2015 Hunting & Fishing Guide for the Carolinas

FLY FISHING

WNC Fly Fishing Trail

FIELD DRESSING

Wild Game

SAFE HANDLING

of Wild Game Birds

2015-16 Copyright © IWANNA, USA LLC October 6, 2015

HOW TO store your gun safely p.22 buy a hunting dog p.38 help those in need through hunting p. 40 Plus: things to bring on your next fishing trip p.34

your next big-game prep pointers new regulations Plus 2015 bag limits season dates

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NC news what’s new

NC HUNTING + FISHING CHANGES IN LAW FOR 2015-16 SEASON

WHILE NOT A COMPLETE LIST, THE FOLLOWING ARE SIGNIFICANT CHANGES FOR THE UPCOMING SEASON. FOR MORE CHANGES SEE NCWILDLIFE.ORG

GAMELANDS

Except for designated shooting ranges, target shooting (defined as the discharge of a firearm for purposes other than hunting, trapping or self-defense) is prohibited on the following game lands: Angola Bay, Buckridge, Buxton Woods, Cape Fear River, R. Wayne Bailey-Caswell, Holly Shelter, Nicholson Creek, Rockfish Creek, Sampson, Sandhills and Stones Creek.

HUNTING

Effective October 1, 2015, hunting on Sundays, on private lands, with firearms becomes legal. Some restrictions apply.

Coyote hunting in Beaufort, Dare, Hyde, Tyrrell and Washington counties is limited to daytime hunting only, hunters must obtain

permits to hunt coyotes and all coyote harvest must be reported to the Commission. See page 58 for more information.

Youth can hunt with all legal weapons on Youth Deer Hunting Day.

FISHING

Night fishing is allowed in Wild Trout Waters (including Catch and Release/Artificial Flies Only Trout Waters, Catch and Release/ Artificial Lures Only Trout Waters, and Wild Trout/ Natural Bait Waters) and Public Mountain Trout Waters on game lands.

Trout may be harvested in undesignated waters from March 1 until 7 a.m. on the first Saturday in April (the closed season for Hatchery Supported Trout Waters).

In Inland impoundments and their tributaries, the general statewide minimum size limit for Striped bass and Bodie bass (striped bass hybrid) is 20 inches, and the creel limit is four fish per day. Reservoirs affected by this change include High Rock Lake, Tuckertown Lake, Badin Lake, Lake Tillery, Blewett Falls Reservoir, Hiwassee Reservoir, and W. Kerr Scott Reservoir.

Trotlines, set-hooks and jughooks have been more clearly defined. Wildlife enforcement officers may remove from the water any trotlines, set-hooks and jug-hooks without bait or not labeled properly.

Courtesy of NC WILDLIFE RESOURCES

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SC news

2015-16 HUNTING & FISHING GUIDE FOR THE CAROLINAS

NEW SOUTH CAROLINA GAME ZONES FOR 2015-2016 SEASON

what’s new

SC HUNTING + FISHING CHANGES IN LAW FOR 2015-16 SEASON

TECH-SAVVY

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MEET THE BREED

American Leopard Hound

SAFE HANDLING

of Wild Game Birds

2015-16 Copyright © IWANNA, USA LLC October 7, 2014

HOW TO field dress a deer p.6 use baitcasting reels p.42 store your gun safely p.44 make squirrel gumbo p.46 Plus: become a hunting mentor p.38

WHILE NOT A COMPLETE LIST, THE FOLLOWING ARE SIGNIFICANT CHANGES FOR THE UPCOMING SEASON. FOR MORE CHANGES SEE DNR.SC.GOV

your next big-game prep pointers new regulations 2015 bag limits season dates

Plus

HUNTING

S.1071 GAME ZONE

RESTRUCTURING Effective 07/01/15 This Act changed the current 6 game zone into 4 game zones effective July 1, 2015. See dnr. sc.gov for any changes to seasons, limits, and methods in the areas you hunt.

S.592

NIGHT HUNTING WITH SUBSONIC AMMUNITION Effective 06/03/15 This Act added language to the night hunting law stating that “a hunter using subsonic center fire ammunition is not required to hunt from an elevated position provided that he is not carrying supersonic center fire ammunition for the same rifle.”

This provision applies to hunting coyotes, armadillos, and hogs at night during that time of year between the last day of February and the first day of July when advance notice is given to the department.

H.3118

TURKEY SEASONS AND LIMITS Effective from 06/30/15 to 11/07/18 This Act changed the turkey season to March 20 through May 5 statewide. It changed the bag limit to 3 per season, 2 per day for male wild turkeys statewide. It establishes the Saturday and Sunday preceding the opening day of turkey season as “Youth Turkey Hunting Weekend”. Additionally, it provides that a person who takes a turkey unlawfully “must be required to make restitution to the department in an amount of up to five hundred dollars for each bird taken.”

H.3668

WEARING ORANGE ON WMA’S DURING DEER SEASON Effective 05/07/15 This Act requires that “All nonexempt persons must wear a hat, coat, or vest of solid international orange while on Wildlife Management Area lands during deer hunting

Cover designed by Rachel Hoeft

season.” WMA regulations exempt persons hunting for dove, turkey, ducks, geese, and other migratory birds including crow from the requirement of wearing international orange. All other persons on a WMA during deer season must wear international orange.

H.3762

IDENTIFICATION OF TRAPS Effective 05/07/15 This Act allows a trapper to use his SCDNR customer identification number as identification on a trap in lieu of his name and address. It states “All traps must bear the owner’s name and address or department-issued customer number either directly thereon or by an attached identification tag.”

FRESHWATER FISHING H.4543

BLUE CATFISH LIMITS IN THE SANTEE COOPER SYSTEM Effective 04/01/15 This Act amended the blue catfish law 50-13-640 creating a daily possession limit of not more than 25 fish on Lakes Marion and Moultrie and the upper reach of the Santee River. It also makes it unlawful to possess more than two blue catfish greater than 32 inches in length on Lakes Marion and Moultrie, the upper reach of the Santee River, and the Congaree and Wateree Rivers. This Act also adds to the point’s law making the violation of taking or possessing more than the legal creel or size limit of blue catfish to 14 points.

Courtesy of DNR.SC.GOV

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“Those of us privileged to take to the field are entrusted by fate and circumstance to hold and nurture the hunter’s legacy.” -THEODORE ROOSEVELT

TIPS

FOR THE HUNTING MENTOR

Mentoring provides an opportunity to give back to hunting culture and thereby conserve hunting legacy for future generations.

MENTORING NEW HUNTERS CAN BE MUTUALLY REWARDING

Going hunting yourself is one thing, teaching someone new about hunting is another.

Keeping a hunting trip relaxed and expectations to a minimum will benefit both novice and veteran hunter. The following are some helpful tips: Focus on the new hunter’s needs first: It’s easy for the passionate and experienced hunter to become engrossed in the seriousness of the hunt.

Relax and try to remember your first hunt and the overwhelming newness of it all. Slow down and spend time explaining and sharing rather than expecting.

Spending time “together” on stand for the first few outings is a good way to provide “on-thespot” guidance to the new hunter.

Be safe, legal, and sure: Discuss and practice safe gun handling and tree safety prior to the hunt and routinely throughout. Periodically review hunting regulations. Discuss the importance of properly identifying the game being hunted before pulling the trigger or releasing a bow string.

INDIRECT MENTORING OPPORTUNITES

Introducing someone new to hunting is the ultimate form of mentoring, but, it is not the only way. Indirect mentoring can be just as valuable and have nearly the same impact as direct mentoring. A few indirect mentoring opportunities include: Sharing hunting stories and outdoor skills.

Share a wild game dinner.

Share a hunting magazine subscription.

Take someone along on a prehunting season scouting or shooting trip.

Introduce someone to the outdoors through a simple walk in the woods.

Invite someone to a hunter education course or become a hunter education instructor!

Limit expectations: As an experienced hunter, it is easy to take for granted all the knowledge and experience accumulated over many years. Understand that the new hunter has not had the privilege of time and experience.

Easy does it: You may be able to walk for miles in rugged terrain with a full backpack all day long.

Trying to impose that method on a new hunter, youth or adult, may discourage them from ever going again. Instead, make the initial outings interesting, enjoyable, educational, and relaxed.

Fits and starts: Be sure that new hunters have the clothing and the necessary hunting equipment that fits to get them started.

Commit to comfort: Whether in warm or cold temperatures make sure the new hunter remains warm and comfortable. Being considerate of the new hunter’s comfort can make the outing more enjoyable and rewarding.

Full tank: Breakfast should always be a start to any day in the field and be sure the new hunter has plenty of snacks and water, especially young hunters.

Courtesy of NC WILDLIFE RESOURCES

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NC HUNTING

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NC & SC HUNTING TIPS

COUNTING YOUR DOVES: 7 DOVE SHOOTING TACTICS ALL TOO OFTEN, HUNTERS SHOW UP AT A DOVE SHOOT, AND IMMEDIATELY HEAD TO THE FIRST LITTLE PATCH OF SHADE THEY SEE ON THE FIELD. BUT WHILE THIS MAY BE THE BEST LOCATION FOR A DOVE HUNT, HUNTERS COULD BE LEFT IN HOPEFUL WAITING INSTEAD OF PLENTIFUL SHOOTING. It’s essential to recognize certain strategic set-ups on the dove field that can work to your advantage. Here are some that have been proven to increase your chances of a good dove hunt.

COME PREPARED. It pays to be prepared. Do your homework, and familiarize yourself with the specific characteristics of the field. Scout it out beforehand. This reliable tactic will tell you where the birds are coming from, when they start arriving, and where they concentrate their on-the-field activities.

Never show up “blind” and expect to have a profitable hunt.

You will be sorely mistaken. Yes, there are times when luck is on our side, however in the bigger picture, the odds are against us, especially if other hunters come better prepared. Upon arrival, have two or three good spots in mind. And if you can, get there early! It is much better to sit and

wait an hour or so gazing at a birdless sky than to arrive and find the best spots are already taken and the little feathered “rockets” are already pitching in.

LOOK FOR LOAFING TREES, WATER, AND SANDY SPOTS. Doves are known to favor a couple of trees before heading to the ground — these trees areloafing trees. From their perch, doves then scan the field before landing. Take your stand underneath one of these trees, and you have the chance to get some great shots.

Keep your eyes peeled for a pond, creek, or watering hole of some kind where doves can fly for a drink. Doves prefer flying to a loafing tree first, checking out the water for any danger in their midst, and then they’ll fly to the ground.

Another feature to be on the lookout for is an isolated patch of sandy ground. Like many seed-eating birds, doves prefer an ample supply of gravel or grit

when foraging for food. Look for a spot where rain runoff has caused an exposed gritty or sandy soil area. These spots are bird magnets! If you can spot any of these features, set up within shooting range of these sites or in a location where you can catch doves as they approach.

GO FOR GOOD LIGHTING. When picking your set-up area, it helps to keep the sun and its location in mind. Keep the sun to your back as much as you can. Doves are tough enough to shoot when the sun isn’t blinding you. Morning or afternoon sunlight can be very bright, so give yourself this one advantage, and don’t face towards it if you can help it.

CAMOUFLAGE. It doesn’t matter if you have the latest camouflage pattern covering your entire body, it’s worthless if you aren’t keeping still. Camouflage is important,

yes, but sitting still should be your main concern. Keep yourself completely motionless until you decide to stand and shoot. If you have consistent stillness, you could wear a white t-shirt and still do well.

Also, make sure to carry all the supplies you’ll need when you first leave your vehicle. Don’t run back and forth to the truck a dozen times during a hunt. You will get noticed, and that’s the last thing you want!

DOG CONTROL. While you are motionless and still out in the field, so should your retriever. There is nothing worse than a smart, retrieving dog who won’t sit patiently and quietly there beside you. Train

them early on for this type of patient waiting. When thinking about successful dove tactics, make a well-behaved retriever one of them, or else leave Fido at home.

RESIST STANDING OUT. Even the smallest rise in elevation can give your position away to approaching birds.

If this terrain can’t be helped, make sure there is some type of “screen” at your back so it helps disguise your body’s outline. Otherwise, you will no doubt stand out to even the dumbest of doves. If you can, look for some cover under the shade of a tree. This will help you blend in, while achieving closer shots.

DON’T BASH DECOYS ‘TILL YOU TRY THEM. There are lots of different kinds of decoys used for doves — some work, some don’t. But don’t bad mouth them until you’ve tried them. You may find a ploy that actually works!

To be a successful dove hunter, you don’t necessarily need to be the best shooter.

People who study and prepare beforehand will significantly increase their chances of having a heavy bag at the end of the day. With the right tactics and solid preparation, you’ll be counting your doves with pride.

Courtesy of DNR.SC.GOV

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NC hunting

A WELL-MANNERED HOUND

As you should know by now, from reading my past articles, I love a hound dog. I love their drive when they are on a track, I love their companionship, I just love them riding in my truck.

In past articles I have written about the things a hound should be proficient at doing. As you will recall, I have stated that a hound should know their name, load up, when you drop the tailgate, and know the command “no”. In this article I would like to discuss 2 traits that you don’t want your hound to show.

Number 1; No one, and I mean NO ONE, likes an aggressive hound.

Aggressive meaning fighting

with other dogs at the tree, or in the dog box. This can be prevented by working with the hound as a pup.

It takes time and patience, so if you’re up for it, let’s get started. Socialization is the key. When you get your pup it has already started socializing with it’s brothers and sisters in it’s litter. So do the right thing and don’t just hook a chain to it’s neck or put it in a pen all by itself, it still needs to be socialized with other dogs. Take it on walks in the park. Let it play with other dogs. Let it ride in the dog box with your other hounds. Let it run with your big dogs when you are just exercising them. Do not leave it alone to figure it’s life out all by itself.

More than likely, you will have troubles with it being aggressive. Trying to be the Alpha Male. You want your hound to have nothing on it’s mind but treeing whatever

game it is trained to hunt.

You want it to be aggressive on the track and at the tree.

Not in the dog box, or in the pack you hunt with it.

Remember, socializing is the key!

There is nothing worse than a “gun shy” dog! That is to say, you fire a gun, and the hound leaves the country!

I have hunted in the past with, and owned a few, gun shy dogs. You know the drill.

You get to the game, it comes time to harvest your prey, hounds are everywhere, and someone has to tie the gun shy dog, or take it back to the truck, so it won’t skip town when you fire your weapon. A gun shy dog is dangerous in the pack. It will get other hounds hurt or the hunter injured because you are concentrating on the hound and not the prey. Do not fret, there is a cure.

When the dog is a pup, or still a young hound,

here again, it should be socialized. Let the dog hang out with you. Let it here the sounds of the every day world. Wind blowing thru the trees. You slamming the truck door.

The sounds the dog box makes when it goes down the road with the young dog in it. Fire your gun, and after it discharges, pet the animal, let him know that it is all right, and tell him or her that they are a good dog. These simple steps really work.

It is not fair to the hound to be “culled” from the pack because you are not willing to put the time in to make it the best it can be. Give these suggestions a try. You’ll be glad you did.

Happy hunting!

Written by RICK JENKINS

IWANNA HUNTING & FISHING Guide for the Carolinas

IWANNA.COM

October 6, 2015

hunting

out.

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NC news hunting

IS THERE A LIFETIME LICENSE IN YOUR FUTURE? For many years now North Carolina has made available a large assortment of lifetime hunting, fishing and combination type licenses for sportsmen that pursue its game and fish.

In fact, anyone of any age, even nonresidents, can obtain a lifetime license.

Lifetime licenses are valid for the lifetime of the licenseholder, even if the hunter moves out of state later in life. For those that purchase only a lifetime hunting, fishing or comb hunting and fishing license, additional privilege licenses may be required depending on activity or location. Examples would be the extra requirement of a trout fishing license or big game license and if the hunting was being done on any of the state’s game lands.

While the standard lifetime licenses as well as lifetime licenses for qualifying seniors can be purchased online or by phone with the Wildlife Resources Commission; Infant, Youth, and Disabled Lifetime Licenses cannot be purchased online. Infant and youth applications must be received

at WRC Headquarters or processed at a Wildlife Service Agent the day before the child turns 1 or 12 years of age.

Applications received on or after the child’s 1st or 12th birthday cannot be processed as an infant or youth license. A copy of the birth certificate must accompany applications for infant and youth licenses.

A recent change to the license law not only brought about a general increase in cost to most licenses, it also replaced the six percent deduction that license agents received for selling them with a $2 transaction fee in addition to the cost of the license. This transaction fee is applied whether the license is obtained at a license agent, online or by phone.

There was also a recent change to Senior License Eligibility. For many years, those residents age 65 and older could get lifetime hunting,

fishing or even a lifetime sportsman license for only $15.

The change raised the age of this license to 70 and above.

However, those residents born on or before Aug. 1, 1953 are eligible to purchase a senior lifetime license when they turn 65 years of age. Those born after Aug. 1, 1953 are eligible to purchase a senior lifetime license when they turn 70 years of age.

The bulk of the state’s lifetime license program came about nearly 35 years ago. As a way to help ensure Fish and Wildlife for generations the Wildlife Endowment Fund was passed into law by the General Assembly. As a result of this law, in 1981, hunters, anglers and wildlife enthusiasts became shareholders in an innovative investment and conservation program called the North Carolina Wildlife Endowment Fund.

