Ohio Valley Outdoor Times 3-2014 by Morning Journal

SHEDS: LOST & FOUND - P. 7

Spring Creek Trout Story inside page 3

The Evolution of Archery

Outdoor Times March 2014

OV Outdoor Times

Crossbows were first legalized for hunting in Ohio in 1976. The season was very short that first year, but the second year it was given its own 10-day season. The use of crossbows became so popular that by 1984 hunters could use them during the entire four-month archery season. Since then, Ohio has become one of the top crossbow hunting states in the country. In fact, more Ohioans hunt deer with cross- By Ralph Scherder Hunting Editor bows than all other weapons combined. In 2009, crossbows were legalized for everyone hunting here in Pennsylvania. Prior to 2009, crossbows could only be used by folks with special permits. The permits were easy to obtain and usually required the signature of a physician on a document stating that you had back problems, disabilities, nerve or muscle damage, etc, that prevented you from being able to draw a compound bow comfortably. There are still states throughout the country that require permits for crossbows, but over the years that list has slowly shrunk. And that’s good for hunters and hunting. No doubt, crossbows provide hunters of all ages more opportunities to get into the woods and enjoy our sport. Not only are crossbows a great way to introduce youth hunters, but they also allow older hunters who are no longer physically capable of drawing a compound bow a chance to continue enjoying archery. Still, I meet many people who are opposed to crossbows here in Pennsylvania. Most of the opposition, of course, comes from hunters who use compound bows. They view crossbow hunters with a sort of disdain, almost as if they consider using crossbows cheating. Their main points are usually as follows: Turn To Archery Page 6

Ohio Valley

FR EE!

Ohio Valley Outdoors–Photo courtesy of Parker Crossbows

Crossbows are just another step in the evolution of archery. Shown is a Parker Thunderhawk (Made in USA), currently the company’s top selling crossbow.

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14 NWTF Honors

Land Conservancy Preserved 4,000 Acres in 2013

ODNR

15 Top Bowhunting Leibengood

Curt Grimm

9 Trout Releases

Sheds: Lost & Found

Brian Miller

Products for 2014

ODNR

11 Venison & “Freezer Scheduled in Ohio Deer Dummy.com

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WVDNR Announces Public Meetings

OUTDOOR CALENDAR

NWTF Hunting Heritage Banquet - March 28 at Garden Brook Banquet Center in Cortland (state Route 5). Trumbull County Chapter NWTF is host. Doors open 6 p.m. For tickets contact Rick and Dawn White at 330-240-2415, 330-282-2555 or email: drwhite96@aol.com. Gun Show by Mahoning Valley Gun Collectors - April 12-13 at the Lowellville Rod and Gun Club in Lowellville. Admission is $4. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. both days. For information call Bill at 330506-9194. The club is located at 6225 Quarry Road, Lowellville, OH. Trader Day and Coon Dog Field Trial - April 26 (9 a.m. to 4 p.m.) at Trumbull County Rod and Gun Club, located at 6565 Phillips Rice Road, Mecca, OH 44410. Hunting, fishing and archery. Free admission, free parking. Tables $10. For info. call 330-307-0522. 14th Annual Rabies Clinic - May 10 at Tri-State Coon Hunters and Sportsman’s Association, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. located at 2601 Irish Ridge Rd., East Liverpool, OH 43920. Dr. Jack Zines will administer shots. For info. call the club at 330-386-3220 or Dee Underwood at 330-385-1139. * For more events see Page 19.

Ohio Valley

Should I be surprised to see gun sales, ammo sales still going so strong? Are you surprised by this, and can I call it a phenomenon? I may be surprised by gun shops being swamped, I only own a By Larry Claypool few guns, but appar- Editor ently according to people who do know about guns this is normal. Why is this? Are gun and ammo sales still being driven by fear? We’ll get back to that question, but has anyone else noticed this? My recent visit to a regional outdoor store - I won’t mention names, but I’ll say it’s one of the smaller Cabela’s and Bass Pro Shop clones in northeast Ohio shocked me at how busy the gun counter was, on a Tuesday evening, one-half hour before closing time. There were 16 people (yes I counted) at the gun counter and at least 8-9 employees behind the counter. Now a few of those customers were probably together and I know one guy was inspecting a scope, but that’s a really busy shop, just before closing time. And I’m not saying all of those customers made purchases, but the scene really surprised me.

I’ve also been to smaller gun shops lately and a few gun shows over the past few years but how and what is sustaining/driving this craziness? In my area the economy is still very weak, unless you’ve sold out to the Marcellus shale business. So where’s all the money coming from to purchase guns, ammo and accessories? Conceal carry classes have been swamped too. Now the fear aspect. Are we still saying this gun-craze frenzy is attributed to our President? I would say a good part of it is, but nearly eight years later? And the shortage of ammo? That’s another ballgame in my opinion because people are hoarding it and/or buying it up to sell it for double and triple the price. Yes, there have been threats to take our ammo away and that’s very upsetting. So, your thoughts? Let me hear from you. Are the gun shops in your area getting slammed or am I overreacting? Why is this? Are gun and ammo sales still being driven by fear? Allow me to go a step further. Will all of these gun shops and ‘super outdoor stores’ turn into flea markets when we elect a new president? Either way we’ll be a well-armed society.

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

Outdoor Times March 2014

A Gun-Craze Frenzy OV Outdoor Times

INSIDE THIS MONTH

3 Spring Creek Trout 7

March 2014

OHIO VALLEY OUTDOOR TIMES

Graphics Designer, Linda McKenzie lmckenzie@ohiovalleyoutdoors.com

VOL. 6, NO. 03

is published by Ohio Valley Outdoors Magazine

Offices located at

Ohio Valley Outdoor Times

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

Sales Consultant, Tracy Bissell tbissell@ohiovalleyoutdoors.com advertising@ohiovalleyoutdoors.com

Contributing Editors

Ralph Scherder, Hunting Editor Jeff Knapp, Fishing Editor Brian Miller, Field Editor

QUESTIONS, COMMENTS

Ohio Valley Outdoor Times is all about its readers. We’d love to hear from you. Send us something at ohvod@ohiovalleyoutdoors.com

March 2014

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Spring Creek Trout in PA OV Outdoor Times

A handful of anglers were working the waters of the fabled Fisherman’s Paradise section of Centre County’s Spring Creek as my partners and I started up the streamside trail. The late February day was fairly mild by central Pennsylvania standards. Still the warming hike felt welcome, a fitting preparatory preamble to wading in By Jeff Knapp Fishing Editor the 42 degree water. The upstream boundary of the 0.8 mile Fisherman’s Paradise section — which falls under the agency’s Catch and Release, Fly Fishing Only program — ends at the H. R. Stackhouse School’s pistol range. The school is located within the same area as the Paradise waters, as is the Bellefonte trout hatchery. Up until recently our trek would have ended at the boundary of the fly-fishing project, an end-of-the-line halt at the property controlled by Rockview State Prison. Off limits to the public for decades, anglers, hunters, hikers and bikers now have access to over four miles of Spring Creek in a wild canyon setting. More than 1,800 acres is now being jointly managed by the multi-partnered Spring Creek Canyon Cooperative Management Coalition, made up of the Pennsylvania Game Commission, Pennsylvania Fish and Boat

Commission, the state Department of Corrections, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and The Pennsylvania State University and Benner Township. Benner Township manages a portion of the land designated as a recreational area; the Game Commission manages a portion of the land as a terrestrial and aquatic wildlife resource management area, which also is known as State Game Land 333; the Fish and Boat Commission manages the controlled limited access area and nearby hatchery; and Penn State University oversees the agricultural research and management area. Like the balance of Spring Creek (other than Fisherman’s Paradise and the exhibition area in Bellefonte), the Spring Creek Canyon section falls under AllTackle, Catch and Release regulations. Anglers can use flies, artificials or natural bait. Fishing is permitted year-‘round. All trout must be released. Fish contamination from Keptone and Myrex, and resulting human consumption concerns, led the Fish and Boat Commission to take Spring Creek off the stocking list in the 1980s. It’s been managed as no-kill ever since. Excepting hatchery escapees – both the Bellefonte and Benner Springs hatcheries are on Spring – all of the trout, virtually all browns, are wild. The Spring Creek Canyon can be accessed at the upTurn To Trout Page 4

Ohio Valley Outdoors–Photo by Jeff Knapp

Art Hamley fishes a pool on Centre County’s (PA) Spring Creek.

