E
FR E
HUNTING & FISHING 2011 HUNTING SEASON
G U I D E
F O R
T H E
C A R O L I N A S
On the Hunt for Purple Paint Wild Hogs on the Loose! New Rules and Regulations for the Carolinas N C & SC Sea son Dat es
2 0 1 1 Ba g Lim it s
Wil d G a m e R e ci p e s
C a tch i n g C a tf i s h
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IWANNA速 Hunting & Fishing Guide ~ October 11, 2011
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IWANNA速 Hunting & Fishing Guide ~ October 11, 2011
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IWANNA® Hunting & Fishing Guide ~ October 11, 2011
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On the Hunt for Purple Paint Writte n
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R o b i ns o n,
O utdo o r
W r i t e r
The pre-dawn woods are still and quiet as a mid-autumn deer hunter makes his way down a familiar path. Stopping only to catch his breath and adjust his gear, he can hear the soft tap of newly falling leaves as they land on the surrounding forest floor. In the distance, an owl gives out one last call before settling in for his daytime sleep. Back on the trail, the seasoned archery hunter continues his trek, as he knows the importance of being in place, high up a tree before the day’s first light. Still young and in great health, the hunter makes the laborious two-mile trip in good time. Using his little headlamp only intermittently, the full moon of October helps illuminate his way. The woodlands are familiar, as he has hunted the area for years. Not sure of the property’s owner, he has never encountered another person or seen any type of poster or “No Trespassing” sign in this backwoods retreat. As the sun breaks the horizon, the bow hunter surveys the landscape from the small confines of his portable treestand. The random sound of falling acorns as they bounce from limb to leaves is interrupted by the rhythm of steady steps. Staring through the fall foliage, he makes out the figure of a person coming his way. Seconds later, a state officer is beneath his stand and asking to see his hunting license along with his written permission to be hunting in this location. Puzzled by the trespassing questions, the hunter discovers that not only was he hunting for deer but should also have been hunting for purple paint as well. Since man first decided that this was his land, he has been using words to describe those who come on the land without his permission. It was the word, ‘trespass’ that followed the first European settlers to the new world and has stuck ever since. While the Native American certainly felt that they were being trespassed on themselves, our ancestors wasted no time in letting outsiders know to stay away. While a small sign on one’s front door with the message “No Trespassing” is easily seen and understood, how does a large landowner let the outside world know to stay off their land? For the past several years, the
issue of trespassing by hunters and fishermen has seen its share of new and challenging laws designated to legislate and enforce trespassing. This year was no exception as the state’s General Assembly decided to make the color purple the law that covers your land. From main street parking lots with “Police Authorized to Arrest” signs, to roadside trees plastered with the words “Posted,” one doesn’t have to look far to find places where he is not welcome. The majority of people have no problem with accepting the idea that if you legally own property, that you should have the right to decide who can enter it. On the other hand, what is an acceptable way to let the public know to stay out and how to remove them if they ignore the notice? For many years, the most standard way of enforcing trespassing was to first have one’s property posted a certain way. This included posters worded properly, being a certain size, and placed a certain way around the property. Then, the land’s owner had to go before a magistrate and take a warrant for the person he saw trespassing. A law enforcement officer then served the warrant on the trespasser and the landowner would have to testify in court. Since hunting and fishing was one of the biggest causes of trespassing complaints, many attempts have been made at providing a method in which landowners could shift the burden of enforcing the violation to law enforcement officers. This year, the issue came up again and at the end of the day, the current General Statute 14-159.6 was once again amended. As a result of the changes, landowners are now able to simply make a few small marks on trees with purple paint and law enforcement officers with subject matter jurisdiction are (continues on page 6)
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IWANNA速 Hunting & Fishing Guide ~ October 11, 2011
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(continued from page 4) able to enforce trespassing by hunters and fishermen without the landowner’s knowledge. However, according to Burke County attorney Jon Jones, who also spent several years as a District Attorney and a District Court Judge, this simple paint mark might not be so simple after all. Jones took a look at the new law this week and noticed several things that could create problems for the state in enforcing the law. The first thing Jones pointed out is the color itself. “Since there is no legal definition of what the color purple is, it creates a subjective situation that can vary from one person to another,” advised Jones. “Another thing is the mark itself,” said Jones. The law says it must be at least eight inches long but makes no reference as to how wide it needs to be. Jones went on to add that while the intent may be to enforce trespassing without needing the landowner in court, key provisions in the law may actually require the landowner to testify as to whether he is the actual landowner and if he is the one who put the purple paint on the perimeter of the property. In any case, it now looks like both officer and hunter will spend a lot of time this upcoming season hunting for purple paint. Tony Robinson can be reached at decoydoc@charter.net.
IWANNA® Hunting & Fishing Guide ~ October 11, 2011
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Attracting Bucks — Rules to Hunt By harder to spot. But after the first frost has hit and the leaves are beginning to fall, it is the perfect time to get out there and practice your antler rattling routine. Rattling is an effective whitetail hunting tactic, however don’t give up too soon. A lot depends on a buck’s mood, the time of year, and their comfort level in their surroundings. It’s important to treat each rattling session as though there’s really a deer on its way toward you. Some bucks may charge into rattling antlers, however most often, others arrive on the sly and won’t be noticed by you until the last second. So — all eyes and ears open!
Let’s say you’ve fallen witness to a fight between two bucks. Now, close your eyes. What do you hear? Four basic sounds would fill your ears — grunts, antlers banging and grinding together, branches breaking, and hoof beats on the ground. The art of attracting bucks is to mimic just those sounds in perfect harmony. Here are some rules to hunt by. antler rattling rules While some deer hunters confirm that rattling for whitetail doesn’t work, it could be because they’re doing it during the warmer months, when deer are
Location Select your rattling site wisely — choose a spot where bucks won’t be able to surprise you from behind. There are three things to keep in mind when choosing a rattling site: • one with plenty of cover • a minimum of open areas that the buck must cross • enough fresh deer sign to indicate that the animals are present. Another factor to consider is your downwind angle. This is so you don’t spread your own scent
around to nearby bucks. Open areas are places where bucks take more caution, so put these at your back. Safety First • It may sound like common sense, but be sure to wear gloves as you rattle. You’ll hit your hands more often than you would think. • Also, wear visible clothing when rattling. You never know when a human will be out and about and be fooled into thinking that the rattling you’re doing is being done by a real deer. And you don’t want to be shot! So wear visible clothing. • Just in case you come into contact with a charging buck attracted to your rattling, it’s wise to have one person doing the rattling and one person doing the shooting.
Grunting You can easily do this by using what’s called a “grunt tube,” which sounds like a throaty burp or bark. There are a vast option of models and tubes to choose from. While some of them may cost more, they all work only as good as the person doing the grunting. So, if you’re (continues on page 19)
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IWANNA速 Hunting & Fishing Guide ~ October 11, 2011
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12x16 barn-type building. Big round roof, 12x16 extra built-on, with electricity. Wood exterior, window: both rooms, built-on 12x16 addition, well insulated, 2 upstairs room. You move. $6,000 for both. Hunting dog equipment 4 chain link dog lots, 10x10. $100 each. 3 plastic dog houses, for large dogs. $20 each or $50 for all. 1 large dog hauler, metal with top storage lock for collars will haul 4 big hounds. $300. Dog tracker with 2 collars. Paid $700, asking $400. Everything in good condition. Cash no check preferred. Call anytime, Etowah. 828-699-888 1978 Ford F150. 4X4, long wheel base, 351 Cleveland motor, one owner, 92,000 actual miles, $2500. 828-966-4420 9’ Inflatable Heavy Canvas Fishing/Rafting Boat with long chrome oars. May be used with trolling motor. Removable wheel to roll down bank. Never been in water. Retail-$1,600. Sacrifice-$600. 828329-3535 Asheville
Sportsman’s Dream, 75 Acres, Woodbine, Eastern Kentucky, 8 miles from Corbin, When you build: free-monthly gas or until you build small monthly royalty check NO ZONING & LOTS OF MATURE TREES, Great deer & turkey hunting. 2200 ft. road frontage, City Water & Cable, Minutes from Laurel Lake, Great fishing, Creeks on property and has been Surveyed, Motivated seller $125,000 828-286-8714 or 828-286-9356
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IWANNA速 Hunting & Fishing Guide ~ October 11, 2011
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IWANNA速 Hunting & Fishing Guide ~ October 11, 2011
IF YOU LOVE THE OUTDOORS...
MCDOWELL COUNTY
IS THE PLACE!
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HUNTING & FISHING 2011 HUNTING SEASON
G U I D E
F O R
T H E
C A R O L I N A S
S E T A D N O S A E NTING S U H South Carolina ason Dates for the 2011-12 Hunting Season North Carolina Se BEAR (GAME ZONE 1 ONLY) Still Hunt (no dogs): Oct. 17-22 Party Dog Hunts: Oct. 24-29
DEER
Archery: Sept. 15 - Sept. 30 & Nov. 28 - Dec. 10, either sex Archery/Muzzleloader: Oct. 1 - Oct. 10 (muzzle-loader buck only, archery either sex); Oct. 1, 8 (either sex muzzleloader) Gun: Oct. 11 - Nov. 26, Dec. 12-31 (buck only). (Game zones apply)
WILD TURKEY
Game Zone 6 private land only, Mar. 15 - May 1. Game Zones 1,2,3,4,5 and selected Wildlife Management Areas, Apr. 1 - May 1
QUAIL
Sept. 1 - Sept. 30 (running seasondogs, no guns) Nov. 21 - Mar. 1 (guns & dogs)
CANADA GEESE
RABBIT
Mar. 2 - Nov. 23, 2011 (dogs only) Nov. 24 - Mar. 1 (guns & dogs\
Sept. 26 - Oct. 1 • Oct. 22 - Dec. 24 Sept. 1 - 30
Nov. 24 - Mar. 1
GROUNDHOG, NUTRIA, COYOTE No closed season or bag limit.
PHEASANT (male)
GAME BIRDS & WATERFOWL ~ LATE SEASONS DUCKS, MERGANSERS, & COOTS
Nov. 20 - Feb. 1
Nov. 19 - 26 • Dec. 10 - Jan. 29
FOX
RACCOON AND OPOSSUM
Sept 1 - 30 (running season-dogs, no guns) Oct. 1 - Mar. 1 (guns & dogs)
Nov. 14 - Feb. 28
BOBCAT, MINK, MUSKRAT, SKUNK, OTTER, & WEASEL
BEAVER
SQUIRREL
COMMON SNIPE GALLINULE & MOORHENS
WILD HOG
Sept. 1 - Oct. 14 (running seasondogs, no guns) Oct. 15 - Mar. (1 guns & dogs) Oppossum no limit.
Nov. 19 - Nov. 26 • Dec. 26 - Jan. 31
GROUSE Nov. 24 - Mar. 1 (Game Zone 1 only)
Sept. 1 - Nov. 23 (running seasondogs, no guns) Nov. 24 - Mar. 1 (guns & dogs)
No closed season or bag limit.
WOODCOCK
SEA DUCKS
Oct. 15 - Jan. 29
CANADA GEESE
Nov. 19 - 26 • Dec. 4 - Feb. 3 Feb. 6 - 9
Sept. 1 - Mar. 1
CROW
BLUE & SNOW GEESE
Nov. 1 - Mar. 1
Nov. 19 - 26 • Dec. 10 - Jan. 29
GAME BIRDS & WATERFOWL ~ EARLY SEASONS
BRANT
MOURNING DOVE
FEDERAL YOUTH DAY
Sept. 3 - 5, Sept. 6 - Oct. 8, Nov. 19 - 26 & Dec. 21 - Jan. 15
KING, CLAPPER, SORA & VIRGINIA RAILS
Dec. 11 - Jan. 29 Feb. 4 - 5
BEAR
FOX
LIGHT GEESE
DEER
EXTENDED SEASON FOR TAKE BY FALCONRY
TUNDRA SWAN
Oct. 17 - Nov. 19 Dec. 12 - Jan. 2
Bow & arrow: Sept. 12 - Oct. 1 & Oct. 17 - Nov. 19 Gun: Nov. 21 - Dec. 10
WILD BOAR
Sept. 13 - Sept. 30 — On Oct. 1, 2011, state law will no longer recognize wild boar. All wild hogs will be considered feral swine. There is no closed season.
RACCOON AND OPOSSUM Oct. 17 (at sunrise) - Feb. 29
SQUIRREL
Gray and Red (statewide): Oct. 17 - Feb. 29 Fox Squirrel: Oct. 17 - Dec. 31
RABBIT
Nov. 19 - Feb. 29
QUAIL
Nov. 19 - Feb. 29
GROUSE
Oct. 17 - Feb. 29 BOBCAT Oct. 17 - Feb. 29
GROUNDHOG, NUTRIA, COYOTE & SKUNK, & ARMADILLO No closed season or bag limit.
Sept. 26 - Oct. 1 • Oct. 22 - Dec. 24
PHEASANT (male) Nov. 19 - Feb. 1
Nov. 19 - Jan. 28 Oct. 18 - Feb. 28
BEAVER During any open season – with
firearms or bow and arrow, and land owner or lessee permission
CONTROLLED HUNTING PRESERVES Oct. 1 - March 31
CROW
Aug 3 - Feb. 29 – Wednesday, Friday and Saturday of each week plus Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, New Year’s Day and Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. Jun. 6 - Jul. 28 – Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday of each week plus Independence Day.
GAME BIRDS & WATERFOWL: DUCKS, MERGANSERS & COOTS Oct. 5 - 8, Nov. 12 - Dec. 3 & Dec. 17 - Jan. 28
SEA DUCKS
Oct. 1 - Jan. 31
DARK GEESE
Oct. 5 - 15, Nov. 12 - Dec. 3 & Dec. 17 - Feb. 4
658-2334
Weaverville Hwy. at Reems Creek Rd. Open 6 Days
Mon - Fri 7:30am - 5:30pm, Sat 7:30am - 1:00pm
Oct. 19 - 22 & Nov. 12 - March 10 Nov. 12 - Jan. 31
YOUTH WATERFOWL DAYS Dec. 10 & Feb. 4
DOVE
Sept. 3 - Oct. 8, Nov. 21 - 26 & Dec. 17 - Jan. 13
WOODCOCK
Dec. 15 - Jan. 28
COMMON SNIPE Nov. 14 - Feb. 28
EXTENDED FALCONRY SEASONS FOR MIGRATORY GAME BIRDS: DOVE
Oct. 15 - Nov. 19
KING, CLAPPER, SORA & VIRGINIA RAILS Nov. 19 - Dec. 24
GALLINULE & MOORHENS Nov. 19 - Dec. 24
WOODCOCK
Nov. 7 - Dec. 10 & Jan. 30 - Feb. 18
DUCKS, MERGANSERS & COOTS Oct. 24 - Nov. 5 & Jan. 30 - Feb. 18
Bringing Buyers and Sellers Together Asheville, NC 828-274-8888 Classifieds 828-274-2222
Greenville, SC 864-370-2340 Classifieds 864-233-1400
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HUNTING & FISHING 2011 HUNTING SEASON
G U I D E
South Carolina BEAR
Daily limit 1; No sow with cubs, no bears 100 lbs. or less (Party Dog Hunts from Oct. 24-30, 5 bears per party)
DEER
Game Zones 1, 2, 5: daily limit 5 Game zone 3: no limits on antlered bucks, limit 2 antlerless deer on either-sex days (See dnr.sc.gov for other game zones)
BOBCAT, MINK, MUSKRAT, OTTER, & WEASEL No limits
PHEASANT
Daily limit 3; Possession 6; Season 30
FOX
No limit
FOR EARLY MIGRATORY BIRD HUNTING SEASON:
WILD TURKEY
DOVE
Daily limit 2; Season limit 5 (except 2 total gobblers for Chesterfield, Darlington, Dillon, Florence,Horry, Lee, Lexington, Marion, Marlboro, Richland, and Sumter counties.)
RACCOON & OPOSSUM
Raccoons: 3 per party per night (Game zone 3: no limit) Opossums: No daily limit
QUAIL
T H E
Daily bag 15; Possession limit 30
KING & CLAPPER RAILS
Daily bag 15; Possession limit 30
SORA & VIRGINIA RAILS
Daily bag 25; Possession limit 25
GALLINULE & MOORHENS
Daily bag 15; Possession limit 30
Bag Limits for
2 scaup 1 black or mottled duck 1 canvasback 2 pintails 1 fulvous whistling duck 1 Black-bellied whistling duck 6 Ring-necked ducks 6 blue-winged teal 6 green-winged teal 6 northern shoveler 6 gadwall 6 American wigeon 6 ruddy duck 6 bufflehead 6 goldeneye
LIGHT GEESE
Daily limit 5; Possession limit 10
MERGANSERS
Daily limit 5; (1 hooded merganser); Possession limit 10 (2 hooded mergansers)
COOTS
Daily limit 15; Possession limit 30
Daily limit 12; no possession or season limits
WOODCOCK
BLUE & SNOW GEESE
Daily limit 3; no possession or season limits
COMMON SNIPE
BRANT
GROUSE
SQUIRREL
Daily limit 10; no possession or season limits
RABBIT
Daily limit 5; no possession or season limits
GROUNDHOG, NUTRIA, COYOTE, & SKUNK
There is no closed season or bag limit.