The endowment fund was a simple yet revolutionary idea: Create a lifetime inland fishing or hunting license. Put the license fees into a special fund.

Spend the accrued interest, not the principal, on programs and projects that benefit fish and wildlife.

The NC Wildlife Resources Commission has spent more than $50 million in interest on programs and projects since the endowment fund’s inception.

According to the NCWRC,

here’s how it works: There are several types of lifetime licenses that may be purchased.

The lifetime sportsman and lifetime comprehensive hunting licenses include the state waterfowl privilege. The lifetime comprehensive hunting and lifetime comprehensive inland fishing licenses are sold only to residents of North Carolina.

Nonresidents may purchase the nonresident sportsman’s license. There are no residency restrictions when purchasing the infant and youth licenses.

You may also give a lifetime license as a gift. Simply complete the donor information on the application and the license will be mailed directly to you. All lifetime licenses are good for life. Even if you move out of North Carolina, you may use the license anytime you return to the state.

You may also personalize your Lifetime License. When purchasing a license, it may be personalized for an additional $5.00. There are up to six spaces for a special number or name.

For example, you may use a birth date (062855), (JU2855), initials (C.R.R.), or a nickname (Jack). You also have twenty-one spaces for a personal message.

Examples are Happy First Birthday, Love Mom and Dad or Enjoy the Outdoors. Lifetime licenses can be purchased at your local wildlife service agent, online (with a few exceptions), by calling 888-248-6834, or by mail from the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission.

A $2 transaction fee as mandated by NCGS 113-270.1B may apply at time of purchase.

Due to documentation requirements, Infant, Youth, and Disabled Lifetime Licenses cannot be purchased online.

Infant and Youth Licenses can be applied for at any wildlife service agent, by mail, or in person with the Commission.

Infant and youth applications must be received at WRC Headquarters or processed at a Wildlife Service Agent the day before the child turns 1 or 12 years of age. Applications received on or after the child’s 1st or 12th birthday CANNOT be processed as an infant or youth license. A copy of the birth certificate must accompany applications for infant and youth licenses.

Disabled Licenses can only be applied for by mail and in person. Applications are available online through the NCWRC website.

For those interested, tax deductible contributions may be made directly to the NC Wildlife Endowment Fund or you may designate the Fund as a beneficiary of a bequest through your will or living trust.

When making a memorial contribution, include the name and address of the person(s) making the donation as well as the name of the person(s) for whom the donation is being made. A card will be sent to the donor of the contribution.

For more information about planned giving, please contact: Cecilia Edgar, Deputy Director at Cecilia.edgar@ncwildlife.org or by calling (919) 707-0015.

by TONY ROBINSON

IWANNA HUNTING & FISHING Guide for the Carolinas

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dates + bag limits

BIG GAME

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)

(GAME ZONE 1 ONLY) Still Hunt (no dogs): Oct. 17-23; Party Dog Hunts: Oct. 24-30 DEER

Game Zones 1 & 2: Buck Limit: 2 per day, 5 per season (all methods and hunt periods combined) Antlerless Limit: One (1) per day on either-sex days or with individual antlerless deer tag. (See dnr.sc.gov for other game zones)

Primitive weapons: Oct. 1 - 10 (muzzle-loader buck only, archery either sex); Archery only: Oct. 17 - 30 either sex; Gun: Oct. 12 - 16, Oct. 31 - Jan. 1 (buck only); Either sex: Zone 1: Nov. 14, 21, 28; Zone 2: Oct. 17; Nov. 14, 21, 28; Dec. 26; Jan. 1 WILD TURKEY

Statewide limit 3 gobblers (no more than 2 per day).

Private lands statewide: March 20 - May 5 WMA lands statewide: April 1 - May 5 Some WMA’s may be more restrictive. (See dnr.sc.gov for specified limits)

WILD HOG

No daily or season limits

No closed season or bag limit.

SMALL GAME

RACCOON + OPOSSUM Raccoons: 3 per party per day Opossums: No daily limit

Private Lands: Sept. 15 - March 15 (guns & dogs), March 16 - Sept. 14 (dogs only) WMA: Sept. 15-Mar. 1 (guns & dogs, night only)

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SQUIRREL

Daily limit 10; no possession or season limits

Oct. 1-Mar. 1 (guns & dogs); Mar. 2-Sept. 30 (dogs only)

RABBIT Daily limit 5; no possession or season limits Mar. 2 - Nov. 23, 2015 (dogs only); Nov. 24-Mar. 1 (guns & dogs); Mar. 2-Nov. 20, 2016 (dogs only) QUAIL

Daily limit 12; no possession or season limits

Mar. 2 -Nov. 23, 2015 (dogs only); Nov. 24 -Mar. 1 (guns & dogs); Mar. 2 -Nov. 20, 2016 (dogs only) GROUSE

Daily limit 3; no possession or season limits

Nov. 26 - March 1 (Game zone 1 only) BOBCAT, MINK, MUSKRAT, SKUNK, OTTER, + WEASEL No limits

Nov. 26 - March 1 GROUNDHOG, NUTRIA, + COYOTE No closed season or bag limit.

PHEASANT (MALE)

Daily limit 3; Possession 6; Season 30

Nov. 24 - Feb. 1 FOX

GAME BIRDS + WATERFOWL EARLY SEASON

MOURNING DOVE

Daily bag 15; Possession limit 45

Sept. 5-7 (afternoons only); Sept. 8 - Oct. 17, Nov. 14-28; Dec. 15 - Jan. 15 KING, CLAPPER, SORA + VIRGINIA RAILS

(King &Clapper Rails) Daily bag 15; Possession limit 45 (Sora & Virginia Rails) Daily bag 25; Possession limit 75

Sept. 26 – Oct. 1; Oct. 25 – Dec. 27 WOODCOCK

Daily bag 3; Possession limit 9

Nov. 14 - Feb. 28 GALLINULE + MOORHENS Daily bag 15; Possession limit 45

Sept. 8 - Sept. 12; Oct. 6 - Dec. 9 CANADA GEESE Daily bag 15; Possession limit 45

BEAVER

6 total, including no more than 4 mallards (2 hens), 2 pintails, 1 fulvous whistling duck, 1 black-bellied whistling duck, 3 wood ducks, 2 redheads, 2 canvasbacks, 2 scaup, and (1 black duck or 1 mottled duck); 18 total, including no more than 12 mallards (6 hens), 6 pintails, 3 fulvous whistling ducks, 3 black-bellied whistling ducks, 9 wood ducks, 6 redheads, 6 canvasbacks, 6 scaup and (3 black ducks or 3 mottled ducks or total of 3 of the species combined).

Nov. 1 - March 1

Daily limit 15; Possession limit 45

Nov. 21 – Nov. 28; Dec. 12 – Jan. 31 SEA DUCKS

7 daily bag (not to include more than 4 scoters) 21 total possession (not to include more than 12 scoters)

CANADA GEESE Nov. 21 – Nov. 28; Dec. 12 – Jan. 31; Feb. 14 – Feb. 29

Daily bag 8; Possession limit 24

GAME BIRDS + WATERFOWL LATE SEASON

No limits

COOTS

COMMON SNIPE

Mar. 2-Nov.25, 2015 (dogs only); Nov. 26-Mar. 1 (guns & dogs); Mar. 2-Nov. 23, 2016 (dogs only)

CROW

Nov. 21 – Nov. 28; Dec. 12 – Jan. 31

Oct. 17 – Jan. 31

No limit

Year round; Sept. 1 - Feb. 28 (WMA Areas)

Daily limit 5; (only 1 hooded merganser); Possession limit 15 (3 hooded mergansers)

Dec. 18 - Jan. 31

Sept. 1 - 30

No limit

MERGANSERS

DUCKS

BLUE + SNOW GEESE

Daily limit 25; No possession limit

Nov. 21 – Nov. 28; Dec. 12 – Jan. 3 BRANT

Daily limit 2; Possession limit 6

Jan. 2 - Jan. 31 STATE YOUTH DAY Nov. 14, 2015 FEDERAL YOUTH DAYS Feb. 6, 2016 & Feb. 13, 2016

Nov. 21 – Nov. 28; Dec. 12 – Jan. 31

2015-16 Hunting Season

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dates + bag limits

BIG GAME

RABBIT

BEAR

Daily limit 5; No possession or season limits; Extended Season for Take by Falconry – Daily limit 3; Possession limit 6

Oct. 12 – Nov. 21; Dec. 14 – Jan. 1

Nov. 21 – Feb. 29; Extended season for take by falconry: Oct. 12 - Feb. 29

Daily limit 1; Season limit 1

DEER

No daily limit; Season limit 6 (2 antlered)

Archery: Sept. 12 – Sept. 27 and Oct. 11 – Nov. 22 Blackpowder: Sept. 28 – Oct. 10 Gun: Nov. 23 – Dec. 12 WILD TURKEY

GROUNDHOG, NUTRIA,COYOTE, SKUNK, ARMADILLO + FERAL SWINE No closed season or bag limit except in Hyde, Beaufort,Washington, Dare and Tyrrell counties. In those five counties coyote hunting at night is prohibited.

Daily limit 1; Possession limit 2; Annual limit 2

BOBCAT

Youth Season (male or bearded turkey only): Apr. 9 – May 7

Nov. 1 - Feb. 29

SMALL GAME

RACCOON + OPOSSUM

Opossum: No bag limits; Raccoon daily limit 3; No possession or season limits

Oct. 12 (at sunrise) - Feb. 29

No limits

PHEASANT Daily limit 3; Possession 6; Season 30

Nov. 14 - Feb. 1 CROW

No restrictions

GAME BIRDS + WATERFOWL

For webless migratory game birds & waterfowl seasons beginning prior to 10/1: DOVE

Daily bag 15; Possession limit 45; Extended Falconry Seasons— Daily bag 3; Possession limit 9 (Oct. 15 - 31)

Sept. 5 – Oct. 10; Nov. 23 – Jan. 15 KING + CLAPPER RAILS

Daily bag 15; Possession limit 45; Extended Falconry Season— Daily bag 3; Possession limit 9 (Dec. 5 – Jan. 9)

Sept. 1 – Oct. 3; Oct. 23 – Nov. 28 SORA + VIRGINIA RAILS

Daily bag 25; Possession limit 75; Extended Falconry Season Daily bag 3; Possession limit 9 (Dec. 5 – Jan. 9)

Sept. 1 – Oct. 3; Oct. 23 – Nov. 28 GALLINULE + MOORHENS

Daily bag 15; Possession limit 45; Extended Falconry Season— Daily bag 3; Possession limit 9 (Dec. 5 – Jan. 9)

Nov. 21 - Feb. 29

Aug 1 - Feb. 27: Wed., Fri. and Sat. of each week plus Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, New Year’s Day & MLK, Jr. Day; June 1 - Jul. 30: Wed., Fri. and Sat. of each week plus Independence Day.

GROUSE

FOX

Dec. 17 – Jan. 30 Extended Falconry Season: Nov. 7 – Dec. 5 & Feb. 1 – Feb. 27

Nov. 14 - Jan. 1; Jan. 3 - Jan. 23

COMMON SNIPE

QUAIL

Daily limit 6; Possession 12; Season, no limit

Daily limit 3; Possession 6; Season 30

Oct. 12 - Feb. 29 SQUIRREL

Gray & Red – Daily limit 8; No possession or season limits; Fox Squirrel – Daily limit 1; Possession 2; Season 10

Gray and Red (statewide): Oct. 12 - Feb. 29 Fox Squirrel: Oct. 12- Dec. 31

Limited to certain counties: Daily limit 2; Season 10

CONTROLLED HUNTING PRESERVES

No wild turkey may be taken. No limits (domestically raised birds only); no wild turkey

Oct. 1 - March 31 Applies to domestically raised birds (mallard ducks and upland game birds) only.

Sept. 1 – Oct. 3; Oct. 23 – Nov. 28 WOODCOCK

Daily bag 3; Possession limit 9

Daily bag 8; Possession limit 24

Nov. 13 - Feb. 27

For waterfowl seasons occurring after 9/30 (Possession limits are 3 times the daily bag unless otherwise noted): DUCKS 6 ducks with no more than: 4 scoters 2 scaup 4 mallards (only 2 can be hen mallards) 3 wood ducks 2 redheads 1 black or mottled duck (season closed until Nov. 21) 2 canvasbacks 2 pintails 1 fulvous whistling duck Season on harlequin ducks is closed Possession limits are three times the daily bag unless otherwise noted

Oct. 7 - 10; Nov. 14 - Dec. 5; Dec. 19 – Jan. 30 LIGHT GEESE

25, no possession limit

Regular Season: Oct. 13 - Feb. 13; Conservation Order Season: Feb . 15 - Mar. 31 By permit only MERGANSERS

5 mergansers (2 hooded mergansers)

Oct. 7 - 10; Nov. 14 - Dec. 5; Dec. 19 – Jan. 30 COOTS 15 coots

Oct. 7 - 10; Nov. 14 - Dec. 5; Dec. 19 – Jan. 30 DARK GEESE

5 in Resident Hunt and Southern James Bay zones; 1 in Northeast Hunt Zone

Oct. 7-17; Nov. 14 - Dec. 5; Dec. 19 - Feb. 13

2015-16 Hunting Season

Harmony - 4592470

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DID YOU KNOW THAT WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA IS HOME TO THE FIRST AND ONLY FLY FISHING TRAIL IN THE UNITED STATES?

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NC fishing

The Western North Carolina Fly Fishing Trail, situated in Jackson County, features some of the best trout waters in the Great Smoky Mountains. The trail takes you to 15 excellent spots for catching brook, brown and rainbow trout.

Whether you seek quantity or size, open waters or small streams, the WNC Fly Fishing Trail has it all.

The 15 stops on the WNC Fly Fishing Trail:

guide

•

CHEROKEE INDIAN RESERVATIO N

74

74

74

BLU E RI D

G E

PA R K

W AY

Parkway bridge near Cherokee and goes north for 2.2 miles Access Point(s): Parking & access via several pull-off areas along Big Cove Road; paths run along stream Type of Water: Catch & Release Fly Fishing Only Available Fish: Golden, Rainbow, Brown, Brook & Donaldson trout Numbers or Size?: Both Noteworthy: This stretch is also called Cherokee Trophy Water and fish of 20-30 inches are common; Cherokee annual permit and daily permit required

SCOTT CREEK

The Stretch: Roughly 10 miles from headwaters near Balsam down to Sylva Access Point(s): Parking and access available via several pull-off areas along U.S. 23/74 Type of Water: Hatchery Supported Available Fish: Brown, Rainbow Numbers or Size?: Numbers Noteworthy: Stretch also includes North Fork Scott Creek and Buff Creek, which are very scenic

SMALL STREAMS

Moses Creek, Mull Creek, Rough Butt Creek, Chastine Creek, Piney Mountain Creek The Stretch: Collection of small streams in eastern Jackson County, below Blue Ridge Parkway Access Point(s): Via Moses Creek Rd (SR 1740) & Caney Fork Rd (SR 1737), avoid posted land Type of Water: Wild Trout Available Fish: Brook, Rainbow Numbers or Size?: Numbers Noteworthy: Mountainous terrain, includes several large waterfalls

CANEY FORK

The Stretch: Roughly 10 miles from East Laporte Park to headwaters at fork of Mull Creek and Piney Mountain Creek Access Point(s): Access via Caney Fork Road (SR 1737), avoid posted land Type of Water: Undesignated Available Fish: Rainbow, Brown, occasional Brook Numbers or Size?: Numbers Noteworthy: Respect private land owners

WNC FLY FISHING TRAIL WHITEWATER RIVER

FLYFISHINGTRAIL.COM

TANASEE CREEK

The Stretch: Roughly 2-3 miles from Tanasee Creek bridge up to headwaters Access Point(s): Parking and access available at bridge on Tanasee Creek Road (SR 1762) Type of Water: Wild Trout Available Fish: Brown Numbers or Size?: Both Noteworthy: Very scenic stretch in the Nantahala National Forest

PANTHERTOWN CREEK The Stretch: Entire stream, roughly 3 miles Access Point(s): Parking and access at end of Breedlove Rd (SR 1121), with 2-mile walk to creek Type of Water: Catch & Release Single Hook Artificial Lure Available Fish: Brook Numbers or Size?: Numbers Noteworthy: Located in Panthertown Valley, which is known as the “Yosemite of the East” because of its bowl shape and rocky bluffs

RAVEN FORK

(CHEROKEE TROPHY WATER)

The Stretch: Starts at Blue Ridge

The Stretch: Roughly 2-3 miles from Hwy. 107 down to the South Carolina state line Access Point(s): Parking and access along N.C. 107, a few miles south of Cashiers Type of Water: Wild Trout Available Fish: Brook, Brown and Rainbow Numbers or Size?: Numbers Noteworthy: Flows into Whitewater Falls, the highest waterfall east of the Mississippi

SCOTSMAN + FOWLER CREEKS INTO CHATTOOGA RIVER

The Stretch: Roughly 2-3 miles of each stream flowing down into the Chattooga River Access Point(s): Access available via Whiteside Cove Rd (SR 1107) or Bullpen Rd (SR 1100) in Nantahala National Forest Type of Water: Wild Trout with Natural Bait Available Fish: Brown, Rainbow Numbers or Size?: Numbers (creeks), Size (Chattooga) Noteworthy: The movie Deliverance was filmed on the Chattooga River

