WILDLIFE EDUCATION CENTER IS OPEN - P.8
Ohio Valley
Nymph Bouncing Story inside page 6
To the Class of 2016 OV Outdoor Times
My dad woke me up around five that morning, a little more bright eyed and awake than usual for such an early hour. He had a bead on a big gobbler just up over the hill from our house and had hunted it several times that season with no luck. By Ralph Scherder It was now mid-May and Hunting Editor the season was over half gone. It was the day of my senior prom, which I’d already planned to skip. While most kids my age were getting as much sleep as possible in preparation for an eventful Friday night, I got out of bed long before daylight and went hunting with my dad. We parked at a pulloff up over the hill. My dad went to the left to set up on the edge of a big clear cut. I headed off to the right across a huge grassy field with the intention of setting up on a little flat between the field and a deep hollow. It didn’t take long. The sky had barely begun to lighten when I heard a gobbler far off in the hollow – I knew right away it was the same one that had resided there for the past two years. A tricky old fellow, it sounded off a few more times and then went silent. I slipped into position, back against a wide tree, and tugged on my face mask and gloves. And then I took a deep breath and looked up at the sky.
FR
EE!
Outdoor Times May 2016
It’s ironic that many of life’s biggest moments are ones that are so subtle that they almost go unnoticed. And many times, you don’t even recognize the magnitude of those moments until you reflect on them years later. This was one of those moments for me. High school was winding down and the last weeks of school were all but irrelevant. It’s what waited beyond those weeks that scared me. Life was going to change in unpredictable ways, and I would change too, and that’s what scared me most of all. As I sat there looking up at the sky, I pledged to never lose sight of the things that made me happy and made me who I was. Almost as soon as I made that pledge, I felt a great sense of peace because I knew that certain fundamentals of my life would stay the same. I’d always have the outdoors, for one thing. I’d always have writing, for another. Combined, those two things were how I identified myself, and I knew that no matter how lost I’d get in life along the way, I could always go back to my core, to those two things, and rediscover myself. And I was right. There have been many tests along the way, many stresses. Relationship stresses, money stresses, and really just the general aches and pains of life, the heartaches and the triumphs. I look back at who I was then, that kid with his back against a tree on the morning of his senior prom, and I’m proud of that kid. He endured. He stayed true to himself and always remembered that no matter how crazy life got, the outdoors would always be that calm hand that steadied his heart. Turn To Class of 2016 Page 5
Ohio Valley Outdoors–Photo courtesy of Jaret Everette
Jaret Everette with his second turkey in two days. This one 5" beard, 1/2" spurs Jefferson County, WV. Jaret has no connection to the author of this article, but has many hunting stories already, despite his young age.
May 2016
OHIO VALLEY OUTDOOR TIMES
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Jeff Knapp
Trout
Beaver Creek Wildlife Education Center Opens
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Larry Claypool
RBFF Targeting Anglers and Boaters
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Buying Boat Insurance: Read the Fine Print
Hunting Preserve Gets Last OK from State Ogden Newspapers
12 Turkeys, Hunters 13
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ODNR
PAGC
Benefit from Work
Crappie Fishing Seminar Darl Black
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Ohio Youth Hunters Find Success
OUTDOOR CALENDAR
3D Archery Shoots - May 15, June 19, July 17, Aug. 21, Sept. 18. Hosted by Mosquito Bowmen, 2535 McCleary Jacoby Rd., Cortland, OH 44410. Cost $10, Cubs under 12 free. For info. call 330507-1212 or see website: www.mosquitobowmen.com. Gun Show - May 21-22, 2016 at Beaver Creek Sportsman Club, 14480 Washingtonville Rd., Washingtonville, OH. Sat. hours 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.; Sun. hours 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. Admission $5. 12 & under free. Tables $15 per day (before April 30). Contact Phil Brown at 330-482-5125 or 330-502-8429. Ohio River Catfish Tournaments - May 21; June 11, 25; July 9, 23; Aug. 6. Sponsored by ChesterNewell Sportsmen’s Club. Open to everyone. 7 p.m. Sat. to 7 a.m. Sun. Boundries Pittsburgh to Wheeling. $10 per fisherman. Visit Chaney’s Service Station or call 304-387-3982. 3-D Archery Shoots - June 4-5; July 3; Aug. 6-7; Sept. 4 at Beaver Creek Sportsman Club, 14480 Washingtonville Rd., Washingtonville, OH. All ages and equipment welcome; McKenzie Targets, 30 targets, no rangefinders. Reg. 8 a.m. - 1 p.m. Adults $10, Youth (10 & under) free. Contact Chuck York at 330-978-3253 or 330-716-3964. Scores posted weekly on Facebook.
