ELIAS SETS ANOTHER BLADESPORTS FIRST - P.8
WV Dove Season Opener Story inside page 12
Hunting Woodcock 101
Outdoor Times October 2015
OV Outdoor Times
For me, Halloween has always been synonymous with woodcock hunting. In this part of the country, the week before and the week following Halloween marks the peak of the woodcock migration, and the hunting can be fast and furious. Woodcock are migratory game birds that trek south almost 2,000 miles every fall. Most of the prime woodcock breeding grounds are located in the marshes of the Canadian north country, alRalph Scherder though really good local habitat will have a scat- By Hunting Editor tered population of native birds year round. The intensity and duration of the migration, though, often depends on what occurs up north this time of year. For instance, natural disasters, droughts, or long periods of unseasonably cold weather can spur an early departure for woodcock and they can decide to start migrating all at once and earlier than usual. In that case, the window of opportunity can be very short, only about a week or so, before the woodcock have moved south of us. Under normal fall conditions, though, good hunting can last two to three weeks, with Halloween week being prime time. Finding woodcock is as simple as finding the right habitat. Rich bottomland chock full of alders and berries is ideal. They also favor abandoned farms, overgrown orchards, and cow pastures. Swampy areas with lots of small-growth trees are great as well. Within these covers, you’ll usually find birds holding along the edges, such as where a patch of alders borders a brushy field. Determining whether woodcock are in the area is probably the easiest part of the game. Just look down. Woodcock aren’t good at concealing their presence. They leave “chalk marks” scattered wherever they’ve been feeding. Chalk marks look like splatters of white paint. Not to be confused with the droppings of owls and other predatory birds, woodcock marks
Ohio Valley
FR EE!
Turn To Woodcock Page 11
Ohio Valley Outdoors– Photo courtesy of Ralph Scherder
The author and his English setter, Dylan, and a couple of woodcock.
INSIDE THIS MONTH 14 Warm up With
NuCanoe Trip on Clarion River
8
Jeff Knapp
Bill Waugaman
ThermaCell Heat Packs
19 Review Site Woods
Elias Sets Another BladeSports First Larry Claypool
9 WVDNR Starts Youth
Monkey Under New Ownership Larry Claypool
WVDNR
10 MWCD Master Plan Hunting Program
12
Larry Claypool
Announced
Miller Farm Kicks Off WV Dove Season Larry Claypool
5 Brenda Valentine Promotes the Outdoors OUTDOOR CALENDAR
Turkey Shoots - Each Sunday 10 a.m. Oct. 18-Dec. 13 at Chester-Newell Sportsmen Club on Gas Valley Road (behind Green Valley Dairy), Hookstown, PA. Reg. shoots $3, money shoots $5. For info. call 304-383-1886 or 304-374-5587. Turkey Shoots - Each Sunday 1 p.m. Oct. 18-Nov. 22 at Lake Milton Fish and Game Club 4374 Bedell Rd., Berlin Center, OH 44401. Cost $2 round. Call Ron at 330-348-4020. Website: www.lakemiltonifishandgame.com. Public Trap Shoot - Oct 18, 25, Nov. 1, 8 15, 22, 29; 11 a.m. each Sunday at Columbiana County Fish and Game Association; 45716 Middle Beaver Rd, Lisbon, OH 44432. Visit website: columbianacountyfishandgame.com. Indoor .22/Air Rifle Shooting - Range open to public each Weds, Oct. 14, 21, 28, Nov. 4, 11, 18, 25. (6 p.m., Sun. 11 am.) and Indoor Pistol Shooting - each Fri. (7-10 p.m.) Oct. 2-April 26, 2016. All calibers except mag loads. At Columbiana County Fish and Game Association; 45716 Middle Beaver Rd, Lisbon, OH 44432. Visit website: columbianacountyfishandgame.com.
Ohio Valley
Social media has solved another crime. Thank you Facebook. And thanks to its users. This time some fine folks in West Virginia helped the WV Natural Resources Police to solve an albino doe By Larry Claypool deer killing in Boone Editor County, WV. It didn’t take them long either — about two days. News, or information, travels fast on the Internet. On September 28, 2015 the Natural Resources Police posted this notice on Facebook, “West Virginia Natural Resources Police are asking the public for assistance in locating two men in a grey truck who shot this albino deer from their truck on Rt. 17 in Boone County at approximately 5:00 p.m. yesterday. Please call the District 5 office at 304-(xxx-xxxx), message us on Facebook, or click the link to report online,” the plea said. Two days later the WVNR Police posted this “Thank You” on their Facebook page, “NRP Officers in Boone county have solved the poaching case of the albino deer, charging three individuals. West Virginia Natural Resources Police would like to say thank you to Boone County 911 and the West Virginia State Police Intelligence Unit for their help. Most of all we would like to thank the public for their assistance in solving this case!” Good work everyone! And to add a little humor to the situation a few Facebookers posted comments after the ‘thank you’ post. One poster asked, “Would they have made the same effort for a brown deer? Brown deer matter.”
