ISSUE II
THE NEW LAKE EFFECT ON FISHING
HUNTING AXIS DEER • CATCHING CRAPPIE • CATFISH RECIPES • BETTER BANK FISHING
Editor’s Letter: Spring and fall are my two favorite seasons because the weather is so nice. This issue of The Outpost offers some food for thought on some fun things you can do outside during this great time of year – fishing for crappie, how to take advantage of those new lakes, tips on better bank fishing and hiking in the great states of Texas and Louisiana – as well as some real food in the form of some of the best catfish recipes you have ever wrapped your mouth around.
Since we’re just getting the hang of this digital magazine thang, we’d love to hear what you think. Send us your ideas on what you’d like to see in future issues, your photographs of you and your buddies/family/dogs out enjoying Mother Nature, your high school picture of you with a mullet or anything else that shows you’re just as goofy and as passionate about the outdoors as we are. We always love a tall tale.
Also in this issue, we’ve got a story about my accidental meeting of a giant Axis deer, what to do about storing all that hunting gear in the offseason to keep the scent au natural, a boatload of outdoor photos and a couple of laughs. It’s all here.
In the meantime, hurry up and read this issue and then get the heck outside and play! Email us at:
The-Outpost@comcast.net
THE OUTPOST© is produced and copyrighted 2012 by Gorilla Marketing LLC, Marietta GA 30062. Reproduction in whole or part without permission is expressly forbidden.
THE OUTPOST Gorilla Marketing, LLC • Marietta, GA 30062 • 770-675-7200 Jason Martin, Partner • Jim Zegers, King of the Jungle • Art Young, Editor in Chief Contributing Writers: Art Young, Jason Martin, Patrick Meitin Photo Credits: Tony Eckler - Poot McFarlin - Sandy Earle - Jeff Van Buskirk Jeff Brockette- SNA Members - Marc Montochi - Ronnie Wright
“It’s a Jungle Out There!”
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CATCHING CRAPPIE
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CATFISH...IT’S WHAT FOR DINNER
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FISHING TIPS YOU CAN TAKE TO THE BANK
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HUNTING AXIS DEER
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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TAKING ADVANTAGE OF THE NEW LAKE EFFECT
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STORING HUNTING GEAR
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GREAT HIKING IN LOUISIANA AND TEXAS
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BACKPACKING FOR BIGGER WESTERN GAME
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THE BACK PAGE
CATCHING CRAPPIE Tab Benoit is a nationally known blues guitarist and singer who grew up and continues to live in Houma, Louisiana. In addition to being a great performer, he is a well-known supporter of the Wetlands along the Gulf Coast and an avid fisherman. When introducing one of his most popular songs – Sac au lait – he usually talks about the fact that some people call this fish “Crappie”, but the Acadian folks in Louisiana prefer a more appetizing name. “What would you rather eat, something called ‘crappie’ or something called “Sac au lait?” To see and hear Tab talk about fishing, click here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D0QxWggayzs) There are few activities more exciting than catching aggressive fish and if they happen to taste great, then that is an additional bonus. This describes fishing for crappie or (if you prefer) Sac au lait perfectly. While they can be caught any time of the year and many fishermen prefer the summer and fall seasons, the prime time for catching crappie is whenever the temperature of the water reaches 65 degrees in the spring - when annual spawn begins.
In order to have success in catching crappie, it is necessary to understand how crappie survive. They are ambush predators and they rely on concealment for finding food. If the fisherman can find the concealment, present a credible prey in a tempting manner then the next thing you know… it’s crappie time! Fishing for crappie is great sport because they can be caught by the beginner angler and they offer a challenge to the most experienced fisherman. Crappie have been called “nomads” because they cruise a wide area, especially after the spawn. They avoid the noon heat by going deeper and they tend to follow creek channels from deep to shallow water where they will feed in the late afternoon. Black or White? It’s Hard to Tell the Difference There are two types of crappie, white (Pomoxis annularis) and black (Pomoxis nigromaculatus). They are often found schooling together and unless the angler is a marine biologist or has a great deal of experience, he/she won’t be able to tell the difference when one is caught. Black and white crappie are the same colors ranging from dark olive to black on top with silvery sides and black blotches and stripes. The pattern of the dark blotches is different. On black crappie, the spots are irregular and scattered. While on white crappie this coloration is clearly arranged into 7 to 9 vertical stripes. Also, black crappies have 7 or 8 dorsal spines and white crappie have only six. Even though they are fun to catch and even more fun to eat, crappie are not that large. Wikipedia notes that the world record black crappie is 5 pounds and the record white crappie is 5 pounds, 3 ounces. Most crappies that make it to the stringer are in the half to one pound range. In terms of minimum length for keeping or releasing them, most states, including Texas, have a 10 inch size limit on crappie. Fishing guides say that black crappie tend to need slightly clearer and deeper lakes or ponds to flourish and white crappie hold in more shallow water. However, both are found in ponds, lakes and rivers. Anglers tend to have more success finding crappie under bridges, near pilings and areas that have submerged trees, stumps and tires. How to Catch Crappie This type of fish requires the angler to master the art of brush fishing. With brush fishing, there is a constant challenge of losing hooks, jigs and weights. Expert guides have a wide range of high tech electronics that help them find the exact depth where the crappie are congregating, but for the beginner, it seems logical to apply the famous KISS principle.