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4 Reminder: Lake Erie Walleye Daily Limits Reduced

FINDLAY, OH — Anglers are reminded that the daily limits for walleye are reduced (as of March 1), according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR), Division of Wildlife. Anglers fishing the Ohio waters of Lake Erie may only take four walleye per day and the size limit of 15 inches remains in effect. With so many ice anglers fishing Lake Erie this winter, the Division of Wildlife wants to remind people aware of the change. Anglers who fish Lake Erie tributaries in the spring are accustomed to the change. However, it has been several years since ice anglers have had the opportunity to be out during this time period. “We just want to get the word out to anglers that the daily limit will be reduced,” said Kevin Newsome, Wildlife Officer Supervisor. “There are a lot of anglers from throughout Ohio and other states coming up to Lake Erie and we want them to know about the change.” From March 1, 2014 through April 30, 2014 the daily bag limit on all Ohio wa-

OHIO VALLEY OUTDOOR TIMES

ters of Lake Erie for any combination of walleye, sauger and saugeye is 4 with a minimum size restriction of 15 inches. The daily bag limit has been 6 since last May. Anglers are encouraged to review the Ohio Fishing Regulations for additional information and regulations. Regulations from May 1, 2014 through February 28, 2015 will be set later this spring after the Lake Erie Committee meeting. For more information about fishing Lake Erie or Ohio’s fishing regulations visit the Division of Wildlife’s website at wildohio.com.

Ohio Fishing, Hunting and Trapping Licenses on Sale

COLUMBUS, OH - Ohio’s 20142015 fishing, hunting and trapping licenses are available for purchase, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR). Ohio’s 2014-2015 licenses are valid immediately upon purchase through Feb. 28, 2015. Ohio’s 2013-2014 licenses are valid through Feb. 28, 2014. White-tailed deer and fall wild turkey

hunting permits will go on sale later in 2014. The prices for Ohio’s hunting, fishing and trapping licenses and permits are unchanged from 2013-2014. Licenses and permits can be purchased online at wildohio.com and at hundreds of participating agents throughout the state. A complete list of participating license sales agents can be found at wildohio.com. Mobile fishing licenses are also available. Ohio’s 2014-2015 licenses include a transaction receipt and effective dates that match the fishing, hunting or trapping season. Licenses and permits are printed on plain white paper that is not waterproof. Licenses and permits will be printed with additional information relevant to the license or permit purchased. ODNR ensures a balance between wise use and protection of our natural resources for the benefit of all. Visit the ODNR website at ohiodnr.gov.

Ohio Valley Outdoors

March 2014

Trout From Page 3

stream end from the Benner Springs facility; from the downstream end via the Bellefonte hatchery/Fisherman’s Paradise. The trail runs 4.4 miles. Anglers wishing to separate themselves from others have the chance to do so, an exceptional option considering the rapid development that continues to encroach on the wild places in the State College area. Spring Creek was clear and low (for late winter) during the visit Art Hamley paid last month. Still, we managed to take a few trout, deeply hued (buttery, as Art call them) wild browns up to a foot long. A couple larger fish were lost. Hamley scored best on a Copper John nymph; I managed a couple by dead drifting a small olive Woolly Bugger, missing far more than I hooked. Talking to the locals in the parking lot at the day’s end, it seemed the most productive patterns were tiny nymphs, sizes 20 or smaller. Additional information can be obtained by visiting the website: http://fishandboat.com/springcreekcanyo n.htm.

March 2014

OHIO VALLEY OUTDOOR TIMES

Land Conservancy Preserved more than 4,000 Acres in 2013

MORELAND HILLS, OH — The nonprofit Western Reserve Land Conservancy permanently preserved another 51 properties and more than 4,000 acres in 2013, marking one of the organization’s best years ever. The preserved property total was only one short of the Land Conservancy’s high-water mark in 2011, while the 4,011 acres permanently protected in 2013 represented the organization’s fourth-best year behind 2012 (5,525 acres), 2011 (5,524) and 2007 (5,249). In addition, the Land Conservancy’s Thriving Communities Institute, which is helping revitalize urban centers throughout Ohio, assisted in the formation of new land banks in Ashtabula and Richland counties in 2013. “In many ways, it has been a remarkable year for our organization and for the communities we serve,” said Rich Cochran, the Land Conservancy’s president and CEO. “We strive to create a cleaner and greener world that nourishes people, plants and animals, and our re-

sults in 2013 show we are making progress toward that goal. We are providing our communities with assets that, like the rising tide that lifts all vessels, give rise to enduring prosperity for all living things, including people. We could not do this without those who support our work, and we are grateful for that support.” To date, the Land Conservancy has preserved 533 properties and 38,494 acres. Here are some of the highlights of the Land Conservancy’s work in 2013: Parks • The Land Conservancy worked with Lake Metroparks to complete the acquisition of Lake Erie Bluffs, a nationally significant preserve with more than two miles of undeveloped shoreline in Lake County. This 600-acre park, which was opened to the public this fall, is home to 20 documented rare plant and wildlife species. • In Medina Township, the Land Conservancy partnered with the Medina

Ohio Valley Outdoors– Photo courtesy of WRLC

The Land Conservancy worked with Lake Metroparks to complete the acquisition of Lake Erie Bluffs in Lake County, OH.

County Park District to acquire the 87acre Medina Marsh property off Fenn Road. • In Cuyahoga County, the Land Conservancy helped Cleveland Metroparks acquire the 30-acre Sulphur Springs Headwaters property in Solon. • The Land Conservancy’s work with Mill Creek Metroparks enabled the park district to acquire a 58-acre parcel in Mahoning County’s Green Township. It was the Land Conservancy’s largest

project to date in Mahoning County. From the countryside to the city, the Land Conservancy provides our region with natural places that nourish and support vibrant and prosperous communities by identifying, preserving, restoring and maintaining essential assets like clean water, working farms, wildlife areas, and parks. The Land Conservancy is based in Moreland Hills and has field offices in Cleveland, Akron, Medina, Oberlin, Orrville and Chardon.

