soon, wave after wave of “cacklers,” a small race of the honker breed, were rushing over us, just out of range. Suddenly, about 15 geese appeared right in front of us, wings set and coming in hell-bent on joining a seductive fraternity party. As the initial volley rang out, four geese were downed with hot, non-tox shot from our 12 gauges. Carter’s enormous and capable Chesapeake Bay retriever, Remington, did the pick-up chores, so we just had to mark the falls for the burly guy. Unbelievably, the excitement was just beginning. Although we connected on a few singles and small groups, the large ﬂocks skirted us for reasons known only to geese that have already ﬂown a thousand miles and had no doubt dodged earlier barrages. At one point, some unwary dark geese actually landed in the decoys, nearly on top of one of the blinds! In short order all of us had our limit of three Canadas. I would have cleaned up in about 20 minutes, but it took me a half hour as I am not used to shooting upside down and backwards, after raising up from a prone position in a layout blind.

Usually, specklebelly geese, or white fronts as they are sometimes called, are the easiest to fool and first to fill up the game bag, but not this day. While rearranging some of the dekes due to a change in the wind, I was the only one who strapped on a scattergun. As lady luck sometimes predicts, the prepared man gets the most breaks. A lone speck came begging for company, using the language defining his kind, and I obliged with an encouraging welcome on my much-used wooden call. Unfortunately, I was caught out in the open, posed like a bronzed statue. On his final approach, I anticipated an emergency maneuver when he discovered his folly, and when I saw a wingtip rise, indicating an abrupt change of direction, I fired at long range and dropped the goose like a stone. Of our 17 harvested birds, this was the only white front, which is rare indeed for a field hunt. We literally had hundreds of ducks buzzing us — mainly pintails and shovelers, with a few mallards mixed in. The big show, however, was the thousands upon thousands of geese that constantly filled the air all morning and vocally expressed their dissatisfaction with our interference of their feast. The lonely, grating call of sandhill cranes was audible a few times, and

the birds were further detected by the slow cadence of their rowing wings appearing on the distant horizon. These creatures are also great table fare, but are more wary targets than the cleverest geese. Public hunting opportunities abound in the four-county area surrounding this waterfowling hotspot, but guided trips are also available for those without appropriate gear. Reasonable lodging rates are offered in several accommodating towns. For non-hunters looking for outdoor adventure, more than 300 species of birds can be seen at Quivira National Wildlife Refuge during autumn and springtime passages. An allweather gravel road through Cheyenne Bottoms also has informational signs for curious visitors. Don’t miss the Kansas Wetlands Education Center on K-156, east of the bottoms, which offers information on the history of the area and has unique wetland displays, caged live animals Q and even a small gift shop. David Zumbaugh is a freelance writer, photographer and avid outdoorsman. He has a B.S. and a M.S. in Biology from Fort Hays State. He is the Conservation/News Editor for American Waterfowler magazine and a member of Ducks Unlimited, National Wild Turkey Federation and Kansas Wildscape. David can be contacted at David_Zumbaugh@hotmail.com.

Water ‘N Woods | resource directory

Hunting, Bait, Tackle & Outdoor Supplies

Bait & Tackle Supplies Kansas City Missouri Areas

Bait & Tackle Supplies Western Kansas Areas

Bait & Tackle Supplies Lakes of the Ozarks Area

burton's bait & Tackle 816-532-4659 119 N Us Highway 169, Smithville, MO Live Bait, Tackle, Sporting Goods, Hunting.

Al's bait & Tackle 913-328-2248 7830 Leavenworth Rd., Kansas City, KS Fishing Bait & Tackle, Sporting Goods.

baker's bait & Tackle 660-547-3350 205 N Highway 65, Lincoln, MO Fishing Bait & Tackle, Sporting Goods.

dick's Sporting goods (lee's Summit) Summit Woods Crossing 816-525-3006

bass pro Shop 913-254-5200 12051 Bass Pro Dr., Olathe, KS 66061 Hunting Fishing Goods, Boat Dealers

bait & bagel marina 573-964-0510 39 Knox Rd., Rocky Mount, MO Fishing Bait & Tackle, Marina.

brown's bait & Tackle 1000 S Payne St., Olathe, KS LiveFishing Bait & Tackle.

bryant’s osage outdoors 716 N Main St, Laurie, MO Fishing Bait & Tackle

dick's Sporting goods (Independence) Bolger Square 816-350-0089 dick's Sporting goods (north Kansas city) Zona Rosa New Urban Retail Center 816-436-3524

913-764-8675

800-909-3528

dick's Sporting goods (South Kansas city) Ward Parkway Mall 816-363-1198

cabela's 913-328-0322 10300 Cabela Drive Kansas City, KS Hunting Fishing Goods, Boat Dealers

fishermans paradise 573-302-1184 5267 Highway 54, Osage Beach, MO Fishing Bait & Tackle,

rogers Sporting goods 816-781-9026 320 N 291 Hwy Liberty, MO. Archery, Hunting Equipment & Supplies, Fishing Bait & Tackle.

The dam Store 11149 39th St, Perry, KS

gier's bass pro & liquor 573-392-4791 105 W 4th St., Eldon, MO Fishing Bait & Tackle, Sporting Goods.

blue parkway bait & pet 816-861-0041 6921 Blue Pkwy., Kansas City, MO Fishing Bait & Tackle, Sporting Goods. 40 woods bait & Tackle 816-229-6818 3995 SW US Highway 40., Blue Springs, MO Fishing Bait & Tackle, Guns & Gunsmiths. flies direct, llc 816-699-2592 8750 N. Chatham Ave., Kansas City, MO 64154 www.fliesdirect.com - quality flies at lowest prices g & w bait & Tackle 816-921-8888 1260 N Church Rd # 5, Pleasant Valley, MO Fishing Bait, Fishing Tackle-Wholesale

785-597-5256

dick's Sporting goods (merriam KS) Merriam Town Center 913-432-3945 5600 Antioch Road, Merriam, KS 66202 dick's Sporting goods (olathe KS) North Ridge Plaza 913-254-9196 15280 West 119th Street, Olathe, KS 66062 dick's Sporting goods (leawood KS) Town Center Plaza 913- 661-0200 11801 Nall Avenue, Leawood, KS 66211 The dock 2838 SE 29th St, Topeka, KS

heartland Trails 816-587-1463 4200 NW 100th St., Kansas City, MO Fishing Tackle, Fishermen's Supplies one Incredible bass package 816-569-1107 3017 NE 59th Ter, Kansas City, MO Fishing Tackle, Fishing Guides

