April 25, 2014 - Lone Star Outdoor News - Fishing & Hunting

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LoneOStar Outdoor News

Largest Hunting and Fishing Newspaper in Texas

April 25, 2014

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April 25, 2014

Volume 10, Issue 17

Salt on the table

Snapper season cut short Fed waters cut to 11 days, could be even less

By Conor Harrison

By Steve Schwartz

Lone Star outdoor newS

Lone Star outdoor newS

Texas is about to have the shortest-ever red snapper season in federal waters — 11 days.

And that might be cut again after Louisiana opened their state red snapper season from three days each week to all seven days in response to a recent decision by a federal judge to retroactively hold the recreational red snapper anglers accountable for exceeding their allotted 49 percent quota in years past.

Texas allows red snapper fishing in state waters all year long, something that has infuriated the members of the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council, which sets federal quotas. The feds sued the state unsuccessfully last year to attempt to make Texas conform to federal standards in their state waters.

Texas state waters extend three marine leagues, or 10.357 miles off the coast.

Commercial red snapper anglers who say recreational anglers have been going over their 49 percent allocation for years brought the latest lawsuit against the feds to force them to change their management system to more accurately account for the total recreational sector catch. After a different formula was used to assess how many pounds of snapper recreational anglers catch, a judge agreed with the commercial sector that the old formula amounted to a de facto reallocation of snapper.

“Basically, the National Marine Fisheries Service came back to the council and told them that last summer’s sea-

After a slow few weeks, offshore guides and services are seeing an uptick in deep-water species as well as some sharks along the Texas coast.

“The fishing is definitely picking up and the sharks are starting to show up,” said Crystal Oestreich, with Dolphin Dock Charters in Port Aransas.

“Nothing wanted to bite in January and February, it was terrible.”

Guides echoed that sentiment across the Gulf Coast in the deeper waters of Galveston.

Jillian Williams, with Williams

DROPPING DOWN: Offshore anglers are reporting lots of red snapper action off the coast while bottom fishing, along with amberjack and several species of shark. Photo by Scott Sommerlatte for Lone Star Outdoor News.

On fire

K9 unit on the hunt

By Conor Harrison

Lake Austin giving up huge sacks, but how long will it last?

Austin angler Brian Booker knows he could look back at this spring on Lake Austin and think, those were the good old days.

Booker, the co-owner of Texas Tournament Zone, which hosts night tournaments on the lake, has seen an explosion in big bass being caught this month.

“Austin is insane,” he said.

“We’ve been trying to keep it quiet, but that horse left the barn a while ago. It has always been a great lake, but it is really good right now.”

Booker said the April 16 night tournament saw 50 boats compete, with 31 pounds winning and 22 pounds only getting sixth place.

“Almost everyone who came in had a 5- or 7-pounder,” he said.

“The big bass was 9.44 pounds.

They are in all stages of the spawn,

Lone Star outdoor newS

Freestone County Game Warden John Thorne has had a new partner since July, but not the kind you can have a two-way conversation with and a cup of coffee.

“Justin,” named after Game Warden Justin Hurst who was killed in the line of duty in 2007, is a yellow lab and part of

the first five dogs in the newly formed Texas Parks and Wildlife Department K9 Unit.

Thorne and Justin spent eight weeks of intense training in Utah before they returned to Texas to work to find illegal wildlife, drugs and lost humans. Search and rescue will be the main focus of the dogs, although many are crosstrained to find fish and game violations, as well. All of the dogs in See K9 UNIT, Page 17

NO GRASS, NO PROBLEM: Lake Austin guide Ryan Wags holds a nice bass caught recently in the crowded lake that has anglers flocking to it from across the country. Photo by Ryan Wags.

but the majority have already spawned. We are still seeing some big females cruising around beds, so I think the moon phase will kick off another round.”

Booker said anglers have been using all sorts of tactics to pull in big fish, including slinging Senkos under docks, using Texas rigs and jigs to fish rock piles and bluffs and fishing around lighted docks at night.

See LAKE AUSTIN, Page 11

HUNTING

INSIDE

Time Sensitive Material • Deliver ASAP

PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID PLANO, TX PERMIT 210

See SNAPPER, Page 27

See OFFSHORE, Page 15

Onto something

North Texas coon hunting club seeing an influx of competitive hunters.

Page 5

Game changer

Carbon-fiber stocks changing the face of rifle construction.

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HAPPY FOR THE RIDE: One of the new members of the TPWD K9 Unit, Ruger, helps Game Warden Christy Vales look for potential violations. Photo by TPWD.

FISHING

Baffin back on its feet

Black drum are seeing some recovery after a tough year in 2013.

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Open water Giant salvinia clearing up around Caddo Lake thanks to high-water levels and a colder winter, fishing on the uptick.

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CONTENTS Classifieds . . . . . . . .

Crossword . . . . . . . .

Freshwater Fishing Report For the Table. . . . . . .

Game Warden Blotter . . .

Heroes. . . . . . . . . .

Outdoor Datebook . . . .

Prime Time . . . . . . .

Products . . . . . . . . .

Saltwater Fishing Report .

Sun, Moon and Tide data .

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HUNTING Remington recalls Model 700 and Model Seven rifles Remington Arms Company, LLC is voluntarily recalling Remington Model 700 and Model Seven rifles with X-Mark Pro triggers, manufactured from May 1, 2006 to April 9, 2014.

Remington has determined that some Model 700 and Model Seven rifles with XMP triggers could, under certain circumstances, unintentionally discharge. A Remington investigation has determined that some XMP triggers might have excess bonding agent used in the assembly process. While Remington expressed confidence in the design of the XMP trigger, it is undertaking this recall in the interest of consumer safety to remove any potential excess bonding agent applied in the assembly process.

Only Model 700 and Model Seven rifles with XMP triggers are being recalled. To determine if your rifle is subject to this recall, you should take the following steps: Find the rifle’s serial number where the barrel meets the receiver — For a right-handed rifle, the serial number is located on a user’s left. For a left-handed rifle, the serial number is located on a user’s right.

Identify the serial number and provide it to Remington’s recall support team, either by entering it at xmprecall.remington.com or calling (800) 243-9700 (Prompt #3 then Prompt #1) Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

EDT. You will be informed if your rifle is affected by this recall and supported with free resources to return the rifle for inspection and specialized cleaning.

You may also determine if your rifle is subject to the recall by a visual inspection. If the face of the trigger is ribbed, your rifle does not have an XMP trigger and is not subject to this recall.

If the face of the trigger is smooth, your rifle has an XMP trigger and is subject to this recall — in which case you should immediately seek further assistance.

— Remington

Yacht, auto tech comes to rifles

Carbon fiber makes stocks free of imperfections

By Craig Nyhus

Lone Star outdoor newS

HIGH-TECH STOCKS: Lex Webernick of Rifles, Inc. in Pleasanton shows two of the rifle stocks made using a combination of cutting-edge materials, including carbon fiber and Kevlar. Photo by David J. Sams, Lone Star Outdoor News.

Lex Webernick of Rifles, Inc. in Pleasanton has been making lightweight custom sporting rifles known for their superior accuracy for years. Even so, learning about the technology that makes yachts and cars lighter, and therefore faster, prompted him to embrace the cutting-edge technology in his rifle stocks.

“This technology has just become available,” Webernick said, “mainly because of the aerospace industry. The composites are the hottest thing going, they are used in making high-pressure pipe flanges, space shuttle stuff and aircraft interiors.”

Now the technology has made its way to rifle stocks, and while other custom gun and stock makers are jumping in, Webernick is at the front of the pack.

“We are in full production,” he said.

While the materials are more complicated, the manufacturing process has become simpler.

“Things have changed completely,” Webernick said. “We used to use the ‘bucket and brush’ method where you mixed the epoxy resins in a bucket, lay the cloth in a mold, saturate with epoxy and brush.”

New materials have simplified the process for the gun maker, even though he’s had to learn to make rifle stocks all over again.

“Now, the cloth comes pre-saturated with resin already in it,” Webernick said. “It does have a shelf life so you have to keep it in a cooler and cook it to cure it. But you get a stronger, lighter part since it assures the correct ratio of resin to cloth and Kevlar.”

The cloth is more than just carbon fiber, though.

“Carbon fiber is the king in the composites industry,” Webernick said. “But it has some issues with impact, like if you drop your gun on a rock. We use a blend of the cloths, carbon fiber, Kevlar and fiberglass. Kevlar is the king with impact issues — there are positives and negatives with all of the materials.”

Carbon fiber has been around since the 1990s, but getting it has been the problem.

“It is popular in the racing business,” Webernick said. “With cars and yachts, an ounce or two can make a huge difference, and they have unlimited budgets. Yacht racing people would buy all of the mateSee CARBON FIBER, Page 7

Consider entire first year with buck fawns

By Craig Nyhus

Lone Star outdoor newS

HOPE HE MAKES IT: Fawns have about a 60 percent chance of surviving the winter and showing up on trail cameras as yearlings in the spring, according to South Texas research. Photo by James Richards.

When a Texas ranch has a bumper fawn crop, managers and hunters might expect to see a bumper yearling buck crop the next season.

Not so fast, researchers say.

In the Comanche-Faith Research Project, where white-tailed deer in 200acre enclosures in South Texas were studied over a nine-year time span, one of the issues that arose was the winter survival rate of buck fawns.

“We noticed a wide variation in the percentage of yearling bucks,” said Dr. David Hewitt, the Stuart W. Stedman chair for White-tailed Deer Research at the Caesar Kleberg Wildlife Research Institute, who presented the research in a Texas Wildlife Association webinar on April 17. “The results weren’t related to rainfall, but some ranches showed a big drop in the percentage of yearlings, while the proportion of buck fawns didn’t change that much.”

The finding prompted another threeyear study where buck fawns were caught in October and equipped with radio ear tags to monitor their winter survival.

The results in 2008 showed only a 50 percent winter survival rate. In 2009 it was 60 percent and in 2010, 56 percent

of the buck fawns survived.

Hewitt said it is difficult to say why the survival is lower than might be expected.

“It’s hard because you aren’t seeing the dead animals,” he said. “Predators take care of them. We did learn that does younger than 3 years old are poor mothers and have lower fawn survival rates.”

Wildlife managers and hunters need to consider the findings in establishing their management strategies, though.

“If you are losing 40 percent of the buck fawns over the winter, it influences the number of mature bucks that are on the ranch,” Hewitt said.

Supplemental feed can as much as double the fawn survival according to the Comanche-Faith research — if the fawns can get to the feed.

“Fawns often don’t show up at feed sites,” Hewitt said. “Hunters notice a lack of fawns on trail camera images at feed sites. And fawns lose interactions with all other deer at a feed site.

Sometimes they can’t reach the feed, or hog-proof fencing denies them access to the feed.”

Wildlife managers should take notice of the research results, Hewitt said.

“Don’t assume a high fawn count one year will result in equally high yearling count the next,” he said. “The fawn you count in October may not be alive in the

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April 25, 2014

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Coon hunters flock to competition CHKC seeing influx of hunters across the nation

By Steve Schwartz Lone Star Outdoor News

It may not have the draw of many other forms of hunting, but for those involved, competitive coon hunting has a diehard following — and it shows no sign of slowing down.

Around 15 hunters gathered in Pilot Point April 19 for their 12 Dog Shootout Competition. The event drew serious hunters from across the state and Oklahoma — all are members of the Coon Hunters Kennel Club, a national organization that boasts nearly 3,000 members participating in 700 hunts annually.

“I don’t think there was any way we thought it would go this well,” President Redgy Ramsey said. He runs the main office in Whitesboro and owns Valley Creek Hunting Supply. “It’s an unusual sport; we are a rare breed. With something like this, you either love it or you don’t; you’re either bit by it or you’re not.”

Co-owners Chase and Mark McCaskill, from Elmore City, Okla., bought the CHKC from its previous owners in December.

When they took the reins of the club, it had around 700 members. Now they are seeing exponential growth with clubs across the United States.

“I’ve been doing this my whole life; I know everybody around it so that helps,” Ramsey said. “I’m looking for it to be huge.”

Competitions are monitored by the organization, and standings are consistently updated on their website. The word “hunting” may be misleading, as Pilot Point Chapter President Nick Cain pointed out. No guns are involved in the hunts, which are centered on a points system.

“We are not trying to kill or capture the animals, which is unusual,” Cain said. “It’s like playing chess at night with dogs.

It’s a lot of strategy at this point and that’s what I love about it.

Your dog communicates with you; you have to know how to talk to your dog.”

Four groups, called casts, of three hunters trudged into the woods on a moonless night north of Tioga. The three men waited as their hounds sprinted through the woods calling their progress. One of the competitors acts as a judge — he listens as the men call out strikes (a dog on a scent) and trees. The competitors receive points for correct calls and deductions for incorrect calls. Once the dogs have a coon “treed,” the cast rushes to verify.

“It’s a physically demanding sport; you go a lot of places where a lot of hunters won’t — or don’t — go,” Cain said.

For such a small community, the hunt included some of the top talent in the sport. Chase McCaskill recently finished second at the national competiSee COON HUNTING, Page 15

ON THE SCENT TRAIL: Members of the Coon Hunting Kennel Club have been seeing an increase in numbers nationally after the club was purchased by Mark and Chase McCaskill in December, 2013. The Pilot Point chapter hosted a competition April 19. Photo by Steve Schwartz, Lone Star Outdoor News.

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April 25, 2014

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Tough season

Mule Deer Foundation builds guzzler in Big Bend

Turkeys behind schedule this year, hunting slow in many areas From bunched-up groups of gobblers to toms that won’t talk back and won’t commit to a decoy setup, Texas spring turkey hunters have found just about every reason out there to feel defeated this spring.

Of course, some hunters are finding success, but many hunters are trying to figure out this weird turkey season.

“I’ve been out the last five days and about 50 percent of the hens have been bred,” said Jason McAnnally, vice president of the Panhandle National Wild Turkey Federation. “The cold slowed them down a little bit.”

The Canadian, Texas hunter said the toms have just begun to break up from their groups.

“We have been seeing groups of four, six, eight toms in a group at once,” he said. “The first two or three weeks were pretty good and then the cold hit and it locked them up. The grasshoppers are starting to come out so some of the birds are just now leaving the river bottoms and

STILL IN GROUPS: Hunters in the South Zone reported bunched-up toms throughout the season, a possible holdover from the roving bands of jakes that were abundant last season. Photo by David J. Sams, Lone Star Outdoor News.

heading up into the sandhills.”

McAnnally said he has seen a lot of mature birds this season and not many jakes or 2-yearolds.

“We finally got some decent rain yesterday and we needed it,” he added. “Hopefully, this gives those hens some nesting cover and a chance at some poults this year.”

Farther south, Larry Noble of College Station said he has been hunting in several spots around the state this season, with mixed success.

“The turkeys are not cooperating very well,” he said. “I

guess it depends on where you are hunting, but I hunted near Rochelle this spring and it was plenty green and the birds were out. I haven’t seen it like that in about 10 years. Near Sonora, the turkeys are pretty henned up and not much was coming in.

“I have a feeling the best couple of weeks are still ahead.”

Noble said everyone he has spoken with has been seeing similar — bunches of toms that aren’t responding well to calling.