There was no response to that question. A quick look at some other posts from the WVNR Police Facebook page shows the department utilizes the social media site quite often in asking for help from the community. It appears to be a good way to get the word out to many people who can offer assistance. On October 1 the WVNR Police asked for help in finding a poacher of a doe shot from the road in Greenbrier County. That request followed a 911 call. Information received quickly led to the arrest of a man who committed the crime. On Sept. 30 the police again posted an appeal on Facebook about a buck being illegally shot on posted property in Berkeley County. There’s no update on that case. Five days earlier the WVNR Police posted that another buck had been poached in Upshur County. Again no update on that case. As a public service the WVNR posted on Facebook information about Hunting and Trapping Regulations for the upcoming hunting season. Before that a link was posted about where hunters could get their Hunter’s Education Course. Also in early September the WVNR posted on social media a successful arrest and photos of a man caught baiting and hunting for bear as he headed to his treestand. Someone called 911 on the poacher after they found bear bait, a trail camera and treestand in McDowell County. On the morning of the early bear season opener (Sept. 5) police followed the hunter to his treestand, which was situated over a baited area. That’s a no-no in West Virginia. “We continue to be impressed with how
To Advertise CALL 330-385-2243 Publisher/Editor, Larry Claypool lclaypool@ohiovalleyoutdoors.com
Outdoor Times October 2015
Facebook Users Helping WVNR Police Solve Cases OV Outdoor Times
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October 2015
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Graphics Designer, Linda McKenzie lmckenzie@ohiovalleyoutdoors.com
VOL. 7, NO. 10
is published by Ohio Valley Outdoors Magazine
Offices located at
Ohio Valley Outdoor Times
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Contributing Editors
Ralph Scherder, Hunting Editor Jeff Knapp, Fishing Editor Brian Miller, Field Editor
QUESTIONS, COMMENTS
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October 2015
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October 2015
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Brenda Valentine Promotes the Outdoors, Hunting & NWTF OV Outdoor Times
Brenda Valentine is an accomplished hunter, a veteran of both Bass Pro Shops Pro Hunting Team and the PSE Archery Team, and a former Spokesperson for Women in the Outdoors. She is By Brenda Layman presently CoSpokesperson, along with Michael Waddell, for the National Wild Turkey Federation. She appeared at a NWTF Women in the Outdoors weekend held September 11-13 at FFA Camp Muskingum near Carrollton, Ohio. “Michael and I represent two age groups and two genders,” said Valentine. “That allows us to make connections with all the membership.” Valentine travels weekly in her work for NWTF, attending banquets, Wounded Warrior gatherings, JAKES events, Women in the Outdoors weekends, and visiting NWTF chapters all over the
United States. Her bright smile and enthusiasm help her share the message that hunting is a positive and productive way of life. She wants everyone who participates in hunting, fishing, and sustainable living to help get the word out. “We’ve got to keep the truth out there,” she said. “Save the Habitat, Save the Hunt.” She pointed out that the fastest growing segment of hunters is female. She says that visibility has helped more women to feel comfortable exploring outdoor sports such as hunting, fishing, and archery, and that the industry has responded with more female-specific clothing and gear. For many men and women, hunting is more than a sport; it’s a lifestyle. Valentine works hard to spread the word that hunting is a natural and important part of wildlife management and conservation. It’s also part of an attitude toward living that includes bringing home wild game for meat, growing and preserving vegetaTurn To Valentine Page 7
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Ohio Valley Outdoors–Photo by Mark Layman
Legendary hunter Brenda Valentine (left) was the featured speaker at a recent NWTF Women in the Outdoors event in Carrollton, OH. Valentine is shown with outdoor writer and author Brenda Layman.
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OHIO VALLEY OUTDOOR TIMES
NuCanoe Trip on Clarion River OV Outdoor Times
The tea-colored water of the Clarion River (PA) swirled around my legs, cool in the morning air, yet relaying a promise of refreshment when the day would later turn hot and sunny. We’d pulled the By Jeff Knapp kayak over within Fishing Editor sight of the put-in, anxious to test the waters after the hour-anda-half drive north. The place had all the attributes of a good smallmouth spot: a shallow riffle feeding a deeper run and pool, one that stretched for 50 or so yards and seemed to be three to four feet deep. Rock ledges bordered the far side of the pool, providing both cover and current breaks. It wasn’t long before a foot-long smallmouth hit Dave’s unweighted Yum Dinger. A short time later a similar fish rose up and inhaled a Winco River Darter as I twitched it slowly through the pool. With several miles of the most remote stretch of the Clarion ahead of us, it was a fine start to what would prove to be an enjoyable day.
