NRA WOMEN ON TARGET - P. 5 Landing Net Story inside page 6
Trapping Snappers
Outdoor Times July 2017
OV Outdoor Times
When my friend Dave and I were teenagers, we thought we’d get into the snapping turtle trapping business. Dave obtained a price list from a company in Idaho that specialized By Ralph Scherder in buying things like Hunting Editor snapper shells ($15-20 each), skulls ($1), and claws ($.10 apiece). Even then that wasn’t much money, but if we were frugal and worked hard, we could pocket a few bucks every summer. The problem came when we actually caught our first snapping turtle. We quickly learned that catching it had been the easy part. Doing something with it was much more of a challenge. First, how do you kill it without shooting it in the head? We tried unsuccessfully to get the bugger to stretch out its neck, all to no avail – although we were mighty impressed at the turtle’s striking power. We poked it with a stick and it snapped the stick in half right up next to my fingers. So we settled on a .22 and lamented the dollar lost on the skull.
Ohio Valley
FR EE!
Turn To Snappers Page 4
Ohio Valley Outdoors–Photo courtesy of Ralph Scherder
The author with a nice snapping turtle. Always use caution when handling snapping turtles. Grab them from behind, either by the tail or hind legs, and hold them out away from your body.
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INSIDE THIS MONTH
OHIO VALLEY OUTDOOR TIMES
13
NRA Women on Target Clinic Held
6
OV Times Staff
PA Hunters Continue to be Safe
14
Landing Net Considerations
9
Jeff Knapp
Dean, McGowan Win WMT Event
16-17
Media Day Held at Beaver Creek
10 12
PAGC
Larry Claypool
Photo Showcase
OV Times Staff
ODNR
Cuffs & Collars
Efforts at Pymatuning Enhances Opportunities PAGC
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Russell is Latest Ohio River Catfish Winner
OUTDOOR CALENDAR
Turkey Shoots - Each Sunday, 1 p.m. at Tri-State Coonhunters Club, 2601 Irish Ridge Road, East Liverpool, OH. $2 per round, shoot 10 rounds. $5 round at end. Any gun with open sights or scopes. Up to 640 choke. Call William Dalrymple at 330-385-8822. Spring Turkey Shoots - Each Sunday (10 a.m.) at Chester-Newell Sportsmen’s Club. Signups start at 9:30 a.m. Located on Gas Valley Rd., behind Green Valley Dairy, between WV Route 8 and PA Route 18. For info. call 330-383-1886, or 304-374-5587. Ohio River Catfish Tournaments - July 22 & Aug. 12. 21st year - sponsored by Chester-Newell Sportsmen’s Club. 7 p.m.-7 a.m. Entry $10. Open to all. Signups at Chaney’s Sunoco, Chester, WV or call 304-387-3982. Measuring at Chester City park marina. Boundaries are Pittsburgh to Wheeling. Shaker Woods Outdoor Expo Show - July 22, 23 at Shaker Woods Complex, 217 state Route 7, Columbiana, OH 44408. Vendor spaces available. Lots of outdoor related vendors, seminars, entertainment and food. Call 330-482-0214 for details. See ad on Page 4.
Ohio Valley
I recently visited my daughter and her family, who live in the state of Indiana. As with many of our visits to the Hoosier State, we try to visit the local state park, Fort Harrison State Park, which is located By Larry Claypool near Indianapolis. The Editor park occupies part of the former site of Fort Benjamin Harrison. The state park is known for its great hiking and walking/jogging trails and picnic areas. Fort Harrison State Park is one of 32 state parks in Indiana. But if you want to visit the parks, it comes with a price. Yes, Indiana is one of many states that charge a fee ($7 a day, $50 a year family pass) to enter their parks, including Fort Harrison State Park. Ohio, on the other hand, is one of a few that do not have such state park admission or parking fees. That includes all 74 state parks in the Buckeye State. We have many beautiful, scenic state parks in Ohio and we are very fortunate to be able to visit them for free. There have been previous attempts to legislate a fee system for Ohio’s parks be they have been quelled each time. It is a big advantage for Ohioans and we must realize this. West Virginia recently passed a pilot project to support the state parks and forests with a modest $2 park fee (single day vehicle use and $12 annual pass fee) for seven parks Babcock State Park, Blackwater Falls State Park, Cacapon Resort State Park, Coopers Rock State Forest, Little Beaver State Park, Pipestem Resort State Park and Valley Falls State Park. There will be exemptions for overnight guests and school groups who schedule in advance. West Virginia officials say the funds will
help with maintenance and upkeep costs of their parks. At this time Pennsylvania also does not charge a visitor’s or parking fee to enter their state parks. Around the country many states charge from $3-$10 per day to visit their state parks. The fee is usually a one-day vehicle fee to enter. Some charge a ‘parking fee’. And most of the states also offer an annual permit fee and offer discounts for senior citizens, youths and military veterans. Some states offer free services for veterans. State parks across the country also offer different and special permits and fees for outdoor activities that include: boat launches, horse trails or horse trailer parking, bus parking, canoe and kayak rentals, fishing, hiking, camping and more. The state of Maryland offers a ‘Park Service Passport’ that includes unlimited boat launches and discounts on state operated concessions and rentals. In Ohio the day use of facilities, including trails, beaches, picnic areas, boating and fishing facilities are free of charge. There is a fee for use of overnight facilities, reserving shelter houses, equipment rental, golf, and some facility tours. Some parks require a visitor pass and a small fee for non-registered campers at the campgrounds. For more details visit Ohio parks online at: parks.ohiodnr.gov. If you’re interested in visiting any state park across the country it’s a good idea to visit that state’s website or call the Department of Natural Resources for detailed information and pricing. To visit any National Parks and Federal Recreational Land (Ohio has many national parks, lakes, refuges, historical sites and more), an annual pass is $80. Daily fees and locations are also posted on their website: www.npa.gov.
