PLINKING FUN WITH S&W M&P22 - P.11
Sticks & Stones
Ohio Valley
Story inside page 7
Tips for Fall Bassin’ on Conneaut Lake OV Outdoor Times
Northwest Pennsylvania’s Conneaut Lake is a unique body of water, at least for Pennsylvania. It’s the only sizeable natural lake in the western part of the By Jeff Knapp state. It’s brimming Fishing Editor with structure and cover. It supports and outstanding population of both largemouth and smallmouth bass. And it can be oh so tough. Come fall, though, its bass often loosen their lips a bit. Recently I spoke with my friend Chad Templin about fall fishing on Conneaut. Templin, a Meadville-based attorney, fishes Conneaut several times a week until ice up. I asked Templin how he consistently catches bass during the early fall, a time when the fish are on the move in a changing environment. “You have to be mobile and flexible,” he explained. “The worst thing about fall in Pennsylvania is the unpredictable weather. You have to accept that a few extreme days of cold weather or cold rain is going to move the fish. Unlike spring, where you can usually predict a window of several
OutdoorTimes August 2014
weeks where you generally know where fish will be, things can go south in a hurry in the fall. As a result, a person needs to be prepared to adjust to changing weather and water temps. Now that zebra mussels have dramatically increased the water clarity, don’t be afraid to look as deep as the thermocline allows.” Much like nearby Keystone Lake, Conneaut has populations of both largemouth and smallmouth bass. It also has differing types of cover, which includes weedgrowth both shallow and deep, as well as rocky points and humps that are barren of weeks. I next asked Templin if he believes the two species use totally different areas of the lake. “I have always thought it was a bit of a myth to say that largemouth relate to weeds and smallmouth relate to rock, since I have caught many big smallmouths in and along the weeds,” he noted. “However, one time of the year when I do lend more credence to this theory is the fall. Generally, as the weeds start to die, the lack of cover in those areas tends to push the largemouth to the lone surviving weeds while the smallmouth tend to move to more shallow rocky areas. In the fall, these areas are the warmest locations in the lake, will be holding the most food and I target different shallows for each species.” I’ve fished with Templin several times, both on both lakes and rivers. He’s quite adept at working crankbaits. So it’s no surprise that crankbaits are a significant part of his fall arsenal on Conneaut. Turn To Bassin Page 4
Ohio Valley Outdoors–Photo by Jeff Knapp
Conneaut Lake bass enthusiast Chad Templin, shown here with an Allegheny River smallmouth bass, shares his thoughts about fall bass fishing on Conneaut.
OHIO VALLEY OUTDOOR TIMES
INSIDE THIS MONTH
5 Who Gets the Deer? 10 What is?: Ohio 6
Ralph Scherder
Clinics & Lottery Set for Castilia Fish Hatchery
7
ODNR
Curt Grimm
8 Limited Bear Firearms Sticks and Stones
15 Soft Mast for
Forestry and Wildlife Conservation Camp Chestnut Hill Outdoors
16 Ohio Adds Days to Bowhunters ODNR
Dove Season
WVDNR
9 Dove Hunter
Season Permits Available
Survey Results Provide Valuable Insights
11
Plinking Fun with S&W’s (Part 1 - M&P22)
OUTDOOR CALENDAR
Catfish Tournament at Hubbard Conservation Club - Aug. 23 (*new time - 6:30-11:30 p.m.) $9 entry, Club located at: 1760 Wick-Campbell Road, Hubbard, OH 44425. For info. call Brian Radcliff at 330-610-5802. Liberty Ammunition Civil Defense Free Ammo Demonstration - Aug. 24 (10 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.) at Hidden Valley Sportsmen’s Club in West Middlesex, PA. Open to the public. Contact the club: 724-528-2700. Walleye Madness Fall Trifecta - Sept. 13-14 at Berlin Lake (Bonner Road Launch) Two single day events, $50 total entry, 100% payout. 25 boat limit. Details & reg. www.walleyemadness.net or call Buckeye Sports Center - 330-929-3366. WV Trappers Association 46th Annual Convention - Sept. 19-20 at Gilmer County Recreation Center, 1365 Sycamore Run, Glenville, WV. All events are free. For info. contact Scott at 304462-7270 or Janet at 304-477-3181 or log onto www.wvtrappers.com.
Ohio Valley
Hunters always remember their first; whether it’s the first squirrel, first deer, first buck, first turkey or first hunting trip. Rob Auer, and his son Mitchell will not forget young Mitchell’s first deer. The Auer’s have a By Larry Claypool pretty unique story to Editor tell. Rob Auer relayed this story to me during the recent Explore the Outdoors event at Beaver Creek State Park, where I was manning the Ohio Valley Outdoors magazine vendor booth. Auer is a long-time subscriber to the magazine. Auer, a Columbiana County resident, prefaced his story by telling me his photo has run a few times in our magazine. “In the Photo Showcase pages”, he said. “And it ran with my buck from last season in the Winter Issue.” He explained, however, that he was more excited that his nine-year-old son’s photo appeared in the same publication. Same page, right beside his dad’s photo. “I took an eight point but was more excited to see my son get his first deer. It was a button buck,” said the elder Auer. “We had worked with him and his crossbow. We felt confident about a 20-yard shot. That’s what we worked on,” said Auer. “So we go out for the hunt and I measured out 20 yards. That was his max. I put a stick in the ground and attached a yellow piece of paper to it. I told him he couldn’t take a shot further than the stick.” Mitchell didn’t have to. “And what do you know, we see this button buck and he comes right up to the stick. Like he was smelling it. He then looked up and my son took the shot, he got him,” re-
August 2014
called Auer. “I guess we don’t need to buy deer lure in the future,” quipped the older Auer. A not-so-common deer tale, but definitely one hunt the Auer’s will remember forever. See the Auer’s trophy photos in the Winter Issue of OVO, on page 36.
