REVIEW: WINCHESTER DEER SEASON XP - P.10
PA’s Expanded Seasons Story inside page 8
Summertime Fishing Tips
Outdoor Times July 2015
OV Outdoor Times
The temperature gauge on my truck’s display indicated 86 degrees as I pulled off of the road to pick up my friend Dave Keith. The day prior I’d replied “I’m in” in response to his query proposing an By Jeff Knapp afternoon/evening Fishing Editor trip for wild trout. Now I questioned that decision, but took solace considering the somewhat lengthy drive to the stream, more specifically the air conditioned truck cab it would be taken in. A few hours later, as we stored our gear with the aid of the truck cap light, I was glad we’d taken the outing. All told we probably fished about a mile-and-a-half up the stream, so the round trip covered about three miles. But the stream was cool – 62 degrees registered on my stream thermometer – and the woods relatively bug free. We’d each had plenty of trout action – a few wild browns landed and several others missed and lost. I’ll recall the moments those fish provided long after I’ve forgotten the sweat-soaked cap worn while they happened.
Ohio Valley
FR EE!
Turn To Fishing Page 6
Ohio Valley Outdoors–Photo courtesy of Heather Snyder Sisarcick
Heather Snyder Sisarcick’s impressive muskie, caught on Piedmont Lake in Ohio. It was her first muskie.
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OHIO VALLEY OUTDOOR TIMES
INSIDE THIS MONTH 14 Applications
Common Shooting Problems and How to Fix Them
7
Available for Antlerless Deer Limited Permits
Ralph Scherder
WVDNR
15 Duck Numbers
New State Record Hybrid Striped Bass
8
19 Applications Set for
ODNR
Remain High
Consider Hunting PA’s WMU 2B for Expanded Opportunities
WVDNR
Controlled Hunts in WV
Col (Ret.) Grey D. Berrier
10 Tipping the Scales
with Winchester DSXP Bill Waugaman
13 Trapping Basics: Know the Law OUTDOOR CALENDAR
Catfish Tournaments at Hubbard Conservation Club - July 25; Aug. 8, 22 (5:30-11:30 p.m.) $9 entry, 30% payout for 1st, 20% for 2nd. $4 for side pot, largest fish. Club located at: 1760 WickCampbell Road, Hubbard, OH 44425. For info. call Brian Radcliff at 330-610-5802. Ohio River Catfish Tournaments - July 18, Aug. 8 at Chester City Park marina, Chester, WV 26034. Sponsored by Chester-Newell Sportsmen Club. Entry $10 per fisherman. Begins 7 p.m. Saturday, ends 7 a.m. Sunday. Contact Chaney’s Service Station in Chester at 304-387-3982. 3-D Archery Shoots - Aug. 7, Sept. 6 at Beaver Creek Sportsman Club, Washingtonville, OH. Cost $10 (12&up), $5 (11&under). All welcome. For info. call Chuck York at 330-978-3253 or 330-7163964. Explore the Outdoors Day - August 8 (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.) at Beaver Creek State Park (also Wildlife Education Center), 12780 Echo Dell Road, East Liverpool, OH 43920; featuring several hands-on outdoor demonstrations for youths and adults. Visit their website: www.friendsofbeavercreekstatepark.org.
Ohio Valley
A year ago my column on this page was dedicated to women in the outdoors, titled “Supply and Demand: For Pink Products”. The focus was around outdoor products that were geared toward women — PINK prod- By Larry Claypool ucts and the like. Manu- Editor facturers have filled retail shops and the Internet with an unlimited amount of outdoor products and clothing for females, young and old. As I said before, there’s a good reason manufacturers are offering pink products, and products that fit women, because they’re selling — and making money! I bring this up — to check in a year later — and announce that Ohio Valley Outdoors magazine (our sister publication) has recently interviewed Ohio female huntress Beka Garris for an upcoming feature article. Garris, of southern Ohio, has become an Internet celebrity by offering her almost DAILY outdoor adventures while she roams the region; hunting, scouting, hiking, fishing and bowfishing in the Ohio valley and beyond. NOTE: This lady can bowfish! With over 20,000 ‘Likes’ on Facebook and nearly 18,000 followers on Instagram (as WILDERNESSBABE), the 20-something Garris is getting a lot of attention these days. We’re excited to hear her story, and present it to you. Check our Facebook page for updates. Garris undoubtedly will also be featured on the cover story of a future OV Times. Interestingly, since we’ve been publishing the Times (2009), there have been seven females featured on the Times’ ‘Page One’, including this issue (of Heather Snyder Sisarcick’s monster muskie). That includes
JULY 2015
three female youth hunters, which is impressive. So yes, as the rest of the outdoors community has recognized women in the outdoors are important, we do too. Stay tuned. In the issue As always this month we offer a wide sprinkling of outdoor stories, tips and news that reflect the region. For me this time of year means a lot of relaxing fishing. That hasn’t really been the case this year. We didn’t have much of the spring season (I think that was an early summer, yuk) and summer really hasn’t been summer, unless you like rain. Enough is enough though. Since I don’t fish as much as some our outdoor writers — I limit myself because I like to fish the local creeks — which have been less than desirable because of high, fast moving water. More serious fisherman (and women) drop a line in a variety of waters that allow for more days of fishing. One such person would be our Fishing Editor, Jeff Knapp. In this issue Knapp offers many ‘Summertime Fishing Tips’ in his column (Page 1). His tips offer advise on making the fisherman more comfortable during an outing. These tips can also apply to other outdoor activities. A comfortable fisherman is a happy fisherman. And catching a few fish helps too. • For our Pennsylvania hunters, writer Grey D. Berrier II offers a detailed explanation about new deer and bear hunting opportunities in PA’s WMU 2B (Page 8). It’s worth reading, and could help you put another wall hanger in the ‘man cave’. • For serious deer hunters writer and reviewer Bill Waugaman offers a detailed look into the new Winchester Deer Season XP (Extreme Point) centerfire cartridge (Page 10).
