January 11, 2013 - Lone Star Outdoor News - Fishing & Hunting

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January 11, 2013

LSON at DSC Show ‘Journeys’ in photographs.

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Texas’ Premier Outdoor Newspaper

January 11, 2013

Volume 9, Issue 10

Lake Dunlap gives up 13-pounder

Inside

❘❚ HUNTING

Moving rams Bighorns captured at Elephant Mountain.

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180-inch dream buck

HERE COME THE POACHERS: Because of a recent decision by Botswana to end hunting, most hunters believe poachers will have free reign to target Botswana’s large elephant population. Photo by Lili Sams, LSON.

Young hunter takes huge deer with dad.

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Curious decision

❘❚ FISHING

Botswana to ban trophy hunting; animals stand to lose

Young angler, young tarpon Six-year-old catches jetty tarpon.

UNEXPECTED MONSTER: Matthew Moccia holds the 13.34-pound largemouth he hauled from Lake Dunlap near New Braunfels, a lake not historically known for huge bass. Photo by Matthew Moccia.

Lone Star outdoor newS

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By Conor Harrison Lone Star outdoor newS

Trout on fire Galveston Bay guides hammering trout.

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Page 18 Page 24 Page 10 Page 24 Page 12 Page 18 Page 26 Page 16 Page 25 Page 16 Page 24

By Craig Nyhus

Lake Dunlap isn’t exactly the first place anglers in Texas think of when they think giant largemouth bass.

But Manchaca angler Matthew Moccia, 29, knows better. He fishes the lake near New Braunfels about 10 times each year, and knows the dammed-up portion of the Guadalupe River holds good fish. But maybe not this good.

Moccia caught a 13.34pound bass on Dec. 30 while

fishing with a friend in a local tournament.

“I was just slow-rolling a DD-22 (crankbait) in 8 to 12 feet of water,” he said. “Once it got down into the grass, I slowed the retrieve down so it wouldn’t get stuck. We found a good pattern and caught quite a few good fish.”

When the big bass hit, Moccia knew it was a good fish.

“About five seconds in, I could tell (it was big),” he said.

“It did jump a few times and we could see it was a nice one,

but not as big as it turned out to be. When she came close to the boat the water was pretty clear, and I realized that it was a really big fish.”

Moccia did not have a net in the boat, so he grabbed the bass to bring her aboard.

“I had a hand-held scale in the boat that showed between 13.2 and 13.4 pounds,” he said. “I called another guy fishing on the lake and his scale registered between 12.8 and 13.2 pounds. When it is

Botswana, one of Africa’s top safari destinations, said in November that it would ban the commercial hunting of wildlife.

Similar actions in other African nations suggest the real losers won’t just be the local peoples, hunters and outfitters, but the animals.

The government decided to “indefinitely suspend commercial hunting of wildlife in public or controlled hunting areas” from Jan. 1, 2014, the environment ministry said in a statement issued after similar statements made by President Ian Khama in his state of the nation address.

The ministry said the killing of wild

See DUNLAP, Page 14

See BOTSWANA, Page 27

Second-chance buck Hunter wounds deer with arrow, redeems himself with rifle

By Conor Harrison Lone Star outdoor newS

Sometimes in life, a second chance is exactly what someone needs.

Second chances rarely come along in the hunting world, but when they do, a hunter needs to be prepared to make the most of it.

That is exactly what happened to Coppell hunter Bryan Forsythe this season.

REDEMPTION: Bryan Forsythe is one happy hunter after getting a second crack at this huge deer this season.

Photo by Bryan Forsythe.

Forsythe was hunting his property in Erath County on Sept. 30, when a buck he had seen in trail camera pictures showed up just before dark.

“It started on Sept. 28, when we had trail camera pictures of him,” Forsythe said. “The deer just showed up; it was the first time we’d seen him. On the 30th, he showed up near dark and made a rub and a scrape. He was at 53 yards and broadside, but he was about to get directly downwind.”

Forsythe took the shot and thought he might have hit the buck low.

“When he took off, I thought I caught a glimpse of the arrow sticking out, but there was no blood and I didn’t find the arrow.”

Forsythe spent the next day looking for the deer, to no avail. About two weeks later, he showed up on another trail camera in a different part of the ranch.

See SECOND CHANCE, Page 14

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January 11, 2013

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January 11, 2013

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HUNTING

Bucks hitting corn as season winds down Some rutting activity still reported down south

By Conor Harrison Lone Star Outdoor News

WINDING DOWN: The rut is winding down in South Texas, with hunters reporting more activity at feeders as the season comes to a close. Photo by David J. Sams, LSON.

The rut is winding down in South Texas, with a few execptions.

Some biologists and hunters are already seeing bucks grouping up as they return to normal feeding patterns, while other reports still have bucks chasing a few does, especially on colder days.

“There are still some reports of rutting activity, but it is pretty much over in some areas,” said TPWD biologist Eric Garza. “That is what I have seen hunting in my area in southern Starr County. But in Jim Hogg and Zapata counties a little farther north, the rut is still going on. It’s pretty variable right now.”

Garza said he didn’t know if does were cycling later in some areas due to prolonged drought.

“Drought can do that to a population,” he said.

“I’ve also seen quite a few big bucks taken from both high fence and low fence ranches — bucks in the

180s and 190s. Hunters that have put in the time and been able to hunt all week have been able to take some good animals.

“Overall, it started out slowly due to it being so hot. Hunters complained then and now they are complaining that it is too cold,” Garza said with a laugh.

Webb County Game Warden James Burris said he has been seeing some late rutting activity during colder days.

“There seems to be some rutting activity on the cold days, but the bucks seem to be moving more in general,” Burris said. “They are really coming to the corn and protein feeders now. It is slower than last year, though.”

Burris said the rut peaked in his area around Christmas.

“Hunters had been complaining about the lack of deer hitting corn, but the overall size of the bucks is bigger this year,” he said. “Ranch owners

Bighorns head to new ground Transfer from public to private property a first

PILING IN: Duck hunters are having good success during the second split of the season, although numbers are not as high as expected before the season began.

Photo by Conor Harrison, LSON.

Second split equals action

Duck hunting improved in some areas, down in others

By Craig Nyhus

By Conor Harrison

One sign of the continuing success of the desert bighorn recovery efforts in Texas is population numbers FREE AGAIN: A herd of bighorns was recently released onto that allow the ability to private property from Elephant Mountain WMA, a first for relocate sheep from one biologists. Photo by Dr. Louis Harveson. destination to another.

Mountain Wildlife Management In mid-December, 2012, that happened with 44 desert big- Area and transplanted them to the horns in an effort to establish a Nine Point Mesa located south of new, free-ranging herd of the sheep the WMA,” said Froylan Hernandez, in Texas.

“We moved them off of Elephant See BIGHORNS, Page 6

Duck hunters are reporting good shoots across much of the state as the second split draws to a close.

Colder temperatures in early January moved some birds in, but also pushed some birds out, according to North Texas hunters.

Guide Richard Pulvino, who hunts multiple public lakes

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have told me the quality still isn’t where it should be, though.

“It has been pretty dry this year.”

In Zavala County, Game Warden Chris Stautzenberger said the rutting activity is winding down.

“A few does still need to be bred here and there,” he said. “The bucks are starting to bunch back up. Lots of landowners are putting out protein now to help their bucks through the winter, and the deer are hitting it hard.”

Farther north, hunter Gus Wheeler said the rut is winding down on family property near Pleasonton.

“It is nearing the end,” he said. “I would say it peaked two or three weeks ago on our ranch.”

The regular deer season ends Jan. 20 in the South Zone, but ranches with Managed Land Deer Permits can continue to hunt through February.

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east of Dallas, said the action has picked up significantly since the second split opened.

“It is mallards mostly,” Pulvino said.

“Lots of gadwall also are flying around, but no teal and not many pintails. The hunting has picked up dramatically since the opening of the second split.

We had huge amounts of ducks on the lakes right before the split opened, but there

were so many hunters pressuring them, they all moved out.”

Pulvino said he passed seven boats on a public lake recently before calling it a morning and not hunting.

“This past week I only saw two,” he said. “The pressure has died down quite a bit.

People either know where (the ducks) are or they don’t.

Scouting is key.

“Where they are, they are thick.”

Pulvino said the birds will stick around until the end of the season if they aren’t pressured too hard.

“We’ve had groups out the last couple of days and everyone is getting their 5-mallard limits,” he said.

Farther south in Kaufman County, guide Dayton Harrell See DUCKS, Page 7

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January 11, 2013

PACK ON THE PROTEIN: Placing supplemental feed into roadside vegetation has resulted in better survival rates, suggesting another option for land management for quail. Photos by David J. Sams, LSON.

New approach for supplemental feed Hen survival, number of chicks increase

By Craig Nyhus Lone Star Outdoor News A two-year research project conducted by Texas Tech University and the QuailTech Alliance examined the effects of supplemental feed on northern bobwhite quail in the Rolling Plains of Texas.

“Prior studies used road surface feeding and stationary feeders,” said Dr. Brad Dabbert, the professor at Texas Tech who led the

Illinois man pleads guilty in Texas A 55-year-old Braidwood, Illinois geneticist was sentenced Dec. 18 for acquiring semen from illegally imported deer in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney John M. Bales.

Dr. Raymond Favero pleaded guilty on July 11, 2012 to the felony offense of acquiring wildlife in interstate commerce in violation of state law and federal laws and was sentenced to three years probation by U.S. District Judge Leonard Davis. Favero was also fined $6,000 and ordered to pay community restitution in the amount of $24,000 to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation.

According to information presented in court, on Feb. 1, 2007, Favero acquired approximately 184 straws of whitetail deer semen valued at approximately $92,000 drawn from a buck which he knew had been transported illegally from an out-of-state source. Then again, on Jan. 28, 2008, Favero acquired another 110 straws of whitetail deer semen valued at approximately $55,000 drawn from another buck which he knew had been transported illegally from an out-ofstate source.

Favero knew that Texas law prohibits any importation of live whitetail deer or live mule deer due to the threat of diseases transmittable by deer such as Chronic Wasting Disease and bovine tuberculosis. Favero earned a Ph.D. in animal science from the University of Illinois at UrbanaChampaign in 1992.

This case was investigated by the Special Operations Unit of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jim Noble.

— Dept. of Justice

DSC wraps successful convention The Dallas Safari Club wrapped up its annual convention and expo Sunday with record attendance and many outfitters reporting brisk sales during the show’s four-day run.

In fact, several safari operators booked every hunting slot for the next two years.

Always the first major hunting show each January, the DSC event was held Jan. 3-6 at the Dallas Convention Center.

Around the world, the event is seen as the hunting industry’s first economic indicator of the year.

“If there was concern about a fiscal cliff, it had clearly subsided by the time our convention and expo opened on Thursday,” said Ben Carter, DSC executive director. “Our preliminary counts show a new record of 44,000 attendees, which is up about 4,000 people over last year.

Many came through the doors ready to book a hunt, buy art or purchase outdoor clothing or gear. The mood in the expo hall was very upbeat and positive.”

Big-ticket items moved well — one outfitter sold 10 elephant hunts. Smaller items also moved well — one purveyor of leather hunting gear reported one of his best weekends ever.

The event serves as DSC’s primary fundraiser. Exhibit fees and gate admission will be combined with proceeds from auctions and raffles, new memberships and logoed apparel sales.

When the final numbers are in, Carter expects to net a record sum to support DSC’s conservation, education and hunter advocacy programs in 2013.

Grants for initiatives worldwide will be awarded later this year.

“We’re proud that our convention and expo is a place where families can enjoy time together, hunters can find what they want and need, exhibitors can succeed and businesses can thrive — and it all works together to support the mission and work of Dallas Safari Club. We can never say thank you enough to our supporters, attendees and volunteers,” Carter said.

— DSC

study along with Graduate Research Assistant Byron Buckley. “Most of the results were neutral or negative, and supplemental feeding was thought to be a useless practice by many, since it localized the quail in areas where predators could concentrate.”

A more recent study conducted in Florida used a different method. Milo was broadcast into roadside vegetation (feeding trails) and

the results were positive.

“We hypothesized the feeding method may be beneficial in Texas as it may decrease the time the quail are exposed to predators,” Dabbert said. “It also could improve the birds’ condition facing harsh weather and improve or sustain the breeding condition of hens.”

The study was conducted on an 8,000-acre area of the 6666 Ranch near Guthrie, using “fed units” where

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supplemental feed was broadcast into vegetation, and “control units” where it was not.

