March 2015 Issue

A HUNTER’S BEST HUNT

MISSOURI’S ALLEY SPRING

VOL. 42, NO. 9

MARCH 2015

(800) 874-8423, ext. 1

‘the phone call that changed my life’

Timing the bite for crappie

By Ray Simms ne of the most common questions that we get asked in relation to crappie fishing is about timing the peak of the best bites of the year.

As fishing pros, running a guide service and outfitting operation, we’re on the water all the time and have some favorite times of year to target different kinds of fish.

O

Please see BITE, 18

(Front row, l-r) Blake Hagemeier, Nick Graves, Elliot Caldwell, and Chris Walters. (Back row, l-r) Ricky Keller, Ray Cunrod, Spencer Kelso, Robert Quates, and Dave Longan.

Wounded warriors in healing waters

By Adam Bracken s a game warden I receive countless calls from the public ranging from questions about hunting regulations to Sasquatch sightings.

So, when my phone rang one day in September of 2009 I had no idea that the conversation that I was about to have would change my life, but I’ll talk more about that later.

The man on the other end of the phone was Tron Peterson. I met Tron earlier in the year during spring turkey season, which is a whole other story, but the short version is that all I knew about him was that he was a man of in-

A

Osprey platforms installed The osprey-watch will soon begin at Stockton Lake as a new nesting platform was installed by Empire District Electric on Tuesday, Feb. 24.

Crews were on site at noon, at Ruark Bluff Road, at the Missouri Department of Conservation access.

Ospreys, a bird of prey, nest near lakes, ponds, rivers and streams in large trees or on artificial structures, such as electric utility poles.

Please see WATERS, 19

Please see NEST, 18

Beaver Creek Canoe to open April 1 with major upgrades & camp store

B

eaver Creek Canoe Rental & Campground will re-open April 1 under new ownership.

Beaver Creek’s new owners, Barry and Jan Dougherty, have added a brand new bath house, new fishing kayaks and updated each campsite with a picnic table, fire ring with grill grate, and lantern hanger.

A camp store will also be on the premises with a wide variety of camping and fishing items. “We’re real excited about the new log cabin-style bathhouse built by Rustic Ozark Log Cabins out of Salem, Missouri,� said Jan. “They will also build our cabins along the creek so the whole Please see CREEK, 18

Float trips offered will range from five to 22 miles in length.

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Page 10 • March 2015

Enjoy Missouri’s exciting outdoors with these area campgrounds, eateries & motels!

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RiverHillsTraveler.com

March 2015 • Page 11

Trout biting just above new rock dam at Maramec Spring

By Howard Helgenberg he Woodson K. Woods Memorial Conservation Area pretty much surrounds Maramec Spring Trout park.

At 5,658 acres it is located in Crawford and Phelps counties. There are miles of hiking trails, 27 food plots for wildlife viewing, numerous small ponds and access to Dry Fork Creek, a trophy trout stretch of the Maramec River.

The area winds up at Maramec Spring trout park. It’s a great area to hike and fish, and when the weatherman predicted a warmup for the weekend and blue skies, I packed up and headed out for some backwoods hiking and a little trout fishing.

I keep my camper at a place called Pheasant Acres RV Park/Campground located south of St. James, Mo., on Highway 8. If you check the map you’ll notice that Pheasant Acres sits right on the edge of The Woodson K. Woods Conservation Area.

It also just happens to be about two miles up the road from Maramec Spring trout park - or about a five mile hike through the woods.

It was turning out to be one of my favorite types of days for hiking. It was still cold enough that you needed a jacket, yet you could walk all morning and never work up a sweat.

I planned to take my time and enjoy the hike to Maramec Spring and spend the afternoon trout fishing. I had dropped off my truck with my fishing stuff at the spring earlier that morning so I could just take my time and enjoy my hike through the woods.

I would have guessed I had the entire

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conservation area to myself but about a mile or so into my hike, I started hearing people talking.

Then I caught a glimpse of movement off to my right and maybe fifty or sixty yards into the woods. I soon saw four people out for a hike and headed toward me.

I decided to wait for them and eventually introduced myself to Hunter, Ryan and Persephone Bullock and Jackson Marcee. It turns out that they had the same idea I did and were out hiking and taking up the sunshine and the beautiful day.

Although I didn’t plan to get off the main trail I still brought my GPS along.

I like to keep track of the miles I log and the GPS is a great tool for this.

If you are going to depend on a GPS when out hiking I would give the following two suggestions. Be sure to carry two sets of extra batteries and always mark your vehicle with a waypoint before you leave it and go into the woods.

I’ve seen it happen more than once where someone heads out hiking in the woods and had no way of finding their way back to their vehicle because they forgot to mark it with a waypoint.

The last quarter-mile of the trail to Maramec Spring parallels the Meramec River and falls under the state’s RED RIBBON TROUT rules. It’s a great place to fish for trout but be sure you understand all the rules. It is totally different than Maramec Spring.

I floated and fished this stretch of the river many years ago on a cold February day with Bob Todd from the Highway 8 Bridge to Scott’s Ford. We didn’t catch many fish that day but we did tip

A new dam across the stream has created a new area for holding trout.

Hunter, Ryan, Persephone Bullock and Jackson Marcee.

Scott Walken holds up a smallmouth bass caught just upstream from the bridge at Maramec Spring.

and sink Bob’s canoe about a mile upstream from Scott’s Ford. At the time it didn’t seem as dangerous as it does looking back now.

While wading and fishing Maramec Spring I noticed a new addition to the stream. A rock dam has been built just upstream from the fish cleaning station.

This stretch of the stream has always been dead water in my opinion and never held any trout.

I made a few casts and caught a rainbow just above the new dam. You

could see several trout in the water. I believe this new dam is a great addition to the stream.

As I continued my way around the stream I couldn’t help notice fellow fisherman Scott Walken from Eureka, Mo., reeling in a smallmouth. That’s something you don’t see very often at a trout stream.

All and all it was a wonderful day. I got plenty of exercise, caught a couple nice trout and got a great night’s sleep back at the campground.

Around the World with the

River Hills Traveler

Justin Harvel was an exhibitor at the 2015 Shot Show in Las Vegas in January. He took a friend along with him.

——————————————— If you're going on a trip, whether for business or vacation, take the RIVER HILLS TRAVELER with you and have someone photograph you and the magazine in front of a landmark or particular setting.

Then just email the picture to us at jimmy@riverhillstraveler.com or TEXT it to (417) 456-0673 and we will publish it in an upcoming issue. If you have any questions, please give us a call at (800) 8748423, ext. 1.

Page 2 • March 2015

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Beginning turkey hunting

By Mike Roux remember my first turkey hunt. The Missouri turkey population has finally taken hold and was just starting to flourish.

Because of the small number of birds in our area when I was very young, I had no “expert” turkey hunter to learn from.

I had my dad, Glen Roux, to teach me the proper ways to deer hunt. Grandpa Guy showed me the value of a beagle on a rabbit track.

But there was nobody to follow into the timber after the wild turkey.

These days, this story is repeated regularly. I cannot begin to count the number of teenagers and adults that come to my seminars or see my shows and write me letters who indicate that they are beginning turkey hunters.

Many times the answers they seek and the advice they need is very similar. The troubles that “green” turkey hunters face are often common problems. The good part for those guys is the assurance that all the “pros” went through this same educational process at some time.

Outdoors people who decide to start turkey hunting now have a great advantage over me and the way I got started. The amount of literature and the number of experienced turkey hunters who would share their knowledge to the public was very limited.

There was not a Brad Harris or a Ralph Duren or a Mike Roux for me to listen to when I was learning.

Turkey hunting just had not evolved into the totally popular sport that it is today. This was due, for the most part, to the low turkey population.

As I learned turkey hunting, in the late ‘60s, I might hear one gobbler a day and hopefully get one shot a year. Now I have enough confidence in not only my skills, but in the certainty of knowing how many birds are out there, that I know I can call-in one or two birds per morning. This practical experience has no substitute for turkey hunters of all seniority levels.

In this educational process, or any other for that matter, apprenticeship is much better than self-instruction. If you are just getting started and can find a veteran, a hunter who has already “paid his dues” who will let you tag along and observe, you can learn much quicker.

By watching, you can learn to avoid the common mistakes that cost me birds in my early days as a want-to-be turkey hunter.

Pre-season scouting is something dedicated turkey hunters swear by. Many things can be determined by these early trips into the woods. Watch your pro looking for sign. Scratching and roost trees can be very significant. He may show you turkey droppings and teach you the difference between hen and tom sign.

He may take you out early enough to listen to gobbling. Charting gobbler roosts and gobbling patterns before the season can help you estimate not only gobbler density but possible strut zones as well. Knowing where your bird wants to spend his morning is very helpful.

When the game starts, listen to the entire conversation. Do not concentrate so much on the calling that you ignore what the gobbler is saying. A good caller will let the tom dictate the conversation.

You may call much more or much less than your bird, but his mood helps you make that decision. All too often hunters place too much emphasis on calling.

Good woodsmanship and knowledge of the bird are much more important in turkey hunting than calling.

Observe the way your mentor conceals himself from your prey. Learn his camouflage preferences and find out why he chose them. Watch for tricks like using decoys or locator calls.

As you document all of these different pieces, begin to put the puzzle together to better increase your understanding of the entire process.

Remember, no matter how much fun you are having, you are there to learn. Do not waste an opportunity that I would have given my eye teeth to have had.

Most of all, be gracious. You cannot buy what you have just been given.

Spring turkey season opens April 20, and the November portion of firearms deer season opens Nov. 14 JEFFERSON CITY – The Missouri Conservation Commission has set dates for the 2015 firearms turkey and deer hunting seasons.

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Getting young hunters interested in spring turkeys is the key to preserving the sport.

Firearms turkey season dates are: • Spring youth season – April 11 and 12 • Regular spring season – April 20 through May 10 • Fall firearms season – Oct. 1 through 31 Firearms deer season dates are: • Urban portion – Oct. 9 through 12 • Early youth portion – Oct. 31 and Nov. 1 • November portion – Nov. 14 through 24 • Antlerless portion – Nov. 25 through Dec. 6 • Alternative-methods portion – Dec. 19 through 29 • Late youth portion – Jan. 2 and 3, 2016 Full details of 2015 deer and turkey hunting regulations will be published on the Conservation Department website, www.mdc.mo.gov, and in hunting regulation guides available from hunting permit vendors statewide before the seasons.

RiverHillsTraveler.com

March 2015 • Page 19

WATERS from 1 tegrity and someone who was interested in taking people with disabilities hunting.

So, when he started asking me questions about licensing exemptions for disabled veterans, he had my attention. I never served in the military but, with family members that had, I considered myself to be someone who thought we should support our troops even though I had never actually done anything to support them.

Tron told me he was planning to host a deer hunt for six wounded warriors. Over the next few months I worked with Tron to support his event any way I could.

The department I work for, the Missouri Department of Conservation, was able to loan the use of some disabled accessible hunting blinds and we cooked some wild game for a banquet during the last evening of the hunt.

Even as the hunt ended I didn’t understand what I had been a part of. I was so focused on the logistics of getting things done that I didn’t realize that Tron had figured out a way to make life changing differences in the lives of our nation’s heroes.

Tron went on to establish a faith based 501(c) (3) non-profit organization called Peterson Outdoors Ministries (POM). The goal of POM is to offer free outdoor recreational therapy to wounded warriors as well as children and adults with terminal illnesses and disabilities.

What has evolved over the last six years has been an organization that is literally saving veteran’s lives.

What started with a deer hunt in southwest Missouri, has now turned into deer, waterfowl, turkey, moose, bear and fishing trips in the U.S. and Canada.

All of these events have a life changing impact on the participants but there seems to be something special about the now annual duck hunt.