Daily bag 3; Possession limit 6 Daily bag 8; Possession limit 16
CANADA GOOSE
Daily bag 15; Possession limit 30
FOR LATE MIGRATORY BIRD HUNTING SEASON: DUCKS
6 ducks 4 mallards with no more than 2 hen mallards 3 wood ducks 2 redheads
C A R O L I N A S
1 1 0 2 S T I BAG LIM . the 2011 Hunting Season
WILD HOG
No daily or season limits
F O R
Daily limit 25; No possession limit Daily limit 2; Possession limit 4
BEAR
Daily limit 1; Season limit 1
DEER
No daily limit; Season limit 6 (2 antlered)
WILD BOAR
Daily limit 1; Possession limit 1; Season limit 2 (Feral hogs are not considered wild boar. There is no daily or season bag limit on feral hogs.)
WILD TURKEY
Daily limit 1; Possession limit 2; Annual limit 2
RACCOON & OPOSSUM
Opossum: No bag limits Raccoon daily limit 3; No possession or season limits
QUAIL
Daily limit 6; Possession 12; Season, no limit
GROUSE
Daily limit 3; Possession 6; Season 30
SQUIRREL
Gray & Red – Daily limit 8; No possession or season limits Extended Season for Take by Falconry – Daily limit 4; Possession limit 8 Fox Squirrel – Daily limit 1; Possession 2; – Season 10
RABBIT
Daily limit 5; No possession or season limits Extended Season for Take by Falconry – Daily limit 3; Possession limit 6
North Carolina
GROUNDHOG, NUTRIA, COYOTE, SKUNK, & ARMADILLO
No closed season or bag limit.
BOBCAT No limits
PHEASANT
Daily limit 3; Possession 6; Season 30
WOODCOCK
Daily bag 3; Possession limit 6
COMMON SNIPE
Daily bag 8; Possession limit 16
CANADA GOOSE
Daily bag 15; Possession limit 30
FOX
FOR WATERFOWL SEASONS OCCURRING AFTER 9/30:
CONTROLLED HUNTING PRESERVES
DUCKS
Daily limit 2; Season 10 No limits (domestically raised birds only); no wild turkey
FOR WEBLESS MIGRATORY GAME BIRDS & WATERFOWL SEASONS BEGINNING PRIOR TO 10/1: DOVE
Daily bag 15; Possession limit 30 Extended Falconry Seasons Daily bag 3; Possession limit 6
KING & CLAPPER RAILS
Daily bag 15; Possession limit 30 Extended Falconry Season Daily bag 3; Possession limit 6
SORA & VIRGINIA RAILS
Daily bag 25; Possession limit 25 Extended Falconry Season Daily bag 3; Possession limit 6
GALLINULE & MOORHENS
Daily bag 15; Possession limit 30 Extended Falconry Season Daily bag 3; Possession limit 6
6 ducks with no more than 4 scoters 4 mallards with no more than 2 hen mallards 3 wood ducks 2 redheads 2 scaup 1 black or mottled duck (season closed until 11/19) 1 canvasback 2 pintails 1 fulvous whistling duck Possession limits are twice the daily bag unless otherwise noted Extended Falconry Season Daily bag 3; Possession limit 6
LIGHT GEESE
25, no possession limit
MERGANSERS
5 (2 hooded mergansers) Extended Falconry Season Daily bag 3; Possession limit 6
COOTS
15 Extended Falconry Season Daily bag 3; Possession limit 6
DARK GEESE
5 in Resident Hunt and Southern James Bay zones 1 in Northeast Hunt Zone
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Full Draw Archery & Outdoors Writte n
b y
Ti m
F a rm er,
Ful l
Dra w
A rc hery
&
O u t doo r s
The spring headed up under a flat rock, big as a truck bed. It was surrounded by mountain oaks, and that year they were loaded. Here we would make our stand. We settled in for the wait and he handed me a 20-gauge shell. I closed the breech on the old Stevens as he rolled a cigarette. He struck a match on the rock and lit it up. I watched the smoke ride the thermals back down the holler and asked if squirrels could smell. I was bluntly assured they couldn’t. This immediately reminded him of deer hunting. He had stopped at a creek to get a drink. When he looked up, a big non-typical buck was staring down at him. The deer got away.
I’m just guessing now, but it was probably during the month of October when Pa-paw woke me up two hours before daylight, and I knew by his tone he meant what he said. To a young, sleepy boy, the thoughts of bacon, toast, and extra dark coffee wasn’t too appealing, but I ate anyhow. As I choked down the last of the coffee, Pa-paw went through his “duck-back” coat completing a mental checklist memorized decades before.
Satisfied we had everything needed should we get lost a quarter mile from home, we headed up the trail that ended on Cold Mountain. After 2 or 3 minutes of brisk walk ing, Pa-paw stopped to tell me about the time he was squirrel hunting in the “Pink-Beds.”
I remembered we had been there on a picnic that summer. The story lasted long enough for me to catch my breath and check to see if I was carrying my shotgun correctly. The old shotgun was scratched and worn but the moon was reflecting off the barrel.
Walking for a few more minutes, we stopped to listen to a grouse drumming on the ridge. Pa-paw told me a grouse would shut its eyes when it drummed, and if a man was quick and quiet, he might get a shot. Years later I would do just that, but I doubt I could do it again.
The next two hours were spent watching smoke go down the holler and listening to stories spanning 70 years. The greysquirrels were working the big oaks like it was gonna snow tomorrow, but for some reason I said nothing. Something inside told me what was most important. He glanced at the sun, then checked his pocket watch. Dinner would be ready soon. The thermals had shifted and I could tell Grandmaw had fired up the cook stove. I unloaded the gun, gave him my shell, and we started home. Halfway home, a chestnut log was laying across the trail, so we stopped to rest. I listened as he told of sometime long since forgotten. I wished I could remember it all. We stopped on the back porch and I watched him hang the old coat on a nail. When I close my eyes I can still see it hanging there. Some 40 years later I have come to realize, “It’s not the trophies I’ve gathered....it’s the stories and pictures in my mind.” That is our mission here at Full Draw Archery & Outdoors. We not only cater to the hunter who had drawn that once-in-a-lifetime tag, but also to the grandad passing on a story he heard as a child. Success ..... after all, comes from inside.
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Transitioning into Fall: Fishing for bass once cooler weather hits
The habits of bass from summer to fall are distinct and can almost happen overnight if you’re on the lookout. For the majority of the summer, bass have been wading in the depths of the water where it is cool — until the first cold night occurs.
Then the bass move up to their favorite fall transition spots. It can be difficult to know at what point in time the bass are doing this — and can be frustrating for the angler if he’s fishing in deeper water, waiting for a bite.
move — they’ll start to travel along a route and will therefore follow bait that’s also moving. As soon as the first cold front moves in, baitfish in lakes will leave, and bass will be on the move looking for them.
The bass’ fall transition
identifying contour changes
The easiest way to transition with a bass as the fall season approaches is to know what their transition patterns are. Once fall hits, bass will be on the
What’s essential to understand as both baitfish and bass are on the move, is that they’re not just moving to random locations — they’re in search for specific contour changes. And these stopping points for them are always the same. These contours greatly depend on the lake and its characteristics. For example, one lake could have a contour break at a 5-foot change in depth and another could have a break at only a 6-inch difference. These stops bass are making consist of main and secondary points. You can identify them by noticing differences underneath the water — which will be more difficult to detect, but much more effective. Some examples include an underwater slope, vegetation, a submerged log, etc. The main points the bass will be visiting in early fall will mainly be their summer locales. The secondary points are where the bass will migrate towards once fall is in full swing. It’s important to keep a keen eye out for these secondary points once the temperature drops. That’s where the bass will be heavy!
The right fishing Tools to use As the bass change from deep water to shallower water, you may have better luck if you change your equipment as well. What works during the spring and summer won’t necessarily work for the autumn season! If the weather is colder and the bass are loaded up on secondary points, you can get pretty lucky using a jerkbait or spinnerbait. If they’re up on the flat in a full-blown
IWANNA® Hunting & Fishing Guide ~ October 11, 2011
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fall pattern, try a wake bait or a topwater. Another key point to remember is that as you follow the fish through their fall transitioning, you will also need to switch up the bait you’re using. It may be a little difficult to find the bass as they are moving to their fall locations, but if you stick with it, and take time to study their movement patterns, you’ll find that as other anglers aren’t having any luck, you’re getting some bites to be proud of.
(continued from page 6) wanting to attract bucks, practice is in order! Once you’ve scoped out and settled into your rattling site, wait a few minutes to survey the area. Then give one or two grunts, wait 10 to 20 seconds and then start rattling. Don’t grunt too much — deer aren’t really that vocal, so a lot of grunting is suspicious to them. The perfect grunt is one that’s a short soft burst on the call, sometimes repeated once or twice with two to 10 second intervals.
Hoof Beats You don’t need an extra tool for this sound — just thump your rattling antlers on the ground in quick one-two and one-two-three sets.
Breaking Branches You should pick your rattling site with plenty of branches at arm’s length. Break branches that are about the width of your finger and a few about the size of your wrist. The branches should be brittle, thus easy to snap. The breaking should occur in the middle of a rattling sequence. When they snap, it should be audible enough to sound like two bucks shoving each other around. For good measure, try rattling your antlers through the branches every once in a while.
Rattling There are three different sounds to practice: • ticking the antler tips • ticking the antlers together • grinding the antlers together Here’s how a rattling session
should sound. (Try to make it sound as natural as possible). First, tick the tips together, mimicking a tentative contact, then build to heavier clanging and grinding, lasting a good several minutes, and then for the finale! End with the grinding sound, mimicking the antlers pulling apart. Here’s a hint: when clanging the beams and tines together, curve both antlers downward, and in the same direction. When you succeed in bringing all the sounds together, it will sound so believable a buck won’t be able to resist coming in your direction! It will take practice — that’s for sure. Envision two bucks going at it when they’re tangled up together. They don’t just stand in one place the whole time — they’re hitting trees, tearing up the ground with
their hooves, and moving all over the place. This may help you get a feel as to how your rattling should sound. Don’t forget to keep a watchful eye on your surroundings at all times — deer are pretty stealthy, and they can show up in the blink of an eye. Between rattling sequences, scan your area. If all is quiet, try another rattling sequence after about 5-10 minutes. Once you’ve completed your second round of rattling, wait 15 to 20 minutes this time, and scan the area well. Two rattling sessions is most often plenty in one location. Stand slowly, as you could have been concealed from seeing a deer in your rattling position. If no deer are detected, move to a new location and commence the rattling!
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Sharpen Your Skills
Tips on honing your hunting knife Is your favorite hunting knife looking rather dull? If you want exact precision when gutting a deer or skinning a fish, your knife should be as sharp as you can get it. And you don’t need to go out and buy a brand spanking new one — you can sharpen a dull knife to perfection with just a few tools and some time. Soon enough, it’ll be sharp enough to shave with! Although, that’s not exactly necessary. It’s all about the grit What you’ll need to sharpen that knife of yours is a quality bench stone. Traditionally, bench stones
were made out of diamondencrusted surfaces and synthetics like ceramics and Japanese water (continues on page 22)
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WNC Fly Fishing Written by Reba Brinkman — Reba Brinkman is Fly Fishing and Sporting Clays Instructor at Hunter Banks Co.
It’s 8 a.m. on the first Saturday in a while that is all yours. You’ve finished your second cup of coffee and you’re fighting the urge to have a third. It would be well-deserved since you stayed up way too late tying flies with anxious anticipation to fool some trout into thinking your creation is a real bug. You enjoy tying flies nearly as much as fishing. The thought quickly comes to mind that it would be so easy to sit back down at the vise by the fireplace with your dog napping at your feet. But
today, the river is calling. You have longed for this day all summer. The air outside is crisp and though you know summer is behind you, this is the first time it has sunk in. It is finally autumn. You pack the
truck with your fishing vest, waders, boots, newly-tied flies, and your favorite 9 foot, 5 weight flyrod. Even though you are fairly certain you have everything you need, you stop by the fly shop just to make sure.
The shop employees have “raccoon eyes” from long days of guiding in the summer sun. They greet you by name like you are a part of the family. Even the resident Black Lab is excited to see you (or maybe he remembers
that you always have treats for him when you visit). Before too long, everyone is sharing stories about summer angling adventures to Florida, Alaska, and Montana. It feels good to be back. You get to the river and feel a familiar hint of anxiety of not knowing what section of the river to fish first. Once you are wadered up, you walk into the woods with rod in hand. The smell of the pines, leaves crunching under your feet, and “thunks and gurgle” sounds of the river calm your spirit. You look around and realize that you are a part of a moment, something so much greater than you. It’s not just the fishing that has brought you here. This is why you do it. Fall is revered as a favorite time by Western North Carolina fly fishers. October 1st declares the start of catch and release fishing on designated rivers known as Delayed Harvest. Trout thrive in clean, cool water. In early summer, when some streams begin to get too warm for the trout to survive, the N.C. Wildlife Resources opens the streams to harvest under hatchery supported regulations (the first Saturday in June). This keeps fish populations more in line with stream conditions and allows for better trout population management from year to year.
IWANNA速 Hunting & Fishing Guide ~ October 11, 2011
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By delaying harvest of trout stocked in the cooler months, the Commission provides anglers with high quality, catch-and-release fishing opportunities. Delayed Harvest waters, which are marked with black-and-white signs, may be fished only with artificial lures with one single hook. Perfect for fly fishers.
A Few Places to Fish in Western North Carolina Henderson County North Fork Mills River (game land portion below the Hendersonville watershed dam)
Haywood County Richland Creek (Russ Avenue bridge to US 19A-23 bridge) West Fork Pigeon River (Queen Creek to the first game land boundary upstream of Lake Logan)
Jackson County Tuckasegee River (NC 107 bridge at Love Field to the Dillsboro dam)
Madison County Big Laurel Creek (NC 208 bridge to the US 25-70 bridge) Shelton Laurel Creek (NC 208 bridge at Belva to the confluence with Big Laurel Creek)
Polk County Green River (Fishtop Falls access area to the confluence with Cove Creek)
Transylvania County East Fork French Broad River (Glady Fork to the French Broad River) Resources: ncwildlife.org
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(continued from page 19) stones. But it’s not the type of stone that makes one better than another, it’s the grit that really makes the difference. A medium-course grit of about 325-400 on one side and a mediumfine grit of around 600 on the other side will do the job. In the past, oil was sometimes used on the stone — believed to “float away metal particles while honing” — however nowadays, water or simply nothing is common. Size does matter. If you’re in search for a viable bench stone, choose one that’s 2 1/2 inches wide and 8 inches long. With that amount of surface area, your blade will be sharpened more evenly than if you were using a smaller stone. It may be slightly
IWANNA® Hunting & Fishing Guide ~ October 11, 2011
safer to use a larger one as well.
How to bevel and burr The edge bevel for most hunting knives is done at around 200 degrees.
There is an easy way to have the most accurate angle when beveling. A blade guide that clamps onto the spine of your knife provides an
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accurate angle at all times with ease. For blades that are shorter than 4 inches, the blade guide is not necessary. One important piece of advice is to resist drinking caffeinated beverages while sharpening your knife. You don’t want to have a shaky hand or start going too fast and hurt yourself in the process. The same goes for alcoholic beverages! Here’s how to sharpen: At the correct
angle, place the edge of the blade against the stone, and use your thumb or two fingers on the back of the blade to guide it through each movement. With a light hand, push the blade away from you. Imagine you are slicing off a thin sliver of say, cheese! Continue sharpening in even strokes, keeping a count if you can, until a thin ridge of steel, called a burr, is raised on the other side. This means you’ve ground the bevel until it’s even with the stone. Feel it by running your finger past the edge. Once the burr has formed, turn your knife over and repeat on the opposite side, using the same number of strokes. This blade should now be very sharp. If you’ll be using this knife for camp chores like cutting wood, butchering, or field dressing, then you are good to go! The mediumcourse stone leaves microserrations in the steel that provide more edge surface and bite for performing these kinds of tasks. If, however you’ll need this knife for more detailed work like skinning, then you’ll want to keep sharpening, using a finer-grit stone.
