Outdoor Guide Magazine November-December 2021 by OutdoorGuideMagazine

OUTDOOR

GUIDE

November-December 2021

MAGAZINE

Farm habitat............ Page 4

Winter shelter.......... Page 6

Water dogs.............Page 10

A tall tale...............Page 14

Duck hunting...........Page 28

HUNTING • FISHING • CAMPING • BOATING • SHOOTING • TRAVEL Missouri, Illinois and Other Exciting Outdoor Destinations!

Outdoor Guide

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November-December 2021

Over and Outdoors

Bird feeder gifts give back all year

By JOHN WINKELMAN Guide Associate Editor

While there certainly is no such thing as the perfect Christmas gift for everyone, I believe that wild bird feeders might be close. From little children to home-bound seniors, the color and clamor that can surround a feeder is a treat for the eyes and soul all year long. Obviously they come with the baggage of having to keep them filled and the demolition that can happen to the ground beneath them, but bird feeders can be inexpensive or ridiculously ornate, technological and pricey gifts. A hand-made one, painted by a grandchild, would be a joyful reminder of two-way love. The Cornell Lab of Ornithology’s allaboutbirds. org website has an excellent analysis of the most common types of bird feeders along with just about everything you could want to know about the flying and flitting feathered friends we can invite to dinner

in our backyards. The best bird feeders keep the food dry, the squirrels out and are easy to fill and keep clean. DOVES AND JUNCOS Spreading or spilling a bit on the ground beneath your feeder is a payoff for the ground feeders like juncos and mourning doves that prefer to pick their meals off the earth rather than land on the perches. The birds that do visit the feeder will also drop plenty on the ground for those willing to enjoy scraps from the table. Hopper or house-type feeders protect the seeds fairly well. Depending on the size of the barn or bin, they can hold enough seeds so they do not need to be filled for days. While the roof generally keeps the seeds dry, if they do get wet, bacteria or fungus can build up in the feeder and be detrimental to the birds. SQUIRREL-PROOFING Tube feeders keep the seeds dry, and if they have metal ports for the birds to collect

the seeds, they are relatively squirrel-proof. Unfortunately the bushy-tailed burglars can be relentless and chew through any plastic parts, so a squirrel baffle is recommended for all feeder types. A design flaw for the tube feeder is that the openings don’t always go all the way to the bottom of the cylinder, so there is food that can’t be accessible. When refilling a tube feeder, you should dump out the uneaten seeds before adding new. The most common nyjer (thistle) seed feeders are often tube types with tiny slits for ports. These specialized feeders attract a variety of finches, including the male goldfinch that looks brown this time of year but will be glorious yellow when spring returns. The little black litter that falls to the ground is not spilled seed but actually the shell of the thistle seed. The finches eat just the tiny morsel from inside of each shell. JUST AN OLD SACK Suet feeders can be as sim-

ple as the old mesh sack from a bag of onions or oranges, filled with beef fat trimmings, but modern convenience has created the suet cake to fit in wire mesh cages with a variety of sizes and designs. Suet feeders attract woodpeckers and, like the pretty little songbirds you can see at the other types of feeders, woodpeckers range in size from wren-like peepers to squawking giants. Most woodpeckers we see in Missouri are black and white with hints of bright red. The most common are the

Tube-shaped finch feeders filled with nyjer thistle are designed to attract specific birds. – John Winkelman photo

downy and hairy woodpeckers, which are almost identical except for size and beak shape. Hairy has a pointier proboscis and is just a little larger than downy. The red-bellied woodpecker has a shade of red on his crown, and a more pastel appearance overall. A red-headed woodpecker is solid crimson for his full face, neck and head while his body is more distinctly black and white, in the fashion of the 1980s plain-label food packaging. The pileated woodpecker is the one most like the cartoon creation Woody, but black and white instead of blue with a red crown. In addition to being the biggest of these birds, he can be almost as loud and grating when he opens his mouth as the Walter Lantz character. My favorite is the northern flicker. His mostly brown body breaks the black-and-white stereotype, and when he flies away, his tell-tale bright rump spot is unique to spot and point out.

A downy woodpecker visits a commercial suet cage positioned atop a hopper-type bird feeder. – John Winkelman photo

IT’S UP TO YOU The variety of birds you get to see are based on the types of food you provide. Black oil sunflowers are favorites of cardinals, finches, titmice, chickadees and other songbirds. Whole grains like millet, milo and cracked corn are less expensive and attract additional species like sparrows, jays and the ground feeders that enjoy the overflows of those small seeds. Regardless of your choice of food or feeder, attracting nature to watch up close can be a great gift from you and for the birds, all year long.

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November-December 2021

Farmers’ wildlife habitat is shrinking

Photo and Text By BRENT FRAZEE An aerial photo of our family farm in central Illinois could be a poster for the habitat crisis facing wildlife these days. It shows my aunt and uncle’s farmhouse, surrounded by hundreds of acres of clean farming at its best – or worst, depending on your point of view. Neat rows of corn and soybeans stretch fencepost

to fencepost, with little in the way of wildlife habitat to be seen. Oh, there are a few ditches along the old county road that borders the farm. And the “swamp 40” has some brush in places where crops just wouldn’t take hold. But other than that, our farm looks inhospitable to wildlife. That bothered me years ago when I was just learning the importance of good habitat in fostering healthy wildlife populations.