This year POM had five wounded warriors slated for the duck hunt. Last minute cancelations scratched two from the roster, but that is not uncommon when working with military folks.

In addition to the three that came for the hunt, two other special wounded warriors showed up as well: Cole Lopez and Lee Cain. Lee and his wife attended the 2014 turkey hunt as well as the 2014 deer hunt.

Cole attended the 2014 deer hunt and was the first female participant of a POM event.

One of the greatest barometers of whether or not something works is when participants come back to volunteer to take others through what they experienced.

Cole and Lee are two of many that have come back to help. Preparations for the hunt had been going on for weeks in advance and on Jan. 16 this year, a group of POM volunteers gathered at a farm located on the Missouri and Kansas border between Joplin and Pittsburg, Kan. POM often relies on the generosity of local landowners and this event was no different. Dale Roberds allowed POM to transform his very nice tractor shed into a meeting place. When the warriors arrived on Friday they found the highway in front of the farm lined with American flags and a group of POM volunteers excitedly awaiting their arrival.

After dinner, plans were made for the next morning’s hunt. Saturday morning the warriors woke up early and had breakfast along with a devotional message to give the warriors some inspiring and challenging things to think about during the hunt.

Then, they headed out to several different pieces of property that had been prepared for them and the use of which was donated by local landowners. Also along for the fun were four videographers from the online-based waterfowl hunting show “Fowled Reality.”

Blake Hagemeier and the rest of the Fowled Reality guys later said it was the first time that they had been able to be a part of this type of event and they felt like spending time with these heroes blessed them more than anything they did for the hunters. Also, they will be producing two episodes from the hunt that will air in mid-April.

The hunting groups enjoyed some beautiful weather but sub-freezing temperatures leading up to the weekend made for some tough hunting. That evening Jesse Morris, with Killer Chefs out of Dallas, prepared a fantastic duck dinner which was one of many mouth-watering treats he served up over the weekend. After everyone was stuffed, Tim Sallee with Christian Waterfowlers Association presented an inspiring message about perseverance.

The next morning the birds cooperated a little better

and the hunters brought back several ducks and geese along with some very big smiles. After eating brunch, Buster Holzer with Livin’ Loud Outdoors, a partnering non-profit organization, challenged everyone one last time with a powerful message about choosing the right path in life.

I have no idea how many events I have been a part of now but I am still always amazed at how quickly the participants of these events and the volunteers bond with each other. It had only been the better part of three days but everyone was sad to say “good-bye” or more accurately, “See ya later.”

Any waterfowl hunter can tell the same story about that moment when all the work is done, the dekes are set, and the anticipation of what is about to happen is only surpassed by the pink and orange masterpiece of the cold morning sunrise.

Whether it is a cold morning in a duck blind or an unpredictable day in a deer blind, there is something about being outdoors that gives us a chance to reflect.

For many of these warriors it is the first time that they have had to just sit with someone who will listen and genuinely care about them, and let go of some of the things that they have never mentally and emotionally confronted.

That is why POM pairs its participants with a videographer and a “guide.” Why are there quotation marks around the word guide? That’s because the guide may or may not be an expert in whatever is being hunted but they are trained to talk with people who suffer from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and other issues of military life.

Breaking down barriers to healing is why POM offers these events free of charge and invites the spouses and

families of the participants as well. It is also why they stay in contact with the participants indefinitely after the event is over.

Most importantly, it is why POM makes sure to incorporate the Christianity side of things.

Many of these warriors have tried to self-medicate themselves with prescription drugs and alcohol to try to get some peace from what is going on inside of them.

POM believes that exposing the participants to the idea of a relationship with Jesus Christ can show them how to make a peaceful day in the outdoors something that they can duplicate on their own when they go home.

So, how did that phone call in 2009 change my life?

Being involved with POM has not only been one of the most humbling and rewarding things I have ever done, it has also helped keep me and my family focused on the things in life that are truly important.

Two of the many things that my parents used to tell me, that I wound up finding out were true, are that we are known by the company we keep and helping others is often the best way to fix our own problems.

Surrounding myself with the great people of POM and helping these incredible warriors usually leaves me feeling like I have been helped more than I have helped others.

The 2015 duck hunt was a great success and the warriors shot several ducks and geese. More importantly they were introduced to a proven support system that is available anytime they need it.

If you are interested in doing something to truly help our military heroes, or if you are a veteran that needs some help, you can find more information or contact Peterson Outdoors Ministries at www.petersonoutdoors.org.

Page 18 • March 2015

BITE from 1 Like anything else, the hottest bites for crappies can vary a bit from year to year depending on the weather, but once they really get rolling, the fishing can be literally incredible at top waters, like the ones where we spend most of our time.

Peak timing For most of our favorite lakes, and many others across the lower Midwest and central United States, crappie fishing peaks typically run from around late March through mid-May. April is a glorious month for specs, probably the best month overall, but sometimes when waters warm fast, the last half of March is better.

In cooler springs, the first half of May has been truly incredible. Still, anytime during these three months is a great time to wet a line for this species.

There are other times of year to get in on a good bite. Fall can produce great spec fishing in some places. Where ice isn’t much of an issue, winter crappie fishing continues through the season.

And, while the hot waters of summertime usually means slow crappie fishing in many places, two of our favorite home lakes produce crappie fishing that usually rates as good to excellent.

But, spring is it. No matter how great the crappie fishing can be, at any body of water, in any region, it’s still not likely to be any better than it is there in the spring, and usually, spring is going to be considerably better, as big crappies flood the shallows to feed and spawn.

Weather & tactics Weather does affect crappies, like all fish species. In fact, while things like

RiverHillsTraveler.com moon phases, fishing and boating pressure, sun conditions, water levels, and other factors affect the quality of fishing, good or bad, weather conditions affect fish more than anything else.

In spring, we like to see gradual warming trends and long periods of stable weather. Cold fronts slow fish activity more than anything else, and different tactics are required as conditions change.

This is where the advantage of having a large team of guides comes in so handy.

We’re able to work together to narrow down changing fishing patterns much faster and get back on hot bites.

But, general rules of thumb to start off with, are to fish faster, with larger artificial lures in shallower waters when conditions are good in spring, and then to progress to deeper water, while fishing slower, and employing smaller lures or even live baits if need be with poor weather.

It can be effective to drop down a little bit in line weight when crappies get finicky. Lighter lines are thinner in diameter and harder for fish to see, but they really do add some extra action to those small lures employed in these situations.

While things can slow down at times, with bad weather, the vast majority of days during the spring period produce excellent crappie fishing action, and always a great shot at a true trophy caliber specimen.

Cast away Spring is a welcome relief after a long cold winter. The fishing is better than at any other time of year for many species, including crappies, and this is the time of year for catching both numbers of these beautiful fish, and the giant slabs worthy of the wall, too.

CREEK from 1 place will have a new appearance.”

Float trips offered will range from five to 22 miles in length. Shuttle service of private equipment is also available. Beaver Creek is a great location for fishing, hiking in the Mark Twain

Forest, and day trips to Branson.

Beaver Creek Canoe Rental is located six miles east of Bradleyville on Highway 76 where State Road W intersects.

You can visit them online at www.beavercanoerental.com and on Facebook. They can be reached at (417) 796-2336.

NEST from 1 Elevated platforms, like the one installed by Empire at Stockton Lake, have been used successfully by nesting osprey at a number of locations in the Midwest.

Osprey will return to the same nesting site each year, typically in early March.

The platform is being built specifically for the pair who nested on the arms of the nearby transmission line last year.

This nest caught fire by making a connection with the energized line burning not only their nest, but the transmission line and part of the pole.

“This is an important project for us to help the pair establish a safe nesting alternative and avoid any outages to our customers,” said Brent Baker, general manager of Customer Service, Transmission and Engineering for Empire District.

Ospreys are an uncommon migrant to Missouri. They are listed as an endangered species in our neighboring state, Illinois, and are listed as a species of concern for Missouri.

Although they were never plentiful in the past, it seems reintroduction efforts are paying off. According to the Missouri Department of Conservation, as of 2014 there have been 10-20 nesting pairs documented in recent summers.

Adult ospreys – sometimes mistaken

for the larger bald eagle – are generally 21-26 inches long with a black upper body and mostly-white head, chest and underbelly.

RiverHillsTraveler.com

March 2015 • Page 3

Troop 417 braves the cold for Klondike

By Gene Bannister hen most people think about camping, they think warm weather conditions. But for Boy Scouts, any weather is camping weather.

Boy Scout Troop 417, chartered since 1945 to the First United Methodist Church in Park Hills, Mo., and other troops from across the area gathered at the local S Bar F Scout Ranch for their annual Klondike Derby (an event which tests their scout skills, teamwork, and most of all their cold weather camping skills).

The Klondike Derby is an annual event held by many Boy Scout units, districts, and councils across the nation for over 60 years. Each one follows a theme to guide the types of competitions from original Gold Rush themes — Winter Zombies, or Vikings, for instance — and this year the local Klondike theme was “On Target” with BB gun ghooting, archery, tomahawk throwing, wrist rockets (sling shots), shotgun shooting, and fishing golf.

Each contest required accuracy with points awarded to each patrol. After the all the contests were completed, each group brought the Gold Rush-era sledge required for the event and they raced them across the Scout Ranch’s large camporee field.

Troop 417, led by Scoutmaster Gene Bannister and assistant Scoutmasters Scott Comfort, John Barrington and Tony Barry, arrived late Friday afternoon with most parents arriving after 5 p.m.

With decreasing sunlight, the Troop pitched their tents, newly acquired Army surplus one-man tents, and then worked together under the leadership of one of their own, this time 12-year old Caleb W. served as acting Senior Patrol Leader, to put up their dining fly and get their entire camp ship-shape.

Later they made their beds (each Scout that did not bring a cold weather sleeping bag was issued extreme cold weather mummy bags once used by the military and guaranteed up to minus 50 degrees), and then piled around the campfire, each grabbing the camping chairs they brought.

Inevitably one or more Scouts had left their camp chairs at home, so some made do using those away from the fire’s chairs, grabbing a log to set on out of the stack of firewood brought by the adults, or one of the assistant Scoutmasters brought a spare

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chair, or two.

The next morning, after an early night as most of the boys were tired from a full day of school on Friday, the day started with the Senior Patrol Leader waking all the Scouts up and getting the duty roster going for breakfast.

Cooks, water and fire, cleanup, and quartermaster duties had to be fulfilled and breakfast served, cleaned up from and the Troop assembled, ready to bring their sled and attend the morning flag ceremony.

The adults cook separate, and the Scouts take care of planning, buying and feeding themselves. Each meal operates the same way, after the morning opening ceremony, the troop competes in the various competitions, they return to camp to prepare lunch, and later dinner, but in between they stay busy with competitions, visiting other troops, and taking part in closing ceremonies, where they took home a trophy for first place in the fishing golf competition.

The final morning, Sunday, they packed up their gear, the tents, and after cooking a quick breakfast, their kitchen, all in all, another wonderful experience.

The weather proved no factor for these campers. The adults are all veteran campers, with two of them having served in the military and being used to camping under less than ideal conditions.

However, the amazing thing is that the boys never complained. When asked if they had been cold the night before when they gathered around the campfire each morning, each one replied in the negative or stated, “not very.”

The chill knocked off by the campfire, they were up and on their feet, going 60 miles per hour to enjoy and take in the adventure of the weekend. Although no snow fell, temperatures did drop into the mid-20s and rains came in around 2 a.m. on Sunday morning.

The Scouts held up like real Missouri campers, and for most of these boys their very first summer camp experience featured the first two days with torrential

Troop 417 along with their campsite sign post.

rainfall, soaking their gear, their beds and themselves, and it has not failed to rain on them each camp out since.

Their smiles continued all weekend, and did not abate until it was time to go home when moms and dads started appearing Sunday morning.

