2017 Hunting Guide

GO HUNTING

2017 Hunting Guide A Special Publication of the Messenger-Inquirer • Tuesday, August 22

2 Hunting Guide 2017

Messenger-Inquirer Tuesday, August 22, 2017

HUNTING BASICS

Thousands of Americans find hunting to be a rewarding pastime.

While people hunt many different types of animals, but deer are some of the most popular to target.

Deer hunting can help to address deer overpopulation in many areas. Hunting requires more than going out with a weapon and targeting deer. Hunters must prepare themselves and purchase the appropriate equipment to protect themselves and make sure they are hunting in adherence to local laws.

To begin, hunters should check with their local fish and game organizations to learn about acquiring hunting licenses. Licenses will ensure that hunting is being done according to the rules of a particular state, town or province, and establish just how many animals can be taken. Hunters will need to make sure their firearms or bows are operational and clean. Hunters may also want to invest in tree stands, binoculars, knives, ammunition, hunting blinds, shooting glasses, ear protection, processing kits (for field dressing), and hunting attire. To make themselves more visible to fellow hunters, hunters should wear clothing in blaze orange rather than camouflage. Hunters can visit fishing and game retailers for additional recommendations on gear.

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Tuesday, August 22, 2017 Messenger-Inquirer

Additional Tips: KNOW THE LAND Where do the deer bed and eat? Where are the existing game trails? Are there any bodies of water nearby?

BE IN THE FIELD The longer you are in the field, the better your chances are of bagging an animal.

KNOW YOUR WEAPON Make sure you know how to operate every inch of your weapon.

THINK AHEAD Protect your gear with zip-top bags on rainy days.

SWITCH UP YOUR CALLS Animals can become accustomed to calls used universally like a rabid distress. Try using a fawn bleat or another offbeat sound when hunting.

Hunting Guide 3

PUBLIC LAND NEAR DAVIESS COUNTY Green River State Forest in Henderson County.

L.B. Davison WMA in Ohio County.

Peabody W.M.A. in Ohio and Muhlenberg Counties.

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DON’T FOLLOW THE LEADER If you are tracking a dear and come across another hunter’s tracks in front of yours — give it up. There is no sense in following another hunter.

724 Time Dr. • Owensboro, KY

270-691-9100 www.joneswoolfolkins.com

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4 Hunting Guide 2017

Messenger-Inquirer Tuesday, August 22, 2017

Area Hunting and Fishing License Agents DAVIESS COUNTY

Academy Sports & Outdoors 3051 Highland Pointe Drive Owensboro, Ky 42303 (281) 638-4617 Frank Miller-Son Sprt Goods 537 Crabtree Ave Owensboro, KY 42301 (270) 683-3479 Gordon’s True Value 6180 Kentucky 54 Philpot, KY 42366 (270) 729-4261 Meijer 2951 Heartland Crossing Blvd Owensboro, KY 42303 270-359-1500 Owensboro Rural King Supply 601 Commerce Drive Owensboro, KY 42303 (270) 683-3488 Quality Quick #14 3414 New Hartford Road Owensboro, KY 42303 (270) 686-7445 Second Amendment Firearms, LLC 235 East 20th St., Suite A Owensboro, KY 42303 (270) 926-4525 Valero 3310 W. 2nd St. Owensboro, KY 42301 270-685-0749 Vessels Mini Market 9227 Hwy 54 Whitesville, KY 42378

Wal-Mart #0701 5031 S Frederica St. Owensboro, KY 42303 (270) 685-2060 Wal-Mart #3363 3151 Leitchfield Road Owensboro, KY 42303 (270) 683-5553

MCLEAN COUNTY

Horns Hooks & Feathers 240 Hwy 81 North Calhoun, KY 42327 (270) 273-5937 McLean County Clerk

Smith Super Saver 305 Beech Grove Street Calhoun, KY 42327 (270) 273-3573

Southern Outdoors of Kentucky Inc. 403 Henton St. Livermore, KY 42352 270-278-3043

210 E Main - Courthouse Whittaker’s Guns 6976 West Louisville Lane Owensboro, KY 42301 (270) 229-0431

Calhoun, KY 42327 (270) 273-3082 Sacramento Pharmacy 750 Main Street

HANCOCK COUNTY

Sacramento, KY 42372

MUHLENBURG COUNTY 519 Minit Mart 349 N. Main St. Greenville, KY 42345 270-338-9150

