THE 100TH EDITION - P. 4
Ohio Valley
Rare Turtle Story inside page 12
Getting Started in Bowfishing OV Outdoor Times
By the time late summer rolls around, most of the local streams are running pretty low and clear and are too warm for trout, and smallmouth fishing can be good early on but spotty come August. Carp, on the other hand, are hardy and By Ralph Scherder plentiful and never let you Hunting Editor down – except when you actually try to catch them with a fishing rod. The buggers often get a bad case of lock jaw, but there’s a remedy for that, and it’s called bowfishing. Years ago, I’d have never guessed that picking off groundhogs at long range would play second fiddle to shooting carp with bow and arrow. Recent years have seen a sharp spike in the popularity of bowfishing. Much of that, I think, can be directly correlated to the popularity of archery and a new generation looking to experience the sport in new and interesting ways. And it’s fun. That’s the thing about bowfishing. When you really get into it, it’s a lot of fun. For the past month, I’ve been stalking the local streams, sneaking up on pools where groups of carp feed in the shallows. It’s not always easy. Carp can be skittish, to say the least, and one false move can send them lumbering for the depths. However, stay still and be patient and eventually a few of them will start re-
FR EE!
Outdoor Times August 2017
turning to their previous positions. If only whitetails were so kind! The hardest part about bowfishing is hitting the target. I know, I know…you’re an expert on the range, right? You shoot tight groups at 40 yards, right? Forget all that. All of that means nothing when you’re shooting at an object in the water because objects in water are never actually where they appear to be due to light refraction. Try convincing your mind of that, though. My first time bowfishing, I missed more than a couple shots, despite the fact that I think shooting carp in streams is substantially easier than shooting them in lakes and ponds. Streams are shallower and it’s easier to gauge the depth, which reduces the severity of refraction. On bigger and deeper water, where you don’t know for sure how deep the carp are sitting, it’s much more difficult. The best advice I can give is to aim low, and the deeper the fish is in the water, the lower you should aim. For me it’s a matter of feel. At first, I was very conscious of my aiming point. After a while, I forgot all about that and let instinct take over. Also, because carp are such prolific breeders, if you’re in a good area you’ll have many, many chances to figure out what works best for you and where you should be aiming. Experience is the best teacher. I probably would’ve gotten into bowfishing a long time ago if not for my ignorance regarding equipment. I just didn’t know where to begin. That’s why, if you’re new to bowfishing like me, I’d suggest purchasing a kit that already has everything you need to do it. Gen-X Archery manufactures an excellent bowfishing bow Turn To Bowfishing Page 3
Ohio Valley Outdoors–Photo courtesy of Ralph Scherder
The author takes aim at a carp with his Gen-X Archery “The Cuda” bowfishing rig in a local Pennsylvania stream. “When you really get into it, it’s a lot of fun.”
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INSIDE THIS MONTH
OHIO VALLEY OUTDOOR TIMES
12
Dunlap Offers Smallmouth Bass Fishing Class
7
Rare Snapping Turtle Steals the Show
14
Larry Claypool
The Value of Making Checklists
16-17
Target Shooting Program Still Growing
9
Scholastic Clay Target
Grey D. Berrier II
Photo Showcase
OV Times Staff
PA Hunting Licenses on Sale
9
Larry Claypool
PAGC
Basic Firearms Care & Maintenance Seminar Set ODNR
6 Late Summer Frog Fishing for Largemouth Bass OUTDOOR CALENDAR
State Trapping Class - Aug. 26, Ohio state certified trapping class at Columbiana County Archers, 36499 Kelch Rd., Lisbon, OH 44432. Sign up at club or call 330-831-0912. Turkey Shoots - Each Sunday, 1 p.m. at Tri-State Coonhunters Club, 2601 Irish Ridge Road, East Liverpool, OH. $2 per round, shoot 10 rounds. $5 round at end. Any gun with open sights or scopes. Up to 640 choke. Call William Dalrymple at 330-385-8822. Outdoor 3-D Archery - Aug. 20; Sept. 17 at Mosquito Bowmen Archery Club, 2535 McCleary Jacoby Rd., Cortland, OH 44410. Reg. 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. 30 target course. Public invited. Field points only. $10, cubs free w/adult. Located at: See website: www.mosquitobowmen.com or email: info@mosquitobowmen.com. 3D Archery Shoots - Aug. 26-27 and Sept. 16-17 at Lake Milton Fish & Game Club. Sat. 8 a.m. 3 p.m.; Sun. 8 a.m. - 1 p.m. Cost $10, cubs $5. Breakfast and lunch served. Crossbows permitted, no rangefinders. Contact David Puz at 330-240-8128 or Dennis Dabney at 330-414-5795.