Taking it to the next level If you’re wanting to go a step further — into the razor-sharp category — you’ll need to repeat the sharpening steps on a finer grit stone — a 600 grit will do. In doing so, you’ll be removing those microserrations that were left behind by the coarser stone.
Polish to perfection With all that work you just put into sharpening your hunting knife, polishing is the obvious next step. Polishing with a 1,200-grit stone surface will really make your knife shine. But you can do the same with a wide leather belt, commonly called a “strop.” Here’s how: Apply a onetime application of a rubbing compound such as aluminum oxide to your belt. Place your blade almost flat against the strop, edge facing toward you. Stroke the blade down its length, spine first. Flip the blade over and draw it back up. About 12 reps will suffice for the very best polishing.
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HUNTING & FISHING 2011 HUNTING SEASON
G U I D E
F O R
T H E
C A R O L I N A S
Black Powder...Steeped in History WRITTE N
B Y
DA V I D
PA UL
L EE,
L EI C ES TER
P A W N
When I began my research for this story, my natural inclination went straight to the obvious historical perspective. A quick check on the “information highway” led me to way too much reading and a whole lot of reference citing. Black Powder (muzzle loading) can be traced back to the 1300s and has been recognized worldwide ever since. Popularity of black powder usage seems to be in two particular areas. One area would be in the “reinactment” field where portrayals of revolutionary civil war and cowboy battles have entertained
tourists for years. If you ever have an opportunity to attend a civil war battle...take it! It’s family fun! The other area of black powder that is probably more familiar to readers would be that of hunting. As
more and more hunters are looking for any opportunity to expand their hunting seasons, many have wandered onto the plateaus of bow hunting and black powder. These alone can add 4 to 6 weeks. While
visiting a local gun shop, I had the chance to talk to a lot of hunters. One of the phrases I heard repeated more than once was, “I’ve been thinking about taking up black powder hunting.”
A lot of folks considering black powder hunting have to fight through the negative thoughts of two main things. One is cost. The other is wondering, “How much (continues on page 26)
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(continued from page 25) hassle it would be.” 10-year veteran Jeff Tomberlin of Asheville said, “I had some of those same thoughts too!” With a little searching on the web or magazines, etc., you can find out that’s just not true. Starting out with the gun, prices start as low as $100. There are no background checks necessary, and one can walk out of any local store and be ready to hunt for under $200. In fact, most box stores offer a kit that includes absolutely everything needed. (Great gift idea for Christmas.) When asked about the challenge of hunting black powder, Tomberlin pointed out that it would be the tracking of the deer. Even though most of the shots are inside of 100 yards, the “knockdown” power of the 50 caliber muzzleloader almost 50 percent of the time was not sufficient. Most hunters who maximize their season, generally have started with the centerfire rifle and then graduated to bow and black powder. Each has their own “cult following” if you will, but each enjoys autonomy. As with other organizations, like minded individuals in pursuit of black powder hunting are easy to find. Says Tomberlin, “You are always going to find pros and cons to any of the three you choose, but when you love to hunt as much as I do, the bottom line is that your hunting season increases by 3 to 4 weeks, and that suits me just fine.” Some of the more popular brand names include CVA, Traditions, Knight and Thompson, and most can be found at any gun shop or of course your favorite sporting goods box store. Accessories are also readily available al Wal-Mart, Dick’s, Cabelas, or Pro Bass. If you are one of those people who have “wondered privately” or said to anyone...”I think I would like to try black powder hunting, this writer would like to encourage you to do it. Talk to someone you know who has gone for a few years, and find out firsthand the fun and the challenge. One last thought: since costs are significantly less than conventional hunting, it is a perfect opportunity to consider getting your youngster started in black powder hunting.
IWANNA® Hunting & Fishing Guide ~ October 11, 2011
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Just Shoot Your 22 W ri tten
b y
R i c k
J en ki n s
In today’s economy, I understand when I talk to my hunting buddies, and we discuss the price of ammunition. Believe me, I feel your pain. I shoot a 270 and a box of ammo is $17 at best. Some ammo is as high as $40 and $50 for a box of 20. Not only do you feel the pinch in your wallet but you will not shoot your favorite deer rifle as much, and whether you want to believe it or not, your marksman skills suffer. I have the answer to all your problems....shoot your 22. Drag it out, dust it off, and shoot it ’til the barrel melts off. The basics for shooting a rifle are the same. It doesn’t matter if you are shooting Grand Dad’s 22 that he killed hogs with or your 300 Ultra Mag that you harvest Colorado Elk with. You put it to your shoulder, aim it, and pull the trigger. Target shoot with a 22. Shoot it off of your shooting sticks. Climb up in your tree stand and target shoot. Set up your blind and fire a few rounds. Take up squirrel hunting, and even go with your buddy ’coon hunting and practice your skills at night harvesting that old ring tail. You can do all this for about $5
per 200 rounds of ammo. Then get your hunting rifle out of the case and fire it a time or two before you go hunting. Well, what do you know? Your marksmanship has greatly improved. What you also will realize is your shot placement has improved also. Now if you hunt with a hand gun, nothing will change. Instead of practicing with your 460 S&W, or your 454 Cassull....SHOOT YOUR 22 PISTOL! The basics are still the same. You pull it out of your holster, line up the sights, and pull the trigger. This method works! I use it every year, and every year I can see my skills improving! Plus it saves me a lot of money!
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The Daily Limit:
Newsworthy happenings for hunters/fishermen NC Commission Biologists Say Fish Kills Are WideSpread and Significant Fisheries biologists with the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission have been assessing fish populations in coastal rivers to determine the impacts of low dissolved oxygen following Hurricane Irene. They have found that with the exception of the Cape Fear River basin, which suffered little impact to its fish populations, many coastal North Carolina rivers are experiencing oxygen levels too low to sustain fish. As
oxygen levels remained depressed, biologists expected the fish kills continued throughout the Labor Day weekend. “These fish kills, while unfortunate, are naturally occurring events that typically follow a major hurricane,” said Chad Thomas, Coastal Region fisheries supervisor. “Given time, the fish populations in the impacted rivers will recover, as they did after Hurricane Isabel in 2003.” The rivers that experienced low dissolved oxygen levels and reported fish kills were: • Roanoke River, from Williamston downstream to the mouth of the
river at Albemarle Sound and adjacent creeks including the Cashie River, with widespread fish kills throughout. • Chowan River from the North Carolina/Virginia state line to just north of Holiday Island near Edenton and adjacent creeks except the Meherrin River. • Tar River from Old Sparta to Washington and adjacent creeks with a major fish kill reported in the Greenville area. • Neuse River from just below Kinston to New Bern and adjacent creeks with widespread fish kills in the New Bern area.
• The Trent, New, White Oak, Newport, and Scuppernong rivers. Biologists report stormwater runoff, in conjunction with swamp waters high in organic materials, causes a significant decrease in dissolved oxygen, an element necessary to sustain fish and other aquatic animals. “It is important to note that low dissolved oxygen is the main culprit in these fish kills, rather than contaminants, pollution, or other factors,” Thomas said. After dissolved oxygen levels begin to recover, Commission staff will evaluate the extent of impacts
to fish communities. In October, biologists will use electrofishing equipment to determine the numbers and types of fish that remain within these areas. “Our assessments will ramp up during spring 2012 to document levels of spawning fish that have returned to impacted areas,”Thomas said. “We will also evaluate the success of native fish reproduction next year by sampling for juvenile fishes in the fall of 2012.” From these findings, Commission biologists will implement recovery strategies for impacted populations. “We saw these types of fish kills when Isabel blew through the state back in 2003 and we’ve learned a lot from our experience dealing with the storm’s aftermath,”Thomas said. “Past experiences have shown that our coastal river systems are very resilient to tropical events.”
NC’s Wildlife agency has new leadership The NC Wildlife Resources Commission elected a new chairman and vice-chairman, and recognized four outgoing commissioners at a meeting on July 7. David Hoyle, a real-estate appraiser serving a second 6-year term representing District 8, was elected chairman. He replaces Steve Windham. Hoyle lives in Dallas with his wife, Resa. They have two sons. He has been on the Commission since 2003. Martin Lewis, a commercial realtor who represents District 9, was elected vice-chairman. He replaces Charles Bennett. Lewis and his wife, Chris, live in Asheville and have four children. He has been a commissioner since 2005. Also at the July 7 meeting, four longtime wildlife commissioners completed their terms of public ser vice. All were presented proclamations of honor for their service to the state, its citizens, and natural resources. These included: Eugene Price, of Dudley, who was the longest serving wildlife commissioner, having been first appointed by Governor (continues on page 29)
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(continued from page 28) Jim Martin in 1985. Maughan Hull, of Elizabeth City, had been a wildlife commissioner since 1989. Bobby Purcell, of Cary, had been a wildlife commissioner since 1999, serving as vice chairman of the Habitat, Non-Game, and Endangered Species Committee, where he provided innovative leadership in the development of plans for the Centennial Campus Wildlife Education Center. Chuck Bennett had served as a wildlife commissioner since 1999 and vicechairman since 2009.
Bells Church Fishing Area Reopens The NC Wildlife Resources Commission re-opened the fishing pier at the Bells Church Public Fishing area this past summer. The pier, which is located on Jordan Lake in Chatham County, was closed July 2 due to damage from a recent storm. Commission personnel closed the fishing pier after being notified by an angler that the pier had become partially dislodged from the shore, leaving a gap between one side of the pier and the concrete abutment anchoring it to shore. “It is unfortunate that we had to close a fishing area during the July 4th weekend, but public safety is of the utmost importance,” said Erik Christofferson, chief of the Commission’s Division of Engineering Services. “Because Bells Church is one of the most popular public fishing areas the Commission maintains, we put all of our resources towards getting the pier operational as quickly as possible.
Wildlife Crews Repairing Damages from Irene to Game Lands The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission has repaired some damages from Hurricane Irene to coastal game lands, and is working to repair others in time for hunting seasons. Crews have removed fallen trees and debris blocking roads leading into most game lands, so hunters should have access. However, drivers should take caution because some roads may remain excessively wet. The rainfall provided muchneeded moisture to drought-
IWANNA® Hunting & Fishing Guide ~ October 11, 2011
affected waterfowl impoundments, including Catfish Lake, Lantern Acres, Lodge Road, and Roanoke River, according to Tommy Hughes, a biologist with the Wildlife Commission. “There were some positives to this storm,” he said. “We suffered some damage, but we’ve also gotten some much needed rainfall on some very dry land, and that will save money by reducing pumping costs, while providing improved habitat conditions on our waterfowl management areas.” The most significant damage from Hurricane Irene occurred at Goose Creek, Currituck Banks, and Stones Creek game lands. Damages include: • At Goose Creek, a storm surge destroyed a pump house at Pamlico Point. The storm also damaged hunter bridges and several water
control structures. • S p r i n g C re e k Wa te r fow l Impoundment lost its Disabled Waterfowl Blind. Efforts are underway to rebuild the blind and have it operational this season. • Pintail Road on Goose Creek Game land is closed due to storm damage. Personnel are hard at work clearing this road. • Currituck Banks lost two of its four waterfowl blinds. A local high school is helping rebuild the blinds in time for the late waterfowl season. Also, hunters at Stones Creek Game Land should use caution on Church Road, as it was damaged in the storm. Crews from Wildlife Management hope to complete all needed repairs soon and ask for hunters’ patience as they recover from Hurricane Irene.
Results from 2011 Wood
Stork surveys, nest monitoring in South Carolina The S.C. Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Wading Bird Program counted 2,031 wood stork nests in South Carolina in 2011. Wood stork nests were observed in 23 colonies this year, including 6 colonies where storks were not known to nest in the past. Aerial surveys were used to locate the nesting colonies. Stork nests were counted during ground surveys or, when ground surveys were not possible, from photographs taken during aerial surveys. During 2011, storks nested in the following counties: Beaufort (5 colonies), Charleston (5 colonies), Colleton (3 colonies), Georgetown (2 colonies), Hampton (1 colony), Horry (4 colonies), Jasper (2 colonies), and Williamsburg (1 colony). An aerial survey was conducted
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in late June to determine if storks reproduced successfully at the colonies where DNR did not monitor nests. The storks appeared to have had a successful season at 15 colonies, failed to fledge a significant number of chicks at 7 colonies, and the status of one colony was not determined. The causes of colony failure were not determined, but in some cases it appeared that the water around the vegetation where the nests were built dried up and predators probably were able to disturb and/or depredate the nests. Wood storks typically nest in trees in flooded forests or on small islands surrounded by water. If there is adequate water, alligators below the nests deter predators such as raccoons from swimming to the nesting trees and eating (continues on page 30)
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(continued from page 29) stork eggs and/or chicks. Potential causes of colony failure for wood storks include predation when colonies dry out, inadequate food during the chick rearing period, and disturbance. Overall, 2011 was a decent year for wood storks in South Carolina. Wood stor ks (M yc ter ia amer icana) are a federally endangered species. Since 1995, wood storks have built between 800–2,060 nests in South Carolina each year. The wood stork is the only species of stork that nests in the United States. Wood storks are particularly vulnerable to habitat degradation and to unpredictable weather conditions because of their specialized feeding behavior and because their chicks require care for a very long period of time
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before becoming independent.
Upstate National Hunting and Fishing Day was a success on Oct. 1 at Duke’s World of Energy An incredible array of outdoor activities — all of them free — was available at the Fifth Annual Upstate National Hunting and Fishing Day, “An Outdoor Family Adventure,” that was held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, October 1 at Duke Energy’s World of Energy near Seneca, SC. National Hunting and Fishing Day was celebrated in the Upstate this year thanks to the additional sponsorship of Duke Energy, Upstate Forever, Trout Unlimited, Clemson University Extension, the S.C. Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Clemson University 4-H Shooting Sports, Trout Unlimited, Clemson Extension 4-H,
South Carolina Wildlife Federation, Harry Hampton Memorial Wildlife Fund, The Weatherby Foundation, and Calm Water Kayak Tours in Ware Shoals. Participants were able to kayak, practice shooting bows and arrows, test their fly tying skills, check out retriever demonstrations, in addition to many other hands-on activities. More than three dozen conservation agencies were available to discuss the responsibilities that come with protecting Upstate South Carolina’s environment and sharing precious natural resources. Hunting and angling together are an economic force worth $76 billion a year. A Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation report shows if hunters and anglers were a nation, their Gross Domestic Product would rank 57 out of 181 countries. About 1.6 million
jobs depend on hunters and anglers. The economic impact of fishing, hunting, and wildlife viewing in South Carolina is estimated at nearly $3.8 billion.
Shrimp-baiting season opened Sept. 9 in S.C. waters The 2011 shrimp-baiting season opened Friday, September 9 in South Carolina waters. Although an unusually cold winter resulted in some mortality of white shrimp, adequate numbers survived to produce a fair fall population. Timely rainfall this summer has also contributed positively to the population. Recreational shrimpers who purchase a shrimp-baiting license can legally cast their nets for shrimp over bait during this season. Shrimpbaiting season will remain open until
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noon on Tuesday, Nov. 8. The S.C. Department of Natural Resources (DNR) opens the shrimp-baiting season annually on the last Friday on or before Sept. 15 each year. The shrimp baiting season lasts 60 days, resident licenses cost $25 and non-residents licenses cost $500. The catch limit is 48 quarts of shrimp measured heads-on (29 quarts heads-off ) per boat or set of poles per day, and each boat is limited to a set of 10 poles. When taking shrimp over bait, no cast net may be used having a mesh smaller than one-half inch square measure or one inch stretch measure. Post-season mail sur veys conducted every year since 1988 indicate that recent total catches have been less than 1 million pounds per season (heads on) after peaking at more than 3.6 million pounds in 1997. Despite the decline in total catch, catch per trip has remained relatively stable, averaging about 20-22 quarts per trip since 2001. The stable catch-per-trip suggests that shrimp abundance has remained relatively good, but fewer licenses and shrimping trips are resulting in a lower overall harvest. Recent sampling by DNR’s Crustacean Monitoring Program caught fair numbers of shrimp along the southern coast, according to Larry DeLancey, program supervisor. Areas around Port Royal Sound and Georgetown produced the largest shrimp. The public is asked to report violations of saltwater recreational and commercial fishing laws by calling the Coast Watch hotline number (1.800.922.5431) toll-free, 24 hours a day.