WEST FORK TUCKASEGEE RIVER

The Stretch: From small reservoir

at Thorpe Power House upstream several hundred yards Access Point(s): Parking and access available both sides of N.C. 107 near Thorpe Power House Type of Water: Hatchery Supported Available Fish: Brown, Rainbow Numbers or Size?: Numbers Noteworthy: Although hatchery supported, this has nice concentration of stream-raised fish

TUCKASEGEE RIVER

(EAST LAPORTE PARK TO NC 107 BRIDGE)

The Stretch: Roughly 2-3 miles from park to bridge Access Point(s): Parking and access available at East Laporte Park and pull-off areas along Old Cullowhee Road Type of Water: Hatchery Supported Available Fish: Rainbow, Brook and Brown Numbers or Size?: Numbers Noteworthy: East Laporte Park has picnic tables and public restrooms

SAVANNAH CREEK

The Stretch: About 10 miles from headwaters in Pumpkintown into Tuckasegee River Access Point(s): Parking and access available via several pull-offs along U.S. 23/441 Type of Water: Hatchery Supported Available Fish: Rainbow, Brown Numbers or Size?: Numbers Noteworthy: Access limited the closer you get to the Tuckasegee River

TUCKASEGEE RIVER (NC 107 BRIDGE TO DILLSBORO PARK)

The Stretch: Roughly 4-5 mile stretch from bridge to the riverside park in Dillsboro Access Point(s): Parking and access available via numerous pull-offs along North River Road Type of Water: Delayed Harvest Available Fish: Brook, Brown and Rainbow

Numbers or Size?: Both Noteworthy: Best place to achieve the Tuckasegee Slam (catch all three species in one spot)

GREENS CREEK

The Stretch: About 3-4 miles from Macon County line to Savannah Creek Access Point(s): Various places along Greens Creek Road (SR 1370) Types of Water: Wild Trout, Undesignated, Hatchery Supported Available Fish: Rainbow, some Brown Numbers or Size?: Numbers Noteworthy: Portion of the creek flows through the Nantahala National Forest

TUCKASEGEE RIVER (IN DILLSBORO)

The Stretch: About 1 mile from Dillsboro park through town Access Point(s): Various places between park and Best Western River Escape Inn Type of Water: Hatchery Supported Available Fish: Rainbow, Brown Numbers or Size?: Size Noteworthy: Includes two lodging options: Best Western River Escape Inn and Dillsboro Inn

LOWER TUCKASEGEE RIVER (BARKER’S CREEK BRIDGE TO WHITTIER)

The Stretch: Roughly 8-10 miles from bridge to Whittier Access Point(s): Parking and access via pull-offs and businesses along U.S. 19/74 freeway Type of Water: Hatchery Supported, Undesignated Available Fish: Rainbow, Brown Numbers or Size?: Size Noteworthy: The stretch is also home to smallmouth bass Courtesy of FLYFISHINGTRAIL.COM

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good to know TIPS

FISHING For a low cost, yet effective, bobber for light-tackle fishing, grab a foam earplug. Just thread your hook through the plug and slide it to the desired position on the line.

Another cheap slip bobber idea: recycle a wine cork! Just drill a small hole through the center of the cork and insert a cut-to-size plastic coffee stirrer. You can epoxy the stirrer in place and even paint the cork if you want to.

the bend. Use pliers or other special tools if the hook is deep in the mouth. With treble hooks, remove one barb at a time. If the fish swallows the hook, cut the line inside of the mouth and release the fish without removing the hook.

Be careful and quick when removing the hook. Just twist the hook while pushing it toward

If you find yourself out on the water with a big catch and no scale or even measuring tape,

cut a piece of fishing line the same length and girth as the fish. You can measure the line when you get home and have a record of your catch.

Rather than turning away from the wind, work with it.

Remember that most fish will turn to face the wind, waiting for food to come to them. If you present your bait in the same natural manner, you’re sure to increase your odds and land a catch!

More than 44 million Americans, 6 years of age and older, enjoy fishing every year. An average angler spends $1,046 every year on the sport. Americans fish 557 million days per year. More than 38 million Americans hunt and fish. Over one quarter of all anglers are female.

Researchers studying walleye vision found that orange is the color most visible to walleyes, followed by yellow and yellow green. Surprisingly, red is the least visible color. No wonder the most savvy walleye anglers have tackle boxes full of orange and chartreuse lures. ................................................................

Fish use a variety of low-pitched sounds to convey messages to each other. They moan, grunt, croak, boom, hiss, whistle, creak, shriek, and wail. They rattle their bones and gnash their teeth.

However, fish do not have vocal chords. They use other parts of their bodies to make noises, such as vibrating muscles against their swim bladder.

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NC HUNTING all-time

SUNDAY HUNTING IS FINALLY HERE! Rick’s Award-Winning Leopard Hound Blade

For the first time in 150 years, North Carolina hunters may hunt with firearms on Sunday.

In July Governor McCrory signed into law the Outdoor Heritage Act. There were several provisions in the law, but the most important allows Sunday hunting with

firearms for the first time in 150 years in North Carolina starting October 1, 2015. For many years there was NO hunting on Sunday. Then several years ago came the realization that the state

law only applied to firearms and the Wildlife Commission allowed archery hunting on Sunday.

This is something that North Carolina hunters have been working for through the legislative process for over a decade. It is not a rule change that can be implemented by the Wildlife Resources Commission since it is a State Statute that has been on the books since 1868. In most cases in the past, the bill has either not made it out of committee or died in a floor vote. This year’s bill was not without controversy, primarily because of its impact on religious services.

As it is in any situation, it is incumbent upon each hunter to know what the law is. As most wildlife enforcement officers will tell you, ignorance of the law will not keep you from receiving a citation for a game violation.

Let’s break down the Sunday hunting provisions as we understand them from page 41 of the Regulation Digest.

The first restriction,

Sunday hunting is allowed only on private land. Consistent with the Landowners Protection Act, and because of the newness of the law, it would be a good idea to have written permission from the landowner not just to hunt on their property but also make sure it states “Sunday Hunting Allowed”.

That is not required by law, but again it will avoid any confusion if an unaware neighbor reports any shooting as a game law violation. That private land hunting must also be at least 500 yards from a residence not on the property or a place of worship. Bottom line, communicate with the landowner and know where you are hunting on the property. Five hundred yards is a long way.

The next most important restriction to remember is there is absolutely no hunting between 9:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. except on controlled hunting preserves.

Again, this is a concession to religious leaders who saw Sunday hunting as interfering with church services. Here is a potential point of controversy. If you are walking out of the woods with an unloaded gun at 9:30 a.m. are you legal? I talked with a local enforcement officer and there is some discretion involved but typically you have to be actively hunting during that timeframe to be cited for a law violation.

There are other prohibitions in the law. First, no migratory bird hunting is allowed. When the bill went through the legislative sausage maker this provision was for waterfowl and somehow, to the surprise of many, got changed to all migratory birds including dove and woodcock. Next, using firearms to take deer run or chased by dogs is prohibited. Lastly, it doesn’t

affect mountain hunters, but hunting with firearms on Sunday in Wake (Raleigh) and Mecklenburg (Charlotte) counties is prohibited.

Many of the state’s hunters that supported changing the law are disappointed by these prohibitions. However, most of us see them as a beginning of the end to the law altogether. As religious leaders, non-hunters and landowners see how little impact hunting has on the environment, future changes will probably include lifting these prohibitions on both time and location to allow full day hunting on both private and public land.

Meanwhile, hunters should prove we are worthy of this new law by knowing those restrictions and obeying the provisions. As always, get a copy of the regulation digest, or access it online at www. ncwildlife.org, to clarify any questions you have.

by DON MALLICOAT

The legislation allows for hunting on Sundays with the use of firearms on private property with written permission from the landowner, beginning Oct. 1, with the following provisions: •

• •

•

•

HUNTING ON SUNDAY BETWEEN 9:30 A.M. AND 12:30 P.M. IS PROHIBITED, EXCEPT ON CONTROLLED, LICENSED HUNTING PRESERVES. HUNTING OF MIGRATORY GAME BIRDS ON SUNDAY IS PROHIBITED. THE USE OF A FIREARM TO TAKE DEER THAT ARE RUN OR CHASED BY DOGS ON SUNDAY IS PROHIBITED. HUNTING ON SUNDAY WITHIN 500 YARDS OF A PLACE OF WORSHIP OR ANY ACCESSORY STRUCTURE, OR WITHIN 500 YARDS OF A RESIDENCE NOT OWNED BY THE LANDOWNER, IS PROHIBITED. HUNTING ON SUNDAY IN A COUNTY HAVING A POPULATION GREATER THAN 700,000 PEOPLE IS PROHIBITED — AFFECTING WAKE AND MECKLENBURG COUNTIES ONLY.

SINCE SEPTEMBER 2010 NORTH CAROLINIANS HAVE BEEN HUNTING ON SUNDAYS ON PRIVATE LANDS

BY FALCONRY AND WITH ARCHERY EQUIPMENT. courtesy of NCWILDLIFE.ORG

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nc +hunting sc shooting news field test

GUN STORAGE FOR YOUR LIFESTYLE

CABLE LOCK

PRICE RANGE: $10 - $50 A cable lock can be used on most firearms, allows for quick access in an emergency and offers security from theft. The cable runs through the barrel or action of a firearm to prevent it from being accidentally fired, requiring either a key or combination to unlock it.

AFFORDABLE ACCESSIBLE THEFT DETERRENT

GUN CASE

PRICE RANGE: $10 - $150

LOCK BOX

PRICE RANGE: $25 - $350

For those looking to conceal, protect or legally transport a registered firearm, a gun case is an affordable solution available in a variety of materials including plastic, fabric or metal. Be sure to lock it with an external device for added security.

With integrated locks, storage boxes provide reliable protection for firearms, and allow gun owners to legally transport them outside of their home.

AFFORDABLE PORTABLE PROTECTS FROM DAMAGE

PORTABLE ACCESSIBLE PROTECTS FROM DAMAGE

AS A GUN OWNER, YOU CAN CHOOSE FROM MULTIPLE OPTIONS FOR SAFELY STORING AND PROTECTING YOUR FIREARMS WHEN THEY ARE NOT IN USE. USE THIS GUIDE TO DETERMINE WHICH MECHANISM BEST SUITS YOUR LIFESTYLE, PRIORITIES AND ENVIRONMENT.

ELECTRONIC LOCK BOX

PRICE RANGE: $50 - $350

Electronic lock boxes are an effective way to store or legally transport firearms, and they also prevent theft since only the person with the code can access the contents. Some electronic lock boxes are specially designed for quick access.

PORTABLE THEFT DETERRENT PROTECTS FROM DAMAGE

FULL SIZE & BIOMETRIC GUN SAFES

PRICE RANGE: $200 - $2500 A gun safe protects its contents from the elements and allows gun owners to safely store multiple firearms in one place. Guns safes of all sizes are now available with biometric options to ensure only certain people can have access.

THEFT DETERRENT PROTECTS FROM DAMAGE Info courtesy of PROJECTCHILDSAFE.ORG

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FIELD TEST

INSIDE

GUIDE

BEST USES FOR FISHING REELS

TROUT FISHING IN SC

sc fishing

FRESHWATER FISHING TRENDS FOR SC The latest in freshwater fishing trends for South Carolina’s lakes.

MOUNTAINS AREA Lake Jocassee:

Trout: Fair. Trout fishing is still decent on Lake Jocassee with fish concentrated in deep water in the main lake. The best depth range is now 60-80 feet of water, and both

spoons and live bait will still catch fish. However, live bait has been more productive. In order to beat the daytime heat it is still worth a try to night fishing around the intakes.

Suspending medium shiners and nightcrawlers 30-40 feet down is catching some fish.

Lake Keowee:

Largemouth and Spotted Bass: Slow to fair. The last few weeks have been tough on the lake for bass. As the temps cool down the fish should start moving shallower. Right now they are suspended around the main lake.

As activity picks up you can expect

some schooling. Go with top water or drop shots.

Lake Hartwell:

Striped bass: Slow. The fishing has really deteriorated over the last few weeks. Your best bet is in the creek mouths and along the old river run

around 35-50 feet. Little schooling is reported.

Crappie: Improving. Best results at night around bridges in 17-25 feet of water and over timber from 17 to 30 feet. Use minnows, but some jigs have produced.

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freshwater fishing trends for SC

PIEDMONT AREA Lake Russell:

Bass: Fair to good. Two patterns are emerging. Start with a drop shot rig in about 20 feet, especially around bumps and all over the lake. Also try topwater with tiny torpedoes or Pop-R with a crappie jig trailer.

There are also reports of some bass chasing shad in random, larger coves.

Striper: Fair to good. Some fish can be had in the upper end of the Hartwell Tailrace. Check around 20-30 feet with free lines, herring and gizzard shad.

Lake Thurmond:

Striped and Hybrid Bass: Very good.

Fish around 40-45 feet on bottom at daylight on points and humps with

down lines right on the bottom. As morning moves on then go another 10 feet or so deeper. Fish are starting to school a bit around Shriver and Parksville.

Crappie: Good. Best results are catching pretty shallow around 15-18 around trees. Use minnows. Try to stay on the main lake and not in the back of coves or creeks.

Lake Wylie:

Largemouth bass: Slow. The fish will be starting their fall transition very soon. Right now try topwater, big spook, buzzbait and Pop-r. There are reports of bait on the main lake slowly moving to the lake flats. The key is to keep deep water close by like a ditch or channel.

MIDLANDS AREA

Lake Greenwood:

Largemouth bass: Hit and miss.

Fishing around the lake can be tough one moment and productive the next.

Check early in the day around docks and sea walls. As temperatures begin to drop over the next few weeks the fish should start moving into creeks. It’s worth a look halfway up creeks right now. Use a floating worm and buzzbaits.

Lake Monticello:

Catfish: Good. Right now, catch fish in the range of 5-40 feet right now, but in the next couple of weeks deep humps with current flowing over them should be ideal spots to locate big, aggressive fish. There have been fish deep for some time, but they have not been feeding as well as the shallower fish. For now the backs of coves and humps and points have been most productive, and drifting or anchoring have both been working.

Big cut gizzard shad and white perch are working for big fish, and if you want to put any size fish in the boat small cut herring is tough to beat.

Lake Wateree:

Crappie: Fair to good. Go to deep brush piles around 18-25 feet. Also try jigging flat on the bottom near brush, but not necessarily in. It’s reported that creels are small, but the fish are of quality. The fish are all over the lake, but as temps change you can expect them to move to shallower brush on the main lake.

There is still some good fishing in deep areas.

sc fishing

Lake Murray:

Striped bass: Good. Fish are starting to school around Bomb Island to the dam. Try herring at 30-60 feet.

Striper can also be caught all over the lower lake, on both the Ballentine side and in the big water near the dam. The bite around the towers has been good off and on. The best depth range has been 35-80 feet and most of the action is coming down-line fishing with live herring right now, although anglers are also catching fish trolling. If anglers are not using lead core line or downriggers they need to use lures that weigh at least an ounce to get it down to the fish.

There are a few scattered reports of schooling and so anglers should have their eyes open for surface action and always have a lure to throw to schooling fish tied on.

Santee Cooper System

Largemouth bass: Very slow. Bass fishing activity is light to non-existent on the Santee Cooper lakes right now. If anglers are willing to put in a lot of time fish may be catchable around cypress trees, but there is no easy pattern right now. Many fish are probably out deeper following bait schools where they are more difficult to target. In the Santee and Cooper Rivers there is better bass fishing right now.

Courtesy of DNR.SC.GOV

DID YOU KNOW? A fish does not add new scales as it grows, but the scales it has increase in size. In this way, growth rings are formed and the rings reveal the age of a fish. .............................................

Fish use a variety of low-pitched sounds to convey messages to each other. They moan, grunt, croak, boom, hiss, whistle, creak, shriek, and wail. They rattle their bones and gnash their teeth. However, fish do not have vocal chords.

They use other parts of their bodies to make noises, such as vibrating muscles against their swim bladder. .............................................

Fish have sleep-like periods where they have lowered response to stimuli, slowed physical activity, and reduced metabolism but they do not share the same changes in brain waves as humans do when they sleep.

South Carolina Freshwater Fishes rainbow trout

American shad

brook trout

striped bass

blueback herring hybrid bass

brown trout

threadfin shad gizzard shad

redfin pickerel

hickory shad

white bass common carp

chain pickerel

bowfin

yellow perch

longnose gar spotted sucker

www.dnr.sc.gov/aquaticed

white perch

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sc fishing guide

TROUT FISHING IN SOUTH CAROLINA

Catch-and-Release Techniques When placing the fish back into a river or stream, point the fish gently in the current until it swims away.

“TROUT FISHING IN SOUTH CAROLINA?” MOST FOLKS DON’T THINK OF SOUTH CAROLINA AS A TROUT FISHING STATE. YET, SURVEYS OF ANGLERS INDICATE AS MANY AS 50,000 TROUT ANGLERS TAKE TO THE WATERS EACH YEAR. These anglers contribute approximately $18 million to the state’s economy as a result of trout angling.