6 Archery From Page 1

First and foremost, crossbows eliminate the need to actually draw the bow while on stand and getting ready for the shot. Over the years, many bowhunters (myself included), have blown chances at bucks because of the simple act of pulling back the string. The added movement increases the odds that a buck will see you. Their second argument against crossbows involves the use of a trigger system. In their opinion, crossbows are just like mini rifles and shotguns. Aim the bow, pull the trigger. To them, that doesn’t mesh with what archery should be. Their third argument against crossbows is the use of scopes, which also makes them more similar to rifles than bows. These three features — no draw, a trigger system, and a scope — combine to create a weapon that is efficient and deadly in the deer woods. The first year or two that crossbows were legal for everyone here in PA, I talked to many hunters who claimed that crossbows would allow them to shoot longer ranges, do more stalking through the woods, use them during deer drives, and use them better when hunting from ground blinds. All of these things are

OHIO VALLEY OUTDOOR TIMES

true, to an extent. Yes, crossbows do have their advantages, but as time goes on, not all of those advantages have sustained. For instance, crossbows utilize a shorter arrow shaft, or bolt. Although it’s possible to sight in a scope to hit a target at 50 or 60 yards, many hunters have found out that crossbows are far from ideal at killing deer at those ranges. The bolt loses velocity and energy much faster than an arrow shot from a compound bow, which causes it to drop much quicker. Personally, if I’m hunting a stand where there’s potential for a shot 40 or more yards, I’d rather use my compound bow. One of the biggest drawbacks of crossbows is that they’re much louder at the shot than compounds. Which is also why they’re less than ideal for long range shots at whitetails. I’ve had more deer jump the string when I’ve used my crossbow than I ever did during the years I used a compound. The noise at the shot, combined with the shorter bolt, has made it hard for me to take deer consistently at ranges beyond 30 yards. Most of the time, the deer flinches at the sound of the shot, its body gets lower to the ground as it prepares to spring, and my bolt sails right over its back. I’ve

started aiming lower to compensate for the deer’s reaction, but it’s tough to aim too low because it goes against my instinct. I believe that if you have to compensate for the deer’s reaction, then perhaps you’re shooting at deer too far away anyway. In other words, all of the perceived advantages of crossbows don’t always turn out to be true. There are advantages and disadvantages to everything, and it’s up to each individual hunter to decide which weapon is most effective and most personally gratifying to use. Criticizing certain factions of hunters simply because of the weapon they prefer is detrimental to the sport. If we spend our time and energy cutting down each other over the types of weapons we use, then we’re losing the battle. We need to spend that time and energy recruiting new hunters, informing the general public, and promoting hunting as a valuable management tool. Consider this: all of the complaints that compound users have in regards to crossbows are eerily similar to the complaints traditional archers had about compounds years ago. Prior to compounds, recurves and longbows were the primary options, and many of them had extreme draw weights with zero let-off

March 2014

and were shot instinctually with no sights. Archery was the truest of primitive sports. In 1969, Holless Wilber Allen was granted a patent on his invention of the compound bow he designed several years earlier. The original prototype had triangular-shaped wheels. And thus began the evolution of archery hunting. The past 40 to 50 years have seen archery evolve from a primitive sport into something highly mechanical and technical. Whereas archery hunters prior to the compound bow era used to have to practice shooting for hours on end to become efficient, the modern bowhunter can go all year without practicing and yet still be a good shot. Triangular-shaped wheels evolved into round wheels, and then double cams, and then single cams. Arrows have evolved from wood to aluminum to carbon to special fused alloys and hybrids. Broadheads have evolved from basic, two-sided cutting edges to three-bladed fixed heads to open-on-impact heads, and the steel used to make them has gotten stronger, sharper, and more reliable. Very few compound bow users shoot with fingers anymore thanks to the in-

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March 2014

OHIO VALLEY OUTDOOR TIMES

Sheds: Lost and Found OV Outdoor Times

I put together a game plan to find deer sheds. After many years and many sheds, I refined a pattern that works. It starts in February and continues until the end of turkey season. By Curt Grimm In the months of The Marathon Hunter February and March, I look for cornfields that deer are working. Deer use their horns to root and uncover food. Often times I will find both sides of deer antlers in the same location. In addition, I enjoy following a deer trail and continue on it for miles. I locate their winter bedding areas and also find obstacles they like to jump over. The thick cover of vines and brush will knock off the horns and make them easy to find. Often they lay on top of the brush. The streams that cross their trail will be an ideal place, because the jumping and jarring motion will create the vibration to cause the horns to fall. This is also great scouting for the next year deer season. I am able to locate exact routes.

Many deer are hit on the road each year. Some cross to the same feeding area year after year. Many run and leap to avoid car lights and cars. On both sides of the road where they cross, I find nice sheds. In addition, I track them back to the bedding area and forward to the feeding area. Both locations produce good results. A rule of thumb is more time in the outdoors the higher your success ratio. Understand the patterns and behavior of the deer is the determining factor to produce the highest results. Taking dogs with you can add to the fun and excitement. Even if you see the antler first they enjoy being the one to pick it up. They act so proud! It is like they shot a buck of a lifetime. To keep a record of the shed I put a date and letters on the base. This will help me to see if the buck may be in the up or down side of antler growth. Of course; there are other factors that play into this, but some years I find one side of the set and the next year the other side. The letters indicates the farm name and location, for example, T/F and T/W. T

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would be the name of the farm and F stands for field and the W stands for woods. Making things from the sheds is also an enjoyable hobby. Chandeliers, tables, lamps, knife handles and even picks to clear mud from my hunting boots. The flatter antlers act as a shoe horn to help put on my hunting boots. Holding a deer antler is a confirmation that nature is just out the door. The search is great exercise and bringing them home is a great feeling of being connected to the great outdoors. Curt Grimm, known as ‘The Marathon Hunter’, is a retired science teacher who has always hunted and fished in the Ohio Valley region. He continues to run in road races, including marathons, and trains on local trails by chasing deer, fox, coyotes and turkey. The long training runs are also used to scout wild game and find mushrooms, four-leaf clovers and Indian artifacts.

Ohio Valley Outdoors–Photo by Gary Grimm

The author with a partial collection of deer sheds he’s collected over the years.

Hartzell Wildlife Manager of Year

was recently selected by the West Virginia State Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF) as its Wildlife Manager of the Year. He was presented the NWTF’s “Making Tracks Award” at the annual awards banquet.

WVDNR Sets BOW Workshop

Wildlife Resources Section. This spring BOW Workshop offers outdoor classes that include archery, shooting, overnight camping, fly tying, fly fishing, self-defense, outdoor cooking, and many other topics. A registration fee of $150 covers lodging, some meals, and some class materials during the workshop. For more information or to register for the workshop, contact BOW at 304-5582771 or billie.j.shearer@wv.gov. The registration form can be downloaded at www.wvdnr.gov/hunting/bow.shtm.

SOUTH CHARLESTON, WV — Richard (Rick) Hartzell, Wildlife Manager for the Little River Wildlife Management Area (WMA) on the Monongahela National Forest in Pocahontas County, SOUTH CHARLESTON, WV — The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources announces that the spring Becoming an Outdoors-Woman (BOW) Workshop will be held April 11-14, 2014, at Tygart Lake State Park near Grafton in Taylor County. “Have you ever wanted to learn a new skill but have never had the opportunity to try?” asked West Virginia BOW Coordinator Billie Shearer of the DNR

8 Philo Tops of State Archery Tournament

COLUMBUS, OH – Philo High School earned top team honors at the 2014 National Archery in the Schools Program (NASP) Ohio State Tournament in February, with a score of 3,396 points, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR). The team score is determined by adding the scores of the 12 shooters on the team with a maximum of 3,600 points being possible. The 2014 NASP tournament was held at Franklin County Veterans Memorial in conjunction with the Arnold Sports Festival, the annual fitness event developed by Arnold Schwarzenegger. The ODNR Division of Wildlife coordinates the Ohio NASP tournament. A total of 1,606 archers from 83 teams competed in the 2014 tournament, which is an increase from 1,446 archers last year. Each competitor could score a maximum of 300 points by shooting arrows as close to the center of a target as possible. Rachel Hampp, an eighth-grader from Maysville, shot a 294 for the top individual score. Olivia Bean, a seventh-grader from Athens, scored a 293 and Elizabeth

OHIO VALLEY OUTDOOR TIMES

Vrana, a sixth-grader from Fairfield Christian Academy, scored a 292. Jordan Carrell, an eighth-grader from LoganHocking, scored a 292 for the top score for boys. Hocking College in Nelsonville offered scholarships to the first, second and third place individual high school finishers by final score. Waynedale Schools received the Spirit Award for the second year in a row for demonstrating enthusiasm and sportsmanship during the competition.