Aces Guns 1265 State Rt 271N Hawesville, KY 42348 (270) 927-6078 E.J.’s Pawn Shop 150 Main Street Hawesville, KY 42348 (270) 927-8335 Hancock County Clerk 225 Main Cross St Hawesville, KY 42348 (270) 927-6117 Nash’s Archery & Outdoor Gear 1270 Pell Street Lewisport, KY 42351 (270) 295-6532 Powers Express 515 Main St. Hawesville, KY 42348 (270) 927-8311

Sugar Beet Crush $12.99

Lucky Buck Mineral $16.99

12 lb. Trophy Rock $12.99

1 Gal. Stump Likker $7.99

Big & J Deer Block $19.99

Hunting & Fishing License, Supplies, Ammunition, Food Plot Seed, Live Bait, Wildlife Feed Available

GORDON’S

HARDWARE

6180 KY 54 • Philpot, KY • 270-729-4261 316 Booth Ave. • Owensboro, KY • 270-683-1115

Tuesday, August 22, 2017 Messenger-Inquirer

Casey’s General Store 645 S. 2nd Street Central City, KY 42330 (270) 754-4859

Uncle Lee’s, LLC 820 N. Main St. Greenville, KY 42345 270-338-1388

Cromwell Market 6035 Hwy 231 Cromwell, KY 42333 (270) 298-7401

Country Bait Shop 887 Noffsinger Lane Bremen, KY 42325 (270) 525-6443

Wal-Mart #0294 US 62 West Central City, KY 42330 (270) 754-1533

Dundee General Store 11632 State Route 69 North Dundee, KY 42338 (270) 276-9400

Dailys #3053 443 Hopkinsville Street Greenville, KY 42345 (270) 338-6241 Dailys #3060 324 N 2nd Street Central City, KY 42330 (270) 754-5354

Wayne’s Place & Coop’s Diner 11061 US Hwy 431 S Dunmor, KY 42339 (270) 657-2636

OHIO COUNTY

Fastway #8 711 Main St. Centertown, KY 42328 (270) 232-4330 Fred’s Minit Mart 1989 US Hwy 231 South Beaver Dam, KY 42320 (270) 274-5059

Max’s Convenience Shop #147 3454 US Hwy 4315 Beechmont, KY 42323 (270) 476-3995

AARYA, Inc. 1000 St. Rt. Hwy 54W Fordsville, KY 42343 (270) 276-5014

Horse Branch General Store 12621 US Hwy 62,P.O. Bx 515, Horse Branch, KY 42349 (270) 274-4768

Muhlenberg County Rural King Supply 145 Copper Creek Drive Powderley, KY 42367 (270) 338-3555

Backwoods Bait Shack 2569 Hwy 85 West Centertown, KY 42328 (270) 232-5059

Jumpin Jacks Food Mart 100 Hwy 54 Fordsville, KY 42343 (270) 276-3104

Hunting Guide 5

Mitchell’s Grocery 11707 US 231 Utica, KY 42376 (270) 275-4933 Ohio County Clerk 301 S Main Street, Ste 201 Hartford, KY 42347 (270) 298-4422 Raceway Market 12 Allen Road McHenry, KY 42354 (270) 274-5564 Wal-Mart #0333 1701 North Main Beaver Dam, KY 42320 (270) 274-9608 WK Truck & Auto 1958 Hwy 231 Beaver Dam, KY 42320 (270) 274-7991

You can also purchases licenses by phone licenses and permits can be purchased by telephone 24 hours a day by calling toll-free at 1-877-598-2401. All licenses and permits, except a disability license, elk drawing application and youth licenses and permits, can be purchased by telephone. Hunters purchasing licenses and permits by phone will be charged a small convenience fee, and must pay with a Visa, MasterCard, Discover card, or an e-check. Hunters will be issued an authorization number, which serves as the license or permit. The authorization number and a picture ID must be carried in the field while hunting. Both

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the authorization number and paper license are valid for the license year. If requested, a paper license or permit (except short-term licenses) will be mailed to the hunter. The paper license must be filled out and signed by the hunter.

Online licenses and permits can be purchased online at fw.ky.gov.

