Ohio Valley Outdoor Times 6-2014

LIBERTY AMMUNITION PART 2 Kid’s Fishing Tourney Story inside page 19

Ohio Tributaries Provide Spring Steelhead Action OV Outdoor Times

The big, somewhat gaudy strike indicator gave a slight twitch, which I reacted to with a sweeping hook-set.

A second later a By Jeff Knapp strong steelhead was Fishing Editor headed north in the direction of Lake Erie.

“This is like being hooked to a freight train,” I yelled to my companions Jeff and Tom. The cliche-seasoned remark was made somewhat tongue-in-cheek, as the horn of a nearby train was rattling the creek valley at the time. But while a train’s movement is confined to its tracks, this fish was all over the place.

Several minutes later, fatigued by a fight that included a couple impressive aerial displays, I was able to hold the fish’s head up and quietly lead it up on a gravel shore where it was unhooked, revived and released.

For Pennsylvania anglers early May might seem quite late for steelhead action in Erie tributaries, but we were fishing an Ohio water. The Ohio Division of Wildlife stocks Little Manistee strain

Ohio Valley

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EE!

Outdoor Times

steelhead, obtained from MIchigan, which tend to run later than the fish the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission introduces. This, coupled with the harsh winter and lengthy ice build-up along Lake Erie shorelines (which might have delayed steelhead from entering feeder streams), led to a situation where there were a lot of lake-run rainbows in the creeks and rivers.

My partners for the day were Tom Ference and Jeff Blood. Both are world class fly fishers. I’ve fished with Tom many times over the past several years.

My level of fly fishing knowledge and casting skill is modest, but what I’ve learned has largely come from Tom. This was the first time I’d fished with Jeff, who was the leader of our outing.

Blood is the originator of the Blood Dot, a popular and highly productive egg pattern that accurately depicts a steelhead egg.

Though Blood has lived his adult life in the Pittsburgh area, he grew up close to the shores of Lake Erie and attended Edinboro University in Erie County. He caught his first lake-run rainbow in the 1960s, at age seven, a time well before any stocking programs, from a population of fish he says the Fish and Boat Commission was unaware existed.

“Where I grew up there wasn’t a lot to do,” Blood remarked on our drive up Interstate 79. “You hunted and fished, and played sports.”

Over the years Blood has refined his Turn To Steelhead Page 4

- P.12

June 2014

Ohio Valley Outdoors–Photo by Jeff Knapp

Ference nets a steelhead for Jeff Blood on an Ohio stream.

ODNR

18

16K Spring Turkey Lighten Up This Season

8

Bill Waugaman

Be Fixed?

19

Kim Wins Catfish Tourney Opener

Ralph Scherder

Successful Expansion at Fin, Feather & Fur Larry Claypool

10

Kids Fishing Tourney Held

A First: WV Reports No Hunting Fatalities WVDNR

13 Anglers

Encouraged to Report Tagged Muskie

12 Liberty Ammunition: Part 2 OUTDOOR CALENDAR

Ohio River Catfish Tournaments - June 28, July 26, Aug. 9 at Chester City Park marina, Chester, WV 26034. Sponsored by Chester-Newell Sportsmen Club. Entry $10 per fisherman.

Begins 7 p.m. Saturday, ends 7 a.m. Sunday. Boundaries Pittsburgh, PA to Wheeling, WV. Contact Chaney’s Service Station in Chester or call Don at 304-387-3982.

Catfish Tournaments at Hubbard Conservation Club - June 28; July 12, 26; Aug. 9, 23 (*new time - 6:30-11:30 p.m.) $9 entry, 30% payout for 1st, 20% for 2nd. $4 for side pot, largest fish.

Club located at: 1760 Wick-Campbell Road, Hubbard, OH 44425. For info. call Brian Radcliff at 330-610-5802.

Walleye Madness Tournaments - June 28 at Lake Erie at Geneva. 100% payout, plus $700 in bonuses per event. Entry fee $150. To register: www.walleyemadness.net.

Ohio Valley

It is a section of water I’d always wanted to drop a line in. It really didn’t matter what type of fishing it was. As long as the offering was attached to the rod and reel I was clutching. It also didn’t matter if it was a By Larry Claypool Editor fly rod or spinning rig.

My fly line usually is the meandering type – consistently unkept and sloppy – but I have much less time spent on the water with that rig.

On this trip though I wanted a better shot of catching fish – not fuss with a fly line, so I opted for my Mitchell small spinning reel and 5 1/2” Berkley rod. I also toted my medium spinning rig as a backup.

I use my “small gear” and can usually catch a variety of fish. Mostly for this stream the target is smallmouth bass. The stream also offers an occasional sauger or walleye. On heavier rigs I’ve also caught many nice channel catfish, bullheads and largemouth bass. Those came from some of my favorite upstream spots.

My fishing partner and guide for the day, Craig, relied on his favorite fly rod and a few flies.

We hit the water early in the morning after about a 1/2 mile hike. Craig decided to cross the moderately flowing creek to ply his line. He picked the shallowest area to cross.

A heavy rain had doused the area just two days before, so the water was pretty stained, but very fishable. I would fish the left side (the best side Craig told me), wading upstream in 2-3 foot of water.

I was looking for slower, deeper pockets of water to fish; away from the swifter water in the center of the creek bed. There

were some very good spots to fish in the middle, just below several large boulders.

I like the slower moving water influenced by large rocks.

Craig caught probably 3-4 smaller smallies before I caught one fish. (I wasn’t really paying attention to him, only glancing his way occasionally to check on him because he was wading in higher, faster water.) I was drifting and jerking one of my favorite bass rigs – large mouth’s can’t resist them – a green pumpkin 5” Yum Dinger, rigged “wacky” (my secret weapon). I had a few nice hits but hooked none, so I switched to drifting a nightcrawler under a bobber.

I caught a few nice smallies with that rig.

Later in the day I hit a shallow pocket of still water and reeled in 3-4 rock bass with the drifting rig. Earlier Craig caught 4-5 rock bass in the same hole with his fly rig.

Same fish? Probably.

My largest fish of the day was a 15-inch smallie, taken with a Joe’s Flies Woolly Bugger. I had a few other nice hits on that spinner but missed them.

I have fished this stream for decades, but never from this location – a secluded, hard to access part of the creek — unless you’re in a canoe or kayak. The large rock formations, diverse trees and hills add to its beauty. There’s several types of birds and beavers close by. A single bald eagle soared overhead too. He too was looking for a nice catch.