The simplest way to catch crappie is to use a tandem hook, rigged with a heavy weight on the end and two hooks tied to the line. With this configuration, it is possible to feel the weight as it bumps into anything substantial (a stump, old tire, a scuba diver) in the water. Another simple technique it to tie a 1/32 ounce white or yellow jig to the main fishing line, which is usually 12-pound test, then tie a separate drop line of less strength (6 pound test) and cinch a split-shot to this line. The light drop line should extend 6 inches or so below the jig so that the fisherman can feel the stumps or other hang-outs for crappie. If the drop line snags and is lost, it is easy to replace the split shot.
Many fishing guides suggest trolling with a jig and minnow combination. In this scenario, it is recommended that the angler uses a drop line with a light weight - maybe even something as simple as a nail. One can also use this technique to catch crappie at night. It helps to use floating lights for night fishing. Just make sure that they are wired to a separate battery from the one that is used to start the boat!
The Jig is Up The best baits for catching crappie are jigs, plastic grubs, marabou, spinners as well as good old fashion minnows. If minnows are used, it is best to hook the minnow through the lip for trolling, through the eye socket for jigging and behind the dorsal fin for bobber fishing. A jig is a type of fishing lure that consists of a lead sinker with a hook molded into it and usually covered by a soft body to attract fish. Jigs are intended to create a jerky, vertical motion, as opposed to spinner baits which move through the water horizontally. One well-respected guide in Texas, Wally Marshall (aka “Mr. Crappie”) notes that jigs are far superior to minnows because “they don’t die, you don’t run out of them in the middle of catching a bunch of fish, you don’t have to worry about them being too small or too large and you can get back to fishing quicker after catching something!” Needless to say, Mr. Marshall doesn’t use minnows to catch crappie. For successful jigging, the fisherman needs to use a rod which is good for feeling a strike, and needs to stay in contact with the lure and get it to where the fish are. Most fish caught by jigs are on or near the bottom. On his website (www.thecrappieguy.com) Marshall suggests using a chartreuse or pink colored jig with a weight of 1/16, 1/8 or 1/4 ounce. Knit, Purl and Catch One of the most important tricks to snagging crappie is to develop a fine tactile sense. If you think “tactile” is something you put on a bathroom floor, think again. Crappie tend to be nibblers and more than a few have been caught by fisherman who have a keen sense when their line is moving. Interestingly, women and young children tend have a better tactile sense because their hands are more sensitive than hands that have been involved in working on car engines and sawing tree limbs for years! One cool technique that can be used to get a better feel for crappie to be more inclined to take the jig or minnow is called the “knit and purl” approach. Rather than using an up and down jigging motion, an angler can try lifting and pulling the line with a forefinger while twisting the hand holding the rod around. By handling the rod this way, it is possible to feel even the gentle nibbling of a crappie and it makes it easier to anticipate a crappie strike. Whether you have a tripped out boat with a side imaging sonar depth finder and a tackle box full of jigs in every color of the rainbow or you’re 10 years old and have a cane pole with a string, a couple of hooks and a bobber, you can have a blast catching this game fish. And whether you call it crappie or Sac au lait, all it takes is some patience, a little luck and the good sense to change strategy whenever they’re not buying what you’re selling.
Catfish: It’s What’s for Dinner Whether it’s farm-raised, caught from the river or hand-grabbed by a Noodler, catfish is one of the most healthy and tasty of all fish. It’s also amazingly versatile. Here are some easy-to-make catfish recipes from The Outpost. Southern Fried Catfish Everybody needs a least one great recipe for southern fried catfish and this is it. Prep Time: 20 min
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Cook Time: 40 min
For the fried catfish: • 1 liter canola, approximately, as needed for deep-frying • 3 cups cornmeal, approximately, as needed for breading • 2 tablespoons Irvine Spices Cajun Blackfish spice (you may need more if you use more cornmeal for breading) • Salt and freshly ground black pepper • 4 pounds catfish fillets • Lemon wedges, for service
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Serves: 8 For the tartar sauce: • 2 to 3 tablespoons olive oil • 3/4 cup mayonnaise • 2 scallions (white and tender green parts only), minced • 2 teaspoons drained sweet pickle relish
Directions: In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, mayonnaise, scallions and relish to make a tartar sauce. Refrigerate until needed. Heat oil in deep-fryer to 350 degrees F. Combine cornmeal, Blackfish Spice and salt and pepper, to taste. Dredge catfish fillets in seasoned cornmeal. Deep-fry coated pieces in batches until they are cooked through, about 10 minutes. (For basic reference, use the manufacturer’s instructions for your deep fryer for similar foods, then test the fish see that it is fork tender.) Allow to drain on paper towels and serve with tartar sauce and fresh lemon wedges (to squeeze lemon juice over the fish).
Blackened Catfish with Sautéed Vegetables If you like your catfish blackened, here’s a good way to do that. Prep Time: 10 min
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Cook Time: 20 min
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Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients • 3 cups conventional white rice • 1/4 cup canola oil, divided • 3 stalks celery, diced • 1 medium green bell pepper • 1 medium yellow onion, diced • 1 teaspoon freshly chopped garlic • Salt and fresh ground black pepper • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper • 2 teaspoons lemon juice • 2 tablespoons freshly chopped parsley leaves • 5 catfish fillets, about 1 1/4 pounds • 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning Directions In a large pot, bring 5 1/4 cups of water to a boil over medium heat. Add the rice, turn the heat down to low and simmer until rice has absorbed all the water and is light and fluffy, about 15 to 20 minutes. Transfer the rice to a serving bowl and set aside. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add 2 tablespoons of canola oil. Add the celery, green pepper, onion, garlic, and season with salt, pepper and cayenne pepper. Sauté until slightly tender about 5 minutes. Add the fresh lemon juice and chopped parsley and cook for another minute. Transfer the vegetables to a serving bowl and set aside. While the vegetables are sautéing, heat a cast iron skillet or griddle over high heat. Brush the catfish with the remaining canola oil and then sprinkle both sides with Cajun seasoning. Place the catfish onto into the hot pan and cook, about 2 to 3 minutes on each side. Arrange the catfish on a serving platter and serve with rice and sautéed vegetables.
