WHERE’S THE BULLETS? - P. 12
Ian’s First Deer
Story inside page 9
On Target Finds a Home OV Outdoor Times
Their motto is: Mentoring young people in sport, in life, in faith. For the past five years Steve Scott and his volunteers have fol- By Larry Claypool lowed that Editor creed for the betterment of many youths and families around the Mahoning Valley (OH) through the faithbased non-profit organization, On Target Outfitters. Now the youth mentoring group can provide many more activities, projects and events after recently acquiring a 21-acre facility in Canfield, OH. The facility, located along West Calla Road, features a 10,000 square foot main building for a clubhouse, indoor 25 and 30-yard archery ranges and 10-meter indoor air rifle range; 1 1/2 acre pond; outdoor picnic pavilions and lots of other room for events and a planned outdoor shooting range. For Scott, the founder and director of On Target Outfitters, the
facility is THE perfect place for the organization. “This is exactly what we were looking for,” said Scott of the new facility. “For years we have dreamed of having a variety of weekly clubs including archery, riflery, shotgun, bowhunting, trapping, hunting, fishing, fly-fishing, game cooking and conservation – this year they will become a reality.” Previously OTO held archery camps and shoots at another nearby campground and held competitions and events at various schools, churches and outdoor facilities. They also offered hunting and fishing skill camps, hunting and outings at local farms and ponds. Thousands of area kids have participated in various camps, shoots and events the past five years. Scott is a life-long outdoorsman, sportsman and certified archery instructor. He lives in Canfield, where OTO is based. OTO took possession of the new property in July of 2013. They hosted an open house in early October after a lot of hard work by volunteers to renovate the main building. Scott said 700 people turned out for the open house over two days. “That really brought to life what we’ve been doing,” said Turn To Home Page 5
Ohio Valley
FR EE!
Outdoor Times January 2014
Ohio Valley Outdoors–Photo by Larry Claypool
On Target Outfitters founder and director Steve Scott at the organization’s new facility, located on West Calla Road in Canfield, OH.
January 2014
OHIO VALLEY OUTDOOR TIMES
INSIDE THIS MONTH
3 Hearing Aid Dog
12
Curt Grimm
6 Facts, Figures and
Where’s the Bullets Bill Waugaman
13 Local Bassmaster Pro
Foolishness Surround Ohio Deer Season ODNR
Jay W. Bennett
7 Fishing Sunglasses
15
Teams with Spiderwire
Jeff Knapp
9 Ian’s First Deer
The Basics of Trapping in Ohio ODNR
Ralph Scherder
9 Boating Industry NMMA
Continues Rebound
14 Choosing the Mike Mainhart
Right Pair of Waders
OUTDOOR CALENDAR
Sunday Outlaw Shoots - Each Sunday afternoon through March 2014 (except holidays) at Beaver Creek Sportsman Club, Washingtonville, OH. Reg. noon, starts at 1 p.m. 36” guns only. For info. contact Glenn Harsanye at 330-770-8027. Website is: www.beavercreeksc.com. Wyandot Bowmen Indoor 3-D Shoots - Jan. 19, Jan. 26, Feb. 2, Feb. 9, Feb. 16 at 3 p.m., Adults $10, Youths $5. Open to public and beginners. For info. call: Don Barnhart at 304-565-5110 or Harper’s Archery at 304-387-1519. West Virginia Trappers Association Fur Auction - March (first weekend) at Glimer County Recreation Center, Glenville, WV. Several vendors. For info. call Scott Schimmel at 304-4627270, email Janet Hodge at hawkmtn@hawkmtn.com or visit website at: www.wvtrappers.com. Ohio State Trappers Association Fur Auction - Feb. 8 at 50 Boyer Lane (just off Rt. 41) in Jeffersonville, OH. Starts at 9 a.m. Call Steve Hiller at 937-206-1934. For info. contact Hiller, OSTA Fur Auction Coordinator via email: SH10@outdrs.net. Visit the OSTA website at: www.ohiostatetrapper.org.
Ohio Valley
This is a new level of begging, as I see it. The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission is now accepting donations of new and used hunting gear and clothing, according to a recent Associated Press story. The By Larry Claypool donations will go to the Editor commission’s mentored youth hunting program. If it helps kids though, I’ll give the cornhuskers a little break. But why is a Game Commission asking for donations? Don’t they make enough money from licenses and tax dollars? And all states benefit some from the national excise tax fund (Pittman-Robertson Act). It’s my understanding that in Ohio the Division of Wildlife is mostly funded from hunting licenses and fees. There are however many facets of the Ohio Department of Natural Resources. The Division of Wildlife is only part of a wide umbrella the ODNR covers. I’m sure the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission casts a wide net too. I assume many state game commissions or departments of natural resources are in a financial bind since the depression hit us 4-5 years ago. For years though many states have charged admission to their park systems. Ohio is not one of those. Only seven states do not charge a fee to enter their parks. Indiana, for example, charges $5 per vehicle per day to enter their parks. Wisconsin charges $7. Nebraska charges $5 per person for a Park Entry Permit. All three states offer yearly passes for residents. Back to Nebraska asking for donations. State organizers say many youths who participate don’t have access to appropriate clothing and gear. The commission is requesting camouflaged and blaze orange hunting gear. The commission says it will accept
insulated bibs, parkas and insulated coats, hooded sweatshirts, insulated boots, shooting sticks, game calls, etc. Donated items should be clean and in good, working condition. Wow, they’re not asking for much, are they? I wonder what kind of response they’ll get from this appeal. I also wonder how many other states ask for donations of hunting equipment. If you know of any please let me know. In our region there is a great non-profit youth organization (see story on Page 1) that helps fill this void in eastern Ohio. And I know of many more sportsmen’s clubs across Ohio, Pennsylvania and West Virginia that support and host outdoor youths and youth events — including hunting and fishing trips. Maybe we’re just different around here. We do support our kids. The Pittman-Robertson Act — mentioned above — may not be known by everyone. It was established in 1937 by our government (President Franklin D. Roosevelt endorsed it) for the betterment of many things outdoors in this country. The excise tax (11%, then lowered to 10%) has been charged on every new purchase of guns, ammunition, archery equipment and hunting supplies for the past 75 years. The funds were initially handled by the U.S. Department of Interior and distributed to each state per a special formula. The money is now in a trust and under the control of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. By some estimates over $5.5 billion has been raised through the Pittman-Robertson Act. A similar tax plan (the Federal Aid in Fish Restoration Act — or Dingell-Johnson Act ) was passed in 1950. That placed an excise tax on fishing equipment to promote fishing and improve fish populations. The Wildlife and Sports Fish Restoration Programs Improvement Act in 2000 further clarified the Pittman-Robertson Act on what the tax dollars could be used for.