K & K fly fisher's Supply Inc 913-341-8118 8643 Grant St, Overland Park, KS Fishing Bait, Fishermen's Supplies

rainbow fly Shop 816-373-2283 4621 S Shrank Drive Independence, MO www.KCflyShop.com

martins bait 785-945-3481 1008 Mulberry St, Valley Falls, KS

The Sports Authority 816-587-1463 8980 N Skyview Ave, K C, MO. Fishing Tackle, Sporting Goods, Ski Equip & Snowboard Rentals The Tackle box 816- 233-1844 3724 Pear St., Saint Joseph, MO Live Bait, Fishing Tackle, Hunting Eqp.

minnesota bait & fly co Inc. 913-371-0343 1124 Minnesota Ave., Kansas City, KS Lures, Reels, Fishing Bait & Tackle, Sporting Goods, Hunting Equipment. wades bait & Tackle 22157 Valley RD, Lacygne, KS

913-757-2542

Yagers flies 785- 842-1239 2311 Wakarusa Dr., Lawrence, Ks Fishing Tackle Repair, Fishing Bait & Tackle,

©Water `N Woods. 2012, All Conceptual Designs & Reprint Rights Reserved

Koehn bait 573-377-2384 15525 Highway 135, Stover, MO Fishing Bait & Tackle, Sporting Goods.

785-266-8755

Jayhawk marina 913-686-2319 26353 Jayhawker Dr., Paola, KS www.jayhawkmarina.com Bait, Tackle, Camping & RV Supplies, Full-Service Marina, Boat & Watercraft Rental

rogers Sporting goods 816-781-9026 1760 N. Church Rd Liberty, MO 64068 www.rogerssportinggoods.com Sporting Goods, Fishing Tackle and Supplies

Jack's Sporting goods & hdw. 573-346-2279 1289 E Us Highway 54, Camdenton, MO Fishing Bait & Tackle, Sporting Goods.

lazy lou's bait n more 573-346-7597 219 N Lake St., Linn Creek, MO Fishing Bait & Tackle, Sporting Goods. laurie bait & Tackle 573-374-6065 102 N Main, Laurie, MO Skis,Tubes,Wake Boards,Ropes,Life Jackets, Tackle Bait, Licenses, Marine Supplies. minit-mart 573-365-5777 1780 Bagnell Dam Blvd., Lake Ozark, MO Live Bait, Deli, Worms, Fishing Bait & Tackle, Sporting Goods, Gas Stations,Beer, Groceries. osage beach bait & Tackle 573-348-9333 5441 Highway 54, Osage Beach, MO Fishing Bait & Tackle, Sporting Goods. rippin lips bait & Tackle 573-552-8238 454 Highway 42, Osage Beach, MO Fishing Bait & Tackle, Vanhook's bait & Tackle 573-346-2429 2418 N State Highway 5, Camdenton, MO Fishing Bait & Tackle, Sporting Goods.

NOTICE:

To Update Your Listing Here Please Email Your Info to Victoria Cromwell at: Victoria@WaternWood.com 20 Water `N Woods™

February 2012

Visit Our Online Magazine at www.WaterNWood.com

©Water `N Woods. 2012, All Conceptual Designs & Reprint Rights Reserved

Hunting, Bait, Tackle & Outdoor Supplies

Water ‘N Woods | resource directory

Bait & Tackle Supplies Warsaw & Clinton Areas

Bait & Tackle Branson

Alron lures 660-885-3122 829 NE Highway Ac, Clinton, MO Fishing Bait & Tackle.

Anglers & Archery outfitters 417-335-4655 136 Eden Way, Branson, MO Archery Pro-Shop, Fly Shop, Tackle, Guide Service

bait & more 222 N 2nd St., Clinton, MO Sporting Goods, Bait & Tackle.

660-890-2248

bass pro Shops 417-243-5200 1 Bass Pro Drive, Branson, MO Fly Shop, Fishing Tackle, Boat Rentals.

bucksaw resort & marina 660-477-3900 670 SE 803, Clinton, MO  Bait, Tackle, Guides, Lodging, RV Park & Full-Service Marina.

cape fair marina 417-538-4163 1500 Shadrock Road, Cape Fair, MO Fishing Tackle, Boat Rentals, Guide Service.

c's bait & Tackle Warsaw, MO Sporting Goods, Bait & Tackle.

chartered waters Trout Shop Inc. 417-334-1005 1326 Acacia Club Rd, Hollister, MO

660-438-7226

crappie Town 660-547-3364 PO Box 1600, Warsaw, MO Fishing Bait & Tackle. Ecommerse only. everharts outdoor Store 511 E Hillcrest Dr. Clinton, MO Sporting Goods, Bait & Tackle. first out lures 628 SE 771st Rd, Clinton, MO Fishing Bait & Tackle.

660-885-4436

660-477-3614

hideaway marina 417-538-2828 1810 Hideaway Road, Galena, MO Tackle, Boat Rentals, Guide Service. Open Mar-Oct.

fuzzys bait & booze 417-646-2325 3665 NE Highway 13, Osceola, MO Fishing Bait & Tackle.

hitch-n-post Tackle 417-334-3395 5439 State Hwy 165, Branson, MO Indian point marina 417-338-2891 3443 Indian Point Road, Branson, MO Fishing Tackle, Boat Rentals, Guide Service. lazy Valley resort 417-334-6380 Fall Creek Rd, Branson, MO 65615

417-644-7332

little countryside bait & more 660-638-3256 752 NW 1401st RD, Urich, MO Sporting Goods, Bait & Tackle. puddle Jumper’s bait & country mart 11429 Z Hwy, Warsaw, MO 660-438-6300 rocky Top bait & Tackle 660-438-7341 14571 Highway 7, Warsaw, MO Sporting Goods, Archery Equip. Bait & Tackle. Station bait & Tackle Shop 660-438-7664 Truman Dam Access Rd., Warsaw, MO Sporting Goods, Bait & Tackle. Tebo creek bait Stop 660-477-3351 96 SE Highway Pp, Clinton, MO Sporting Goods, Bait & Tackle. Tightwad bait & Tackle 1093 S 7th St, Clinton, MO Sporting Goods, Bait & Tackle.

cooper creek resort 800-261-3898 471 Cooper Creek Rd, Branson, MO Fishing Tackle, Boat Rentals, Guide Service. early bird bait & Tackle 417-739-4019 59 Corewood Ln., Reeds Spring, MO Fishing Tackle & Supplies Manufacturers.

funny farm bait & Tackle 660-438-8546 22558 Highway 7, Warsaw, MO Sporting Goods, Bait & Tackle. Open Mar-Oct.

la prairie 5 E Rogers St, Lowry City, MO Sporting Goods, Bait & Tackle.