Stick Stories Local ‘Marathon Hunter’ Curt Grimm has many stories to tell about his hunting trips and other outdoor adventures. One such story appears on Page 7 of this issue. Grimm’s tale is about ‘Sticks and Stones’. I have been on a few deer shed hunts — also a elk shed hunt in PA — with Grimm and during one of our hunts I had asked him about his walking stick. It was uniquely shaped at the top, had a few serious ‘kinks’ in it. “Is there a story behind your stick,” I asked him. I’m not really sure he ever answered me. There is, however, a story behind a few of Grimm’s walking sticks, as you’ll read. One he uses more frequently has a roofing nail attached to the bottom so he can flip over rocks and sticks in search of arrowheads and other artifacts. As many of us do, I have a favorite walking/hiking stick. I think it’s made of maple from nearby my house. My grandson and I looked for walking sticks to clean and carve so they would be alike. I also have a beech tree stick that I found recently near Beaver Creek that was cut on both ends, and debarked, by resident beavers. A third stick in my collection has serious elk rub marks; found this spring during our elk shed hunt in Elk County, PA. We didn’t find any elk sheds but I got a cool walking stick out of the trip. That’s my stick story.
To Advertise CALL 330-385-2243 Publisher/Editor, Larry Claypool lclaypool@ohiovalleyoutdoors.com
Outdoor Times August 2014
The 20-Yard Shot
OV Outdoor Times
2
Graphics Designer, Linda McKenzie lmckenzie@ohiovalleyoutdoors.com
VOL. 6, NO. 08
is published by Ohio Valley Outdoors Magazine
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4 Bassin From Page 1
“My favorite bait in the early fall is a square bill crankbait,” he said. “By design it seems to deflect through weeds better, is more buoyant and draws strikes from active shallow fish. Once it has become clear that the early fall, shallow water bite has slowed, I spend the rest of the fall targeting primary transition spots. Using my iPilot feature on my trolling motor I will sit on each area and wait to catch the fish moving in and out, up and down with deep diving crankbaits, swimbaits and jigs. I realize this ‘camping’ method may not be exciting, but almost every trophy size fish I have caught in the fall has been achieved by siting on the highway between shallow and deep and waiting for them to come to me.” By mid-to-late October Templin has to adjust to the next major change in the lake, one brought on by the continually cooling water temperatures. “The last point I would mention is fall turnover,” he concluded. “On deep natural lakes like Conneaut there will be a definite thermocline that shows up on the sonar in mid-summer and it can usually be used to your advantage, to rule out massive areas of the lake that do not hold fish. In the early fall, one can continue to use this to their advantage by narrowing their fishing between the shallows and the thermocline. But once the lake turns over, essentially the whole lake becomes fair game and it certainly signals the end of the traditional early fall season.”
OHIO VALLEY OUTDOOR TIMES
August 2014
WV Hunting and Trapping Regulations Summary Available
SOUTH CHARLESTON, WV — The 2014-2015 West Virginia Hunting and Trapping Regulations Summary brochure is available at West Virginia hunting and fishing license agents, Division of Natural Resources district offices, and the DNR Elkins and South Charleston offices. This regulations summary is also available online at the Division of Natural Resources’ website: www.wvdnr.gov. DNR officials urge sportsmen and women to carefully review these regulations, as there are several changes in place this fall and next spring. • The archery boar season will open two weeks earlier on September 27, 2014, and run through December 31, 2014. • The statewide archery deer season will open on September 27, 2014, and run through December 31, 2014. • Black bear firearms hunting seasons have been modi-
New Access on Conneaut Creek
AKRON, OH — Thanks to the State Wildlife Grant Program (SWG), the ODNR Division of Wildlife was able to recently purchase a 70-acre parcel along Conneaut Creek in Ashtabula County. Besides the property providing habitat for a variety of potentially threatened and endangered species, adjacent Conneaut Creek provides high-quality habitat for a variety of equally important aquatic species. A side benefit to this acquisition is the fact that this area, now referred to as “Creek Road Access,” will provide direct public access for fishing and for hunting. The Creek
fied, mainly requiring permits for hunting on public lands in addition to private lands in 17 counties. • The fall wild turkey hunting season will be more restrictive this year with fewer counties open for a two-week season. • Trappers checking in beavers beginning April 1, 2015, and hunters checking in turkeys during the 2015 spring gobbler seasons must follow the new rules for electronic checking of game. This will be accomplished by either going online to www.wvhunt.com, stopping at any license agent, or by calling 1-844-824-3251 (1-844-UCheck1). • Voters in five counties (Braxton, Calhoun, Nicholas, Webster and Wirt) approved Sunday hunting on private land. Visit the DNR website for a current list of all counties open to Sunday hunting on private land.
Road Access is bounded between Conneaut Creek, Creek Road (from the Creek Road covered bridge east to Keefus Road), and Keefus Road (Keefus Road north to the Keefus Road bridge). Anglers and hunters should be mindful of private properties that surround the Creek Road Access. The SWG program is administered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and provides federal funds to states for the purpose of providing cost-effective conservation which is focused on preventing wildlife from becoming endangered. For more information, visit wildohio.gov or call the Wildlife District Three headquarters at (330) 644-2293.