Catfish Sandwiches with Cajun Remoulade A catfish sandwich with the best Cajun Remoulade you’ve ever put in your mouth Prep Time: 10 min
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Cook Time: 6 min Remoulade: Catfish: • 1 scallion, finely chopped • 1 1/2 pounds catfish fillets, rinsed and patted dry • 1 1/4 cups mayonnaise • 1 box (8.5-ounce) corn muffin mix • 1 tablespoon capers, finely chopped • 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning • 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning • 1 egg • 1/2 teaspoon crushed garlic • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour • 2 1/2 teaspoons lemon juice • Canola oil, for frying
Sandwiches: • 1 loaf store-bought garlic bread (bake per package directions) • Butter lettuce • Sliced tomatoes • Sliced red onions
Directions Cut catfish fillets in half; set aside. In a pie dish or plate, combine corn muffin mix and Cajun seasoning; set aside. In a pie dish lightly beat egg with 1 tablespoon water to make egg wash; set aside. Dredge each catfish fillet in the flour; dip into egg wash and coat with corn muffin mixture. Set aside on a plate. In a deep-fryer or large pot heat oil over medium to medium-high heat to 375 degrees F. Fry catfish until golden brown, about 6 minutes. Remove to plate lined with paper towels. Cajun Remoulade: In a small bowl, stir together all ingredients. Set aside. Sandwiches: Spread warm garlic bread with remoulade sauce. Build sandwiches with fried catfish and remaining ingredients.
Art’s Smoked Catfish If you like grillin’, try this one. Prep Time: 10 min • Inactive Prep Time: 1 hr • Cook Time: 45 min Ingredients Creamy Orange Dill Sauce: • 1 quart buttermilk • 2/3 cup plain yogurt • 2 tablespoons hot sauce • 2/3 cup sour cream • 4 large catfish fillets • 2 tablespoons orange juice • 2 teaspoons dried oregano • 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper • 1 teaspoons dehydrated lemon peel • 1 clove garlic, finely chopped • 1 teaspoon kosher salt • 1 tablespoon finely chopped green onion • 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper • 1 tablespoon finely chopped parsley • Olive oil • 1 tablespoon finely chopped dill • Special equipment: Apple wood chips, • Dash hot sauce soaked in water for 1 hour. • Salt and freshly ground black pepper * Add all the ingredients to a serving bowl and serve with the smoked catfish. Directions Combine the buttermilk and hot sauce in a 13 by 9-inch casserole dish. Add catfish fillets and cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1 hour. After 1 hour, remove the catfish from the refrigerator and pat dry with paper towels. Set up your grill for indirect heat at a medium-low temperature, about 275 degrees F. Mix together the oregano, lemon peel and salt, pepper, in a small bowl. Lightly coat the fish with olive oil and sprinkle the seasoning evenly over the catfish fillets. Put the catfish on the grill away from the hot coals. Smoke the catfish until it is fully cooked through and golden brown, about 45 minutes. Remove the fish from the grill to a serving platter and serve with the Orange Dill Cream Sauce.
FISHING TIPS YOU CAN TAKE TO THE BANK
Most fishermen don’t have a boat but they still want to catch fish. This means that most fishing is done from the bank. With a little planning, this can be just as much fun as fishing from one of those doublewide boats. Since the techniques for bank fishing are different from those where a boat is used, here are some tips that you can take to the bank. The ideal time to fish from the bank is in the spring or early summer. This is because with winter recently over, many fish are still hanging out in the shallow water. In the heat of summer, they tend to migrate to the deeper, cooler depths. However, any time of year an angler is likely to find fish if he knows where to look. Fish Like a Little Structure in Their Lives If fishing for game fish such as bass or crappie, it’s important for the angler to work around structures such as submerged stumps or bushes and weeds. Most fishermen avoid these areas because of the potential for losing lures and tackle if they get entangled in the undergrowth. Unfortunately, these areas are where the fish live and its better to risk a hook or two than to try and fish in non-productive places. A great place to find fish is under bridges. This is due to the very logical reason that a bridge spans a river or creek and the deep water near the pilings supply shade and rock used for their foundation slows the erosion of the area making it an ideal spot for most fish species. Piers are also excellent structures to find fish in spite of the fact that there is usually a lot of other fisherman with the same idea. The type of bank will also affect where fish might be lurking. The best type of bank is one with a relatively steep drop-off. If this can be found, more fish will likely be in casting range. Choosing the Right Lures and Strategy for a Strike Choosing a lure that is relatively snag-free is the best strategy for fishing from the bank. If the angler is after bass, the best type of lure is a plastic worm or other soft plastic lures that are rigged with the hooked point buried in the body. Spinnerbaits and topwater lures are also great to avoid entanglement in undergrowth and for catching fish. If fishing for catfish, crappie or bluefish, it’s advisable to use live or natural bait with a slip bobber to float the bait and a depth that the fish seem to be biting. This bobber will also help the fisherman know when the fish are getting interested in making a strike.