To Advertise CALL 330-385-2243 Publisher/Editor, Larry Claypool lclaypool@ohiovalleyoutdoors.com
Outdoor Times January 2014
Is This Begging? OV Outdoor Times
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VOL. 6, NO. 01
is published by Ohio Valley Outdoors Magazine
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January 2014
By Curt Grimm
OHIO VALLEY OUTDOOR TIMES
Hearing Aid Dogs
As one grows older, they hope they get wiser just like an old Tom turkey. The ability to hear is the prerequisite to a successful hunt. It is a shame that many hunters who start to lose their ability to hear drop out of their favorite sport of hunting turkey. At a young age I lost my hearing to a great extent in my right ear. As I grew up hunting became a passion — with many rewards. Turkey hunting was the most challenging and required extra time and work. It created memories that will last a lifetime. The ability to turkey hunt with a hearing loss required a different but productive game plan. I grew up with a dog as a pet and outdoor partner. The rewards were many. Using a dog to hunt turkey developed as I continue to add more years and became wiser. The technique to hunt with hearing aid dogs came to me as I relaxed against a favorite old oak tree and daydreamed about playing basketball. A hearing concern in the game of basketball results in making adjustments to
produce winning results. When a teammate passed the ball or called my name, it sometimes would hit me in the face or cause me to trip. A player with a hearing concern has a difficult time telling direction of the sound of the ball and fellow teammates calling your name. I had to make adjustments; for example, learn to be a better ball handler and bring the ball down court as the team would set up or run the end of out of bounds and increase the awareness of where the pass would come from. Also, in the outdoors — I depend on my good eyesight to balance things out. I have learned to find four leaf clovers, Indian artifacts and animal signs easily. They jump out like fluorescent orange jelly beans in a candy jar. Some of my friends have stopped turkey hunting, because they have increased hearing loss. Not being able to tell the direction of a gobble or cluck can be very frustrating. To be able to deal with their concerns, I use my two hunting buddies, Rosie and Bolt. They mean Turn To Hearing Page 4
New Fishing Regulations/Policies Set for Stonewall Jackson Lake
SOUTH CHARLESTON, WV — New fishing regulations are in place for Stonewall Jackson Lake in 2014, according to Frank Jezioro, Director of the Division of Natural Resources. “Anglers will be able to keep a daily creel of six black bass, one of which may be longer than 18 inches. This represents a change from the catch-and-release regulation in place since the lake was created more than 20 years ago,” said Jezioro. The regulation change was proposed by DNR fisheries biologists who began noticing a decline in physical condition of largemouth bass and increased numbers of spotted bass. A minimum size of 52 inches for muskellunge has been established at Stonewall Jackson Lake starting in 2014. “Harvesting smaller bass while limiting the take of bass over 18 inches will still provide opportunities for trophy bass fishing, something for which Stonewall Jackson Lake has been known for many years,” said Bret Preston, Assistant Chief of the DNR Wildlife Resources Section. “In addition, the increased size limit on muskellunge will promote the establishment of a trophy
fishery,” Preston added. The new bass regulations present an opportunity to hold traditional weigh-in tournaments, according to Preston. The catch-and-release regulation did not afford that in the past. Because of the destination nature of Stonewall Jackson Lake, the DNR has adopted a tournament policy that manages the number of tournaments and dates on which they can be held. “These guidelines are intended to provide tournament opportunities while minimizing user conflicts on a very busy and popular lake. These guidelines also will aid in managing a potential fish health issue since largemouth bass virus has been documented in Stonewall Jackson Lake,” said Preston. Increased stress due to extended holding of bass during warmwater months has been linked to virus- related die-offs. The DNR will host a drawing for 2014 fishing tournament dates at 6 p.m. on Jan. 9 at the Stonewall Jackson State Park Administration Building. Persons interested in holding tournaments consisting of 10 or more boats must attend. No tournaments will be permitted during June, July and August.
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Ohio Valley Outdoors–Photo by Gary Grimm
The author with his Yorkie, Rosie, scouting out a hunting area. The dog offers an assist in hunting for turkey with his excellent hearing.
4 Hearing From Page 4
the world to me and are great companions with fantastic ability to hear and see. They sit on my lap on a hillside overlooking an oak or beechnut forest, and I use my locator call. They confirm the direction of the birds and I know where to start my hunt in the morning. When game laws permit they also can set quietly or walk with me and let me know the direction of the approaching turkey. The expression on the dog’s face, the location of their ears and even the whiskers let me know something is coming and which direction to face for my shot. Hunting turkey with dogs is a whole new world and has kindled a whole new appreciation of them. Dogs are truly a person’s best friend and hunting buddy. It also has made it exciting for my wife because she now enjoys scouting with me, and is exciting because the new dog attire comes in green, blue and even pink camo. One of the greatest advantages of a hearing aid dog is they come in all sizes and breeds. They need to know very few commands; for example,
January 2014
OHIO VALLEY OUTDOOR TIMES
“stay” and “quiet”. Best of all they are content to travel with and stay close to you. It is enjoyable to put my Yorkie in a big coat pocket when he starts to tire from a long hike. The Jack Russell can go all day and sometimes enjoys sitting on my shoulder and looking all around. They both truly enjoy the total experience and have created memories that I will cherish the rest of my life. If I had perfect hearing, I would still enjoy this style of hunting. My hearing concerns have brought many rewards. Not being able to hear enhanced my abilities to listen and develop more precise vision; and most of all enjoy a whole new relationship with an animal that is truly amazing.
Editor’s Note: Curt Grimm is a retired teacher and guidance counselor (Beaver Local School District) with many years experience in hunting, hiking and scouting in his home state of Pennsylvania (Industry) and neighboring Ohio. Ohio Valley Outdoors magazine Field Editor Ralph Scherder featured Grimm in the Summer 2013 issue with an article titled “Marathon Hunter”.
Ohio Valley Outdoors–Photo by Gary Grimm
The author with his two hunting companions, Rosie and Bolt.
January 2014
Home From Page 1
Scott. “That day was a real ‘Field of Dreams’ moment for me. It’s been fun to see it come to life.” Outdoors the acreage provides plenty of room for activities such as 3-D archery, riflery, trapshooting and fishing. The large clubhouse features the indoor archery ranges and 3-D targets for practice, lessons, competitions and tournaments. The indoor 10-meter air rifle range is under construction. Leagues and lessons will be available for archery and air rifles. A winter indoor archery instruction league started in December for kids in grades 1-6. A bowhunting club will be offered for middle and high school-age kids. During the winter months Scott said they’re offering open archery range time for youths on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday and open range time for the general public (adults) each Wednesday (6-8 p.m.) and Saturday (10 a.m. to 2 p.m.). The cost is $10 for adults and kids 18 and under are free. A community archery league is also being planned. “We want this to be a safe place for kids to hang out,” said Scott of the after school hours open range time. “And we want parents to be involved. We’re ex-
OHIO VALLEY OUTDOOR TIMES
cited to bring families together.” A hunting club is being formed by OTO, for middle school and high school students. They will meet at 10 a.m. each Saturday. It began January 11 and runs through February 15. Activities will include target practice (shooting clays), firearms cleaning and basic maintenance, game care and cooking, as well as an opportunity to hunt squirrel, rabbit or pheasant under the close supervision and guidance of one of our mentors,” said Scott. A prerequisite for the hunting club is the completion of the Ohio Hunter Education Course. The cost is $50 to join the club. Later in January (23rd) OTO will begin a Parent and Child Archery League that runs through Feb. 27. The cost will be $60 per team. A Ladies Night Out is planned for Jan. 24 (6 p.m.). The cost is $5 per person. Call Barb at 330-212-0179 to register. The First Annual Groundhog Archery Tournament will be held Feb. 2 for students in grades 4-12. Archers will vie for the coveted “Groundhog Cup”. The cost is $10 per person. The Youth Archery League (students in grades 4-12) runs from Feb. 18 to March 25 (Tuesdays at 6 p.m.). The cost
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Ohio Valley Outdoors– Photo by Larry Claypool
A 30-yard 3-D indoor archery range is featured at the new On Target Outfitters facility in Canfield. The organization’s founder Steve Scott is shown.
is $45 per person and includes a shirt. A Build-Your-Own Muzzleloader (parent/child workshop) will be offered from March 6-27 (each Thursday, 6 p.m.). Costs vary based on the model of weapon you choose to build. Orders need to be placed by Feb. 1. Summertime will be very busy for the volunteers at OTO. Scott said the Summer Day Camps will be held each weekday in three sessions. Long range plans for the organization
include development for overnight camping, some cabins and tent camping; outdoor 3-D shoots; trapshooting and other public events. For information about On Target Outfitters, call Scott at 330-423-5101 or visit their website at: www.ontargetoutfitters.org. They are a 501(c)3 organization. The location of the new facility is: 7209 West Calla Road, Canfield, OH 44406.