The craft that took us on the adventure was a NuCanoe Frontier 12, a 12-foot boat that’s a sort of blend between a sit-on-top kayak and a canoe. Like a kayak, it’s quite maneuverable and provides a fine fishing platform. Its weight capacity – at 650 pounds – is more like a canoe. The interior of the Frontier 12 can be set up in a variety of ways, based upon the type of fishing one has planned. Due to its size it handles two adults easily. Seatingwise, you have numerous options which include a couple versions of traditional kayak seats as well as swiveling seats that rotate 360 degrees and are as comfortable as those in a bass boat. Choices of seat bases are also available, including flush mount (for kayak seats) and higher profile (for swiveling seats). Alterations of the interior seating is simple, as seat bases – as well as a host of other options like rod holders and a casting bar – interchange by means of a track system. Called the Freedom Track, the system employs T-headed stainless steel bolts that slide in a track that is permanently mounted to the deck. The mounting holes of seat bases and other accessories slide over the bolts and are secured by heavy-
October 2015
Ohio Valley Outdoors–Photo by Jeff Knapp
Dave Keith admires a nice smallmouth bass, one taken from a remote section of river accessed with a NuCanoe.
duty wingnuts. Though my personal needs call for this boat to remain unpowered, the square stern of the Frontier 12 will accept a transom-mount trolling motor or a gasoline
outboard up to 2.5 hp. Our Clarion River float began at the PFBC Gravel Lick access, which is a few miles downriver of Cooksburg, and concluded at Turn To NuCanoe Page 7
October 2015
NuCanoe From Page 6
the PFBC Mill Creek access, a distance of about nine miles. Within this stretch the river remains quite wild, eventually flowing into the dammed backwaters of Piney Dam. The valley is bordered by a tract of Clear Creek State Forest and State Game Lands 74. The Canoeing Guide to Western Pennsylvania – produced by the Pittsburgh Council of American Youth Hostels — suggests a minimum flow of 2.3 feet at the USGS Cooksburg Gauge for the Cooks-burg-toMill Creek section. The day of our float the Cooksburg gauge was about 2.4 feet; even at that there were some wide, shallow riffles that required dragging. At flows of 3 feet or greater I suspect this would not have been the case. This float requires about two miles of paddling through the Piney Dam backwaters to get to the Mill Creek access. Currently Piney Dam is under a drawdown of about five feet for maintenance work on the dam, and is slated to stay at that level until the end of next summer. This slightly reduces the length of stillwater to be paddled through, and likely does the same to the amount of recreational traffic on this popular boating reservoir. Still, it you float this section be prepared to do some paddling and deal with boat wakes. Just upriver of the Piney Dam backwaters,
OHIO VALLEY OUTDOOR TIMES
Old State Road dead-ends at the river, with a small state forest parking lot in a sort of cul-de-sac; the place can also serve as a take-out, though the lot sits on a high bank well above the river. Keep in mind that to use a PFBC access canoes and kayaks must either be registered or have an unpowered boat launch permit. The latter is available at many issuing agents as well as online through the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission website, www.fishandboat.com. FaceBook From Page 2
we’ve been able to solve crimes with the public’s help,” Natural Resources Police Col. Jerry Jenkins said. “The response has been beyond what we anticipated when we began using Facebook earlier this year. It’s become a valuable tool for us to gather information about crimes and suspects.” Social media crawlers didn’t help catch the bear baiter but it’s a good tool for police to let the poachers beware. They are watching and so are many others. The WVNR also posts good things their officers do to help those in the communities they serve. Many photographs were recently posted on Facebook on the state’s first Youth Hunt held this year.
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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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Valentine From Page 6
bles, making and fixing things for self and family, and respecting the relationship between people and nature. She grew up in a rural area of Tennessee, and her family depended upon small game for their meals. “We raised corn, tobacco, and hogs. We lived primarily on squirrel, coon, and birds,” she said. “The earth offers a full banquet. We can take advantage of that without depleting it. We can do the stuff our grandparents and great-grandparents did.” Attendees at the Women in the Outdoors event learned several of these skills, including campfire cooking, making soap, making cheese, dressing game, and home perseveration and canning. Among a wide selection of workshops, participants also had the chance to practice shooting handguns, rifles, and shotguns and to try their hands on the archery range. Valentine explained that hunters not only help protect our natural spaces financially by purchasing tags and licenses and by helping maintain a healthy balance of wildlife, but they bring home natural protein that has not been treated with chemicals during the raising of livestock
Ohio Valley Outdoors– Photo Mark Layman
Brenda Valentine (standing, left) was the guest speaker during a Women in the Outdoors event last month in Carrollton, OH. Some of the campers are shown working on a project.
or processing of the meat. She stopped to chat with one of the workshop leaders who had bagged a trophy buck the year before. Her warmth and supportive nature shone through as she listened to the woman describe the successful hunt. Valentine is a great example of someone who loves, lives, and promotes hunting and the outdoor life.