Delayed-Harvest Trout Waters Opened Oct. 1 A delayed-harvest regulation on 26 trout waters in 15 WNC counties was implemented on October 1 by the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission. Before October 1, hatchery-supported regulations applied to these waters. The delayed-harvest regulations state that no trout can be harvested or possessed from these waters between October 1, 2011, and one half-hour after sunset on June 1, 2012. No natural bait is allowed, and anglers can fish only with singlehook, artificial lures. An artificial lure is defined as a fishing lure that neither
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(continued from page 30) contains nor has been treated with any substance that attracts fish by the sense of taste or smell. Four new waters were classified as delayed harvest effective August 1: Spring Creek in Madison County, Ararat River in Surry County, Coffee Lake in Watauga County, and Elk Creek in Wilkes County. Spring Creek in Madison County is also designated as a Mountain Heritage Trout Water. Both resident and non-resident anglers can fish in designated Mountain Heritage Trout Waters with a 3-day, $5 Mountain Heritage Trout Waters license, or with any license that provides trout fishing privileges. For more information on the Mountain Trout Waters program, visit their website at ncwildlife.org.
IWANNA® Hunting & Fishing Guide ~ October 11, 2011
Here is the complete list of delayedharvest trout waters: Ashe County Trout Lake Helton Creek (Virginia state line to New River) Burke County Jacob Fork (Shinny Creek to lower South Mountains State Park boundary) Caldwell County Wilson Creek (game land portion below Lost Cove Creek to Phillips Branch) Haywood County West Fork Pigeon River (Queen Creek to the first game land boundary upstream of Lake Logan) Henderson County North Fork Mills River (game land portion below the Hendersonville watershed dam)
Jackson County Tuckasegee River (downstream N.C. 107 bridge to the falls located 275 yards upstream of the U.S. 23-441 bridge [marked by a sign on each bank) Macon County Nantahala River (Whiteoak Creek to Nantahala hydropower discharge canal) Madison County Big Laurel Creek (N.C. 208 bridge to the U.S. 25-70 bridge) Shelton Laurel Creek (N.C. 208 bridge at Belva to the confluence with Big Laurel Creek) Spring Creek (N.C. 209 bridge at Hot Springs city limits to iron bridge at end of Andrews Avenue — also classified as Mountain Heritage Trout Waters, please refer to the Commission’s Regulations Digest for additional information) McDowell County Curtis Creek (game land portion downstream of the U.S. Forest Service boundary at Deep Branch) Mill Creek (U.S. 70 bridge to I-40 bridge — also classified as Mountain Heritage Trout Waters, please refer to the Commission’s Regulations Digest for additional information) Mitchell County Cane Creek (N.C. 226 bridge to N.C. 80 bridge — also classified as Mountain Heritage Trout Waters, please refer to the Commission’s Regulations Digest
for additional information) North Toe River (U.S. 19E bridge to N.C. 226 bridge — also classified as Mountain Heritage Trout Waters, please refer to the Commission’s Regulations Digest for additional information) Polk County Green River (Fishtop Falls Access Area to the confluence with Cove Creek) Surry County Mitchell River (0.6 mile upstream of the end of S.R. 1333 to the S.R. 1330 bridge below Kapps Mill Dam) Ararat River (N.C. 103 bridge to U.S. 52 bridge) Transylvania County East Fork French Broad River (Glady Fork to French Broad River) Little River (confluence of Lake Dense to 100 yards downstream of Hooker Falls) Watauga County Watauga River (adjacent to intersection of S.R. 1557 and S.R. 1558 to N.C. 105 bridge and S.R. 1114 bridge to N.C. 194 bridge at Valle Crucis) Coffee Lake Wilkes County East Prong Roaring River (mouth of Bullhead Creek downstream to Stone Mountain State Park boundary line) Stone Mountain Creek (from falls at Alleghany County line to confluence with East Prong Roaring River and
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Bullhead Creek) Reddies River (Town of North Wilkesboro water intake dam to confluence with Yadkin River) Elk Creek (portion on Leatherwood Mountains Development) For more information on delayedharvest regulations, weekly stocking updates, or trout fishing maps, visit ncwildlife.org/fishing.
Shellfish season now under way in S.C. The 20011-2012 season for harvesting oysters and clams in South Carolina opened on October 1. Oyster and clam seasons will remain open through May 15, 2012, unless conditions warrant extending or shortening the seasons. Season dates apply to both recreational and commercial shellfish harvesting. Shellfish harvesters may begin gathering oysters and clams on designated areas one-half hour before official sunrise until one-half hour after official sundown. All shellfish grounds are subject to temporary closure by the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) if water quality conditions are threatened. DHEC advertises such closures in your local paper and makes
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(continued from page 32) the information available at 1.800.285.1618. The DNR maintains State Shellfish Grounds for commercial and recreational harvesting of clams and oysters. 24 Public Shellfish Grounds are managed exclusively for recreational gathering and are posted with boundary signs. The recreational limit is two U.S. bushels of oysters and one-half bushel of clams in any one day. No person may gather more than one personal limit of shellfish on more than two calendar days per any seven-day period. There is a maximum possession limit of three personal limits per boat or vehicle or boat and vehicle combination. Clams must be at least 1 inch in thickness. Recreational harvesters should
IWANNA® Hunting & Fishing Guide ~ October 11, 2011
review Public Shellfish Ground maps at the beginning of each season as areas open to harvest may change from time to time. New maps of Public and State Shellfish Grounds are now available. Maps may also be obtained by calling 843.953.9854 or by writing: Marine Resources Division, Shellfish Management Section PO Box 12559 Charleston, SC 29422 When requesting maps, please specify the area where you wish to harvest. A Saltwater Recreational Fishing License is required for residents and non-residents for all recreational shellfish harvesting. Areas designated as Shellfish Culture permits cannot be recreationally harvested unless the harvester has written permission from the permit holder in their possession. Additional rules and restrictions
may be found in the DNR Rules and Regulations, where licenses are purchased, or on-line. The DNR strongly encourages rec ycling of oyster shell. Call 843.953.9300 to find locations near you where shell can be dropped off for recycling. All shells collected by the DNR are used to restore shellfish grounds in coastal South Carolina. Story courtesy of South Carolina Department of Natural Resources
SC Family Fishing Clinic scheduled for Chesterfield County residents on October 12 A Family Fishing Clinic is scheduled from 4 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. on October 12 at the Cheraw Fish Hatchery. The clinic is free, but pre-registration is required. Class is limited to 25 participants. The clinic is open to Chesterfield County residents only. The clinic is sponsored by the S.C. Department of Natural Resources Aquatic Education Section and is designed to introduce the basics of fishing to the young and old or those who need a refresher to the basics of fishing to increase their future participation in the sport. Family Fishing Clinics will teach skills on how to tie fishing knots, how to rig a rod and reel, casting, and the best part is everyone will get to try their hand at fishing. Participants will learn how and where to fish and have someone to fish with to become confident anglers. All ages are welcome, so come out and play, enjoy the outdoors, and make this a family fun day! Register for the clinic on-line at dnr. sc.gov, via e-mail at aquaticed@dnr.
sc.gov or by calling 803.737.8483. Story courtesy of South Carolina Department of Natural Resources
SC Deer hunting returns to Bonneau Ferry WMA Deer hunting returned in September to the 10,700-acre Bonneau Ferry Wildlife Management Area (WMA) in Berkeley County, just south of Moncks Corner. The 2011 season marks the 8th year of public hunting on the WMA, where a variety of hunting opportunities can be enjoyed, especially by those interested in experiencing the area with a youth hunter. Deer hunting at Bonneau Ferry WMA is scheduled to allow for adult/ youth only gun hunts as well as draw gun hunts for all ages, depending on the side of the property during any given year. The property is divided into a Side A and Side B. This year, Side B is limited to adult/youth only hunts, on which adults (must be 21 or older) must be accompanied by a youth age 17 or younger. On these hunts, both adult and youth may hunt, but the youth is required to carry a firearm and hunt. These adult/youth hunts on Side B occur each Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday to December 17 along with every day other than Sunday from November 21-26 and December 20 - 31. These extra days provide young hunters with a place to hunt during the holidays. Hunting on the adult/youth side is on a first come, first served basis. On Side A, buck only archery hunts are held November 14-30. Gun hunts for this side are by drawing only and the application deadline is now expired. Hunters on both sides of the
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property are highly encouraged to harvest all hogs observed while they are deer hunting. Feral hogs are destroying native vegetation as well as planted crops. They also compete with turkeys, deer, squirrels, and other wildlife for food. Unless using one of the new permanent public stands, which are marked with signs, hunters should provide their own portable stands. All deer hunters must wear international orange, and are limited to 8 deer per season, no more than 2 of which may be antlered bucks. Hunters are reminded that they must sign in and sign out and may not enter the property prior to 5 a.m. A data card must also be filled out for all harvested deer. The self-check data cards are located at the main entrance next to the kiosk. For more information, refer to the current Rules and Regulations booklet, or call the Dennis Wildlife Center in Bonneau at 843.825.3387. Between archery hunts, adult/ youth gun hunts, and limited draw gun hunts, 115 deer were harvested during the 2010 season, a slight increase from 2009. The S.C. Department of Natural Resources (DNR) staff continues their intensive management program at Bonneau Ferry WMA which is designed to maximize opportunities for hunters, while promoting healthy native plant and wildlife communities. The prescribed burning regime on the property was very successful this year, promoting succulent forage for deer as well as other wildlife. The area’s head technician, Tom Harkins, has continued to plant 40 wildlife openings totaling over 100 acres in annual grains and legumes, further enhancing forage opportunities for the deer and hunting spots for the deer hunter. New this year, several permanent deer stands, capable of holding two individuals, have been erected on the adult/youth side (side B this year) in wildlife openings, and are available for public use on a first come, first served basis. Story courtesy of South Carolina Department of Natural Resources
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What is a Sportsman? W ri tten
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M a l l i c o a t
Part of the North Carolina Hunter Safety training is about the different stages of hunter development and our responsibilities as hunters and sportsmen. We all start out as shooters; we just want to shoot at something. We progress through the limiting-out stage, our goal is to get our limit every outing, and the trophy stage. This is really where we start to change. It’s not about the weight of the game bag but more about the experience. We then enter the Method stage where our focus is on the process of hunting; it is more important how we hunt than the size of the bag or trophy. As we enter the latter stages of life, we get to the Sportsman stage where our focus is on the total experience, introducing new hunters to the sport, and most importantly, giving back to the community. It doesn’t matter which phase we are in, we always need to be cognizant of our actions and activities and the impact they may have on the future of our sport. While nearly 85 percent of Americans agree with hunting as a sport, only 15 percent actually hunt. That means that 85 percent is watching us and may shift their support for or against hunting based on what they observe. So hunting is not just about harvesting game. It is about behavior. Because of that, we should all get involved supporting organizations and start early“giving back” to the sport that is such an important part of our lives. Another hunting season is gearing up. As we go through the preparations of getting equipment together, training dogs, target practice, and other various activities in eager anticipation of opening day, it is a good time before we begin to reflect on what our responsibilities are as sportsmen. This is a good time to share the 10 Ways to Protect America’s Hunting Heritage as prepared by the Boone and Crockett Club. Because if that 85 percent stops believing in us, we will lose our hunting rights in our country. And despite what you may think, they are always at risk.
1. Hunting is allowed today because the vast majority of hunters through the ages have respectfully followed laws, regulations, safety rules, and high ethical standards known as fair chase — the sporting pursuit and taking of native freeranging game species in a manner that does not give the hunter improper advantage. Continue the tradition. 2. Remember: Any animal taken in fair chase is a trophy. 3. America’s system of conservation and wildlife management is the most successful ever developed. It works only because of funding from hunters. Spread the word. 4. Respect the customs of the local area where you’re hunting, including the beliefs and values of those who do not hunt. 5. This season, make every attempt to take a youngster hunting. If you already hunt with your son or daughter, invite one of their friends to come along. 6. Technology is a wonderful thing until it replaces the skills necessary to be a complete hunter. If it seems gratuitous, leave it at home. 7. Always ask permission before
hunting private land. Respect landowners. 8. Tread lightly, especially on public land. ATVs have their place — on roads and trails. If you pack it in, pack it out. 9. Sportsmen have always been instrumental in managing big game herds. If antlerless harvest is encouraged in your area and you have the opportunity, take a doe or cow. 10. Remember: The reason for a hunt is intrinsically about the experience. A kill is a justifiable outcome but not the only definition of a successful hunt. Let us keep all the 10 points in mind as we start a new hunting season. Our ethical behavior will determine the future of hunting in our country. How we act over the next few months will impact whether or not there is a Hunting Heritage to pass onto the next generation. American hunters are the original Green Movement. We established conservation in this country and continue to support it through our license fees and millions of dollars annually through Pittman-Robertson excise taxes on equipment and ammunition. Pass it along.
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IWANNA速 Hunting & Fishing Guide ~ October 11, 2011
GO HUNTING & FISHING IN
HAYWOOD COUNTY
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IWANNA® Hunting & Fishing Guide ~ October 11, 2011
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Selecting the Best Outfitter or Guide A good outfitter or guide can easily make or break your hunting trip. In order to make the best out of a hunting experience in a nearby town, another state, or country, it’s important to do your research so you get the best bang for your buck — pun intended! Here are 10 tips all hunters should consider when planning a trip with a guide or outfitter. For the most part, many outfitters out there have good reputations and are a trustworthy option with good business and organizational skills. They know that if they give you a great hunting experience, you’ll spread the word, meaning more business for them. However, there are always going to be those bad apples out there. Here are some things to do before deciding on “the one.” 1. It’s a good idea to find a clearing house for locating guides and outfitters. A few good websites to check out are: huntingoutfitters.
com, biggamehunting.net, and huntguide.com. After looking through many different sites or directories, compile a list of ones that really appeal to you and include contact information and any details that stand out for future reference. 2. Once you know your desired hunting location, see if that state or country has any licensing regulations for outfitting/guiding. Be sure the outfitter has the necessary license(s) if it does. You don’t want to be breaking the law in any way while your abroad or even in another state. Check out state wildlife departments for this
specific information. 3. For your protection as well as peace of mind, do a background check on the outfitter — you’ll want to know if he or she has ever been arrested, had their license suspended, etc. 4. How long have they been in business? If the guide has only been around for a year or so, you may want to do a little more research to be sure they’re reliable. They may not be as seasoned as other guides out there. 5. Just as though you were hiring someone for your business, you should always ask for some references, and be sure to follow up with them. Keep in mind, though that they’re only going to give you their best references, so when talking with said reference, ask some detailed questions so you get a true sense of their experience. 6. If you really want to dig deep, you can contact the community for some deeper knowledge. The local chamber of commerce is a useful source. You could also consider contacting the town’s sporting goods stores. When talking with them, you’ll be able to get a feel of the guide you’re looking into by their reaction and knowledge.
7. Be sure you know the costs of the outfitter before agreeing to anything! It’s essential to get costs, expectations, and any other details that are important to you in writing. Store the document in a safe place, and make some extra copies for future reference. If you’re told you will get a cabin with three meals every day, have them write it in the document, and have them sign it! You don’t want your trip to turn into a disaster because you were expecting amenities that were never given to you. Knowing these details upfront can help you plan better (and pack better) for your trip. Here are some other things you’ll want to know beforehand and to have in writing: • What type of service do they provide when you’ve bagged your animal? • Are they willing to pack it out for you? • Will they clean and taxidermist for you? • Are all these services included in the overall price or are they considered extra costs? 8. Now is the time to call and
talk with the outfitter yourself. Ask whatever question you have — and get them to be specific. If your gut instinct is telling you not to move forward with this particular outfitter, then trust yourself. You’ll want to have a good rapport and connection with the guide you choose. 9. If a foreign country is where you’ll be headed, you’ll need to get all the info about rules and regulations concerning your hunt way beforehand. You don’t want to buy a plane ticket only to realize you can’t bring your guns! When traveling overseas, the laws are incredibly strict when it comes to entering their country with guns — and rightly so. So, call the airlines and find out all the details you need to know about getting your guns and ammo to your desired destination. Both going to and coming back into the country. 10. And finally, get your guide to give you info about their cancellation policy. You never know what emergency situation can happen, so it’s safe to be prepared just in case.