Ohio Valley
Many, many readers of Ohio Valley Outdoors Magazine (our sister publication) enjoy the regular contest held to “Find a Fish Hook” in each magazine. It’s a fun contest for readers, but Larry Claypool “very tough” to find By Editor for some. And there’s a nice prize each time for the winner. So, we thought we’d try a little contest in this issue of the Times. Here it is: With our article about the opening of the Beaver Creek Wildlife Education Center this month — it’s on Page 8 — we’ll give an OVO white camo hat to the first three people who can correctly state how many animals and birds are in the photograph on that page. The photo is one of the main displays featured at the Wildlife Education Center, which kicked off the 2016 season earlier this month. How to enter: One way. Email me at lclaypool@ohiovalleyoutdoors.com. No phone calls please. The first three correct answers received by email will win. Deadline to enter is June 1, 2016. One entry per email address; only one winner per household. In your email please offer your name and mailing address. I’ll contact the winners by email and announce them on our website, Facebook page and in the June issue. There are many exciting events and displays to see at the Beaver Creek Wildlife Education Center. See a list of many key events in the article on Page 8. Also visit their Facebook page or website (www.beavercreekwildlife.org) for more information and learn about the Center’s history. The Center is located at the en-
trance of Beaver Creek State Park (from Echo Dell Road). Many of their events and activities actually take part within the state park, which is one of the most pristine and beautiful parks in the country. Beaver Creek has always been my favorite place to go fishing. I caught my first fish there, a rainbow trout, while on a Boy Scout camping trip in the late 1960’s. Read more about fly fishing in Little Beaver Creek in the next issue of Ohio Valley Outdoors Magazine (Summer Issue). Local author and artist Craig Wetzel offers his favorite flies he uses to catch smallmouth bass in Beaver Creek. According to the ODNR website (www.parks.ohiodnr.gov): Beaver Creek State Park, located in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains (Lat. N 40° 42’ 53.52”, Long. W 80° 35’ 59.98”), is one of Ohio’s most scenic parks. The park includes Little Beaver Creek, a state and national wild and scenic river, and 2,722 acres of forest wilderness. The rich history of the area invites visitors to explore Gaston’s Mill, pioneer village and abandoned canal locks. Nearby is a 2,105-acre wildlife area. The first inhabitants of the Beaver Creek area were Indians of the Fluted Point Culture nearly 10,000 years ago. Flint knives, fluted arrowheads and pottery have been found nearby. In more recent history, the Wyandot and Mingo Indians resided here. The family of Logan, the celebrated Mingo chief, was massacred near here on the Ohio River at the mouth of Yellow Creek — spurring Lord Dunmore’s War in 1774. The first permanent white settler in the area, Trapper John Quinn, moved into the valley around 1790. Good luck in the contest. Hopefully I’ll be sending you a new camo hat.
To Advertise CALL 330-385-2243 Publisher/Editor, Larry Claypool lclaypool@ohiovalleyoutdoors.com
Outdoor Times May 2016
Beaver Creek is a Real Winner! OV Outdoor Times
INSIDE THIS MONTH
14 Ohio Working to 6 Nymph Bouncing for Halt Invasive Species
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May 2016
OHIO VALLEY OUTDOOR TIMES
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Graphics Designer, Linda McKenzie lmckenzie@ohiovalleyoutdoors.com
VOL. 8, NO. 5
is published by Ohio Valley Outdoors Magazine
Offices located at
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QUESTIONS, COMMENTS
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May 2016
Class of 2016 From Page 1
As I remember it, that morning was only the first or second time I’d been out turkey hunting all spring. My dad gave me a couple of his box calls to use and they sounded clumsy in my hands. I really had no idea what I was doing, except that whatever I was doing was working. I called, the bird responded, and eventually the bird was within range and appeared in a little opening to my left about 30 yards away. When his head dipped down to release a thunderous gobble, I quickly swung my shotgun to the left, and when his head lifted back up, I pulled the trigger on a 23-pound tom with 11inch beard. My dad had heard the shot and was waiting for me back at the truck. As I crested the hill and the truck came into view, Dad starting pumping his fist when he saw the turkey slung over my shoulder. That’s a life lesson right there – surround yourself with people who are as happy as you when you achieve success. We all start off with big dreams to do big things in life. Sometimes those things don’t work out and we make alternative plans. Sometimes it just takes longer for certain dreams to come true, and you can’t ever give up on them. You can’t expect success overnight. But here’s a fact: nobody knows what’s going to happen in life. You can’t be afraid of the future. You can’t dwell on the past. Things don’t always go as planned. If you’re a hunter and an outdoorsman, you already know this. And, of course, you already know that sometimes you have to fail in order to succeed. For instance, the year before killing that big tom, I’d chased that same turkey all season long to no avail. I’d made ridiculous mistakes and was frustrated and downcast when
OHIO VALLEY OUTDOOR TIMES
Ohio Valley Outdoors–Photo courtesy of Ralph Scherder
The author is shown with his large tom, taken during a 1998 spring wild turkey season in Pennsylvania, the same day as his senior prom.
my season ended unsuccessfully. Looking back, though, I realize that those learning experiences were simply preparation for the following year, when I’d kill that bird on the day of my senior prom. That’s why the outdoors is so wonderful. It can make us humble, but it can also provide that sense of accomplishment because we know that eventually, if we keep working hard and keep putting forth the effort, eventually our dedication will pay off. The reward may not come until tomorrow or a year from now, but it will come as long as you don’t give up. That lesson holds true in life, as well.
Two Deer Poachers Convicted
AKRON, OH — Two Avon Lake deer poachers were recently convicted in Avon Lake Municipal Court following a joint investigation between the Avon Lake Police Department and the Ohio Department of Natural Resources. Adam A. Petrella, 26, Avon Lake was charged with a total of five violations related to the illegal possession and poaching of whitetail deer. Sentencing resulted in a total $8,225 in fines, court costs, and restitution. Andrew J. Smith, 27, Avon Lake, was charged with a total of nine violations related to the illegal possession and poaching of whitetail deer. Sentencing resulted in a total $15,632 in fines, court costs, and restitution. Part of the case revolved around two large bucks illegally killed by the duo. A 17point buck killed by Petrella gross-scored 166 4/8 inches and cost Petrella $7,687 in restitution. A 22-point buck killed by Smith gross-scored 194 2/8 inches and cost Smith $15,079 in restitution. Visit the ODNR website at ohiodnr.gov.