“They’ve been bunched up around Uvalde,” he said.

“They’ve taken some birds, but

I think they were young birds.”

Reports coming into the Lone Star Outdoor News’ office indicate a spring gobbler season that is about a month behind schedule, with hunters finding large groups of toms that don’t want to split from the hens.

One report in the San Antonio area from a frustrated hunter said the birds he has seen this year have no discernable pattern and have not responded to calls.

The season concludes on April 27 in the South Zone and wraps up May 11 in the North Zone.

— Staff report

Volunteers from the Mule Deer Foundation, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, Sul Ross University, the Texas Bighorn Society and the Dallas Safari Club worked together to build a 4,600-gallon wildlife water guzzler in the Big Bend region of Texas in March.

Situated on the El Carmen Land & Conservation Company’s Adams Ranch in southern Brewster County, the water collection structure will allow rainwater and supplemental water to be available for local wildlife year-round.

“This monumental guzzler will capture over 1,000 gallons of water for every inch of rainfall — an essential resource for productive wildlife populations in this extremely arid region,” said David Wetzel, MDF project coordinator.

The guzzler will help support broad-based conservation efforts underway on the ranch that focus on species ranging from mule deer and bighorn sheep to elf owls and Rio Grande silvery minnows. The project also feeds into larger, cross-border conservation efforts within the El Carmen Project. Benefits from this guzzler and related conservation efforts can be expected to extend onto adjacent ranches as well as the Black Gap Wildlife Management Area and Big Bend National Park.

— MDF

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DSC picks up tab Dallas Safari Club is renewing life insurance policies for every game warden in Texas in 2014.

Currently there are 532 game wardens. DSC has purchased the insurance policies and covered 100 percent of the premiums since 2005. Each policy is worth $10,000. Over the years, these policies have paid tens of thousands to the families of Texas game wardens who died in the line of duty.

“These policies are an expression of support for those who serve on the front lines of conservation in our home state,” said Ben Carter, DSC executive director. “We hope they provide some peace of mind for officers and their families, and we pray the coverage is never needed again.”

“We could not be more grateful for the concern and support that our partners at DSC have extended to our game wardens and their families,” said Carter Smith, executive director of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Dept.

“DSC members have always recognized the inherent dangers our officers face each and every day working to protect our lands, waters, fish, wildlife, property and lives.”

— DSC

Lone Star Land Stewards awards announced

Recipients of the 2014 Lone Star Steward awards will be recognized on May 21 at the Hyatt Regency in Austin.

The winners represent private ranches in various ecological regions, achievements of a landowner cooperative, and an educator. The Leopold Conservation Award for Texas, given to the statewide land steward, also will be presented by the Sand County Foundation.

Stewardship highlights for each of the recipients: Cross Timbers and Prairies — Dixon Water Foundation, Bear Creek Ranch, Parker County Progressive, innovative grazing management and livestock production are skillfully employed on Bear Creek Ranch to create and maintain an ecologically stable, diverse, and functional landscape and to generate income. Bear Creek Ranch is divided into 32 grazing units to allow for abbreviated grazing periods and long recovery periods. Each unit is grazed for only five to 15 days each year and is rested from grazing for the remainder.

South Texas Plains — Laborcitas Creek Ranch, Brooks County Land management goals include use of wildlife management techniques required for each species to improve and sustain a healthy wildlife habitat and populations.

To create waterfowl habitat, the ranch has developed

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April 25, 2014

15 wetland ponds and converted bermudagrass pastures into wetlands. Pastures where native bunchgrasses have grown too dense for quail are treated with the “Quailerator,” a modified pasture aerator designed to simulate grazing and the hoof action of cattle. Prescribed burning and brush control help enhance wildlife habitat.

Trans Pecos — Tanksley Land Company, Brewster County A family ranch since the 1920’s, the Tanksley Land Company strives to bring flowing water back to Musquiz Creek, restore historical springs on the ranch, sustain healthy wildlife and grow grass while holding water. When the Tanksleys took over the ranch in 1989 it was dominated by creosote and tarbush. Under their management, the ranch has slowly recovered back to grassland with a good mix of native forbs and grasses. Pronghorn, scaled quail, and mule deer have benefitted from the return of diverse grasslands.

Landowner Cooperative — Hillingdon, Laurels and Leslie Ranches, Kendall County These landowners practice both excellent land stewardship and “stewardship outside the gates” through extensive outreach and volunteer service, including helping fellow landowners manage land to sustainably and profitably produce food and fiber, to spread the message in their community and in the capital that private lands are critical for wildlife and to our state’s water infrastructure and to help urban residents understand the importance of rare plant conservation, wildlife habitat and the dangers of nonnative plants and animals.

Edwards Plateau — Sycamore Canyon Ranch, Val Verde County As a third-generation cattle woman, Ruth Russell understands the needs of the range as well as those of livestock. Located 60 miles north of Del Rio on the Devils River, her ranch supports the diverse vegetation and wildlife of three distinct biotic regions. Range management strategies include deferred grazing, aggressive whitetail and aoudad population control, prescribed burning, and riparian area protection and management provide habitat that supports a diversity of native wildlife.

Education and Outreach — Sky Lewey, Nueces River Authority, Uvalde County Lewey is the Outreach and Education Coordinator for the Nueces River Authority, and is a key figure in the efforts to restore healthy riparian function to the Nueces River Basin. She established the Remarkable Riparian Workshops and the Pull Kill Plant Campaign targeting giant river cane removal in the Nueces River basin.

Her river and water stewardship education program has reached more than 72,000 young people in 13 counties within the Nueces River Basin.

— TPWD

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Carbon fiber Continued from Page 4

rial from a cloth manufacturer so their competitors couldn’t get ahold of it.”

The cloth has finally trickled down to the rifle maker.

“It’s not all cost feasible, though,” Webernick said. “Some of the materials cost $250 per yard. Others work for us, but might not for a racecar.”

The new stocks are just a few ounces lighter than his current lightweight versions, but the big benefits are in other areas, Webernick said.

“It’s not so much about the weight,” he said. “You need to make different weights in the stock to keep everything balanced, depending on the type of gun. It needs to balance on the front receiver ring — you can’t put a 9-ounce stock on a big gun.”

The trueness of the stock is what shooters will appreciate.

“It’s a better, cleaner, truer part without any imperfections,” Webernick said. “It is superior in strength and weight, but not so much that the shooter would notice.”

While the material is pricey, the manufacturing process makes up for some of the additional cost.

“The cost has gone up because of the high-tech materials, but it takes less time to make and finish,” he said. “We could quadruple our production in the same amount of time.”

And Webernick is working on a new rifle stock that should intrigue his favorite customers, along with allowing him to demonstrate the technique to trade show attendees.

“It will be clear,” he said. “They’ll be able to see the carbon fiber, Kevlar and graphite layers through the epoxy.”

SIMPLER AND STRONGER: Pre-saturated cloth with carbon fiber, Kevlar and other materials take away the guesswork when inserting materials into the rifle stock molds, assuring the stock is produced without imperfections. Photo by David J. Sams, Lone Star Outdoor News.

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FISHING

It depends on where you look...

White bass runs winding down, speeding up across North Texas

By Steve Schwartz Lone Star outdoor newS

White bass spawning runs are slowing down in many areas of the state, but some anglers across North Texas are just now seeing them peak, or even still waiting on the run to commence as cool temperatures have delayed the movement.

Cooler spring temperatures have made the runs more sporadic, according to Lake Tawakoni guide Larry Thomas.

“With this cold/hot/cold/hot it has got them more spread out,” he said April 18.

Thomas and his crews have been primarily fishing for catfish on shad, but have been picking up some white bass along shallower banks and in the creeks.

Farther to the northwest,

Wright, Sims win TXTT on Texoma Eric Wright, of Balch Springs, and Jeremy Sims, of Sulphur Springs, brought 27.96 pounds of bass to the scales to win the 2014 Texas Team Trail presented by Cabela’s event at Lake Texoma on April 12.

With warm, windy weather in the area, Wright and Sims targeted the Alberta Creek area where the pair spent their day sight-fishing, landing an impressive 9.17-pound kicker fish.

“We didn’t have to run too far, just from Granpappy (Point Marina) across to Alberta Creek,” said Wright. “The conditions were good for what we planned to do.

We found fish and worked them with crawfish-shaped soft plastics.”

Second-place finishers Spike Stoker, of Stephenville, and Randy Sullivan, of Breckenridge, weighed a five-fish limit of 23.25 pounds.

Stoker and Sullivan also used the warming temperatures to their advantage, targeting bass as they moved shallow around docks as the day progressed.

“The wind and the heat really played into our plans,” Stoker said. “In some places, we found them on beds and caught them on soft craws and jigs. We also caught them around docks on umbrella rigs.”

— TXTT

Mashl takes KATS on Sam Rayburn Mike Mashl was in the spotlight after taking first place in the Kayak Angler’s Tournament Series on Sam Rayburn Reservoir in the Pro Division with 89.5 inches (and having lost two big fish during the day).

Mashl also broke the Big Bass tie (23.75 inches) with a second big fish of 20.25 inches.

In second, Brandon Campbell, who tied for Big Bass with a 23.75inch fish, lugged in an 85.5-inch stringer. His big bass broke the second place tie with Daniel Peters, who took third with his 85.5-inch sack.

— KATS

Denton County Game Warden Daron Blackerby said things are starting to slow down for them after a strange spring.

“As far as the sand bass go, things are starting to slow down,” he said. “They’re still fishing for them, but they aren’t catching as many.”

He said written citations for violations see an uptick during the white bass runs. This year, he has written numerous citations for people illegally fishing with casting nets, gill nets and seining, many as late as early April.

Dry, cooler temperatures affected when and where people fished, Blackerby said. On area lakes during windy days, the baitfish are pushed against the points, which is where anglers have been seeing some luck.

The Trinity River, north of

STRANGE SPRING: The white bass run is all over the place in North Texas, with each river or lake reporting different phases of the spawn depending on water temperatures. Photo by Conor Harrison, Lone Star Outdoor News.

See WHITE BASS, Page 27

Back to normal in Baffin?

Black drum seem recovered from 2013

By Conor Harrison Lone Star outdoor newS

Early last year, anglers in Baffin Bay noticed something wrong with the black drum they were catching.

The drum appeared to be malnourished and emaciated. When anglers cut them open to get the tasty fillets, instead of the firm white meat usually found in the one of the tastiest fish in the bays, they found gelatinous meat that was mushy and unfit for consumption.

After several months, the issue seemed to disappear, but it left biologists scratching their heads about the cause, and wondering if it will come back this year.

A new study by the Harte Research Institute aims to find out.

“Baffin Bay is interesting,” said Dr. Matt Ajemian, assistant research scientist at HRI. “The salinity is so high; way higher than the estuaries. What is it about the ecology of the system? It is a stressed system right now — the brown tide and plankton blooms work their way up the food chain.”

Ajemian said the main food of black drum in Baffin is the dwarf surf clam, which has been depleted the last few years.

“We think the black drum don’t have enough food,” he said, “but why aren’t they leaving? We have a hypothesis that they don’t travel very far. Next week, we will be tagging black drum with acoustic tags to begin to track their movement. There are people doing core samples right now to look at the food resource and how long the drum are staying.

“The hyper-salinity is also interesting. How do the drum live in this stressful environment?”

Ajemian said the black drum this year appear normal and healthy, something Texas Parks and Wildlife biologist Faye Grubbs agrees with.

“The latest reports show the last summer event seems to have run its course,” Grubb said. “It appeared as if the drum were starving. We knew their main food source was dwarf surf clams, but we didn’t know how many dwarf surf clams were there. The most recent studies we had were between 2001 and 2004.

“Everything indicated the drum were starving; there was no indication of disease or parasites.”

Grubbs said record high salinity and drought conditions near Baffin probably contributed to the lack of food, although past studies have indicated black drum will move if things get too bad.

“Typically, studies have shown black drum don’t move much — five miles or less,” she said. “However, we have seen studies that show they will migrate when temperatures and salinity get too high.”

The good news for anglers is TPWD recorded their highest-ever catch rates last year for black drum in Baffin, which Grubbs attributes to phenomenal recruitment in 2007-08.

DIDN’T NEED A NET FOR THOSE: Black drum in Baffin Bay appear to be over the issues that plagued “There were lots of young fish entering the population them in past years, although biologists are continuing to monitor the situation. Photo by David J. that year,” she said. “That might have been why we’ve Sams, Lone Star Outdoor News. seen an improvement.”

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CLOGGED NO MORE: Unlike this picture, taken last year on Caddo Lake, a cold winter and rising water levels have pushed much of the invasive giant salvinia out of Caddo. Photo by TPWD.

Open water Giant salvinia knocked back on Caddo, fishing on upswing

By Conor Harrison Lone Star Outdoor News

Anglers are fishing parts of Caddo Lake they haven’t seen in years this spring.

The giant salvinia issue that has plagued the lake for the better part of a decade has dissipated, with colder weather this winter, rising lake levels and the introduction of weevils contributing to its demise.

“The salvinia appears to be 80 to 85 percent gone,” said Caddo fishing guide Randy Deaver. “There is a little bit of it here or there, but we are fishing stuff we haven’t been See SALVINIA, Page 25

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April 25, 2014

LoneOStar Outdoor News

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TEXAS FRESHWATER FISHING REPORT Crappie on fire CEDAR CREEK RESERVOIR — The crappie fishing is on fire, according to guide Jason Barber of Kings Creek Adventures.

“There are fish everywhere,” he said. “Main lake rocks are holding lots of fish, as well as brushpiles, bridges and the backs of the spawning coves. Try fishing as shallow as 1 foot if the water is dirty and fish all the way out to 16 feet searching for fish. There are fish that have already spawned, fish spawning and fish waiting to spawn, so you may find them anywhere.

“Go with minnows and jigs, they will both work in most cases.”

Barber said hybrids and sandies are chasing the spawning shad schools on the windy points early and hanging out in deeper water up in the day. Try fresh shad and lures like swimbaits, top-waters and lipless crankbaits in 2 to 6 feet of water.

The largemouth bass and catfish bite are also good.

To contact guide Jason Barber, call (903) 887-7896.

Coming back?

O.H. IVIE RESERVOIR — It has been a while since good, positive reports emerged from O.H Ivie Reservoir near San Angelo, but some fish are being caught this month, according to mul-

ALAN HENRY: Water lightly stained; 52–61 degrees; 14.75’ low. Largemouth bass are fair on Texas rigs, jigs and lipless crankbaits. Crappie are fair to good on live minnows. Catfish are fair on nightcrawlers.

AMISTAD: Water fairly clear; 66– 70 degrees; 36.63’ low. Largemouth bass are very good on chartreuse soft plastics, spinner baits, swimbaits, and jigs. Striped bass are good on slabs, crankbaits and jigging spoons. White bass are good on slabs, crankbaits and jigging spoons. Crappie are good on live minnows and pink tube jigs.

ATHENS: Water clear; 57–62 degrees; 0.13’ high. Largemouth bass are slow on white swim jigs along the shoreline as well as weightless Senkos.

BASTROP: Water clear; 65–69 degrees. Largemouth bass are good on chartreuse/white soft plastics and lipless crankbaits. Crappie are good on minnows and green tube jigs.