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OHIO VALLEY OUTDOOR TIMES
Jessica Elias Sets Another BladeSports Event First OV Outdoor Times
On the BladeSports competition scene for less than a year, Jessica Elias continues to sharpen her skills — and score well — as a competitive cutter. Elias, the Creative By Larry Claypool Director at L.T. Editor Wright Handcrafted Knives, of Wintersville, OH, recently competed and won the first ever women’s only competition at a blade event. Elias claimed the overall title (women’s division) in the Jantz Knife Supply Cut in Davis, OK on September 19. There were four other competitors. This was the first national BladeSports event that held a separate division for women. Elias said competing in the first ever women’s event was exciting for her and her competitors. “I get nervous before competing, but at the Oklahoma event I
told someone that I wasn’t nervous. I think that I was so excited to be competing (against other women) that I wasn’t worried about being nervous,” said Elias. “It was great. The other women were so nice.” Earlier this year Elias made BladeSports history by being the first female to qualify and place in the national — and world — competition. She placed sixth in the World Cutting Competition in Atlanta, GA in June — against all males. Elias, of Wintersville, OH, is sponsored by employer, L.T. Wright Handcrafted Knives. Most recently Elias competed in the Buckeye Cut Competition, held at L.T. Wright Handcrafted Knives, in Wintersville and finished 11th overall. Elias’ boss, L.T. Wright, also competed in that event and placed fifth overall. Bill LaRue, of nearby Richmond, OH, was the overall winner of the Buckeye Cut event. Andy Blanchard, of East Liverpool, OH, was second overall after win-
October 2015
Ohio Valley Outdoors–Photo courtesy of Jessica Elias
Jessica Elias, of Wintersville, OH, competes in the BladeSports World Cutting Competition in Atlanta, GA earlier this year. She finished sixth overall, the first female to compete and place in the competition.
ning the White Level. Mark Elick II, of East Liverpool, finished sixth overall and Russell Cain, Jr, another L.T. Wright employee, finished seventh overall. Chris Warden of Pittsburgh, PA was 10th overall. Elias said no other blade competitions are scheduled for this year but she’s ex-
cited about competing in 2016. “I can’t wait. We’ve accomplished so much this first year. It’s crazy how well things have gone. We all compete like a team. It’s been a great learning experience for me,” said Elias. Turn To BladeSports Page 9
October 2015
OHIO VALLEY OUTDOOR TIMES
Ohio Mast Survey Results Announced
COLUMBUS, OH — The 11th annual acorn mast survey was successfully completed on 38 Wildlife Areas throughout Ohio. Results showed that an average of 29.3% of white oaks and 41.3% of red oaks bore fruit this year (Table 1). White oak acorn production decreased on 30 (79%) Wildlife Areas compared to 2014. Similarly, most Wildlife Areas reported a decrease in red oak (n = 29; 76%) acorn production compared to the previous year. Overall, there was a 23.1% and 26.5% decrease for white and red oaks, respectively, in the number of trees bearing acorns in 2015 relative to 2014. Over the past 5 years, acorn production has oscillated from above to below average. This year is a below average year for acorn mast production. In addition to determining presence or absence of acorns, observers estimated the percentage of each tree’s crown that was covered with acorns. Average acorn crown coverage of white oaks was 4.9% this year as compared to 14.2% last fall.
Explore Carroll County Fishing and hunting paradise • Two man-made, low-power lakes • Fish for bluegill, bullheads, channel catfish, crappie, northern pike, saugeye, yellow perch and muskies • Four parcels of public hunting grounds totaling nearly 700 acres • Find white-tailed deer, grouse, wild turkeys and rabbits • Regulated by ODNR, with license required Visit V isit w www.carrollcountyohio.com ww.carrollcountyohio.com 1-877-727-0103 Like us on on F acebook Like Facebook Follow us on on T witter Follow Twitter
WVDNR Starts Youth Hunting Program
SOUTH CHARLESTON, WV — Hunting is a West Virginia tradition, but everyone has to start somewhere. Many young people who would like to get involved don’t have anyone to teach them, so the Natural Resources Police Officers of the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources have started a new Youth Hunting Program to recruit and increase the number of young people participating in wildlife and hunting activities. The goals of the Youth Hunting Program are to preserve the state’s hunting heritage for present and future generations; to promote the highest ethical standards in hunting; to give the state’s youth an initial, positive, safe, educational and mentored hunting experience; to teach basic skills, values, techniques and responsibilities of hunting; and to teach participants practical conservation measures. Youth Hunting Program participants must be 8 to 17 years old and complete and submit an application. They also are required to complete the West Virginia Hunter Education Course, have a valid West Virginia hunting license (if re-
9 quired), and have a completed release form signed by a parent or guardian. Anyone interested in participating in the Youth Hunting Program should contact their closest DNR district office for information. Future youth hunting days for antlerless deer are scheduled for Oct. 16, Dec. 26 and Dec. 28. For more information, about West Virginia’s hunting seasons, refer to the 2015-2016 Hunting and Trapping Regulations Summary brochure available at DNR offices, license vendors and online at www.wvdnr.gov. BladeSports From Page 8
BladeSports International, Inc., is a Texas non-profit corporation formed to promote knife safety, provide workshops, and cutting events for its members, and to inform and educate the public with regard to the safe use of a knife as a tool. For additional information about BladeSports, visit their website at: www.bladesports.org. To view action videos of their competitions go to YouTube or visit their website. For information about L.T. Wright Handcrafted Knives, visit their website at: www.ltwrightknives.com.