The pheasants that hid in grassy cover along borders of the crop fields that I hunted in my childhood are long gone. So are many of the deer we saw regularly. No place to live. THE HARD TRUTH I pleaded with my uncle and aunt to leave a few rows of crops standing in each field to serve as habitat. At least that would be a start, I thought. A short time later, my aunt sent me a letter with an

estimate for how much money they would be losing by leaving those rows in place. Their farm stood in some of the nation’s richest farm country. They were casual hunters … but farmed to survive. I remember my aunt saying in the letter, “We can’t throw money away just to see that you and your friends will have something to hunt when you come down here.” That was a curt response, but as I look back, one that

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made a lot of sense. PRIME IS PRIME On land that produces only marginal yields, it’s easy to think about leaving a few rough spots for wildlife. But in prime farm country, every row counts. Others in my aunt and uncle’s area apparently felt the same way. There was little in the way of quality habitat but plenty of lush crops on the flat landscape. And therein lies the problem. It’s easy for city folks like me to urge farmers to leave habitat for the critters, but until we’ve ridden a tractor in their boots, it’s unrealistic to expect them to give up part of their crop. My aunt and uncle are gone now, but their message still resonates. Corporate farms are often blamed for the drastic loss of habitat such as fence rows, weedy draws, brushy borders and overgrown pastures. But the mom-and-pop farmers who are just struggling to survive also play a part. MARGINAL RETURNS It’s easy to say we should just throw money at the problem – that we should compensate them for idling land and letting it grow into productive habitat for the pheasants, quail, deer and songbirds. That’s what the federal Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) does. But that program compensates landowners for idling marginal farmland. What if the productivity of the land brings far more than federal or state assistance would? And what if landowners such as my aunt and uncle view wildlife as a lower priority than raising healthy crops? That’s what we are facing

today, and I admit there’s no easy solution. Since I moved to Missouri in 1980, I’ve seen a drastic decline in quail populations due to habitat loss, and turkeys are in danger of following the same path. In Kansas, habitat loss has led to a reduction in once-spectacular pheasant populations. Prairie chicken numbers also are on a downward trend, and some songbird populations are struggling. A NEW LAND ETHIC It’s not all doom and gloom. Some conservation groups are demonstrating how farmers can still make money while implementing conservation practices that aid wildlife. But in many cases, it takes a village – or in this case, a block of landowners – for wildlife populations to thrive. Fragmented habitat gives wildlife an island of favorable conditions, but it takes contiguous acres of good nesting and brood cover, insects and seeds for food, and shelter from harsh winter weather for populations to grow significantly. So how do we get there? We have to convince landowners such as my aunt and uncle that wildlife matters…and that they can still make money while providing good habitat for the critters. We’ll likely never see a return to the days when wildlife thrived in the brushy cover surrounding farm fields. Clean farming, pesticides and herbicides, and better machinery have seen to that. But maybe we’ll see a new land ethic where at least a portion of many farms are left for creatures such as quail, wild turkeys, pheasants and deer. It’s up to us to chart that course.

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Outdoor Guide

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November-December 2021

Prepper’s Guide

Get ready for winter sheltering

By DAVID HOSKING Winter is just around the corner, and most of us prepare for the season by purchasing a jug or two of windshield washer fluid, a bag or two of road salt and maybe a small stack of fireplace wood for those cozy stay-at-home evenings during a snowfall. We all joke about the stampede of customers who rush to the grocery store to stock up on bread and milk after the weatherman predicts a few inches of snow. No one really worries much about these snowstorms here in Missouri since the snow will usually melt in a few days. No big deal. However, in December of 2006, an ice storm knocked

down trees and power lines throughout the St. Louis area, causing one of the longest power outages that left over 500,000 households and businesses in the dark and cold for days. Similarly, in January of 2007, subfreezing temperatures along with an accumulation of freezing rain caused widespread power outages for more than 100,000 homes and businesses. My elderly in-laws in St. Louis endured five days without heat and lights. To keep warm, they closed off their living room from the rest of the house and were able to stay somewhat warm by means of a gas fireplace. NOW THAT WAS A STORM! The worst ice storm and

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power outage that I recall occurred in Quebec in January of 1998. The storm lasted five days and coated power lines and trees with five inches of ice. Countless power transmission towers and utility poles collapsed throughout the province, cutting electricity for weeks to almost 5 million people. Imagine a Canadian winter with minus 30-degree temperatures, without electricity or heat. My father was prepared, however. His old house had oil heating, but there was no electricity for the burner and the circulating blower. Thinking well ahead, he had installed a small wood stove in his basement and a stash of firewood in his shed in anticipation of just such an occasion. The rising heat

GUIDE

November-December, 2021

MAGAZINE

HUNTING • FISHING • CAMPING • BOATING • SHOOTING • TRAVEL Volume 29, No. 5 • 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 emeritis – 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

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The Quebec ice storm in 1998 lasted five days and coated the town with five inches of ice, cutting electricity to almost 5 million people. – CTV News photo

from the stove was able to keep the house sufficiently warm and prevented the water pipes from freezing. So a long-lasting ice storm can be a big deal here in Missouri, too. Previous articles written for Outdoor Guide Magazine discussed the wisdom of stockpiling food, water, a water filtration kit, batteries, lanterns and fuel, and essentials like medicine, enough to last several weeks. But what should you do for emergency heating during a cold winter? A bug-out location away from your home, say, with family or friends is a good idea but, as in the massive Quebec ice storm, road travel was impossible for weeks. SHELTERING IN PLACE Therefore, the options are to shelter in place or else relocate to an emergency shelter operated by the Red Cross, for example. Sheltering in place requires advance planning and preparations. Whole-house generators will enable you to operate your furnace and provide lighting, but they typically cost about $12,000, and few can afford the cost. Thus, most of us will have to find a way to keep warm and prevent water pipes from freezing during a prolonged outage. If the outage duration and freezing temperatures are