BELTON: Water clear; 63–67 degrees; 9.72’ low. Largemouth bass are fair on watermelon soft plastics, crankbaits and spinner baits.

Hybrid striper are slow. White bass are good on light blue jigs.

Crappie are good on minnows in 20–30 feet.

BOB SANDLIN: Water clear; 58–63 degrees; 1.86’ low. Largemouth bass are good on Texas-rigged lizards in green pumpkin or black and blue near shallow cover. Crappie are fair on jigs. White bass are good on slabs.

BONHAM: Water stained, 59–63 degrees; 2.05’ low. Largemouth bass are good on bladed jigs, crankbaits and spinner baits on boat docks and rocky points. Crappie are good on minnows and jigs along the bridges and boat docks.

BRAUNIG: Water clear. Largemouth bass are fair on watermelon soft plastics and crankbaits along shorelines and structure. Striped bass are good on chicken livers and silver spoons. Redfish are good on live perch and tilapia.

BRIDGEPORT: Water clear, 56–61 degrees; 21.62’ low. Largemouth bass are good on bahama milk color crankbaits. Crappie are good on jigs. White bass are good on

slabs. Hybrid striper are fair on slabs. Channel catfish are good on trotlines.

BROWNWOOD: Water stained; 64– 68 degrees; 10.88’ low. Largemouth bass to 7 pounds are excellent on craw- and shad-colored crankbaits, chartreuse/white chatterbaits, and shad-colored spinner baits in 4–10 feet. White bass are excellent on minnows and jigs off lighted docks at night in 1–8 feet.

BUCHANAN: Water stained; 63–67 degrees; 31.21’ low. Largemouth bass are fair on pumpkin craws, and black/blue Whacky Sticks on jigheads along ledges.

CADDO: Water stained; 58– 62 degrees; 1.11’ high. Largemouth bass are good on Texas-rigged creature baits and weightless Senkos.

CALAVERAS: Water clear. Largemouth bass are good on green pumpkin soft plastic worms and grubs along shorelines. Striped bass are good on chicken livers, shad and spoons.

CANYON LAKE: Water murky; 63–67 degrees; 8.62’ low. Largemouth bass are fair on brown hair jigs, drop-shot worms, and worms on shaky jigheads along break lines and ledges. Striped bass are fair trolling white striper jigs and vertically jigging. White bass are fair.

CHOKE CANYON: Water clear; 65– 69 degrees; 24.00’ low. Largemouth bass are fair on swimbaits and Texas-rigged soft plastic lizards. White bass are slow. Crappie are good on minnows and fair on jigs under lights at night. Drum are slow. Channel and blue catfish are good on punchbait.

COLEMAN: Water clear; 62–66 degrees; 16.45’ low. Largemouth bass are good on dark soft plastic worms, lizards and spinner baits.

Hybrid striper are fair on live shad.

COLETO CREEK: Water clear; 65 degrees in main lake, 73 degrees at hot water discharge; 3.89’ low.

Largemouth bass to 6 pounds are good on soft plastics and spinner baits. White bass are slow. Crappie are slow. Channel and blue catfish to 12 pounds are fair on live perch in 8–10 feet.

CONROE: Water stained; 63–67

tiple Internet reports.

The largemouth and smallmouth bass fishing has picked up, with anglers catching fish on jerkbaits and hollow-body swimbaits in pearl color.

Even though the lake is still low, bass fishing is picking up, along with limits of white bass on small spinners.

Punch bait for cats LAKE TAWAKONI — The channel catfish bite is picking up on Lake Tawakoni, with anglers reporting plenty of eatingsized catfish being caught from the bank and in shallow water on Danny King’s punch bait, along with some homemade baits.

Along with catfish, largemouth bass are biting on green pumpkin creature baits and bladed jigs.

The crappie bite has also picked up on chartreuse jigs.

— Conor Harrison

degrees; 0.44’ low. Largemouth bass are fair on dark soft plastics and spinner baits. Striped bass are slow. Crappie are good on minnows. Catfish are good on stinkbait and liver.

HOUSTON COUNTY: Water stained; 63–67 degrees; 0.18’ high.

Largemouth bass are fair on black soft plastic worms and white/light blue spinner baits in 4–10 feet.

White bass are slow.

COOPER: Water clear; 66–70 degrees; 10.74’ low. Largemouth bass are slow on medium crankbaits and Carolina-rigged plastics up to ’15 deep. Crappie are fair on jigs. White bass are fair on slabs.

Hybrid striper are good on slabs.

HUBBARD CREEK: Water off-color; 54–61 degrees; 24.03’ low.

Largemouth bass are fair on Texas rigs and drop-shot rigs. Crappie are fair on minnows.

FALCON: Water clear; 65–69 degrees; 24.81’ low. Largemouth bass are fair on spinner baits and shallow-running crankbaits.

Striped bass are slow. Crappie are slow. Channel and blue catfish are fair on nightcrawlers, stinkbait and liver.

FAYETTE: Water stained. Largemouth bass are fair on watermelon and chartreuse Carolina-rigged soft plastics, crankbaits and lipless crankbaits. Channel and blue catfish are good on shrimp and shad.

FORK: Water clear; 57–62 degrees; 3.62’ low. Largemouth bass are good on swimbaits on jigheads along main lake points. Bed fish being caught on white craws. Yellow bass and white bass are good on slabs and small crankbaits.

FT. PHANTOM HILL: Water clear; 53–60 degrees; 13.15’ low.

Largemouth bass are fair on black/ blue jigs, lipless crankbaits and Texas rigs.

GIBBONS CREEK: Water clear.

Largemouth bass are fair on watermelon red and June bug red soft plastics and crankbaits. Crappie are good on minnows.

GRANBURY: Water stained; 65–69 degrees; 10.27’ low. Largemouth bass are good on watermelon red soft plastics, spinner baits, crankbaits and lipless crankbaits.

JOE POOL: Water clear; 56–60 degrees; 1.34’ low. Largemouth bass are fair on shallow crankbaits and bladed jigs. Crappie are slow on minnows. White bass are good on slabs.

LAKE O’ THE PINES: Water lightly stained; 58–64; degrees; 1.13’ high. Largemouth bass are good on sexy shad swim jigs and Texasrigged creature baits. Crappie are good on jigs.

LAVON: Water lightly stained; 56– 60 degrees; 11.76’ low. Largemouth bass are fair on sun perch bladed jigs and green pumpkin creature baits.

LBJ: Water stained; 64–68 degrees; 0.38’ low. Largemouth bass are good on black/blue jigs and watermelon tubes on docks.

Striped bass are slow. White bass are good.

LEWISVILLE: Water clear; 55–60 degrees; 7.66’ low. Largemouth bass are good on Texas-rigged craws in green pumpkin near shallow cover. Crappie are good on minnows. White bass are good on jigs.

LIVINGSTON: Water fairly clear; 64–68 degrees; 0.30’ high.

Largemouth bass are good on watermelon red spinner baits and soft plastics. Striped bass are slow. White bass are slow. Crappie are good on minnows.

GRANGER: Water clear; 65–69 degrees; 0.02’ high. Largemouth bass are slow. White bass are fair on small spinner baits and crankbaits.

MARTIN CREEK: Water clear; 68– 71 degrees; 0.05 high. Largemouth bass are fair on shallow crankbaits and weightless soft plastics. Crappie are fair on minnows. White bass are good on minnows.

GRAPEVINE: Water clear; 55–60 degrees; 9.96’ low. Largemouth bass are good on crankbaits in pumpkinseed. Crappie are good on chartreuse jigs. White bass are good on slabs and minnows.

MONTICELLO: Water fairly clear; 61–66 degrees; 0.81’ high.

Largemouth bass are good on hollow body frogs and Texas-rigged green pumpkin creature baits.

Crappie are good on minnows and

jigs. Catfish are good on nightcrawlers.

NAVARRO MILLS: Water murky; 64–68 degrees; 0.03’ low. Largemouth bass are good on crankbaits and spinner baits near the dam. White bass are slow.

OAK CREEK: Water stained; 54–61 degrees; 22.45’ low. Largemouth bass are fair on shaky heads, lipless crankbaits and Texas rigs.

Crappie are fair on live minnows.

PALESTINE: Water clear; 55–60 degrees; 0.86’ high. Largemouth bass are good on green pumpkin wacky worms and shaky heads.

Crappie are good on jigs. Hybrid striper are good on slabs. White bass are good on jigs.

POSSUM KINGDOM: Water fairly clear; 54–61 degrees; 13.64’ low.

Largemouth bass are fair on jigs and Texas rigs.

PROCTOR: Water stained; 65–69 degrees; 8.65’ low. Largemouth bass are fair on chartreuse/black soft plastic worms and lizards.

Striped bass are good on live shad and white striper jigs.

RAY HUBBARD: Water clear; 56–60 degrees; 7.34’ low. Largemouth bass are slow on medium-diving crankbaits and Texas-rigged craws. Crappie are slow on minnows and chartreuse jigs.

RAY ROBERTS: Water clear; 55–60 degrees; 8.09’ low. Largemouth bass are fair on Texas-rigged green pumpkin soft plastics and football head jigs dragged along main points. Crappie are good on minnows and white jigs. White bass are good on minnows. Catfish are good on cut shad.

RICHLAND CHAMBERS: Water lightly stained; 56–61 degrees; 7.59’ low. Largemouth bass are slow on medium- and deep-diving crankbaits. Crappie are good on minnows.

SAM RAYBURN: Water murky; 63–67 degrees; 2.03’ low. Largemouth bass are fair on Carolina-rigged watermelon red soft plastics and lipless crankbaits.

Crappie are good on minnows.

Catfish are good on shrimp, live minnows and stinkbait.

SOMERVILLE: Water murky; 64–68 degrees; 2.49’ low. Largemouth bass are fair on watermelon soft

SEE MORE

n Saltwater fishing reports: Page 16 plastics and crankbaits. Hybrid striper are slow. White bass are fair on minnows and slabs. Crappie are good on minnows and chartreuse/white tube jigs.

STILLHOUSE: Water stained; 64–68 degrees; 11.37’ low. Largemouth bass are fair on watermelon spinner baits and lipless crankbaits.

White bass are good on minnows and Li’l Fishies.

SWEETWATER: Water murky; 53– 59 degrees; 24.16’ low. Largemouth bass are fair on lipless crankbaits and Texas rigs. Crappie are fair on live minnows.

TEXOMA: Water clear; 55–60 degrees; 8.58’ low. Largemouth bass are slow on shaky heads and Texas-rigged worms near laydown timber. Crappie are fair on chartreuse jigs. Striped bass are good on slabs and crankbaits.

TOLEDO BEND: Water murky; 60–64 degrees; 1.35’ low. Largemouth bass are fair on chartreuse/ black lipless crankbaits, spinner baits and crankbaits.

TRAVIS: Water murky; 64–68 degrees; 53.96’ low. Largemouth bass are good on Senkos, flukes, and crawfish crankbaits in 5–15 feet. Striped bass are slow. White bass are good on silver crankbaits, white grubs and minnows.

WALTER E. LONG: Water lightly stained. Largemouth bass are slow. Hybrid striper are good on chartreuse striper jigs and silver spoons.

WHITNEY: Water stained; 63–67 degrees; 12.12’ low. Largemouth bass are good on green pumpkin spinner baits, crankbaits and soft plastics.

WRIGHT PATMAN: Water lightly stained; 58–62 degrees; 5.96 ’ high. Crappie are good on minnows and jigs. Catfish are good on trotlines.

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Lake Austin Continued from Page 1

The issue for the lake is the lack of hydrilla since grass carp were introduced to control the invasive plant several years ago. They have done their job too well, according to Booker.

“There are maybe one or two patches of it left, but even those root balls are being eaten by the carp,” he said. “It’s bittersweet because we have a feeling about what is coming. We don’t want to have happen here what happened on Stillhouse Hollow.”

Another issue with the lake is the amount of pressure, according to Booker.

“It’s getting hammered,” he said.

“There are a lot of license plates in the parking lot daily from Illinois, Florida and Louisiana. I get asked a lot how to catch fish on this lake.

The secret is to fish it a lot. Austin is infamous for not being able to pattern.”

Another angler who fishes Austin regularly is guide Ryan Wags. Wags said he has had some great days recently with multiple big bass.

“This lake is emerging as one of the primary trophy lakes in the country,” he said. “If you don’t land a 5-pounder, you usually get a shot at one.”

Wags agrees the spawn was all over the place and said his clients have caught some long bass recently that would have made it to double digits had they not already released their eggs.

“The weather hasn’t been stable yet,” he said. “When we get a few days of warm weather, we are catching them in 2 to 5 feet. Recent cold fronts have knocked that back a little bit. The morning bite has been off when it is cold, which is normal for spring fishing.”

Wags said the pressure is getting a little ridiculous on the small

LoneOStar Outdoor News

body of water.

“After that Sharelunker was caught, the ramps looked like it was Lake Fork,” he said. “I’ve never seen it so busy, and that was on a Friday.”

Wags said the hydrilla is almost gone and that makes the fish

April 25, 2014

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tougher to catch because they move more.

“It is going to have an impact,” he said. “Grass definitely helps concentrate the fish.”

— Staff report Ryan Wags, (830) 832-6505

WINNING FOR THE RIGHT REASONS: Bobby Curnutt holds the 8.46-pound bass that won him the Big Bass Bash after only fishing for one hour on April 12. Photo by Big Bass Bash.

Kilgore angler wins Big Bass Bash

A LOT OF BIG FISH: One of guide Ryan Wags’ clients holds a nearly 10-pound bass she caught recently on Lake Austin. Photo by Ryan Wags.

The 2nd Annual Big Bass Bash was held April 12-13 on Lake Palestine and Kilgore angler Bobby Curnutt took the top prize with an 8.46-pound bass.

According to Johnny Lathrop, general manager at KNUE Radio and Townsquare Media, which hosted the tournament, the fishing was good and the tournament grew 90 percent from last year.

“We had 350 anglers,” he said.

“Bobby caught the fish in the 8 a.m. hour on the first day and it stood for the entire length of the tournament. Everything worked out and the weather held until 1 p.m. on Sunday.”

According to KETK NBC News in Tyler, Curnutt was fighting an injury and wasn’t going to fish in the tournament until his son, who is battling cancer, told him to go.

“It’s a great story,” Lathrop said.

“We love to have winners like that with a touching story.”

Curnutt won $10,000 for his big fish.

— Staff report

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April 25, 2014

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GAME WARDEN BLOTTER CATFISH USED AS TROTLINE BAIT Smith County Game Wardens Scott Holly and Chris Bird were patrolling the Navidad River for recreational fishing and water safety enforcement during a local catfish tournament. While on patrol, the wardens discovered a trotline baited with several blue catfish and watched the trotline from a distance.

Later that afternoon, three fishermen returned to check their line and were greeted by the wardens. The men denied having baited their line with blue catfish until the wardens explained they had taken pictures of the catfish. The three men then admitted baiting the line with blue catfish and citations were issued for using game fish as bait.