When asked what he likes most about Scouts, “Camping,” is what Bobby H. said, but what about cold weather camping, we ask him. “It’s okay, but we could have used some snow,” he said with a smile on his face and a glint in his eye.

“It’s not so bad,” said Will L., a second generation Troop 417 Boy Scout following in the footsteps of his Eagle Scout father. “I wasn’t cold at all.”

A couple Scouts reported a little leak in their tents after the rainfall Sunday morning, but nothing substantial, they pointed out. A total of nine Boy Scouts went camping, with two of their number being allowed to camp inside one of the lodges that was housing the staff for the Klondike event.

Those two Boy Scouts, Senior Patrol Leader Caleb B. and Patrol Leader Alek B., both are members of the National Honor Society of Scouting called the Order of the Arrow and were serving on staff instead of participating with their Troop this year.

Instead, temporary Senior Patrol Leader Caleb W. stepped up and lead his troop and brought home a first place trophy, although his father admitted that when selected Caleb was a bit apprehensive.

Troop 417 pulled their Klondike sledge to each event.

“He was nervous that we would not get to compete,” he recounted as the leaders visited with arriving parents. “He thought since he was in charge he wouldn’t get to do any of the things.” But that turned out to not be the case, of course.

The Senior Patrol Leader guides the troop through the entire campout, under the watchful eye of the adult leaders, but he is responsible for delegating tasks around camp. He is a full member of the team when it comes to competitions and not just a spectator.

He, like the others, got to try their hand at all the contests. Through it all, though, the troop performed admirably, setting up camp with no disagreements, carrying out chores with no arguments, delegating tasks evenly and efficiently, a true testament to what can be achieved if young people are given the chance and the adults stay out of their way.

Troop 417 is one of the few area Boy Scout troops to camp during the entire Klondike weekend each year. Out of the 15 Boy Scout troops in the six-county Ozark Trailblazers District, perhaps 2-3 troops will camp on the first night, with perhaps 1 maybe 2 of those going home Saturday after the awards ceremony concludes the event, then an additional 1-2 units may stay only for Saturday night.

Few troops camp both nights in tents, others opting for cabins, lodges or adirondacks, but Troop 417 is proud of their tradition of winter camping. For decades members of the Troop have camped each winter.

There have been some years where adult leadership has been at a minimum and perhaps camping had to be suspended, but right now they are experiencing an uptick in adult leadership and youth participation.

Winter camping is just another piece of that puzzle — teaching outdoor skills, character, and dedication.

Page 4 • March 2015

RiverHillsTraveler.com

You’re invited to the 1st Annual Traveler Summer Fest

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he River Hills Traveler is going to be celebrating its 42nd anniversary this summer.

In recognition of the anniversary, everyone at the Traveler would like to give back to the community by organizing the 1st Annual Traveler Summer Fest, a day of fun-filled activities for young and young-at-heart scheduled for SaturJimmy Sexton day, July 18, at ———— Morse Park North Go Outdoors in Neosho, Mo. This is our way of saying “thank you” to our readers, advertisers, and supporters throughout Missouri. The Traveler is a reflection

of this wonderful state, and what better way to thank everyone here than to put together a huge festival that will offer something for everyone.

Several excited sponsors have jumped on board and volunteers are taking action to make this an outstanding festival for everyone from St. Louis to Pineville, Seneca to Kansas City, and Granby to Cape Girardeau.

Some of the day's events include: • Fishing derby in Hickory Creek, which runs through Morse Park North.

• A morning 5K run.

• The park will be filled with arts and crafts booths as well as food vendors.

• Kayaking & canoeing on Shoal and Hickory creeks. (We will have some kayaks and paddles on hand, but if you have your own, please bring them if you can.)

• Guided fishing tours.

• Archery instruction for students in grades 4-12.

• Motorcycle cruise.

• Face painting.

• Hot dog eating contest.

• Dog show hosted by Faithful Friends Animal Advocates.

• Petting zoo.

• Horseshoe pitching contest.

• Child and youth talent shows.

• Swimming.

• Games for children of all ages.

• Live music from area musicians.

We’re also working on bringing in some talented demonstrators in a variety of categories and we’re negotiating with area motels on special room rates for that weekend.

We promise to keep everyone informed every time we have something new lined up through the magazine, our website, and Facebook page (Traveler

Summer Fest). Summer Fest is going to be something the whole family will enjoy. Perhaps dad can go kayaking or fishing while mom and the kids swim and enjoy various activities at the park?

If you have an idea for an activity or event or would like to be a vendor, give us a shout or email.

Registration forms for booth/food vendors will be posted on our website

by March 10. I expect several groups to have a booth as a fundraiser.

Anyone interested in becoming a sponsor of Traveler Summer Fest, either overall or with a specific activity, can call the River Hills Traveler office at (800) 874-8423, ext. 1, or email festival@riverhillstraveler.com.

(Jimmy Sexton is owner and publisher of the River Hills Traveler. He can be reached at (800) 874-8423, ext.

1, or jimmy@riverhillstraveler.com).

Do it yourself: Build your Stream Team on the cheap!

K

eeping our Stream Team operating takes a significant degree of commitment and selflessness but amazingly not that much cash.

Hopefully you will find these suggestions useful and become a fellow Stream Teamer!

Here goes: • Establish Size of the Team — We limit our fleet to two canoes and 12 kayaks. We cap the numbers mostly due to transportation caBryce pacity and capabilLangley ity. My ———— 12-passenger van Wellness and a school-proon the Water vided minivan gets the trailer, boats and people to the water as affordably and efficiently as we consider possible.

• Acquire the Gear — In the spring, the entire city of Neosho, Mo., transforms into a huge garage sale. In fact, it

is actually dubbed the state’s largest city wide garage sale. I find life jackets, tackle, paddles, lines and sometimes even a first aid kit.

I have never been into “junking” but now have a new appreciation of the pastime.

All allegations of chauvinism aside, watch how quickly (and cheaply) a wife sells her husband’s “garage stuff” compared to her “house stuff.” Keep a sharp eye open and the gear can be had at pennies on the dollar.

• Acquire the Boats — As you know, canoes and kayaks can be quite expensive, therefore we rely largely on publicizing our cause and needs, networking and hopefully the subsequent donation.

Not a summer goes by without a friend, co-worker or student offering up a beat up canoe. Keeping true to our limit, we sustain the fleet through a rotational replacement process. If the newly acquired boat is in better shape, we will keep it, then cull the lowliest boat.

Yes, it’s a cruel world, survival of the

fittest, etc. Don’t fret, though. Depending on seaworthiness, we find the culled boat a new home. Last summer, a fractured and dilapidated 17 foot aluminum Lowe Line canoe raised us $85 at the recycling center.

• Capture Your Crew — I never need to twist any arms to find willing kayakers for fun trips. Since Stream Team floats are hard work, you might think I may have to “Shanghai” some sailors.

With great pride, I gladly inform you that scheme is never necessary. I simply announce an upcoming Stream Team detail to my students and more than needed volunteer.

I do incentivize as much as possible.

A free lunch goes along way with a teenager. With my students, community service hours matter. The higher your community service total, the higher your chances are for an invitation to other extra-curricular trips.

In a start-up situation, consider enlisting an established group. The Boy Scouts, VFW, American Legion, Lions Club, Rotary Club members and church

Develop a plan to feed birds all year long

By Suzanne Barrett decided it was time to start feeding the birds again as I watched them continue to fly down and confiscate the food that laid in my dog’s dish.

I felt a little ashamed that the birds had to stoop to dog food for the winter, even though I know they relish the taste of it! Fortunately I had some suet left from the previous year and within no time a bird was feasting on it.

Minutes later his feathered friends had joined him. I normally feed yearround but found myself slacking a little this fall and winter. I recommend feeding the birds all year long, it keeps them patterned at coming to the feeder and also provides them with a supplemental food source.

The bird world has setbacks just like the human world; the fruit trees and bushes hit a freeze in early spring and won’t produce, the web worms never come and so on. It’s always good to have additional food available.

Feeding the birds only in the winter is beneficial, too. If you’re just starting, go to your local farm and home store and purchase a bird feeder. Prices can range from $10 up to $50 or more. I would start simple on the low cost end.

I

Skip the ones that claim to be “squirrel proof,” as that tends to not be true.

Squirrels are intelligent and seem to find a way to the bird’s meal. The positive thing about that is squirrels are just as equally fun to watch as the birds, so I don’t mind when they take their turn at the feeder.

The next step is to purchase some feed. You will be amazed at the array of bird feed choices. They may be labeled as a general wild bird mix, fancy

mix, premium mix, fruit and nut mix, woodpecker blends, sunflower seeds, safflower seeds, and the list continues.

The prices will vary with sunflower seeds being the leader in price.

Bird feed prices fluctuate with how plentiful the crop was at harvest time.

For example, if crop farmers that grow milo and millet have a drought and only produce 1/3 of the crop they normally do, bird feed prices will rise that year.

I suggest using a blend of wild bird mix. You should see a variety of birds this way and it’s not too brutal on your pocketbook. Your new feeder should be located where you can view it easily from your home. Remember, you want to maximize your bird watching and if you’re like me, you want to snap that perfect photograph of your feathered friends.

Remember to watch the feed level and continue to replenish it when it is all consumed. I can assure you that you will find it most rewarding on a bitter cold, snowy day when everything is covered in white and you see birds of the rainbow at your feeder.

(Suzanne Barrett is an education and lives in Franklin County.)

youth groups have all participated in our Stream Team details.

• Your Resources Start here: http://www.mostreamteam.org/ — Explore this site. Next comes some local legwork to find businesses, schools and organizations willing to help you dispose of your collection. You will make friends fast with the recycling center.

That’s a good thing since the cash helps offset costs.

Another recommendation is to contact a nearby existing Stream Team or email me at bryce@riverhillstraveler. com.

(Bryce Langley is managing editor of the River Hills Traveler and coordinator of Missouri Stream Team No. 1150.)

River Hills Traveler 212 E. Main St., Neosho, MO 64850 Phone & Fax: 800-874-8423 www.riverhillstraveler.com Email: jimmy@riverhillstraveler. com Owner & Publisher Jimmy Sexton Managing Editor Bryce Langley Circulation Manager Amanda Harvel Staff Writers Madeleine Sexton, Rhonda Sexton, Jeffery Shoults, Ryan Combs, Faron Wood Advertising Heather Baldwin River Hills Traveler, established in 1973, is published monthly by Sexton Media Group at 212 E. Main St., Neosho, MO 64850 Postmaster: Send change of address notices to: River Hills Traveler, 212 E. Main St., Neosho, MO 64850 Subscription prices: $22 per year; 2 years, $40 (Subscription rates vary outside U.S.A. Please call.) Single copy price, $2.59 plus sales tax. Back issues available up to one year from publication, $5 including sales tax & shipping.

RiverHillsTraveler.com

March 2015 • Page 17

Stewards of the Upper White River ready for the next step

By Tina Casagrand very spring through fall, largely unbeknownst to most of southwest Missouri, hundreds of locals armed with waders and chemical tests splash into streams to gauge the health of water flowing toward the Upper White River in Arkansas and Missouri.

These volunteer teams send their numbers to Ozarks Water Watch (OWW), a water quality foundation charged with answering the question, “How is the water?” in their entire bi-state region.

As Ronna Haxby, volunteer coordinator for Missouri, puts it, “The only way we know how the water is is to test and gather that data and look at those trends.”

The results are compiled in a yearly report called the Status of the Watershed.

The question became urgent around the year 2000, when two big algae blooms took over parts of Table Rock Lake.

“It got people’s attention,” Haxby said, particularly for business people who understand the link between the Ozarks’ environmental and economic health.

“They said, ‘We can’t become a polluted lake. We rely on this for tourism, for quality of life.’”