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OHIO VALLEY OUTDOOR TIMES
Facts, Figures and Foolishness Surround Ohio Deer Season
Looking back at deer season … Ohio hunters checked 75,408 white-tailed deer during this year’s deer-gun season, down about 13 percent from last year’s total when hunters harvested 86,893. Hunters may not like that, but the Ohio Division of Wildlife is fine with it. The goal of Ohio’s Deer Management Program is to provide a deer population that maximizes recreational opportunities, while minimizing conflicts with landowners and motorists. This ensures that Ohio’s deer herd is maintained at a level that is both acceptable to most, and biologically sound, said the Ohio Division of Wildlife. Until recently, the populations in nearly all of Ohio’s counties were well above their target numbers. In the last few years, through increased harvests, dramatic strides have been made in many counties to bring those populations closer toward their goal. Once a county’s deer population is near goal, harvest regulations are adjusted to maintain the population near that goal.
TOP COUNTIES: Coshocton County had the highest number of deer taken among Ohio counties, with 2,658. Other top counties were Muskingum (with 2,604 deer taken), Tuscarawas (2,604), Guernsey (2,401), Ashtabula (2,334), Harrison (2,133), Carroll (2,019), Knox (1,966), Licking (1,887) and Belmont (1,851). Coshocton County also had the most deer checked in the 2012 deer gun season, with 3,119. DEATHS: Three Ohio hunters were killed during weeklong gun-hunting season that ended on Sunday — the first hunters a hunter has been killed while deer hunting since 2009. The fatalities occurred in Fulton County in northwest Ohio; Coshocton County in southeast Ohio and Gallia County in southcentral Ohio. Each of three deaths involved shootings that likely were accidental, the ODNR reported. FAILURE RATE: About two-thirds of Ohio’s deer hunters come up empty in a given year.
CAUGHT: Eighteen employees of the Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Wildlife were hunting deer on state time, according to an investigation released this week. “The timekeeping records for 18 wildlife employees contained conflicting information which showed wrongful activity: either the employee was onduty while engaged in deer hunting activities, or off-duty and falsifying work records to obtain pay they were not entitled to receive,” the Ohio inspector general’s office found. Department spokeswoman Bethany McCorkle said the wildlife officers were re-assigned to administrative duties. Their final discipline will be determined by an internal investigation that could take two to four months, she said. ECONOMIC IMPACT: Deer hunting in Ohio continues to be a popular activity for many who enjoy the outdoors. Ohio ranks fifth nationally in resident hunters and 11th in the number of jobs associated with hunting-related industries. Hunting has a more than $853 million economic impact in Ohio through the sale of equipment, fuel, food, lodging and more.
January 2014
Ohio Valley Outdoors– Photo courtesy of Nick Young
Keely Young, age 11, harvested this eight point during the recent hunting season.
January 2014
OHIO VALLEY OUTDOOR TIMES
Fishing Sunglasses OV Outdoor Times
Anglers looking to add something to this year’s fishing kit should consider a pair of high quality sunglasses. Good sunglasses provide an avenue from which to view the By Jeff Knapp underwater world. Fishing Editor POLARIZATION The first step in choosing good fishing eyewear is to be sure they are polarized. When sunlight hits the surface of the water glare is produced, making it difficult, if not impossible, to see beneath the surface. Polarized sunglasses employ a built-in filter that eliminates much of the glare. Differences exist in the quality of the polarizing filter. Better sunglasses utilize a higher grade polarizing film, making them much more effective in wiping the glare from a lake or river’s surface. Polarized lenses not only rid your view of glare, they also add contrast to what’s being seen. Certain colors become more vivid. These qualities
greatly assist the muskie angler in distinguishing features and objects located below the surface. LENS TINT Lenses are available in a variety of colors, each of which performs best under certain conditions. Makers of premium fishing eyewear offer a variety of lens colors to match the circumstances of the day. “You have to have lens tints that work for the conditions,” noted Peter Crow, general manager for a major producer of angling sunglasses. “Not every lens tint is going to be right for every condition. Are they going to work? To some degree. But certain color lens work best in certain conditions.” “A gray lens is a neutral density lens,” said Gary Nesty, an angler who is also an optometrist and maker of protective fishing eyewear. . “It filters all colors equally. If you want red to still look red, brown to still look like brown and green to still look green then a gray lens is the best choice. Turn To Sunglasses Page 8
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Ohio Valley Outdoors– Photo by Jeff Knapp
Dealing with bright skies above during a day of fishing is made more enjoyable by wearing good pair of sunglasses. Here Matt Ference is shown with a rainbow trout.
Ohio Passes Rule Changes for Perch Limits
COLUMBUS, OH — The Ohio Wildlife Council passed several rule changes at its recent meeting, including lowering the statewide daily limit for yellow perch in all waters except Lake Erie and authorizing additional bait inspections to help detect invasive species. Among the rule changes approved by the Ohio Wildlife Council: • The statewide yellow perch daily limit was reduced from 40 to 30 to be more consistent with Lake Erie daily limits and help avoid confusion among anglers. • Bait dealers are required to keep additional records and must allow inspections of bait containers, ponds and tanks for the detection of invasive species. • Language was added to clarify that it is unlawful to operate a watercraft on any Ohio Department of Natural Resources’ (ODNR) Division of Wildlife owned, controlled or administered lake in a manner that does not conform to posted regulations. •Boaters at Highlandtown Lake
Wildlife Area can now use 10-horsepower motors. See a complete list of approved rules and regulations at wildohio.com. The next Ohio Wildlife Council meeting is January 8, 2014. Council meetings are open to the public. Individuals who want to provide comments to the council should preregister at least two days prior to the meeting by calling 614-265-6304. All comments must be three minutes or less. The next ODNR Division of Wildlife public open house is Saturday, March 1, 2014. ODNR Division of Wildlife staff will be available to answer questions and listen to concerns. For more information, visit wildohio.com or call 800-WILDLIFE (945-3543). The Ohio Wildlife Council is an eightmember board that approves all ODNR Division of Wildlife proposed rules and regulations. Appointed by the Governor, no more than four members may be of the same political party, and two of the council members must represent agriculture. Each term of office is four years.