Most anglers who are bank fishing give up on a spot too soon. Fishing guides suggest making many casts in an area that might have fish. With this repeated casting, the game fish might get annoyed enough to strike the “fish” (lure) that has continued to invade his space. The best times for bank fishing are early in the morning and late in the evening because at this time of day the light is not so bright and the fish are less likely to spook. It’s also a good idea to fish from a bank that has the wind blowing into it. Even though it’s tough to cast into a breeze, when the wind is blowing, it forces bait fish toward the bank and game fish such as bass are sure to follow. Keep a Record of the Honey Holes It’s amazing how few fishermen keep track of active spots. Fishing websites such as Earthsports.com suggest keeping a logbook listing the locations and types of fish that were caught in given areas. It may not be obvious, but there are always reasons why some areas have more fish than others and with a reference book, it makes it easier to remember where they were biting last time.
Hunting Axis Deer
The Outpost editor with an Axis deer in velvet, taken in West Sweden, Texas The first time I saw an Axis deer was three years ago on our family farm near Brady, just a few miles from the geographical center of Texas. I was enjoying my second day of dove hunting and it was in the middle of the afternoon on September 2nd. Shotgun in hand, I had positioned myself under an ancient mesquite tree, overlooking one of the stock tanks and was patiently waiting for the appearance of more birds. Instead of doves, I was surprised by one the most interesting deer I had ever seen. There are literally millions of whitetail deer in this part of Texas, but this was definitely not your standard-issue whitetail. A Large Antler Rack and Distinct Coat Coloration He was casually sauntering over to pond to get a little drink. His coat was very unusual. It was reddish-brown in color and marked by white spots arranged on each side of a black dorsal stripe. His antlers were also unusual. They were about 3 feet tall with 3 points on each side. I would venture a guess that this beautiful animal weighed about 250 pounds, much bigger than the whitetail deer I had pursued on this property since I was about 10 years old. I remained completely still, fascinated by this deer, for about 5 minutes. He didn’t notice me and he sucked up a nice, slow drink of nasty stock tank water. Finally, he caught a whiff of either the burger I had for lunch or something else particularly human and he looked up, directly at me. The deer psychologists would have to confirm my impression of his look, but it was something like “Holy Mackerel! There’s one of those up-right walkers and he’s got a gun!” Needless to say, he high-tailed it out of there and I watched him easily glide over three fences and disappear into our neighbor’s pasture. Time to Hit the Internet When I got back home I hit the Internet to try and find out what kind of exotic animal I had just encountered and it turns out my new friend is more than just another deer. He is an Axis deer. His ancestors have been around Texas since 1932 when some ranchers in Kerr County (west of San Antonio) brought in a herd of these deer from Sri Lanka located in the foothills of the Himalayas.
Since then, the Axis deer population has expanded to an estimated 50,000 animals in 92 Texas counties and it is a part of what some people call the free-ranging “Texotics.” In addition to the Axis deer, this group includes: Sika deer, Fallow deer, Blackbuck antelope and Aoudad sheep. Back in their mother country, these Axis deer were a favorite meal of Bengal tigers who must have impeccable taste. The Exotic Wildlife Association has judged the Axis deer meat as the best-tasting of all U.S. wildlife. This is not lost on the carnivorous Texas deer hunters who have discovered that “hey, those Axis deer may look funny, but they taste good!” Axis deer can be found in herds of 100 or more other deer, whitetails included. The Texas Parks and Wildlife researchers have noted that the Axis deer can out-compete whitetail deer for native grasses and can even change their normal diet if the need arises. As a result, these exotics are crowding out the native whitetail population. Spring Forward Three Years The next time I saw one of these exotic deer was three years later on December 7th and the temperature was 21 degrees. This is cold by Texas standards. I was deer hunting on our family farm and was sitting inside of a temporary camo blind in almost the same spot where I had seen the first Axis deer, overlooking the same stock tank and trying the stay warm and awake. As I nonchalantly glassed the early morning, sun-dappled countryside, I saw a small herd of deer, meandering my way. There were 9 or 10 deer in the group and they were clearly unconcerned about what might await them. Needless to say, the adrenaline kicked in. I became very much awake and began fiddling with the safety on my 30.06! As the herd got closer, it became obvious that the 3 bucks in this entourage were huge. It also became obvious (based on the rack and the spots on the back) that most of this group were not whitetail but Axis deer. Since my blind was positioned on the top of the bank of the pond (about 8 feet above the pasture) and I had a 180 degree vista, I got an excellent look at the herd that was slowly approaching the pond. This group had clearly made this trip to water hundreds of times and they were not expecting anyone with a rifle to be watching them. After about 15 minutes, the group got within 50 or 60 yards from the pond. I could see that the group was composed of 3 Axis bucks and 2 does, plus another 5 or 6 whitetail does. They were grazing on the stubble of my Dad’s hay field and there was a stand of mesquite trees between me and the deer. There was also an ancient barbed wire fence and some waist-high vegetation between us. As anyone who has ever hunted knows, there comes a time in the process when you realize that you are either going to take the shot or run the risk of the deer catching a human scent and turning and running the other way. I was thinking about this possibility when I put down the binoculars and picked up my rifle. I focused my shot on the spot where I hoped the big deer’s heart was located - on the left-hand side, just above his front leg. I took a deep breath and squeezed the trigger. The deer stood stunned for about 2-seconds and then keeled over on his right side. He was dead within a few minutes. When we field-dressed him, we found that the shot, which was a tiny entry spot on the deer’s fur, had pierced his heart. This was the biggest deer I have every harvested. It took three of us to get him on to the four-wheeler and on to the pickup, even after field-dressing him. When we got to the processing facility, they weighed him and he was a shade over 250 pounds. Axis Deer Can be Hunted Year-Round Because there were once considered livestock, free-roaming Axis deer are not regulated by the state wildlife authorities. They technically “belong” to the land-owner on whose land they are walking and with permission from the owner, hunters can take an Axis deer at any time of the year and there is no bag limit. If you hunt deer for the fun of getting outdoors and to put great tasting, lean meat in the freezer, you might want to keep on the lookout for the Axis deer. They’re likely to be around any pasture in West Texas, New Mexico and even Colorado and with their distinctive stripe and coloration; you won’t mistake them for whitetails.