October 2015
OHIO VALLEY OUTDOOR TIMES
MWCD Master Plan Announced OV Outdoor Times
MINERAL CITY, OH — There are several reasons people have heard of the reservoirs, dams and property that are contained within the Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District (MWCD). By Larry Claypool The District is a vi- Editor able component in Ohio that provides flood reduction, conservation and recreation for a 20 percent chunk of the state of Ohio. That chunk of the Muskingum system covers 18 counties and 8,000 square miles of Ohio. It’s the largest wholly contained watershed in the state. One of
within the MWCD. Last month the brass at MWCD decided it was time to get the word out about those developments and upcoming plans for the District. They hosted a three-day media event to help promote the MWCD. Three of their locations were featured; Pleasant Hill Lake Park (Ashland County), Atwood Lake (Carroll County) and Seneca Lake Park (Noble and Guernsey counties). I attended the Atwood Lake event. MWCD Executive Director John Hoopingarner hosted all three events, with the assistance of Barbara Bennett (Director of Administrative Services) and Adria Bergeron (Recreation Marketing Coordinator). Hoopingarner, with 26 years of experience at the MWCD, offered a slide show presentation on the
Ohio Valley Outdoors–Photo by Larry Claypool
Atwood Lake, one of the key bodies of water in the MWCD, is known as one of Ohio’s top sailing and pleasure boating lakes.
the key functions of the watershed is surely flood reduction and protection for many Ohioans, but along with that comes a conservation commitment, and natural affiliated benefits that include camping, fishing, hunting, hiking and boating on the MWCD public lands and waterways. That definitely covers a wide spectrum of interest from many outdoors people, from Ohio and beyond. The MWCD owns property behind 14 of the dams, that include 10 permanent lakes. Many of the lakes that are well known for fishing, boating, camping, hunting and more. A lot of positive developments have been taking place the last few years
District’s history, development, goals and plans for the future. The future looks bright in the region, and the MWCD, thanks to recent revenue generated from the oil and gas industry. “It’s been a game changer for us, the mineral leases we’ve been able to sign the past four years,” said Hoopingarner. The gas and oil royalties have pumped several millions of dollars into MWCD’s coffers. Hoopingarner said the board of directors have committed more than $170 million to a Master Plan to develop and improve the conservancy district. Park capital improvements will also be made at each of the five lake parks and Turn To MWCD Page 15
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October 2015
Woodcock From Page 1
have a small piece of solid in the middle. Finding these marks can signify two things. First, a woodcock is in the area. Most of the time, when I find droppings, I flush the bird within the next 20 yards. In prime habitat, woodcock don’t move around much. They’re slow flyers and get picked off easily by predators. They prefer to keep cover overhead and movement to a minimum until ready to continue south. And second, lots of chalk means lots of birds, which means the flight is in full swing. But don’t be misled by the marks. Although they are tell-tale signs that birds have been there, that doesn’t mean they’re still present. They can leave just as quickly as they appear. Many times I’ve found areas covered with marks only to discover the birds have moved on. But don’t worry, if an area attracts one group of woodcock, it will most likely draw another, and it will continue to do so every year until the forest grows up too much to be good habitat. That’s where many hunters get confused. They think that since they don’t see woodcock – or grouse, for that matter – where they used to many years ago,
OHIO VALLEY OUTDOOR TIMES
that means there aren’t many birds left. Chances are, though, that the habitat has changed and the forest has grown too much to support them, and they’re now frequenting different areas where the habitat is better suited for their needs. Woodcock are fun birds to hunt. As I mentioned, they’re not particularly fast flyers, but they are elusive. Their wings make a whistling sound upon takeoff and they seem to flutter up into the air as if performing some wicked dance. They can also hold amazingly tight as you approach, sometimes taking off literally underfoot, which makes them great for hunting with dogs. What better for dogs, after all, than a bird that leaves off lots of scent, travels in groups, and holds tight for points? Incidentally, those reasons also make them ideal for introducing youths to hunting. A 20 or 28 gauge shotgun is ideal for woodcock hunting. They’re a small bird and it doesn’t take much to fold one. If I’m hunting really thick areas with lots of brush and foliage, a 12 gauge can come in handy, but I almost always pause a few seconds upon flush to let the bird get farther out before shooting to avoid blowing them apart. The bag limit for woodcock is three. To hunt them here in Ohio, you’ll need
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Ohio Valley Outdoors– Photo courtesy of Ralph Scherder
Finding woodcock is as simple as finding the right habitat, like shown in this photo. Rich bottomland chock full of alders and berries is ideal.