To Advertise CALL 330-385-2243
Outdoor Times July 2017
July 2017
Ohio Parks: Visit Them For Free OV Outdoor Times
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VOL. 9, NO. 7
Ohio Valley Outdoor Times
is published by Ohio Valley Outdoors Magazine©
Offices located at
210 E. 4th Street, East Liverpool, OH 43920 Phone 330-385-2243, Fax 330-385-7114 ohvod@ohiovalleyoutdoors.com www.ohiovalleyoutdoors.com
Publisher/Editor, Larry Claypool lclaypool@ohiovalleyoutdoors.com
Graphics Designer, Linda McKenzie lmckenzie@ohiovalleyoutdoors.com Sales Consultant, Tracy Bissell tbissell@ohiovalleyoutdoors.com advertising@ohiovalleyoutdoors.com
Contributing Editors
Ralph Scherder, Hunting Editor Jeff Knapp, Fishing Editor Brian Miller, Field Editor
QUESTIONS, COMMENTS
Ohio Valley Outdoor Times is all about its readers. We’d love to hear from you. Send us something at ohvod@ohiovalleyoutdoors.com
July 2017
OHIO VALLEY OUTDOOR TIMES
OVO to Host Smallmouth Bass Fishing Class
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$400 400 OFF F Ohio Valley Outdoors– Photo courtesy of Austin Dunlap
Austin Dunlap will offer a Smallmouth Bass Fishing Class on July 18 at Beaver Creek State Park (Columbiana County, OH).
EAST LIVERPOOL, OH — The Ohio Valley Outdoors magazine Outdoor Speaker Series continues with the addition of a Smallmouth Bass Fishing Class at 6 p.m. on July 18 at Beaver Creek State Park. Local bass fishing expert Austin Dunlap will teach the class. Dunlap, of East Liverpool, OH, is a Tackle Shop Specialist at Field & Stream in Cranberry Township, PA. He’s also one of the top local bass tournament fisherman in the Ohio Valley. The Smallmouth Bass Fishing Class will cover rods, reels, equipment, all types of bait, techniques, finding fish, access points on Little Beaver Creek and more. Dunlap will also offer tips on fishing the creek from a kayak and bass fishing on the Ohio River. Ohio Department of Natural Resources NE District Park Naturalist Mike Mainhart will also be on hand during the class and will offer information on natural bait and aquatic life within Middle Beaver Creek, which is one of Ohio’s premier scenic and fishing streams. Mainhart is also a ODNR Parks and Watercraft Kayak, Canoe and SUP and ACA certified instructor Level 1. The class will be held near the bridge in the main part of Beaver Creek State Park, just below the park office and Gaston’s Mill and Pioneer Village, at 12021 Echo Dell Road, East Liverpool, OH 43920. The class is free, but pre-registration is required by July 14. Call the OVO office at 330-385-2243 to register. Subscribers to Ohio Valley Outdoors magazine who preregister and attend the class will receive a special gift bag. Other classes in the works include: Fly Fishing Basics, Fly Tying, Kayak Fishing Basics and Catfishing Basics. Details will be announced soon. Some of the classes are free, some will require a fee to participate.
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Snappers From Page 1
We butchered the snapper and made a delicious soup. I believe Dave kept the claws for his collection, and eventually we sold the turtle’s shell to a kid at school for around $10. The money hardly justified the work we put into it, and our days as professional snapping turtle trappers quickly came to an end. It’s possible to make money from trapping snapping turtles, though, and I know people who do it. They work hard and they catch a heck of a lot of turtles. Putting up big numbers is the only way to make a dime off of snappers, and for most of us, that’s just not realistic. That’s why my snapper trapping today concerns nuisance turtles that are wreaking havoc in people’s ponds. A mature snapping turtle can totally eliminate a brood of baby ducklings in a week’s time. I’ve seen it happen firsthand, and it was sad to see the ducklings picked off one by one. It’s nature, and believe me, I totally understand that nature can be cruel. But when that same snapper actually chased after a couple small kids who were swimming one evening, the owner decided it was time for that turtle to go. You may have your own reasons for
OHIO VALLEY OUTDOOR TIMES
wanting a snapper gone from your pond, or perhaps you just want to try your hand at catching a few. Either way, the easiest and cheapest method for catching them is to use a line and hook. Braided line in the 20 to 50-pound test range works well. It’s strong enough that a snapper can’t chomp through it and it won’t break if the turtle gets wrapped around debris or weeds and you have to muscle him loose. Keep in mind, though, that you’ll probably want to avoid setting near snags because if a snapper gets tangled, the hook will pull out more often than not. The hook should be at least 8/0, and some people even prefer 10/0. Don’t worry about the size of a hook being too big for a snapper to swallow. After all, if they can suck down a baby duck, they’ll have no problem inhaling an 8/0 hook. For bait, I’ve used beef and chicken with great success. I especially like using the grisly parts because they stay on the hook better. Use enough meat to completely conceal the hook. Check the lines and bait daily. Sometimes small fish can pick at the meat and you’ll end up with empty hooks every check. If that happens, wrap the meat and hook in a swath of women’s panty-
hose. This will hold the meat in place and ward off bait-robbing bluegills. If you keep checking empty hooks, but think it’s a snapping turtle robbing you blind, bend the point of the hook outward to prevent the snapper from regurgitating the hook after sucking the meat off. In many aspects, trapping snapping turtles is much like running a trotline for catfish. You can even use jugs as buoys like they do down south. Attach a twofoot section of line to the handle of a milk jug or bleach bottle and tie a hook on the end and bait it. Place the jug in a shallow area of the pond or river where snappers are likely to hang out. Many times, the shallows are warmer, and snappers will go there to feed as well as bask while their food starts to digest. Always be sure to tie-off the jug, though, to a something sturdy that you can easily reach without having to get too close to the jug. For those wanting to bolster their snapper trapping experiences, hoopstyle nets can handle multiple turtles. Before acquiring too many snappers, though, it’s a good idea to know what you’re going to do with them once you have them. That means storage, selling,
July 2017
and overall handling of the buggers. Always use caution when handling snapping turtles. Grab them from behind, either by the tail or hind legs, and hold them out away from your body. Their necks may appear short, but they can extend quickly when the turtle makes up its mind to snap at something. Snapper soup really is tasty, and their shells can make beautiful decorations. I’ve seen turtle shells that were made into clocks, pieces of art, or simply shellacked and hung on the wall. Snapping turtles are a renewable resource and it doesn’t hurt to harvest a couple here and there for fun or profit. They present a unique opportunity to try something new and learn a skill during what many hunters and trappers consider the off season. All that’s needed to do it is a fishing license, a handful of hooks and lines, and some bait. Ohio’s snapping turtle trapping season runs from July 1 to December 31, 2017, and softshell turtles may also be harvested. Both snappers and softshells must have a straight-line carapace length of 11 inches or greater in order to be taken, and there is no daily limit. Check the Ohio fishing regulations for more details about trapping snapping turtles.