8 Sunglasses From Page 7
“When you start to get into lens colors, other than gray, you are looking at selective filtration. If you are looking for green weeds, for instance, or a fish that has a lot of green on it, if you wear a green lens it will make those green objects more visible to you. If you are in a low light condition where you need some brightness, or you are in clear water with a very dark bottom, then a yellow polarized lens like a high contrast yellow will help because you will have additional brightness to help you see the objects you want to see.” Conditions change throughout a typical day on the water, and may include a morning ushered in with pre-dawn twilight to be followed by bright skies by mid morning. An approaching front can carry with it clouds that again darken the sky. There are various ways of addressing the dilemma of needing multiple lens colors for a day’s fishing. One is to purchase two or more pairs of glasses. Another option might be shades with interchangeable lenses. LENS CONSTRUCTION High quality fishing optics are available in both optical glass and polycarbonate. Each has its strong points.
OHIO VALLEY OUTDOOR TIMES
“Glass has the highest optical value,” said Crow. “It is very clear. There is very good stability of the polarized filter that we put between the lens. You can use extremely good polarizing film in glass lenses.” Crow also noted that glass tends to be a bit heavier than polycarbonate. Glass is also very scratch resistant. “The one down side of glass is that it less impact resistant than polycarbonate,” added Crow. “For impact-type sports (a consideration when exposed to three-ounce, flying muskie plugs) one would wear polycarbonate.” Advantages of polycarbonate include lighter weight, higher impact resistance, and a somewhat lower price point than glass. “Scratch coatings are applied to polycarbonate lenses, but it is a softer material than glass,” said Crow. “It will scratch easier than glass. But that’s not a problem if the consumer takes care of the glasses. If they are thrown, lenses down, on the dashboard of the truck and you drive down a gravel road, there will be problems. But if you take decent care of them it’s really not an issue.” FRAMES Frame construction and size is a matter of both form and function, with most
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muskie anglers likely leaning toward function. The fatigue factor is associated with more than just eyestrain. Long hours on the water become longer when glasses don’t fit properly. Headaches can result from frames that pinch, perhaps shortening your effort. While some frames have a degree of adjustability built into them, Crow said he feels the most important factor is that an angler buys frames that initially fit well. Nesty too feels frame fit is a huge component in quality fishing optics. “There are big fishermen, small fisherman, youth fishermen,” said Nesty. “It’s important to shop around and find frames that fit properly.” While a degree of adjustability can be realized in many frame designs, Nesty recommended initially finding a model that fits as well as possible. Frame adjustments should only be a matter of fine-tuning. Components of frame size include measurements of the lens, bridge and temple. Comparing these variations by way of a catalog or website can narrow the search for good-fitting glasses. Of course the best way it to visit a tackle store to try on several models and frame styles.
January 2014
Charleston Urban Hunt Sets Record
CHARLESTON, WV (AP) — Charleston’s ninth urban deer hunt set a record with at least 100 deer killed. The Charleston Daily Mail reports (http://bit.ly/1lEy10M ) that 34 bucks and 66 does had been reported killed as of Jan. 2. Hunters have three days to report kills, so the final tally could increase. Regardless, the total already has broken the previous record of 93 set in 2011. The number of hunters participating increased to 139 from 130 last year, when 83 deer were taken. George Daniels owns two of the 25 properties that were open for hunting. He said there was an uptick in deer activity a few years ago after dog leash laws were enacted, but now he only sees about half as many.
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Demand for Ohio Concealed Licenses Soar
COLUMBUS, OH — Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine (R) has released the concealed handgun license (CHL) statistics for the third quarter of 2013. With only nine months’ worth of licenses counted, new records have already been set for the most initial licenses issued and most licenses renewed in a year. Demand for CHLs maintained a blistering pace in the July through September reporting period, soaring 34% over the same period last year. Ohio sheriffs issued 18,705 regular CHLs, 13,913 renewals, and 9 Temporary emergency Licenses (TELs), for 32,627 total licenses issued during the quarter. During this period, almost 15 people per hour, or 500 per weekday, received a new or renewed CHL from an Ohio sheriff. Jim Irvine, President of Buckeye Firearms Association, said the numbers show that the public rejects recent gun control efforts. “It is abundantly clear that Ohioans don’t want more gun control. In fact, they want to exercise their Constitutional rights and have the ability to own and carry firearms for per-
sonal protection.” Demand for CHLs has been strong since Governor John Kasich (R) signed SB 17 (Restaurant & Car Carry Rules Fix) and HB 54 (Restoration of Rights) legislation into law. Last December, Kasich signed HB 495 (Concealed Carry Modernization), legislation which made the CHL program function more efficiently. At the end of September, there was an all-time record of nearly 392,000 Ohio residents licensed to carry concealed firearms. By the end of the year, there will be over 400,000, which represents one out of every 22 adults in Ohio. “It has been over nine years since Ohio’s concealed carry law took effect,” said Irvine. “It is clear that despite the handwringing and dire predictions some made, the law is obviously working well and is popular with responsible, lawabiding adults who care about safety.” Irvine also says none of this should be surprising. “The fact is, all 50 states now have concealed carry laws in effect. And not a single state has ever had a problem with it.” For information, visit www.BuckeyeFirearms.org.
January 2014
Ian’s First Deer
OHIO VALLEY OUTDOOR TIMES
missed opportunity when four deer burst out of the corner of the cut cornfield. A spike and two does turned left and bounded across the wide open field. The last deer, a nice 8-point, did a quick uturn back toward the tree line. It never made it. I dropped it as it reached the woods. In the past, my deer seasons ended once I filled my buck tag. Typically my focus shifted from my own personal hunting to manning the taxidermy shop. Not this year. Back in early April, I started dating my girlfriend Rachel. Rachel has two kids, both boys, ages 8 and 12. Ian, the 12-year-old, loves the outdoors. All fall, he accompanied me on the trapline and during my raccoon and fox hunting adventures. Having no kids of my own, it was a different sort of experience for me. I was used to heading afield alone, and if great things happened or I achieved some sort of success, the joy was my own. Ian has changed all that for me. Not only has he become my
CHICAGO, IL — The National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) recently announced that the U.S. recreational boating industry will continue its post-recession climb with an estimated 5 percent increase in new powerboat retail sales. The increase comes on the heels of the industry’s 2012 rebound when new powerboat retail sales increased 10 percent—the industry’s first sign of recovery. In 2014, NMMA expects the recreational power boat sales will continue to grow another 5-7 percent. What’s more, retail dollar sales of new powerboats are expected to be up 8 percent in 2013, signaling that the mix of boats being purchased includes higher priced boats and that Americans are investing more in boating. “The housing market has improved, consumer confidence has steadily increased the last two years, and consumer spending is on the rise—all factors that are helping to fuel stable growth for the U.S. recreational boating industry and further sales in 2013. In addition, we’re seeing more and more Americans take to
the water, as our participation numbers are at an all-time high—88 million Americans went boating in 2012. This indicates that with experience on the water comes an interest in life on the water and the subsequent purchase of a boat,” noted Thom Dammrich, president of NMMA. “If economic growth persists and the recreational boating industry continues gaining participants, we anticipate sustained growth in 2014 and into 2015 and 2016.” Leading the industry’s growth are small fiberglass and aluminum outboard boats 26 feet or less in size, which continued their upward climb in 2013 with a 6.7 percent increase in the number of new boats sold; and ski and wakeboard boats, with an 11.7 percent increase in sales. To further attract the growing number of boating enthusiasts, the recreational boating industry will unveil its latest innovations at annual boat shows across the country in January and February. Boat shows, which attract more than one million people annually, are where manufacturers launch new boats and marine
OV Outdoor Times
First day of Pennsylvania’s gun season got off to a slow start. Usually, the gun shots start ringing out at daylight and continue steadily until mid-morning before tapering off. This year was different. Even during the first couple hours, By Ralph Scherder there were long peri- Hunting Editor ods of silence. The deer were moving, though. By noon I’d seen about 40 deer, including several sub-legal bucks. In the afternoon, a herd of 18 deer filtered past my treestand, only 50 yards away. One of those deer was a legal buck with a wide rack, but there was too much brush between me and them. Also, the buck had positioned himself right in the middle of the herd. Surrounded by does and moving quickly, the buck presented no clear shot. Two hours later, around three o’clock, I was still kicking myself over the
Turn To First Deer Page 10
Boating Industry Continues Rebound
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Ohio Valley Outdoors– Photo by Ralph Scherder
The author helped Ian Goodman (shown) get his first deer, a PA doe during this past hunting season.