To Advertise CALL 330-385-2243 Publisher/Editor, Larry Claypool lclaypool@ohiovalleyoutdoors.com
Outdoor Times July 2015
A Good Cover Story OV Outdoor Times
2
Graphics Designer, Linda McKenzie lmckenzie@ohiovalleyoutdoors.com
VOL. 7, NO. 07
is published by Ohio Valley Outdoors Magazine
Offices located at
Ohio Valley Outdoor Times
210 E. 4th Street, East Liverpool, OH 43920 Phone 330-385-2243, Fax 330-385-7114 ohvod@ohiovalleyoutdoors.com www.ohiovalleyoutdoors.com
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Sales Consultant, Tracy Bissell tbissell@ohiovalleyoutdoors.com advertising@ohiovalleyoutdoors.com
Contributing Editors
Ralph Scherder, Hunting Editor Jeff Knapp, Fishing Editor Brian Miller, Field Editor
QUESTIONS, COMMENTS
Ohio Valley Outdoor Times is all about its readers. We’d love to hear from you. Send us something at ohvod@ohiovalleyoutdoors.com
July 2015
OHIO VALLEY OUTDOOR TIMES
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OHIO VALLEY OUTDOOR TIMES
Common Shooting Problems and How to Fix Them OV Outdoor Times
I enjoy shooting all types of weapons, from handguns and rifles to compound bows and crossbows. For the most part, I consider myself efficient with all of them. Sometimes I’m more By Ralph Scherder than efficient. There Hunting Editor are days when it seems like every shot is a bull’s-eye. Likewise, there are days when I struggle mightily. One thing I’ve learned, though, is that when I struggle, there’s usually a reason why. Here are a few of the problems that I’ve faced, and how I’ve fixed them. 1) Gaining efficiency with any weapon requires practice. Lots of practice. However, sometimes the amount that we practice can be detrimental. Too much practice can lead to physical fatigue, and when the body begins shutting down, our mind soon follows – and vice versa.
Continuing to practice even though you’re fatigued can lead to the formation of bad habits, not to mention shooting slumps that can carry over into your actual hunting. Have you ever taken a dozen shots or so and had all of them hit right on target only to find that another dozen shots later they begin hitting in a totally different place? I know I sure have. It doesn’t seem possible, but it happens. The more consecutive shots you take, the more your mind loses focus and body tires. To compensate, your body modifies its movements. Yes, every shot may now be hitting the same spot six inches to the right, but that’s simply because your body is performing the same poor shooting habits with each shot in an attempt to convince you that it’s not tired. If you’ve been practicing for a lengthy period of time and suddenly find that you’re getting flyers, don’t move those sights quite yet. Take a break and clear your mind. Eat or drink something to re-
JULY 2015
Ohio Valley Outdoors -Photo by Ralph Scherder
Gaining efficiency with any weapon requires practice. Lots of practice. However, sometimes the amount that we practice can be detrimental.
plenish your body. Maybe even wait until tomorrow and come back at it fresh again. If you find that your arrows still aren’t
hitting where you want them to the next day, then you can begin making adjustTurn To Shooting Page 5
July 2015
Shooting From Page 4
ments. More often than not, though, you’ll find that you’re back to hitting exactly where you should be hitting. Everyone has a bad shooting day now and then. 2) No matter which brand of arrows you decide to hunt with this fall, it’s a good idea to test each arrow for accuracy before you place it in your quiver. The testing is done, quite simply, by shooting them. When coming home with a brand new batch of arrows, it’s easy to believe that all of them will shoot equally well. However, minor discrepancies from arrow to arrow often cause them fly slightly different. Sometimes it’s a matter of arrow weight. Machines are not always perfect and some arrows may weigh several grains heavier or lighter than others. Some of the arrows could have slightly thicker or thinner walls or microscopic flaws that set them apart. I highly recommend using a fine scale to weigh all arrows and see how they compare. Be sure to shoot every arrow, even the ones in your quiver that you plan to hunt with. Check that…especially the ones you plan to hunt with. Shoot one group of three arrows every 15 minutes. The 15 minute break will give your body proper recovery time to avoid shooting fatigue. This little break is vital to the testing of any shooting product because you want to be sure that you’re giving the product a fair shake and not influencing the results through your own fatigue. From each three-shot group, select the two best arrows. These arrows should have flown straighter (with no “kick”) and hit as close as possible to the bull’seye. After shooting all 12 arrows, you should have eight remaining. Once again, take a break from shooting. Shoot two groups of four arrows and select the best three from each group. You now have six arrows that shoot the best out of the original dozen. They will be the most accurate and reliable of the bunch. With a quiver-full of finely tuned
OHIO VALLEY OUTDOOR TIMES
arrows and razor sharp broadheads, you’ll be ready to answer when opportunity knocks. 3) Sometimes when I’m bench shooting my rifle, I’ll shoot a really tight group and then that group will inexplicable open up. All of a sudden the rifle will be shooting all over the place. When that happens, I take a break, and if it’s still happening after I start again, I start looking at the rifle. The most obvious, and yet easy to over look, parts are the stock screws on the underside of the forearm. Between the stock and barrel of most factory rifles, you’ll notice a pillar or cradle that the barrel rests on. The pillar is part of the stock, actually, and if the stock screw is too loose or too tight it can cause the barrel to either vibrate or bind. Both can cause problems. Vibration means moving parts, which means the barrel might not be resting in the exact same position prior to every shot. Binding can cause the same problem too. Ideally, I tighten the screws as far they will go and then back them off a quarter or half turn – just enough so that they’re snug. I do the same with my crossbow. 4) Sometimes scopes and sights just need to lock in, and it can take several shots before they do. If I’m making considerable adjustments to my scope or sights, I always give them a light tap before taking another shot. If the sights haven’t been adjusted for a long time, they can have a memory and start creaking back toward their former position, especially with older model scopes. The light tap helps erase that memory, so to speak. But if your first shot after adjustment isn’t where you want it to be, take another shot before deciding whether or not to adjust it again. There are a lot of things that can go wrong when shooting. The most important thing to remember is that, when something goes wrong, avoid making lots of changes all at once. Correcting errant shots is a matter of troubleshooting one thing at a time until you find the problem, and then you’ll know exactly what, if anything, needs fixed.