CAST-NETTERS OF WHITE BASS NETTED BY WARDEN Dallas County Game Warden Jamie Sanchez received a call from a man fishing on Rowlett Creek who had seen several men throwing a cast net. The man reported he had seen the men leaving Rowlett Creek with three ice chests filled with white bass, but could not identify a vehicle. Sanchez was unable to make contact with the men that morning but returned that night and noticed three cars by the creek, so he decided to wait. At approximately midnight, six men wearing headlamps with bags on their shoulders walked toward the parked cars. The bags the men were carrying were filled with white bass and the men had no fishing rods or reels. The men admitted to using a cast net to take all of the white bass and gave Sanchez the net they had used. A total of 107 white bass were taken that night, along with one 6-foot cast net. Cases pending.

POACHER HIDES UNDER PORCH WITH HIS CROSSBOW A landowner reported to Bell County Game Warden Brandt Bernstein that a deer was shot on his ranch and he believed that one of the tenants who lived on the ranch shot the deer. Bernstein and fellow warden Justin Valchar responded and located the deer behind the suspect’s residence. The suspect had been outside working on furniture when the wardens arrived, and another individual was near the deer and watching the wardens. As the wardens pulled up, they observed the suspect disappear behind a shed. Valcar knocked on the door and made contact with a female resident who said she was the only one home. In the back yard, the suspect had crawled underneath the back porch and was hiding with a crossbow.

WARDEN HELPS CATCH OILFIELD EQUIPMENT THIEVES Gregg County Game Warden Todd Long was contacted by a local landowner regarding illegal hunting and trespassing. Long responded and found additional evidence of possible burglary and oilfield theft activity on adjacent property where petroleum trucks and energy equipment were stored. Long contacted corporate supervisors who helped secure evidence of unauthorized persons after losing thousands of dollars in equipment thefts. Several law enforcement agencies joined the investigation including the Texas Comptroller’s Office-Criminal Investigation Division for dyed-diesel fuel crimes. At least two subjects have been identified and arrested for multiple felony theft charges, identity theft, evading arrest, trespassing and numerous outstanding warrants.

ROAD HUNTERS MISS TURKEY, FIND WARDENS Nolan County Game Warden Jake Simmering received a call from a

He was placed under arrest. The next-door neighbor then came out of his residence and became aggressive towards the wardens. Bernstein told the neighbor to leave and the man refused. Bernstein attempted to place the man under arrest for interference and the suspect pulled away and tried to spin around. A struggle ensued, and Valchar assisted as the man continued to struggle with both wardens. The man was arrested for resisting and interference with a public servant. Valchar located a bloody crossbow bolt 25 yards from the house, and the bolt was retained as evidence, along with a sample of blood from the deer.

Multiple cases pending.

local ranch foreman around 8 p.m. advising a vehicle had just driven past his house and shot off the road.

The rancher said he had left his house and attempted to approach the vehicle. When he did, one male subject who was walking next to the vehicle jumped a fence and ran.

Shortly after this, Simmering and two Nolan County deputies arrived.

The driver of the vehicle said they had seen three turkeys standing in the road and he had stopped and shot at one, but missed. He also said his friend had been walking the fence line to see if he had hit the turkey and when the rancher drove up, he ran. Simmering was able to contact the subject on his cell phone and had him walk back to the road. Several cases are pending.

KEEPER OF OVERSIZED BLACK DRUM CAUGHT Aransas County Game Warden Scott McLeod apprehended two subjects in Aransas Bay with three black drum exceeding 40 inches in length. Citations issued and the fish

were released.

BASS CAST-NETTERS BUSTED Williamson County Game Warden Joel Campos received a call regarding a group cast-netting largemouth bass in the San Gabriel River behind the Katy Crossing Subdivision.

Campos found one adult female filleting largemouth bass and three adult males using cast nets. Charges and civil restitution are pending.

PIER FISHERMEN KEEPS WAY TOO MANY SMALL TROUT Cameron County Game Warden Santana Torres received a call on South Padre Island that an individual was at a local pier, keeping several undersized trout. As Torres arrived, the individual was packing up and getting ready to leave. The individual was in possession of 27 spotted seatrout, of which 22 were undersized, along with one undersized sheepshead. Multiple citations were issued.

GOOD CATFISH CATCHING DAY TURNS BAD Polk County Game Warden Ryan Hall was patrolling the Trinity River below the Lake Livingston dam and caught a local man who was 19 catfish over the daily bag limit. Cases pending.

GROUP KEEPS 84 SHEEPSHEAD, GETS 23 TICKETS Cameron County Game Wardens Santana Torres and Jarret Barker were patrolling the Lower Laguna Madre when they noticed several people on the South Padre Island jetties catching sheepshead. After patrolling the bay, the wardens made a trip to the jetties where several violations were ongoing. At the jetties, 23 citations were issued, three warnings given and 84 sheepshead were seized. The fish were later donated to Loaves & Fishes in Harlingen.

FEED STORE CONVERSATION LEADS TO CITATIONS Sutton County Game Warden Will Allison, while off-duty, was visiting his local feed store when he overheard several men who had just purchased Nonresident Special Hunting Licenses turn down an offer of a Nonresident Spring Turkey License from the store clerk. The men made statements that led Allison to believe that they might be intending to violate game bird laws.

Allison followed the men in his personal truck and found out the location where the subjects were hunting exotics. He then called Schleicher County Game Warden Chris Frey and informed him of the situation. The next day, citations for possession of untagged turkeys and a nonresident hunting without a valid license were issued and two turkeys were seized.

Cases and restitution pending.

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Coon hunting Continued from Page 5

tion in Kentucky, winning $12,000 and a truck. He has been coon hunting since he was 12. He said while the sport may be unique, the draw is similar to many others.

“It’s the same as anything else, you have to practice to win coon hunts,” McCaskill said.

He said that a substantial amount of the effort comes before the hunt while training the dogs. Once the tailgate drops and the dogs hit the trail, it’s all about the competition.

“It’s the thing the draws everybody to a sport, the competition of the thing,” he said.

Ramsey said the CHKC is the thirdlargest coon hunting organization in the country. Others include the United Kennel Club, Professional Kennel Club and the American Kennel Club. The Pilot Point chapter is a nonprofit group, which donates their income to charities at the end of the year.

Ramsey said the clubs have surpassed expectations for this year, but he isn’t ready to rest easy just yet.

“It’s gone better than I could have expected,” he said. “But I hope we can double or triple it by next year.”

READY TO RUN: Members of the CHKC compete on a point-based system that ranks members from different clubs nationally. There are approximately 3,000 competitive coon hunters registered with the club. Photo by Steve Schwartz, Lone Star Outdoor News.

MOVING IN FOR THE SUMMER: Offshore species are beginning to move around the Gulf Coast, as water temperatures are rising. Some sharks are being caught in shallower waters. Photo by Capt. Mike Williams.

Offshore Continued from Page 1

Party Boats, said their clients are having luck with red snapper at lower depths on different live baits. For their more experienced clients, they are jigging, using sardines and croakers for their daily catch — they have a special pilot boat permit for off-season red snapper.

“They’ve been pulling in some big ones this year,” Williams said. “The nice thing about red snapper is that it doesn’t matter what the weather is like.”

Oestreich said the red snapper have been over-productive in their region, and their clients are bringing in daily limits consistently — many large fish as well.

“They’re coming back with huge red snapper,” Oestreich said. “The snapper are so thick out there (40-45 miles off the coast), you can’t not reach your limit.”

Not so for other species. Bill Busters’ Freda Greene, out of Port Aransas, said the warming water temperatures are getting their season kickstarted.

Atlantic sharpnose have been striking on ribbonfish — a staple bait in their area — and last week they had a decent intake of smaller fish. Temperatures are hovering near 70 degrees, which she said will bring in female sharks soon to have their pups in the shallower waters.

In addition to sharks, Greene said the kingfish, ling and dorado have been coming in on lines while trolling a drifting offshore as well.

Closer to shore, Galveston’s Captain Mike Williams said sharks were nowhere to be seen in for the past several weeks, due to cooler temperatures.

“I haven’t seen sharks within 30 nautical miles in January or February, but they are showing up now,” he said.

The offshore boats are a few weeks ahead. Oestreich said they have been seeing some — not many — species of sharks, including Atlantic sharpnose, mako and hammerhead.

But while numbers have been picking up, they are still a bit behind, Greene pointed out. She also pointed out that the season is still early.

“You aren’t getting those fish close to shore yet,” Greene said. “Really our season is just getting started.”

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TEXAS SALTWATER FISHING REPORT Big flatfish GOOSE ISLAND — Capt. Rick Hammond has reported some great nights gigging flounder in the bays and coves around Goose Island State Park.

According to Hammond, wind has been a factor and has forced him to search for protected waters, but he has been successful finding flatfish stacked on beds in shallow coves along sandy shorelines and shorelines with oyster beds.

Fish holding over soft mud in areas with baitfish are also providing good gigging action.

Along with flounder, some sheepshead and black drum are also being gigged.

To contact Capt. Rick Hammond, call (361) 727-0045.

Top-water time THE LAND CUT — Good boxes of trout and redfish are being caught on pink-colored top-waters.

According to multiple reports, areas around the Land Cut are producing trout up to 25 inches in 3 to 4 feet of water over mud/shell mix.

The top-water bite has been best during the mornings.

NORTH SABINE: Trout, redfish and flounder are good in the Neches River in 4–20 feet of water around points. Flounder are fair on jigs tipped with shrimp around marsh drains.

SOUTH SABINE: Sheepshead, redfish and black drum are good at the jetty on live shrimp.

Flounder and redfish are good in the Bessie Heights marsh.

BOLIVAR: Trout are fair to good on the south shoreline on soft plastics and plugs. Black drum and redfish are good at Rollover Pass.

TRINITY BAY: Trout are fair for drifters on the east shoreline on plastics and slow–sinkers.

Redfish and flounder are fair in the marsh on finger mullet.

EAST GALVESTON BAY: Trout are fair to good on the south shoreline on top-waters and twitchbaits. Whiting and sand trout are good on the edge of the Intracoastal on fresh shrimp. Black

drum are fair to good in the Ship Channel on crabs.

WEST GALVESTON BAY: Trout are fair to good for drifters working shell on live shrimp. Sheepshead, redfish and black drum are good at the jetty on shrimp and crabs. Redfish and black drum are good in the back lakes on shrimp and scented plastics.

FREEPORT: Sand trout and sheepshead are good on live shrimp on the reefs in Christmas Bay. Black drum and redfish are good at the jetties on cracked blue crabs.

EAST MATAGORDA BAY: Trout and redfish are fair for drifters in five feet of water on live shrimp.

Redfish are fair in Lake Austin on shrimp.

WEST MATAGORDA BAY: Redfish are fair to good in Oyster Lake on shrimp and crabs. Black drum and redfish are fair to good at the jetty on crabs. Redfish and black drum are fair to good

Along with top-water action, plenty of nice trout have been caught wading throwing soft and scented plastics in white and chartreuse.

Keeper trout PIRATE’S LANDING FISHING PIER — The popular South Padre Island fishing pier has been producing solid catches of keeper-sized speckled trout, although most of the action has been at night.

According to Manager Marco Rodriguez, the daytime bite has been decent for whiting and a few black drum. But the action heats up when it gets dark, and anglers have been reeling in nice boxes of sheepshead, sandtrout and speckled trout.

“Most everyone is using live shrimp,” he said. “The water is clean and it hasn’t been too windy, which is a nice change.” with live shrimp, Fishbites have also caught whiting during the day.

Along To contact Pirate’s Landing, call (956) 943-7437.

— Conor Harrison

at Shell Island on shrimp.

PORT O’CONNOR: Trout and redfish are fair on reefs in San Antonio Bay on live bait. Trout and redfish are fair for drifters working the back lakes with live shrimp.

ROCKPORT: Black drum are fair to good in Morris–Cummings Cut on free–lined shrimp. Black drum are good in the Lydia Ann Channel on crabs. Redfish are fair to good in Allyn’s Bight and Estes Flats.

PORT ARANSAS: Black drum are good in the Shrimpboat Channel on crabs and finger mullet. Redfish and sheepshead are fair to good at the jetty on shrimp.

CORPUS CHRISTI: Trout are fair to good on the edge of the spoils on scented plastics and live shrimp. Black drum and redfish are fair to good in the Packery Channel on crabs.

BAFFIN BAY: Trout are fair to good around rocks

and sand and grass on soft plastics. Black drum are good in the Land Cut on crabs. High winds and brown tide has hurt water clarity.

PORT MANSFIELD: Trout are fair to good on top-waters around sand and grass along the shoreline. Redfish are fair to good while drifting potholes on scented plastics and live bait.

Black drum and redfish are good on crabs at East Cut. SOUTH PADRE: Trout are fair around the spoil islands, channel edges and color changes on DOA Shrimp. Black drum, redfish and jack crevalle are fair on live bait at the jetty. Flounder are fair to good on the spoils along the ICW on finger mullet.

PORT ISABEL: Trout and redfish are fair to good at Gas Well Flats on live shrimp. Redfish are fair on the flats South Bay on DOA Shrimp, scented plastics and live shrimp. Trout are fair on the edge of the spoils on live bait.

LSONews.com

K9 unit Continued from Page 1

the program are Labrador retrievers.

“The first training was for narcotics,” Thorne said. “That is not our main law enforcement focus, but we have a pretty big rural area where manpower is lower and we deal with that. Part of the reason we start with narcotics is that it teaches the dogs to use their nose and trains the handler to work with the dog. Next is search and rescue, and we are getting ready to leave and go back to Utah to take courses in tracking and evidence recovery.”

Thorne said training dogs to sniff out contraband wildlife is a little different than narcotics.

“Those dogs will detect deer, ducks, ivory, shell casings, firearms, fish and other wildlife,” he said. “One handler and a dog just made a case with a bunch of undersized white bass. The basic fundamentals are the same with wildlife and narcotics in that you train the dog to alert — basically sit or scratch when he smells something.

“The wildlife dogs will train and work in more natural areas like camps, fields and woods.”

Thorne said they implement “ranging”

LoneOStar Outdoor News

techniques where the wildlife dogs will search larger areas on their own, “much like a bird dog will cover large areas looking for quail.”

The dogs have to pass rigorous testing to make the final cut to become part of the program.

“They have to find a single shell casing in a half or a quarter of an acre,” Thorne said. “It is a pretty good-sized area. (Justin) can smell very minute amounts of odor. I assist a lot of agencies and Justin has made several misdemeanor and felony cases. It’s really interesting and he is really high-strung.”

Being a handler is a huge commitment, requiring a minimum of 28 hours per month on training, and multiple trips to Utah for eight weeks at a time. Thorne said he is heading back to Utah for another eight-week training session soon. However, the benefit to the public will be big, according to Asst.

Commander Kevin Davis, who oversees the K9 program.

“Our program is designed around public safety and helping people in need,” Davis said. “Response time will be fast because we are positioning these dogs all over the state.

Our main focus will be search and rescue after natural disasters, looking for deceased people and people lost in the outdoors.”

THE NOSE KNOWS: Along with handler John Thorne, Justin searches for contraband during a training exercise in Utah. Photo by TPWD.

April 25, 2014

Page 17

Page 18

April 25, 2014

LoneOStar Outdoor News

LSONews.com

HEROES

HERIBERTO RODRIGUEZ shot this bull nilgai at 60 yards with his PSE Omen in Hidalgo County.