Awards were given for teams and individuals with high scores in the elementary, middle school and high school divisions. Qualifying teams are eligible to participate in the NASP National Invitational Tournament on May 9-10 in Louisville, Ky. Prizes were awarded after 18 high

scorers from each division competed in a shoot-off. The shoot-off winners were Bean and Carrell, and they won a Cabela’s package that included a fully-outfitted bow, bow case and gift card, as well as a Morrell arrow target. The ODNR Division of Wildlife introduced NASP in 2004 with 12 pilot schools. Statewide expansion of the program began in January 2005, and 20052006 was the program’s first full academic year. Growth in NASP has continued across the state, and more than half of Ohio’s 88 counties currently have at least one school participating in NASP, with a total of 680 schools being involved in the program. NASP is used to teach target archery in a school’s gym. The curriculum covers archery, safety, equipment, technique, concentration skills and self-improvement. Visit ohionasp.com for more information about the program. The ODNR Division of Wildlife thanks the sponsors for this year’s NASP Ohio archery tournament. Cabela’s, Field Logic, Morrell Targets, NASP USA and the Hunter Education Association all helped make the event memorable for the participants and their families. Visit the ODNR website at ohiodnr.gov.

March 2014

Archery From Page 6

vention of release aids — and yes, those release aids utilize a trigger system. Many of today’s compound bows have the advantage of extreme let-off so that, once drawn, a hunter can hold it back for longer periods of time until the perfect shot prevents itself. And did I mention bow sights and their modern designs and scope-like features? It’s easy to go on and on about how archery has evolved over the years. And it’s only natural that a sport, or anything for that matter, should evolve. New ideas and innovations spawn more new ideas and innovations. There’s always a need for a better mousetrap, and there’s always a market for a better, faster, more accurate bow. Crossbows are just another step in the evolution of archery. Time will see them improve, become more advanced, more effective, and more widely accepted by even the most stubborn and critical compound bow users. And eventually someday a new invention will come along that will be advanced far beyond the technology of today’s crossbows, and a new cycle will begin.

March 2014

OHIO VALLEY OUTDOOR TIMES

Trout Releases Scheduled in Ohio

COLUMBUS, OH — More than 98,000 rainbow trout will be released this spring at 63 Ohio public lakes and ponds, creating excellent opportunities for anglers all across Ohio. The first rainbow trout releases were March 7 at Adams Lake in Adams County and Barnesville Reservoir No. 3 in Belmont County. “By stocking these ponds, we hope to create an opportunity for anglers to be successful, especially young anglers that might be fishing for the very first time,” said ODNR Division of Wildlife Chief Scott Zody. “Trout fishing provides the ideal introduction to the outdoors for our children and can help foster a lifetime love of fishing.” Many stocked locations will feature special angler events, including youthonly fishing, on the day of the scheduled trout release. Rainbow trout releases will take place across Ohio from March 7 May 16. Contact the nearest wildlife district office for specific information. Ad-

ditional information about trout releases is available at wildohio.com or by calling 800-WILDLIFE. Rainbow trout are raised at state fish hatcheries and measure 10-13 inches before they are released by the ODNR Division of Wildlife. The daily catch limit for inland lakes is five trout. Anglers age 16 and older must have an Ohio fishing license to fish in state public waters. The 2014-2015 fishing license is now available and is valid through Feb. 28, 2015. An annual resident fishing license costs $19. A one-day fishing license costs $11 for residents and nonresidents. The one-day license may also be redeemed for credit toward the purchase of an annual fishing license. Ohio residents born on or before Dec. 31, 1937, may obtain a free fishing license where licenses are sold. People age 66 and older who were born on or after Jan. 1, 1938, and have resided in Ohio for the past six months are eligible

Venison Black Bean Soup • Prep Time: 30 min. • Cook Time: 10 min. • Ready In: 1 hours 20 min. • Yields: 6

1 lb. cubed venison 2 cups onion finely diced 2 cups celery finely diced 2 cups carrot finely diced 2 cups tomatoes diced 2 qts. venison stock use beef broth if venison stock is not available

2 cans black beans 8 oz. orzo salt amount to taste pepper amount to taste parsley amount to taste thyme amount to taste

Directions: Dice venison, brown and season with salt and pepper in a skillet. Remove to soup pan. Brown onions, carrots and celery in the same skillet, season with salt, pepper and thyme. Remove to soup pan. Deglaze pan with part of your venison stock add to soup pan. Add tomatoes and venison stock. Let simmer a while. Drain and mash one can of black beans, add to soup. Drain and add second can of black beans and parsley. Add orzo. Cook 10 min. Ready to eat. Better the next day after flavors blend overnight.

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to purchase the reduced-cost resident senior license for $10. Licenses and permits can be purchased online at wildohio.com and at hundreds of participating agents throughout the state. A complete list of participating license sales agents can be found at wildohio.com. Sales of fishing licenses along with the Sport Fish Restoration (SFR) program continue to fund the operation of the ODNR Division of Wildlife’s fish hatcheries. No state tax dollars are used for this activity. This is a user-pay, userbenefit program. The SFR is a partnership between federal and state government, industry and anglers and boaters. When anglers purchase rods, reels, fishing tackle, fish finders and motor boat fuel, they pay an excise tax. The federal government collects these taxes, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service administers and disburses these funds to state fish and wildlife agencies. These funds are used to acquire habitat, produce and stock fish, conduct research and surveys, provide aquatic education to youth and secure and develop boat accesses. Visit the ODNR website at ohiodnr.gov.

Ohio Valley Outdoors– Photo courtesy of ODNR

Ohio plans to release thousands of rainbow trout in 63 public lakes and ponds this spring.

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SEVEN SPRINGS SPORTING CLAYS What is sporting clays? Patience. Precision. But mostly exhilaration! Often times described as golf with a shotgun. Unlike trap and skeet, sporting clays targets are thrown in a great variety of trajectories, angles, speeds, elevations and distances, which simulates actual hunting conditions.

THE COURSES

3 COURSES|50 STATIONS|HEATED 5 STAND|KRIEGHOFF SHOTGUN RENTALS | OPEN YEAR-ROUND Meticulously designed by N.S.C.A. Level III Instructor Mike Mohr, Seven Springs has a practice area, two challenging courses and a sub-gauge course that take advantage of the area’s natural beauty. Also available are two regulation five-stands, handicapped accessible, one of which is an enclosed, heated facility where you can shoot during inclement weather and at night.

THE LODGE Within the beautiful 7,000 sq. foot lodge, you will find an exquisite dining room, full-service bar, professional retail shop and locker room accommodations for men and women. Adjacent to the lodge’s main dining room is an expansive deck with sweeping views of the Laurel Highlands and nearby Pigeon Pond.

CORPORATE OUTINGS AND EVENTS

Looking to get away with your group for a little business or pleasure? Seven Springs Sporting Clays has just what you’re looking for. Our peaceful mountain setting and atmosphere will allow you to accomplish your business goals in the conference center or out on the course. Booking now for 2014-2015! For more information on hosting your corporate outing or event at Seven Springs Sporting Clays, please email MMohr@7Springs.com.