Thus, OWW was born, and still counts founding members from Herschend Family Entertainment, Bass Pro Shops, and Beaver Creek Elk and Cattle Ranch among its board of directors.

In addition to water quality monitoring, OWW projects include septic remediation, shore-side cleanups, an annual water quality conference and the Missouri Clean Marina Program, which is

E

This is the 2014 Relative Water Quality in the Upper White River basin. By defining these sites, the Status of the Watershed Report helps identify where resources should be allocated. Learn more about water quality by region at ozarkswaterwatch.org.

co-coordinated by the Missouri Stream Team Watershed Coalition.

These are remarkable achievements, particularly when comparing the Upper White River watershed’s relatively low population and large geographic area to other Stream Team hotspots such as St. Louis.

Now, as the Status of the Watershed report enters its seventh year, Haxby said the organization is ready to use data to gauge whether they’re making a difference in the watershed.

“We can start to assess if things are getting better or worse,” she says.

About five years ago, OWW made a major expansion. They had primarily

drawn upon federal data for the report, so in 2011 they started a partnership with the Missouri Stream Team Volunteer Water Quality Monitoring (VWQM) and the Lakes of Missouri Volunteer programs to get more numbers from more sites. Ozarks Water Watchers is Stream Team #4325.

Haxby is confident in VWQM’s value as a method for gathering reliable, longterm data.

“When other states want to do a stream team training program, they look to Missouri, because we get it right,” she said.

Volunteers in Missouri and Arkansas now test dozens of sites several times each year, and almost a dozen organiza-

tions contribute observations and samples to the report.

This data could be increasingly valuable information.

As funding gets cut from government organizations, volunteer work could play big roles in decisions about stream restoration priorities and precious grant funding.

“We want to promote economic development, but that needs to be done in a way that doesn’t ignore water quality, because they have to go hand-in-hand,” Haxby said.

“So that’s really what OWW is trying to help gain an understanding of, and communicating to all of the people who can make that happen.”

The program has continued to grow ever since. Late last year, Table Rock Lake Water Quality, Inc., merged with Ozarks Water Watch, and the organizations have been working together on many different projects.

As part of an annual conference during Water Watch Week, the organization is now focusing on connecting families to nature.

“Conservationists of tomorrow are the children of today,” Haxby said.

That seems like the perfect philosophy to back up more than a decade of research and work in protecting clean water.

Read the Status of the Watershed report and learn more about Ozarks Water Watch at www.ozarkswaterwatch.org. If you are interested in volunteering, particularly in Douglas or Ozark counties, please email Haxby at ronna@ozarkswaterwatch.org.

TRAVELER CALENDAR MARCH • 7 — Young Outdoorsmen United will host “Featherfest” on for youth ages 10-18. The event will feature pheasant, quail, and chucker for participants to harvest, and is designed for both beginner and experienced hunters. The planned hunt will be from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. on private property three miles west of Pineville, Mo., in McDonald County.

Cost is $2 per youth or free to all current members. Register at (417) 439-8594.

Thirty youth will be selected to participate through a random drawing.

• 12 — Coyote Calling and Predator Hunting Basics workshop from 5:30-8 p.m. at the MDC Central Regional Office, Columbia. The class is free, but registration is required by March 10. MDC staff will discuss aspects of predator hunting in Missouri, including coyote and bobcats. The workshop will cover tactics, calling techniques, firearms, and safety for hunting these illusive predators. Register at (573) 815-7901, ext.

3388.

• 13-15 — Discover Nature: Families Hunting Skills weekend free workshop at the Windermere Conference Center on Lake of the Ozarks. Families with members age six years and older who are interested in learning how to hunt with firearms and archery equipment, and in finding new ways to spend time outdoors together, will have fun learning skills they need. All equipment will be provided. Activities will be held outdoors.

• 14 — Rainbows for Veterans (free trout fishing for all veterans) at the Neosho National Fish Hatchery in Neosho, from 9:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Register day of event only starting at 8 a.m. Military ID required. First 200 veterans to register will get a free souvenir T-shirt.

Free picnic lunch, grilled hot dogs. No

personal fishing gear allowed, poles and bait provided. Trout limit of four per person. No catch and release, must take fish.

Volunteers on hard to clean and bag on ice. (417) 451-0554, ext. 104.

• 14 — Effective Wingshooting workshop from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. at Duck Creek Conservation Area in Cape Girardeau.

Sponsored by the MDC, this course is designed for upland bird, waterfowl and turkey hunters and is an advanced shotgunning education program designed to evaluate wingshooters and identify problem areas. Register at (573) 290-5730.

• 14 — The Cape Girardeau County Master Gardeners will host the 10th annual Native Plant and Garden Seminar from 8 a.m. -3 p.m. at the MDC Cape Girardeau Conservation Nature Center.

Guest speakers will offer inspiration and tips, presentations on choosing native plants, wildlife damage, propagation, herbs, mushrooms and other topics.

Seating is limited. Register at (573) 2905218.

• 17 — Deer Damage Workshop from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at the Cape Girardeau Conservation Nature Center. Conservation efforts over many decades have led to a healthy and plentiful deer herd across the state, affording deer hunting and viewing opportunities for many who enjoy the outdoors. Registration is required for this program by March 13.

Register at (573) 290-5218.

APRIL • 4 — Beginning at dusk, supervised paranormal investigation of one of Waynesville’s oldest homes — the Historic Talbot House at 405 North St. $20 per person, reservations required. Call (573) 528-2149. www.facebook.com/ParanormalTalbotHouse • 11 — Sportsman’s Gun Show, 11

a.m.-4 p.m. at The Barn in Dixon, Mo. Great trades and deals for the outdoor enthusiast. $3 admission. www.thebakerband.com • 11, 18 & 25 — 1903 Courthouse Museum tours on the Square in Waynesville. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. One of only two period courthouses on Route 66 in Missouri, on the National Register of Historic Places this museum features nine themed rooms. Don’t miss the old vault, the courtroom, and the Route 66 souvenirs in the gift shop. Free admission, donations accepted. www.route66courthouse.com • 11 — Stream Team 509 of the Missouri Smallmouth Alliance will hold its annual Castor River Clean-up starting at 9 a.m. Everyone is invited. Castor River Ranch (CRR) is located at “DD bridge” on the Castor. The MDC will supply trash bags, work gloves, first-aid kits and T-shirts. Bring your own life jacket and be ready for a great time.

• 17-18 — 27th Annual Missouri’s Largest Garage Sale in Neosho is scheduled for Friday and Saturday. The twoday event will begin at 7 a.m. each day and will be held regardless of the weather, rain or shine. This sale normally brings in stay-at-home moms from across the state as well as fishermen, hunters, boat enthusiasts and outdoors people of all types searchig for deals.

• 18-19 — 2015 Old Greenville Black Powder Rendezvous at Wappapello Lake.

• 25 — Mountain Man/Black Power Fun & Trade Rendezvous at the Kickapoo Trace Club in Dixon, starting at 10 a.m. Vendors, tomahawk throwing, fire starting, blacksmithing, dutch oven cooking, etc. Free admission. www.pulaskicountyusa.com

MAY • 9-10 — Apprentice/youth spring turkey hunt at Mark Twain Lake. Ten participants will get the opportunity to hunt 4,000 acres of lands traditionally designated no hunting zones for the purpose of this special hunting event. A random drawing will be held on May 8 to determine the 10 participant’s hunt locations. Applications must be received on or before April 1 to qualify for the hunt.

To apply call (573) 735 4097.

• 16 — Kids to Parks Day at Wappapello Lake.

• 16-17 — 30th Annual LA FETE A RENAULT at Old Mines, Mo. This historic black powder and rendezvous is a living history event featuring muzzleloader and archery shooting competition, period style camping and demonstrations, period music performed throughout the day by local and special appearance musicians and traders with unique merchandise. Located on St. Joachim Church Grounds in Old Mines, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday, and 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday. Free admission, parking.

• 22-25 — Mid-America Freedom Rally at the Fort Leonard Wood Shrine Club in Buckhorn. Billed as mid-Missouri’s largest motorcycle rally. MRO members $25; non-members $30. www.midamericafreedomrally.com JUNE • 6 — Family Fishing Day at Mingo National Wildlife Refuge from 9 a.m.noon. Enjoy a morning of fishing at Fox Pond along the refuge’s Ozark Highlands Auto Tour Route. Loaner poles and bait will be provided. Mingo staff members and volunteers will be on hand. For more information call (573) 222-3589.

• 20 — Annual Kids Fun Day fishing derby at Wappapello Lake.

Page 16 • March 2015

RiverHillsTraveler.com

RiverHillsTraveler.com

March 2015 • Page 5

Because it is more than just ‘camping’ (Editor’s note: This is the second of a two-part series. Part one appeared in the February 2015 Traveler.)

CAMPGROUNDS, MOTELS, RESORTS

LIQUOR & BEER

MEAT PRODUCTS

By Gabe Cotton o with my muse as the beautiful state of Missouri, and the adventure being spending a weekend outdoors on a camping trip, I embarked on this path.

Taking pictures and writing my thoughts about places I had been. I was also taking pictures and really thinking a lot about the trails I was hiking when I wasn’t spending the weekend away from home in a tent.

I figured I could write about them, too, as more content for the blog. Sure, it wasn’t camping… but it was still part of the adventure. It still showed off some of the natural beauty of Missouri.

So after almost five months, around the end of July 2013, I had already written 37 posts on the blog. Trail reviews, information about a handful of places I had camped so far, thoughts and ideas, and a series of posts that were somewhat autobiographical.

I was expanding on what “Camping Missouri” was with every entry, and starting to really develop a personal style as well as inject a bit of my own personality and history.

At this time however, I had also started working for a previous employer, as they had an abundance of work going on that summer. Between new outlet malls in Chesterfield Valley and a retirement home just over the river in Illinois, construction work was steady and I was busier than I had been in a while.

Hiking a trail around town was appropriately reserved for the weekend, and heading to the woods to camp had to be a little more planned in advance.

Between work and home and being back on a typical schedule, time spent on quiet weekday mornings when I would share my thoughts on the blog were a thing of the past. I had a job, and that was a blessing and a priority.

Then, in September, I accepted a position with St. Louis County Parks on their carpentry crew. Not quite the same hourly income, but it also was a more relaxed tempo in a work environment that I had a serious personal appreciation for, not to mention that it would be fulltime work all year long. A steady paycheck. What a foreign concept. And all while getting to eat my lunch in a park almost every day!

So, as it had become, the blog was a thing that I didn’t give a lot of thought to. I was just too busy. The weather was getting colder and in November we ended up moving to a more affordable area in town, as the house I had lived in was at the point in the foreclosure process that it was time for us to find a new place to live.

It was a shame, and I am not proud that it happened to me, but I know that I wasn’t the only person who was going through it, and I had done a dedicated job of looking for work.

I accepted this unfortunate reality and focused on my employment and my family. It seemed like it was time for a change anyway… a new start.

It would soon be spring, and maybe as the green started to show across the forest once the gray of winter broke, I would give a little time here and there to writing again.

I still wanted to hike and camp and share, but the drive to do it wasn’t

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Klepzig Mill in the Ozark National Scene Riverways.

nearly as strong as it was when I was facing the challenges that I had been facing previously. I didn’t have nearly as much free time, either.

And then this past February, last year, on a cold Saturday morning while sitting at the kitchen table drinking coffee and wasting time on the computer, I saw something that would steer my endeavors in a particularly more defined direction.

I was formulating a plan about where I was going to go hiking, on this freezing morning, when through the randomness of Facebook algorithms I saw that a friend of mine was “going” to a Missouri Stream Team cleanup down along the Meramec River near the Lower Meramec Trails that I would sometimes go walking at.

Now, I had heard about the Stream Team program before, but really didn’t know what it was. You would see a random bumper sticker here and there, and I kind of figured it was more about scout troops and hippies than anything else.