HIP (Harvest Information Program) certification and that number must be written on your license. According to the Ohio DNR, the best hunting opportunities can be found in these wildlife areas: Mosquito Creek and Grand River (Trumbull County), Crown City (Gallia County), Lake LaSuAn (Williams County), and Big Island (Marion County). Of course, those are only starting points. Wherever you find good habitat, you can find good woodcock
hunting. Woodcock are some of the finest eating I know. I prefer to breast them and then marinate the pieces in Italian dressing for a couple of hours. I then wrap each piece in bacon and space them out on a cookie sheet. Bake in the oven at 350 degrees for 20 to 25 minutes or until done. Halloween is fast approaching, and so is the woodcock migration. Are you ready?
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October 2015
OHIO VALLEY OUTDOOR TIMES
Miller Farm Kicks Off Another WV Dove Season OV Outdoor Times
Nearly 60 friends and neighbors of John C. “Doc” and Peggy Bahnsen spent another Labor Day by kicking off hunting season in West Virginia with an annual Dove Larry Claypool Shoot. The By Editor Bahnsen’s have hosted the event for the past 16 years at the Miller Farm in New Manchester, WV. It was a great day of hunting and camaraderie for the Bahnsens and their friends. The dove season, for many hunters, marks the beginning of the fall hunting seasons. Doc Bahnsen is a seasoned veteran when it comes to dove hunting. He grooms the fields at the 132-acre Miller Farm to attract doves and pheasants. Sunflowers are strategically planted near some rows of corn and by late summer, just in time for the dove season opener, the sunflower plants are harvested
around the corn — leaving some seeds that attract the birds and high corn stalks that work as blinds for hunters to shoot from. It’s a shooter’s paradise for dove hunters. Because of the dry summer weather this year the quality of the sunflower and corn plants were not as developed as they have been in the past. This may have led to a smaller bird count hunters experienced during this first day of hunting. Only a few of the nearly four dozen hunters had limited out (15) with birds on this day. Most of the hunters, at least, harvested 6-10 birds though. The hot temperature that day, which reached the high 80s, with nearly no wind, may have contributed to lower harvest numbers. The Bahnsens offered the hunters a nice meal before hunting. Afterward adult beverages were offered, along with hunting stories from past hunts. Doc Bahnsen is a great story teller. His stories about his hunting dogs drew the Turn To Dove Page 13
Ohio Valley Outdoors–Photo by Larry Claypool
About 40 hunters took part in the 16th Annual Labor Day Dove Shoot hosted by John C. “Doc” and Peggy Bahnsen at Miller Farm in New Manchester, WV. It was the dove season opener in West Virginia.
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October 2015
OHIO VALLEY OUTDOOR TIMES
13 Ohio Valley Outdoors–Photo courtesy of Scott Crawford
Scott Crawford, of Columbiana, OH, and owner of Rocky Creek Taxidermy, recently won several top honors at the 2015 Ohio Taxidermists Association Championships in Wilmington, OH. Crawford, shown with his awards and deer mount, won the Ohio State Champion Medallion for Whitetail Deer, Breakthrough Award, Artisan Award, People’s Choice Best Deer Head, Judge’s Choice Best of Show and pro1 Award.
Dove From Page 12
most laughs. Several local and state Republican party candidates participated in the dove shoot. Bahnsen’s VIP hunters for the day were Senator (District 6) Bill Cole, Delegate (Dist. 1) Ryan Ferns and Delegate (Dist. 2) Ryan Weld. Bahnsen said Cole will make a strong bid to be West Virginia’s next Governor. Ferns is vying for a Senate seat. The dove season is split into three segments with this first segment running from Sept. 1- Oct. 17. The two other hunting segments for dove season in WV are Nov. 2 - Nov. 21 and Dec. 21 - Jan. 12, 2106. All licensed migratory bird hunters, including lifetime license holders and senior citizens, must also have a valid Migratory Bird Harvest Information Program (HIP) registration card. HIP cards are available at license agents, DNR offices
Ohio Valley Outdoors–Photo by Larry Claypool
and online at www.wvhunt.com. West Virginia’s 2015-2016 Migratory Bird Hunting Regulations brochure is available online at www.wvdnr.gov, at license agents and DNR offices.