Ohio Valley
Pokeman Go, have you heard of it? Last summer the “augmented-reality cellphone game” was the talk everywhere, not only in this country, but around the world. People — adults and children — By Larry Claypool were seen walking aim- Editor lessly around neighborhoods, city streets, businesses and landmarks focused keenly on their cellphone screens — looking to track down Pokeman characters. I found a very good description of Pokeman Go — online, of course, in a most unusual place — Rolling Stone Magazine’s website, www.rollingstone.com. It wasn’t on the cover (sic) of their homepage, well it may have been last year, (note: younger readers may not understand the reference), but the coverage proves how popular the game was last year. The article, ‘WTF is Pokeman Go, Explained’, was dated July 11, 2016. Rolling Stone explained Pokeman Go as: “Technically, it’s a free-to-play, locationbased, augmented reality, multiplayer online mobile game that also supports its own custom wearable tech. The game uses your phone’s GPS sensors to track where you are, and makes use of a stylized Google map as the primary game board. Your character moves in the game as you walk around in real life, and events and objects – known as PokéStops – are associated with specific locations in the physical world.” What’s the point for outdoors people? Simply, the game is getting more people outdoors. And that can only be a positive thing. What brought this topic to my attention
recently was I noticed a group of people gathering, more than once, at a local park where I walk daily, Thompson Park, in East Liverpool, Ohio. It’s a beautiful city park. If you haven’t been there please make the effort to visit. It has a lot to offer. Anyway, the first ‘gathering’ I’d noticed was a group of 12 or so people near what would be the middle of the park, some sitting, some standing, all staring at their cellphones, with one man walking around (he looked in charge) staring at his iPad. Several minutes later, as I walked the park’s upper loop road, I noticed the group had dispersed and they were walking around in smaller groups, gazing at their phones — still. Originally I thought maybe they were working on some sort of research project. A few days later I saw another group of people huddled in the same area of the park. Again they scattered and were walking around the park, all with phones in hand. So curiosity was killing me, I had to ask someone what was going on. “Are you guys playing some sort of game? Pokeman?,” I asked one young man. “Yes,” he said. “There’s a big event going on and we’re trying to capture (things) in the park.” OK, that question was answered. I found through my research that 650 million people around the world have signed up for Pokeman Go (yes, admittedly I did last year just to see what it was about). We found a few characters ‘flying around our office’, and they were captured! And what do you suppose has been the driving force behind this new-age game? Yes, MONEY! With a new release of Pokeman Go’s Legendary characters it’s reported the company is making nearly $6 million per day. Get outside, and poke around!
To Advertise CALL 330-385-2243
Outdoor Times August 2017
August 2017
Get Outside, and Poke Around! OV Outdoor Times
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VOL. 9, NO. 8
Ohio Valley Outdoor Times
is published by Ohio Valley Outdoors Magazine©
Offices located at
210 E. 4th Street, East Liverpool, OH 43920 Phone 330-385-2243, Fax 330-385-7114 ohvod@ohiovalleyoutdoors.com www.ohiovalleyoutdoors.com
Publisher/Editor, Larry Claypool lclaypool@ohiovalleyoutdoors.com
Graphics Designer, Linda McKenzie lmckenzie@ohiovalleyoutdoors.com 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
August 2017
Bowfishing From Page 1
called The CUDA, and it is available in a kit that includes a Zebco 808 Bowfisher reel spooled with 200-pound test braided line. Also included are a fiberglass arrow with point and safety slide and FinFinder arrow rest. And for those who like to snap-shoot, the string is already equipped with finger savers as well. The CUDA is a solo cam and easily tuned for accuracy. Draw weight is also adjustable up to 40 pounds. Big game hunters might think that’s on the light side, but bowfishing isn’t exactly big game hunting – although you can certainly harvest some whopper carp and other fish. First of all, most shots are less than 30 feet (10 to 20 is probably average). Second, it doesn’t take a high speed arrow to penetrate and kill a fish. Third, you’ll fatigue very quickly if you have to draw a 60-70-pound bow time after time after time, all day long. The CUDA also has progressive let-off technology. With a 21-inch draw length, the let-off is 19%, and it gradually in-
OHIO VALLEY OUTDOOR TIMES
and a lot less hassle. I suspect more people don’t bowfish during the summer because they think you need a boat to do it, but that’s a misnomer. I’ve enjoyed prowling up and down streams and around ponds. I’ve talked to guys who simply use their boat to access secluded coves, and then they beach it and creep through the shallows on foot. All methods can be effective. Regardless of how you decide to pursue bowfishing, one item that is indispensable is a quality pair of polarized sunglasses. They’ll reduce glare and allow you to see the target more clearly. Also, just because fish live underwater doesn’t mean they can’t hear you. Loud voices and noises give off vibrations that even fish can feel, so talk softly when you’re cruising those shallows. Native to Europe and Asia, common carp and other carp species were introduced to North America in the 1880s because they are strong, hard fighting fish that some believed would suit the desires of sport fishermen. It didn’t work out as planned. Carp are bottom feeders, after
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Ohio Valley Outdoors– Photo by Ralph Scherder
My first time bowfishing, I missed more than a couple shots, despite the fact that I think shooting carp in streams is substantially easier than shooting them in lakes and ponds.
creases until you get to a 30-inch draw length and a let-off of 62%. These features make The CUDA a great outfit for archers of any age and any experience level. You can convert your regular hunting bow to use for bowfishing, but with products like The CUDA on the market, it just doesn’t make sense. For all of the reasons above, a package specifically designed for bowfishing is a much better option,
all, and not inclined to chase lures. Today carp are considered an invasive species that wreak havoc on small lakes and ponds by destroying the habitat that other native species need in order to breed. Their introduction may not have worked out well for sport fishermen, but 130 years later, bowfishing enthusiasts are reaping the rewards.
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OHIO VALLEY OUTDOOR TIMES
Our 100th Issue: Thank You!