Thanks Craig, for a perfect day on my favorite creek. I think I’ll try my fly rod next time.

Do you have a favorite fishing spot? Old or new — tell me about it. And tell me why.

You may not want to tell me where it’s at, but that’s OK. Send me an email at: lclaypool@ohiovalleyoutdoors.com.

To Advertise CALL 330-385-2243 Publisher/Editor, Larry Claypool lclaypool@ohiovalleyoutdoors.com

Outdoor Times June 2014

Fishing in a New (Old) Spot OV Outdoor Times

INSIDE THIS MONTH

4 Ohio Hunters Harvest 16 Can PA HB2230 5

June 2014

OHIO VALLEY OUTDOOR TIMES

2

Graphics Designer, Linda McKenzie lmckenzie@ohiovalleyoutdoors.com

VOL. 6, NO. 06

is published by Ohio Valley Outdoors Magazine

Offices located at

Ohio Valley Outdoor Times

210 E. 4th Street, East Liverpool, OH 43920 Phone 330-385-2243, Fax 330-385-7114 ohvod@ohiovalleyoutdoors.com www.ohiovalleyoutdoors.com

©

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

4 Steelhead From Page 1

OHIO VALLEY OUTDOOR TIMES

fly fishing steelhead tactics to a fairly simple one. Under most conditions, included the ones we were faced with this day, he fishes a tandem rig that uses an egg pattern and a Zonker streamer. A round strike indicator is used to telegraph the soft take of the steelhead.

Split shot, several if necessary, are crimped a foot or so above the top fly so that they drift close to the bottom.

Multiple flies, split shot, a strike indicator, it’s a lot of hardware to be casting with a fly rod. Both Blood and Ference recommend a fly rod in the 10 foot range, not only for “lobbing” the rigging, but also for aiding the presentation of flies. In many cases casts are made quartering upstream. With the long rod one can hold all of the line off the water during short casts, which allows for a drag free drift. During longer casts much of the line can be lifted above the surface, as the angler follows the drift, mending line upstream or downstream as needed, so the flies drift naturally when flowing through the zone the angler expects the fish to be.

Rods designed to handle lines in the seven- and eight-weight range are best for this type of fishing. Ference noted that it’s often advantageous to fish a line one size heavier than the rod rating, such as an eight-weight line on a seven-weight rod. This, he said, often makes it easier to accomplish a roll cast that flips the rigging back upstream for the next drift.

Blood’s innovative tendencies aren’t limited to flies, riggings, and how to fish them. He’s also developed a steelhead-sized landing net that doubles as a wading staff. It even has a hook on it for retrieving a fly accidentally cast up in a shoreline tree. The net nestles soundly in a cleverly designed holster than can be attached to the D-ring on the back of a vest.

Jeff Blood guides professionally on the steelhead streams of Ohio. He can be reached at blooddot@me.com.

June 2014

Ohio Hunters Harvest 16,500+ Wild Turkeys

COLUMBUS, OH — Ohio hunters checked 16,556 wild turkeys during the combined 2014 wild turkey hunting season and youth wild turkey hunting season, April 19-May 18.

The top 10 counties for the wild turkey harvest were Ashtabula (615), Tuscarawas (493), Coshocton (484), Guernsey (466), Muskingum (453), Belmont (444), Monroe (424), Trumbull (417), Knox (415) and Meigs (397).

Wild turkey hunters checked 18,391 birds in 2013.

Hunters checked 8,074 birds during the first full week of the 2014 wild turkey season. Young hunters checked 1,480 birds during the 2014 youth season.

Ohio’s 2014 spring wild turkey season was open April 21 through May 18. Youth season was April 19-20. Find more information about wild turkey hunting at wildohio.gov.

Wild turkeys were extirpated in Ohio by 1904 and were reintroduced in the 1950s by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife. Ohio’s first modern day wild turkey season opened in 1966 in nine counties, and hunters checked 12 birds. The wild turkey harvest topped 1,000 for the first time in 1984.

Spring turkey hunting opened statewide in 2000, and Ohio hunters checked more than 20,000 wild turkeys for the first time that year.

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.

A list of wild turkeys checked during the 2014 spring turkey hunting season is shown below. The first number following the county’s name shows the harvest numbers for 2014, and the 2013 numbers are in parentheses. Adams: 381 (418); Ashland: 223 (236); Ashtabula: 615 (766); Athens: 342 (331); Belmont: 444 (471); Brown: 340 (348); Carroll: 365 (373); Clermont: 288 (339); Clinton: 62 (58); Columbiana: 395 (425); Coshocton: 484 (530); Defiance: 208 (205); Delaware: 116 (104); Erie: 51 (62); Fairfield: 66 (92); Gallia: 328 (360); Geauga: 264 (296); Guernsey: 466 (541); Hamilton: 86 (111); Harrison: 392 (479); Highland: 312 (332); Hocking: 267 (315); Holmes: 269 (266); Huron: 142 (186); Jackson: 277 (311); Jefferson: 347 (426); Knox: 415 (469); Licking: 337 (363); Logan: 146 (145); Lorain: 138 (149); Madison: 5 (5); Mahoning: 247 (236); Meigs: 397 (398); Monroe: 424 (486); Morgan: 277 (343); Morrow: 182 (208); Muskingum: 453 (530); Noble: 292 (320); Perry: 255 (277); Pickaway: 23 (26); Pike: 257 (264); Portage: 247 (259); Richland: 307 (375); Ross: 289 (328); Scioto: 199 (229); Seneca: 140 (154); Stark: 261 (266); Summit: 40 (48); Trumbull: 417 (478); Tuscarawas: 493 (527);Vinton: 242 (324); Washington: 394 (439); Williams: 239 (253). Totals: 16,556 (18,391).

June 2014

OHIO VALLEY OUTDOOR TIMES

Lighten Up This Season OV Outdoor Times

What does it take to kill a big buck?

Does it take the latest products and camouflage clothing to be successful? Or is the most important thing you’ll carry with you this season in By Ralph Scherder the form of knowl- Hunting Editor edge?

The nice thing about knowledge is that it’s lightweight and versatile. It’s not a back buster, as my grandpa might say, and yet it’s the first step toward success. The more you know about your quarry, the better your chances of succeeding. That’s why we spend hours scouting, learning about animal behavior and habits. If I’ve learned anything in my years of deer hunting, it’s that there’s no substitute for learning. There’s no magic product on the market that will go out and kill that buck for you. Yes, certain technology such as trail cameras are a major aid, but you still have to know where to hang them

and how to use them effectively.

