LoneOStar Outdoor News
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December 14, 2012
Christmas ideas What to get the outdoorsperson in your life.
Texas’ Premier Outdoor Newspaper
December 14, 2012
Volume 9, Issue 8
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■ Lone Star Outdoor News' 200th Issue
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Antler Christmas trees racking up popularity
Inside
❘❚ FISHING
Big ol’ yellow bass New pending Lake Fork record.
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Flounder gigging going off Big fish, and lots of them.
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❘❚ HUNTING NO GROUND SHRINKAGE: Bucks all over Texas are responding as colder temperatures hit the state. The first week of December saw hot weather and some places saw reduced rutting activity. Photo by David J. Sams, LSON.
One of those years What will he score? Buck tangles wire fence on his head. Page 4
Skinning with rocks Flint knapping comes in handy in a pinch. Page 5
❘❚ CONTENTS
Classifieds . . . . . . . . Crossword . . . . . . . . Freshwater Fishing Report For the Table. . . . . . . Game Warden Blotter . . . Heroes. . . . . . . . . . Outdoor Datebook . . . . Outdoor Business . . . . Products . . . . . . . . . Saltwater Fishing Report . Sun, Moon and Tide data .
Time Sensitive Material • Deliver ASAP
PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID PLANO, TX PERMIT 210
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By Conor Harrison Lone Star outdoor newS
Warm temps, large acorn crop limiting deer movement; cold front helping
Unseasonable warm weather and a huge full moon hampered daytime rutting activity across much of the state through early December. Hunters bemoaned that deer movement has been slow during shooting hours this season, although bucks undoubtedly were rutting during the brightly lit, cooler nights. “Did we miss the rut?” was a popular question on Internet message boards. But a cold front pushed through around Dec. 10, which got the deer up and moving during
the daytime, and many hunters reported seeing increased numbers and rutting activity. In Grayson County, Game Warden Michael Hummert said the cold front definitely put bucks back in the rutting mood. “It should,” he said. “I was working when the cold front hit and I have seen a pickup in rutting activity for sure. I actually saw a buck breed a doe, which is a first for me. There have been a few good bucks killed at the Hagerman (Wildlife Refuge) by some bow hunters. In my See RUT, Page 14
Specs smaller but active Both artificials and live shrimp working well TARGETING TROUT: There aren’t many trophy trout being reported along the coast, but anglers have been able to find hungry fish and fill their coolers. Photo by John Keith, LSON.
By John Keith
Lone Star outdoor newS Anglers along the coast are reporting fair action for most days with hungry trout to be
had, but you’re probably not going to have any that bend your rod in half. Sugarland angler Ryan Montgomery has been having some luck in upper Galveston
Bay on trout up to 23 inches. “This month the fishing has really been very good,” he said. “I’m usually fishing over mud, but I’ll fish over mud and shell both.” Montgomery has been using artificials such as Skitter Walks, Super Spook Juniors and Trout Killers for the best results. See TROUT, Page 28
JUST NEEDS PRESENTS: Antler artist Terry Wilson just finished this custom Christmas tree for one of his customers. Wilson designs all kinds of antler art from his studio near Cedar Creek Lake. Photo by Terry Wilson Antler Designs.
By John Keith Lone Star outdoor newS You’ve probably seen chandeliers, knife handles and table lamps all made with the help of deer antlers. But some businesses across Texas are putting a more festive spin on their use of antlers by creating Christmas trees — some up to 7 feet tall. “They’re pretty popular and they’ve caught on a lot,” said Justin Gordon of Rustic Creek Antler Designs in Caldwell. “They’re really cool pieces of art.” Gordon said the average size of the trees is about 3-feet tall, and mule deer antlers are most commonly used. “The mule deer are straighter and they curve real slow,” he said. “I can do See ANTLER TREE, Page 14
200th issue of LSON The staff at Lone Star Outdoor News would like to send a heartfelt thanks to our loyal readers and advertisers as we publish our 200th issue. Our goal now is the same as when David J. Sams founded the paper more than eight years ago — to bring our readers the most current hunting and fishing news from around the state. We’re proud to say we are the largest outdoor newspaper in Texas, but we still feel like a small group of friends who enjoy getting outside and writing about what we see and hear. We appreciate every one of you. We look forward to the future and bringing you another 200 issues. Thanks for reading.
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HUNTING
Great first buck 11-year-old shoots big muley
STILL CHAMPION: James “Cowboy” Fernandez still makes the Yentzen call he helped create sing. Fernandez used the call to win the World Duck Calling Championship in 1959, and the black walnut call is regaining popularity with duck hunters. Photo by Craig Nyhus, Lone Star Outdoor News.
The sweet sound of history Yentzen duck call making a comeback in the marsh By Craig Nyhus WHAT WILL HE DO FOR AN ENCORE? Eleven-year-old Paul Breedlove of Fort Worth shows off the big mule deer buck he took with a running shot in West Texas. Photo by David Breedlove.
By Conor Harrison Lone Star Outdoor News Fort Worth hunter Paul Breedlove was excited to head to West Texas with his brother, Kent, and dad, David, for a mule deer hunt near Midland. He should have been. Paul harvested a big buck opening morning, making a great shot in the process. “We had seen a couple of big bucks in years past in this area,” David, an oilfield director, said. “We hadn’t seen this buck, but we got up on a ridge and started glassing — nothing. We started driving south and saw a big buck by one of our wells in a pile of caliche about 500 yards off.” The hunters had a choice to make. The only way to
approach the buck without being seen was to come directly upwind. “I was afraid he would spook,” David said. “But we decided to chance it and got to within 300 yards. Then the buck disappeared. We drove around the caliche pile and no deer. We were talking out loud wondering where the buck could have gone. We looked all over that caliche pile. “I told the boys to be ready and I started to climb the little mound.” On David’s second step on the caliche pile, the buck exploded less than five yards away. “The deer popped up at 10 feet,” Paul said. “It was pretty exciting. We were all so surprised.” David agreed.
“It scared the heck out of us,” he said. “Paul got set up on the shooting sticks and I told Paul he would stop. I was hoping it would be at 75 yards, but the buck ran 225 yards before looking back. I asked Paul if he could take him and he said he could.” At that point, the deer took off running again. It was now or never for the young hunter. “Paul hit him running right in the shoulder,” David said. “He did a 90-degree about face and limped behind a berm. A finishing shot was needed, but Paul made a great shot on a really tough animal.” When the group made their way to the downed buck, they couldn’t believe the size of the deer. “When he first jumped
up, I just thought it was really cool and he was a nice buck,” Paul said. “But when we walked up to him and I saw him, he was bigger than I thought.” Even dad was stunned at how big a deer his son had just shot. “I couldn’t believe it,” David said. “For a first buck, he was a great deer. We did a victory dance and whooped and hollered. We could barely drag the deer through the sand to the truck, and we had a rough time getting him onto the lift.” The group tagged the deer and met the local game warden on the way out of the ranch. “The game warden was checking another group of hunters with a nice buck,” See FIRST, Page 31
Lone Star Outdoor News Putting the Sure-Shot Yentzen duck call to his lips in the Louisiana marsh out of Hackberry Rod & Gun Club, longtime hunting guide Travis Spicer said, “I learned on this call.” The Yentzen call, once one of the bestknown calls in Texas and across the country, has quite a history dating back to the 1950s, and it is making a comeback. “And it still sounds great,” Spicer said. The Yentzen call was the first double reed call made. Designed and patented in Texas by James “Cowboy” Fernandez and the late George Yentzen in the ’50s, it was easy to blow and ahead of its time. “George used an old call with a slender
Wire head
Buck loses fight with fence By Conor Harrison Lone Star Outdoor News
SOMEONE IS MISSING A FENCE: This big buck was harvested with several hundred feet of wire wrapped around his antlers. Photo by Steve Wehring.
Washington County hunter Steve Wehring didn’t know exactly what he was looking at on the morning of Nov. 17 at his family ranch between Burton and Lake Somerville. It was just after daylight, when a buck stepped out that had Wehring a little confused. “I saw him at barely daylight about 6:15, but didn’t know what
hanging from his horns,” Wehring said. “At first thought it was a big drop tine buck. I let him graze, then looking through the binoculars (saw) it was much more.” Wehring decided to take the buck with one shot from his .223. When he walked up on the downed buck, he couldn’t believe what was around his antlers — hundreds of feet of what appeared to be an electric fence. “I have seen in the past years of hunting, bucks having round
reed,” Fernandez said. “I cut some reeds and we put them together. It was the smoothest sound. We created the Yentzen call with two reeds — oh, it was beautiful.” And Fernandez, though slowed a bit at age 82, can still blow the perfect notes that helped him be the first Texan to win the World Duck Calling Championship in Stuttgart, Ark., in 1959. “In 1958, I made up my mind I was going to win the World’s,” he said. “I practiced and practiced. I didn’t win it in 1958, but did in 1959 against 72 other callers in Stuttgart. “It was the first time a double reed call had won the championship. The next day I was asked to demonstrate the calls — it took off See HISTORY, Page 18
bale twine hung in horns and such, but never this,” he said. “As you can see the before and after on his horns, definitely a bizarre sight.” When Wehring cut away the wire, he had a nice buck with 11 points, a 19 1/4-inch spread and a small drop tine. He aged the buck at 4 1/2 years old. “We've had some pretty good bucks over the years of late, and now with the antler restrictions imposed some years back, we are seeing the results,” he said. “We feed year round, but this year I did put in a 2-acre oat patch.” Wehring said the buck has already been feeding his family. “I’m making a new lasagna dish with this buck and the kitchen is smelling good tonight,” he added.
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December 14, 2012
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Flint knives handy when skinning Hold a great edge and very sharp
By Conor Harrison Lone Star outdoor newS
When former Fort Worth resident Angela Parker first moved to Texas and went to the grocery store to pick up some vegetables, she forgot one important item. “I bought a bunch of veggies and realized I didn’t have a knife,” said Parker, one of the country’s bestknown flint knappers. “Well, not a problem, because I went out to the trunk of my car, took about 15 minutes to knap an edge from a piece of chert, and I had a sharp knife.” It is that skill that could help hunters and anglers in a pinch if they needed a cutting tool and did not have a modern-day knife available. Parker, who now resides near Chicago, is a world-class flint knapping artist, making collectible knives and arrow points from rock. But she also has clients who legiti-
mately want to use them for the outdoors. “A lot of people buy my work because they like Monolithic art or native design,” she said. “But I do get hunters and people in the field who legitimately go out and skin a deer with one of the knives or take a deer with an arrowhead. I definitely have customers who want to use them. “They are sharp, usable and they do wear down.” Parker said the ease to make a sharp edge and how long it lasts depends on the material they are made with and the size. “I’ve literally seen an Abyssinian knife slice through a piece of frozen meat,” she said. “So they are really sharp. Texas is loaded with materials that are very strong and durable. Basically, the knives are chert, or flint, and that works really good (for getting an edge). Abyssinian, which is found on the West Coast, is 20 times stronger than surgical steel.” Parker said there are many reference books that can help someone
Photo by Angela Parker
make their own knives from chert. “Flint knapping is really growing,” she said. “But, honestly, there aren’t a lot of people out there looking to make hunting tools. It is more the collectors.” Parker said she has supplied some do-it-yourselfers with materials so they can get started on their own tools to be used for hunting. The LSON crew was hunting in South Texas and decided to skin a deer with a blade made from rock. “We were in a deer camp in Webb County and one of the practical jokes for anyone that shoots a deer is to make them skin it with a flintknapped stone knife,” said David J. Sams. “It’s is part of the initiation. When you touch the edge, it doesn’t feel very sharp, but it skins a deer just like a knife. “One of these tools could definitely be used in a pinch, or as a cool way to ‘go tribal’ and do it like our ancestors did.”
Out-of-state hunters affected by CWD Conflicting regulations cause problems By John Keith
Lone Star outdoor newS Now that there has been a confirmed case of chronic wasting disease in Texas, some out-of-state hunters are finding it harder to get their deer harvested in the Lone Star State back home. Recently on a ranch near San Antonio, hunters from Arkansas ran into a problem of conflicting regulations. In Texas, deer are not allowed to be deboned until the hunter reaches his “final destination.” However, the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission requires all deer harvested in a state with CWD findings to be deboned before it enters into Arkansas. It would seem that the hunters’ only option, even though their whitetails were taken more than 500 miles from the site of the positive CWD findings in mule deer in far West Texas, would be to have their meat processed in Texas and then shipped; something this group did not want to do. TPWD Captain Mike Morse of San Antonio said there aren’t many options for hunters from states with these kinds of restrictions. “The way I interpret it, the deer are going
to have to be processed and then shipped,” he said. “That’s just the way it’s going to have to be unless Arkansas takes into consideration the areas and distance the deer are harvested from the quarantined zone.” But Arkansas is not the only state to impose restrictions on deer from Texas. Alabama also has regulations ordering hunters to remove the bones. Arizona recommends hunters remove the bones, but does not require it. Louisiana suggests hunters take the deer to a biologist for testing. Tennessee’s regulations seem to make the most sense. They have the same rules as Alabama and Arkansas, but it is only applicable for deer from one of the quarantined counties. In addition to deboned meat, all of the above states allow for taxidermy products or hides to be brought in, as well as antlers or antlers still attached to a cleaned skull plate — though there’s not much meat to be had from a deer skull. The CWD regulations in these states apply to all members of the Cervidae family, which include white-tailed deer, elk, moose, red deer, sika deer, fallow deer, mule deer and caribou.
Clarification on TPWD proposed regulation changes In its Nov. 23 issue, Lone Star Outdoor News reported on five areas of proposed TPWD regulation changes for seasons beginning in 2013. At its November meeting, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission approved the regulation changes for consideration, however, scoping and a comment period will take place before the regulation changes receive final approval.
SHARP ENOUGH: Flint knapping can produce rocks, like this one, sharp enough to skin a deer. Photo by LSON.
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Hunters find few pheasants
NOT MANY ROOSTERS: Hunters are finding sporadic pockets of birds, although the overall numbers of birds (and hunters) are down this season. Photo by Joe Bob Shirley.