“In our first year we documented a significant increase in survival of hens on the fed units (35 percent) compared with hens within the control units (17 percent),” Dabbert said.

In year two of the study the fed and control units were switched, and they yielded 55 percent survival of hens on the fed units and only 25 percent on the control units.

The supplemental feeding did not impact nesting success, although hens using the fed units produced significantly more nests.

Dabbert said the use of supplemental feed in such a manner could be one of the tools used to help maintain and grow quail populations.

“The results represent a way managers can influence quail demography in positive ways and suggest there may be a nutritional component of the positive aspects of supplemental feeding,” he said.

“Broadcasting milo into roadside vegetation can benefit survival and help carry over breeders from a drought year, while the improved physical condition of the birds allows earlier and more frequent nesting attempts.”

Additional information on the study is available at The Quail-Tech Alliance website, quail-tech.org.

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January 11, 2013

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Bighorns Continued From Page 4

GROWING A HERD: Forty-four bighorns were moved during the two-day capture. They were released on Nine Point Mesa. Photos by Dr. Louis Harveson.

Bighorn Program leader at Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, who headed the relocation effort. “It was a huge accomplishment, since Elephant Mountain had a surplus of animals, especially rams, and the animals were moved from public to private property.”

Hernandez said the transfer location was determined after significant study of the habitat, fencing and overall conditions conducive to desert bighorns.

David Wetzel, president of the Texas Bighorn Society, attended the capture and transplant.

“On December 16, about 50 people gathered in Alpine for an orientation meeting at Sul Ross State University,” he said.

Help came from people with TPWD, the owners and managers of Nine Point Mesa, researchers from the Borderlands Research Institute at Sul Ross, and members of the Texas Bighorn Society, a conservation group involved in the restoration of bighorns in Texas.

“A helicopter capture team from AeroWest Helicopters out of Albuquerque, was fueled and ready to go when the sun broke the horizon, and within minutes the first two rams were returning to headquarters and processing them for the transplant began,” Wetzel said.

The helicopter would net the animals in areas that minimize the risk of injury, slings were placed under the sheep and long lines used from the helicopter were used to transport the sheep to Elephant Mountain headquarters, Hernandez said.

Blood, hair, fecal, and tissue samples were taken, the animals’ temperatures were monitored, telemetry collars

were attached and the sheep were transferred from the processing stations to trailers for the trip to their new home.

On the first day, 23 sheep were captured and released on the Nine Point Mesa. The larger rams were transferred individually in crates to keep them from hurting themselves or the other animals.

“Their release resembled something from a rodeo,” Wetzel said. “But ultimately all were cut loose and moist eyes watched them escaping into their new home.”

The transplant marked the first time in recent history where sheep captured on public land were transferred to private property.

“And it also represents the future of bighorn restoration as Texas,” Wetzel said, “since we have so little public land available and most of the remaining suitable bighorn habitat is on private property.”

The second planned day of the relocation didn’t go as planned. High winds made the team’s work too dangerous, and “the birds were kept on the ground,” Hernandez said.

On the following day, Dec. 19, the final 21 sheep were caught and moved.

In total, 44 sheep were moved,” Hernandez said.

“There were 22 ewes and 22 rams, and most of the ewes were pregnant.”

A graduate student is on the ground monitoring the movement and condition of the relocated sheep,” Hernandez said. “Twenty of the animals were collared, and some of the rams are already moving out of the area. In time, we hope to use the Nine Point Mesa as a nursery for future captures.”

MAKING TRACKS: A bighorn ram heads for his new home after being released. Photo by Dr. Louis Harveson.

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Ducks

Page 7

A special hunt with dad

Continued From Page 4

said the hunting has been spotty, but good when it is on.

“It was slow for a couple weeks after the split opened, but we are having some good shoots now,” Harrell said.

“We are shooting mallards and gadwall, but we do have a couple of ponds with a bunch of pintails on them.”

Central Texas hunters are seeing mixed results, with wind direction seemingly determining which direction the ducks go at first light while Colorado River hunters are having good hunts downstream from Austin.

Along the coast, hunter John Weeks said he has seen plenty of pintails, redheads, scaup and other divers where he hunts along the midcoast.

“I’ve seen solid numbers of divers and some puddle ducks came in with the last cold front,” he said. “Overall, the hunting has been pretty solid during the second split.”

According to Todd Steele at Thunderbird Hunting Club near Palacios, 73 hunters shot 64 limits of ducks during the past week.

“This was the first week I can say we had favorable weather conditions,” he said.

“A total of 408 birds were shot last week for a per-person average of 5.6 birds per hunter per day. Dependent on where you hunted, you either had green-winged teal, gadwalls, pintails or shovelers in abundance.”

January 11, 2013

HOW DO YOU TOP THIS ONE? Shelley Tipps holds the trophy deer she harvested during the peak of the South Texas rut. Photo by Steven Tipps.

Live Oak County hunter Shelley Tipps was ready to shoot a trophy buck on her family’s ranch.

She had waited for the chance for most of her 20 years afield.

On Dec. 27, the dream finally became a reality when Shelley downed a huge, 180-class buck.

“After many years of waiting to kill a monster buck, I finally had the opportunity standing 150 yards from me,” she said.

“I had seen the buck only once, earlier in the year, while hunting with my

dad, but the opportunity to take him did not present itself.”

Shelley said the ranch has been under intense management for several years to produce trophy deer.

“Dad, with mom’s convincing, decided it was time to let us three girls kill a trophy buck,” she said. “I decided that I was going to be the first to hunt. We had waited patiently for years, killing only hogs and cull bucks, while the deer matured and grew amazing antlers.

“I was more than ready to take my biggest buck ever.”

Shelley and her dad scouted for several weeks looking for a buck that would fit the bill.

“On this particular day, we saw numerous bucks during the morning hunt, but I had my sights set on something better,” she said. “The evening hunt rolled around and we decided to try a different area. The rut was in full swing and the bucks were moving around a lot. We got settled in the stand a

little early, since it was a cool, overcast day.”

Smaller bucks and does came into the sendero, when Shelley caught sight of a doe acting strangely.

“A young doe came running out of the brush and was acting skittish, so I looked for the buck that was probably chasing her,” the seasoned hunter said. “And then he appeared. My heart was pounding at the sight of this beautiful creature. I knew instantly he was the buck I was looking for.”

Shelley slowly put her .257 Weatherby out of the window and waited for the buck to turn broadside.

“I’m sure I was calmer than dad,” she said.

After one perfect shot, the buck was down.

“What seemed like an eternity ended with this trophy buck lying on the ground,” she said. “A big hug from dad sealed the

deal and made the day even more special. (The buck) scored a whopping 180 6/8 Boone and Crockett.”

Shelley’s dad, Steven, admired the deer while Shelley did the dirty work.

“I field dressed my magnificent kill while proud dad watched with a smile that I will remember forever,” she said. “The buck is now at the taxidermist, of course!”

Steven said it is a day he will always remember.

“This year, my wife had to convince me to let the girls shoot a trophy buck,” he said. “I’ve been trying to manage the property and leave the big bucks alone. After she killed that deer, I couldn’t believe I held back. Just to see the look on her face, words can’t describe it. That is what life is all about.

“I was really proud.”

— Staff report

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January 11, 2013

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FISHING

Jetty tarpon

6-year-old catches winter tarpon near Port A

By Conor Harrison Lone Star Outdoor News

Lytle angler Jeff Toscano hesitated before bringing his 6-year-old son, Jayce, to the North Jetty near Port Aransas, fearful of putting the young man on slippery rocks.

But Jayce held his own and was rewarded with several big redfish and a rarity along the coast in December — a 29-inch tarpon.

“I just took him out for the first time,” Jeff Toscano said.

“He did good. We were out there from 7 in the morning until 2 p.m.”

Toscano said the trout and redfish were biting the live shrimp they were using for bait on their lemon-rigged rods.

“A lemon rig has a tri-

swivel with a 4-foot leader on a float with another 4-foot leader attached to the hook,” he said. “It suspends the hook about 8 or 9 feet down.

We use bottles of lemon juice as floats, so that is where the name comes from.”

After catching a few keeper trout, Jayce hooked into what his dad thought was another fish for dinner.

“I thought it was a trout,” Jeff said. “But then it started dancing. It danced across the surface three times — it definitely got everyone’s attention.”

Jeff said his son was already tired from reeling in big redfish, but fought the tarpon onto the jetty, where pictures were taken and the fish was released.

“It put up a pretty good fight for him,” Jeff said. “He

was already worn out but he manned up and got it in.”

Winter tarpon are becoming more common in Texas, and evidence suggests that the juvenile fish spend their early years along the beachfront and in bays and river systems, not migrating with the adults.

Texas Parks and Wildlife Department’s Tarpon Tracking Network had the most recordings of any year in 2012.

“My buddy caught one a week later in the exact same spot,” Toscano said. “It looked like the same fish.”

Toscano hopes to head back soon to see what Jayce can catch next.

“Now that I know he can handle it, we will be going a lot,” he said. “I have a new fishing buddy.”

A FIRST: Jayce Toscano holds the 29-inch juvenile tarpon he caught on a live shrimp near Port Aransas in December. Photo by Jeff Toscano.

Winter hybrid bite beginning

By Conor Harrison Lone Star Outdoor News

The hybrid striper bite received a solid bump when cold weather finally descended upon Texas during the final week of December, and guide Teri Littlejohn on Lake Tawakoni has been taking advantage.

“My clients are having the best time right now catching limits of hybrids,” she said. “We are dead sticking using flukes on 1 1/2-ounce heads. We are drifting for them in about 34 feet of water.”

Littlejohn said the keepers were all in the 6- to 10-pound range. She also said the colder water temperatures has turned the bite on.

“The water temperatures are between 45 and 50 degrees,” she said. “The major change with the last cold front really turned the fish on.”

Littlejohn said anglers should barely feel a tick before setting the hook, something inexperienced anglers sometimes have trouble with.

See HYBRIDS, Page 11

IN THE NET: The hybrid striper bite is picking up across the state as water temperatures drop. Photo by LSON.

Here, there, everywhere Redfish action good all along the coast

By Conor Harrison Lone Star Outdoor News

The fishing has been very good in the Port O’Connor area, according to Capt. Gary Gray.

“The fishing has been excellent,” Gray said. “It’s more than the cold weather, it’s the tides being out that is congregating the reds in certain areas. That is what we forget when the wind howls out of the north.”

Gray said the trout bite has been tough on everyone except wade anglers, REDFISH RODEO: Anglers are catching redfish in many areas along the coast, with action coming on several different baits.

Photo by David J. Sams, LSON.

See REDFISH, Page 11

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Trout on fire in Galveston Bay

Coast Guard finds illegal gill net A Coast Guard crew found an illegal gill net with hundreds of dead sharks, four miles off the Texas coast.

The crew of a Coast Guard Station South Padre Island response boat spotted the gill net approximately 17 miles north of the U.S.-Mexican maritime border. The gill net was 5 miles long and was loaded with 345 dead sharks.

The species of shark seized included 225 black tip, 109 bonnet, and 11 bull sharks.

“Gill nets indiscriminately kill any fish or marine mammal it snares across miles of ocean, often leaving much of the catch spoiled by the time it is hauled in,” according to Cmdr. Daniel Deptula, the response officer for Coast Guard Sector Corpus Christi. “Mexican fisheries have been depleted due to wasteful fishing methods such as gill netting and overfishing, which is why there has been increased illegal fishing activity into U.S. waters.”

Typically, catches of shark such as this are also only harvested for their fins, and the rest of the shark is discarded.

During 2012, Coast Guard Sector Corpus Christi seized more than 49 miles of gill nets from illegal fishing activities.

Gill nets are illegal throughout Texas and devastating to the marine environment.

“We hope our efforts continue to disrupt and dissuade this illegal enterprise along our South Texas shores,” said Deptula.

— USCG

January 11, 2013

By Conor Harrison Lone Star Outdoor News

KEEPER-SIZED: Big trout are showing up in the Galveston Bay complex, and anglers are finding them in back bays and over shell. Photos by LSON.

“Slaughtering.”

“Smacking.”

“Hammering.”

Those are words Galveston-area guides are using to describe the winter trout bite in the bay systems.

The cold weather has kicked the bite into full gear and anglers are taking advantage of the quality, along with the quantity, of big trout. From artificials to shrimp, a variety of baits are working depending on how you want to fish.