Although archery season is still a little over three months away, it’s never too early to start rounding up my gear and begin sorting through it. What do I really need to take with me this year?

What’s going to help me bag that dream buck?

Problem is I love hunting gear like a fat kid loves chocolate. If I’m in the store and see something that looks interesting, I’ll usually buy it and give it a try.

I’m constantly testing new products.

Most of those products are good, but the problem is most of them are designed for one specific purpose, and I may go a Ohio Valley Outdoors– Photo courtesy of Ralph Scherder year or even two years before actually What are the necessity items you need to pack finding a need for that product. And for a successful deer hunt? Think about it. It even then, I still wonder if I could’ve may help you bag that dream buck? found another way of doing something that would’ve been just as effective and eliminated the need to carry that product pack on the rack. If I had a backpack that small, I thought, I’d be forced to cut in the first place.

This year I’m simplifying. Previous back on what I carried into the woods years I’ve carried a rather large back- with me. So I bought it.

Immediately I noticed one benefit of pack with me, the kind with the waist belt that alleviates weight on your back. a smaller backpack. It’s shallower, Last week I saw a much smaller back- which will make accessing it quicker

5 and easier. Sometimes my other, bigger backpack was so deep that I felt practically obligated to fill it up with junk – so much so that it became a pain in the rear to even root around for an item in the pack, so I just ended up not bothering with it.

I know, it sounds crazy to me, too, just writing about it.

This new, smaller backpack, a Remington Black Canyon, has half the space as the old one I’m used to carrying. I laid out all of my gear and began the selection process. Other than my bow, arrows, and broadheads, what would I need to be successful?

Scent eliminator…check. I always carry a small spray bottle in my pack no matter what. If I get sweaty while walking to a stand, I like to give myself a quick spray down, especially on my hands and neck.

Rangefinder…check. Gotta know how far away that deer is. More deer are missed every year because hunters just don’t know how far they’re shooting. If you know the distance and know your capabilities as a shooter at that distance, you can hold accordingly and kill that deer, at any range.

Turn To Lighten Up Page 6

OHIO VALLEY OUTDOOR TIMES

6

Ohio Leadership Committed to Strengthen 74 State Parks

COLUMBUS, OH — Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Director James Zehringer and Ohio Senate President Keith Faber has announced in western Ohio that the state will invest more than $88.5 million in capital improvements at Ohio State Parks over the next two years.

“This unprecedented investment will allow our facilities to match the impressive natural beauty that defines Ohio State Parks,” said Zehringer. “Governor Kasich and the Ohio General Assembly have shown their unequivocal support for strengthening our infrastructure and modernizing our facilities. Ultimately, this money belongs to the taxpayers, and we’re going to make sure Ohioans have a voice as we improve our parks.”

These funds are not meant to expand Ohio State Parks, but to serve as a step toward improving and updating our parks for the enjoyment of every visitor. This capital improvement funding will be used to improve state park facilities and lodges across the state. Additionally, bathrooms and campsites will be updated or replaced through much of the parks system. We

have been working to identify our most immediate needs and will continue to announce projects as we move through this process.

To assist us in identifying key projects, ODNR has launched a website to allow everyone to submit their ideas for improvements within the Ohio State Parks system.

By visiting parks.ohiodnr.gov/improvements, people can fill out a survey to suggest improvements at their favorite state park.

Ohio is proud to be one of only seven states in the nation where admission 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, 2.3 million people spent at least one night in an Ohio State Park campground, cottage, cabin or lodge. By continuing to improve our state parks system, we have the opportunity to showcase our facilities and draw more tourism dollars into Ohio.

Visit the ODNR website at ohiodnr.gov.

Over 30 Years of Doing Things Right

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Lighten Up From Page 5

Lunch and beverages…check, check.

Food and beverages provide energy that will keep you sharper, more focused, and more alert. Trail mix is one of my favorite snacks on stand. It’s a high-energy food that tastes good. One note about food, though. If it comes in a plastic, crinkly wrapper, it’s always a good idea to remove it from the packaging and place it in a plastic sandwich bag. The sandwich bag will be much quieter as you reach in and out of it.

Grunt call…check. I never leave home without my grunt call. The grunt call is probably the most effective accessory available to deer hunters today. So are rattling antlers, although I don’t always carry them in my pack. During peak rut, though, you can bet I’ll have them with me.

Paper towels…check. These serve multiple purposes. If it’s raining, I use them to keep my crossbow scope clean.

If I shoot a deer, I can use them to mark the blood trail. And most importantly, when you sit on stand all day, eventually nature’s gonna call, if not come pounding on your door.

Knife…check. If I spend less energy on packing around frivolous products

June 2014

that I’ll probably never use and spend more energy on making sure my tree stand’s in the right place, hopefully I’ll get to test out the knife’s sharpness.

Well, that about covers it for me.

Gleaning over my list of items, I feel confident that I’ll have everything I’ll need to be successful this archery season. I’ve put in my time scouting and sharpening my shooting skills. I also have the knowledge acquired through years of experience. Hopefully all that I’ve learned through observation and personal experience will pay dividends this fall.

How about you? What will you have in your backpack this deer season?

Have a question for the OVO Pro Staff?

Please submit questions on a variety of topics to members of the Pro Staff via email at: prostaff@ohiovalleyoutdoors.com.

June 2014

OHIO VALLEY OUTDOOR TIMES

7

Summer Fishing at WV State Parks

SOUTH CHARLESTON, WV — West Virginia’s state parks offer many opportunities and types of waters for a favorite summertime pursuit - fishing - with ponds, lakes, streams and rivers.

Catchable warmwater and coldwater fish include bluegill, bass, catfish, trout and other species. Residents and visitors to the state are invited to wet some lines and try their luck (or skill) at angling, an activity that can be enjoyed at any age throughout a person’s lifetime.

Catfishing West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (WVDNR) personnel are stocking tagged channel catfish into eight state park lakes in May as part of the Catfish in the Parks Program. These state parks include: Cacapon, Cedar Creek, Chief Logan, Little Beaver, North Bend, Pipestem, Tomlinson Run, and Watoga. As part of the program, anglers who report a tagged catfish caught in a state park will receive a certificate good for one free night of camping at several state park campgrounds.