By John Keith
Lone Star Outdoor News Preseason reports warned upland game hunters of scattered concentrations of birds, and unfortunately that was found to be true by many pheasant hunters on the Dec. 1 opener. The Hart Lions Club annual pheasant hunt has seen participation dwindle, along with bird numbers, according to Chairman Tony Leibel. “We used to have 300 people come in on opening day,” he said. “Then we cut it down to about 130. Last year we had about 50 and this year all we had was 21 hunters. The economy might have a little bit to do with it, but most of it is due to the bird population.” Leibel said he might classify the numbers as slightly better than last year, but
Participation, bird numbers down still “poor.” He didn’t speak to all 21 hunters, but said the ones he did talk with weren’t able to bag any roosters. “Some hunters had seen a few but they never killed a bird; they flushed too far up,” he said. “I don’t know how long we’ll continue the hunt. Unless we start getting rain, I don’t think it’s going to change.” Hunters in Spearman had a little more luck. Joe Bob Shirley headed a hunt to benefit the O’Loughlin Center in the town. The group released some pen-raised roosters, but were happy to find wild birds while they were working the fields. “This year we were down to 24 hunters; we usually take 40, but I kept it down a little bit
because of drought conditions,” he said. “We worked grass and playa lakes and we did find some native birds. When hens are getting up, that’s obviously not birds we put out there.” Shirley said the group harvested 76 birds, of which about half were wild. They hunted one playa where no birds had been released, but found native birds. Farmers turning away from CRP lands could be a key to reduced bird numbers, according to Shirley. Some good news did come out of public land in the Panhandle. The Dimmit Unit of Playa Lakes Wildlife Management Area had two hunters on opening weekend, but only harvested one rooster. However, the hunters reported counting around 60 pheasants out on the WMA. Reports of poor hunter success also came in from Moore and Lamb counties.
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Easy way to capture wildlife images There’s a clever way to take pictures of animals in the field, and it doesn’t take an expensive camera with a strong zoom to do it. With a scoped rifle and a camera phone, hunters can catch moments in the field by putting their phone to the scope; but it may take some practice to get it right. “I’ve kind of become a photo junkie, but I don’t really have a good camera,” said Waxahachie resident Adrian Sanchez, who hunts in Taylor County. “So I rest the rifle on the window and hold the butt, then I put my phone right up to the scope and slowly scoot it back until that black ring is gone. Last year it took me forever and I got frustrated, but I can almost take a video with
Coot hunters come clean Point to numbers, ease of harvest and ... good taste?
HIGHER LIMIT: Hunters who enjoy shooting coots say that many of the beliefs about the birds are false; the table fare is good and they enjoy the liberal bag limits. Photo by David J. Sams, LSON.
By John Keith
Lone Star Outdoor News Many waterfowlers never really grow out of the “Eww, cooties,” phase. They just transition to “Eww, coots.” Hunters who are willing to shoot the scorned birds are often looked at curiously — from a distance, that is. One hunter Lone Star Outdoor News spoke with originally requested to be anonymous. “Don’t use my last name,” he said. “My friends will make fun of me.” This is the kind of mindset that Snyder hunter Henry Wiggins doesn’t mind. “Growing up, we kind of liked that nobody north of us would shoot them,” he said. “We built duck blinds specifically with the intention to shoot coots. If you had scaups or ringnecks fly over, you didn’t shoot them — they were trash.” Wiggins said the way coots look probably has the greatest effect on their reputation. “People see those nasty old feet and are turned off,” he said. “With coots, the more people See COOTS, Page 18
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it now.” Sanchez said it’s important to keep both the rifle and the hand with the camera or phone steady. “The main thing is just finding the right difference in space with the eye relief your rifle may have,” he said. “What I figured out is that the more you turn the scope up the easier it becomes.” Another benefit is being able to send pictures of deer to friends or others in camp, he said. “I’ll have two or three other guys on the ranch and ask if I see anything and I’ll send them a picture,” he said. “I’ll get back to camp and say we really need to shoot this older buck it’s going downhill, or don’t shoot this one. “Game cameras are good but the scope is way more instant. It’s definitely cool.” — Staff report
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FISHING
Hill Country fly-fishing a mixed bag By Conor Harrison Lone Star Outdoor News
Fly fishermen in the Hill Country are chasing water these days. Rivers are low and the fish have been picky, but good bites can be found in the right spots. “The San Marcos is fishing really well right now,” said Kevin Hutchison of Hill Country Fly Fishers. “The water level is good and we’ve caught some nice fish the past week or so, including a 5-pound largemouth and a 2-pound smallmouth on the same trip.” Hutchison said he has been fishing streamers low in the water and very slowly. “There is no top-water bite right now,” he said. “The Colorado is fishing well below Austin near Bastrop and near La Grange. The river is pretty low near Austin because they haven’t been releasing much water from the dam. The Guadalupe is very low, but there were trout stocked two weeks ago below the Canyon tailrace. “Fishing has been OK, but there is a lot of low water.” Hutchison said his group is “chasing water right now.” “The South Llano is fishing well, you just have to fish deep and slow,” he said. “We need rain. I would anticipate the bass fish-
ing will still be good for another couple of weeks.” Jude Cole, owner of Hell ‘N Back Outfitters in Wimberley, said the areas of the Colorado he is fishing has been solid the past few weeks. “Recently it has been pretty outstanding,” Cole said. “We are catching a couple dozen Guadalupe bass every trip, focusing on fast water with some current. That leads us to the most fish. But I expect the Colorado to start to taper off a little bit soon.” Cole said the San Marcos is seeing a lot of pressure, probably due to the river having the most water. He said specific patterns are working on the Guadalupe. “Nymphs and streamers in rainbow warrior, red pheasant tail and tan scuds are working,” he said. “But the Guadalupe is really clear right now and the SCENIC GETAWAY: Anglers should have good success on Hill Country rivers holding enough water, like the San Marcos or some stretches of the fish are spooky. You have Guadalupe. Photo by LSON. to really sneak around At Tackle Box Outfitters in San “The Guadalupe seems slow, and Wildlife beginning its winter because they can see you from a Antonio, owner Rick Laird said clear and low,” he said. “The fish stocking program for trout. mile away. the fishing has been tough on the have been very spooky.” “There are lots of bugs — caddis Kevin Hutchison, (512) 589-3474 Laird said he expects the fish- Jud Cole, (512) 940-5965 in the evenings and midges during stretches of the Guadalupe he frethe day.” quents. ing to pick up with Texas Parks Tackle Box Outfitters, (210) 821-5806
Hybrids hard to find Anglers staying on the move to keep up
LOTS OF FLOUNDER: Chris Richardson and his family caught these nice flatfish on a recent trip to the Bolivar Peninsula. Photo by Chris Richardson.
Flounder action great Warm nights spreading fish out, new cold temps balling them up
FINDING THE FISH: Medium-sized hybrids are being caught while schooling, but the bigger fish have been found away from the groups. Photo by Chris Burk.
By John Keith By Conor Harrison Lone Star Outdoor News The winter flounder season is off to a strong start along the coast, with lots of big flatfish up to 8 pounds being caught and gigged in the shallows at night. The gigging season opened again Dec. 1, after being closed the entire month of November. “During the opener, we had some really warm nights,” said Capt. Joe Clouse. “This cold front will ball the fish up. When the water temperature drops like it has (due to a cold front on Dec. 9) it really balls the fish up. They all bottleneck into the passes and rub
themselves on their belly over rocks and shell. “I got into some big wads the past few nights and had some very happy clients.” Clouse said the average fish weighed more than 5 pounds, with a 9-pounder being his biggest, along with lots of 6and 7-pound fish being gigged. “What I think will happen is the temperature drop will move a boatload of them out, but for the next week or so, the real big ones are going to be caught.” Clouse said he has been focusing See FLOUNDER, Page 24
Lone Star Outdoor News Anglers targeting hybrids are finding some hot spots across the state, but some areas are still fishing below average. Lake Tawakoni seems to be one of the good places to catch fish right now. “The fishing has been real good,” said area guide Trent Miller. “We’re getting a lot of schooling activity and birds working.” The hybrids have been on the move, though, according to Miller.
“The fish are on the move pretty strong right now,” he said. “They’re hard to keep up with, but whenever you do catch up to them they’re ready to eat. There has been a few areas that have been pretty good to try and find them, but for the most part they’re not just sitting in one spot.” The fish hanging out in schools have been average size, he said, but hybrids up to 8 pounds can be found away from the schools. “I’m mostly throwing plastics right now,” he said. “On schooling fish, I’ll use a Sassy
Shad and Bass Assassins, which is also what I’m deadsticking with.” Miller said there is no particular depth where the fish can be consistently caught. Anglers on Lake Conroe are still waiting for the bite to turn on. “We’ve had no real good action lately,” said area guide Billy Mills. “Hybrids have been one of our mysteries. We’re not consistent, where this time of year it normally is.” Mills said a warm start to winter is the most likely culprit. “They like the water See HYBRIDS, Page 24
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Piers are key on Purtis
Illegal gill nets killing sharks With most of December still left in 2012, state game wardens already are looking at a record number of seizures of illegal gill nets and long lines in Texas and U.S. waters along the lower coast. On Nov. 20, the U.S. Coast Guard notified the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department that following a three-mile pursuit by one of its boats, coast guardsmen apprehended a commercial fishing vessel from Mexico in Texas waters. At the South Padre Island Coast Guard station, game warden Sgt. James Dunks removed an illegal gill net from the seized Mexican “launcha” and found some 180 sharks entangled. The captain of the seized vessel, a Mexican national, was taken before a South Padre Island justice of the peace and charged with possession of an illegal fishing device and operating an unregistered vessel. The other person on the boat, a 16-year-old male, was released to the U.S. Border Patrol. On Nov. 7, the TPWD patrol vessel Captain Williams discovered a 3-mile-long gill net about six miles north of Brazos Santiago Pass and seven miles offshore. Dropping 30 feet deep, the net contained 17 greater hammerhead sharks, 13 unidentified sharks (because of their advanced decomposition), 8 black drum, 6 tripletail, 1 large red drum, and several hundred triggerfish. Game wardens confiscated the net and released all live fish entangled in the net. All of the illegal fishing devices are believed to have been set in Texas or federal waters by commercial fishermen operating out of Mexico, particularly from the village of La Playa Bagdad, which lies about nine miles south of the Rio Grande. Marine interests spotting gill nets or long lines in Texas waters are urged to call the Operation Game Thief hotline at 1-800-792-GAME, contact a game warden or notify the U.S. Coast Guard. — TPWD
December 14, 2012
Good day or bad day all depends on what bait you use
FEED ’EM OR FOOL ’EM: Recent years have seen a surge in the effectiveness of live bait, while anglers struggle to catch fish on artificials on Purtis Creek. Photo by James Peel.
By John Keith
Lone Star Outdoor News Whether Purtis Creek State Park Lake is a diamond in the rough, or just a useless rock, depends on who you ask. Garland angler Chris Burk would say it’s a jewel of a lake. “Purtis Creek is my favorite place to fish, and not many peo-
ple on earth can say that,” he said. “It’s the former ‘Little Lake Fork.’ People used to catch 13-, 12- and 11-pounders all the time. “Then they introduced a little fish called the grass carp, and now people say Purtis Creek is a mud hole that’s not worth looking at.” Burk believes people get frustrated while fishing the lake because artificial bait has become
almost useless in recent years. “I have a mixed view, because I believe it’s amazing, but you can’t catch a fish on a worm or spinner bait or top-water,” he said. “It’s almost like the fish know what’s real and what’s not.” Burk has had success catching largemouth up to 6 pounds on live shad or perch fishing from the pier. He said crappie are best on minnows, though he has caught some jigging. Watauga resident and long time Purtis Creek angler James Peel said he has been disappointed in the direction the lake has gone compared to years past, and also questions the stocking of grass carp to control hydrilla. “They had a profound affect on the lake in a negative way,” he said. “When they first put the carp in it I thought that maybe it wouldn’t be that bad — but it is.” Peel said he used to catch up to 30 largemouth bass in an hour, and his biggest was 11.4 pounds. “I love the lake, I truly do,” he said. “My favorite spot of anywhere I’ve ever fished is on Purtis Creek. But they took a lake that was built for fishing and they killed the golden goose.” But for anglers not using artifi-
cial bait, either of the two piers is the place to be, he said. “The fish feed at the pier at night,” he said. “We had been fishing the pier for an hour one night and hadn’t even gotten a sniff. Then, some anglers come up and drop live goldfish; boom, everybody hooks up instantly. “There’s a class of fish that are always around the pier, but you wouldn’t know it in the daytime.” Park Superintendent Mendy Davis said that while bass fishing can be good, the panfish possibilities on the lake shouldn’t be overlooked. “Anglers are doing really good right now on crappie from the fishing pier,” she said. “They’re catching good quantities and good size of fish, and boaters are catching them out in the stumps.” In regard to the grass carp debate, Davis said the carp numbers have diminished and the park is working with Texas Parks and Wildlife Department biologists to reintroduce native vegetation. “We’ve started rebuilding the vegetation, we just don’t want to cover the lake in hydrilla,” she said. “Two hundred and ninety acres were covered in hydrilla, and it’s only a 350-acre lake. There is still really good bluegill, really good crappie and really good bass.”
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TEXAS FRESHWATER FISHING REPORT Alabama in Texas HUNTSVILLE STATE PARK — The fishing has slowed down slightly, but bigger has been better for Walker County bass anglers this month, according to New Caney angler Dillon Harrell. Alabama rigs with swimbaits from 4 to 4 1/2 inches are eliciting a lot of bites from largemouth bass up to 8 pounds. “Early mornings, a white top-water — specifically a Yellow Magic — works well,” he said. ‘”They are also being caught on Rat-L-Traps and weightless flukes.” If you find one big fish there are probably some nearby; largemouth bass are schooling together to feed, according to Harrell.
Slow to unlock jaws CHOKE CANYON RESERVOIR — Choke Canyon anglers shouldn’t be too happy with the recent cold front, because the bass fishing will slow down after it, according to area guide Justin Bauer. “A cold front will affect the fish a lot on Choke,” he said. “The fish like the warm weather, because they’re used to it. They pretty much get lock jaw.” To overcome the pickiness of the fish, Bauer said he finds slowing down his presentations
ALAN HENRY: Water lightly stained; 59–64 degrees; 9.45’ low. Largemouth bass are fair on dropshot rigs, shaky heads, Texas rigs, jigs and medium-running shad pattern crankbaits. Catfish are fair to good on prepared bait.
BROWNWOOD: Water lightly stained; 67–71 degrees; 10.05’ low. Largemouth bass are fair on watermelon jigs, spinner baits, crankbaits and soft plastic worms over brush piles in 10 to 25 feet. Crappie are good on minnows over brush piles.
FALCON: Water murky; 73–77 degrees; 34.63’ low. Largemouth bass are good on chartreuse spinner baits, crankbaits and lipless crankbaits. Channel and blue catfish are very good on cut bait and shrimp upriver.
AMISTAD: Water clear; 71–75 degrees; 34.15’ low. Largemouth bass are good on top-waters, spinner baits, shallow-running crankbaits and soft plastics. White bass are good on slabs and jigging spoons. Catfish are good on cheesebait, shrimp and nightcrawlers over baited holes.
BUCHANAN: Water stained; 68–72 degrees; 27.41’ low. Largemouth bass are good on chartreuse jigs, Texas-rigged weightless watermelon or blue flake worms and smoke or red flake grubs on flats. Striped bass are good on artificial minnows or shad and drifting live bait in 20 to 35 feet.
GIBBONS CREEK: Water clear. Largemouth bass are good on tequila sunrise soft plastics and spinner baits. Catfish are good on shrimp and stinkbait.