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OHIO VALLEY OUTDOOR TIMES
Nymph Bouncing for Trout OV Outdoor Times
Most trout anglers know that trout spend most of their time feeding on or near the bottom, for the simple reason that is where most of their food lives. Nearly the complete lifecy- By Jeff Knapp cle of mayflies, cad- Fishing Editor dis and stoneflies is spent on the bottom, with only a brief period of emergence for the given species to perpetuate. In general, the same is true of crustaceans such as crayfish and other natural food sources like sucker eggs. As such, many presentation options slant toward putting the offering near the bottom. In the case of the fly fisher this often means getting some form of nymph down deep. The key, though, is in not only getting a nymph close to the bottom, but in having it drift at a speed the fish are accustomed to, while also maintaining enough contact with the angler to detect the bite before the trout can reject the imitation. All sorts of approaches have been de-
veloped to accomplish this, such as “high stick nymphing,” where the rod tip is held high keeping most, if not all, of the dragcreating fly line off the water; other strategies rely on a strike indicator (commonly called a bobber outside of fly fishing circles) to telegraph the take. One day last month — along the Delayed Harvest section of Armstrong County’s (Pennsylvania) Buffalo Creek — I was exposed to another form of nymphing, called “bouncing,” by Rob Saunders of the Pittsburgh area. “With bouncing the weight is placed at the end of the leader,” Saunders explained. “Droppers are tied on up the leader, to which nymphs are tied. A strike indicator is then fastened to the leader at a distance of about three times the depth of the water being fished.” One advantage of having the weight on the bottom is that any snags usually involve just the split shot. The spacing of the droppers is engineered so that the flies ride anywhere from a couple inches to a foot off bottom. An overhead knot is tied to the end of the leader to inhibit the shot from sliding off too easily, while still al-
May 2016
Ohio Valley Outdoors–Photo by Jeff Knapp
Rob Saunders admires a nice rainbow trout caught and released from Buffalo Creek with the nymph bouncing method.
lowing the weight to detach without losing any of the rest of the rig. Rigging wise, Saunders starts off with a standard store-bought tapered knotless leader. But he only uses the butt section, roughly four or five feet. From there he ties on a few feet of 3X tippet material.
At the terminal end of the 3X he ties in a section of smaller diameter tippet material, using a blood knot. He leaves one tag of the knot about six inches long to serve as the first dropper, and trims the other portion off at about a foot. He then Trout From Page 7
May 2016
Trout From Page 6
repeats the process: Another blood knot with a six-inch tag for the second dropper, then 12 to 14 inches to serve as the point of the leader, to which the split shot is squeezed. This system excels with small (size 14 or smaller), unweighted nymphs, hence the small diameter for the droppers. Saunders often goes down to 6X. Droppers are kept short to minimize tangling. In use, the rig is fished upstream. Casts are more “lobs” than traditional fly casts. This isn’t a place for lots of false casting and classic tight loops. If a false cast is necessary to increase the length of the cast, it should be done slower, with open loops to keep from tangling the hardware. In many instances it’s possible to allow the rig to drift downstream, loading the rod for the next cast, eliminating the need for false casting. As its name suggests, the idea of this method is to bounce the weight — the split shot — off the bottom. As the rig drifts, the strike indicator will lead the way, maintaining tension between itself and the split shot (and hence, the flies). The indicator will bounce and twitch frequently during the drift, illustrating the “bounce” component of the method.
OHIO VALLEY OUTDOOR TIMES
When a trout takes a fly, the indicator will stop, or even plunge subsurface. Thanks to the tension involved, and also the small hooks, many times the fish hook themselves. Any hook-setting by the angler should be subtle, as in just lifting the rod. Saunders said that this system takes some patience on the part of the user. Initial patience to give it a chance to work, to gain some confidence in it; to resist the urge to attempt to untangle minor snarls by merely twitching the rod tip, which usually makes things much worse. He said to take the time to carefully untangle things by hand. But if given a chance “nymph bouncing” can be a highly effective tool for presenting nymphs.
Enjoy the outdoors....Take a kid hunting or fishing
Join your local Sportsman’s Club, You’ll be glad you did!
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Akron Area Watercraft Office Moves to Wingfoot
COLUMBUS, OH — While working to offer greater customer service and efficiency, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) has moved the Division of Watercraft’s Akron Area Office to Wingfoot State Park, located at 993 Goodyear Park Boulevard in Mogadore, instead of the former location on South Arlington Road in Akron. Continued services provided to the public include boat registrations, fishing/hunting licenses and permits and boating publications. The new Akron Area Watercraft Office is open Monday through Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., and from 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. People may call the office at 330-644-2265 or email akron.watercraft@dnr.state.oh.us for more information. Boat rentals are available (pontoon and paddle craft) from Memorial Day through Labor Day. A launch ramp is located in the Wingfoot Lake Wildlife Area adjacent to the park. Boat rental is open Wednesday through Sunday, from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. The ODNR Division of Watercraft is responsible for boating safety, education and law enforcement on all waters of the
state. This statewide area includes the nearshore area along 451 miles of the Ohio River, approximately half the entire surface area of Lake Erie, more than 605 inland lakes and more than 60,000 miles of inland streams, rivers and other waterways. Ohio has 74 state parks, 56 with campgrounds and nine with lodge and conference centers. The Buckeye State is one of only seven states in the nation where admission to state parks is free. Many Ohio families and out-of-state residents turn to Ohio State Parks for hiking, fishing, swimming, boating, camping, biking, disc golf, horseback riding and much more. Last year, there were a total of 2.3 million overnight stays in Ohio’s state park campgrounds, cabins and lodges. Visit the ODNR website at ohiodnr.gov.
Ohio Valley Outdoors-Magazine
OHIO VALLEY OUTDOOR TIMES
Beaver Creek Wildlife Education Center is Open
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CALCUTTA, OH — Beginning this month (May 7-8) the Beaver Creek Wildlife Education Center is open to the public each Saturday and Sunday through October 2. The Center features more than 300 full-body taxidermy mounts, displayed in their natural habitats, and museum-quality collections of eggs, insects, fossils, minerals, and Native American artifacts. The indoor bee hive, live turtles, and snakes are very popular. The Wildlife Education Center, located at the entrance to Beaver Creek State Park, Columbiana County, offers free admission, as it supported entirely by contributions, gifts, grants, and fundraisers. The hours of operation are 1-5 p.m. each Saturday and Sunday. Special tours and programs can be arranged for groups. Volunteers host several events during the summer months. Visit their website: www.beavercreekwildlife.org for details and event schedules. This is an excellent resource for those
interested in learning how to identify waterfowl, owls, hawks, squirrels, other birds or any other animal now or once found in Ohio. There also is a North American room, with habitat and animals representing various regions of our continent, stretching from the high Rockies down to the deserts of the southwest. Some of the scheduled events include: Insect Collecting for Dummies (May 28); Snake and Turtles (June 11); Birds of Prey (June 18); Full Moon Hike (June 18); Summer Wildflower Hike (June 25); Mushrooms (August 13); Salamander Hunt (Sept. 3); Coyotes: Facts and Fiction (Sept. 17); Pioneer Days (Oct. 1-2) and Falconry Event (Oct. 1). The Ohio state legislature recently announced the Wildlife Education Center will receive additional funding that will help with the cost of building a new room addition at the facility. The Center is operated entirely by unpaid volunteers who are dedicated to connecting the community with nature, educating people of all ages on wildlife
May 2016
Ohio Valley Outdoors–Photo courtesy of The Camera Club
This is one of the main displays featured at the Beaver Creek Wildlife Education Center, located near the entrance of Beaver Creek State Park.