July 2017
OHIO VALLEY OUTDOOR TIMES
Ohio Valley Outdoors–Photo courtesy of Vance Squires
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Ohio Valley Outdoors–Photo courtesy of Vance Squires
Fifteen women participated in the NRA Women on Target clinic held recently at the Chester-Newell Sportsmen club.
Participants are shown taking aim with handguns during the NRA Women on Target clinic held recently at the Chester-Newell Sportsmen club.
NEW CUMBERLAND, WV — The NRA Women on Target Instructional Shooting Clinic was recently held a the Chester-Newell Sportsmen Club, in New Cumberland, WV. The class was headed by Tammy West and several volunteer instructors. Club members also assisted.
The event was sponsored by the Women of the NRA and Chester-Newell Sportsmen Club. Fifteen ladies participated in the class. The reviewed different types of handguns, and were taught how to shoot them all, or what they were comfortable with. All of the participants received t-shirts, gift bags from the NRA and lunch, which was included in their registration fee. Visit the Chester-Newell Sportsmen Club Facebook page for more photographs and other club activities. Also see the Women on Target, New Cumberland WV Facebook page.
NRA Women on Target Clinic Held
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OHIO VALLEY OUTDOOR TIMES
Landing Net Considerations OV Outdoor Times
A basic concern in angling is getting a fish on the hook. Less thought, however, is given to the actual landing of the fish once it’s been hooked. The use of a well-designed landing net is signif- By Jeff Knapp icant, whether the Fishing Editor fish’s destiny is a quick photo session prior to release or an appointment with a fillet knife. In my mind, criteria for choosing a landing net includes: a bag that’s easy on the fish; a bag that doesn’t entrap the hooks; a strong hoop and handle, particularly the yoke portion that can yield to the weight of a heavy fish; a design that allows it to be kept out of the way until needed. Naturally, the importance of each of these factors is relative to the species of fish being pursued. TROUT NETS – Nearly all my trout fishing in recent years takes place on wild trout waters, or specially-regulated trout waters – with the fish are released. So, my trout nets are used primarily as a
place to hold trout safely in the stream while I set up a quick photo. For general trout fishing on medium and larger streams, I prefer the Fishpond Nomad hand net. Its carbon/fiberglass composite frame is lightweight. The clear, rubber bag is easy on trout and doesn’t grab hooks. The clear bag is supposed to be less likely to spook a trout as it nears the net. I don’t know about that, but it does provide a translucent background if you photograph a trout while it’s still in the net. Coupled with a retractor like those from Gear Keeper, the net stays out of the way until needed. I also enjoy hiking into the backwoods for native brook trout, and capturing images of these gorgeous specimens. For this I carry an Orvis Classic Landing Net, the smallest one they make. Its diminutive 16 1/2-inch total length fits in the daypack I wear during these outings. When an exceptional native is taken that I want to photograph, after it’s been unhooked I place the fish in the net, which is used as an instream livewell Turn To Net Page 7
July 2017
Ohio Valley Outdoors–Photo by Jeff Knapp
A well designed landing net is a welcome aid when landing fish such as this smallmouth bass.
July 2017
Net From Page 6
while the camera is set up. BASS AND WALLEYE NETS – Medium-sized fish like bass and walleyes call for a landing net that not only matches their size, but the way they were caught. For instance, bass — largemouths in particular — are well suited to being “lipped” by hand-landing them. The sore thumb one gets from numerous contacts with the bass’s sandpaper-like tongue is a welcome testament to a productive day on the water. Hand-landing is okay with a single hook bait, but when the fish has a multi-hooked hardbait hanging out of its mouth, no thank you. If the fish is too large to simply swing into the boat, I’ll net ‘em every time. In the case of walleye fishing, where trolling often comes into play, a telescoping handle is an important feature. The longer rods typically used in trolling prevent a hooked ‘eye from being reeled in to the range of a standard handled net. Netting a fish away from the boat can also prevent tangling in other trolled lines. This season, for both bass and walleye fishing, I’ve been using with great success Frabill’s Conservation Series Net, one with a 20 x 23-inch hoop. The knot-
OHIO VALLEY OUTDOOR TIMES
less, coated bag is easy on the fish and snag-free with the hooks. The handle slides through a sturdy track, so it can be slid out of the way when not in use, so it’s less cumbersome in the boat. When needed, and handle deploys quickly and solidly. The same goes for the telescoping sections of the handle, which can be locked down at any point to provide the length needed for your situation. MUSKY NETS – A primary function of a musky net is to hold the fish in the water while it recovers from being caught, and during the unhooking process. Since the fish are big, the nets must be big to accomplish this safely. Well-designed nets have huge bags with relatively flat bottoms, which creates the in-the-water livewell to safely work on the fish. I’ve used both Frabill’s Big Kahuna and Beckman’s musky nets with good success, the later no longer made to the best of my knowledge. Another good option, particularly if you’re musky fishing is done with a partner, is Frabill’s Musky Cradle. The cradle, which is like a minnow seine on steroids, takes up little space in the boat. I always have one with me on Allegheny River guide outings, for incidental muskies when targeting bass and walleyes. But it takes two people to use it.