There are a lot of things that can go wrong when shooting. The most important thing to remember is that, when something goes wrong, avoid making lots of changes all at once.
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OHIO VALLEY OUTDOOR TIMES
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• The possibility of dehydration is an important consideration when fishing at this time of year. Drink plenty of water prior to the outing and carry more with you. And drink it, even if you don’t feel thirsty. • Sunscreen and insect repellent are two requisites of most summer fishing outings, particularly the former item. Be judicious with the application of sunscreen on the face, particularly above the eyes. A cocktail of sweat and high potency sunscreen running into your eyes is not a pleasant experience. Use of a sunscreen designed for use on the sensitive skin of babies and infants might alleviate this problem for you. I use such and don’t have any issues if it should come in contact with my eyes. But others I fished with have experienced problems in this regard. • I’ve found natural insect repellents that rely on citronella to be effective on the flying pests we encounter around here, though it needs to be reapplied every couple of hours. Stronger
Fishing From Page 1
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repellents that use DEET are a better deterrent and might last longer, but are harsher on skin and tackle. If ticks are a concern, spraying your clothes (at least a couple hours before) with a Permethrin-based product will help repel ticks. A treatment should last a couple washings. • Dress for the part. Lightweight nylon pants, shorts and shirts are airy and provide a degree of sun protection. They dry quickly so a sudden shower doesn’t necessarily mean the need for raingear, a nice option when it’s sweltering out. Don’t forget the sunglasses, especially when fishing a lake. The combination of direct sunlight plus that reflected off the water can be brutal. • Consider, too, what you’re fishing for. It’s recommended that you not catch trout when the water is 70 degrees or warmer, that is if you plan on releasing the fish. Well-canopied brooks and runs often stay below this threshold. Larger streams may not, even ones that receive cold water from lime-
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Hot weather fishing can indeed be enjoyable and productive, particularly if you consider a few key things. • The days are long this time of year, so pick portions when it’s coolest. Ideally this means the first few hours of daylight. If things like work interfere with such scheduling the final few hours are a good choice. • Sunlight can really take its toll on you. If the day is a sunny one consider wearing a hat with a full brim that acts like an umbrella. Though they might look a bit funky, you’re not looking to make a fashion statement. If you’re fishing a trout stream chances are it will be heavily shaded, which will make it much cooler for you (and the trout). Since floppy hats can be snagged and knocked off while navigating the wooded banks I prefer a baseball cap with a long bill. The one I wear was treated with insect repellent by the maker; it seems to help in that regard.
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JULY 2015
Ohio Valley Outdoors–Photo by Jeff Knapp
Jerry Keith displays a nice largemouth bass taken from NW PA’s Kahle Lake during a hot summer day.
stone springs. It’s wise to carry a stream thermometer to check the water temperature before you begin fishing. Since freestone (as opposed to limestone) streams heat up and cool down significantly during a summer day, the first couple of hours are often the best for safely fishing these waters.
July 2015
OHIO VALLEY OUTDOOR TIMES
7
New State Record Hybrid Striped Bass Certified
COLUMBUS, OH — A new Ohio record Hybrid Striped Bass (a cross between a white bass and a striped bass) has been certified by the Outdoor Writers of Ohio’s State Record Fish Committee. The new state record hybrid striper, weighing 18.32 pounds, was caught by Richard A. Kinsley of Washington Court House, Ohio, in a feeder creek to Deer Creek Lake in Fayette County. Knisley caught the hybrid striped bass on May 24, 2015, using cut shad for bait, on a spinning rod with 15 lb test monofilament line. Knisley’s hybrid striped bass is 31.75 inches long and 24.5 inches in girth. His catch replaces the previous state record hybrid striper which was caught in Deer Creek Lake by Rosemary Shaver on May 4, 2001, weighing 17.68
pounds and measuring 31 inches long. Ohio’s record fish are determined on the basis of weight only. Ohio’s state record fish are certified by the Outdoor Writers of Ohio’s State Record Fish Committee with assistance from fisheries biologists with the Ohio Division of Wildlife. Fish Management Supervisor Debra Walters from the Ohio Division of Wildlife District Five Office in Xenia confirmed the identification of Knisley’s catch as a hybrid striped bass. For more information on Ohio’s state record fish program, contact Fred Snyder, Chairman, OWO State Record Fish Committee, by phone: 419-332-0777 or email: fnsnyder@gmail.com. The OWO website is: www.outdoorwritersofohio.org.