Upcoming Gun Shows

660-477-3630

Trailside general Store 660-438-5122 32707 Berry Bend Ave., Warsaw, MO Sporting Goods, Bait & Tackle.

www.WaterNWood.com

Kansas - gun Shows 2012 feb 4-5, gardner, KS Johnson Country Fairgrounds, Gardner, KS 913-207-8368 feb 11-12 Knights of columbus, 2206 E. 23rd St. Lawrence, KS Cecil Miller: 785-393-3104 or Oscar Marino: 785-766-1718, feb 11-12 gunshow National Guard Armory, Manhatten, KS www.rkshows.com march 10-11, Kansas expo center 19th & Topeka Blvd, Topeka, KS www.rkshows.com

missouri - gun Shows 2011 feb 11-12 elks lodge, outer rd behind Shoney's, Ozark, MO ― Special Raffle for Rifle. Contact Bill @ 417-725-0330 feb 17-19, branson Lady of the Lake Parrish Center, Branson, MO 417-443-3093 or email: shoot4me@centurytel.net february 25-26, cowan civic center 500 E. Elm Street, Lebanon, MO www.rkshows.com march 17-18, ozark empire fairgrounds Exit 77 off I-44, Fairgrounds on Norton Rd, Springfield, MO, www.rkshows.com

Taxidermists

(a few)

Within The KC Area

lilleys’ landing 417-334-6380 367 River Lane, Branson, MO Fishing Tackle, Boat Rentals, Guide Service.

You Worked Hard For Your Trophy - Now Remember It For A Lifetime!

ozarks bait & Tackle 417-739-1116 11863 State Highway 13 # 2, Kimberling City, Sporting Goods, Bait & Tackle - Wholesale.

bob Kamler Taxidermy 816-985-7359 14835 Sharp Station Rd, Platte City MO www.bobkamlertaxidermy.com

river run outfitters 417-332-0460 2626 State Hwy. 165, Branson, MO Fly Shop, Fishing Tackle, Guide Service.

brookes Taxidermy 204 S Pine St, Norborne, MO

Scotty’s Trout dock 417-334-4288 400 S Box Car Willie Dr, Branson, MO State park marina 417-334-2628 380 State Park Marina Road, Branson, MO Fishing Tackle, Boat Rentals, Guide Service. Table rock worm farm 417-739-4921 2705 State Highway 00, Reeds Spring, MO Bait, Tackle, & Sporting Goods. Wholesale. Tablerock Tackle & marine 417-739-4541 14743 State Highway 13, Reeds Spring, MO Sporting Goods, Fishing Bait, Tackle, & Repair. what’s up dock 417-737-2315 49 Lake Road, Kimberling City, MO Fishing Tackle, Boat Rentals, Guide Service.

660-594-3636

buck hollow Taxidermy 816-380-2491 22904 E 283rd St, Harrisonville, MO don's Taxidermy 816-532-3500 5012 Five Corners Rd, Smithville, MO Kalwei Taxidermist 816-763-5272 8200 Longview Rd, Kansas City, MO Second creation Taxidermy 913-422-3111 11501 Riverview, Kansas City, KS www.secondcreation.com Snowbarger Specialty Taxidermy 1303 W 125th St, Olathe, KS 913-636-2729 Trophies Taxidermy 816-353-4442 11212 E 61 Street, Kansas City, MO

February 2012

Water `N Woods™

Water ‘N Woods | hunting

Robby’s Hunt

nce in awhile, life throws a pitch ― one that makes no sense. Life’s order is upended. The news I just received was no different.

I just learned my little hunting buddy, Robby Chandler, passed away on his ninth birthday, January 10, 2012. I first met Robby last October at a Kids Hunting for a Cure event held in Allendale, IL. At age two, Robby was diagnosed with leukemia. Since that day, he had been in a race against time to squeeze in as many life experiences as he could. Yet, this courageous young man had a dream ― a wish that no other foundation was able to fulfill. More than anything, Robbie wanted to shoot a buck. Then one day, a family member tuned into Ray Eye’s St. Louis radio show, “Eye on the Outdoors,” with featured guest, Super Dave Norval. Super Dave is co-founder of Kids Hunting for a Cure (KHFAC), a non-profit organization that helps kids like Robby experience the outdoors. After the show, Super Dave was contacted. If anyone could make Robby’s wish come true, it was Super Dave and KHFAC. Plans were set into motion rather quickly. I arranged to travel to Illinois with Eye to attend the KHFAC deer hunt. What I discovered nearly ripped my heart out. These kids don’t want pity, nor do they want to be treated as though they are sick. They just want to hunt and be a kid. As we enjoyed lunch and fellowship with one of the families, a thought came to mind. “No eight-year-old should know what chemotherapy is, nor should their little brothers or sisters.” Unfortunately, life doesn’t play fair.

On the drive over to Illinois, Eye’s phone rang. It was Super Dave Norval letting us know that Robby’s doctor had cleared him to go on the hunt. As hunting sometimes goes, conditions were not favorable for deer hunting, and Robby didn’t shoot his buck that weekend. However, this did little to dampen Robby or any other young hunter’s spirits; these sick kids had turned into deer hunters.

Water `N Woods™

February 2012

Robby’s buck would have to wait, but not for long. At the end of October, youth season in Tennessee opened, and a call for help went out to help Robby. Jim Zumbo, hunting legend and TV personality, answered the call and showed up to hunt with Robby. The grizzled veteran guide proved himself. With 10 minutes of shooting time left on the last day of the hunt, eight-year-old Robby harvested his buck. That day the world was right, at least it was for Robby. Robby’s wish had come true.

Robby and Jim Zumbo proudly pose with Robby's buck. (Photo courtesy of Diane Halfor.)

Just days before the hunt, while Robby was in the hospital, plans to get Robby his buck were in the works. Robby’s parents asked his doctor if he could go on this hunt. The doctor allowed it on one condition ― Robby’s health had to improve. During that time, not a breath of the hunt was discussed for fear that Robby would get his hopes up and not be able to go. That would do more harm than good.

by Steve Felgenhauer

Please check out KHFAC’s website at www.khfac.org and consider a donation so kids like Robby have a chance to fulfill their own wishes. Kids Hunting for A Cure is a non-profit organization that provides financial support to research hospitals/foundations dedicated to developing cures for cancer and childhood diseases. Children and adults raise monies through community-sponsored outdoor events designed for youth. Additionally, KHFAC promotes youth personal growth and appreciation of nature through adult-mentored outdoor Q activities. The love of hunting, fishing and the great outdoors, combined with writing, sent Water ‘N Woods contributor Steve Felgenhauer down his current career path as a gunsmith and writer. His byline has appeared in NWTF’s Turkey Country, Cabela’s Outfitter Journal, Gun Digest and Bass Pro Shops OutdoorSite Library, just to name a few. Email Felgenhauer at sfoutdoors@live.com.

www.WaterNWood.com

Missouri Department of Conservation News Firearms deer harvest just shy of 239,000

Unusual Wildlife

Hunters age 6 ‒ 15 checked 2,193 deer during the late youth hunt January 7 ‒ 8, bringing the total harvest for the 2011-2012 ﬁrearms deer season to 238,921, compared to last year’s total of 231,513. The harvest total for last year’s late youth weekend was 1,292. This year’s combined early and late youth season harvests totaled 18,585, compared to 14,555 last year.