expected to last a long time, you should turn off your main water supply and then drain the pipes throughout the house. Be sure to fill up as many jugs as possible for drinking water and flushing toilets. If shutting off the water is not practical, you should open up each faucet to allow a trickle of water to drain into the sink. Running water doesn’t easily freeze. Consider partitioning your house so you live in only one or two rooms. Cover doorways and windows with blankets so you’re only heating a small area. You can even pitch a camping tent inside your room for a much smaller space to heat. USING HEATERS • Propane heaters – Well before the storms arrive, and before there is panic buying at the big box stores, you should purchase a couple of Buddy Heaters and lots of propane bottles. Buddy Heaters and other similar propane heaters are safe and designed for indoor use, although they still require a source of fresh air for proper ventilation. • Catalytic heaters – Catalytic heaters that burn white gas or kerosene are very effective but they also require good ventilation; they consume oxygen in a closed room and may cause asphyxiation. • Coleman stoves – Cole-

man stoves are great for cooking, but it’s dangerous to use them inside the house due to a risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. • Barbecue grills – Cooking food on your grills is also effective, but you should use them outdoors because of the same risks. The Quebec ice storm was blamed for the deaths of 35 people, mainly from carbon monoxide poisoning or asphyxiation. WHAT TO WEAR? Be sure to wear layers of clothing to stay warm. Fleece is a modern wonder for retaining body heat and wicking away moisture. I spent a lot of my surveying career working in northern Canada and Alaska, where I learned a few good tricks for keeping warm. There is a common saying in the north that “Cotton Kills” which means that cotton clothing such as jeans is the worst for retaining heat, especially if they are even slightly damp. Wool socks are the best for keeping your feet warm. A good sleeping bag is essential, but they can be quite expensive, so a less costly arrangement is to double up two cheap sleeping bags. Stay safe and warm! Prepper’s Guide author David Hosking can be contacted at gamekeeper01@ gmail.com.

November-December 2021

Outdoor Guide

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Pass Grasslands Act to protect vital prairie Photo and Text By BRANDON BUTLER North America’s grasslands – tallgrass, mixed grass and shortgrass prairie – have suffered greatly at the hands of expansion. Grasslands once covered much of North America. Today, most of our native grasslands are gone. Over 50 million acres have been lost in the last decade alone, making grasslands one of the most threatened ecosystems on our continent. To save what little native grassland habitat we have left, and to lead robust restoration efforts, our nation’s largest conservation organizations – including Pheasants Forever & Quail Forever, the National Wildlife Federation, National Wild Turkey Federation, Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation, and the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership – are teaming up to call on Congress to establish the North American Grasslands Conservation Act. Agriculture is critically important to the economy of this country. Corn, soybeans and other row crops grown here in America help feed the world. We have to find a way to strike a balance where prime agriculture lands remain in cultivation, but marginal lands – those not best suited for growing crops – are returned to native habitat. We need government, agriculture and industry to collectively bring greater value to grasslands. A MOST IMPORTANT STUDY A study entitled, “Cropland expansion in the United States produces marginal yields at high costs to wildlife,” co-authored by Tyler J. Lark, Seth A. Spawn, Matthew Bougie and Holly K. Gibbs, was published in Nature Communications in September, 2020. The study states, “We find that croplands have expanded at a rate of over one million acres per year, and that 69.5 percent of new cropland areas produced yields below the national average, with a mean yield deficit of 6.5 percent. “Our findings demonstrate a pervasive pattern of encroachment into areas that are increasingly marginal for production, but highly significant for wildlife, and suggest that such tradeoffs may be further amplified

Guest Editorial

The North American Grasslands Conservation Act would protect vital but declining prairies.

by future cropland expansion,” the authors say. The National Wildlife Federation (NWF), which is the largest member-based conservation organization in the country, works extensively on grasslands protection. NWF is currently one of the organizations leading the call for the creation of the North American Grasslands Conservation Act. POLICIES HAVE FAILED In response to the above-mentioned study, Aviva Glaser, director of agriculture policy at the NWF, is quoted on their website as saying: “The ongoing destruction of our nation’s native prairies highlighted in this research shows that existing policies have failed to protect a cherished American landscape. Without a national strategy to protect and enhance grassland habitat, our last remaining native prairies are at risk of vanishing forever, along with the many plant and animal species that populate them. “Federal policymakers should combat this troubling trend by establishing a North American Grasslands Conservation Act, modeled after the North American Wetlands Conservation Act, to stop habitat loss and ensure healthy landscapes for future generations.” The conservation of North America’s grasslands has to be bipartisan in nature. Environmentalists must understand and be willing to accept the critical role of agriculture to the economy of our country. Agriculture needs to continuously do better at valuing the native ecosystems of great concern to wildlife and ecosystem conservation. Industry needs to innovate and create modern methods of generating income from alternative agriculture practices, like renewable energy. And government needs to make sure the playing field is fair by ensuring that the critical aspects of ecosystem conservation and agriculture all are considered. GRASSLAND PROGRAM LAGS The Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) is heralded as the most successful government program for grasslands on private land. Yet the number of acres enrolled continues to decrease. In 1985, the farm bill authorized up to 45 million acres for CRP. It peaked at 37 million acres. Recently, CRP acres enrolled dipped below 22 million. Many wanting to sign up can’t. This loss of grasslands is detrimental to the wildlife, birds and insects reliant on grasslands habitat. It’s also bad for humanity. Grasslands work against climate change by sequestering carbon in the soil by keeping dangerous greenhouse gases underground. Grasslands also reduce flooding. Their complex root structures can grow 15 feet deep in the soil, absorbing large quantities of water. Grasslands also help with erosion control and block pollutants from entering our streams, rivers and other water sources. Wetlands, another critical natural habitat that has faced peril over the last couple of centuries, receive protection through the North American Wetlands Conservation Act (NAWCA). Creating similar legislation to protect our grasslands is long overdue. Check out Brandon Butler’s podcasts at www.driftwoodoutdoors.com or anywhere podcasts are streamed.