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Wild Game Recipes Big Game
Last year we offered up some tasty wild game recipes — big and small — and this year, we bring you more to try on your own! Here are some reminders when cooking big game: Properly field dress, butcher, label, and refrigerate or freeze your meat once big game has been killed. A lot depends on the preparation when you’re wanting some tasty big game meat. Carefully trim any and all fat, silver skin, gristle, and bone from steaks, chops, and even roasts. The big game bones, shanks, etc. will make pretty good stock. Just don’t do the same with your steaks. Before wrapping steaks, loins, or roasts, trim as much as possible. It may take a while, but all
M o ose Ingredients
St rogan o f f
1 1/2 lb. moose sirloin steak (cut in 1/2-inch strips) 1/2 cup, plus 2 Tbsp. flour 1 tsp. salt 1/2 lb. mushrooms, chopped 2 small onions, chopped 1 clove of garlic 3 Tbsp. fat 1 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce 1 cup canned beef bouillon 1 cup sour cream steamed rice
Sm all Game
that hard work will pay off later. Marinate your meat to spice it up and add extra flavor. Make sure you have a good meat thermometer to ensure your meat is cooked through. For deer, internal temperatures range from 120° - 130°F (rare) to 140°F (medium-rare). For bear and wild pigs, a temperature of at least 160°F is best to ward off trichinosis. If slow roasting, choose cuts that are from the neck, shoulder, and any other tough part of a mature animal. Always check your area’s game
4Roll meat in 1/2 cup flour and salt. Sauté garlic, onions, and mushrooms in fat for 5 minutes. Add meat and brown. Remove meat, mushrooms, and onions from pan. Add 2 Tbsp. flour to drippings in pan. Add Worcestershire and bouillon. Cook until thickened. Add sour cream. Heat until gravy simmers. Add cooked moose and vegetables and heat. Serve over rice.
Here are some preparation and cooking reminders when cooking small game such as turkeys, rabbits, squirrels, etc. If your bird is a tough one, slowcook it in a braising liquid. Younger animals generally eat better than older ones. They are usually easier to skin and clean and offer more tender meat. When cooking rabbits, wear rubber gloves to prevent getting tularemia, which causes flu-like symptoms in humans. Dress and cool your small game
department for any region-specific diseases you need to watch out for as a precaution against bacteria or transmission of disease. Additional Big Game Cooking Tips... For jerky, steam, boil, or roast meat to 165°F using a meat thermometer before dehydrating. Dry at 130°-140°F until really dry. Jerky is properly dry when it cracks when bent but doesn’t break. If preparing sausage, keep meat
B ea r
Sources: wildliferecipes.net, huntfishcook. com, gameandfishrecipes.com, backwoodsbound.net
B B Q
Ingredients
as soon as possible. When freezing, you can choose to leave the skin on for protection. However, the skin is normally removed before cooking. Rinse the animals in cold water and wipe dry using paper towels or a clean cloth before placing in the refrigerator or freezer. To prevent the meat from drying out, leave a bird’s skin on. If the taste or texture of game bird skin doesn’t appeal to you, remove it after cooking. You know a bird is cooked right when the juice in the fattiest part of
cold (under 40° F) during grinding process and make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F with a meat thermometer during cooking. If roasting bear, always cook on a rack that is around 2 inches above the bottom of the pan since bear is notoriously greasy. Place an inch of water in bottom of pan.
1/4 cup vinegar 2 Tbsp. sugar 1/2 tsp. pepper 1/4 tsp. garlic powder 1 onion, minced 1 Tbsp. lemon juice 1/4 cup salad oil 1/2 cup catsup 2 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce 1 bear roast
4Mix all sauce ingredients except catsup and Worcestershire sauce. Simmer 20 minutes, uncovered. Add catsup and Worcestershire sauce and bring to a boil. Remove from heat. Place bear roast in oven at 325° F. Roast 3-4 hours or until tender. Baste frequently with sauce.
the thigh runs clean when pricked. Tender, juicy game birds should be cooked quickly with relatively high heat after seasoning. When cooked, light-fleshed birds (quail, chukar, and pheasant) should look just a bit pink. Darker-fleshed birds (doves and Hungarian partridge) should be cooked until firm, yet still juicy. Additional Small Game Cooking Tips • Before cooking a turkey, thoroughly wash out the body cavity. There may
be some watery looking tissue — be sure to remove this. • If you’ve caught an older bird, say, larger than 12 lbs., it could be pretty tough. Sprinkle a commercial tenderizer in the body cavity and refrigerate the bird for 12-24 hours. • If you’ve caught a woodchuck before its winter resting period, be sure to remove the insulating fat layer under the skin. Parboil the meat of older animals; cook using recipes calling for chicken or rabbit. • For woodchucks as well as rabbits, be sure to remove the ‘kernels’ or scent
V eni s on C hi li Ingredients
2 medium onions, chopped, sautéed salt and pepper to taste 2 medium green peppers, chopped, sautéed 3 tsp. garlic powder 3 lbs. venison stew meat and browned ground venison 1/2 tsp. oregano 1 tsp. ground red pepper 5 tsp. chili powder 1 1/2 tsp. paprika dash of Lea & Perrins 4 (16-oz.) cans tomatoes 1 (18-oz.) can tomato paste 1 (32-oz.) bottle ketchup 1 (28-oz.) can pinto beans 1 (42-oz.) can red kidney beans
4Mix all ingredients and add as much of your favorite liquid hot sauce as you see fit. Cover; simmer over low heat for 3 hours. It tastes best when it’s been marinating in the fridge for one or more days after cooking and reheated prior to serving. Serve with grated cheese and chopped onions if desired. glands — for woodchucks they’re in the small of the back and under the forearms; for rabbits they’re under the forelegs and on both sides of the spine, in the small of the back, and between the shoulders. • When preparing roasted rabbit, it helps to rub the surfaces with onion, garlic, and lemon. Stuff if desired. Place meat on a greased rack in a shallow pan. Brush generously with melted butter or margarine and cover loosely with foil. Roast at 325° F for 1 to 4 hours. Remove foil during last 1/2 hour to brown.
Honey Spi c e Gl azed Tur k ey Yi e lds a bout 20 s e rvi ng s
Ingredients
16 pounds whole turkey, thawed if frozen 2 Tbsp. honey 1 tsp. water 2 tsp. chili powder 1/2 tsp. garlic powder 1/4 tsp. ground allspice 1/4 tsp. ground cumin 1/4 tsp. salt 1/8 tsp. ground red pepper
4Prepare turkey according to package directions and roast in shallow roasting pan in 325° F oven or cook on outdoor grill using ndirect Heat Method according to owner’s guide for grill. Combine honey with remaining ingredients and set aside. During the last 45 minutes of the
IWANNA® Hunting & Fishing Guide ~ October 11, 2011
cooking time, brush honey mixture over skin. For oven-prepared turkey, loosely cover breast and top of drumsticks with lightweight foil to prevent overcooking of breast. Cook turkey until temperature reaches 180° F in the thighs. Let stand 15 to 20 minutes before carving. Note: Pan drippings can be used to make gravy. The spice adds flavor and enriches the color of the gravy.
FISH
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Whether you’re preparing freshwater or saltwater varieties — fish have distinct flavors, which would be a crime to just cover up! Here are some tips to keep in mind that will keep your fish tasting fresh and delicious. Land your fish carefully. You don’t want to bruise the fish’s flesh when reeling it in. Immediately after it’s caught, rinse fish as soon as possible in a bucket of fresh water. This will wash off any
slime and bacteria. Chill your fish within 1 hour of catching — sooner if you can. Don’t soak the fish in water after it’s been gutted. It washes away the fish’s authentic flavor.
G r e at A l l -A r o u n d B at te r R e c i p e
F i s h
10 minutes is the average cooking time per every inch of fish; 15 minutes if it’s wrapped in foil or baked in sauce, which can slow the cooking time. When thawing frozen fish before cooking, slowly thaw in the refrigerator
F i s h
Chow der
Ingredients
Ch icken F r ie d B eaver Ingredients
1 beaver, cut to serving portions 2 Italian sweet onions 4 oz. Saltine crackers (1 sleeve) 1/2 cup shortening 1/4 cup bacon drippings 1 cup flour 1/2 tsp. thyme 1/2 tsp. paprika salt & pepper, to taste
4Parboil beaver in salted water with onions until tender. Heat shortening and bacon grease in a large heavy skillet. Mix flour, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper. Rub into beaver, coat well. Crush crackers into fine crumbs. Roll beaver pieces through cracker crumbs to coat well. Cook slow with pan 1/2 covered until browned and tender. Serve.
R a bb i t C a cc i a t o r e Ingredients
2 rabbits, cut up into pieces 1/4 cup flour garlic salt black pepper 2 Tbsp. oil 1/2 tsp. oregano 1/4 tsp. ground cloves 1 can (4-oz) sliced mushrooms, drained 1 medium green pepper, sliced into strips 2 onions, sliced 1 rib of celery, chopped 1 (15-oz) can tomato sauce 1 small can (2-oz) ripe, sliced olives
4Shake the rabbit pieces in a bag with flour, salt, and pepper. In a Dutch oven, sauté the pieces in oil until golden brown. Add the remaining ingredients, except for the olives. Cover and simmer over low heat about 1 hour, or until rabbit is tender. Stir in black olives; simmer 10 minutes more. Serve with rice or noodles if desired.
Here’s a fish batter recipe that’s great on white fish, especially walleyes, pike, perch, and crappies.
Ingredients
1 cup flour 2 Tbsp. cornstarch 2 Tbsp. bread crumbs 1/2 tsp. baking soda 1/2 tsp. baking powder 1/4 tsp. salt 1/4 tsp. garlic salt 1 cup water
4Sift the dry ingredients together. Add water and mix the rest of the ingredients until smooth. Coat fish fillets. Cover the fish completely in oil. Deep fry until a nice golden brown. It’ll float when it’s ready.
for 24 hours ahead of time. If you don’t have a day to spare, run the wrapped fish under very cold water.
6 slices thick bacon, diced 1 1/2 cups onion, diced 1 cup carrot, peeled and diced 1 cup celery, thinly sliced 2 garlic cloves, minced 1 28-oz. can diced tomato 2 cups tomato juice 1 tsp. dried thyme 2 bay leaves 1 1/2 cups potatoes, peeled & diced 2 cans minced clams, with juice 2 cups fish (any kind will do), cut into 2-inch pieces salt and pepper hot sauce to taste
4In a large heavy pot over medium heat, brown bacon until crispy. Pour off all but 2 Tbsp. of grease, leaving the 2 Tbsp. in the pot. Add onion, carrot, and celery, and cook until onions are translucent. Add garlic, diced tomato, tomato juice, thyme, and bay leaves. Cover and simmer for 10 minutes. Add potatoes, and cook 15 minutes more or until potatoes are cooked but still slightly firm. Add clams and fish and cook until fish is just cooked, about 5 minutes. Remove bay leaves. Season to taste with salt, pepper, and hot sauce.
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S.C. Gun Business Taking Aim at Success Sto ry
b y
B ri a n
W h e l i h a n / Iw a n n a
The business offers title I (pistol, rifle, shotgun) firearm transfers for $20. Title II transfers (silencers, AOW, SBR’s, SBS’s, machine guns, and destructive devices) are also available. Cost is $50 for silencer, SBR, SBS, and AOW transfers, while machine guns and destructive device transfers are $100.
Photo courtesy of James Firearm
After attending and selling guns at area shows for many years, Brad Reece and Chris James decided to take the plunge and open a retail firearms store. That was back in 2008. Nearly four years later, it proved to be the right decision. James Firearm stocks all major brands of firearms, including Remington, Smith and Wesson, Springfield, Taurus, Sig Sauer, Mossberg, and many more. The business also handles firearm refurbishing.
In August 2010, the business moved to its new location in Greer, SC. The business “strives to achieve customer service excellence that larger dealers simply do not have the time to provide. We are a dealer of most major firearm and firearm related brands.” “We started very small about four years ago doing gun shows and Internet sales only,” Reece said. “About a year-and-a-half ago, we opened the retail store and have been growing strong ever since.” Reece and James are both Upstate natives, but their backgrounds wouldn’t lead one to think they’d be in business together. “Chris and I met through our love of 4-wheeling and Jeeps in high school, he got his FFL (federal firearms license) in college. I joined up with him soon after,” Reece said. “We have very different backgrounds,
his in engineering and mine in sales/marketing. That works very well together in the business of designing and retailing firearms and accessories.” Opening a new business during the recent economic downturn was risky, but the owners knew there was a demand for this type of business. “We experienced a very big upswing in business (in 2009). It’s up and down right now,” Reece said. “Every year we experience what’s called the ‘summer slowdown.’ People are spending money on vacations, kids, etc, not on ‘toys.’ “Now that the summer is over and hunting/shooting season is starting up, we are seeing business increase every day. The slower economy has changed what people purchase, but we haven’t seen any negative effects.” In addition to its firearm offerings, the business specializes in tactical rifles, AR-15s, concealed carry handguns, and higher-end equipment. “Both Chris and I are left handed, so we specialize in ambidextrous and left-hand firearms,” Reece said. “We also stock a lot of older firearms known as C&R guns. These range from pre-Civil War all the way through World War II.” James Firearm is located at 1514 S. Hwy 14 in Greer, SC. Hours are Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The store is closed on Sunday and Monday. For more information, call 864.469.9870 or visit jamesfirearm.com. James Firearm will also be represented at two gun shows at the TD Convention Center in Greenville on October 22-23, and December 17-18. The shows are sponsored by the South Carolina Arms Collectors Association.
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Wade In, Wade Out Wading Tips for Anglers
ERWIN WARRIORS
WNC and Upstate SC are perfect locations for wading in creeks, streams, and rivers for some opportune fishing. It’s fun, inexpensive (it doesn’t require a boat), and is a productive type of fishing that will keep you in good shape! Here are some ways to get the most out of your wading experience. Why wade? When wading is your way of fishing, it significantly changes your whole perspective on reeling in your catches. It makes you more aware of your surroundings; you become part of nature rather than simply observing it. It’s also
something you can share with your kids and friends. It will make for some great memories down the road!
Dress Appropriately If you’re going to be out in the cooler weather, you will definitely want to have some waders to step
into. Investing in a pair will come in handy — especially during the cooler months. They make you more comfortable, and enable you to keep warm in cold water. You can find some quality waders at most outdoor retail stores for around $100. Also, make sure you have stable
shoes to wear — no flip flops! Footwear like wading boots or high top tennis shoes will help stabilize the ankle so that your ankle doesn’t roll. As far as what to wear underneath the waders, don’t wear jeans or shorts. Instead, wear a breathable pair of
long pants. To protect yourself from the sun, wear a light, breathable long-sleeved shirt. Apply plenty of bug spray and sunscreen onto exposed areas — nothing is worse than getting a sunburn topped with mosquito bites! (continues on page 45)
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(continued from page 44)
Where to wade Nowadays, it’s easy to use Google Earth as a tool for finding the right water to wade. But you could also use county maps. If you’re in search of bass, zero in on a tributary that feeds into a larger river. These feeder streams are great places to wade and catch bass. For more information on finding bass during the fall season, read “Transitioning Into Fall,” on page 18. For trout, rushing water is your best bet. Always check your state’s laws on stream access — whether you plan on fishing on public or private land. It may help to scout out certain areas of interest by car beforehand. If you find your stream of choice is located on private property, don’t assume you can fish in that area. You don’t want to trespass, so your best bet is to simply knock on the property owner’s door, and ask if you can fish in that stream that
runs through his property. Here’s a good rule of thumb: the easier the access is to a stream, the farther you may need to wade from the put-in point to find unpressured water.
Take the right precautions Always be sure to know how deep the water is before you step out. A wading staff will be helpful for murky waters and for unsure areas. As you step out to your desired area, be sure to take very stable steps, avoiding trash that may be on the bottom, rocks, or logs that could move out from underneath you. Also, be sure to be on the lookout for snakes — you never know when one might be lurking close to the bank.
Be stealthy You’ll want to keep a low profile when wading so as not to scare off all the fish you’re after. • Observe what’s going on in the water before you step in. • Enter the stream quietly without
making any big splashes. • If the stream has a silty bottom, enter the area you’d like to fish in from downstream — this will decrease the amount of silt billowing out from underneath your shoes as you step. • Don’t wear bright clothing that stands out — instead wear muted clothing like browns and dark greens. A light blue, long-sleeved shirt is perfect because it’s the same color as the great blue sky!
the “wading workout” This is no joke — it’s the perfect fitness routine for all those outof-shape anglers who’ve been stuck inside all winter. With just three different moves, this routine strengthens your legs and will improve your balance — both essential for wading in heavy currents. All you’ll need for this workout is a stream, a 25-30 lb. sandbag, and sturdy shoes. If you do this workout a couple times a week, you’ll notice your body getting stronger and your balance much improved after a long
winter’s rest!
The Figure 8: What it does: Strengthens leg muscles, increases balance, endurance, and forearm strength. Here’s how: Pick up the sandbag, and hold it at your side. Walk in a figure 8 pattern for a total of 45 seconds. Resist the urge to lean on the side holding the sandbag. Repeat on opposite side with the other arm holding the sandbag. Do a total of three reps on each side.
The Leaning Angler: What it does: Increases core muscles and stability. Here’s how: Hold the sandbag in your right hand, making sure your shoulders are straight and level. Bend your upper body toward the side (bending at the waist), letting your right hand drop down as far as your knee. Remember to keep your hips still, and don’t let the sandbag hit the creek floor. Pause for a moment, then straighten, using your obliques
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to lift your torso back to standing position. It may help to imagine you pulling your belly button to your spine as you lift back up. This will really get those core muscles working! Repeat 12 times, then switch the sandbag to the left hand. Do three reps on each side.