By Larry Claypool
“Here We Go! Wish Us Luck” That was the headline of my column in the very first Ohio Valley Outdoor Times, published May 15, 2009. Here we are, a little more than eight years later, still going! This edition marks our 100th issue since then. Congratulations to everyone who has made this happen; from our staff here and in Lisbon, to the writers, our dealers, our faithful readers and wonderful advertisers. Thank you all! Since that first issue in 2009, there have been a several people who’ve worked with us all the way. They are: OVO Graphic Artist Linda McKenzie, Controller Beth Todd, Human Resources Specialist Beth Bentley, Circulation Director Heidi Grimm, SC Circulation Manager Kevin Fenton, Warren Area Circulation Director and Firearms Editor Bill Waugaman, Hunting Editor Ralph Scherder and Fishing Editor Jeff Knapp. I’d also like to thank our current Sales Executive Tracy Bissell, Ogden Group Publisher Larry Dorschner, Ogden Newspapers Publisher Tammie
McIntosh, The Review Advertising Director Lisa Ludovici, and Lisbon office accounting clerks Kathleen Koch and Jeanne Butream. There also have been several advertisers who’ve supported us for most of this journey. They are: Runzo’s Outdoor Sports in Beloit, OH, Brittain Chevrolet in East Palestine, OH, Alpine Structures in Winesburg, OH, The Gun Lawyers, in Columbus, OH, Glenn’s Archery and Tackle of Guilford Lake, OH and Hershberger Wildlife Taxidermy, of Leetonia, OH. There have been several ‘hot topics’ we’ve covered in the past eight years. Some of those include: issues with coyotes, blacklegged ticks, the cancelation of the Harrisburg Sports Show (the NRA nows runs it), the ammo and firearms shortage, big poaching busts in Ohio and PA, and many more. Some of the events we’ve covered include: OVO’s Big Buck Rendezvous’, ATA Show, WV Dove Hunt openers, Deerassic Classic, PA Crappie Camp, various gun and firearms shows, falconry hunts, Ohio’s Deer & Turkey Turn To 100 Page 7
August 2017
OHIO VALLEY OUTDOOR TIMES
August 2017
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Dunlap Offers Smallmouth Bass Fishing Class OV Outdoor Times
Regardless of how many times you’ve fished Middle Beaver Creek, it’s never too late to learn more about one of Ohio’s top fishing streams. Many people who’ve fished By Larry Claypool Beaver Creek for Editor several years may not have the experience and knowledge that local fisherman Austin Dunlap has. Dunlap, at age 28, also has a ton of experience fishing the Ohio River and other lakes in the region. Dunlap, 28, of East Liverpool, OH, is a Tackle Shop Specialist at Field & Stream in Cranberry Township, PA. He’s also one of the top local bass tournament fisherman in the Ohio Valley. For these reasons Ohio Valley Outdoors Magazine invited Dunlap to teach a class on Smallmouth Bass Fishing as part of its Outdoor Speaker Series. The class was held, on location, at Beaver
Creek State Park, in mid-July. Dunlap was able to offer the class aboard his 18-foot Triton boat, alongside one of the large parking lots at Beaver Creek. Twenty-seven people attended the class, including several youths. Dunlap runs a Mercury 150 outboard motor on his camo colored boat (he also uses the boat during duck hunting season). He relies on Lowrance electronics to find fish and structures in the rivers and lakes and trolls with a Minn Kota on the bow. His preferred rods are made by Duckett, with Lew’s reels. Dunlap covered many facets of fishing Beaver Creek (Columbiana County, OH) and the Ohio River, including: how to read current in rivers and streams, and how bass relate to it; artificial and live bait presentations; bass movement during the different seasons; locations and access points for Beaver Creek; rod, reel and line set ups and more. He also answered several questions from the crowd. The subject of which bait to use in
Ohio Valley Outdoors–Photo by Larry Claypool
Austin Dunlap (center) offered a free Smallmouth Bass Fishing class at Beaver Creek State Park recently. The class was part of Ohio Valley Outdoor Magazine’s Outdoor Speaker Series.
streams and rivers were also covered by special guest, ODNR Park Naturalist Mike Mainhart, who provided live samples of crawfish, mayflies and hellgrimmites for the class to view.