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Ohio Valley Outdoors–Photo by Jeff Knapp
The telescoping handle on Frabill’s Conservation Series Net helped land this Pymatuning walleye for Sid Brown in late June.
OHIO VALLEY OUTDOOR TIMES
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Air Guns, Some Semiauto Rifles Could Become Lawful in Special PA Areas
HARRISBURG, PA — When the Pennsylvania Game Commission in April approved the use of semiautomatic rifles and air guns for hunting small game and furbearers, the provision could not be extended to the state’s Special Regulations Areas, which are covered under a separate section of the law. But a measure preliminarily approved on June 26 by the Pennsylvania Board of Game Commissioners would allow hunters and trappers within Special Regulations Areas also to use semiautomatic rifles and air guns. Only rimfire ammunition would be allowed when hunting or trapping with semiautomatic rifles in Special Regulations Areas, based on the proposal, which is scheduled for a final vote at the September meeting. Special Regulations Areas include all of Allegheny, Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery and Philadelphia counties, and Ridley Creek and Tyler state parks during special controlled hunts. Hunters within Special Regulations
Areas must follow different guidelines than in other parts of the state, and are limited to using manually operated rimfire rifles, shotguns, muzzleloading long guns and archery equipment. The amendment would add air rifles to that list, and lift the requirement that rimfire rifles be manually operated. Air guns would need to be between .177 and .22 caliber when used within Special Regulations Areas to hunt small game, woodchucks or furbearers, based on the preliminarily approved measure. Semiautomatic rifles would need to be .22 caliber or less to hunt small game, woodchucks or furbearers within Special Regulations Areas. If the measure is adopted at the Sept. 26 meeting, it likely would take effect sometime in November or December. Regulatory changes become official upon their publication in the Pennsylvania Bulletin, which usually takes about six weeks from the time a board approves such a change.
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July 2017
Russell is Latest Ohio River Catfish Winner CHESTER, WV — The latest winner of the Ohio River Catfish Tournament, sponsored by the Chester-Newell Sportsmen Club, was Charles Russell of New Brighton, PA. Russell won the June 10 event with a 40 1/4� flathead catfish. The ‘lucky draw’ winner was Michael Williams of East Liverpool, OH, with a 25 3/8� fish. The draw number was 33. The May 20 winners were John Alford, taking longest fish with a 36 1/4� catfish, and Seth Alford taking the lucky draw with a 17 3/4� fish. The number was 18. Both men were from East Liverpool, OH. The May 6th tournament was cancelled due to severe thunder storms and high water. The upcoming events are slated for July 22 and August 12. Check the club’s Facebook page for more photographs and events. Ohio Valley Outdoors–Photo by Vance Squires
Charles Russell of New Brighton, PA won the June 10 Ohio River Catfish Tournament with a 40 1/4� flathead catfish.
July 2017
OHIO VALLEY OUTDOOR TIMES
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Media Day Held at Beaver Creek State Park
By Larry Claypool
A lot has been written about the quality stream and scenic beauty of Beaver Creek State Park, and for good reason. The ‘Wild & Scenic’ national and statedesignated Beaver Creek is highly touted by anyone who’s been there. Known for its clean water, great fishing, recreational boating, hiking trails, horse trails, camping, various wildflowers, large rock formations, historic canals, beautiful scenery and more, Beaver Creek offers something special for everyone. New Ohio Department of Natural Resources NE District Park Naturalist Mike Mainhart wants to get the word out about Beaver Creek to more people so he recently hosted a ‘Media Day’ at the Columbiana County state park. ODNR NE Ohio Regional Scenic Rivers Manager Matthew Smith and ODNR West Branch State Park Naturalist Aaron Bartley were on hand to assist Mainhart.
Smith offered an update on scenic rivers and streams in the state. He said Beaver Creek is among the “elite status” of streams in Ohio. “Beaver Creek is among the best of the best of our rivers system. Big Darby may be close, but Beaver Creek is so remote, so beautiful and others can’t rival it,” said Smith. As a streams expert, Smith explained the importance of two state programs he works with — Paddle Ohio and Water Trails programs. The purpose of Paddle Ohio is to promote paddling sports on Ohio’s state-designated wild, scenic and recreational rivers and water trails as well as to raise awareness on the importance of protecting Ohio’s highest quality rivers and streams. The Water Trails program works with local partners to promote public boating access by developing water trails on Ohio waterways. Smith said the Paddle Ohio program will celebrate its 50th anniversary next year. Several special events are being planned for the anniversary. One of
Ohio Valley Outdoors– Photo by Larry Claypool
ODNR NE District Park Naturalist Mike Mainhart (left) and ODNR NE Ohio Regional Scenic Rivers Manager Matthew Smith discuss Ohio streams during a Media Day event held recently Beaver Creek State Park.