November-December 2021

The Life Outdoors Look hard; you might find God in the woods

By RICHARD W. AITES

Some people may have considered me a bit delusional in my youth because, while they were searching for God in their places of worship or in some life-changing event, I found him in the woods of northwestern Pennsylvania. No, I wasn’t hiking along some secluded trail before stumbling across this old guy resembling George Burns sitting on a stump, contemplating his creation. Nor was there this blinding flash of lightning and rumble of thunder, followed by the hallowed voice of James Earl Jones, announcing his divine presence. However, years before I knew what it was to be a Christian, I could sense God’s presence whenever I stepped into the peaceful solitude of the forest. Please don’t get me wrong – I have the utmost respect for anyone who sincerely attends church to praise and give thanks to our glorious Creator, and I believe that people can find God within the scriptures. SQUIRRELS & RABBITS As a teenager, I enjoyed hunting and fishing, as did most of my family and friends. But I think I may have appreciated the outdoors a little more. While most of my high school buddies were attending the Saturday afternoon football and basketball games, or treating their girlfriends to a matinee, I was in the woods with my trusty .22 rifle searching for squirrels and rabbits. When I wasn’t hunting or exploring, I was usually down at the creek with my favorite rod and reel, trying to land a mess of trout for supper. And as much as I liked the girls myself, I was content being outdoors and greatly appreciated the solitude it offered. The wonderful flora and fauna of the Allegheny foothills that surrounded our little hamlet made for a great place to grow up. A state park – with thousands of acres of steep, wooded hills and deep, shaded hollows, and three fine trout streams – was within walking distance of our house. The Allegheny River, a mere three miles to the south, was plum full of smallmouth bass, walleye and channel catfish. On the rare occasion, you might even land a musky. ALLEGHENY WINTERS Of course, my place of worship wasn’t always paradise. Following the late flintlock season in January, the snow-covered forest became a cold, desolate place where the leafless silhouettes of pin oak and hickory trees crackled and creaked in the frigid breeze. Most of the wildlife was slumbered in hibernation or nestled in the deepest parts of the woods awaiting the thaw of the pending season. The local rivers and creeks were usually iced over until March. And just like the wildlife, I looked forward to the arrival of spring and its warming temperatures.

Fly fishing on the Allegheny River – flyfisherman.com photo

TROUT SEASON COMES The trout season opened in mid-April and was my second favorite time of the year. The fishing was usually good throughout the spring but eventually, the hot, dog days of July and August arrived and the local streams slowed to a trickle. Though the fishing wasn’t much good in late summer, the sweet, succulent blackberries and raspberries that flourished along the creek banks kept me busy. And it was a good time to scout other areas of the forest for the upcoming small game season in October. My absolute favorite time of the year was the opening of deer season in late November. Back in those days (1980s) the first day of the “antlered-deer season” fell on the Monday following Thanksgiving. The local schools were closed on that particular day to allow students and teachers to participate in the quest for venison. You had 10 days to harvest a buck, and if you weren’t successful or just plain lucky, there was a 3-day antlerless season that followed shortly thereafter. Because my father and brothers also hunted, we usually ended up with a deer or two for the freezer. I found nothing more delectable than lightly breaded (with seasoned flour) deer tenderloin seared in butter with a couple of eggs over easy on the side. The runny yolk of the eggs served as a delicate gravy for the tender meat. Those same runny eggs also went well with pan-fried rainbow trout. SCROLL IN A CAVE Delusional?Ascroll found in a cave near Nag Hammadi, Egypt, in 1945 may help prove my claim (and possibly my sanity) about finding God in the woods. Some scholars believe the ancient document was written in the first century A.D. and contains secret sayings of Jesus. It is commonly referred to as The Gospel of Thomas, but you won’t find it in your bible. In short, Jesus questions Thomas as to why he and others cannot see what is right in front of them. Jesus reveals to Thomas that God’s kingdom is already here on Earth and then proclaims, “If your leaders tell you that the kingdom is in the sky, then the birds of the sky shall precede you. If they tell you that it is in the sea, then the fish shall precede you. But I’ll tell you that the Kingdom of God is inside of you and all around you. Split a piece of wood and I am there. Lift a stone, and you will find me.”

November-December 2021

Outdoor Guide

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November-December 2021

The joys of owning a good water dog

Photo and Text By KENNETH L. KIESER I have discussed training methods for water dogs over the years, but there is another side to owning a well-conditioned retriever. Labrador retrievers and other water dogs have gentle personalities and tend to become part of the family – like at my house. These dogs are not exactly like your own children, but sometimes they may seem

close because of the devotion that Labs are famous for. My two-year-old Chocolate Labrador retriever, Rocketman, lives for the water. He sleeps by my bed and is a perfect watchdog, barking loudly when something does not seem right. He lets me know when it’s time for his dinner, and he believes his destiny is to be a lap dog, all 110 pounds of him. He is half English Lab and half American Lab – a stout, tall dog full of energy.

Rocketman’s buddy, Grandpa Sprig, tolerates this young upstart that has invaded his living space. Occasionally the older yellow Lab will growl and seemingly get mean with the kid when he doesn’t get the respect an elder deserves. The younger dog avoids confrontation and moves to the safety of mommy or daddy. Visitors at our home think they are killing each other when they play, but no harm comes, and sleep is necessary for both

dogs after a serious tussle. Sometimes they may play and grumble at each other for ten or fifteen minutes. The boys love to go for rides. Grandpa Sprig lays on his soft pad and Rocketman moves back and forth from window to window across our laid-down SUV’s hatch. Occasionally we will drive past another dog and the barking commences. ROMPING AT THE LAKE Both dogs love visiting the

Retrieving is serious business for Rocketman, a 2-year-old Chocolate Labrador.