Normally on a Saturday morning I would hit a trail nearby that I probably regularly visited anyway, but here was an opportunity to go somewhere close and spend a few hours helping clean a floodplain that I was mildly familiar with, at least downriver.

I put on my long johns, tied my boot laces tight, and headed down the road to see who these “Stream Teams” were and what they spent their time doing.

Within an hour or so of seeing the Facebook post, I pulled off of Meramec Bottom Road with the sun shining through the windshield, just peeking over the hills on the far side of the river, onto a frozen mud roadway that

The Current River confluence.

led into an old floodplain farm field.

A bundled up man on a four-wheeler was near the entrance and after a brief hello, he directed me to park next to the handful of vehicles that was down along the edge of the field already.

I parked, gulped the last of my coffee, grabbed my gloves, and shut the car door behind me as I walked over to the few people that were congregating down at the other end of the parking area.

The next few hours were spent wandering through the woods next to the river picking up garbage from the flood of ’93 that had been lodged in the frozen mud and plant debris for 20 years now.

The other volunteers were friendly and helpful, having been doing this for a long time already, and I was inexperienced and willing. Being outside in the cold wasn’t unfamiliar to me, having spent enough winters working outside already… but walking through the woods picking up trash?

This was different. This was energizing. This made me happy.

In just those few hours down there, I had met some of the best people (most of whom I now call friends) and had seen the incredible impact that can be made in a section of forest along a river if we just work together.

And it has forever changed something in the way I see the natural world around me. I was hooked.

Then in April, as a birthday present to myself, my gal and I took a trip to Eminence to visit the Ozark National Scenic Riverways. Camping at Two Rivers in a tent right next to the magical Current River, taking a canoe trip down the Jacks Fork, and visiting all

the places that we could cram into an extended weekend, I started to really feel that connection again that I had been feeling before.

That peace and energy that comes from the forests and the rivers. That indescribable sensation that just keeps reminding me that I am exactly where I am supposed to be and doing exactly what I am supposed to do.

Something important, that burns in my lungs at the crest of a hill and hums in my ears in the sound of water. I knew that this was something that can be good for everyone.

I had found the inspiration to write again, and this time it was stronger than it had been before. The days had warmed and the buds on the trees had grown into leaves. The blades of grass had pierced the compacted and thawed carpet on the forest floor that had been laid months previously, and I started to focus again on “Camping Missouri” in my free time.

It had been a year since I had first started it, and I had been slacking pretty hard on my creativity since the previous August. Spring was here, and I had found a renewed desire. Time to pick it up again.

So I have spent this past year really reaching out and allowing myself to see every excursion as an opportunity to share. As I have hiked and camped and visited places in this beautiful state, I have strengthened my belief that our personal relationships with the forest and the rivers, mine and yours, are relationships that are more important and beneficial to us than we are consciously aware.

As I have immersed myself in Missouri Stream Team events and other opportunities to give back to nature with the Open Space Council, I have been refining a persona of advocacy, volunteerism, and stewardship for the natural places around us.

It has been one of the most enriching things I have done so far in my life.

And with each step I take on the trail before me, I slow down just a bit, and remember to absorb the sights and the sounds and the energy that exists there, wherever the adventure may be at the time.

I focus on the peace it brings me, and I allow it to remind me to be thankful and creative. I recognize and appreciate the positivity that it inspires in me, and then I do my best to inspire you, dear reader, to go check it out for yourself.

It has been almost two years of growth on this path, with this blog.

“Camping Missouri” is more than just “Camping.” Its content is confined only by the abundance of places and history and natural beauty that exist within Missouri.

As a person that has spent a lot of time walking through the woods with the constant question “How would I describe this to someone who isn’t here?” rattling around in my brain, I can tell you that there are so many things to see in our state that it would take forever to visit them all.

Just scratching the surface myself, I look forward to continuing to share my adventures with you. But only if you promise me that you will go see what’s out there, too.

(Editor’s note: The River Hills Traveler is proud to welcome Gabe Cotton as a regular columnist and we look forward to reading about his adventures every month on these pages.)

Page 6 • March 2015

RiverHillsTraveler.com

Last-minute weekend trip does not go as planned (Editor’s note: This is the second of a two-part series. Part one appeared in the February 2015 Traveler.)

By Britt Graber also figured that if we stopped to eat, that would give my son and I a better opportunity to start fishing sooner since I wouldn’t have to build a fire and start cooking.

After a stop for that great taste of Pig N Bull at Whistler’s in Carthage, my hometown and home to the greatest burger, we arrived at Bushwhacker about 8 p.m. We found a suitable campsite near the outhouse and boat ramp.

As an added bonus the previous tenant left behind enough wood to last the whole time we would be there. Jackpot! Thanks whoever you are for even more time Dylan and I got to fish instead of looking for wood!

So, the next step was setting up camp and getting to that wonderful air pump.

As Sierra, Dylan and I were building the customary campfire, the wife yells to me that the beds are not airing up at all. Time for me to take charge and show her how to operate a simple hand air pump.

So I take my turn at it. I pumped and pumped and pumped some more and asked her several times if it looked like any air was getting into the bed, and she answered negatively several times.

“Enough of that, everybody saddle up, we are going to Nevada!” were the words I used with a few more expletives to express my true feelings! Let me tell you now, spend the extra $20 and buy a rechargeable air pump. It will more than pay for itself the first time you use it.

Back at camp we spent about six minutes airing up all three beds with the new pump. Finally, around 11:30 p.m., we got to bed. All appeared to be well, that is, until about 4 a.m. The wife wakes me to say she has to use the restroom.

“Well, okay, take off. You know the way,” I tell her.

Ohhhhhhn noooo! I have to go with her. So I get up, fire up the lantern, grab her hand and away we go skipping and laughing all the way. I open the door to the outhouse for her, hand her the lantern and keep a watch outside the door for wild bears, lions and tigers. I think I may have caught a glimpse of the boogeyman in the trees but I can’t confirm that, though.

Around the outside of the outhouse they have some 6x6 timbers for landscaping. I’m standing there minding my own business but, being that men are like billy goats, I, being no exception, decide that I’m going to stand on top of one of the timbers.

And timber is what I should have yelled as it rolled out from under me and I went tumbling down the embankment. Seems as if these things were just lying unsecured on the ground. That air bed felt even better after this life event!

Finally, it’s daylight. Thank goodness for that. My son, Dylan, and I hit the water for some early morning fishing.

We caught a few but the fishing wasn’t as productive as I have seen before.

We were back by 9 a.m. ready to fix some bacon, eggs, ham, and some taters that I diced up and fried. I have just three words, de lic ious! (Looks French, doesn’t it?) That had to be one the best breakfasts I’ve had in years.

After fiddling away the afternoon, we decide to do some evening fishing.

Dylan and I take off to find the big

I

bass. I put on a Hula-Popper for Dylan and I used a Rebel Minnow. It wasn’t long until he had his first bite, and just after that he had his first fish.

This went on for about 30 minutes.

They were just tearing that Hula-Popper to pieces. The student was giving teacher his lesson.

Since I hadn’t had a nibble I decided it’s time for both of us to be tossing Hula-Poppers and catching fish. This goes on until it’s dang near dark, and I decide we need to get back to camp and cook some supper.

We’re all now in the groove. Everything went well our last night and the same the next morning. Dylan and I are on the water by 6:30 a.m. and fishing like there is no tomorrow until about 9 a.m. when we head back for some breakfast. In two days we went through two pounds of bacon, a couple dozen eggs, ham steaks, and lots of taters and onions.

The final morning, after my wife packed her car with stuff to take home, she and I decide that Dylan and I were going to stay and fish while she and Sissy were going to head back to do some shopping.

Things couldn’t be better. It was a beautiful, sunny day. The wind that is normally a constant presence on the prairie was not blowing. There wasn’t even a ripple on the water. It was like a sheet of glass.

So with the goodbyes and the kisses completed and the women having taken off, Dylan and I headed for the boat.

In the process I began to realize that yesterday I had long pants on and today I was wearing shorts. When I drove to Nevada the evening before it probably was those same jeans that I put my truck keys into.

A frantic search of my pockets revealed that I in fact did not have my keys on me now. I ran to the truck hoping that the wife once again took care of me and hid my keys there but a search turned up nothing.

You know, for years I have meant to purchase one of the those silly little hide-a-key things but instead I find myself standing there dumbfounded wondering what I am going to do. There is no telephone within a day’s walk of Bushwhacker, and I don’t own a cell phone!

My first thought was to just go fishing and hope sometime that evening she would send out a search party but the thought of not having any food stopped me.

Heading back down to the boat ramp where Dylan was waiting, I figured we could do a little fishing until our circumstances changed. I didn’t let him know what the situation was. I didn’t see any reason to worry him with a problem I unknowingly created.

While at the ramp a nice older couple had just showed up to put their new boat in. It wasn’t brand new but, new to them and it looked like their first time with a craft that floated on water. Since I had a little time to kill, and they were struggling mightily, I offered my services.

I had an ulterior motive for this. As I had been watching them struggle, I noticed the woman had a cell phone. Eureka! If I charm and woo them with my ways, I should be able to commandeer the use of said device and save myself and my son from certain death. Or at least certain temporary non-life threatening starvation.

So I struck up a conversation with the

couple on the beauty and sheer elegance of their pristine craft. I reluctantly pointed to my peasant-like floating device, which my son just happened to be sitting in.

That was genius if I say so myself.

Not only have I showed my deep jealously for their fine boat, I have also established that I have the care and welfare for a small child in my custody.

As I got them ready to set off and as the wife was fixing to park the truck, I humbly told her of my demise and asked if I might be able use the phone I had seen.

It was at this point that I discovered that I may have used too much charm and woo. This fine lady was all to happy to lend me the use of her phone.

And I was all to happy to use it, too!

I cheerfully and confidently dialed the wife’s number. Oh joy, oh joy.

But alas it was premature elation!

From that location, I didn’t have any reception leading me to ask myself how we can send a man to the moon and back, a man to a space station and back, talk to them the whole time, yet I couldn’t call my wife from earth to earth.

Amazing how panic will cloud one’s thoughts. This very kind woman told me to run up to the top of the hill and try it. Duh! Off I go in a dead sprint. Eureka!

Phone service. I quickly called the wife’s cell phone. Of course she

doesn’t answer.

I leave a message that her son and I are stranded. I then had another genius moment and I thought I better call our home phone and leave a message to be double-dog-sure she gets at least one of the messages.

Happy and elated, I hop and skip back to the boat ramp while cheerfully singing songs out loud. OK, not really, but I was pretty dang happy.

I handed the phone back to the woman and thanked her ecstatically.

She asked if I had made contact and I told her that no, but I did leave a couple of messages. Out of pure kindness, this lovely lady asked if I would like her to hide her phone in their vehicle so that it would be available for my use.

I declined, stating she was too kind but that I was more than confident that my wife would get one of the messages and come to my rescue.

Although I knew the wife would be coming soon, Dylan and I could still get in some last-minute fishing. I kept the boat in the vicinity of the ramp so I could keep an eye out for the cavalry.

After about 45 minutes, I could see a dust cloud rising on the horizon of the prairie but was it from the cavalry or an Indian war party?

My wife’s a good sport. We all had a good laugh at what had happened.

Now Dylan and I could continue our fishing and the girls could go back to their shopping.

2015 OFFICIAL ENTRY FORM WE THE UNDERSIGNED, have read and agree to abide by tournament rules as stated. We enclose the entry fee of $120.00, Late Registration $140.00 if after 4-25-2015, by signing this application, we hereby waive and release all other contestants, the host, the sponsors and the tournament officials for all claims for injury or damage incurred in connection with this tournament. WE AGREE TO SUBMIT TO A QUALITY ASSURANCE TEST should we be accused of any rule infraction, and agree to abide by its findings.

