GOOD OPPORTUNITIES FOR WILD TROUT - P. 5
Art in A Tree
Ohio Valley
Story inside page 7
The Early Season Challenge OV Outdoor Times
Archery season is just about here. Are you ready? If not, don’t fret. It’s a long season and there’s still lots of time to get a good game plan together for when the rut happens. In fact, I know quite a few hunters who don’t even bother going out until Halloween because, after all, that’s the best time of year By Ralph Scherder to hunt whitetails. I don’t agree Hunting Editor with this strategy, though. A mature buck can be harvested any day of the season, including opening day. One of the biggest bucks I’ve ever seen was on first day in 2008. The location I planned to hunt, a little ravine between a huge field and a bedding area, always had heavy deer sign previous years, including scrapes, rubs, and heavy trails. I knew the deer would exit the field around daylight and work down through the ravine toward the bedding area, so I didn’t feel much need to scout or disturb it in any way prior to the season – instead, that year I spent most of my time scouting new areas for later in the season. I planned to use my experience from previous years to walk into the area cold and use a climbing stand to hunt first day and hopefully ambush a buck. It worked to perfection. Almost. At 7:30, I caught the glimmer of antlers working through the brush only 50 yards away. Massive antlers. The buck was moving at a pretty good clip and got within range quicker than expected. When
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Outdoor Times
September 2014
he stopped in an opening only 20 yards away, I wasn’t ready. As I turned to get into position, my treestand creaked and the buck stopped. We had a stare down for about five seconds before he bolted off into thicker brush. I can still see the wide spread and tall tines as he bound away. Right behind that buck, though, was another deer, a nice 8-point. That deer also spooked, but instead of following the big buck, it ran the opposite direction and stopped directly under my stand. His mistake. The buck dropped within sight and I had it tagged, out of the woods, and hanging in the shade at my house by 9:30. My archery season was over in just a couple of hours. I spent the rest of the season taking friends to that same area, hunting various stand locations trying to catch up to that big buck. We had one encounter the first week of November, but the buck decided to chase does instead of respond to a grunt call. Despite many hours and days on stand, nobody in my group of friends saw the buck after that. The best opportunity was the one I had on the first day. Mature bucks don’t make many mistakes, and after hunting season has been in awhile, many of the big bucks on public lands get even more cautious. They can turn completely nocturnal if hunting pressure is extreme. Sometimes the best opportunity to harvest them is during the early season, before they become wise to hunting pressure. Early season hunting can be tough, though. The biggest factor, I’ve found, is having the confidence that good things will happen. It’s hard to get excited when the foliage is still thick and green and you’re swatting away mosquitoes while sitting on stand in a t-shirt. That’s why I prefer short hunts, the first and last couple hours of daylight. I leave the all day sits to later in the season, when the weather is colder and Turn To Challenge Page 4
Ohio Valley Outdoors– Photo courtesy of PGC/Jake Dingel
Mature bucks don’t make many mistakes, and after hunting season has been in awhile, many of the big bucks on public lands get even more cautious.
INSIDE THIS MONTH
3 P&Y Now Accepts
14 Ohio’s Wildlife 16
Nuisance
Migratory Bird Provide Opportunities for Seasons Set in PA PAGC Fall Wild Trout
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Jeff Knapp
PAGC Introduces GoHuntPA.com
Curt Grimm
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Art in a Tree
PAGC
Whitetail Deer Processing Continues to Grow
12
Larry Claypool
Plinking Fun with S&W’s (Part II) Bill Waugaman
15 How to: Before and After Curt Grimm
OUTDOOR CALENDAR
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. NRA Youth Sportsfest - September 27, 2014 (10 am. - 2 p.m.) at Fish & Game Club of Vienna on SR 193 across from Youngstown Warren Regional Airport. Hosted by Trumbull County 4-H Shooting Sports Pioneers Club. Ages 9-18. Pre-registration before Sept. 20 is required at 330898-4486 or email at larrybeard@aol.com. Further info. at 330-898-4486. Gun and Sporting Goods Show - Sept. 27-28 (Sat. 9 a.m.- 4 p.m.; Sun. 9 a.m.- 2p.m.) at Hidden Valley Sportsmen’s Club, 268 Gilkey Road, West Middlesex, PA 16159. Admission $4 (kids under 12 free with paid adult). Call clubhouse for info. at 724-528-2700. Military Surplus Show - Nov. 15-16 (9 a.m.-5 p.m.) at Lowellville Rod and Gun Club, GPS address 6225 Quarry Road, Lowellville, OH. Admission $2 donation. Shooting and Hunting Supplies, U.S. GI clothes and field equipment. Vendor tables available. Call Bill at 330-755-2077.
Ohio Valley
Michigan Residents Battling HSUS
Hunters and conservationist in the state of Michigan have spoken up. We all need to learn from this. They have fought, and apparently won. Late last month a collection of sportsmen, women and out- By Larry Claypool door groups and Editor organizations put good use to nearly 300,000 petition signatures to help fight change in the Wolverine State. Michigan may be a battle state for us from the Buckeye State — especially this time of year — but sportsmen must band together when it comes to fighting the antis. One key component of the new Scientific Fish and Wildlife Conversation Act in Michigan was to no longer allow influence from out-of-state anti-hunting organizations — namely the Humane Society of United States. We can hope this will help fight the anti’s efforts across the country. The U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance, based in Columbus, Ohio, was one of the leading organizations that helped pass Michigan’s recent Conservation Act. The legislation — and help with getting a ton of signatures — was collectively assembled by the Citizens for Professional Wildlife Management — a coalition of conservation, hunting, fishing and trapping groups and individuals. The information in the new Michigan law reads like this: On August 27, 2014, the Michigan House voted to approve the Scientific Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act. The Act, which was brought to legislature by Citizens for Professional Wildlife Management, gives the state’s Natural Resources OV Outdoor Times
5 Wet Summer Helps Lighted Nocks
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September 2014
OHIO VALLEY OUTDOOR TIMES
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Commission the ability to name game species, designates $1 million in rapid response fund to prevent aquatic invasive species, and provides free hunting and fishing licenses for active-duty military members. The Act was presented to the legislature after sportsmen’s organizations, fed up with the barrage of anti-hunting ballot initiatives, collected nearly 300,000 signatures. Because it was submitted to the legislature by sportsmen and women, the measure does not require the approval of Governor Rick Snyder before becoming law. “While Michigan will still face the two November 4 ballot referendums on wolves, this measure removes their sting as the state’s Natural Resource Commission now has the authority to designate game species using sound science, not anti-hunting politics,” said Evan Heusinkveld, USSA’s vice president of government affairs. The Citizens for Professional Wildlife Management was made up of groups and individuals that included Michigan chapters of Safari Club International, the Michigan Bear Hunters Association, Michigan United Conservation Clubs, the Michigan Trappers and Predator Callers Association, the Michigan Hunting Dog Federation, the Upper Peninsula Sportsmen’s Alliance, U.P. Whitetails, Inc., the U.P. Bear Houndsmen, the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, National Wild Turkey Federation, Ducks Unlimited and the U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance. Michigan, like many other states, have had some real problems battling HSUS. Stay tuned, and help fight HSUS when you can. We need to stick together.
