OUTDOOR
GUIDE
July-August 2021
MAGAZINE
Amazing wasps......... Page 2
Whiteley’s book........ Page 6
Fly fishing......Pages 10 & 12
Four records...Pages 16 & 17
Old stands..............Page 25
HUNTING • FISHING • CAMPING • BOATING • SHOOTING • TRAVEL Missouri, Illinois and Other Exciting Outdoor Destinations!
Outdoor Guide
Page 2
July-August 2021
Writer seeks tolerance for amazing wasps
My hunting and fishing buddy, Lucky Jim, is no fan of the wasps that often surround the farm cabin door on summer days and even some sunny spring times. While I wouldn’t say he is deathly afraid of them, Jim is particularly uncomfortable around the flying tigers. Watching him dodge and duck them can be somewhat comical. I have a bit more tolerance, but I’m not in favor of sharing living quarters with them. When I noticed a new book, published earlier this year, I figured knowledge was power and that between us, we could learn to get along with our
co-habitants. After all, they live at the farm year-round, and we are just weekend warriors at the place. The author Eric R. Eaton is an entomologist and editor with credentials that include the Smithsonian and the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Gardens. P u b lished by Princeton Uni-
versity Press, the book was occasionally too technical and Latin for a general reader, but beyond the words I couldn’t decipher, it was a beautiful publication. AMAZING DETAILS The title could not have been more straightforward: “Wasps.” And the subtitle told the rest of the story in just a few simple words: “The Astonishing Diversity of a Misunderstood Insect.” But the images are really the selling point for the book, with full-color macro photography and illustrations throughout. As a picture book, it’s worth the price of admission. The actual-size silhouettes are another graphic component that brought great light to the understanding of the enormous family of insects that can be classified as wasps. Tarantula Hawks are impressive, with a two-inch body length and a wingspan more than twice that big, but most impressive are the micro wasps with a body
These Shutterstock photos show some of the incredible images of wasps, like these of a European hornet (by Elya Vatel) and a female Sphex digger wasp carrying a paralyzed katydid (by Danny Radius) as a complement to Eric Eaton’s new book, ‘Wasps.’
length less than the width of human hair. Those tiny insects are the identified ones. Because of their size, scientists believe there are still many more to be discovered. They estimate that there could be a million different species of wasps. That is the other amazing detail in the book. When most people think of wasps, they recognize the big red ones or the dark, black buzzers. When you add in the mud daubers that build pipe organ huts below the deck boards and yellow jackets nesting underground, their numbers start to swell.
Bees are really just hairy wasps with big fan clubs for their pollination properties and honey production. A FAMILY AFFAIR Eaton identifies more than 50 different families of wasps. Some of the differences are more subtle, but in cases like the female velvet ants, they don’t even have wings. What they do possess is a potent ability to sting. Not all wasps sting, and it is only the females that are capable of injecting venom. The aforementioned
velvet ant is nicknamed “cow killer,” but Eaton assures readers that even though the sting is incredibly painful, the reputation for bovine death is only a myth. The sting, which is the complete name for her body part, evolved as part of the reproductive system. In order to lay her eggs in hosts, venom is used to incapacitate or otherwise improve her egg-laying capabilities in other insects, larva and plants. The social nature of wasps is also a component that evolved
See WASPS page 18
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Outdoor Guide
July-August 2021
When was the last time you connected with nature? Maybe it was just a few years ago, or maybe it’s been a little longer. Think back to when adventure could happen in your own backyard — where the birds chirp on a spring morning. The smell of the damp air after a thunderstorm. The sight of flowers blooming. The feel of grass between your toes. It’s time to make that connection again, and Never Lose Touch.
For ways to reconnect with nature, visit mdc.mo.gov/NeverLoseTouch.
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Outdoor Guide
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Taking little anglers on first fishing trips
Photo and Text By BRENT FRAZEE My 3-year-old granddaughter Avery taught me the key to catching fish the other day: You have to sing to them. During her first-ever fishing
trip, we could see small bluegills lazily swimming in the shaded water below the boat dock at a private lake near Kansas City, but they didn’t want to bite. So Avery’s dad suggested she start singing to the fish.
And she complied, singing the ABC song. No sooner had she finished the first version than she watched her bobber shiver and then go under. Avery turned the reel on her “Frozen”-themed fishing rod, then lifted a tiny bluegill out of the water. “Wow,” she shouted between giggles. “That’s a big
one.” Avery kissed the fish and said, “That’s gooey” as she wiped her lips on the sleeve of her jacket. Then she waved goodbye to her catch as her dad released it and started working to catch more. She caught two more, posed for pictures, and that was it. But as we walked back to the car, she shouted the words
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that every parent or grandparent who loves to fish wants to hear from their little ones: “I want to go again.” FIRST FISHING CAN GO HAYWIRE This trip, however short in duration, was a long time in the planning. I bought her that Frozen rod and reel for Christmas, and she insisted that it be stored with Mommy’s and Daddy’s rods in the garage. Once spring arrived, we planned a short trip to the marina of the private lake where my wife and I live. Then we held our breath to see how things would go. A bad experience on a first fishing trip can turn a child off for life. A boring day when the fish aren’t biting, an experience where mom or dad keeps the child out way too long, a morning without juice or snacks – I’ve seen those factors and many others give kids a bad opinion of fishing. So my daughter Jenny, son-in-law Dennis and I took precautions to see that we were on the right track. I put 4-pound-test line on the reel of Avery’s combo and bought small long-shank hooks, small split-shot and tiny bobbers, then got a carton of night crawlers and a basket full of chirping crickets. Avery cowered from the crickets, saying, “I don’t want them to bite me.” But once I threaded one of them onto the hook and told her how crickets were like ice cream to bluegills, she was fine. She was much more patient than I ever thought she would be, and that’s never a sure thing when you take a little one fishing. She did great, just like her mommy and aunts and uncles had when I got them started fishing. SNAKE ENDS ANOTHER DAY I remember taking my daughter Becky fishing for the first time when she was about Avery’s age. Things were going great until we spotted a snake swimming toward the place where we were fishing from the bank. Becky immediately ran to the car and waited for me as I collected our fishing gear and joined her. I don’t think she believed me when I told her,
Little Avery, just 3, sang to the fish. Then she caught some.
“That snake won’t hurt us.” I remember other special trips when I took Becky and Jenny and my son Scott to Canada for fishing trips. We made that our annual tradition until sports, camps and other activities got in the way. I taught Becky’s two daughters, Caty and Chloe, to fish at Riss, and we’ve had some great times. Now, Avery has joined the fold. I can’t wait to get Scott’s 1-year-old son, Jack, on the bank with me. I already have given him his first fishing pole. We’re just waiting for him to get old enough to use it. SHARING MEMORIES Yeah, we’re a fishing family. Becky, Jenny and Scott still have great memories of fishing off the dock and swimming at my parents’ summer cottage on a lake in Wisconsin. Now my wife Jana and I are the grandparents who are teaching our grandkids the joys of lake life. Beach bonfires, pontoon boat rides, fishing, chasing fireflies – that’s life at the lake. Jana and I enjoyed that lifestyle when we were dating and spending weekends at my parents’ cottage. Now we want our grandchildren to have those same memories.
July-August 2021
Outdoor Guide
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Outdoor Guide
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July-August 2021
Book Corner
Larry Whiteley offers a smart and meaningful book of stories
By CARL GREEN Editor
It’s taken our friend Larry Whiteley more than 50 years of writing and broadcasting about the great outdoors – and the difference it’s made in his life – to finally get around to writing his first book, called “Seasons – Stories of Family, God and the Great Outdoors.” If you’re accustomed to reading Larry’s column in the Outdoor Guide, the voice you will hear in reading this book will be very familiar – warm and welcoming but also both knowledgeable and fun-loving. A guy you could stand to spend some
time with, and come away the better for it. The book is just becoming available this summer, in plenty of time for Christmas gift-giving. Its first appearance was on June 10 on Amazon’s Kindle E-reader for a bargain price of $5.99. On June 20, it was available as an actual paperback book from Amazon and other retailers for $12.95. An audio version was in the works. HIS GREAT CAREER The afterword of the book gives a summary of Whiteley’s estimable career as an outdoor writer and broadcaster, including the past 33 years
as host of the award-winning, syndicated Bass Pro Shops World Radio. For 30 years. he has prepared the Outdoor World print items for newspapers across the nation. Not to mention that his column, “Tips and Tricks from the Great Outdoors,” has run in the Outdoor Guide since the magazine was founded. But for all this success and public exposure, Whiteley’s essence is that of the outdoors and country life – a fall hunting trip, a winter walking expedition, a spring wonderment at the rebirth of life, and a summer reunion of family, with thanks given to the God who makes it
OUTDOOR
GUIDE
July-August 2021
MAGAZINE
HUNTING • FISHING • CAMPING • BOATING • SHOOTING • TRAVEL Volume 29, No. 4 • Published six times a year Office: 505 S. Ewing, St. Louis, MO 63103 News department — 618-972-3744
www.outdoorguidemagazine.com e-mail: news@outdoor-guide.com COVER created by Kathy Crowe, graphic designer.
Carl Green, editor – carl@labortribune.com John Winkelman, associate editor — ogmjohnw@aol.com Bob Whitehead, editor emer. – ogmbobw@aol.com Lynn Fowler, circulation manager Kathy Crowe, graphic designer — Account executives — Dan Braun, marketing director 314-256-4136 Lauren Marshall 314-614-5175 — Regional and specialty editors — Darrell Taylor Ray Eye Brent Frazee Brandon Butler
Curt Hicken Bill Cooper Thayne Smith Steve Jones
Bill Seibel John Neporadny Jr. Rick Story T. J. Mullin
Larry Whiteley Ted Nugent Ron Bice
– In Memoriam —
Joel Vance • Ron Henry Strait • Jared Billings • Charlie Farmer • Richard Engelke • Mark Hubbard • Spence Turner • Hank Reifeiss Kay Hively • Bill Harmon • Barbara Perry Lawton • Danny Hicks • Ron Kruger • TJ Stallings • John Sloan
Scott Pauley Tim Huffman John Meacham Bob Holzhei Jeannie Farmer Jerry Pabst Ryan Miloshewski
— Staff writers —
Claudette Roper Brad Wiegmann Mike Roux Craig Alderman Randall Davis Jo Schaper Jed Nadler
Kenneth Kieser Gerald Scott Russell Hively Roxanne Wilson Gretchen Steele Larry Potterfield Tom Watson
Don Gasaway Terry Wilson Bill Keaton Charlie Slovensky Michael Wardlaw Tyler Mahoney Richard Aites
possible. Add in a touch of comedy, and that’s Larry. SEASONS OF LIFE And that’s this book, too, split into four sections – spring, summer, fall and winter, naturally, with precisely 10 short stories and vignettes per season, ranging from two to five pages each, so nothing takes too long to read, but nothing is left incomplete, either. The essence of the book – and the man – can be found in Whiteley’s introductory statement: “I’m lucky to live in an area of the country where we experience the different seasons, and I get to do that with family, friends and those special times alone in God’s great outdoors. Something would be missing in my life without the sounds of the spring peeper frogs, lightning bugs on a summer night, the autumn tapestry, animal tracks in a winter snow, an eagle flying in a bright blue sky or the beauty of a rainbow. “Changes in the seasons, and all the special things that happen during those times, make up our lives. They add to it just as special times and special places, like seasonings added to a recipe, make life so good.” He’s lived in Springfield all this time, with his wife Maryann, and near many relatives, plus those in Wisconsin and Kansas. He makes no secret of his belief in and love for God, but readers who quality as religion-phobic need not fear – this is a book of evangelism, but only for the natural world he prefers to inhabit. In the acknowledgments, he thanks his wife, their three sons, daughter-in-laws, grandchildren, and others including Outdoor Guide founder Bobby Whitehead and one of its fine writers, fishing guru Tim Huffman. He also thanks Bass Pro Shops founder Johnny Morris for helping him get started on radio 30 years ago and being there ever since. To give an idea of what this book is like, some of the short chapters, among many
others, include:
• Sitting on a Big Flat Rock • Deer Camp Characters • Night-time Fishing • The Old Barn • Tracks in the Snow • Grandpa’s Shotgun
IN HIS VOICE One of the vignettes, “Signs of Spring,” covers bats, peeper frogs, buckeye trees and much more in just a few pages. To demonstrate Larry’s writing voice, here’s a quick sample: “To some, the first sign of spring is a robin in their yard, or leaves starting to bud out, or flowers beginning to bloom. To cabin folks like us, it’s the mating call of the peeper frog. “I sit down on an old log to pause and enjoy this moment in time. My eyes catch the graceful, rippling flight of a Mourning Cloak butterfly as it emerges from its winter home in a tree cavity. A bee buzzes a wildflower. A spider is spinning his web on a nearby bush. A cricket walks up my pant leg. “The world is coming to life again and I’m thankful
I’m here to enjoy it. All the sights, sounds and activities that are beginning to happen remind me that we humans weren’t the only ones waiting for signs of spring.” If that sounds poetic, there’s also at least one outright poem that I found in the book. Tim Huffman, himself an award-winning writer and photographer, has an interesting suggestion for readers of the book. “Larry tugs at every heart-warming emotion when he details a beautiful morning sunrise from a deer stand, the smells, sounds and visual impact of a crackling campfire and the importance of skipping rocks with grandkids,” he said. “I recommend reading this book one story a night, to enjoy and savor every outdoor memory and moment he shares.” That about sums it up, folks. To submit books for Book Corner, send them to Carl Green, Outdoor Guide Magazine, 505 S. Ewing, St. Louis MO 63103 or send email to carl@labortribune.com.