ALL APPLICATIONS MUST BE COMPLETE (UNCOMPLETED APPLICATIONS WILL BE RETURNED) Name: _______________________________________________________ Address: _____________________________________________________ Email: ___________________________ Phone: _____________________ City/State/Zip: _________________________________________________ (Notifications Will Be Made Via Email) Signature: _________________________________________ (REQUIRED) Make checks payable to: Cops For Kids, Inc. Mail To: Cops For Kids, Inc. PO Box 1006, Branson West, MO 65737

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mericans have a distaste for the metric system. While most of the world has embraced the French version of unit measurement, we tend to frown at anything labeled in this foreign language.

Can you imagine Mike Shannon raving about a 160 kilometer per hour fastball? Or getting excited when Jamaal Charles breaks out for a 73 meter touchdown run? NO! This is the United States of America and we do things our way. We measure our home runs in feet, our land in acreage, our bass in pounds and our beer in ounces.

We declared independence from European rule two centuries ago and dadgummit we ain’t gonna listen to your nonsense!

It wasn’t that long ago when every metric wrench in my toolbox was in perfect condition, without even a smudge of grease to be found. I remember the day I changed the oil in my new Ford truck Jeffery and stripped out the Shoults drain-plug with a ———— 9/16 socket. Luckily The Gun Nerd the nearby auto parts store had a replacement and the fella working the counter instructed me to use a 15mm instead of the SAE I was accustomed to.

From that day on I had to reach for a metric-sized tool and learn to guesstimate the size of these new fangled nuts and bolts. And doing so without spewing any profanity has been the biggest challenge of them all.

The American shooting industry hasn’t fully accepted the metric system, either. With the exception of a few 7mm rifle cartridges, only one metric round has found its way into our society and it took eighty years for it to gain a foothold.

I do share your hatred of the European metric system, but I gotta admit, I have a great admiration for the 9mm Luger.

Surprisingly few foreign designed cartridges have been successful here in the States. Most of our 7mm rifle cartridges are actually .280 caliber domestic rounds given an exotic name instead of the standard designation. The 7.62x39 is very popular with American shooters, but it’s success has more to do with the SKS and AK rifles it’s chambered in, rather than the cartridge itself.

On the other hand, the 9mm is a stand-alone cartridge, chambered by nearly every handgun manufacturer in the world. As a matter of fact, the 9mm is the most popular of all centerfire handgun cartridges and is used by most non-communist militaries and law enforcement agencies around the globe.

Developed by George J. Luger and chambered for his phenomenal P08 pistol, both gun and cartridge were intro-

March 2015 • Page 15

Cartridge of the Month:

9x19mm Parabellum

(L-r) Federal Premium 135 grain Hydra-Shok JHP; 1,060 fps, 335 ft-lbs energy.

Winchester Kinetic High-Energy 115 grain JHP; 1,240 fps, 392 ft-lbs energy.

duced in 1902. It was adopted by the German Navy in 1904 and then by the German Army in 1908. Shortly thereafter, the name Parabellum replaced Luger, although both are continually used today.

Parabellum derives from the Latin phrase meaning, “If you seek peace, prepare for war.” You gotta admit that is a pretty cool name, even if it came from the country responsible for starting two world wars.

Somewhere along the way, 9x19mm entered the fray and when adopted by NATO in 1985, the name 9mm NATO was also acquired. There are no fewer than 11 other cartridges with the 9mm designation in its name, however they are not interchangeable with the Luger/Parabellum round.

Please do the research before firing any 9mm cartridges in a firearm you are not familiar with. Damage can be done to the weapon and serious injuries can be inflicted to the shooter.

How did the 9mm become so popular in the United States? Well, I’m glad you asked. There are three reasons for the rise in popularity and all of these took place in the wonderful decade of the 1980’s.

Now, don’t get me wrong, there were 9mm’s floating around the U.S. well before mullets and parachute pants, but only a couple of American armsmakers were producing them.

When the Armed Forces adopted it as their service round, it opened the eyes of domestic manufacturers and dropped the price of ammunition. Glock starting importing their 9mm Model 17’s and law enforcement agencies abandoned their revolvers and switched to the polymer autoloaders.

Believe it or not, the biggest influence in the 9mm invasion was probably the entertainment industry. The music

industry, particularly the “gangsta rap “ phenomenon that swept across the country, glorified violence and the use of 9mm “gats.”

Several movies and television shows such as Miami Vice depicted both police and criminals using this mysterious cartridge. The days of big-bore revolvers were giving way to semi-automatic pistols and the 9mm Luger was front and center.

For better or worse, however you may look at it, the Nine became the newest fad and quickly proved it was here to stay.

When it comes to shooting applications, the 9mm is extremely versatile and an absolute joy to shoot. Several carbines are chambered in the Nine and AR style rifles are widely available.

Even a few revolvers are designed to fire this auto-loading cartridge. Smith & Wesson and Ruger currently produce wheel-guns that employ a moon-clip to hold the semi-rimless casing in the cylinder. But the 9mm Luger was designed for a semi-automatic pistol and this is where you usually find them.

I bet I have owned at least a dozen pistols chambered in 9mm Parabellum and it is one of my all-time favorite cartridges. Recoil is quite manageable, despite the amount of energy this round is capable of producing. When target loads are used in a full-sized pistol just about anyone can handle a 9mm. I have

witnessed 12-year-old kids punching holes in paper with a 9mm, smiling from ear to ear.

With the increase in concealed carry permits, manufacturers are now producing smaller handguns for this market. As many of you already know, it is difficult to balance concealability and firepower. Chamber a powerful cartridge in a small package and it becomes difficult to handle.

There are folks out there that believe the 9mm is too weak for defensive carry and prefer a larger round. However, I am in the camp that firmly believes the Nine is the perfect balance of shootability and power.

Many tests have been published on the 9mm vs other handgun rounds and the results may surprise you. Using some of today’s modern defensive rounds, the Parabellum penetrates ballistic gelatin as much as a .45 ACP and produces more than 100 ft-lbs of energy than the .38 Special.

I recently test-fired several CCW pistols chambered in 9mm, .40 S&W and .45 ACP to compare the performance between the three calibers. All three were manageable for experienced shooters, but what was most notable was the ability to get back on target for a quick second shot.

Target acquisition was difficult for a followup shot with a .45 and extremely tough to accomplish with the beefy .40 cal. The 9mm was quick to get back on target and my groups were much tighter than the bigger rounds.

Sure, both the .40 and .45 generate more energy, but the 9mm is easier to shoot and felt more comfortable on prolonged range sessions. With that said, what would you rather have? A big gun you have trouble shooting or smaller one you can hit your target with?

I know which I prefer and that’s why I carry a 9mm on my hip.

The 9x19mm may be an import, yet it’s found a home here in America. It may not have the storied history of the .45 ACP or the nostalgia of the .38 Special, but few handgunners pick their cartridges just for sentimental feelings.

It doesn’t have the brute force of a .40 S&W or the butterfly kiss recoil of a .380 AUTO, however it’s a perfect medium between these popular concealed carry rounds.

Some try to knock it and swear better cartridges are available and maybe they have a point.

But, if I had to choose only one handgun to serve as my shooting range fungun and personal protection weapon, there is no doubt in my mind it would be chambered in a 9mm Luger.

Page 14 • March 2015

RiverHillsTraveler.com

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T

Hedge apple.

the land in where the Osage Orange grew. They became wealthy by selling its wood for bows.

A good Osage Orange bow was back then worth a horse and a blanket. Next, after the white settlers came, they sought osage orange seeds to build windbreaks and hedges to protect their crops and help them manage their livestock.

This was before steel wire was widely available and before barbed wire made it to the prairie. When barbed wire came to the prairie, it would be hung on, you guessed it, rugged Bois d’arc fence posts.

Osage Orange trees in Joplin, Mo.

By that time, there were thousands of miles of “hedge rows” throughout the lower 48 states. If you are ever near Commerce, Texas, you might stop in to their annual Bois d’arc Bash. Dr. Fred Tarpley co-founded the festival and the second largest Osage Orange in Texas lives there.

Like the old cowboy, the Bois d’arc seems to shrug off sickness and disease

and few bugs pester the tree. The Bois d’arc has the highest BTU of any wood and burns the hottest, and botanists claim its wood is 2.5 times as hard as white oak.

Few animals eat its fruit; it’s too bitter and acidic. Only fox squirrels and horses like it.

Maybe that’s where the “horse apple” name came from?

Each of these recipes best made over a roaring campfire

By Faron Wood s I was thinking about what dishes to do for this month’s River Hills Traveler, I’m looking outside my window at about 8 inches of snow.

What better time than now to start daydreaming of things that come with warmer months such as, hiking, concerts, swimming, and of course, camping.

Each one of these dishes is best made over a roaring campfire. They may Faron Wood sound wacky, but ———— they sure are deliOutdoors cious. Enjoy!

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Cookin’

Pork n’ Beans Breakfast • Leftover pork and beans (about one cup) • 4 eggs • 1/2 c milk • 1-2 Tbsp margarine or butter Directions: Heat a frying pan containing a tablespoon of butter or margarine over the campfire until the margarine/butter is beginning to cook/bubble. Add one cup of leftover pork and beans to the margarine/butter and stir gently, until the mixture begins to thicken.

Mix eggs and milk and scramble.

Add mixture to pork and beans in the frying pan.

* If you stir right away, the beans will break up and mix into the eggs and this is still tasty; but if you wait until the eggs begin to form and then stir, the beans stay in the scrambled eggs while the liquid mixes in with the eggs. ** With bacon and toast, this is a simply delicious camping breakfast.

Backwoods Chili Rice Skillet • 1 pound ground beef • 4c Uncle Ben’s Quick brand rice • 3c water • 1c chopped onion • 1 large green pepper, chopped • 1 package chili seasoning mix • 1 can tomatoes, undrained

March 2015 • Page 7

MDC seeks input on proposed deer hunting regulation changes

Know where the ‘horse apple’ name came from?

By James Oaks he Osage Orange (Maclura Pomifera) reminds me of an old cowboy. Many don’t consider it pretty. Few know of the hard times it’s seen.

It bends with the wind and can stand up to the the harshest weather conditions. Like the old cowboy, few people know or care about its history and one could hardly fathom the hard work it has done.

The Bois d ‘arc, hedge, hedge apple, monkey brain, and many other names it’s been given, isn’t a tree anyone would plant in their front yard or show off to their friends.

In fact, many people consider this tree a nuisance and would just as soon part with it altogether. But like that old cowboy, when you get to know it, the Bois d’arc has a very interesting past and can teach us a whole lot.

The tree has meant much to our past and much of what we know today might not have been possible without it.

In his book, “Wood Eternal,” Dr. Fred Tarpley tells a story about how the Early Spiro Indians controlled much of

RiverHillsTraveler.com

• 1 can kidney beans, drained • 1 Tbsp salt • 1c shredded Cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese Directions: In a large skillet, brown meat over campfire, drain. Add remaining ingredients except cheese; stir.

Bring to a vigorous boil. Cover tightly. Simmer about 5 minutes or until desired consistency. Sprinkle with cheese.

Dangerous Cake In A Mug • 1 Large coffee mug (the biggest you have - Metal if using over a campfire) • 4 Tbsp Cake Flour • 4 Tbsp Sugar

• 2 Tbsp Cocoa • 1 Egg • 3 Tbsp Milk • 3 Tbsp Oil • Vanilla (a small splash) • 3 Tbsp Chocolate Chips, optional Directions: Add dry ingredients to mug. Mix well with a fork. Add egg and mix thoroughly. Add milk, oil and vanilla, mix well. Add chips, if using.

Cook over campfire 3-5 minutes.

Allow to cool * Do not be alarmed when cake rises over mug, this is normal.