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lake. The very suggestion of a walk down to the shore brings jumping up and down and whining. They would both blow a fuse if for some reason we ever had to cancel this important activity. The walk is about a quarter-mile and both are leashed. Rocketman is released to chase a thrown tennis ball as we cut through the park on the way to the lake. He never runs out of energy. Finally, when the lakeshore is reached, leashes are removed and the dogs run full speed into the water. Rocketman immediately swims to deeper water, and Grandpa Sprig goes out a short distance and then returns to run along the lake shore, occasionally splashing water all over us. Then the fun starts. Cat, my wife and their adopted mama, starts throwing a teal duck training dummy that Rocketman excitedly retrieves. Grandpa Sprig no longer retrieves like in his youth and chooses to check out treasures on the lakeshore. Once he ate goose poop and two days later went to the vet after a bad reaction. We have watched his shoreline eating habits since then. ONE SWIMMING DOG The first throws are close to shore. Then I’ll throw one about 50 yards to let Rocketman stretch out and really swim. He is surprisingly fast, paddling through the water like a giant river otter. Occasionally a flock of geese will venture too close and Rocketman chases them into flight. He never harms one, just enjoys hearing them squawk while flying away. Then Rocketman gets back to serious business – retrieving. The big-bodied dog will make 20 to 30 retrieves and looks

disappointed when it’s time to leave. Some days we will give him time to rest and then return to the lake later in the day for a light workout. We keep both dogs on a reasonably strict diet of quality dog food, but after dinner the dogs often get a meat trimming or some other healthy treat. They both know this is a possibility and lay watching to make sure they don’t miss this window of opportunity. Cat has had fun training the intelligent Rocketman. He recently won an obedience competition by going through a series of basic commands. The winning trick was holding “sit” and “wait” commands as Cat turned her back on him and walked away. Other dogs were nearby and people gathered around; his focus never wavered. They are both potty trained but on occasion Grandpa Sprig has an accident. You can tell he feels terrible about these accidents. This came on with old age when it was harder to control his bowels, so we make sure he is outside early and often to avoid this problem. ALL-NIGHT SLEEPERS A benefit of older dogs over puppies is that they sleep all night, allowing us to get needed rest, although Rocketman occasionally wakes up early and whines to go back to the lake. They both have settled into our way of life and are absolutely part of the family. So, is it really worth sometimes cleaning up dog poop, losing sleep, the expenses, plus all the efforts to own and train a water dog? I can’t imagine living without one. There will never be a substitution for genuine unconditional love, and that is just how these gentle breeds roll.

Outdoor Guide

November-December 2021

By TED NUGENT

Why is it right for us to kill?

Well, that ain’t fair! That can’t possibly qualify as fair chase now, can it? I mean, good grief, my duck-hunting buddy uses hand-carved decoys that look so real, how can a duck possibly resist? Adding to that cheating system, he now employs battery operated decoys that simulate feeding and puddle splashing so that his decoy spread looks exactly like a real raft of actual ducks. The maniac has practiced his duck calling so maddeningly that he sounds exactly like a mallard. I can’t tell the difference. This guy goes to such lengths constructing his duck blinds that you can’t even tell they are there. And he uses the wind and sun to his advantage, too. All along the shoreline of the marsh, he plants Japanese millet that attracts squadrons of ducks from far and wide. On each end of his phenomenal habitat, he provides “no shoot” sanctuaries so the ducks are fooled into feeling safe.

HE CAN’T MISS This gung ho, dedicated water-fowler has experimented with every imaginable shotgun load and choke tube to perfect his shotgun’s range and pattern, so there is no way he can miss. Add to all this that he donates scads of hard-earned money to Ducks Unlimited and Delta Waterfowl to optimize his waterfowl habitat and duck populations so he has the most desirable duck zone for miles. I can’t even imagine how much time, money and effort he puts into buying and training the best retriever lineage available on Planet Earth. This mad man has even matched his Mossy Oak waterfowl camo to match his surroundings perfectly! I mean, c’mon! He may as well just go down to the local grocery store and buy a frozen duck and have me toss it up in the air so he can shoot it! When it comes to deer hunting, the poor guy has lost his mind! HE’S GOT IT ALL I’ve never seen a guy put so

Nugent: No technology beats being in the right place at the right time. – deeranddeerhunting.com photo

much effort into his archery skills. He sets up trail cameras on all his best ambush locations, plants the best food plots known to man, uses a rangefinder and adjustable sights, and state-of-the-art

bow, arrows, broadheads, silent de-scented camo clothing, an ozone scent-killing machine, a scientific moon guide, custom buck lure, natural rattling antlers, stateof-the-art buck grunt call, and

doe-in-heat lure. You must admit that when it comes to employing sex attractants, he is clearly stepping over the line. And sneaky! My lord, the guy is a natural born killer! When he rifle hunts, he goes to the same unbelievable lengths to kill a deer. Custom rifle, brand new trajectory compensating, laser rangefinder scope, the best ammo money can buy, a portable shooting tripod, and he owns or leases the most amazing deer ground to be found anywhere. I mean, c’mon! Where does it all end! If you haven’t figured it out by now, I’m being mindlessly and foolishly judgmental, because all the listed gear and methodologies listed here are 100 percent perfectly legitimate and 100 percent perfectly fair chase anyway you cut it. But all that amazing stuff will never take the place of the forever mystical right place/ right time when it comes to killing game. WHY DO WE HUNT? As a hunting community

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we must be ever vigilant to the presumptuous judgmental midgets among us who are too stupid to get it, and help them wake up to the importance of supporting everyone’s personal choice of how to hunt. We hunt to kill game. Sure, there is an unlimited plethora of motivations and personal goals when it come to hunting, but morally we have critters to kill in order to balance populations, share the bounty and escape the modern world to cleanse our souls. But to hunt is to strategize, ambush and kill game, and all those strategies and advanced gear are all a legitimate part of the sport. When it comes right down to it, it doesn’t matter what we have in our hands, but always what we have in our hearts. No matter the gear or technology, it’s all about what the late, great, legendary Fred Bear so eloquently stated long ago, and I paraphrase, “Go afield with the right attitude and respect for the game, and every hunt will be rewarding.” It’s never hardware, but always heartware! Kill that deer. It’s perfect.