TAKING ADVANTAGE OF THE NEW LAKE EFFECT
Like death and taxes, there are several things that fishermen can count on. There will always be droughts that deplete the lakes and reservoirs and at some point in time the rains will come again, filling them back up. The fun part comes a few years after the lake gets back to where it is supposed to be, especially if that lake happens to have a large bass population to start with. This is especially true with a recently constructed lake. Wildlife biologists and smart fishermen know that lakes are most fertile when they are new. Rising water covers standing vegetation and provides forage fish and small bass a place to hide from larger predators. When a lake level declines because of a drought and then stays low for a long time, new vegetation grows in the moist soil around the lake. When the rain finally comes, the rising water floods the vegetation and creates a new lake effect. Savvy fishermen, on a quest for bass, know the scientific response for this. It’s: “Boo Yaaa! Let’s get out on the water. Now!” Or, something equally intelligent.
Drought Prone Lakes Case examples are in order. There are two lakes, located in West Texas, that are good examples of this new lake effect. One is Lake O.H. Ivie, built in 1990 by a dam formed near the confluence of the Concho and Colorado rivers, between San Angelo and Brownwood. The other lake is Lake Falcon, formed by a dam on the Rio Grande River near Zapata which is about 50 miles south of Laredo, Texas. Both are in areas that are prone to drought and both have produced monster bass which, many of which exceed 13 pounds. In the case of Lake Ivie, the bass fishing blew up after it was opened. The nutrients that were stored in the flooded soil and vegetation leached into the water and this fueled a dramatic growth in both the population and size of the bass that were native and stocked. The fish had plenty to eat, the management of the lake didn’t allow over-harvesting and all was right with the world, until the inevitable drought parched West Texas ten years later. The lack of rain reduced the size of the lake from its normal 20,000 acres to about half that amount. This caused the fish to be crowded into a smaller space with less forage and habitat base. As for fishing, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) noted that it was fine, mainly because the bass were confined to a smaller area. However, as for the long term viability of the lake it was no Bueno! In the case of Falcon Lake, the same cycle ensued. When it is full, it covers about 78,000 acres of water and when the drought of the late 1990’s and early 2000 hit, the size was reduced to less than half that amount. As with Ivie, the same thing happened to the bass population.
When the Rains Finally Come In the period from 2004 to 2008, the yo-yo finally came back up. The rains came to West Texas and the two lakes were completely filled. Everybody on the bass fishing food chain was relieved; including the service stations, bait shops, convenience stores and the beer distributors. However, the group that was most pleased was the fish themselves.
Wildlife experts note that it takes about six or seven years after the end of a drought for the big fish to begin showing up on stringers. This proved to be the case at these two West Texas lakes. TPWD biologists have said that it normally takes 10 to 12 years for a bass to grow to 13 pounds but this year one this size was taken on Falcon and it was only 7 years old. As predicted, the nutrients from the dry ground and vegetation that had grown during the drought found their way into the fish population and the bass grew extremely fast. The new lake effect resulted in an increase in both the number and the size of the fish on both lakes. This effect is also responsible for increasing the number of medium and smaller sized bass – those that are 5 to 10 pounds in size.
The Cycle of Life The ancient philosophers were right. In fact, they may have been bass fishermen. Nature is a continuous cycle of life, death and then life. The new lake effect can only occur when a lack of water causes the ecosystem to react. If someone lives long enough, he will likely see these amazing natural patterns and if one is lucky enough he will realize just how fascinating nature really is.