To Advertise CALL 330-385-2243 Publisher/Editor, Larry Claypool lclaypool@ohiovalleyoutdoors.com
Outdoor Times
Graphics Designer, Linda McKenzie lmckenzie@ohiovalleyoutdoors.com
September 2014 VOL. 6, NO. 09
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
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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
September 2014
OHIO VALLEY OUTDOOR TIMES
P&Y Now Excepts Lighted Nocks and Bow Mounted Cameras
CHATFIELD, MN — Standard lighted nocks and bow mounted cameras will be exempted from the “no electronics attached to the bow or arrow” rule, as a result of changes to the Pope & Young Club’s bylaws that had passed a vote of the Board of Directors in July and passed ratification by the voting membership. Since the late 1980s, the Club’s has had a bowhunting equipment definition and Rule of Fair Chase that addresses electronic items. Among other things, it stated “no electronic devices attached to the bow or the arrow.” This is part of the Club’s bylaws constitution and governs the acceptability of animals for entry into the Club’s Records Program (“the record book”). The significant change, the result of much internal discussion/debate over
many years, creates an exemption that reads as follow: RULES OF FAIR CHASE #7: [Not] by the use of electronic devices for attracting, locating or pursuing game, or guiding the hunter to such game or by the use of a bow or arrow to which any electronic device is attached, with the exception of lighted nocks and recording devices that cast no light towards the target and do not aid in rangefinding, sighting or shooting the bow. DEFINITION OF A HUNTING BOW, EXCLUSIONS #2: Electronic or battery-powered devices shall not be attached to a hunting bow, with the exception of recording devices that cast no light towards the target and do not aid in rangefinding, sighting or shooting the bow. DEFINITION OF A HUNTING
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ARROW, EXCLUSIONS #1: No electronic or battery-powered devices shall be attached to the arrow, with the exception of lighted nocks. This change officially went into effect on August 1, 2014, as new Fair Chase Affidavits are created and distributed to our corps of volunteer official measur-
ers. The change IS RETROACTIVE— meaning that animals previously taken, as well as those taken from this point forward, will now be eligible to be entered into the Records. For more information about the Pope and Young Club, visit their website at: www.pope-young.org.
SOUTH CHARLESTON, WV — Restaurants at West Virginia’s state parks have an increasing presence on social media and that has resulted in an increase in customers at those restaurants, according to David Pruitt, assistant superintendent at Cacapon State Park. Cacapon and North Bend state parks and Chief Logan Lodge currently post special theme nights and Sunday buffet information Thursdays or Fridays on Facebook. “It’s a way to reach mobile users,” said Pruitt. “We think this is a good way to remind folks to visit our area, to enjoy state park facilities and a perhaps a meal with family and friends.” Cacapon State Park is located in Morgan County near
Berkeley Springs. The 10 West Virginia state parks with lodges have year-round, full service restaurants. Hours of operation vary by park and season. Those parks are Blackwater Falls, Pipestem, Twin Falls, North Bend, Cacapon, Canaan Valley, Stonewall, Hawks Nest, Chief Logan Lodge and Tygart Lake. Holly River State Park’s restaurant and Cass Scenic Railroad’s “Last Run Restaurant” are operated seasonally. Learn more about West Virginia state park and forest facilities and services at www.wvstateparks.com. Like parks on Facebook at “West Virginia State Parks” and Twitter at “WV State Parks.”
Social Media Creates Dining-out Interest at WV State Parks
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OHIO VALLEY OUTDOOR TIMES
WV’s Squirrel Season Runs Through January
September 2014
SOUTH CHARLESTON, WV — With summer winding down the start of the 2014 fall hunting seasons have kicked off. The one-day, youth-only squirrel season opened September 6, and the statewide squirrel season opened Sept. 13. It runs through Jan. 31. “Get back to your roots of hunting this season and pursue one of the state’s most plentiful small game species,” said Curtis l. Taylor, chief of the Wildlife Resources Section of the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources. ‘Hunters of all skill levels can brush up on their hunting techniques and enjoy a day in
the outdoors.” Hunters should expect to see squirrel numbers similar to last year, based on the average hard mast crop of 2013. Hunters are reminded that success comes with proper scouting and locating areas with abundant mast conditions. The daily bag limit for squirrels is six, and the possession limit is 24. All other licensing requirements will remain in effect and hunters should check the 2014-2015 hunting and trapping regulations for additional information.
COLUMBUS, OH — Ohio’s Turn In a Poacher, or ”TIP,” program is helping to curtail poaching throughout the state. TIP is designed to involve the public in reporting wildlife violations. If you observe a wildlife violation, please use the form below to submit your TIP Report. Click ‘Submit’ to send the
form via email or print the form and mail it to: TIP Headquarters, Division of Wildlife, 2045 Morse Rd., Bldg G, Columbus, Ohio 43229-6693. You may also call the TIP toll-free hotline, 1-800-POACHER. All information received by the TIP program will remain confidential.
Ohio’s Turn In a Poacher (TIP) Program
Challenge From Page 1
deer are more likely to move throughout the day. Also, shorter hunts prevents me from getting burned out right away. It’s my way of easing into the hunting season. Another reason I keep the hunts short early on is because temperatures are not conducive to scent control. Warm air holds scent better than cold air. Spending all day on stand usually means that by the time evening arrives your scent has fully dispersed throughout the area and your chances of success during the prime evening hours are reduced. During the early season, my goal is to ambush a buck along his natural travel pattern. Much has been written about hunting food sources, but during the early season, I tend to hunt bedding areas. That’s just my personal preference. Many of the places I hunt are public land, which means there’s lots of hunting pressure. Over the years, trail camera photos have shown me that many of the bucks in my area don’t even reach the food sources, such as acorn stands or food plots, until after dark, and therefore after legal shooting hours. So I try to get as close to their bedding areas as possible without spooking them in an attempt to ambush them while it’s still daylight. As was the case with the huge buck I
encountered on opening day in 2008, I like to find fields where I know bucks like to hang out during the night. Rather than hunt close to the field, I hunt the brushy draws and ravines that serve as natural funnels for deer on their way to and from bedding areas. Most of the preseason scouting I do involves locating these natural funnels. The most important aspect of early season hunting is to maintain a low profile. In other words, don’t spook all the deer right off the bat. If you’re getting busted by deer every time on stand, chances are they’ll start avoiding that area very quickly. Always pay attention to wind direction as well as how you walk to and from your stand. Cause as little disturbance as possible. If you spook deer a couple times in a row, let the area rest for a week or more before returning. Looking back over my records, I can see that well over half of the bucks I’ve taken with a bow have come during the first two weeks of the season. On many occasions I’ve killed a buck and been out of the woods before any other deer, or hunters, even knew I was there, and that’s just how I like it. Don’t wait to start hunting until the rut. A mature buck can be harvested any day of the season, but you’ll never have an opportunity if you’re sitting at home.