August 2014
OHIO VALLEY OUTDOOR TIMES
Who Gets the Deer? OV Outdoor Times
The first nice buck I shot at in my hunting career was not a clean kill. I was 14 and my first shot missed the running 8point entirely. My second shot clipped its paunch. With two hours of daylight re- By Ralph Scherder maining and snow Hunting Editor pouring down, my uncle and I trailed the buck into a deep valley. We caught up to the buck near a creek, where I dropped it with a well-placed shot, but only after we’d trailed it roughly 800 yards. We’d tracked it through thick pines and green briar and passed two different hunters who never even saw the buck as it slipped by – they’d been facing the opposite direction and couldn’t hear much over the noise of the creek and the falling snow. But they heard that final shot near the creek. As my uncle and I reached the buck, a half dozen other hunters appeared from the thick pines and congratulated me on
harvesting a good deer. Recalling the whole incident 20 years later, I can see that I was lucky to even get that deer. What if one of those hunters hadn’t been looking the wrong direction when my buck walked by? What if they’d finished it off and claimed it as their own? I shudder to think of it, not only because I wouldn’t have gotten that buck – that’s the least of it – but because, as a young hunter, that experience could have shaped the way I viewed the sport and other hunters. The dictionary defines ethics as “the rules of conduct recognized in respect to a particular class of human actions or a particular group, etc.” But trying to decide what is ethical in the hunting world is often a matter of personal opinion and upbringing. For instance, a friend of mine was raised to believe that “the last shot gets the deer.” In other words, if he gets the opportunity to finish off a wounded whitetail, then he believes he is entitled to that deer. Even if the deer was mortally wounded before it got to him, and even if the hunter who mortally
wounded the deer is currently tracking the animal. That’s how he was raised to believe. I was raised to believe that whoever draws first blood gets the deer, even if it wasn’t a killing shot. I believe that any hunter who wounds an animal should have every opportunity to recover that animal. And if I get the chance to kill the deer, then I guess I just made his tracking job a little easier. The only exception to this would be if the first shot merely grazed the deer. Considering the differing viewpoints of these two schools of thought, it’s easy to see how conflict can arise if ever the two converge. Unfortunately, every hunting season they do meet. Although it’s easy to walk away from a doe or a small buck if another hunter should lay claim to it, walking away from a 130class whitetail is a whole other story. Two years ago, a guy I met at a sports show told me a hair-raising story. He shot a big 10-point during gun season and the deer ran less than 100 yards, barely out of sight, when he heard a shot come from that direction. He hustled toward the deer and found another hunter leaning over the giant buck. Both hunters hit the deer – one through the ribcage and the other through the hind leg. Each hunter
5
Ohio Valley Outdoors–
Trying to decide what is ethical in the hunting world is often a matter of personal opinion and upbringing. Turn To Deer Page 6
6 Deer From Page 5
claimed to have made the killing shot through the vitals. A heavy trail of frothy lung blood indicated that hunter number one, the first to shoot, had made the killing shot. Still, the second hunter refused to believe it. When hunter number one began the process of filling out his game tag, he felt a gun barrel pressed into his ribs. Needless to say, hunter number one conceded the deer. “It was a heck of a ten-point,” he told me, “but no buck is worth getting killed over. I got back on stand and later that afternoon killed another buck just as big.” There’s not always a clear-cut answer as to who gets the deer, especially when multiple hunters shoot at the same deer, such as in an open field or on a drive. I’ve experienced both situations, and each time I knew in my heart whether I hit or missed the deer. Deciding who killed it was easy. Still, I take precautions beforehand to make sure the hunt ends without a dispute over a deer. Before my buddies and I even head into the woods, I make sure that we are like-minded when it comes to who gets the deer if either of the situations mentioned above should
OHIO VALLEY OUTDOOR TIMES
arise. In short, when we hunt their spots we hunt by their rules, and when we hunt my spots we hunt by mine. I once knew two guys who were best friends their whole lives, from grade school to adulthood, but their friendship dissolved because of a dispute over a deer – they’d been sitting together on a field edge and both shot at the buck. It seems childish, I know, but both men were passionate about whitetails, and the fact that the deer in question was a wallhanger made it difficult for them to reconcile. I don’t expect others to think the same way I do. Ethics is not all about believing the same as everyone else anyway. The heart of ethics is this: how would you expect others to treat you? The golden rule never goes out of style. The goal of hunting is not only to successfully harvest an animal, but also to have a satisfying outdoors experience. No matter what, I never want to return home feeling bitter about something that happened in the deer woods. Likewise, I always want to make good decisions and know that I did right by fellow hunters.
August 2014
Clinics and Annual Lottery Set For Castalia Fish Hatchery
FINDLAY, OH — Anglers interested in learning the art of fly fishing and practicing their skills on a half-mile section of Cold Creek at the Castalia State Fish Hatchery in Erie County are encouraged to enter a lottery for beginning fly-fishing clinics, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife. There are 125 slots available for the popular program. Sessions will be held on Fridays from Sept. 5 through Oct. 10, with the exception of Sept. 26. Deadline for submitting a lottery entry is Aug. 22. In addition to fly-fishing instruction by Division of Wildlife staff and volunteers, attendees will be able to test their newly acquired skills by fishing for the abundant rainbow trout found in Cold Creek. Anglers may also encounter an occasional brown trout. Instruction will be from 8 a.m. until Noon or 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Sept. 5, Sept. 12, Sept. 19, Oct. 3 and Oct. 10. To apply, applicants must submit a postcard listing their: name, address, and phone number. The applicant may bring one guest, but the guest’s name must be
listed on the postcard at the time of submission. Only one postcard per applicant and guest is allowed and no duplicates may be submitted. Postcards should be sent to: ODNR Division of Wildlife District Two, 952 Lima Avenue, Findlay, Ohio 45840 Attention: Linda Ringer. Successful applicants will receive an assigned session date and time. Permits are non-transferable. All anglers age 16 and older are required to have a valid Ohio fishing license. Funds generated from the sale of fishing licenses go toward conserving and restoring habitat, enforcement of fishing regulations, hatchery operations, fish stocking in public fishing areas, and enhancement of research and educational outreach. For more information on Ohio’s fishery resources, call 1-800-WILDLIFE or visit wildohio.gov on the web. The Castalia State Fish Hatchery is located in Erie County off State Route 269, near Castalia. 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.
August 2014
OHIO VALLEY OUTDOOR TIMES
Sticks and Stones OV Outdoor Times
Summer is a great time to start scouting for a fall buck or turkey. You may come across Indian artifacts in fields that may also have evidence of deer and turkey tracks. After a fresh rain is the best By Curt Grimm time to walk rows of The Marathon Hunter gardens, creek banks or farmer’s fields. A walking stick can be a great tool to uncover special rocks and move vegetation to gain a better view of animal tracks. I have a variety of special and unique walking sticks. They all serve a useful purpose and are very enjoyable to find and finish to your desire. The walking stick I use the most is about waist high and has a roofing nail embedded on the lower tip. It aids to uncover rocks that have the potential of being an Indian artifact or a fossil. The nail is put adjacent to the rock and with the flick of the wrist revealed a better view of the total stone. It aids to move
quietly through fields and it also increases my chances to come across a nice buck or turkey track. I keep notes and a record of my scouting trips to remember the best spots to find arrowheads and feeding animals. Other walking sticks are employed, depending on the area I am hiking. Sometimes when the grass is high I use a walking stick with a “Y” at the end. This enables me to move vegetation easier and safer than using hands or feet. In rare cases it can be used for protection from snakes or sick animals that are too close for comfort. A tree rubbed by a deer makes a beautiful stick if it is varnished and cut a little longer to give better balance when moving up and down steep hillsides. While looking for deer rubs to prepare for fall archery season, I am able to find the movement of deer and locate some hornet nest that will look great hanging in my hunting den or cabin.