Hunters purchasing licenses or permits online must pay with a Visa, Mastercard, American Express or Discover card, or a Kentucky Fish and Wildlife gift certificate. Hunters who buy licenses or permits online will not be mailed a paper license or permit but will receive an authorization number. The authorization number or a computer printout of the license or permit and a picture ID must be carried in the field while hunting.

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6 Hunting Guide 2017

Messenger-Inquirer Tuesday, August 22, 2017

HUNTING DOGS If you’re a hunter, your dog is an investment.

In fact, according to the International Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies, hunters in the United States spend more than $600 million each year on hunting dogs.

But how do you go about choosing a breed? If you are a hunter looking to add a companion to your sport, consider the following dog breeds.

All breeds have their strengths, depending on the type of game you hunt, so it is important to remember that this list is neither comprehensive nor in any particular order.

LABRADOR RETRIEVER Retrievers are great breeds for waterfowl hunting, but the Labrador stands above the rest. They are known for being full of energy and having thick cold-weather coats — which make long, chilly days outside no problem. They also are eager to please and will go to great lengths to retrieve your kills.

COONHOUND Comfortable in all terrain and hunting conditions, the coonhound makes for an extremely versatile hunting dog. Smaller game (such as their namesake) are their strength, and they are notorious for “tracking and treeing” their prey.

AMERICAN FOXHOUND These dogs were specifically bred for the purpose of hunting foxes, so at this task they rarely disappoint. Since these dogs are avid runners, many deer hunters have co-opted the breed for their sport.

BEAGLE Beagles are persistent and eager for a chase. What they lack in long legs, they make up for in energy. This gives them a leg up on small-game hunting.

POINTER Pointers have thinner coats, so staying outside for long periods in colder months and big-game hunting in northern regions are not its strong suit. However, if you are looking for a solid bird dog, look no further.

BLOODHOUND Bloodhounds are known for their strong noses and tracking capabilities. They were originally bred to track people in the Middle Ages, but have since been used to track deer and wild boar.

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Tuesday, August 22, 2017 Messenger-Inquirer

MONSTERS ON THE OHIO

Hunting Guide 7

Towne Square North • 270-686-7508 • Locally Owned & Operated OPEN 9 AM - 9 PM Monday - Saturday • 11 AM - 6 PM Sunday

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SATURDAY, OCTOBER 14 AT ENGLISH PARK Activities and food booths open at noon Weigh-in at 3 p.m.

The Monsters on the Ohio tournament is a team event.

Teams will consist of one or two persons with one exception. A third person may accompany the team provided the third person is under 16 years of age or over 60 years of age. Entry fees for this tournament is $200 per team.

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8 Hunting Guide 2017

Messenger-Inquirer Tuesday, August 22, 2017

2017-18 Kentucky Hunting Seasons Information from the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Zone 2, which includes Henderson, Webster, McLean, Muhlenberg and Ohio counties. Zone 3, which includes Daviess and Hancock counties DEER SEASON Modern Gun: Nov. 11-20, either sex Archery: Sept. 2-Jan. 15, either sex Crossbow: Oct. 1-22 and Nov. 11-Dec. 31, either sex Muzzleloader: Oct. 21-22 and Dec. 9-14, either sex Youth-only firearms: Oct. 14-15, either sex Free Youth Weekend: Dec. 30-31, either sex All Zones FALL TURKEY Shotgun: Oct. 28-Nov. 3 and Dec. 2-8 Archery: Sept. 2 – Jan. 15, 2018 Crossbow: Oct. 1-22 and Nov. 11-Dec. 31 SQUIRREL Hunting: Aug. 19-Nov. 10 and Nov. 13-Feb. 28, 2018 Trapping: One half-hour before sunrise, Nov. 13-Feb. 28, 2018 RABBIT Hunting: Nov. 13-Feb. 10, 2018 Trapping: One half-hour before sunrise, Nov. 13-Feb. 10, 2018 QUAIL Hunting: Nov. 13-Feb. 10, 2018 No trapping RACCOON & OPOSSUM Hunting: Oct. 1-Feb. 28, 2018 Trapping: One half-hour before sunrise Nov. 13-Feb. 28, 2018