Dunlap said artificial bait selections for the creek should follow colors close to those of crawfish and hellgrammites. “Match the hatch, as they say, is never Turn To Class Page 8
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OHIO VALLEY OUTDOOR TIMES
Late Summer Frog Fishing for Largemouth Bass OV Outdoor Times
By mid-summer weed-choked shallows feature matted canopies that provide largemouth bass with significant overhead cover. Among the short list of lures well-suited Jeff Knapp at triggering bites By Fishing Editor from such places is the artificial frog. Following an explosive strike, and the landing of a fat Kahle largemouth, I asked my frequent fishing partner Dave Lehman how long he’d been using frogs. “I started fishing a frog back in the 1960s and ‘70s,” recalled Lehman. “Back then we used a Bill Plummer frog. It worked great on the Susquehanna Flats area near Havre De Grace (Md.). And on trips to Canada, where the largemouth lakes were rimmed with lily pads, the frog was a great bait.” Like many bass anglers, Lehman’s in-
terest in frog fishing was revived when touring bass pro Dean Rojas popularized the bait. As is often the case, a bait’s popularity on the bass-fishing tours insures an influx of many models. “Some of the largest bass in the lake are buried in the slop during the summer,” said Deron Eck, a skilled bass angler who fishes many state and regional events. “And besides matted weeds, frogs can be used in floating weeds like lily pads. They are a great skipping bait for working back under overhanging trees, and under boat docks.” A wide variety of frogs are available. Some are of a hollow body design, while others are of solid body construction. Both can be fished on the surface. Solid body versions can also be used as trailers on jig-type lures and fished subsurface. Hollow body frogs compress during the strike, which exposes the hooks. Many solid body frogs incorporate a slot for the hook to insure the best positioning for solid hookups. “Frogs are one of the most exciting,
heart-pounding ways to catch bass,” said Eck, who prefers hot, humid days for using frog fishing tactics. “Some days you can actually hear bass feeding in the shallow slop weeds. You can hear the slurping sounds of insects being eaten.” Frogs can be worked in a variety of ways. Lehman sees frog fishing as a bait of opportunity. If he’s working along the deep edge of the weeds, pitching a skirted jig or plastic worm, and comes upon a section of matted weeds, he’ll pick up the frog rod. “I like weed mats with a few holes in them,” noted Lehman. “I make casts that pull the frog over the openings, looking for a reaction bite.” Eck will fish the bait over a solid mat of weeds. He said even if the fish miss the bait on the initial strike, they are prime for taking on a follow-up cast. “Bass that exploded on the bait the first time will leave a hole in the vegetation,” he noted. “Make a cast back to that hole and you’ll almost always get another strike.” Frogs can be worked in a variety of ways. Lehman likes to impart sharp twitches with the rod tip that give the frog a jumping action, where it dives straight forward (on the twitch) and then bobs back up (following the twitch).
August 2017
Ohio Valley Outdoors–Photo by Jeff Knapp
Frog fishing can provide explosive topwater bass action over mats of weeds. Dave Lehman pulls in this nice bass on a frog.
Eck often uses either a steady, dragging retrieve, or a fast stop-and-go one. Some frogs can be worked with a sideto-side walk-the-dog action like that Turn To Frog Fishing Page 7
OHIO VALLEY OUTDOOR TIMES
August 2017
Frog Fishing From Page 6
used with a Zara Spook. Rod twitches made on a semi-slack line are needed to impart this action. Frog fishing is a very visual deal; strikes tend to be explosive. So there’s a natural inclination to set the hook on the strike. But since bass often miss the bait on the initial try, doing so will often pull the lure away from the fish. Successful froggers wait until they know the fish has the lure before slamming home the hook, either by feeling the weight of the fish, or by seeing the frog disappear. Stout tackle is needed to pull a bass out of thick weeds. Eck prefers a heavy action 7- or 7 ?-foot baitcasting rod with a high-speed retrieve reel such as a Garcia Revo with the 7.1 to 1 gear ratio. The fast pickup of the reel assists in getting the fish quickly out of the cover. He recommends using a no-stretch line like Power Pro.
Ohio Valley Outdoors-Magazine
100 From Page 4
Expos, Ohio Taxidermy Championships, shooting legend Tom Knapp and his death in 2013, various youth events and more. We’ve also covered several regional events, sports clubs and businesses, including: Jefferson County (OH) Sportsman’s Club, On Target Outfitters (youth organization), Blind Horse Knives opening (now LT Wright Handcrafted Knives), Ohio Valley Outdoors Magazine Radio Show, Blake Alma Outdoors Radio Show and more. The OV Times is also known for providing big buck stories and photos, Trophy Showcase photos from readers, gun reviews and product reviews, CCW class locations, regional sports club features, regional calendar of events and regional advertisers that offer products and services readers want and need. We’ve had special features provided by other expert writers, including: (COL) Ret. Grey D. Berrier II, Curt Grimm, Travis Hunt, Jack Kiser, Wayne Cooper, Brian Miller and Craig Wetzel. Thanks again to everyone who’s made this happen! Let’s shoot for hundreds more.
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.
ADVERTISING
• E-mail: advertising@ohiovalleyoutdoors.com • Phone: 330-385-2243 • Fax: 330-385-7114 • Write: advertising at Ohio Valley Outdoor Times: 210 E. 4th Street, East Liverpool, Ohio 43920
Target Shooting Program Still Growing
MARENGO, OH — The 2017 Scholastic Clay Target Program (SCTP) and Scholastic Action Shooting Program (SASP) National Championships, held at the Cardinal Shooting Center, July 8- 15, in Marengo, Ohio are officially “in the books” and here’s a look at the final numbers. The 2017 Scholastic Clay Target Program (SCTP) and Scholastic Action Shooting Program (SASP) National Championships brought together competitive shooters, ages 8 to 23, from 32 states to compete for national titles in the shotgun disciplines of American Trap, Handicap Trap, Bunker Trap, Trap Doubles, Skeet, Skeet Doubles and Sporting Clays. Pistol and rifle competitors competed for steel shooting titles in Rimfire Pistol, Centerfire Pistol, Iron Sight Rifle and Optics Rifle divisions. The Numbers At-a-Glance: • 1,043,100 Competitive rounds were fired by 2,687 shooting sports competitors from 32 states during the 8 day event (Approx. 1.4 million including the games and practice) • Participation in the Scholastic Action Shooting Program (SASP) increased 119%, from 2013 to 2017 (from
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199 to 436 athletes) • Participation in the Scholastic Clay Target Program (SCTP) increased 19.5%, from 2013 to 2017 (from 1883 to 2251 athletes) • Women are the fastest growing segment of the shooting sports, making up 18% of the National Championship competitors (16% of SCTP shooters, 30% of SASP shooters) • $425,000.00 (SCTP) and $84,750.00 (SASP) MidwayUSA Foundation Team Endowment Funds earned at the 2017 National Championships • SSSF has awarded $100,000 in scholarships to SCTP and SASP participants this season and over $300,000 in total scholarships since 2013 • SCTP and SASP make up the largest youth shooting program in the country with over 16,211 youth athletes in 45 states (14,854 in SCTP, 1,357 in SASP) • 6.3 million clay targets were thrown during the 2016-17 SCTP competition season as recorded by the SSSF’s SHOT 5 team registration and event management system For more information about SSSF, visit www.sssfonline.org.