In November, a pair of whooping cranes turned up near Neosho, giving birdwatchers there a rare glimpse of this federally endangered species. In December, bird lovers across the state reported sightings of trumpeter swans, the largest waterfowl species in the world.

Of the 238,921 firearms season total, hunters checked 570 deer during the urban portion, 16,392 during the early youth portion, 190,089 during the November portion, 14,439 during the antlerless portion and 15,238 during the muzzleloader portion. According to Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) Resource Science Deer Biologist Jason Sumners, the reduction in firearms harvest is indicative of reduced deer numbers in many parts of rural central and northern Missouri that have resulted from increased harvest pressure on does through the liberalization of hunting regulations and implementation of antler-point restrictions. “There are simply fewer does in the population today than there were six or eight years ago,” Sumners said. “This means that the doe harvest doesn’t need to be as high to manage population numbers as it was several years ago when deer populations in many parts of Missouri were growing rapidly.” He added that MDC has been trying for the better part of a decade to stabilize deer numbers in many parts of Missouri. “We have been working to bring down deer populations to reduce crop damage, deer-vehicle accidents and other deer nuisance problems, and we’ve made good progress in those areas,” Sumners said. “Now our challenge is finding ways to fine-tune deer numbers and hunting pressure at the local level, which means that future reductions in the availability of firearms antlerless permits may be necessary. “Regardless of your location in the state, the combination of hunter numbers, hunter access and regulations drives the size of the local deer population,” said Sumners. “Landowners and hunters throughout the state have a tremendous effect on the deer population and ultimately determine local deer numbers. Additionally, the availability of antlerless permits for a specific county doesn’t mean that MDC feels there are too many deer. They are simply a tool available to hunters and landowners to manage deer numbers if they need to harvest additional antlerless deer.” He added that 93 percent of Missouri’s land is in private ownership, so private landowners and cooperative efforts by neighboring landowners to manage deer and other wildlife can be very beneficial.

Sightings

In December, hunters at Eagle Bluffs Conservation area reported taking blackbellied whistling ducks, a species normally not seen farther north than the extreme southern United States. Hunters and bird watchers in several parts of Missouri reported trumpeter-swan sightings. Also in December, Missouri experienced the largest number of snowy owl sightings on record. Snowy owls normally inhabit the high arctic region of Canada and Alaska. However, in years when populations of their prey – mainly lemmings – crash, the birds are forced to travel south. Missouri experienced such mass migrations, known as irruptions, in the 1970s and 1980s, but the current phenomenon far exceeds previous ones. Snowy owls are similar in size to great horned owls, which are common in Missouri; however, snowy owls are much lighter colored and have rounded heads. Most of the snowy owls in Missouri now are juveniles, and many may be near starvation. They are not accustomed to automobiles, and often land on highways where they fail to flee at the approach of cars. MDC confirmed 14 mountain lion sightings in 2011. That is more than all previous confirmed sightings combined. Three of the cougars were killed by hunters or landowners. All three were juvenile males, which supports the theory that cougars seen in Missouri are mostly young males dispersing from established populations to the west. Since 1994, MDC has documented mountain lion sightings in 17 counties. Missourians are encouraged to call the nearest MDC office and report mountain lion sightings with physical evidence, such as photos, tracks, hair, scat or prey showing signs typical of a mountain lion attack. For more information about unusual wildlife in Missouri, visit mdc.mo.gov/discover-nature/wildlife-sightings/mountain-lions. Q Courtesy of Missouri Department of Conservation. For more information about this story and others, visit www.mdc.mo.gov/newsroom.

MDC staff work with tens-of-thousands of private landowners around the state to help them improve wildlife habitat on their property. MDC encourages landowners to contact local MDC staff to learn more. To ﬁnd local MDC staff, visit www.mdc.mo.gov and search under “Who’s My Local Contact.” More than 500,000 hunters spend more than $690 million directly related to deer hunting in Missouri each year. Deer hunting in Missouri annually generates more than $1 billion of overall business activity Q and supports more than 11,000 jobs. www.WaterNWood.com

February 2012

Water `N Woods™

Hammock Camping by Alex riester

bout two years ago, I first heard of the idea of hammock camping from a coworker of mine. As soon as he mentioned it, I was intrigued. Why didn’t I think of that? I love napping in hammocks, reading in hammocks, sunbathing in hammocks. Why not camp in a hammock, too? If sailors have been sleeping in hammocks for the past 300 years, I could easily spend 14 nights in a hammock. The only downfall I could foresee was the dependence on trees that hammocks require, but as we all know, the Ozarks abound in a plentiful abundance of trees, and this would only be a problem above treeline, about 11,000 feet in Rocky Mountain National Park, CO. As I did more and more research, I discovered a hidden culture revolving around this premise of lightweight “fastpacking,” using a hammock as your bed, a lightweight tarp to protect yourself from the weather and even a mosquito net to ensure a comfortable night’s rest. A hammock is a great alternative to a tent. It offers all of the protection a normal tent would provide, at around half the weight and half the price. My personal hammock setup weighs in at right around three pounds. I have a double parachute hammock from Grand Trunk. This particular hammock is a little heavier than most ultra-light hammocks, but I like the extra space and the weight capacity, just in case my dog wants to hop in with me. For shelter, I use an MSR E-Wing tarp, which is just the right length to completely cover the hammock, and it is wide enough to guy-out to four separate points on the ground. I do not use a mosquito net; instead I “deet-up” before bed. The largest downfall to hammock camping is cooler temperatures. With nothing but air underneath you, one could grow quite cold in even the mildest of conditions. To take care of insulation, I use my Therma-rest NeoAir sleeping pad, which has a thin patent-pending reflective barrier that reflects my body heat back to me. The sleeping pad also adds stability and gives my hammock some structure, thus increasing my overall comfort. I have also used a Z-Lite mattress, a closed cell foam pad, and the sleep was just as restful and pleasant. An alternative to sleeping on a pad is attaching a quilt to the bottom of the hammock for insulation. While I have no experience with this method, I hear it works quite well.

24 Water `N Woods™

February 2012

When I first mention hammock camping, people tend to think it takes a long time to hang, and that a thorough knowledge of knots is required. This is not the case. On average, it takes me ten minutes to get my entire shelter strung up and ready to sleep in. Grand Trunk’s tree slings help speed up this process, and they include a section of tubular webbing for the rope to run through, resulting in less damage to the trees if you are staying in one place for a couple days. The most difficult part about the setup is making sure your hammock is level and it should be level to ensure a good night’s rest. If one end is just a little higher than the other, I recommend sleeping with your feet on the higher side. It only took one night of my head on the higher side to realize I spent the entire night fighting gravity and trying to push myself back up to where I was.