and natural resources, and encouraging environmental conservation. The Beaver Creek Wildlife Education
Center is located at 12798 Echo Dell Road, East Liverpool, Ohio. Also find them on Facebook. — Larry Claypool
May 2016
Hunting Preserve Gets Last OK From State
By EMILY EARNHART, Ogden Newspapers
VIENNA, OH — The proposed wildlife hunting preserve has passed its final hurdle, according to an Ohio Department of Agriculture spokesman. “The hunting preserve has been issued a permit for an Ohio captive whitetail deer hunting preserve through our department,” Brett B. Gates, deputy communication director of ODA, said. The Candywood Whitetail Ranch, on the former Candywood Golf Course on Scoville North Road in Vienna, previously gained approval from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, responsible for the facility’s initial inspection and licensing checks. The Candywood Whitetail Ranch is planning for its grand opening and booking hunts for deer, sheep, boar, elk, bison and red stag. Its website states that its goal is to “promote hunter education as well as create good relationships with our hunting preserve neighbors.” The ODA said it is responsible for the white-tailed deer that will be bred and live at the facility. The other game that the pre-
OHIO VALLEY OUTDOOR TIMES
serve’s website advertises is the concern of ODNR, Gates said. “Both animal license and shooting permits are applied through the Ohio Department of Natural Resources,” ODA officials said. Owners of the preserve who limited their comments recently have confirmed that the preserve is on track to open soon but did not give a date. The 275-acre ranch is booking hunts on its website. Prices listed on the website range from $500 for boar, depending on size, up to $14,500 for a white-tailed deer. “We have been approved and are fully licensed,” Mike Mullenax, co-operator of the preserve, said. ODNR officials said in March that the facility met the legal requirements for licensing before passing the process on to the ODA, which issued its approval on April 8. The application includes the responsibilities of the preserve, including the promise to properly tag the animals to identify them and the promise to move animals according to regulations. Reaction to the preserve has been vocal. About 75 citizens protested outside Vienna township hall in early April, while 10 showed up to support it. Township officials, who have said they have no control over the state-mandated
facility, submitted letters to the ODNR and ODA voicing their concerns for the public’s safety. “This is a lengthy, challenging process and not just a stand-alone paper application,” Jamey Emmert, ODNR spokesman, responded in a written statement. “The applicant must meet a list of legal requirements, plus the Division of Wildlife has been on-site multiple times to inspect the property and the fence.” Editor’s Note: This article orginally appeared in the Warren Tribune Chronicle on April 12, 2016. Contact Emily Earnhart at: eearnhart@tribtoday.com. Visit the Candywood Whitetail Ranch online at: www.candywoodwhitetailranch.com.
Cappelli, Jackson Win Walleye Madness Opener
CORTLAND, OH — Sam Cappelli and Ted Jackson lead the way to capture the first Walleye Madness Tournaments event of the season on Mosquito Lake. A sold-out field of 42 two-person teams competed on Mosquito Lake on April 24. Anglers had to adjust their fishing styles to stay on the bite. Cappelli and Jackson sacked a five-fish limit, weighing in 15.25 pounds. Anchored by the big fish of the day, the nearest team was nearly three
9 pounds away. Cappelli and Jackson collected $2850 in winnings, including the $2650 firstplace cash award plus the $200 Buckeye Sports Center Big Fish bonus. All the teams placing used different techniques to catch their fish. Second Place team of Erb and Murphy jigged up a nice bag of 11.90-pounds. Erb and Murphy collected $1600 in winnings, $1300 for second and $300 for being the highest finishing Lund Boat. Third Place team of Allshouse and Dailey trolled their way to a total check $1150. They were also the highest finishing Mercury equipped boat good for $200. Matt Cook and Chris Jordon pulled worm harnesses to capture Fourth. Anthony Naples and Chris Durkin rounded out the top 5. Walleye Madness Tournaments are sponsored by Buckeye Sports Center, Lund Boats, Mercury Marine. The series offers no-membership fee required 100% payout tournaments, plus $700 per event in sponsor bonuses. Cabela’s National Team Championship qualifying is provided by the series affiliation with the national organization The Walleye Federation. For more information visit www.walleyemadness.net. Email info@walleyemadness.net or call 440390-8054.