Ohio Valley Outdoors– Photo courtesy of Tracker Marine
Recreational boating in the US is a $35 billion industry and fishing remains the number one (63 percent) boating activity.
gear for purchase. The shows are a primary sales venue for the industry and barometer for things to come, as they provide a glimpse of buyer trends and sales for the year ahead. U.S. recreational boating facts and figures (source: NMMA) • Recreational boating in the US is a $35 billion industry and creates 338,526 marine industry jobs (manufacturing, dealers/wholesalers, services) at 34,833 marine industry businesses. • 93 percent of the boats sold in the
U.S. are made in the U.S. • Recreational boating retail expenditures (new and pre-owned boats and engines, trailers, accessories and services including fuel, repair, storage, insurance, taxes) increased 10 percent in 2012 to $35.6 billion. • Retail sales of new powerboats increased 10.1 percent in 2012. • Retail sales of new power and sailboats increased 10.7 percent in 2012 to 163,245 boats, demonstrating the first Turn To Boating Page 10
January 2014
First Deer From Page 9
hunting buddy, but he’s helped me enjoy the outdoors that much more. Ian went hunting with his grandpa on first day and saw 10 deer, no bucks. Thursday of the first week, I picked him up from school and we headed to my treestand. About an hour before dark, deer started filtering out into the corn stubble, but, once again, no bucks. Ian had an antlerless deer tag, and the season opened that Saturday, but we didn’t make it out hunting that weekend. We finally made it out again early the next week. Once again, right before dark, deer started filtering out into the corn stubble, but they were about 400 yards away. Although Ian has proven himself to be a great rifle shot, I preferred his first shot at a deer to be less than a hundred yards. We had one more day left to hunt – Saturday, the last day of gun season – and I knew it would be a good one. Early Saturday morning, it started snowing. Cold weather gets hunters moving. In turn, hunters get deer moving. Instead of going to my treestand, which overlooks several vast fields, we opted for my dad’s treestand, which was located in a swampy, wooded patch beBoating From Page 9
significant sign of a post-recession recovery for the industry. • It’s not just new boats Americans are buying. There were an estimated 969,000 pre-owned boats (power, PWCs, and sail) sold in 2012, an increase of 6 percent from 2011. • Americans are taking to the water in record numbers: Of the 232.3 million adults in the US in 2012, 37.8 percent, or 88 million, participated in recreational boating at least once during the year. This is a 6 percent increase from 2011 and the largest number of US adults participating in boating since NMMA began collecting the data in 1990. • There were an estimated 12.1 million registered boats (power, sail, and some canoes/kayaks and other non-powered boats) in the U.S. in 2012. • Fishing remains the number one (63 percent) boating activity current participants engaged in while boating in 2012; 20 percent went tubing, 17 percent went waterskiing and 9 percent went wakeboarding for a total of 46 percent who participated in watersports (tubing, waterskiing, wakeboarding). • 95 percent of the boats on the water
OHIO VALLEY OUTDOOR TIMES
tween big spoil piles. Several years ago, the woods had been timbered, and the swampy area became a brush-choked deer magnet. My dad killed a thickantlered 8-point there on first day of gun season and saw over 50 deer. Saturday morning, the first couple hours past with the cold turning more bitter and the light snow turning heavy. As someone who has never taken a kid deer hunting, I underestimated the value of warm clothing for youth hunters. I’ve always had a pretty good tolerance for cold weather. Give me some heavy socks, hand warmers, and a winter jacket, and I can stay out in the elements for as long as it takes. But Ian’s clothing and boots weren’t nearly as insulated as mine, and I knew he was freezing. Our goal was to make until at least 10 o’clock before going back to the truck to get warmed up. Ten minutes to 10, I spotted a group of three deer on top of the spoil pile and heading our direction. Ian shouldered the rifle – my dad’s Sako Finnlight .270 – and got a solid rest on the rail of the ladder stand. When the lead deer stopped about 75 yards away, Ian shot. The deer jumped and bolted down toward the hollow behind us. A shot rang out from the treestand below.
are 26 feet or less. • 76 percent of boat owners have a household income less than $100,000. About NMMA: National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) is the leading association representing the recreational boating industry in North America. NMMA member companies produce more than 80 percent of the boats, engines, trailers, accessories and gear used by boaters and anglers throughout the U.S. and Canada. The association is dedicated to industry growth through programs in public policy advocacy, market statistics and research, product quality assurance and promotion of the boating lifestyle. For more information, visit NMMA.org.
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Ian hit the deer, but the shot wasn’t solid. We found a few specks of blood, and if not for fresh snow, we probably wouldn’t have even found that. We tracked it into the hollow to a place where the deer stopped and had been shot at by another hunter. That guy made a much better shot. A short while later, Ian and I climbed back into my dad’s ladder stand. As we sat there, I tried to figure out what went wrong. I replayed it in my mind and looked at where the deer had been standing when Ian shot. Only thing I could figure was the bullet hit brush and deflected. I didn’t have too long to think about it, though. Less than 10 minutes later, another group of deer appeared on the spoil pile, and I could see the last one was a small buck. They filed down into the swampy, brushy area as Ian got ready for the shot. They made their way through the thick brush. Several seconds later, the lead deer emerged on a wide open lane only 50 yards away. She stopped and looked straight at us. All of the deer behind her, including the buck, stopped in the brush. I knew it was now or never. I wanted Ian to take the buck, but I also knew it
was risky to wait for it to step into the open. The doe looked ready to spook and no doubt she’d take the whole herd with her and we’d miss our opportunity. “Take her,” I whispered. Ian pulled the trigger. All of the deer bolted. The deer Ian shot took off, too, but I knew it was hit perfect behind the front shoulder. It dropped less than a hundred yards from the treestand. The rest of the day, and for several days afterward, Ian told the story to anyone who’d listen. I did, too. It was such a rewarding experience for me to see the excitement in Ian’s eyes and hear it in his voice. No doubt, I’ll have a hunting buddy for many years to come.