Hammock camping is a fun, lightweight and comfortable way to have a good time camping, and with ultra-light hammocks starting at $20, I think every outdoor enthusiast should have a go at it. For more information about hammock camping, visit www.hammockforums.com. Alex Riester grew up canoeing and kayaking with his father. His most recent adventures include excursions to the Boundary Waters in Minnesota, the Green River in Utah, and backpacking in the Grand Canyon and Zion National Park. Alex is married to a wonderful woman, Kaitlyn, and together they have an Alaskan malamute named Denali, Alex’s other partner in crime. Alex currently works at Backwoods in Overland Park, KS. He enjoys canoeing, backpacking, canyoneering and just about anything else that includes sleeping in a tent.

www.WaterNWood.com

Kansas Department of Wildlife Parks and Tourism News 2012 Fishing Regulation Summary Now Available Latest rules; how, where, and what to fish for; new bait restrictions included.

rinted copies of the 2012 Kansas Fishing Regulations Summary booklet are now available at Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) office and license vendors, the agency has announced. Among other things, the publication lists new regulations that took effect January 1. From new regulations regarding bait fish to new lakes and ice fishing regulations, the booklet has everything the angler needs to begin the new year right. The following information details Kansas fishing regulation changes for 2012: AnS-designated waters Aquatic Nuisance Species (ANS) waters are defined as waters containing the prohibited species Asian carp, white perch and/or zebra mussels. Fish may not be transported alive from ANS-designated waters.

ramps and points of entry as established by posted notice. The 2012 booklet also features state park and cabin information and detailed regulations for each body of water managed by KDWPT. In addition, a full-color fish identification guide lists all the state's sportfish, complete with text descriptions and detailed illustrations by renowned fish illustrator Joseph Tomelleri. Look-alike species are grouped together with complementary text to help the angler distinguish the difference between such closely-related species as white bass and wipers; blue catfish and channel catfish; the state's three black basses; black and white crappie; and pallid, shovelnose, and lake sturgeon.

Zebra mussels were found in Council Grove, Kanopolis, and Melvern reservoirs, as well as both Jeffery Energy Center lakes last year, bringing the total number of infested lakes to 15.

The booklet also provides the latest information about aquatic nuisance species (ANS) in Kansas waters, including a complete listing of ANS waters by county. Three pages are dedicated to this subject, complete with detailed illustrations and tips on how to prevent the spread of ANS plants, mollusks and ﬁsh.

bait Wild-caught bait fish shall only be used on the body of water where taken. If taken on a flowing stream or river, wild-caught bait fish shall not be transported upstream across any dam or natural barrier.

Anglers who want to contact a district fisheries biologist will find a listing of names and phone numbers of the nearest biologist, as well as regional supervisors. A listing of natural resource officer contacts is also included.

New regulations have been passed regarding what bait dealers may legally sell. Among the restrictions are that certain fish and crayfish and amphibians may no longer be sold for bait. For details, contact a local natural resource officer, fisheries biologist or KDWPT office.

For more information, contact the nearest KDWPT ofﬁce or pick up a copy of the 2012 Kansas Fishing Regulations Summary wherever licenses are sold. Copies may also be downloaded from the KDWPT website, www.kdwpt.state.ks.us. Click the “Fishing” icon at the top of Q the page, then “Fishing Regulations” in the left-hand column.

new lakes Critzer Reservoir, near Mound City, was opened to fishing last spring. And ponds on the Grand Osage Wildlife Area, near Parsons, may be opened for fishing in 2012. Transporting fish/bilges and livewells Stocking or releasing of wildlife on navigable publicly-owned rivers and federal reservoirs and department lands and waters is prohibited. Livewells and bilges must be drained and drain plugs removed from all vessels prior to transport from any waters of the state on a public highway. No person may possess any live fish upon departure from any designated aquatic nuisance body of water. Trout Opening day of trout season for 2012 will be November 1. Colby Villa High Lake has been added to the Type 1 list of waters stocked with trout. Ice fishing Motorized electric or gasoline-powered two-wheeled vehicles, all-terrain vehicles, work-site utility vehicles, golf carts and snowmobiles may be operated on ice-covered department waters only for the purpose of ice fishing from one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset. These vehicles shall enter onto the ice only from boat

Courtesy of Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks. For more information about this story and others, visit www.kdwp.state.ks.us. www.WaterNWood.com

February 2012

Water `N Woods™

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Wild Timesâ&#x20AC;?

with Kansas Wildscape Foundation by David M. Zumbaugh

ou may have never heard of a wonderful organization that is dedicated to conserving and perpetuating the land, the wild species and the rich beauty of Kansas for the use and enjoyment of all, but, if you are looking for opportunities to get your family and friends outdoors and having some fun, the Kansas Wildscape Foundation can oblige. Wildscape, founded in 1991 as an independent 501c3 entity, is dedicated to raising tax deductible funds to beneďŹ t wildlife and to create outdoor recreation programs in Kansas. These lofty goals are accomplished through educational efforts, focused outdoor projects and youth programs. The most successful undertaking so far has been the delivery of cabins to Kansas state parks. Through donations and secured ďŹ nancing, Wildscape has put more than 70 cabins in state parks and on other public lands. These cabins are being built by inmates via a partnership arrangement with Kansas Correctional Facilities, resulting in lower cost construction and rehabilitation and training of prisoners. Demand for these cabins has exceeded expectations, with very high occupancy rates and high praise from repeat customers. The Outdoor Kansas Kids program schedules dozens of outings for youth across the state.These outings are designed to get kids outdoors and to be more active. Partnerships have evolved with city and county parks, as well as private sites, to have events such as ďŹ shing tournaments, nature hikes and bike rodeos. Another innovative program was designed to couple the technology of the internet and the simplicity of nature. The WildLifer Challenge encourages parents and children of all ages to become more involved in the outdoors through the use of an interactive, web-based program that challenges children to accomplish 15 outdoor or â&#x20AC;&#x153;WildLiferâ&#x20AC;? tests at their own pace. Two major fundraisers occur each year, The Governorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Golf and Fishing Tournament and the Flint Oak Shoot. Donors, both corporate and individuals, attend and participate in sporting contests, as well as auctions, to beneďŹ t the foundation. If you are interested in learning more about the Kansas Wildscape Foundation or getting personally involved, please go to: www.kansaswildscape.org. Water `N Woodsâ&#x201E;˘

January 2012

Product Review The First Strike ReďŹ&#x201A;ex Electronic Sight

he First Strike ReďŹ&#x201A;ex is a versatile electronic red dot sight for hunters and shooters alike.