STRATEGIES FOR STORING HUNTING GEAR Since upland birds, ducks and deer hunting seasons are over, it’s time to store the massive amount of hunting gear and clothing that have been used for these hunts. Just as there are strategies and tactics that enable success in the field, some thought should be given to implementing a storage strategy that will result in more hunting success next season. It starts with eliminating scent. A superior sense of smell is a powerful defense mechanism for deer and other wild game. During the hunting season, serious and even novice hunters realize how important it is to eliminate human scents on hunting attire. This is because that 8-point buck can smell laundry detergent or your favorite aftershave from 100 yards away! While most hunters are conscious of the need to mask the scents of civilization during the season, many forget that during the off-season these hunting clothes and other gear should be stored in a manner that keeps them free of the smells that will repel wild game. What can a hunter do to keep gear scent-free during the off-season? Just Add Some Dirt and Leaves Some old-school hunters favor a more rustic approach. These hunters contend that only way to keep hunting gear such as clothing free from the taint of civilization is to store them in containers that contain dirt, rotting leaves and tree bark from the area where the next year’s hunting is to take place. While this hardcore, “mountain man” approach appeals to some serious hunters, there are other ways to keep human scents from invading your camo attire and scaring off the wildlife. If you happen to hunt in areas where there are cedar trees, a great place to store the gear in the offseason is a good, old fashion cedar chest. While this is not as hard-core as putting the clothing and boots in a container with dirt and leaves, they will smell better when you take them out in the fall. High Tech Way to Store Gear One way to win in the olfactory challenge is to store hunting gear in air-tight containers that are lined with scent wafers. These are available at any gun store and most sporting goods stores. Before encapsulating your hunting clothes, boots, caps and gloves in the “Rubbermaid,” all of the garments should be thoroughly washed with special scent-eliminator detergent. The down-side of this method of storage is that it requires a lot of room, especially if you’re like most hunters who have 3 or 4 of every type of shirt, pants, gloves, socks and caps known to man. Another strategy for storing hunting gear in the off-season is to use the popular scent control spray – Scent Killer ®. Many hunters will keep their gear in a box in the garage or attic until they are ready to be used. Then they will wash the garments in Scent Killer and dry outside on a clothes line. It is also important to spray this product on the clothes before storing and during the season each time they are washed. Most hunters will also spray the soles and tops of their boots with Scent Killer before each hunt. It’s the Smell That Tells When a hunter “drops” into the natural habitat of any wild game, he is at a distinct disadvantage. Improving the odds of harvesting a deer or other game animal begins with eliminating the scents of civilization. Being scent-free will not help improve the hunter’s aim or visual camouflage, but it will improve the likelihood of success. Being scent-free in the field begins with proper off-season storage of hunting gear.
GREAT HIKING IN LOUISIANA AND TEXAS Recent research has shown that one of the best ways to relieve stress is daily walking. If that sounds about as exciting as watching the grass on your lawn grow, maybe you should think about taking that walk in a pristine or challenging natural environment. Then it turns into a hike, and that’s a completely different experience! In the coming months, The Outpost will be introducing you to some of the coolest places in the country to take a hike. Some areas will be near rivers and streams, so you can combine fishing with the hike and some will afford the opportunity to see some of the rarest birds and wildlife. They all offer great reasons to pack up the family or some buddies to get outside. The first two states that we’re covering are Louisiana and Texas.
The Sportsman’s Paradise When most people hear the word “Louisiana” they usually think music and food. This is understandable because the state has some of the best of both in the world. However, that’s not all you’ll find here. Louisiana’s state motto is “the sportsman’s paradise” and while these sportsmen are usually involved in fishing and hunting, the sport of hiking is also very popular. The state has an incredible ecological diversity, a yearround mild climate and many inviting trails. As with most hiking adventures, the best time to see Louisiana on foot is in the spring. The weather is gorgeous, the magnolias and azaleas are in bloom and the woods are teeming with a vast menagerie of birds and other critters. In the northern part of the state, near Monroe and Ruston, there are two areas with good hiking opportunities. The Chemin-a-Haut State Park (888.677.2436), near the small community of Bastrop, has several smaller trails along with fresh-water fishing, camp sites and cabins. The Jimmy Davis State Park (888.677.2263), which is named after the legendary former Governor of Louisiana who also wrote the song “You are My Sunshine,” has lush woodlands, surrounding a 5,000 acre lake. The hiking trails run through these woodlands. A little further south you’ll find the Toledo Bay area which is located near the historic city of Natchitoches. The 800,000 acre Kistatchie National Forest (800.832.1355) features the best hiking trails in the state – The Wild Azalea Trail. The views on the 30-mile trail are breathtaking, especially in the spring. Birders from all over the world come to the Kistatchie National Forest to search for such rare birds at the red-cockaded woodpecker. There are several other excellent hiking areas in the part of the state. The North Toledo Bend State Park and the South Toledo Bend State Park (318.645.4715) are on their respective banks of the Toledo Bend Reservoir and both feature miles of easy-to-traverse trails, cabins, camping and the best fresh-water fishing in the world. The Cajun country in southeast Louisiana includes the Lafayette area and the topography is much more wetlands than that farther north. However, even with all of this water, there are ample hiking trails. The Chicot State Park (337.363.2403) is located near the charming town of Ville Platte and it features rolling woodlands surrounding a 2,000 acre lake and a collection of cool hiking trails that run throughout the park.
Another great hike through Cajun country is found at the Lake Fausse Pointe State Park (337.229.6173) which is near St. Martinville. The area is on the edge of the Atchafalaya Basin and in addition to the hiking trails, it has waterfront cabins and camping facilities. While in the area, you will want to make time for a lovely dinner at one of the dozens of world class restaurants including: “Catahoula’s (in Grand Couteau), “Café Des Amis (in Breaux Bridge) and “Café Vermillionville (in Lafayette). Near the state capitol city of Baton Rouge, you will find Tickfaw State Park (888.981.2020). This is an eco-park on the Tickfaw River and with its environmental programs and well-groomed trails; it is the perfect place for a family hike. Cleaning up the Katrina devastation in the New Orleans area is still very much a work-in-progress. However, two parks are almost back up to their original standards. The Bayou Segnette State Park features many areas to hike among the woodlands that border the marsh. It also has campsites, cabins and a large boat-launch. Just a few minutes from the French Quarter, you find St. Bernard State Park (888.677.7823). This 350-acre park on the Mississippi River has hiking trails, camping and a swimming pool to cool off in. For outdoor enthusiasts, the unofficial motto of Louisiana is “laissez les bon temps rouler!” (Let the good time roll). The diversity of terrain, plant and wildlife all combine to make for a terrific hiking experience. Everything’s Bigger in Texas Including the Views from the Trails Because it’s such a big state, Texas has an amazing diversity of climate, terrain, plant and wildlife. These wide-open spaces make hiking in Texas a visual feast. Most of the really breath-taking hiking spots are located far away from the urban centers, which partially account for their charm. However, if you are flying into Dallas, Houston, San Antonio or Austin, your rental car drive to these sites shouldn’t take more than a few hours. Here are some of the best places to take a hike in Texas! The Northwest corner of Texas, also known as the Panhandle, is extremely remote and is one of the few places in the state that has a “real” winter. It gets cold here. So, if you are planning on trekking this area any time between November and April, you better bring some warm clothes. The largest cities in the area, Amarillo and Lubbock, both have reasonably large airports with daily commuter service.