COYOTES, GROUNDHOG & TURTLES Hunting: Year-round Trapping: One half-hour before sunrise Nov. 13-Feb.28, 2018 BOBCAT Hunting: One half-hour before sunrise Nov. 25-Feb. 28, 2018, daylight hours only Trapping: One half-hour before sunrise Nov. 13-Feb.28, 2018 RIVER OTTER, MUSKRAT, MINK, BEAVER, RED FOX, GRAY FOX, WEASEL AND STRIPED SKUNK Hunting: One half-hour before sunrise Nov. 13-Feb. 28, 2018, daylight hours only Trapping: One half-hour before sunrise Nov. 13-Feb. 28, 2018 CROW Hunting: One half-hour before sunrise Sept. 1-Nov.7 and Jan. 4-Feb. 28, 2018, daylight hours only BULLFROG Hunting: ends Midnight Oct. 31 Information from the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife

HARVEST RESULTS DEER DAVIESS COUNTY Male: 560 Female: 465 Total: 1,025 HANCOCK COUNTY Male: 466 Female: 330 Total: 796 MCLEAN COUNTY Male: 475 Female: 522 Total: 997 MUHLENBERG COUNTY Male: 1,040 Female: 886 Total: 1,926

MCLEAN COUNTY Male: 194 Female: 2 Total: 196 MUHLENBERG COUNTY Male: 680 Female: 2 Total: 682 OHIO COUNTY Male: 555 Female: 1 Total: 556

OHIO Male: 17 Female: 20 Total: 37

RIVER OTTER DAVIESS COUNTY Male: 13 Female: 8 Total: 21 HANCOCK COUNTY Male: 1 Female: 2 Total: 3

BOBCAT DAVIESS COUNTY Male: 6 Female: 6 Total: 12

MCLEAN COUNTY Male: 8 Female: 3 Total: 11

HANCOCK COUNTY Male: 2 Female: 8 Total: 10

MUHLENBERG COUNTY Male: 13 Female: 10 Total: 23

DAVIESS COUNTY Male: 203 Female: 3 Total: 206

MCLEAN COUNTY Male: 2 Female: 3 Total: 5

OHIO COUNTY Male: 4 Female: 4 Total: 8

HANCOCK COUNTY Male: 201 Female: 2 Total: 203

MUHLENBERG COUNTY Male: 21 Female: 24 Total: 45

31 bears were killed in Kentucky between Oct. 22, 2016 and Dec. 11, 2016.

OHIO COUNTY Male: 1,303 Female: 1,051 Total: 2,354

TURKEY

Tuesday, August 22, 2017 Messenger-Inquirer

Hunting Guide 9

Pack well for a hunt in the wilderness September may enjoy the title of National Wilderness Month, but any time of year is a good time to enjoy the great outdoors. One of the ways to immerse oneself in nature is to enjoy a hunting trip.

People take to the woods every fall season with the hopes of bagging a buck. Hunting is a great way to enjoy the beauty of nature, but it also has other benefits.

Preparing for a hunting trip involves careful packing. Whether you plan to be in the woods for just a few hours, or overnight, these items should be brought along to ensure such excursions are comfortable, safe and successful.

• Water: Bring along water whether you’re out in warm or cool temperatures.

• Proper footwear: Opt for sturdy hiking boots with plenty of sole and ankle support.

• Nutrition: Bring along lightweight food to keep you well fed.

Any number of situations, including difficult trails and getting lost, can prolong hunting trips. Nutritious snacks can help hunters maintain their energy levels.

• Rain gear/extra clothing: Dressing in layers and having a change of clothes enables you to adjust your attire according to the weather conditions. Wear water-

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repellant materials that wick away sweat.

• Sun protection: Sun protection encompasses sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat.

• Illumination: Pack a headlamp or flashlight, and don’t forget the batteries. Light will help you navigate if you are out after sundown.

Flashlights also can be used to signal others if you’re lost.

• Navigational tools: A compass and map will help keep you on course. Remember, cell phones may not work in remote areas.

• Fire starter: A night spent in the wilderness may not be on the itinerary, but chemical fire starters, matches or even dryer lint can help start fires in emergency situations.

• Multipurpose tool: A multipurpose tool can be used to cut items,

open cans and much more.

• First aid kit: Don’t forget a prepackaged first aid kit to treat minor or major injuries. Taking a first aid course is also helpful.

• Toilet paper: When nature calls in nature, a roll of toilet paper can make things much easier.

Hiking is a fun way to enjoy the wilderness. Hikers must pack accordingly for every trip.