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Hiking along creeks may present the opportunity to find a walking stick that has a nice design left by a beaver. Walking sticks make great gifts, and some people have a talent to carve or burn a pattern in the wood. A walking stick with a unique design is a present that a fellow hunter or hiker will cherish for years. Also, the owner of the farm who gives you permission to hunt would be excited to get such a unique present — a carved walking stick or a walking stick with a burnt pattern is a treasure the land owner would cherish for life. A gift like this shows your appreciation for the privilege to hunt on their land. Tools of the trade make all jobs easier and more enjoyable. To have a tool that is customized to suit your purpose is a real treat. To multi task can make a job suddenly become a real pleasure. Hunting for game, arrowheads, and walking sticks give multiple rewards. The rewards of exercise and the thrill of accomplishment are few. If you have the right attitude and a variety of goals you never come away empty handed.
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Ohio Valley Outdoors–Photo by Gary Grimm
The author with his collection of walking sticks. Some are used for specific hiking or scouting trips.
8 Limited Bear Firearms Season Permits Now Available
SOUTH CHARLESTON, WV — Applications are now available for permits for the limited bear firearms season this fall in West Virginia. Hunters are reminded that, concurrent with the traditional buck-gun season, a bear season without dogs will occur Nov. 24-Dec. 6, 2014, on public and private land in 17 counties, by permit only. Barbour, Braxton, Clay, Grant, Greenbrier, Hardy, Lewis, Mercer, Monroe, Pendleton, Pocahontas, Randolph, Summers, Taylor, Tucker, Upshur, and Webster counties will be open for concurrent bear hunting with permits. Resident landowners, their resident children or resident tenants who live on the land are not required to apply for a limited bear firearms season permit or purchase a class DS bear hunting stamp to bear hunt on their own land. “Counties that will be open for bear hunting during the buck-gun season are above their management objective and need additional bears harvested to achieve their goal,” said Colin Carpenter, black bear project leader for the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources. “Timing is critical when setting bear
OHIO VALLEY OUTDOOR TIMES
hunting seasons, and the limited bear firearms season will occur when the maximum number of hunters are in the woods. This is the second time that hunters in the majority of these counties will have the opportunity to harvest a black bear during the buck-gun season, and we hope they will take advantage of it.” Each hunter must fill out a separate application that must be signed, dated, legible, complete, and received by the DNR Application Section by Aug. 18, 2014. Successful applicants will be sent an “Eligibility Card” (permit) in the mail. This permit will indicate the county in which the applicant may hunt and provide instructions for obtaining a class DS stamp. Neither the permit nor the class DS stamp is transferrable, and the county of hunt cannot be changed. Applications are currently available online at www.wvdnr.gov. Printed applications will be be available in late July at hunting license agents, DNR district offices, DNR Elkins Operations Center and the DNR main office in South Charleston. Completed applications must be mailed to the Application Section, West Virginia Division of Natural Resources, P.O. Box 67, Elkins, WV 26241-0067, by Aug. 18. Details concerning bear hunting seasons can be found on pages 3639 of the 2014-2015 Hunting and Trapping Regulations Summary.
August 2014
Ohio Valley Outdoors–Photo courtesy of WV Dept. of Commerce
Applications for the limited bear firearms season in 17 counties must be submitted by Aug. 18, 2014.
August 2014
OHIO VALLEY OUTDOOR TIMES
Dove Hunter Survey Results Provide Valuable Insights
WASHINGTON, DC — Results from a first-of-its-kind survey of the nation’s mourning dove hunters were released recently by the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies (AFWA), National Flyway Council and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The survey, in which more than 12,000 dove hunters from around the country participated, will provide wildlife and natural resources managers with information to help them effectively manage and conserve this migratory bird species into the future. “Hunters opinions and preferences are an important consideration in how state fish and wildlife agencies, the Service, the Flyway Councils and our conservation and sportsmen group partners sustain resources and continue to provide quality hunting opportunities,” said Dan Forster, AFWA President and Georgia Wildlife Resources Division Director. The survey provides demographic data and information on hunter behavior and attitudes on a variety of topics, including where and how often they hunt,
hindrances to them engaging in their sport, and where they get their trusted information on this and related issues. The survey also explored dove hunters’ opinions and attitudes towards lead ammunition and the perceived impacts of spent lead on wildlife. The survey questions and collection of responses on this issue does not mean that non-toxic shot will be required to hunt doves in the future. “Hunters are key partners in conservation,” said U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Director Dan Ashe. “For generations, hunters, recreational shooters and anglers have been – and continue to be – the primary funders of wildlife and sportfish conservation in the U.S. through their purchases of specially taxed gear and hunting and fishing licenses.” The report is just a first step in the allimportant process of review and discussion among stakeholders about what the survey results reveal and how they can be used to inform future decisions about
Pheasant Valley Spicy Pheasant Nachos
By Mark Wolfskill from Pheasant Valley Farm, Robesonia, PA
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dove hunting and resource management in the United States. Rigorous statistical analysis and modeling of the results will follow to provide additional understanding. Hunting has an $86.9 billion impact on the national economy and generates approximately $11.8 billion in federal, state and local tax revenues. Thanks to hunting and sport-shooting purchases, state fish and wildlife agencies have been able to provide hunter education to more than 24 million people, build hundreds of public shooting ranges, develop walk-in hunting access programs, educate youth in schools about the conservation of fish and wildlife, and deliver outdoor skills training to millions of Americans of all ages. Mourning doves are one of the most abundant and widely distributed game birds in the country, with hunting seasons established in 40 of the lower 48 states. Doves can be poisoned by consuming spent lead shot, but despite anecdotal evidence, researchers do not yet know if there is a population-level effect. Key Findings from the National Dove Hunter Survey: • Dove hunters are typically white males, 45 years of age and older and are
Ohio Valley Outdoors– Photo by Larry Claypool
Mourning doves are one of the most abundant and widely distributed game birds in the country. Turn To Dove Hunter Page 18
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• Prep Time: 10 min. • Cook Time: 7 min. • Ready In: 34 min. • Yields: 8
3 breasts of pheasant filleted and cut into 1/2 in. strips 1/ stick butter
1/2 tsp. Brown Dog Riba-Riba Rub Sportsman's Table Item #MG110
2 tbs. sour cream
1 tsp. Louisianna Crystal Hot Sauce amount
varies to taste
1 tsp. corn starch amount varies to
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1 bag tortilla chips
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
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1/2 cup sliced jalapeno peppers
1 2.25 oz. can sliced black olives
Directions: Sautee pheasant strips in butter until all pink is gone. Add Brown Dog Riba-Riba Rub and sour cream, add Crystal hot sauce to the amount of heat you like, simmer while adding corn starch to thicken. Serve as nachos over tortilla chips. Sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese, top with olives and jalapeno peppers (or serve on crackers).