Outdoor Guide
July-August 2021
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Outdoor Guide
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We will still need to conserve ammo
By BRANDON BUTLER
The ammunition shortage is here to stay. Well, at least for a while. Southwick & Associates, a market research and economics firm, specializing in the hunting, shooting, sport fishing and other outdoor recreation markets, released a report that shows demand for ammunition will continue to far outpace supply. With firearms ownership on the rise, finding ammunition is a real problem. Over the years, I’ve accumulated quite a bit of hunting ammunition. Shooting half of a box during a duck hunt or two turkey loads out of five has left me with a nice stash. But target practice ammunition is a different story. I don’t have enough to shoot without worry of running out. A lot of my friends feel the same way. We’re unable to practice or recreationally plink targets like we used to. This is a common story these days. It is an inconvenience for us, but at least most of the people in my circles have experience shooting. It’s the new firearms owners who are in a worse spot. First-time firearms ownership has spiked, and those new to shooting need to practice. The lack of ammunition available seriously hinders their ability to do so. MARKET TRENDS Southwick & Associates regularly surveys outdoor industry consumers to gain an understanding of market trends. Back in April, they surveyed more than 1,800 ammunition consumers for a study on the shortage. They found it is continuing post-pandemic. Their data shows 20 percent of consumers encountered out-of-stock issues while trying to purchase ammunition in 2020. The number has recently dropped to 75 percent, but that means three out of four people trying to buy ammunition can’t – resulting in 79
Editorial
percent of survey respondents reporting they have either cut back or completely quit target shooting and hunting. This leaves a lot of individuals out there looking to buy more ammunition, so demand is expected to remain high. The report found that only 17 percent of shooters and hunters are satisfied with the amount of ammunition they currently have. And nearly two-thirds said their inventory is lower than they would prefer. Most shooters want more ammunition. The data reported 43 percent want “much more” while 38 percent want at least “a little more.” When asked why they desire more ammunition, key reasons included: • Uncertainty about future ammunition
supplies (72 percent). This is especially true among consumers 45+ years of age. • Uncertainty about future restrictions on ammunition purchases (70 percent). • Uncertainty about future economic
conditions (54 percent).
• Increased shooting and hunting activity
(26 percent). This was more common among the 25-34 year-old consumers. “At some point, demand will certainly soften,” reports Rob Southwick, president of Southwick Associates. “However, frenzied purchasing and empty shelves often fuel further increases in demand. We do not see demand softening in the near future.” LIKE TOILET PAPER Remember the run on toilet paper? I can’t imagine any of us will ever forget. It showed us how quickly a common resource can be depleted beyond demand. And it was because many people were hoarding and being ridiculous. To help us all get through the ammunition shortage, don’t be like the toilet paper people. Buy what you need and maybe a little bit more, but be conscientious of our shooting and hunting community. Leave a box for the next man or woman. For more Driftwood Outdoors, check out the podcast on www.driftwoodoutdoors. com or anywhere podcasts are streamed.
A nationwide ammunition shortage is affecting recreational shooting and hunting for folks like Jim Carmichel. – Brandon Butler photo
July-August 2021
The Life Outdoors Wildlife on campus is worth risky owl rescue
By RICHARD AITES I’ve worked for the University of Missouri-St. Louis as a campus policeman for nearly a decade now. It’s a great place to work and go to school. UMSL also has one of the highest-rated criminal justice degree programs in the nation. Though the campus is located in suburban north St. Louis County, dozens of acres of woods and a shallow creek skirt the university grounds. There’s also a pond on the north end of campus that is teeming with largemouth bass, bluegills and red-eared sliders. Along with the thousands of students that muster onto campus each semester, wildlife frequent the place, in the form of whitetail deer, turkey and furbearers. For much of the year, the deer keep a low profile, but during the fall and winter months, they are quite common around campus, especially in the early morning and evening hours. A MAGNIFICENT BUCK One particular evening last November, while conducting a foot patrol, I spotted a magnificent 10-point buck near the university libraries. I watched him linger in the semi-lit, grassy, commons area for several minutes before he spooked and trotted off into the darkness. In the spring, tom turkeys can often be seen strutting their stuff along the secluded walking trails, and there’s usually a hen or two in the vicinity. Canadian geese are common tenants of the campus grounds, and though messy, they are usually mild-mannered. That is, until the nesting season, when they can become a bit aggressive, but as long as they’re not approached or startled, they rarely present a problem. Red-tailed hawks and other raptors circle the skies above the athletic fields and grassy common-areas searching for rodents and other prey animals. On two separate occasions, I’ve had to free great horned owls from the soccer goals at the soccer fields. At night, the handsome birds usually perch high atop the gymnasium that overlooks the field. When a rabbit or other varmint comes onto the field to feed on the finely manicured
The UMSL campus is known for its natural areas. – Photo by Jerry Naunheim, St. Louis Post-Dispatch
This owl needed a helping hand to get free of the net. – Richard Aites photo
grass, the owls, looking for an easy meal, swoop down and occasionally get entangled in the netting of the goals. TURNING AN OWL LOOSE Aware that birds of prey have phenomenal eyesight, I can only guess that they become so pre-occupied with the prey animal that they don’t see the mesh netting before accidentally soaring into it. Then, when the raptors struggle to free themselves, they become increasingly entangled to the point of no escape. Trust me when I tell you that it is a nerve-racking endeavor to free an agitated owl from the mesh with a pocketknife, especially while trying to avoid that powerful beak and those razor-sharp talons. On the most recent rescue, I probably should have contacted Animal Control, but because the frantic bird had the netting wrapped around his neck (what little bit of neck he had), I was concerned about the possibility of strangulation. And I did this without benefit of the leather gloves that bird-handlers wear. Due to my foolishness, that encounter led to a small puncture wound to the palm of my right hand. GETTING AWAY WITH IT Fortunately, the athletic director wasn’t too upset considering a 3-foot square piece of netting was cut away from the goal to spare an owl. And for me, the satisfaction of saving raptors from injury or death is certainly worth it. On both occasions, the owls quickly recovered and flew away without any apparent signs of injury. Because most paleontologists agree that modern birds are descendants of dinosaurs, I guess these were my “Jurassic Park” moments. Of course, handling a 6-ton tyrannosaur may have been a little more daunting than dealing with a 5-pound owl. And I’m pretty sure my injuries would have been much more significant. It’s no Garden of Eden, but it’s nice to have a tiny piece of the natural world on campus. Given the craziness that has been occurring on college campuses recently, the wildlife certainly helps keep things in perspective.
Outdoor Guide
July-August 2021
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EXPERIENCE ELLINGTON missouri the
&explore outdoors e l l i n g ton mo . com Hike the ozark trail
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~ Only 2 Hours South of St. Louis ~
Clearwater Lake & Webb Creek Park – Hwy H –Bring the family to camp, boat, fish, and unwind on crystal clear Clearwater Lake. This area of the lake is formed where Webb Creek and Logan Creek empty into Clearwater Lake. The lake is known for its crappie, catfish and bass fishing. Camping is available at Webb Creek Recreation Park; plus a full service marina with boat/wave runner rentals on site. Webb Creek Webb Creek Marina Park features over 40 campsites, swim beach, playground, showers, picnic pavilions, boat launch, and more. Services are limited after mid-September but camping is still permitted. Call Webb Creek Marina at 573-461-2344 for marina, boat rental and campsite information or visit www.recreation.gov to make reservations. If you are interested in all the conveniences of home call Webb Creek Cabins for cabin rentals, 573-461-2244. Black River and K Bridge Recreation Area – K Hwy – Float, canoe, fish and explore the beautiful Black River. Enjoy swimming, camping and picnicking right on the banks of the Black River. K Bridge Recreation Area and Campground offers playground, showers, electric and comfort station, visit www. recreation.gov to make reservations. Floats (raft or canoe) can be arranged on site by calling Jeff’s Canoe Rental at 573-598-4555. A small Highway K Camping general store is also available on site.
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Current River & Log Yard Gravel Bar – Hwy 106 to
HH Highway- Fish, swim, camp and relax on majestic Current River. Great place to explore Current River. This area is often referred to as Cardareva by locals and is a favorite summer hangout. Primitive camping is available right on the river bank, camping is also available at the nearby School Yard with picnic tables, lantern hooks and fire pits. These sites are available on a first come basis. Bring your canoes, rafts and kayaks; Camp Current Riv er a perfect day float….Powder Mill to Log Yard. Boat launch available. Powder Mill Recreation Area and Campground re-opened. Camping available with views of the Current River. Picnic table, firepit & lantern hook available at each site, reservations not available. Water/elect not provided.
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Current River, Blue Spring & Powder Mill Recreation Area – Hwy 106 near Current River bridge
Powder Mill reopened summer 2020. Camping is available with views of the river, picnic tables, fire pit and lantern hook. Reservations are not available. Powder Mill is a perfect camp base for day trips to area attractions like Blue Spring, Rocky Falls, Peck Ranch, Johnson Shut-Ins, Elephant Rocks and more. Wild horses are often seen in the fields near the bridge. The Ozarks offers countless options for family adventure.
Blue Spring
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Rocky Falls- NN Hwy- A cascading crystal Rocky Creek
drops from the Ozark Mountains into a lazy pool which eventually winds through the Ozarks to Current River. A must see if you are in the area and fun for all ages. Wear non-slip shoes and use caution when climbing on the falls. Picnic tables provided.
Current River Conservation Area –Consists of 28,000 acres of state land. Deer, turkey, eagles, elk and a multitude of wildlife can be seen. UTV’s, ATV’s and vehicle traffic are welcome on miles of gravel roads and trails that wind through some 60+ food plots. Buford Pond, Missouri’s first fire tower, a 1926 log cabin and an earthen Fort Barnesville can all be found here. Buford Pond provides fishing and picnicking and is a favorite location of all. For hunting enthusiasts an unstaffed rifle and archery range are provided. Current River Conservation Area is home to the Missouri Ozark Ecosystem Project, the world’s most comprehensive forest management study. This 100 year project spans over 9,000 acres. Main park entrance located on South Road in Ellington, other entrances located off Hwy 106 and HH highway. Primitive camping is available. Elk viewing and maps of the area are available at the main park entrance.
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Local Flavor – While in town you won’t want to miss the Reynolds County Museum. This Museum is filled with relicts from days gone by and the rich history of the Ozarks. Volunteers staff the establishment and are happy to answer questions; Open March-November, Reynolds Co Museum Tues-Fri, 10-4 or by appointment. Call 573-663-3233 for more information. Want some nostalgia from a couple decades back; how about a drive in movie? One of only a few drive-ins left in the Midwest is located just south of Ellington Wild Horses on highway 21. 21 Drive-In opens in May with summer family favorites and offers movie events into the fall including Halloween and Christmas.
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Blair Creek- Hwy 106 – This area is a favorite of the local’s spring, summer and fall. For the person who is looking for the unknown, adventure into the wild Ozark hills for the beautiful views, caves, swimming, picnicking. Here riding the back roads in ATV’s, UTV’s and 4-wheel drives is exciting and fun. Entrance located North of Hwy 106 across from Blair Creek Blue Spring entrance.
10 Ozark Trail
- Hwy 106- Blair Creek & Current River section; Hwy 106 – Whether you are looking for a one day hike or want to make a few days of it; hiking these sections of the Ozark Trail is rewarding and adventurous. Such splendid locations as Rocky Falls, Klepzig Mill and Buzzard Mountain Shut-Ins are located right on the trail. For the adventurous visitor Klepzig Mill this is a must!
11 Peck Ranch
- H Highway, Shannon County- Plan a trip for the fall to ‘Listen for the Bugle’! Elk are roaming the hills of the Ozarks and can be seen in Peck Ranch, Current River Conservation Area and the surrounding region. Thanks to the Missouri Department of Conservation’s Elk Restoration Program the herd has expanded to over 200 bulls, cows and calves. Peck Ranch and Current River Conserva- Elk tion Area is open from sunrise/sunset daily and offers a driving tour. Bugling occurs Sept-Nov. Check the MDC website for park closing details. Maps are available at the park entrance.