Anglers who catch a tagged fish are asked to return the tag or the tag number, along with information on the date of capture, if the fish was kept or released, and the name and address of the angler, to WVDNR, 2311 Ohio Ave, Parkersburg, WV 26101.

Anglers also can call 304-420-4550 or provide the information by sending an email report to dnr-

fishtags@wv.gov. Additional information about the tagging programs can be found at www.wvdnr.gov/Fishing/Fish_Tagging.shtm.

First Fish - It’s a Big Deal Sometimes a youngster or an adult needs a small acknowledgement or recognition to reinforce a positive experience. State parks naturalists award paper certificates to visitors who catch their first fish in state park waters. Presentations can be at campfire programs or with the individual or family.

WVDNR also offers an online method of fishing rewards - a First Fish Certificate - which can be completed online and printed. The document webpage is at www.wvdnr.gov, Fishing, First Fish Certificate.

The woods and waters in West Virginia make for ideal fishing conditions throughout the year, whether at a West Virginia state park and forest area or the multiple wildlife management areas and public waters throughout the Mountain State.

To learn more about West Virginia State Parks, visit www.wvstateparks.com. WVDNR includes state parks, wildlife resources, natural resources police, Office of Land and Streams and Wonderful West Virginia magazine. The WVDNR website is www.wvdnr.gov.

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

Ohio Valley Outdoors–Photo courtesy of the WV Dept. of Commerce.

Adults and children are encouraged to try fishing at any of the West Virginia state parks during any season.

OHIO VALLEY OUTDOOR TIMES

8

Successful Expansion for Fin, Feather and Fur OV Outdoor Times

With some fanfare, a curiousness among the outdoor community and a ton of local advertising, the new Goschinski’s Fin, Feather and Fur Outfitters store in Youngstown has By Larry Claypool made a big splash Editor since opening in April.

The outdoor sports shop pool has expanded a great deal in the past few years — thanks to an increase in gun sales — especially in this region. And Fin, Feather and Fur Outfitters have taken full advantage.

The Fin regional store manager Rees Vail said the new Youngstown (Boardman) store sales numbers have been good. “Sales have been even with the other stores,” said Vail. The Youngstown location is the fourth store location for Fin in Ohio.

Based in Ashland, Ohio, the regional (independent) outdoor chain is owned by Mike Goschinski. The other three stores are located in Ashland, Middleburg

Heights (Cleveland) and Canton. The home-base Ashland store features 72,000 square feet for its firearms, archery, fishing, camping, hunting, knives and more inventory. The Youngstown store has 30,000 sq. ft. of space located in the Tiffany Square Plaza, along the busy U.S. Route 224. Previously the location was occupied by Value City.

As previously mentioned gun sales have spurred the influx of new outdoor stores across the nation. For Ohio though, it continues to be a strong market. Big retailers, Cabela’s, Bass Pro Shops and Gander Mountain, base their market strategy on where Internet and catalog sales originate. It helps that the region has a solid number of hunting and fishing licenses sold each year, and Ohio boat license sales are among the top 10 (9) in the nation.

In the firearms category, the Fin is a major player. They claim to be the “largest independent firearms retailer in Ohio”, and that was before they opened the Youngstown store.

“We have a giant selection of guns. We want to be able to fit everyone. We put a Turn To Expansion Page 9

June 2014

Ohio Valley Outdoors–Photo by Larry Claypool

Fin, Feather and Fur, Youngstown location, manager Joe Smith holds one of many firearms that is for sale in the new 30,000 sq. ft. store.

June 2014

OHIO VALLEY OUTDOOR TIMES

9

Ohio Valley Outdoors– Photo by Larry Claypool

Each Fin, Feather and Fur Outfitters store features an impressive display of cutlery.

That includes several knives from major manufacturers.

Expansion From Page 8

selection out there that speaks volumes. We want people to say ‘that’s a lot of guns’,” said Vail. “It’s big for us, no doubt.”

Vail added that the Fin is the largest independent dealer in the U.S. for Smith & Wesson and Kimber firearms. Ruger and Sigg are near the top too. And for gun safes, they are the number one dealer for Liberty Safe, one of the top selling safes in the country.

The Liberty Safe display at the Fin is substantial, as are the displays of hunting and fishing boots; archery equipment; camping equipment; loading supplies; fishing equipment; canoes and kayaks; knives and cutlery; and of course firearms. The gun display counter in the back of the store is huge. Their ammunition inventory is likewise impressive. And yes, they have 22s in stock.

Vail said Fin, Feather and Fur (all locations) take pride in offering good prices, but also seeks to hire the best employees, who are very knowledgeable and friendly.

“For us it’s all about the customers. It’s not today’s sale, it’s about tomorrow’s. For our employees, we tell them we want to keep people coming back,” said Vail.

The new Fin store is located at 1138 Boardman-Poland Road (Route 224) in

Baked Haddock with Feisty Fish Rub • Prep Time: 5 min. • Cook Time: 10 min. • Ready In: 15 min. • Yields: 4

4 fillets haddock fillets 1 T. butter softened 1 T. Feisty Fish Rub Sportsman's Table Item #MG105

Directions:

Baked Haddock with Feisty Fish Rub is a delicious, fast, easy, AND healthy recipe. All the things we want in a quick meal. We used Sportsman’s Table’s Awesome Antler Rub (Sportsman’s Table Item #MG104) on the sliced, baked potatoes in this photo. Drizzle olive oil in a small bowl and Awesome Antler Rub stir thoroughly, add potato slices and stir until they are covered.

Baked Haddock is a long time favorite of ours.

Fast and easy to cook, and delicious. A great fish to try for those who are not sure they like fish. Not "fishy" at all!

www.SportsMansTable.com http://recipes.sportsmanstable.com/

Ohio Valley Outdoors– Photo by Larry Claypool

Joe Smith, Fin Boardman store manager, places a handgun back on the shelf in their firearms section.

Boardman, OH. The phone number is: 330-729-1300. Store hours are: 10 a.m. - 8 p.m. Tuesday-Friday; 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. on Sunday.

They are closed on Monday. The website is: www.finfeatherfuroutfitters.com.

10

OHIO VALLEY OUTDOOR TIMES

A First: WVDNR Reports No Hunting Fatalities

SOUTH CHARLESTON, WV — The 2014 spring turkey hunting season was a milestone in West Virginia. For the first time since spring turkey hunting was instituted in the late 1960s, no fatalities and no injuries were reported to the Law Enforcement Section of the Division of Natural Resources (DNR).