those may include an event at Beaver Creek State Park. The Media Day event kicked off with a tour of the newly renovated Beaver Creek Wildlife Education Center (WEC), located on park property at 12798 Echo Dell Road, near Calcutta, OH. The non-profit WEC has many in-
teresting displays of wildlife, animal and bird mounts and artifacts. Two large display rooms featured are an Ohio room and a new North American room. Many smaller rooms and displays feature live reptiles, birds, bugs, historical artifacts, interactive displays for children, animal Turn To Media Day Page 15
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Cuffs & Collars
OHIO VALLEY OUTDOOR TIMES
July 2017
Field reports from ODNR Division of Wildlife Officers
Central Ohio – Wildlife District One In December 2016, State Wildlife Officer Maurice Irish, assigned to Delaware County, was dispatched to Hoover Reservoir in response to information submitted to the Turn In a Poacher (TIP) hotline. A witness reported that two individuals had caught a large amount of crappie, transported them to a vehicle, and then returned to catch more fish. Upon arrival, Officer Irish located the suspects near the bridge preparing to leave. As Officer Irish approached, one of the individuals attempted to dump a large sack of fish back into the water, but was unsuccessful. Further investigation by Officer Irish revealed another large burlap sack containing crappie in the suspect’s vehicle. Once the fish were counted, it was determined that one individual was 25 fish over the legal limit and the other was 27 fish over the legal limit. A large portion of the crappie were also under the legal length limit of 9 inches. Both individuals were found guilty in Delaware County Municipal Court and paid $320 in fines and court costs. In late February, State Wildlife Offi-
cer Jeff Tipton, assigned to Champaign County, was contacted by the Champaign County Sheriff’s Office about an individual hunting without permission. Deputy John McNeely and Officer Tipton responded and found three men who had been rabbit hunting. The men had been hunting near a set of railroad tracks, which they did not have permission to be on, and at least one of them had gone on to a private landowner’s property. All three men were issued citations for hunting without permission and one man received an additional citation for hunting without a hunting license. All three were found guilty in court, and in total the men paid $950 in fines and court costs. Northwest Ohio – Wildlife District Two During the spring walleye fishing season, Lake Erie Investigator Cody Klima and State Wildlife Officer Eric VonAlmen, assigned to Wood County, contacted a group of fishermen at Meinke’s Marina in Lucas County. Further investigation by the officers revealed that the men had 13 walleye, one over their daily limit. Of those 13 fish, two were under the legal size limit of 15 inches, and one
Ohio Valley Outdoors– Photo courtesy of ODNR, Division of Wildlife
Ohio Wildlife Officers are busy throughout the spring and summer checking on fishing violations on several bodies of water in the Buckeye State. Because of the size and activity on Lake Erie it is always a target area for enforcement.
of the men was fishing without a fishing license. All three men were issued summons for the violations. This spring, while working the annual
Maumee River walleye run, State Wildlife Officers Jason Porinchok, assigned to Putnam County, and Brad Turn To Cuffs & Collars Page 11
OHIO VALLEY OUTDOOR TIMES
July 2017
Cuffs & Collars From Page 10
Buening, assigned to Van Wert County, received a call from the Turn In a Poacher (TIP) hotline. The caller stated that two individuals had caught their daily bag limit of four walleye and had left the river, only to return a half-hour later to catch more fish. With the information from the caller, the officers located the two fishermen, who were then observed catching three additional walleye each. Officers Buening and Porinchok made contact with the two fishermen and determined that both men were three fish over their daily bag limit. Both were cited in Maumee court and each paid fines and court costs of $189. Northeast Ohio – Wildlife District Three State Wildlife Officer Aaron Brown, assigned to Wayne County, and State Wildlife Officer Eric Moore, assigned to Medina County, were patrolling the Portage Lakes in April. Due to the warm weather, many people were out enjoying the outdoors. Most contacts the officers made were positive, and no violations were discovered. Later in the afternoon, the officers changed locations and observed three men fishing and drinking beer. Further observation by the officers
revealed the men left trash and waste at their fishing location, leaving all of their beer cans, used fishing line and bait containers. All three individuals were issued summonses for litter and one individual was charged with fishing without a valid fishing license. All three men appeared in the Barberton Municipal Court and were convicted. The individual who was fishing without a license was ordered to pay fines and costs totaling $351 for the litter and fishing license violations. The other men were each ordered to pay $244 in fines and costs. In addition, all three individuals completed eight hours of community service. During last year’s early teal season, State Wildlife Officer Aaron Brown, assigned to Wayne County, State Wildlife Officer Eric Moore, assigned to Medina County, and State Wildlife Officer Supervisor Eric Bear were patrolling the marshes of Wayne County when they received a report that two individuals were suspected of shooting wood ducks during the closed season. Officer Bear observed the men shooting at wood ducks as they flew by. Eventually the two men left the marsh and were contacted by Officers Brown and Moore. The investigation revealed that they had shot several
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wood ducks, breasted them out, and discarded the carcasses in the marsh. The duck breasts were then placed in a plastic bag and concealed in one of the hunter’s waders. The men were charged with taking wood ducks during the closed season, hunting waterfowl with an unplugged shotgun, and possession of waterfowl without a fully feathered head or wing attached. Both men were convicted in the Orrville Municipal Court and paid $426 in fines and court costs. Southeast Ohio – Wildlife District Four State Wildlife Officer Ryan Donnelly, assigned to Washington County, and State Wildlife Officer Marino Pellegrini, assigned to Lake County, were patrolling Grand River Wildlife Area during the early teal season. The officers contacted a group of hunters, and while Officer Pellegrini was checking licenses and stamps, Officer Donnelly looked around the hunters’ blind. Near the blind, Officer Donnelly discovered a hen wood duck, which was not in season at the time, stuffed under a log. A hunter in the group admitted that he had shot the wood duck when he mistook it for a teal, and attempted to hide the duck. The hunter was issued a summons for taking
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a wood duck out of season and paid $275 in fines and court costs. Southwest Ohio – Wildlife District Five Last November before Ohio’s deer gun season, an anonymous caller contacted State Wildlife Officer Jim Carnes, assigned to Highland County, with information about a man who had shot a 10point buck with a shotgun from his front yard and subsequently posted pictures of the deer on the internet. Based on this information, Officer Carnes and State Wildlife Investigator Joel Buddelmeyer went to the suspect’s residence and spoke with the man. Initially, the man insisted that he had shot the deer from the ground with a bow. After further questioning, the man admitted to shooting the buck with a .20 gauge shotgun after coming home from work and seeing the buck in a field next to his residence. The man was charged for the illegal method of harvesting the deer. He appeared in the Hillsboro Municipal Court before Judge David McKenna and pleaded guilty to the violation. Judge McKenna ordered him to pay a $500 fine with $250 being suspended, 60 days in jail suspended, two years of probation, forfeiture of the deer, and also revoked his hunting privileges for three years.