Ohio Valley Outdoors– Photo courtesy of Richard A. Knisely
Richard A. Knisely with his Ohio state record Hybrid Striped Bass, that weighed in at 18.32 pounds.
• Meet the Ohio Valley Outdoors Magazine/OVTimes staff EXPLORE THE • Subscribe to Ohio Valley Outdoors Magazine OUTDOORS DAY August 8, 2015, Beaver Creek State Park
How to Contact US
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
• E-mail: lclaypool@ohiovalleyoutdoors.com • Write: “Dear OVTimes” at Ohio Valley Outdoor Times: 210 E. 4th Street, East Liverpool, Ohio 43920 • Please include your full name, address and phone number. Letters may be edited for clarity and space.
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OHIO VALLEY OUTDOOR TIMES
Consider Hunting PA’s WMU 2B for Expanded Opportunities OV Outdoor Times
Planes, trains, car, trucks, and even tugboats pushing barges. I still remember taking it all in from high atop a ridge along the Ohio River within 10 (Ret.)Grey D. Berrier II miles of Pittsburgh By Col. FIN Pro Staff International Airport, the first time I hunted in Pennsylvania’s Wildlife Management Unit (WMU) 2B. While the sights and sounds told me I wasn’t hunting my normal haunts of intermittent woodlands and farmlands in rural PA, the numerous rubs, scrapes, and well-worn trails clearly indicated that white-tailed deer abounded in the area. Since I first started hunting in 1975, a very interesting dynamic has occurred in regards to deer hunters and deer in my home state. Traditionally, hunters from urban and suburban areas drove many miles to their camps in PA’s Big Woods to hunt deer. Concurrently, deer populations in the urban and suburban areas the hunters were leaving behind thrived to
the point that deer were becoming nuisances in many locales on account of frequent deer-vehicle collisions, their over-consumption of valuable landscape plantings, and potentially serving as hosts for ticks that can spread Lyme disease to humans. Today, Pennsylvania’s WMU 2B, which includes the vast majority of densely populated Allegheny County (think Pittsburgh) and portions of surrounding suburban Beaver, Butler, Westmoreland, and Washington Counties has an abundant deer population and is a recognized hot-spot for heavily-antlered white-tailed bucks in the Commonwealth. With very limited public land available in WMU 2B, the challenge has always been finding access to property where you have permission to hunt. With the recent rule changes enacted by the PA Game Commission for the new July 1, 2015 – June 30, 2016 hunting year, there is now more incentive than ever before for hunters to consider hunting in WMU 2B and to make a deliberTurn To PA’s WMU Page 9
JULY 2015
Ohio Valley Outdoors–Photo courtesy of Ralph Scherder
The PA Game Commission expanded deer hunting season in WMU 2B this year and it should prove for more successful for hunters. Dan Sum (left) was able to harvest this nice buck in WMU 2B last season, with the help of Brian Brucker.
July 2015
PA’s WMU From Page 8
ate effort, prior to the opening of archery season, to obtain permission from landowners to hunt their ground. The opportunity to harvest a trophy whitetailed buck or multiple antlerless deer exist for those willing to hunt in what many would deem nontraditional deer woods. The PA Game Commission recognized the need to harvest numerous deer throughout WMU 2B by expanding seasons and providing abundant antlerless licenses for this coming hunting season. This year’s PA statewide archery season runs from October 3 – November 14, 2015 and comes back in from December 26, 2015 – January 9, 2016. Archery hunters in WMU 2B will have six additional weeks: September 19 – October 2, 2015; November 16-28, 2015; and January 11-23, 2016. What will make this bonus time afield even more special is that for the first time ever, archery hunters will be able to harvest either an antlered or antlerless deer during these extended periods. In past years, the additional days in WMU 2B, prior to and after the PA statewide archery season were antlerless only. This also means that archers will be able to pursue an
OHIO VALLEY OUTDOOR TIMES
antlered deer in PA for six days, September 19-25, 2015; prior to the September 26, 2015 opening of the Ohio archery season. This opportunity to take an early buck may be all the incentive some hunters need to try out WMU 2B this year. (Keep in mind that WMU 2B is part of the “Three Up” antler restriction area found in western PA.) Archery hunters aren’t the only ones who can benefit from hunting in WMU 2B this coming season. With a new rule change, WMUs 1A & 1B, which border on the PA/OH Stateline, will now be antlered only for the first five days of the PA regular firearms deer season, November 28 – December 4, 2015 and then both antlered and antlerless from December 5-12, 2015. This leaves WMU 2B as the only WMU in Western PA where both antlered and antlerless deer are legal quarry for the entire two weeks of the PA regular firearms deer season, November 30 – December 12, 2105. Flintlock hunters also receive two additional weeks, January 11-23, 2016 to pursue both antlered and antlerless deer in WMU 2B. Just Allegheny County, not all of WMU 2B, also offers firearms hunters an extended antlerless only firearms season from December 26, 2015 – January 23, 2016.