800.452.2223, ext. 7899 | 7springs.com/clays Seven Springs Mountain Resort is located off exits 91 or 110 of the Pennsylvania Turnpike in Seven Springs, Pennsylvania.

March 2014

OHIO VALLEY OUTDOOR TIMES

Venison and “Freezer Burn”

How long can you keep venison in the freezer? I have a couple pounds of ground venison left from two years ago. I really don’t want to waste it but I don’t want to make my family sick either. — Dan Webster

Dear Dan, The biggest issue with long-term storage is “freezer burn”. To understand freezer burn and how to stop it, envision the air inside your freezer as being a giant dry sponge. Since meat is mostly water, evaporation is going to take place and the dry air is going to suck water out of it and anything else that isn’t protected. (You’ve seen the ice crystals that formed in old tubs of ice cream, right?) As unprotected meat sits in a freezer,

moisture is being lost. Slowly, but surely, the loss of moisture turns the best steaks into unappetizing jerky. The only danger from freezer burn is to your palette as it greatly degrades the taste and texture of the meat. Freezer paper slows the process but doesn’t eliminate it because air can still get to the meat and moisture can still be lost. Some hunters store their meat in mealsized freezer bags. While better than freezer paper common freezer bags still allow moisture to be sucked from the meat. How many times have you pulled steaks or burgers from the freezer only to find a thick coating of frost sealed inside the bag with the meat? That frost is moisture that has been sucked from the

meat and condensed. The best method is to use vacuum packing units. During the vacuum sealing process air is sucked from the bag and then sealed. With no air in the bag, moisture can’t be drawn from the meat. However, freezer burn isn’t the only problem. Ice crystals form in the meat and are like miniature knives slicing through the fibers. This tends to destroy the texture of the meat and is why top chefs demands fresh product over frozen. About a hundred years or so ago a group of explorers and scientists dined on steaks cut from 10,000 year-old mastodons found in the frozen tundra of Siberia. They lived to tell of it but I doubt many of them wanted to get a second helping! From personal experience, butcher paper-wrapped meat is good up to nine months. The shelf life is extended to two years if vacuum sealed. After that point I would not use it. If the meat has been kept frozen, you will not get sick, but it will not taste very good. This service is brought to you by this publication and deerdummy.com. Email your wild game processing questions to kerry@deerdummy.com.

11 USSA Hosts Annual Candidate’s Reception for Ohio Sportsmen

COLUMBUS, OH — The U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance (USSA) will host a legislative reception with the members of the Ohio General Assembly and all candidates for office on March 25, 2014 at the Riffe Center Theatre Lobby in Columbus, Ohio from 5:30pm to 7:30pm. The reception is open to all Ohio sportsmen and women. Legislators and candidates can use the informal atmosphere as an opportunity to meet and greet opinion leaders from prominent sportsmen’s organizations from across Ohio. This event is part of USSA’s annual effort to connect the Ohio sportsmen’s community with current policy makers. Over the years, this event has proven vital for both sportsmen and elected officials. There is no charge to attend and drinks and snacks will be provided. Location: The Riffe Center is located at 77 South High Street, Columbus, OH 43215. Directions and a parking map are available by contacting the USSA national headquarters at 614-888-4868.

OHIO VALLEY OUTDOOR TIMES

Should Boaters Buy an Extended Warranty?

ALEXANDRIA, VA — It’s acknowledged among boat owners that boat engines have improved in quality and reliability over the years, and backing that up are recent surveys from J.D. Power reporting a steady decrease in the number of reported problems in marine engines. So is buying an extended service contract also known as “extended warranties” — worth the money today? The Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatUS) Consumer Affairs looked at the issue and has these tips: An extended “warranty” really isn’t a warranty: An extended warranty (service contract) is not a warranty at all but rather an insurance policy that pays for repairs if the breakdown, failure, or failed component is specified as covered by the policy. On the other hand, a new boat warranty covers much more, is included in the cost of the boat, and offers legal protections to the boat buyer. Not everything is covered: An engine extended service contract covers specific

items only. One BoatUS member found this out the hard way when his third-party extended service contract left him $1300 short after paying out of pocket for an engine control unit (ECU) replacement job on his 30-foot powerboat. The ECU was deemed consequential damage — and not covered — as a result of the original problem, an overcharging alternator. The real cost of repairs could be higher: Extended service contracts typically come with deductibles, some don’t cover engine removal, and they often limit haul out coverage or, in the case of manufacturerbacked programs, will only pay if you purchased higher levels of coverage. Check the contract’s details on how the company handles deductibles and consequential damage. Kill the overlap: If you decide to buy an extended service contract, find one that begins after the manufacturer’s warranty expires and never be pressured into buying one the same day you buy the boat. You’ve usually got up to at least nine months to

make a decision. It should also be transferable, which adds to the boat’s value. Manufacturer benefits: Consumers often get a better deal on engine service contracts that bear the name of the manufacturer because the dealer’s markup is limited. And while these service contracts take their name from the engine’s manufacturer, independent companies could underwrite them. However, you still are likely to get a better deal regardless because “manufacturer” programs often have substantially better coverage and more flexibility. Don’t forget prices are negotiable, and some engine manufacturers sell contracts direct, bypassing dealers. Approval needed: While it is an extra step, extended service contracts require preauthorization before work begins. However, avoid those that will require work to be done only at a network of “approved” shops, or require you to use the selling dealer. The gamble: Most defects in new boats and engines appear within the standard warranty period, so you may not get a return on the money you paid for an extended service contract. How many problems will I have?: Some engine models that have higher than average rate of problems may benefit from an

March 2014

Ohio Valley Outdoors– Photo courtesy of BoatUS

Do you need an extended service contract for your boat motor?

extended service contract. For membership information visit www.BoatUS.com or call 800-395-2628. About BoatUS: Boat Owners Association of The United States is the nation’s leading advocate for recreational boaters providing its over half-million members with government representation, services such as 24-hour dispatch, on water boat towing as well as roadside assistance for boat trailers and tow vehicles, featurepacked boat insurance programs.

March 2014

OHIO VALLEY OUTDOOR TIMES

WVDNR Announces Public Meetings

SOUTH CHARLESTON, WV — The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (DNR) will hold 12 public meetings across the state in March to provide hunters, trappers, anglers, landowners and other interested parties an opportunity to review and comment on proposed 2014 hunting regulations for whitetailed deer, wild turkey, black bear and boar, proposed 2015 - 2016 general hunting and trapping regulations, proposed 2015 fishing regulations and amphibian and reptile regulations. These meetings will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. March 17 and March 18. “These public meetings have been designed to use an ‘Open House’ format,” said DNR Director Frank Jezioro. “This informal meeting style allows people to attend at their convenience during the scheduled meeting times, learn of proposed regulation changes, discuss these proposals with personnel from the Wildlife Resources and Law Enforcement sections, and comment on the proposed regulations and other wildlife-related issues.” For information about the West Vir-

Ohio Valley Outdoors– Photo courtesy West Virginia Department of Commerce

The WVDNR will hold 12 public meetings across the state in March to provide hunters, trappers, anglers, landowners and other interested parties an opportunity to review and comment on proposed 2014 hunting regulations.