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OHIO VALLEY OUTDOOR TIMES
July 2017
Efforts at Pymatuning Lake Enhances Fishing Opportunities
ANDOVER, OH — An annual collaborative effort between organizations in Ohio and Pennsylvania has once again led to enhanced fishing opportunities for anglers at Pymatuning Lake according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR). Crews from the ODNR Division of Wildlife teamed up with ODNR Division of Parks and Watercraft, Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission, the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, the Pymatuning Lake Association, and numerous volunteer organizations to place structure into Pymatuning Lake. A total of 125 wooden structures, called “Porcupine Juniors”, were introduced to the lake to replace natural woody structure that has been slowly degrading away since the reservoir was formed back in the 1930’s. This underwater habitat is critical to fish populations across the lake and they are also critical to anglers since fish can be located on these “hot spots.” “This is, by far, our largest structure placement project in the state each year.
The help of the various state agencies and the numerous volunteer groups each go a long way to improve fishing opportunities on Ohio’s largest inland lake,” explained Matt Wolfe, fish biologist who oversees this project for the ODNR Division of Wildlife. Funding for structure projects is derived from the federal Sport Fish Restoration (SFR) program. No state tax dollars are used for this activity. This is a user-pay, user-benefit program. Working out of the Pymatuning State Park Campground, the structures were placed across two sites. 75 structures were placed in about 911 feet of water at: N 41o 33’ 4.2” / W 80o 31’ 25.0” to N 41o 33’ 2.0” / W 80o 31’ 26.1” 50 structures were placed in about six to seven feet of water at: N 41o 32’ 46.8” / W 80o 31’ 6.4” to N 41o 32’ 44.6” / W 80o 31’ 6.0” The map datum on your GPS unit should be set at NAD 83 to find the structures. The coordinates provided are in degrees, minutes, and seconds. Please be aware of the reciprocal fishing regu-
Ohio Valley Outdoors - Photo courtesy of ODNR Division of Wildlife
Crews from the ODNR Division of Wildlife teamed up with ODNR Division of Parks and Watercraft, Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission and many more groups to place 125 wooden structures for fish habitat in Pymatuning Lake recently.
lations that are in effect on Pymatuning Lake. A downloadable Google Earth file defining all of the structure placements throughout northeast Ohio is available by contacting the Wildlife District Three
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Headquarters in Akron at 330-644-2293. View, download, and print a map of Pymatuning Lake at wildohio.gov. Visit the ODNR website at ohiodnr.gov.
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July 2017
OHIO VALLEY OUTDOOR TIMES
PA Hunters Continue to Be Safe
HARRISBURG, PA — The number of hunting related shooting incidents statewide was the second-lowest ever, and for only the second time on record, a year passed without a single fatality related to gun handling while hunting or trapping in Pennsylvania, according to a newly released report from the Pennsylvania Game Commission. There were 25 hunting-related shooting incidents statewide during 2016. Only 2015 had a lower number of incidents with 23. And the only other year without a hunting-related fatality in Pennsylvania was 2012. The trend of increasingly safer hunting is something of which Pennsylvania’s hunters – and the Game Commission’s team of volunteer instructors – can be proud, said Game Commission Executive Director Bryan Burhans. Decades ago, hundreds of incidents occurred annually, year after year in Pennsylvania. “There’s always work to do when it comes to improving hunter safety, because even one incident is too many,’ Burhans said. “But the fact remains that
hunting is safer than it’s ever been, and in Pennsylvania, the credit for that can be shared by the legions of hunters who make a habit out of making good decisions and the dedicated instructors who have trained them so well.” Pennsylvania has compiled data on hunting-related shooting incidents (HRSIs) since 1915. HRSIs in Pennsylvania have declined nearly 80 percent since hunter-education training began in 1959. Prior to 2013, there never had been fewer than 33 incidents reported in a year, and 2016 marks the fourth straight year in which fewer than 30 incidents were reported. In 2016, nine of the 25 incidents with an identified offender resulted from individuals with 10 or fewer years of hunting experience. One incident involved a youth participating in the Mentored Youth Hunting Program, though it’s important to note the youth and his mentor were in violation of the rules of the program when the incident occurred. The Mentored Youth Hunting Program, which enables hunters under the age of 12 to harvest certain wildlife species if they are ac-
companied by a licensed adult, continues to be safe. About 31,274 Mentored Youth Permits were issued during this timeframe. In its annual reports on HRSIs, the Game Commission establishes an incident rate by computing the number of accidents per 100,000 participants. The 2.73 incident rate reported for 2016 is higher than the 2015 rate of 2.46. The leading causes of hunting-related shooting incidents in 2016 were a victim being in the line of fire, which accounted for 44 percent of the total, followed by unintentional discharge, which accounted for 20 percent of the total. Incidents where the victim was shot in mistake for game remain at record-low levels. The use of fluorescent orange in many seasons and ongoing hunter-education efforts are essential to the upward trend in hunter safety, the report states. In 2016, 35,452 students received their Basic Hunter-Trapper Education certification in Pennsylvania. Those student graduates, their volunteer hunter-education instructors and the hunting public at large all can be proud of the role they have played in making hunting the safest it’s ever been, Burhans said.