Blue Ridge headwater trout streams stretch across three Upstate counties. One large coldwater reservoir and numerous mountain lakes and ponds also entice trout anglers. Two tailrace fisheries, one in the Piedmont and another in the Midlands, accentuate the diverse trout resource in South Carolina. Another bonus, the majority of South Carolina’s trout resources occur on publicly owned and accessible lands.

These resources offer trout anglers varied opportunities, whether they are after the creel limit for the evening’s meal, outsmarting that one special trophy, or testing the latest dry fly on a remote headwater.

South Carolina harbors three species of coldwater trout: brook, rainbow, and brown. Alternatively described as the aristocrats

of fishes and the high priests of mountain streams, these fish are revered by every sporting trout fisherman for their beauty and spirit.

South Carolina’s trout fishing is primarily found in the northwest corner of the state where the Appalachian Mountains fall off the Blue Ridge Escarpment into the foothills of Oconee, Pickens, and Greenville counties.

Here, the tributaries draining the higher elevations compromise the mountain streams, which the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) manage for trout.

SCDNR biologists have developed year-round trout fisheries in or below three man-made reservoirs.

In Oconee and Pickens counties the 7,500-acre Lake Jocassee is known as a trophy fisherman’s dream, where two-to-six pound trout reward the persistent angler.

Spring trout fishing is also available in the tailraces below Lake Hartwell in Anderson County and Lake

Murray in Lexington County.

While fishing the tailraces can be a fine experience, trout fishing in South Carolina’s mountains truly a thrilling experience for the angler seeking unique and different challenge. However, chances are you won’t be disappointed, no matter where you go.

Seasonal trout fisheries are also available in smaller lakes in the mountains of South Carolina. During the colder months (November through April) several state and county park lakes, as well as US Forest Service (USFS) lakes, are stocked with trout. Lakes routinely stocked include Oconee State Park Lake, Burson’s Lake (Oconee County), Pinnacle Lake (Table Rock State Park), and Pleasant Ridge County Park Lake (Greenville County).

STOCKING In the early 1930s, the SCDNR and US Fish and Wildlife Service began trout culture and stocking

programs. Managers concentrated on stocking fingerling size trout, in the early years, in an attempt to reestablish sustaining trout populations or to establish put-grow fisheries where natural trout reproduction was limited. As the program evolved in the 1950s and the 1960s, the S.C. Wildlife and Marine Resources Department (today’s SCDNR) began an extensive trout stocking program to provide more trout fishing opportunities for the angler.

This program included expanding trout management in seasonal, hatcherysupported mountain trout waters by stocking more catchable size trout.

The SCDNR now annually stocks approximately 500,000 fingerlings and catchable size brook, brown, and rainbow trout. Approximately fourteen mountain streams are stocked on a regular basis with catchable size (9-12 inch) trout from March through June and again during October and November. Additional backcountry streams are stocked less frequently (seasonally) to maintain good trout fishing. These streams are typically located in remote settings.

Water temperatures in receiving waterbodies and available fish largely influence stocking during July through September.

Over 300,000 catchables are distributed under this program annually along with as many as 100,000 fingerlings.

SCDNR does not release the exact time of stocking runs. These efforts are aimed toward perpetuating South Carolina’s trout resource and providing a satisfactory angling experience for the sportsman. Healthy trout fisheries are the priceless reward for all South Carolinians for proper trout

management. To see a weekly trout stocking summary, visit dnr.sc.gov/ fish/stocking/results.

THE TROUT STREAMS South Carolina’s mountain streams offer almost any type of angling a trout fisherman may wish to try from the fishing the “hatchery-supported” easily-accessed variety to fishing the wild populations in secluded headwaters. The major stream systems that provide good trout fishing are the Chattooga, the East Fork of the Chattooga, the Chauga, Thompson, and the Whitewater in Oconee County; the Eastatoee in Pickens County; and the North, Middle, and South Saluda rivers and Matthews Creek in Greenville County.

Please note that the SC Department of Natural Resources owns and/or leases land from various private and public owners, which is included in its wildlife management program. Known collectively as the Mountain Hunt Unit, the Chauga, Franklin Gravely, and Caesars Head management areas comprise nearly 200,000 acres of publicly accessible mountain land. Trout fishermen should exercise caution by wearing international orange clothing during the hunting seasons (OctoberDecember) when hiking to and from the trout streams.

Trout fishing access is also provided on state park land, some of which are not included in the wildlife management area program.

Parks with trout fishing access include Jones Gap and Caesars Head State Park in Greenville County, Table Rock State Park in Pickens County and Oconee State Park in Oconee County.

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sc fishing Lake Jocassee

the tailwaters below Lake Hartwell Dam and Lake Murray Dam where deep coldwater discharges provided suitable habitat for trout.

LAKE HARTWELL TAILWATER (SAVANNAH RIVER)

LAKE JOCASSEE One of South Carolina’s best-known trout resources is Lake Jocassee, a 7,500 acre Duke Energy reservoir located in the state’s northwestern corner in Oconee and Pickens counties. The second highest dam in the eastern United States, the 385 foot wall backs the reservoir into the gorges and coves of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Reaching elevations as high as 3,000 feet, the mountains surrounding the lake are part of a protected watershed managed by SCDNR and Duke Energy. SCDNR biologists first began managing Lake Jocassee as a trout fishery in 1972. Since that time, a very popular trout fishery has developed with quality size rainbow and brown trout being routinely caught. The average rainbow trout caught in Lake Jocassee weighs almost 3 pounds with the average brown trout weighing 4-5 pounds. State records for both species, 17 pounds 9.5 ounces for brown trout and 11 pounds 5 ounces for rainbow, were caught from Jocassee.

Lake Jocassee also provides good fishing for largemouth bass, smallmouth bass and bream (sunfish).

Lake Jocassee offers the visitor natural beauty, as well as fine fishing. While the shoreline ranges from sheer cliffs to deep coves hidden waterfalls, forest around the lake reflect the colors of the seasons and harbor black bear, bald eagle, wild turkey and deer. The angler willing to undergo rugged hiking conditions, can choose

a feeder stream, tie up his boat, hike upstream and fish the beautiful waters above the lake. Access to Lake Jocassee, lodging and camping opportunites are provided at Devils Fork State Park and at nearby Keowee Toxaway State Park. For more information on state parks, visit southcarolinaparks.com.

Depsite its somewhat remote location, the lake has three paved access areas that include boat lauching ramps and parking facilities. Jocassee is only five miles from the Cherokee Foothills Scenic Highway (SC 11), less than an hour’s drive from I-85, approximately three hours from Columbia, SC and two hours from Atlanta, GA. Jocasse Lake fishing maps are available at most local bait and tackle stores in the area.

THE TAILWATERS The SCDNR also manages

Located on the GeorgiaSouth Carolina state line in the northwestern corner of the state, the Lake Hartwell tailrace is stocked primarily with adult rainbow trout from March to June by SCDNR and GADNR. releases are primarily confined to the river recreation areas located off SC 29 on either side of the river.

A fishing trail and three fishing piers, one being mobility impaired, are located along the river on the South Carolina side. Two fishing piers are located on the Georgia side.

Wading in the tailwater is permitted, but exercise extreme caution when doing so. The rocks are very slippery and dangerous and the water is subject to rapid rise and turbulence when the power generators are operating. A horn is sounded before generation begins.

Fishing the Hartwell tailwater is best during non- or lowgeneration times when flows are low. The generation schedule can be obtained from the

US Army Corps of Engineers by dialing a toll free number: 1-888-893-0678 or visiting sas.usace.army.mil/lakes/ hartwell/.

The stocked trout often disperse upstream and downstream from the stocking points, so fishermen should certainly not confine angling to immediate stocking sites.

Occasionally, trophy-size trout are caught in the immediate tailwater and downstream in the headwaters of Lake Russell.

The Hartwell tailwater can be reached by taking SC 29 out of the Anderson area. Fishing supplies and motels are available in nearby Anderson, and an excellent campground is located near the dam at Sadler’s Creek State Park.

Additional information can be obtained by visiting sas.usace. army.mil/lakes/hartwell/.

LAKE MURRAY TAILWATER

(LOWER SALUDA RIVER)

The Lake Murray tailwater is a 10-mile-long section of the river located east of Columbia in Lexington County at the center of the state. This tailwater is stocked with rainbow and brown trout from December through mid-Febraury, with the initial stocking being conducted by helicopter.

The higher gradient shoal areas provide the popular troutfishing spots. The majority of trout caught in the tailwater have been stocked during recent months; however, large holdover trout are not uncommon. Stocked trout grow rapidly in the Lower Saluda and trophy trout are occasionally taken. Considerable caution is required when fishing these waters because of severe water fluctuations.

Public access to the river is very limited. Two boat launching ramps are located off Bush River Road and Corley Mill Road about two miles below the dam. A canoe launch is also located at Hope Ferry off Bush River Road on Garden Valley Lane.

Fishing supplies, lodging and campgrounds are available at many marinas located along Lake Murray. For a map of Lake Murray or information on generation schedules, contact the S.C. Electric and Gas Company offices, c/o Land Department or Lake Murray Management, P.O. Box 764, Columbia, SC, 29218, call (803)217-8399, or visit sceg.com.

Learn more about Trout Fishing in South Carolina at DNR.SC.GOV

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NC HUNTING TIPS

RECOVERING GAME ANIMALS

ALL HUNTERS ARE ETHICALLY REQUIRED TO STOP THE HUNT FOR THE PURPOSE OF SEARCHING FOR GAME ANIMALS AFTER THE SHOT. THE FOLLOWING IS A LIST OF SOME SIMPLE STEPS TO FOLLOW:

Immediately after the shot visually note the location of the hunter, game animal, and the last place the game animal was seen before disappearing into the woods or brush. Sounds can indicate direction of travel when game animal is out of visual range so listen carefully.

Pay attention because game animals often react a certain way when hit with a bullet or arrow. For example, deer shot in the vitals may jump in the air and kick before running. A gut-shot deer may hunch-up and wobble as it runs off. Crashing sounds usually indicate a well-placed shot, fatal wound, and short tracking distance.

Wait at least 15-30 minutes or more before tracking unless the game animal goes down within visual sight of the hunter.

Poorly-hit game animals require

longer waiting periods (1 hour or more) especially in the case of a gut (stomach) shot.

“transect� lines. Remain ready for a follow-up shot in case the game animal flushes from cover.

Begin searching the ground and low-hanging brush for signs of blood, hair, bone fragments, tissue, feathers and tracks.

Kicked-up woodland debris can also provide direction of travel.

Approach downed game animals from behind. If eyes are closed and breathing apparent another shot may be required.

If eyes are open, touch near the eye with a stick or branch to promote a response. If the game animal does not blink or move it is likely dead.

Blood color provides valuable information. Bright and frothy (lung shot), Bright nonfrothy (severed artery), Dark (muscle or liver hit), Dark with vegetative material (gut shot). As a general rule, large amounts of bright frothy blood equal short tracking distance.

Mark the trail with biodegradable material like tissue and step along side the trail (not in it) to avoid erasing sign. This is important if backtracking becomes necessary.

Seek help from hunting companions when tracking because several sets of eyes are better than one especially when tracking is difficult due to low light or inclement weather conditions.

If you lose the trail change strategies by walking in everwidening circles or parallel

ETHICAL LAW-ABIDING HUNTERS:

PRACTICE before the season to prevent the loss of game animals through wounding.

NEVER use equipment in which they are unfamiliar or unable to accurately shoot.

KNOW that the goal of every hunter is a quick-clean kill and not wanton waste of wildlife.

DO NOT give up tracking until convinced that all reasonable efforts to recover have been exhausted.

Courtesy of NC WILDLIFE RESOURCES

COMMISSION

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nc + sc fishing field test

REELS

recipes Cast With Confidence— Explore the pros and cons of the four different types of reels available to fresh and saltwater anglers Info courtesy of DNR.SC.GOV

SQUIRREL GUMBO INGREDIENTS 2 squirrels (dressed) 1 cup rice 4 cups okra & tomatoes 3 cups water 2-3 tablespoons cooking oil 1 teaspoon salt 4 tablespoons pepper cajun seasoning to taste

Cut squirrels and brown in oil. Add all ingredients to stew pot. Cook rice until done. Mix all together and cook until boiling. Beware of the little bones in the squirrels. Enjoy!

SPINCAST

REELS, ALSO KNOW AS PUSH BUTTON OR CLOSE FACED REELS; EASIEST TO USE AND GREAT FOR BEGINNERS • OVERALL EASE OF USE: Beginner Typically, great for children • COST: Inexpensive $10 - $40

• MAINTENANCE: Easy All moving parts are enclosed within the reel so disassembly is required for major cleaning and re-greasing of gears. This also makes the reel NOT good for saltwater fishing.

• CASTING: Simple Spincast Reels have a one button line release.

Casting only requires one hand.

• PROS: Easy to use, inexpensive, no backlash, good for light-lures or baits • CONS: Low gear ratio, simple drag system, not durable.

SPINNING

ALSO KNOW AS OPEN FACED REEL; LINE SPOOLS OFF QUICKLY, CASTING FARTHER THAN A SPINCAST; SUITABLE FOR LIGHT LURES • OVERALL EASE OF USE: Intermediate Great transition reel for kids that have mastered the spincast

• COST: Moderately expensive $20 - $100 • MAINTENANCE: Easy Daily cleaning is easy since most of the moving parts can be rinsed with tap water. Major cleaning and re-greasing requires disassembly.

• CASTING: Moderately Difficult Spinning Reels have a bail that has to be opened for casting. This requires two hands.

• PROS: Simple and durable, no backlash, good for light lures and baits • CONS: Line will twist and tangle from time to time.

BAITCAST

FLY

REELS ARE DIFFICULT TO MASTER, MAINLY USED TO CAST LARGE LURES AND BAIT LONG DISTANCES; LINE IS CONTROLLED DURING THE CAST BY THE ANGLER’S THUMB

REELS ARE USED IN FLY FISHING, HOLD THE LINE, BUT THE CASTING IS DONE BY PROJECTING THE LINE OUT INSTEAD OF THE WEIGHT OF THE LURE CASTING THE LINE

• OVERALL EASE OF USE: Expert Not recommended for children. It takes some time and practice to master.

• OVERALL EASE OF USE: Intermediate In order to use a fly reel, you will need a lot of practice and instruction. You will have to learn a new angling method.

• COST: Moderately Expensive to Expensive $30 - $150 plus

• COST: Expensive $50 - $300 plus

• MAINTENANCE: Difficult Baitcast reels can be difficult to maintain as there are complicated gearing mechanisms that wind and release the line.

• MAINTENANCE: Easy Daily cleaning is easy since most of the moving parts can be rinsed with tap water. Major cleaning and re-greasing requires disassembly.

• CASTING: Difficult Without practice, you will backlash the line on reel causing a “birds nest” of line.

• CASTING: Difficult There is no release mechanism for the fly reel. Also, retrieving your lure or fish is done by hand, not by reeling the reel.

• PROS: Handles heavy line well, high gear ratio, casting accuracy • CONS: Backlash, expensive, not good for light lures and baits, learning curve to master the reel

Courtesy of DEBRA WARREN (Fairview, NC)

CROCKPOT SQUIRREL INGREDIENTS 2 squirrels, skinned, gutted & cut into pieces.

4 large potatoes, quartered 1 lb carrots, chopped 1 green bell pepper, chopped 4 onions, sliced 2 cups water ¼ medium head cabbage 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon ground black pepper

In a crockpot, place squirrel meat, potatoes, carrots, green pepper, onion, water, cabbage, salt & pepper. Cover and cook on low setting for 8 hours. A real winner! Tastes great!

Courtesy of DEBRA WARREN (Fairview, NC)

• PROS: Great for light lures and baits, very rewarding when you catch fish

COON HUNTERS CAKE

• CONS: Expensive, difficult to master

2 cups plain flour

INGREDIENTS 2 cups sugar 2 teaspoons baking soda 2 teaspoons vanilla 2 eggs ½ cup chopped nuts 2 cups crushed pineapple (drained)

Mix by hand and pour into 9x13 inch pan. Bake for 30 to 40 minutes at 350º.

Punch holes into warm cake and spread icing on the cake while it is warm.

ICING 8 oz. cream cheese ½ cup chopped nuts 1 stick margarine 1 teaspoon vanilla 1 box confectioners sugar

Soften cream cheese and margarine.

Mix in sugar and vanilla until smooth. Add nuts, pour over warm cake.

Courtesy of RICK JENKINS (Waynesville, NC)

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nc + sc fishing TIPS

BAITCASTING

THE BAITCASTING REEL HAS A BUTTON EITHER ON THE TOP RIGHT-HAND SIDE OF THE REEL OR A “THUMB” BUTTON BEHIND AND CENTER OF THE SPOOL THAT YOU PUSH WITH YOUR THUMB TO RELEASE THE LINE.

➊ Grasp the rod’s pistol grip or handle with one hand. Push the

reel’s thumb button down and move your thumb on the spool.

Release the line so that the casting plug falls to the ground. Adjust the spool tension knob (located on the side of the reel) so that the spool stops when the plug hits the ground. It may take a couple of times to accomplish this and adjust it correcting. This will reduce the reel from backlashing when casting. Backlashing occurs when momentum from the cast allows the spool to keep rotating, causing the line to ball up once the plug hits the water or ground.

➋ Face the target area with body turned at a slight angle, about a

quarter turn. Aim the rod tip toward the target, about level with your eyes.