September 2014
OHIO VALLEY OUTDOOR TIMES
Wet Summer Continues to Provide Good Opportunities for Wild Trout OV Outdoor Times
It was the first time I’d actually laid eyes on the stream. For mid-August its flow was pretty good. I continued across the bridge and pulled into a convenient turnout. Within a few minutes I’d By Jeff Knapp donned hip boots, Fishing Editor put on my sling pack and strung-up my three-weight fiberglass fly rod. Now I had to make a choice. Upstream or downstream from the bridge? While the bridge crossing was my first physical glimpse at the creek, I’d viewed it several times via Google Maps as well as Penn Dot’s Type 10 county map. The stream flowed another mile and half before joining a river, where there’s a small cluster of camps. Upstream no roads touched the stream for at least three miles. Though privately owned by a
timber company, the owner’s generously allow hunting and fishing. I chose upstream. After a short walk through streamside vegetation I was on the creek, a short distance above the bridge. When exploring unfamiliar waters for wild trout, it sometimes seems prudent to get some distance from the easy access. But in this case an inviting pool beckoned; the prospecting started right away. For me at least, one of the attractions of fishing small, cold streams is the unknown, the most basic of which is whether or not the creek actually has a trout population. The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission has a listing of all streams (of the ones they have assessed) that support reproducing trout populations. But some surveys took place decades ago, and things can change. And just because evidence of trout was found during an assessment, it doesn’t necessarily mean the population is a Turn To Trout Page 6
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Ohio Valley Outdoors– Photo by Jeff Knapp
Native brook trout like this nice 10-incher can provide a nice fight on a lightweight rod.
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OHIO VALLEY OUTDOOR TIMES
Lake and Reservoir Turnover — The Big Flip
By Marty Lundquist, Fisheries Management Supervisor
Have you ever gone to a lake or reservoir in the fall to find that it smells like sulfur, has a unusual color, and decomposing vegetation in the water? What you are witnessing is a lake or reservoir turnover. Lakes and reservoirs in Ohio usually have two turnover periods, one in the fall and another in the spring. Depending upon the lake or reservoir, it is also possible for some waters to experience additional turnovers between these periods if conditions are just right. Turnover is important because it results in mixing the water, allowing oxygen to occur at all depths and releases unwanted gasses that accumulate on the bottom during some times of the year. What causes a lake to turnover? First, we need to know an interesting fact about water. Water is densest at 39 degrees. This is very important for aquatic life in a lake or reservoir and results in a routine annual cycle of water mixing in most of these water bodies. Because of this, as water molecules cool
they contract, become more dense, and sink. Once they are cooler than 39 degrees, they again expand and then become less dense, then float above water that is 39 degrees. The further the water temperature is from 39 degrees, the less dense water becomes. This is the reason that ice floats and forms on the surface during winter. If water were to continue to become denser as it got colder, lakes and reservoirs would freeze from the bottom up, aquatic life couldn’t use the bottom, aquatic insects couldn’t bury into the mud as part of their life cycle, and there would be no insulation the lake. That is, it could freeze solid. The process of fall turnover actually begins in late spring and summer during sunny days with little or no wind. As surface water is warmed by the sun it becomes less dense to the point that it will not mix with the colder, denser water below it. As summer moves into fall and water temperatures cool, changes start to take place that allow a lake or reservoir to turnover. Sometimes, during this brief transition period, fish can be very difficult to catch until the water is fully mixed.
Trout From Page 5
strong one. So the first objective is to simply catch a trout, any trout. So it was with this underlying trepidation that I made my first cast into a swift flow of water that pushed into an undercut bank. A few casts later a fish ate the inch worm tied to the leader point. I quickly stripped it in, anxious to make an identification. The heavy shadows of the canopy of hemlocks couldn’t disguise the fact that I’d caught a nice creek chub. On to the next pool. This spot was typical of those found in brook trout streams. The trunk of a fallen tree lay perpendicular to the bank, fully crossing the stream. A deep pool was gouged into the stream bed beneath the tree, likely from periods of high flow and receding ice. These places are ideal for trout in that they provide both depth and overhead cover. Since the tree trunk tends to collect floating debris like sticks and leaves these places aren’t usually easy to fish. This one, however, wasn’t bad. Standing on the high bank upstream of the log I was able to drop the fly into the flow and allow the current to sweep it toward the log. Before the highly visible fly was under the wood, in typical brookie fashion a fish darted out,
September 2014
grabbed the fly, and did a 180 back to the protection of the cover. Seconds later a seven-inch native brook trout was in hand. The cast wasn’t pretty but the fish sure was. Because of their spooky nature it’s uncommon to catch more than one small stream trout from a pool or run, the disruption of doing so alerting any nearby fish. So I kept moving upstream, catching or losing a trout at every likely looking place, covering perhaps a quarter mile from the starting point. This brought me to another interesting discovery: A very impressive beaver dam, one that backed water up for about a hundred yards. Much of the pool was silted in, so after making a few compulsory casts in the still water I jumped ahead to get back in the flow. Upstream of the beaver dam the action was much slower, though the fish were bigger. I caught or lost several brook trout in the nine to 10 inch range. But many of the good looking spots didn’t produce a fish or hit. With the noon hour approaching, and the heat beginning to build, I hiked back to the truck, pondering the question, “I wonder what it’s like downstream of the bridge?” Plenty of reason for a return trip.
September 2014
Art in a Tree
OV Outdoor Times
Hornet and yellow jacket nests are a work of art. They display a variety of colors and they are all different. After I locate one, I record the spot and plan to make a return visit when no one is at home. They By Curt Grimm will look great beside The Marathon Hunter one of my favorite mounted animals, and add character to my game room or hunting cabin. Safety is of upmost importance! A nest may look unoccupied and I still take a lot of precautions. I go back for my last inspection on a warm fall day, and also take some long distance hornet or wasp spray to clear the site and assure it is not occupied. Sometimes I even wait until early winter to obtain the nest. It may end up being a two man job to lower the nest into a heavy duty garbage bag. When I lower the branch with a gentle sawing motion I like having an extra set of eyes and hands around because it makes the job easier. I sometimes pre-spray the bag with insecticide
OHIO VALLEY OUTDOOR TIMES
before storage. It will remain all winter hanging in the cold located in an outbuilding or garage. After cold storage I cautiously open the bag to investigate the contents. I open the bag while it is on the ground and gradually pull the bag away from the nest. If the coast is clear, I use a long handled broom and gently move the nest back and forth. I then place it back in the bag to guarantee no further activity. I’d rather be extra safe than sorry. They look great hanging on a birch tree branch or above a fireplace. A bear climbing up a tree and reaching for the nest makes a great mount. Placing them in any room where the sun is able to strike them reveals the workmanship and beauty of this natural phenomenon. Time spent in search of hornet nests provides a lot of exercise that will prepare me for the upcoming hunting season. The search also has other rewards because it provides time for scouting game and food plots. The beauty of nature is always unique and different, but you have to be willing to go outdoors and spend time to appreciate its beauty.