“We are slaughtering them,” said Capt. Craig Lambert. “They are definitely in the river systems — Trinity and San Jacinto. The shrimp bite is definitely on when you use a long leader. It better be more than 3 1/2 feet or you won’t get a bite. We are catching them in 4 to 6 feet of water.”

Lambert said when the tide is out, the Ship Channel has been the place to be. He also said the artificial bite seems to have slowed down.

“Two to three weeks ago, we were killing them on artificials,” he said, “and then it went to nothing.”

Capt. Mark Salazar said he has caught some big trout wade fishing, but a lot of his action has come in 6 to 7 feet of water.

“Anything in lime and chartreuse has been working,” Salazar said. “I use a 3/4-ounce jig head.

We’ve been catching good numbers, but the size has not been huge. My clients don’t like to wade fish, but that is where some big trout have been caught.”

Capt. LG Boyd has been working the backside of East Bay and Trinity Bay, and reported good action during the past two weeks.

“We’ve been catching a bunch in the back of East Bay,” he said.

“Tidal Surge Mullet’s have been catching a lot of trout.”

According to Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, trout have been solid over deep mud holes and structure in East Galveston Bay, while wade fishing has been the ticket over mud and shell on the west side.

Working scented plastics along the bottom has also been producing in the complex.

Capt. Craig Lambert, (832) 338-4570 Capt. Mark Salazar, (281) 513-7468 Capt. LG Boyd, (409) 770-3567

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January 11, 2013

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TEXAS FRESHWATER FISHING REPORT Gold is good LAKES FORK, BOB SANDLIN — According to North Texas freshwater guide James Henderson, throwing gold lipless crankbaits is a winner for winter bass on most lakes.

“The trap bite is working,” he said. “So many people are throwing red traps, but I like the gold color, especially on Fork. It shines really well and the fish don’t see it as much. It really works this time of year.”

Henderson said anglers should focus on primary and secondary points in 5 to 12 feet of water, but don’t overlook grass beds.

“The grass beds are coming back, especially on Fork,” he said. “I am hitting those, especially on the days with some sunshine. That grass will hold the heat from the sun and keep those fish in there.”

Henderson said if all else fails, he will throw a jerkbait.

“I will suspend a jerkbait some,” he said. “Throw it out there, jerk it, wait until you can’t stand it and jerk it again.”

To contact James Henderson, call (214) 864-2469.

AMISTAD: Water clear; 66–70 degrees; 37.92’ low. Largemouth bass are good on crankbaits, jerkbaits and soft plastics.

Striped bass are good on slabs, spoons, and jigs in 30–65 feet.

White bass are good on slabs, spoons, and jigs in 30–65 feet.

Catfish are good on shrimp, chicken livers, nightcrawlers and cheesebait.

ARROWHEAD: Water off-color; 49–54 degrees; 12.07’ low.

Largemouth bass are fair on white crankbaits, spinner baits and Texas rigs. White bass are fair to good on slabs.

BASTROP: Water lightly stained; 68–72 degrees. Largemouth bass are fair on watermelon soft plastics, spinner baits and lipless crankbaits. Crappie are good on minnows. Channel and blue catfish are good on stinkbait, shrimp, and frozen shrimp.

BOB SANDLIN: Water clear; 51–56 degrees; 5.73’ low.

Largemouth bass are good on lipless crankbaits and vibrating jigs around shallow stumps. Crappie are good on jigs and minnows.

BRAUNIG: Water clear. Largemouth bass are good on spinner baits, dark soft plastic worms and minnows in the reeds and near the dam. Striped bass are good on spoons in deeper water. Channel and blue catfish are good on liver, shrimp, perch, and shad.

BRIDGEPORT: Water clear; 50–55 degrees; 15.02’ low. Largemouth bass are slow on shaky heads with green pumpkin finesse worms around docks in 6–10’.

Drop shots with plastic worms are working as well.

BROWNWOOD: Water lightly stained; 61–65 degrees; 10.39’ low. Largemouth bass are fair on chartreuse/black jigs, small crankbaits and watermelon red 4” worms over brush piles in 10–20 feet. Crappie are good on Li’l Fishies and minnows over brush piles in 10–20 feet.

BUCHANAN: Water stained; 65–69 degrees; 28.07’ low. Largemouth bass are good on black hair jigs, tequila sunrise curl tail grubs on jigheads, and suspending crankbaits over rock piles in 8–18 feet. Striped bass are good on white striper jigs, and jigging Spoiler Shad swim baits and Pirk Minnows near Garrett Island in 20–30 feet.

CADDO: Water stained; 52–57 degrees; 0.65’ low. Largemouth bass are slow on Texas-rigged soft plastics around stumps. Green pumpkin worms have been best.

CALAVERAS: Water clear.

Largemouth bass are good on dark soft plastic worms, live minnows and crankbaits around reed beds and near the dam. Striped bass are good on shad near the dam in 15–20 feet. Channel catfish are good on liver, shrimp and minnows. Blue catfish are good on liver and nightcrawlers.

CANYON LAKE: Water lightly stained; 66–70 degrees; 8.92’ low. Largemouth bass are good on watermelon red crankbaits, pumpkinseed worms and watermelon tubes on jigheads along bluffs.

Smallmouth bass are very good on Tomato Red JDC grubs and smoke/red flake tubes on jigheads.

CEDAR CREEK: Water clear; 51–56 degrees; 3.87’ low. Largemouth bass are slow on shallow crankbaits around any shallow docks. Black and blue flipping jigs are effective as well. Hybrid striper are good on live shad. Catfish are good on prepared bait.

CHOKE CANYON: Water clear; 69–73 degrees; 17.24’ low.

Largemouth bass are good on watermelon jigs and large soft plastic lizards in the grass, and fair on crankbaits. Channel and blue catfish are good on stinkbait and shrimp.

COLEMAN: Water lightly stained; 65–69 degrees; 13.44’ low.

Largemouth bass are good on watermelon lipless crankbaits and crankbaits. Channel catfish are good on stinkbait, nightcrawlers and frozen shrimp.

COLETO CREEK: Water clear; 3.62’ low. Largemouth bass are slow.

Crappie are good on minnows.

CONROE: Water clear; 64–68 degrees; 3.29’ low. Largemouth bass are good on watermelon and watermelon red soft plastics, crankbaits and spinner baits.

Crappie are good on minnows.

COOPER: Water clear; 52–56 degrees; 7.04’ low. Largemouth bass are fair on Texas-rigged soft plastics and lipless crankbaits. Catfish are good on cut bait on trotlines.

FALCON: Water murky; 71–75 degrees; 33.87’ low. Largemouth bass are fair slow-rolling spinner baits, and on large worms in 12–18 feet. Channel and blue

Look for ledges CANYON LAKE — The bass bite has been good when you can stay out of the wind and weather on Canyon Lake, according to guide Barry Dodd.

“It’s been cold, nasty weather with a lot of wind,” Dodd said. “We’ve caught some bass recently. The water temperature is 56 or 57 degrees and the lake has no thermocline. It turned over last month.”

Dodd said the water is clear and the bass are holding on rocky bottoms and ledges between 20 and 30 feet.

“We are finding them on rocky ledges and drop-offs,” he said. “Get right on the corner of the ledge and drop the bait off the edge to the bottom. Those fish are holding just below the ledge.”

Dodd said the wind has been so high, primary points have been tough to fish, so he has focused on secondary points in coves.

To contact Barry Dodd, call (210) 771-0123.

catfish are excellent on frozen shrimp and stinkbait.

melon red. Catfish are good on prepared baits.

FAYETTE: Water stained.

Largemouth bass are fair on spinner baits and crankbaits over grass, and on watermelon Carolina-rigged worms.

LAKE O' THE PINES: Water lightly stained; 52–57 degrees; 3.49’ low. Largemouth bass are good on lipless crankbaits and bladed jigs around grass and shallow cover.

Crappie are good on minnows.

FORK: Water clear; 51–55 degrees; 4.51’ low. Largemouth bass are good on black/blue jigs along channel bends. Deepwater bite good with Carolina rigs and football jigs. Crappie are good on minnows.

FT. PHANTOM HILL: Water clear; 47–54 degrees; 11.16’ low.

Largemouth bass are fair on lipless crankbaits, Texas rigs, jigs and spinner baits. Crappie are fair on minnows. Catfish are fair to good on nightcrawlers.

GIBBONS CREEK: Water clear.

Largemouth bass are good on watermelon soft plastics. Crappie are good on minnows and blue tube jigs. Catfish are good on shrimp and stinkbait.

GRANBURY: Water stained; 63–67 degrees; 5.71’ low. Largemouth bass are good on chartreuse/blue flake soft plastics and lipless crankbaits. Catfish are good on frozen shrimp, stinkbait and liver.

GRANGER: Water stained; 65–69 degrees; 1.19’ low. Largemouth bass are slow. Blue catfish are fair on shrimp and prepared baits in 6–15 feet.

GRAPEVINE: Water clear; 50–55 degrees; 7.39’ low. Largemouth bass are slow on football jigs around main lake points and shallow cover. Texas-rigged soft plastics and finesse jigs are best later in the day.

HOUSTON COUNTY: Water stained; 59–63 degrees; 0.30’ low.

Largemouth bass to 5 pounds are good on soft plastic worms near the marina in 12 feet, and on bream-colored jigs near the dam over brush piles in 16 feet.

Crappie are good on minnows and chartreuse jigs near the dam around brush in 20–30 feet.

HUBBARD CREEK: Water offcolor; 47–54 degrees; 20.1’ 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; 52–56 degrees; 2.69’ low. Largemouth bass are slow on Texas-rigged soft plastic creature baits in water-

LAVON: Water lightly stained; 52–57 degrees; 9.40’ low.

Largemouth bass are slow on black/chartreuse flipping jigs around shallow cover. Some deeper fish being caught off main lake points on football jigs. Crappie are good on minnows. Catfish are good on cut shad.

LBJ: Water clear; 66–70 degrees; 0.23’ low. Largemouth bass are good on black/blue jigs and PBJcolored Snag Proof jigs. White bass are fair to good on Pirk Minnows and Li’l Fishies in the channel near the power plant.

LEWISVILLE: Water clear; 51–55 degrees; 6.27’ low. Largemouth bass are slow on shaky heads around marinas and football jigs along main lake points. Suspending jerkbaits around larger rock is effective late. Crappie are good on minnows. Catfish are good on prepared bait and cut shad.

LIVINGSTON: Water fairly clear; 66–70 degrees; 0.48’ low.

Largemouth bass are good on chartreuse crankbaits, spinner baits and lipless crankbaits.

Crappie are good on minnows.

Blue catfish are good on trotlines baited with shad.

MARTIN CREEK: Water clear; 52–57 degrees; 4.63’ low.

Largemouth bass are good on lipless crankbaits around shallow cover. Any type of shallow cover seems best. Crappie are good on minnows and jigs. Catfish are good on prepared bait and cut shad.

MONTICELLO: Water fairly clear; 61–65 degrees; 0.31’ high.

Largemouth bass are good on Texas-rigged soft plastics and black and blue jigs around stumps.

Square-billed crankbaits are good midday. Crappie are good on minnows.

NAVARRO MILLS: Water lightly stained; 64–68 degrees; 2.84’ low. Largemouth bass are slow.

Crappie are good on minnows in 9–15 feet.

O.H. IVIE: Water stained; 48–54 degrees; 34.46’ 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; 48–53 degrees; 17.46’ 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; 51–55 degrees; 1.64’ low. Largemouth bass are fair on black/blue jigs and shaky heads around docks.

Finesse worms in watermelon blue are best. Crappie are good on minnows. Hybrid striper are good on slabs. Catfish are good on prepared bait.

POSSUM KINGDOM: Water fairly clear; 49–54 degrees; 9.81’ 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; 64– 68 degrees; 5.29’ low. Largemouth bass are good on chartreuse spinner baits and soft plastics. Channel and blue catfish are good on frozen shad and shrimp.

RAY HUBBARD: Water clear; 52–56 degrees; 4.09’ low. Largemouth bass are fair on Texas-rigged plastics around deep rocks.

Football-head jigs and deep-diving crankbaits are effective as well.

White bass are good on slabs.

Catfish are good on cut shad.

RAY ROBERTS: Water clear; 50–55 degrees; 3.95’ low. Largemouth bass are slow on lipless crankbaits and Texas-rigged soft plastic baits along edge of grass lines. Carolina rigs are effective as well. Crappie are good on minnows and jigs. Catfish are good on prepared bait or live shad.

RICHLAND CHAMBERS: Water clear; 52–56 degrees; 5.01’ low. Largemouth bass are fair on weightless soft plastics and shaky heads around docks. White bass are good on slabs. Hybrid striper are good on slabs. Catfish are good on prepared bait.