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OHIO VALLEY OUTDOOR TIMES
Ohio Youth Hunters Find Success
COLUMBUS, OH — Many young hunters found success during Ohio’s 2016 youth spring wild turkey season after 1,564 birds were harvested, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR). Hunters age 17 and under were eligible to participate in the two-day season, April 16-17. The total harvest was a slight decrease from 2015, when 1,589 wild turkeys were checked. All participants were required to possess a valid Ohio youth hunting license, a spring turkey permit and be accompanied by a non-hunting adult. The youth turkey season was open statewide, with the exception of Lake La Su An State Wildlife Area in Williams County, which required a special hunting permit. The youth spring turkey season is one of four special youth-only hunting seasons designed by the ODNR Division of Wildlife to offer a safe and productive early hunting experience for young hunters. Special seasons are also set aside for upland game, white-tailed deer and waterfowl hunting opportunities. The regular spring turkey season
began on April 18, and closes May 15. The spring turkey season is open statewide except for Lake La Su An Wildlife Area. Find more information in the 2015-2016 Ohio Hunting and Trapping Regulations, available where licenses are sold, and at wildohio.gov. Ohio’s first modern day wild turkey season opened in 1966 in nine counties, and hunters checked 12 birds. The total number of harvested turkeys topped 1,000 for the first time in 1984. Turkey hunting was opened statewide in 2000. Visit the ODNR website at ohiodnr.gov. A list of all wild turkeys checked by hunters during the 2016 two-day youth spring hunting season is shown below. The first number following the county’s name shows the harvest numbers for 2016, and the 2015 numbers are in parentheses. Adams: 34 (36); Allen: 11 (10); Ashland: 29 (24); Ashtabula: 44 (32); Athens: 22 (32); Auglaize: 4 (2); Belmont: 40 (38); Brown: 31 (37); Butler: 10 (19); Carroll: 25 (30); Champaign: 7 (4); Clark: 2 (2); Clermont: 29 (22); Clinton: 1 (5); Columbiana: 38 (43); Coshocton: 34 (48); Crawford: 6
(2); Cuyahoga: 0 (0); Darke: 14 (15); Defiance: 44 (27); Delaware: 5 (5); Erie: 6 (2); Fairfield: 7 (6); Fayette: 5 (1); Franklin: 3 (2); Fulton: 15 (11); Gallia: 31 (32); Geauga: 23 (27); Greene: 1 (0); Guernsey: 38 (50); Hamilton: 8 (6); Hancock: 3 (3); Hardin: 5 (4); Harrison: 39 (41); Henry: 11 (11); Highland: 36 (36); Hocking: 14 (27); Holmes: 21 (29); Huron: 12 (22); Jackson: 34 (38); Jefferson: 39 (31); Knox: 23 (32); Lake: 4 (2); Lawrence: 24 (22); Licking: 16 (33); Logan: 17 (6); Lorain: 12 (5); Lucas: 4 (4); Madison: 2 (0); Mahoning: 18 (19); Marion: 4 (3); Medina: 12 (12); Meigs: 31 (44); Mercer: 1 (1); Miami: 2 (0); Monroe: 51 (57); Montgomery: 1 (1); Morgan: 28 (30); Morrow: 14 (19); Muskingum: 33 (48); Noble: 55 (44); Ottawa: 0 (0); Paulding: 8 (11); Perry: 26 (31); Pickaway: 3 (2); Pike: 17 (14); Portage: 19 (12); Preble: 10 (10); Putnam: 12 (12); Richland: 21 (33); Ross: 29 (25); Sandusky: 5 (1); Scioto: 13 (9); Seneca: 9 (15); Shelby: 5 (6); Stark: 13 (21); Summit: 3 (1); Trumbull: 46 (35); Tuscarawas: 44 (46); Union: 5 (2); Van Wert: 1 (1); Vinton: 32 (25); Warren: 12 (4); Washington: 52 (40); Wayne: 6 (6); Williams: 28 (19); Wood: 3 (4); Wyan-
May 2016
dot: 9 (10). Total: 1,564 (1,589).
Ohio Valley Outdoors– Photo courtesy of Runzzo’s Sports Center
Lilly May 22lbs., 7oz., 9-1/2" beard Columbiana County, OH
May 2016
OHIO VALLEY OUTDOOR TIMES
WVDNR Advises: Leave Young Wildlife Alone
FRENCH CREEK, WV – The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (DNR) advises West Virginians to leave young wildlife alone — in an effort to promote the safety and well-being of animals in their natural habitat. “Spring provides an excellent opportunity to see fawns, baby birds and other young wildlife,” said Tyler Evans, DNR wildlife biologist stationed at the West Virginia State Wildlife Center in French Creek. He urges the public to exercise extreme caution and to keep a safe distance when young wildlife is encountered. “It is especially important for the public to understand the need to avoid touching or disturbing these wild animals,” Evans said. Picking up wildlife or getting too close greatly increases the chance of harm to the animal and the persons involved. By handling these animals, humans leave behind a scent that may attract a predator. Additionally, handling wildlife has the potential to expose humans to a variety of wildlife-related diseases and parasites. “Rabies, ticks, and lice are just a few of the threats that humans are exposed to when they handle wildlife,” said
Evans. The DNR offices statewide receive numerous calls each year about fawns and other young wildlife that have been picked up by well-meaning citizens. Removing a young animal from its natural environment usually leads to the death of that animal. “Young animals have special dietary needs and must learn survival skills that only a natural setting can provide,” said Evans. “Offspring often are hidden while the adult searches for food, and this separation can last for several hours. This separation should not be mistaken for abandonment.” Many people mistake a bedded fawn, with no mother in sight, as being abandoned, but that is usually not the case. Hiding the fawn while the doe searches for food is an important survival tactic. The spotted pattern and coloration of fawns and their lack of scent afford protection to these young animals and make them difficult for predators to detect. State law prohibits the possession of wildlife without a permit. When a person picks up a young animal in the wild, it has been taken into possession. Fines for
Ohio Valley Outdoors– Photo courtesy of WV Department of Commerce
A bedded fawn most likely has not been abandoned, but is in hiding while the mother hunts for food. Humans should not attempt to “rescue” a bedded fawn or other young wildlife.
illegal possession of a fawn, black bear cub, baby raccoon, squirrel or any other species taken or possessed during the closed season range from $20 up to a maximum of $1,000 and/or up to 100 days in jail. “ We want everyone to enjoy our state’s wildlife,” said Evans. “For your safety and for that of the animal, however, please remember that young wildlife should always be left undisturbed and given the opportunity to remain wild.”
11 Jena, Hopewell Take Top UOVSAL Honors
NORTH LIMA, OH — Behind Curt Jena’s first place individual finish Hopewell High School captured the Upper Ohio Valley Student Angler League season opener April 24 at Aqua Ohio Evans Lake. Jena led all anglers with three fish, weighing 10 lbs, 1 oz. Hopewell won the Tim Horton’s team event with 11 points, followed by Beaver Local (eight points), East Liverpool (seven) and Springfield Local (six). Individually behind Jena was Beaver Local’s Logan Bouscher with two fish (5 lbs, 15 oz.). Danny Gentile of Hopewell was third with one 3 lb, 11 oz bass. Andrew Durk of East Liverpool was fourth with one fish that weighed 3 lbs, 2 oz. Jena also won the Heritage Thermal Big Bass award with a 4 lb, 8 oz. bass. With the win Jena takes the early lead in the Ohio Valley Outdoors Magazine High School Angler of the Year standings. In the junior high event Cody Smith of East Liverpool took top honors as teammate Mark Emmerling was second. Cole Abbott of Columbus Worthington was third and Seth Alford was fourth.