White-tailed deer aren’t the only quarry available in WMU 2B. While their numbers are limited, black bear are continually expanding their range throughout western PA and WMU 2B is no exception. Every year, several bear are harvested in WMU 2B and the extremely liberal seasons offer plenty of incentive to purchase a bear license “just in case” one would meander through while you are in a treestand. Bears can be legally harvested in WMU 2B by properly licensed archers from September 19 – November 20, 2015. (November 16-20, 2015 being the PA statewide archery bear season.) Muzzleloader hunters can also potentially take a black bear in WMU 2B with a flintlock, percussion cap, or in-line rifle from October 17-24, 2015. Additionally, there is the 2B special firearms bear season, October 22-24, 2015, which is open to Junior & Senior license holders, active-duty military, and certain disabled persons. Finally, WMU 2B has an extended firearms bear season that runs concurrently with the PA regular firearms deer season from November 30 – December 12, 2015. The opportunity exists to hunt black bear from almost mid-September to mid-December in WMU 2B, if you choose to do so. Also
9 remember, coyotes are fairly abundant in WMU 2B, even within the Pittsburgh city limits, and are one of the few species that can be hunted 24/7/365, to include Sundays, in PA. While the PA antlerless allocation system can be somewhat confusing for both residents and nonresidents alike, there are several key dates to keep in mind. Resident applications were accepted starting July 13, 2015 and nonresident applications open two weeks later, July 27, 2015. The first round of unsold licenses becomes available to both residents and nonresidents on August 3, 2015; while the second round of unsold licenses is scheduled for August 17, 2015. Based on the substantial quantity available, both residents and nonresidents can begin to send for unlimited WMU 2B antlerless licenses starting August 3, 2015. The only limitation is that no more than three applications can be included in each official pink envelope. Starting August 24, 2015, WMU 2B antlerless licenses can be purchased over-the-counter from the county treasurer’s office in any of PA’s 67 counties. You do not have to drive to the county treasurer in one of the five counties that are geographically part of WMU 2B. Turn To PA’s WMU Page 12
July 2015
Product Review
OHIO VALLEY OUTDOOR TIMES
Tipping the Scales with Winchester Deer Season XP OV Outdoor Times
Looking back over the last several years at new Winchester ammunition, I’ve reviewed Blindside waterfowl shotgun shells, PDX1 .410 shells for the S&W Governor and Taurus Judge, and the .17 By Bill Waugaman Winchester Super Magnum. All of these new cartridges get an A+. Now, a new Winchester centerfire cartridge has garnered serious interest for me, the Deer Season XP (Extreme Point). Any deer hunter knows that you need to tip the scales in your favor any way you can to be successful. Not every shot is picture perfect at a deer standing broadside; the shot could be 20 yards or 200 yards; even with good bullet place-
ment, dropping a deer quickly takes knockdown power or you could be tracking for hundreds of yards, or more. The choice of ammunition, and specifically the bullet, can be the deciding factor of a successful hunt. The Deer Season XP bullet was specifically designed by engineers at Winchester to meet the needs of deer hunters. It is available in these 8 popular deer hunting cartridges: 243 Win. (95 gr.), 270 Win. (130 gr.), 270 WSM (130 gr.), 7mm Rem Mag (140 gr.), 308 Win. (150 gr.), 30-06 Springfield (150 gr.), 300 Win Mag (150 gr.) and 300 WSM (150 gr.). The bullet for each of these cartridges has two common characteristics that give the performance desired. • Large diameter polymer tip – This polymer tip is about twice the diameter of typical ballistic tip bullets. Upon impact, it causes the contoured copper
jacket of the bullet to begin expanding immediately. This rapid expansion allows the alloy lead core to transfer the energy quickly (i.e. knockdown power). • High ballistics coefficient – Simply stated, a higher ballistic coefficient means less drag for higher retained velocity, less drop and less wind drift. On average for the 8 Deer Season XP cartridges, 92% of muzzle velocity is retained at 100 yards and 85% at 200 yards. As for average energy of the Deer Season XP cartridges, 85% is retained at 100 yards and 73% at 200 yards. When sighted in for 100 yards, the average Turn To Winchester Page 11
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Ohio Valley Outdoors–Photo by Bill Waugaman
A side-by-side comparison of the Winchester XP (left) and regular ballistic tipped cartridge.
Ohio Valley Outdoors– Photo by Bill Waugaman
The Winchester Deer Season XP bullet with exactly 16 inches of penetration in the gel block.