ginia Division of Natural Resources, visit their website: www.wvdnr.gov. Written comments from the public on these proposed hunting, trapping and

fishing regulations also are encouraged. The deadline for written comments is April 4, 2014. Anyone interested in attending the meetings scheduled in their areas should note these dates and locations: Monday, March 17, 2014: • Fairmont - East Fairmont High School (Commons Area) • Princeton - Chuck Mathena Center (Rotunda Room) • Martinsburg - James Rumsey Technical Institute (Cafeteria) • Milton - West Virginia Pumpkin Park (Office Building) • Spencer - Heritage Building • Flatwoods - Braxton County High School Tuesday, March 18, 2014: • Glen Dale - John Marshall High School (Cafeteria) • Moorefield - South Branch Inn (Rt. 220) • Elkins - DNR Operations Center • Beckley - Beckley - Raleigh County Convention Center • Logan - Chief Logan State Park Conference Center • Parkersburg - City Building (Lobby)

13 Taxidermy Championships Set

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 show will also feature a Wildlife Mount Display, consisting of several hundred artistically crafted mounts. 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. The OTA is inviting taxidermists of all skill levels to attend the entire event, including amateurs and youth, as well as those in The Roberts Centre is located between Columbus and Cincinnati at 123 Gano Road, Wilmington Oh, 45177, just off I71 at exit #50. 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

NWTF Honors Leibengood as Wildlife Officer of the Year

FINDLAY, OH — The Ohio Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF) recently honored State Wildlife Officer Matthew Leibengood with the State Officer of the Year Award. Officer Leibengood has been serving Ohioans as a wildlife officer since 2005 and is currently assigned to Seneca County according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife. Officer Leibengood was awarded this honor based on his strong law enforcement record. Leibengood is dedicated to protecting Ohio’s fish and wildlife resources, which is evident by his contributions to numerous law enforcement projects within his unit. Officer Leibengood is also a Field Training Officer and has assisted in training new wildlife officers. Officer Leibengood’s fisheries management and law enforcement experiences are clearly evident and have been an asset to both new and seasoned officers. Leibengood is dedicated to not only protecting fish and wildlife resources, but also to promoting their use and appreciation by introducing youth to hunt-

ing and fishing. In addition to his yearround enforcement duties, Officer Leibengood has been instrumental in organizing several wildlife conservation activities at the Seneca County Fair, which have drawn the attention of the local news media. With the assistance of local conservation volunteers, Officer Leibengood tirelessly attends these events daily during the fair to promote the Division of Wildlife’s mission and to educate the public about wildlife conservation. Officer Leibengood continues to work with the fair board, local conservation organizations and local agencies to further expand the fair display with the goal of promoting wildlife and conservation awareness in the county. “Matt has done an excellent job promoting not only wild turkeys but all wildlife throughout his career and is very deserving of this award,” according to Scott Butterworth, District Two Manager. “From working with landowners to having a turkey calling contest at the Seneca County Fair, Matt strives to promote Ohio’s wildlife resources for all to enjoy. The citizens of Seneca County are very fortunate to have Matt Leibengood

Ohio Valley Outdoors– Photo courtesy of ODNR

Ohio Wildlife Officer Matthew Leibengood (right) was recently honored by the NWTF as their State Officer of the Year. He’s shown with Scott Zody, Chief of the Ohio Division of Wildlife.

working with them in the county.” The NWTF initiated the State Wildlife Law Enforcement Officer of the Year award in 2000 to highlight the contributions from wildlife officers across the country. This award recognizes that without the support for wild turkey conservation from wildlife officers, restoration efforts and wildlife management

March 2014

strategies would not have the success they do today. By earning the State Wildlife Officer of the Year award, Wildlife Officer Leibengood and other state winners are eligible for the NWTF’s National Law Enforcement Officer of the Year award, which will be presented at the NWTF’s national convention. More information about state wildlife officers and the ODNR-Division of Wildlife can be found at www.wildohio.com.

Online Registration Set At Stonewall Jackson Lake

ROANOKE, WV — A new online registration system is available for fishing tournaments at Stonewall Jackson Lake in Lewis County, according to Bret Preston, assistant chief of the Division of Natural Resources Wildlife Resources Section. The online system is for tournaments composed of 10 or fewer boats at the lake. Tournament organizers may access the online system at www.wvdnr.gov under the “Fishing” section for the tournament guidelines and the tournament registration page.

March 2014

OHIO VALLEY OUTDOOR TIMES

PA Hunting Seasons Get Preliminary Approval

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HARRISBURG, PA â&#x20AC;&#x201D; The Pennsylvania Board of Game Commissioners recently gave preliminary approval to hunting and trapping seasons and bag limits for 2014-15 license year. Hunters and trappers are advised that, once again, several seasons in the 2014-15 license year will open or run about a week later than they do in many years to accommodate calendar swings related to the timing of Thanksgiving. Other modifications proposed for the 2014-15 seasons include: changes to fall turkey seasons in several Wildlife Management Units; new extended bear hunting opportunities in WMUs 2C and 4B; an expansion of the fisher trapping season to WMUs 1B, 3B and 3C; and increased possession limits for small game. The public may offer comments on all proposed 2014-15 seasons and bag limits, as well as other board actions, between now and the boardâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s next meeting, April 7 and 8, at which time the board is scheduled to finalize seasons and bag limits for 201415. Also, the board will receive staff recommendations for antlerless deer license allocations for the 23 WMUs at its April meeting. Deer harvest estimates for the 2013-14 seasons will be available in mid-

March. The Board of Game Commissioners adopted a slate of deer seasons for 2014-15 that retains the split, fiveday antlered deer season (Dec. 1-5) and seven-day concurrent season (Dec. 6-13) in 12 Wildlife Management Units. The list includes (WMUs) 2A, 2C, 2D, 2E, 2F, 2G, 2H, 3B, 3C, 4B, 4D and 4E. The package also retains the two-week (Dec. 1-13) concurrent, antlered and antlerless deer season in WMUs 1A, 1B, 2B, 3A, 3D, 4A, 4C, 5A, 5B, 5C and 5D. Hunters with Deer Management Assistance Program (DMAP) antlerless deer permits may use the permits on the lands for which they were issued during any established deer season, and will continue to be permitted to harvest antlerless deer from Dec. 1-13 in WMUs 2A, 2C, 2D, 2E, 2F, 2G, 2H, 3B, 3C, 4B, 4D and 4E. Fees for DMAP permits are $10.70 for residents and $35.70 for nonresidents. DMAP permits also may be transferred to Mentored Hunting Program participants. The board retained antler restrictions in place for adult and senior license holders since the 2011-12 seasons. It remains the â&#x20AC;&#x153;three-upâ&#x20AC;? on one side, not counting a brow tine, provision for the western Wildlife Management Units of 1A, 1B, 2A, 2B and 2D, and the three points on one side in all other WMUs. Those exempt from these antler restrictions are junior license holders, disabled hunters with a permit to use a vehicle as a blind and resident active duty military on leave.