12 Turkeys, Hunters Benefit from Habitat Work
HARRISBURG, PA — With Pennsylvania’s spring gobbler season in full gear, the state’s turkeys are benefiting — now and in the future — from habitat work performed in partnership with National Wild Turkey Federation. More than 70 habitat-enhancement projects impacting more than 2,600 acres, mostly on state game lands and state forests, are taking place in 2016 through a nearly $150,000 allocation by Pennsylvania National Wild Turkey Federation State Chapter Habitat Committee. The projects are the result of proposals that more than 60 local chapters of the National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF) submitted to the committee. All of the projects are being conducted on parcels open to public hunting, and the projects will impact land ranging from one to 546 acres. NWTF Regional Biologist Mitch Blake said general food-plot maintenance accounts for 49 percent of the project proposals, impacting 956 acres. “While projects related to prescribed
OHIO VALLEY OUTDOOR TIMES
fire account for just 7 percent of the total projects, they will improve more than 1,100 acres,” Blake said. Game Commission Habitat Division Chief Ben Jones said that prescribed burning improves habitat for many game species, not just wild turkeys. Prescribed burning invigorates plant growth, increases berry production, and has been shown to increase available deer browse by up to 400 percent. “The Game Commission plans to improve nearly 10,000 acres of habitat through prescribed burning in 2016,” Jones said. Other habitat improvement projects focus on removing exotic and invasive plant species and restoring native species, planting of trees and shrubs beneficial to wildlife and timber-stand improvements. In addition to the habitat projects, the committee allocated $25,000 for future land acquisition, possibly adding acreage to the state game lands system. Game Commission turkey biologist Mary Jo Casalena said, “These projects are yet another example of the PANWTF’s commitment to the wild turkey resource and the great partnership the local chapters have with the state
agencies.” To date, the PANWTF has spent more than $6 million in Pennsylvania for habitat enhancement and a variety of other hunter-related activities.
PA Game Lands Drone Ban Moves Forward
HARRISBURG, PA — The recreational flying of drones rapidly has gained in popularity, and as it has, the number of cases where drones have caused concern for wildlife has increased as well. The measure seeks to minimize disturbance of wildlife in the Keystone State. During the snow-goose migration season at Middle Creek Wildlife Management Area this year, for instance, Game Commission staff detected at least five instances where drones disturbed wildlife. In one case, a drone was flown into an off-limits propagation area that serves as a sanctuary for resting waterfowl, and another disturbance caused hundreds of waterfowl
May 2016
to suddenly flush. There also were reports of drones being flown close to bald-eagle nests, which causes an obvious risk to eagles and their eggs. Clearly, this type of activity runs counter to the intended use of properties like Middle Creek and other tracts of state game lands owned by the Pennsylvania Game Commission. During their last meeting the Pennsylvania Board of Game Commissioners cast a unanimous preliminary vote to enact a ban on the flying of unmanned aerial vehicles over lands or waters designated as state game lands. The measure will be brought back to the July meeting, where commissioners will consider it for final approval. In addition to protecting wildlife, the commissioners said the ban also would ensure drones aren’t used to interfere with lawful hunting and trapping on game lands. The preliminarily approved measure provides for exceptions to be made through written permission by the executive director.
May 2016
OHIO VALLEY OUTDOOR TIMES
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Crappie Fishing Seminar Will Highlight Special Techniques
TRANSFER, PA — A free crappie fishing seminar will be offered on May 19, 2016, at the Reynolds VFW in Transfer, Pennsylvania. The VFW is located just off Rt. 18 at 115 Edgewood Drive Ext. Scheduled to begin at 7 p.m., the seminar will be held in the Pavilion adjacent to the VFW hall. The large parking has room for vehicles with boat trailers, thereby allowing anglers who may be getting off local lakes to go directly to the seminar. Presentations will be offered by crappie fishing experts representing several tackle companies. These pro-staff members are in the area for the 2016 PA Crappie Camp – an outdoor media event hosted by both Crawford County Convention & Visitors Bureau and Visit Mercer County PA tourism. After fishing Pymatuning Lake and Shenango River Lake for three days, pro-staff anglers will explain how to apply special techniques to local waters at the Thursday evening public seminar. Scheduled topics are “Spider Rigging” (a multiple pole, slow-troll tech-
nique); “Single Pole Dipping” (shallow cover presentation); “Dock Shootin’” (technique to sling-shot baits into hard to reach areas); “Advanced Float Fishing” (tips on effective applications of bobbers); and “Getting the Most Out of Marine Electronics.” Speakers include Dan Dannenmueller, pro crappie tournament fisherman and publisher of Crappie Now online magazine; TJ Stallings, Marketing Director at TTI Blakemore Fishing Group and cofounder of Crappie Now magazine; Mark McQuown, regional sales manager for Garmin Electronics; and Darl Black, local guide and editor of the NW PA Fishing Report. Also available to answer crappie fishing questions will be representatives from Driftmaster Rod Holders, Bobby Garland Crappie Baits, B’n’M Rods, and Gamma Fishing Line. There is no charge to attend the seminar. However seating is limited in the VFW Pavilion and individuals must obtain a ticket in advance of the seminar. Free tickets may be picked up during normal business hours at Crawford County Convention & Visitors Bureau,
Send us your t rophy photos
Eric Mehalko largemouth bass using green pumpkin java tubes
Also for our Photo Showcase
Connor Mayle turkey Trumbull County, OH
email to: ohvod@ohiovalleyoutdoors.com mail to: Photo Showcase 210 East 4th Street East Liverpool, OH 43920
www.ohiovalleyoutdoors.com
Ohio Valley Outdoors– Photo by Larry Claypool
Dan Dannenmueller, of Millbrook, Alabama, will be one of the featured speakers during the Crappie Fishing Seminar on May 19.