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• E-mail: lclaypool@ohiovalleyoutdoors.com • Write: “Dear OVTimes” at Ohio Valley Outdoor Times: 210 E. 4th Street, East Liverpool, Ohio 43920 • Please include your full name, address and phone number. Letters may be edited for clarity and space.
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Ohio Valley Outdoors–Photo by Gary Grimm
The author with several bees hives he’s collected that are displayed in his ‘man cave’.
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OHIO VALLEY OUTDOOR TIMES
Waterfowl Hunting Seasons and Bag Limits Set
COLUMBUS, OH — Ohio’s waterfowl hunting zones were simplified for waterfowl hunters after the 2014-2015 season dates and bag limits were approved by the Ohio Wildlife Council in August. The South Zone, North Zone and Lake Erie Marsh Zone remain the same for waterfowl hunting, but the Lake Erie Goose Zone that previously covered much of northeast Ohio was removed. Also new this year, the canvasback daily bag limit was reduced to one. Opening day for duck and goose hunting is October 18, in the Lake Erie Marsh Zone and Oct. 25, in the North and South zones. See the 2014-2015 Waterfowl Hunting Seasons for more waterfowl hunting information, including zone maps. Hunters 15 years of age and younger will have the opportunity to enjoy a statewide special youth waterfowl season Oct. 4-5. Bag limits established during the regular season apply. Ohio is divided into three zones for duck, coot and merganser hunting. The seasons are split in each zone during the following dates:
• Duck hunting season in the Lake Erie Marsh Zone is Oct. 18-Nov. 2 and Nov. 15-Dec. 28. • Duck hunting season in the North Zone is Oct. 25-Nov. 9 and Nov. 22-Jan. 4, 2015. • Duck hunting season in the South Zone is Oct. 25-Nov. 9 and Dec. 13-Jan. 25, 2015. The daily bag limit for ducks is six, which may not include more than four mallards (no more than one may be female), three wood ducks, one black duck, two redheads, three scaup, one canvasback, two pintails and one mottled duck. The daily bag limit for mergansers is five, of which no more than two may be hooded mergansers. The daily bag limit for coots is 15. Possession limits after the second day are three times the daily bag limit. Ohio is also divided into three zones for goose and brant hunting. The seasons are split in each zone during the following dates: • Goose hunting in the Lake Erie Marsh Zone is Oct. 18-Nov. 2, Nov. 15Turn To Waterfowl Page 9
September 2014
Ohio Valley Outdoors–
Opening day for goose season in Ohio was September 1. OVO Pro Staffer Denny Fetty (left) and Joe Blazer were succesful on their Labor Day hunt in Columbiana County.
September 2014
OHIO VALLEY OUTDOOR TIMES
Ohio’s Verified Bobcat Sightings Increase to 200
through species observation cards. Unverified sightings have occurred in 86 of Ohio’s 88 counties since 1970. • Bobcats once roamed across Ohio, but they were extirpated around 1850 as more people settled within the state. • The bobcat was recently removed from the Ohio Endangered and Threatened Species List, but it remains protected in the state.
COLUMBUS, OH — ODNR Division of Wildlife biologists verified 200 bobcat sightings in Ohio in 2013. This is the fourth consecutive year more than 100 verified sightings were recognized in Ohio, and the first time sightings increased to 200. Notes: • Of the 200 verified sightings, 113 were recognized from photographs or videos. Additional sightings were verified through 54 road kills, 21 incidentally trapped animals, seven sightings by qualified personnel, two struck by trains,
one verified sighting of tracks, one killed by a dog, and one shot. • Noble County continues to have the most verified sightings, with 32. An additional 106 sightings were confirmed in the counties immediately surrounding Noble (Guernsey, Belmont, Monore, Washington, Morgan, and Muskingum). • Bobcats were confirmed in 36 counties during 2013, and have been verified in 49 counties since 1970. • The division collected an additional 226 unverified bobcat sightings in 2013. Most unverified sightings were reported
FACTS ABOUT BOBCATS: • The most common wildcat in North America • Named for its short, bobbed tail • Their coats vary in color from shades of beige to brown fur with spotted or lined markings in dark brown or black.
Waterfowl From Page 8
white-fronted geese have a daily bag limit of one and brant have a daily bag limit of one. The possession limit for brant and geese is three times the daily bag limit after the second day. Harvest Information Program (HIP) certification is required of all waterfowl hunters prior to hunting. Migratory game bird hunters must call 877-HIPOHIO (447-6446) and answer a few survey questions to complete the HIP certifica-
tion requirement. Once the survey has been completed, hunters will be provided a certification number to write on their Ohio hunting license. Waterfowl hunters age 18 and older must also purchase an Ohio Wetlands Habitat Stamp, available at any hunting license agent or wildohio.gov. In addition, all waterfowl hunters age 16 and older must possess a signed federal duck stamp, which can be purchased at duck-
Dec. 28 and Jan. 14- Jan. 31, 2015. • Goose hunting in the North Zone is Oct. 25-Nov. 9, Nov. 22-Jan. 4, 2015 and Jan. 14-Jan. 31, 2015. • Goose hunting in the South Zone is Oct. 25-Nov. 9 and Dec. 11-Jan. 31, 2015. The daily bag limit for Canada geese is three. Light geese (snows, Ross’s and blues) have a daily bag limit of 10,
Wine Jelly Glazed Duck • Prep Time: 20 min. • Cook Time: 35 min. • Ready In: 1 hr 50 min. • Yields: 3
3 breasts wood duck deboned 3 strips bacon 1 small zucchini 2 carrots 1 large sweet potato 1 tbs. fresh basil 1 tsp. fresh marjoram 1 tbs. Cabernet Sauvignon Fine Wine Jelly Sportsman's Table Item #SCJ02
salt amount to taste pepper amount to taste
Directions:
1. Clean and debone duck breasts separating each breast in half. Grease baking dish using one of bacon strips. Place each 1/2 breast in pan and cover each with a 1/2 strip of bacon. Slice vegetables into thin discs and add to pan surrounding duck. Sprinkle basil, marjoram, salt and pepper over entire dish. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 min. Remove from oven and spread wine jelly on top of duck. Place under the broiler in oven for 5-7 min.
www.SportsMansTable.com http://recipes.sportsmanstable.com/
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Ohio Valley Outdoors– Photo courtesy of ODNR
stamp.com, usps.com and most post offices. Copies of this season’s waterfowl hunting regulations, which include maps of the zones, are available at wildohio.gov or available at all license agent outlets by late September. 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.