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Class From Page 5
more important here,” said Dunlap. OVO has hosted several sessions this year as part of its Outdoor Speaker Series. Other classes in the works include: Fly Fishing Basics, Fly Tying, Kayak
OHIO VALLEY OUTDOOR TIMES
Fishing Basics and Catfishing Basics. Details will be announced soon. Some of the classes are free, some will require a fee to participate. Call the OVO office at 330-385-2243 for additional information.
Ohio Valley Outdoors–Photo by Larry Claypool
ODNR Park Naturalist Mike Mainhart holds a hellgrammite during the Smallmouth Bass Fishing Class. Hellgrammites are a favorite live bait used by fisherman in local creeks and streams.
August 2017
Ohio Valley Outdoors–Photo by Larry Claypool
Austin Dunlap holds a crawfish during his Smallmouth Bass Fishing class at Beaver Creek State Park recently.
August 2017
OHIO VALLEY OUTDOOR TIMES
PA Hunting Licenses on Sale
HARRISBURG, PA — Pennsylvania hunters and trappers need to be aware of some important changes in the 2017-18 licenses. The new season licenses went on sale June 19. They became valid July 1. It is noted that all who hunt, trap or want to apply for an antlerless deer license must have an up-to-date 2017-18 license to do so. One noticeable change for 2017-18 license buyers is that the full regulations digest typically given out when licenses are purchased is not being provided for free this year. Instead, all license buyers will receive a complimentary “pocket-guide” that contains general hunting regulations, hunting hours, fluorescent orange requirements, a map of the Wildlife Management Units, and season dates and bag limits. License buyers who wish to view the full digest can do so online at the www.pgc.pa.gov, or they can opt to purchase a printed digest for $6. Digests will be sold over-the-counter at Game Commission Region Offices and Harrisburg Headquarters. When purchased elsewhere, the digests will be mailed di-
rectly to license buyers. By no longer giving free digests to all license buyers, the Game Commission will save significantly on the cost of printing and mailing hundreds of thousands of digests. Game Commission Executive Director Bryan Burhans explained this decision is being motivated by the agency’s financial situation, which already has caused the Game Commission to eliminate programs and reduce personnel. “These kinds of reductions in services are necessary as the Game Commission approaches nearly two decades without an increase in the cost of a general hunting or furtaker license,” Burhans said. Unlike most state agencies, the Game Commission doesn’t get a share of tax money from the state’s general fund. Instead, funding comes primarily from the sale of licenses, the fees for which are set by the General Assembly. A challenging fiscal climate also is behind another significant change in 201718 – the requirement for all adult and senior pheasant hunters to purchase a permit. General hunting licenses and furtaker
licenses each continue to cost $20.90 for Pennsylvania residents and $101.90 for nonresidents. Resident senior hunters and furtakers, ages 65 and older, can purchase oneyear licenses for $13.90, or lifetime licenses for $51.90. For $101.90, resident seniors can purchase lifetime combination licenses that afford them hunting
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and furtaking privileges. Like other hunters and trappers, seniors still need to purchase archery licenses before participating in the archery deer season, bear licenses to pursue bruins, and permits to harvest pheasants, bobcats, fishers or river otters. A complete list of licensing requirements can be found at www.pgc.pa.gov.
“Basic Firearm Care and Maintenance” Seminar Set in Akron
AKRON, OH — A “Basic Firearm Care and Maintenance” seminar will be offered on August 29, 2017 according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR). Hours are 6-9 p.m. and the seminar will be held at the ODNR Division of Wildlife District Three Headquarters, 912 Portage Lakes Drive, Akron. Content will be geared toward the novice shooter and/or hunter. Focus will be on safe assembly, disassembly, care, and maintenance of common firearms for the purpose of hunting, sport shooting, or self-defense. Safe handling and care for many different types and designs of firearms along with some budget-minded methods for maintenance will be also covered. There is no charge to attend this seminar however spaces are limited. Pre-registration is required by contacting Ken Fry, ODNR Division of Wildlife, at 330-2453030 or Kenneth.Fry@dnr.state.oh.us ODNR ensures a balance between wise use and protection of our natural resources for the benefit of all. Visit the ODNR website at ohiodnr.gov.