The Weighted Squat: What it does: Increases leg and arm strength, improving stability and balance. Here’s how: Lift and rest the sandbag to one shoulder, keeping your hand there to keep it from falling off. Lift your other arm straight out in front of you for balance. Squat until thighs are almost parallel to the floor. Pause for a moment, then push through your heels to stand back up. Switch the sandbag to the other shoulder, and squat with the sandbag on the opposite side. That completes one rep. Do three sets of 12 reps. It’s sure to get your heart pumping!
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Wild Hogs on the Loose!
NC Declares New Rules for Hunting Wild Game & Fish In the last several months, there has been more and more talk of the detrimental state we are in when it comes to wild hogs. Places like Texas, Florida, Virginia, Tennessee, and North Carolina are seeing rampant wild hogs — or feral swine — out and about in neighborhoods, towns, and mountain areas, creating destruction everywhere they go. What exactly has caused this sudden build-up of big, mischevious pigs — some of them averaging a hefty 300 lbs.? It most likely has to do with hunting restrictions in certain areas, the breeding rate and conditions these wild animals are living in, and the releasing of wild hogs as well as their escape. Recent sitings There have been many recent sitings within our Western North Carolina region, including Polk County, as reported by the Asheville Citizen Times in September of this year. These sitings have been very close to people’s homes, and could result in some dangerous situations. Dangerous, because wild hogs can be quite territorial, and once they sense that the area is up for grabs, they will defend it and take over! There have been many lawns, gardens, and golfcourses that have literally been torn up overnight because of a pack of loose pigs. Wild hogs have cre-
ated extensive damage to farm crops, wildlife habitat, they’ve contributed to extreme erosion and stream pollution, and they carry diseases harmful to livestock, other animals, as well as humans. Getting a handle on this situation is a main goal of the NC Wildlife Resources Commission. Proposed hunting rule changes Just recently, these animals have been removed from big game status to a non-protected nuisance animal. In the last legislative session, the General Assembly passed a bill that changed the definition of wild boar and feral swine, placed restrictions on transporting live swine, and prohibits the release of live swine from traps. All these rulings have made it a lot easier for the Commission to deal with the rising swine number in this region. There has also been a proposal passed — Proposal H6 — stating that there will be a year-round hunting season with no bag limit on feral swine. As a
result, hunters aren’t required to report harvests. As of October 1st, the term “feral swine” covers all free-ranging hogs in the state. All these rulings will hopefully make it much easier for hunters to take plenty of feral swine out of the region — which isn’t their natural habitat in the first place. facts on feral swine You would think that an animal that propogates so quickly would have to be a native animal of this region, however that is not the case with wild hogs. They are actually non-native and can weigh up to several hundred pounds! By nature, they are what’s called “rooters,” meaning they dig and root for food in the ground — which can be incredibly destructive on landscaped yards and lawns, farm crops, natural wildlife, and other areas. Their reproductive rate is fast, plus, they’re very smart animals. But they do carry diseases that can harm people and livestock animals, which is just
one more reason to get their growing population under control. Other animals that are on the rise There have been other accounts that bear and deer are on the rise as well in Western North Carolina. There have been a number of reports in this area of North Carolina where deer have done damage to crops and property, which is why the proposed rule H1 will address the growing deer population by increasing the either-sex deer season in places like Polk County. Black bears are also noticed to have increased in numbers over the last decade. Around 5,000 to 6,000 bears has been estimated in the WNC region. While there has been a noticeable increase — especially to developed areas — there have been no changes to hunting regulations as far as bears are concerned. proposed fishing rule changes Just as there are rule changes for hunting for the 2012-13 season, there have been some recent changes in fishing regulations as well. For many years, the WNC region has had different
regulations from the rest of the state which can be confusing to some fishermen, so these changes are partly due to make WNC compliant with the rest of the state. One of these proposals includes simplifying bass creel and size limits — to change the minimum size for smallmouth and spotted bass from 12 inches to 14 inches in WNC and to make rules similar for all smallmouth, largemouth, and spotted bass. Other Proposed Rule Changes • People with a concealed handgun permit can be allowed to carry said handgun on game lands, conservation areas, as well as boating and fishing access areas. • Opening the raccoon, possum, and bobcat hunting season in the Sherwood and Harmon Den bear sanctuaries in Haywood County. • Declaring 0.6 miles of Catawba River in McDowell County as Delayed-Harvest Trout Waters. • Declaring 0.5 miles of Shawneehaw Creek in Avery County as Wild Trout Waters. For more rule changes and updates, visit ncwildlife.org.
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Tech-Savvy Hunting
Using Trail Cameras to Maximize Results Lately, trail cameras are being used more and more on wildlife shows like the Discovery channel and National Geographic when scouting out endangered species. But they’re also becoming a hunter’s new favorite gadget! Using trail cameras can give you a unique insight into the patterns of what you’re hunting and can really tip the odds in your favor. With so many on the market these days, it can be overwhelming when deciding which one is right for your hunting needs. Here are some things to look for in a trail camera and which features will help maximize your hunting experience. BATTERY LIFE & Type For a trail camera, the battery and life span is an essential characteristic you’ll want to be confident in. A good battery life will take part in the overall cost of your camera. Let’s say you buy an inexpensive camera that burns through a C-sized battery every week; it will end up costing you a lot more than you thought when buying the camera. And then there are those that last up to a full year on eight AA batteries. Point being, be sure to purchase a trail camera that isn’t going to eat up batteries. RESOLUTION The resolution of your trail camera ultimately depends on how crisp
you want your image to be. If you’re wanting a large, clear image, you’ll want to go with a camera with a higher resolution, one with say, 5.0 megapixels. If the image size isn’t important, a 3.0 megapixel resolution or below will do fine. If you want to print images to show off to your hunting buddies, your trail camera should have a resolution of at least 3.0 megapixels. TRIGGER SPEED The trigger speed is how fast the camera will shoot individual photos once the motion sensor is triggered. This is a pretty important feature, and can really make or break the photos being taken. No hunter wants to see the tail end of an animal — they’d rather see a trophy image instead! FLASH The obvious choice in this category is to have an infrared flash instead of a common incandescent one. Most trail cameras have infrared flashes — they’re less likely to spook animals and uses less battery power. While there is a small increase in cost for the infrared flash, it’s well worth it!
Size matters There are many different size options when it comes to trail cameras — they’re getting smaller and smaller every day! Think about where and what you’ll be shooting, and make your decision based upon those details. Special Features There are models out there that can actually be set up to send the photos directly to your e-mail or cell phone once they’re taken! The only time you’d need to get it is to replace the batteries or move to a different location. MAXIMIZING TRAIL CAMERA USE Once you’ve decided on a camera, it’s a good idea to lure whatever it is you’re hunting with some kind of attractant into camera range. A good example is shelled corn for deer — a big favorite among bucks! Be patient, it may take a few days to key in on the area and start getting good pictures. Before you start dumping corn or other bait in the area, check local game laws regarding baiting. If corn or other “feed” is prohibited, try a mineral lick. There are ready-made commercial
mixes available, or you could make your own. Here’s a quick recipe for a good mineral lick: 50 lbs. of trace mineral, 50 lbs. of feed mix salt, and 10 lbs. of dicalcium phosphate. Mix all ingredients together. Before placing it in the ground, break the soil up with a shovel, and work your mix into the soil. MOBILity You’re going to have to move your cameras around to see what’s out there on your property. A rule of thumb is to move your camera to different places throughout the season — the idea is to cover as much ground as you can. Two
weeks is plenty of time to represent one area and what inhabits it. RECORD-keeping Once you’ve gotten a good inventory, sort through your photos. Identify as many animals as you can, taking note of the camera sites and times the picture was taken. Keep a journal so you can take it with you when scouting out a hunting location. With these tips, hopefully you’ll find the right trail camera that’s perfect for your hunting needs. It is sure to add a new and exciting dynamic to the hunting season.
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HUNTING & FISHING 2011 HUNTING SEASON
G U I D E
F O R
T H E
C A R O L I N A S
The 2011 Rumble in the Rhododendron Fly Fishing Tournament O C T O B E R
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C H E R O K E E ,
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The Cherokee Chamber of Commerce in association with the Eastern Band of the Cherokee Indian Fish and Wildlife Department and assistance from the North Carolina Fly Fishing Team are hosting the 2011 Rumble in the Rhododendron fly-fishing tournament. This two-person team event will showcase the special catch and release, fly fishing only section of the Oconaluftee River on the
Cherokee Indian Reservation. The tournament runs October 21 to 23, 2011 with $10,000 in prize money being awarded between
first, second, and third place. Competitors from Nor th Carolina and Georgia make up the majority of the entrants into this
year’s event, but participants from as far away as Pennsylvania and Colorado are rounding out the field, which is limited to 30 teams. While
competitor space is limited, there is an opportunity to be a part of the action by volunteering during the (continues on page 50)
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2 011
RU M B L E
O c tober
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I N
TH E
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f ly
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f i s hin g
8 2 8 . 4 9 7 . 6 7 0 0
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tourn a ment
f i s h c hero k ee . c om (continued from page 49) event or being a spectator. Tournament organizer and executive director of the Cherokee Chamber of Commerce Matthew Pegg gets excited when he talks about the tournament. “ The Rumble in the Rhododendron is a great weekend of competitive fly-fishing on a portion of the best trout water East of the Mississippi River. With that said, competitors, volunteers, and spectators all share a weekend in the mountains during the peak of our fall color season, so the backdrop to the tournament is just fantastic.” Paul Bourcq, Vice President of the North Carolina Fly Fishing Team, has his team prepared for the tournament and said, “I’m looking forward to what is going to be a great competition. Right now we are having some of the best fishing in the mountains.” Fishing in Cherokee is one of the most accessible and abundant fishing destinations in the United States — stocking over 400,000 trout each year and conserving the forest waterways, stream banks, stream entry points, and bridge ways. A precious natural resource, the stream system connects 30 miles of freestone streams that include secluded forest settings, suburban roadside areas as well as the center of the town of Cherokee. Anglers of all ages and skill levels are welcome to fish in Cherokee. The trout fishing season in Cherokee is open year round and a daily Cherokee fishing license is required. For more information, to register to become a participant or volunteer for the Rumble in the Rhododendron visit, fishcherokee. com or call the Cherokee Chamber of Commerce at 828.497.6700.
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What to do When Seeking a Hunting License
The requirements to secure a hunting or fishing license vary depending on where a hunter lives. Different states, counties, and even countries have their own rules, and hunters must adhere to these specific rules in order to secure their licenses in time for hunting season. As different as rules can be from
sued. Depending on where you live,
seniors, youths, and military personnel.
are primarily to remind customers of
vendor. Tags for applications received
state to state, there are certain ways
your state or municipality might have
However, many states charge out-of-state
their Customer ID number. This number
during the new license year will be
hunters can make the licensing process
a website detailing each step of the
hunters more. Do some research ahead
helps link a customer with their existing
mailed the week of February 13, 2012.
go more smoothly regardless of where
licensing process. If not, visit a nearby
of time to determine your eligibility for
information in the DNR system.
There is no cost for the tags.
they live.
sporting goods or outdoor shop and ask
discounts or if your status will garner
Q: How do I apply for deer tags?
• Determine which type of hunting
a member of the shop’s staff if they can
more fees.
A: Hunters who obtained deer tags
you will be doing. Before applying for
help with the process. An outdoor shop
• Buy only what you need. Hunters
last year and have not reapplied for the
A: Anyone 16 years or older who
a license, determine where you will be
is often a great source of information and
who can only get out to hunt for one day
new year will receive an application to
hunts migratory birds must obtain a
hunting and which species of animals
is likely to make the process much easier
should only seek a one-day license. Such
order either 2 or 4 tags. New applicants
Migratory Game Bird Permit in addition
you hope to hunt. Different animals
to understand.
licenses are less expensive and available
may use the Special Tags application
to the required hunting license. There
for many different types of hunting.
found in the DNR Rules & Regulations
is no cost for the permit. Lifetime Hunt-
publication or order on-line.
ing and Lifetime Combination license
Q: When do I need a migratory bird permit?
typically require different permits, so
• Determine if you’re eligible for any
hunters can do themselves a favor and
discounts. Some hunters are eligible
expedite the process by pinpointing
for discounts, while others might be
Proper licenses important in
the animals they hope to hunt before
charged more. Many states offer dis-
South Carolina
applying.
counted rates to their own residents and
Before you start hunting and fishing
A: Individuals who obtained a shrimp
might even extend those discounts to
this fall, make sure you know the rules and
baiting license last year and have not
laws on what licenses you need. Failure
reapplied for the new year will receive
to have proper licenses could lead to
an application for a shrimp baiting
A: Anyone 16 years or older who
• Determine how licenses are is-
costly fines.
Q: How do I apply for a shrimp baiting license?
holders under the age of 64 years who hunt migratory birds must obtain a migratory bird permit. Q: Do I still need a stamp to hunt ducks or geese?
license. New applicants may use the
hunts ducks, geese, or brants must
Here are some questions and an-
Special Tags application found in the
obtain a state waterfowl permit and a
swers on the licensing process in South
DNR Rules & Regulations publication or
Federal Migratory Bird & Hunting Con-
Carolina.
order on-line.
servation Stamp (Federal Duck Stamp)
Q: How do I apply for an alligator tag?
in addition to a migratory bird permit
A: Alligator tags are offered through
and required hunting license. The hunt-
Q: If I didn’t receive an application in the mail, how do I get one?
the draw hunt process and on-line reg-
er must have the federal stamp in his
A: Applications may be obtained
istration is required. Special information
possession when afield and sign across
through the S.C. Department of Natural
on the draw hunt process, permit require-
the stamp face. State duck stamps are
Resources (DNR) website at dnr.sc.gov/
ments, and previous alligator harvests
only for commemorative purposes and
purchase. Select the “Resident” or “Non-
information can be found on-line.
not valid for hunting.
resident” application link. You can also receive an application by calling the
Q: How do I apply for wild turkey tags?
Q: How is the DNR Customer ID number used?
DNR License Office in Columbia at
A: Wild turkey tags are not automati-
A: Your Customer ID number links
803.734.3833 Monday through Friday
cally sent to hunters. You can apply for
you to existing DNR records. You will
from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
turkey tags through the DNR website,
only have to confirm changes to your
Q: If I didn’t receive a postcard, can I
using the license mailer, using the special
personal and contact information. Your
still apply early for my license on-line?
tag application found in the DNR Rules &
customer ID number, combined with
A: Yes. Anyone can use the early
Regulations publication, or on-line. You
one other piece of personal informa-
on-line application process. Postcards
can also find tags at any local license
tion only you would know, allows you to quickly make your license selections. Q: I am now 64 years of age. Do I qualify for a special license? A: A person who has been a South Carolina resident for at least 180 consecutive days may apply for a Senior Lifetime license. The 180 days must be immediately prior to submitting an application for the license. The license includes hunting and fishing privileges and does not expire. The cost is $9. Q: Where do I find applications for lifetime licenses? A: Applications for lifetime hunting and fishing licenses are available on the DNR website at dnr.sc.gov/licensing or in the DNR Rules & Regulations publication.
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IWANNA® Hunting & Fishing Guide ~ October 11, 2011
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How to Pick a Pup WRI TTEN
B Y
R I CK
J E N KI N S
If you are a serious dog hunter, and I am, there is more to picking a pup than going to your buddy’s house and taking that cute puppy home with you. If you are going to buy a long gun you would have shot it, learned all about it that you could, and made sure it would suit your needs. Same with the four wheel drive truck you own. You have done your homework, studied the reliability of that model, you know what kind of gas mileage it gets, and now you are ready to hit the woods “stylin’ and profilin.’“ So why would you NOT do the same procedures for picking your puppy?