ARROWHEAD: Water off-color; 66– 69 degrees; 8.25’ low. Largemouth bass are fair on white crankbaits, spinner baits and Texas rigs. White bass are fair to good on slabs.
CADDO: Water stained; 61–66 degrees; 1.04’ low. Largemouth bass are fair on Texas-rigged soft plastics around stumps. White and yellow bass are good on slabs. Catfish are good on trotlines.
ATHENS: Water clear, 61–66 degrees; 3.83’ low. Largemouth bass are fair on lipless crankbaits around shallow grass and Carolinarigged french fries along deeper points. Shaky head bite has been good. Crappie are good on minnows. Catfish are good on prepared bait and cut shad. BASTROP: Water lightly stained; 71–75 degrees. Largemouth bass are good on watermelon soft plastics and spinner baits. Channel and blue catfish are good on shrimp and stinkbait. BELTON: Water clear; 68–72 degrees; 6.01’ low. Largemouth bass are good on dark soft plastic worms in coves. White bass are good on slabs. Crappie are good on minnows at night. Channel and blue catfish are good on shrimp and stinkbait. BOB SANDLIN: Water clear; 62–67 degrees; 5.80’ low. Largemouth bass are good on lipless crankbaits and vibrating jigs around shallow cover. Best bite is midday. Crappie are good on minnows. BRAUNIG: Water clear. Largemouth bass are fair on watermelon spinner baits and crankbaits. Channel catfish are good on chicken livers, shrimp and cut shad. Blue catfish are good on cut bait. BRIDGEPORT: Water clear; 60–65 degrees; 14.79’ low. Largemouth bass are fair on shaky heads and finesse presentations around docks in 4 to 10 feet. White bass are good on slabs.
CALAVERAS: Water clear. Largemouth bass are fair on watermelon spinner baits and lipless crankbaits. Channel and blue catfish are good on liver, shrimp and cut shad. CANYON LAKE: Water lightly stained; 68–72 degrees; 8.42’ low. Largemouth bass are good on green pumpkin plastics on jigheads and Texas-rigged blue flake worms on shaky head jigs along bluffs inside secondary points. Striped bass are good on shad or minnow-patterned plastics in the lower end of the lake. CEDAR CREEK: Water clear; 61–65 degrees; 3.69’ low. Largemouth bass are good on spinner baits around any shallow cover and docks. Small Texas-rigged soft plastics are effective as well. Crappie are good on minnows. Catfish are good on prepared bait. COLEMAN: Water lightly stained; 67–71 degrees; 13.09’ low. Largemouth bass are fair on pumpkinseed soft plastics, spinner baits and crankbaits. Crappie are good on minnows and chartreuse tube jigs. Channel catfish are good on stinkbait, shrimp and live bait. COOPER: Water clear; 61–65 degrees; 6.55’ low. Largemouth bass are fair on Texas-rigged soft plastics and lipless crankbaits. Crappie are good on minnows. White bass are good on slabs. Hybrid striper are good on live shad. Catfish are good on cut bait.
GRANBURY: Water stained; 67–71 degrees; 5.39’ low. Largemouth bass are fair on watermelon soft plastics, spinner baits and crankbaits. Catfish are good on shrimp, stinkbait, and liver. GRANGER: Water stained; 68–72 degrees; 1.10’ low. Largemouth bass are slow. Blue catfish are good on prepared baits and on juglines baited with cut bait and soap. GRAPEVINE: Water clear; 61–65 degrees; 7.20’ low. Largemouth bass are good on square-billed crankbaits around main lake points and shallow cover. Texas-rigged soft plastics and finesse jigs are best later in the day. Crappie are good on minnows and jigs. White bass are good on slabs and jigs. HOUSTON COUNTY: Water stained; 60–64 degrees; 0.19’ high. Largemouth bass to 2 pounds are good on lipless crankbaits near piers and launches and on watermelon red and black plastics near the marina in 10 feet. HUBBARD CREEK: Water offcolor; 58–63 degrees; 19.02’ low. Largemouth bass are fair to good on top-waters, shadpattern crankbaits, Texas rigs and jigs. Catfish are fair to good on nightcrawlers and prepared bait. JOE POOL: Water clear; 60–65 degrees; 2.60’ low. Largemouth bass are fair on Texas-rigged soft plastic creature baits in watermelon red or green pumpkin. Crappie are good on minnows and jigs. Catfish are good on prepared baits. LAKE O' THE PINES: Water lightly stained; 61–66 degrees; 4.24’ low. Largemouth bass are fair on lipless crankbaits around grass and shallow cover. Catfish are good on trotlines. LAVON: Water lightly stained; 62–66 degrees; 9.20’ low. Largemouth
makes a difference. Dead-sticking a worm or a slowly retrieved spinner bait will still get bites from the fish, most of which are headed out to suspend in deeper water. “You can catch them on crankbait reaction strikes every once in awhile, too,” he said. To contact Justin Bauer, call (830) 570-1837.
On the upswing LAKE WELSH — There’s good news for Titus County anglers; fishing is getting better and better on Welsh, according to area guide Randy Maxwell. “It’s been pretty good,” he said. “They’re hitting a top-water early or a shaky head, and whacky rigs in watermelon red later in the afternoon.” Maxwell said brown and green pumpkin are also good colors for this time of year. A lot of fish are being caught, but anglers are having to stay patient for the big ones; many of the bass are around 3-pounds. “The colder the better the fishing is,” he said. “It creates current. Fishing points works well right now.” To contact Randy Maxwell, call (817) 468-1556. — John Keith
bass are good on black and chartreuse flipping jigs around shallow cover. White bass are good on slabs. Crappie are good on minnows. LBJ: Water clear; 69–73 degrees; 0.26’ low. Largemouth bass are good on watermelon spinner baits, lipless crankbaits and wackyrigged green pumpkin worms off points. Crappie are good on crappie jigs and live minnows over brush piles in 12 to 18 feet. Yellow and blue catfish are good on trotlines baited with live bait. LEWISVILLE: Water clear; 60–65 degrees; 6.19’ low. Largemouth bass are good on shaky heads around marinas and football jigs along main lake points. Crappie are good on jigs. White bass are good on slabs and jigs. Hybrid striper are good on slabs. Catfish are good on prepared bait and cut shad. LIVINGSTON: Water fairly clear; 67– 71 degrees; 0.76’ low. Largemouth bass to 3.5 pounds are fair on crankbaits and spinner baits. Blue catfish are good on shad. MARTIN CREEK: Water clear; 61–65 degrees; 5.23’ low. Largemouth bass are good on lipless crankbaits and smaller spinner baits around shallow cover. Catfish are good on prepared bait and cut shad. MONTICELLO: Water fairly clear; 80–86 degrees; 0.15’ low. Largemouth bass are good on Texas-rigged soft plastics and black and blue jigs around stumps. Crappie are good on minnows. Catfish are fair on cut bait. NAVARRO MILLS: Water lightly stained; 67–71 degrees; 2.61’ low. Largemouth bass are fair on spinner baits and small crankbaits. Channel catfish are good on nightcrawlers and stinkbait. O.H. IVIE: Water stained; 58–64 degrees; 33.09’ low. Largemouth bass are fair to good on lipless crankbaits, Texas rigs, chatterbaits and shaky heads. Catfish are fair to good on nightcrawlers and prepared bait. OAK CREEK: Water stained; 59–65 degrees; 16.77’ low. Largemouth bass are fair to good on chrome lipless crankbaits, Texas rigs, shad pattern crankbaits and shaky heads. Crappie are good on jigs and live minnows over brush piles. Catfish are good on chartreuse nightcrawlers.
PALESTINE: Water clear; 60–64 degrees; 1.83’ low. Largemouth bass are good on black and blue jigs and shaky heads around docks. Crappie are good on minnows and jigs. Hybrid striper are good on slabs. White bass are fair on minnows. Catfish are good on prepared bait. POSSUM KINGDOM: Water fairly clear; 58–65 degrees; 8.55’ low. Largemouth bass are fair to good on shallow-running crankbaits, Texas rigs, jigs and drop-shot rigs. Crappie are good on minnows. PROCTOR: Water lightly stained; 67– 71 degrees; 5.06’ low. Largemouth bass are good on watermelon soft plastic worms with chartreuse tails. Crappie are good on minnows and chartreuse tube jigs. Channel and blue catfish are good on juglines baited with liver and cut shad. RAY HUBBARD: Water clear; 60–65 degrees; 4.06’ low. Largemouth bass are good on Texas-rigged plastics and crankbaits around deep rocks. Football head jigs are effective as well. Crappie are good on minnows. White bass are good on slabs. Catfish are good on prepared baits and cut shad. RAY ROBERTS: Water clear; 60–65 degrees; 3.75’ low. Largemouth bass are fair on lipless crankbaits and Texas-rigged soft plastic baits along edge of grass lines. Carolina rig effective on clear days. Crappie are good on minnows. White bass are good on slabs. Catfish are good on prepared bait or live shad. RICHLAND CHAMBERS: Water clear; 61–65 degrees; 4.59’ low. Largemouth bass are good on weightless soft plastics and shaky heads around docks. White bass are good on slabs. Hybrid striper are good on slabs and live shad. Crappie are good on minnows. Catfish are good on prepared bait. SAM RAYBURN: Water lightly stained; 67–71 degrees; 4.75’ low. Largemouth bass are slow. Bream are good on worms. Catfish are good on nightcrawlers, shrimp and minnows. SOMERVILLE: Water murky; 68–72 degrees; 2.35’ low. Largemouth bass are fair on chartreuse spinner baits and crankbaits. Crappie are good on minnows and blue tube jigs. Channel and blue catfish are good on trotlines and juglines baited with cut shad and perch.
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■ Saltwater fishing reports: Page 20 STILLHOUSE: Water stained; 68–72 degrees; 5.00’ low. Largemouth bass are good on watermelon soft plastics and lipless crankbaits. TAWAKONI: Water stained; 61–65 degrees; 4.37’ low. Largemouth bass are good on white bladed jigs and California 420 color flipping jigs around docks — midday bite has been best. Crappie are good on minnows. White bass are good on slabs. Catfish are good on cut bait and trotlines. TEXOMA: Water clear; 60–65 degrees; 4.82’ low. Largemouth bass are fair on medium-diving crankbaits and smaller football jigs along main lake points. Good numbers of fish reported on lipless crankbaits as well. Striped bass are good on slabs. Catfish are good on cut bait. TOLEDO BEND: Water lightly stained; 65–69 degrees; 4.44’ low. Largemouth bass are good on chartreuse soft plastics, spinner baits and lipless crankbaits. Striped bass are good on chartreuse striper jigs. White bass are good on slabs and silver spoons. Crappie are good on minnows over brush piles. Channel and blue catfish are good on minnows, shrimp, and stinkbait. TRAVIS: Water clear; 68–72 degrees; 48.99’ low. Largemouth bass are good on watermelon soft plastic worms, crankbaits and lipless crankbaits. Crappie are good on minnows. WEATHERFORD: Water clear; 60–65 degrees; 7.24’ low. Largemouth bass are good on shaky heads and finesse jigs around docks. Crappie are good on minnows. White bass are good on slabs and live minnows. WHITNEY: Water lightly stained; 67– 71 degrees; 8.75’ low. Largemouth bass are fair on pumpkinseed spinner baits, crankbaits and lipless crankbaits. White bass are good on minnows and pet spoons. Crappie are good on minnows. Catfish are good on shrimp, liver and hot dogs. — TPWD
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Seeing yellow Longtime Fork guide catches pending lake record By Conor Harrison Lone Star Outdoor News
Lake Fork guide Jason Hoffman said he has seen a resurgence in the yellow bass population on the lake where he has guided for the past 11 years. He’s also seeing bigger yellow bass, proven by Hoffman pulling in the new pending Lake Fork record yellow bass — a 3.37-pound monster. “I had a client and the bass were biting,” Hoffman said. “We were throwing umbrella rigs and I felt one pulling pretty good. When it got to the boat, I said, ‘My gosh, that is a yellow bass and it has to be over 3 pounds. It’s the biggest one I’ve ever seen.’” Hoffman thought the NICE BASS: Jason Hoffman holds the pending Lake Fork record yellow bass, fish could be some sort caught Dec. 7. The fish weighed 3.37 pounds. Photo by Jason Hoffman. of hybrid between a white bass and a yellow bass, but “She was 17 inches long and 14 1/2 inches after closer examination, he thinks the fish is in girth,” he said. “She was just really thick. a pure yellow bass. The bite was so good, Hoffman and his cli- I’ve never seen one like this. Well, nobody ent threw the fish in the livewell and contin- has, because it is the record.” Hoffman said the yellow bass population is ued catching bass for another hour and a half. “My client is the first priority and the fish- exploding on Fork. “They’ve come back strong this year,” he ing was great,” he said. “When we finally weighed her, she came in at 3.37 pounds, said. “And there are also a bunch of big white which is a lake record. But the state record is bass over 3 pounds.” Hoffman has filled out paperwork to 3.46 pounds, so it is possible she lost that in the livewell. There’s a good chance it would be submitted to Texas Parks and Wildlife Department for the official lake record. have been a state record.” The fish should best the previous record The fish was extremely healthy, and one of the fattest, broadest yellow bass Hoffman has set earlier this year by Kathryn Wooley, who ever seen. caught a 2.96-pound yellow bass in March.