14
Product Review
OHIO VALLEY OUTDOOR TIMES
Warm Up with ThermaCELL Heat Packs OV Outdoor Times
It doesn’t matter whether you’re in a treestand, a blind, or just out in the open, your hands and feet are typically the first parts of your body that succumb to the cold. This is especially true if you are By Bill Waugaman sitting for several hours on a rainy day with the temperature in the low 30’s or a snowy, windy day with the temperature in the teens. A few years ago, ThermaCELL introduced heated insoles, battery operated replacement insoles for boots and shoes designed to keep your feet warm. They work surprisingly well. Now, ThermaCELL is introducing Heat Packs Hand Warmers and Heat Packs Pocket Warmers based on the same technology. For many years, the iron oxide packets sold under a variety of names have been
a necessity for my hunting excursions in cold weather. They come in a various shapes and sizes, and are useful for different lengths of time. They do work, but my experience has been that they very seldom last as long as indicated on the packaging. It seems like they take forever to get warm (especially when your fingers are cold) and the amount of warmth they supply is erratic. Hunting on a cold day, it’s not unusual to go through a half dozen or more of these packets. Even for the inexpensive ones, the cost can add up quickly. For these reasons, the ThermaCELL heat packs caught my attention. The ThermaCELL Heat Packs Hand Warmers and Heat Packs Pocket Warmers have some common features. Both the hand warmers and the pocket warmer… • have low (106°F), medium (110°F) and high (116°F) temperature settings • start producing warmth in under a minute
• will last (when fully charged) for up to 6 hours of constant heat on low, 5 hours on medium, 4 hours on high • are thin and lightweight • are shock-resistant and water-resistant • have a rubber molding around the outside edge • have a textured, red rubberized surface where the warmth is produced • can be recharged in 4 hours or less • operate on a built-in Lithium-Ion Polymer battery • can be recharged in newer vehicles having built-in USB ports or using a cigarette lighter USB adapter A small round power button on the end controls the warmers with the heat setting indicated by a small green LED. From the ‘off’ position, press and hold the power button for about 2 seconds and the warmer turns on to the ‘low’ setting and the green LED flashes once every 3 seconds. Press and hold the power button again, when the LED flashes twice, the warmer is on ‘medium’. Do this again and the warmer is on ‘high’. From the ‘high’ setting, pressing and holding the power button will turn the warmer off with the LED not flashing. When the warmers are plugged in and charging, the LED turns red. At a
October 2015
Ohio Valley Outdoors–Photo by Bill Waugaman
ThermaCELL Hand Warmers are small enough to fit inside most gloves and can last up to six hours.
full charge, the LED turns green. ThermaCELL Heat Packs Hand Warmers • Size: 3” x 1 5/8” x 7/16” thick • Weight: only 1.45 ounces each • can be recharged over 500 times to 100% capacity The package contains: Two Hand Warmers, a wall charger with two USB Turn To Warm Up Page 15
October 2015
Warm Up From Page 14
ports, two USB cords and an instruction booklet. The MSRP is $79.99… that’s about .16 cents per use as compared to .60-.90 cents for a package of two iron oxide hand warmers. ThermaCELL Heat Packs Pocket Warmer • Size: 4 1/8” x 2 7/8” x 7/16” thick • Weight: 3.75 ounces • can be recharged several hundred times to 100% capacity Package contains: One Pocket Warmer, one USB wall charger, one USB cord and an instruction booklet. The MSRP is $69.99… at 250 uses, that’s around .28 cents per use as compared to $1.00 to $1.50 for a similar sized iron oxide hand warmer. Even though the batteries are not replaceable, the sheer number of times they can be recharged and so the hand and pocket warmers can used over and over keeps the cost per use very reasonable. Even though it’s early fall now, the cold weather of fall and winter will be upon us very soon, and that also means the holiday season. The ThermaCELL Heat Packs Hand Warmers or Pocket
OHIO VALLEY OUTDOOR TIMES
Ohio Valley Outdoors–Photo by Bill Waugaman
The ThermaCELL Heat Pack(s) Hand Warmers and Pocket Warmers packaging is shown separately, with each unit, an adapter and USB wires.
Warmer would make a great Christmas gift for anyone who spends a lot of time
outdoors in the cold.
15 MWCD From Page 10
marinas operated by the District. Those are: Atwood Lake, Seneca Lake, Piedmont Lake, Tappan Lake and Charles Mills Lake. Atwood will get much of the capital improvement attention in the next several years. There currently is new construction of a $1.6 million welcome center taking place at the Carroll County facility. A huge multi-use recreational center is planned, along with a new restroom/shower building, elaborate cabins, seven miles of trails, improved campgrounds, spray (water) grounds and playgrounds. Tappan will also get a new deluxe welcome center, zip line and beanstalk ropes course. Hoopingarner said there’s been a surprising interest in walking and hiking trails at Atwood. “That was number one in amenities that people asked for in our recent survey,” said Hoopingarner. For additional information about the Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District visit them online at: www.mwcd.org.