Rick’s newest addition — PR Maggie Valley Moonshine, aka Popcorn
You MUST do your homework to ensure that when you cut your dogs loose they will perform for you as well as your other hunting equipment does. Here are some dos and don’ts to consider about picking a pup that will put the meat on the table. Know your bloodlines! Simply put,
know the ancestory of the pup you want to ride in your dog box. For example...I am a Plott man through and through. My Plotts are out of Cascade Big Timber, Crockett bred, and Bayou Jake. Now in Layman’s terms, to me, I know that means that my Plotts are big game hounds, medium to cold nose, and have the grit
of a Pit Bull. I also know they will run a bear and bay and catch a hog. It makes no difference to them. This perfectly suits my needs. I have either done my research — by internet or reading books and magazine articles on these hounds — OR I have hunted with their parents. I try to know about my hounds inside and out. This is insurance that I get my money’s worth and do not spend years trying to make a “silk purse out of a sow’s ear”! Now I know everybody is not a Plott person. The Treeing Walker breed is very popular. Do your homework! When someone mentions “Rat Attack,” “Hardwood Elvis,” “Hickory Nut Harry,” or “Insane Jane,” does it ring a bell? It better! This could be the difference in owning a Cadillac or a Studabaker. Are you a Bluetick man? You need to know the terms: Jett, Rambo, Uctman, Cameron, and Hurricane. As I mentioned in the early parts of this article...I am a Plott man, but by going to some of the UKC events, the Plott did not satisfy me when it came to coon hunting. I knew if I wanted to tree that ole “ring tail,” the best breed for me would be a Bluetick. I did my homework, hunted with this breed and bloodline, and bought me a pup. So far I have not been disappointed. I will not go through all the hound breeds due to the fact that this article can only be so long. I am just trying to make a point, and I believe you can see the picture I’m trying to paint. DON’T make the mistake of buying a pup with coon hound bloodlines for big game, or vice versa. Know the history of the dog — knowledge is power! I know it’s hard to believe, but you will be taken advantage of if you are not careful. To me this is the most important rule in buying your pup. Don’t be afraid to ask questions when buying your puppy. “Could I please see the registration papers on the parents?,” “Do your puppies have veterinarian papers confirming they are in good health?”Some Houndsmen guarantee the dog against sickness (continues on page 59)
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IWANNA® Hunting & Fishing Guide ~ October 11, 2011
Wildly Healthy
(continued from page 58) or they will replace the pup if it is not running and treeing at a certain age. My point being...ASK QUESTIONS! It’s no different than buying a car or anything else for that matter, and to a “dog man” this is probably the most important! Only work with reputable hunters and breeders to get your puppy. How will you know who to trust and who to avoid? Believe me, word gets around. Their reputation will proceed them. Now to the fun part. You have done your homework, you have decided on the breed of dog you want, all the questions are out of the way, and you are standing at the kennel looking at a gorgeous litter of puppies. Now, which one am I going to take home? I find this process has worked for me in the past. Quick elimination. The pups that are sleeping, wandering around the food bowl, or not paying attention to what is going on, are quickly eliminated. I want one of the pups that have heard me walking to the kennel, have heard me talking and is waiting for me, propped up on the kennel fence, tail wagging, and howling, wanting me to recognize them and them only. That’s the pup for me! Finally, don’t be afraid to say “no.” If the pups or the breed you are considering do not strike your fancy, thank the breeder for his time and say no. After all, it is your money and your time you will be spending with this pup. Use it wisely. Happy hunting!
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Why wild game is healthy for you! fat content considerably. Wild animals eat their greens — grass, green leaves, and plants — and so, their meat is leaner.
Lower Omega-6 Fatty Acids
Leg of Hare with cream sauce and brussel sprouts.
Who knew wild game could be that much more healthy for you? When compared with domesticated and farmraised animals, wild game meats have health benefits that are wonderful for you. Wild game encompasses anything from wild turkey to venison, bison, rabbit, elk, and beyond. The added health factor comes into play because wild game animals eat a very natural and healthy diet on a regular basis and are very active, meaning there is less fat found on their bodies. And if we pair wild game meats with greens that come fresh from the ground — either from your own garden or from a local farmer’s market — you get even more nutritional eating with every bite! By eating fresh wild game meat and
vegetables, you’ll get an array of vitamins, minerals, protein, and nutrients. Read on to find out all the health benefits of eating wild game.
Lower Fat Content Since wild game animals are more active in the wild, the meat found on them is leaner and thus have a lower fat content. What makes a significant difference between wild game versus domesticated animals is their diet — domesticated animals are often fed a diet of grain and/or corn, which increases the
While feeding animals grain and corn ups their fat intake, it also increases their omega-6 fatty acid content. These fatty acids should not be mistaken for omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-6 fatty acids increase inflammation in the body. This kind of chronic inflammation can cause diabetes, cancer, obesity, and rheumatoid arthritis. Since wild animals eat more greens — i.e. leaves, grass, and plants — the omega-6 fatty acid content is much less of a threat.
Higher Omega-3 Fatty Acids Omega-3 fatty acids play a crucial
role in brain function as well as normal growth and development in the body. It’s a nutrient the body reacts very favorably to. Omega-3’s reduce inflammation and may help lower your risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, cancer, and arthritis. Studies have shown that wild game meat has a higher omega-3 fatty acid content than corn- or grain-fed beef.
good source of Protein, Iron, and Zinc Lean protein is limitless when it comes to wild game meat. A 3-ounce serving of venison provides 22 grams of protein, and a 3-ounce serving of bison has 24 grams of protein! (continues on page 60)
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(continued from page 59) Similar to their rich, lean protein, wild game meats are great sources of iron and zinc. Iron ensures that we build enough red blood cells on a regular basis. A low level of iron causes fatigue, shortness of breath, chest pain, and other symptoms. Zinc functions as an antioxidant and is important for immune system function and digestion.
Increased Antioxidants It depends on the type of wild game being eaten, however they usually have more antioxidants than domestically-bred animals. Wild game has been shown to contain a range of healthy antioxidants like C and E, flavonoids and carotenoids. These are known as “plant nutrients,” and they aid the human body in neutralizing free radicals which can help prevent a range of diseases, including Alzheimer’s, heart disease, and different types of cancer.
even more vitamins
and Nutrients! You can get a healthy serving of vitamins and nutrients like vitamin B12 and riboflavin from eating wild game meat. Vitamin B12 and riboflavin have some healthy attributes we should all get on a regular basis. They boost your immune system, help your body’s red blood cells function properly, and help the body’s tissues repair themselves. These vitamins and nutrients give the body an overall healthy state and renewed energy, while also helping to prevent osteoporosis and heart disease.
Preparation While it is healthier than domesticated meats, game meat does have similar amounts of cholesterol, with about 50 - 75 mg per 100-g serving, according to the Mayo Clinic. With that in mind, it’s important to prepare your meat properly if you want to get the most out of its health benefits. Instead of frying it in flour and oil, grill or roast your game meat.
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Forecast Good in SC for Deer Season South Carolina’s deer population is healthy and the hunting season outlook is good. Although the deer harvest has been on a downward trend the last few years, indicating that population levels have moderated, hunter success and deer harvest rates remain good, according to Charles Ruth, DNR’s Deer and Wild Turkey Program Coordinator.
Top counties for har vest last
has trended down with current figures
been the norm in South Carolina. The
season included Bamberg, Allendale,
being about 725,000 deer, a 25 percent
study is currently in the process of
Orangeburg, and Anderson, with each of
decline from peak figures 10 years ago.
determining if coyote control leads to
these counties exhibiting harvest rates in
The reduction can likely be attributable
increased fawn survival on the area.
excess of 15 deer per square mile.
to a number of factors including habitat
Very few areas in the United States
change.
Hunters should not be overly concerned if the deer population is
consistently yield comparable harvest
Although timber management
down compared to several years ago
figures. On the other hand, top counties
activities stimulated significant growth
when the population reached its peak.
for quality deer in 2010 included Aiken,
in South Carolina’s deer population
Most hunters, to their credit, have
Orangeburg, and Kershaw in the coastal
beginning in the 1970s, considerable
recognized the fact that having fewer
plain and Fairfield, Anderson, and Saluda
acreage is currently in even-aged pine
deer leads to better quality deer. Results
counties in the piedmont. These results
stands that are greater than 10 years old,
of DNR’s antler scoring program indicate
come as no surprise as these counties
a situation that does not support deer
that this may indeed be the case as the
have historically produced good numbers
densities at the same level as younger
last 5 years have seen approximately
of record entries.
stands in which food and cover is more
900 bucks successfully entered into the
available.
state records program.
Find out more about the 2010 deer harvest and 2011 antler records at the
Also, coyotes are a recent addition
On the other hand, said Ruth,
South Carolina Department of Natural
to the landscape and are another piece
the DNR doesn’t want to see the
Resources website.
of the puzzle. DNR is currently involved
population decline such that hunter
Although there were no substantial
in a major study with researchers at
success and the interest in deer
changes made to deer hunting laws
the Savannah River Site investigating
hunting deteriorate. Earlier this year,
by the General Assembly this year,
the affects coyotes are having on the
DNR made recommendations related
hunters should always consult the
survival of deer fawns. Cumulative
to future deer management needs
annual Hunting and Fishing Rules and
data throughout the study indicates
in South Carolina. However, these
Regulation brochure that DNR publishes
approximately 70 percent of total fawn
recommendations have not met with
each summer, said Ruth. This is particularly
mortality with coyotes being responsible
any legislative action at this point.
the case for hunters who use the various
for approximately 80 percent of these
Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) in
mortalities.
the state.
If these findings even moderately
South Carolina’s deer population
represent a statewide situation, this
expanded rapidly in the 1980s and early
“new mortality factor” is clearly involved
1990s and it peaked in the late 1990s at
in the reduction in deer numbers. This
about 1,000,000 animals.
is especially true when combined with
However, since 2002 the population
extremely liberal deer harvests that have
Deer hunting generates approximately $200 million in retail sales for South Carolina’s economy annually. Story courtesy of South Carolina Department of Natural Resources
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Homemade Remedies
Relief against poison ivy, poison oak, & poison sumac The great outdoors are truly great, that is, unless you get poison ivy or some other equivalent while enjoying a good day out hunting. But don’t let an itchy patch of skin get the better of you during hunting season. Here are ways to treat and prevent the itch. what makes poison ivy, well poisonous? The answer lies in the oil that runs throughout the plant — urushiol. The good news is that poison ivy is treatable; the bad news is that just grazing it with any exposed part of your body is all it takes to release the oil, which in turn will cause the nasty rashes and itchiness.What’s more, you can contract the rash even through
indirect contact. For example, if your dog bounds inside after rolling in some poison oak, and you pet him, the oil can get transferred onto you. Likewise, if someone else had been working in a poison ivy-infested area with gloves, and you touched those same gloves, you could get the rash. Once the toxic oil penetrates the skin, a rash will appear between 12 to 48 hours. This true allergic
reaction is due to the compounds in the urushiol. The rash starts as small bumps and progresses into enlarged, itchy blisters. Some people are more sensitive to the oil than others and vice versa. If your rash is very bad, it is a good idea to see a doctor for treatment. A myth about poison ivy is that scratching your bumps will cause the poison ivy to spread — that is simply not true. And you can’t get the rash
by touching somebody else’s rash.
treatment Once the itchy bumps appear, the damage the urushiol can do has unfortunately already been done. The itching can drive you absolutely crazy, and relief is the only remedy you’re in search for before you start scratching yourself like crazy! Cool off. A cool bath or shower may help ease the itch. Also, place
ice-cold compresses on the rash for a few minutes every hour for some relief. Baking soda. Combined with water, this paste can reduce the urge to itch. Spread it on the affected area, and reapply every couple hours three times a day. Before going to bed, pour a cup of baking soda into a lukewarm bath and soak. Coffee. Here’s an interesting athome remedy: Pour cold, leftover coffee over your poison ivy rash — it may help relieve the annoying itch. This practice is an Appalachian folk medicine remedy. Coffee beans contain chlorogenic acid, which is an anti-inflammatory. Vinegar. A simple vinegar rinse can do wonders. Wash the affected area with soap and lukewarm water, then rinse. Apply vinegar with a cotton ball, rub gently, and rinse again. Aloe vera. With its anti-inflammatory properties, aloe vera helps soothe and treat poison ivy. Break off a leaf and apply the sap to the affected area. Allow to dry and gently wash off. Repeat every few hours. Soak in oats. Bathing in lukewarm water mixed with oatmeal or baking soda may help dry oozing blisters and soothe irritated skin. Still itching? Here are some overthe-counter remedies that can help: Calamine lotion. Calamine lotion can be mildly soothing and helps to dry out the rash. Apply it in a thin layer, as it has the tendency to seal over pores. Burow’s solution. This is a lesserknown product that relieves mild rashes when used as a compress. It’s often sold under the name Domeboro, over the counter, in tablet or powder form that you mix with water. Be sure to read the package directions before taking. If you can’t find it, ask a pharmacist (continues on page 63)
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(continued from page 62) to help you. Hydrocortisone creams. Hydrocortisone creams are often used for bug bites and the like, and may relieve a mild poison ivy rash. Mild is the key word here, as it won’t help serious cases. If you have a severe rash, your doctor may prescribe more potent steroids to ease the inflammation.
Prevention If you think you’ve had a close encounter with poison ivy, there are a couple of things you can do to prevent it from seeping into your skin. Rinse your clothes outside. If you’ve been hunting all day with no exposed skin, you may be in the clear, however your clothes may not be so lucky. The oil may be all over them. If you walk inside
your house without rinsing your clothes, you may transfer the oil to rugs, couches, chairs, etc. Since water deactivates the oil, soak your clothes before coming into the house.It may be a good idea to rinse off any camping, hunting, or fishing gear as well. Remember, poison plant oils don’t just disappear when they’re on clothes or gear, so to avoid starting your next hunting trip with a bout of poison oak, rinse rinse rinse! This includes boots, pets, sleeping bags, fishing poles, walking sticks, etc. When cleaning pets or objects, use gloves. Soap and water. If you think you’ve come into contact with poison ivy, oak, or sumac, head to the sink and rinse off. You only have about 10 minutes before the oil penetrates the skin. The poisonous oil urushiol is deactivated by water.
Rinse before using soap, which reduces the risk of spreading the oil. Instead of towel-drying, air-dry the skin. If you accidentally used towels, wash immediately in hot water and detergent — the oil can linger on towels and can transfer onto you again. Carry rubbing alcohol with you. To prevent a bad case of poison sumac, oak, or ivy, rubbing alcohol can come in handy. The oil doesn’t immediately sink into your skin all at once, it does so slowly. If you move quickly enough, you can use rubbing alcohol to grab the poisonous oil away from your skin. Wash down any areas you think have been exposed and then rinse well with water. Don’t use a cloth to wipe — it could just transfer the poison onto different parts of your body. Remember not to use the alcohol
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Poison ivy near a creek anywhere near your eyes. Before heading off into the great Try a protectant. There’s a pro- outdoors, apply the IvyBlock to tectant out there called IvyBlock, your clothing, gloves, shoes, etc. which can help ward off the urushiol.
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Time for Next Year’s Law Changes Writte n
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R o b i ns o n,
O utdo o r
W r i t e r
The opening day of the state’s archery season finds two friends on opposite sides of their favorite deer-hunting ridge. The young men remember cutting their hunting teeth in the surrounding woods as boys. In fact, they both bagged their first bow kills while hunting from the same location they find themselves on this opening day. With an abundance of white oak acorns, wild grapes, and a thick bedding area of ground vegetation, the land is prime deer habitat.
Shortly after sunrise, one hunter spots a couple of adult deer slowly feeding his way. From his lofty camouflaged treestand, he knows he is not likely to be seen or smelled as the deer inch closer his way. He resists looking at his phone when he detects the slight vibration of an incoming text. Thinking it might be his hunting partner, he carefully takes a look. By the time he reads the words “I got a spike”, a much bigger buck is now within his sight and range. Drawing from years of practice, he loosens an arrow that
strikes its mark. As is usually the case, the deer, though mortally wounded, dashes out of sight into the woods. Using his phone again, he quickly exchanges info with his buddy. He discovers that his companion has tracked his deer down and is about to dispatch it with a small handgun. Since it is the 2012 season and a law change proposal from last year is now law, his companion is allowed to carry a pistol even during the archery season. However, hunter number two is not able to carry a handgun while he is archery hunting in order to dispatch his wounded deer, even though he is hunting at the same time and on the same property. It has been a year now since the state’s wildlife agency, the NCWRC, implemented some major changes in its rule making calendar schedule. For longer than most sportsmen can remember, the agency’s public
hearings for next season’s changes have occurred at the end of the current hunting season. However, a recent application by a handful of sportsmen of the state’s so called “Ten Letter Rule,” caused the agency to wait a full year before the General Assembly was forced to address the agency’s proposals. As a result, the WRC upped their public hearing dates by a few months in order to head this type of dilemma off for future years. So now, the proposed changes to the state’s hunting, fishing, and trapping rules are proposed even before the next season is set to begin. The WRC has already released a long list of proposed changes that could affect the 2012/2013 seasons. Interested sportsmen should be aware of these proposals and plan now to attend one of the many public hearings that will soon be held across the state. Here are a few of the proposals that might have the most
impact on area sportsmen: For longer than most bowhunters can remember, it is and has been unlawful to carry a firearm, including handguns, while archery hunting during the special archery season for deer. A change in the law that begins with the upcoming season will allow bow hunters the ability to dispatch a wounded deer with a 22-calibur handgun. However, the hunter would have to obtain the weapon after he first wounded the deer with an arrow. A proposal for the 2012/2013 seasons would allow that same bow hunter the option of actually carrying the handgun with them while they were bow hunting. However, this would only be allowed if the hunter also had a valid concealed-carry permit. In addition, concealed-carry permit holders would be allowed to carry their handgun year round on most of the state’s game lands. Another proposal would affect North Carolina hunters that hunt deer in the neighboring state of Virginia no further than 20 miles from the line. Under this proposal, the CWD imposed restrictions would be waived. Several other proposals
would apply to the captivity and importation of live Cervid (deer) species. Other hunting-related proposed changes apply to: bear seasons in certain areas; extended deer seasons in certain counties; allowing electronic calls for crow and coyote; changes to the feral swine rules; Sunday hunting with dogs; items that can be possessed on or removed from game lands; raccoon, bobcat, and opossum season changes in certain Western bear sanctuaries; and changes to the current falconry rules. Several changes to the state’s inland fishing rules are also proposed for implementation beginning with the 2012/2013 seasons. These include establishing Cedar Cliff Lake as trout water; the addition or reclassification of several Western North Carolina streams as Delayed-Harvest Trout Waters, and changes to striped bass and black bass creel and size limits for several streams and reservoirs. Tony Robinson can be reached at decoydoc@charter.net.