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GAME WARDEN BLOTTER SHOOTING AT SHADOWS AFTER HOURS Polk County Game Warden Ryan Hall apprehended three men roosting wood ducks on Lake Livingston 40 minutes after legal shooting time. Citations and warnings for taking wood duck after legal shooting hours, no migratory game bird stamp, no hunter education and minors in possession of alcohol were issued. Cases and restitution pending. COLORADO MOUNTAIN LION TAKEN TO TEXAS TAXIDERMIST Baylor County Game Warden Josh McCrary and Hardeman/Foard County Game Warden Matt Thompson worked a case in which 11 hunters went to Colorado, and one of them shot a mountain lion out of season. The subject concealed the cat during transport and took it to a taxidermist in Texas. The wardens investigated, and later interviewed the subject. He admitted to killing the mountain lion in Colorado. However, in an attempt to dispose of the evidence, he threw the carcass in the trash. EARLY SHOOTERS SURPRISED BY WARDEN Well before sunrise, Garza/Lynn County Game Warden Drew Spencer waited in the brush line behind a stock tank in the middle of Garza County deer country watching for hunters to return. Spencer and Terry/Hockley/Yoakum County Game Warden Aaron Sims had received reports of numerous gunshots prior to sunrise by opening day deer hunters. Spencer found the spot where the group had hunted and found a cormorant placed under a bush and wader prints leading to the protected bird. As Spencer waited behind the group the next Saturday, shots rang out well before legal shooting hours. Spencer heard statements of, “What was it?” “I couldn’t tell,” and
TRESPASSER PICKS DPS TROOPER’S LEASE TO SET STAND Grayson County Game Warden Dale Moses received a call from a DPS trooper who found a pop-up blind, scouting camera, and corn on the property where he bowhunts. When the officers checked the SD card of the camera, they found a picture of a subject who is a known game violator. Moses, fellow Grayson County Game Wardens Michael Hummert and Colt Gaulden and the DPS trooper started checking the area every morning and evening for the subject. After several days, Moses located the suspect’s vehicle parked outside the property. Moses contacted the trooper, who was hunting at the time, and Hummert. The officers entered the property but were unable to locate the subject. “When the sun comes up, we’ll move spots.” Spencer stepped out at legal hours and checked the hunters. Citations for hunting prior to legal shooting hours were issued, and two ducks were seized. The shock for the hunters, though, was when Spencer presented them with what they had left behind the previous Saturday. A name and phone number was given to Spencer as to who had poached the cormorant, and a confession was later obtained. Charges and civil restitutions are pending. MAYBE IT WAS THE METH Van Zandt County Game Warden Steve Stapleton was contacted by a local landowner, who reported he had caught a man walking across his property in full camo with a rifle. The landowner asked the subject what he was doing on his land, and the subject replied, “I’m hunting!” The landowner then explained to the subject that he was trespassing. The subject told the landowner that he was “ruining my hunting!” A brief verbal altercation ensued, and the trespasser soon left, but the landowner wrote down the subject’s license plate number. Stapleton and Wood County Game Warden
At approximately 10:30 a.m., the suspect exited the property and walked within 30 yards of Hummert. The suspect had a crossbow, a climbing stand and a bag with two scouting cameras. When contact was made with the subject, he claimed that he had not been on the property or climbed a tree. Moses located the area that the suspect had hunted approximately 300 yards from the pop-up blind, including the tree with climbing stand marks. The SD card was also recovered with a picture of the suspect at the stand that day. The suspect is a convicted felon and has 10 prior TPWD violations. The subject was arrested and charged with hunting without consent of landowner.
Kurt Kelley located the truck at a residence. Wardens made contact with the subject in the driveway and soon removed marijuana and methamphetamine from the subject’s pockets. A consented search of the vehicle revealed a vast arsenal of weapons and hunting gear, including five rifles, three pistols, thousands of rounds of ammunition, a crossbow, 17 knives, hunting gear of every kind and more marijuana. Multiple cases pending. POACHER ON LAND CLOSED TO HUNTING TOOK TWO BIG BUCKS Grayson County Game Warden Colt Gaulden got word of a large buck killed near Lake Ray Roberts. Gaulden knew the individual who killed the buck. He lived on property that borders the Type II land on the lake, which is closed to deer hunting. Gaulden and Grayson County Game Warden Michael Hummert had previously found a tree stand on the Type II property while checking duck hunters on the lake, and a well-worn path was observed from the tree stand to the property that was owned by the individual. Upon hearing of the buck being killed, Gaulden went to the tree stand. A blood trail was observed and
the remnants of a broken arrow shaft were found. Gaulden collected blood evidence. He also found another stand and a camera. Footprints led from where the deer had fallen to the direction of the suspect’s property. Hummert and Gaulden found the suspect and confronted him as to where he had killed the large buck. The suspect initially denied killing the buck on the Type II property but when faced with the large amount of evidence against him, he confessed to deer hunting the Type II lands. The buck was seized and further investigation revealed that another large buck had been taken from the Type II property the previous year. The buck killed this year measured 190 B&C while the buck taken last year measured 171 B&C. Cases pending. MORE TRESPASSING TALES Falls County Game Warden Jason Campbell forwarded a trespassing call to McLennan County Game Warden Michael Serbanic. Upon arriving at the property, Serbanic found the landowner and trespasser standing over an 8-point buck. The trespasser had crossed over Corps of Engineer property, entered private property to shoot the deer, and
was caught by the landowner. The landowner pursued charges, and the individual was arrested for hunting white-tailed deer without landowner consent. The deer and gun were seized for evidence. Case pending. WRONG TAG, CONVICTED FELON GOES TO JAIL While patrolling south Newton County, Game Warden Ellis Powell found an individual with a buck tagged as a doe. Upon further investigation, he determined the subject was also a convicted felon. Subject was arrested and charges are pending. A FREQUENT FEMALE POACHER Brazoria County Game Warden Jason Richers received a call reporting a female subject who had taken several illegal deer during the 2011 hunting season, and had taken a deer with a rifle during the archery only season. Fort Bend County Game Warden Mike Weiss had also received information concerning illegal hunting activity in the same area. Richers’ investigation included information from Facebook postings by the violator and her boyfriend. Richers presented the information to the DA’s office in Brazoria County, which obtained a search warrant for the subject’s residence. Before the warrant was issued, Weiss received a call from a landowner reporting that the subject, along with another female, had killed another deer and had been observed dragging the deer from a neighboring ranch. Richers and Weiss located the deer at the subject’s house and were able to get consent to enter the residence. Two shoulder mounts, two sets of antlers, one whole deer, and two rifles were seized as evidence. Multiple charges were filed on three subjects, as well as restitution for five white-tailed bucks.
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Rut Continued From Page 1
opinion, this has been a pretty typical deer season for us.” Hummert said hunters have complained all season about a lack of deer at feeders because of a huge acorn crop. “There are still plenty of acorns,” he said. “The deer have not been coming to feeders like year’s past.” In South Texas, the rut is about to heat up
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as the traditional rut dates of mid- to late December approaches. “Hopefully, this cold snap kicks it off,” said Maverick County Game Warden Wesley Groth. “We haven’t seen a lot of big deer shot so far. It has been real hot and it is real green, so there isn’t a lot of action on the feeders. I do think this cold front is going to kick it off.” Groth said the season has been slow up to this point, but that is not unusual for Maverick County. “They are just coming into rut,” he said.
Texan named to DU board Ducks Unlimited has elected Shawn de Cento of San Antonio to serve as a regional vice president on the organization’s national board of directors. “Shawn has a long history as an active DU volunteer,” said DU President John Newman. “He brings enthusiasm and commitment to the team, and we’re proud to have him on board.” De Cento is the founder and president of Lone Star Roofing and Construction Inc. He began volunteering with Ducks Unlimited in 1998 and has held a variety of positions, including 2010-11 Texas state chairman. “As a DU member who lives to hunt, it is my duty to conserve these resources for future generations of young hunters,” de Cento said. “It’s vital that we lead by example and instill in the next generation the importance of responsible stewardship of our natural resources. Past DU members made it possible for me to enjoy my passion, and it is up to each one of us to continue that legacy.” — DU
Four Texans selected to 2013 World Cups Despite still feeling the aftereffects of an Olympic journey that ended with two skeet gold medals in London, the USA Shooting Team is already busy preparing for the upcoming 2013 season. Based on shooting performances from the Fall Selection Match in Kerrville, 20 athletes have been identified to participate in the season's first two International Shooting Sport Federation World Cups. Four Texans shot their way onto the team: Skeet: TJ Baylor, College Station Brandy Drozd, Bryan Trap: Dakotah Richardson, Godley Miranda Wilder, Diana “The athletes participating in the first two World Cups earned their right by performing under pressure earlier this fall,” said National Team Coach Todd Graves. “I feel it’s important to begin establishing depth in all our ranks, which is the reason we’re inviting the top junior shooters to the team as well. — USA Shooting
“Most of the ranch managers I have seen have spent the early part of the year culling bucks.” Several LSON crew members spent the past few weekends in the woods. In the Rolling Plains, rutting action was still going strong the last weekend of November, in spite of temperatures in the 80s and a full moon. LSON rattled in more than 30 bucks in three days of hunting, although many were immature and had broken tines. Deer movement was slow around feeders and the
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hunters had to leave their blinds and get proactive to see bucks. Although it was hot, the bucks still were in the mood to respond when rattling occurred near bedding areas. In Atascosa County, reports of young bucks starting to chase does have emerged, with LSON team members reporting the does aren’t ready yet, but that isn’t stopping bucks from trying. In Dimmitt County, hunters reported young bucks eager to breed does that weren’t ready, but mature deer movement remains spotty.
Antler tree Continued From Page 1
have to be on display a 4-footer with lights for Christmas. She even in about two or three decorates them for weeks.” Valentine's Day. In Fredericksburg, Gary Lively is put in Linda Lively of the Salt charge of constructing Branch Outpost also the trees, and said it produces the trees. isn’t only deer hunters “People love them,” who are interested in she said. “Usually we the product. only make them on “It’s just about anyorder. We make a lot of body that likes them; little ones that go quick, it’s not really just huntand big ones 4, 5, 6 feet ers that are interested,” and up.” he said. “Anybody that Lively said all the antlikes a Southwest look lers used to make the or outdoor look goes for trees are real, and many them.” of the trees are from The larger trees take mule deer sheds. about a month to do, “Whitetail can only while the smaller ones be so big, so you can can be put together in only make up to a cerabout a week, he said. A tain size with a white7-foot tree runs about tail,” she said. “The real $5,500, and goes down to big ones are all mule DID YOU SHOOT THOSE? Commonly $2,000 for a 4-foot tree. deer. We have brokers constructed with mule deer antlers from “Nature builds them in Colorado we get ant- Colorado, the trees run from tabletop size and I just kind of put lers from, and high- to 7 feet tall. Photo by Linda Lively. them together,” he said. fence ranches around The tabletop trees are “They’re unique, but Gillespie County are starting to produce antlers Lively’s favorite, because you do have to have a little she said they don’t only redneck in you.” we can use.”
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December 14, 2012
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PRODUCTS
(800) 322-4626 www.browning.com
Holiday Gift Ideas
■ Before you splurge on fishing and hunting equipment that he or she might be especially particular about, we have two words: GIFT CARD. But, hey, accessories that enhance or celebrate the outdoor experience are always appreciated. Here are a few suggestions:
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BIG RACK PREMIUM VODKA: Gift a hunter who has successfully taken a trophy deer’s big rack – or not – with this premium vodka packaged in a camouflage-wrapped bottle. Described by one reviewer as “silky and warming,” this Kentucky vodka is 6x distilled, charcoal-filtered, and bottled at a standard 80 proof. Unveiled recently at a San Antonio hunting show, the vodka was created as a tribute to all who share a passion for the outdoors. It costs $18.
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ISERIES 5014 LONG RIFLE CASE: This SKB case will protect those prized firearms. It features a bunk bed storage system with rigid foam dividers that separate two compartments for stable positioning of two rifles or two bows. Strategically placed compression foam pads in the bottom and lid of the case prevent rifle movement inside the case. SKB’s iSeries of injection-molded watertight cases are made from ultra high-strength polypropylene copolymer resin. They feature a gasketed, waterproof and dustproof, submersible design that is resistant to corrosion and impact damage. This military-grade stackable case also offers molded-in hinge and stainless steel hinge pins, a “trigger release” latch system, and comfortable grip handles on three sides. With in-line skate style wheels, the lockable case is easy to transport – whether it is placed in the back of truck or carried across continents. Available in tan, dark green or black, this 50-inch-long by 13 1/2-inch-wide by 6-inch-deep rifle case sells for about $290.
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HUMIDOR: Sometimes happiness is puffing away on a Cohiba after a great – but tiring – day on the water. This humidor by Simms Fishing is made from aluminum and has a threaded, O-ring sealed top. The 9-inch-tall humidor holds about six cigars. (Its interior measures 2 1/4 inches in diameter.) It is available in orange (about $50) or in an “Artist Series” Brown Trout artwork design by Derek DeYoung (about $80).
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ZOMBIE APOCALYPSE KNIFE: Browning’s newest knife might come in handy for up close fighting during a zombie outbreak. However, until the zombies attack, hunters can use this well-balanced razor-sharp knife for just about anything else. The knife features a 7-inch drop point blade, full tang construction, and a secure grip for optimum balance and control. It has an MSRP of $61.95
866-585-3575 www.simmsfishing.com
>> KODIAK MOLDED REEL CASE: This tough little case will cradle that expensive fly reel. It has a compression-molded, impact-resistant nylon shell with foam inserts for added protective cushioning. It is available in Ocean, Shale and Rust and comes in three sizes. The case costs about $20 to $24, depending on size.
(800) 654-5992 www.skbcases.com
(303) 534-3474 www.fishpondusa.com
>>
30-CALIBER PEN: Here is a pen of a higher caliber designed especially for the hunting and outdoor enthusiast. Write Stuff of AZ offers such pens as the .30- and .50-Caliber, Shotgun Shell pens, and its Collector Quality line of pens that are made with such materials as rosewood and deer or elk antler. The .30-Caliber Pens are available in finishes that include 24k gold, chrome or gun metal gray and feature a rose gold tip that emulates a bullet’s copper jacket. A scoped rifle or deer head clip adds a distinctive touch. These meticulously and individually hand-crafted pens are offered in fountain, rollerball and ball point options. They take standard refills. The pens start at about $27.
LITHIUM ION CORDLESS FILLET KNIFE: This is a fillet knife with power! Rapala’s cordless fillet knife has a rechargeable lithium ion battery pack that provides a consistent speed and torque from fillet to fillet for 80 continuous minutes. Its relaxed grip body ensures a secure grip while the 7-inch reciprocating blades make fast work of any filleting task. The knife includes a battery charger. It sells for about $90. For retailers, visit: www.rapala.com
>>
To order, visit: www.WriteStuffofAZ.com
>> MCALPIN SL SLEEPING BAG: Every outdoorsman needs a good, warm sleeping bag. This award-winning zerodegree sleeping bag from Big Agnes utilizes DownTek water-repellent down insulation, a nanotechnology treatment for down that makes it water-repellent, anti-microbial and anti-bacterial. This traditional mummy bag repels water in the wettest of conditions while maintaining loft, insulation value and breathability. Its unique construction also delivers uniform heat distribution. The sleeping bag sells for about $360. (877) 554-8975 www.bigagnes.com
HOLY SHED: For the hunters who want to display their faith and their passion for their sport, Mountain Mike’s Reproductions offers the Holy Shed. This is a replica cast of a non-typical buck that was said to have headgear that resembled a cross. The Holy Shed antler cross is 13 inches tall by 17 inches wide. Its built-in hanger makes it easy to add a simply divine touch to a hunting cabin or den. The Holy Shed costs about $33. (707) 894-9121 www.masterofskulls.com
>>
LUGGAGE: Who can’t use a carry-on for those quick getaways? Foreverlast’s version is stylish and made of Realtree camo-covered durable canvas. As well as the smaller carry-on size, the luggage is also available in a large size. The smaller piece sells for $100 while the larger size sells for about $130. (361) 798-1530 www.foreverlastonline.com
>>
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December 14, 2012
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The Deer Hunter’s Wife Editor's note: This poem was sent to LSON by reader Tara-Leigh Davis. We thought our readers would enjoy and many could relate. It starts with the dove all fatted and gray She knows it soon will be opening day The air is crisp with the scent of fall He’s very excited to try his new grunt call She never tries to fight it, for there is no use At least this year she doesn’t have to learn how to cook up a moose He has been waiting all year for this day to come When he can pull the trigger on that long-barreled gun The freezer is empty, she has run out of ground She never thought she would make it through those last 10 pounds And again he returns to his old camo blind He’s after that 9 with a single drop tine She takes off the silk and pulls out the flannel Instead, he will be stalking some antlered animal Why bother shaving? She has no desire At this moment he is warmed by the deer camp fire She knows that he loves her, but his heart is torn He has been a deer hunter since the day he was born This year seems colder than years before How will she make it through three months more? He checks all the pictures on the game camera card At least she is thankful there are no pigs in her yard She finds corn in the dryer and burrs in her jammies Thank the Lord, so far, she’s found none in her panties She has washed all his camo with Scent-Lok soap As she hangs up the Realtree, she vows not to mope While he lines up his sights on a big black hog Her toes are warmed by a pile of dogs She searches her cookbooks and pulls out the All-Clad How in hell does one cook an aoudad? The house will be clean, but for him she yearns She leaves on the lights and awaits his return Oh Lord, please let him have horns in that truck But, just where will he put that son of a buck? — Tara-Leigh Davis
OTG billboards featuring LSON now up If the holiday season has you traveling, be sure to keep on the look out for Operation Game Thief billboards sponsored by Lone Star Outdoor News. LSON appreciates the effort put out by Operation Game Thief to catch poachers and other wildlife violators, and we wanted to show our support of a safer, more ethical hunting and fishing community by sponsoring four billboards across Texas. Bob Harper of OGT said the program is grateful for LSON's involvement, which is necessary to help get the word out to hunters and anglers. “This is a program that is a hundred percent funded by OGT donations and various wildlifeoriented organizations such as Lone Star Outdoor News,” he said. Current billboard locations include Highway 281 north of San Antonio, I-35 in Dallas County, I-35 south of Waco and Highway 69 north of Tyler. Be sure to let us know if you see any other places with the LSON/OGT billboard on your travels. Also, make sure to program (800) 792-GAME into your cellphone so that you will be ready if you see a violation. — Staff report
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LIKE GRANDFATHER, LIKE GRANDSON: Curtis Arnold, the grandson of George Yentzen, who created the Yentzen duck call with James “Cowboy” Fernandez, shows his calling skills after a recent hunt near the home of Doug Yentzen, George’s son. Photo by Craig Nyhus, LSON.