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Scenic Highway 106 - This 26
mile drive between Ellington and Eminence is known state wide for its scenic views and beauty, and is especially a favorite in the fall. This section of highway is also home to the Trans-America Trail and sees many bicycle travelers from April-October. Bicycle enthusiasts say it’s one of the “toughest sections on TransAmerica Trail the trail” and known for the steep hills & hollers.
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Ellington Chamber of Commerce | www.ellingtonmo.com | Find us
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Outdoor Guide
July-August 2021
Fly fishing in overlooked hot spots
By TERRY AND ROXANNE WILSON
Dams are often constructed from earth that has been scoured from the area to become the basin in front of the dam. Usually, this will be the deepest portion of the pond or lake. Clay can be hauled in to help seal the face of the dam, and it may be further reinforced by chunk rock (riprap). Riprap-faced dams offer structure utilized as hiding places for minnows and especially crayfish. Most ponds and small lakes have dams constructed so that excess water from heavy rainfall and runoff can be diverted. Some are simply equipped with a standing drainpipe so that any excess water will enter the pipe and fall into the pipe’s outlet beneath and to the opposite side of the dam. Other spillways are constructed with wider mouths designed to whisk away more
water at a faster rate. Often a metal rail designed to block large driftwood and other debris from clogging the passageway protects the mechanical spillway. Older ponds have a silt pile at the base of the spillway that’s caused by repeated rains, which has drawn excess water and silt toward the outlet. Weed growth may occur and debris such as branches is drawn to the area. Larger specimens of all species will take up residency there, especially when water is passing through the spillway because food such as nymphs, minnows, leeches and more are pulled there also. The area provides a virtual smorgasbord for feeding game fish. SILT PILE SPECIAL The most overlooked structure element of most small reservoirs is the dam area and, specifically, the spillway silt pile. The reason for its
Fish the deepest edges of the dam’s corners for big bass.
attraction to game fish is not only the conveyer belt of food brought by high water but also that it provides shallow cover with immediate access to the reservoir’s deepest water. The best dam fishing is created in an older pond that has a relatively constant source of incoming water in which siltation has created shallow flats at each corner of the dam. The face of the dam is made of riprap that extends into the deepest water at the base of the dam. This ideal dam area creates three distinct
areas, each of which must be fished differently: • The spillway – Fan-cast the area thoroughly, from the deepest sides of the silt pile to its top, using a variety of fly patterns or lures. If the primary target is the bass population, leech and worm imitations can be successful, but large streamers or minnow replicating lures produce the most consistent results. Bluegill can be targeted with nymph patterns and small streamers. Once the deep recesses of the silt pile have been probed, a gently manipulated popper or slider right over the top of the pile can supply some exciting fishing. • The face of the dam – However straight the face of the dam appears, there will be areas that protrude into the lake’s basin and indentations that form pockets in the dam wall. This is especially true if the earthen dam is faced with riprap imperfectly scattered along its
surface. The fishing method most often used is slowly moving your vessel along the dam while casting randomly, but the method wastes too much time and effort. A far more effective approach is to target only the riprap’s unusual features. Another area to be explored is the apron or transition area at the base of the dam where the riprap ends and soil, gravel or sandy bottom begins. This area is most easily fished from a boat by trolling.Aweighted, jig-type lure with plenty of independent action is a good option. • Corners of the dam – The corners of the dam, where bottom composition, vegetation and water depth changes abruptly, is a productive area to explore. Whether the change is from riprap to clay or dirt to gravel or sand, that change provides a prime foraging area for game fish because it attracts different types of prey. Crayfish may be abundant along the
riprap facing while insects and minnows may dominate the softer bottom. Often these corners are places of weed growth. Coontail, bull rushes, pondweed or moss beds in close proximity to deep water provide cover that not only attracts small invertebrates but the small fish that feed on them and, consequently, larger fish. Fish the deepest edges of these corners first with jigs and deep-running streamers before dropping nymphs, worm imitations or surface lures in shallow weed pockets. To get in on the action, first do a little homework. Find an aging pond or small lake with emergent weeds in its shallows and silted dam corners, plus a riprap-faced dam with a mechanical spillway. Thoroughly fish the spillway silt pile, the dam facing and the dam corners at a variety of depths. It’s a surefire formula for success.
Outdoor Guide
July-August 2021
Page 11
Wild Wine Life
Blackberry cobbler stirs memories
Photo and Text By RAY MAXWELL
Nothing says summer like picking blackberries in the woods. Many of our childhoods were enhanced by exploring the woods, on our own or with family members, collecting blackberries that our aunts, mothers or grandmothers would bake into blackberry cobblers. I consider foraging for blackberries to be an adult reliving of my childhood each year, and it also allows me to scout around preparing for fall hunting season. Taking the next generation of outdoor enthusiasts with you will truly enhance the experience.
We believe that you will find our version of blackberry cobbler very simple to make and enjoyable, and that it hopefully will remind you of those fine childhood memories. Blackberry cobbler is also a very enjoyable dish when served chilled, making this a great summer-time dessert. BASE • 12 ounces or 4 cups blackberries. • 4 tablespoons butter, melt-
ed.
• Half-cup flour. • Half-cup white sugar. • Half-teaspoon baking powder. • Half-teaspoon vanilla ex-
tract. • Half- teaspoon cinnamon. • Half-teaspoon nutmeg. • 1 egg, beaten.
TOPPING
• 1/4 cup flour. • 1/4 cup brown sugar. • 1/4 cup oatmeal. • 1/4 cup chopped walnuts. • 4 tablespoons butter, crum-
bled or chopped into little pieces, but NOT melted. BLACKBERRY COBBLER Place the blackberries into an 8” by 8” Corningware pan or something of similar size. Mix the flour, sugar, baking powder, vanilla extract,
It’s Wine
cinnamon, nutmeg and egg. Once fully mixed, pour and spread over the blackberries. The base should surround the blackberries. Next, cut the butter into small pieces and mix the entire topping together, then spread it over the top. Spread out the topping but do not smash it down. Place into preheated oven set at 350 degrees for 55 to 60 minutes. The topping should become a nice brown color. TRY IT WITH ICEWINE You will find the Augusta Winery Icewine 2019 to pair wonderfully with your blackberry cobbler. The wine has a wonderful golden color, beau-
Blackberry cobbler is a perfect match for Augusta’s Icewine.
tiful peach, honey and apricot aromas and flavors that linger after each sip. Serve this wine chilled, and it will provide that perfect pairing to cobbler on those hot summer days. You can find the Augusta icewine for under $16
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Page 12
Outdoor Guide
July-August 2021
Fly fishing for catfish ‘catches’ on
Photo and Text By DON GASAWAY
Imagine an angler picking his way through brush and a rock-strewn stream to cast a fly over the water in early morning light. What species would you think he was pursuing? Trout comes to mind, as do bass and panfish. Catfish? No way, right? Well, an increasing number of anglers are turning to fly rods and even small nymphlike flys to catch channel and flathead catfish. Catfish are available in almost any waterway in the Midwest. Once released into ponds and lakes, they readily reproduce if the fishing pressure is not too great. In captivity, they readily reproduce for stocking in highly pressured park and forest preserve ponds. Flathead lurk in deep holes, and channel catfish like the drop-offs where a riffle meets a pool with a sharp drop in water
depth. Evenings, they move up to shallow eddies and flats to feed, making them vulnerable to the angler with a fly rod. Catfish tend to feed more by smell than by sight. That is one reason so many anglers seek them with the use of awful smelling cheese-base baits. But they also will take fresh and live bait, or imitations of same. Some of their favorite foods are nightcrawlers, shrimp, crayfish and cut-up chicken livers. TACKLE CHOICES The use of fly tackle to take species other than trout has increased dramatically in the past decade. Anglers like to fish for cats in the early hours when they are up feeding in the shallows. Lower areas of rivers, just before entering larger rivers, are good locations for finding biting fish. It is an early morning bite that does not last a long time. Anglers can try it for a while before moving on to other pur-
Anglers are exploring alternative ways to catch the ever-popular catfish.
suits. Use a long, stiff fly rod and a nymph or crayfish imitation. For those interested in trying catfish on a fly rod, the following tackle is a starting point – a long, rather stiff, rod with a weight-forward line to match. Something with a sinking tip might be good. For use with more bulky flies, one might choose a Bass Taper Weight Forward line. A good
tackle shop with a fly-fishing department can be a great help in choosing this equipment. The tippet could be some monofilament of about 5-pound test in a length of 3 to 4 feet as opposed to the lighter tippets preferred by trout anglers. If seeing the line is a problem, the tippet could be made of a colored monofilament. Fly fishermen sometimes use a
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float indicator to help identify a light bite. One could also use one of the ultra-light floats like those sold by Thill Floats. You can purchase extra spools for your fly rod. Buy extra spools to hold different lines so that you can change line in response to the lure used during changing conditions. WHICH FLY TO BUY? Because this is a relatively new field of fly fishing, the specific choice of fly is up to the angler. In general, anything that imitates a crayfish, leech or crawler is OK. Catfish tend to eat almost anything that lives on the bottom of a river or lake. In rivers with good hellgrammite populations, such an imitation might be a good idea. In catfishing, matching the hatch means matching what swims or crawls on the bottom. Enhance lures with some of the commercial scents on
Today 6:35 AM
the market. There are crayfish, leech and crawler scents available. One can even dip the lure in one of the prepared cheese baits. For those who are not flyrod purists, you can drift small spinners with live bait through catfish holes. A spinning rig is not much to look at, but it does the job. Here is a word of caution. If you are going after big cats with light spinning rigs, learn to back-reel to release the pressure on the line. WHERE TO TRY IT You can fly fish for catfish on almost any river, lake, creek or impoundment in the Mississippi drainage. Additionally, numerous ponds and lakes on private and governmental properties are stocked with catfish. If wading, always do so with great care, as holes in the bottom can cause serious problems for the unsuspecting anger who steps into them.
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Outdoor Guide
July-August 2021
Page 13
It seems like bears are everywhere
If it feels like 2021 has become the year of the bear in Missouri and Illinois, that’s because it really is. Naturalists confirm that the black bear population has been rising, causing them to move northward into the St. Louis region. Missouri sightings have been reported on the news just about every day, at places such as a rural home near Defiance, in a subdivision at New Melle in St. Charles County, in Holts Summit, Jefferson City, Sunrise Beach and New Bloomfield, among many others. Robert Hemmelgarn of
MDC said the bears’movement stems from population growth. “They do roam hundreds of miles as part of their range,” he said. “Especially as population grows, we can expect them to be moving into other parts of the state.” ASHLAND ADVENTURE Bear sitings have become community events in places such as Ashland, in Boone County, where residents and a police officer spotted a bear and the police department posted it on Facebook, putting residents on alert. Some reported seeing the bear in the Setter Knolls
subdivision and also on Blythe Road. Kate Allen of Setter Knolls wasn’t sure it was for real. “This morning when I woke up, the first thing on my phone was a Facebook post for our neighborhood,” she said in an interview. “And the very first thing is a bear – video of a bear walking across someone’s front yard.” A TEST FOR HUNTERS Missouri officials were estimating up to 1,000 black bears in the state, so it will be difficult for hunters to make much of a dent in them this fall in the
Relax!
state’s first authorized bear hunt, approved by the Missouri Conservation Commission. In all, 6,335 people applied for the 400 permits for the hunt between Oct. 18 and 27, with only 40 kills to be allowed. The random drawing for permits was scheduled for July 1. The Kansas City Beacon interviewed Outdoor Guide Magazine writer Brandon Butler, who said he would personally have waited a little longer before beginning the bear hunt but that he respects MDC’s decision. “Bears are just magical
creatures. They’re elusive, and they are often at the top of the food chain,” he said. “The idea is doing not only what is best for the bears, but the entire ecosystem.” THE ILLINOIS WANDERER When bears are on the increase and moving through Missouri, it’s inevitable some of them will find their way into Illinois. One that gained a lot of notice was seen in several southwestern Illinois towns starting June 10 in Waterloo in Monroe County. The Illinois Department of Natural
Resources, conservation police and local law enforcement then began tracking the bear. The bear was seen near Mascoutah in St. Clair County and near Dubois in Washington County. Several people saw the bear at the Rend Lake spillway, the Franklin County sheriff’s office reported. Conservation police said the sightings were probably all of the same young and male black bear. People sighting a bear or other rare animal in Illinois were asked to go online to wildlifeillinois.org to make a report.
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Outdoor Guide
Page 14
July-August 2021
MDC asks anglers to help stop round gobies
Dispose of them, report all sightings
By DAN ZARLENGA MDC Biologist
Missouri has another aquatic invader to be on the watch for. This one has the potential to throw off the delicate ecology of our river and stream systems and threaten some of Missouri’s most popular game fish.