July 2015
Winchester From Page 10
drop for all 8 cartridges at 200 yards is only 2.8”. Checking Muzzle Velocity A string of 10 shots were fired from a 45-year-old Remington 700BDL (22” barrel, 1-in-10” twist) and then a Weatherby Vanguard Series 2 (24” barrel, 1-in10” twist) to check the muzzle velocities of the .308 Win Deer Season XP. High Low Spread Average Remington 700BDL 2,707 2,661 46 2,683 Weatherby Vanguard Series 2 2,789 2,760 29 2,776 The muzzle velocities were slightly under the specifications stated by Winchester from their controlled environment testing. What is very impressive is the consistency of the DSXP muzzle velocities. From the 22” barreled Remington, the total variance from high to low was just 46 fps; for the 24” barreled Weatherby, the variance was only 29 fps. This is exceptional consistency from everyday hunting ammunition. Checking Accuracy The DSXP was tested for accuracy at 100 yards. Remington 700 BDL – Ten 3-shot groups ranging from 1.6” to 2.3”, averaged 1.9”. This rifle has seen a couple
OHIO VALLEY OUTDOOR TIMES
thousand rounds through it over the years. Lately, 2” to 3+” groups were the norm with various brands and loads of ammunition. Imagine the surprise when the first 3-shot group using Deer Season XP was 1.7”. There may be some life left in this old rifle. Weatherby Vanguard Series 2 – Ten 3shot groups ranging from .6” to 1.3”, averaged 1.0”. Weatherby states that this rifle is capable of sub-moa accuracy with quality ammunition. Six of the 10 groups were 1” or less. Obviously, Deer Season XP can meet Weatherby’s criteria. A brief opportunity to shoot a brand new Savage 10 FCP-SR (20” barrel, 1in-10” twist) presented itself. One 3-shot group was fired and measured at 1.2”. While this rifle isn’t designed for deer hunting, checking how it would handle a cartridge specifically for deer hunting was more to satisfy my curiosity. Curiosity satisfied. Checking Penetration and Energy Transfer Performance of the Deer Season XP was tested in ballistic gelatin from Clear Ballistics. Winchester claims the DSXP’s bullet is designed to transfer energy quickly and with total penetration in the 16” to 20” range. Using two 16”
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Ohio Valley Outdoors– Photo by Bill Waugaman
The packaging of the Winchester Deer Season XP ammo, in .308 DSXP.
gel blocks placed end to end, I recorded the impact of the DSXP at 10 feet from the muzzle. This bullet performed exactly as Winchester claims. The penetration was right at 16 inches and the energy transfer was so massive it lifted the gel blocks completely off the surface. The slow motion video is an eye
opener. Expecting this ammunition to have a premium price tag, the MSRP was another eye opener. Deer Season XP in standard calibers will have an MSRP in the very reasonable $21 to $24 price Turn To Winchester Page 12
12 Winchester From Page 11
range. Magnum calibers will be around $30 and short magnums about $9 more. Two years ago, I asked one of my contacts at Winchester (Olin) about the development of new cartridges. Paraphrasing his response, “Winchester is dedicated to meeting customer expectations 100% of the time through the continuous improvement process. Our customers want new, innovative products that give them an edge on the range or in the field.” The Winchester Deer Season XP does just that.
Ohio Valley Outdoors–Photo by Bill Waugaman
Remington target results in 1.7” group.
JULY 2015
OHIO VALLEY OUTDOOR TIMES
PA’s WMU From Page 9
Ohio Valley Outdoors–Photo by Bill Waugaman
Savage target results in 1.2” group.
Ohio Valley Outdoors–Photo by Bill Waugaman
Weatherby target results in 0.6” group.
If you are considering hunting WMU 2B this year, please take time to carefully read the applicable rules and regulations found in the 2015-16 Pennsylvania Hunting & Trapping Digest and also available on the PA Game Commission’s website (www.pgc.state.pa.us). You’ll find the details there you need to know to safely and legally hunt in WMU 2B. Be Aware PA Safety Zones are 150 yards around any occupied structure when hunting with a firearm, but are reduced to only 50 yards for archery hunters, except around schools and playgrounds where it remains 150 yards. The 50 yard archery Safety Zone opens up a significant amount of potential small woodlots in residential, commercial, and industrial areas in WMU 2B to hunting; but necessitates ethical shot selection and hunting practices in such close proximity to other human activity. Why not buck the trend this coming year and when other hunters are heading out from their homes in populated areas and traveling to PA’s Big Woods, you can slip down into a woodlot in PA’s WMU 2B and possibly be rewarded with some of the best hunting you’ve ever experienced!
PFBC Offers New Kayak Fishing Programs
HARRISBURG, PA — The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) has scheduled two programs to provide an opportunity for anglers or kayak enthusiasts to learn about the basics of in kayak fishing. PFBC Kayak Fishing Programs will be held at these locations: • July 18, Bald Eagle State Park – Hunter Run East launch, Centre County, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. • August 1, Moraine State Park – Bear Run launch, Butler County, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. Jeff Woleslagle will be the guest instructor at the July 18 program. Noah Heck will be the guest instructor at the August 1 program. Participants must be 16 years of age or older and have a valid Pennsylvania fishing license. This program is limited to 40 participants and pre-registration is required. There will be no registrations accepted the day of the event. Pennsylvania fishing licenses may be purchased at license issuing agents and online at www.GoneFishingPa.com.