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Proper Disposal of Deer Simply Good Hunter Ethics Disposal of deer remains may not be the highlight of a hunting trip, but South Carolina’s Deer Project leader says it’s an important aspect of hunting, particularly in maintaining the hunter’s image. “Hunters should realize that improperly disposing of deer remains presents a negative public image,” said Charles Ruth, Deer/ Turkey Project supervisor for the S.C. Department of Natural Resources (DNR). “It also provides a legitimate point of criticism that can be used by people who oppose hunting.” Ruth said hunters should also remember not to display harvested game where it might offend nonhunting members of the public. When transporting a deer in the back of a truck or on top of a vehicle, hunters should wrap a tarp or other covering material around the animal. This is a simple, considerate step that may prevent a non-hunter from becoming an anti-hunter, he said. The DNR occasionally gets calls from people who find deer remains on their property, alongside roads or on the ground at dumpster sites, and the “callers are usually pretty disgusted,” according to Ruth. “Proper preparation of harvested deer from the forest to the table is an important part of hunting,” Ruth said. Heads, hides, and entrails should be buried at least 2 to 3 feet deep so dogs or other animals won’t dig up the remains and drag them around. Alternatively, hunters can take the remains to their local landfill provided the landfill accepts animal carcasses. Sportsmen hunting on Wildlife Management Areas often field dress their deer, Ruth said, but the entrails should be disposed of properly, not just left on the ground. Never, under any circumstances, should remains be thrown into streams or other bodies of water. “ Pr o p e r l y d i s p o s e d d e e r remains will soon be taken care of by decomposition and insects,” Ruth said, “because nature wastes no nutrients. It’s part of nature’s recycling program.”
For information on constructing a simple composter to recycle deer remains, hunt clubs that harvest large numbers of deer can contact their local Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) field office or Conservation District office. Composting deer remains solves the dilemma that hunters face in properly disposing of deer carcasses, and it also yields a valuable byproduct that can be used to fertilize next year’s food plots. Hunters should also keep in mind that people who discard deer remains on private or public property can be cited for littering, according to Ruth. “Behavior by hunters like improper disposal of deer remains promotes the kind of negative image that anti-hunters use in their attempts to ban hunting,” Ruth said. “Landowners who find a mess on their property may also have second thoughts about allowing access to hunters next season.” Ruth said hunters must blacklist those people who display unethical behavior such as the improper disposal of deer remains. Violators should be reported to the DNR’s Operation Game Thief by calling 1.800.922.5431. The 24hour, toll-free number is printed on the back of hunting and fishing licenses. Sportsmen reporting violators through Operation Game Thief do not have to identify themselves, and rewards are offered for information leading to arrests. Story courtesy of South Carolina Department of Natural Resources
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Catching Catfish Using Sound Through both studies and fishing experience, it seems that our friend the catfish has some super-sensitive hearing — through sound and vibration. If you’re wanting to take your catfishing to the next level, check out these innovative ways to lure them to you with sound devices and strategies. But first, here is some interesting information about catfish. They have a very unique bone structure that makes them attuned to all things sound-related — from actual noise, splashes, and even low-frequency water waves. These bones are called weberian ossicles, which connect their inner ear to that resonator of sound, the air bladder. Because of this evolutionary detail, catfish actually have much more adept hearing than other gamefish. For example, catfish are able to hear the low-frequency water
waves that are below 200 cycles per second that cannot be heard by the everyday fish, or human! Along with this perceptive hearing, they also possess the ability to detect the electrical impulses caused by other fish moving around. As far as anglers know, catfish are the only freshwater sportfish with this known ability. These devices may not seem like they make a huge difference in sound to the human ear, but to catfish, it’s a whole different story. It should be noted also, that the underwater world is the perfect setting for sound to travel. Sound travels at over
four times the speed with a lot more intensity than in the air. The question is, how does this affect our fishing of the hungry, oversized catfish? Here are some techniques and devices that use sound and vibration to lure in catfish. You may want to try a couple to see if it helps your fishing! Shake, Rattle, and Roll Nowadays, you can go out and buy a lot of accessories that amp up the normal baiting system, but there are some things you can make yourself. One of those things is a simple 1- and 1 ¼-inch round red and white
bobbers. The hollow plastic makes these great rattlers, plus they’re inexpensive and easy to find. Just drill a small hole in each side (one in the white and one in the red), and insert a few size #6 shot into each hole. Seal them back up with some electrical tape and a dab of epoxy. You can add this easy-to-make rattle on a surface buzzer or butted up to a foam float behind a 1/4- to 1 ½-oz. slinky-style weight for bottom presentations. Planer boards are gaining popularity in the catfish baiting system. They are best suited for power drifting using a trolling motor and in
some cases wind drifting. Most of them have lead shot for weighting purposes that produce rattling sounds. They come in pairs — one designed for use on the left side of the boat and one for the right side — and greatly increase your overall fishing surface area. To add even more rattle to your planer board, put some buzz blades and some spinners onto a few rigs and watch the cats come to you! Don’t want to get fancy? A lot of times, you can attract catfish by simply lifting and dropping a heavy sinker as it walks downstream. night fishing Using sound makes for some great night-fishing, as catfish usually feed near the surface at night. This means that a surface buzzer at night is a great method. Not only will the catfish’s senses be on high alert in the nightime, you’ll also be getting an extra added element to your own fishing. Without your eyes doing most of the work, your auditory senses will get a workout, giving you an exciting fishing experience. Seal the deal with baitfish Though using vibrating gadgets and rattling toys increases your chances of reeling in a bigsized cat, cut baitfish is still an accessory that seals the deal. Combining the sound — which draws them in — with the smell of a freshly cut baitfish really makes a difference. To combine the sound element with the baitfish element, you can also insert a hollow rattle tube inside the body cavity of a large baitfish with its head and tail removed. Rattle tubes come in a variety of shapes and sizes, but there are a few that have topped the list: the McCoy Rattle, Bass Pro XPS Tube Rattle, and the Lindy Rattle EZ Tube Weight. After all, these cats are hungry, and want something good to bite on!
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Hunters can Excel at Durhamtown Sto ry
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Whether you’re a hunting newcomer or an experienced hunter, it’s often difficult to map out the perfect location for a hunting trip. Even with detailed maps and the best information, hunters can often come home empty-handed. But one way to give oneself a better chance at hunting success is to hunt at a location that specifically caters to hunters. One of those places is Durhamtown Plantation in Union Point, GA. Durhamtown is America’s Premier Off Road Park, and hunting trips are one of its specialties. Owner Mike McCommons is expecting a big season in 2011. “It looks like we will have one of the best years ever at Durhamtown,” McCommons said. “Last year we let a lot of nice bucks walk to grow another year. We also have seen more fawns this year than in the past.” Durhamtown started out as a Trophy Buck Hunting Plantation in 1991 with strict management practices before
trophy hunting became popular in the Southeast. “This has allowed us to have one of the best quality plantations,” McCommons said. As always, timing is critical for hunting success. McCommons has his own strategy on when the best times are. “We have found the best times to see the most deer is the week before and the week after the full moon,” McCommons said. “The deer seem to move more during the daylight hours during these moon phases. But I am a true believer of trusting the game activity charts as well. “By living on the property every day, I’m able to see the patterns more than
most — same with the fishing and game birds — also right after a hard rain is perfect for a trophy buck. “Any time between November 1 and Thanksgiving is always the best hunting at Durhamtown.” Durhamtown is an ideal spot for families on hunting trips, individuals, beginners, or experts. The business has clients of all ages. “Durhamtown is very family friendly with many hunters taking their first deer here,” McCommons said. “It is always exciting to see anyone with their first deer — buck or doe. Some of our hunters have been hunting here for more than 12 years and many are beginners. We pride ourselves in being able to accommodate all levels of hunters. “Many of our daily hunters join the club after they see what we have to offer. The majority of our hunters are members, but we do offer some daily or short term hunts for those who have limited time.” While Durhamtown can’t guarantee everyone will bring something home, hunters can count on a controlled, safe environment that is suitable for all ages. “We do not guarantee every hunter a trophy, but do guarantee every hunter a good opportunity for a trophy,” McCommons said. “Last year, 33 hunters harvested 23 quality bucks. This is an exceptional average for deer hunting. “Anyone looking for a place where the rules are enforced, everyone is treated equally, and have a great opportunity to fill the freezer with meat and put a trophy on the wall, then Durhamtown is your best bet.” Durhamtown offers several price packages that cater to the hunter. There is a daily fee of $175 per person, or multiple days for $150 per day. The location averages about 30-35 deer per square mile. There is also an ample hog population that moves up and down the rivers while feeding on acorns. It also has an abundant supply of Eastern Wild Turkey throughout the property. Durhamtown also offers cabin rentals, RV rentals, and RV park, bar for after hours, and lounge, pro shop, and tracks for dirt bikes and ATV riding. Durhamtown Plantation is located at 2350 Randolph Church Road in Union Point, GA, only about 2 ½ hours from Greenville, SC. For more information, visit Durhamtown.com or call 1.706.486.4603.
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Anderson Business a Real Family Affair Sto ry
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To say this time of year is busy at the Sportsmans Liquidation Outlet Store in Anderson, SC, would be an understatement. With hunting and fishing season in full swing, business is booming for the Anderson store run by Karen Medicus and her sister, Jeanine Razmus. Sportsmans Liquidation Outlet Store specializes in hunting, fishing, camping, outdoor apparel, and equipment. You name the outdoor sport and chances are the Sportsmans Liquidation Outlet Store can help you. The sisters had a business idea two years ago to open a store that caters to hunters and the outdoors. Jeanine is the manager of the store, and Karen runs the business and financial end. Despite the down economy in 2009,
the business was created. Sportsmans Liquidation Outlet Store is a franchise business that is part of the bigger Sportsmansliquidation.com, which has stores in nine states. The company’s mission is “to provide a well-rounded, constantly-changing collection of top quality, name brand merchandise at consistently low prices.” The Anderson store just celebrated its 2nd birthday on August 15. As an outlet store, Sportsmans Liquidation already offers great value to its customers. In these tight economic times, the more people can save the better. “As a liquidation store, we are able to
bring those who must watch their money during these trying times with the best prices in the industry,” Medicus said. Sportsmans Liquidation has three fulltime time employees and four part-time employees. And all of those employees are experts in hunting, fishing, and the outdoors, offering customers personal experience on what to wear and use for the best hunting and fishing experience. “All of us at Sportsmans Liquidation take personal pride in getting to know our customers,” Medicus said. Right now, Anderson is the only store in South Carolina. But that could be changing, as Medicus and Razmus hope
to soon be expanding. “We are a franchise owner with rights to South Carolina. We have long-term plans to open a few more stores covering the state from the coast to the Upstate,” Medicus said. Medicus and Razmus have a simple business plan. Treat customers right, offer good prices, and they’ll come back. “Our goal is ‘making the outdoors affordable again,’” Medicus said. “We get new shipments weekly, so our inventory is always changing. We encourage our customers to stop in often to see what’s new.” The business is located at 2718 North
Main St. in Anderson, SC. The store is open Monday through Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Thursday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Sunday from noon to 6 p.m. The store is off Interstate 85, Exit 19A, about four miles on the left. For more information, call 864.760.0035 or visit sportsmansliquidation.com. The parent company also has locations in eight other states: Georgia, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Tennessee, Delaware, Virginia, and West Virginia.
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Fact or Fiction: Get the Truth Behind Deer Habits Over the years, hunters have acquired a good deal of deer behaviors that help in the hunting process. But many old sayings and lore can be debunked as false what with the resources we have nowadays. Let’s go through some of them and uncover the truth. Gone are the days when we determine how old a deer is by the number of tines, and we know now that bucks don’t have “harems” of does. That doesn’t mean, though, that newer information doesn’t get skewed and misinterpreted. There is a lot of new deer behavior information that’s been discovered that gets jumbled through the masses. Here are some common myths that will set the record straight — allowing you to get a better hunt out of what you know on deer behavior!
when there’s a doe, there’s always a buck Many people think that if you see a doe out and about, there is sure to be a buck trailing her, especially during mating season. Well, that isn’t always the case. During mating season, yes — the
bucks are sure to be following a doe. This behavior usually starts around three weeks prior to the peak mating period when most of the breeding females are fertile. Now, of course, don’t take that statement too close to heart, as not all does will have a buck nearby — even at peak season. However, when it isn’t the mating season, that statement is a loose one. Deer don’t have a timetable like we do, so don’t pin one on them. They can often be pretty unpredictable. In the time between early summer and the fall, typically mature bucks aren’t going to mingle with does, fawns, and yearlings. Watch a doe’s behavior When you do happen on a doe, check out how she’s acting. If she’s nonchalantly walking along, she is most likely alone. If she is looking behind her continuously, moving
at a hurried pace, or stops to listen at something over and over with ears cupped in the same direction each time, you could have a buck on your hands. A buck, or another doe, or her fawns. Nevertheless, if you see behavior like that, be on the lookout. One surefire clue is the tail. A “spooked” tail (from a hunter or predator) is when it’s up at halfmast or higher and looks flared. But if her tail is straight out or at about 45 degrees down with the end crooked, she is on a mating run with a buck nearby.
The best time to hunt for deer is at the first and last hour 1/2 of daylight Very often, the most oppotune times to hunt for deer is right after the sun rises, and right before it dips beneath the horizon. That is very true...in mild weather. But once autumn turns into winter, a deer’s
activity becomes slighly more active. But that could just be because a hunter can see clearer in the cold weather when there are less leaves on trees. Deer are forest creatures and they feel most at ease in the forests where they can be active most of the day. Another reason for this statement could simply be that there are less hunters out at these hours; and fewer hunters mean fewer spooked deer.
scrapes are done by bucks only There are so many declarations about deer scrapings, that it’s hard to tell fact from fiction. Many hunters believe that a scrape is purely a buck’s doing. But actually, both bucks and does make scrapes, only a doe’s scraping is less visible. There are many different reasons why a buck or a doe makes a scrape. Common ones are usually called ‘secondary scrapes’ made through
a reaction to a doe spoor, the presence of a subordinate buck, or it could have been made by a doe. A couple weeks prior to their mating period, primary scrapes can be found. Bucks visit these primary scrapes often so as to clean them of debris, to replenish their scent in the area, and also to see if there are any visitors nearby. But don’t be fooled into thinking it’s the same buck going back to the same scrape. Nope — does often do the exact same thing! You also can’t make a claim that the deer population is strong when there are lots of scrapes in the area. Actually, that’s backwards. If an area has a limited number of deer, bucks are more inclined to stake their claim with a scrape.
the size of a tree or a bush with a rub on it indicates the size of a buck
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This statement is simply not true. A deer doesn’t need to have huge antlers to leave behind a noticeable rub. Smaller deer will go for bigger things to rub up on, and larger deer with ample antlers will sometimes go for the tiniest shrub, even when a larger option is nearby. The bottom line is, who knows why a young buck will go up against a large tree and an oversized one will take out a wimpy bush? It may come down to the fact that they’re taking out their frustrations with whatever is closest to them. That being said, if you look at certain clues, you can guess at the size of a buck by the collateral damage — damage to adjacent stalks or branches that weren’t in the direct line of fire in the first place. This may give you a better idea of how wide the rack may be, and how long the tines are. We can never fully understand a deer’s habits, but we can do our best at reading their behaviors. There is always more to learn in the natural world.
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