SAM RAYBURN: Water lightly stained; 65–69 degrees; 4.59’ low. Largemouth bass are good on pumpkinseed soft plastics worms, crankbaits and spinner baits.

SOMERVILLE: Water murky; 65–69 degrees; 2.50’ low. Largemouth

SEE MORE

■ Saltwater fishing reports: Page 16 bass are fair on chartreuse crankbaits and lipless crankbaits.

Channel and blue catfish are good on bloodbait.

TAWAKONI: Water stained; 53–57 degrees; 4.67’ low. Largemouth bass are slow on white bladed jigs and California 420-color flipping jigs around docks — midday bite has been best. Crappie are fair on minnows. White bass are slow on slabs. Striped bass and hybrid striper are good on slabs. Catfish are fair on cut bait.

TEXOMA: Water clear; 49–54 degrees; 5.46’ low. Largemouth bass are slow on medium-diving crankbaits and suspending jerkbaits along main lake points.

Good numbers of fish reported on lipless crankbaits as well.

TOLEDO BEND: Water lightly stained; 65–69 degrees; 3.94’ low. Largemouth bass are good on chartreuse soft plastics, spinner baits and lipless crankbaits.

Channel and blue catfish are good on nightcrawlers, shrimp and stinkbait.

TRAVIS: Water clear; 65–69 degrees; 49.96’ low. Largemouth bass are good on chrome jigging spoons, black jigs, and smoke grubs in 28–45 feet. White bass are good on minnows and chrome jigging spoons. Crappie are good on minnows and white tube jigs.

WEATHERFORD: Water clear; 51–56 degrees; 7.15’ low.

Largemouth bass are slow on shaky heads and finesse jigs around docks. White bass are good on slabs and live minnows.

WHITNEY: Water lightly stained; 64–68 degrees; 9.00’ low.

Largemouth bass are fair on watermelon red spinner baits, crankbaits, and lipless crankbaits. White bass are good on minnows. Catfish are good on frozen shrimp, minnows and stinkbait.

— TPWD

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Page 11

Redfish Continued From Page 8

TIME FOR A FISH FRY: An angler on Richland Chambers Reservoir holds a nice-sized hybrid ready to go into the fryer. Photo by Royce Simmons.

Hybrids Continued From Page 8

“I think we miss more than we catch sometimes,” she said.

On Pat Mayse Lake, guide Allen Ballard is finding the hybrids among the sand bass he has been targeting the past few weeks.

“We are seeing them over humps and below a lot of birds,” he said. “Chrome spoons are working, along with Little

George’s with a silver blade.

We’ve also caught a few on crappie jigs.”

Farther south on Richland Chambers Reservoir, guide Royce Simmons said he has been out on the water more in December than in any of his past 13 years guiding, and the hybrid bite has been hit or miss.

“The hybrid bite really

hasn’t kicked in too much yet,” Simmons said. “But we’ve been swatting the some big old white bass in there. The past two years, the hybrid bite really hasn’t kicked off until mid-January or February.”

Simmons said he has been targeting hybrids in 40-45 feet over lake humps.

“We’ve been catching most

of the hybrids on slabs,” he said. “The fish are suspended, so you have to search for the huge balls of shad. We drop (the slab) down to the bottom and reel it into the strike zone. We are using 1 1/2- to 2-ounce heads.”

Teri Littlejohn, (903) 441-3937 Allen Ballard, (903) 517-5207 Royce Simmons, (903) 389-4117

but decent numbers are being caught over shell in San Antonio Bay. In the open bays, redfish are being targeted on oyster shell reefs.

Gray has used 4-inch long plastics to target reds in slamming chicken color.

Capt. Kevin Sparks has been all over the redfish along the King Ranch shoreline.

“We have been wading around the mouth of the Baffin Bay around the rocks,” Sparks said. “We are picking up a lot of reds and some big trout.

The water is really pretty right now and the fish are starting to show up in good numbers.

“The King Ranch shoreline really looks good.”

Sparks said he has friends that have luck on redfish in several places.

“Some boys have been wading Rocky Slough and there is a lot of drum, along with good numbers of redfish, in the Land Cut. “Soft plastics in fire tiger and plum colors, along with dead shrimp are catching a lot of fish,” he said. “I have 4-inch plastics on right now, but I will switch to 6-inch later in the winter. It gives off more of a vibration for the fish.”

South Padre angler Ramon Garcia said the redfish bite has been solid in the bays and flats.

“We are catching them in about 4 feet of water on a falling tide using shrimp,” Garcia said. “The redfish action has picked up the past several weeks. I don’t know what turned them on, but something did.

“I’ve even caught them targeting trout.”

Capt. Gary Gray, (361) 550-4577 Capt. Kevin Sparks, (361) 815-8145

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GAME WARDEN BLOTTER DROPPED CELLPHONE LEADS TO TRESPASSING POACHER On Thanksgiving Day, Uvalde County Game Warden Henry Lutz received a call from a local farmer saying that he found blood and drag marks across his plowed field where someone killed something in his property and drug it over a fence into a neighbor’s field. He had also located a cell phone lying in the dirt along the drag. Lutz obtained information from the phone and soon had its owner on the line. The phone’s owner said he thought it was stolen from him while at a bar the night before. The subject initially claimed extreme intoxication the previous night and a brain injury for his inability to remember the events of the night before, but finally confessed to killing a white-tailed deer at night on property he did not have permission to hunt. He also did not have a valid hunting license. Appropriate charges filed.

DENIAL OF GUN DIFFICULT AFTER BULLET FALLS FROM PASSENGER’S LAP At 10:45 p.m., Karnes County Game Warden Chad Moore witnessed a truck come to a stop where there were quite a few deer and hogs on the road. He then heard a shot and followed the truck. After making the stop, Moore asked where the gun was and was informed, “There shouldn’t be one.” After receiving consent from the driver, he asked everyone to step from the vehicle. As they did, a bullet fell out of the passenger’s lap and into the front passenger seat. A short time later, the gun was located under the back seat and a confession to hunting hogs was given. Charges were filed and the gun was seized.

COUNTY ROAD NOT THE SPOT FOR DEER BLIND, BAIT Red River County Game Wardens Daniel Roraback and Benny Richards began their weekend with a road hunting call. The subject was found with a deer blind on a county road with corn scattered in two different direc-

DEER DECOY ADVENTURES A deer decoy operation led to a string of adventures for Van Zandt County Game Warden Steve Stapleton and Wood County Game Warden Kurt Kelley. A landowner had requested that the decoy be set up after one of his calves was shot from the road. As Stapleton was setting up the decoy, a truck passed by, causing him to quickly throw the decoy to the ground, hit the deck and crawl out of the line of fire. The driver shot at the decoy twice and hastily left the area. Neither warden could catch the vehicle, but Stapleton spoke with three elderly women who had just passed a vehicle on the road. The ladies said that they had actually stopped to talk to the nice young man, and identified him as the son-in-law of the landowner who had asked that the tions. The man had shot two bucks from the adjacent landowner’s property from the county road. One 8-point buck was still in the subject’s vehicle from the evening before. The wardens also located out-of-state hunters without valid hunting licenses having already killed two deer. Later, wardens Richards and Roraback found a hunter dragging a doe out of the woods to a county road where a waiting vehicle with other passengers was parked. After interviewing and questioning the subjects, they found the subjects were trespassing. The landowner will pursue felony charges on the subjects.

CORNING THE LAKE BRINGS IN DUCKS, WARDENS Red River County Game Warden Daniel Roraback observed three men show up on a lake that had been baited with corn every morning for more than a week. The hunters were videotaped killing several ducks and doves in closed season over the baited lake.

Cases and civil restitution pending.

REPEAT POACHER FINALLY NABBED Bowie County Game Wardens Shawn Hervey and Doug Williams

decoy be set up. While tracking down the shooter of the decoy, the wardens went to the subject’s house to speak with him. He was not home, but his brother was, complete with outstanding warrants, marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia. When the subject was contacted that night, he said, “I think I shot your deer.”

The same day, on the same road, a truck appeared and a shot rang out from the direction of the truck. The wardens swooped in on the truck; however, in it was only a driver screaming, “That wasn’t me! I didn’t shoot!”

The driver was released and Stapleton moved to reposition the decoy. He then noticed headlights through the trees in the same field and found two hunters loading an untagged deer.

followed up on a complaint regarding an Oklahoma man shooting deer on the Texas side of the Red River from an airboat. Both Hervey and Williams have been working this area for the last few years on both sides trying to catch the suspect. Two deer were taken from the suspect and restitution was charged.

SWING SET DOUBLES AS ILLEGAL DEER BLIND Bell County Game Warden Brandt Bernstein received two reports of a person hunting deer near a housing subdivision and on another’s property. One caller said a shot was fired and he believed the shot “hit.”

Wardens Bernstein and Christopher Wilson responded to the area. A deputy with Bell County had stopped two men walking down the road with a gun. The wardens separated the two men and interviewed them.

Bernstein’s suspect admitted to shooting a deer that night and said they were going to look for it when stopped by the deputy. Bernstein arrested the man for hunting whitetailed deer at night from a swing set in his back yard. Wilson’s suspect also admitted to hunting deer several

times at night from the swing set and killing several deer. Wilson’s suspect was also arrested. Cases pending.

OLD FROZEN TURKEY DUMPED, TAG AND ALL While looking for individuals shooting from the roadway, Hays County Game Warden Jake Scott came across an entire turkey on the side of the road, unrelated to the individuals he was attempting to locate. The turkey had been tagged more than two years ago and was thawing out. Scott ran the hunting license and located the individual, who said he did not want to dispose of the turkey on his property because he did not want his dogs to get the turkey and bring it back to his house. The man was cited for illegal dumping.

FAWN KEPT, 3-D TARGET GIVEN AS REASON FOR COMPLAINT Coryell County Game Warden Andrew Alexander received a call in reference to someone having a baby deer in a backyard. The Gatesville police had responded earlier, but were told that the caller must have mistaken a 3-D target across the street for a live deer. Alexander made contact with the suspect and, after

a series of stories, learned there actually had been a baby deer in the backyard and it was hidden in a horse trailer on the property. The deer was confiscated and taken to a rehab facility. Case pending.

LESSON LEARNED, UNLEARNED While on patrol, Fayette County Game Warden Erik Nygren heard a single shot ring true. After nearly an hour, he located the correct ranch.

After some time, a flashlight was observed and Nygren was able to get a man to come to the gate. Everyone in the camp said they had been inside all evening. One man explained to Nygren that he had learned his lesson earlier in the year when Fayette County Game Warden Calvin Harbaugh had caught him with a doe before archery season opened. Nygren asked to enter the property, and after looking around found a fresh bag of ice and a bloody skinning knife hidden under a trailer.

The individual said the knife was from a pig they shot earlier in the day, and the ice was for the drinks they were getting ready to put in a cooler to go to a party. Nygren received consent to enter a portable building and found an ice chest with a quartered deer.

When asked where the antlers were, the hunter said in the woods. After finding a carcass with the antlers cut off, the hunter finally admitted to placing them in a tree. The subject’s hunting license was missing two tags and the current deer was untagged.

In his Harvest Log, the man listed that he had shot two bucks in Fayette County (an antler restriction county).

When asked, the subject said he shot a 13.5-inch, 8-point and then shot a much nicer 15-inch, 8-point last week. Nygren informed him that he would be getting multiple citations and losing not only the illegal deer from that evening, but also the second buck that he had killed, as it exceeded the county bag limit. Cases filed and restitution pending.

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January 11, 2013

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Dunlap Continued From Page 1

that close, you make the call (to TPWD’s ShareLunker program).”

Moccia said the key to catching the fish was moving to deeper water to accommodate dropping air temperatures.

“The main thing we

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found was pulling off the main bank,” he said. “All of the bass pulled to the deepest points. Once we found that, that was the key. We ended up winning the tournament.”

DNA results are pending on the fish to see if it is a pure Florida bass or a hybrid.

“The spot pattern looks a little different than a pure Florida,” Moccia said. “I think TWPD said the last

time they stocked the lake was in 1988, so I would be surprised if it is a pure Florida bass.”

The fish didn’t break the existing lake record, held by Larry Todd. Todd caught his 14.94-pound record on May 17, 1997. But that doesn’t matter one bit to Moccia.

“It was a big day,” he said.

“It is definitely the highlight of my fishing career.”