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Game Commissioner Jim Daley, of Cranberry Township, a longtime huntereducation instructor who was recognized in 2009 as Pennsylvania’s Instructor of the Year, said the dedicated corps of 2,237 volunteer instructors plays a key role in improving hunter safety. He thanked those instructors, and the state’s hunters for continuing to play it safe. “Before hunter-education training first was launched, hunting related shooting incidents occurred far too frequently, and to see that number reduced to less than 30 in 2016 with no fatalities in Pennsylvania is quite an accomplishment,” Daley said. “A lot of hard work, and many, many volunteer hours are behind this achievement, and I’m proud to be part of the group working to make hunting in Pennsylvania even safer. With 50-plus years of hunter education in Pennsylvania, a hunter-safety culture is now becoming firmly ingrained in our hunters and mentors.”
Ohio Valley Outdoors-Magazine
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OHIO VALLEY OUTDOOR TIMES
YouthBuild Assists WVDNR with Trout Habitat Project
ELKINS, WV — Students with Elkins-based YouthBuild North Central recently worked with the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (DNR) Aquatic Habitat Enhancement Program to restore fish and wildlife habitats at the site of the historic logging town of Spruce, near the head of the Shavers Fork River. Since the old town was abandoned and demolished in the 1940s, the site had remained largely unforested. With the cooperation of the State Rail Authority, the Durbin and Greenbrier Valley Railroad, Cass Scenic Railroad, Snowshoe and landowner Steve Callen, DNR and West Virginia University led an ambitious reforestation project at the remote site, with a primary goal of improving trout habitat in Upper Shavers Fork. Two dozen students and staff from YouthBuild North Central worked with DNR and WVU staff on the project. They planted, limed and fertilized more than 2,600 trees and shrubs over the course of a week in May. The goal of YouthBuild is to give young adults the tools to find and keep a
good job. YouthBuild helps young adults become responsible members of their families and communities by strengthening their educational backgrounds, teaching them marketable skills and entrepreneurship, and instilling leadership values that relate to home, work and community. YouthBuild participants earn money while they get valuable hands-on work experience. David Thorne, a DNR Fisheries biologist who oversaw the project, explained that the reforestation effort was focused on establishing fast-growing trees on riverbanks to shade the water and reduce water temperatures to levels preferred by trout. Riverbanks on both sides of more than a mile of Shavers Fork and a tributary received plantings during the project. Thorne praised the work of the YouthBuild participants as essential to the effort. “Our planting window was very tight and we simply could not have completed this ambitious project without the great work of YouthBuild,” Thorne said. This work is reinforced with classroom instruction, job shadowing and
personal guidance. GED preparation and testing is another key component of the program. Out-of-school youth ages 16 to 24 are eligible to apply. The program, which lasts between six and 10 months, is funded from a variety of state, federal and nonprofit grants. More information can be found online at the YouthBuild website: http://rchawv.org/youthbuild/youthbuild -3.html. The goal of the DNR Aquatic Habitat Enhancement Program is to enhance aquatic habitats for fish and anglers. The program is funded with fishing license revenue, federal excise taxes on fishing equipment and frequent grant funding from the National Fish Habitat Partnership. The WVU Natural Resource Analysis Program is an integral partner with DNR in the statewide habitat effort.
Dean, McGowan Win WMT Event at Geneva
GENEVA, OH — James Dean and Jim McGowan took first place honors in the Walleye Madness Tournament on Lake Erie/Geneva on June 24. The duo weighed in a five-fish limit for 36.06lbs.
July 2017
Dean and McGowan also claimed the Mercury Contingency Bonus of $200. Second place honors went to Bob McLucky and Chris Duffus, with 35.55lb and five fish. They also won the Lund Boats Contingency Bonus of $300. Third place went to the team of Jim Gwynn and Matt Whitacre, with 31.73lbs and five fish. That duo also won the event in 2015 and 2016, with 32.60lbs and 44.72lbs respectively. Fourth place went to Mike Daugherty and Dana Daugherty, with 29.20lbs and five fish. Mike Dittmer and Joana Dittmer were fifth, with 20.22lbs and five fish. Sixth place went to Peter Ellis and Matt Wise, with 19.52lbs and five fish. Forty-five teams participated in the event, with a total of 173 fish caught. The average fish among competitors was 3.20lbs. All of the fish were safely released back into Lake Erie after weigh-ins. The next Walleye Madness Tournament event is August 12, at Lake Erie/Conneaut. Visit the website: www.walleyemadness.net to enter. Full event results and additional photographs are also posted online.
July 2017
OHIO VALLEY OUTDOOR TIMES
Three Electronic Devices Could be Approved in PA
HARRISBURG, PA — The Pennsylvania Board of Game Commissioners recently gave preliminary approval to a measure that would make three additional electronic devices lawful to use while hunting. If the measure is adopted, hunters would be able to use electronic decoys in hunting waterfowl; electronically heated scent or lure dispensers; and electronic devices that distribute ozone gas for scent-control purposes. The measure is scheduled to be brought back to the September meeting for a final vote.The board indicated it will consider adding electronic mourning-dove decoys to the list when it’s brought up for a final vote. Electronic devices generally are prohibited for hunting use in Pennsylvania, but the Game Commission over the years has received requests to review several specific electronic devices, and has approved some of them for hunting use. As part of the review process, the Game Commission evaluates to what degree a given device might negatively impact the principles of resource conservation, equal opportunity, fair chase and public safety. In reviewing the devices that were preliminarily approved for hunting use, the Game Commission identified no negative impacts that would result from their use. Other electronic devices that are permitted for use while hunting or trapping in Pennsylvania are: · Firearms that use an electronic impulse to initiate discharge of their ammunition. · Electronic sound-amplification devices incorporated into hearing protection devices and completely contained within the hunters’ ear. · Electronic devices used for locating dogs while training and hunting. · Electronic illuminating devices affixed to the aft end of a bolt or arrow and used solely for locating or tracking a bolt or arrow after it is launched. · Electronic crow decoys used solely for hunting crows. · Electronic rangefinders, including handheld devices and those contained within a scope or archery sight, so long that it does not emit a beam. Media Day From Page 9
pelts, unique photo displays, a bird watching area, flower gardens, hiking trails and more. Several volunteer members of the Wildlife Education Center were on hand to offer their expert knowledge about the display areas. Those members included:
John Ferrante, Cheryl Mattevi, Karen Henry, Russ Henry, Jay Patterson and Paula Patterson. Find more information about the Wildlife Education Center online at: www.beavercreekwildlife.org, on Facebook or call 330-301-0019. During the summer months the center is open each Saturday and Sunday from 1-5 p.m.