OHIO VALLEY OUTDOOR TIMES
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Rare Snapping Turtle Steals the Show OV Outdoor Times
The star of this show was a 70-100year-old snapping turtle. Actually it was six shows that ODNR Park Naturalist Mike Mainhart featured his special guest during an seven-day excur- By Larry Claypool sion for the nearly Editor century-old reptile. So how did Mainhart obtain the 50pound turtle, that most people hardly see in their lifetime, unless it’s in a zoo? This snapping turtle was caught live by Mainhart and his fishing buddy Paul Liikala from a lessor known reservoir lake in Mahoning County, Ohio. Mainhart caught the large reptile so he could provide a ‘live’ turtle show as part of his summer programs in Columbiana County. He wasn’t, however, planning on getting such a rare specimen for his shows. “I was asked to do a ‘snakes and turtle show’ by Shane Harding of the Salem Community Center. They were closing
out their Summer Program and wanted me to do something. I don’t really do snakes, don’t have any, but I knew I could get a nice turtle or two,” said Mainhart. “So I thought, ‘let’s go big or go home’. I knew a place where I could catch a pretty big turtle. I wasn’t thinking of that big of a turtle though.” Mainhart said he and Liikala ventured to the reservoir lake (it’s a private lake and he’s opted not to advertise its location) with kayaks, heavy fishing line and fresh meat to catch a turtle or two for his presentation. The idea was to set several limb lines along the shore late in the day and come back the next day to see if they’d caught any turtles. “It didn’t work out that way,” said Mainhart. “We were still putting out lines and noticed a few lines had dropped already. We ended up catching four catfish and later went to our last line, which was a hand line we’d tied next to a bridge, and it had something on it too. I started to pull up the line and knew we had something pretty big. I didn’t think it would be that big.” Mainhart said it was a big struggle to
August 2017
Ohio Valley Outdoors - Photo by Larry Claypool
ODNR Park Naturalist Mike Mainhart holds the tail of this 50-lb snapping turtle as he presents a program about turtles at Beaver Creek State Park recently. The turtle was later returned to its home waters in Mahoning County.
get the heavy snapper to shore. They decided to use the kayak to get better leverage on the turtle. “We nearly lost him and I nearly went out of the boat. He got his leg caught in our net, and as we tried
to free him he lunged at me toward the front of the kayak. He was really mad, but we managed to get him,” added Mainhart. Turn To Rare Turtle Page 13
August 2017
Rare Turtle From Page 12
Since the large turtle was such a rare find, Mainhart decided to feature it at other locations. He quickly planned showings at three of the four state parks he covers as a naturalist; Beaver Creek, Guilford Lake and Geneva. The other
OHIO VALLEY OUTDOOR TIMES
state park is Lake Milton. Mainhart started out with two programs — featuring the turtle — at Beaver Creek State Park, one in the campground area, the other at the state park office. Thirty-six people attended those two events, including many children. Later in the afternoon that same
Ohio Valley Outdoors - Photo by Larry Claypool
This rare 50-lb snapping turtle was the featured during several ODNR programs recently hosted by Park Naturalist Mike Mainhart. The turtle’s age was estimated to be 70-100-years-old.
day 79 people showed up to see Mainhart’s catch in the campground area at Guilford Lake. The next day the turtle was a big hit at the lodge at Geneva State Park, where 92 people attended. One other program was held for 19 people in the campground area at Geneva. Mainhart’s last turtle program was held at Waterworks Memorial Park in Salem, Ohio for the Salem Community Center. Forty-seven people, many were children, attended that program. The next day Mainhart released the large turtle back into his home territory. “I put him back right where I got him. I set him on the bank near the water, he took a few steps and swam away, making a big trail of muddy water,” said Mainhart. “That’s the neat part of it, he got to go back where we got him from.” Mainhart said the turtle remained fairly calm during his captivity. He stored him in a large plastic tub with a lid. It was fed large chunks of meat. Mainhart said people attending the programs asked several good questions about the turtle. “I guess what stood out to most people was the age of the turtle. And some were surprised that snapping turtles hibernate in the winter and their hearts beat one time every 10 minutes,” said Mainhart.
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Ohio Valley Outdoors - Photo by Larry Claypool
A young girl and a family member get their photo taken with a large snapping turtle in the foreground at Beaver Creek State Park recently.