Second chance Continued From Page 1

“He looked fine in the picture,” Forsythe said. “Nobody saw him again until I was hunting on New Year’s Day at a stand where I had shot at him previously. I saw a doe come out and then a couple of coyotes came from behind the blind. I thought about shooting one but didn’t, and it is a good thing.”

The doe came to attention and then bolted just before the big deer stepped out.

“A big buck came out at about 280 yards and it was him,” Fosythe said. “I took the shot and hit him a little far back. The buck went and laid down. I tried another shot, but needless to say, I missed and he took off across a field. I found lots of blood for about 100 yards or so, but decided to back out.”

The buck was shot around 8 a.m., so after a phone call to elicit help, a tracker and a dog arrived about 4 p.m.

“The dog found the trail immediately and within 20 minutes, was on the deer about a mile and a half from where we started. When the tracker walked up to him, he noticed an arrow. I said, ‘Are you serious?’”

The arrow had penetrated the deer’s skin, but the buck had jumped the string on the bow shot and the broadhead had slid between the skin and chest cavity, never penetrating the vitals.

“The arrow was broken but about 2 inches were still sticking out,” Forsythe said. “About 12 inches of the shaft was in the deer, but it

STILL STICKING OUT: The arrow did not penetrate the ribs on Bryan Forsythe’s buck, causing a superficial wound. Photo by Bryan Forsythe.

was between the skin and ribs.”

The buck, which hasn’t been scored, had 16 points, a 23-inch spread and palmation on both beams.

“This was a second-chance New Year’s buck,” Fosythe said. “The buck had lost some weight, but was in pretty good condition. I don’t know if he will be my biggest buck ever — I shot a gross 187 B&C on this low-fenced ranch — but he is pretty cool.”

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TEXAS SALTWATER FISHING REPORT Color changes key

Sponsored by

WEST BAY — If you are looking for fish in the Galveston Bay complex, look for color changes in the water, according to Capt.

Steve Hillman.

Hillman said the trout and redfish bite has been good just about anywhere in the complex, except in the usually dependable West Bay. “West Bay is lagging behind a little bit this year,” Hillman said. “I’m not sure how good it will be going forward. There are still quite a few fish in the backs of the bays near the mouths of the rivers because of the salinity levels.”

Water temperatures have been between 44 and 48 degrees.

“There haven’t been many slicks or surface activity,” he said. “Two to four days after a front, when we have warmer temperatures and the wind switches from the south, you start to see bait. That’s when we key on that.”

Hillman said plum and limetruese colors are working, along with MirrOlure’s 52 series.

To contact Capt. Steve Hillman, call (409) 256-7937.

Big sheepshead FREEPORT — The big sheepshead have been biting well off the jetty, according to Curtis Gunderson at Saltgrass Bait and Tackle.

Gunderson said, along with sheepshead, flounder fishing in the bay has been surprisingly good this late in the season.

NORTH SABINE: Redfish are fair to good at the discharge canal on peeled shrimp.

Black drum are fair around rock groins. Sand trout are good in the deep holes on shrimp.

SOUTH SABINE: Bull redfish are good at the jetty on crabs.

Sheepshead and black drum are good at the jetty on live shrimp.

BOLIVAR: Sand trout are fair to good in the ICW on shrimp.

Black drum and redfish are good at Rollover Pass.

TRINITY BAY: Redfish are fair to good in the bayous for waders tossing plastics.

Redfish are good at the spillway on crabs and mullet.

Trout are fair around the wells on scented plastics worked slowly on the bottom.

EAST GALVESTON BAY: Trout are fair over deep mud and structures on MirrOlures.

Whiting and sand trout are good on the edge of the Intracoastal on fresh shrimp.

WEST GALVESTON BAY: Trout are fair for waders in the mud and shell on MirrOlures and Corkies. Sheepshead, redfish and black drum are good at the jetty on shrimp and crabs.

TEXAS CITY: Redfish are fair to good in the holes in Moses

“It’s been slow the past couple of days,” Gunderson said. “But that has to do with the horrible weather we have had. Anglers are mostly buying live shrimp. They are asking for finger mullet, but it has been tough to get.”

Gunderson said when the weather is nice, trout and reds have also been solid in the bays.

To contact Saltgrass Bait and Tackle, call (979) 239-3650.

Take your pick down south SOUTH PADRE ISLAND — The sheepshead have arrived at the jetties, along with good numbers of whiting, according to “Big Ray the Walrus” at Jetty’s Bait Stand.

“Lately, the redfish have been running around and the jetty is seeing a lot of whiting and the big sheepshead are back,” he said. “The flounder the size of doormats are also near the Coast Guard station, but you have to have clearance to fish there.”

Big Ray also said the trout are thick in the bays.

“Many anglers are using Fish Bites for bait around the jetties,” he said. “Also, use fiddle crabs for the sheepshead.”

To contact Jetty’s Bait Stand, call (956) 772-1038.

— Conor Harrison

Lake on shrimp and crabs.

Sand trout and whiting are fair on shrimp from the Dike.

bayous. Sheepshead are fair around piers and rocks on shrimp.

FREEPORT: Sand trout and sheepshead are good on live shrimp on the reefs. Redfish are fair in Cold Pass and San Luis pass on cracked blue crabs.

PORT O'CONNOR: Redfish are fair on Corkies over soft mud and drop–offs near reefs on plastics. Redfish are fair at the mouths of drains on soft plastics and gold spoons.

EAST MATAGORDA BAY: Trout are fair for drifters on live shrimp over humps and scattered shell when the winds allows. Redfish are fair on the edge of the Intracoastal on crabs and mullet.

ROCKPORT: Redfish are fair to good at California Hole on shrimp. Trout are fair on the edge of the ICW on glow plastics and scented plastics.

WEST MATAGORDA BAY: Redfish are fair on the south shoreline in the guts and

PORT ARANSAS: Redfish are fair to good on the edge of the channel on scented plastics and mullet. Sand trout are good on shrimp in the channel.

CORPUS CHRISTI: Redfish are fair good in the Humble Channel and around Emmords Hole on crabs and shrimp.

Trout are best on the edge of the flats on live shrimp and DOA Shrimp.

BAFFIN BAY: Trout are fair to good in mud and rocks on Corkies and Catch 2000s.

Redfish are fair on the edge of the Land Cut on plastics tipped with shrimp and scented plastics.

PORT MANSFIELD: Trout are fair to good on plastic shrimp around grass holes. Trout and redfish are fair on muddy shorelines and on the edge of the ICW on Corkies, scented

and soft plastics.

SOUTH PADRE: Trout and redfish are fair on the edge of the Intracoastal on DOA Shrimp and scented plastics.

Redfish, black drum and mangrove snapper are fair to good in the channel on shrimp.

PORT ISABEL: Trout are fair on the edge of the flats on soft plastics and imitation shrimp.

Redfish are fair to good at Stovers and Lookout on TTF Flats Minnows and scented plastics.

OUTDOOR BUSINESS

— TPWD

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January 11, 2013

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January 11, 2013

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HEROES PAT GARCIA’S first deer was this spike taken at the 7M Ranch.

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.

11-yearold KATIE TALIAFERRO, right, and her sister, MATTIE, admire Katie’s 150-inch buck taken with a 270-yard shot.

KEVIN CAPPS harvested this 158-inch buck on a low fence ranch near Sonora.

STEPHEN FLYYN was inshore fishing at Crocodile Bay Resort, Osa Peninsula, Costa Rica where he landed a nice 34-inch roosterfish and 48-inch Pacific barracuda.

Cousins SCOTT HEAD from Frisco and BOBBY CHAMPION JR. from Austin show off their ducks from a hunt near Arroyo City on Nov. 17, 2012.

Burnet angler EDWARD KLAUS holds his 50-inch northern pike caught on a fly rod, while Calgary, Alberta guide Zack Southgate holds the rod.

JOHN NUCKOLS took this buck on the family ranch in Big Wells the final morning of his hunt.

KYLE SMITH shot this rooster in West Texas.

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LoneOStar Outdoor News

January 11, 2013

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January 11, 2013

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January 11, 2013

Page 21

NATIONAL New southwest Okla. trout fishery opened Jan. 1 The New Year is bringing in a new southwest Oklahoma traveling opportunity for anglers and their families looking for rainbow trout.

The new Medicine Creek trout season kicked off Jan. 1, and the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation will stock the fishery every two weeks through March 15.

“That’s essentially right in town,” said Ryan Ryswyk, southwest region fisheries biologist for the Wildlife Department.

Along with wintertime trout, the creek also offers fishing for bass, catfish and bluegill. Sidewalks that blend into the granite rock surroundings line the bank of the creek, providing excellent fishing access without taking away from the natural beauty of the area. Many of the city’s amenities are within walking distance of Medicine Creek.

Biologists say the opening of the fishery was met with anticipation from anglers anxious to cast a line in the new fishery.

“This fishery provides a truly unique opportunity,” Ryswyk said. “Being able to catch trout in a pristine southwest Oklahoma creek while a family member takes a stroll on a paved trail to a nearby dining facility for a cup of coffee is an appealing idea. And down here, it's a reality.”

— ODWF

Ibex hunting licenses offered in New Mexico The New Mexico Department of Game and Fish will offer hunting licenses for female or immature male ibex beginning Jan. 9. The hunt dates will be Feb. 21 through March 31. All hunting will end when the harvest limit of 125 is reached.

Licenses will be available through the department online system and over the counter at department offices beginning Jan. 9. Any person who did not hold an ibex hunting license for the 2012-13 season is eligible to purchase one of these licenses. The cost of the license is $111 for residents and $1,630 for nonresidents.

This hunt is necessary because the ibex population is beyond the carrying capacity of the habitat. The bag limit will be two female or immature male ibex. Any hunter who harvests two ibex and has them verified by a conservation officer, or at a Game and Fish Office, will be entered into a drawing for an either-sex ibex rifle hunt during the spring of 2014. All hunters must verify their harvests within five days.

All hunters must have a customer identification number to purchase these licenses.

— NMDGF

Vermont captive hunting facility charged The Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department brought charges today against Steven Hill, 51, and Chiaki Ito, 21, both of Fairlee, Vt., who were each indicted on seven counts of operating an unlicensed captive hunting facility.

The pair faced charges of up to $1,000 for each count and stand to lose their hunting, fishing and trapping licenses for up to three years.

According to Fish and Wildlife law enforcement officials, Hill and Ito are accused of operating the “Hunt the Ridge” captive hunting facility in Fairlee. They are alleged to have charged visitors up to $6,000 to hunt exotic wild animals. The list of animals advertised for hunters at the 129-acre facility included white-tailed deer, buffalo, sika deer, elk, fallow deer, wild boar, Spanish goats, Texas dall sheep and moose.

Seven counts were brought against Hill and Ito based on the testimony of individual hunters or witnesses to a hunt. Two of the hunters were undercover Vermont state game wardens who paid $750 each to hunt a Spanish goat and a wild boar.

Hill and Ito were ordered by the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department to immediately cease operating the facility without a permit. An estimated 200 animals remain on the property.

— VFWD

Arizona Game and Fish seeks input The Arizona Game and Fish Department is accepting comments on improving its hunt guidelines to continue the sustainable management of the state’s game animals, while providing as much hunting recreation as possible.

Comments on the existing hunt guidelines may be submitted through Feb. 15 at azgamebranch@azgfd.gov, or by mail to Hunt Guidelines, Arizona Game and Fish Department, 5000 W. Carefree Highway, Phoenix, AZ 85086.

“This is the public’s opportunity to get involved in the nuts and bolts of this bi-annual process,” said Big Game Management Supervisor Amber Munig. “We are seeking your ideas, comments, concerns or observations on how to meet the many demands by our varied hunting public, as well as fostering new opportunities for continuing our hunting heritage for future generations.”

— AGFD

Trout Unlimited issues statement 2013-2014 NM hunting regs on genetically engineered salmon available online Trout Unlimited is concerned that the Food and Drug Administration's “finding of no significant impact” is a premature “green light” for the eventual production of genetically engineered salmon for human consumption. TU wants to ensure that threats to wild salmon populations from genetically engineered salmon are understood and completely prevented, both for the protection of the economically vital commercial salmon fishing industry and the growing recreational salmon fishing sector.

TU also recommends a more detailed environmental impact review as the more appropriate process for this issue rather than a simple FDA environmental assessment, which is less thorough.