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OHIO VALLEY OUTDOOR TIMES
What is?: Ohio Forestry and Wildlife Conservation Camp OV Outdoor Times
I have heard of band camp, basketball camp, and even science camp, but I was unaware of a camp focusing on forestry and wildlife conservation. That was the case until I Travis R. Hunt met Jeremy Scheref, By OVO Pro Staff Ohio Division of Forestry, Lead Forester. Scheref was visiting my ranch to discuss Ohio Division of Forestry programs available to me that may assist me in my effort to attract and hold Ohio wildlife. As we concluded the meeting, he inquired if any of my high school aged children would like to attend camp. “Maybe,” I replied. He then revealed to me that the Ohio Forestry Association, Inc. (OFA) (www.ohioforest.org) sponsors an annual Ohio Forestry and Wildlife Conservation Camp. The camp is held at FFA Camp Muskingum, which is located on the shores of Leesville
Lake in Carroll County, Ohio. Camps and kids usually equal an expenditure of money. However, I was pleasantly surprised when Scheref coaxed me to commit to camp with the lure of scholarship money. He explained to me that the price of camp was $325 if I registered before May first. With this said, he stated that multiple scholarships were offered via the OFA, 4H, and other conservation groups. Additionally, a 10% discount was honored if a camper refers a friend or family member. My daughters Lauren, a junior, and Leia, a freshman, decided to attend the camp and were joined by friends Isaac Kiedrowski and Sylis Fitzgerald. The campers are all students at Catholic Central High School in Steubenville, Ohio. After receiving an OFA scholarship and applying the 10% discount each camper paid about $65. Prior to attending the camp, we reviewed the brochure and read about activities such as tree identification, wildlife identification, wildlife manage-
August 2014
Ohio Valley Outdoors– Photo courtesy of Travis Hunt
Camp participants and officials take time for a photo after closing ceremonies of the 2014 Ohio Forestry and Wildlife Conservation Camp. Shown are; (from left) Leia Hunt, Sylis Fitzgerald, Lauren Hunt, Travis Hunt, author, Isaac Kiedrowski, Jeremy Scheref, Ohio Division of Forestry, Lead Forester and John Dorking, OFA Executive Director.
ment, outdoor survival, and forestry management. These topics are usually considered unpopular for the majority of teens. However, teens that come from families that practice the outdoor lifestyle, be it hunting, camping, conservation, or farming, will surely be interested in the camp. My daughters were no different and they were ready to get started. The camp was a five day experience that
ran Sunday to Friday. Prior to retrieving the campers, a closing ceremony was held in which friends and family were invited. During the ceremony, Scheref introduced John Dorking, OFA Executive Director to the attendees. Dorking provided some background on the camp. He informed us that the first camp was held in 1950 and since then Turn To Forestry Page 14
August 2014
OHIO VALLEY OUTDOOR TIMES
Plinking Fun with S&W’s
11
(Part 1 - M&P22)
overall ‘feel’ of the M&P22 is just like the M&P9. Accuracy Testing (ten 3-shot groups at 50 feet): Usually, accuracy testing will show certain cartridges producing better results than others in the same firearm. Except for the Winchester Super-X Tin HP, the M&P22 is the first .22LR handgun I’ve tested where the cartridges didn’t make a difference. At 50 feet, the other 10 cartridges predominantly produced 3shot groups from .75” to 1.25”. The CCI AR Tactical, Federal Value Pack, Federal AutoMatch, Remington Thunderbolt and Winchester M•22 all produced at least one of the 10 3-shot group measuring .5”. The M&P22 with the higher velocity Winchester Super-X Tin HP produced five 3-shot groups right at 2”. The M&P22 was equipped with a UM3 mount from UM Tactical for the accuracy tests. The UM3 attaches to the picatinny rail under the barrel, wraps around the sides and creates a rail on top for mounting an optic. As for optics, Bushnell’s First Strike Reflex Red Dot was selected because of its light weight, If you have been considering a new small size and excellent optics. A regu.22LR handgun, here’s an overview of lar red dot and a pistol scope were also the S&W M&P22: Single Action; Ham- mounted on the UM3; they did work but mer-Fired Mechanism with Internal tended to be bulky. Hammer; Blowback Operated; ArticuAnother option for mounting an optic lated (hinged) Trigger; Reversible Mag- on the M&P22 is the rail mount from azine Release; Ambidextrous Manual Sight-Mount. It simply replaces the rear Safety; Ambidextrous Slide Stop; Poly- sight and gives you a picatinny rail mer Frame with Metal Inserts; Polymer mounted on the slide. There are some Grip with Fixed Backstrap; definite advantages to this mount. The Picatinny-Style Accessory Rail; Aero- optic is right on the top of the slide for a space Aluminum comfortable sight Alloy Slide; Drift picture. Without an About 1,400 rounds were Adjustable Post optic attached, the put through the M&P22. FTE’s Front Sight with Sight-Mount is a only occurred when the breech White Dot; Adnotched rear sight and chamber were very dirty justable Low Prowith dots. With a with powder residue. file Rear Sight; Sight-Mount, make 12-Round Magasure the optic can zine; Matte Black Finish; Racking the handle the slide’s jolt back and forth Slide: 7.75 lbs.; Trigger Pull: 4.5 lbs.; when fired, and that the optic will not inTrigger Take-up*: .2” and Trigger terfere with proper cycling of the slide. Reset*: .25” (*measured at articulated Bushnell’s First Strike Reflex Red Dot trigger pin). is a good choice with the Sight-Mount. When you put an M&P22 beside an Functionality and Reliability: M&P9, the two handguns are strikingly CCI Mini-Mags, CCI AR Tactical, similar. Some visual differences, like the Federal 550 Value Pack, Federal Fresh magazine well, the bore or the thumb Fire Pack, Winchester 222-Rounds Bulk safety on the M&P22 are obvious; other Pack and Winchester M•22 Bulk Pack differences are very subtle. There is a were used for these tests. noticeable difference in weight, but the Functionality and reliability of the OV Outdoor Times
When you ask any law enforcement officer, military person, firearms instructor, professional shooter or shooting enthusiast what it takes to be a good shooter with handguns, their first answer is practice. By Bill Waugaman With the erratic availability of centerfire ammunition and the 200% to 400% increases in prices over the last 18 months, you can’t practice if you don’t have the ammo or it’s quite expensive when you do. One solution is the increasing popularity of .22LR versions of semi-auto centerfire handguns, like the Smith & Wesson M&P22.