The four-week spring gobbler season began April 28 and concluded May 24.

Historically, the spring turkey season has been associated with unfortunate hunting-related incidents, such as mistaken for game shootings. Spring gobbler season is a calling sport, with camouflaged hunters imitating the call of hens as they attempt to lure male turkeys into range. Thanks to hunter education classes that became mandatory in 1990 for any hunter born after Jan. 1, 1975, the number of hunting incidents has steadily decreased over the years.

The last spring turkey season huntingrelated fatality occurred in 2009.

A “hunting incident” is defined as a case where a hunter is injured or killed

while hunting or preparing to hunt. Lt. Tim Coleman of the DNR Law Enforcement Section credits the Hunter Education Program for the steady improvement.

“In the early 1990s, spring turkey hunting incidents had double digit figures with near double digit figure fatalities before hunter education became mandatory,” Coleman said. “Thanks to the volunteer instructors and natural resources police officers of the West Virginia Hunter Education Program, and to the hunters who have made safety a part of their culture, incidents and fatalities for the spring turkey season were eliminated this year.”

Hunter education classes are scheduled throughout the year across the state.

Hunters can find information about classes in their area at the DNR website www.wvdnr.gov/lenforce/education.sht m. Lt. Coleman encourages hunters who have already taken the course to take a refresher to learn about updates in hunter safety and hunting laws.

Spring Gobbler Season Hunting Incident Statistics 2001-2014

Year

2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 Total

June 2014

Incidents Fatalities 6 5 3 4 3 3 4 2 4 3 3 1 2 0

43 incidents

0 0 0 1 1 2 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0

7 fatalities

Ohio Valley Outdoors– Photo courtesy of WV Dept. of Commerce.

The spring gobbler hunting season of 2014 was the first in which no hunting-related injuries or fatalities reported in West Virginia.

Shown is WVDNR Wildlife Resources Section Chief Curtis Taylor with a turkey.

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PRODUCT REVIEW

June 2014

OHIO VALLEY OUTDOOR TIMES

Liberty Ammunition:

Taking Personal Protection to a New Level (Part 2)

OV Outdoor Times

Last month in The Liberty Ammunition cartridges: Part 1, I wrote about Cartridge Bullet Wt. Rated M.V. the demonstration I .380 Auto 50 gr. bullet 1500 fps* saw put on by Lib- 9mm (+p) 50 gr. bullet 2000 fps* erty Ammunition. It .40 S&W 60 gr. bullet 2000 fps* was impressive and .45 ACP (+p) 78 gr. bullet 1900 fps* interesting.

The .223 Rem. 55 gr. bullet 3000 fps d e m o n s t r a t i o n * Factory readings are measured with a 4” barrel.

By Bill Waugaman made Liberty look so superior to other ammunition that I had to do my own testing.

Casings – The casings are made with brass and nickel plating. Liberty manufactures their own casings for the 9 and .45. The .380, .40 and .223 casings are made to Liberty’s specifications by a select few manufacturers known for quality brass casings.

Ohio Valley Outdoors– Photo courtesy of Bill Wagaman

Best 3-shot groups (9mm, .40 S&W and .45 ACP) with XD and XDm handguns.

Powders/Primers – Surprisingly, Liberty does not use proprietary powders. All powders are typical ‘off the shelf’ brands available to the general public. Liberty primarily uses CCI and Magtech primers.

Bullets – This is what sets Liberty apart from other personal protection ammunition. Liberty manufacturers their own monolithic copper (no lead) bullets. They start with a pure copper rod and use computer-controlled lathes to form the bullet.

The bullet is designed to have a high ballistic coefficient. To help stabilize bullet flight for straight-line penetration, one or two bands around the base of the bullet sync the spin of the bullet with the rifling in the barrel. The hollow point is machined into the nose of the bullet. The final step is the nickel plating. Upon impact, these bullets are designed to perform very specifically.

Testing was done with the following firearms (make/model, caliber, barrel length): Ruger LC380, .380 Auto, 3.12”; Springfield Armory XD, 9mm, 4”; Springfield Armory XDm, .40 S&W, 4.5”; Springfield Armory XD, .45 ACP, 5”; Savage Model 25 Varminter, .223 Rem., 24”; Windham Weaponry CDI, .223 Rem., 16”.

Test 1 - Muzzle velocities were checked using a ProChrono chronograph at 5 feet from the muzzle. A minimum string of 10 shots were fired. The results were as follows: Caliber

.380 Auto 9mm .40 S&W .45 ACP .223 (Windham CDI) .223 (Savage 25)

High

1491 2093 2244 1996 2982 3205

Low

1403 1987 2160 1904 2842 3108

Average

1444 2030 2198 1949 2910 3164

Spread

88 106 84 92 140 97

Std. Dev.

23 30 30 31 42 29

Handgun ammunition did meet or exceed manufacturer specifications except for the .380 Auto which was fired from a Ruger LC380 with a barrel shorter than 4”.

The 16” barrel CDI had results slightly under .223 specifications but the Savage 25

with its 24” barrel far exceeded the manSmallest Average ufacturer muzzle velocity specifications.

Group Group Test 2 - For accuracy, the handguns Caliber 9mm .8” 1.1” (excluding the Ruger LC380) were .3” 0.6” equipped with a laser pointer and fired at .40 S&W .4” 0.9” 10 yards. Accuracy of the .223 was tested .45 ACP 0.5” at 75 yards with the Windham Weaponry .223 (Windham CDI) .3” .3” 0.4” .223 (Savage 25) and the Savage.

The .223 Silverado rifle cartridges were surprisingly accurate. The targets shown were 15 consecutive shots in each rifle. For the handguns, the XDm in .40 S&W shot the most consistent and had the best groupings.

Test 3 - Liberty Ammunition claims that its handgun cartridges have less recoil.

Using the SAAMI formula for calculating Free Recoil Energy, Liberty’s FRE was com- 15 consecutive shots (left) with .223 Silverado cartridge pared to a very popular personal with Savage Model 25 Varminter and 15 shots with .223 Silverado cartridge in Windham Weaponry CDI. protection cartridge.

Firearm Ruger LC380 S/A XD S/A XDm S/A XD

Weight 1.09 lb.

1.75 lb.

1.88 lb.

2.03 lb.