DAVID BROOKS was trolling in 62 feet of water when this wahoo hit a ballyhoo bait.

GABE BRACE, 16, was fishing White Rock Lake in Dallas when he caught this nice largemouth bass.

SHARE AN ADVENTURE n Want to share hunting and fishing photos with other Lone Star Outdoor News readers?

Email them with contact and caption information to editor@lon-

NATHAN HARWELL caught his dorado trolling ballyhoo near a ripline close to Southern Rock aboard the Fish + Fun II.

KELLY DAHLSEID, of Round Rock, took her first deer with a perfect shot from 98 yards with a Remington 700 .30-06 on her lease in Junction.

estaroutdoornews.com. High-resolution original jpegs only. Mail prints to Heroes, Lone Star Outdoor News, P.O. Box 551695, Dallas, TX 75355.

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LoneOStar Outdoor News

April 25, 2014

Page 19

Page 20

April 25, 2014

LoneOStar Outdoor News

LSONews.com

NATIONAL USFWS amends decision on ivory imports The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service revised the April 4, 2014, finding that suspended imports of elephants from Zimbabwe and Tanzania for 2014.

Under the revision, elephant trophies legally taken from Zimbabwe from Jan. 1, 2014 until April 4, 2014 will be allowed to be imported.

The hunter will still need to be able to demonstrate to USFWS Office of Law Enforcement that the hunt occurred before that date in order to import the trophy.

— SCI

Although they aren’t taken by hunters, found trophies are nonetheless an important gauge of outstanding habitat, strong recruitment of game animals into older age classes, sustainable harvest objectives and other elements of sound wildlife management. Picked-up trophies are an integral part of the conservation success story. Without them, the story is incomplete.”

Alberta biologists speculate the bighorn died in early summer 2013 at 10 1/2 years of age.

Boone and Crockett official measurers in Alberta taped the horns and alerted the club they had totaled a preliminary green score that would exceed the current World’s Record.

That ram, also from Alberta, scored 208-3/8 B&C points and was taken in 2000.

— Boone and Crockett

Dead bighorn could Virginia elk be the new record restoration A massive bighorn sheep that died project complete of natural causes and was later found by wildlife officials could be a new World’s Record, according to the Boone and Crockett Club.

The ram was found in Alberta. The skull now is in possession of provincial officials and will be entered into Boone and Crockett records on behalf of the citizens of Alberta.

“Many hunters are unaware that Boone and Crockett records include many found trophies,” said Richard Hale, chairman of the Club’s Big Game Records Committee. “The main reason we keep records is to document conservation success.

A multi-year project to restore wild elk to their native hills of Virginia is complete thanks to the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, its volunteers, the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries and several other partners.

“This is a prime example of what can happen when good people work together,” said David Allen, RMEF president and CEO. “There is now a growing and sustainable elk herd on the ground in Virginia for the first time in more than four decades.”

The third and final group of 45 wild elk —14 bulls and 31 cows, 16 of

Nikon will send your 10x42 ProStaff 7 binoculars.

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which are pregnant — arrived in Virginia’s Buchanan County from Kentucky, joining an existing herd of approximately 30 elk previously relocated in 2012 and 2013.

Virginia has a goal of growing the herd to about 400 animals and eventually instituting a regulated hunting season.

RMEF completed successful elk restorations in Wisconsin in 1995, Kentucky in 1997, Tennessee in 2000, Ontario in 2001, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in 2002, Missouri in 2011, and Virginia in 2014.

— RMEF

Fla., Ga. groups team up for quail Conservation groups and state agencies are partnering to help the northern bobwhite quail in Florida and Georgia.

The four partners are the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Quail Forever and Tall Timbers Research Station & Land Conservancy.

All four organizations have signed a memorandum of agreement pledging that they will each support the Florida/Georgia Quail Coalition, whose goal is to enhance, promote and conserve quality habitat for northern bobwhite and to promote and support youth shooting sports programs and education.

Quail Forever will provide one shared, full-time employee and one part-time staff member. The organization also is charged with providing funding to establish, man-

age and monitor quail populations and habitat on public and private lands in Florida and Georgia and to work with the Coalition to increase youth hunting opportunities on some of these lands once adequate bird populations and habitat have been restored.

To increase and enhance quality quail habitat, money for projects will be spent on frequent small-scale prescribed burning, removing oak trees, roller-chopping dense palmettos and hardwood thickets and thinning rows of planted pine trees. The result of such management practices will create a forest and canopy that is more open, allowing sunlight to reach the forest floor, so that native grasses and weeds can grow, which provide quail food and cover from predators.

— FWC

which has educated tens of thousands of sportsmen over the years and is credited for a reduction in hunting-related accidents in recent decades, continues to be used widely as in-class curriculum in Oklahoma schools, and the Explore Bowhunting and Explore Bowfishing programs focus on the hunting and bowfishing aspects of the sport of archery.

The Fishing in the Schools program implements the department’s Aquatic Resource Education program to teach students in schools about fishing for recreation and conservation.

The newest program is the Scholastic Shooting Sports Program that implements the department’s Shotgun Training Education Program to introduce safe, competitive shotgun shooting to youth as part of school curriculum.

— ODWC

Oklahoma’s Outdoor Gibson receives Education teaching lifetime guide lifelong hobbies award The Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation’s outdoor education programs is finding success in public schools, teaching students about safe, ethical and fun outdoor recreation in Oklahoma and growing in popularity among students and school officials.

The department’s Archery in the Schools Program has grown over a 10-year period from its original 10 pilot schools to about 425 schools across the state that participate today.

The Hunter Education program,

Eleven-year-old Dallas hunter Tommy Kay recently harvested these two big gobblers during the opening day of youth season with a single shot from his 20-gauge on family land near Coleman. They were Tommy’s first birds, and they sported beards of 8 and 10 inches.

The Orvis Company announced Doug Gibson as the recipient of the Orvis-Endorsed Guide Lifetime Achievement Award.

Born in Newdale, Idaho, Gibson has been fishing for more than 56 years. Currently the head guide for Three Rivers Ranch in Warm River, he began his guiding career in 1972.

He has received the Guide of the Year Award from Orvis in the past, a testament to his expertise, experience and knowledge on the water.

— Orvis

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LoneOStar Outdoor News

Sun | Moon | Tides

Full

Date Time Apr 25 7:19 AM Apr 26 8:19 AM Apr 27 9:14 AM Apr 28 4:23 AM Apr 29 5:12 AM Apr 30 6:00 AM May 1 6:48 AM May 2 7:38 AM May 3 12:36 AM May 4 1:23 AM May 5 2:15 AM May 6 3:14 AM May 7 4:20 AM May 8 12:01 AM May 9 1:10 AM

Height 0.6L 0.8L 0.9L 2.0H 2.0H 2.0H 1.9H 1.8H 0.1L 0.3L 0.4L 0.6L 0.7L 1.3H 1.4H

Time 1:43 PM 2:15 PM 2:46 PM 10:03 AM 10:50 AM 11:34 AM 12:17 PM 1:04 PM 8:33 AM 9:36 AM 10:40 AM 11:34 AM 12:13 PM 5:27 AM 6:31 AM

Galveston Bay entrance, north jetty Date Time Apr 25 1:36 AM Apr 26 2:50 AM Apr 27 3:57 AM Apr 28 4:48 AM Apr 29 5:32 AM Apr 30 6:20 AM May 1 7:17 AM May 2 12:11 AM May 3 12:54 AM May 4 1:41 AM May 5 2:26 AM May 6 3:07 AM May 7 3:55 AM May 8 5:21 AM May 9 12:59 AM

San Luis Pass

Date Time Apr 25 1:45 AM Apr 26 3:03 AM Apr 27 4:09 AM Apr 28 5:08 AM Apr 29 6:03 AM Apr 30 6:54 AM May 1 7:45 AM May 2 12:19 AM May 3 12:59 AM May 4 1:41 AM May 5 2:28 AM May 6 3:21 AM May 7 4:23 AM May 8 5:35 AM May 9 1:12 AM

Freeport Harbor Date Time Apr 25 12:56 AM Apr 26 2:15 AM Apr 27 3:23 AM Apr 28 4:24 AM Apr 29 5:19 AM Apr 30 6:12 AM May 1 7:02 AM May 2 7:52 AM May 3 8:41 AM May 4 12:39 AM May 5 1:26 AM May 6 2:20 AM May 7 3:30 AM May 8 4:56 AM May 9 12:33 AM

Rollover Pass

Date Time Apr 25 4:34 AM Apr 26 5:52 AM Apr 27 12:09 AM Apr 28 12:44 AM Apr 29 1:20 AM Apr 30 1:58 AM May 1 2:38 AM May 2 3:21 AM May 3 4:07 AM May 4 5:02 AM May 5 6:19 AM May 6 7:42 AM May 7 8:48 AM May 8 2:12 AM May 9 3:47 AM

Height 1.6H 1.6H 1.6H 1.0L 1.2L 1.3L 1.3L 1.4L 1.7H 1.7H 1.6H 1.6H 1.6H 0.8L 0.9L

May 7

Time 7:49 PM 8:30 PM 9:11 PM 3:15 PM 3:42 PM 4:06 PM 4:24 PM 4:31 PM 2:05 PM

Height 0.5L 0.3L 0.1L 1.6H 1.6H 1.6H 1.5H 1.5H 1.4L

7:47 PM 6:53 PM 12:42 PM 1:06 PM

Time 2:31 AM 3:30 AM

Height 1.8H 1.9H

9:51 PM 10:30 PM 11:11 PM 11:52 PM

0.0L 0.0L 0.0L 0.0L

4:16 PM

1.4H

1.2L 1.1L 1.5H 1.5H

10:13 PM

1.2H

6:58 PM 7:19 PM

0.9 L 0.7 L

Time 7:20 AM 8:14 AM 9:23 AM 10:36 AM 11:26 AM 12:11 PM 1:13 PM 8:16 AM 9:04 AM 09:45 AM 10:28 AM 11:15 AM 12:00 PM 12:35 PM 6:33 AM

Height Time 0.7L 1:46 PM 0.9L 2:21 PM 1.0L 2:56 PM 1.1L 3:29 PM 1.2L 3:53 PM 1.3L14:12 PM 1.3L 4:33 PM 1.9H 2:17 PM 1.9H 2:51 PM 1.8H 1.7H 1.6H 1.6H 7:02 PM 1.5H 7:01 PM 0.9L 1:02 PM

Height 1.6H 1.6H 1.6H 1.5H 1.5H 1.5H 1.5H 1.4L 1.4L

Time 7:54 PM 8:36 PM 9:25 PM 10:12 PM 10:53 PM 11:32 PM 4:55 PM 5:11 PM

1.5H 1.4H

1.0L 0.9L 1.5H

11:39 PM

1.2H

7:16 PM

0.7L

Height 1.1H 1.3H 1.4H 1.4H 1.5H 1.5H 1.4H 0.0L 0.1L 0.2L 0.3L 0.4L 0.5L 0.6L 0.9H

Time 8:04 AM 9:10 AM 10:09 AM 11:03 AM 11:54 AM 12:44 PM 1:38 PM 8:36 AM 9:29 AM 10:24 AM 11:16 AM 12:01 PM 12:35 PM 1:01 PM 6:48 AM

Height 0.5L 0.7L 0.8L 0.9L 1.0L 1.1L 1.1L 1.4H 1.3H 1.3H 1.2H 1.2H 1.2H 1.1H 0.7L

Height 1.2H 1.2H 1.2H 1.2H 1.2H 1.2H 1.2H

Time Height 8:35 PM 0.5L 9:13 PM 0.3L 9:50 PM 0.1L 10:27 PM 0.0L 11:04 PM 0.0L 11:41 PM -0.1L

Height 1.4H 1.6H 1.8H 1.9H 1.9H 2.0H 1.9H 1.9H 1.8H 0.2L 0.3L 0.5L 0.6L 0.7L 1.2H

Time 7:31 AM 8:46 AM 9:56 AM 11:04 AM 12:14 PM 10:44 PM 11:20 PM 11:58 PM

Height 0.6L 0.8L 0.9L 1.1L 1.2L 0.0L 0.0L 0.1L

9:30 AM 10:16 AM 10:57 AM 11:32 AM 12:02 PM 6:24 AM

1.8H 1.7H 1.6H 1.6H 1.5H 0.9L

Height 1.4H 1.5H 0.5L 0.4L 0.3L 0.2L 0.3L 0.3L 0.4L 0.5L 0.6L 0.7L 0.7L 1.1H 1.2H

Time 11:47 AM 12:44 PM 7:02 AM 8:08 AM 9:15 AM 10:28 AM 11:56 AM 1:49 PM 3:38 PM 4:22 PM 4:27 PM 4:20 PM 4:05 PM 9:46 AM 10:41 AM

Height 0.7L 0.8L 1.5H 1.6H 1.6H 1.6H 1.5H 1.5H 1.5H 1.4H 1.4H 1.3H 1.3H 0.8L 0.8L

Time 2:11 PM 2:37 PM 3:02 PM 3:26 PM 3:48 PM 4:08 PM 4:21 PM

Height 0.5 L 0.3L 0.1L 0.0 L 0.0L 0.0L

8:09 PM 8:07 PM 1:23 PM

0.8L 0.7L 1.1H

11:33 PM

0.9H

8:14 PM

0.6L

Time 1:30 PM 1:55 PM 2:17 PM 2:36 PM 2:51 PM

Height 1.5H 1.4H 1.3H 1.3H 1.2H

Time 7:58 PM 8:28 PM 9:01 PM 9:35 PM 10:09 PM

Height 0.6L 0.4L 0.2L 0.1L 0.0L

7:11 PM 7:20 PM 12:27 PM

0.9L 0.8L 1.4H

11:01 PM

1.1H

7:32 PM

0.6L

Time 5:05 PM 5:18 PM 1:41 PM 2:39 PM 3:40 PM

Height 1.2H 1.2H 0.9L 1.1L 1.2L

Time 11:36 PM

10:34 PM 4:02 PM 4:16 PM

1.0L 1.3H 1.3H

5:31 PM 5:44 PM 5:56 PM

Height 0.7L 1.2H 1.2H 1.2H

10:59 PML 11:23 PM 0.8L

Port O’Connor

Date Time Apr 25 2:43 AM Apr 26 6:03 AM Apr 27 7:32 AM Apr 28 8:52 AM Apr 29 10:09 AM Apr 30 12:34 AM May 1 1:14 AM May 2 1:52 AM May 3 2:31 AM May 4 3:12 AM MAy 5 3:56 AM May 6 4:45 AM May 7 5:40 AM May 8 6:40 AM May 9 7:51 AM

44.

45.

46.