Here’s how they compare… Weight (without magazine) Weight (with empty magazine) Height (rear sight to mag well) Barrel Length Slide Length Slide Width Overall Length Length of Pull Handgrip Girth
M&P22 were tested in a variety of ways. First, 50-round strings were fired with magazine changes using the same ammo. Then, shorter strings were fired with partially full magazines. Finally, different brands of ammo were loaded in a magazine in random order and fired in different string lengths, varying speeds, double-taps and at a slow, deliberate pace. One functionality surprise did come out during this part of the testing. With most centerfire semi-auto handguns, a loaded magazine is typically inserted firmly and with enough force to insure it locks securely in place. This is not necessary with the M&P22; the magazines locked in place with very little effort and a pronounced ‘click’. Smacking the M&P22 magazine in place caused an occasional stovepipe with the top round. Once I realized the magazine didn’t
M&P22
20.7 oz. 22.7 oz. 5.4” 4.1” 7.1” 1.1” 7.6” 2.7” 5.5”
M&P9
24.5 oz. 27.6 oz. 5.4” 4.1” 7.1” 1.1” 7.6” 2.6” 5.5” (medium)
have to be aggressively inserted, the stovepipes went away. As for reliability, the M&P22 functioned perfectly until the breech area and chamber got so dirty that failure to extract (FTE) problems started. This happened about the 500 and 1,000 round marks. With a quick cleaning, the M&P22 was back to normal and functioned without any problems. In total, about 1,400 rounds were put through the M&P22. The only FTE’s occurred when the breech and chamber were very dirty with powder residue. There were no FTL’s (failure to load). After the ‘new gun’ enthusiasm wore off and the rigorous workout, following are some of my thoughts for the S&W M&P22. Pro’s: • Holding and shooting the M&P22 Turn To Plinking Page 12
12 Plinking From Page 11
feels really comfortable • The factory trigger is surprisingly nice for a .22LR handgun • The 12-round magazine (not 10 like many .22LR semi-autos) • The ability to see if the chamber has a round in it without partially racking the slide • A magazine disconnect prevents firing when the magazine is removed • It only takes 7 3/4 pounds of pressure to rack the slide • The rear sight is adjustable for windage and elevation
OHIO VALLEY OUTDOOR TIMES
Con’s: • The take down lever for disassembly seems awkward to manipulate • The notched rear sight does not have any dots or markings • The loaded chamber indicator is just a small notch where the rim of a cartridge in the chamber can be seen. In low light conditions, this would be difficult.
Conclusion: Carl Walther in Germany makes the M&P22 to Smith & Wesson’s specifications. It is a dedicated .22LR handgun and not the conversion of a S&W M&P centerfire. Except for the weight, thumb
safety and some subtle differences, the M&P22 is very close to the M&P9 visually and in dimensions. Who would like the M&P22? Anyone who carriers a centerfire M&P for duty or personal protection will appreciate the ability to practice with the M&P22 at a fraction of the cost of a centerfire M&P. A person who likes the look and feel of a polymer frame handgun but is not interested in the power of a centerfire cartridge, the M&P22 is just the ticket. The M&P22 would be an ideal handgun for learning shooting basics and safety before stepping up to centerfire handguns, especially for youths,
Live fire testing of the M&P22 consisted of evaluating accuracy and functionality with 11 different cartridges. CCI AR Tactical 40 gr. Copper Plated RN 1200 fps CCI MiniMag 40 gr. Copper Plated RN 1235 fps Federal Champion Fresh Fire Pack 36 gr. Copper Plated HP 1260 fps Federal 550-Round Value Pack 36 gr. Copper Plated HP 1260 fps Federal AutoMatch 40 gr. Lead RN 1200 fps Remington Golden Bullet Value Pack 36 gr. Brass Plated HP 1280 fps Remington Thunderbolt 40 gr. Lead RN 1255 fps Winchester M•22 40 gr. Black Copper Plated RN 1255 fps Winchester 222-Rounds Box 36 gr. Copper Plated HP 1280 fps Winchester Wildcat 22 40 gr. Lead RN (Lubricated) 1255 fps Winchester Super-X 26 gr. Tin HP (Lead Free Bullet) 1650 fps
August 2014
women, older adults, anyone with limited strength or novices shooting handguns for the first time. If you want a .22LR semi-auto handgun that is relatively accurate, reliable, not finicky about ammunition and feels very good in your hand, the Smith & Wesson M&P22 is reasonably priced ($419 MSRP, SKU 222000) and a lot of fun to shoot. Watch for next month’s issue of Ohio Valley Outdoor Times for Plinking Fun with S&W (Part 2). That issue will include a review of the S&W M&P15-22 Performance Center Rifle.
Ohio Valley Outdoors– Photo by Bill Waugaman
The M&P22 was equipped with a UM3 mount from UM Tactical for the accuracy tests. The UM3 attaches to the picatinny rail under the barrel, wraps around the sides and creates a rail on top for mounting an optic.