➌ Swiftly and smoothly bend your arm at the elbow, raising your hand with the rod until it almost reaches eye level. When the rod is almost straight up and down, it will be bent back by the weight of the practice plug. As the rod bends, move your forearm forward with a slight wrist movement. ➍ When the rod reaches eye level, release your thumb off the spool.

As the practice plug hits the ground, place your thumb back on the spool to reduce backlash.

If the plug landed close in front of you, you released your thumb too late. If the plug went more or less straight up, you released your thumb too soon.

Courtesy of SCDNR

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nc + sc fishing SC news all-time

THINGS TO BRING ALONG ON YOUR NEXT FISHING TRIP

Fishing is a beloved pastime for many people. Fans of fishing are often passionate about the sport, and that passion has inspired many novices to try their hand at becoming anglers.

Though there is no way to guarantee you will catch a fish the first time out, you are likely to have some fun, especially if you

head out to the local fishing hole with a fully stocked tackle box. While even first timers know to bring a fishing pole and some bait

along on their trips, there are some additional items to add to a tackle box that mihgt not seem so practical until after your trip.

THE EXTRAS When planning a fishing trip, it never hurts to bring along some extra supplies.

Many a maiden fishing trip has been cut short when fishermen realize they did not pack enough line or hooks.

Fishing line has a tendency to break, even if you aren’t expecting to reel in many fish.

Fishing line can break in the mouth of a fish or on items in the water, so you will almost certainly need some extra line. If your fishing hole is known for difficult conditions, pack some heavier and more durable line that’s less likely to snap. When conditions are more serene, a thin, less visible line should suffice.

You should also expect to lose a few hooks on your trip, so pack extra hooks of various sizes. Hooks come in many sizes because fish come in many varieties.

You’ll want to have various hooks in your tackle box to handle whichever fish seem to be biting on the day of your trip. When buying your hooks, speak with a store representative and let them know which area you plan to visit. They’re likely to know which fish you’re likely to encounter, and they can help you choose the appropriate hooks. Just remember to bring extras to account for the ones you’re likely to lose.

BOBBERS Few things are as exciting when fishing as that first bite from a fish. That’s especially the case for first-timers, many of whom are hooked the moment that first fish begins to tug on their lines. Bobbers are the items you attach to your fishing line that let you know when fish are taking a bite on your line. Bobbers come in various shapes, but many people are familiar with the red and white round bobbers, which can be easily attached to your line. Round bobbers limit how deep you

can cast your line. If you’re looking to cast a line deep, slip bobbers allow you to do just that because they can be slid up and down your line.

However, slip bobbers are more difficult to attach to your line than round bobbers, something first-timers might want to keep in mind.

FAKE WORMS First-timers might be a little skittish using live bait, so some fake plastic worms might be the best fit when embarking on a first fishing trip. Plastic worms come in various sizes and shapes, and after your initial trip you might decide you want to move on to live bait. But fake bait on the first time is nothing to be ashamed of, and many items mimic the look and even the movement patterns of live bait. If you catch a few fish, you might just swear by plastic bait for the rest of your fishing career.

LURES Lures come in many varieties, and these are intended to attract fish on those days when nothing seems to be biting. Lures may help first-timers get their feet wet and catch their first fish.

That’s especially true when using lures that look like minnows, a popular snack for many fish.

PLIERS Unexpected issues often arise when fishing for the first time, and one such issue is what to do when you have caught your first fish. Many first-timers do not expect to catch a fish their first time out, but don’t be so hard on yourself. Expect to catch a fish and bring along a pair of pliers in anticipation of that first catch. Pliers take the hook out of the fish once it’s been caught, so bring along a pair and expect to use them.

Courtesy of METRO CREATIVE

CONNECTION

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how to

TELL A FISH IS BITING

FISH ON! NOW WHAT? MAKE SURE THAT TROPHY ON THE END OF THE LINE BECOMES A PRIZED MOUNT INSTEAD OF A SAD MEMORY WITH THESE TIPS:

Fishing with a Bobber: Fishing with a bobber allows anglers to know when a fish bites. However, sometimes the movement in the bobber isn’t so obvious. Sometimes a biting fish will cause the bobber to twitch only a bit or the bobber will start to move across the surface of the water.

Fishing without a Bobber: If you are not using a bobber the best way to tell when a fish is biting is by keeping your line tight and feel for tugs, jerks or taps. When fishing without a bobber, you should set the hook or pull on the rod as soon as you feel that

you are getting a bite. The most important tip regarding bottom fishing is keeping your line tight at all times.

DRAG

Drag is a mechanical means of applying variable pressure to the turning spool in order to act as a friction brake against it. Properly set drag allows larger and more powerful fish to be safely brought to boat and landed, as the drag will “slip” below the breaking point of the line, but in combination with the flex in the rod, drag will tire a fish by converting the energy from the fish into heat in the drag system.

October 6, 2015 35

Drag systems differ from not only different reel types, but within each reel groups.

Drag is a helpful tool, but you need to make sure your drag isn’t set too loose as you’ll never land that fish. If the drag is set too tight, then you will definitely pop your line if you catch a large fish. To set your drag, start by turning it as far as the dial allows towards the plus sign. Then, push the button to release your line.

Pull the line with one hand while holding the rod with the other.

Line should make a “zzzing” noise as it comes off the reel. You want to allow some line to come off your reel but not all when that fish decides to swim away.

So, turn the drag dial towards the negative. Continue to do this until you have a medium drag set where line can come off the reel, but won’t continuously do so.

SET THE HOOK

When you see signs of a fish biting, move your rod tip from pointing towards the water to pointing straight out your belly button and wind up all slack line.

Then, quickly pull the rod back to set the hook. Practice makes perfect when it comes to learning the timing of setting the hook. The feel of setting the hook will vary based on the fish species you’re targeting, the lure or bait you’re using and the size of your rod, reel and line.

After setting the hook, keep a bend in your rod and wait for the fish to make its move. If the fish is pulling against the fishing reel, let him simply pull. DO NOT wind in line if the fish is pulling line off your reel. After the fish quits pulling, begin reeling in, keeping a bend in your rod. Take this process slowly. Courtesy of SCDNR

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NC HUNTING TIPS

BUYING A HUNTING DOG

Tips and pointers from Rick Jenkins, who has had his share of hounds of all ages.

In issues past, I have written articles on buying a puppy. The do’s and don’ts, the in’s and out’s.

As time marches on, I find myself, at this stage of my life, not wanting to buy a puppy, and put the time in to

make it a great hunting dog.

I would prefer to buy a “well started” or “finished” hound.

How do you do this? What is the process of buying a hound someone has already put the time into so you can “cut him loose” and start

harvesting tasty animals?

The process is no different than buying a car. Let’s just put some thought in this. Are you ready? Here we go....

What kind of hunting dog are you looking for? If you want a bear dog, then you ain’t gonna buy a bird dog.

For example, If I want to get back in the woods, then I want a 4X4. Not a Corvette.

Do your homework, figure out what breed of dog you want. Thru my years of experience I find the Plott and Leopard Hound work best for me. When you look at your hunting dog, you need to know about the person selling the dog and the track record of the dog’s ancestor’s, by way of it’s AKC, UKC, or PKC registration. Again, just like an automobile. You want to know it’s track record, let’s say a Ford F-150, and the car lot, or person you buy it from. Reputation is everything. When you think you have settled on the hunting dog you want, the next step is to hunt that dog! Just like an automobile, you would like to test drive it first before you buy it.

NEVER buy a “pig in a poke”! Do not take anybody’s word on how good the dog is.

Hunt it yourself and make

Rick with Blade, his award winning Leopard Hound.

up your own mind. Still not convinced if that is the dog for you? Then hunt it again, or go hunt another dog. Just like buying a car.

Avoid buying a hunting dog who’s owner gives you one price if you buy it “on the chain” and another price if you buy it “on the tree”.

Chances are this dog ain’t

much of a hunter and more of a biscuit eater....

If the owner of the hunting dog will let you hunt it wherever you want with a non refundable deposit....

Red flags should start popping up all over the place.

Does the owner have video or pictures of the dog hunting? In this day and age that is easily done with your cell phone.

Most good hunting dog owners will let you hunt the dog on a trial with money in the owners hand, and if the dog does not suit you he will take the dog back and refund your money.

Just use good ol’ common horse sense when buying your next hunting dog. Just like your next automobile purchase. The technique is the same just remember “time” is the key.

Good Hunting!

Written by RICK JENKINS

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good to know terms

FOR NOVICE ANGLERS TO LEARN FISHING IS A FUN ACTIVITY THAT MANY PEOPLE CONSIDER A PASSION. NOVICE FISHERMEN MAY HAVE FUN ON THEIR FIRST FISHING OUTING BUT COULD COME AWAY CONFUSED BY SOME OF THE TERMINOLOGY. THE FOLLOWING GLOSSARY MAY HELP NOVICE ANGLERS AS THEY FURTHER EXPLORE THEIR NEWFOUND LOVE.

ANGLING: Fishing using a hook and line. Anglers are people who fish, and types of angling include bait and fly fishing, casting and trolling.

BAIT: The food or food substitute used to lure in fish. Insects, minnows and worms are some of the widely used types of bait.

CAST: To throw the hooked or baited end of a fishing line out into the water.

CATCH AND RELEASE: When anglers “catch and release” their fish, they unhook the fish they catch and return them back to the water before the fish dies.

DRIFTING: A type of fishing where the angler allows his or her boat to drift.

FLY FISHING: A technique in which a lightweight rod known

as a “fly rod” is used to cast live or imitation flies tied to a hook.

GAFF: A type of hook used to land a fish.

JIG: A lure that consists of a single hook with a lead weight molded around it. Jigs are often adorned with fur, feathers or a plastic body.

LURE: Artificial bait designed to resemble live bait.

PLUG: A type of lure made of wood, plastic or rubber that is designed to resemble live bait, such as minnows or insects.

ROD: The pole of a fishing pole.

Different types of rods are used for different types of fishing.

SINKER: A weight used to prevent lures from floating up in the water.

Sinkers come in various shapes, types and weights.

SPINNER: A lure made with a rotating blade on a wire shaft.

Courtesy of METRO CREATIVE

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NC HUNTING help out

HUNTERS: HELP FEED THE NEEDY

Take aim against hunger with North Carolina Hunters for the Hungry, Inc., a coalition of conservation and nonprofit organizations working with corporations, individuals and state agencies. Their shared goal is to be actively involved in the fight against hunger and malnutrition in North Carolina. The primary focus of this coalition is to efficiently utilize legally harvested whitetail deer, an abundant natural resource in our state. Here’s how to donate and a map of donation locations throughout the state.

Hunters: We Need Your

6/17/14 5:58 PM Page 1

HOW TO DONATE DEER:

Donate Harvested Deer at the Processors Listed below: 22

2. Deer must be delivered to a NCHFTH designated processing facility, with inspection approval from the NC Department of Agriculture.

4. A donor card must be completed to authorize the processor to possess the deer and identify the successful hunter.

5. Deer delivered to most processors must be cleaned and dressed, including removal of hide and hooves before they can be accepted by the processor. Some processors can accept whole deer and will provide skinning and dressing services. Please contact the processor prior to delivery to determine the requirements for the specific facility.

6. Hunters may donate whole, half or part of a deer to the program.

The venison is ground into “burger” for ease of cooking. Packages of frozen venison are distributed to the shelters, soup kitchens and other agencies.

7. NCHFTH will reimburse program participation processors at an agreed upon rate for their labor, services and supplies.

For more information, contact:

N.C. Hunters for the Hungry, Inc. P.O. Box 99108 Raleigh, NC 27624 nchuntersforthehungry.org

September 2015

DONATE HARVESTED DEER AT THE PROCESSORS LISTED BELOW:

1. All deer donated must be harvested and reported in accordance with the appropriate rules and regulations of the NC Wildlife Resources Commission.

3. Deer must be received by processors, in an acceptable condition.

HELP 6 6

14

14

5 5

1 1

4

10 10 11 11 88

13 13

1 33

12

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1) ALAMANCE COUNTY • PROCESSORS HURSEY’S 1) Alamance CountyWHOLESALE 2174 Wholesale HWY 87 N Hursey’s 27244 2174Elon, HWYNC 87 N 6) Elon,336-584-1377 NC 27244 336-584-1377 Hours: Mon.-Sat. 10:00 am-6:00 pm Hours: Mon.-Sat. 10:00 am-6:00 pm

2)

44

99

3 2

Guilford County Triad Meat Co. 7) JONES COUNTY 3023 Randleman Road.

RIVERSIDE MEATS NC 27406 Greensboro, 11) Rutherford County 2) ASHE COUNTY 298 Landfill Road 336-275-5671 Pinnacle Meats AsheJOE’S CountyPLACE Trenton, NC 28585 1201 McEntire Road Joe’s638 Place Friendship Baptist Church Rd 7) Jones County 252-448-4047 638 Friendship Church Rd Rutherfordton, NC 28139 Jefferson,Baptist NC 28640 Riverside Meats Hours: Mon.-Fri. 7:00 am-5:00 pm Jefferson, NC 28640 Phone 828 286 9502 336-982-2766 298 Landfill Road Will Skin 12) STANLY COUNTY 336-982-2766 Hours: Mon.-Sat. 8am-5pm Trenton, NC 28585 Will Skin THOMPSON &SON Will Skin Will Skin 8) MACON COUNTY 252-448-4047 1718 Branch Avenue 3) BEAUFORT COUNTY Hours: Mon.-Fri. 7:00NANTAHALA am-5:00 pm MEATS & POULTRY, INC. Beaufort County 12) Stanly County Albemarle, NC 28001 1) Beaufort County ACRE STATION MEAT FARM, INC. Will Skin 211 West Palmer Street Acre Station Meat Farm, Inc. Thompson &Son Old Ford Ruritan Club 704-982-6946 17076 NC 32 HWY N 17076 NC 32 HWY N Franklin, NC 28734 1718 Branch Avenue 8) Macon County NC 32 pm HWY 171 Hours: Mon.-Fri. 8:00 48 am-5:00 Pinetown, NC 27865 Pinetown, NC 27865 Albemarle, NC 28001 Nantahala Meats & 828-524-2138 Poultry, Inc. Washington, NC 27889 Sat: 8:00 am-12:00 noon 866-462-2763 866-462-2763 www.nantahalameats.com 704-982-6946 211 West Palmer Street Skin On. Field Dressed Deer ONLY 252-927-3489 Willpm Skin 252-927-3489 Hours: pm Mon.-Fri. 8:00 am-5:00 Franklin, NC 28734 Hours: Mon.- Fri. 8:00 am to 5:00 24/7 Drop Off Site ONLY DeerDeer Drop Drop Off Hours: Off Hours: 828-524-2138 Must deliver deer in cooler on Sat: ice. 8:00 am-12:00 noon 13) WILSON COUNTY Mon.-Fri. 7:00 am-2:00 pm pm 2) Columbus County Will Skin Mon.-Fri. 7:00 am-2:00 www.nantahalameats.com GEORGE FLOWERSCountry SLAUGHTER HOUSE Sat. 11:00 am-3:00 pm 9)amPENDER Boy Outfitters Sat. 11:00 am-3:00 pm Hours: Mon.- Fri. 8:00 to 5:00 pm COUNTY 5154 Saint Rose Church Road #A 13) Wilson County Field Dressed Deer 24/7: Oct. 12-Dec. 6 C. H. CLARK & SONS, INC. 1702 S. Madison Street Field Dressed Deer 24/7: Oct. 12-Dec.Must 6 deliver deer in cooler on ice.

George Flowers SlaughterSims, HouseNC 27880 4800 NC Highway 133 Whiteville, NC 28472 Bladen 5154 Saint Rose Church Road #A 4) County BLADEN COUNTY 9) Pender County Phone 252 237 2982 (910) 640-1986 Rocky Point, NC 28547 Clarkton Processing Co. Sims, NC 27880 Bow Season Hours Mon.-Fri. 7am-5pm.

CLARKTON PROCESSING CO. C. H. Clark & Sons, Inc. Skin On. Field Dressed Deer ONLY 910-675-0358 P.O. Box 543 Phone 252 237 2982 4800 NC Highway 133 Sat 7am-10am P.O. Box 543 Hours: 7:00 am-6:00 pm Clarkton, NC 28433 Bow Season Hours Mon.-Fri. 7am-5pm.

Rocky Point, NC 28547 3) Mon.Columbus County Gun Season Hours: Fri. 7am-9pm.

Clarkton, NC 28433 910-647-8191 Sat 7am-10am 910-675-0358 10) RANDOLPH COUNTY American Legion Post 204 Sat7am-9pm.

7am to 10am, AND 6pm-9pm.

910-647-8191 Hours: Mon.-Fri. 8:00 am-5:00 pm Gun Season Hours: Mon.Fri. Hours: 7:00 am-6:00CRAVEN pm 486 Irvin Enzor Road S DEER PROCESSING Sun. 6pm-9pm Hours: Mon.-Fri. 8:00 am-5:00 pm Will Skin Sat 7am to 10am, AND 6pm-9pm.