Outdoor Guide

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November-December 2021

Rural Ramblings

Nothing like a gobbler for the holidays BY RUSSELL HIVELY

November and December are the holiday months of the year. With Thanksgiving and Christmas being the biggest two holidays, what hunter is not proud to furnish a wild gobbler for the holiday feasts? This treat can be even better if the family asks the hunter to tell the tale of how he harvested their special dinner.

*** Having a family proud of one’s hunting habits can be as rewarding as eating a two-handed peach. For those who are not aware, a two-handed peach requires one hand to hold the peach and one hand to wipe the juice off the chin. These peaches are so good that the pit falls out in your sticky hand after two or three bites.

*** Still, much of the hunting season remains in these last two months of the year. How can someone not be proud to have found a favorite deer-hunting spot when picking wild blackberries five months ago? *** For those whose wife is not as taken with hunting and fishing trips, a fresh fall mum

brought home after an outing can be beneficial. All moms like mums. *** For gardeners, fall is the time of year when a person can marvel at all the jars filled with fruits and vegetables that line the shelves in the basement. Why do all these jars seem to glisten in the dim light from one lightbulb?

The hunter should always tell the story of harvesting for the feast. – Missouri Department of Conservation photo

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*** Sometimes nature can put on a special show for the outdoorsman. One year, the first heavy frost of the year came on the opening day of deer hunting season. All day the air was filled with falling leaves, like the trees had waited until a killing frost to shed. *** Some wise man said that the trees are “crying” leaves because summer’s over. *** Crossbow hunters are on the increase. Between 2016 and 2017, Missouri crossbow hunters increased in numbers by five percent. *** Some fall hunters can’t wait for the season to begin so they can bring home some fresh apple cider or fresh sorghum molasses. Someone claimed that sweet cider was “the nectar of the gods!” *** Bear sightings in Missouri have increased in the recent news. By next spring, we will know if the first bear hunting season in the state was a success. *** Some home gardeners claim the harvesting of sweet potatoes is the first real sign of fall.

Or is it the first fall sign when Walmart workers start putting up Christmas things? *** Did you realize a rat can go longer without water than a camel? *** Maramac Spring State Park was one of the first places in Missouri to be stocked with rainbow trout. *** Better than a bug zapper, a little brown bat can devour 1,200 insects per hour. *** When the first white settlers came to Missouri, wild turkeys were so plentiful that farmers never bothered to raise turkeys. By 1937, there were fewer than 2,500 wild turkeys left. *** Bagnall Dam was built by the Missouri Pacific Railroad and Union Electric Co. to create a hydroelectric power supply and use no coal. *** November and December mark the end of the year and many hunting seasons. It is also a time to celebrate family times together filled with love, presents and hunting stories. Happy Christmas, Thanksgiving and the New Year from this rural rambler!

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November-December 2021

Outdoor Guide

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November-December 2021

Wildlife Wrangling and Outdoor Ramblings

Did the Pilgrims really wear thongs? A tall tale for the season

By RANDALL P. DAVIS

Like most Thanksgiving holidays – when all are gathered around the feasting table and the ample portions of turkey, gravy, cranberries and dressing are blessed – somewhere between the vigorous fork work and loosening of the belt will be a deeply interesting and gregariously engaging dinner conversation. Wise families adamantly guard against broaching any deadly – and often food-fight inducing – topics such as politics, employment (or lack thereof) or even the crooked posture of Aunt Maudie’s wig. In our household, after wandering through topics of the latest wildlife wrangling adventures, giving deserved compliments to the chef, and eventually reaching for toothpicks, we tend to venture into the more cerebral aspects of Thanksgiving conversation

and ask probing questions delving into particulars surrounding this festival’s genesis. READY OR NOT Some questions can only be answered with speculation. But this year … well, this year I’m ready. Should the question arise that titled this dispatch, I have done my research and am well-armed with a dissertation worthy of complementing that wonderful pecan pie. You see, in the beginning, about four years after the initial Giving-of-Thanks in Plymouth, a young woman, Vicky Bradford, third daughter of Old Man William Bradford, was completely disgusted with the undergarments of the time. They were bulky, binding, cumbersome (all too evident when visiting the outhouse) and the turmoil involved during every call-of-nature response drove the enterprising lass to take a stand and attempt to solve this problem. She embraced the fact that the colony had been in this

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new, fresh land for years. They had left behind the confines of restrictive English rule for religious freedom, so why not break the bonds of this infernal wrapping about the pelvis and really be free? NOPE, TOO MUCH CHAFING Quietly, Vicky set to work experimenting and fabricating comfortable and practical underwear. At first she tried the soft, supple bark of the

white birch tree. The materials were workable and there was a degree of comfort, but once the bark dried, there was a horrible chafing issue. It was later discovered this material was best used for canoes. Months rolled into years and still the quest continued. Vicky tried ox hide, but it would stretch and sag, causing a tripping hazard. There were various linens and broadcloths, but the thickness still produced a diaper-like

garment. She even thought about the freedom Eve had – even after being escorted from the Garden – and thus tried an assortment of plant leaves, but soon discovered the ravages of poison ivy. Even wool was found to cause a convulsive, gyrating behavior. (Dance scholars now give credit to this being the origin of the Twist). A GIANT INSPIRATION Finally, the flash of inspiration came one Sunday morning as she sat listening to her father preach a summon about David and Goliath and how the mighty giant fell to a pebble hurled from a tiny sling ... A SLING! “Of course,” she thought. “This giant problem shall falleth to thy hand mad-eth sling.” Vicky immediately went to work and stitched some old bridle reins onto a tri-corner swatch of kid goatskin. She retreated to her sleeping quarters in the loft and discreetly tried on her creation.