It’s already been detected in the Mississippi River near St. Louis, and anglers might be the first line of defense. The round goby (Neogobius melanostomus) is native to the Black Sea and Caspian Sea between Europe and Asia and was brought to the U.S. by way of the Great Lakes in cargo ship ballast. Since then, the invasive fish has made its way down the Illinois River and has been confirmed just across the Mississippi at Alton, IL. MDC fisheries biologists
warn that it’s only a matter of time before we could be seeing them here. “Round gobies are an exotic, invasive species that use the same habitats and foods as many of our native fish. This puts them in direct competition with our natives, some of which are already in decline because of other environmental factors,” MDC Fisheries Management Biologist Sarah Peper said. Compounding the problem is that round gobies are highly
Round gobies are usually three to six inches in length but can grow up to 10 inches and have soft bodies with large, round heads – Photo by Todd Crail, University of Toledo
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aggressive foragers, known to voraciously raid fish nests and eat eggs. These fish also have an enhanced ability to detect water movement, which allows them to feed in complete darkness, giving gobies yet another advantage over other fish in the same habitat. MERAMEC CONCERNS The invasive round gobies could enter the Meramec River as well. “The Meramec is the first major tributary downstream of where they have been found in the Mississippi, and it has a predominantly gravel substrate that the gobies seem to prefer,” cautioned MDC Fisheries Management Biologist Jen Girondo. “Smallmouth bass in the Meramec would be the game fish we’re most concerned about,” she said. “Although males guard and defend their nests readily, any distraction or temporary displacement – if an angler catches and releases a smallmouth for example – could allow the gobies enough time to consume most of the smallmouth eggs.” The delicate Meramec ecosystem supports several river-bottom species of conservation concern that gobies might negatively impact as well, including crayfish, mussels and darters. While gobies may not harm native freshwater mussels directly, the Meramec basin supports many native fish that serve as hosts for the 47 species of mussels known from the Meramec ecosystem. “Native mussels have suffered many impacts, from sedimentation to pollution, and the invasion of round gobies could mean that even more species may become rare or lost altogether if their host fish are affected,” MDC Scientist Steve McMurray said. ANGLERS CAN HELP Anglers represent the fore-
front of defense against the invasive round gobies.“Gobies must not be returned to the water,” Peper said. “Most importantly, gobies should not be transported for use as bait or any other reason. We would like for anglers to report any gobies they catch.” Round gobies are three to six inches in length but can sometimes grow up to 10 inches. They have soft bodies with large, round heads. Their lips are thick, and they have distinctive raised eyes that look frog-like. Young round gobies are solid slate gray, while the older fish are blotched with black and brown. The adults have a white-to-greenish dorsal fin with a black spot at the posterior base. These invasive fish can easily be mistaken for native sculpins. One key difference is that the gobies have a fused bottom, or pelvic, fin, whereas the pelvic fins of sculpins are separate. WHAT TO DO MDC encourages anglers to take photos and email in with details if they encounter any round gobies. Gobies are illegal to possess or use as bait. Check bait buckets to prevent the accidental spread of these invasives. MDC recommends disposing of gobies by tossing them onto land, well above the shoreline, so they can become food for scavengers, bald eagles and other birds of prey. Anglers should report the sighting and email photos to MDCgoby@ mdc.mo.gov. “Biologists want to track gobies as they move into new stream systems so we can monitor their impact on native aquatic fauna,” Peper said. “We may be able to find some way to mitigate the effects. And we certainly don’t want to aid their spread by moving them into new stream systems or impoundments.”
Outdoor Guide
July-August 2021
Board hair!
Helmet hair!
Biking hair! Golf hair! Fishing hair!
Page 15
Paddling hair!
Outdoor Guide
Page 16
July-August 2021
Bowfisher shoots down his friend’s record
Alex Phillips of Ash Grove just happened to be bowfishing with the Missouri state record holder for redear sunfish, alternative method, on Table Rock Lake on April 28 when he broke his friend’s record by landing a 2 pound, 1 ounce redear sunfish. Josh Cole had set the old record, of 1-pound, 12 ounces, two years ago to the day. “It’s quite a story,” Phillips said. “I’m a fabricator and had just finished outfitting Josh’s boat for bowfishing. He asked
if I wanted to go out with him that night, so I did, and we ended up shooting a lot of fish. “Things were slowing down when Josh said he wanted to check that spot where he caught his record sunfish. I just happened to see four of them together. One of them looked like a dinner plate!” Phillips and Cole both originally thought it was a bluegill. HIS BOAT, HIS RECORD “When Josh figured it out,
he just let out this big sigh and then we both started laughing,” Phillips recalled. “It’s just too funny because we were on his boat, he took me to his honey hole, and I broke his record.” Department of Conservation staff verified the fish’s weight on a certified scale at Chesapeake Fish Hatchery near Mount Vernon. It was the fifth state-record fish recorded this year. Phillips was planning to mount the redear sunfish.
When asked if he has plans to go back to his friend’s honey hole to get a bigger fish, he responded, “I have more plans to keep Josh out of there!” Missouri state-record fish are recognized in pole-andline and alternative-method categories. Alternative methods include trotlines, throwlines, limb lines, bank lines, jug lines, spearfishing, snagging, snaring, gigging, grabbing, archery and atlatl. For more information, go online to http://bit.ly/2efq1vl.
Alex Phillips caught this state-record sunfish on April 28 at Table Rock Lake.
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Harvey Smith of Sparta, MO, snagged a new record 6 pound, 2 ounce white sucker March 27 from Roark Creek in Taney County. The old record was 5 pounds, 1 ounce, taken in Lake Taneycomo. If you don’t know, snagging means catching a fish with hooks by pulling when movement is felt on the line. The fish does not take the hook in its mouth. “It’s kind of funny, because this was the first time I’d been snagging in 30 years,” Smith said, laughing. “My son and his best friend convinced me to go out with them, and I ended up catching a state record. I’ll probably never do it again.” Suckers are one of the dominant groups of large fish in Missouri waters. They feed mostly by sucking up material from the bottom. White suckers are found
nearly statewide except for the Bootheel lowlands and southeastern Ozarks. Department of Conservation staff verified the fish’s weight using a certified scale in Sparta. It was the third state-record fish caught in 2021. TURN IT LOOSE? “I was actually going to turn the fish loose,” Smith said. “I didn’t think anything of it, but everybody stopped me, saying that it was a huge fish. I guess I plan to get it mounted.” Missouri state-record fish are recognized in pole-and-line and alternative-method categories. Alternative methods include trotlines, throwlines, limb lines, bank lines, jug lines, spearfishing, snagging, snaring, gigging, grabbing, archery and atlatl. For more information, go online to http://bit.ly/2efq1vl.
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Harvey Smith, at left, of Sparta, MO, snagged this 6 lb. 2 ounce white sucker from Roark Creek in Taney County on March 27. At right is Missouri Department of Conservation agent Jeff Harris.
Outdoor Guide
July-August 2021
Page 17
Record longnose gar catch honors deceased friend
Anthony Schnur, Jr., of Pevely, honored a friend and set a new state record by catching a 32-pound, 10-ounce longnose gar at Table Rock Lake on April 7, breaking the old record of 27 pounds, set in 1999. Schnur reeled in the fish using the pole-and-line method. He said the catch was significant for him after the sudden passing of a dear friend. “I had a good buddy of 30 years who passed away,” he said. “The funny thing is, his wife called me that morning with the news. And she asked me to do her a favor and catch a fish in his name. The gar was spotted by Schnur’s girlfriend, Cindy Dennison, a fishing guide. “My girlfriend and I went out to his favorite spot, originally for crappie fishing, when she happened to spot the gar. And sure enough, we caught
it and it turned out to be a record. It’s absolutely unreal,” Schnur said. MOST COMMON GAR Longnose gar is the most widely distributed gar in Missouri, likely occurring in every major stream in the state. It is the most abundant gar found in clear, high-gradient Ozark streams and is prominent in the large Ozark reservoirs. Department of Conservation agents verified Schnur’s fish on a certified scale at Shepherd of the Hills Fish Hatchery in Branson. It was the fourth state record fish caught in 2021. “I really hope to mount this fish in my friend’s memory,” Schnur said. “I think it would be a beautiful way to honor him.” Missouri state-record fish are recognized in pole-and-line and alternative-method cate-
gories. Alternative methods include trotlines, throwlines, limb lines, bank lines, jug lines, spearfishing, snagging, snaring, gigging, grabbing, archery and atlatl. For more information, go online to http://bit.ly/2efq1vl.
Anthony Schnur Jr., of Pevely, and his girlfriend, fishing guide Cindy Dennison, hold the new Missouri record longnose gar they caught at Table Rock Lake on April 7. – MDC photo
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Record carpsucker caught in a big river Steven Henson of Bonne Terre became the year’s sixth state record holder by reeling in a 3 pound, 14 ounce river carpsucker from the Mississippi River on June 1. The old record was for a 2 pound, 3 ounce fish caught on the South Grand River in 2008. The river carpsucker is the most abundant and widely distributed carpsucker in
Missouri. The species mainly occurs in the Missouri and Mississippi rivers and their major prairie tributaries in northern and western Missouri. The river carpsucker is considered a sport fish, and is rarely taken on a hook and line, as Henson did. Missouri Department of Conservation staff witnessed the weighing of the fish on a certified scale in the area.
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Outdoor Guide
July-August 2021
Illinois Caverns re-opens after a decade closed
Illinois Caverns, a staple attraction in southern Illinois, reopened to the public on Wednesday, June 16, after being closed for more than 10 years. The cave system was closed in 2010 as a precaution against White-nose Syndrome (WNS), a disease that is fatal to some cave-dwelling bats in hibernation. The cave will now be open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday, fromApril through October. It is at 4369 G Road, Waterloo. Joe Kath, endangered species program manager for Illinois Department of Natural Resources, said things have changed since the cave was closed. “Compared to many other caves and mines in Illinois testing positive for WNS, the
• Wasps
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prevalence of this disease in bats hibernating within Illinois Caverns has been relatively low,” Kath said. “A small number of animals exhibiting the white fungal growth on their muzzles were first documented at Illinois Caverns in 2013. Since then, instances of WNS at Illinois Caverns continue to be very localized. “Further, the bat population was never significant in this cave and seems to be the same despite WNS being witnessed in a small number of animals.” To get there, take Illinois 3 south to Sportsman Road, turn right and head south until it merges into KK Road coming from the east. Turn right on KK toward the west and then left, to the south, when it meets G Road. More information can be found online at enjoyillinois.com
from page 2
over time. Theories expect that the building of common nests likely came from the need to collect quantities of food and build nests that can be defended by multiple soldiers. While it is only recently that humans have taken to removing the insects’ home construction projects, they have always had to guard against other wasps and predators trying to get to their stash of eggs and nourishment. FAKE WASP FLOWERS The most familiar wasp nests are made from plant matter that is chewed and mixed with saliva to make paper. We see those hanging from eaves or trees. Most often they are governed by a dominant female, while other workers build and fill the nests with food stores for the eggs, larva and themselves. While bees get most credit for pollination, in many instances some plant species would not exist without their corresponding wasp assistants. Some orchids in particular are built to look enough like a female wasp that the male lands on the plant before carrying pollen to another imposter flower. It’s not the reproduction plan he had in mind, but it gets the job done for the orchid.
Fig trees feed almost 70 percent of rain forest animals, but they couldn’t bear fruit without the wasps which crawl into the unripe figs, lay eggs, hatch as the fruit ripens and then crawl out carrying pollen into another immature fig to start the cycle once again. TOLERANT WASPS Of course the book advocates better understanding of the stinging insects and even recommends building or providing suitable habitats. For every episode of someone being stung, Eaton pleads that it is important to remember that it only happens in rare circumstances. “That is a testament to the tolerance of wasps more so than our tolerance for them,” he said. When too close to the doorway or in other high-traffic areas, wasps need to be managed. People who are allergic to insect venom must take additional precautions, but guys like Lucky Jim and me have to learn the positives they provide. Eaton’s new book is a great place to start. John Winkelman is marketing director for Liguori Publications near Barnhart, Mo. To share story ideas, e-mail ogmjohnw@aol.com, and you can follow John on Twitter at @johnjwink99.
Outdoor Guide
July-August 2021
Page 19
Rural Ramblings
What’s so hot about summer? July!
By RUSSELL HIVELY
July and August are “heat of the summer” months in Missouri. It’s a time for sitting on the porch, drinking sweet tea and the sweating time of the year. True outdoorsmen do use air conditioners but still realize that doing physical work will be hot and sweaty. ••• Many legends are told over summer campfires or on outings like fall deer camp. One story is about chickens or hogs that ate corn mash from a moonshine still and became drunk. Some good storytellers even have drunk skunks, ground hogs and possums. ••• Since 1966, the Missouri Prairie Foundation has acquired 25 parcels of land across the state. All lands are open to the public and consist mostly of unplowed prairies and their ecosystems.