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September 2014
OHIO VALLEY OUTDOOR TIMES
Whitetail Deer Processing Continues to Grow OV Outdoor Times
Again this deer season Leonard VanPelt, owner of Whitetail Deer Processing, of North Lima, Ohio, expects to be very busy. For a deer processing business that’s a great thing. And it helps that it’s By Larry Claypool located in a heavily- Editor populated deer hunting area — in Mahoning County, OH. VanPelt said the family-owned business has grown each of the eight years he’s been providing the butcher service. He says there’s a good reason for the growth in business. “I feel it’s built on honesty, cleanliness and professionalism,” said VanPelt. “I treat people like I want to be treated. And if you bring in a deer, that’s the deer you’ll pick up. That means a lot. You get your own deer back.” VanPelt said there are other things Whitetail Deer Processing does that sets
them apart from other deer butchers. “I’m a firm believer that you have to get the meat cooled down and chilled. And we cut each deer by itself. We cut, grind and put it in bags and it’s back into the freezer. And I’m a firm believer of vacuum packing. We vacuum seal everything. A lot of packing houses don’t do that,” said VanPelt. One advantage for hunters who use his service is there’s an 8x20 foot outside cooler available for dropoff 24 hours a day/7 days a week. There’s also a 16x22 foot walk-in cooler inside the 60x40 foot main building that features a rail system to assist with the process. Each deer is hung by itself until it’s butchered. Whitetail Deer Processing offers the usual deer cuts; steaks, roasts, groundup, bologna, deer sticks, jerky, Italian sausage and bulk or link sausage. Seasoning is available for hamburg and cheese can be added to many products. Besides deer WDP have processed elk, bear and mule deer, from out west. They
Ohio Valley Outdoors– Photo courtesy of Whitetail Deer Processing
Workers at Whitetail Deer Processing are shown butchering a deer at the North Lima, OH shop.
also get a lot of customers from Pennsylvania. With the success of the business over the past several years, VanPelt said they pick up 65-100 more customers each deer season. In the near future VanPelt hopes to add more equipment to better serve more customers. During the busy season he has about 18 workers at the
shop. Some of those are family members. “We’re small, but mighty,” he said. The turn-around time for deer processing at WDP is 3-4 days. The cost is $75. VanPelt said he’s been a butcher for 30 years. “I love to butcher,” he said. He learned the trade from the owners of Turn To Whitetail Page 11
CWD Impacts Pennsylvanians Who Hunt Out-of-State
HARRISBURG, PA — The thousands of Pennsylvania hunters who soon will be heading off to hunt big game in other states can do their share to slow the spread of chronic wasting disease in the Commonwealth. Those who hunt out-of-state are reminded that Pennsylvania prohibits importing specific carcass parts from members of the deer family – including mule deer, elk and moose — from 21 states and two Canadian provinces. The parts ban affects hunters who harvest deer, elk or moose in: Colorado, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Maryland (only from CWD Management Area), Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Mexico, New York (only from Madison and Oneida counties), North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Virginia (only from CWD Containment Area), West Virginia (only from CWD Containment Area, which includes parts of three counties), Wisconsin and Wyoming; as well as the Canadian provinces of Alberta and Saskatchewan.
Pennsylvania hunters harvesting any deer, elk or moose in those areas, whether the animal was taken from the wild or from a captive, high-fence operation, must comply with rules aimed at slowing the spread of chronic wasting disease (CWD) in Pennsylvania. Those harvesting deer, elk or other cervids in the identified areas out-ofstate must leave behind the carcass parts that have the highest risk for transmitting the disease. Those parts are: the head (including brain, tonsils, eyes and any lymph nodes); spinal cord/backbone; spleen; skull plate with attached antlers, if visible brain or spinal cord tissue is present; cape, if visible brain or spinal cord tissue is present; upper canine teeth, if root structure or other soft tissue is present; any object or article containing visible brain or spinal cord tissue; unfinished taxidermy mounts; and braintanned hides. Hunters who are successful in those areas from which the importation of high-risk parts into Pennsylvania is banned.
September 2014
Whitetail From Page 10
Chamberlain Farms, in nearby Columbiana, OH. VanPelt also works full-time for the Beaver Township (OH) Road Department. He’s also a fireman and EMT for the township. Whitetail Deer Processing also donates meat to a local food bank — the Big Reach Center of Hope through the Greenford Christian Church of Greenford, OH. Through the generosity of area hunters many needy families are fed from the donated meat. The ministry food bank pays for the processing of the meat. VanPelt said 60-70 deer are donated to the food bank each year. For information about the Big Reach Center of Hope visit their website at: www.bigreachministries.org. Founded in 2004, the Center reaches out to individuals and families in the Mahoning Valley of northeast Ohio. Whitetail Deer Processing is located within minutes of state Route 7 at 12889 South Avenue, North Lima 44452. The phone number is: 330-549-2291. The hours are Mon-Fri 3-7 p.m. and Saturday 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. During gun season the hours are Monday-Saturday 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. (call after hours).
OHIO VALLEY OUTDOOR TIMES
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WV Hunting and Trapping Regs Available
Ohio Valley Outdoors– Photo courtesy of Whitetail Deer Processing
A worker at the Whitetail Deer Processing shop uses a rail system to begin the process of skinning a deer before butchering it.
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 modified, 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 1-844824-3251 (1-844UCheck1). • 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.
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OHIO VALLEY OUTDOOR TIMES
Plinking Fun with S&W’s
(Part 2 - M&P15-22 Performance Center Rifle) OV Outdoor Times
In August 2009, Smith & Wesson introduced the M&P15-22 semiauto rifle in .22LR. This rifle was designed as a dedicated .22LR firearm, not a retrofit of their centerfire rifle. About a By Bill Waugaman year and a half later, they came out with the M&P15-22 Performance Center model that took their standard M&P15-22 rifle to an entirely new level. The standard M&P15-22 and the PC model have a lot of the same features: blow back semi-auto action with the bolt riding on steel rails, high-strength polymer upper and lower receiver with integral steel inserts, removable rail-mounted front and rear sights, adjustable A2 front post, adjustable dualaperture rear sight, 6-position adjustable stock, carbon steel barrel with a 1-in-15”
twist, high strength polymer quad-rail hand guard, case deflector, two-position receiver mounted safety selector, functional charging handle and bolt catch. S&W made three accessory and three functionality enhancements for the Performance Center rifle (SKU 170335). • The factory 6position adjustable stock is replaced with a mil-spec 6Position Vltor® IMOD (Improved Modular) stock. This matte finish stock is made with impact and temperature resistant polymer that is specifically blended for these stocks. The rubber butt pad is angled, has a wide traction area with rolled edges and is replaceable. There are standard military and quick disconnect swivel sockets. The design incorporates two waterproof battery
compartments, each holding three CR123 or two AA batteries. • A Hogue Overmolded handgrip replaces the factory grip. This handgrip is a comfortable rubber grip with finger grooves, palm swells and a storage compartment in the bottom. Storage components are available from Hogue. • The M&P15-22PC comes with three 7” rubber ‘ladders’ that fit on the quad rail
September 2014
ger. If you don’t like the factory trigger, you can replace it with your favorite one. • The 18” barrel is match grade. It is two inches longer and has a diameter .100” greater than a standard M&P1522 barrel. The bore is machined to very tight tolerances and the crown is recessed to protect the bore. The muzzle is threaded for easy replacement with any standard threaded flash suppressor. The barrel has been fluted six times in front of the hand Photo courtesy of Smith & Wesson guard for making the fore- weight reduction and for aesthetics. arm more com• The Performance Center rifle has a fortable to hold .22LR Laney semi-auto match chamber. while leaving four rail slots on the The Laney chamber is precisely mabottom and six rail slots on the chined to specific dimensions to ensides for attaching accessories. hance accuracy. While it does make the • The match grade two-stage trigger M&P15-22PC more accurate, the closer feels good. Measuring at the middle of tolerances affect which ammunition perthe trigger, stage 1 (take up) is 1/10”. forms best in this rifle. S&W recomThe trigger pull on stage 2 (sear release) mends: CCI Standard Velocity or is just a fraction over 5 lbs. with negligi- Mini-Mag; Aguila Super Extra Standard ble creep. Unlike many rifles that have or High Velocity; Federal basic triggers, the Performance Center rifle is build with an AR-platform trigTurn To Part 2 Page 13