Lightweight and compact, this point-and-shoot sight allows marksmen or hunters to quickly acquire targets. With unlimited eye relief the First Strike ReďŹ&#x201A;ex is not only easy to mount on a variety of ďŹ rearms, it is a highly adaptable sighting system for handguns, turkey guns and modern sporting riďŹ&#x201A;es. The First Strike ReďŹ&#x201A;ex features a 5 MOA dot with an automatic brightness adjustment that quickly adjusts to variable light conditions. Fully waterproof and designed to withstand heavy recoil, shooters can count on the First Strike ReďŹ&#x201A;ex to be a durable, high-performance electronic sight. The sight features a built-in mounting system that quickly attaches to Weaver-style bases or Picatinny rails. Available for an MSRP of $219.95, the First Strike ReďŹ&#x201A;ex will be introduced in March 2012. For more information about the Bushnell First Strike ReďŹ&#x201A;ex sight, visit the product page online at www.bushnell.com . Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t forget to visit the Bushnell Factory Outlets at 445 NW Murray Road, Leeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Summit, MO, 816-525-2220 or 8500 Marshall Drive, Lenexa, KS, 913-310-0783 to this product and other great discounted products. Q

285 (%6,7( 72 9,(: 285 9,6,7 : (0$*$=,1( 25 72 &211(&7 :,7+ 86 21 :,77(5 $1' < 2878%( )$&(%22. 7 ::: : $7(51:22' &20

www.waternwood.com

Trophy Room

Send Your Trophy Photos

Ed Paterson shot this 1,285-pound buffalo on December 10, 2011 at the Hedge Hollow Ranch.

Cale Nelson, age three, caught his ﬁrst ﬁsh this past summer at Lake Jacomo in Jackson County, MO.

Email Us Your Trophy Photos: Please send the best you have to Victoria Cromwell, victoria@waternwood.com. Provide your name, hometown and a short story. Suitable images for printing will be published.

Be Sure to Visit Our Online Magazine at www.WaterNWood.com

Fishing Hunting Boating Relaxing

Truman Lake Area Cabin,

Mom & Pop Owned, Rent By The Day, Week or Month. Open Floor Plan, Privacy, Sleeps 6, Kitchenette, Close To Boat Ramp. Limited Availability, Call to Reserve Your Relaxing Stay.

Tightwad Inn 660-477-3330 or 816-517-3415 1165 SE Hwy 7, Clinton, MO 64735 WaterNWoods - 11/111

www.WaterNWood.com

February 2012

Water `N Woods™

Water ‘N Woods | resource directory

Hunting Equipment Missouri - KC METRO

Where To Shop For Guns & Gunsmiths Guns & Gunsmiths Within 50 Miles of Kansas City

mISSourI

bass pro Shops branson: 1 Bass Pro Drive 417-243-5200 columbia: 3101 Bass Pro Drive 573-886-7100 Independence: 18001 Bass Pro Dr. 816-795-4300 Springﬁeld: 1935 S. Campbell 417-887-7334 Hunting Fishing Goods, Boat Dealers www.basspro.com

gunslinger firearms llc 816-380-5099 2110 Royal St., Harrisonville, MO Guns & Gunsmiths. gunner’s firearms llc 816-318-9968 402 Pine Street Suite C, Raymore, MO Firearms: Buy - Sell - Trade - Transfers www.gunnersﬁrearms.com

bushnell factory outlet 816-525-2220 445 NW Murray Rd, Lee’s Summit MO Riﬂescopes, Binoculars, Sunglasses & More dick's Sporting goods (lee's Summit) Summit Woods Crossing 816-525-3006 1600 NW Chipman Road, Lee's Summit, MO dick's Sporting goods (Independence) Bolger Square 816-350-0089 17730 East 39th Street, Independence, MO dick's Sporting goods (north Kansas city) Zona Rosa New Urban Retail Center 816-436-3524 8665 NW Prairie View Road., Kansas City, MO 64153 dick's Sporting goods (South Kansas city) Ward Parkway Mall 816-363-1198 8600 Ward Parkway, Kansas City, MO

Hunting Equipment Kansas - KC METRO

Avid Archery 913-592-6738 111 W Johnson, Spring Hill, KS 66083 Authorized Mathews Dealer & Hoyt Dealer bass pro Shop 913-254-5200 12051 Bass Pro Dr., Olathe, KS 66061 Hunting Fishing Goods, Boat Dealers bushnell factory outlet

913-310-0783

8500 Marshall Drive, Lenexa, KS

Riﬂescopes, Binoculars, Sunglasses & More cabela's 913-328-0322 10300 Cabela Drive Kansas City, KS Hunting Fishing Goods, Boat Dealers dick’s Sporting goods (Merriam KS) Merriam Town Center 913-432-3945 5600 Antioch Road, Merriam, KS dick's Sporting goods (Olathe KS) North Ridge Plaza 913-254-9196 15280 West 119th Street, Olathe, KS dick's Sporting goods (Leawood KS) Town Center Plaza 913- 661-0200 11801 Nall Avenue, Leawood, KS 66211 m c Sporting goods 913- 851-7583 camping equipment only 11310 W 135th St Overland Park, KS

28 Water `N Woods™

February 2012

Guns & Gunsmiths Within 50 Miles of Kansas City

hatﬁeld's 816-233-9106 2028 Frederick Ave., Saint Joseph, MO Guns & Gunsmiths, Sporting Goods, Antiques-Dealers.

Advertisers in this publication are listed in Red in the Resourse Directories.

mISSourI A-bee's pawn & gun 816-232-3006 2602 Messanie St., Saint Joseph, MO Guns & Gunsmiths, Sporting Goods, Pawnbrokers Armory 816-903-0999 701 N Country, Rd., Kearney, MO Gunsmith, Indoor Range, Guns www.thearmoryonline.com Arms mart Inc 816-796-5800 21200 E Truman Rd, Independence, MO Guns, Ammo, Accessories - Buy. Sell. Trade.

blue Steel guns & Ammo

816-358-8004

James country mercantile 816-781-9473 111 N Main St., Liberty, MO Guns & Gunsmiths, Sporting Goods. longshot riﬂes 816-773-6500 30402 E 323rd St., Garden City, MO Guns & Gunsmiths, Sporting Goods. odessa gun Shop 816-230-4423 11706 Varner Rd., Odessa, MO Guns & Gunsmiths, Sporting Goods. orman's gunshop 816-633-7242 12342 Mount Tabor Rd., Odessa, MO Guns & Gunsmiths, Sporting Goods. r & r pawn Shop 816-632-1787 214 E 3rd St,. Cameron, MO Guns, Ammunition, Jewelry, Pistols.