Win Nikon 10x42 PROSTAFF 7 binoculars See a full selection of Nikon products at

Carter's Country 11886 Wilcrest Drive Houston, Texas 77031

(281) 879-1466 www.CartersCountry.net

Prior to permit approval it must be clear that an effective regulatory framework exists so that impacts to wild fisheries and aquatic ecosystems are prevented, and future permit applications receive an appropriate level of scientific analysis and public scrutiny to understand and avoid environmental risk, TU contends.

TU will be reviewing the environmental assessment and finding of no significant impact to see whether an adequate analysis of potential threats has been completed by the agencies with expertise in aquatic ecosystems.

— Trout Unlimited

This picture sh ows 8-year-old HUDSON HARR shot north of Ho IS’ first buck. ndo in Medina It was County at his took it with hi Poppi’s ranch. s .243 Remingt He on he got for hi was a 6.5-year s birthday. The -old mainfram bu e ck 10-pointer with able points. He a total of 16 sc was guided by orehis dad, Chad be able to shoo , who said he t another buck will not like that again until he is 16!

The New Mexico Department of Game and Fish 2013 biggame and turkey application process went live Jan. 9.

The new Hunting Rules and Information booklet is available on the department website. Printed versions are expected to be available at license vendors and Game and Fish offices across the state in late January.

License information and purchases are available by telephone toll-free at 1-888-248-6866. The department’s Information Center is open Monday to Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Jan. 9 – Feb. 14. The hours will be extended from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. beginning Feb. 15. The Information Center also will be open noon to 5 p.m. Saturdays beginning Feb. 16.

— NMDGF

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January 11, 2013

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Page 23

January 11, 2013

Journeys across the globe ...without leaving Texas Photography by Lili Sams The crew from Lone Star Outdoor News always looks forward to heading 15 minutes down the road from our office to the Dallas Convention Center for the first major show of the year — Dallas Safari Club’s annual convention.

This year, we displayed our new booth in our familiar spot near the back wall of the main room. It was a major upgrade with more seating and more room to greet folks.

It is a lot of fun to see old friends, old guides from hunts past and get a chance to meet new people and talk to our great advertisers and subscribers.

This year was no different.

Hundreds of convention-goers made it a point to stop and tell us how much they enjoy our paper. That makes all of the late nights on deadline to bring our readers the most current news stories all worth it.

We encourage everyone to come out next year and see us. You know where we will be.

See more at LSONews.com

(Photos from top to bottom) A leopard mount pounces on attendees at the Ruger booth during the DSC show.

Convention visitors take advantage of great prices and deals from vendors at the show, including these fur coats.

Future Haslet hunter Kaden Steen, 10 months, checks out a trophy at one of the booths.

Nine-year-old Charlie McAden visits the DSC show for the first time and checks LSON’s Show Program for directions.

Convention attendees fill the aisles shopping for items from handmade guns to fashionable hunting apparel and more.

People flock to see Rusty, a Harris Hawk.

Page 24

January 11, 2013

LoneOStar Outdoor News

Sun | Moon | Tides Texas Coast Tides Sabine Pass, north Date Time Jan 11 1:11 AM Jan 12 2:09 AM Jan 13 3:08 AM Jan 14 4:11 AM Jan 15 5:23 AM Jan 16 12:56 AM Jan 17 2:00 AM Jan 18 3:04 AM Jan 19 4:02 AM Jan 20 4:54 AM Jan 21 5:40 AM Jan 22 6:22 AM Jan 23 7:01 AM Jan 24 12:13 AM Jan 25 12:48 AM

Height 1.3H 1.3H 1.2H 1.1H 0.9H 0.2L 0.1L -0.1L -0.2L -0.3L -0.4L -0.5L -0.6L 1.0H 1.0H

Time 8:41 AM 9:30 AM 10:18 AM 11:05 AM 11:53 AM 6:50 AM 8:36 AM 10:33 AM 12:18 PM 1:32 PM 2:22 PM 2:58 PM 3:24 PM 7:38 AM 8:14 AM

Galveston Bay entrance, south jetty Date Time Jan 11 12:44 AM Jan 12 1:47 AM Jan 13 2:52 AM Jan 14 4:01 AM Jan 15 5:18 AM Jan 16 12:53 AM Jan 17 2:04 AM Jan 18 3:08 AM Jan 19 4:04 AM Jan 20 4:52 AM Jan 21 5:35 AM Jan 22 6:13 AM Jan 23 6:49 AM Jan 24 7:22 AM Jan 25 12:10 AM

San Luis Pass

Date Time Jan 11 1:14 AM Jan 12 2:17 AM Jan 13 3:22 AM Jan 14 4:31 AM Jan 15 12:38 AM Jan 16 1:49 AM Jan 17 3:00 AM Jan 18 4:04 AM Jan 19 5:00 AM Jan 20 5:48 AM Jan 21 6:31 AM Jan 22 7:09 AM Jan 23 7:45 AM Jan 24 8:18 AM Jan 25 12:40 AM

Freeport Harbor Date Time Jan 11 8:27 AM Jan 12 1:11 AM Jan 13 2:27 AM Jan 14 3:42 AM Jan 15 12:32 AM Jan 16 1:13 AM Jan 17 2:00 AM Jan 18 2:51 AM Jan 19 3:43 AM Jan 20 4:35 AM Jan 21 5:25 AM Jan 22 6:11 AM Jan 23 6:53 AM Jan 24 7:31 AM Jan 25 8:05 AM

Height 1.5H 1.5H 1.4H 1.2H 1.0H 0.3L 0.1L -0.2L -0.4L -0.6L -0.7L -0.8L -0.8L -0.9L 1.2H

Time 8:21 AM 9:11 AM 9:59 AM 10:47 AM 11:33 AM 6:50 AM 8:38 AM 10:45 AM 1:02 PM 2:21 PM 3:00 PM 3:26 PM 3:44 PM 4:02 PM 7:53 AM

Height -1.1L -1.0L -0.8L -0.5L -0.2L 0.8H 0.7H 0.8H 0.9H 1.0H 1.0H 1.1H 1.1H -0.6L -0.6L Height -1.4L -1.3L -1.0L -0.7L -0.3L 0.9H 0.8H 0.8H 1.0H 1.1H 1.2H 1.3H 1.2H 1.2H -0.9L

Time 4:19 PM 4:59 PM 5:39 PM 6:18 PM 6:57 PM 12:42 PM 1:36 PM 2:44 PM 4:31 PM 6:44 PM 7:49 PM 8:11 PM 8:13 PM 3:46 PM 4:06 PM

Height 1.3H 1.3H 1.2H 1.1H 1.1H 0.1L 0.3L 0.6L 0.7L 0.8L 0.8L 0.9L 0.9L 1.1H 1.1H

Time 9:11 PM 10:01 PM 10:55 PM 11:53 PM

Height 0.8L 0.6L 0.5L 0.4L

7:35 PM 8:14 PM 8:54 PM 9:35 PM 10:17 PM 10:58 PM 11:36 PM

1.0H 0.9H 0.9H 0.9H 0.9H 0.9H 0.9H

8:22 PM 8:43 PM

0.8L 0.8L

Time 4:46 PM 5:24 PM 6:00 PM 6:34 PM 7:05 PM 12:20 PM 1:11 PM 2:28 PM 5:01 PM 6:42 PM

Height 1.6H 1.5H 1.4H 1.2H 1.2H 0.1L 0.5L 0.7L 0.9L 1.0L

Time 8:51 PM 9:41 PM 10:37 PM 11:42 PM

Height 1.1L 1.0L 0.8L 0.6L

7:34 PM 8:01 PM 8:25 PM 8:48 PM 9:13 PM

1.1H 1.0H 1.0H 1.0H 1.1H

7:57 PM 7:51 PM 7:42 PM 4:21 PM

1.1L 1.1L 1.1L 1.2H

10:34 PM 11:23 PM

1.1H 1.2H

7:57 PM

1.0L

Height 0.9H 0.9H 0.8H 0.7H 0.3L 0.2L 0.0L -0.1L -0.2L -0.3L -0.4L -0.5L -0.5L -0.5L 0.7H

Time 9:17 AM 10:07 AM 10:55 AM 11:43 AM 5:48 AM 7:20 AM 9:08 AM 11:15 AM 1:32 PM 2:51 PM 3:30 PM 3:56 PM 4:14 PM 4:32 PM 8:49 AM

Height -0.8L -0.8L -0.6L -0.4L 0.6H 0.5H 0.5H 0.5H 0.6H 0.7H 0.7H 0.8H 0.8H 0.7H -0.5L

Time 5:16 PM 5:54 PM 6:30 PM 7:04 PM 12:29 PM 1:16 PM 2:07 PM 3:24 PM 5:57 PM 7:38 PM

Height 0.9H 0.9H 0.8H 0.8H -0.2L 0.1L 0.3L 0.5L 0.6L 0.6L

Time 9:47 PM 10:37 PM 11:33 PM

Height 0.7L 0.6L 0.5L

7:35 PM 8:04 PM 8:31 PM 8:55 PM 9:18 PM 9:43 PM

0.7H 0.7H 0.6H 0.6H 0.6H 0.6H

8:53 PM 8:47 PM 8:38 PM 4:51 PM

0.7L 0.7L 0.7L 0.7H

11:04 PM 11:53 PM

0.7H 0.7H

8:53 PM

0.6L

Height -0.9L 1.1H 1.1H 1.0H 0.6L 0.4L 0.2L 0.1L -0.1L -0.2L -0.3L -0.4L -0.4L -0.5L -0.5L

Time 4:44 PM 9:19 AM 10:09 AM 10:58 AM 5:02 AM 6:29 AM 8:11 AM 10:18 AM 12:36 PM 1:44 PM 2:26 PM 2:59 PM 3:28 PM 3:53 PM 4:16 PM

Height 1.7H -0.8L -0.6L -0.3L 0.9H 0.9H 0.9H 0.9H 1.1H 1.2H 1.3H 1.3H 1.4H 1.4H 1.4H

Time 11:07 PM 5:22 PM 5:54 PM 6:20 PM 11:47 AM 12:38 PM 1:44 PM 3:44 PM

Height 1.1L 1.5H 1.4H 1.2H 0.0L 0.3L 0.6L 0.8L

Time

Height

11:28 PM 11:57 PM

1.0L 0.8L

6:43 PM 7:02 PM 7:19 PM 7:33 PM

1.1H 1.0H 0.9H 0.9H

LSONews.com

Solunar | Sun times | Moon times

Moon Phases New

Jan. 11

Time 11:13 AM 12:42 AM 1:59 AM 3:15 AM 1:46 AM 3:20 AM 4:30 AM 5:30 AM 6:24 AM 7:12 AM 7:57 AM 8:42 AM 9:25 AM 10:07 AM 10:48 AM

Height -0.7L 0.3H 0.3H 0.2H 0.0L -0.1L -0.3L -0.4L -0.4L -0.5L -0.5L -0.6L -0.6L -0.7L -0.7L

Rockport

Date Time Jan 11 1:43 AM Jan 12 2:39 AM Jan 13 3:35 AM Jan 14 4:31 AM Jan 15 5:34 AM Jan 16 2:36 AM Jan 17 4:52 AM Jan 18 6:06 AM Jan 19 7:02 AM Jan 20 7:54 AM Jan 21 8:45 AM Jan 22 9:36 AM Jan 23 12:19 AM Jan 24 1:05 AM Jan 25 1:49 AM

Height 0.0H 0.0H 0.0H -0.1H -0.1H -0.2L -0.3L -0.3L -0.4L -0.4L -0.4L -0.4L -0.1H -0.1H -0.1H

Time

Height

12:04 PM 12:51 PM 1:31 PM 4:35 AM 6:44 AM 8:47 PM 8:14 PM 8:16 PM 8:34 PM 8:58 PM 9:27 PM 10:05 PM 10:55 PM 11:57 PM

-0.7L -0.6L -0.5L 0.0H -0.1H 0.0H 0.0H 0.1H 0.1H 0.1H 0.1H 0.2H 0.2H 0.1H

Time 12:28 PM 1:14 PM 1:52 PM 2:19 PM 2:33 PM 7:02 AM 9:29 AM 9:48 PM 10:14 PM 10:50 PM 11:33 PM

Height -0.4L -0.4L -0.4L -0.4L -0.3L -0.2H -0.2H -0.1H -0.1H -0.1H -0.1H

10:26 AM 11:13 AM 11:54 AM

-0.4L -0.4L -0.4L

Port Aransas, H. Caldwell Pier Date Time Jan 11 8:06 AM Jan 12 8:54 AM Jan 13 9:41 AM Jan 14 2:29 AM Jan 15 12:00 AM Jan 16 12:42 AM Jan 17 1:29 AM Jan 18 2:19 AM Jan 19 3:12 AM Jan 20 4:04 AM Jan 21 4:55 AM Jan 22 5:43 AM Jan 23 6:27 AM Jan 24 7:07 AM Jan 25 7:43 AM

Height -1.3L -1.2L -1.0L 0.7H 0.3L 0.1L -0.1L -0.3L -0.4L -0.5L -0.6L -0.8L -0.8L -0.9L -0.9L

South Padre Island Date Time Jan 11 8:04 AM Jan 12 8:54 AM Jan 13 12:42 AM Jan 14 2:22 AM Jan 15 3:59 AM Jan 16 12:32 AM Jan 17 1:25 AM Jan 18 2:20 AM Jan 19 3:15 AM Jan 20 4:09 AM Jan 21 5:00 AM Jan 22 5:47 AM Jan 23 6:30 AM Jan 24 7:08 AM Jan 25 7:42 AM

Last

Jan. 27

Jan. 19

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.