August 2014
OHIO VALLEY OUTDOOR TIMES
13
Task Force Formed to Counter Cyber Threats to Hunters
COLUMBUS, OH — Sportsmen, conservation organizations and outdoor personalities met at the U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance (USSA) headquarters recently to develop strategies to counter the recent increase in cyber-attacks on hunters. The group makes up the Hunter Advancement Task Force with most members sharing a common theme of having been targeted by animal rights activists through social media. “This is a great opportunity to start developing ways to hold those responsible for the recent wave of cyber-attacks against sportsmen accountable,” said Nick Pinizzotto, USSA president and CEO. “The task force is not only working to stop direct attacks on hunters but also discussing how best to educate the public on the vital role sportsmen play in the conservation of all wildlife.” Attendees included outdoor television personalities Melissa Bachman and Jana Waller, Colorado hunter Charisa Argys along with her father Mark Jimerson, Doug Saunders of the National Wild
Turkey Federation, Bill Dunn of the National Shooting Sports Foundation, John Jackson of Conservation Force, Dennis Foster of the Masters of Foxhounds Association, Tony Schoonan of the Boone and Crockett Club and Mark Holyoak of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation. Other attendees included USSA President and CEO, Nick Pinizzotto, Evan Heusinkveld, USSA vice president of government affairs, Bill Horn, USSA director of federal affairs, Michelle Scheuermann of Bullet Proof Communications and author Michael Sabbeth. Bachman, a television producer and host, found her life and career threatened after posting a photo of an African lion she harvested to her Facebook page last year. Almost immediately, Bachman came under attack from anti-hunters around the world. Bachman also found herself the target of death threats that “hit way too close for comfort” when anti-hunters showed up at her office. “Regardless of your beliefs about hunting, Americans can all agree that threatening someone’s life is simply un-
Ohio Valley Outdoors– Photo courtesy of USSA
Members of the new group, Hunter Advancement Task Force, met for the first time recently in Columbus, Ohio.
acceptable.” said Bachman. Other members of the task force have also had personal experiences with cyber-bullying including Waller who has had not only threats to her life, but also to her career. Waller, the star of Skull Bound TV, found herself having to defend her livelihood after an anti-hunter called her show sponsors to accuse her of poaching. “The whole issue of harassment is so important,” said Waller. “I am scared it is going to deter people from standing
tall and proud as hunters.” While attacks on outdoor-celebrity hunters have been going on for years, average hunters have largely avoided the wrath of the anti-hunting community. This initial task force meeting was just the first of many to develop short and long-range strategies to protect hunters from cyber harassment. Founded in 1978, the U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance (USSA) provides direct lobbying and coalition building to support and protect the rights of hunters.
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14 Forestry From Page 10
over 11,000 campers have participated in the Ohio Forestry and Wildlife Conservation Camp. The 2014 camp was attended by 107 participants who hailed from Ohio, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia. This number was impressive. However, what truly impressed me was when Scheref detailed the roster of 32 different natural resource professionals, representing public, private, and government entities, who provided education to the campers. These professionals included wildlife biologists, foresters, and game wardens. When the camp began counselors divided campers into eight “leaf groups.” My girls were in the White Pine leaf group. Campers were partnered with their leaf groups and dedicated counselor throughout the camp. With leaf groups in place the activities began. Highlights from the week included: • Monday - tree identification and the adventure valley obstacle course • Tuesday - forest measurement course, outdoor survival course, ecology course, and the popular wildlife identification course (identification of animal pelts and skulls) • Wednesday - orienteering (land navigation with maps), wildlife management, and growing trees to benefit wildlife • Thursday - forest products class, sawmill operation class, and land use and management class Thursday also included a boat trip to an active timber harvest and saw mill
demonstration. The days were intermingled with kayaking and a water carnival while the evenings included a dance and a talent show. As the closing ceremony concluded parents were informed that each camper took a written test. The 50 test questions covered topics such as leaf, pelt, and skull identification. Scheref asked the campers with the top four scores to join him in the front of the auditorium. He then informed the students that they qualified for a monetary scholarship from an Ohio University to pursue collegiate education in a wildlife or conservation field. The scholarships totaled $4000 and were granted to students attending the Ohio State University, Hocking State University, and Ohio University. We stuffed our campers in the Honda Pilot and made the hour trek back to Jefferson County, Ohio. The ride home reverberated with tales from camp. Before we pulled into the garage, Lauren and Leia asked if they could go back to camp next year. Was it the trees, the pelts, the leaves, the skulls or the kayaks? I don’t know; maybe it was the friends they made or a combination of all of the above. I opened my Outlook calendar and made an appointment for June 7, 2015 — the day next years Ohio Forestry and Wildlife Conservation Camp begins. For more information about the camp contact the OFA via the Internet or directly at 1-888-388-TREES.
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August 2014
August 2014
OHIO VALLEY OUTDOOR TIMES
Soft Masts for Bowhunters
By Chestnut Hill Outdoors
Deer love mast, and need this important nutrition as part of their diet. Chestnut Hill Outdoors, based in Alachua, Florida, has a great selection of soft and hard mast trees to choose from. Deer foods that grow on trees and shrubs are usually referred to as mast. There are two types of mast, hard (chestnuts, acorns, etc.) and soft (persimmons, pears, apples, grapes, berries, etc.). Read more about the history of chestnuts and an Ohio connection in an online article on Ohio Valley Outdoors magazine’s website. The story can be found at: http://www.ohiovalleyoutdoors.com/pag e/content.detail/id/505612/Resurrectionof-the-Chestnut-Tree.html. We all know that deer crave chestnuts, but deer are extremely attracted to soft mast. Some of these soft mast trees bear fruit early in the fall, so are exceptional food plot additions for bowhunters. Other varieties hold fruit until late fall. Not only are soft mast trees great for
bowhunting, but they can condition deer to stay on your land before and after hunting season. By planting a variety of trees you can extend the fruiting season from spring through late fall, thus keeping the deer on your land throughout the year. The following are the soft mast varieties that bear fruit during the spring, summer and fall: May- Peaches, Blueberries (early) June- Peaches, Blueberries, July- Apples, Pears, Blueberries, Blackberries August- Apples, Pears, Blackberries, Grapes, Persimmons September- Apples, Pears, Grapes, Persimmons October- Apples, Pears, Persimmons November- Apples (late), Pears (late), Persimmons (late) Chestnut Hill offers a variety of soft masts at their extensive nursery. They have the following soft masts for your bowhunting food plots: persimmons, pears, apples, blueberries, grapes and mulberries.