HARRISBURG, PA — Pennsylvania Governor Tom Corbett recently signed into law a bill that updates PA’s archaic and overly-burdensome raffle laws. These laws — known as the Small Games of Chance Act — made it virtually impossible for Pennsylvania sportsmen’s organizations to hold a traditional fundraising banquet. The U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance (USSA) led a coalition to change the law, and included the National Wild Turkey Federation and Ducks Unlimited, as well as the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation and Whitetails Unlimited. That effort culminated in a series of amendments to Pennsylvania House Bill 290, introduced by Rep. Michele Brooks (R-Greenville). The pro-sportsmen amendments (carried by Senator Jake Corman R-Bellefonte) modernize the state’s raffle laws to ensure sportsmen and conservation organizations are able to utilize the stan-
dard banquet model, including raffles, games and drawings, which are the lifeblood of these events across the country. Without the changes made in HB 290, these organizations, and the great work that they do, would be faced with losing their primary method of fundraising. “These changes were vitally necessary to conservation organizations across the state that raise substantial portions of their budgets through these events,” said Evan Heusinkveld, USSA vice president of government affairs. “Hundreds of thousands—if not millions—of dollars for wildlife conservation projects come directly from these banquets.” The U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance (USSA) provides direct lobbying and grassroots coalition support to protect and advance the rights of hunters, trappers, anglers, and scientific wildlife management professionals. Visit their website: www.ussportsmen.org.
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Bill Protecting Sportsmen’s Banquets Signed Into Law
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OHIO VALLEY OUTDOOR TIMES
Where’s the Bullets? OV Outdoor Times
It’s been a year now since handgun ammunition availability really dried up in the stores and online. If you’re one of the lucky individuals who just happen to be in the right place at the right time, you By Bill Waugaman might get a box or two. Plus, there is the absurd cost for even ‘plinking’ ammunition. Deciding to dust off my reloading press, I ran into another problem… bullets. Since trying to find handgun bullets is just as bad as trying to find loaded ammunition, I went right to a major supplier… Sierra Bullets (www.sierrabullets.com). On the front page of their website, Sierra Bullets has what I believe to be an excellent explanation to the supply and demand shortage of bullets. The content is slightly dated, but so appropriate. My contact at Sierra Bullets gave permission
to reprint their statement…
Why Can’t I Find Any Sierra Bullets? As most Sierra customers have noticed, finding Sierra Bullets on shelves has become a little more difficult in the last 2-3 months. There are a lot of varying stories floating around as to the cause of this, but the real reason is demand. Sierra has been making more bullets per week recently than we have in our rich 66-year history, but we simply cannot get ahead of the demand. After the elections, orders began increasing and have only continued to increase after the recent announcements outlining the proposed gun control measures. The bullets we sell to distributors that ultimately get sold to the individual reloaders (business we affectionately call our “Green Box” business - for obvious reasons) come off the same presses and out of the same lots as bullets we make for the military and law enforcement. While Sierra does prioritize the military
orders to make sure our service men & women get what they need, the demand from the military is factored into our yearly planning and normally does not affect our green box production capacity. For 2013 our military and law enforcement business is not causing these shortages. The shortages are being
caused by the huge increase in demand from the individual reloaders themselves and also by the OEM ammunition reloaders who are reacting to the same increase in demand for ammunition. We are seeing a lot of customers who decide (for whatever reason) that they
January 2014
need to have a few extra bullets tucked away for a rainy day. When they start looking for their favorite Sierra Bullets and do not find them, they grow concerned and look harder. Once they do find them in stock, they choose to buy double what they had planned, since they were so hard to find. This just compounds the problem for the next person trying to find those same bullets. This is the same problem almost all the manufactures in the shooting industry are dealing with right now. No one can keep up with a 10-fold increase in demand no matter how much we would like to and it is likely to get worse before it gets better. Rest assured – Sierra is working as hard as we can to increase production (without sacrificing our world renowned quality) and we are making more bullets now than ever. This demand will not last forever and you should see the bullets you have come to count on back on the shelves as we start making headway into our backlog and the demand starts to be satisfied. We are very sorry again for the shortages you are experiencing. Thank you, The Sierra Bullets Team
Ohio Deer Hunters Donate 58,500 Pounds of Venison
COLUMBUS, OH — Ohio hunters donated 1,170 white-tailed deer to local food banks to benefit Ohioans in need during the 2013 hunting season, according to Farmers and Hunters Feeding the Hungry (FHFH) and the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR). To date, food banks have received approximately 58,500 pounds of venison and 234,000 meals for needy Ohioans. One processed deer amounts to approximately 50 pounds of venison and 200 meals. Venison donations will be accepted through the end of the deer-archery season, February 2, 2014. Go to fhfh.org to find a local Ohio deer donation program. Ohio ranks fifth nationally in hunterdonated venison, according to the National Shooting Sports Foundation. Nationally, hunters provided more than 11 million meals to people in need. Wild venison is among the most nutritious meats available. The meat is lean with little fat content and it is high in protein and iron. Wild venison has no additives or hormones, and is low in calories, fat and cholesterol when properly prepared.
The ODNR Division of Wildlife collaborates with FHFH to assist with the processing costs associated with donating venison to a food bank. The program allows for subsidy grants to be provided in allotments that are matched with funds generated or collected by local Ohio FHFH chapters. Venison donated to participating food banks must be processed by a federal, state or locally inspected and insured meat processor. Hunters wishing to donate their deer are not required to pay for the processing of the venison as long as the program has available funds. Ohio has 77 participating meat processors and 33 FHFH local chapters. Anyone interested in becoming a local program coordinator or a participating meat processor can go to fhfh.org and click on the Local FHFH tab. Hunters can also donate venison through Safari Club International’s Sportsmen Against Hunger program. Learn more at safariclubfoundation.org. Whitetails Unlimited chapters also use local funds for programs such as venison donation. Go to whitetailsunlimited.com..
January 2014
OHIO VALLEY OUTDOOR TIMES
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Local Bassmaster Pro Teams with Spiderwire
By JAY W. BENNETT Parkersburg News and Sentinel
NEW PHILADELPHIA, OH — Buckeye State resident Fletcher Shryock, a Bassmaster Elite Series Pro, recently announced a new line of eyewear from Spiderwire. Originally from Newcomerstown, OH, Shryock teamed with Spiderwire’s parent company Pure Fishing and Wal-Mart as the new sunglasses are expected to hit 3,600 Wal-Mart stores sometime during the first quarter of 2014. Although additional eyeware is entering the manufacturing stage, the initial design features three colors. Shryock noted of the effort “these glasses aren’t your typical fishing sunglasses. They have function and style. They are built with advanced polarized lenses, which is a must for fishermen at any level. “The (TR90) nylon frames make them light, comfortable and they definitely
look good.” When it comes to the consumer, Shryock feels they are going to be more than happy once they try the new product, which isn’t expected to put much of a dent in the wallet. “Overall, these glasses are everything I could ask for and they are going to retail for under $20,” Shryock said of the glasses, which feature Hydro-rubber nose and temple tip pads. “I really like the widened temples in the glasses. It eliminates the light entering from the sides, which will be great for sight fishing.” The glasses, which initially will be available in orange, white and matte black, include anti-glass polarized lenses with UV blocking filters. They are also multi-layer reflective with scratch resistant coatings. For more information about the Bassmaster Elite Series, visit their website at: www.bassmaster.com.