16709 Conneaut Lake Road, Meadville, or at Visit Mercer County PA, 50 North Water Ave., Sharon. Tickets are also available at many of the bait and tackle shops in the Pymatuning Lake,
Shenango Lake and Lake Wilhelm area. Door prizes will be awarded by random draw of ticket stubs at the conclusion of the seminar. You must be present to win.
State to Emphasize Deer Control Through Hunting
HARRISBURG, PA — Municipalities and other political subdivisions in Pennsylvania that request permits to manage deer populations soon might need to more strongly consider managing deer through hunting before gaining approval to use another method. Preliminarily approved provision requires deer-control permit holders to consider hunters first. The Pennsylvania Board of Game Commissioners recently gave preliminary approval to a series of amendments to the application process for special deer-control permits. As part of the background information on deer populations and damage they’re required to submit, permit applicants would be asked to specifically define how licensed public hunting has been used in the problem area previously, and how it will be used during the period the permit would be valid.
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OHIO VALLEY OUTDOOR TIMES
Ohio Working to Halt Invasive Species in Bait Trade
COLUMBUS, OH — Ohio and other Great Lakes states face a threat from many aquatic invasive species (AIS), including bighead and silver carp (Asian carp) and are working to reduce the impact they may have on Ohio’s native species, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR). The ODNR Division of Wildlife is looking at several pathways that Asian carp may use to enter inland waters and the Great Lakes, including the inadvertent transfer of live fish through the bait trade. Consequently, the division and other federal and state agencies are attempting to prevent the transfer and movement of live Asian carp through these pathways. ODNR Division of Wildlife efforts to prevent migration of AIS through the bait trade pathway include: Regulation: Institution of rules prohibiting people from releasing any fish or aquatic insect into waters from where it did not originate. This will help eliminate the movement of AIS into new bodies of water. Surveillance: Checking live bait for the presence of AIS and specifically Asian
carp through the inspection of bait outlets in Ohio. This will help prevent the inadvertent transfer of AIS to anglers purchasing bait who could potentially transfer AIS to new waterways by dumping unused bait. Education: Providing bait outlets with educational materials geared at identifying AIS that could potentially be in the bait trade. Outreach: Distribution of educational materials that instruct anglers to not dump unused bait into public bodies of water. Should Asian carp become established in inland waters or Lake Erie, they have the potential to outcompete and reduce the numbers of game fish, which would negatively impact Ohio’s resource users and the businesses that rely on these resources. Nationally, there are significant efforts being made to prevent Asian carp establishment in the Great Lakes. Asian carp are already starting to appear in the Ohio River along Ohio’s border. 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.
May 2016
Fly fishing on Beaver Creek!
Ohio Valley Outdoors - Photo by Jon Parsons
Look for a local fly fisherman’s take on fishing Little Beaver Creek (Columbiana County, OH) in the Summer issue of Ohio Valley Outdoors Magazine, due on newsstands June 1. This photo of East Palestine fisherman Scott McIlduff was taken by a drone camera piloted by OVO Pro Staffer Jon Parsons.
May 2016
OHIO VALLEY OUTDOOR TIMES
RBFF Targeting Anglers and Boaters with Marketing Programs
ALEXANDRIA, VA — The Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation (RBFF) recently announced the 2016 launch of its State Marketing Programs, a nationwide effort to increase fishing license sales and boat registrations among lapsed participants. New this year, the Fishing License Marketing Program has been packaged as a complete toolkit which state agencies can utilize to reactivate lapsed anglers in their state. The 2016 Boat Registration Marketing Program, which is being conducted in partnership with 18 state agencies, focuses on reactivating lapsed boaters with marketing materials that encourage them to register their boat. “Our State Marketing Programs have been key components of our overall strategy to increase participation for nearly a decade now,” said RBFF President and CEO Frank Peterson. “We look forward to the continued success of both programs and encourage all state agencies to ramp up their email collection in this increasingly digital world.”
The new Direct Mail & Email Marketing Toolkit to Reactivate Lapsed Anglers signals a new direction for the State Fishing License Marketing Program, which RBFF successfully ran for eight years. With rising costs, RBFF shifted the program to focus solely on direct email messaging in 2015. RBFF has now packaged all program resources into a step-by-step guide that provides straightforward instructions to plan, execute and manage state agency lapsed angler reactivation programs. Leveraging the recognizable Take Me Fishing brand and three proven messages, the Toolkit includes direct mail and email templates which states are able to download and customize to best fit their needs. The State Boat Registration Marketing Program, initiated nationwide in 2012, works to reactivate lapsed boaters who haven’t renewed their boat registration for at least one season via clever, informational direct mail pieces. In all, over 535,000 four-color direct market-
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Ohio Valley Outdoors - Photo by Larry Claypool
RBFF recently announced the launch of its State Marketing Programs, a nationwide effort to increase fishing license sales and boat registrations among lapsed participants. In this file photo, these vessels were participating in the Ohioville (PA) Community Days event.
ing letters are being distributed to lapsed boaters in 18 states. The 2015 campaign resulted in more than 45,000 boats reregistered and $1.65 million in gross program revenue. State agencies will receive all of the revenue generated through these State Marketing Programs to help fund con-
servation efforts. Over the past two years, partnering states have benefited from a total of nearly 300,000 licenses sold and over $6 million in gross program revenue. In addition to these programs, RBFF also works with states to Turn To Marketing Page 18
G E T O N TA R G E T T H I S S U M M E R !
Mentoring young people in sport, in life, and in faith. For details about our summer day camps visit our website . . .