Feb. 3

Houston

Port O’Connor Date Jan 11 Jan 12 Jan 13 Jan 14 Jan 15 Jan 16 Jan 17 Jan 18 Jan 19 Jan 20 Jan 21 Jan 22 Jan 23 Jan 24 Jan 25

Full

First

Height -1.0L -0.8L 1.1H 1.0H 0.9H 0.5L 0.3L 0.1L -0.1L -0.2L -0.3L -0.4L -0.4L -0.4L -0.4L

Time 5:01 PM 5:31 PM 5:55 PM 10:26 AM 4:05 AM 5:52 AM 7:59 AM 10:37 AM 12:59 PM 2:03 PM 2:46 PM 3:24 PM 3:56 PM 4:23 PM 4:44 PM

Height 1.4H 1.2H 1.1H -0.7L 0.5H 0.5H 0.5H 0.6H 0.8H 1.0H 1.1H 1.1H 1.1H 1.0H 0.9H

Time 5:21 PM 5:46 PM 9:42 AM 10:28 AM 11:12 AM 5:45 AM 7:54 AM 10:46 AM 6:11 PM 3:03 PM 3:28 PM 3:59 PM 4:28 PM 4:51 PM 5:08 PM

Height 1.5H 1.4H -0.6L -0.3L 0.0L 0.8H 0.8H 0.8H 1.0H 1.1H 1.2H 1.3H 1.3H 1.3H 1.3H

Time

Height

Time

Height

10:57 PM 2:01 PM 2:16 PM

0.0H -0.4L -0.3L

10:33 PM 9:09 PM

0.0H 0.0H

Time

Height

Time

Height

10:32 PM 2:30 PM 1:58 PM

-0.2H -0.3L -0.3L

9:42 PM -0.2H 9:35 PM -0.2H

Time

Height

Time

Height

11:28 PM 6:13 PM 11:10 AM 11:54 AM 12:39 PM 1:34 PM

0.6L 0.9H -0.4L -0.1L 0.3L 0.6L

6:28 PM 6:38 PM 6:42 PM 6:36 PM

0.8H 0.7H 0.7H 0.7H

2013 Jan 11 Fri N 12 Sat N 13 Sun > 14 Mon > 15 Tue 16 Wed 17 Thu 18 Fri 19 Sat Q 20 Sun 21 Mon 22 Tue 23 Wed 24 Thu 25 Fri > 26 Sat > 27 Sun F 28 Mon > 29 Tue > 30 Wed

A.M. Minor Major 4:24 10:39 5:24 11:06 6:23 12:10 7:21 1:08 8:17 2:05 9:10 2:58 10:00 3:48 10:48 4:36 11:33 5:22 ----- 6:06 12:38 6:49 1:20 7:32 2:03 8:15 2:47 8:59 3:31 9:43 4:17 10:28 5:03 11:15 5:51 ----6:41 12:29 7:32 1:20

Dallas 2013 Jan 11 Fri N 12 Sat N 13 Sun > 14 Mon > 15 Tue 16 Wed 17 Thu 18 Fri 19 Sat Q 20 Sun 21 Mon 22 Tue 23 Wed 24 Thu 25 Fri > 26 Sat > 27 Sun F 28 Mon > 29 Tue > 30 Wed

A.M. Minor Major 4:30 10:45 5:30 11:11 6:29 12:15 7:27 1:14 8:22 2:10 9:15 3:03 10:05 3:54 10:53 4:42 11:39 5:27 12:00 6:12 12:43 6:55 1:26 7:38 2:09 8:21 2:52 9:04 3:37 9:49 4:22 10:34 5:09 11:20 5:57 ----6:46 12:35 7:37 1:25

San Antonio

Time

Height

10:35 PM 6:04 PM 6:17 PM 6:26 PM 11:53 AM 12:31 PM 1:01 PM

1.1L 1.2H 1.1H 1.0H 0.3L 0.6L 0.8L

Time

Height

11:02 PM 11:43 PM

0.9L 0.7L

6:32 PM 6:35 PM 6:31 PM

1.0H 1.0H 1.0H

2013 A.M. Jan Minor Major 11 Fri N 4:37 10:52 12 Sat N 5:37 11:18 13 Sun > 6:36 12:22 14 Mon > 7:34 1:21 15 Tue 8:29 2:17 16 Wed 9:22 3:10 17 Thu 10:12 4:01 18 Fri 11:00 4:49 19 Sat Q 11:46 5:34 20 Sun 12:07 6:19 21 Mon 12:50 7:02 22 Tue 1:33 7:45 23 Wed 2:16 8:28 24 Thu 2:59 9:11 25 Fri > 3:44 9:56 26 Sat > 4:29 10:41 27 Sun F 5:16 11:27 28 Mon > 6:04 ----29 Tue > 6:53 12:42 30 Wed 7:44 1:32

Amarillo

2013 A.M. Jan Minor 11 Fri N 4:50 12 Sat N 5:50 13 Sun > 6:49 14 Mon > 7:47 15 Tue 8:42 16 Wed 9:35 17 Thu 10:26 18 Fri 11:13 19 Sat Q 11:59 20 Sun 12:20 21 Mon 1:03 22 Tue 1:46 23 Wed 2:29 24 Thu 3:13 25 Fri > 3:57 26 Sat > 4:43 27 Sun F 5:29 28 Mon > 6:17 29 Tue > 7:06 30 Wed 7:57

OUTDOOR PUZZLER | By Wilbur “Wib” Lundeen

ACROSS 1. A species of grouse 6. Wood used in arrow shafts 8. Name for fish that spawn upstream 10. Used for bait at times 12. An archer organization

13.

15.

17.

19.

A game pathway A perch species A device on a firearm The area for practice shooting 20. Hunters give these TLC 21. A method to lure

game 22. Hunting and fishing equipment 24. Australian bird, can’t fly 26. A protector for the bowman 28. Stream fishermen do this 32. An arrow’s deviation in flight 34. A species of the bighorn 35. Name for the Hawaiian goose 36. Animal that has male and female reproductive organs, _____phrodite 37. A brand of bow 39. Very large on the muley 40. A type of arrowhead 41. A deer food source 42. A wild sheep species DOWN 1. A salmon 2. Many deer end up as ____kill 3. Anglers use many

Solution on Page 26 4.

5.

7.

9.

11.

14.

16.

18.

22.

23.

25.

27.

29.

30.

31.

33.

38.

methods of this This hides the human scent Trapped for the fur Outdoor foul weather wear The largest bass, ___ bass A small songbird Female sheep A rifle butt rest Consider this when choosing a lure A scouting procedure for game Act of doe having young Best type choke for pheasants A game bird A duck species A big game of the Plains The still-hunter’s platforms Any game or wildfowl to a hunter The moray

Major 11:05 11:32 12:36 1:34 2:31 3:24 4:14 5:02 5:48 6:32 7:15 7:58 8:41 9:25 10:09 10:54 11:41 12:06 12:55 1:46

P.M. Minor 4:54 5:52 6:50 7:46 8:41 9:33 10:23 11:10 11:56 12:18 1:01 1:44 2:28 3:11 3:55 4:40 5:26 6:14 7:03 7:55

Major 11:09 ----12:37 1:34 2:29 3:21 4:11 4:59 5:45 6:29 7:13 7:56 8:40 9:23 10:07 10:52 11:38 12:03 12:52 1:43

SUN Rises Sets 07:17 05:39 07:17 05:40 07:17 05:41 07:17 05:42 07:16 05:43 07:16 05:43 07:16 05:44 07:16 05:45 07:16 05:46 07:15 05:47 07:15 05:48 07:15 05:49 07:14 05:50 07:14 05:50 07:14 05:51 07:13 05:52 07:13 05:53 07:12 05:54 07:12 05:55 07:11 05:56

MOON Rises Sets 6:55a 5:57p 7:45a 7:04p 8:29a 8:09p 9:09a 9:10p 9:46a 10:10p 10:22a 11:07p 10:57a NoMoon 11:33a 12:03a 12:11p 12:58a 12:51p 1:51a 1:33p 2:44a 2:19p 3:35a 3:08p 4:24a 3:59p 5:11a 4:53p 5:55a 5:48p 6:36a 6:43p 7:14a 7:39p 7:50a 8:36p 8:25a 9:33p 9:00a

P.M. Minor Major 5:00 11:15 5:58 ----6:55 12:42 7:52 1:39 8:46 2:34 9:38 3:27 10:28 4:17 11:16 5:05 ----- 5:50 12:23 6:35 1:07 7:19 1:50 8:02 2:33 8:45 3:17 9:29 4:01 10:13 4:46 10:58 5:32 11:43 6:20 12:08 7:09 12:57 8:00 1:49

SUN Rises Sets 07:29 05:38 07:29 05:39 07:29 05:39 07:29 05:40 07:29 05:41 07:29 05:42 07:28 05:43 07:28 05:44 07:28 05:45 07:27 05:46 07:27 05:47 07:27 05:48 07:26 05:49 07:26 05:50 07:25 05:51 07:25 05:52 07:24 05:53 07:24 05:54 07:23 05:55 07:22 05:56

MOON Rises 7:07a 7:56a 8:38a 9:17a 9:52a 10:26a 11:00a 11:35a 12:12p 12:51p 1:33p 2:18p 3:07p 3:58p 4:53p 5:49p 6:46p 7:43p 8:41p 9:40p

Sets 5:57p 7:06p 8:12p 9:15p 10:16p 11:15p NoMoon 12:12a 1:08a 2:03a 2:56a 3:48a 4:37a 5:23a 6:06a 6:46a 7:23a 7:58a 8:32a 9:05a

P.M. Minor Major 5:07 11:22 6:05 ----7:02 12:49 7:59 1:46 8:53 2:41 9:45 3:34 10:35 4:24 11:23 5:12 ----- 5:57 12:30 6:42 1:14 7:26 1:57 8:09 2:40 8:52 3:24 9:36 4:08 10:20 4:53 11:05 5:39 11:50 6:27 12:15 7:16 1:04 8:07 1:56

SUN Rises Sets 07:29 05:52 07:28 05:53 07:28 05:54 07:28 05:55 07:28 05:56 07:28 05:57 07:28 05:57 07:28 05:58 07:27 05:59 07:27 06:00 07:27 06:01 07:27 06:02 07:26 06:03 07:26 06:04 07:26 06:04 07:25 06:05 07:25 06:06 07:24 06:07 07:24 06:08 07:23 06:09

MOON Rises 7:08a 7:57a 8:42a 9:22a 9:59a 10:35a 11:10a 11:46a 12:24p 1:04p 1:47p 2:33p 3:21p 4:13p 5:06p 6:01p 6:56p 7:52p 8:49p 9:46p

Sets 6:11p 7:17p 8:22p 9:24p 10:23p 11:20p NoMoon 12:16a 1:10a 2:04a 2:56a 3:47a 4:37a 5:23a 6:07a 6:48a 7:26a 8:03a 8:38a 9:13a

P.M. Minor 5:20 6:18 7:16 8:12 9:06 9:59 10:49 11:36 ----12:44 1:27 2:10 2:53 3:37 4:21 5:06 5:52 6:40 7:29 8:21

SUN Rises 07:55 07:55 07:55 07:55 07:54 07:54 07:54 07:53 07:53 07:53 07:52 07:52 07:51 07:51 07:50 07:50 07:49 07:48 07:48 07:47

MOON Rises 7:33a 8:20a 9:02a 9:39a 10:13a 10:46a 11:19a 11:53a 12:29p 1:07p 1:49p 2:34p 3:22p 4:15p 5:09p 6:06p 7:04p 8:03p 9:02p 10:02p

Sets 6:14p 7:24p 8:31p 9:36p 10:37p 11:37p NoMoon 12:36a 1:32a 2:28a 3:22a 4:14a 5:03a 5:49a 6:32a 7:11a 7:47a 8:21a 8:54a 9:26a

Major 11:35 12:04 1:03 2:00 2:54 3:47 4:37 5:25 6:11 6:55 7:39 8:22 9:06 9:49 10:33 11:18 ----12:29 1:18 2:09

Sets 05:52 05:53 05:54 05:55 05:56 05:57 05:58 05:59 06:00 06:01 06:02 06:03 06:04 06:05 06:06 06:07 06:09 06:10 06:11 06:12

FOR THE TABLE Venison cheese stuffed meatloaf 2 lbs. ground venison 2 eggs 1 can seasoned tomato sauce 2 tbsps. liquid smoke 1/2-1 cup dry onion flakes 1 cup Italian bread crumbs 8 slices mozzarella or swiss cheese 8 slices 97% fat-free ham In a large bowl, mix the meat, liquid smoke, onion, 3/4 of the tomato sauce and the bread crumbs together. Add more bread crumbs if needed to get a somewhat firm consistency. Dump the meat mixture onto a sheet of foil. Flatten to

1/2-inch thick and as wide as your loaf pan. Once flat, lay the cheese on top and then the ham. Roll up jelly-roll style making sure the seam is on the top and close up the ends.