Height 0.7H 0.8H 0.9H 0.9H 1.0H 0.2L 0.2L 0.2L 0.2L 0.3L 0.3L 0.3L 0.4L 0.5L 0.6L

Rockport

Date Time Apr 25 2:06 AM Apr 26 4:54 AM Apr 27 2:22 PM Apr 28 2:37 PM Apr 29 12:35 AM Apr 30 1:25 AM May 1 2:14 AM May 2 3:04 AM May 3 3:54 AM May 4 4:45 AM May 5 5:33 AM May 6 6:17 AM May 7 6:55 AM May 8 7:25 AM May 9 1:35 AM

Time 9:29 AM 10:51 AM 11:12 PM 11:54 PM

Height 0.5L 0.7L 0.3L 0.2L

11:25 AM 12:37 PM 1:32 PM 2:10 PM 2:35 PM 2:58 PM 3:23 PM 3:44 PM 3:52 PM 2:21 PM

1.0H 1.0H 1.0H 0.9H 0.9H 0.9H 0.9H 0.8H 0.7H 0.7H

Time 8:51 AM 8:37 AM 11:43 PM

Height 0.3L 0.4L 0.2L

3:06 PM 3:46 PM 4:35 PM 5:33 PM 6:39 PM 7:48 PM 9:00 PM 10:16 PM 2:54 PM 2:24 PM 7:45 AM

0.5H 0.5H 0.5H 0.5H 0.5H 0.5H 0.5H 0.4H 0.4H 0.4H 0.4L

Time 12:55 PM 1:13 PM 9:22 AM 10:18 AM 11:10 AM 11:58 AM 12:42 PM 11:56 PM

Height 1.1H 1.1H 0.9L 1.0L 1.1L 1.2L 1.2L 0.3L

1:52 PM 2:16 PM 12:02 PM 12:16 PM 12:01 PM 12:05 PM

1.2H 1.2H 1.1H 1.1H 1.1H 1.1H

Height 1.0H 1.2H 1.3H 1.4H 1.4H 1.5H 1.4H 1.4H -0.1L 0.0L 0.1L 0.2L 0.3L 0.4L 0.6L

Time 7:09 AM 8:22 AM 9:31 AM 10:40 AM 10:13 PM 10:51 PM 11:30 PM

Height 0.6L 0.7L 0.9L 1.0L -0.1L -0.2L -0.2L

10:05 AM 11:03 AM 11:44 AM 12:08 PM 12:19 PM 12:26 PM 12:31 PM

Height 0.4H 0.4H 0.4H 0.4H 0.4H 0.4H 0.0L 0.1L 0.1L 0.1L 0.1L 0.1L 0.1L 0.3H 0.3H

Height 0.4H 0.4H 0.5H 0.5H 0.2L 0.2L 0.2L 0.2L 0.2L 0.2L 0.3L 0.3L 0.3L 0.3L 0.4H

Port Aransas

Date Time Apr 25 7:13 AM Apr 26 8:20 AM Apr 27 3:26 AM Apr 28 4:41 AM Apr 29 5:45 AM Apr 30 6:45 AM May 1 7:42 AM May 2 8:39 AM May 3 3:41 PM May 4 12:32 AM May 5 1:13 AM May 6 2:02 AM May 7 3:01 AM May 8 4:41 AM May 9 6:25 AM

Height 0.7L 0.8L 1.2H 1.3H 1.3H 1.3H 1.3H 1.3H 1.2H 0.3L 0.4L 0.5L 0.6L 0.6L 0.7L

South Padre Island Date Apr 25 Apr 26 Apr 27 Apr 28 Apr 29 Apr 30 May 1 May 2 May 3 May 4 May 5 May 6 May 7 May 8 May 9

Time 12:37 AM 2:18 AM 3:41 AM 04:51 AM 5:55 AM 6:56 AM 7:57 AM 9:00 AM 12:09 AM 12:51 AM 1:35 AM 2:25 AM 3:25 AM 4:39 AM 6:01 AM

East Matagorda Date Time Apr 25 1:49 AM Apr 26 2:59 AM Apr 27 4:41 AM Apr 28 8:17 AM Apr 29 9:00 AM Apr 30 1:12 PM May 1 12:00 AM May 2 1:10 AM May 3 3:04 AM May 4 3:25 AM May 5 3:53 AM May 6 4:36 AM May 7 6:53 AM May 8 1:01 AM May 9 1:32 AM

OUTDOOR PUZZLER | By Wilbur “Wib” Lundeen 36.

39.

Legend: Major=2 hours. Minor=1 hour. Times centered on the major-minor window. F=Full Moon, N=New Moon, Q=Quarter > = Peak Activity. For other locations, subtract 1 minute per 12 miles east of a location, and add 1 minute per 12 miles west of a location.

First

May 14

May 21

Houston

Height 1.5H 1.7H 1.8H 2.0H 2.0H 2.0H 2.0H 0.0L 0.1L 0.2L 0.3L 0.5L 0.6L 0.8L 1.3H

ACROSS 1. Large groups of animals 3. A buck’s mating ritual 5. A breed of gun dog 8. A beaver project 9. The chinook 10. Animal pathways 11. A saltwater food fish 13. At times used for catfish bait 15. A wood used in arrow shafts 16. Flocks of theses are called a covey 17. A gauge used by anglers 20. This will remove gamey taste from meat 22. Camp resting place 23. A game having young 24. A predator of small game 27. Long-distance archery targets 30. A buck’s domain marks 31. A type of gunsight 33. Shotgun model, over and _____ 34. Locale of the largest bass 35. Found in the

New

Last

Texas Coast Tides Sabine Pass, north

Solunar | Sun times | Moon times

Moon Phases Apr. 29

Time 3:22 PM 2:24 PM

Height 0.7H 0.7H

9:30 PM

0.5L

Time 2:49 PM 2:25 PM

Height 0.4H 0.4H

6:17 PM 8:01 PM 2:12 PM

0.4L 0.4L 0.4H

Time 7:53 PM 8:32 PM 1:34 PM 1:55 PM 2:16 PM 2:36 PM 2:57 PM

Height 0.7L 0.5L 1.2H 1.2H 1.2H 1.2H 1.3H

Time 9:54 PM 10:32 PM

Time 9:32 PM 10:43 PM

Height 0.5L 0.4L

Height 0.3L 0.3L

11:45 PM

0.4H

9:15 PM

0.3L

Time 1:49 AM 9:09 PM 9:45 PM 10:20 PM 10:52 PM 11:24 PM

0.3L 0.2L 0.2 L 0.2 L 0.2 L

1.0L 0.8L 0.7L

Time 1:10 PM 1:21 PM 1:27 PM 1:22 PM

Height 1.1H 1.1H 1.0H 1.1H

1.4H 1.3H 1.2H 1.2H 1.1H 1.0H 1.0H

7:24 PM 7:29 PM

0.7L 0.5L

11:42 PM

0.8H

Time 7:47 AM 10:24 AM 10:54 AM 10:58 AM 11:09 AM

Height 0.2L 0.3L 0.3L 0.3L 0.4L

Time 2:04 PM 1:21 PM 1:37 PM 2:02 PM 2:36 PM

Height 0.4H 0.4H 0.4H 0.4H 0.4H

Time 10:00 PM 10:29 PM 10:43 PM 11:01 PM 11:26 PM

Height 0.2 L 0.1 L 0.1 L 0.0 L 0.0L

10:32 AM 12:21 PM 12:51 PM 1:20 PM 1:49 PM 2:17 PM 1:13 PM 7:13 AM 7:26 AM

0.4H 0.4H 0.5H 0.5H 0.4H 0.4H 0.4H 0.2L 0.2L

7:40 PM 3:01 PM 1:48 PM

0.3L 0.3H 0.4H

7:56 PM 7:52 PM

Solution on Page 27

9:00 PM 10:55 PM

Height 1.2H

6:52 PM 7:13 PM 7:37 PM

boathouse Furs, hides, etc.

To pull back a bowstring A game run Largest North American deer A heavily populated elk state

DOWN 1. The 36 across 2. Male dall 3. To examine tracks for freshness 4. The male turkey 5. Part of a fishline 6. Object of an aimed rifle 7. Oxidation on a gun part 9. A fishing aid 12. Letter code for shotgun model 13. Used for bait at times 14. A type of shotgun 15. A kind of jig 16. The arrow container 18. Term for trigger requiring light pull 19. Hunter’s friend and aid 21. A lure, scent ____ 23. The beginner hunter

Page 21

April 25, 2014

1.0H 0.9H

Time Height 7:46 PM 0.5 L 8:21 PM 0.3 L 8:57 PM 0.1L 9:35 PM -0.1L

0.2L 0.2L

2014 April-May 25Fri 26Sat 27Sun> 28Mon> 29TueN 30Wed> 01Thu> 02Fri 03Sat 04Sun 05Mon 06TueQ 07Wed 08Thu 09Fri 10Sat 11Sun 12Mon> 13Tue> 14WedF

A.M. Minor Major 3:42 9:55 4:27 10:40 5:13 11:25 6:00 ----6:51 ----7:45 1:32 8:40 2:27 9:36 3:24 10:31 4:19 11:25 5:13 ----- 6:03 12:38 6:51 1:25 7:35 2:06 8:17 2:46 8:57 3:25 9:36 4:04 10:16 4:46 10:59 5:32 11:45 6:22 12:12

P.M. Minor Major 4:08 10:20 4:52 11:05 5:38 11:51 6:26 12:39 7:17 13:30 8:10 1:58 9:06 2:53 10:01 3:49 10:56 4:44 11:48 5:36 12:15 6:26 1:02 7:13 1:46 7:57 2:28 8:39 3:08 9:19 3:47 9:59 4:28 10:39 5:11 11:23 5:58 ----6:50 12:36

SUN Rises 7:44 7:43 7:42 7:41 7:40 7:39 7:39 7:38 7:37 7:36 7:35 7:34 7:34 7:33 7:32 7:31 7:31 7:30 7:29 7:29

Sets 8:53 8:54 8:54 8:55 8:56 8:56 8:57 8:57 8:58 8:59 8:59 9:00 9:01 9:01 9:02 9:03 9:03 9:04 9:05 9:05

MOON Rises Sets 5:16a 5:34p 5:56a 6:36p 6:36a 7:37p 7:17a 8:38p 8:00a 9:37p 8:46a 10:35p 9:33a 11:29p 10:22aNoMoon 11:12a 12:19a 12:03p 1:05a 12:55p 1:47a 1:47p 2:26a 2:39p 3:03a 3:31p 3:37a 4:24p 4:12a 5:18p 4:46a 6:15p 5:22a 7:13p 6:00a 8:14p 6:41a 9:16p 7:27a

2014 A.M. April-May Minor Major 25Fri 3:48 10:01 26Sat 4:33 10:45 27Sun> 5:18 11:31 28Mon> 6:06 ----29TueN 6:57 ----30Wed> 7:50 1:37 01 Sun 10:02 3:50 02 Mon 10:53 4:41 03 Tue 11:42 5:31 04 Wed 12:04 6:18 05 ThuQ 12:49 7:02 06 Fri 7:45 1:56 07 Sat 2:15 8:26 08 Sun 2:56 9:08 09 Mon 3:38 9:51 10 Tue 4:23 10:37 11 Wed > 5:12 11:26 12 Thu > 6:06 ----13 Fri F 7:05 12:56 14 Sat > 8:07 1:52

P.M. Minor Major 4:13 10:26 4:58 11:11 5:44 11:57 6:32 12:45 7:23 13:36 8:16 2:03 10:25 4:13 11:15 5:04 ----- 5:53 12:28 6:39 1:13 7:24 8:07 7:19 2:38 8:49 3:20 9:32 4:04 10:16 4:50 11:04 5:41 11:55 6:36 12:21 7:35 1:20 8:37 2:22

SUN Rises 7:46 7:45 7:44 7:43 7:42 7:41 7:20 7:20 7:20 7:19 7:19 7:19 7:19 7:19 7:19 7:18 7:18 7:18 7:18 7:18

Sets 9:03 9:03 9:04 9:05 9:06 9:06 9:29 9:29 9:30 9:30 9:31 9:31 9:32 9:32 9:33 9:33 9:34 9:34 9:34 9:35

MOON Rises Sets 5:22a 5:40p 6:01a 6:43p 6:40a 7:46p 7:20a 8:48p 8:02a 9:48p 8:46a 10:46p 10:47a NoMoon 11:40a 12:34a 12:33p 1:10a 1:26p 1:44a 2:19p 2:17a 3:13p 2:50a 4:08p 3:23a 5:06p 3:58a 6:06p 4:36a 7:08p 5:18a 8:11p 6:05a 9:13p 6:58a 10:13p 7:56a 11:07p 8:59a

P.M. Minor 4:20 5:05 5:50 6:38 7:29 8:23 9:18 10:14 11:08 ----12:27 1:15 1:59 2:40 3:20 4:00 4:40 5:23 6:10 7:02

SUN Rises 7:57 7:56 7:55 7:54 7:53 7:52 7:52 7:51 7:50 7:49 7:48 7:47 7:47 7:46 7:45 7:45 7:44 7:43 7:43 7:42

Sets 9:05 9:06 9:06 9:07 9:08 9:08 9:09 9:09 9:10 9:11 9:11 9:12 9:13 9:13 9:14 9:15 9:15 9:16 9:16 9:17

MOON Rises Sets 5:28a 5:47p 6:08a 6:49p 6:49a 7:50p 7:30a 8:50p 8:14a 9:50p 8:59a 10:47p 9:46a 11:41p 10:35aNoMoon 11:26a 12:31a 12:17p 1:17a 1:09p 2:00a 2:00p 2:39a 2:52p 3:15a 3:44p 3:50a 4:37p 4:24a 5:31p 4:59a 6:27p 5:35a 7:26p 6:13a 8:26p 6:55a 9:28p 7:40a

SUN Major Rises Sets 10:46 8:03 9:26 11:31 8:01 9:27 12:17 8:00 9:28 13:05 7:59 9:28 13:56 7:58 9:29 2:23 7:57 9:30 3:19 7:56 9:31 4:15 7:55 9:32 5:09 7:54 9:33 6:02 7:53 9:33 6:52 7:52 9:34 7:39 7:51 9:35 8:23 7:50 9:36 9:05 7:49 9:37 9:45 7:48 9:38 10:24 7:47 9:38 11:05 7:46 9:39 11:49 7:46 9:40 12:11 7:45 9:41 1:02 7:44 9:42

MOON Rises Sets 5:43a 6:01p 6:21a 7:05p 6:59a 8:09p 7:38a 9:12p 8:19a 10:13p 9:02a 11:12p 9:49aNoMoon 10:37a 12:07a 11:28a 12:57a 12:20p 1:42a 1:13p 2:23a 2:07p 3:01a 3:01p 3:35a 3:55p 4:08a 4:50p 4:40a 5:47p 5:12a 6:46p 5:46a 7:46p 6:21a 8:49p 7:01a 9:53p 7:44a

Dallas

San Antonio 2014 April-May 25Fri 26Sat 27Sun> 28Mon> 29TueN 30Wed> 01Thu> 02Fri 03Sat 04Sun 05Mon 06TueQ 07Wed 08Thu 09Fri 10Sat 11Sun 12Mon> 13Tue> 14WedF

A.M. Minor Major 3:55 10:07 4:39 10:52 5:25 11:38 6:13 ----7:04 ----7:57 1:44 8:53 2:40 9:49 3:36 10:44 4:32 11:37 5:25 12:03 6:16 12:51 7:04 1:37 7:48 2:19 8:30 2:59 9:09 3:37 9:49 4:17 10:29 4:59 11:11 5:44 11:57 6:35 12:24

Amarillo

2014 A.M. April-May Minor Major 25Fri 4:08 10:21 26Sat 4:53 11:06 27Sun> 5:38 11:51 28Mon> 6:26 ----29TueN 7:17 ----30Wed> 8:10 1:57 01Thu> 9:06 2:53 02Fri 10:02 3:49 03Sat 10:57 4:45 04Sun 11:50 5:39 05Mon 12:17 6:29 06TueQ 1:04 7:17 07Wed 1:50 8:01 08Thu 2:32 8:43 09Fri 3:12 9:23 10Sat 3:51 10:02 11Sun 4:30 10:42 12Mon> 5:12 11:24 13Tue> 5:58 ----14WedF 6:48 12:38

P.M. Minor 4:34 5:18 6:04 6:52 7:43 8:36 9:32 10:27 11:22 ----12:41 1:28 2:12 2:54 3:34 4:13 4:54 5:37 6:24 7:15

Major 10:33 11:18 12:03 12:51 12:42 2:10 3:05 4:01 4:56 5:49 6:39 7:26 8:10 8:51 9:31 10:11 10:52 11:36 ----12:48

FOR THE TABLE Lemon and herb roasted striper 4 (6-ounce) striped bass fillets 1 lemon 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil 1 tspn chopped fresh thyme 1 tspn chopped fresh oregano 1/4 tspn salt 1/4 tspn freshly ground black pepper Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Coat a baking sheet with cooking spray.