Fair Bluff, NC 28439 1523 S. Fayetteville Street Will Skin Will Skin 10) Randolph County Sun. 6pm-9pm Franklin County (919) 630-3634 Asheboro, NC 27205 Craven Deer Processing Will Skin 14) YANCEY COUNTY 5) FRANKLIN COUNTY Pearce’s Custom Processing Skin On. Field Dressed Deer ONLY 336-625-4321 1523 S. Fayetteville Street 234 Perdue’s RoadCUSTOM PROCESSING LITTLE DAVID’S PEARCE’S 14) Yancey County Asheboro, NC 27205 www.cravendeerprocessing.com 4) Edgecombe County Louisburg, NC 27549 P.O. Box 992 234 Perdue’s Road Littleam-5:00 David’spm 336-625-4321 Bow Season Hours: Mon.-Fri. 8:00 Conetoe Family Life Center919-496-3547 P.O. Box 992 Burnsville, NC 28714 Louisburg,(Work) NC 27549 www.cravendeerprocessing.com Gun Season Hours: Mon.-Sat. 8:00 am-8:00 pm 919-853-3843 (Home) Community Garden Burnsville, NC 28714 Bow Season Hours: Mon.-Fri. 8:00 am-5:00 pm 828-682-2558 919-496-3547 (Work) Will skin during gun season only Hours: Mon.-Sat. 8:00 am-10:00 pm 205 Factory Street 828-682-2558 Gun Season Hours: Mon.-Sat. 8:00 am-8:00 pm Hours: Mon.-Fri. 9:00 am-5:00 pm Sun. 919-853-3843 8:00 am-1:00 (Home) pm Conetoe, NC 27819 Hours: Mon.-Fri. 9:00 am-5:00 pm 11) RUTHERFORD COUNTY Will skin during gun season only Sat. 9:00 am-3:00 pm Hours: Mon.-Sat. 8:00 am-10:00 pm Will Skin Skin On. Field Dressed Deer ONLY Sat. 9:00 am-3:00 pm PINNACLE MEATS Sun. 8:00 am-1:00 pm 1201 McEntire Road Will Skin Rutherfordton, NC 28139 6) GUILFORD COUNTY Phone 828 286 9502 TRIAD MEAT CO. Hours: Mon.-Sat. 8am-5pm For more information, contact: N.C. Hunters for the Hungry, Inc. 3023 Randleman Road.

Will Skin Greensboro, NC 27406 P.O. Box 99108 • Raleigh, NC 27624 336-275-5671

★ DROP OFF SITES ON

3)

4)

5)

Help Feed the Needy www.nchuntersforthehungry.org

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NC cooking

biscuits & sawmill gravy food

SAWMILL GRAVY Courtesy of RICK JENKINS (Maggie Valley, NC)

This ain’t Rocket Science. Sawmill gravy was designed to be a filling food to smother your fried entrée with very few ingredients and small expense.

INGREDIENTS Grease Drippings All Purpose or Self Rising Flour Milk

After you have fried your Squirrel, Wild Hog tenderloin, Bear meat, or Deer... Remove the meat, and keep the grease and whatever else is left in the pan.

On low heat add your flour in small doses, stirring it in the grease so the flour does not lump up. If it does.....KEEP STIRRING. Add milk in small quantities. Stir your concoction. If it is too watery, add flour. If it is too thick, add milk. The key to making it edible is STIR, STIR, STIR. The key to more gravy is more milk and flour.

Add pepper and smother on your biscuits. Enjoy!

WHAT?! You don’t know how to make biscuits?

Then check out the next recipe!

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October 6, 2015 43

NC cooking

BUTTERMILK BISCUITS These are authentic Southern buttermilk biscuits - this recipe has been passed down for generations! Makes 10 biscuits.

INGREDIENTS 2 cups unbleached All Purpose Flour, plus more for dusting the board

1 teaspoon salt

¼ teaspoon baking soda

1 cup buttermilk

1 tablespoon baking powder

6 tablespoons unsalted butter

Preheat your oven to 450ºF. Combine the dry ingredients in a bowl.

Cut the butter into chunks and cut into the flour until it resembles coarse meal.

Add the buttermilk and mix JUST until combined. If it appears on the dry side, add a bit more buttermilk. It should be very wet.

Turn the dough out onto a floured board.

Gently, gently PAT (do NOT roll with a rolling pin) the dough out until it’s about ½” thick. Fold the dough about 5 times and gently press the dough down to 1” thick.

Use a round cutter to cut into rounds. You can gently knead the scraps together and make a few more.

Place the biscuits on a cookie sheet. Bake for about 10-12 minutes. The biscuits will be a beautiful light golden brown on top and bottom. Do not overbake.

NOTES: The key to real biscuits is not in the ingredients but in the handling of the dough. The dough must be handled as little as possible or you will have tough biscuits.

You can make these biscuits, cut them, put them on cookie sheets and freeze them for up to a month. When you want fresh biscuits, simply place them frozen on the cookie sheet and bake at 450ºF for about 20 minutes.

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NC HUNTING TIPS

FIELD DRESSING + TRANSPORTING WILD GAME

WILD GAME MEAT, NOT UNLIKE DOMESTIC MEAT, REQUIRES REASONABLE CARE WHILE HANDLING AND PROCESSING. PROPER HANDLING AND PROCESSING WILL HELP TO PRESERVE PALATABILITY AND AVOIDANCE OF FOOD-BORNE ILLNESSES.

a hunter will have immediate access to internal organs.

The following procedure is recommended for field dressing deer or other medium sized game: ➊ Now is the time to put on the disposable gloves if you have them. Begin by making an incision just below the breast bone by pinching up on the hide and slowly cutting through until muscle tissue is observed under the hide. Slowly cut through the muscle until the interior body cavity becomes apparent. Make the cut large enough to insert two fingers into the body cavity.

Some hunters make the first incision lower near the genital area. The advantage to starting near the breast bone is that there is less chance of cutting into the stomach or intestines as compared to other areas.

➋ After the initial incision,

position yourself so you are facing the rear of the deer (Note: in this way you are cutting away from, and not toward, yourself). You can place your feet at the sides of the deer in order to prevent it from rolling on its side. In essence, you are straddling the deer.

➌ Insert the two fingers into

FIELD DRESSING

Steps taken while in the field are crucial to ensuring healthy and flavorful wild game meat. As with any meat, temperature is always a concern relative to preventing the build-up of bacteria. After harvesting a game animal, the entrails (internal organs) should

be removed as soon as possible in order to facilitate cooling of the carcass. Field dressing does not have to be a complex ordeal and can be completed in just a few simple steps using a minimum of tools. The following are a few simple items used to field dress game:

Sharp knife Disposable plastic gloves (recommended) Paper towels (optional) Field dressing can be best accomplished with the game animal on its back. In this way,

the body cavity at the cut and slowly but carefully insert the knife blade (edge up) between your fingers (Note: the goal here is to prevent the knife blade from puncturing the internal organs by keeping finger space between the knife and the internal organs. Fingers should be slightly apart and not pinching the knife blade).

Begin cutting in a straight

line toward the reproductive organs and anus. If the knife is sharp, as it should be, it will glide along without the need to saw as you cut. Upon reaching the reproductive organs of the male deer, cut around them and remove them from the carcass. Remove the udders of the female in the same way.

➍ After reaching the hip bone,

open the skin all the way to the anus then cut around the anus opening so that it can be removed along with the internal organs (Note: you may need to reposition yourself by facing toward the head of the deer to accomplish this).

At this point, the majority of the internal organs (below the breastbone) can be removed from the body cavity. This can be accomplished by gently pulling them loose (Note: do so carefully in order to avoid rupturing internal organs). Some connective tissue attached to the body cavity may need to be cut in order to facilitate removal.

Be careful not to rupture the bladder before removing it.

The bladder will be noticeable within the pelvic area of the deer and will appear to be a fluid filled sack. You can avoid rupturing the bladder by first pinching it shut at the point closest to the carcass and carefully cut it loose. Then, in one motion, remove it from the carcass without spilling the contents into the body cavity.

➎ Next, cut through the

diaphragm to access the heart and lungs for removal as well (Note: diaphragm may need to be trimmed from both edges just below the rib cage to access heart and lung area).

➏ Reach into the rib cage

with the non-knife hand to the top of the body cavity near the neck and grasp the windpipe and other connective tissue.

Then using the knife hand, slowly and gently reach up inside (while keeping the knife edge away from the non-knife hand) and slowly sever the windpipe and connective tissue just above the non-knife hand.

After the cut, the lungs and heart can be removed easily.

➐ At this point, any remaining blood and or excess tissue can be removed by flipping the deer over and or wiping the body cavity dry with paper towels. If internal organs are to be saved for consumption (e.g., heart, liver, kidneys) they

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NC HUNTING should be placed separately in plastic bags for transport.

(Note: avoid rinsing the body cavity with water so as to avoid the build-up of bacteria).

➑ In warm weather conditions,

prop open the carcass with a stick or place ice filled plastic bags in the body cavity to promote cooling during transport.

Transport the carcass as soon as possible to some type of refrigeration. In cold weather, there may be no need for ice and or immediate transport as cooling will likely occur on its own. Cooling the carcass should always be of utmost concern to prevent spoilage and improve table quality of game meat.

TRANSPORTING

In recent years there has been some concern relative to transporting exposed dead animal carcasses on vehicles. Although common practice some 3 or 4 decades ago, the continual transition of humans from farm to urban living has fostered a general public that views displays of dead animals as distasteful.

Hunters may well like to show the rewards of the hunt, and rightfully so, but we must remain aware and respectful of others if hunting is to be accepted by society as a whole.

Moreover, and in the hunter’s favor, wild game should not be exposed to the elements during transport. This explains the gradual voluntary transition from vehicle hoods to pick-up beds and trailer-hitch carriers

over the years. Rain and or snow mixed with road grime can promote bacteria build-up and contaminate edible meat. To promote cooling, game animals should never be transported on vehicle hoods where engine heat can hinder the cooling process.

Instead, the animal carcass should be transported in such as way that it is both protected from the elements and away from any heat source. The back of a covered pick-up truck, tarp covered trailer-hitch carrier, or vehicle trunk, are far better ways to transport game animals.

If outside temperatures are warm, placing bags of ice inside or around the body cavity can speed up cooling.

VENISON CHILI INGREDIENTS 2 pounds ground venison 2 tablespoons olive oil 1 large onion, chopped 5 cloves garlic 2 green peppers, seeded and chopped 2 jalapeno peppers, seeded and chopped 1 tablespoon chili powder 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes 1 tablespoon ground cumin 1 tablespoon paprika 1 teaspoon ground black pepper 1 envelope instant hot chocolate mix 2 teaspoons seasoned salt

DIRECTIONS

Cook ground venison over medium heat and place in a big pot.

Heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add onion, green peppers and jalapeno peppers. Cook and stir until onion is soft and transparent. Add garlic and cook for an additional minute, being careful not to burn the garlic.

Place onion and pepper mixture in pot with venison and add remaining ingredients.

Simmer over medium heat for about an hour, stirring occasionally.

1 teaspoon liquid smoke flavoring

Serve with your favorite toppings. This is really good heated up the next day after the flavors have had a chance to meld.

3 cans (14 ½ ounce) diced tomatoes with green chilis, undrained

Courtesy of JODIE OWEN (via ncwildlife.org)

2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce

1 can (16 ounce) tomato sauce

Courtesy of NC WILDLIFE RESOURCES

2 cans (15 ounce) kidney beans, drained and rinsed

COMMISSION

½ cup beer

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INSIDE

SAFE HANDLING OF WILD GAME BIRDS

RECIPES

VENISON CHILI + MORE

PREP POINTERS

SC news 2015

LATE-SEASON MIGRATORY BIRD REGULATIONS SET

The S.C. Natural Resources Board, the policy-making body of the S.C. Department of Natural Resources (DNR), recently approved the 2015-2016 late migratory bird seasons and regulations from a framework set by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The season and bag limit selections must be approved by the Service and published in the Federal Register.

DUCKS (Excluding Sea Ducks) - Open Dates (All Dates Inclusive): Nov. 21, 2015--Nov. 28, 2015; Dec. 12, 2015--Jan. 31, 2016 Hunting hours: 1/2 Hour before Sunrise until Sunset - Bag limit: 6 total, including no more than 4 mallards (2 hens), 2 pintails, 1 fulvous whistling duck, 1 black-

bellied whistling duck, 3 wood ducks, 2 redheads, 2 canvasbacks, 2 scaup and either 1 black duck or 1 mottled duck. - Possession limit: 18 total, including no more than 12 mallards (6 hens), 6 pintails, 3 fulvous whistling ducks, 3 blackbellied whistling ducks, 9 wood ducks, 6 redheads, 6

canvasbacks, 6 scaup and any combination of 3 total for mottled ducks and/or black ducks.

MERGANSERS - Open Dates (All Dates Inclusive): Nov. 21, 2015--Nov. 28, 2015; Dec. 12, [Merganser] 2015--Jan. 31, 2016 - Hunting hours: 1/2 Hour before Sunrise until

Sunset - Bag limit: 5 (not to include more than 1 Hooded Merganser) - Possession limit: 15 (not to include more than 3 Hooded Mergansers).

SEA DUCKS (eiders, scoters, long-tailed ducks) - Open Dates (All Dates Inclusive): Oct. 17, 2015--Jan. 31, 2016 - Hunting hours: 1/2

Hour before Sunrise until Sunset - Bag limit: 7 (Not to include more than 4 scoters) - Possession limit: 21 (Not to include more than 12 scoters) -- Sea ducks taken outside of the regular duck season may be hunted only in Atlantic Ocean waters separated from any shore, island or emergent

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2015 migratory bird regulations set vegetation by at least one mile of open water.

COOTS - Open Dates (All Dates Inclusive): Nov. 21, 2015--Nov. 28, 2015; Dec. 12, 2015--Jan. 31, 2016 - Hunting hours: 1/2 Hour before Sunrise until Sunset - Bag limit: 15 - Possession limit: 45.

CANADA GEESE/WHITE FRONTED GEESE (Late Seasons) - Open Dates (All Dates Inclusive): Nov. 21, 2015--Nov. 28, 2015; Dec. 12, 2015—Jan. 31, 2016, Feb. 14, 2016—Feb. 29, 2016Hunting hours: 1/2 Hour before Sunrise until Sunset - Bag limit: 5 (not to include more than 2 white-fronted geese) - Possession limit: 15 (not to include more than 6 white-fronted geese). East of US 301: This excludes that portion of Clarendon County bounded to the north

by S-14-25; to the east by Hwy 260; and to the south by the markers delineating the channel of the Santee River. West of US 301: This excluded that portion of

Clarendon County bounded on the north by S-14-26 and extending southward to that portion of Orangeburg County bordered by Hwy. 6.

BLUE and SNOW GEESE - Open Dates (All Dates Inclusive): Nov. 21, 2015-Nov. 28, 2015; Dec. 12, 2015—Jan. 31, 2016 Hunting hours: 1/2 Hour before Sunrise until Sunset - Bag limit: 25 - Possession limit: No limit.

BRANT - Open Dates (All Dates Inclusive): Jan. 2, 2016—Jan. 31, 2016 Hunting hours: 1/2 Hour before Sunrise until Sunset - Bag limit: 2 - Possession limit: 6.

There is no open season on harlequin ducks.

Nov. 14, 2015 is State Youth Day. Only youth who are 17 years of age or younger may hunt ducks, mergansers and coots, but they must be accompanied by an adult at least 21 years of age who is fully licensed. Youth

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SC news

A Hooded Merganser wakes up with an early morning stretch.

who are 16 and 17 years of age, who hunt on this day, must possess a Federal Waterfowl Stamp and Migratory Bird Permit.

Feb. 6, 2016 and Feb. 13, 2016 are Federal Youth Days. Only hunters 15 years of age or younger may hunt waterfowl (ducks and geese) on these days. The youth(s) must be accompanied by an adult of at least 18 years of age. The adult is not allowed to carry a gun or hunt, and does not have to be licensed. The regular duck season limits apply.

Shooting hours for late season duck hunting are uniform statewide. Hunters

should take notice that DNR law enforcement officers will pay special attention to “late shooting violations” throughout South Carolina.

Check local newspapers for sunrise and sunset times.

Any South Carolina hunter born after June 30, 1979, must complete an approved hunter education course to purchase a hunting license.

Federally approved nontoxic shot (such as steel, bismuth-tin, tungsten-iron or tungsten-polymer) is required for all waterfowl hunting. The possession of lead shot is prohibited for all waterfowl hunting statewide.

Courtesy of DNR.SC.GOV

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nc + sc hunting

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recipes WILD RICE DRESSING INGREDIENTS

guide

SAFE HANDLING OF WILD GAME BIRDS Dust off your duck call Be sure to practice your calls as you warm up for the new season

feathered bird in a paraffin wax/hot water mixture. When wax hardens, the feathers may be scraped off.

When preparing upland birds, such as grouse, pheasant, quail and partridge, skin or pluck the bird and soak in cold water for one to two hours to remove excess blood.

Birds Generally Do Not Require Aging: If you wish to age birds, holding them at just above freezing temperatures for two to three days may increase the tenderness of the meat.

Storage tips: For immediate use, birds should be stored in the refrigerator at 40 °F or less and used within three days. For long-term storage, the whole cleaned carcass or individual parts may be frozen at 0 °F or lower. Do not freeze birds without plucking and cleaning them first.

Freeze meat while fresh and in top condition.