She discovered a wonderful comfort and felt freedom never known before. But her joy collapsed as her older sister’s head jutted into the tiny space. Compromised, both looked wild-eyed at each other, Vicky for fearing a shameful reprimand, the sister stunned at the never-beforeseen-sight. WHAT TO CALL IT? But something clicked, and the sister saw the incredible practicality in the wisp of a garment. They giggled and planned. What should they call it ... ladies’ pantaloons? Bloomers? Low-cut under-britches? A sling-thing? They even toyed with the name V-String. But later, one of the younger sisters kept calling it a G-String. They knew this made no sense and dismissed the title. Finally they decided, as simple as the garment was, it should have a simple name, and considering it was constructed from just thin strips of leathSee RAMBLINGS page 16

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November-December 2021

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Now is a good time to find black walnuts

Photo and Text By KENNETH L. KIESER

Fall is one of our most beautiful times, when leaves change colors and ground foliage turns to red and gold. Hidden within this magnificent display are thousands of black walnuts, a fact most squirrels are well aware of. Years ago, I asked a friend if he planned to use the black walnuts in his yard. He gave me a funny look and asked “for what?” “Why, to eat,” I answered. “Are you crazy?” he said, “Those things are poison.” So I picked up enough walnuts to fill two five-gallon buckets and took them home for processing. That winter, they came over for dinner and we had chocolate cake for dessert. The rich chocolate icing had black walnuts mixed in. “This cake is delicious,” he said. “I especially like the nuts in your icing.” I told him they came from his yard, and he all but spit out a mouthful and refused to eat any more! The Midwest has thousands of black walnut trees and squirrels. Have you ever been hit on top of your head by a falling black walnut? Not only does it hurt when you wake up, but I have come to the conclusion that squirrels purposely drop black walnuts on humans, and likely some woods-dwelling varmints – their version of bombs-away marksmanship and, no doubt, rodent-spectator entertainment. SHADE, WALLS OR CROP Native black walnut trees are valuable to homeowners as shade to help cool your home in the summer, older trees growing to a height of 50-75 feet with a spread of 50-75 feet at maturity. Black walnut trees, too, have some of North America’s most valuable wood, especially for building furniture or even walls at about $10 per board; prices vary. This dark, dense hardwood is prized above most for its beauty and hardness. Many people harvest black walnuts as a cash crop. Picked nuts may cost $5 a pound and often more.Apickup load is said to bring about $120. Many use the delicious nuts for baking.

Walnuts aren’t much to look at after they drop. The good stuff is inside.

Shelled nuts can be a lot of work. I once watched football games and shelled black walnuts to fill a big antique jar as a Christmas present for my mother. I worked many hours to finish this project; she was overjoyed by it and we enjoyed these nuts many times in her cooking. My mother always slipped a few black walnuts into icing, apple salad, entrees and other delicious food, creating a treat that generally didn’t last long. Commercial bakers use black walnut meat in candies and deserts. If you don’t believe me, visit Branson. GOOD MEDICINE Black walnut extract was historically used by early settlers and native Americans to treat parasitic worm infections, diphtheria, syphilis, leukemia, gout, rheumatism, glandular disturbances, worms, parasites, athlete’s foot or hemorrhoids, as a laxative, for digestion, toothaches, insecticide or staining clothing or other items used in ceremonies. Some actually applied black walnut extract to their scalp as hair dye – eek! Pick only pre-hulled walnuts that feel heavy for their size, as they will dry out in the shell once hulled or the outside cover is removed. Hulled walnuts preserve well in the shells. We generally wait until October and pick them up off the ground. There is a trick to harvesting this messy nut. Wear a pair of thick gloves, because the stain is difficult to remove from your hands. Then knock the outside hull off and let the wooden shell dry, some claim for a month. Plenty of effort is required when cracking black walnut hulls. Start by wearing safety glasses and gloves. The shells

are harder than even the hulls, so a good step is to soak the shells in hot water for 24 hours before attempting shelling. This will soften the shells and make them easy to crack. Crack the rock-hard shells with a hammer, but be careful – such force is necessary that pieces of hull sometimes fly from the hammer strike like a bullet. The key to cracking with a hammer is using a lightweight towel to cover the nuts, so bits of nut don’t fly in every direction. Use a throwaway towel, as it will get holes and be ruined. Strike the nut with enough force to break it, but not enough to pulverize the nut. SHELLING THEM Once you start shelling, don’t worry about getting perfect whole nuts like English walnuts in grocery stores. Bits and pieces are the norm when picking out black walnut meats. Once the shells are open, use a nut picker for the tasty meat. When the meat comes out damp, lay it on a newspaper or wax paper to dry out. Throw away nuts that don’t look right, generally because of insect damage or rot. Lay the nuts out in a single layer and allow them to dry for two to three weeks. This ensures that the nuts are cured, and dried nuts will keep longer. Store unshelled nuts in cloth bags or mesh in a cool, dry location. For longer preservation, shell the nuts and freeze the nutmeats in freezer bags or containers. Shelled, frozen nuts will keep for up to two years. Black walnut meat is delicious. Remember to carefully look over the nut meat before using to avoid tiny pieces of walnut hull that can break teeth or cut into your gums.