Place fish on pan. Grate lemon rind to measure 1 teaspoon; juice lemon to measure 1 tablespoon.

Combine rind, juice, oil, thyme, oregano, salt, and black pepper; drizzle mixture over fish. Bake for 13 minutes or until desired degree of doneness.

— myrecipes.com

Bean and bunny soup

25.

26.

28.

29.

32.

A deer food source The 16 down filler A ____fish Lure speciality Atlantic ships use very large ones 36. A sound made by a wild turkey 37. To prepare a gun for firing

38. A kind of flat fish 39. The stag is of this family 40. Term for imaginary line through a bore 41. Another name for a gobbler 42. A lion’s foot 43. Angler’s choice, light, medium or heavy

Boneless meat from 1 rabbit, cut into 1-inch chunks 1, 11 1/2-ounce can of bean with bacon soup 1, 12-ounce can pinto beans 1 cup water 2 carrots, cut into 1/4-inch slices 2-3 slices bacon, cut into 1/2-inch pieces 1/4 cup dried cranberries 1 tbsp brown sugar Salt, pepper, garlic powder, dried

parsley, curry and cayenne pepper to taste Place meat, soup, beans, water, carrots, bacon, cranberries and sugar in a crock-pot. Season to taste with the spices. Cook on low 4 hours. Soup is done when carrots are tender. Can substitute with chicken or squirrel.

— backwoodsbound.com

*email LSON your favorite recipe to news@lonestaroutdoornews.com.

Page 22

April 25, 2014

LoneOStar Outdoor News

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PRODUCTS ELITE 8 ROGUE: This suspending 4.5-inch jerk bait by Smithwick dives quicker and runs deeper than other jerk baits of similar size, according to the company. The Elite 8’s dive is steep and deep: about 8-feet deep on 10-pound line. The jerk bait darts erratically when twitched and produces flashes and a unique knocking sound. The Elite 8 comes in a dozen color patterns for both clear and murky water. Its MSRP is $7.99.

MONARCH 7 RIFLESCOPE: Nikon’s new flagship Monarch 7 riflescope features 30mm main body tube construction and dual bullet-drop compensation technologies for long-range shooting versatility. Built with the company’s Ultra ClearCoat optical system, the riflescope provides hunters with flat-sight pictures that are bright and sharp. The Monarch 7 comes in two variants (a 2.5-10x50 SF and 4-16x50 SF), both with locking side focus. Each riflescope has an XR turret package along with a glass-etched BDC reticle, which provides hunters with the option to dial-in a particular distance on the crosshair or to use the holdover points on the reticle. This new turret allows custom matching of the distances inscribed on the elevation dial to the specific ballistics of virtually any cartridge, load and environmental conditions. The waterproof, fogproof and shockproof riflescopes cost about $850 for the 2.5-10x50 SF model and about $1,000 for the 4-16x50 SF model.

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(800) 645-6687 nikonsportoptics.com

M4 SCIRRAKO: Alpha-TAC’s newest ExtremeBeam tactical flashlight is machined from solid bar stock aluminum and illuminated by a 230-lumen bulb that shines ever so brightly, thanks to at the company’s Lumen technology. Utilizing a precision-engineered reflecting cone that captures nearly all of the light produced from the LED bulb, the result is a powerful tunefocusable central beam with a light projection of more than 360 yards for seven hours (when on high). The 5.9-inch-long M4 Scirrako features a micro-textured body for increased grip even when wet, tri-cut glass for greater durability, and an anti-glare stealth coating. The waterproof flashlight costs about $60.

>>

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(877) 579-7878 www.extremebeam.com PINTAIL SUNGLASSES: Kaenon’s newest polarized sunglasses will appeal to bass fishermen. Featuring the company’s proprietary SR-91 polarized lenses, the sunglasses come in Tobacco, Graphite/Red and Black (shown with gray 12 lenses). The Pintails have lightweight frames and embedded notepads for all-day comfort. Designed for small to medium faces, the sunglasses offer large lenses for big protection against the sun. These sunglasses, with their subtle sculpted details and pintail-shaped temple tips, cost about $210 (prescription lenses will run higher).

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Multiple trip discounts. Call Capt. Thomas for details or CDCT12005@aol.com. www.CustomSportsAnglers.com (956) 551-1965

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SALES REP WANTED Attraxx is looking for sporting enthusiasts who’ve never met a stranger in their life and can also work well alone. If you fit the description, have two years of sales experience (preferred) and can work in multiple states or regions, send resume to sales@ JOBUoutdoors.com.

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Newsstand copies are $2, in certain markets copies are free, one per person. Copyright 2014 with all rights reserved. Reproduction and/or use of any photographic or written material without written permission by the publisher is prohibited. Subscribers may send address changes to: Lone Star Outdoor News, P.O. Box 551695, Dallas, TX 75355 or email them to news@lonestaroutdoornews.com.

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April 25, 2014

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April 25, 2014

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Time 6:00 PM 6:30 PM 7:00 PM 7:30 PM 8:00 PM 8:30 PM 9:00 PM 9:30 PM 10:00 PM 10:30 PM 11:00 PM 11:30 PM Midnight Time 6:00 PM 6:30 PM 7:00 PM 7:30 PM 8:00 PM 8:30 PM 9:00 PM 9:30 PM 10:00 PM 10:30 PM 11:00 PM 11:30 PM Midnight Time 6:00 PM 6:30 PM 7:00 PM 7:30 PM 8:00 PM 8:30 PM 9:00 PM 9:30 PM 10:00 PM 10:30 PM 11:00 PM 11:30 PM Midnight

FRIDAY SATURDAY

Time 6:00 PM 6:30 PM 7:00 PM 7:30 PM 8:00 PM 8:30 PM 9:00 PM 9:30 PM 10:00 PM 10:30 PM 11:00 PM 11:30 PM Midnight Time 6:00 PM 6:30 PM 7:00 PM 7:30 PM 8:00 PM 8:30 PM 9:00 PM 9:30 PM 10:00 PM 10:30 PM 11:00 PM 11:30 PM Midnight Time 6:00 PM 6:30 PM 7:00 PM 7:30 PM 8:00 PM 8:30 PM 9:00 PM 9:30 PM 10:00 PM 10:30 PM 11:00 PM 11:30 PM Midnight Time 6:00 PM 6:30 PM 7:00 PM 7:30 PM 8:00 PM 8:30 PM 9:00 PM 9:30 PM 10:00 PM 10:30 PM 11:00 PM 11:30 PM Midnight

SUNDAY

THURSDAY

WEDNESDAY TUESDAY

MONDAY

Prime Time | April OUTDOOR CHANNEL Western Extreme Whitetail Freaks Michael Waddell’s Bone Collector Gregg Ritz’s Hunt Masters Heartland Bowhunter Territories Wild Adventure Bowhunter Ram Outdoorsman The Best of the West Wardens Presented by Streamlight Pro Hunt Journal RMEF Team Elk Ram Outdoorsman OUTDOOR CHANNEL Tecomate Whitetail Nation American Birdhunter ScentBlocker’s Most Wanted Ted Nugent Spirit of the Wild Mossy Oak’s Hunting the Country Driven with Pat and Nicole Wardens Presented by Streamlight Wardens Presented by Streamlight Eastman’s Hunting TV Wardens Presented by Streamlight Primos Truth About Hunting Mossy Oak’s Hunting the Country Driven with Pat and Nicole OUTDOOR CHANNEL NRA Gun Gurus The Best Defense Shooting Gallery Shooting USA American Rifleman TV Shooting USA’s Impossible Shots NRA Gun Gurus Wardens Presented by Streamlight Shooting USA Midway USA’s Gun Stories OUTDOOR CHANNEL Wardens Presented by Streamlight Jack Link’s Major League Fishing Bottom Feeders Tecomate Whitetail Nation Bow Madness RMEF Team Elk PSE’s Wild Outdoors Wardens Presented by Streamlight Crush with Lee and Tiffany Michael Waddell’s Bone Collector Greg Ritz’s Hunt Masters OUTDOOR CHANNEL Trev Gowdy’s Monster Fish The Hunt for Big Fish Zona’s Awesome Fishing Show Bottom Feeders Arrow Affliction Alaska Outdoors Television Gold Fever RMEF Team Elk Wardens Presented by Streamlight Wardens Presented by Streamlight Bottom Feeders OUTDOOR CHANNEL Fly Rod Chronicles Buccaneers and Bones Outdoors in the Heartland Steve’s Alaska Adventures Gridiron Outdoors Trophy Quest The Best of the West Choose Your Weapon Western Extreme Wardens Presented by Streamlight Ted Nugent Spirit of the Wild Cabela’s American Archer Western Extreme OUTDOOR CHANNEL Mathews TV with Dave Watson Crush with Lee and Tiffany Jim Shockey’s Hunting Adventures Wildgame Nation Realtree Outdoors Primos Truth About Hunting NRA All Access Michael Waddell’s Bone Collector Bottom Feeders Wardens Presented by Streamlight Jim Shockey’s Hunting Adventures Realtree Outdoors Wildgame Nation

PURSUIT CHANNEL F&Ts Freedom Outdoors Avian X Sport Fishing TV The Hitmen Turkey Thugs The Outdoor Option Chasing Waters Make Ready TV Midwest Outdoors Northwest Hunter Trophy Time TV TNT Outdoor Explosion Winchester & Drurys Natural Born PURSUIT CHANNEL Fish PAA National Walleye Tour Lake Commandos Bob Redfern Outdoor Magazine Scott Martin Challenge Hank Parker Outdoor Magazine Cabelas Fisherman Handbook Fishing Texas Lake Commandos Bob Redfern Outdoor Magazine Scott Martin Challenge Hank Parker Outdoor Magazine Cabelas Fisherman Handbook PURSUIT CHANNEL Fish PAA Deer & Wildlife Stories Long Range Pursuit Man verses Elk Gamekeepers of Mossy Oak Get in the Game Avian X TomBob Outdoors Flatliners The Hunting Show The High Road w/Keith Warren The Hitmen Turkey Call PURSUIT CHANNEL The High Road w/Keith Warren Bowhunting Addiction Outdoor Edges The Great Outdoors Turkey Call Backland Outdoors Trophy Time TV KT Diaries Where in the World is Colorado Buck Big Boys TNT Outdoor Explosion Gamekeepers of Mossy Oak Carnivore American Trigger Sports PURSUIT CHANNEL National Bird Dog Circuit Make Ready TV Trigger Time American Airgunner American Trigger Sports Freedom Fighters - Blaine Goodloe - 3 Gun Nation Goodloe - 3 Gun Nation Ammo & Attitude The Right Stuff Fight Night Fight Night Fight Night PURSUIT CHANNEL Trigger Time Turkey Call Spur Chasers Turkey Thugs Avian X Fishing Texas Hunting with HECS Boondock Boys The Outdoor Shopper The Outdoor Shopper Backland Outdoors Turkey Thugs Gamekeepers of Mossy Oak PURSUIT CHANNEL Where in the World is Colorado Buck Make Ready TV Turkey Thugs The High Road w/Keith Warren Inside the Obsession Winchester & Drury’s Natural Born Turkey Call Get in the Game Brush Country Monsters Wallhanger TV Hunting with HECS Wingshooting USA

SPORTSMAN CHANNEL MeatEater-Hardest Hunts MeatEater-Hardest Hunts Guns & Ammo Guns & Gear TV Hot Shots Personal Defense TV TAC TV Gun Talk TV Guns & Ammo Guns & Gear TV Hot Shots Personal Defense TV TAC TV SPORTSMAN CHANNEL MeatEater-Hardest Hunts MeatEater-Hardest Hunts Realtree’s Monster Bucks Major League Bowhunter Elite Archery’s Respect the Game TV Whitetail Properties Dreams to Reality Savage Outdoors Brad Farris’ Game Plan Realtree’s Monster Bucks Major League Bowhunter Elite Archery’s Respect the Game TV Savage Outdoors SPORTSMAN CHANNEL MeatEater-Hardest Hunts MeatEater-Hardest Hunts North American Whitetail Skull Bound TV Mathews Dominant Bucks Outfittersrating TV Whitetail SLAM DreamPoint’s Extend Your Range TV North American Whitetail Skull Bound TV Mathews Dominant Bucks Outfittersrating TV Whitetail SLAM SPORTSMAN CHANNEL MeatEaterMeatEater Dead Meat Meet the McMillans Outlanders Yeti’s Ultimate Hunt MeatEater Dead Meat Meet the McMillans Outlanders SPORTSMAN CHANNEL MeatEater-Hardest Hunts MeatEater-Hardest Hunts Bowhunter TV Relentless Pursuit Nock On TV YoungWild Outback Outdoors Maximum Archery Bowhunter TV Relentless Pursuit Nock On TV YoungWild Outback Outdoors SPORTSMAN CHANNEL Excalibur’s Huntin’ the Backwoods The Outdoor Option Canada in the Rough Bahama Lobster Pirates Silent Draw Outdoors 100% Real Hunting Phil Phillips Unleashed On The Road Canada in the Rough Bahama Lobster Pirates Silent Draw Outdoors 100% Real Hunting Phil Phillips Unleashed SPORTSMAN CHANNEL Bullets And Broadheads Maximum Outdoors TV Pigman: The Series Predator Nation Petersen’s Hunting The Season with Justin Martin Dead Dog Walkin’ Dog Soldier TV Pigman: The Series Predator Nation Petersen’s Hunting The Season with Justin Martin Dead Dog Walkin’

WORLD FISHING NETWORK Angler West TV The Scott Martin Challenge Breaking Boundarioes Bass 2 Billfish Skeeter’s Bass Champs Timmy Horton Outdoors Kayak Bassin’ TV Bigg Bass Battle South Bend’s Lunkerville Canadian Sportfishing Breaking Boundaries Bass 2 Billfish WORLD FISHING NETWORK Sportsman 360 TV The New Fly Fisher Silent Invaders In the Loop Kings of the River Season on the Edge The Next Bite TV Ultimate Fishing Experience The Legacy Experience Florida Adventure Quest Silent Invaders In the Loop WORLD FISHING NETWORK Reel Animals Lindner’s Ultimate Angler Bill Boyce’s Baja George Poveromo’s Saltwater Fishing Women’s Pro Tarpon Florida Adventure Quest Canadian Sportfishing Jarrett Edward’s Outdoors Fishing 411 Extreme Angler TV Bill Boyce’s Baja George Poveromo’s Saltwater Fishing WORLD FISHING NETWORK Musky Hunter The Fishi’n’ Crazee Show Silent Invaders The Kayak Fishing Show Outdoor Passion World Fishing Journal Fishing with Bill MIller Big Coast Sportfishing Fish TV Hookin’ Up with Nick and Mariko Silent Invaders The Kayak Fishing Show WORLD FISHING NETWORK Fish’n Canada Jimmy Houston Outdoors Inside Sportfishing Carolina’s Perfect Cast John Gillespie’s Water & Woods Lunkerville Classics Fishing the Flats The Bass Doctor FLW Tour Inside Sportfishing Krappie Kings John Gillespie’s Water & Woods WORLD FISHING NETWORK Inside Sportfishing The New Fly Fisher Women’s Pro Tarpon Tour Skeeter Bass Champs The Next Bite TV Timmy Horton Outdoors Krappie Kings The Hook and the Cook Jarrett Edward’s Outdoors The Fish Finders Women’s Pro Tarpon Tour Skeeter Bass Champs WORLD FISHING NETWORK King of the River The Scott Martin Challenge Lindner’s Ultimate Angler Game Fisher’s Diary Breaking Boundaries Bill Boyce’s Baja George Poveromo’s Saltwater Fishing Bass 2 Billfish Lunkerville Classics The Fish Finders Lindner’s Ultimate Angler Game Fisher’s Diary

Benelli sponsoring On the Road Benelli has announced its new partnership with On The Road, the hit outdoor TV show featuring Aaron Lewis and Rock Bordelon.