Caliber .380 Auto 9mm .40 S&W .45 ACP

Other FRE 2.6 ft/lb 3.9 ft/lb 6.0 ft/lb 7.0 ft/lb

Liberty FRE 1.6 ft/lb 1.8 ft/lb 2.4 ft/lb 3.4 ft/lb

% Less FRE 38% 54% 59% 51%

The big advantage to less recoil is the ability to get back on target for a follow up shot, if necessary.

Test 4 - Since gelatin blocks were used at the demonstration to show bullet performance, the same was done for this evaluation using professional grade VYSE Ballistic and Ordnance Gelatin from Custom Collagen (formerly Gelatin Innovations). This is the same gelatin that is used by the FBI, law enforcement, military, etc. The .380 Auto cartridge was tested. At 1”, the hollow point bullet begins to open up transferring the shock energy to the gelatin. From about 3” to 6” as the bullet expands, most of the energy is transferred from the bullet and literally tears the inside of the gelatin block. The Liberty .380 bullet had Test 4 with gelatin block. around 10” total penetration. The other personal protection cartridge produced similar results but only had about 6 1/2” of total penetration.

Test 5 - Hydrostatic shock was demonstrated at the presentation using gallon water jugs and a .45 ACP cartridge. This was duplicated for this review, but using the smaller 9mm. As you can see in the following image, at approximately .09 seconds after impact, the transfer of energy Turn To Part 2 Page 13 from the bullet into the water from the Lib-

June 2014

Part 2 From Page 12

OHIO VALLEY OUTDOOR TIMES

erty bullet (top) is almost like an explosion inside the water jug when compared to the other personal protection cartridge (bottom).

Did Liberty Ammunition perform to the level they presented at the demonstration? Yes. Did my testing meet expectations? Yes, but I’m still undecided on the gelatin block testing. The monolithic copper bullets used by Liberty do inflict terminal damage just like copper/lead bullets. Where hollow point copper/lead bullets open up like a mushroom, Liberty hollow point copper bullets open up but not into the familiar mushroom shape, and can fragment.

Would I use Liberty Ammunition for personal protection? Absolutely. Even better, I can’t wait to try their Silverado .223 cartridge on my next groundhog hunt.

For more information about Liberty Ammunition, check out their website at: www.libertyammo.com, or watch for upcoming demonstrations in your area.

Test 5, hydrostatic shock test; Liberty bullet Contacts: (top) and ‘other’ bullet below.

Sam Piccinini (724-405-7486 or 724-6241766), info@masterammo.com Matt Phillips (941-567-6178 x210) mattphillips@libertyammo.com Russ Datson (941-567-6178) russdatson@libertyammo.com

PA Acheives Safe Hunting Milestone

HARRISBURG, PA — For the second year in a row, Pennsylvania hunters have rewritten history in regard to safe hunting.

According to a newly released report from the Pennsylvania Game Commission, there were 27 hunting-related shooting incidents (HRSIs) in 2013. That total not only represents a decrease from the previous year, it’s a record low.

The Game Commission has been tracking HRSIs since 1915, and there never before had been fewer than 33 incidents reported in a year. Decades ago, hundreds of incidents occurred each year.

Requirements for hunters to wear orange in many seasons and ongoing hunter-education efforts are essential to the upward safety trend, the report states.

In 2013, 40,971 students received their Basic Hunter-Trapper Education certification in Pennsylvania.

Game Commission Executive Director R. Matthew Hough said the latest report is something about which those student graduates, their volunteer huntereducation instructors and the hunting

public at large all can be proud.

In Pennsylvania, hunting-related shooting incidents have declined by nearly 80 percent since hunter-education training began in 1959.

The latest numbers build upon the previous year, during which 33 incidents were reported, tying the previous recordlow.

Two of the 27 incidents reported in 2013 were fatal. Except for 2012 – the first year without a single reported fatality related to gun handling in hunting and trapping in Pennsylvania – at least one fatality has been reported each year.

The number of fatal incidents has declined sharply over the years.

In 2013, nine of the 27 incidents with an identified offender resulted from individuals with 10 or fewer years of hunting experience.

It is important to note, however, that no incidents during 2013 involved youth participating in the Mentored Youth Hunting Program – a program whereby hunters under the age of 12 are permitted to harvest certain wildlife species, if they are accompanied by a licensed adult.

Nearly 34,000 Mentored Youth Permits were issued during this timeframe.

The 2.85 incident rate reported for 2013 is 20 percent lower than 2012.

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Anglers Encouraged to Report Tagged Muskellunge

COLUMBUS, OH — The ODNR Division of Wildlife initiated a muskellunge tagging project during the fall of 2013. The purpose of the study is to increase our understanding of the population dynamics of stocked muskellunge in Ohio reservoirs. The Ohio Division of Wildlife stocks approximately 20,000 muskellunge into nine reservoirs each year. These stockings have been successful in creating prized trophy muskellunge fisheries.

Anglers have provided information about these fisheries since the 1960s by reporting when and where fish were caught, the size of the fish, and whether fish were harvested or released. So far anglers have reported catching more than 59,000 muskellunge. While this catch information has been critical for the management of these fisheries, tagging data from the new study will improve our understanding of what happens to muskellunge after stocking by monitoring individual fish over time.

Angler reports of tagged fish will be used to estimate muskellunge survival

and growth, the proportion that are caught and re-caught, and how many are harvested.

This study will also evaluate the extent that muskellunge are lost through dams, also known as escapement. In particular, information on when muskellunge exit reservoirs will help biologists understand under what conditions muskellunge move out of reservoirs. The four reservoirs selected for this study reflect the range of water management strategies, and dam types found among reservoirs stocked with muskellunge.

The Ohio Division of Wildlife tagged and released 8,443 muskellunge measuring between 10-12 inches into Alum Creek Reservoir, Clear Fork Reservoir, Leesville Reservoir, and Salt Fork Reservoir. Each of these fish were marked with a T-bar tag and a passive integrated transponder (PIT). The T-bar tags were 3 inches long and consisted of a 2-inch length of monofilament connected to vinyl tubing at the end. The Tbar tags were attached externally to each fish by anchoring them near the dorsal fin. Imprinted on the vinyl tubing is a six-digit individual fish identification number and a toll-free phone number that anglers can call to report a catch.

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June 2014

OHIO VALLEY OUTDOOR TIMES

Lake Erie Fishing Outlook Looks Good

COLUMBUS, OH — Lake Erie anglers can expect to enjoy another year of diverse fishing opportunities in 2014, according to Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) biologists.