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10 Hunting Guide 2017

Messenger-Inquirer Tuesday, August 22, 2017

Common Mistakes

Here are 10 mistakes inexperienced hunters frequently make when hunting deer.

1. Neglecting small public parcels. Don’t follow the crowd. Larger parcels also tend to get the most pressure — and mature bucks know it.

2. Hunting your best areas too soon. You want to save your best areas for the perfect conditions. Don’t put too much pressure on them too soon.

3. Hunting the wrong times. Most hunters are out in the early mornings or evenings. It is a rookie mistake to

dismiss midday hours. In fact, more mature deer are killed between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.

4. Forgetting to buckle up. Yes, this point is all about safety. Never go up or down a tree without a climbing belt.

Treestand falls are one of the leading causes of injuries to hunters.

5. Waiting too long to shoot. Take the first good, clear shot you have after a buck walks into range. If the buck gets too close, things can get messy quickly.

6. Aiming too high. At least 80 percent of misses are

high. Most deer are closer than you think they are.

7. Ignoring secondar y food sources. Mature bucks are bright. They are more wary of popular food sources during primetime. Consider hunting near greenbrier, honeysuckle and blackberry.

8. Depending too heavily on gadgets. There have been great advancements in technology that have produced some amazing gadgets and hunting aids. But depending on them can make any hunter lazy.

Remember, gadgets enhance your hunt, they don’t create it.

You can’t afford a shortage of skill.

9. Being too friendly.

If you own or lease hunting ground, be careful not to say “yes” to every friend who asks and let him or her hunt wherever they want. This is one of the quickest ways to overpressure deer.

10. Saying too much. This is a tale as old as time. When you find a big buck, you’re best served to keep quiet. Don’t tell a friend how and where you’ve been hunting it, because your friend might just “happen upon it” before you do.

Tuesday, August 22, 2017 Messenger-Inquirer

Hunting Guide 11

BE SAFE WHILE ON THE HUNT

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• Hunting & Fishing Boats by

Sea Ray and Rinker Boats, Lowe pontoons and fishing boats, Sweetwater and Aqua Patio pontoons

SeaArk, War Eagle, & Polarkraft. • Pontoons by Southbay, Qwest, & Gillgetter.

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Service on all major brands

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1301 Daviess Street Owensboro, KY 42303

270-684-0288 Fax: 270-684-0289

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6th & Crabtree, Owensboro • 270-683-3479

Gordon’s True Value Hardware

270-689-2298 1024 W. 4th Street • Owensboro, Kentucky

David Lindow 1210 Burlew Blvd., Owensboro, KY 42303

270-729-4261

Hunting & Fishing License Hunting & Fishing Supplies Ammunition, Live Bait, Wildlife Feed Available

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3329 Wathens Crossing Owensboro, KY 42301 ••• 270-316-3166 david.boswell@kyfb.com

12 Hunting Guide 2017

Messenger-Inquirer Tuesday, August 22, 2017

Where to shoot in Owensboro/Daviess County and rifle bays, added new shooting sheds for rain protection and new concrete shooting benches. Numerous steel targets for rifle and pistol.

There is also a full-time instructor on DAVIESS COUNTY GUN CLUB Shooting lessons available; trap, skeet & staff that will be giving classes for beginners, sporting clays; annual sporting clay tourna- women’s only, and more advanced tactical classes. ments.

Rock Hill Gun Range is located at 9300 Open Summer: 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, 9 a.m. - 8 p.m. Thursday Highway 815 in Owensboro. and 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Sunday.

OWENSBORO RIFLE & PISTOL CLUB Winter: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Wednesday ThursThe Owensboro Rifle & Pistol Club is day, Saturday and Sunday.

The DCGC is located at 7740 Highway open from dawn until dusk to members only.

Membership dues are $40 per year and 2830 in Maceo. run April 1 through March 31.

The rifle range includes a 100-yard range ROCK HILL GUN RANGE Rock Hill is open seven days a week with covered bench positions. There are also for members and 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Monday, six pistol bays, a shotgun area with a trap Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday for house and a lane for archery.

ORPC is located at 3289 Oak Road in Lewnon-members. Walk-up price is $10.

Rock Hill has doubled the size of its pistol isport.

With so many gun enthusiasts in the area, Daviess County has plenty of options when it comes to places to shoot.