Aaron Lewis, a Vermont native, nurtured his love and passion for the outdoors in the Vermont backwoods through his early hunting and fishing experiences with his father and grandfather. Lewis, lead singer and founding member of the rock group, Staind, has recently ventured into country music with the 2011 release of his first solo EP album, Town Line, which went gold with his hit “Country Boy.” Co-hosting OTR with Lewis is Rock Bordelon, a Louisianan who grew up on the bayou in a small parish hunting ducks, squirrel, rabbits and deer. Bordelon used every method imaginable from bows to shotguns and rifles to hunt, stalk and take game throughout his native Louisiana. Bordelon currently owns an ATV Park and Carey Lake Ranch in Jacksonville, Texas, where he continues to pursue his passion for hunting and fishing and enjoyment of the outdoors.

OTR follows the hard-working, day-to-day lives of Lewis and Bordelon as they keep busy schedules, but allocate their time off to enjoying the great outdoors. Watch as they travel to many different parts of the world, pursuing the hunting and fishing offered in remote and exciting locales.

OTR airs Sat. at 9:30 p.m., Sun. at 12:30 a.m., and Thurs. at 10:30 a.m., (CST) on Sportsman Channel.

“We believe in the products of our partner sponsors and stand behind them every step of the way,” said Lewis.

“We’re proud to be associated with great companies like Benelli and to be able to rely on their guns in tough and rugged situations. Time is valuable, we can’t afford to use products that fail.”

— Benelli

LSONews.com

LoneOStar Outdoor News

Local tournament Project estabtrails bring in large lishes first-ever genome assembly bags of It’s tough to look at a bass fishing tournament leaderboard in North Texas bobwhite quail this year and not see Todd Castledine In their pursuit to unlock the mystery of bobwhite quail decline in Texas, Park Cities Quail provided funding for a study of the bobwhite quail genome.

The project, which began in 2011 with the harvesting of a wild bobwhite quail test subject from the Rolling Plains Quail Research Ranch in Roby, has been completed, and the work has been published in the current issue of the scientific journal PLOS ONE. The genetic mapping of this wild bobwhite quail, named Pattie-Marie, could prove to be instrumental in helping researchers understand historic and future bobwhite population trends.

“This is an important piece of the puzzle. It is our hope that this once humble bird will provide the foundation for thousands of hours of independent research by scientists all over the world,” said Joe Crafton, who also helped fund the study. “This is a classic example of hunters funding the research that will eventually result in population growth of key wildlife species.”

“By sequencing and assembling the bobwhite quail genome, the team produced the most comprehensive resource currently available for cutting-edge interdisciplinary research in the bobwhite,” said Dr. Chris Seabury of Texas A&M University School of Veterinary Medicine, who led the study. “We now have a more formal resource for studying the bird and identifying new, or perhaps even more specific reasons for its serious decline.”

The bobwhite quail was recently named first on the “Top Ten Birds in Decline” in North America by the Audubon Society.

With a population crash from 31 million in 1967, to only 5.5 million in 2007, the bobwhite quail has experienced an 80 percent decline over the past 40 years.

With this groundbreaking research on the bobwhite quail genome, it is hoped that researchers can identify genetic factors that may play a role in their decline, and perhaps even quail “lineages” with higher resistance to disease and environmental stresses.

— Park Cities Quail

or Russell Cecil near the top.

The pair did it again at the Bud Light Tournament Trail on Lake Texoma on April 19.

Catching five bass for a total weight of 27.55 pounds, the duo took home the top prize of $2,600.

Robert Brooks and Hollie Carrerra took second place with 25.91 pounds.

The top seven teams all had sacks weighing more than 20 pounds.

It took 18.82 pounds to place in the money. Fifty-one teams fished the event.

take home the title on Belton Lake on April 12.

Josh Cowie and Malcolm Kitchen, both from New Braunfels, took second place and won $4,200.

More than 160 anglers competed in the tournament. The big bass was caught by the team of Brian Holmes and Paul Reynolds Jr — it weighed 7.45 pounds.

Bass Champs on Belton Thornton angler Charles Reagan and his partner, Hewitt angler Lowell Bennet caught three bass for a total of 12.62 pounds to win a new truck and

Photo by Bud Light Trail

April 25, 2014

Salvinia Continued from Page 9

able to fish in the past five years.”

Deaver said the bass are on beds and he has been catching good numbers targeting spawning flats and stump in less than 5 feet of water.

“They’re right up shallow,” he said. “It has been a late spawn this year but they are at it right now. We have caught a few postspawn fish, but most have not spawned yet.”

The salvinia issue is one anglers are glad to see gone for now.

“The winter was a tough one on Caddo,” said Lucas Gregory, project specialist at Texas A&M University’s Water Resource Institute. “The cold did a pretty good number on the salvinia. We’ve gotten a lot of feedback that it is much reduced from what it was last

Page 25

summer.”

More than 7,000 acres of water was covered by the invasive plant last summer, but early estimates this year put it at a little less than 1,000 acres currently.

“Along with the winter, high water pushed it down the river,” Gregory said. “That said, it was the same scenario three winters ago, then two summers later, it was back over 6,000 acres.”

Gregory has distributed weevils to eat the plant and keep it under control, although the cold weather that killed the salvinia also killed many of the weevils.

“We were still finding some alive in January,” he said, “but in February we didn’t find any alive. We hope to have another batch ready to go in mid-May. At the end of last year, the weevils were really knocking out some complete areas of salvinia, so were are pretty encouraged.”

Page 26

April 25, 2014

LoneOStar Outdoor News

LSONews.com

DATEBOOK APRIL 25-26

Taxidermy King World Class Big Game Trophy Mount and Auction Will Rogers Memorial Center, Fort Worth (512) 451-7633 Txidermyking.com

APRIL 26

Ducks Unlimited Winnie Dinner Winnie-Stowell Community Building (409) 267-7116 ducks.org/texas Coastal Conservation Association Redfish Bay Chapter Annual Banquet Port Aransas Civic Center (713) 626-4222 ccatexas.org Kimble County Chamber of Commerce Outdoor Women Gone Wild (325) 446-3190 junctiontexas.com Bass Champs South Series, Falcon Lake (817) 439-3274 basschamps.com

APRIL 30

Ducks Unlimited West Houston Dinner Chateau Crystale Ballroom (713) 966-0884

MAY 1

Coastal Conservation Association Central Houston Chapter Annual Banquet Bayou City Event Center (713) 626-4222 Coastal Conservation Association San Antonio Chapter Annual Banquet Freeman Coliseum Expo Hall (713) 626-4222 ccatexas.org Coastal Conservation Association Fort Worth Chapter Annual Banquet Joe T. Garcia’s (713) 626-4222 ccatexas.org Ducks Unlimited The Woodlands Crawfish boil Rob Fleming Park (281) 636-4883 ducks.org/texas Ducks Unlimited Katy-Brookshire Patos de Mayo Crawfish Boil The Cotton Ranch, Katy (713) 858-7669 ducks.org/texas National Wild Turkey Federation Cottonwood Creek Banquet Stonebriar Country Club, Frisco (972) 473-9190 nwtf.org/Texas

MAY 1-4

Bassmaster Elite Series Toledo Bend Tournamant bassmaster.com

MAY 2

Coastal Conservation Association Mainland Chapter Annual Banquet Nessler Center, Texas City (713) 626-4222 ccatexas.org Coastal Conservation Association Texas A&M Chapter Annual Banquet Brazos Center, Bryan (713) 626-4222 ccatexas.org

MAY 3

Ducks Unlimited Gulf Coast Greenwing Conservation Day Dewberry Farms, Brookshire (713) 501-5584 ducks.org/texas Texas Team Trail Lake Livingston Tournament (210) 788-4143 texasteamtrail.com

Dallas Safari Club Spring S.A.F.E.T.Y. Event Greystone Castle (972) 980-9800 biggame.org

MAY 8

Coastal Conservation Association Austin Chapter Annual Banquet Palmer Event Center (713) 626-4222 ccatexas.org Coastal Conservation Association Mid Coast Chapter Annual Banquet Victoria Community Center (713) 626-4222 ccatexas.org Houston Safari Club Sporting Clays Tournament Westside Sporting Grounds (713) 623-8844 houstonsafariclub.org

MAY 9

Coastal Conservation Association West Houston Chapter Annual Banquet Houston Farm/Ranch Club (713) 626-4222 ccatexas.org Dallas Safari Club Monthly Meeting Bent Tree Country Club (972) 980-9800 biggame.org

MAY 10

Ducks Unlimited Dripping Springs Banquet Hog Heaven (512) 496-8333 Bass Champs North Series, Cedar Creek Lake (817) 439-3274 basschamps.com Dallas Safari Club Big Bore Shoot Trinity Outfitters, Ennis (972) 980-9800 biggame.org

MAY 14

Bass Champs East Series, Sam Rayburn Reservoir (817) 439-3274 basschamps.com

National Wild Turkey Federation Corpus Christi Banquet Richard M. Borchard Regional Fairgrounds (361) 331-1227 nwtf.org/Texas

Meals on Wheels Erath County Annual Sporting Clay Shoot Rough Creek Lodge, Glen Rose (254) 965-3510 erathmow.org

Coastal Conservation Association Golden Triangle Chapter Annual Banquet Beaumont Civic Center (713) 626-4222 ccatexas.org

MAY 15

LONE STAR MARKET

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Ducks Unlimited Houston Dinner The River Oaks Country Club (713) 775-0423 ducks.org/texas

Ducks Unlimited Comal County Dinner New Braunfels Civic Center (830) 609-8172 ducks.org/texas

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LoneOStar Outdoor News

White bass Continued from Page 8

REALLY A SHORTAGE? Anglers are frustrated because they keep hearing how the red snapper fishery needs tighter control, although they have no issues catching them. Photo by Conor Harrison, Lone Star Outdoor News.

Snapper Continued from Page 1

son and the supplemental season in the fall, after they tweaked the formula, it raised the recreational poundage by 30 percent,” said Robin Reichers, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department’s head of Coastal Fisheries. “The court ruled the new, better data was being ignored. The part that is frustrating is the science doesn’t seem to match up with what everyone is seeing.

“It is terribly frustrating.”

Federal stock assessments for red snapper only occur every five years, and a new assessment is scheduled for December 2014.

Reichers said if the data shows the recreational sector again going over its allotted poundage, next year’s snapper season could be even more limited.

“Payback penalties could be coming,” he said.

While recreational anglers are up in arms, commercial anglers are happy with the ruling, saying the recreational sector has had little accountability for years.

“The last seven years, the recreational fishery has overharvested their quota by 50 percent some years and last year by over 100 percent,” said Buddy Guindon, owner of Katie’s Seafood in Galveston and one of the plaintiffs in the lawsuit.

“The way they count fish is misunderstood and not very accurate. We didn’t ask for anything ourselves, only to force NOAA to do their job and manage the fishery properly.”

Guindon said the unforeseen consequences of the lawsuit were the states “going rogue” and not abiding by any federal law or guidelines in the management of red snapper in state waters.

“The charter boats and guides will be severely damaged by the decision of the states to not abide by federal law,” he said.

Guindon said the fishery is still recovering, and, by all accounts, is doing better than anyone imagined. He said commercial anglers have no trouble filling their quota.

“Our red snapper fishery is doing fabulous,” he said. “They are getting bigger and expanding their range. If they would implement proper management, it could be a year-round fishery. If the states would comply, we would have a much longer season.”

Guindon said while the fishery is doing great, it still has a ways to go to fully recover.

“We aren’t there yet,” he said.

“We don’t have the older age classes of spawners like we need.

The faster we get there, the faster we’ll have more days to fish. Most recreational anglers are great people, but some people make their living and this is about a shared resource.

“We are just trying to get the feds to bring some accountability to the recreational sector.”

Lake Lewisville, has especially been impacted by the drought.

“The north end of Lake Lewisville is its own pond,” Blackerby said. “There was no way for them (the white bass) to get up there. That’s the first time I have ever seen that.”

For the areas that are still producing, like Pecan Creek, he said anglers are having luck with jigs, rooster tails and road runners, and anything with a silver or white color — such as small spoons.

Even farther north, on Lake Texoma, conditions have frustrated guide Jon Cornett.

“Our lake levels are down and the sand bass can’t get into the creeks to spawn,” Cornett said.

“Nothing is running for them to spawn in.”

The white bass he has picked up with clients in the main lake

have been spawning, Cornett said, and some have been carrying eggs, as well. He said things are just starting to pick up in his area, just as things are beginning to slow down in the south.

“This is our March right now,” he said.

And if that weren’t confusing enough, Henry Niemiec with Surestrike Guide Service on Stillhouse Hollow Lake said it is prime white bass fishing now.

“Right now the white bass are going crazy,” he said. “If you want to catch them now is the time to be on the water. It’s 30-plus (fish) days of little-to-no effort.”

He said clients are bringing in dozens of fish on lipless crankbaits and top-water lures.

Water temperatures are in the mid-60s and the bass are moving toward shad into shallow coves.

Henry Niemiec, 254-368-0294 Jon Cornett, 888-763-3360 Larry Thomas, 940-229-0288

April 25, 2014

Puzzle solution from Page 21

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April 25, 2014

LoneOStar Outdoor News

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