OHIO VALLEY OUTDOOR TIMES
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The Value of Making Simple Checklists OV Outdoor Times
I just couldn’t wait! With new Pennsylvania hunting licenses going on sale in late June and PA resident antlerless licenses applications being ac- By Col.(Ret.)Grey D. Berrier II cepted in early July, FIN Pro Staff my thoughts always seem to start drifting ahead towards the upcoming fall deer and bear hunting seasons during the heat of the summer months. When I found out my niece’s bridal shower was scheduled for July 29, and my wife and daughters would be eagerly attending the family celebration, I knew I might have my first opportunity to spend a day scouting for bear sign in anticipation of the upcoming season. When I checked the weather forecast for Western PA’s “Big Woods” north of Interstate 80 and found the high temperature was going to be in the low 70’s with almost 0% chance of rain, I knew it would be an ideal day to cover a lot of ground in Clear Creek State Forest. Additionally, I could safely take the dog along on this outdoor excursion, based
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on the comfortable temperature, thick forest canopy for shade, and the availability of water. If it gets above 75°F, I don’t like to take our German Shepherd on more than a 3-mile walk, for fear of risking a canine heat-related injury. (Our son would have eagerly accompanied us on this hike, but he had been asked to serve as the photographer at his cousin’s bridal shower and he didn’t want to disappoint her or his aunt.) When I started gathering up the gear for my preseason scouting excursion that morning, I quickly realized I didn’t have a scouting checklist. One thing my years of military service taught me is the importance of having detailed checklists and then following them. Just like a pilot, who has logged hundreds or possibly thousands of hours in the cockpit, still goes through his/her pre-flight checklist before his/her aircraft even moves on the tarmac and then again before takeoff; we had checklists for just about everything we did in the Field Artillery. My maternal grandfather taught me at an early age that “a dull pencil is better than a sharp mind,” inferring it’s
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Ohio Valley Outdoors - Photo by Grey D. Berrier II
The author offers a display of the assorted items on his Preseason Scouting Checklist. This gear served him well during his recent seven-mile hike on the trails through PA’s Clear Creek State Forest.
easier to have things written down and refer back to your notes than to try to do it all from memory each and every time you perform a task. You’ve probably encountered that guy or gal in the woods or on the water who forgot some critical piece of gear that ei-
ther hampered their ability to enjoy their time afield or possibly worse, curtailed their entire excursion. (Admit it, maybe it even happened to you a time or two in the past.) Some of the things I’ve encountered while outdoors over the years Turn To Value Page 15
August 2017
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include: hunters who downed a deer and didn’t have a knife to field dress their harvest; a guy who forgot to bring a rope to drag out his deer; a friend who neglected to bring ammunition for his .270 Win., and unfortunately, I shoot a .3006, so I couldn’t help him out; many individuals who forgot to pack a lunch or even bring a snack for their day afield; even more who neglect to bring water along; and a group who forgot to bring life-preservers on a kayak trip, each assuming the other guy would, which was an instant show-stopper. You can probably share your own litany of forgotten gear mishaps you’ve encountered over the years. Face it, checklists are a way of life, not only for the military and airline pilots, but they are also employed on a daily basis by medical professionals, farmers, truck drivers, administrators, and hundreds of other professions. Why not consider making written checklists a regular part of your outdoor experiences. The “dog days� of August are an excellent time to let your mind drift off to future hunting, fishing, camping, boating, trapping, or other excursions and to start developing your outdoor checklists in
OHIO VALLEY OUTDOOR TIMES
advance. One thing I’m not very good at is sitting still and doing nothing while I wait. (Except, if it’s in the woods on a stand or in a blind while hunting.) When I have to wait at the doctor’s office, the car dealership service department, the Bureau of Motor Vehicles, or any other waiting room, I typically have a pen and paper with me and I’m either jotting down ideas/notes for upcoming outdoor columns or I’m creating checklists for future outdoor adventures. It actually surprised me that I had never even considered creating a scouting checklist before July 29; but that was quickly resolved by adapting my dayhike checklist. Just to give you some creative ideas on where you can go with your outdoor checklists, here is a list of some of them I’ve created over the years. When it comes to hunting, they include: firearms deer, archery deer, inline muzzleloader deer, flintlock deer, firearms bear, archery bear, spring turkey, fall turkey, waterfowl, squirrel, rabbit, upland birds, groundhogs, and predators. My fishing checklists vary by species, tackle employed (lures, bait, or fly-fishing), and also account for whether I’ll be in a boat, on the bank, or
wading. They include: trout, bass, walleye, panfish, muskie/pike, steelhead, catfish, and carp. My camping and hiking checklists differ based on the time of year and the activity, so they encompass: backpacking, car-camping, canoe-camping, cabin-based, and day-hiking. Since I spend a lot of time on the water, I’ve developed checklists based on whether I’m taking the boat, canoe, or a kayak. (I recently purchased two paddle boards, so I have to develop a checklist for that new outdoor pursuit.) Some of the additional checklists I’ve created over the years include: crosscountry skiing, snowshoeing, birdwatching, mushroom hunting, and trapping. Regarding the gear on my various checklists, the vast majority of the items are things I carry with me, but many of my lists have subsections covering items that go along, but are left in my vehicle. These include things like my deer cart, oversized sled, 2-ton come-along, and 100-feet of 1/2 inch nylon rope that are necessities on bear and deer hunts in the event I harvest something way back in the woods or down in a ravine. Additionally, when the temperature is above freezing and especially during early season archery hunts, I bring along a large cooler with multiple 1-gallon milk jugs