History Continued From Page 4
from there.” The Yentzen call dominated the market in the 1960s. “Seventeen years later when the patent ran out, every other call maker jumped on the double reed bandwagon,” said Sure-Shot owner Charlie Holder, who purchased the company in 2011 and ramped up marketing and production. Today Sure-Shot still makes the Yentzen call in Texas with that same, once-patented, double reed design.
“And we make a sweet sounding specklebelly call along with several other duck and goose calls,” Holder said. “The Rascal whistle with the adjustable tuning cap is real popular. It’s easy to mimic the sound of a mallard drake, pintail, teal, wigeon and wood duck.” But it’s the Yentzen call that stirs the memories, from grandfather to grandson. “It’s still just as easy to blow and it sounds just as good,” said Curtis Arnold, the grandson of George, who now works with SureShot Game Calls. And Cowboy Fernandez hunted — and called — in Arkansas on Dec. 8, a few days after his 82nd birthday.
Coots Continued From Page 7
you have out on the lake the better, because you keep them flying around.” After a good morning of mallard, gadwall and pintail action, Wiggins would go by his grandmother’s house to offer her some of the ducks. But she would always ask for the coots. “She’d take them every time,” he said. “I think if you cook coots in a gravy or on a stove you can tell a little bit of a difference, but on the grill I haven’t ever tasted a gamey flavor. When you do the bacon wrapped with cream cheese and jalapeno recipe, you can’t tell a difference.” He said he isn’t as interested in coots as he used to be, but will still put a few in the bag if the opportunity presents itself. “I’m not going to waste a shell on one coot, but if I can line up a few heads in the water, then I’ll shoot them,” he said. Wiggins said that one time he was hunting with some friends, and after the hunt all the duck breasts were in a bowl to be cooked. He threw a few coot breasts into the bowl to be cooked, too. “They accused me of playing ‘coot roulette,’” he said. “I think it’s all in their head.” Woodlands hunter Karl Sheasby moved to Texas from Louisiana after Katrina in 2005, bringing over the
Photo by LSON.
culture of shooting coots, which Cajuns called pouldeaux. “I grew up eating them my whole life,” he said. “I had about 150 acres I was allowed to duck hunt on, and the landowner didn’t want me to pay him. All I had to do was bring him some coots about three times a year all cleaned up in a bag for him to freeze.” He doesn’t mind that many Texas hunters don’t target coots, either. “It sure would be nice if I’m the only one out hunting that will shoot them,” he said. “I find they’re great to eat and they’re plentiful. Also, a lot of times when you’re duck hunting all the ducks will go land in the middle with the coots, and this will help you get back at them for causing that. “It adds to your duck hunt, too; while everyone else goes to the truck, you
can extend your hunt by paddling around to look for coots.” Sheasby said he would shoot a coot before a spoonbill every time, and wouldn’t be afraid to hire someone to help him. “Would I pay a guide to go shoot coots?” he said. “Hell, yeah!” The US Fish and Wildlife waterfowl surveys show that Wiggins and Sheasby aren’t alone. With the 2010 and 2011 seasons combined, Texans harvested an estimated 27,500 coots by 11,000 admitted active coot hunters. This compared to more than 300,000 coots harvested by Louisiana hunters. Coot hunters in Texas averaged about 2.5 coots per hunt from the 2010-2011 seasons. Hunters are allowed 15 coots a day, and they don’t count toward your duck bag.
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TEXAS SALTWATER FISHING REPORT Sponsored by
Stab a slab
ARANSAS PASS — The flounder are here, and they’re here in force, according to Capt. Jack McPartland. “The population is ridiculous,” he said. “The number of flounder we have caught on redfish bait is the most in 20 years. It’s on fire.” McPartland said the rest of December should stay steady, judging by the look of the females. “In three to four hours it’s not hard to get a limit, with a couple of 6- or 7-pounders thrown in,” he said. “From what I’ve seen, the flounder are not even close to being done, so I’d be willing to bet we’re easy fishing to Christmas.” To contact Capt. Jack McPartland, call (361) 290-6302.
Hankering ankering for mullet OFF OFFATTS BAYOU — Redfish are hanging out and they’ve been hungry, according to Ed Wicker of Bayou Bait and Tackle. “The fishing overall has been pretty decent,” he said. “The flounder run is sort of winding down a little bit, but
NORTH SABINE: Trout are fair to good under the birds when the wind allows. Redfish are good in the marsh on plastics tipped with shrimp. SOUTH SABINE: Sheepshead and black drum are good at the jetty on live shrimp. Trout are good for waders working slow–sinkers on the Louisiana shoreline. Birds have worked in the middle of the lake. 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 good for drifters working birds and shrimp. Redfish are good at the spillway on crabs and
mullet. Trout are good over deep shell and shad. EAST GALVESTON BAY: Trout are fair to good on the south shoreline on top-waters and soft plastics. Whiting and sand trout are good on the edge of the Intracoastal on fresh shrimp. WEST GALVESTON BAY: Trout are fair to good in the mud and shell on twitchbaits. Sheepshead, redfish and black drum are good at the jetty on shrimp and crabs. TEXAS CITY: Sand trout and croakers are good from the piers on fresh shrimp. Redfish are good in the holes in Moses Lake. Flounder are fair on shrimp and mullet along the
edge of the channel. FREEPORT: Sand trout and sheepshead are good on live shrimp on the reefs. Redfish and black drum are fair to good in Cold Pass and San Luis pass on cracked blue crabs. EAST MATAGORDA BAY: Trout are fair for drifters on live shrimp over humps and scattered shell. Redfish are good on the edge of the Intracoastal on crabs and mullet. Flounder are fair on Brown Cedar Flats on jigs tipped with shrimp. WEST MATAGORDA BAY: Redfish are good in the holes on the north shoreline. Trout are fair on shell on soft plas-
the redfish has been real good.” Wicker said speckled trout have mostly been caught out in the main bay. Finger mullet and shrimp have been the most popular choice for anglers. Some small black drum are also giving anglers a fight. “Puppy drum are being caught in the surf and on the south shoreline of the bays,” he said. To contact Bayou Bait and Tackle, call (409) 741-2283.
Trout taking tops LOWER COLORADO RIVER — When your catch and release numbers hit the triple digits, you know you’re using the right lure. According to Capt. Matthew David, the right lure is a rattleless top-water with a blue body and white belly. “They really seem to like that combination,” he said. “I probably caught over 100 fish on that thing.” While the size of the fish isn’t overwhelming, David said the quantity of strikes makes up for it. Rat reds are also good around the lights on paddletails, he said. Out in the bay, the trout are a little pickier while holding at the bottom and aren’t interested in top-waters. The biggest trout are going over 26 inches. To contact Capt. Matthew David, call (832) 549-8183. — John Keith
tics. Flounder are fair to good on soft plastics over muddy bottoms near the Intracoastal. PORT O'CONNOR: Trout and redfish are fair to good on twitchbaits over soft mud in waist–deep water in San Antonio Bay. Trout are good over reefs on live shrimp. Trout and redfish are fair for drifters working the back lakes and the mouths of drains with live shrimp. ROCKPORT: Trout are fair on the edge of the channel on glow scented plastics. Redfish are fair to good in the holes along the Estes Flats on mullet and shrimp. PORT ARANSAS: Redfish are fair to good on scented plastics and mullet. Sand trout
are good on shrimp in the channel. Flounder are fair on scented plastics on the edge of the Intracoastal. CORPUS CHRISTI: Redfish are good in the Humble Channel on crabs and table shrimp. Trout are fair on the edge of the flats on live shrimp and shrimp-patterned soft plastics. BAFFIN BAY: Trout are fair to good in mud and grass on twitchbaits. Redfish are good in the Land Cut and on the edge of the channel on shrimp and scented plastics. PORT MANSFIELD: Trout are fair to good on artificial shrimp under a popping cork around grass holes. Redfish
are fair to good while drifting potholes on top-waters and plastics under rattling corks. SOUTH PADRE: Trout and redfish are fair to good on the edge of the Intracoastal on scented plastics. Redfish, black drum and mangrove snapper are fair to good in the channel on shrimp. PORT ISABEL: Trout are good over mud bottoms around Unnecessary Island and along channel drop–offs on scented plastics and shrimp. Redfish are fair to good around the Drum Boats and along the flats on scented plastics and live shrimp. — TPWD
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Sun | Moon | Tides Texas Coast Tides Sabine Pass, jetty Date Time Dec 14 12:39 AM Dec 15 1:36 AM Dec 16 2:38 AM Dec 17 3:54 AM Dec 18 1:28 AM Dec 19 2:48 AM Dec 20 3:45 AM Dec 21 4:31 AM Dec 22 5:09 AM Dec 23 5:44 AM Dec 24 6:15 AM Dec 25 6:45 AM Dec 26 7:14 AM Dec 27 7:44 AM Dec 28 8:14 AM