(Faron Wood can be reached by email at hfwood2@hotmail.com or follow her on Twitter @FaronNicole.)

he Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) is seeking public input on proposed changes to the state’s deer hunting regulations for the 2016-2017 hunting season.

For the fall firearms deer season, MDC proposes: • Maintaining the current timing of the November portion but reducing the length from 11 days to nine days.

• Expanding the late youth firearms weekend from two days to three days and having it begin the Friday after Thanksgiving instead of early January.

• Reducing the length of the antlerless firearms portion from 12 days to three days and beginning it on the first Friday in December.

• Eliminating the urban zones portion.

For the fall archery deer and turkey season, MDC proposes: • Allowing crossbows as a legal method.

• Reducing the limit of antlered deer during the archery season from two to one.

MDC also proposes simplifying conservation area regulations and also wants public comment on permit fees for nonresidents regarding a possible increase, decrease, or no change in price.

The proposed regulation changes are a result of public input and MDC deer management research and practices.

During the summer of 2014, MDC gathered more than 4,000 public comments on deer management and possible regulation changes through open houses, online comments, letters and emails.

MDC also surveyed many deer hunters

Possible changes involve firearms season lengths, use of crossbows, archery bag limits, non-resident permit fees regarding potential regulation changes.

MDC staff will present final regulations recommendations to the Conservation Commission in late 2015.

Comments sought

To explain the proposed changes and gather public feedback, MDC will hold the following public meetings around the state from 5-8 p.m.: • March 10 – MDC Cape Girardeau Nature Center, 2289 County Park Dr. in Cape Girardeau.

• March 12 – MDC Northeast Regional Office, 3500 S. Baltimore in Kirksville.

• March 16 – MDC Central Regional Office, 3500 E. Gans Road in Columbia.

• March 31 – MDC Northwest Regional Office, 701 James McCarthy Dr. in St. Joseph.

MDC also welcomes public comments online. To learn more about the proposed regulations, MDC’s deer management plan, past public comments, and to provide comment, visit the Department’s website at mdc.mo.gov/node/28079.

Comments can also be mailed to: Missouri Department of Conservation, Attn: Policy Coordination, P.O. Box 180, Jefferson City, MO 65102.

Rationale for changes

MDC expanded the November portion of firearms deer season to 11 days in

1995 in response to a rapidly growing deer population in many parts of the state.

Deer numbers in most parts of Missouri are now at or below desired levels.

According to MDC biologists, reducing the length of the November portion by two days will help increase those numbers.

The Department’s reasoning for changing the timing of the late youth portion from early January to the weekend after Thanksgiving is that it should increase youth-hunter participation and success as a result of better deer activity and weather conditions. Adding the Friday after Thanksgiving will provide an additional hunting day when schools are closed.

MDC anticipates that reducing the length of the antlerless season from 12 days to three days will help increase deer numbers to more desirable levels. The antlerless portion of the firearms deer season was implemented in 1996 to increase the harvest of female deer, or does, in response to a rapidly growing deer population in many parts of the state. The deer population in most of Missouri is currently at or below desired levels.

According to MDC, eliminating the urban zones portion of the firearms season is being considered because firearms hunting in urban zones is significantly limited by city ordinances and safety

Spelunking kids

concerns. As a result, this portion does not significantly lower deer numbers in areas where urban deer conflicts occur.

The department anticipates that allowing crossbows as a legal method during the archery deer and turkey season will help younger hunters enter the sport and also prolong participation for older hunters.

MDC research shows that most deer hunters are in favor of allowing crossbows during the archery season and bow hunters are about equally divided on the topic.

Reducing the buck harvest during archery season from two to one per hunter will make hunters more selective and help more bucks reach older ageclasses.

Regulations allowing bow hunters to harvest two bucks were implemented in 1988 when there were fewer than 100,000 individuals with a permit to hunt deer during the archery season compared to more than 180,000 in 2013.

Also, the harvest of bucks by bow hunters has nearly doubled from 11 percent of the total harvest in 2000 to 19 percent in 2013.

The MDC anticipates that simplifying deer hunting regulations on conservation areas to archery only, archery and muzzleloader only, or archery and firearms will both increase hunter satisfaction and allow area managers to adjust regulations based on current deer numbers.

MDC permit fees for nonresident hunters are competitive with those of surrounding states and have remained the same since 2009.

What a great idea!

Bluff Dwellers Cave hosts area youth

By Dan Fuller n energetic expedition of McDonald County youth recently investigated Bluff Dwellers Cave in Noel, Mo., on Saturday Feb. 21, as part of a recent field trip hosted by Young Outdoorsmen United.

The excursion was part of the organization’s monthly scheduled programs to involve kids in the outdoors and related activities.

While the outside thermometer hovered just below freezing and the ground covered in snow, the youngsters, along with their parents, “discovered” comfortable temperatures inside the ancient cave. They also “discovered” many peculiar and distinctive cave speleothems (formations) unique only to Bluff Dwellers Cave such as Balancing Rock, Musical Chimes, Crystal Lake Rim Stone Dam, Lost City, and others.

The “discovery” did not end with the viewing of these special creations. The kids learned to identify common cave features such as hollow straws, cave sponge, columns, fossils, and cave coral. They particularly enjoyed learning the difference between stalactites and stalagmites, illustrated thru a creative poem and dance portrayed by tour guide extraordinaire Mary Jane Fisher.

Fisher’s amusing visual aid and rhyming received smiles, giggles, and laughter from her young spectators, which many will remember for years to come.

The tour participants also gained knowledge that the early inhabitants of the cave were Paleo Indians, often called Bluff Dwellers, and lived in the cave as early as 5,000 BC. Other factual “discoveries” included the cave is located approximately 150 feet below the earth’s surface, is only 50 percent developed, and contains over 4,000 feet of pathways.

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Fishing line recycling bins installed in Neosho Bluff Dwellers Cave was discovered in 1927 by landowner Arthur Browning, and has been in continuous operation for 88 years.

After completing the tour, the kids observed the Browning Museum where they viewed cave artifacts found inside the cave, and each youth received complimentary tokens and rock jewelry.

The event concluded with an outdoor grilled lunch provided, cooked, and served by Young Outdoorsmen United volunteers.

Several of the kids were asked what they liked best about the tour. Almost unanimously, and in unison, they shouted “Everything.”

Then, four-year-old Addison Nicholas, from Pineville, responded with pride: “I didn’t want to see any bats… but when I did, I liked them, too.”

On this day, the kids defiantly “discovered” a cave in Noel.

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here are now designated containers to throw away your old fishing line when fishing Hickory Creek in Neosho. The monofilament recycling bins are located in four places along Hickory Creek: • McKinney Street fishing access point.

• Spring Street fishing access point (near helicopter).

• Coler Street fishing access point (at bridge).

• North College Street fishing access point (at handicap access).

The cane-shaped plastic bins were provided free of charge by the Missouri Department of Conservation, upon private request by Neosho City Inspector John Harrington.

Harrington, who volunteers with the Hickory Creek Stream Team, acted on his own, as a citizen, in requesting the bins, and he installed them himself.

Discarded fishing line can harm wildlife and takes away from the natural beauty of Hickory Creek. Please utilize the new bins.

Also, help keep Hickory Creek clean by picking up any trash you see along the banks. Hickory Creek is a designated White Ribbon Trout Stream, and is home to both brown and rainbow trout, as well as smallmouth bass.

For more information, please call John Harrington at (417) 4518050.

Page 8 • March 2015

RiverHillsTraveler.com

Smallmouth bite is on

By Bill Cooper ill, you ready to go fishing?” the voice on the other end of the line rang.

“I am always ready,” I replied.

“What’s up?”

Doug Davis, from Cowtown USA, boomed through my ear piece, “Man, Nick Miller says the smallmouth bite is on. You wanna go film a show with him?”

“Sure, I do,” I replied. “But I thought Nick was your catfishing go to guy.”

“Oh, he is,” Davis said. “But, this guy can catch smallmouth, too. Just give him a call and you two hook up.”

Smallmouth fishermen know that when the water temperature approaches 40 degrees, smallmouth bass will begin to hit. Through trial and error, the best anglers have learned that smallmouth are especially vulnerable to jerkbaits this time of year.

I was anxious to see what bait Nick Miller would throw first. It would be our first time in a boat together.

Miller is from Sullivan and is on the fishing pro staff of Cowtown USA. He has spent most of his life in the Ozarks and fishing is a passion for him and his family. He has thousands of hours logged on the rivers and many people recognize him in his orange Legends SS boat.

Miller and I met in St. James and became acquainted on the 20 minute ride to the Jerome Access on the Gasconade River. Quiet and unassuming, Miller immediately impressed me as the type of guy who would never brag about anything, but who would sock it to you in a friendly competition, or a bass tournament.

I suspected he would utilize his time working cover intensely while probing every log and rock for a bite, while the competition talked the air blue, trying to bolster their own confidence. A man of my age knows a quiet fisherman is a deadly fisherman, not to be taken lightly.

Miller scoured his sharp looking Legends SS boat from stem to stern to make sure everything was in order before getting on the river.

When he was satisfied everything was as it should be, I backed the truck down the ramp and watched Miller slide the sleek boat into the cold water.

I got the immediate feeling that it was

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going to be a good day on the Gasconade River.

Miller gave me a quick rundown on what to expect and made sure I was comfortable and had everything I needed. I never asked him if he had ever been in the military, but his mindset approached that of a platoon leader readying himself and his men for a serious patrol into enemy territory. Miller was ready.

The 175 hp Johnson motor brought the Legend SS boat onto plane in a snap. The cold, winter air stung our faces as we roared up river. It felt good to be outside again.

Less than a mile from the ramp, Miller brought the boat to a slow halt and quietly lowered the trolling motor.

Rock rubble and downed logs dotted the steep river bank.

A forested, snow-clad hill reached to the clouded sky. Out of habit, I scanned the hillside for any telltale sign of movement. As I hunted the slope, Miller hunted the water searching for the place for that first perfect cast.

I chuckled to myself as Miller selected a spinning rod from his arsenal, rigged with a Rogue jerkbait. He began singing the praises of the Rogue before he made his first well thought out cast.

The Gasconade River is a virtual jungle of fish habitat. Past experience is a key factor which helps anglers eliminate much of the habitat, in order to consistently put their baits into the best fish producing structure. Miller’s vast experience shined from his first cast to his last.

Nick struck pay dirt on his third cast, but didn’t connect. I relaxed with the confidence that Miller knew what he was doing. I made the decision not to touch a rod during the trip. It would be worth it to sit and watch how this man handled the situation.

Less than 50 yards from were he began tossing his jerkbait, Miller made his first hookup with a scrappy smallmouth. The water temperature gauge read 45 degrees.

“I like to start fishing when the water temperature reaches 40 degrees,” Miller said. “It only gets better as the water warms, but in the 40 degree range jerkbaits work great.”

I often watch for the subtle things when with an expert fisherman.

Miller’s rod handling tempo ap-

Nick Miller begins using stickbaits for smallmouth bass when water temperatures reach 40 degrees.

proached that of the Texas Two Step, step-step, slide-slide. In the case of the rod it was twitch-twitch, pause, pause, a simple but deadly tactic for cold water smallmouth bass.

There is a method to the madness, according to Miller.

“The jerk and pause method imitates a dying shad,” Miller instructed.

“Many shad die off during the colder months. They die slowly, slipping

slowly, side to side, as they drift to the bottom. A suspending jerkbait, jerked and paused, imitates a dying shad. Putting a jerkbait in a smallmouth’s face initiates a reaction bite.”

Both smallmouth and largemouth bass fell steadily to Miller’s deadly techniques. Most succumbed to his lure 8-to-10 feet from the riverbank. They drifted slowly from the warmth of rock and wood cover to nip at the jerkbait.

The bite remained subtle, but the arch in Miller’s rod warmed both of us in the chilly March air.