••• Did you know it takes a baby armadillo a couple months to develop its protective armor? ••• Mark Twain National Forest is made up of approximately one and a half million acres. ••• Wind turbines are popping up everywhere to supply “green” energy. A wind turbine begins producing electricity with winds of seven miles per hour. They need winds of 15 miles per hour or above to be really efficient. Engineers check normal wind speed of the area before wind turbines are erected. ••• There are only three poisonous snakes in Missouri. The copperhead, cottonmouth and the rattlesnake are poisonous snakes, although another poisonous snake has been reported in the state. To some people, all snakes are
Do you have any milkweeds in your flower beds?
poisonous.
••• Did you realize that the Budweiser complex in St. Louis produces 12 percent of all the beer made in the world? ••• Lack of pollinating creatures (bees, bumble bees, wasps and small birds) has made the news lately. Organizations, individuals and
even businesses such as banks have begun choosing flowers and plants that are pollinator friendly for their plantings. Do you have any milkweeds in your flower beds? ••• Scholars claim that honeybees are responsible for 35 percent of the food we eat, with their pollination. •••
– Birdsandblooms.com photo
Sighting an owl while on a walk or sitting in a deer blind is exciting. Owls are an illusive “hunt in the dark” creature. An owl’s eyes make up from three to five percent of their body weight. ••• Did you realize that witch hazel is one of the few botanicals approved by the FDA? Witch hazel’s calming components reduce swelling, help
repair broken skin and fight bacteria. It also has a nice, clean smell. ••• Isn’t it too bad that COVID could not have been defeated with an old-time remedy, the way burying a greasy dishrag would make warts disappear? ••• Those riders who live in or visit the Ozarks part of Missouri realize that the hills are made of rocks. ••• Shepherd of the Hills Fish Hatchery, near Branson, is Missouri’s largest fish hatchery. Missouri also has a national fish hatchery in Neosho. ••• Besides summer being a time for “living easy,” it is also a time to be planning for those fall hunting seasons and fishing during the coolness of the nights. Anyway, that’s what this rural rambler thinks.
MEET THE
2021 Also stop and check out our
HUGE SELECTION OF SIDE-BY-SIDES.
5935 S. LINDBERGH BLVD., ST. LOUIS, MO 63123 MUNGENASTMOTORSPORTS.COM | (314) 649-1200 BE A RESPONSIBLE RIDER Remember, Multipurpose Utility Vehicles (Side-by-Sides) can be hazardous to operate. Always wear your seat belt, helmet, eye protection, and clothing appropriate to the driving situation. Keep doors and side nets closed. Never carry a passenger in the cargo bed, stay off public roads, obey cargo limits and guidelines, and never drink and drive. ALL MUV DRIVERS SHOULD WATCH THE SAFETY VIDEO “MULTIPURPOSE UTILITY VEHICLES: A GUIDE TO SAFE OPERATION.” Be sure to follow the Owner’s Manual directions when carrying cargo or towing a trailer. Avoid excessive speeds, and never drive faster than conditions permit. All Pioneer models are recommended for drivers 16 years of age and older, and tall enough to wear the seat belt properly and reach all the controls. The passenger(s) should also be tall enough for the seat belt to fit properly and brace themselves, if needed, by placing both feet firmly on the floor while firmly grasping a hand hold. Whenever you drive off-road, make sure you follow all the “TREAD LIGHTLY” guidelines, and always stay on established trails in approved areas. Keep your off-road area clean, use common sense, and respect the rights of others. We strongly recommend that you use only Honda approved accessories that have been specifically designed and tested for your vehicle and do not remove any original equipment or modify your Honda in any way that would change its design or operation. Operating your Side-by-Side vehicle with a modified engine, emissions control system, or noise-control system may be illegal. Always obtain written permission before driving on private lands, and obey all the laws and regulations governing your off-road areas. Specifications, programs and availability subject to change without notice. All specifications in this brochure—including colors, etc.— apply only to models sold and registered in the United States. Some models shown with optional accessories. Pioneer,™ Unicam,® Honda Phantom Camo,® QuickFlip,® are trademarks of Honda Motor Co., Ltd. FOX® is a registered trademark of Fox Factory, Inc. ©2017 American Honda Motor Co., Inc. A3909
Outdoor Guide
Page 20
July-August 2021
Your Guide to
GREAT GEAR
A fridge like the one at home in your favorite RV
Flame King brings an attachable griddle for RVs
You say you’ve had it with little carry-on coolers and want something more like what you have at home? Check out Dometic’s stylish new RV refrigerators. Design features include tight radius corners, rolled edges and a recessed side pocket latching handle. The shelf system is flexible, with adjustable bins, allowing large capacity. The DMA series is powered by either LP gas or AC electricity, and exterior mounted fans increase cooling performance. Dometic DMA series refrigerators come in 406 and 408 models priced from $1,961 to $2,846. For more information, go online to dometic.com.
Sometimes a grill just won’t do, and what you need is a real griddle. Responding to requests, Flame King has created the first Flame King RV-mounted Griddle, which hit the market for the first time in June. The griddle comes in two versions. One goes on the slide end drawer found in outdoor kichens on RVs, and the other attaches to the side of an RV. It measures 22” by 11” by 17”, with no assembly required. For more information, go online to flameking.com or look on Amazon.com, where it was listed for $130. Home Depot offered the grill only for $86 and adds the gas hose and cover bag for $25 each.
Verizon offers phone charger that carries up to three full charges Verizon has introduced Champ, a 10K, eco-friendly portable phone charger that carries up to three full charges. On fast charge, it can charge a phone to 80 percent in 30 minutes. It is also made with Replay, 72.5 percent post-consumer plastic. Its USB-A and USB-C ports let you charge two devices at the same time. Shipping and in-store pickup are free at Verizon stores. Champ comes in green, turquoise or charcoal and sells for $49.95. See it at your local Verizon store or at www. verizon.com.
Trailer camera system gives driver eyes In the back of his head Hopkins Manufacturing introduces its handy vueSMART wireless trailer camera system. It installs easily using a trailer’s center overhead clearance light, using the same wires. Then the Hopkins Towing Solutions website lets you download the camera’s app onto your phone to provide a high definition image using WI-Fi, which is faster and reaches farther than Bluetooth. “Whenever you have the lights on, it’ll project basically to your camera what’s going on from the back end of the vehicle,” said Tom Stallings of Hopkins. For information, go online to hopkinsmfg.com. It can also be seen at Wal-Mart, eTrailer, Camping World and Gander Outdoors, typically selling for $99.99.
Motion-activated step lights can be used as flashlights, too It’s hard to see those RV steps on a dark night, so consider MORryde’s new Motion-Activated Step Lights. They work with MORryde’s StepAbove (seen here) or Quick-Connect Step products for a safe entry and exit package. The lights attach to the bottom of the step tread with an easy mounting bracket. Just walk near the steps and the lights will automatically come on. The lights have magnetic mounting strips for easy removal, allowing the light to serve as a flashlight. MORryde’s step lights come in a package of two for $32.99. Go online to morryde.com.
Need your big-screen In the camper? Transit Is a new solution Free Signal TV offers the Transit line of 12-volt powered LED flat panel TVs, great for campers, RVs and boats that don’t have 110-volt power. Screen sizes go up to 40 inches. They are lightweight and versatile, and have an AC-DC adapter so you can take them inside. Transit are made to be durable and shock-resistant, with a wide viewing angle, fast response time dynamic audio and excellent brightness. Free Signal Transit TVs come with a one-year warranty. See them at freesignal.tv.
USA Valor ammo honors vets, funds scholarships
Winchester celebrates its commitment to American freedom with the USA VALOR ammunition series, a limited-edition collection of military-inspired ammunition in 9mm, 5.56mm and 12-gauge buckshot. Purchases support Folds of Honor, honoring America’s heroes while providing educational scholarships to the bearers of their legacies. The 9mm rounds weigh 124 grain, come 200 to a box, with 1,200 muzzle velocity and 396 muzzle energy. They offer reduced barrel fouling for less frequent cleaning. The 2.75” buckshot is a high-velocity, buffered shot, 25 per box with 1,325 muzzle velocity. The 5.56 mm rifle cartridges weigh 62 grain, come 125 to a box, with muzzle velocity of 3,060 and muzzle energy of 1,289. Go to winchester.com for more information.
Water heater uses the sun to cook, to heal and to make coffee 4Patriots introduces its Sun Kettle Personal Water Heater, a highly portable gadget that can boil water for dinner, coffee, first aid, washing or whatever – using only the power of the sun. Sometimes an open fire is just not feasible, but the Sun Kettle boils water safely, silently and quickly. No batteries, cords or flames are required. The water heater holds up to 16.9 pounces of water and is made of tough ABS plastic and shatter-resistant tempered glass. Sun Kettle Personal Water Heater lists for $67 at 4Patriots. com and a package of three is $197.
FridgeCool fan does its magic Inside the fridge When you just need a little breeze and the day isn’t going to provide one, you’ll be glad to have Valterra’s FridgeCool fan, designed for smaller RV or boat refrigerators. The 3-volt fan cuts refrigerator cool-down time in half, reduces energy use and reduces food spoiling. It can run for 30 days on 2 alkaline D-size batteries. Valterra’s FridgeCool fan is available at valterra.com and retailers including Amazon, Walmart, Gander Outdoors and Camping World.
Outdoor Guide
July-August 2021
Page 21
Wildlife Wrangling and Outdoor Ramblings
Angel ‘Stubbz’ breaks a great fall
By RANDALL P. DAVIS
Throughout my life, I’ve had more than my share of guardian angels, compared to the average person. Most of them buckled under the pressure. In my youth, “Wendy” (I’ve given them names just so I can keep them straight) shielded me from head trauma during a head-on crash riding a school bus. Came out with just a busted lip. She soon put in for a transfer. Later in life, “Ike” dropped a wing and diminished a blow from a carelessly pitched single-bit axe. It hit the back of my head, fortunately not blade first. Just a few stitches. Sizing up the situation and what the future would bring, he went AWOL. As an adult, “Monroe” stepped in front of a load of No. 6 birdshot accidentally sent my way, deflecting most of the pellets, expect one deep to my forearm and another nestled into my cheek. Years later, he pushed his shoulder against a John Deere tractor as the hind wheel fell into an unseen hole, keeping it from flipping over. After that he knew this job would never be easy and resigned. ENTER ‘STUBBZ’ But as I started being more involved in nuisance wildlife removal, the Big Guy realized I would need a tough, no-nonsense guardian. One who would not wither at my dumb mistakes, poor judgment and resulting bodily injuries. He sent in “Stubbz.” Now, I envision Stubbz as more like a saloon bouncer with angel wings. Big guy. Arms thick as fresh-fed pythons protruding from that white gown. Bowler hat pitched forward. Lantern jaw clenching a spittle-soaked cigar stump. Gruff but good-natured. Recently, I’ve been thankful Stubbz was on duty, because I could have easily been killed. I was working a job where my client had acquired a menagerie of varmints in his attic. Raccoons, squirrels and starlings all were using the same chewed-out hole under a low dormer soffit. This was located above a protruding roofline over the home’s entryway. I had positioned my ladder against the guttering at this
entryway to easily access the hole and set my traps. Days later, with all the varmints removed, including a 25-pound boar raccoon, I was at the top of my vintage aluminum extension ladder, removing the equipment and repairing the hole with metal flashing. Just as I was screwing in the last piece of trim, the gallows trapdoor dropped. IN SLOW MOTION It’s been said that in the midst of a traumatic event, time and things shift into slow motion. I can vouch for that, because in this experience, it seemed like I had enough time to munch a donut, sip a cup of coffee, and read most of the morning paper during my 10-foot drop. It was also plenty of time for Stubbz to grab my collar. The descent wasn’t so noteworthy. But the sudden deceleration was most memorable. I piled up partly in and on a flower bed/retainer wall and mostly on top of the ladder. The tool hook on my belt lodged around a ladder rung, tethering me tight to the collapsed device. Dazed, I was convinced Stubbz had reined in my fall just enough to keep me from popping open like a dropped water balloon. Finally, I regained a bit of mental faculty and began an assessment. Nothing immediately seemed broken. My right ankle and wrist felt hot. I tried to roll over but the tool hook around the rung held me tight atop the prone ladder. I could hear Stubbz’ gravelly voice chew through the words as he threw down on his cigar, “Boy, for someone that’s nearly 65 years old, you got a lot to learn about climbing ladders. No wonder the other pansies quit. You’re a handful!” (I said he was tough!) THE DAMAGE Eventually, I wiggled sideways enough to reach back and disengage the hook. I slowly stood and took another assessment. The top strut of the ladder leaning against the guttering, just above the top rung, had simply ripped backward, torn like an old beer can. Unsupported, that side of the ladder twisted and fell toward the entryway. The motion must
have kicked one of the legs out and thus I came straight down. Checking myself, I rotated foot and wrist. And while moveable, I could tell some damage was done. I knew if I left right then, it might be days or weeks before I could get back. And I still had tools on top of the roof. It had to be done. So I pick up up the ladder, repositioned
it vertically, and pushed the extension beyond the torn strut. Then I heard his voice. “Aww, not again! You truly are a walking ... well, limping … hazard, aren’t ya?” Now, if you can imagine the two-step gyrations of a well-liquored peg-legged pirate ascending a decrepit aluminum ladder, it would fairly represent my upward momentum.