Summary of Changes in WV for 2014-2015
SOUTH CHARLESTON, WV — The West Virginia Department of Natural Resources has provided the following Summary of Changes for hunting and trapping for the 2014-15 season. Get more information online at the Division of Natural Resources’ website: www.wvdnr.gov. 1. All private land in counties having a firearms antlerless deer season (Class N or NN) will be open October 23-25, November 24 – December 6, December 1820 and December 29-31. All public lands having an antlerless deer season will be open November 24 – December 6, December 18-20 and December 29-31. Bag limits vary among counties but will be either one or three antlerless deer. See pages 13-18 of the summary. 2. Fall wild turkey hunting season has been decreased in 2014 with 13 counties open October 11-18; seven counties open October 11-18 and October 27 – November 1; and 14 counties open October 11-18 and October 27 – November 15. See page 34. 3. Black bear gun hunting seasons in 2014 include 16 counties or parts thereof
open September 18-20; eight counties open October 4-10; 17 counties open November 24. – December 6 by permit only on private and public lands during the Buck Firearms Season and 11 counties open November 24 – December 6 without permit during the Buck Firearms Season, and all 55 counties open December 8-31. The daily bag limit is one bear per day with a season bag limit of two bears, provided at least one bear comes from Boone, Fayette, Kanawha, Logan, McDowell, Mingo, Nicholas, Raleigh or Wyoming counties. See pages 38-39. 4. 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 (see pages 5 and 35 respectively). 5. Voters in several counties approved Sunday hunting recently. Please see the “Sunday Hunting” subheading under “Hunting” on the DNR website for a current list of counties open to Sunday hunting on private land.
September 2014
Part 2 From Page 12
American Eagle or Game Shock; Winchester Super-X High Velocity. Not recommended are: Remington Golden Bullet, Target 22 or Photo courtesy of T h u n d e r b o l t ; Smith & Wesson W i n c h e s t e r Wildcat; any and all sub-sonic brands and types. S&W specifically states not to use CCI Stingers. There are several other features that should be mentioned. • The receiver extension is actually part of polymer lower (unlike centerfire AR-platform rifles where the extension is a separate piece that attaches to the lower). It is mil-spec and will work with other compatible adjustable stocks. The receiver extension allows 3.75” of adjustment for an overall length from 32” collapsed to 35.75” extended. • The polymer upper and lower receivers are reinforced with integral steel inserts in addition to the steel bolt rails. • The polymer quad rail is proprietary
OHIO VALLEY OUTDOOR TIMES
to M&P15-22 rifles. • The M&P15-22PC only comes with a 10-round detachable magazine. It is made from high-strength polymer and has an ambidextrous load-assist button. I like the 10-round magazine; it keeps the aesthetically sleek lines of the rifle and it can be used for hunting in states having magazine capacity restrictions for semi-auto rifles. Since rifles specifically designed for accuracy are normally fired at a slow, deliberate pace, the 10round magazine is appropriate. If you need more capacity, the 25-round magazines will fit. • With the 10-round magazine, the M&P15-22PC weighs 5.4 pounds (exactly as S&W specs state). The lighter weight makes this rifle ideal for youths, small stature individuals or anyone who has to carry the rifle for long periods of time. At the Range: Accuracy Redfield’s Battlezone TAC.22 scope was mounted on the rifle using Leupold’s Mark 2 IMS mount. For zeroing in, the first groups were fired at 25 yards before moving to 50 yards. After nine shots (3 groups of 3), this rifle’s accuracy was obvious; those first three groups measured 5/16”, 3/8” and 3/8”. The M&P15-22PC was then tested at
13
Photo courtesy of Smith & Wesson
3” Groups at 50 Yards (l to r): CCI AR-Tactical, Federal Auto Match, Winchester 222, Winchester M•22, Winchester Wildcat
50 yards shooting 16 different cartridges (recommended, not recommended and not listed). These were Aguila Super Extra High Velocity, CCI AR-Tactical, CCI Mini-Mag, Federal 550 Value Pack, Federal American Eagle, Federal Auto Match, Federal Fresh Fire Pack, Federal Lightning, Remington Golden Bullet, Remington Thunderbolt, RWS Match*, RWS Target*, Winchester 222, Winchester Lead Free*, Winchester M•22 and Winchester Wildcat. The results for 10 three-shot groups (five where indicated by an *) were as follows: Smallest Groups (9 under .5”): .2” – Aguila; .3” – CCI AR-Tactical, Federal Auto Match, Winchester 222/M•22/Wildcat; .4” – CCI MiniMag, RWS Target/Match. It should be noted that every cartridge shot one or more
three-shot groups under 1”. Group Averages by Cartridge (10 at 1” or less): .6” – RWS Target; .7” – CCI MiniMag/AR-Tactical, Winchester 222, RWS Match; .8” – Remington Golden Bullet; .9” – Winchester M•22; 1.0” – Federal American Eagle, Remington Thunderbolt, Aguila. Standard Deviation by Cartridge (9 had less than .5” variance): .1” – RWS Target; .2” – RWS Match, CCI MiniMag, Remington Golden Bullet; .3” – Federal Value Pack/American Eagle, CCI AR-Tactical; .4” – Winchester 222/M•22. Standard deviation is a good indicator of the consistency of the threeshot groups (the lower the number, the more consistent the group sizes). Final Thoughts: Turn To Part 2 Page 14
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14
Ohio’s Nuisance Wildlife: Canada Geese
COLUMBUS, OH — More than 75 percent of the U.S. population lives in urban areas. While the growth of cities and subdivisions displaces some wildlife, many species continue to live in the habitat available in parks, undeveloped parcels of land and vacant lots, along stream and river corridors and in our backyards. Their presence can provide recreational and educational viewing opportunities. For many people, especially children, viewing wildlife in the backyard is exciting. People and wildlife can peacefully coexist in most situations. However, there may be times when conflicts arise. Canada geese are probably the most adaptable and tolerant of all native waterfowl. If left undisturbed, they will readily establish nesting territories on any suitable pond, be it located on a farm, backyard, golf course, apartment or condominium complex, or city park. Most people will welcome and start feeding the first pair of geese on their pond, but these geese will soon wear out their welcome. In just a few years, a pair of geese can easily become 50 to 100 birds. The feces will foul the areas
around the pond and surrounding yards and also damage the lawn, pond, and other vegetation. Geese that are fed will lose their fear of humans and attack adults, children, and pets during the nesting season (March through June). DO NOT FEED GEESE. Feeding bread, corn, potato chips, popcorn, and other human food items harms the geese and sets the scene for goose attacks on people. Canada geese are protected under both the Federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act and Ohio state law. This protection extends to the geese, goslings, nests, and eggs. Non-lethal scare and hazing tactics, which do not harm the geese, are allowed. These tactics include: pyrotechnics, dogs, barriers, a grid on the pond, laser pointers (at night), distress calls, or grape-flavored repellents such as Flight Control. If non-lethal tactics have been used in the past, without success, the Division of Wildlife may issue a lethal permit to allow the landowner to destroy nests, conduct a goose roundup, or shoot geese. These permits can only be used March 11 through August 31. Hunting in
Mepps Wants Your Squirrel Tails
ANTIGO, WI — Attention squirrel hunters: Mepps — the fishing lure manufacturer — needs squirrel tails to create hand-tied, dressed hooks for their worldfamous, fish-catching lures. They’ve been recycling squirrel tails for over half-a-century. In fact, they recycle more of them than anyone else in the world. “We’ve tried hundreds of other natural and synthetic materials; bear hair, fox, coyote, badger, skunk, deer, even Angus cow, but nothing works as well as squirrel tail hair,” explains Mepps Communications Director, Kurt Mazurek. The fact is squirrel tails are all hair-no fur. Practically all other animals have fur tails with just a few guard hairs. Fur doesn’t have the rippling, pulsating movement of squirrel hair in the water. Squirrels are a plentiful natural resource. Plus, squirrel is some of the best wild meat and their skins are used for caps, coats, glove linings and many other items, but the tail is usually thrown away. Mepps is asking you to help them recycle this valuable resource, and, they offer a reward for your efforts.