This part of Texas has some of the most beautiful sunrises and sunsets on the planet. You can check them out by hiking in the Palo Duro Canyon (806.488.2227). The colors in the canyon are dominated by the terra cotta hues which are gorgeous in any season. The view from the top is almost spiritual. One of the best known sites in the area is the “Lighthouse” rock formation. There is a very nice state park surrounding the Palo Duro Canyon with a complete complement of camping areas, horseback riding and mountain biking. Just south of Amarillo, you will find another terrific hiking area in the Texas Panhandle. The Caprock Canyons State Park and Trailway (806.455.1492) has stunning, red bluffs that overlook Lake Theo. The park offers the opportunity for camping, hiking and biking. The “Trailway” within the park is 64-miles long and runs along abandoned railroad trestles. The legendary Charles Goodnight bison herd is pastured and protected in the lovely state park. West Texas has lots of spaces and not too many people. If you’re a serious hiker, this is always a good thing! The Big Bend National Park (432.477.2251) is located on the Rio Grande River, about 3 hours south of Midland/Odessa. This national park has world class hiking trails, camping, bird-watching and amazing flora and fauna diversity. It also has over 800,000 acres of mountain and desert. So, it is advisable to give yourself several days to really enjoy the visit. Near Big Bend is a relatively new state park called Big Bend Ranch (432.229.3416) and it has more than 250,000 rugged acres. This area has become one of the premiere sites for back country camping and hiking. The state of Texas has just recently built primitive camping sites and there is also a ranch house which serves regionally-inspired meals. This is one of the nation’s best mountainous desert hiking areas. Another beautiful hiking area is the Davis Mountains (432.426.3337), near Fort Davis. Even in the hottest of summers, this area remains relatively cool because of its altitude. It also has the Fort Davis Historical Museum and the internationally famous McDonald Observatory in nearby Marfa. If you love art or would like to see where the classic movie “Giant” was filmed, a day-trip to Marfa’s fledgling artist’s colony is highly recommended. El Paso is as far west as you can go in Texas and nearby is a very cool hiking area in the Franklin Mountains State Park (915.566.6441). There are over 37 square miles of desert wilderness and more than 100 miles of trails. At night, the view overlooking El Paso and Juarez is spectacular. The Hill Country of Texas is located in the center of the state near the state capital of Austin. This area is a magnet for outdoor enthusiasts. One of the best hiking trails in the area is found at the Pedernales Falls State park (830.868.7304). The Pedernales River is spring-fed with crystal, clear water and postcard natural beauty. Birdwatchers from all over the world come to this spot in Texas to marvel at the ornithological diversity. Also near Austin and surrounded by beautiful rolling hills is another great spot for hikers; McKinney Falls (512.243.1643). This area has hiking, biking, camping and swimming all under giant cypress trees on the banks of Onion Creek. During the spring and summer months, the wild flowers are world class. The Southeastern part of Texas has its unique spots for serious hikers. Near Houston, you will find the Brazos Bend State Park (979.553.5101) with more than 5,000 acres of prairie, lakes and bottomland hardwood forests. There more than 34-miles of multiple-use trails that span an eye-popping diversity of ecology. You’re likely to see whitetail deer, alligators and more than 290 species of birds.
About 30-miles north of Houston is the historic city of Huntsville. Nearby you will find another great hiking area – The Huntsville State Park (936.295.5644). This park has lovely loblolly and shortleaf pine trees and panoply of native wildflowers. Hikers enjoy the extensive trail system that is around the 200acre Lake Raven. Texas really is a whole other country! From the sunny beaches of Padre Island to the Piney Woods of East Texas, the ecological diversity is unsurpassed. And Louisiana lives up to its title of the Sportsman’s Paradise. These are only a few of the fabulous hiking opportunities found in the two states, but hopefully these will get you started.