GROUNDHOG CAN WAIT But Stubbz quietly did his job – likely with a shoulder under my hind end – as I made it up and down unscathed. I then loaded all the equipment, strapped down the ladder and headed for home. By the time I arrived, most of the adrenalin had worn off and I could hardly walk. Come to find out, it was severe sprains.
And, as I write this in May, I’m still lame as a foundered pony. I’m blessed, I will heal. It could have been much worse – broken back or neck, head trauma. Or even permanently boarding with the groundhogs. I’ve learned my lesson. No more ladders! Thanks, Stubbz, for hanging around. From now on, I’m simply a groundbound hound.
“GREAT GRILLING” Starts With A Trip To Kenricks
Meat Packages
Only 2 Substitutions Per Package
Call One Day in Advance to Place Order
STOCK UP YOUR FREEZER AND SAVE! ALL STEAK PACK ............................................................ $305 4 lbs. T-Bone Steaks 4 lbs. Porterhouse Steaks 4 lbs. Top Sirloin Steaks 4-8oz. New York Strip Steaks 4-8oz. Boneless Rib Eye Steaks
4-8oz. Bacon Wrapped Filet Mignons 2 lbs. Center Cut Round Steaks 5 lbs. Ground Steak 3 lbs. Cube Steak
JOHN’S CAMPING PACK ......................................................$80 3 lbs. Slab Bacon 3 lbs. Homemade Bulk Pork Sausage 3 lbs. Center Cut Pork Steaks 1 1/2 lbs. Col. Stan’s Chicken Wings 1 1/2 lbs. Kenrick’s Jalapeno Cheddar Brats
1 lb. Sliced Kenrick’s Ham 1 lb. Sliced Honeysuckle Turkey Breast 1 lb. Sliced American Cheese 4 Pcs. Loaded Burgers (Cheddar, Onions, & Green Peppers)
BRATS-BURGERS-DOGS .......................................................$40 6-Kenrick’s Original Bratwursts 6-Beer Bratwursts 6-All Beef Grilling Burgers
6-BBQ Pork Steak Burgers 8-4 to 1 New York Style Hot Dogs
BBQ PACK .................................................................... $195 3 lbs. Center Cut Pork Steaks (Approx. 4) 3 1/2 lbs. Slab of BBQ Ribs 3 lbs. Center Cut Pork Chops (Approx. 8 ) 2 1/2 lbs. Country Style Pork Ribs 2-8oz. Avg. Ribeye Steaks 2 lbs. Bavarian Bratwurst Sausage 2 lbs. Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts
2-8oz. Avg. Bacon Wrapped Filet Mignons 2-8oz. Avg. New York Strip Steaks 2 lbs. T-Bone Steaks (Approx. 2) 7 lbs. Cut Up Chickens (16 pcs.) 5 lbs. Lean Ground Chuck Patties 2 lbs. Italian Saziza Sausage
HEAT & EAT PACK .............................................................$55
BIG MIKE’S SPECIAL ........................................................ $150
BIG “5” PACK ................................................................ $160
JUMBO FAMILY PACK ....................................................... $280
Mostaccioli in Red Meat Sauce Pulled Pork in BBQ Sauce Chicken & Dumplings Hearty Beef Stew Stuffed Green Peppers Sliced Boneless Pork Loin in Gravy Our Famous Roast Beef in Au Jus This Package is Fully Cooked-Just Heat-N-Eat • Each unit serves 2 people 5 lbs. All Beef Grilling Burgers 5 lbs. Center Cut Pork Steaks 5 lbs. Pork Cutlets 5 lbs. Rib Pork Chops
5 lbs. Cube Steak 5 lbs. Bavarian Bratwursts 5 lbs. Chicken Wings 5 lbs. Cut up Chicken (8 pcs.)
ECONOMY PACK ............................................................. $115 2½ lbs. Country Style Pork Ribs 2 lbs. (Approx. 4) Pork Cutlets 2½ lbs. (Approx. 5) Sirloin Pork Chops 2 lbs. (1 lb. Pkgs.) Lean Ground Chuck 2 lbs. (1 lb. Pkgs.) Lean Beef Stew Meat 3 lbs. Boneless Chuck Roast
3 lbs. Bone-In Chicken Breasts 1 lb. Sliced Country Slab Bacon 3½ lbs. Cut Up Chicken (8 pcs.) 3 lbs. Select Arm Roast 3 lbs. (Approx. 4) Center Cut Pork Steaks 1 lb. Pkg. Wieners
5 lbs. Center Cut Pork Steaks 5 lbs. Country Style Ribs 2 lbs. BBQ Pork Steak Burgers 2 lbs. Jalapeno & Cheddar Burgers 2 lbs. Bacon & Cheddar Burgers 4 lbs. Pork Cutlets 4 lbs. Stew Meat 8 - 1 lb. Packages Ground Chuck 4 lbs. Center Cut Rib Chops 4 lbs. Lean Cube Steak 2 lbs. Round Steak 3 lbs. Sirloin Steaks
1 Bacon Wrapped Pork Tenderloin Stuffed with Hot Pepper Cheese 3 lbs. Top Sirloin Steaks 4 lbs. Rib Tips 2 lbs. Roasted Pepper & Onion Chicken Burgers 7 lbs. Cut Up Chicken (16 pcs.) 4 lbs. Slab Bacon 4 lbs. Bulk Pork Sausage 3 lbs. Boneless Chuck Roast 3 lbs. Boneless Pork Loin Roast 4 lbs. Center Cut Pork Steaks 3 lbs. Fresh Meatloaf Mix
MAIN ENTREE PACK...........................................................$40 2 lbs. Meat Loaf 1/2 Roasted Chicken 2 lbs. Roast Beef in Au Jus 2 lbs. Roasted Pork & Gravy 2 lbs. BBQ Pulled Pork in BBQ Sauce Fully Cooked-Just Heat and Eat
4324 Weber Rd. St. Louis, MO 314.631.2440 • kenricks.com
Page 22
Outdoor Guide
That’s why they call it hunting
By GERALD J. SCOTT
Yeah, right. That’s also what hunters use as an introduction to descriptions of hunts from which they returned with their meat coolers as clean and dry as they were when they left home. I just got home from one of those hunts. I’m not going to lie to you and pretend that I’m not disappointed that the 150-quart cooler I took with me didn’t get filled with the meat from two axis deer and
a few young feral hogs. On the other hand, I learned – relearned, actually – that a groaning meat pole isn’t a prerequisite for a soul-satisfying hunting experience. I followed through on my previously reported urge to hunt axis deer and a side order of hogs by booking a fully outfitted and fully guided hunt with Southern Outdoor Experience Hunts (a.k.a. SOE.) My hunt was based on a 9,000-acre block of ranch
land, located in the Texas version of “a ways” south of Uvalde. The accommodations, which consisted of bunkhouses divided into two-person bedrooms and a separate building housing the kitchen and dining room, sat atop one of the highest hills in the area. Nothing about it was “five star,” but everything was clean, comfortable and welcoming. A GREAT STAFF The view was beautiful
This hunter was clearly more successful on his Texas hunt than our author and his friends.
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but deceptive. We have our full share of invasive plant species here in Missouri, but, in Texas, mesquite is an invasive species powered by a triple dose of steroids. Based on my admittedly unscientifically small survey, I’d estimate that 80 percent of the land is totally overgrown by mesquite, 18 percent is significantly impacted by the noxious shrub and only about two percent is clear enough for crops. I wondered if I should have brought a short spear instead of a rifle. It might seem odd for a loner like me to say, but people are an important part of outfitted hunts. The camp cook was a young Latina who was a true artist in the kitchen. Her meals were nutritionally balanced, were served hot under trying circumstances and, most important, were well on the plus side of delicious. The guides were highly skilled in all facets of their business, including the fine art of dealing with clients. I think they were even more determined to put us on trophy bucks than they were. Last but not least, there wasn’t a sour grape among the eight of us who had put our money down in hopes of going home with the fruits of our labor. I didn’t hear a single complaint even when things got tough. EARLY TO RISE And things were tough even before they got tough. Days are long in May, and our guides were determined not to waste the best parts of them. Those of us who hunted on our “home” ranch grabbed some fresh fruit or other munchies and left for our stands between 5:30 and 5:45 a.m. Those who ventured farther afield were on the road considerably earlier. We came back to the ranch house between 10:30 and
11 a.m. and ate a huge hot brunch. This was followed by a merciful break that lasted no later than 2:30 p.m. We got back from the evening hunt in time to sit down to a multi-course supper, served at around 11 p.m., which was followed by the inevitable post-hunt conversations. In case you haven’t been counting, that left less than five hours for sleep. My plan was to shoot my trophy buck first – it sounded like a good idea at the time – so I ignored the does that fed near my stand the morning and evening of the first day. I did shoot a coyote early in the afternoon to test my ability to make a nearly 300-yard shot off of a bipod. The second morning, I decided I would open my doe season at 8:30 a.m., but I didn’t see a deer of either sex after 7:30 a.m. It started to rain while we were eating brunch. And it didn’t stop. My guide and I made a futile attempt to hunt that afternoon and almost weren’t able to get back to the ranch due to water over the highways. It finally stopped raining a little before daylight on the third morning, but the interior ranch roads were impassable even with ATVs. We nibbled around the edges but found nothing but a few tracks. ULTIMATE RECORD The bottom line was that the eight of us set a record for that ranch that can be tied but never broken by not bringing a single animal to the skinning shed. By way of comparison, the group that had hunted the week before tagged out 100 percent. The guide told me that the long-term average was 95 percent for one deer and 90 percent for two. And that, my friends, is why it’s called hunting.
Outdoor Guide
July-August 2021
Label may not protect against high ethanol By BOAT U.S. The ethanol industry has been trying to weaken or eliminate important warning labels designed to prevent boaters and consumers from misfueling with prohibited higher-ethanol fuels at roadside gas pumps, the Boat Owners Association of the United States (Boat U.S.) reports. The national recreational boating advocacy, services and safety group recently co-signed a letter to EPA Administrator Elizabeth Dermott addressing the proposed “E15 Fuel Dispenser Labeling and Compatibility With Underground Storage Tanks” legislation, urging the federal regulator to side with consumers on its Misfueling Mitigation Program (MMP) to ensure transparency in the sale of fuel. ‘UNINFORMED’ “Ethanol manufacturers are pushing to blend more ethanol into the nation’s fuel supply. To accomplish that, consumers are not being fully informed at the roadside pump about the type of fuel going into their boats’ gas tanks,” said Boat U.S. Manager of Government Affairs David Kennedy. “New marketing schemes to brand these prohibited 15 percent ethanol fuels as ‘regular 88,’ promoting them as a low-cost alternative and at the same time attempting to drive federal rule-making efforts to reduce and weaken warning labels at the pump, are an anti-consumer, onetwo-three punch that should not be tolerated.” NO NEW DATA The proposed rule change provides no new data on a theoretical basis to support the proposals to either decrease the stringency of the existing E15 warning label or eliminate it altogether. A 2020 Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI) poll shows that only about one in five consumers know that “regular 88” – or 88 octane fuel – has more ethanol (15 percent) in it than 87 octane (10 percent ethanol) fuel. Use of ethanol fuel blends
with more than 10 percent ethanol, such as “regular 88,” in recreational boat engines, motorcycles, off-road vehicles and power equipment is prohibited by federal law. E15 fuel has been proven to damage engines and fuel systems, and its use in a marine engine voids the warranty. Consumers have indicated the need for a better, more effective higher-blend ethanol fuel warning label design, as well as more prominent placement of the warning label on the pump. A recent national poll shows that just 18 percent of consumers think the current E15 label used at gas pumps across the country is very effective for warning that E15 is hazardous to certain types of engines. COMING THIS SUMMER EPA has also worked to broaden the availability of E15 fuel in the U.S., most recently with the 2019 repeal of summertime restrictions on its sale. These restrictions were originally implemented years ago to address concerns over the higher ethanol fuel’s contribution to ground level ozone (smog) on hot days. “Visit a local gas station dispensing higher ethanol fuels, and look for the warning label on the pump,” Kennedy said. “It’s often hidden or buried along with a mountain of promotional signage. “EPA should help consumers make the right fuel choice, and efforts to weaken the Misfueling Mitigation Program, such as stripping away label elements that indicate a warning message or exclude mention of 15 percent ethanol altogether, only accommodate the interests of ethanol producers and harm boaters.” Boat Owners Association of the United States (Boat U.S.) is the nation’s largest organization of recreational boaters, with more than 800,000 members, fighting for their rights and providing assistance with breakdowns on the road or in the water. For more information, go to BoatUS.com.