Turn To Bowhunting Page 16

big deadly broadheads, warm scentfree clothing and packs that are unique. Hereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the top archery products of the year. Hawk Hunting: Helium Climbing Sticks Hawk is a new company this year producing a wide line of treestands and climbers. Portable hunters will be greatly impressed with the Helium Climbing Sticks. These are lightweight, rugged and are easy to setup. Each stick only weighs 2.8 lbs making them very comparable with the lightest sticks on the market. The Helium is built with strong aluminum attributing to its lightweightness. Dual steps allow climbing on both sides for easy descent. Traction on each step allows for a hunter to use safely in all weather. Each comes with a silent strap and hardened plastic for silent attachments in the dark morning.

season. The belt straps allow for quiver attachment. Additionally the rubber pack straps allow for anything to be attached from rangefinders to water bottles. Whether you are gearing up for a full day or for a four hour hunt, the Double Drop Fanny Pack will carry in everything needed. Tenzing: TC SP14 Pack Ohio Valley hunters are all about crossbows. Tenzing came out with a sweet design easily carry a full day of gear and a crossbow. Any crossbow fits securely onto the back of the pack keeping your weapon secure and safe. In addition, this has nine compartments and pockets to hold gear. The mesh back pad is breathable and has padded hip panels for long hikes. On rainy days there is a foldout rain cover that will keep everything dry inside. The deep timbers in the rugged foothills of Ohio are no longer inaccessible. The TC SP14

OV Outdoor Times

Deer hunting continues to be a popular activity for many outdoorsmen. We are anticipating 2014 to be another great year as bowhunting has become a thriving sport across the midwest. To help our By Brian Miller hunters, we attended Field Editor the 2014 Archery Trade Association Show (ATA) in Nashville, TN and found some great new products. This is the show where manufacturers roll out their new products for 2014. Although there are thousands of products showcased only a few make the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Top 13â&#x20AC;? list. These are products of all sizes and shapes that bring the most value to hunters in the field. This year Ohio Valley Outdoors was there to bring you the 13 best products showcased at the ATA show. These products help bowhunters become more effective, shoot better, and have the latest technology. Included are

These sticks easily attach to the lightweight Helium Hang-On stand. The Helium Hang-On (10 lbs) and 3 sticks (2.8 lbs each) only weigh in at 18.4 lbs. This makes packing the entire rig in and out of the deep forest even easier. This series is one of the most affordable aluminum sticks and hang-on stands you can get. Game Plan Gear: Double Drop Fanny Pack I am always looking for ways to carry my gear into the woods easier. The Double Drop Fanny Pack makes it even easier. This pack has a large main storage compartment, 1300 cubic inches for a bulk of your gear then several smaller compartments for essential calls and flashlights. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s also designed to carry a large set of antlers in the outer straps. The suspension straps balance the load making it extremely comfortable to wear. This design allows extra jackets and clothes to be carried in the woods. This pack can be used throughout the

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March 2014

Bowhunting From Page 15

OHIO VALLEY OUTDOOR TIMES

will help every crossbow hunter gain access with their weapon safe and secure. Bee Stinger: Pro Hunter Maxx Stabilizer As a proud sponsor of the USA Archery Team these guys know stabilizers. Pro Hunter Maxx stabilizer combines vibration dampening and stabilization into a killer package. There is an internal harmonic dampener and sims de-resonator to remove all vibration. The carbon rod is ultra stiff and lightweight to allow for all the weight on the end providing balance. Then there are three end weights that can be screwed on the end for perfect balance. There are three sizes, 8 inches, 10 inches, and 12 inches. For greater control, less bow torque and faster acquisition try a Bee Stinger Stabilizer. ScentLok: Vortex During the cold days of the fall a fleece outfit will keep in the warmth. Until now when the winds kick up fleece doesn’t stop the wind. ScentLok fixed that problem with the Vortex Windproof Fleece. Inside there was a windproof liner keeping the cold weather out and heat inside. The inner micro fleece makes this gear the most comfortable

outfit and the outer fleece helps repel moisture. This great gear comes with the same Carbon Alloy scent control technology in all ScentLok gear. Warm, comfortable and scent eliminating jacket and pants. Rocky: Game Changer Boots Game Changer Boots are the lightest boots I have ever seen. These boots feel more like tennis shoes then clunky rubber boots. The polyurethane upper has a very soft touch yet it’s guaranteed to last longer than other rubber boots. Upon inspecting the thin athletic movement, I couldn’t believe they were tested down to -60 degrees. The aggressive rubber outsole allows for easily treading through mud and climbing trees. Montana Decoy: The Freshman & Estrus Betty Montana Decoy has come out with some new ideas towards whitetail deer decoys. The Freshman is a young buck displaying an aggressive attitude. Ma-

Send us your t rophy photos

Pam Williams 1st deer, muzzleloader Jefferson County, OH

For our contests & Nikon Photo Showcase

April George, age 11 jake, 17lb, shotgun Columbiana County, OH

email to: ohvod@ohiovalleyoutdoors.com mail to: Photo Showcase 210 East Fourth St. East Liverpool, OH 43920

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ture bucks will rush in to push off this intruder with an attitude. Younger bucks will also not be afraid to come tangle with this guy. The posture is designed to irritate another buck into fighting. Pair this guy up with Estrus Betty when the rut is in full swing. The raised tail and squatting position portrays a doe in full estrus. Crazed rut bucks will come chasing her down while you sit nearby ready with an arrow. Revolutions Taxidermy Supply: Ultimate Anatomy Organ Buck No longer is shot placement a mystery with the Ultimate Anatomy Organ Buck. This full body target has one side cut away to see all the organs. Whether the shot is a sharp quartering away or drastic downward angle, this shows the truth about shot angle. This is the only target on the market designed to illustrate perfect shot placement. This allows hunters to dissect the shot seeing the truth about arrow placement. Most targets offer circles but this target allows you to turn it around and see inside. This is great for novice and advance hunters. Scott Releases: Mongoose XT The Mongoose XT is the best release Scott has designed. The new Mongoose XT provides a crisp trigger that enables a surprise release. This release is a

spring loaded self closing jaw so it’s always engaged. An adjustable 5-hole spiral adjustment allows it to fit perfectly to any hunter. The same quality has been built into these releases. Zero trigger travel and the exclusive roller seat design for a crisp trigger. Adjustable buckle strap provides the same consistent length every time. G5: Havoc Broadhead G5 bring us the flesh ripping 2-inch diameter Havoc. This is available in 100 grains of tough steel. The blades are .030 inch stainless steel lutz blades. The dual trap blade retention system allows the blades to expand at the perfect time. The replacement blades are built with strength in mind to break bones. The tip of the ferrule provides a cut-on contact design for ultimate penetration. The tough design and 2-inch cutting diameter is proven to have knock down power. NAP: Speedfletch Speedfletch is a highly accurate onepiece offset vane. This offers enhanced flight with extreme durability. There is no longer a need to go through purchasing expensive fletching jigs. Fletching is a hassle of the past with Speedfletch. This product is one-piece fletching that comes with mico grooves and built in 2 degree offset.

OHIO VALLEY OUTDOOR TIMES

PHOTO SHOWCASE SPONSORED BY

Adam Momirov 15 and a 1/4 inch monster perch weighing 2lbs 6 oz., Lake Mohawk, Carroll County, OH

Bill Piatt Lewisville, OH

Doug Ketchum 9-pt., bow Columbiana County, OH

March 2014

Chris Green, OVO Pro-Staff

Caleb Cline, age 10 crossbow Jefferson County, OH

Send Us Your Photos

Nicole Davis 45 yard shot, 20 gauge Richmond, OH

Jeremiah Mace 10-pt., muzzleloader Mahoning County, OH

Keely Young, age 11 8-pt.,

Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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

March 2014

OHIO VALLEY OUTDOOR TIMES

www.ohiovalleyoutdoors.com

Ohio Valley Outdoors

You need more customers! YOUR CARD HERE

Contact Sales Consultant Tracy Bissell at 330-385-2243

Cabela’s Co-Founder Dies

SYDNEY, NE — Richard N. Cabela, co-founder and Chairman Emeritus of the world’s largest outdoor retailer, Cabela’s, Inc. passed away recently at the age of 77. Cabela joined the U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance (USSA) Board of Directors in 1999 and served as Chairman of the Board since 2001. During his time with

USSA, Dick and his wife Mary showed their love of our hunting heritage through their support and advocacy for issues affecting sportsmen as well as their dedication to the Trailblazer Adventure Program, a youth outdoor program of the U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance Foundation. Cabela, his wife and brother, Jim,

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founded Cabela’s somewhat inadvertently after offering hand-tied fishing flies through the mail. Since that time, Cabela’s has grown to be a $3.6 billion company with a worldwide catalog and Internet business and 50 stores in the United States and Canada. “While Dick was a great leader and long-time supporter of USSA, he was also a dear friend of many in the organization,” said Nick Pinizzotto, USSA president and CEO. “He built a great

company from the ground up, and he will truly be missed by the USSA family and the outdoor community.” Cabela garnered numerous accolades in his lifetime, including induction into the Nebraska Business Hall of Fame in 1994 and the Direct Marketing Hall of Fame in 2006. Cabela is survived by his wife, Mary, their nine children and their families, as well as two sisters and three brothers.