The advantage of packaging parts instead of the whole bird is that bloody spots can be eliminated by cutting out or rinsing out with cold water. Parts also fit conveniently in your freezer. Parts may be boned, and the carcass and neck used as a soup base.

Use moisture/vapor-proof wrap such as heavily waxed freezer wrap, laminated freezer wrap, heavy-duty aluminum foil or freezer-weight polyethylene bags.

Wrap tightly, pressing out as much air as possible. Label the packages with the content and date.

THE FIELD

Be Prepared for the Hunt: Remember to bring a sharp hunting knife, a steel or whetstone, light rope or nylon cord, plastic bags, clean cloths or paper towels, and a cooler filled with ice.

Field Dress the Bird Promptly: There are major rules to follow as soon as the bird is dead: Remove the entrails and crop as soon as possible, because the grain in the crop may ferment if not removed.

The heart and liver may be saved for giblets. Store in a plastic bag on ice to keep them clean and cold.

Leave an identification mark on the bird as required by state game regulations.

The birds may be plucked or skinned in the field. If you pluck the birds, bring a plastic bag for storing the feathers.

Cool the carcass quickly to retain flavor and maintain the quality of the bird. A temper-ature above 40 °F is meat’s worst enemy.

Wipe out the cavity with a clean cloth or paper towel. Do not use grass or snow as this will contaminate the carcass.

Allow air to circulate in the carcass by hanging or laying the bird in a well-ventilated place.

In hot weather, place the birds individually in plastic bags and put on ice.

Do not pile warm birds in a mass.

Store birds in a cooler on ice out of the sun.

Keep the Birds Cool During Transport: The best way to store birds is in a cooler on ice. If this is not possible, keep the car well ventilated and put the birds on the back seat or the floor. Do not transport them in the trunk because the enclosed space does not allow heat to escape from the birds.

PROCESS AND STORAGE

Don’t Cross-Contaminate During Processing: Wash your hands, knife and cutting board with hot soapy water and rinse thoroughly.

To prepare ducks, cut the wings off at the joints, remove the head and pluck out the pinfeathers. Feathers may be removed by scalding the birds in hot water (145 °F). Pin feathers and down may be removed by dip-ping the

Use frozen packages within 6 months for best eating quality.

PREPARATION

Thaw birds in the refrigerator or microwave. Slow thawing in the refrigerator 12 to 18 hours helps to tenderize the meat and prevent bacterial growth. Microwavethawed food should be cooked imme-diately. Other thawed meat should be used within one to two days. Keep raw food and cooked food separate.

Fish-eating ducks (those with pointed or serrated bills) may need soaking or marinating. Use a marinade high in acid such as lemon or lime juice, vinegar, wine or buttermilk. You may soak older birds in a solution of ½ teaspoon salt and 1 table-spoon vinegar per quart of cold water for 4 to 12 hours in the refrigerator.

COOKING GAME BIRDS

Wild game birds should always be cooked thoroughly. Check visual signs of doneness; juices should run clear and meat should be fork-tender. However, recent

research has shown that color and texture indicators alone are not reliable. Using a thermometer is the only reliable way to ensure safety and to determine the “doneness” of meat and poultry.

To be safe, a product must be cooked to an internal temperature high enough to destroy any harmful bacteria that may have been in the food.

When cooking whole poultry, the thermometer should be inserted into the thickest part of the thigh. If stuffed, the center of the stuffing should be checked after the thigh reads 180 °F (stuffing must reach 165 °F). If cooking poultry parts, insert the thermometer into the thickest area, avoiding the bone.

The age of the bird determines the cooking method. Young birds have lighter legs, soft breastbones and flexible beaks. Old birds have darker, hard-skinned legs, brittle breastbones and inflexible beaks.

Wild duck meat is darker and somewhat dryer than domestic duck.

To retain or add moisture when roasting older or skinned birds, cover the breast with strips of bacon or side pork and roast in a covered pan.

Game birds may be prepared like chicken. Dry cookery methods, such as frying, are appropriate for young birds. Moist cookery methods, such as stewing or braising, are appropriate for older birds.

Ducks and geese may be baked, barbecued, breaded, broiled, fried, and combined in casseroles, chop suey, creoles, gumbos and gravies.

To decrease the distinctive taste of some wild game, trim off as much fat as possible.

In roasting or broiling ducks use a rack to keep them free of their own fat and do not baste with fat.

Remove stuffing from the bird prior to storage, because stuffing is a good growth medium for microorganisms.

Use leftovers within one or two days, or freeze for later use.

Care with dressing for Duck or Goose: We recommend baking dressing separately to avoid any chance of hazard from bacterial growth. Bake in a covered casserole in the oven while the bird is roasting. If you decide to stuff the birds, do so just before placing them in the oven, and have all ingredients hot before stuffing the birds. Use a meat thermo-meter to be sure internal temperature of the dressing reaches 165-170 °F. Courtesy of DNR.SC.GOV

2 cups cooked wild rice (½ cup uncooked wild rice, cooked in 1½ cups water or chicken broth) ¼ cup butter or margarine ¼ cup onion, minced ½ cup chopped celery 1 4-ounce can mushroom pieces and stems 2 tablespoons chopped parsley ½ teaspoon sage ½ teaspoon thyme or marjoram ½ teaspoon salt ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Cook onions and celery in melted butter or margarine until barely tender.

Add drained mushroom pieces and continue cooking 5 minutes. Add cooked rice and all remaining ingredients. Bake in a covered casserole at 325 °F for 45 minutes.

BRAISED WILD DUCK INGREDIENTS 2 ready-to-cook wild ducks, cut up 1 teaspoon salt ¼ teaspoon pepper 1 cup flour 1/3 cup butter or margarine ½ cup water, chicken broth or light cream ½ cup chopped onion ¼ cup chopped celery

Season duck pieces with salt and pepper and roll in flour. Melt butter or margarine in a heavy skillet and brown pieces on both sides (about 30 minutes).

Turn only once. If you use onion and celery, remove duck pieces and cook onion and celery in the pan drippings for 10 minutes. Return pieces of duck to pan, add liquid and cover pan tightly. Simmer on top of range slowly for 1 hour or until tender, or bake in a 325 °F oven until the internal temperature is 180 °F. ROAST WILD GOOSE The “flavor dressing” of apple, onion, potatoes and celery, as described for duck, can be placed in the bird during roasting. Place the goose on a rack in an uncovered roasting pan and bake in a 325 °F oven for three hours or until tender.

Baste frequently with pan drippings. You can insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the thigh muscle, without touching bone, to determine internal temperature. Goose is well done when the internal temperature is 180 to 185 °F. Serve with a tart jelly or relish.

ROAST WILD DUCK Rub outside of duck with a slice of onion, then sprinkle with salt and pepper.

You can flavor the bird and absorb strong flavors by placing a quartered peeled onion, grapes, quartered apples or potatoes, and a small bunch of celery in the cavity during roasting, but discard this stuffing before serving. If ducks are lean or have been skinned, place two or three strips of bacon or salt pork on each breast and secure with toothpicks. Place ducks on a rack in a covered roasting pan and bake in a 325 °F oven for three hours or until the internal temperature is 180 °F. If ducks need basting, use orange juice, melted butter, or melted butter and red wine rather than pan drippings.

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NC recreational shooting public + private

SHOOTING RANGES

BUNCOMBE COUNTY

ON TARGET INDOOR RANGE ASHEVILLE 828-274-0028 PUBLIC ACCESS ASHEVILLE PRACTICAL SHOOTING ASSOCIATION LAKE LURE 828-691-0801 PRIVATE/MEMBERSHIP ONLY HAYWOOD COUNTY

WAYNE E. SMITH SHOOTING RANGE (FORMERLY COLD MOUNTAIN SHOOTING RANGE) CANTON 828-456-4123 PUBLIC ACCESS PROMOTE SAFE SHOOTING SPORTS AND OUR SECOND AMENDMENT RIGHT TO KEEP AND BEAR ARMS─ HERE’S A LIST OF THE RANGES TO VISIT IN WNC

RIGHT-ON-TARGET FAMILY ARCHERY WAYNESVILLE 828-926-8307 PUBLIC ACCESS

HENDERSON COUNTY

REX’S INDOOR RANGE EAST FLAT ROCK 828-696-9838 PUBLIC ACCESS MADISON COUNTY

FOWLER FARMS SPORTING CLAYS & GAME PRESERVE HOT SPRINGS 828-622-7380 PUBLIC ACCESS YANCEY COUNTY

TRIGGERS TRAPS + TROUT BURNSVILLE 828-777-0357 PUBLIC ACCESS information provided by the HUNTING

HERITAGE PROGRAM + NC WILDLIFE RESOURCES COMMISSION

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nc + sc fishing Info courtesy of DNR.SC.GOV

field test

LURES PLUGS

Many companies make fishing lures in different types, patterns, sizes and colors. “how to” instructions are either on the package or inside the lure. both fresh and saltwater anglers use lures interchangeably to catch a variety of fish

SPOONS

JIGS

USE FOR: BLACK BASS; CRAPPIE; STRIPED, WHITE AND HYBRID BASS; SEATROUT; RED DRUM; FLOUNDER AND SEVERAL OFFSHORE SPECIES

USE FOR: BLACK BASS; STRIPED BASS; STRIPED, WHITE AND HYBRID BASS; SEATROUT; RED DRUM; FLOUNDER AND SEVERAL OFFSHORE SPECIES

USE FOR: BLACK BASS; STRIPED, WHITE AND HYBRID BASS; CRAPPIE; SEATROUT; RED DRUM; FLOUNDER AND SEVERAL OFFSHORE SPECIES

Plugs can be made of various materials such as plastic, wood and sometimes cork. Plugs are classified as topwater and crankbaits (shallow diving, medium diving and deep diving). Either two or three treble hooks are attached to plugs to cover the fish’s striking area.

Spoons are metal, spoon-shaped lures made to resemble a swimming or injured baitfish. You can jig them (jiggle them up and down), cast and reel them in, or troll them behind a boat (let it drag on a fishing line behind the boat). Many anglers attach a swivel to the spoon to prevent it from twisting their line during retrieval.

Jigs have weighted metal or lead heads with a body and tail made of rubber skirts, feathers, soft plastic or animal hair. Numerous sizes, colors and patterns are used to catch a large majority of fresh and saltwater fish.

SPINNERBAITS

USE FOR: BLACK BASS; COLDWATER TROUT + CRAPPIE ON SMALL IN-LINE SPINNERS Spinnerbaits have one or more blades that spin or rotate around a straight wire or “safety pin” type shaft. Nearly all spinner baits have tails and bodies made of rubber skirts, animal hair, soft plastic, feathers or other materials.

FLIES

USE FOR: ALMOST ALL COMMON SPORT FISH WILL STRIKE A FLY OR POPPER OF SOME VARIETY, BUT VERY POPULAR AMONG COLDWATER TROUT FISHERMAN Flies and poppers are small, very light, almost weightless lures used primarily for flyfishing. A spincast or spinning rod and reel outfitted with a “bubble” (clear bobber) placed four to five feet above the lure works well if you don’t have a fly rod. Most any fish can be caught on these baits.

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NC fishing public access

FISHING IN THE MOUNTAINS OF WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA

PUBLIC WATERS IN THE MOUNTAIN REGION OF NORTH CAROLINA PROVIDE GOOD FISHING FOR A WIDE VARIETY OF FISH SPECIES, INCLUDING LARGEMOUTH AND SMALLMOUTH BASS, SUNFISH, STRIPED BASS, CRAPPIE, CATFISH, MUSKY, AND THREE SPECIES OF TROUT.

MORE INFORMATION: Canoe, shoreline access; Smallmouth bass, muskellunge, redbreast sunfish, catfish

LEDGES PARK PUBLIC ACCESS AREA BUNCOMBE COUNTY PARKS & RECREATION DIRECTIONS: On N.C. 251, north of Asheville MORE INFORMATION: Canoe, shoreline access; Smallmouth bass, muskellunge, redbreast sunfish, catfish Largemouth Bass prefer locations with lots of structure, such as submerged vegetation, brush piles, stumps, boat docks, and standing timber.

BUNCOMBE COUNTY

BENT CREEK PUBLIC ACCESS AREA BUNCOMBE COUNTY PARKS & RECREATION DIRECTIONS: On N.C. 191, south of Asheville MORE INFORMATION: Canoe, shoreline access; Smallmouth bass, redbreast, sunfish, catfish, muskellunge CARRIER PARK PUBLIC ACCESS AREA RIVERLINK DIRECTIONS: In Asheville, On Amboy Road MORE INFORMATION: Universally accessible pier; Canoe, pier, shorline access; Smallmouth bass, catfish, muskellunge, redbreast sunfish COROCORAN PAGE (GLEN BRIDGE) PUBLIC ACCESS AREA BUNCOMBE COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION DIRECTIONS: On Pinner Rd., off Glen Bridge Rd. (S.R. 3495), west of Arden MORE INFORMATION: Canoe, shoreline access; Smallmouth bass, muskellunge, redbreast sunfish, catfish

FRENCH BROAD RIVER PARK PUBLIC ACCESS AREA RIVERLINK ASHEVILLE PARKS & RECREATION DIRECTIONS: From Asheville, I-40 to exit 50. North on Hendersonville Hwy./Biltmore Ave. for .8 mile; left on Meadow Rd., for 1.5 mile to intersection with Amboy Rd.; Turn left-one entrance on left; one on right MORE INFORMATION: Two univerally accessible piers; Canoe, pier, shoreline, wading access; Smallmouth bass, catfish, muskellunge, redbreast sunfish HOMINY PUBLIC ACCESS AREA BUNCOMBE COUNTY PARKS & RECREATION DIRECTIONS: In Asheville, Brevard Rd. to Shelbourne Rd., turn on Hominy Creek Rd. MORE INFORMATION: Canoe, shoreline access; Smallmouth bass, muskellunge, redbreast sunfish, catfish JEAN WEBB PARK PUBLIC ACCESS AREA BUNCOMBE COUNTY PARKS & RECREATION DIRECTIONS: In Asheville, on Riverside Dr., under Haywood Rd.

WALNUT ISLAND PUBLIC ACCESS AREA BUNCOMBE COUNTY PARKS & RECREATION DIRECTIONS: On N.C. 251, north of Asheville MORE INFORMATION: Canoe, shoreline access; Smallmouth bass, muskellunge, redbreast sunfish, catfish WOODFIN PUBLIC ACCESS AREA TOWN OF WOODFIN DIRECTIONS: In Woodfin, on N.C. 251, north of Asheville MORE INFORMATION: Canoe, shoreline access; Smallmouth bass, muskellunge, redbreast sunfish, catfish LAKE JULIAN NCWRC COMMUNITY FISHING AND TACKLE LOANER PROGRAMS SITE BUNCOMBE COUNTY PARKS & RECREATION 828-6840376 DIRECTIONS: From Asheville, I-26 east to exit 37. Left on Long Shoals Rd., for 1.2 mile; park entrance is on right.

MORE INFORMATION: Universally accessible pier, parking; Boat, canoe, pier, shoreline access; Largemouth bass, sunfish, catfish, tilapia; Fee LAKE POWHATAN PUBLIC FISHING AREA NCWRC 828-670-5627 DIRECTIONS: From I-26 in Asheville 191 south to exit at Biltmore Square Mall for 3 miles.

Right on S.R. 1129, stay left at all forks to entrance of Lake Powhatan Recreation Area MORE INFORMATION: Accessible pier near dam; Pier, shoreline access; Trout, largemouth bass, bluegill; Fee; Hatchery Supported - Public

Mountain Trout Water; a special trout fishing license is required.

LAKE TOMAHAWK NCWRC COMMUNITY FISHING & TACKLE LOANER PROGRAMS SITE BLACK MOUNTAIN RECREATION & PARKS 828-669-2052 DIRECTIONS: From Asheville, I-40 east to exit 64; left on N.C. 9; left at third light; right at second light for two miles. Area is on left.

MORE INFORMATION: Two universally accessible piers, path, parking; Pier, shoreline access; Largemouth bass, catfish, sunfish CHARLES D OWEN POND NCWRC COMMUNITY FISHING PROGRAM SITE BUNCOMBE COUNTY PARKS & RECREATION 828-684-0376 DIRECTIONS: In Swannanoa, on Warren Wilson Rd., behind Owen Manufacturing MORE INFORMATION: Universally accessible pier, path, parking; Pier, shoreline access; Catfish HENDERSON COUNTY

FLETCHER COMMUNITY PARK PUBLIC ACCESS AREA FLETCHER PARKS & RECREATION DIRECTIONS: On Howard Gap Rd., Town of Fletcher MORE INFORMATION: Shoreline access; Hatchery Supported - Public Mountain Trout Water; a special trout fishing license is required.

WESTFELDT PARK PUBLIC ACCESS AREA HENDERSON COUNTY PARKS & RECREATION DIRECTIONS: On Butler Bridge Rd., (S.R. 1345), off N.C. 280, near Mills River MORE INFORMATION: Boat, canoe, shoreline access; Muskellunge, smallmouth bass NORTH FORK MILLS RIVER PUBLIC ACCESS AREA U.S. FOREST SERVICE DIRECTIONS: From Asheville, I-26 E to N.C. 280 W (Exit 40) to North Mills River Rd. MORE INFORMATION: Universally accessible pier; Shoreline access; Trout; Delayed Harvest - Public Mountain Trout Water; a special trout fishing license is required.