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filled with water that are frozen solid. These go into the eviscerated carcass as soon as possible to get it cooled down. Many times, I’ve taken a few frozen jugs back in on the deer cart to my harvest location, so they can be inside the chest cavity on the return trip out to the truck. A small cooler with cold beverages waiting back at the vehicle is a nice addition to the checklist for most outings or an extra thermos of a hot beverage is equally welcome when the temperatures are bitterly cold. Think back to the last time you forgot to bring along a piece of gear on one of your outdoor excursions and you’ll realize the value of making the appropriate checklist(s). I do want to remind you that tradeoffs have to be made when it comes to your checklists, since you have to take into consideration the amount of available space you’ll have in your pack or pockets, the combined weight of everything you’re carrying, the bulkiness/inconvenience of some objects, and the odds you’ll need a certain piece of gear at some point while you’re afield. You’ll find your checklists are “living tools,� so you’ll find you’re adding certain items and deleting others over time. Turn To Value Page 18
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OHIO VALLEY OUTDOOR TIMES
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PHOTO SHOWCASE SPONSORED BY
August 2017
Dan Heaton, age 9 22lb, 9" beard, 1" spurs Jefferson County, OH
Ryle Heaton, age 12 23lb, 9 1/2" beard, 1" spurs Jefferson County, OH
Josh Barrow Salem Reservoir, OH
McCurdy Lake Milton, OH
Mike Reese Rainbow trout, 25in., 5lb N. Fork of S. Branch, Potomac River, WV
Adam Bell 23-lbs., 4-oz. gobbler, 10' beard Columbiana County, OH
Bryan Hedrick 25-lbs., 12-oz gobbler, 9-7/8' beard Columbiana County, OH
Dexter May 23-lbs., gobbler, 9-1/2" beard Columbiana County, OH
August 2017
OHIO VALLEY OUTDOOR TIMES
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PHOTO SHOWCASE SPONSORED BY
Greg Sharp 24-lbs., 10-oz. gobbler, 10-1/4' beard Mahoning County, OH
Jacob Rose 25-bs., 12-oz. gobbler, 11 in. beard Columbiana County, OH
Riley Mesler 24-lbs., 5-oz. gobbler, 10" beard Columbiana County, OH
Issac Dugan 40” flathead catfish Ohio River, Beaver County, PA
Adam Ripplinger 8-pt. Mahoning County, OH
Send Us Your Photos
Tyler Fayad, age 15 1st flathead catfish Beaver County, PA
Adison Bock 1st buck, 5-pt. Columbiana County, OH
Ashley James 1st buck, 5-pt. Mahoning 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
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Fin Feather Fur Now an ESOP
ASHLAND, OH — Mike Goschinski, owner and president of Fin Feather Fur Outfitters, has recently crossed a huge item off his “to do” list: Goschinski sold the company that he started 31 years ago — to his employees. “This is something I have been thinking about for a while,” said Goschinski. “Building Fin Feather Fur Outfitters has been very rewarding for me. Now I want to give back to those employees who have worked hard and participated in its success. Now, everyone can share in the joy and rewards of ownership, just as I have,” he said. “Making the employees part owners is a big benefit to our customers, as well as Value From Page 15
Also, take into consideration “community items” that can be shared amongst multiple individuals on a hunting, fishing, or camping trip. Ensure someone brings a least one of the item along, such as a propane stove, lantern, or Dutch oven; but everyone doesn’t
OHIO VALLEY OUTDOOR TIMES
August 2017
the employees.” Tom Krebs, Vice President and Mike’s very first employee also commented, “I did not expect anything else from Mike. He is looking out for everyone that helped him through the years!” The now employee-owned Fin Feather Fur Outfitters is called an ESOP (Employee Stock Ownership Plan). The program involves the selling of 100 percent of the company, via shares of stock, to its employees as part of their retirement benefits. The ESOP became effective May 31, 2017. Goschinski will remain the CEO, Rees Vail and Tom Krebs Vice Presidents of Operations, and Lana Bell has been named Secretary/Treasurer. A board of directors has been appointed as well. Fin Feather Fur Outfitters built its rep-
utation by providing a high level of customer support and service, favorite brands and manufacturers of firearms, hunting accessories, fishing, knives, archery, apparel and footwear, camping and more. The newly created ESOP lets employees expand upon that allowing them to take true ownership of their positions. Goschinski says, “When a customer calls, they can speak with an owner. The employees’ jobs are part of an investment in their future that will be reflected in the communications with customers and with each other!” For employees, the ESOP represents an expansion of their current retirement program, which includes an optional 401(k) plan. Employees will now be rewarded with ESOP retirement benefits as a direct result of their own job per-
formances. Lana Bell, secretary/treasurer of the company stated, “Employees are encouraged to think and act like an owner. Everyone can buy into this concept, creating a better place to work for all.” Today, Fin Feather Fur Outfitters employs over 250 workers and maintains five retail locations and one distribution center throughout northeast Ohio. The business will continue to focus on outdoor sports such as hunting, archery, fishing and kayaking. The stores located in Ashland, Middleburg Heights, Canton, Boardman and Milan will continue to offer many of the top brand manufacturers in firearms, bows, ammo, fishing gear, footwear and clothing. Visit www.finfeatherfur.com for more information.
need to pack that particular piece of gear. If you’re not inclined to create your own outdoor checklists, there are dozens for just about every outdoor activity that can be found online and printed out, others can be copied from books or magazines, and some are even handed out free by certain outdoor equipment retailers.
Love the outdoors and don’t want to waste time the night before or the morning of a big outdoor excursion trying to remember everything you need for the trip? Better yet, want to avoid stopping at a store along the way to purchase a duplicate of something you know you already have at home, but forgot to pack? Then creating a checklist for your
specific outdoor passion is the way to go! Not only will you be organized when getting ready and save yourself valuable time and potential frustration, you’ll also enjoy the process creating or obtaining an applicable checklist since you’ll have the chance to think about and dream of future outdoor excursions and the opportunities they’ll bring!
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