Mepps buys fox, black, grey and red squirrel tails and will pay up to .26 cents each for tails, depending on quality and quantity. Plus, the cash value is doubled if the tails are traded for Mepps lures. Note: squirrel tails cannot be sold in California, Idaho or Oregon. Mazurek wants to remind everyone, “We do not advocate harvesting of squirrels solely for their tails.” For details on the Squirrel Tail Program, either visit their website: www.mepps.com or call 800-713-3474. The mailing address is: Mepps, 626 Center St., Antigo, WI 54409-2496. Note: Squirrel tails cannot be sold in CA, ID & OR.
the fall, outside city limits, is also a good method to reduce the goose population, feed people, and further scare the geese away. Landowners should consult with their county wildlife officer or contact the nearest district office for assistance.
September 2014
Part 2 From Page 13
I really like the M&P15-22 Performance Center rifle. It has the look and feel of a centerfire M&P rifle with many of the same operating features, but at a reduced weight and it’s more affordable to shoot. The quad rail gives you the ability to accessorize with all of your favorite goodies just like the centerfire versions. Since this rifle was enhanced for accuracy, S&W conducted extensive testing to develop a list of recommended and not recommended ammunition. Using the standard deviation calculations with the ammunition available at the time of this review, I found their recommendations to be true. In the aggregate, the recommended ammunition was 40% more consistent than the non-recommended, and 25% more consistent than the other brands. The overall accuracy met or exceeded my expectations. There are 18 models of S&W M&P1522 rifle starting at an MSRP of $499. The Performance Center model tested has an MSRP of $789. For more information, check out all of the S&W M&P15-22 rifles at www.smith-wesson.com.
Becoming an Outdoors-Woman Program Set for Oct. 3-5
ASHLEY, OH — Year after year, participants of the Becoming an OutdoorsWoman workshop gear up to face new outdoor challenges, from casting a fly rod for the first time to tackling the whitewaters. “Becoming an OutdoorsWoman” is a workshop with a focus on learning a variety of basic outdoor skills. It is a special opportunity for women 18 years or older and is for you if: you have never tried these activities, but have hoped for the opportunity to
learn from an expert; you are a beginner who hopes to improve your skills or you know how to do some of the activities, but would like to try your hand at some new ones. Registration is now open for the 2014 Becoming an Outdoors-Woman Workshop. The workshop will be held on October 3-5, 2014 at Recreation Unlimited in Ashley, OH. For info. contact the Ohio BOW coordinator at aquatic.education@dnr.state.oh.us.
September 2014
HOW TO:
Before and After OV Outdoor Times
Walking sticks are special to most hunters and hikers. Each has a story behind it that makes them very unique. If you find one that you prefer, it is disappointing to see it has a sharp bend in it, or By Curt Grimm in general it isn’t The Marathon Hunter straight. A friend and fellow hunter, Don Bodinor, gave me some very special information on how to fix that concern. He has devised a way to straighten bent pieces of wood. This method even works with wood that have unique grape vine strands around them. These make great looking walking sticks. With a wooden box, an outside grill, clamps, and a bucket of water, he is able to permanently fix that situation.
OHIO VALLEY OUTDOOR TIMES
Inside the box surrounded by steam and the pull of clamps with a protective cover the stick takes on a shape that is very desirable. Step by step he explained the procedure and I was fortunate to have my brother, Gary Grimm, with me to capture it on film. A picture is worth a thousand words and sometimes a special walking stick is worth the time and effort. It is a personal thing and they all are different, but to find a special one that has a bad bend is disappointing. Thanks to Don things are able to get straightened out. In a general overview, the steps are: 1. Build a box that will house the length of the walking stick. 2. Place the stick in the box after you clamp it to a board. 3. Gradually, move the clamps that are covered with protected cloth to relieve the bend. 4. Place the open end of the box over a pot of water that is brought to a boil. 5. Elevate the box so the steam will be channel upward toward the end of the stick.
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Ohio Valley Outdoors - Photo by Gary Grimm
Don Bodinor with a walking stick he was able to straighten by a method he constructed using a wood box, some clamps and outside grill.
6. Reposition the clamps to gradually relieve the bend. 7. Let cool and serve with one of your favorites locations to go hiking. Sometimes the stick can be steamed prior to adding the clamps, if the situation warrants it. Ask someone what the story is behind their walking stick and it is always an in-
teresting conversation. It may be a hike in the woods with their grandchild to find one similar to their grandfather’s. It may be a stick with a roofing nail imbedded in its lower end that is used to flip rocks to reveal an Indian artifact. Whatever the story is, it is always of interest to hear and it provides another reason to enjoy the great outdoors.