Influx of Snowy Owls Pick Up
SOUTH BEND, Ind. (AP) — Northern Indiana is seeing an influx of snowy owls, the bright white resident of the Arctic that sometimes travels far south in search of food. As of January 3, there had been about 54 snowy owl sightings in Indiana, but the owl invasion is only part of a larger influx of the birds in recent weeks to the northeastern U.S. and eastern Canada that’s caught the interest of bird enthusiasts and scientists. The owls have also been spotted in
Ohio, Pennsylvania and West Virginia. Indiana Dunes State Park naturalist Brad Bumgardner said two-thirds of Indiana’s sightings were in Lake, LaPorte and Porter counties. Bumgardner, who’s the primary writer of the Indiana Dunes Birding blog, said the snowy owls first appeared in state in late November, which was typical. Snowy owls, at almost 2 feet tall, eat lemmings in the Arctic, but moles and a similar animal known as the meadow vole are typically on their menu.
Ohio Valley Outdoors– Photo by Fletcher Shryock
New Spiderwire sunglasses will hit Walmart stores in the near future with the endorsement of local pro fisherman Fletcher Shryock.
OHIO VALLEY OUTDOOR TIMES
Choosing the Right Pair of Waders
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By Mike Mainhart
If you fish in the midwest chances are you have a pair of waders in your arsenal. From Ohio to Pennsylvania, West Virginia and throughout the midwest, fishing conditions can vary dramatically. Choosing the proper style of waders to match the diverse fishing conditions and locations can be difficult. In most cases, more than one style is needed. There are some very expensive waders out there, but most sportsmen tend to purchase a more affordable pair. Before investing in a pair of waders, be aware that this won’t be a one-time investment. Depending on the style, a pair of waders will last from a single season to four or five years. Each different style of waders is suited to a different type and condition of fishing. Rubber hip or chest waders are the most inexpensive style of waders. These types are ideal for warm water fishing only; typically they don’t have much insulation value in the boot. If walking any
distance is in your plans, the hip waders are ideal but rubber style chest waders are also flexible enough to walk around in. When fishing lakes or ponds with a muddy or sandy bottom, the lug soles offer good traction. The rubber style waders can also be purchased with a felt soled boot. The felt sole gives excellent traction in rocky bottom streams. Check with your state regulations before wearing felt soles. They are banned in several states, but are legal in Ohio. When wearing felt soled boots, it is recommended that the felt be cleaned with a bleach solution after each use, or transition from one body of water to another. Proper decontamination can prevent the introduction of unwanted biologic material into a water source. One can expect a pair of rubber waders to last for approximately one year. One of the most popular styles of waders would be neoprene. They come in hip and chest style, with either a boot or stocking foot. Neoprene waders come in a variety of different insulation values
January 2014
Ohio Valley Outdoors– Photo by Mike Mainhart
All kinds of fishing waders can be found on anglers in this spring walleye run photo, taken along the Sandusky River in Ohio. The type of fishing you enjoy will factor in what type of waders are best for you.
in the boot. A heavier insulated boot is important as neoprene waders are typically used for cold water conditions. Neoprene waders are great for early and late season lake fishing or mid-winter stream fishing. This style of waders is not very suitable for walking long distances. They are heavy and not very flexible. Neoprenes are designed to keep you warm and you will overheat when hiking in them. Expect to get about twothree years use before having to patch leaks. After the third season, you’ll prob-
ably need a new pair. The most versatile style waders would be the breathables. Breathable waders are made of a very lightweight, flexible, waterproof material. These also can be purchased in a stocking foot or with the boot attached. Whether the boot is attached, or purchased separately in the stocking foot style, they come in a variety of insulating values. If you’re going to be out stream fishing, covering lots of water, these are the way to go. Breathables can be used in cold water condiTurn To Waders Page 15
New Interactive WV Hunting and Fishing Map Available Online
SOUTH CHARLESTON, WV — A new online interactive map which provides valuable information on all aspects of hunting and fishing adventures in the Mountain State is now available, according to Frank Jezioro, director of the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources. “I’m sure hunters and anglers will find this impressive mapping tool an indispensable aid in planning their trips,” Jezioro said. “While similar to the interactive trout stream map which we have had for the past five years, this also includes information on warmwater fishing and hunting.” Outdoor recreationists can find instructions for using the interactive map on the landing page, choose whether they want to explore information related to hunting or fishing, and then click the appropriate box. Once on the appropriate map of West Virginia, they will find a variety of tools. On the hunting map, hunters can find the location of license agents, check stations, public shooting ranges, wildlife
management areas, Class Q hunter access roads, and hiking trails throughout the state. A search option allows the user to focus on a specific county, wildlife management area or state forest. If a person wants to check on fishing information while on the hunting page, a click reveals fishing and boating access sites, trout stocked streams, public fishing lakes and float trips. A tool allows users to measure the length of a stream section they wish to float. An option allows users to search for a specific body of water or county. The mapping tool can be found at www.wvdnr.gov under either the Hunting or Fishing headings, or by clicking on the bear icon. A high-speed Internet connection is required to access the maps. DNR Wildlife Resources Section personnel gathered and provided all the necessary data and contracted with the West Virginia State GIS Technical Center to develop the tool.
January 2014
Waders From Page 14
OHIO VALLEY OUTDOOR TIMES
The Basics of Trapping in Ohio
tions but you’ll need to layer clothing underneath. Until recently, breathables have had very little insulating value in the legs although some of the newly designed breathables do have insulated lining built into the wader body. Breathables are made for being on the go and this style wader has the longest lifespan. Expect to get three-five years use out of a pair. There are several brands on the market to choose from. Probably the most recognized, affordable waders would be the Hodgman brand. Hodgman can be found at most outdoor retailers. As with any investment, proper care between fishing trips and in the off season will extend the life of your waders. “With respect to durability questions, I’d say that it’s important to hang your waders to dry in between uses,” said Chris Derrick, brand business manager - Hodgman Pure Fishing. “Installing a boot hanger is a good idea to extend the life of your waders rather than piling them in the corner of your garage.”
COLUMBUS, OH — For information about trapping in Ohio, visit the ODNR website at: www.ohiodnr.com/wildlife/dow/regulati ons/trapping. All first-time trappers, except apprentice license buyers, must successfully complete a hunter and a trapper education course offered through the Division of Wildlife before purchasing a hunting license and fur taker permit to trap furbearers. The basic Ohio Trapping Regulations include: • Except for river otters, there are no restrictions on bag limits. • All traps and snares must be checked and all animals removed every 24 hours. • All furbearers shall be killed immediately and reduced to the person’s possession. • All flesh baits must be totally covered. • Foothold traps set on land must be covered. • Foothold traps set on land shall not have an inside diameter jaw spread greater than 5-5/8 inches. • Body gripping traps set on land, or in a
Ohio Valley Outdoors–
At right (clockwise, from top left) breathables, rubber chest, neoprene and rubber hip.
WV has Nation’s Highest ATV Death Rate
CHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP) — A new study says West Virginia has the nation’s highest rate of fatal all-terrain vehicle accidents. The Charleston Daily Mail reports (http://bit.ly/1l3IipJ ) that the study released recently by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety looked at rider deaths on public roads from 2007 to 2011. In that time, 1,701 riders died in crashes on public roads throughout the
nation. West Virginia ranked third in the number of deaths with 96. However, its death rate of 105 per 10 million people was the country’s highest. Wyoming was a distant second with 70. State Police Sgt. Michael Baylous says the popularity of outdoor activities in West Virginia may be a reason for the high rate of ATV fatalities.