Backpacking For Bigger Western Game Patrick Meitin, Sportsman of North America Contributing Writer Unlike the average Eastern whitetail, who easily takes to a suburban existence, most Western game avoids civilization and human contact at all costs. Add only a small amount of hunting pressure and the average mule deer or elk starts packing. This generally makes hunting areas well off the beaten track most productive, areas requiring more effort, leaving crowds well behind. Accessing such areas and returning home or to camp each day, can really take its toll on even the most ambitious hunter. Backpacking, rolling out of your sleeping bag each morning to begin hunting right out of your remote camp, offers an alternative that can net bigger trophies. Backpacking is a lot of work, but the rewards can be great. GEARING UP Modern equipment makes wilderness life more pleasant – most importantly without breaking your back. Stoves, lanterns, nesting/folding pots and pans, even outdoor food, have evolved to literally shed pounds from your pack while accessing a backcountry hotspot. High-tech materials mean sleeping bags, pads and tents individually hit the scales in single-digit pounds, without sacrificing comfort or function when weather turns nasty. Even nutritious, quickly-prepared food is lighter than ever. A quick trip to a local backpacking store or cruising the web reveals this wealth of nifty backpacking gear. Topquality backpacking gear doesn’t come cheap. Watch for sales, garage-sale or eBay bargains, invest in the best you can afford and a comfortable wilderness experience is more likely. While visiting a local backpack shop it’s also wise to get properly fitted for a new pack. If your pack’s more than 10 years old, you’re missing out on a world of comfort. New models are that much better. A knowledgeable professional assures you purchase a pack that fits properly for ultimate comfort. This is as important as wearing properly-fitted boots. Many of the best models now include internal frames. Old-style external-frame packs are useful for schlepping elk quarters from a canyon bottom, or toting Alaskan moose meat across bog, but not as comfortable over long miles, especially in brushy areas where frames snag every passing branch. Many experienced hands are also finding that internal-frame models will pack meat just as well as an external, but with greater comfort.
LOCATING THAT HOTSPOT Finding productive backpacking spots can be tricky, especially when well removed from the scene. The best spots make it difficult to trot in for reconnaissance, though, that does make a great excuse for a summer trout-fishing trip or an adventure with a willing spouse or child. Maps are the best way to get started in this business. U.S. Forest Service, BLM, or U.S. Geological Survey maps can get you into desolate areas from the comfort of your kitchen table. Wilderness areas are prime suspects, but any large swatch of roadless terrain should raise a red flag. Some basic knowledge of the game and the habitat they prefer also proves useful. Poring over maps, especially topographical maps, gives you a better idea of what you’re in for. Water’s always important, most notably in drier portions of the West, so permanent creeks, springs, or even man-made drinkers or tanks, are prime locations to find concentrations of game. Key contacts include US Forest Service, www.fs.fed.us/, Bureau of Land Management (BLM), www.blm.gov/nhp/index.htm, and US Geological Survey, www.usgs.gov/. Indexed to accurate topographical maps, today’s GPS units can also help take you right in, then most importantly, get you home safely.
Also seek people who might know something of the area you have in mind. State game biologists often fly aerial surveys of even remote areas and can be helpful. Summer fire crews are often a great well of information, spending weeks in backcountry few trod. Local cowboys often spend plenty of time riding wilderness areas gathering strays or checking fence. Drop in at a ranch house near wilderness and share a beer and you just might discover a real sleeper. Further research may involve referencing a state game department’s annual harvest reports. Hunt units with success rates above 25 percent for deer, 30 percent for elk, and 50 percent on turkey are good places to start. Another good source of helpful information is the federal Natural Resources Conservation Service (formally Soil Conservation), who collects data on the flora and fauna found in particular areas across the nation. Their reports can lead to specific food supplies, water, and animal populations in a particular area. Get more info at www.nrcs.usda.gov/. Another sometimes productive – and fun – way to scout is through on-line aerial photography web sites. TerraServer USA, GlobeXplorer, and US Geological Survey aerial surveys can be found at http://terraserver.microsoft.com/, www.globeexplorer.com/, or http://geography.usgs.gov/partners/viewonline.htm/. THE ALL-IMPORTANT HUNTING PARTNER Backpacking is hard work, and wilderness living isn’t for everyone. Choose your wilderness hunting partner with care. A lazy or out-of-shape partner, a whiner or nasty temper, can turn an otherwise enjoyable trip into a misery. Resentments quickly build when one member of the party is forced to do all the work, or begins to feel they are being held back by a slower partner. A partner with similar wood-skills and physical conditioning always makes the best partner on difficult hunting forays. Better yet, find a partner who makes up for deficiencies in your own skills; one partner dealing for camp-fire cooking while you deal with dishes and firewood. It’s also beneficial for hunting partners to coordinate on needed gear; one partner owning a primo tent while another owns appropriate cookware, for instance. Finding this reliable hunting partner -- or partners -- to share a hunt into remote country can be difficult but is highly important. Backpacking solo isn’t recommended for obvious reasons. Besides, great hunting deserves great company, someone to assure you arrive in camp safely at the end of each day, to share the burden of packing meat and antlers, and most importantly, to exchange tales around the campfire at the end of a fine day. Life just doesn’t get any better than that.
PHOTO OF THE MONTH
THE BAC KP AGE Early to bed… early to rise… fish all day… make up lies. A man was stopped by a game warden in Northern Michigan recently with two buckets of fish leaving a lake well known for its fishing. The game warden asked the man, “Do you have a license to catch those fish?” The man replied to the game warden, “No, sir. These are my pet fish.” “Pet fish?” the warden replied. “Yes, sir. Every night I take these here fish down to the lake and let them swim around for a while. I whistle and they jump back into their buckets, and I take em home.” “That’s a bunch of hooey! Fish can’t do that!” The man looked at the game warden for a moment, and then said, “Here, I’ll show you. It really works.” “O.K. I’ve GOT to see this!” The game warden was curious now. The man poured the fish in to the lake and stood and waited. After a few minutes, the warden turned to the man and said: “Well?” “Well, What?” the man responded. “When are you going to call them back?” the game warden prompted. “Call who back?” the man asked. “The FISH.” “What fish?” the man asked.
Do you have a funny hunting or fishing picture? Do you have a joke that everyone should hear? Email them to: The-Outpost@comcast.net