Height 2.4H 2.3H 2.1H 1.8H 1.3L 0.8L 0.4L 0.0L -0.3L -0.6L -0.8L -0.9L -1.0L -1.0L -1.0L
Time 8:52 AM 9:44 AM 10:37 AM 11:31 AM 5:37 AM 7:43 AM 9:59 AM 12:00 PM 1:21 PM 2:13 PM 2:49 PM 3:18 PM 3:43 PM 4:09 PM 4:37 PM
Galveston Bay entrance, south jetty Date Dec 14 Dec 15 Dec 16 Dec 17 Dec 18 Dec 19 Dec 20 Dec 21 Dec 22 Dec 23 Dec 24 Dec 25 Dec 26 Dec 27 Dec 28
Time 1:26 AM 2:23 AM 3:25 AM 12:15 AM 1:54 AM 3:14 AM 4:11 AM 4:57 AM 5:35 AM 6:10 AM 6:41 AM 7:11 AM 7:40 AM 12:05 AM 12:39 AM
San Luis Pass
Date Time Dec 14 1:56 AM Dec 15 2:53 AM Dec 16 3:55 AM Dec 17 1:11 AM Dec 18 2:50 AM Dec 19 4:10 AM Dec 20 5:07 AM Dec 21 5:53 AM Dec 22 6:31 AM Dec 23 7:06 AM Dec 24 7:37 AM Dec 25 8:07 AM Dec 26 12:00 AM Dec 27 12:35 AM Dec 28 1:09 AM
Freeport Harbor Date Time Dec 14 9:21 AM Dec 15 10:14 AM Dec 16 11:07 AM Dec 17 2:01 AM Dec 18 2:34 AM Dec 19 3:13 AM Dec 20 3:54 AM Dec 21 4:35 AM Dec 22 5:16 AM Dec 23 5:56 AM Dec 24 6:34 AM Dec 25 7:11 AM Dec 26 7:45 AM Dec 27 8:18 AM Dec 28 8:48 AM
Height 1.9H 1.9H 1.7H 1.3L 1.0L 0.7L 0.3L 0.0L -0.3L -0.5L -0.6L -0.7L -0.8L 1.4H 1.4H
Time 9:18 AM 10:10 AM 11:03 AM 4:41 AM 6:24 AM 8:30 AM 10:46 AM 12:47 PM 2:08 PM 3:00 PM 3:36 PM 4:05 PM 4:30 PM 8:10 AM 8:40 AM
Height -1.5L -1.2L -0.9L -0.4L 1.5H 1.3H 1.3H 1.6H 1.8H 1.9H 2.0H 2.0H 2.0H 1.9H 1.9H Height -1.2L -1.0L -0.7L 1.5H 1.2H 1.0H 1.1H 1.2H 1.4H 1.5H 1.6H 1.6H 1.6H -0.8L -0.8L
Time 5:13 PM 6:00 PM 6:44 PM 7:24 PM 12:28 PM 1:35 PM 3:08 PM 4:56 PM 6:24 PM 7:29 PM 8:24 PM 8:12 PM 8:07 PM 8:27 PM
Height 2.5H 2.3H 2.2H 2.0H 0.1L 0.6L 1.0L 1.3L 1.5L 1.6L
Time 9:30 PM 10:28 PM 11:49 PM
Height 2.1L 1.9L 1.6L
7:58 PM 8:28 PM 8:54 PM 9:15 PM 9:34 PM 9:52 PM
1.8H 1.7H 1.7H 1.6H 1.6H 1.7H
1.7L 1.7L 1.7L 1.6L
10:43 PM 11:18 PM 11:52 PM
1.8H 1.8H 1.8H
Time 6:00 PM 6:47 PM 7:31 PM 11:57 AM 12:54 PM 2:01 PM 3:34 PM 5:22 PM 6:50 PM 7:55 PM
Height 2.0H 1.9H 1.7H -0.3L 0.1L 0.5L 0.8L 1.1L 1.2L 1.3L
Time 9:56 PM 10:54 PM
Height 1.6L 1.5L
8:11 PM 8:45 PM 9:15 PM 9:41 PM 10:02 PM 10:21 PM 10:39 PM
1.6H 1.5H 1.4H 1.3H 1.3H 1.3H 1.3H
8:50 PM 8:38 PM 4:56 PM 5:24 PM
1.4L 1.4L 1.5H 1.5H
11:30 PM
1.4H
8:33 PM 8:53 PM
1.4L 1.3L
Height 1.2H 1.1H 1.0H 0.8L 0.6L 0.4L 0.2L 0.0L -0.2L -0.3L -0.4L -0.4L 0.9H 0.9H 0.9H
Time 10:14 AM 11:06 AM 11:59 AM 5:11 AM 6:54 AM 9:00 AM 11:16 AM 1:17 PM 2:38 PM 3:30 PM 4:06 PM 4:35 PM 8:36 AM 9:06 AM 9:36 AM
Height -0.7L -0.6L -0.4L 0.9H 0.7H 0.6H 0.6H 0.8H 0.9H 0.9H 1.0H 1.0H -0.5L -0.5L -0.5L
Time 6:30 PM 7:17 PM 8:01 PM 12:53 PM 1:50 PM 2:57 PM 4:30 PM 6:18 PM 7:46 PM 8:51 PM
Height 1.2H 1.1H 1.0H -0.2L 0.0L 0.3L 0.5L 0.6L 0.7L 0.8L
Time 10:52 PM 11:50 PM
Height 1.0L 0.9L
8:41 PM 9:15 PM 9:45 PM 10:11 PM 10:32 PM 10:51 PM 11:09 PM
1.0H 0.9H 0.8H 0.8H 0.8H 0.8H 0.8H
9:46 PM 5:00 PM 5:26 PM 5:54 PM
0.8L 0.9H 0.9H 0.9H
9:34 PM 9:29 PM 9:49 PM
0.8L 0.8L 0.8L
Height -0.7L -0.6L -0.4L 1.1L 0.9L 0.7L 0.4L 0.2L 0.0L -0.2L -0.3L -0.3L -0.4L -0.4L -0.4L
Time 5:54 PM 6:39 PM 7:19 PM 4:19 AM 6:08 AM 8:07 AM 10:19 AM 12:26 PM 1:45 PM 2:36 PM 3:17 PM 3:52 PM 4:23 PM 4:53 PM 5:20 PM
Height 2.0H 1.9H 1.7H 1.2H 1.1H 1.0H 1.1H 1.2H 1.4H 1.5H 1.6H 1.6H 1.6H 1.6H 1.6H
Time
Height
Time
Height
12:02 PM 1:02 PM 2:16 PM 4:03 PM 6:03 PM
-0.1L 0.3L 0.6L 0.8L 1.0L
7:51 PM 8:16 PM 8:36 PM 8:52 PM 9:05 PM
1.5H 1.3H 1.2H 1.1H 1.1H
LSONews.com
Solunar | Sun times | Moon times
Moon Phases Full
First
Dec. 28
Dec. 20
Port O’Connor Date Dec 14 Dec 15 Dec 16 Dec 17 Dec 18 Dec 19 Dec 20 Dec 21 Dec 22 Dec 23 Dec 24 Dec 25 Dec 26 Dec 27 Dec 28
Time 12:16 AM 1:21 AM 2:21 AM 2:55 AM 12:32 AM 12:10 AM 6:57 AM 7:25 AM 8:00 AM 8:35 AM 9:09 AM 9:44 AM 10:19 AM 10:57 AM 11:36 AM
Rockport
Date Time Dec 14 2:31 AM Dec 15 3:28 AM Dec 16 4:23 AM Dec 17 5:16 AM Dec 18 6:09 AM Dec 19 12:14 AM Dec 20 6:51 AM Dec 21 7:45 AM Dec 22 8:29 AM Dec 23 9:11 AM Dec 24 9:55 AM Dec 25 12:22 AM Dec 26 1:04 AM Dec 27 1:47 AM Dec 28 2:29 AM
Houston Time 12:07 PM 1:02 PM 1:53 PM 2:39 PM 3:14 PM 3:32 PM 10:22 PM 9:35 PM 9:26 PM 9:38 PM 9:56 PM 10:18 PM 10:48 PM 11:23 PM 11:57 PM
Height -0.4L -0.3L -0.3L -0.2L 0.0L 0.1L 0.4H 0.4H 0.5H 0.5H 0.5H 0.5H 0.5H 0.5H 0.5H
Height 0.3H 0.3H 0.3H 0.2H 0.1H 0.1H 0.0L -0.1L -0.1L -0.2L -0.2L 0.1H 0.1H 0.1H 0.1H
Time 1:33 PM 2:21 PM 3:01 PM 3:29 PM 3:44 PM 4:35 AM 10:14 AM 10:58 PM 11:17 PM 11:45 PM
Height -0.1L -0.1L -0.1L -0.1L -0.1L 0.1L 0.0H 0.1H 0.1H 0.1H
10:41 AM 11:27 AM 12:12 PM 12:53 PM
-0.2L -0.2L -0.2L -0.3L
Height -1.0L -0.9L -0.7L -0.4L 0.8L 0.5L 0.2L 0.0L -0.2L -0.4L -0.5L -0.6L -0.7L -0.7L -0.8L
South Padre Island Date Time Dec 14 9:02 AM Dec 15 9:52 AM Dec 16 10:42 AM Dec 17 11:31 AM Dec 18 1:52 AM Dec 19 2:30 AM Dec 20 3:15 AM Dec 21 4:00 AM Dec 22 4:44 AM Dec 23 5:27 AM Dec 24 6:09 AM Dec 25 6:48 AM Dec 26 7:24 AM Dec 27 7:58 AM Dec 28 8:29 AM
Jan. 11
Jan. 5
Height 0.9H 0.8H 0.8H 0.6H 0.5H 0.4H 0.1L 0.0L -0.1L -0.2L -0.3L -0.3L -0.4L -0.4L -0.4L
Port Aransas, H. Caldwell Pier Date Time Dec 14 9:04 AM Dec 15 9:53 AM Dec 16 10:42 AM Dec 17 11:31 AM Dec 18 2:10 AM Dec 19 2:39 AM Dec 20 3:17 AM Dec 21 3:58 AM Dec 22 4:40 AM Dec 23 5:21 AM Dec 24 6:02 AM Dec 25 6:42 AM Dec 26 7:20 AM Dec 27 7:56 AM Dec 28 8:29 AM
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.
New
Last
Height -0.9L -0.7L -0.4L -0.1L 1.1L 0.8L 0.5L 0.3L 0.0L -0.1L -0.3L -0.3L -0.4L -0.4L -0.4L
Time 6:16 PM 6:53 PM 7:23 PM 7:45 PM 4:43 AM 7:23 AM 10:09 AM 12:25 PM 1:47 PM 2:42 PM 3:27 PM 4:09 PM 4:46 PM 5:20 PM 5:48 PM
Height 1.9H 1.7H 1.5H 1.3H 0.8H 0.7H 0.8H 1.0H 1.3H 1.4H 1.5H 1.5H 1.5H 1.4H 1.3H
Time 6:37 PM 7:12 PM 7:35 PM 7:50 PM 4:34 AM 7:12 AM 10:05 AM 12:45 PM 2:19 PM 3:14 PM 3:59 PM 4:40 PM 5:17 PM 5:50 PM 6:16 PM
Height 1.9H 1.7H 1.6H 1.5H 1.1H 1.0H 1.0H 1.2H 1.3H 1.5H 1.5H 1.5H 1.5H 1.5H 1.5H
Time
Height
Time
Height
10:58 PM
0.4H
Time
Height
Time
Height
7:19 AM 2:57 PM
0.1H 0.0L
Time
Height
Time
Height
12:20 PM 1:13 PM 2:20 PM 4:13 PM
-0.1L 0.3L 0.7L 0.9L
8:00 PM 8:09 PM 8:11 PM 7:57 PM
1.1H 1.0H 1.0H 1.0H
3:39 PM 10:52 PM
0.0L 0.1H
2012-13 Dec-Jan 14 Fri > 15 Sat > 16 Sun 17 Mon 18 Tue 19 Wed 20 Thu Q 21 Fri 22 Sat 23 Sun 24 Mon 25 Tue 26 Wed > 27 Thu > 28 Fri F 29 Sat > 30 Sun > 31 Mon 01 Tue 02 Wed
A.M. Minor Major 5:45 11:25 6:50 12:35 7:53 1:40 8:53 2:40 9:47 3:35 10:37 4:26 11:23 5:12 ----- 5:55 12:25 6:36 1:05 7:16 1:46 7:57 2:28 8:40 3:11 9:24 3:57 10:09 4:45 10:57 5:34 11:46 6:24 12:13 7:15 1:03 8:05 1:54 8:56 2:44
Dallas 2012-13 Dec-Jan 14 Fri > 15 Sat > 16 Sun 17 Mon 18 Tue 19 Wed 20 Thu Q 21 Fri 22 Sat 23 Sun 24 Mon 25 Tue 26 Wed > 27 Thu > 28 Fri F 29 Sat > 30 Sun > 31 Mon 01 Tue 02 Wed
A.M. Minor Major 5:50 11:31 6:56 12:41 7:59 1:45 8:58 2:46 9:53 3:41 10:43 4:31 11:28 5:17 ----- 6:00 12:30 6:41 1:10 7:22 1:51 8:03 2:33 8:45 3:17 9:29 4:03 10:15 4:50 11:02 5:40 11:51 6:30 12:18 7:20 1:09 8:11 2:00 9:01 2:50
San Antonio
Time
Height
Time
Height
12:19 PM 1:07 PM 2:02 PM 3:25 PM
0.3L 0.6L 0.9L 1.2L
7:58 PM 8:02 PM 8:00 PM 7:47 PM
1.4H 1.3H 1.3H 1.3H
2012-13 A.M. Dec-Jan Minor Major 14 Fri > 5:57 11:38 15 Sat > 7:03 12:48 16 Sun 8:06 1:52 17 Mon 9:05 2:53 18 Tue 10:00 3:48 19 Wed 10:50 4:38 20 Thu Q 11:35 5:24 21 Fri ----- 6:07 22 Sat 12:37 6:48 23 Sun 1:17 7:29 24 Mon 1:58 8:10 25 Tue 2:40 8:52 26 Wed > 3:24 9:36 27 Thu > 4:10 10:22 28 Fri F 4:57 11:09 29 Sat > 5:47 11:58 30 Sun > 6:37 12:25 31 Mon 7:27 1:16 01 Tue 8:18 2:07 02 Wed 9:08 2:57
Amarillo
2012-13 A.M. Dec-Jan Minor 14 Fri > 6:11 15 Sat > 7:16 16 Sun 8:19 17 Mon 9:19 18 Tue 10:13 19 Wed 11:03 20 Thu Q 11:49 21 Fri 12:09 22 Sat 12:50 23 Sun 1:31 24 Mon 2:12 25 Tue 2:54 26 Wed > 3:37 27 Thu > 4:23 28 Fri F 5:11 29 Sat > 6:00 30 Sun > 6:50 31 Mon 7:41 01 Tue 8:31 02 Wed 9:22
OUTDOOR PUZZLER | By Wilbur “Wib” Lundeen ACROSS 1. A consideration for bowhunters 5. A male pheasant 7. King or coho 8. Trapped for the fur 9. A part of a gun frame 10. To bring down a game 12. A pheasant food source 15. Hunter’s name for the predator 17. A game pathway 18. Term for a very small fish 20. A finger protector, shooting ____ 21. Arrows and shells 22. A game bird 24. A valuable commercial fish 25. Act of game, wildfowl having young 27. BB gun or ____ rifle 30. A good bait for bear traps 32. A young quail 34. Wild ones include the Dall 35. Clay pigeon ejector station 37. Game or wildfowl traits 38. The tip of a bullet
Solution on Page 32 The stream fisherman’s lure A salmon A name for the brook trout The largest bass, ____ bass 10. A part of a rifle 11. Bear trap bait 12. A species of the moose 13. Perch are classed as this 14. A fish steering appendage 16. Foul weather wear, ____ gear 19. Wildfowl resting place 23. A very good walleye bait 26. A breed of setter 28. To pack fish in to take home 29. This controls spread of shot pellets 30. A type of scope 31. A grouse species Name for a Wyoming salmon Name for a certain fishing lure They’re large on a muley A deer species, _____horn Deer domain marks To pull back the bowstring The point of an arrow Said to be best lure color to attract fish 3. 4. 6. 7.
40. 42. 45. 46.
Name for the strawberry bass Hunter’s quarry in Florida Act of stringing a bow Very large member of deer family 47. A type of camp fireplace DOWN 1. Arrow shaft material 2. Deer, squirrel food source
33. 34. 36. 39. 40. 41. 43. 44.