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16
Migratory Bird Seasons Set in PA
HARRISBURG, PA — Pennsylvania’s early migratory bird seasons opened September 1 and runs through November 15. There are some changes to dove season that extends that season with nearly three additional weeks to spend afield. The later season segments will run from Nov. 22 to Nov. 29 and from Dec. 27 to Jan. 1, with hunting hours during those segments set at onehalf hour before sunrise to sunset. Federal frameworks have increased the total season length for mourning doves from 70 to 90 days. In Pennsylvania, that means the first segment of dove season will expand substantially, opening on September 1 and running through November 15. Traditionally, the first segment started and ended in September, and much of October was closed to dove hunting. Ian Gregg, who heads up the Game Commission’s game birds section, said channeling the additional dove-hunting days to the early season segment was done with hunters in mind. “Pennsylvania dove hunters who responded to a recently completed survey indicated they generally prefer as many dove hunting days in early autumn as
possible,” Gregg said. “As a result, the additional days have been routed to the early season segment to create 2 1/2 months of continuous dove hunting.” Hunting hours during the longer first segment are from noon until sunset from Sept. 1 through Sept. 25. Then beginning on Sept. 26, and through Nov. 15, hunting hours begin at one-half hour before sunrise and end at sunset. Two short-season segments around the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays also have been retained. Gregg said this also is in response to the survey results, which showed these later seasons are popular and productive times for the most avid dove hunters to be afield. The daily bag limit in each dove-hunting segment has been set at 15, with a possession limit of 45. The September statewide season for resident Canada geese also will open Sept. 1, and continue through Sept. 25. The September season retains a daily bag limit of eight Canada geese, with a possession limit of 24. Shooting hours during the September goose season are one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset, except when the season overlaps with
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youth waterfowl hunting days. On those days, shooting hours end at sunset. There are special regulations — including smaller bag limits and possession limits — in a couple of areas of the state. In most of the Southern James Bay Population Goose Zone, and on the Pymatuning Reservoir and the area extending 100 yards inland from the shoreline of the reservoir, excluding the area east of state Route 3011 (Hartstown Road), hunters will have a daily limit of three and a possession limit of nine. Also, in a portion of western Crawford County, the daily bag limit is one goose and possession limit is three geese. Kevin Jacobs, a waterfowl biologist with the Pennsylvania Game Commission, noted that recent liberalizations in Canada goose hunting opportunities, along with control programs being implemented by many municipalities and public and private landowners, appear to be stabilizing the growth of the state’s resident Canada goose population. The 2014 Pennsylvania spring resident Canada goose population was estimated at 241,732, which is statistically similar to the recent 10-year average of 266,306 geese. However, populations remain signifi-
September 2014
Ohio Valley Outdoors - Photo by Larry Claypool
The daily bag limit in each dove-hunting segment in PA has been set at 15, with a possession limit of 45.
cantly above the management goal of 150,000. “Hunting remains the most effective and efficient way to manage resident Canada geese, provided hunters can gain access to geese in problem areas,” Jacobs said. The first youth waterfowl hunting day will be held statewide on Sept. 20, and the second day will vary by duck-hunting zone and will be announced when Turn To Bird Page 18
September 2014
Luke Courtney 1st turkey Columbiana County, OH
OHIO VALLEY OUTDOOR TIMES
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PHOTO SHOWCASE SPONSORED BY
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Calvin Joy 21-lbs. Columbiana County, OH
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September 2014
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Bird From Page 16
late migratory game bird seasons are selected in mid-August. Youth waterfowl days are open to licensed junior hunters who are 12 to 15 years old. To participate, a youngster must be accompanied by an adult, who may assist the youth in calling, duck identification and other aspects of the hunt. During those hunts, youth can harvest ducks, mergansers, coots and
moorhens, and both youth and licensed adults can harvest Canada geese. During youth waterfowl days, youth and adults have the same daily limit for Canada geese in the area being hunted. Bag limits for ducks, mergansers, coots and moorhens will be consistent with the limit for the regular season. Pennsylvania’s woodcock season retains its longer format this year, opening on Oct. 18 and closing on Nov. 29. The daily limit remains three, with a posses-
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sion limit of nine. Migratory game bird hunters, including those afield for doves and woodcock, are required to obtain and carry a Pennsylvania migratory game bird license ($3.70 for residents, $6.70 for nonresidents), as well as a general hunting, combination or lifetime license. All waterfowl hunters age 16 and older also must possess a federal migratory game bird and conservation (duck) stamp. Hunting hours for all migratory birds
close at sunset, except for September Canada geese, as noted above, and the snow goose conservation season. The ‘Pennsylvania 2014-15 Guide to Migratory Bird Hunting’ brochure is posted on the Game Commission’s website (www.pgc.state.pa.us). Hunters are encouraged to report legbanded migratory game bird recoveries online at www.reportband.gov, or use the toll-free number (1-800-327BAND).
September 2014
OHIO VALLEY OUTDOOR TIMES
PAGC Introduces GoHuntPA.org
HARRISBURG, PA — More than 900,000 hunters take to Penn’s Woods each fall to pursue their favorite game species. The Game Commission recognizes this important Pennsylvania tradition and is launching a campaign to continue to promote hunting in our state. The campaign revolves around a website titled GoHuntPA.org and is designed to connect hunters like you with the information you need to go hunting in PA. GoHuntPA.org is a website for hunters, by hunters. Whether you hunt to provide food for your table, to spend time with friends or family, or to connect with nature; GoHuntPA.org has something for you. At www.GoHuntPA.org, hunters can learn more about hunting opportunities near them, what’s in season, how to become a better hunter, where to conveniently buy a hunting license, subscribe for emails, and more. There is information for every stage
of your hunt. For instance, are you looking for properties where you can hunt? Visit the “Where to Hunt” section and find the locations of more than 12,000 privately owned Hunter-Access properties. You can also find information to hunt on state parks, state forests and more. Are you interested in information on upcoming seasons? Tune in for a Season Video Forecast or use the weather widget and hunting hours tab to plan your day afield in the “What’s in Season” section. Are you teaching a person new to hunting? Visit the “Learn to Hunt” section for safe hunting video tips, information on Hunter-Trapper Education courses, the new Adult Mentor Program and more. GoHuntPA.org is your one-stop-shop for information on hunting in Pennsylvania. As you prepare for the season, check back into the website often.
Nature Wonder Weekend Set at North Bend
CAIRO, WV — Forty-seven years and still wildly popular is the Nature Wonder Weekend at North Bend State Park. This year’s event is set for Sept. 19-21. The late nature author Euell Gibbons initiated an interest in wild food, turning dandelions and paw paws into gourmet delicacies. The event, North America’s premier and longest-running wild foods event, begins Friday evening and concludes Sunday afternoon. It includes speakers, presentations, nature walks, and collection and preparation of wild foods. “This year’s event has a focus on mushrooms,” said organizer Emily Fleming. “Gary Lincoff of New York City is the featured speaker with the assistance of members of the West Virginia Mushroom Club.” Lincoff has led mushroom study trips and forays worldwide and is a featured “Myco-visionary” in the award-winning documentary “Know Your Mushrooms.” Lincoff is also the author of the Audubon Society Field Guide to North American Mushrooms.
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The weekend activities include a park tour, dinner, presentations, the Hazel Wood National Wild Food Cooking Contest and the Bill Faust Wild Cake Contest. Ohio Valley Outdoors The Wild Drink Photo by Denny Fetty Contest winner is awarded the honorary Maxine Scarbro Friendship Cup. The weekend offers overnight packages as well as day-only attendance options. The individual cost is $169 when two people share a room. To register, contact Wendy Greene at 304-558-2754 or email Wendy.L.Greene@wv.gov. Reservation forms and additional information also are available online at the Event Calendar listings at www.northbendsp.com. Overnight options include lodge rooms, cabins or camping sites.
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