“While fishing success always varies among species and seasons, we expect that anglers will find success on the waters of Lake Erie this year,” said Jeff Tyson, Lake Erie fisheries program manager for the ODNR Division of Wildlife. “The lake’s population of walleye, yellow perch, black bass, white bass and steelhead remains stable, with a very broad distribution of sizes for each species.”

Lake Erie walleye and yellow perch fisheries are managed through an interagency quota system that involves Ontario, Michigan, Pennsylvania, New York and Ohio. Each jurisdiction regulates their catches to comply with quotas and to minimize the risk of over-fishing these species. Quotas for the upcoming

fishing season are determined through a consensus agreement by these jurisdictions through the Lake Erie Committee of the Great Lakes Fishery Commission, which were recently announced for 2014.

The daily walleye bag limit was four and the daily yellow perch bag limit was 30 per angler in Ohio waters of Lake Erie until April 30. As a result of the 2014 quota allocation, the daily bag limit is six walleye from May 1 through Feb. 28, 2015. From March 1, 2015, through April 30, 2015, the daily walleye bag limit will be four. A 15-inch minimum size limit is in effect during the entire season for walleye. The daily yellow perch bag limit is 30 from May 1 through April 30, 2015, with no minimum size limit. Lake Erie anglers can find walleye and yellow perch bag limit information at ODNR offices, in special publications at bait and tackle shops and online at wildohio.com.

Ohio Valley Outdoors - Photo by Brian Miller

Outdoor writer Steve Sorensen is shown with a nice walleye; aboard JT Sportfishing Charters on Lake Erie.

June 2014

Walleye Ohio walleye anglers in 2014 will catch fish from the 2010, 2009, 2007 and 2003 hatches, with some fish from the 2011, 2008 and 2012 year classes.

Walleye from the 2012 hatch will be present in the fishery with most individuals near or over the 15-inch minimum size limit fairly early in the 2014 fishing season. Walleye from the moderate 2010 hatch will range from 18 to 23 inches, while walleye from the 2007 hatch will be more than 20 inches. The 2003 and 2007 hatches are likely to carry most of the Central Basin fisheries. These walleye will contribute to the population that has a good number of fish over the 26inch range. Large walleye from the strong hatch in 2003 will continue to provide “Fish Ohio” opportunities (greater than 28 inches), with this year class nearing the size that may give Ohio a new state record walleye.

Yellow Perch Expect good perch fishing in 2014, with the largest fish in the eastern areas of the Central Basin. Perch anglers should encounter fish ranging from 7 to 13 inches from the 2012 through 2007 hatches in this year’s fishery, with major contributions from the 2010, 2008 and 2007 year classes. Fish from the average

OHIO VALLEY OUTDOOR TIMES

hatches in 2007 will contribute fish in the 10 inch and greater range. In 2013, yellow perch fisheries flourished in the eastern portions of Ohio’s Lake Erie, and ODNR biologists expect this trend to continue into 2014.

Black Bass Smallmouth bass fishing in 2014 is expected to be fair but improving.

Smallmouth bass catch rates in 2013 were slightly below those seen in 2012, but were still some of the highest observed since the mid-1990s. Smallmouth bass caught should be an excellent size (14 to 22 inches, weighing up to 6 pounds). The best fishing for smallmouth bass will continue to occur in areas with good bottom structure, which is the available habitat across much of the entire Ohio nearshore and islands areas. Continuing the trend from previous years, largemouth bass fishing should be excellent in 2014. This emerging fishery is producing high catch rates and some large fish in nearshore areas and harbors across Ohio’s Lake Erie shoreline. All black bass (smallmouth and largemouth) must be immediately released from May 1 through June 27 of this year. Beginning June 28, the daily bag limit for bass is five, with a 14-inch minimum length limit.

Steelhead Steelhead anglers should enjoy another year of great fishing in 2014 on Ohio’s Lake Erie open waters and tributaries. Peak summer steelhead action on Lake Erie can be found offshore from June through August between Vermilion and Conneaut, with catches measuring 17 to 29 inches. Most Lake Erie anglers troll for steelhead in deep waters using spoons with dipsy divers or downriggers until fish move close to shore in the fall.

The daily bag limit remains five fish per angler from May 16 through Aug. 31, and two fish per angler between Sept. 1, 2014, and May 15, 2015. A 12-inch minimum size limit is in effect throughout the year.

White Bass White bass continue to provide excellent seasonal fishing opportunities in the Maumee and Sandusky rivers and in the open lake. The 2014 catch will be dominated by fish from the 2012, 2011 and 2010 year classes. Fish from 2006 could be as large as 16 inches. Anglers should focus on major Western Basin tributaries during May and June and nearshore areas of the open lake during the summer. There is no daily white bass bag or size limit.

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Other Species Bays, harbors and main lake shorelines offer excellent fishing for panfish, as well as the occasional northern pike and muskellunge in vegetated areas.

Anglers are reminded that fishing conditions on Lake Erie can change hourly, and adjustments are often necessary to improve success. Anglers should take into account factors such as water temperature, cloud cover, water clarity, boat traffic, wave action, structure, currents and the amount of baitfish in the area.

Anglers are also reminded to carefully monitor the Lake Erie weather and to seek safe harbor before storms approach.

Updated Lake Erie fishing reports are available at wildohio.com or by calling 888-HOOKFISH (888-466-5347). Information is available from ODNR Division of Wildlife staff from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays at the Fairport Harbor station (440-352-4199) for the Central Basin and at the Sandusky station (419625-8062) for the Western Basin.

Information on the ODNR Division of Wildlife’s Lake Erie research and management programs, fisheries resources, fishing reports, maps and links to other Lake Erie web resources are available at wildohio.com.

Visit the ODNR website at ohiodnr.gov.

OHIO VALLEY OUTDOOR TIMES

16

Can PA’s HB2230 be Fixed?

By Bill Waugaman

When word got out that a bill was going to be introduced into the PA General Assembly that would finally make it possible to hunt in PA with a semi-auto rifle, I got excited. Our state was finally going to be like 48 other states where semi-auto rifles are allowed, subject to stateby-state guidelines.