Major 11:51 1:01 2:06 3:06 4:01 4:52 5:38 6:21 7:02 7:42 8:23 9:05 9:49 10:35 11:23 ----12:38 1:29 2:20 3:10
P.M. Minor 6:16 7:19 8:21 9:18 10:11 11:00 11:45 12:06 12:47 1:28 2:09 2:52 3:36 4:22 5:09 5:58 6:47 7:37 8:28 9:18
Major 12:00 1:05 2:07 3:05 3:59 4:49 5:34 6:17 6:58 7:39 8:21 9:03 9:48 10:34 11:21 ----12:36 1:26 2:17 3:07
SUN Rises Sets 07:08 05:23 07:08 05:23 07:09 05:23 07:10 05:24 07:10 05:24 07:11 05:24 07:11 05:25 07:12 05:25 07:12 05:26 07:13 05:26 07:13 05:27 07:13 05:27 07:14 05:28 07:14 05:28 07:15 05:29 07:15 05:30 07:15 05:30 07:15 05:31 07:16 05:32 07:16 05:32
MOON Rises Sets 8:18a 7:13p 9:10a 8:20p 9:56a 9:25p 10:37a 10:27p 11:15a 11:25p 11:50a NoMoon 12:24p 12:22a 12:58p 1:17a 1:34p 2:11a 2:12p 3:05a 2:53p 3:58a 3:36p 4:50a 4:23p 5:41a 5:13p 6:29a 6:05p 7:15a 6:59p 7:57a 7:53p 8:37a 8:48p 9:13a 9:44p 9:48a 10:40p 10:23a
P.M. Minor Major 6:21 12:06 7:25 1:10 8:26 2:12 9:24 3:11 10:17 4:05 11:06 4:54 11:51 5:40 12:11 6:22 12:53 7:04 1:33 7:45 2:15 8:26 2:57 9:09 3:41 9:53 4:27 10:39 5:14 11:27 6:03 ----6:53 12:41 7:43 1:32 8:33 2:22 9:24 3:13
SUN Rises Sets 07:21 05:20 07:22 05:21 07:22 05:21 07:23 05:21 07:23 05:22 07:24 05:22 07:24 05:23 07:25 05:23 07:25 05:24 07:26 05:24 07:26 05:25 07:27 05:25 07:27 05:26 07:27 05:26 07:28 05:27 07:28 05:28 07:28 05:28 07:29 05:29 07:29 05:30 07:29 05:30
MOON Rises 8:30a 9:22a 10:06a 10:46a 11:21a 11:55a 12:28p 1:01p 1:35p 2:12p 2:52p 3:35p 4:22p 5:12p 6:05p 6:59p 7:55p 8:51p 9:48p 10:46p
Sets 7:13p 8:21p 9:27p 10:30p 11:31p NoMoon 12:29a 1:25a 2:21a 3:15a 4:10a 5:02a 5:53a 6:42a 7:27a 8:09a 8:47a 9:22a 9:56a 10:29a
P.M. Minor Major 6:28 12:13 7:32 1:17 8:33 2:19 9:31 3:18 10:24 4:12 11:13 5:01 11:58 5:47 12:18 6:29 1:00 7:11 1:40 7:52 2:22 8:33 3:04 9:16 3:48 10:00 4:34 10:46 5:21 11:34 6:10 ----7:00 12:48 7:50 1:39 8:40 2:29 9:31 3:20
SUN Rises Sets 07:20 05:36 07:20 05:36 07:21 05:36 07:21 05:37 07:22 05:37 07:22 05:38 07:23 05:38 07:23 05:39 07:24 05:39 07:24 05:40 07:25 05:40 07:25 05:41 07:26 05:41 07:26 05:42 07:26 05:42 07:27 05:43 07:27 05:44 07:27 05:44 07:27 05:45 07:28 05:46
MOON Rises 8:30a 9:23a 10:09a 10:50a 11:27a 12:02p 12:37p 1:11p 1:47p 2:25p 3:06p 3:50p 4:37p 5:27p 6:19p 7:12p 8:07p 9:02p 9:57p 10:53p
Sets 7:27p 8:34p 9:38p 10:40p 11:39p NoMoon 12:35a 1:30a 2:24a 3:17a 4:10a 5:02a 5:53a 6:41a 7:27a 8:10a 8:49a 9:26a 10:01a 10:35a
P.M. Minor 6:41 7:45 8:47 9:44 10:37 11:26 ----12:32 1:13 1:54 2:35 3:17 4:02 4:47 5:35 6:24 7:13 8:03 8:54 9:44
SUN Rises 07:47 07:48 07:49 07:49 07:50 07:50 07:51 07:51 07:52 07:52 07:53 07:53 07:53 07:54 07:54 07:54 07:55 07:55 07:55 07:55
MOON Rises 8:56a 9:47a 10:30a 11:09a 11:43a 12:15p 12:47p 1:19p 1:53p 2:29p 3:08p 3:51p 4:38p 5:28p 6:21p 7:16p 8:13p 9:10p 10:08p 11:07p
Sets 7:29p 8:38p 9:46p 10:50p 11:52p NoMoon 12:51a 1:48a 2:45a 3:40a 4:35a 5:29a 6:20a 7:08a 7:53a 8:34a 9:11a 9:46a 10:19a 10:51a
Major 12:26 1:31 2:33 3:31 4:25 5:14 6:00 6:43 7:24 8:05 8:47 9:29 10:14 11:00 11:47 12:12 1:02 1:52 2:42 3:33
Sets 05:35 05:35 05:35 05:36 05:36 05:36 05:37 05:37 05:38 05:38 05:39 05:39 05:40 05:41 05:41 05:42 05:43 05:43 05:44 05:45
FOR THE TABLE Southern Deer Hash 6-8 lbs. venison (neck, shoulders and trimmings) 2 medium onions Salt and pepper 1 tbsp. sage 1/2 cup margarine, melted 2 tbsps. Worcestershire sauce 1 cup deer broth Place venison in a crock pot or pressure cooker, add one onion roughly chopped and cover with water. Cook 20-30 minutes, or until tender. Remove the meat and save the broth. Allow meat
to cool, then chop/dice into small pieces. Add the sage, margarine, Worcestershire sauce, salt and pepper to taste. Dice the second onion and add to mixture. Mix well. Spray a 13x9-inch baking dish with non-stick spray. Add the hash mixture and flatten by hand. Pour one cup of saved broth over top, cover with foil and bake 45-50 minutes. Remove foil and cook additional 15 minutes. Serve with rice, sweet potatoes or make sandwiches. — backwoodsbound.com
2 cups rice, cooked Crappie Gumbo Tabasco sauce 1 pound crappie fillets, cut into bite-sized pieces In large soup pot, melt butter and 1/4 cup butter 1/2 cup chopped onion sauté onion, green pepper, garlic and 1 small green pepper, chopped celery until tender. Add tomatoes, 1 garlic clove, chopped okra, water, thyme, red pepper, salt 1/2 cup chopped celery and pepper. Simmer for 20 minutes, 1 can, 28 oz. tomatoes stirring occasionally. Add the crap1 pound okra pie and cook for 10-15 minutes or 1 cup water until fish begins to flake. Serve over 1/4 tsp. thyme cooked rice, season with Tabasco. 1/2 tsp. crushed red pepper Salt and pepper — easyfishrecipes.com *email LSON your favorite recipe to news@lonestaroutdoornews.com.
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December 14, 2012
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HEROES SHARE AN ADVENTURE
■ Want to share hunting and fishing photos with other Lone Star Outdoor News readers? Email them with contact and caption information to news@lonestaroutdoornews.com. High-resolution original jpegs only. Mail prints to Heroes, Lone Star Outdoor News, P.O. Box 551695, Dallas, TX 75355.
Eight-year-old AVERY HOLLAND harvested her first deer this season in Gillespie County after a 30-yard shot with her family’s .222.
KAYLA MAYFIELD, 12, from Melissa, took her first deer on a hunt during the youth weekend with her grandfather, Dale.
MIKE PARKS was fishing the jetties near Port Aransas when this 42-inch king hammered his line.
Harper hunter DAWSON WREN took his first buck with one shot from a .22-250.
KALLI KUNZ of Highpoint Ranch near London, an experienced deer hunter with rifle and bow, killed her first duck, this drake gadwall, hunting in Comanche County with seasoned waterfowler Craig Nyhus at the world-famous Crosstimbers Hunting Club in Deleon. NICOLAS KAUFMAN, 10, has a big smile after taking his first buck near Post. He used a 6.8 SPC Ruger to make the 195-yard shot on a wheat field.
CLASSIFIEDS HUNTING PACKAGES AT LAKE FORK Hunt for wild hogs, quail, pheasant, chukar and ducks at one of the top fishing lodges in North America. Lake Fork Lodge (903) 473-7236
TEXASARCHERY.INFO
LOOKING FOR DEER? Great Deal Native Whitetail Trophy and Management Hunts near Brady. Meals and lodging at Highpoint Ranch and exotics hunts are also still available. Brand new lodge and some of the best home cooking you will ever have. I’ll send you some game cam photos of our bucks. Like us on Facebook. Call Sawyer Wright. (254) 485-7069
HUNTING LEASE Looking for a year round lease. Fishing included. Camp house is needed. North, Central or West Tx. (214) 361-2276
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HUNTING PROPERTY WITH AN INCOME STREAM! 1,140 acres for sale in Bailey County, Texas. This is a great opportunity to own a recreational property that has a C.R.P. payment. There is a healthy Mule Deer population as well as pheasant, quail, and dove. Call Vic Coker Land Company, Broker. Ask for Barry (806) 272-3100 (806) 787-0917 TEXAS DUCK STAMP COLLECTION FOR SALE 1981 thru 2011. Call Steve Barber at (817) 832-8078 LEARN TO FLY FISH CASTING LESSONS Lessons by a certified casting instructor in Dallas. Group lessons available. (214) 677-6307 QUAIL GUN 20-gauge, 26” BBL, English stock, side by side. Smith & Wesson Elite Gold In box, never fired. $1850 (214) 361-2276 x 201
VETERAN SEEKING EMPLOYMENT Seeking employment in the Whitetail, Exotic, or hunting industry. Wildlife and hunting is my passion and would like to pursue a career in the industry. Please call Rodney (214) 723-3966 ILLINOIS WHITETAIL ARCHERY ONLY Fair chase. Privately owned and managed. HUGE trophies. Boone and Crocket deer. Hunted only 5 weeks per year during pre-rut/rut. Booking now for 2013. Call Dave. (719) 963-4479 STATE WATERFOWL STAMP/PRINT COLLECTION FOR SALE 32 total signed and numbered state prints and stamps from around the country 12 state first; Louisiana, Vermont, Arizona,Kansas, Rhode Island, Kentucky, Connecticut, Idaho, Virginia, Nebraska, Canada, Australia. 10 from South Carolina. All unframed. Great art work for any water fowlers office wall or hunting camp. Call and ask for David. (214) 361-2276
PER WORD
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December 14, 2012
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Flounder Continued From Page 8
his efforts on the inside of St. Joes Island and Mustang Island. “I like the big sandbars that rise to the bank,” Clouse added. “I call them ‘catches’ because it will hold a lot of fish along the bars.” In Port O’ Connor, Capt. Shawn Harvey wrote a report on his website, gofloundering.com. “Big flounder continue to fall victim during the last couple of nights,” Harvey wrote. “It hasn't been quick limits lately, but the quality has made up for it. The flounder are larger and much thicker this time of year. There have been a lot of giggers out lately and the results have varied from very good to not so good. “Seems you need to be on them right away or wait for the tide to help push larger ones into the shallows.” Harvey wrote that the cooler weather should move the bigger fish. “(We are) still anticipating some cooler weather to really heat up the run,” he wrote. “We're off to a good start here in POC. Friday night at midnight we started gigging
again and the action has been hot. Some areas are stacked, while others areas have the fish spread out. There have been a lot of quality-size flounder picked up lately — up to 26.5 inches and over 8 pounds.” Other solid reports from Bolivar Pass and Sabine Lake said flounder are running through the passes in great numbers, and anglers and giggers are taking home limits day and night. Athens angler Chris Richardson fished the Bolivar Peninsula the second weekend in December, and caught a mess of nice flounder with artificials and finger mullet. “We caught our fish between 2 and 5 feet of water,” Richardson said. “Most of them came within the first hour after daylight. We were wading and found an isolated area away from the crowds. The weekend was packed with anglers. “There were a lot of nice flounder being caught.” Capt. Joe Clouse, (361) 463-3217 Capt. Shawn Harvey, gofloundering.com
Hybrids Continued From Page 8
around 70 degrees and lower, not just for it to flash down and back up,” he said. “Especially (when water temperatures are in the) 60s they get active, but it’s around 70 and will get up toward the mid-70s right now.” Mills said he has caught some near the mouth of the Little Lake Creek area and on humps with spoons. “You just have to look for them,” he said. “You’ll be a hero for a day and a goat the next.” Bait shops around Lake Whitney said hybrids have practically been unheard of this month, and anglers are struggling to find much of anything that is hungry. Trent Miller, (903) 530-1710 Billy Mills, (936) 520-7646
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Young hunter capitalizes on public opportunity By Conor Harrison
Ryan recalls the first time he saw the buck. “My dad spotted him at about 250 yards,” he said. “The sun was right behind us, so the Although most of Texas is privately deer couldn’t see us. I got my gun up and got owned, great hunting spots can be found on on him as quickly as possible.” public land. Mike made the sound of a doe bleating, Just ask 11–year-old Ryan Warner. The which stopped the buck and gave Ryan a Dallas hunter and student at St. Marks is a neck shot. believer. “I told him to put it right on the white Ryan’s dad, Mike, put in for the draw throat patch,” Mike said. “He made a perfect hunt at White Oak shot.” Creek WMA earAs the pair lier this year and walked up to the was rewarded with buck, Ryan still a hunt during the hadn’t gotten a Oct. 27-28 youth good look at the weekend. buck. Ryan knew he “After I dropped was in for a good it I didn’t think hunt. he was that big,” “I’ve hunted this Ryan said. “We got property in the past over there and saw and took a couple he had 12 points. of deer, so I knew There was a lot of there are a lot of cheering going on.” deer out there.” After the hunt, Mike and Ryan father and son were late arriving to headed to the their stand, so they check station, decided to look at a where they met few other areas they the local game knew held deer. warden and Luke “On the first day Baker, biologist at of the hunt, we saw White Oak Creek. a couple of small “They do a great bucks and a few job putting on the does,” Mike said. hunts,” Mark said. “Ryan had a chance The deer was at a hog and a bobRyan’s biggest ever, cat, but couldn’t and currently is at connect. On Sunday Harwell Taxidermy morning about in Rockwall. 8:30, this buck hap“I’m going to be pened to be walking GREAT PUBLIC LAND BUCK: Ryan Warner shows off the putting this one down a treeline on buck he harvested at the White Oak Creek WMA. He and on the wall in my the pasture we were his dad knew the area and hunted hard to find a good bedroom,” Ryan hunting.” said. buck. Photo by Mark Warner.
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More land for river anglers
Trout Continued From Page 1
“I like the darker-colored plastics — those usually work best for me,” he said. “I’ll use the pumpkinseed with the yellow tail or the pearl with the yellow tail.” Wading in depths up to 3 feet and fishing over the mud and shell in 3 to 5 feet of water has been the best for him. Trout have been chasing mullet and shrimp near marsh drains, according to Montgomery. Farther down the coast, Lower Laguna Madre guide Capt. Robert Sirvello has been catching trout in the Intracoastal on soft plastics and twitchbaits. “There hasn’t been a lot of live bait,” he said. “I’m fishing drop-offs and no shell. Some days the trout are deeper than others, depending on how cold it is. If it’s colder, they’ll go a little deeper.” Sirvello said he changes his techniques during the winter. “I do a lot of channel fishing in the winter,” he said. “I can usually catch a lot on the ship channel. Our bay is so shallow down here, that’s where our only deep water is.” One guide who operates around Aransas Pass said that the trout had been so hard to find for him, that he has switched his focus to flounder. Connie Isbell of Rawlings Bait Camp in Matagorda said high winds have made fishing tough, keeping anglers closer to shore and away from open water. She said live shrimp has been the favorite for anglers braving the windy conditions. Capt. Robert Sirvello, (956) 943-1010 Rawlings Bait Camp, (979) 863-7669
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Texas Parks and Wildlife Department has signed temporary leased access agreements with four Guadalupe River property owners to expand free public fishing access to the trout fishery downstream of Canyon Reservoir. In addition, new access sites for anglers are slated to open on the Brazos, Neches and Colorado rivers in time for highquality spring fishing opportunities. Recognized as one of the top 100 trout streams in America and the southernmost trout stream in the United States, the Guadalupe River below Canyon Reservoir is the only stocked trout fishery in Texas where trout survive through the summer. Site maps, specific conditions for angler use at each site (including any special fishing regulations), and
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To advertise in this section, call Mike Hughs at (214) 361-2276 or e-mail him at mhughs@lonestaroutdoornews.com.
a link to the trout stocking schedule and locations can be found on the TPWD River Fishing Web page. Additional leased fishing access areas will open along the Brazos, Colorado, and Neches rivers in time for high-quality spring fishing opportunities. The new angler access area on the Brazos River will be located upstream of Waco and provide excellent fishing opportunities for smallmouth bass, largemouth bass and catfish. Already a popular fishing destination among fly-anglers that target largemouth bass, the Colorado River access area will provide increased access for anglers downstream of Lady Bird Lake in Austin. The Neches River site will provide access to the popular spring white bass run at the State Highway 31 bridge crossing immediately upstream of Lake Palestine. — TPWD
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Master fly-fisher to teach classes at TFFC Jan. 12, Feb. 9 Expert fly-fisher Bob Cappallo of Corsicana will teach fly-fishing for beginners at the Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center in Athens Jan. 12, 2013, and Feb. 9, 2013, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The class is open to adults 18 and older. No fly-fishing experience is required. Equipment will be provided, but students may bring their own. The $50 fee for the class includes entrance to TFFC for the day of the class, lunch and a season pass so students can return for more fishing as often as they like. Instruction will focus on equipment selection, knot tying, casting and fishing for rainbow trout in TFFC’s 1.5-acre casting pond. Catch-and-release fishing is free, but anglers may pay $5 for the opportunity to catch and keep up to five fish.