Visit Our Website at www.outdoorguidemagazine.com
Page 23
Outdoor Guide
Page 24
July-August 2021
Outdoor Gallery
BEN’S BIG DAY – 5-year-old Ben Braun of Waterloo caught this nice crappie on a private lake outside Waterloo, IL. He spent the morning fishing with his sister Audrey and dad Justin.
GOT ‘EM ALL – Dick Cygan, a Vietnam veteran and a retiree of Ironworkers Local 392, got all of these keepers in one day at Lake of the Ozarks.
PRATT’S CAT – Chuck Pratt of Laborers Local 42 in St. Louis caught this nice catfish on the Missouri River.
JAKE’S TAKE – Jake Braun, 6, shows off this nice bluegill he caught on a private lake near Waterloo, IL while fishing with his Grandpa Kevin Braun.
PAINTER’S RED – Joseph Schallert, a retiree of Painters Local 2341, St. Louis, caught this red snapper off of Daytona Beach, FL.
TALKIN’ TURKEY – Bobby Eagan, 12, got this turkey in Gasconade County, MO. He is the grandson of Danny Eagan and great-grandson of Shorty Thompson, both members of Cement Masons Local 527, Bridgeton MO.
Send in your favorite outdoor photo to news@outdoor-guide.com or mail to Outdoor Guide Magazine Gallery – 505 S. Ewing, St. Louis, MO 63103
Outdoor Guide
July-August 2021
Page 25
Old stands – ghosts in the woods
By TED NUGENT
I wander the wild on a daily basis. It’s just what I do. I fortunately carved out my ultimate American outdoor lifestyle dream long, long ago to make sure I lived my life, liberty and pursuit of gonzo happiness with everything I got and everything that God gave me, and the rewards are immeasurable. My radar picks up on the smallest of surrounding detail as I cruise my sacred wildgrounds, and I see, hear, smell and feel new things each day that spark interest, intrigue, fascination and wonderful memories. There’s an old scrape there, a buckrub, a blowdown, deerbed, a new trail, turkey scratchings, a birdnest, some old bones, a shed antler, some feathers from an unlucky victim of a predator, and an endless plethora of earthly goodies that never fail to stimulate and educate me. STAND REMNANTS More and more lately I’ve been taking note of old, historical treestand remnants that bring a glowing smile to my face, for those old pieces of dilapidated, busted-up 2x4s
hanging precariously from forked branches bring a flood of amazing forever moments of strategizing to ambush a backstrapper. It is important to note that some of the oldest suicidal lumber nailed way up in the towering oaks was against the law back before 1975, when some numbnut, clueless bureaucrat dared to think they could have possibly had the authority over a freeAmerican when, if or how we climbed a tree. That’s correct. Elevated deerstands were illegal in Michigan before we straightened out these power-abusing fools. For the record, no man has authority over me when it comes to climbing a tree. Never has and never will. Case closed. I know some soulless sheep disagree, but that is their failings in the truth, logic, commonsense world of freedom, and I wish them good luck. STOP AND PONDER Stop and ponder a moment, if you will, those glorious lifetime moments of the past, season after season, vigil after vigil, that we have been so blessed to pursue and experience.
Many of our beloved stands have seen better days. – Skunk Ape Treestands
As I stop and gaze at these old stands, I smile and actually giggle to myself as visions of those long-ago wildlife encounters and so many deer encounters brighten my day and re-ignite those magical moments of yore that brought me so much excitement, oftentimes frustration, but always extreme happiness. I also chuckle at the earliest of those commercial treestand designs and how we survived that dangerous era! That giant, ancient oak where I arrowed my first whitetail calls my name!
I stop and pause at Uncle John’s saddle and the tangle of brush that remains where we constructed his original brushpile hideaway way back in 1976. There’s a single dangling 2x4 in the white oak where I missed a beautiful buck with all eight arrows from my Bear recurve bowquiver in ‘76! Ouch! The winding west ridge deer trail is still there where I lucked out on a great 8 point in 1980. OLD GEORGE Old George Nicholls some-
how survived his bowhunting escapades in the makeshift platform in the small forked maple over the little creek. My buddy Ward Parker arrowed his first whitetail from the duckpond hickory where we nailed a small wooden foothold. It’s not just the memories that glow from these old stands, but when standing there at each one, I concentrate on my surroundings and swear to God I actually see the smiling faces of my family and friends that are associated with these special spots. Thank God we don’t still nail such dangerous stands to trees anymore, having learned our lessons about safety and responsibility, and celebrate how the industry responded with treestand and ladderstand development and upgrades for better and safer hunting. THE SLOWER PACE Over these many hunting seasons, occasionally I found myself hurrying up and hustling to my daily chosen deerstand, but nowadays I discipline myself to plan ahead, slow down and come to grips that a slower
pace brings me a more peaceful, calmer, relaxing, gratifying, and more often than not, a more successful day afield when I stop to smell the roses, as the saying goes. Our entire hunting gang is busy reviewing and tweaking our many deerstands this time of year. Stopping to take in the memories of the past brings a deeper sense of fulfillment, not only when on the hunting grounds, but in life overall. FILL UP THE TANK Certainly, our next hunt is all-important, but one thing I’ve learned over 65-plus deer seasons is that we don’t always kill a deer, but we do always bring home wonderful memories of some of the best times life has to offer. Many deer will get away from us each season. Do not let any of the memories get away from you! Venison is truly the ultimate rocketfuel for the body, but each and every memory is supreme rocketfuel for the soul. Fill up your spirit tank with every step beyond the pavement. You will be glad you did.
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July-August 2021
Prepper’s Guide, No. 6
Plan for clean drinking water
By DAVID HOSKING
Clean drinking water is essential for surviving an emergency or a disaster, especially in situations where normal water and electrical utilities cease to operate. Many of us living here in Missouri overlook the grave threat of earthquakes from the New Madrid Fault zone, which is six times larger than the more famous San Andreas Fault zone in California. In the early 1800s a series of devastating earthquakes occurred along the New Madrid Fault zone that were so powerful that the Mississippi River flowed backwards in some places. Imagine what the effects of such forceful ground movements would be on our buried water distribution pipes. Frankly, few would escape damage, leaving most of us without a safe supply of drinking water for a very long time. In urban and suburban areas, water systems generally operate by pumping deep well-water upwards into tall towers or sphe-
roidal shaped tanks, where it is stored for later use. The tanks are filled by electric pumps that move the water to the highest part of the tower, and then gravity drains the water downward through the bottom of the tank and into distribution pipes that carry the water to households. Most public water utilities maintain backup generators and pumping equipment to deal with short-term interruptions. However, during serious disasters, the electricity-based pumping systems can fail for long periods of time while repairs are made; the water stored in those towers can only last for a finite period of time until they are drained. In rural areas, most households obtain drinking water from deep-drilled wells, but even these depend on an electric pump to pull the water from below ground and into the house. When the power goes out, these pumps won’t work unless a backup generator (usually 240 volts) can be connected to the pump. Remember, generators require gasoline, diesel or natural gas to operate.
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that we should store one gallon of water per person per day for three days for drinking and sanitation. For a family of five, this is not overly difficult; three five-gallon containers don’t take up much space, even for apartment dwellers. However, in the event of an extended emergency, larger quantities of water will be necessary, so it is good advice to store a quantity of water, well beyond the recommended minimum. Water doesn’t go bad if it is stored in clean, food-grade containers with a tight-fitting cap and kept in a cool dark place. If an extended emergency is anticipated, households should immediately fill up bathtubs and any other available containers and to use this before dipping into reserves. Water in toilet tanks and hot water heaters is usually clean enough for drinking. Even unclean containers can be filled and used for flushing toilets. Large storage containers are okay but having small ones that can be carried, like canteens, is a good idea in case you have to leave your home. • PONDS, LAKES, POOLS AND STREAMS – These sourc-
es of water are fine for flushing toilets and personal hygiene, but the water must be treated before drinking. Even if the water looks clear, it can still be dangerous to drink it. Two of my colleagues were stranded while surveying in Alaska and nearly died from diarrhea/dehydration after they
drank seemingly clear water from a stream that contained the Giardia protozoan. To kill water-borne bacteria, protozoa and viruses, the CDC recommends a rolling boil for at least one minute. However, cloudy water should first be filtered through a cloth fabric to remove suspended particles. Bleach and iodine may also used to disinfect water if boiling is not an option. However, these disinfectants will not kill Cryptosporidium and other parasites. Alternatively, inexpensive water filtration systems are widely available, ranging from large-volume carbon filters to portable drinking straws that remove nearly all nasty critters from the water. • DISTILLATION – If you have an abundance of fuel for boiling water and the right equipment, a distillation system carries the purification of unclean water a step further. These are designed to purify water by boiling water and then condensing the steam through cooling coils, leaving behind soluble minerals and other contaminants like lead and even glyphosate (i.e. Roundup weed killer). However, distillation does not remove other hazardous chemicals having a higher boiling temperature than water. Distillation kits are widely available but they are usually quite expensive. • RAINWATER – Rainwater is an excellent source of water for sanitation, hygiene and even
drinking, if properly treated by boiling or adding chlorine bleach (1/3 cup unscented bleach per gallon of water). Effectively, rainwater is “distilled” by natural means, but it likely contains all sorts of contaminants like bird droppings, mosquito larvae, airborne dust and dirt, and leaf debris. Collection barrels are available at most garden and farm supply stores, and downspout diverters are readily available from online vendors. Diverters are installed on a gutter downspout to direct overflow back into the downspout when the barrel is full. At my off-grid cabin, I spent about $150 to build a rainwater system with three plastic barrels connected in series, and I intend to add several more to provide water for my vegetable garden. My system uses one barrel for filtration and two for storing the filtered water. I use the water for washing dishes and bathing, but I would not hesitate to drink it after boiling. The downside to my system is that it will freeze during the winter months, so I completely drain it in mid-December to prevent the pipes and barrels from splitting open. Next year, I plan to add a buried cistern that is sunk below Missouri’s 20” frost depth. A diagram of my rainwater collection system is provided. During an emergency or disaster, your source of clean, safe water is as vital to your health and safety as much as the food you eat.
Outdoor Guide
July-August 2021
Page 27
Tips, Tricks and Thoughts for the Great Outdoors
What the 4th of July is really for By LARRY WHITELEY Pete sits in the foyer of our church visiting with anyone that comes by. If they stay around long enough, Pete will probably have a story of some kind to tell them. Since he knows I write fish stories, he always has a fish story or two he wants to tell me. I always stop and listen. My favorite is a summer fishing story I have heard many times. He always starts with, “It’s been a hot summer day, the moon is full. I am out fishing by myself in an old wooden boat. The night is filled with the sounds of crickets chirping, owls hooting and frogs croaking. “I take my old baitcaster and throw a topwater bait toward some bushes. I let it settle then start reeling. It gurgles and wiggles back toward me. Suddenly, a very big bass attacks and thunders upward with the plug rattling in its jaw.”
ACTING OUT Each time he tells it, he always acts out the fight until he gets it in the boat. I love the expressions on his face and listen each time like I had never heard this fish story before. Truth is, we could all learn from his story because summer nights are still a great time to go bass fishing. Pete is 96 years old. He was a paratrooper in World War II, one of the Greatest Generation. Each year, we lose more of these men and women who sacrificed so much for us. We need to take time to thank this generation – and those who fought in the sometimes forgotten Korean War – before it’s too late and they are all gone. There is another generation of veterans who are now in their 70s, and I am one. They fought in the very unpopular Vietnam War. Those who made it back didn’t come home to
FISHING
a hero’s welcome like those who fought in World War II. They came back to protests, sign-waving, name-calling and even being spit on. A lot of them still hide in their hearts and minds what they went through fighting for their country and what they went through when they got home. For a long time, they didn’t want people to know they served there, but now more are proudly wearing Vietnam Veteran caps and have decals on their vehicles. Most of these people won’t be here that much longer either. Take time to say thanks to them. Those words mean more to them than you will ever know. The date is the 4th of July, but what we are supposed to be celebrating is Independence Day. These veterans, along with those from the Gulf War, Iraq and Afghanistan, need your thanks for what they have done for
HUNTING
you. Don’t forget about them when you’re shooting off fireworks or enjoying the great outdoors. SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT “Our flag does not fly because the wind moves it… it flies with the last breath of each soldier who died protecting it.” – Unknown DOG DAYS Back in the old days, anglers called the hottest days of summer “dog days,” thinking the fish, like dogs, just stayed in the shade and didn’t do much. In today’s world, we know how to find the best oxygenated water where fish will be more active. We have all the electronics we need to find them. We have learned how to be better night fishermen and be out there when it is more comfortable for us and the fish. So really, about the only
LARRY L. WHITELEY is the host of the internationally syndicated Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World Radio and nationally syndicated Outdoor World newspaper and magazine tips.