Send us your t rophy photos
Eric Mehalko largemouth bass using green pumpkin java tubes
For our Photo Showcase Connor Mayle turkey Trumbull County, OH
email to: ohvod@ohiovalleyoutdoors.com mail to: Photo Showcase 210 East Fourth St. East Liverpool, OH 43920
www.ohiovalleyoutdoors.com
July 2015
Trapping Basics: Know the Law
COLUMBUS, OH — Just like hunting, whether you’re new to trapping or you’ve been trapping for decades, the basics are always important. Here’s another tip to get you started: Know the Law Ohio and federal hunting laws are presented in a summarized form. Ohio laws in their entirety can be found by consulting the Ohio Revised Code (ORC) or the Ohio Administrative Code (OAC). These laws are subject to change. It is the responsibility of the hunter to be aware of the most current laws when hunting. General Rules All first-time trappers, except apprentice license buyers, must successfully complete a hunter and a trapper education course offered through the Ohio Division of Wildlife before purchasing a hunting license and fur taker permit to trap furbearers. • Except for river otters, there are no restrictions on bag limits. • All traps and snares must be checked and all animals removed once every calendar day. • All foothold or foot-encapsulating traps set on land must have at least two swivel-
OHIO VALLEY OUTDOOR TIMES
ing points. • Foothold traps set on land must be covered. • Foothold traps that are submerged may not have an inside jaw spread greater than 8-1/4 inches. • Deadfalls are illegal. • Foothold traps set on land shall not have an inside jaw spread greater than 5-3/8 inches. • Foothold traps greater than 5-3/8 inches but 6 inches or less may be utilized provided they have a minimum of three swiveling points and the gripping surface is 5/16 inch or greater. • Except for cage traps, no traps or snares may be set within 150 feet of another person’s occupied residence without advising the resident. • Body-gripping traps set on land, or in a tile, den, or burrow on land shall not have an inside diameter jaw spread greater than 5 inches in diameter. • Body-gripping traps with an inside diameter jaw spread greater than 5 inches, but less than or equal to 7 inches must be set in a natural body of water. • Body-gripping traps with an inside jaw spread greater than 7 inches must be completely submerged and may only be utilized during the beaver or river otter season. • All furbearers shall be killed immedi-
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Ohio Valley Outdoors– Photo by Larry Claypool
It is the responsibility of the hunter/trapper to be aware of the most current state laws when hunting or trapping.
ately and reduced to the person’s possession, or released immediately at the capture site. • No person shall disturb a legally set trap or snare or remove a furbearing animal from
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a trap or snare of another person without permission. • All flesh baits must be totally covered. • Traps with teeth in the gripping surface are prohibited.
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JULY 2015
OHIO VALLEY OUTDOOR TIMES
Applications Available for WV Antlerless Deer Limited Permits
SOUTH CHARLESTON, WV — Applications for the 2015 Antlerless Deer Season limited permit areas are available online at www.wvhunt.com, according to Chris Ryan, Supervisor of Game Management Services for the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (DNR). Hunters must apply for a limited antlerless firearms permit using the Electronic Licensing System at www.wvhunt.com. To apply, hunters simply log onto their account, click on “Enter Lottery” on their home screen, and click “Enter” to the right of “Antlerless Deer Hunt.” They then select the county or WMA for which they want to apply. As in the past, hunters may also select a secondary county or WMA in case they aren’t selected for their first location. Hunters without accounts may also create one at www.wvhunt.com. Hunters wanting to enter as a group must know the other hunters’ DNR ID numbers to enter the lottery. Hunters may also call their local DNR district office for help with the application process. The deadline for applications is
midnight August 15. Successful applicants will be notified by mail by the first week of October. In addition, successful applicants can see whether they received a permit starting August 18 by logging into their account. “These limited permit areas provide antlerless deer hunting opportunities in counties or areas of the state where wildlife biologists have determined that limited numbers of antlerless deer permits are necessary to meet management objectives,” said Ryan. Five wildlife management areas (Big Ugly, Elk River, Greenbrier State Forest, Kumbrabow State Forest and Wallback) and seven counties or portions thereof (Clay, Fayette, Mercer, Nicholas, Pocahontas, Raleigh and Randolph) will have a limited number of Class N licenses for resident and Class NN licenses for nonresident antlerless deer hunting Oct. 22–24 on private land only, and Nov. 23 through Dec. 5, Dec. 17–19 and Dec. 29–31 on private and public land. For complete information on antlerless deer season dates and bag limits,
Ohio Valley Outdoors - Photo courtesy of the West Virginia Department of Commerce
Hunters must apply for a limited antlerless firearms permit using the Electronic Licensing System at www.wvhunt.com.
consult the 2015–2016 Hunting and Trapping Regulations Summary, which is available at West Virginia hunting and
fishing license agents and DNR offices. The Summary is available online at www.wvdnr.gov.
July 2015
OHIO VALLEY OUTDOOR TIMES
Duck Numbers Remain High
MEMPHIS, TN — The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) recently released its report on 2015 Trends in Duck Breeding Populations, based on surveys conducted in May and early June by FWS and the Canadian Wildlife Service. Overall duck numbers in the survey area are statistically similar to last year and remain strong. Total populations were estimated at 49.5 million breeding ducks in the traditional survey area, which is 51 percent above the 1955-2014 long-term average and the highest count on record. Last year’s estimate was 49.2 million birds. The main determining factor for duck breeding success is wetland and upland habitat conditions in the key breeding landscapes of the prairies and the boreal forest. Conditions observed across the U.S. and Canadian survey areas during the 2015 breeding population survey were drier than last year. Total
pond counts for the U.S. and Canada combined were 6.3 million, which is 12 percent below the 2014 estimate of 7.2 million and 21 percent above the long-term average. The spring surveys provide the scientific basis for many management programs across the continent, including hunting season dates and bag limits. The four flyway councils and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Regulations Committee will meet in late July to recommend the season structure and bag limits for 2015-16. Individual states will make their specific selections within a federal framework of season length, bag limits and dates. Hunters should check the rules in their states for final dates. Species estimates are: Mallards: 11.6 million, which is similar to the 2014 estimate and 51% above the long-term average. Gadwall: 3.8 million, which is similar to the 2014 estimate and
100% above the long-term average. American wigeon: 3.0 million, which is similar to the 2014 estimate and 17% above the longterm average. Green-winged teal: 4.1 million, which is 19% above the 2014 estimate and 98% above the longterm average. Blue-winged teal: 8.5 million, which is similar to the 2014 estimate and 73% above the longterm average. Northern shovelers: 4.4 million, which 17% below the 2014 estimate and 75% above the longterm average. Redheads: 1.2 million, which is similar to their 2014 estimate and 71% above the long-term average. View all the data and get a species-by-species breakdown at www.ducks.org/DuckNumbers. For more information, visit www.ducks.org. Connect on their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/DucksUnlimi ted, follow at www.twitter.com/DucksUnlimited and watch DU videos on www.youtube.com.