8832 E. 350 Highway, Raytown, MO Handguns, Riﬂes ― Buy. Sell. Trade. Shooting Supplies, Gunsmith & Classes www.bluesteelgunsandammo.com

Show me Shooters Indoor range 816 452-4867 287 E US Highway 69, Kansas City, MO Guns, Riﬂe & Pistol Ranges.

b & g gunsmithing 816-331-6589 605 Lillian Ln., Raymore, MO Guns & Gunsmiths, Sporting Goods.

Snapshots gun Shop 816-221-9117 2001 Clay Street, Kansas City, MO Guns & Gunsmiths

drake's military Supply co 816-896-4131 Kansas City, MO. Guns & Gunsmiths, Sporting Goods

Tristar Sporting Arms 816-421-1400 1816 Linn Street, Kansas City, MO tristarsportingarms.com

crossﬁre recreational center 816-796-0023 21200 E Truman Rd, Independence, MO Guns & Ammunition, Guns Certiﬁcation & Safety Instruction, Shooting Range

uS gun Specialties 816-436-2700 6581 N Oak Trfy, Kansas City, MO Firearms, Accessories, & Safes.

40 woods bait & Tackle 816-229-6818 3995 SW US Highway 40, Blue Springs, MO Guns & Gunsmiths, Fishing Bait & Tackle. guns unlimited Inc 816-468-4867 8113 N Oak Trfy., Kansas City, MO Guns & Gunsmiths, Sporting Goods. ©Water `N Woods. 2012, All Conceptual Designs & Reprint Rights Reserved

www.WaterNWood.com

Water ‘N Woods | resource directory

Fishing Clubs & Sport Shows Guns & Gunsmiths Within 50 Miles of Kansas City

Fishing Clubs

Missouri & Kansas

Outdoor Shows

KAnSAS

2012 Sports Shows

Atchison outﬁtters 913-367-6312 2000 W Highway 59, Atchison, KS Guns & Gunsmiths, Sporting Goods, Ammunition Reloading Supplies,

backlashers 913-782-2952 Jerry Wagner, 15706 W. 126TH. St Olathe, KS 66062

feb 10-12 Topeka boat & outdoor Show, Kansas Expo Center, Topeka, KS Contact: Dee 800-756-4788 or deirdres@rjpromotions.com Details: www.topekaboat.com

leavenworth bass club 913-758-1586 Randy Kenton 1700 Chester Ct., Leavenworth KS 66048

february 17-19, pheasant fest & Quail classic Presented by Cabala’s

bass pro Shop 913-254-5200 12051 Bass Pro Dr., Olathe, KS 66061 Hunting Fishing Goods, Boat Dealers cabela's 913-328-0322 10300 Cabela Drive Kansas City, KS Hunting Fishing Goods, Boat Dealers bullet hole 913-432-0050 6201 Robinson St., Overland Park, KS Guns, Gunsmiths, Sporting Goods, Range.

brigade gunleather 913-755-3139 33301 Osawatomie Rd., Osawatomie, KS Guns & Gunsmiths, Sporting Goods coffman's repair & custom 740 N 7th St., Lawrence, KS Guns & Gunsmiths,

785-841-1077

culver Knives & gunsmithing 785-484-0146 5682 94th St., Meriden, KS Guns & Gunsmiths, Sporting Goods cedar hill gun club 785-843-8213 918 E 1650th Rd., Baldwin City, KS Guns & Gunsmiths, Sporting Goods, Trap Skeet & Sporting Clay Ranges. guns & gunsmiths, Sporting goods heart of America ps 913- 371-3200 620 Minnesota Ave., Kansas City, KS Guns & Gunsmiths, Sporting Goods hacks outﬁtters Inc 785-842-6338 941 E 23rd St., Lawrence, KS Guns & Gunsmiths, Sporting Goods, Bait & Tackle.

olathe bass club 2011 President, Jimmie Folse For more info: olathebassclub@gmail.com olathe community Sportsmans club Kevin Herschberger 816-225-8897 Kickback Jr. bass club 913-231-4603 Mike Douglass: mikekellydouglass@gmail.com www.kickbackbassclub.com Shawnee mission bassmasters John Cambpell: President 913-208-9802 Nic Garcia: Tournament Director 913-653-4490 website: http://smbassmasters.com

mISSourI blue Spring lake buddy Tournaments Contact Mark Slocum 816-550-5664 http://bluespringsbuddybass.com

Contacts: Karlene Carlson, Event Coordinator kcarlson@pheasantsforever.org, 877-773-2070 Brad Heidel, Director of Special Events Sales bheidel@pheasantsforever.org, 877-773-2070 or 651-403-1772. Website: www.pheasantfest.org. february 24-26,Kansas city chapter Safari club International Annual hunter’s expo

heartland Tournament Association P.O. Box 565 Platte City, MO 816-464-5557 www.heartlandproam.com Jacomo bass club 816-524-6266 Open Buddy Tournaments thru October 100% Payback cal for details.

Kansas firearms Specialties 913-369-0123 328 Delaware St., Tonganoxie, KS Guns & Gunsmiths, Sporting Goods olathe gun Shop 913-782-6900 716 S Rogers Rd.,Olathe, Ks Guns, Accessories, Ammunition, Sportiing Goods, Range, Special Orders, New & Used, Gunsmiths.

raytown bass club 816-506-0611 Neil Parikh - President: neil@raytownbassclub.net neil@raytownbassclub.net

uT Arms 913-459-4877 303 Power Dr, Kansas City, KS Guns, Accessories, Ammunition, Toll Free: 885-488-2767 or visit: utarms.com

The show will focus on wildlife conservation, upland game bird hunting, dog training, and wildlife habitat management and restoration.

central u.S. bass Anglers 816-537-4248 David Burlington, President 3601 SW Crane Rd., Lee Summit, MO

missouri b.A.S.S. federation 3405 NW Nautical Court Blue Springs, MO. http://mobass.com

Simmons gun repair 913-782-3131 700 South Rogers Rd, Olathe, KS Full-Service Gunsmith

Kansas City Convention Center, Bartle Hall

nothin' but Toads bass club 816-805-8237 Independence, MO., Brent Fasse website: http://nothinbuttoads.com Smithville bassmasters 816-588-2087 Chester Winans - kcwinans@yahoo.com http://web.me.com/ahabiger/Smithville_Bassmasters/Welcome.html

KCI Expo Center, 11730 N. Ambassador Drive, Kansas City, MO

The event will feature exhibits by gun makers, outfitters and numerous name-brand outdoor industry companies. A full slate of Pro-Staff seminars on whitetail management, big game, turkey hunting and waterfowl hunting is scheduled throughout the event.