way you won’t catch fish in the “dog days” of summer is if your bait’s not in the water. ENJOY A SHOWER THIS SUMMER The most visible annual meteor shower takes place this summer between July 14 and Aug. 24. During that time, up to 100 meteors will streak across the sky every hour at a speed of 37 miles per second. They are best viewed during the pre-dawn hours, so set your alarm clock. It would be a great time to plan a camping trip for about a month away from as much city lights as possible. It’s not the Northern
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Outdoor Guide
Page 28
July-August 2021
Patterns are the key to catching crappie By TIM HUFFMAN
Finding and catching fish on a consistent basis is not an easy task. Weather patterns change, water changes and fish make seasonal movements. Skilled fishermen look to patterns more than specific spots to catch numbers of fish. CONVENTIONAL FISHING Kyle Schoenherr, an Illinois fishing guide (618-314-2967) and National Classic Champion with both Crappie USA and Crappie Masters, offered some wise words. “There are so many factors that go into being consistent. Fishing is still fishing with skill and experience playing a big part,” he said. “Despite what many people think, you don’t have to have LiveScope to catch fish. That’s a misconception. Conventional fishing tactics still work.” Schoenherr says that whether fishing an unfamiliar lake or fishing home waters after a long
This bait photo displays three important features.The loop knot allows the jig to move freely to provide more bait action. The underbody spin head adds flash and is ‘something different’ to try. The third feature is a black-chartreuse body that’s a good go-to color on any body of water.
layoff, it’s important to have good information for a starting point. For example, online reports or information from the bait shop can put a fisherman in the right area of the lake and at the right depth. Both area and depth are important starting points when searching for fish. “This spring I was fishing Rend Lake and didn’t use my electronics for a month. I was fishing visible cover, mainly bushes. So the water a fisherman is fishing might require extensive electronics watching, or it might be a visible cover pattern where a graph isn’t needed. “So the first step is to get into the area where you’ll start fishing and take a good look. Secondly, start working different spots, covers and depths until you find the fish. When you catch a fish, pay close attention so the presentation can be duplicated.” WATER CLARITY “Water clarity is one of the biggest factors I use because clarity, along with water temperature, determines fish depth. Kinkaid Lake has good water clarity, and a jig can be seen down several feet under the surface. Fish there will often be 12 to 20 feet deep, with 15 being a good starting point in the summer. “Rend Lake is totally different. It’s dingy, with visibility in inches instead of feet, so fish are often four to six feet, sometime less.” Schoenherr said that understanding seasonal fish movements, water clarity and having good starting information often determines whether a fisherman is a hero or zero. “After a pattern is learned, a fisherman can go to similar spots and expect to catch fish. For example, fish are found on a 6-foot flat with fish at four feet. Contour mapping shows two similar flats. “If structure and cover are
style is simple or high-tech. MORE LAKE TIPS “Rend Lake is a good summer lake for slow trolling,” Schonherr said. “Rend is dirty water, so fish may be 4-6 feet deep this time of year. Rend is a lake where you need to have some sort of plan ahead of time to be in the right areas. Electronic mapping can help. “Kinkaid is different. It has clear water, so fish are often at 15 feet. I’ll be looking for vegetation and weedlines. Stumps just off the weeds are good, too.” Got a bait tip? “Both minnows and jigs catch crappie in the summer, he said. “The best bait is usually dependent upon the technique used. I like minnows when slow trolling but I like MidSouth Jigs when single-pole fishing. A minnow on a Road Runner head is always good to try. “Another thing is using marker buoys. They are great tools in open water to get on a specific spot. It’s important to
throw the marker on the upwind side of the cover so it’s easier to fish. The reference marker makes it possible to pinpoint cover with baits and return them to the spot over and over. USING GOOGLE MAPS “My last tip would be to use Google Maps when looking at a body of water,” he added. “It’s good to give an overall reference and to find spots that look good, maybe a big flat with shallow stumps. Look at the map during a period of low water to learn the most about the lake.” Scheonherr says summer and late summer are good times to catch fish. Fishermen should be on the lake early due to the heat, look shallower than they might think fish would be, form a pattern – and enjoy catching crappie. Tim Huffman’s books, Limiting Out for Crappie and 300+ Crappie Fishing Tips, are available at Grizzly Jig Company. Call 800-305-9866 or check Amazon.com.
Kyle Schoenherr took this Illinois crappie this spring. He says quickly finding a pattern is a key to success and consistency. – KyleSchoenherrphotos
similar to the productive spot, chances are very good you’ll catch fish at both spots. Consistent catching includes learning and following patterns.” USING LIVESCOPE “I have concerns about how good electronics have become,” Schoenherr added. “I think it might be too good, and our big fish are being targeted. However, the good news is it
can turn a weekend fisherman into an excellent, consistent fish-catcher. “Being a guide, I use everything I can to help my clients catch fish, so I use LiveScope. It does two important things. First, it allows fun, simple single-pole fishing because specific fish are targeted. Secondly, it helps catch more big fish.” Schoenherr says patterns are important, whether a fishing
Schoenherr says visible cover gives an opportunity to turn off the electronics and jig in the brush, trees and vegetation.
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Outdoor Guide
July-August 2021
Page 29
Claudette’s Kitchen
What to do with too much zuchini
By CLAUDETTE ROPER
“Where do you come up with all this stuff?” asked a reader recently. “You really don’t want to know – my trains of thought resemble a plate of spaghetti!” was my response. What I really thought to myself, however, is that God gets the credit when it’s a good article. When it isn’t, I take the blame for not listening to Him. This is the train of thought (Reader’s Digest version) that led to this subject. Mountain Man called on his way to southern Missouri for a family reunion to say, “There’s a dead armadillo on Highway 61 near Frankfort!” Aha … possum-on-a-half-shell … fodder for an article.
ARMADILLO RECIPES If you haven’t googled recipes for armadillo recently, let me tell you, they are out there: armadillo in mustard sauce, with rice, baked or barbecued and fricasseed, to mention a few. They were under the heading of “wild game” recipes. Wild game? Armadillos? Really? I have never thought of armadillos as wild game. You’re probably wondering, what is she thinking? It’s OK, spaghetti, remember? The next thought was caribou-on-ahalf-shell (jalapeno poppers), Oops … think I’ve done that before. What else could I make “on-a-half-shell”? ZUCCHINI GIVING Before I could even think about that, I remembered that it’s almost that time when you have to keep your car windows rolled up and avoid all your gardening friends unless you want to get inundated with zucchinis – lots of them, and
especially over-sized ones! You know what? (My daughter-in-law at this point would say, “No, but you’re going to tell me”). If people were to batter and fry the blossoms on a regular basis, they wouldn’t end up with so many of those boogers! On the other hand, I’ve done that – fry them, that is. My conclusion? It’s delicious, but all the blossom does is give the batter and sugar something to stick to. But I digress. Now we’re making progress. Everyone will have plenty of zucchini to cook, and those who don’t will find them at the grocery store at the lowest prices of the year. Some kind of stuffed zucchini has to be the answer, but who wants the oven on in August heat? This recipe can be done on the grill, as well as in the oven. I have shied away from giving quantities so you can use any size and quantity of zucchini you desire.
GILLED PIZZA ZUCHINI Ingredients
• Zucchini • Your favorite sausage ,
cooked and crumbled
• Sliced pepperoni • Pizza sauce • Mozzarella cheese, grated • Olive oil • Salt and pepper
Cut the zucchini in half and scoop out the seeds. If it’s overly large (or you want more room for filling), scoop out a little of the flesh as well. Liberally brush it with olive oil inside and out, then sprinkle with salt and pepper. Grill the cut sides down. Depending on the size, this can take 3-5 minutes on medium direct heat. Turn them right side up. Here I must say something.
I’m not the griller in our house, but I am the neatnik. At this point, I prefer turning them over onto a cookie sheet and returning them to the grill once prepared. You do it the way that works best for you. If you prepared the meat well beforehand and it has been refrigerated, please have it out and at room temperature or plan on leaving it grilling a little longer. Brush them with pizza sauce, then sprinkle with sausage, pepperoni and grated mozzarella. Return them to the
grill and finish them with the grill closed until the cheese is melted. At this point I would add that this recipe is extremely basic. It will work just like it is, but I would do more. Chopped or sliced onions and bell peppers, sautéed until caramelized, are an example. A sprinkle of fennel on the pizza sauce would be another. Think about what you like to put on a pizza and go from there. Wishing everyone a great summer, what remains of it, and cool days for sitting in your tree stand.
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Outdoor Guide
July-August 2021
Outdoor Guide
July-August 2021
Wild times on outdoors TV shows
Photo and Text By KENNETH L. KIESER
Outdoor television has flooded the market for many years. Have you ever wondered what it is like to be on an outdoor television show? I have been on several, and the following are some of my epic blunders. THE DEAD BIRD My first show was in a recording studio with hot lights that illuminated the room. I was nervous, as one might expect, and was trying not to say something stupid. After all, the television personality was regionally famous, and many watched his show, including my family members. I was nervously stumbling over my words throughout the recording and hoping the experience would end when a knock sounded on the studio window. The show’s producer gave a signal meant to stop the interview. The door opened, and in walked a conservation agent carrying what was obviously a dead albino chicken hawk. He explained that the bird had been electrocuted on a power line, and that the public should see this magnificent bird. The only problem was that the hawk had been dead several days and stunk to high heaven. The hot studio lights made this even worse. As my eyes began to water, I gagged – repeatedly. The show went on, and I tried everything, including talking while holding my breath, or breathing through my mouth to escape the stench. Thankfully, the host saw my discomfort and stopped the recording. We started up again the next day – after the studio had been aired out. HIS STARRING ROLE My next “memorable” performance happened while filming a pheasant hunt in South Dakota. Two cameramen followed our group that included the host and a couple of soon-to-be famous Nashville stars who could not shoot. This show was marked for disaster minutes after filming started, when the first pheasant flushed. One of the country singers threw up his shotgun and barely missed shooting the show’s host – not a funny situation, but a prelude to the day. After some discussion with
our group, the director decided that the singers, who admitted never handling guns before, would carry unloaded guns throughout the taping session. They happily agreed, not wanting to accidently shoot someone or themselves. The plan was to show them pointing their guns while the host or I would shoot the birds. The cameramen would only film the pheasants being shot, and the singers would hold their birds up with big grins, showing their harvests. Problem was, we were having problems finding birds. That first pheasant that jumped up was the only one we saw for a couple of hours. Everyone was frustrated, and the cameramen had to carry the singers’ guns with their big cameras that were getting heavy – and they were not in a good mood. MISSED IT – TWICE I walked down a hill and away from the group when a dog ran in front of me and froze in a point. I was carrying my new over-and-under shotgun and felt a hunter’s excitement. I looked over my shoulder and the group was still quite a distance up the hill, but starting to move towards the pointing dog, when two pheasants flushed from almost under my feet. I took my time, swung on both birds, squeezed the trigger and missed twice. My temper took over and I swore an expletive out loud – the big one – and turned to find a television camera in my face. I had no idea the cameraman, who had a big grin on his face, had run down the hill and was there. I am sure that show was never aired. SHOOTING THE WRONG BUCK The American south is full of great hunting and fishing. I had the privilege of being on a 1980s television show in the south based on swamp deer hunting. We were situated in high pine trees on deer stands. I was shooting an MK-80 Knight blackpowder rifle with open sights. We were in a bowl where no shots would be over 60 yards, a suitable distance for that gun. The cameraman was in the next tree with a huge camcorder. Television equipment was very large in those days, and he had lugged that camera a long way in the dark swamps and heavy conifer timber.
Page 31
The author makes an appearance in yet another TV studio.
I was informed before the hunt that the cameraman was in control and not to shoot until he said to, through a headset that draped over my cap. I agreed. The morning progressed, and I watched a small, scrubby looking buck off to my right. There were no other deer in sight, and the scrub was happily feeding on swamp weeds and acorns. “Shoot,” came the command over my earphone. I couldn’t believe it. He wanted me to shoot that scrubby buck? I did not fly to Alabama for anything less than a big trophy buck, but my sponsors were in charge. I took careful aim and shot; the scrub buck took off running. THE REST OF THE STORY We climbed out of the trees and stood talking a few minutes before the cameraman said, “OK, let’s go find your buck.” He walked left and I walked right. I realized then that there must have been another buck out of my sight. I had a sick feeling in my stomach while looking for the scrub. We retraced the shot and found that the black powder sabot bullet had split a sapling, and the little buck was thankfully untouched. Later that afternoon at the cabin, we watched the cameraman’s footage only to see a sickening sight. There was a huge pine tree, at least 20
inches wide, in front of me, and you could only see the big buck’s antler tips – sticking around each side of the tree. My blind was at a slightly different angle and the buck
was well hidden. The buck I didn’t see was a monster, trophy deer that likely would have been the biggest of my life. Not all of my television ap-
pearances have been disasters, but you never forget the ones that are and worse, they are on video somewhere. I guess that’s show business!
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Page 32
Outdoor Guide
July-August 2021