WALDO, OH — The Ohio State Trappers Association will hold its annual banquet on March 29, 2014, at All Occasions Catering, located at 6968 WaldoDelaware Rd., Waldo, OH 43356. Tickets are $25 and will be limited. Doors open at 5 p.m. with dinner served at 6:15 p.m. Group tickets will be sold (as a table)
for $200. There will be a table captain for each group of eight sold. The package comes with eight dinner tickets, $40 of general raffle tickets, and a chance to win a prize only available for table captains. For tickets and information, contact Dave Linkhart at 937-903-7688 or email: kdmlink@juno.com.
OSTA Banquet Set for March 29
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tile, den, or burrow on land shall not have an inside diameter jaw spread greater than 5 inches in diameter. • Body gripping traps with an inside diameter jaw spread greater than 5 inches but less than 7 inches must be set in water; those with a jaw spread greater than 7 inches must be completely submerged in water. • Except for cage traps, no traps or snares may be set within 150 feet of another person’s occupied residence without advising the resident. • No person shall disturb a trap or snare or remove a furbearing animal from a trap or snare of another person without permission. • Traps with teeth in the jaws are prohibited. • Deadfalls are illegal. Also, you must have written permission to hunt or trap on someone else’s land. The ODNR Division of Wildlife has prepared a convenient ‘Permission Form’ for your use in obtaining permission. That is available on their website.
January 2014
OHIO VALLEY OUTDOOR TIMES
PA Tests Confirm CWD Case
HARRISBURG, PA — A white-tailed deer that was killed by a vehicle in Bedford County this fall has tested positive for chronic wasting disease (CWD). The deer, a 1 1/2-year-old buck, was struck on Interstate 99 in November and sent for testing as part of Pennsylvania’s ongoing effort to monitor the prevalence and spread of CWD, which is fatal to members of the deer family, but is not known to be transmitted to humans. “It’s not as if we hope to find CWD positives as we continue our ongoing surveillance,” Game Commission Executive Director Carl G. Roe said. “But the fact is that each test result that comes back — positive or negative — gives us a clearer picture of how prevalent the disease is, and monitoring for CWD is an important part of our efforts to manage its spread.” This positive test is unlikely to have much impact on hunters, but it serves as a reminder that CWD has been found in southcentral Pennsylvania. The Game Commission already has established perimeters around the sites where CWD was detected previously, and within the
boundaries of these Disease Management Areas (DMAs), special rules apply to hunters and residents. There are two DMAs in Pennsylvania, which are intended in part to contain and slow the spread of CWD. The buck that tested positive Dec. 24 was killed within what is known as DMA 2, a 900-squaremile area that includes parts of Bedford, Blair, Cambria and Huntingdon counties. More precisely, the site where the buck was killed is between two sites where CWD was detected last year, so this new positive shouldn’t change the shape or size of the DMA. This is the first case of CWD detected in Pennsylvania this year, but not all of the samples collected this year have been tested. The Game Commission targeted collecting and testing 1,000 samples within in each DMA, as well as 3,000 samples from additional deer statewide. CWD was first detected in Pennsylvania in 2012 at a captive facility in Adams County. Subsequently, three free-ranging deer harvested by hunters during the 2012 season — two deer in Blair County
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and one in Bedford County — tested positive for CWD. CWD is not a new disease, and other states have decades of experience dealing with CWD in the wild. CWD is spread from deer to deer through direct and indirect contact. The disease attacks the brains of infected deer, elk and moose, and will eventually result in the death of the infected animal. There is no live test for CWD and no known cure. There also is no evidence CWD can be transmitted to humans, however, it is recommended the meat of infected animals not be consumed. For more information on CWD, the rules applying within DMAs or what hunters can do to have harvested deer tested for CWD, visit the Game Commission’s website, www.pgc.state.pa.us. Information can be found by clicking on the button titled “CWD Information” near the top of the homepage. Late-season deer hunting is now underway statewide and, in some parts of the state, deer hunting is open through the last Saturday in January. For properly licensed hunters, Roe said, that means there’s still time to get out and enjoy deer hunting this year.
16 Taxidermy Championships Set for April 4-6
WILMINGTON, OH —The Ohio Taxidermy Association (OTA) will again host the Ohio Taxidermy Championships. The three-day event is scheduled for April 4, 5, 6 at the Roberts Centre in Wilmington, Ohio. All taxidermists are welcome and many will be competing for State Champion Awards as well as many other prestigious awards. The Wildlife Display is open to the public one day only, Saturday April 5, from 1 to 3 p.m. and is free of charge. Participants must register and can do so at the show or by mail. Check their website for early registration discounts. Registration at the show will begin April 4 at noon and runs to 7 p.m. and again on April 5 (8 a.m. to 11 a.m.). The Roberts Centre is located between Columbus and Cincinnati at 123 Gano Road, Wilmington Oh, 45177, just off I71 at exit #50. Call 1-800-654-7036 and ask for taxidermist’s rate. For information about the show, joining OTA and registration, log on to www.ohiotaxidermists.com or call Casey, 419-362-1060 or Rod, 330- 231-8508.
OHIO VALLEY OUTDOOR TIMES
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PHOTO SHOWCASE SPONSORED BY
Tim Blackstone 10-pt. Lewisville, OH
Clint Gibboney 7-pt., bow Licking County, OH
Karsten Earles, age 12 muzzleloader Tuscawaras County, OH
January 2014
Chad Staats 12-pt., bow WV
Bill Hall Sr., 59th Birthday 12-pt., crossbow Delaware County, OH
Send Us Your Photos
Madison Wass, age 15 First year hunting Ohioville, PA
Chris Green, OVO Pro-Staff
Kendall L. Chadwick 23-pt., green score 201 Columbiana County, OH
We’ll print your hunting, fishing or trapping photos in the next issue of OV Times or Ohio Valley Outdoors magazine. Send photos via mail, email or Facebook. Email to: ohvod@ohiovalleyoutdoors.com Mail to: Photo Showcase 210 East Fourth St., East Liverpool, OH 43920
January 2014
OHIO VALLEY OUTDOOR TIMES
18
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Ohio Valley Outdoors
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Contact Sales Consultant Tracy Bissell at 330-385-2243
Registration Open for Ohio’s NASP Tournament
COLUMBUS, OH — Sign-ups and registration for the Ohio National Archery in the Schools Program (NASP) State Tournament began January 3, 2014, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR). More than 40,000 Ohio students participated in NASP as part of their physical education curriculum during the
2012-2013 academic year. The state tournament has openings for 1,512 student archers from certified NASP schools across Ohio. Registrations will close once the 1,512 openings are filled. Last year, more than 1,000 students were registered for the 2013 tournament in less than three hours. ODNR will host the 2014 State NASP
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Ohio Valley Outdoors www.ohiovalleyoutdoors.com
Tournament on February 28, from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. in conjunction with the 2014 Arnold Sports Festival at Veterans Memorial in Columbus. NASP is a school curriculum currently taught in 650 Ohio schools, making Ohio the third-largest program in the United States. Instruction takes place during two weeks of physical education classes and is designed to teach international target archery skills to students in grades 4-12.
Students with high-ranking scores may be eligible for scholarships through Hocking College in Nelsonville, Ohio. Individual archers and teams may also qualify for the NASP National Championship, which will be held May 9-10, 2014, at the Kentucky Exposition Center in Louisville, Ky. Schools interested in learning more about NASP may contact Matt Neumeier at 614-265-6334. Visit ohionasp.com for more information.
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