As I began the research to find out more about this bill, it was introduced as HB2230 by Rep. Greg Lucas. The text of this legislation is as follows: Amending Title 34 (Game) of the

Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in hunting and furtaking, further providing for unlawful devices and methods. The General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania hereby enacts as follows:

Section 1 Section 2308(b) of Title 34 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes is amended by adding a paragraph to read: 8§ 2308. Unlawful devices and methods. (b) Exceptions — The provisions of

subsection (a) shall not apply to: (7) A semiautomatic rifle, .223 caliber or less with a cartridge capacity of not more than six, for the taking of a coyote, fox or woodchuck.

While I applaud Rep. Lucas for going out on a limb to put forth this controversial legislation in PA, I struggle with the defined limitations. For example, the bill would allow hunting for coyote, fox and woodchuck with a semi-auto rifle. What about squirrels and other small game that are typically hunted with .22 Rimfire rifles?

The 5-round capacity of magazines for .223 is not a problem. There are quite a few companies that manufacture these magazines already. However, finding .22 Rimfire rifles that are semi-automatic and have a 5-round magazine is a different story.

CZ-USA has a new rifle out, the Model CZ512, which meets these requirements.

Besides that one, you had a Weatherby MK XXII (discontinued), a Remington Nylon 77 (discontinued) and an Izhmash Korshun (whatever that is). There may be some others available, but they’re few and far between.

June 2014

When I posed this information to Rep. Lucas, his reply was, “There is a provision for ‘plugging’ or retrofitting to limit to 6 to make others like the (Ruger) 1022 legal.” While I agree with Rep. Lucas that these limitations are the best chance to move the bill, I do not see any firearms manufacturer retrofitting the typical 10-round magazine or making ‘plugs’ to limit tube feed magazines just so it complies with PA guidelines.

HB2230 can be fixed one of two ways. First, leave out the “or less” so it excludes .22 Rimfire rifles completely.

Second, increase the cartridge capacity of the “or less” to be 10-round magazines for .22 Rimfire rifles. For the libs and anti-gunners who will cry assault weapons, show them a picture of a Ruger 10-22, or a Savage 64-G, or a Browning SA22, or a Remington 552, or a Marlin 795 and ask them to explain in detail why these are assault weapons.

Shown in the photo is a CZ 512, 22LR Semi-Auto, 5 rd. mag rimfire rifle. It retails for $480. The gun features an aluminum alloy upper receiver and fiberglass reinforced polymer lower.

— Photo courtesy of CZ-USA

June 2014

Mike Yudt 1st day rifle Ritchie County, WV

OHIO VALLEY OUTDOOR TIMES

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John Seelhorst compound bow Athens County, OH

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Ohio Valley Outdoors

Avondale Wildlife Area Revised Access Map Available

ATHENS, OH — Ohio hunters may be interested in a new access map that is now available for Avondale Wildlife Area, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR). A copy of the new map is available by visiting http://wildlife.ohiodnr.gov/wildlifeareas and clicking on the “AEP Public Hunting Areas - Maps” link at the top of the page or by calling the Wildlife District Four Office at 740-589-9930.

Avondale Wildlife Area is owned by American Electric Power (AEP) and was the first area to be established with an agreement with the ODNR Division of Wildlife for public recreation. Approximately 3,200 acres remain open to public use for hunting, trapping and fishing, but a small portion of the area will be closed for the next two years for mineral extraction, and a planned, five year

June 2014

reclamation process will begin immediately afterward. The closed area encompasses all the property south of Township Road 71A in Perry County.

AEP has been a longtime partner in conservation, dating back to the first agreement in 1957. Currently, AEP has more than 86,000 acres open to public use.

Permits are required for using lands which AEP has made available for recreational use. The areas are Ohio Power Company’s ReCreation Land, Avondale Wildlife Area, Gavin Wildlife Area, Conesville Coal Lands and Poston Plant Lands. The user must have the appropriate permit for the recreation area he or she is using. The permit covers only the above designated recreation areas; it does not cover any other AEP lands. A free permit may be obtained by sending a request to American Electric Power Company, 59 W. Main Street, McConnelsville, Ohio 43756 or online at www.aep.com/environment/conservatio n/recland/permit.aspx.

Kim Wins Catfish Tourney Opener

CHESTER, WV — Jeremy Kim of New Cumberland, WV won the season opener Ohio River Catfish Tournament on May 24. Kim won with an impressive 41”-inch, 33.2 lb flathead catfish. The tournament was hosted by the ChesterNewell Sportsmen’s Club.

A total 61 fishermen and women competed in the event. The Ohio River flow was determined “high and muddy”.

The blind draw number was 22, and John Fortner of Salem, Ohio won with a 22 1/4” fish. Last year’s Tournament Champion, Clinton Lang Jr., and his father Clinton Lang Sr., both of New Cumberland, also each caught 33”-inch flathead catfish during the opener.

The next scheduled tournament will be June 28. Others will be held July 26 and August 9. Registration is held at Chaney’s Sunoco in Chester. Proceeds help fund scholarships at Oak Glen and South Side (PA) High Schools.

Ohio Valley Outdoors - Photo submitted

Jeremy Kim won the Ohio River Catfish Tournament with a 41”-inch, 33.2 lb flathead catfish.

June 2014

OHIO VALLEY OUTDOOR TIMES

Kid’s Fishing Tourney Held

NEW MANCHESTER, WV — The Chester-Newell Sportsmen’s Club hosted its annual Kids Fishing Tournament recently at the club’s facility in New Manchester. Trophies were awarded for the largest fish. Door prizes were also given to each participant.

Trophy winners for biggest fish went to: (first place) Sierra Beaver 13 1/2”; (second place) Hunter Lang 11 3/4” and (third place) Joseph Truan 10 1/2”.

Food and bait were provided by sponsors; Chaney’s Sunoco, Calcutta Walmart, B&S Carry-Out and the sportsman’s club.

“The kids had a blast fishing on a nice spring day, along with their parents and club members. The club provided lots of water and hot dogs for everyone and every kid received a door prize,” said club board member Vance Squires.

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Ohio Valley Outdoors - Photo by Vance Squires

Jaeven Eckles with a nice perch.

Enjoy the outdoors....Take a kid hunting g or fishing loc lo oca cal al Sportsman’s Spo Sp por ort rts tsm sma man an’s Club, Clu Cl lub ub You’ll You Yo ou’l’ll ll be be glad g Join your local you did!

Ohio Valley Outdoors - Photo by Vance Squires

Trophy winners for the Kid’s Fishing Tournament were: (first place) Sierra Beaver 13 1/2”; (second place) Hunter Lang 11 3/4” and (third place) Joseph Truan 10 1/2”.