Miller’s rod arched again, but the fish struggling on the end of his line acted differently.

“Look at that,” Miller said. “A big crappie!”

The bites slowed a bit, so we ran upstream about eight miles to Boiling Spring, where the water bubbled from underneath a towering limestone bluff. The water temperature read 50 degrees.

Springs are wintertime hotspots for bass and other fish. Miller had hoped for several fish here, but a pair of anglers had anchored near the spring.

Miller caught the biggest smallmouth of the day just downstream. We called it a day.

The boat ride back to the Jerome access became a sightseeing tour. Icicles hung from the bluffs. Eagles circled.

Herons squawked at our intrusion.

Ducks skittered across the surface.

And a gaggle of geese escorted us the last 100 yards to the access, a perfect end to a perfect day with a newfound fishing friend.

Nick Miller’s fishing trip may be viewed at www.aoutdoorstv.com under fishing shows.

Have BIG BOY tools or toys?

Gilmore Trailer can help you haul them!

RiverHillsTraveler.com

March 2015 • Page 13

Red hot tactics for America’s favorite fish in the spring

By Colby Simms pringtime bass fishing, what’s not to love? The bass is America’s favorite fish, and spring is the preferred season to chase them.

Since I was 27 years old, I’ve been a full-time multi-species fishing pro, outdoor sports business owner, and media member, and I’ve been blessed to spend a tremendous amount of my life on the water.

Along with many of my staff guides, I’ve caught hundreds of species in both freshwater and saltwater, at my outfitting company’s top locations across two continents, but we still always look forward to guiding springtime bass fishing trips across the great Midwest.

Yes, we spend most of our bass fishing time on our home lakes, but we venture to other ones too, and after all these years, the excitement of this great sport, in this great part of the world, never fades.

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Exciting fishing

Bass are hard hitting, hard fighting, strong and powerful, acrobatic sport fish. They’ll hammer a lure like a runaway freight train, strip line from a reel’s drag, bulldog for the depths one second, and then rush straight up to leap high into the air the next!

They’re challenging to find, to coax into striking, and to land, yet their numbers in quality waters can yield feverish action, too.

Largemouth bass are the biggest, qualifying as big game for sure, and often tackling giant prey and huge lures with savage fury. Smallmouth are warriors, that pull harder pound for pound than most freshwater fish in the world, and spotted bass are abundant tough customers that can bend a rod very well.

In springtime, many tactics work well to take these fish, but much of this season falls into a timeframe when bassin’s most exciting methods produce well.

Topwaters, spinnerbaits, swim jigs, and shallow cranks all produce well, allowing anglers to cover a lot of water searching out the most aggressive fish, while offering the visual appeal of seeing bass hammer these lures at or near the surface, and our guided clients get as excited as we do about chasing big Midwestern bass in this way during spring.

Location aspects

On most waters, there will always be

Colby Simms Outdoors Team Member Chris Coufal displays a pair of Midwestern spring largemouth bass.

some fish in the shallows. Typically, shallow bass tend to be more active and more catchable than deeper bass, and as long as big fish are present, we’ll always target the shallows first, only moving to mid depths or deep water if we need to.

Thankfully, for the majority of the spring period, good populations, and often the majority of the bass in a system, can be found in shallow water or right next to it, where these beasts rush up to waylay our offerings right before our very eyes.

Strikes are often vicious and unforgiving, and this kind of bass fishing can be a roller coaster of a thrill ride!

Look to shallow cover for bass anytime.

Of course, during the spawn, some bass can be taken off of open beds, in areas without cover, and this can be an effective way to fish.

But, not all bass spawn at the same time, and fish in pre or post spawn stages are likely to be close by, and are often more catchable, especially with power tactics.

Males spend much more time fanning beds and protecting them, while the bigger females only move onto the beds for a short while to procreate.

Throughout much of the season, big female bass will use shallow cover, or mid-depth cover that rises up to the surface, along initial breaks that separate the shallows from the depths, before and during their short forays onto the beds.

Standing timber, stumps, logs and lay downs, brush piles, broken rock, boulders, ledges and rip rap, as well as various weeds and grass beds and patches will all hold big bass.

Get out there

Depending on how far north or south you fish, the peak of springtime bass

Colby Simms Outdoors Team Member Chris Coufal displays a pair of Midwestern spring largemouth bass.

angling is either upon you or it’s not far off, and it’s a special and thrilling time of year to hit the water in search of the

fish of your dreams.

(Colby Simms can be reached at colbysimmsoutdoors@hotmail.com.)

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March 2015 • Page 9

RiverHillsTraveler.com

Several ways hunters can stay busy in the off-season

‘The absolute best turkey hunt I’ve ever been on’

By Madee Kelley ven in a hunter’s off-season, we still have many responsibilities to maintain.

As hunters, during our downtime, we tend to forget about preparing for the next season or keeping things in top shape, like our bodies, for our next adventure.

Whether you hunt in California or Missouri, all hunters have the basic expectations if we want to be successful hunters.

Keep in shape. As much as we all dread the gym and keeping our New Year’s resolution, keeping in shape is a big key point in hunting. Adrenaline keeps us going during the season but climbing that hill to the tree stand can accumulate sweat and odor, a hunter’s worst nightmare.

Another plus to keeping in shape is if a bear chases you, like one of my fears, you can get a lead and have bear jerky the next day!

Keep in the woods. Keeping in the woods can help you stay familiar with your surroundings and keep the outdoors in the back of your mind during all off-season. You can do this by camping, or fishing. “It makes me unwind and relax,” Heath Wood says.

Watch hunting videos. Although watching videos of monster bucks or turkeys with the longest beards can put our expectations to a higher standard, it helps us with the anticipation and excitement of the season.

I know when I watch the hunting channel and a commercial comes on as soon as the hunter pulls back his bow, it gets me riled up like the Seahawks fans from this year’s Super Bowl.

Explore new options. When we, as humans, do the same thing the same time of year for a long time, it can get a little boring and the compassion we have for it can die down. Exploring new things can help our season grow and it helps our other hunting abilities.

I just got a bow for Christmas, thanks Grandma and Grandpa, and I love it. It helps decrease my downtime and it helps me be a better shot. Not only that but it builds my muscle and endurance.

My brother and my grandpa are into fly fishing. My grandpa keeps urging me to try it sometime so I’m going to have a brother-sister fly fishing trip.

Trying something new is getting me some bonding time with my brother!

Keep your materials up to date. This means to keep your weapons sighted in, your food plots full, and your dogs in check. This is a crucial step to the hunter’s downtime checklist.

Of course we sight in our weapons before the season, but we need to keep them sighted in. If you see an enormous turkey in your backyard but you haven’t shot your bow in a while, you can take the shot but you’ll be lucky to hit it.

As for food plots, if you get sidetracked and you’ve had an empty plot for too long those deer or turkeys aren’t gonna stick around. Keeping your dogs in line means that they still need to practice, too. What good will they be if they only practice before or during duck season? Your dog needs to keep in top shape just as much as you do.

The last reminder in your off-seasons is to practice. Practice, practice, practice. My grandpa tells me, “When you’re done practicing, practice some more.”

I know this one is a no-brainer but it is easy to get caught up in work and

By Heath Wood uring the spring of 2013 I was able to partner with a National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF) chapter in Rogersville, Mo., named The Rogersville Strutters.

With a team of volunteers we were able to take part in a disabled youth turkey hunt. The Rogersville Strutters started this hunt a couple of years prior, specially for kids who had some type of disability.

Groups then take them on turkey hunts when they might not have the chance to do so otherwise.

It all started in 2012 when I was doing a youth hunting field day called a Jakes Day sponsored by their NWTF chapter. While at this event I was asked to be a part of the hunt.

With a little planing we were able to return in the spring of 2013 to take a young boy from Fordland, Mo., named Owen Baird. Owen suffers from the disease of autism.

That spring we hunted on a family farm of Owen’s. Throughout the weekend we spent 17 hours in a blind. Although we had turkeys a mere 10 yards from the blind, we where unable to make a harvest. Fortunately we made plans to return in the spring of 2014 to take Owen again to try to get his first turkey.

This past spring cameraman Don Palmer of Cape Girardeau, Mo., and myself returned to hunt with Owen and his dad, Brian Baird. This time, however, we hunted a farm near Rogersville.

Two weeks earlier I had scouted the farm with Cody Wilson and Josh Hogan of the Rogersville Strutters NWTF. We were happy to find several gobbling turkeys

D

E

Practicing with her bow builds Kelley’s muscle and endurance.

Many hunters take up fly fishing during their off-season.

other things besides the obsession for the outdoors.

Once I was practicing with a good friend of mine and we were being silly and shooting from 30 yards just because we were curious as to how far we could shoot.

It was getting dark and when I released my arrow, we saw a spark at the bottom of the target! We both looked at each other with the facial expression of

“AWESOME!” We ran inside to get everyone’s attention. When my arrow sparked again everyone was shocked. The men informed me that I was hitting rocks and it wasn’t good for my arrows. I plan on shooting my 2015 turkey with it but I can’t do that if I don’t make it a priority to practice after school and on the weekends.

After having my bow for a couple of

weeks, I eventually kept grouping and constantly cut the fletching off my new arrows. Dad was mad that he had to get my arrows re-fletched. Even if you’ve been shooting for years, after you stop for off-season, you get slightly rusty just like on everything else.

Hunting is a tough job and is hard to keep up with. Being stretched between work, your family, and your friends it can be hard to fit hunting into your agenda.

Hunting isn’t just during season, it takes attention, scouting, and much more preparation for a great season but we all know it pays off in the end.

(Madee Kelley, 15, is a student at Reeds Spring High School in Missouri.)

that morning along with multiple hens that ended up in a large valley that we were watching from that morning. With the good Lord willing we would return for the two-day youth turkey hunt.

On Friday before the weekend hunt Don Palmer, Cody Wilson, Brian Baird and myself set up two blinds in the edge of the field that we had scouted.

Everything was now ready for the next morning’s hunt. The next morning we found ourselves arriving to the blind with several gobblers already singing on the roost.

When I got the signal from Palmer that the lighting was good to begin filming, I began a calling sequence on a diaphragm mouth call. A few yelps here and there gave just enough curiosity to make two of the gobblers fly off the roost and head towards our setup.

We had a Jake decoy along with a hen decoy set up at exactly 20 yards from our blind which was the distance that Owen had been practicing for several weeks before season. After a mere 30 minutes of gobbling, the first gobbler entered the field at 150 yards.

With a small hill between the gobbler and our decoy setup, the big tom was not able to see them, which made him walk slightly to our left. However, as soon as he locked eyes with our decoys, he turned and strutted right to them.

After a few seconds of rubbing against them, Owen made a successful shot, taking down his first big Missouri gobbler. We began celebrating, with high fives, hugs, and lots of hooping and hollering.

Owen’s turkey weighed 22 pounds and had near a 10” beard. After such a long hunt the year before, it was such a blessing to have the gobbler work right to our setup presenting Owen with a perfect shot. It is so nice when a plan comes together. As every veteran turkey hunter knows, it doesn’t always happen that fast.

I have been turkey hunting since I was a young teenager, and throughout the years I have had some fantastic hunts, many that I will never forget.

But, this was truly the best hunt I have ever been a part of. It was priceless to see the look on Owen’s face when as he said “I popped him,” plus seeing how excited and thankful his mom, dad, family and friends were makes you want to do everything possible to do it again.

Fortunately, I’m doing just that. This coming spring I am returning again with a cameraman to take a young

blind boy to try to get his first turkey as well.

(Editor’s note: Owen Baird’s hunts can be seen on Cuttin and Struttin Vol. 18 (spring of 2013’s hunt) and last spring’s hunt can be seen on Cuttin and Struttin Vol. 19 DVD from Hunter’s Specialties as well as The Stuff of Legends TV show on the Sportsman Channel.)

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