Ohio Valley Outdoors - Photo courtesy of Chestnut Hill Outdoors
Deer seek out sweet tasting persimmons in the fall for their nutrition and flavor.
Persimmons are often called ‘Deer Candy’, for good reason. Deer seek out sweet tasting persimmons in the fall for their nutrition and flavor. Chestnut Hill offers two types of grafted American persimmons selected specifically to attract deer. The Deer Candy American Persimmon Early Drop and the Deer Magnet American Persimmon Late Drop will get deer coming to your land throughout the entire fall! Both are excellent for
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colder regions and will grow as far north as Zone 5. The Deer Candy drops fruit in September and October and the Deer Magnet drops its fruit as late as November. Pears are a popular soft mast tree for deer. Chestnut Hill has introduced two excellent varieties - the Dr. Deer Pear and the Thanksgiving Pear. Dr. Deer Pear was discovered by Dr. James Kroll, aka Dr. Deer, and is highly disease resistant and ripens in the late fall. The Thanksgiving Pear was discovered in Georgia and holds its fruit until Thanksgiving! Both are cold hardy and will bring bucks into your land deep into the fall. Other pear varieties ripen earlier, such as Pineapple, Orient and Kieffer. Grapes are excellent for bowhunting season. Chestnut Hill offers the native Muscadine grapes, which are highly disease resistant and produce in Zones 6-9. They ripen in late August through early October. Blueberries ripen in spring and early summer. This extends the season that deer will come to your land. If you’re a bowhunter looking to attract a deer, planting a variety of soft mast trees is the best way to get them on your land. For more information, visit: www.chestnuthilloutdoors.com or call 855-386-7826.
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Ohio Adds Days to Dove Season
COLUMBUS, OH — Opening day for Ohio’s 2014-2015 early migratory bird hunting seasons will be September 1, and includes mourning dove, Canada goose, rail, moorhen and snipe. Dates for these hunting seasons, plus teal and woodcock, were approved by the Ohio Wildlife Council on July 16. Ohio’s dove hunting season was extended 20 days in 2014, including Sept. 1-Nov. 9 and Dec. 13-Jan. 1, 2015. The daily limit is 15 birds with a possession limit of 45 birds after the second day of the season. Controlled dove hunts will be offered at Fallsville, Rush Run, Spring Valley, Indian Creek and Bott state wildlife areas. Bott Wildlife Area will hold its drawings at the Indian Creek Headquarters. Controlled hunts will take place during the first two days of the season, Sept. 1- 2. Controlled dove hunts will also be offered at St. Marys State Fish Hatchery on Sept. 1, 6, 13 and 20. Hunting hours will be noon to sunset for all controlled dove hunts.
OHIO VALLEY OUTDOOR TIMES
Opening day drawings for all of these hunts will take place at noon on Aug. 23, at the respective public area headquarters. Drawings for the other hunts will be held the day of the hunt at noon. Maps and details are available at wildohio.gov. Questions about these hunts should be directed to the ODNR Division of Wildlife’s District Five office at 937-372-9261. Canada geese may be hunted Sept. 115 during the special early season, with a daily limit of five birds and possession limit of 15 after the second day. The Mercer Canada Goose Zone will be open during the early Canada goose season. The early teal hunting season is Sept. 6-21 with a daily bag limit of six birds and possession limit of 18 after the second day. Sora rails, Virginia rails and moorhens can be hunted Sept.1-Nov. 9 with a daily limit of 25 rails and 15 moorhens. Hunting season for snipe is Sept. 1-Nov. 30 and Dec. 20-Jan. 4, 2015, with a daily bag limit of eight. The
woodcock hunting season is Oct. 11Nov. 24 with a daily bag limit of three. Waterfowl hunters must have a valid hunting license in addition to an Ohio wetlands habitat stamp endorsement, a federal duck stamp and a Harvest Information Program (HIP) certification. Hunters must obtain a new HIP certification each year to hunt any migratory game bird season. Licenses, permits and stamps are available online at the Wild Ohio Customer Center. Federal duck stamps are available at duckstamp.com. An Ohio wetlands habitat stamp endorsement and a federal duck stamp are not required to hunt doves, rails, moorhens, snipe and woodcock. Only nontoxic shot may be used to hunt waterfowl, rails, moorhens and snipe. Hunting hours are sunrise to sunset. Exceptions apply on wildlife areas that have specially posted hunting times for doves. The 2014-2015 Ohio Hunting and Trapping Regulations are available at wildohio.gov and at license outlets. The 2014 Migratory Game Bird Hunting Seasons brochure will be available in August. 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.
August 2014
Ohio Valley Outdoors - Photo by Larry Claypool
Ohio’s dove hunting season was extended 20 days in 2014, including Sept. 1-Nov. 9 and Dec. 13-Jan. 1, 2015.
August 2014
John Hinchliffe 22-lbs. turkey Columbiana County, OH
OHIO VALLEY OUTDOOR TIMES
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Dove Hunter From Page 9
well-educated with higher-than-average incomes. • Dove hunters responding to the survey said that the top hindrances to their participation in dove hunting are financial—the cost of gasoline, the cost of shotshells, the cost of other dove hunting gear and the cost of hunting permits. • Dove hunters mostly harvest fewer than 30 birds per season and hunt on pri-
vate land. They typically travel 50 miles or more to get their hunting spots. • Dove hunters responding to the survey aren’t sure about the impacts of spent lead shot on dove health and believe they don’t have enough scientific information about its potential effects. They are concerned that hunter participation could be impacted if non-lead shot were to be required at some point in the future.
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The full survey results and FAQs about the survey, can be found at www.fishwildlife.org using the link on the home page or via http://bit.ly/DoveHunterSurvey. The Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies—the organization that represents North America’s fish and wildlife agencies—promotes sound resource management and conservation, and speaks on important fish and wildlife is-
sues. Found on the web at www.fishwildlife.org, The National Flyway Council – Works with the USFWS and other partners to insure the full participation of the states. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service works with others to conserve, protect, and enhance fish, wildlife, plants, and their habitats. For more information, visit www.fws.gov.
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