Contacts: kchuntersexpo@gmail.com Convention Chairman: Mike Hagen, mhagen@kc.rr.com, website: hunters-expo.com march 3-4, missouri deer classic Boon County Fairgrounds, Columbia, MO Theexpanded schedule of informative and entertaining seminars requires two stages. Back by popular demand is Brody, the 1500 lb. live Kodiak Grizzly Bear. An incredible lineup of exhibitors. Conact: Ron Roper, Missouri Deer Classic Chairman, 573-366-8100, 573-760-4545 or r.roper128@gmail.com We Update Show Information Each Month So Keep Watching For New Listings And Also Visit www.WaterNWood.com.

Notice: To Update Your Information or Be Listed Here - Send To: V i ctoria@ Water nWo o d.c om Visit Our Online Magazine at www.WaterNWood.com

February 2012

Water `N Woods™

Branson Ziplining

Can Become Most Addictive by Alan Hoskins

Photo Courtesy of Branson Ziplining

word of warning to those ready for the latest craze in outdoor fun ― ziplining! It’s very addictive.

My introduction to zipping through a bevy of multi-colored fall trees came at the year-old spiffy Branson Zipline, which also boasts the only 100-foot powerfan free fall in the country, but more about that later. Like most ﬁrst-timers, I’m sure, there was apprehension on the way up to the initial platform. What if I stopped halfway to the next platform? How would they get me down? Not a problem — I learned very quickly. The descent is such that you have more than enough zip to get to the next platform. In fact, there Photo Credits: Alan Hoskins

are breaking blocks that slow you at your arrival. “The only time that might be a problem is if someone is real light and the wind is blowing,” said one of our guides. The only problem — if you can call it that — is that it all happens too quickly, and you can’t wait for more. Call it exciting, exhilarating or just plain fun — you also realize it is very addictive. Open March 1 – December 31, Branson Zipline is located at Wolfe Creek Preserve on Highway 65, seven miles north of Branson. Reservations are advised, and here’s what you can expect once you’ve signed in. All equipment gear is provided, and that’s where you start – being strapped in a harness and fitted with a helmet. The only specific clothing requirement is that you have closed-toed shoes. You get all the instructions you need, but here’s the one that should eliminate or at least reduce any fear one might have. Once you leave the ground, you are always hooked to a cable. Sometimes you’re even hooked up twice while making the transition from one cable to another. “‘Always one, never none’ is our motto,” says General Manager Emma Hamilton. “Also, our guides take care of all transfers. Guests are not allowed to hook up or unhook. Safety is our number-one priority.” Branson Zipline also offers gravity breaking and breaking blocks, something not found at all ziplines. “It’s the same concept as riding a bicycle downhill very fast, and then slowing down as you ride back up the hill,” explains Hamilton. “Some ziplines require that you wear leather gloves and apply pressure to the zipline break yourself, and you find yourself concentrating so much on that, you don’t enjoy the ride. We want you to relax and just enjoy.” Four zipline tours are offered. There are two Canopy tours, the Ozarks Xplorer and the Flying Prospector, and two heart pumping thrillers, the Blue Streak Fast Line and Free Fall Xpress. The ultimate experience is the Canopy Adventure Combo, a combination of the Ozarks Xplorer and the Blue Streak.

30 Water `N Woods™

February 2012

www.WaterNWood.com

On the day of our visit, a large group of sorority girls from Missouri State were free falling, and the general consensus was that all found it awesome. Then there was also the guy who needed three hours to be talked down. So take a look at it and make sure it’s something you truly want to do, because there’s no backing down. I would be remiss, however, to not mention our guides, Neil and Maddy. Neil was the “catcher,” and Maddy the “starter.” Not only did they make you feel safe and comfortable, they were just like old friends. By the second zipline, Maddy knew and remembered something about everyone on board. “It takes several weeks before we send a guide out on tour,” says Hamilton. “We start with the third party Association of Challenge Course Technology that governs our industry.” There are no age limitations for Branson Zipline’s four tours. The only requirement is that you weigh at least 70 pounds and not more than 275 pounds.

R EE

INITIAL CONSULTATION

H e r e t o H e l p Yo u W i t h Yo u r L e g a l N e e d s S o Yo u C a n S p e n d Yo u r T i m e O u t d o o r s . PAUL MUDD, Attorney L L L L L

D WI / TR AFF IC DI VORC E I N J U RY C L A I M S – A L L T Y P E S AU TO A C C I D E N T S WOR K ER S’ C O M P

816-836-0427 400 W. KANSAS, INDEPENDENCE, MO

The four Tours:

WnW 01/12

Designed for those seeking the ultimate in thrills, the Blue Streak Fast Line is like no other in the U.S. It’s a full quarter of a mile zipline 150 feet in the air across a valley to a tower that stands 100 feet above the ground and the ONLY way down is by free fall. “It’s our shortest and our most exciting tour,” says Hamilton. “It’s the only place in the country where you can do a 100-foot dismount. The oldest person we’ve had do it was 89, and the oldest to zipline was 92.” The free fall is actually about 70 feet, the ﬁnal 30 feet is a controlled descent.

ozarks Xplorer Zipline canopy Tour – Seven ziplines and 10 sky bridges, including ﬂight over Wolfe Mine and learning the full legend of the Wolfe family. Takes 2½-3 hours including Mid-Mountain Refreshment Break. Adult $99.99; child $89.99 (family passes also available).

ATTENT GRABB ION FOR YOERS BUSIN UR ESS

flying prospector Zipline canopy Tour – Four ziplines and seven sky bridges. Ideal for novices, families and groups or those with limited time. Takes 1½-2 hours. Adult $69.99; child $66.99. blue Streak fast line and free fall Xpress – One zipline, culminated by a 100-foot powerfan free fall. Takes 30-60 minutes. Adult $39.99; child $38.99. Can be added to canopy tour for $29.99. canopy Adventure combo – The ultimate: eight ziplines, 10 sky bridges and 100-foot perfan free fall. Allow 3-4 hours. Adult $129.99; child $119.99.

15 Foot Tall Only $198

Great For Trade Shows

“We’ve seen deer and wild turkeys and lots of other animals and birds,” says Safari Dan, a horticulturist who guides many of the walking tours. The cost is $19.95 for adults, $18.95 for children.

WnW-12/11

For those who choose to explore Wolfe Creek Preserve by foot, there’s also a Wolfe Creek Photo Safari Walking Tour. “We drive you to the top of the property in a Pinzgauer Swiss Army Troop Carrier and you stroll leisurely back and forth down Wolfe Mountain,” says Hamilton. “The tour is fully guided, and while you make your way down the mountain, you will learn about the ﬂora and fauna of the area as zippers ﬂy overhead. It takes about an hour and a half to two hours, and there’s a mid-mountain refreshment break included.”

Visit www.bransonZipline.com for additional information. ReservaQ tions can be made by calling 1-800-712-4654. www.WaterNWood.com

February 2012

Water `N Woods™