OHIO VALLEY OUTDOOR TIMES
16
Danielle Aeschbacher 1st duck Columbiana County, OH
Toby Purdy 16", 1.63lbs. crappie Westville Lake, OH
Tim Baker 18lbs., 9" beard, 1" spurs Prime Archery bow kill
October 2015
Duane Eucker 22lbs., 10" beard, 1" spurs
Conner McCloy largemouth bass WV
Send Us Your Photos
Nate Smith 23lbs., 10.5" beard, 1.25" spurs
Jeff Charles 20 lbs., 10" beard Columbiana County, OH
Adam Sutherin 24lbs. 7oz., 10" beard, 1 3/8" spurs Jefferson County, OH
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
October 2015
OHIO VALLEY OUTDOOR TIMES
17
Marvin Aeschbacher II 21 lbs., 1" spurs, 9 1/2" beard Columbiana County, OH
Logan Charles 21 lbs., 10" beard Columbiana County, OH
Robert Patterson crossbow kill
Larry Zarlengo bow kill
Clem Goddard 24 1/2 lbs., 1-1/2" spurs, double bearded, 11-1/2" beard & 4" beard
Eric Mayle 23 lbs., 10-1/2" beard Morgan County, OH
John Ireland 45", 43-lbs., flathead catfish New Cumberland Dam, Hancock County, WV
Conner McCloy largemouth bass WV
Keith McCloy largemouth bass WV
Joe Hopwood 8-pt., bow Hancock County, WV
Carolyn McCloy largemouth bass WV
Jansen McCloy largemouth bass WV
October 2015
OHIO VALLEY OUTDOOR TIMES
18
www.ohiovalleyoutdoors.com
You need more customers! YOUR CARD HERE
Contact Sales Consultant Tracy Bissell at 330-385-2243
Ohio Valley Outdoors
October 2015
OHIO VALLEY OUTDOOR TIMES
Review Site Woods Monkey is Under New Ownership
OV Outdoor Times
WINTERSVILLE, OH — Woods Monkey, the online outdoor product review website, is now under new ownership. L.T. Wright Handcrafted Knives, of Wintersville, OH, has purchased the site. By Larry Claypool L.T. Wright Hand- Editor crafted Knives intends to keep the site going as is and is looking forward to expanding into additional content areas. According to owner L.T. Wright, they hope to improve the website’s social media and video presence as well. LTWK has always shown an interest in the area of publishing and they are excited to continue to
be involved in this area. “I knew the owner of the Woods Monkey site for some time and when he started it I thought it was a great idea. I’ve always had my eye on it. It’s a great fit for us,” said L.T. Wright. Woods Monkey is a great place to read reviews and about other outdoor pursuits. The site has been providing unbiased reviews for several years now. Writers focus on outdoor products. LTWK is hoping to expand into additional areas like DIY, Self-Reliance, Riding (ATV, motorcycle, etc.), and more.
Send us your t rophy photos
Brian Woods 10-pt. buck Shelby County, OH
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
If you are interested in having a product reviewed, writing for the site, or advertising on the site contact Woods Monkey at info@woodsmonkey.com. For more information visit: www.woodsmonkey.com. About L.T. Wright Handcrafted Knives L.T. Wright Handcrafted Knives are the makers of many styles of custom knives, “artisan working pieces”, including hunting and bushcraft models. Skilled craftsmen create high quality, long-lasting steel. L.T. Wright Handcrafted Knives is located in Wintersville, Ohio.
About Woods Monkey Woods Monkey is an online outdoors magazine focusing on camping, hiking, and other outdoor gear testing and reviews. Their goal is to provide an online outlet for folks to check out gear, learn new skills, and share their adventures.
19 Ohio’s Fall Turkey Season Opens
COLUMBUS, OH — Ohio’s hunters are pursuing wild turkeys, during a seven-week season that opened October 10. The fall season runs through November 29. Gobblers and hens are legal game during the fall wild turkey season. A complete report of the 2014 fall wild turkey season is available at wildohio.gov. • Fifty-six Ohio counties are open for fall turkey hunting. Only one turkey of either sex may be harvested during the entire fall season, and a valid hunting license and fall turkey hunting permit are required. Hours are 30 minutes before sunrise to sunset. Shotguns using shot, as well as crossbows and longbows, are permitted. Hunting turkeys over bait is prohibited, and turkeys must be checked by 11:30 p.m. on the day the bird is harvested. • All hunters must report their turkey harvest using the automated game-check system. • Call 877-TAG-ITOH (824-4864); or • Visit a license agent. A list of agents can be found at wildohio.gov or by calling 800-WILDLIFE (945-3543).