LoneOStar Outdoor News
Cappallo is a member of the Brazos Valley Fly Fishers and lives on Richland Chambers Reservoir. He fly-fishes for trout in New Mexico and redfish and tarpon on the Texas coast. Cappallo also builds handmade fly rods and ties flies. Reservations are required, and the class is limited to 20 persons. For more information or to register by telephone for the class, call Brooks at (903) 670-2222. — TPWD
Trout stocking has begun Texas trout anglers are ready. For an inexpensive, entry-level fishing experience the entire family can enjoy, it doesn’t get much easier than winter rainbow trout fishing in Texas. Beginning this month and continuing through March, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department will stock upwards of 250,000 hatchery-reared rainbow trout at more than 100 sites across the state. Many of the fish stockings will be con-
ducted at small community fishing lakes, state park lakes and popular river tailraces offering easy angling access. Locations such as Beal Park Lake in Midland, Eisenhower Park Pond in Houston, and Waldron Park in Corpus Christi will be stocked this winter. The fish will bite almost immediately after stocking and typically will take a variety of baits, from whole kernel canned corn or commercial soft bait to artificial flies and even small spinner baits. “It is important for anglers to understand that the posted schedule is tentative and is subject to change due to weather conditions or other unforeseen circumstances,” said Todd Engeling, TPWD hatchery program director. “It is always best to check the website before heading out to one of the stocking sites.” For more information about the program, including tips and the 2012-2013 trout stocking schedule listed by city or county, visit TPWD’s trout stocking schedule. — TPWD
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To advertise in this section, call Mike Hughs at (214) 361-2276 or e-mail him at mhughs@lonestaroutdoornews.com.
December 14, 2012
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First Continued From Page 4
David said. “He was very courteous, checked us and asked us to let us know if we see anything suspicious. It is great to know there is law enforcement out there looking out for us.” The big buck was a typical 10-point with good mass and a 24-inch outside spread. “It was really exciting,” Paul said. So who gets to shoot the next big buck in the family? “Mom is going to get the next one,” said David’s wife, Kelly. David said the rest of the hunt went well, although the group did not get another shot. “Paul was on cloud nine the rest of the hunt,” David added. “We hunted for another couple of days trying to get Kent a deer, but we only saw one more good buck on the last morning before legal shooting light. “But it was a hard hunt and we had a great time.”
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DATEBOOK December 31
January 10-13
Houston Safari Club Worldwide Sporting Expo and Convention The Woodlands Waterway Marriott (713) 623-8844 houstonsafari.org
January 17
Dallas Safari Club New Year's Eve Party Ballroom, Dallas Convention Center (972) 980-9800 biggame.org
January 3-6
January 11-13
January 17-20
January 11-12
January 23-26
Dallas Safari Club 2013 Convention Dallas Convention Center (972) 980-9800 biggame.org
January 10 Dallas Woods and Waters Club Monthly Meeting and Dinner Sheraton Dallas North (214) 570-8700 dwwcc.org
Texas Tackle and Hunting Show Mesquite Rodeo Arena (918) 343-4868 texastackleandhuntingshow.com
Uvalde County Hill Country Rivers Trout Days, Nueces River (830) 591-1065 hillcountryrivers.com
January 12-13
Texas Gun and Knife Show Abilene Civic Center (830) 285-0575 texasgunandknifeshow.com
Puzzle solution from Page 22
Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation Texas State Rendezvous Lake Somerville (830) 935-4754 rmef.org
2013 Austin Boat and Travel Trailer Show Austin Convention Center (512) 494-1128 austinboatshow.com
Safari Club International 2013 Convention Reno, Nevada (520) 620-1220 scifirstforhunters.org
January 24
Ducks Unlimited Corsicana Dinner and Banquet Star Hall (903) 654-7705 ducks.org
January 24-27
San Antonio Boat and Travel Trailer Show The Alamodome (512) 494-1128 sanantonioboatshow.com
January 25
Hallettsville Knights of Columbus Big Buck Contest, Wild Game Supper and Outdoor Show Hallettsville Knights of Columbus Hall (361) 798-2311 kchall.com
January 31-February 2
Wild Sheep Foundation 2013 Sheep Show Grand Sierra Resort & Casino, Reno (307) 527-6261 wildsheepfoundation.org
Win Nikon 10x42 PROSTAFF 7 binoculars See a full selection of Nikon products at
Ray’s Hardware & Sporting Goods Inc. 1730 Singleton Blvd Dallas, Texas 75212
(214) 747-7916 www.RaysSportingGoods.com
GEORGE AUSTI N, 10, took th is pronghorn on hunt with his a family in Hudsp eth County ne Paso. The fam ar El ily was huntin g on leased la where they ha nd ve been huntin g the past seve years. George ral made a 175-y ard shot with Ruger .22-25 his 0 on the aftern oon of the firs of hunting. t day
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December 14, 2012
NATIONAL Two Louisiana black bears found dead Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Enforcement Division agents and USFWS officials are seeking leads for an illegally killed black bear that was found in Pointe Coupee Parish. Officials found an adult female black bear weighing about 225 pounds dead from an apparent high-powered rifle gunshot wound. LDWF is estimating that the bear was shot and killed between Nov. 28 and Dec. 1. A cash reward totaling up to $7,000 is being offered to anyone with information that leads to the arrest and conviction for this illegal killing of a black bear. This is the second bear in a week that was found shot. Officials found a dead black bear in Avoyelles Parish on Nov. 27. A $6,000 reward is being offered for help in that case. Anyone with information regarding this illegal bear killings should call the Louisiana Operation Game Thief hotline at 1-800-442-2511 or use LDWF’s tip411 program. — LDWF
Champion of Champions to highlight 2013 World Elk Calling Championships The World Elk Calling Championships will reach its most elite level ever when the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation celebrates the 25th anniversary of the event at Elk Camp 2013 in Las Vegas. The Champion of Champions competition will bring the top elk callers in the world together on the same stage to determine which contestant is the master at mimick-
ing the wildest sounds in America’s backcountry. “This promises to be among the most exciting events at Elk Camp,” said Steve Decker, RMEF vice president of marketing. “After we crown the 2013 champion, that participant will immediately join previous years’ winners from the professional division and we’ll see and hear who really is the Champion of Champions.” Twelve men currently lay claim to the title of professional world elk calling champion including Bryan Langley of McMinnville, Ore., the 2012 reigning champ. Six of those contestants won multiple world championships. One of them is Joel Turner of Eatonville, Wash., who came out on top in 2008, 2010, and finished as runner-up in 2012. The preliminary rounds of the 2013 World Elk Calling Championships take place March 1 in the Las Vegas Convention Center. The finals are scheduled March 2, followed by the Champion of Champions. — RMEF
U.S. Supreme Court rules in Arkansas’ favor The U.S. Supreme Court ruled in favor of the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission in its lawsuit seeking just compensation from the United States Government for repeatedly flooding and, as a result, destroying thousands of acres of timber and habitat on Dave Donaldson Black River Wildlife Management Area. In an 8-0 opinion, the Court reversed the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit’s decision that overturned a $5.7 million trial court judgment for the AGFC. The Federal Circuit had held that compensation is due only when flooding is “a permanent or inevitably recurring condition, rather than an inherently temporary situation.”
Justice Ruth Ginsburg, writing for the Supreme Court, disagreed and held “that recurrent floodings, even if of finite duration, are not categorically exempt from Takings Clause liability.” The Court remanded the case to the Federal Circuit for further proceedings consistent with the Court’s opinion. The AGFC filed suit against the U.S. on March 18, 2005, to recoup the value of dead and dying timber and to restore areas where timber died on Dave Donaldson Black River WMA, which covers about 24,000 acres in Clay, Randolph and Greene counties. The damages were caused when the Corps of Engineers deviated from the water control plan for Clearwater Lake and Dam in southeast Missouri between 1993 and 2000 over the AGFC’s repeated objections. — AGFC
Forest Service removes ban on hunting deer with dogs The U.S. Forest Service announced that the ban on deer hunting with dogs within Kisatchie National Forest has been removed for the December dates previously approved by the Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission. The “with or without dogs” portion of the 2012-2013 hunting season within the Catahoula, Winn and Kisatchie Ranger Districts and the Evangeline Unit of the Calcasieu Ranger District will take place from Saturday, Dec. 15 through Sunday, Dec. 23. The Forest Service’s decision to prohibit hunting deer with dogs on KNF property in Louisiana was issued Feb. 29. The Forest Service decision was affirmed by their Washington Office on Sept. 28. A lawsuit was filed on Nov. 16 by Louisiana Sportsmen Alliance, LLC, challenging the decision. As required in 2010 and 2011,
all deer hunters on KNF lands designated for “with or without dogs” hunting during this nine-day period will be required to carry a KNF Deer Hunting Permit. The no-cost permit required during the “with or without dogs” portion of the hunting season is available on the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries website. —LWDF
Trophy NM mule deer head seized in Lubbock The head and antlers of a trophy mule deer illegally shot in New Mexico recently were seized in Lubbock, following an investigation by the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish and the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. The deer head was seized from a Texas hunter who allegedly killed the deer on public land when he had a license valid only for private land. Conservation officers interviewed witnesses who helped locate evidence that was collected at the kill site on public land south of Gobernador in northwestern New Mexico. Charges in the case are pending. — NMGF
INTERNATIONAL
Two deaths, croc management proposed in Northern Australia Australia's Top End is now populated by more than 100,000 saltwater crocodiles, causing residents and conservationists to rethink how best to live alongside these dangerous reptiles. Two fatal attacks on swimming children occurring within two weeks of one another have sparked the push for a necessary community education strategy that focuses on
the perilous behavior of salties and how to identify ‘problem’ crocodiles, particularly in the more remote regions of the Northern Territory. In June, the Australian Government proposed a partial lifting of a hunting ban that would allow trophy hunters to kill up to 50 salties above 3.5 meters in size each year in an effort to control the population numbers. The effort was spearheaded by the Northern Territory Government, which has been lobbying for safari hunting to be legalized for more than a decade. As of August, the Federal Environment Department is processing and documenting the 260 submissions it received on behalf of the ban being lifted for a two-year trial. — Staff report
Botswana to ban hunting Botswana has announced it will ban commercial hunting beginning in January, 2014, the country’s environmental ministry recently announced. The plan is expected to be controversial, as many communities hunt for a living, although the government will still issue some sustenance game licenses in traditional hunting communities. In a statement, the ministry said that it would continue to distribute special licenses for “traditional hunting” in some areas, but would ban the sale of licenses to sport hunters. Under the terms of the plan, current hunting concessions in the Okavango Delta and the Kalahari will be transformed into “photographic areas.” Some outfitters have disputed the current published reports, so if you have a safari booked to Botswana in the coming years, call your outfitter immediately for an up-to-date report. — Staff report
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Lone Star Outdoor News, ISSN 2162-8300, a publication of Lone Star Outdoor News, LLC, publishes twice a month. A mailed subscription is $30 for 24 issues. Newsstand copies are $2, in certain markets copies are free, one per person. Copyright 2012 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 e-mail them to news@ lonestaroutdoornews.com.
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Putting it to paper Patterning your shotgun brings better results in the field By John Keith
Lone Star Outdoor News Nearly everyone sights in their scope on a new deer rifle and makes sure their bow’s pins weren’t bumped in the offseason. But for whatever reason, hunters patterning their shotgun is not a given. Chris Graves of Shoot Smart in Fort Worth said the first thing a hunter should do is pattern their shotgun. “It can make a huge difference, especially if it’s a new shotgun, or new to you shotgun,” he said. “It can tell you if the barrel is bent or what the pattern is going to do in the field.” Hunters who prefer a certain type or brand of shell can just change their choke tubes instead of buying new boxes of ammo, he said. “With turkey hunting, you’re looking for consistency or shot density to give you a longer shot you can confidently take,” he said. “If you’re going to shoot dove or pheasant, you’re just looking for consistent patterning.” Graves recommends checking patterns for both lead and steel, because even with the same size shot, the results can be different. Ryan Taylor, international skeet competitor and firearms instructor at Hill Country Shooting Sports Center in Kerrville, said hunters who don’t pattern their guns are making a mistake — especially with side by sides or over/ unders. “I’m a big fan of patterning shotguns,” he said. “What I have found is there is a lot of variation, even moving a choke from the top barrel to the bottom; and that doesn’t even factor in ammo.” Taylor said he would immediately discard any choke tube that produced large holes in his pattern.
NO MORE EXCUSES: Checking to see what your pattern looks like with different shells or chokes can reveal what combination gives the best chance to bag that next duck or dove. Photo by Conor Harrison, LSON.
“It makes a difference,” he said. “One choke to another, there could be huge holes in your pattern.” Though most people use paper, Taylor uses a patterning plate — a metal board rolled over each shot with paint for the next test. Cooper hunter Steve Oglesby also believes patterning your shotgun helps in the field, and has experienced it firsthand. “Every shotgun ought to be patterned and every time you change loads you need to pattern it,” he said. “I was shooting Winchester Xperts out of an 870, using the stock modified choke, and I was missing a lot. When I patterned it, it had holes so big you could drive a truck through. “It would be easy to miss a duck with that load.”
Oglesby tried a few different brands of shells and choke tubes until he was satisfied. “I really think that it makes a big difference,” he said. “There was a huge difference in the number of birds we killed. We went from unloading on them and maybe wounding a single bird to making them fold.” Oglesby shot at a 30-inch circle from 40 yards to see how his patterns looked. He has found that a clean barrel gives the best results. “It will make a big difference in how you shoot, definitely,” he said. “You really don’t need to go out in the field with a shotgun that you haven’t patterned. “When it’s deer season you go out to check your scope, so why wouldn’t you take your shotgun to make sure it’s working?”
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