MADISON COUNTY

BARNARD PUBLIC ACCESS AREA U.S. FOREST SERVICE DIRECTIONS: On S.R. 1151, near Walnut and Barnard MORE INFORMATION: Canoe, shoreline access; Muskellunge, smallmouth bass

MARSHALL PUBLIC FISHING AREA NCWRC DIRECTIONS: On Blennerhassett Island in the Town of Marshall MORE INFORMATION: Universally accessible pier; Canoe, shoreline access; Muskellunge, smallmouth bass MURRAY BRANCH PUBLIC FISHING AREA U.S. FOREST SERVICE DIRECTIONS: From Asheville, U.S. 19/23 North to U.S. 70 (Marshall Exit) for 35 miles to Hot Springs city limit; right on S.R. 1304. Right at stop sign for 6 miles to the Murray Branch Recreation Area.

MORE INFORMATION: Universally accessible; Canoe, shoreline access; Muskellunge, smallmouth bass REDMOND PARK PUBLIC ACCESS AREA MADISON COUNTY DIRECTIONS: From Weaverville, U.S.-25N/ U.S. 70W, left on Little Pine Rd, left on Sweetwater Rd. MORE INFORMATION: Canoe, shoreline access; Muskellunge, smallmouth bass STACKHOUSE PUBLIC ACCESS AREA MADISON COUNTY DIRECTIONS: On Stackhouse Rd., off U.S. 25, east of Hot Springs MORE INFORMATION: Canoe, shoreline access; Muskellunge, smallmouth bass MAX PATCH POND PUBLIC FISHING AREA NCWRC DIRECTIONS: From Hot Springs, N.C. 209 south for 5 miles; right on Meadow Fork Rd; right on Max Patch Rd., for ~ 3 miles.

MORE INFORMATION: Universally accessible pier; Shoreline, pier access; Trout; Designated Public Mountain Trout Water; a special trout fishing license is required.

SPRING CREEK TOWN OF HOT SPRINGS; MOUNTAIN HERITAGE TROUT WATER NCWRC DIRECTIONS: Off U.S. 25/ U.S. 70 in Hot Springs MORE INFORMATION: Shoreline, wading access; Trout; Delayed harvest - Public Mountain Trout Water; a special trout fishing license is required.

For more information on public access fishing spots in your county visit ncwildlife.org/fishing Courtesy of NC WILDLIFE RESOURCES

COMMISSION

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canning

WILD GAME MEAT

WILD GAME MEAT CAN BE PRESERVED JUST LIKE VEGETABLES IN GLASS CANNING JARS. PROPERLY PREPARED MEAT WILL KEEP FOR YEARS AND NOT BE SUBJECT TO FREEZER BURN OR POWER FAILURES.

This recipe works for deer, pronghorn, elk and other red meats.

Quail, pheasants, grouse and white-meated game birds can be canned using chicken bullion to replace beef bullion.

The meat will be fully cooked and only needs to be heated when the jar is opened. It will be the consistency of pot roast and is excellent for cooking soups and casseroles, making deer and gravy with rice, eating on sandwiches, or serving as a topping for pizza. * Be sure to follow safety procedures designed for whatever pressure canner you are using, as canners can eject scalding hot water if used improperly. Also, follow directions to ensure proper sealing of meats for the type of pressure canner you are using.

Courtesy of NC WILDLIFE RESOURCES COMMISSION

BONITA JONES, BECKY JONES & MARK JONES Division of Wildlife Management, NCWRC

how to can wild game meat: ➊ Cut deer meat into thumb-sized chunks being sure to remove all fat, gristle, etc.

➋ Wash pint-sized glass jars and place the jars in a 170 degree oven for 8-10 minutes

➌ Place the new canning lids in a small pot of water and heat to a slow boil.

Continue boiling while canning. Have canning rings ready.

➍ Fill pint-sized canning jars with deer meat to within 1 inch of the top of the jar. Pack tightly. Add ½ teaspoon of salt and ½ beef bullion cube and enough hot water to fill jar to within 1 inch of the top. Run knife around inside edge of jar to release air bubbles. ➎ After filling each jar, place canning lids (hot lids from boiling water and rings on jars (warm jars from a 170 degree oven). Tighten rings.

➏ Place the jars in a canner on stovetop. Add water inside of the canner until it reaches about ½ way up on the jars. Seal canner lid tightly.*

➐ Cook at medium temperature using 10 pounds of pressure until pressure valve on canner “jiggles.” Cook for 75 minutes after canner “jiggles.”

➑ Turn off the stove and allow the canner to cool for 60 minutes while sitting

on stove eye. Remove jars and place on a cloth towel to await “sealing.” You should hear jars develop pressure seals (“pop”) within a few hours. You will see a dented lid on sealed jars.

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NC hunting hunting

GETTING THE HANDICAPPED OUTDOORS

Hunters of all body types are able to enjoy the outdoors and take part in the sports of hunting and fishing.

Left: Mandy Stone of Alabama, shows off her first ever wild turkey, bagged while hunting in the mountains of Western North Carolina with Tony Robinson, VP/ of North Carolina Handicapped Sportsmen Inc. Tony was able to assist Mandy with getting a short term hunting license along with her big game license that allowed her to legally bag her bird. Mandy is paralyzed from the waist down as a result of an automobile accident.

Photo by Tony Robinson

For many, being handicapped is all they have ever known. It is what kept them from running, jumping and playing ball with the other children. Others found it to be a much slower and gradual process. Then there are those that were in the prime of their life when that fateful moment hit.

It may have been at their own hands during a risky move in a sport or activity they love. It may have been the result of someone else’s wild, reckless or unlawful conduct. Or it may have been at the moment their doctor revealed a terrifying diagnosis.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, about 56.7 million people or 19% of the population had a disability in 2010. This is based on a broad definition of disability, with more than half reporting severe disability.

People in the oldest age group, 80 and older, were about eight times more likely to have a disability than those under 15. The probability of having a severe disability is only 1 in 20 for those 15-24 while it is 1 in 4 for those 65-69.

The bottom line is that being a disabled person is a reality of life with the

numbers increasing every year. The good news for those who are disabled is that they have more to assist and enhance their life and lifestyle than ever before.

For many sportsmen, the lure of the outdoors has been a call from nature for longer than they can remember.

For others, the allure of the outdoor sports is an itch they have longed to scratch.

But just what constitutes a disabled person, or in the case of the NC Wildlife Resources Commission, a qualifying disabled person.

The NCWRC leaves the decision of who qualifies for their Disabled Licenses up to someone else. For many years the test was if you are totally disabled as determined by the Social Security Administration (SSA) and could provide certification from the SSA to that effect along with your license application and appropriate fee.

Recently this has been expanded to include those residents who have been determined totally disabled by the Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS), the Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) and the NC State Retirement System (NCSRS) and remains valid for the lifetime of the individual so long as the individual remains totally disabled. Certification from one of these four agencies must be submitted with the application.

There are several different types and costs of licenses for disabled residents. These sportsmen may still need to purchase other special licenses annually.

INLAND FISHING (basic) Statewide inland fishing includes fishing in designated Public Mountain Trout Waters, fishing in trout waters on game lands, and fishing in joint waters. It does not include fishing in coastal waters. $10

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NC hunting COASTAL RECREATIONAL FISHING: Authorizes fishing in coastal and joint waters. It does not authorize fishing in inland waters. $10 HUNTING/INLAND FISHING COMBO (basic): Statewide basic hunting and inland fishing. Includes fishing in designated Public Mountain Trout Waters, fishing in trout waters on game lands, and fishing in joint waters. It does not include fishing in coastal waters, big game

license, hunting on game lands or the state or federal waterfowl license. $10 SPORTSMAN LICENSE: Statewide hunting and inland fishing. Includes hunting for big game, hunting on game lands, hunting for waterfowl (does not include the bear management e-stamp or federal duck stamp), fishing in designated Public Mountain Trout Waters, fishing in trout waters on game lands, and fishing in joint

waters. It does not include fishing in coastal waters. $100 SPORTSMAN/COASTAL RECREATIONAL FISHING: Statewide hunting, inland and coastal recreational fishing.

Includes everything the Sportsman License includes in addition to the coastal recreational fishing license. $110.

In addition to these lifetime licenses, a Bear Management E-Stamp is required annually to hunt bear. $10.

A Federal Duck Stamp is required for waterfowl hunters 16 years of age and older. Cost is $26.50 and expires on June 30 of each year.

In addition to the lifetime licenses that are available to disabled residents whose disability is non-military related, the WRC provides the same equivalency of licenses for resident veterans. These license shall be issued only to an individual resident of North

Carolina who is a fifty percent or more disabled veteran as determined by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, remaining valid for the lifetime of the individual so long as the individual remains fifty percent or more disabled. Certification from the Department of Veterans Affairs must be submitted with this application.

Written by TONY ROBINSON

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NC HUNTING

SUNRISE/SUNSET TABLE at Asheville, NC - Eastern Standard Time

Date

Oct 2015 Rise/Set a.m./p.m.

Nov 2015 Rise/Set a.m./p.m.

Dec 2015 Rise/Set a.m./p.m.

Jan 2016 Rise/Set a.m./p.m.

Feb 2016 Rise/Set a.m./p.m.

01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31

7:25/7:14 6:52/5:35 7:26/7:13 6:53/5:34 7:27/7:11 6:54/5:33 7:27/7:10 6:55/5:32 7:28/7:09 6:56/5:31 7:29/7:07 6:57/5:31 7:30/7:06 6:58/5:30 7:31/7:04 6:59/5:29 7:31/7:03 7:00/5:28 7:31/7:02 7:01/5:27 7:33/7:00 7:02/5:26 7:34/6:59 7:03/5:26 7:35/6:58 7:04/5:25 7:36/6:56 7:05/5:24 7:36/6:55 7:06/5:24 7:37/6:54 7:07/5:23 7:38/6:52 7:08/5:22 7:39/6:51 7:09/5:22 7:40/6:50 7:10/5:21 7:41/6:49 7:11/5:21 7:42/6:48 7:12/5:20 7:43/6:46 7:13/5:20 7:44/6:45 7:14/5:19 7:44/6:44 7:15/5:19 7:45/6:43 7:15/5:19 7:46/6:42 7:16/5:18 7:47/6:41 7:17/5:18 7:48/6:39 7:18/5:18 7:49/6:38 7:19/5:17 7:50/6:37 7:20/5:17 7:51/6:36

7:21/5:17 7:22/5:17 7:23/5:17 7:24/5:17 7:25/5:17 7:25/5:17 7:26/5:17 7:27/5:17 7:28/5:17 7:29/5:17 7:29/5:17 7:30/5:18 7:31/5:18 7:32/5:18 7:32/5:18 7:33/5:19 7:34/5:19 7:34/5:19 7:35/5:20 7:35/5:20 7:36/5:21 7:36/5:21 7:37/5:22 7:37/5:22 7:38/5:23 7:38/5:23 7:38/5:24 7:39//5:25 7:39/5:25 7:39/5:26 7:40/5:27

7:40/5:28 7:30/5:57 7:40/5:28 7:30/5:58 7:40/5:29 7:29/5:59 7:40/5:30 7:28/6:01 7:40/5:31 7:27/6:02 7:40/5:32 7:26/6:03 7:40/5:33 7:25/6:04 7:40/5:33 7:25/6:05 7:40/5:34 7:24/6:06 7:40/5:35 7:23/6:07 7:40/5:36 7:22/6:08 7:40/5:37 7:21/6:09 7:40/5:38 7:20/6:10 7:40/5:39 7:19/6:11 7:39/5:40 7:17/6:12 7:39/5:41 7:16/6:13 7:39/5:42 7:15/6:14 7:38/5:43 7:14/6:15 7:38/5:44 7:13/6:16 7:38/5:45 7:12/6:17 7:37/5:46 7:11/6:18 7:37/5:47 7:09/6:18 7:36/5:48 7:08/6:19 7:36/5:49 7:07/6:20 7:35/5:50 7:06/6:21 7:35/5:51 7:05/6:22 7:34/5:52 7:03/6:23 7:33/5:53 7:02/6:24 7:33/5:54 7:01/6:25 7:32/5:55 7:31/5:56

Mar 2016 Rise/Set a.m./p.m.

Apr 2016 Rise/Set a.m./p.m.

6:59/6:26 7:16/7:52 6:58/6:27 7:15/7:53 6:57/6:28 7:13/7:54 6:55/6:29 7:12/7:55 6:54/6:30 7:10/7:56 6:53/6:30 7:09/7:56 6:51/6:31 7:08/7:57 6:50/6:32 7:06/7:58 6:49/6:33 7:05/7:59 6:47/6:34 7:04/8:00 6:46/6:35 7:02/8:01 6:44/6:36 7:01/8:01 7:43/7:37 7:00/8:02 7:42/7:37 6:58/8:03 7:40/7:38 6:57/8:04 7:39/7:39 6:56/8:05 7:37/7:40 6:54/8:05 7:36/7:41 6:53/8:06 7:35/7:42 6:52/8:07 7:33/7:42 6:51/8:08 7:32/7:43 6:49/8:09 7:30/7:44 6:48/8:10 7:29/7:45 6:47/8:10 7:27/7:46 6:46/8:11 7:26/7:47 6:45/8:12 7:25/7:47 6:43/8:13 7:23/7:48 6:42/8:14 7:22/7:49 6:41/8:15 7:20/7:50 6:40/8:15 7:19/7:51 6:39/8:16 7:17/7:51

May 2016 Rise/Set a.m./p.m.

Jun 2016 Rise/Set a.m./p.m.

6:38/8:17 6:16/8:41 6:37/8:18 6:15/8:41 6:36/8:19 6:15/8:42 6:35/8:20 6:15/8:43 6:34/8:21 6:15/8:43 6:33/8:21 6:15/8:44 6:32/8:22 6:14/8:44 6:31/8:23 6:14/8:45 6:30/8:24 6:14/8:45 6:29/8:25 6:14/8:46 6:28/8:25 6:14/8:46 6:27/8:26 6:14/8:47 6:27/8:27 6:14/8:47 6:26/8:28 6:14/8:47 6:25/8:29 6:14/8:48 6:24/8:29 6:14/8:48 6:23/8:30 6:14/8:48 6:23/8:31 6:14/8:49 6:22/8:32 6:15/8:49 6:21/8:33 6:15/8:49 6:21/8:33 6:15/8:49 6:20/8:34 6:15/8:49 6:20/8:35 6:16/8:50 6:19/8:35 6:16/8:50 6:19/8:36 6:16/8:50 6:18/8:37 6:17/8:50 6:18/8:38 6:17/8:50 6:17/8:38 6:17/8:50 6:17/8:39 6:18/8:50 6:16/8:40 6:18/8:50 6:16/8:40

July 2016 Rise/Set a.m./p.m.

6:18/8:50 6:19/8:50 6:19/8:50 6:20/8:49 6:20/8:49 6:21/8:49 6:22/8:49 6:22/8:48 6:23/8:48 6:23/8:48 6:24/8:47 6:24/8:47 6:25/8:47 6:26/8:46 6:26/8:46 6:27/8:45 6:28/8:45 6:28/8:44 6:29/8:44 6:30/8:43 6:31/8:42 6:31/8:42 6:32/8:41 6:33/8:40 6:33/8:40 6:34/8:39 6:35/8:38 6:36/8:37 6:36/8:36 6:37/8:35 6:38/8:35

*Boldface type = Daylight Savings Time (March 8–November 1, 2015 and March 13–November 6, 2016)

Lunation

New Moon 1st Quarter Full Moon 3rd Quarter

Duration

1148 1149 1150 1151 1152 1153 1154 1155 1156 1157 1158 1159

Oct 12 8:05PM Nov 11 12:47PM Dec 11 5:29AM Jan 9 8:30PM Feb 8 9:38AM Mar 8 8:54PM Apr 7 7:23AM May 6 3:29PM Jun 4 10:59PM Jul 4 7:00AM Aug 2 4:44PM Sep 1 5:03AM

29d 17h 41m 29d 16h 42m 29d 15h 01m 29d 13h 08m 29d 11h 16m 29d 09h 29m 29d 08h 06m 29d 07h 30m 29d 08h 01m 29d 09h 44m 29d 12h 19m 29d 15h 08m

Oct 20 Nov 19 Dec 18 Jan 16 Feb 15 Mar 15 Apr 13 May 13 Jun 12 Jul 11 Aug 10 Sep 9

4:31PM 1:27AM 10:14AM 6:26PM 2:46AM 1:02PM 11:59PM 1:02PM 4:09AM 8:51PM 2:20PM 7:48AM

Oct 27 Nov 25 Dec 25 Jan 23 Feb 22 Mar 23 Apr 22 May 21 Jun 20 Jul 19 Aug 18 Sep 16

8:05AM 5:44PM 6:11AM 8:45PM 1:19PM 8:00AM 1:23AM 5:14PM 7:02AM 6:56PM 5:26AM 3:05PM

Nov 3 Dec 3 Jan 2 Jan 31 Mar 1 Mar 31 Apr 29 May 29 Jun 27 Jul 26 Aug 24 Sep 23

7:23AM 2:40AM 12:30AM 10:27PM 6:10PM 11:16 AM 11:28PM 8:11AM 2:18PM 6:59PM 11:40PM v5:56AM

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