March 2014

OHIO VALLEY OUTDOOR TIMES

Calendar of Events

Ohio Deer & Turkey Expo - March 14-16 at Ohio Expo Center (State Fairgrounds), 717 E. 17th Ave., Columbus, OH 43211. Admission $14 ($3 coupon online at www.deerinfo.com/ohio). For info. call 800324-3337.

PA Trappers Association District 2 Annual Banquet - March 15, 5 p.m. at Mars, PA VFW. Website: www.patrappers.com. 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. NWTF Hunting Heritage Banquet - March 28 at Garden Brook Banquet Center in Cortland (state Route 5). Trumbull County Chapter NWTF is host. Doors open 6 p.m. For tickets contact Rick and Dawn White at 330-2402415, 330-282-2555 or email: drwhite96@aol.com.

Ohio State Trappers Assoc. Annual Banquet - March 29 at All Occasions Catering, 6968 Waldo-Delaware Rd., Waldo, OH 43356. Tickets $25. Doors open 5 p.m. with dinner served at 6:15 p.m. Group tickets (as a table) for $200. For tickets and information, contact Dave

Castalia Fishing Lottery Drawings Set

CASTILIA, OH — The Division of Wildlife conducts an annual drawing to fish for trout in the 1/2 mile section of Cold Creek that runs through Castalia State Fish Hatchery. Participation is determined by computer generated random drawing which is held in early April. The application period is March 1 through March 31. Applications must be submitted online by March 31 or earlier to be considered. Go to the Wild Ohio Customer Center and click “Lottery Applications.” Applicants 16 years old and older must hold a valid fishing license to apply. The application fee is $3.00 and anglers may apply once annually. If the same name appears on multiple applications, all applications will be disqualified and the fee(s) forfeited. Independent drawings will be held for both youth season (summer) which includes 15 years old and younger, and a season (spring and fall) for those 16 years old and older. Each person must submit a separate application. Application fees are non-refundable.

Linkhart at 937-903-7688 or email: kdmlink@juno.com.

IDPA Shooting Match — Mar. 30, April 27, May 25, June 29 at Pitcairn Monroeville Sportmen’s Club. (IDPA) International Defensive Pistol Association. Sign-ups 10 a.m., shooting at 11 a.m. Match fees $10 for members, $15 non-member. Contact Neil Glausier at matchdirector@mpscidpa.com. Club located at 505 Mosside Bld (Rt. 48, North Versailles, PA 15137 Ohio Taxidermy Association (OTA) Championships - April 4, 5, 6 at the Roberts Centre in Wilmington, Ohio. Featuring Wildlife Mount Display, open to the public one day only, Saturday April 5, from 1 to 3 p.m. and is free of charge. For information: www.ohiotaxidermists.com or call Casey, 419-362-1060 or Rod, 330- 2318508. Linesville State Fish Hatchery and Visitor Center Open House “A Day at the Hatchery” — April 5, 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Demonstrations, exhibits and activities for adults and kids. Sponsored by PA Fish and Boat Commission. Hatchery located at 13300 Hartstown Rd, Linesville, PA 16424. Call 814-683-4451. Website: www.fishandboat.com. PA Trappers Association District 7 Fur Sale

Permit holders may bring two people over the age of 16 and three youths (under 16) and you may participate only once per season as either the permittee or a partner. Participants 16 and older must hold a valid fishing license. Anglers will be able to check the website (in the Wild Ohio Customer Center) under their customer number to find out if they were chosen as participants. Ap-

plicants not chosen to participate will not be notified. Anglers chosen to participate will receive instructions on how to download the necessary permit and instructions from ODNR website, including the fishing date. The permit to fish applies to the successfully drawn applicant and his/her partner(s) and permits are transferable. All participants must be properly licensed.

- April 6, 9 a.m., at Hillsgrove Fire Hall, Hillsgrove, PA. Website: www.patrappers.com.

Northeast Ohio Crappie Club Tournament - April 12 at Portage Lakes Turkeyfoot; May 3 at Sandusky Bay; May 10 at Pymatuning Lake; May 24 at Berlin Lake and May 31 at West Branch Reservoir. Team event (may enter alone). Contact Dan Elko at 412-721-0372 or email: delko@lagasseinc.com. Website: www.northeastohiocrappieclub.com.

Kid’s Fishing Derby — April 12 at Firestone Metro Park - Little Turtle Pond, Akron, OH. Free for kids ages 15 and under. 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Adults are encouraged to assist but not fish. Prizes to top fish. Stocked trout by sponsors Goodyear Hunting and Fishing Club and ODNR, Div. of Wildlife. For info. call Steve Isaacs at 330-928-7169.

Gun Show by Mahoning Valley Gun Collectors - April 12-13 at the Lowellville Rod and Gun Club in Lowellville. Admission is $4. Vendor tables are $25. The show is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. both days. For information call Bill at 330-506-9194. The club is located at 6225 Quarry Road, Lowellville, OH. Trader Day and Coon Dog Field Trial - April 26 (9 a.m. to 4 p.m.) at Trumbull County Rod and Gun Club, located at 6565 Phillips Rice Road, Mecca, OH 44410. Hunting, fishing and archery. Free admission, free parking. Tables $10. For info. call 330-307-0522. Walleye Madness Tournaments - April 27 at

19 Mosquito Lake and June 28 at Lake Erie at Geneva. Tournaments sponsored: Buckeye Sports Center, Lund Boats, Mercury Marine and Walleye Team Six (WT6) Club. 100% payout, plus $700 in bonuses per event. No membership is required for this two-angler team format. 40 boats. Entry fee $150 and includes the Big Fish Bonus. To register: www.walleyemadness.net. Trout Derby for Handicapped/Special Needs People - May 10 at Firestone Metro Park - Little Turtle Pond, Akron, OH. Free event for handicapped/special needs kids and adults. Adults are encouraged to assist but not fish. Rods, reels and bait provided. Stocked trout by sponsors Goodyear Hunting and Fishing Club and ODNR, Div. of Wildlife. For info. call Steve Isaacs at 330-928-7169. 14th Annual Rabies Clinic - May 10 at TriState Coon Hunters and Sportsman’s Association, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. located at 2601 Irish Ridge Rd., East Liverpool, OH 43920. Dr. Jack Zines will administer shots. For info. call the club at 330-386-3220 or Dee Underwood at 330-3851139.

Planters Moon Rendezvous (Pre-1840) May 16, 17, 18 at Bill Moose Muzzle Loading Gun Club in Darbyville, OH. Club located at 8821 Greensway Ave, Darbyville, OH. Period time dress and camping. Open to public; Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. For info. call 740-969-3386.

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800.452.2223, ext. 7899 | 7springs.com/clays Seven Springs Mountain Resort is located off exits 91 or 110 of the Pennsylvania Turnpike in Seven Springs, Pennsylvania.