Slowly work your loaf pan down over the top of the meat. Now your seam is on the bottom. Pour the rest of the tomato sauce on the top if desired.

Place pan on top of a cookie sheet to catch any drippings and bake at 325 degrees for 60-75 minutes. Time may vary so use your best judgment.

Remove and let set for a couple of minutes before serving.

— backwoodsbound.com

Mexican catfish 1/2 tsp. black pepper 4 catfish fillets 4 tbsps. lime juice 1 cup finely crushed tortilla chips 1 tbsp. vegetable oil 2 tsps. chili powder 1 cup of your favorite salsa 1/2 tsp. salt Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Cut the fillets in half. In a shallow bowl, mix the crushed tortilla chips, chili powder, salt and pepper together. In another bowl, mix the lime juice and oil together. Dip the fillets in the lime juice mixture and then roll them in the crumb mixture. Place them on a baking sheet sprayed with cooking spray. When all the fillets have been coated, sprinkle them with the remaining tortilla crumbs. Bake for eight to 10 minutes or until crisp and golden and the fish flakes easily with a fork. In a small sauce pan, warm the salsa over low heat. Serve the fillets with warm salsa on the top.

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

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LoneOStar Outdoor News

Page 25

January 11, 2013

PRODUCTS BOW GUARD SOFT BOW CASE: Plano Molding Company’s soft-sided case features thick, protective padding, a large exterior pocket and Realtree AP camo designed to keep any bow safe in the field. The soft case also features a durable zipper and measures 44 inches by 22.5 inches. The case will fit most compound bows. The case sells for about $30.

IPHONE LIFEJACKET: This is a little blazing orange life jacket for your iPhone. Built to be used with LifeProof’s iPhone case (which is waterproof down to 6.6 feet, dustproof, snowproof and shockproof), the LifeJacket will make sure your encased iPhone will float if it falls into the water. The cell phone LifeJacket sells for about $40. (LifeProof’s cases are sold separately).

>>

(800) 226-9868 www.planomolding.com

>>

MICRO-IDT PLUS COLLAR: D.T. Systems’ lightweight training collar, which fits small to large hunting dogs, offers advanced features with simple controls. An internal FM radio frequency antenna woven into the collar gives the unit a 900-yard range. The waterproof, rechargeable collar features 16 levels of stimulations plus its soft-grip rubber coated transmitter is small enough for easy onehanded operation. The rechargeable training collar system, which sells for about $190, can be expanded into a three-dog unit. Add-on or replacement collars sell for about $110.

(214) 350-9446 www.dtsystems.com

SNIPER PROFESSIONAL HD CAMERA: Stealth Cam has partnered with hunter Jim Shockey to create this scouting camera, which promises to deliver greater performance in the field. The camera integrates the company’s new ZX7 Processor that produces faster trigger speed and a longer battery life. It has myriad features that translate into more information of wildlife movement for the hunter. The camera is DRONE compatible, meaning the user can examine and assess the wildlife on his or her hunting land by utilizing the digital remote surveillance system. The camera can be programmed to capture crisp and clear still images with an 8.0 or 1.3 mega-pixel and is capable of recording fiveto 300-second adjustable video clips with audio, in either color or black and white. Its 54 infrared emitters provide for a 60-foot recording range. The camera, which uses eight AA batteries, sells for about $270.

>>

>>

(888) 640-6722 www.orcacoolers.com

(877) 269-8490 www.stealthcam.net

GAMESAVER SILVER G500 VACUUM SEALER: This is a must-have tool for hunters and anglers who want to preserve their harvests from land and sea. FoodSaver’s vacuum sealing system, which promises to store game and fish for up to five times longer than traditional packaging methods while preventing freezer burn, is built for heavy-duty repetitive use. It features an integrated carrying handle for easy portability in the field or on the water and comes with a 15-foot, 12-volt DC power cord that can be plugged into any vehicle or boat battery port. The Silver GameSaver model, designed for larger game and fish processing jobs, sells for about $200. LSON tested the G500 with the “DAM” heat-seal barrier bags, designed to catch moisture that can prevent a good seal. It worked well on duck breasts just after rinsing, whereas with previous bags we would have to dry out the breasts before operating the sealing system.

>>

ORCA COOLERS: With seamless construction, two inches of thermal foam in the walls, and a lid gasket that ensures maximum insulation, Orca’s coolers keep contents cold. The bearproof and lockable coolers are roto-molded to withstand the rigors of outdoor use. The cooler, which offers a 75-quart capacity, has a molded handle to make it easy to transport plus a net that attaches to the cooler to provide additional storage. The coolers come in white, tan, green and hot pink and sell for about $400.

(888) 533-0735 www.lifeproof.com

(877) 777-8042 www.foodsaver.com

>>

Page 26

January 11, 2013

LoneOStar Outdoor News

LSONews.com

DATEBOOK January 10-13 Executive Editor Craig Nyhus Managing Editor Conor Harrison Associate Editor Mark England Graphics Editor Amy Moore Business/Products Editor Mary Helen Aguirre Operations Manager Mike Hughs Accounting Ginger Hoolan Website Bruce Soileau

National Advertising Mike Nelson Accounts Manager Founder & CEO David J. Sams

Contributors Kyle Carter David Draper Shannon Drawe Wilbur Lundeen Aaron Reed

Advertising Call (214) 361-2276 or email mhughs@lone staroutdoornews.com to request a media kit.

Erich Schlegel David Sikes Scott Sommerlatte Chuck Uzzle Ralph Winingham

For home delivery subscriptions www.LSONews.com (214) 361-2276

Houston Safari Club Worldwide Sporting Expo and Convention The Woodlands Waterway Marriott (713) 623-8844 houstonsafari.org

January 11-13

Texas Tackle and Hunting Show Mesquite Rodeo Arena (918) 343-4868 texastackleandhuntingshow.com

January 11-12

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

January 17

January 23-26

Safari Club International 2013 Convention Reno, Nevada (520) 620-1220 scifirstforhunters.org

Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation Texas State Rendezvous Lake Somerville (830) 935-4754 rmef.org

January 24

January 17-20

January 24-27

2013 Austin Boat and Travel Trailer Show Austin Convention Center (512) 494-1128 austinboatshow.com

Ducks Unlimited Corsicana Dinner, Banquet Star Hall (903) 654-7705 ducks.org

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

Puzzle solution from Page 24

January 25-27

East Texas Outdoor Expo Maude Cobb Activity Center, Longview (903) 237-4000 easttexasoutdoorexpo.com

Lone Star Outdoor News, ISSN 21628300, 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 2013 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.

January 26

Kayak Angler Tournament Series Decker Lake (512) 203-9849 fishkats.com

January 31-February 2

Wild Sheep Foundation 2013 Sheep Show Grand Sierra Resort and Casino, Reno (307) 527-6261 wildsheepfoundation.org

LONE STAR MARKET

To advertise in this section, call Mike Hughs at (214) 361-2276 or email him at mhughs@lonestaroutdoornews.com.

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Botswana Continued From Page 1

game for sport was no longer seen to be “compatible with either our national commitment to conserve and preserve local fauna or the long-term growth of the local tourism industry.”

Safari outfitters from Botswana attended the Dallas Safari Club annual convention Jan. 3-6, and said there is little hope for saving the future seasons.

“I don’t expect things to change,” said Cobus Colitz of Johan Colitz Hunting Safaris.

“The president doesn’t listen to us.”

Colitz said the government originally intended to ban hunting beginning in 2013.

“Almost all of the hunting concessions are on leases that expired in September of 2012,” he said.

“They intend the leases to change from multiple use (including hunting) to single use for photography. Everyone had to submit new management plans that

TPWD finds best bass lakes in Texas Bass anglers are always searching for hot lakes, for bass populations that are primed for great fishing opportunities.

With this in mind, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department’s Spencer Dumont used electrofishing information collected from more than 4,800 adult bass (8 inches and longer) at 935 different shoreline sites from 62 reservoirs in Fall 2012 to rank the top ten bass populations in terms of small bass, keeper bass and quality bass.

What he found may simply confirm what you already knew.

But more likely it will surprise you.

Top Ten Lakes for Small Bass Small bass were defined as those from 8 to 13 inches long.

Sprawling Sam Rayburn Reservoir was ranked No. 1 for small bass with 161 bass collected per hour of electrofishing. Rounding out the top ten were: Sweetwater (143/hour) Proctor (120/hour) Toledo Bend (90/hour) Walter E. Long (86/hour) Eagle Mountain (84.6/hour) Ray Hubbard (81.5/hour) Leon (77/hour) Lake O’ the Pines and Lake Raven (75/hour) The average number of small bass caught per reservoir in 2012 was 44/hour.

Top Ten Lakes for Keeper Bass Keeper bass were defined as those from 14 to 17 inches long.

Lake Raven took the top spot for keeper bass with a whopping 75 bass collected per hour of electrofishing. The rest of the top ten were: Bastrop (64/hour) Walter E. Long (62/hour) Sam Rayburn (35.5/hour) Amistad (29.5/hour) Sweetwater (26/hour) Amon Carter (25/hour) Coleman, Gibbons Creek and Toledo Bend (21/hour).

The average number of keeper bass caught per reservoir in 2012 was 13 bass per hour of electrofishing.

Quality bass were defined as those 18 inches or longer. Walter E. Long had the most quality bass with an impressive 18 bass collected per hour.

— TPWD

MBOGO NO MORE: Buffalo, along with other species, will no longer be available to hunt after the 2013 season in Botswana thanks to a recent government decision. Photo by Lili Sams, LSON.

January 11, 2013

Page 27

take a long time, so the government extended the hunting for another year. We’re only booking through 2013.”

That was echoed by other Botswana outfitters.

“We haven’t been told anything by the government,” another outfitter said. “Most of the concessions are up; we aren’t taking any deposits.”

Clive Eaton of Thodo Safaris said the storied history of Botswana safaris may be coming to an end.

“We will fight until the last day,” he said. “But we aren’t booking anything past 2013.”

The Botswanan government’s solution is to turn designated hunting areas into “photographic areas.” Outfitters say that won’t work to protect the animals.

“Many of the areas are not accessible for photographers,” Colitz said. “Elephant poaching is already up — it will skyrocket. Just look at what happened in Kenya.”

Kenya banned all hunting in 1977. Its populations of large wild animals has declined between 60 and 70 percent since, and its elephant population declined from 167,000 in 1973 to 16,000 in 1989, virtually all due to poaching.

Botswanna has an estimated 130,000 elephants, and has been issuing 500 hunting permits per year.

Countries like Zimbabwe, Namibia and South Africa use management approaches that provide benefits at local levels and establish sustainable hunting quotas, and safari hunting provides income, jobs and meat for villagers.

According to a World Wildlife Fund report, involving the local communities has kept poaching in check and wildlife populations have increased. Programs in Zimbabwe have helped the elephant population increase from 37,000 in 1989 to an estimated 100,000, with most living outside of national parks. In Namibia, more than 80 percent of all large wild animals live on private lands.

Page 28

January 11, 2013

LoneOStar Outdoor News

LSONews.com