Ohio Valley Outdoors - Photo by Larry Claypoolr
Several members of the Beaver Creek Wildlife Education Center were on hand during a Media Day event held recently Beaver Creek State Park. The volunteers pictured are (from left): Russ Henry, Jay Patterson, Paula Patterson, John Ferrante, Cheryl Mattevi and Karen Henry.
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OHIO VALLEY OUTDOOR TIMES
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PHOTO SHOWCASE SPONSORED BY
July 2017
Connor Mayle 18lb, 9" beard, 1" spurs Trumbull County, OH
Dave Parker jake Portage County, OH
Hannah Hall, age 11 1st turkey, youth season 2017 Licking County, OH
Seth Utt 4lb, 20" smallmouth bass Ohio River, Jefferson County, OH
Bill Hall & Clint Gibboney Ohio opener 2017 Guernsey County, OH
Adam Mayle 9-pt. Stark County, OH
Adam Metzger 8-pt., shotgun Tuscarawas County, OH
Johnathan Miller 1st deer, 7-pt., 8-3/8" spread Columbiana County, OH
OHIO VALLEY OUTDOOR TIMES
July 2017
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PHOTO SHOWCASE SPONSORED BY
Dexter May, age 8 23lb, 9.5 in. beard Columbiana County, OH
Andy Silverthorn (right) 22" largemouth bass Paradise Lake Park, OH
Steve Keller
Brianne Parker, age 10 23lbs, 10" beard, 1 1/4" spurs Portage County, OH
Chuck Graham smallmouth bass, 23", 7-1/2 lbs. Ohio River, Jefferson County, OH
Send Us Your Photos
Doug Blaner 21.5 in., 4.2 lb walleye Middle Fork Beaver Creek, Columbiana County, OH
Curtis Ramirez crappie Guilford Lake, OH
We’ll print your hunting, fishing or trapping photos in the next issue of OV Times or Ohio Valley Outdoors magazine. Send photos via mail, email or Facebook. Email to: ohvod@ohiovalleyoutdoors.com Mail to: Photo Showcase 210 East Fourth St., East Liverpool, OH 43920
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Calendar of Events
Old Fashion Style Turkey Shoot Each Sunday until further notice at Beaver Creek Sportsman Club, 14480 Washingtonville Road, Washingtonville, OH. Field stock guns, .680 choke max., scopes permitted, meat and money rounds, shooting 60’. $3 per round, 1 p.m. start time. For info. contact Tom Brunner 330-692-6577 or email:tbrunner1020@gmail.com. Trap Shoots - Regular trap shoots (open to public) held each Weds. and Sun. Sporting clays held fourth Sunday of month at Columbiana County Fish
OHIO VALLEY OUTDOOR TIMES
and Game Assoc. at 45716 Middle Beaver Road, Lisbon, OH 44432. For info. contact Mike Giambroni at 330383-2552 or visit www.columbianacountyfishandgame.c om. Yellow Creek Long Rifles Shoots Every second Sunday of the month at noon, except August. Black powder, patch round ball and open iron sights only. Trail walks have 15-20 shots. For more info. call Dennis at 330-738-6002 or Gary at 330-853-4979. 3D Archery Shoots - July 22-23; Aug. 26-27 and Sept. 16-17 at Lake Milton Fish & Game Club. Sat. 8 a.m. 3 p.m.; Sun. 8 a.m. - 1 p.m. Cost $10,
cubs $5. Breakfast and lunch served. Crossbows permitted, no rangefinders. Contact David Puz at 330-240-8128 or Dennis Dabney at 330-414-5795. Outdoor 3-D Archery - Aug. 20; Sept. 17 at Mosquito Bowmen Archery Club, 2535 McCleary Jacoby Rd., Cortland, OH 44410. Reg. 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. 30 target course. Public invited. Field points only. $10, cubs free w/adult. Website: www.mosquitobowmen.com or email: info@mosquitobowmen.com. Ohio River Catfish Tournaments July 22 & Aug. 12. 21st year - sponsored by Chester-Newell Sportsmen’s Club. 7 p.m.-7 a.m. Entry $10. Open to all. Signups at Chaney’s Sunoco,
July 2017
Chester, WV or call 304-387-3982. Measuring at Chester City Park marina. Boundaries are Pittsburgh to Wheeling. Shaker Woods Outdoor Expo Show July 22, 23 at Shaker Woods Complex, 217 state Route 7, Columbiana, OH 44408. Vendor spaces available. Lots of outdoor related vendors, seminars, entertainment and food. Call 330-4820214 for details. See ad on Page 4. Walleye Madness Tournaments August 19 at Lake Erie-Conneaut. 100% payback, no membership fees. $150 entry fee. Visit www.walleyemadness.net for entry deadlines and registration forms or call 580-765-2319.
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