WWW.ONTARGETOUTFITTERS.ORG
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OHIO VALLEY OUTDOOR TIMES
Buying Boat Insurance: The Fine Print
ALEXANDRIA, VA — As boat owners prep for the season, it’s time to dust off the insurance policy and grab a magnifying glass to read the fine print. Unlike auto or homeowner’s insurance, recreational boat insurance has distinct coverages that can perplex and leave boaters scratching their head. What do you need to know? Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatUS) takes a look at the fine print on six of the most important coverages. The consequential damage fine print: Half of all sinkings occur at the dock when some small part below the waterline fails. However, these parts — an outdrive bellows, for example — most often fail due to “wear, tear, and corrosion” or a lack of maintenance, so the policy won’t pay for a new outdrive bellows. But here’s the rub: as a consequence of the failed bellows, your boat is now sunk and likely a total loss. Who pays for that? That’s why you need “consequential damage” coverage that pays for losses that often start with a failed part that may be excluded under the policy. The small inexpensive part that failed may not be covered but most
importantly the rest of the repairs or total loss will be. One caveat: this consequential damage coverage often applies only to specific types of losses. For example, the immediate consequential damage resulting from any fire, explosion, sinking, demasting, collision or stranding. The fuel-spill liability fine print: In addition to your policy’s standard liability coverage for physical damage or bodily injury to a third party, fuel-spill liability protects you from claims for cleanup or third party damage to the accidental discharge of oil or fuel that can occur in a sinking, fire, collision, or grounding. Some policies only pay the costs associated with a fuel spill up to the policy’s set limit of boating liability coverage. A better policy separates out fuel-spill liability and provides coverage up to the maximum amount you can be held liable for under federal law, which today is a whopping $939,800. The on water towing fine print: Many boat insurance policies today offer some kind of on water towing endorsement that provides a level of towing and assistance for routine breakdowns or soft ungroundings.
May 2016
Ohio Valley Outdoors - Photo courtesy of BoatUS
Does your boat insurance cover this? You may want to read the ‘fine print’ on your policy.
Know how you will be able to use that coverage — who provides the service and do they have 24-hour dispatch service to call for assistance? At what loca-
tions in the country will you have to pay for a tow out of pocket and be reimbursed? Having a separate on water towTurn To Insurance Page 18
May 2016
Jaret Everette 9" beard, 1"" spurs Jefferson County, WV
OHIO VALLEY OUTDOOR TIMES
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PHOTO SHOWCASE SPONSORED BY
Jaret Everette 5" beard, 1/2" spurs Jefferson County, WV
Payne Brereton 21lbs., 10" beard, 1-1/8" spurs OH
Dave Ulbright 15” crappie Highlandtown Lake, OH
Dave Ulbright rabbits Highlandtown Wildlife Area, OH
Send Us Your Photos
Jay Miller largemouth bass Columbiana County, OH
Lilly May 22lbs., 7oz., 9-1/2" beard Columbiana County, OH
Dexter May 12 lbs. 5 oz., 6-7/8" beard 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
18 Insurance From Page 15
ing membership plan can be a better bet as it can offer greater service levels, coverage options, direct billing so you can leave your credit card in your wallet, and priority towboat service on busy Saturday afternoons and evenings. The salvage coverage fine print: When fires, sinkings, shed roof collapses or running up on a shoal damages your boat, you end up with a “salvage” situation. If the boat is not a total loss and needs to be recovered and brought to a repair facility, costs can escalate quickly. Most boaters assume the cost of raising or moving the boat to safe location is covered by their policy, but some marine insurers will subtract salvage costs from the insured value of the boat, reducing the funds available to repair the boat or the amount paid in the event of a total loss. Also in case of a total loss, you may receive a check for the boat’s insured value but only a small percentage of the insured value, just 5 or 10%, to pay for salvage costs, which may not cover the bill. That leaves your wallet short and you managing a potentially complex task. Better policies don’t let you go it alone, and provide salvage coverage that is separate, but equal to the boat’s hull
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value coverage. The boat trailer fine print: Not all boat insurance policies automatically provide boat trailer coverage so be sure to check, and also find out if there are geographic limits on where you may trailer the boat. Note that if you have an accident while towing, it is your boat policy that pays to repair or replace the trailer, but any third-party damage your trailer causes to property or injuries to people is covered under your auto policy. The liability-only boat policy fine print: If you opt for a liability only policy make sure that it provides not only coverage for property damage and bodily injury to others, but that it also provides coverage for salvage and removal of wreck, and that a separate coverage is available for fuel spill incidents. Need some help? The marine insurance specialists at BoatUS can help you review your current policy by calling 800-283-2883 and also offers free quotes at BoatUS.com/insurance.
About Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatUS): Celebrating 50 years in 2016, BoatUS is the nation’s largest organization of recreational boaters with over a half mil-
lion members. We are the boat owners’ voice on Capitol Hill and fight for their rights. We help ensure a roadside breakdown doesn’t end a boating or fishing trip before it begins, and on the water, we bring boaters safely back to the launch ramp or dock when their boat won’t, day or night. The BoatUS Insurance Program gives boat owners the specialized coverage and superior service they need, and we help keep boaters safe and our waters clean with assistance from the non-profit BoatUS Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water. Visit BoatUS.com.
May 2016
Marketing From Page 15
enhance their overall marketing and communications capacity, as well as ways to improve their fishing license and boat registration processes. For more information on these programs, please email Joanne Martonik, Marketing Program Manager. About the Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation (RBFF) RBFF is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to increase participation in recreational angling and boating, thereby protecting and restoring the nation’s aquatic natural resources. RBFF developed the award-winning Take Me Fishing™ and Vamos A Pescar™ campaigns to create awareness around boating, fishing and conservation, and educate people about the benefits of participation. Take Me Fishing and Vamos A Ohio Valley Outdoors-Magazine Pescar help boaters and anglers of all ages and experience levels learn, plan and equip for a day on the water. The campaign websites, TakeMeFishing.org, and VamosAPescar.org, feature how-to videos, information on how to get a fishing license and boat registration, and an interactive state-by-state map that allows visitors to find local boating and fishing spots. @OVOutdoors
Ohio Valley Outdoors www.ohiovalleyoutdoors.com