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OHIO VALLEY OUTDOOR TIMES
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Colton Malone bluegill private pond
Shawn Dickey 19lbs., longbeard Trumbull County
Kaleb Nape, age 13 50 lbs., 48" flathead Carroll County, OH
JULY 2015
Greg Simms turkey
Jonathan Goffoli 32-3/4" walley Lake Erie
Send Us Your Photos
Lyle Foster 27" walleye Lake Erie
Luke Greschaw 6 pt. Harrison County, OH
Toby Tice 9 pt., 133 1/8 Hancock County, WV
We’ll print your hunting, fishing or trapping photos in the next issue of OV Times or Ohio Valley Outdoors magazine. Send photos via mail, email or Facebook. Email to: ohvod@ohiovalleyoutdoors.com Mail to: Photo Showcase 210 East Fourth St., East Liverpool, OH 43920
July 2015
OHIO VALLEY OUTDOOR TIMES
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Tony Price 23.5-lbs, 9.5"beard and 1.25" spurs Van Wert County, OH
Alivia Vasi, age 6 24-lb. Mahoning County, OH
Matt Sheterom Archery Antelope hunt Wyoming
Eric Sauers Wooster, OH
Zach Malone largemouth bass
Zac Foster, Ron Williams largemouth bass Evans Lake
Joe Blazer pheasant w/Rex Ft. Pierre Grasslands, SD
Adam Momirov 8-pt., 22-1/4" spread Carroll County, OH
Jason Satterfield 11" beard, 1 Âź" spurs, 22 lbs. Ritchie County, WV
Jon Borosky 20lbs. flat head catfish Ohio River
Cohen Herchler, age 4 Trumbull County, OH
Dennis Shetler
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JULY 2015
OHIO VALLEY OUTDOOR TIMES
www.ohiovalleyoutdoors.com
Ohio Valley Outdoors
July 2015
OHIO VALLEY OUTDOOR TIMES
Applications Set for Controlled Hunts Pipestem and Cacapon
SOUTH CHARLESTON, WV — Applications are being accepted for controlled deer hunts at two West Virginia state parks in 2015. Controlled whitetailed deer hunts are scheduled at Pipestem Resort State Park (Summers County) Nov. 16, 17, 18 and at Cacapon Resort State Park (Morgan County) Dec. 7, 8, 9. Monitoring of the deer population and surveys conducted by wildlife and state parks personnel revealed a high deer density on these state park properties, according to Bob Fala, Director of the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (DNR). “When you have too many deer in one area, there is not enough available vegetation for them to browse, which affects the health of the entire deer population in that area,” Fala explained. “The results of previous controlled hunts have proven to be a responsible resource management tool.” Cooperative efforts among the DNR Parks and Recreation, Wildlife, and Law Enforcement sections have proven these special hunts to be safe and successful
during previous events. Applications for the controlled hunts are available at www.wvhunt.com. Each applicant must, if they have not already, create an account on the Electronic Licensing and Game Checking System. Once logged in, the applicant must select “Enter Lottery.” The applicant then must select which controlled hunt(s) for which they would like to apply. Hunters also may apply by calling Pipestem Resort State Park at 304-466-2804, or Cacapon Resort State Park at 304-258-1022. However, the most efficient method of applying for the controlled hunt is by using www.wvhunt.com, which allows for 24/7 access to the application process. Applications must be completed by midnight on Aug. 15, 2015. Forty hunters will be randomly selected for each day at Pipestem Resort State Park and 30 hunters each day for Cacapon Resort State Park. Two Class Q (hunting permit for persons disabled in lower extremities) stands are available each day. Successful applicants will be notified
after Oct. 1 for the date they were selected to hunt. Unsuccessful applicants will not be notified. Applicants may check to see if they were selected by logging into the Electronic Licensing and Game Checking System after Aug. 17. For additional information, contact Pipestem Resort State Park at 304-466-2804 or Cacapon Resort State Park at 304-258-1022. Application Information: Hunters may apply to hunt on one or both of the state parks, but will only be able to apply for one lottery hunt for each area. Each hunter may take one deer at each hunt. Deer harvested do not count against a hunter’s annual deer season bag limit. Only antlerless deer may be taken during this hunt, except that each day of the hunt an on-site lottery will be held which will allow up to five hunters to hunt a deer of either sex. Instructions on the application must be followed. All applications must be received through the electronic applications system before midnight Aug. 15, 2015. Each hunter must possess a valid West Virginia hunting license (or be legally exempt from purchasing a license) on the day of the hunt. Successful appli-
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cants for this hunt will be contacted with more detailed information regarding this controlled hunt. Unsuccessful applicants will be eligible for a lottery drawing the morning of the hunt to fill “no show” sites. Those wishing to enter the morning lottery must arrive and register at the registration area between 5 and 5:45 a.m. to be entered into the lottery. West Virginia Division of Natural Resources hunting regulations will apply to this hunt. The 2015 hunting regulations brochures will be available soon at license agents and online at www.wvdnr.gov.
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