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November-December 2021

Michigan college latest to add fishing team

Bass fishing is going back to school! Southwestern Michigan College announced it will form a co-ed bass fishing team next fall, to be coached by Bill Mathews. About 600 colleges in the U.S. have bass fishing teams, though few are at two-year schools such as Southwestern. With three tournament trails – Bassmaster, Major League Fishing (MLF) and the Association of Collegiate Anglers (ACA) – the season extends from March to Oc-

tober. Bassmaster saw more than 100 schools from 37 states compete last year. “In Bassmaster, there are usually four regular-season events, then the national championship if you qualify by finishing in the top 10 percent of one of those,” Mathews said. “In MLF, there are usually three events and the national championship, and with ACA, usually two in the spring and one in the fall. They’re spread out over the season.” Mathews, who graduated

from SMC with honors in 2017 and returned earlier this year to work as an admissions counselor, competed for Grand Valley State University’s nationally ranked team while earning a marketing degree. He aims to recruit eight to 10 students the first year and 1418 the second year through a combination of high school fishing tournaments and Illinois contacts. ILLINOIS NATIVE Mathews grew up in New

Lenox near Joliet and plans to recruit across Michigan, from Grand Rapids to Lake St. Clair, which connects Lake Huron with Lake Erie in the Detroit area. “Community colleges can compete head to head against Division I powerhouses like Auburn and Alabama to build our brand and get SMC recognized,” Mathews said. ONLINE SUBSCRIBERS After GrandValley, Mathews

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• Ramblings er – also known as thongs in those days – they christened it as such. Soon all the maidens in the colony – and later the older ladies – had quietly heard the great news and implored Vicky to make them thongs. Of course it was all done in strict confidence, as no man could ever know, lest a stint in the pillory would be in store. No doubt the ladies of the first colony were much more comfortable and pleasant to be around. It’s likely this was about the same time as the birth of the saying, “When Mama’s happy, everybody is happy!” DON’T EVEN ASK It would be several centu-

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ries before men caught on. By then, prudish attitudes had diminished, and men readily accepted the fashion, some so much that they donned the attire and found it most appealing. Others craving comfort would have to wait for Theodore Speed to come along and give the world his liberating creation ... the Speedo. So as you see, this Thanksgiving will be just that much more wonderful when one can finally put to rest this perplexing question that’s burning on everyone’s mind. And one can answer with supreme confidence, “Yes, Pilgrims really did wear thongs. It was all because of Victoria’s Secret!”

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Competition is based on cumulative weight for the five heaviest fish caught per day. Events can last one or more days, with two anglers to a boat. “The only ones that count are largemouth bass, smallmouth bass and spotted bass. Around us, we only have largemouth and smallmouth,” Mathews said. Students who are interested in joining SMC’s bass fishing team next year should contact Mathews at wmathews@ swmich.edu or call 269-7821297

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ran his own bass fishing YouTube channel fulltime for two years. He surpassed 45,000 subscribers, with more than 8 million views of his fishing videos. “Not many other college fishing teams have a consistent YouTube channel,” Mathews said. “We will create buzz through YouTube and Instagram. Fishing is heavily sponsor-based, so we will work with several companies to get equipment. The goal is to be fully funded so travel expenses will be covered.”

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November-December 2021

Bulls Eye Bait gets new owners, expands online John Woelfel, owner of Bulls Eye Bait & Tackle in O’Fallon, MO for 22 years, is retiring and passing the torch and a huge assortment of fishing tackle to new owners Mark Schillinger and Liz Brusca. Customers have always liked to come in just to chat with Woelfel, so they may be glad to know he will still be in the store several days a week to clean, oil and repair reels and shoot the breeze with long-time customers. Bulls Eye is known for expert reel repair and cleaning – an invaluable service that is hard to find. Woelfel will also continue making guide replacements on rods. He is considered the best and possibly the only local source of this service. Bulls Eye will continue doing rod tip replacements while customers wait. The one-stop shop will continue to offer live bait, frozen bait, rods, reels and a variety of bass, catfish, crappie, bluegill and trout lures, plus jigs, soft plastics and tackle. Customers should keep an eye out for a future website and social media updates as the new owners will be increasing its social media presence to spread the word about the store and its personalized customer service.

Longtime owner John Woelfel will still be coming to clean, oil and repair reels.

For more information, go online to bullseyebaitandtackle.net or visit at 266 Fort Zumwalt Square in O’Fallon, or call (636) 281-3524.

New owners Liz Brusca and Mark Schillinger will continue to offer a huge assortment of fishing tackle.

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Outdoor Guide

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November-December 2021

Tips, Tricks and Thoughts for the Great Outdoors

Time to get away from it all By LARRY WHITELEY

COVID-19 and its variants are still around and won’t go away. I’m tired of it. I’m tired of masks and social distancing. I’m tired of hearing about mandating. I’m tired of other people making someone feel guilty if they don’t get the vaccine or make fun of them because they did. Now, people are coming down with it even if they got the vaccine. If you did get the vaccine, now you’re going to have to get a booster shot. Who knows what to believe about all this? Most of the news is about COVID or politics or other negative things, so I choose not to listen to or watch any of it. Instead, I choose to be positive and get away from it all as much as possible in God’s great outdoors. When hunting deer, I will wear a camouflage mask and I will social distance myself from them. I will not give up deer camp nor will I give up duck blinds. I will sit around a campfire and be thankful for

God watching over my family through all this. I will take time to enjoy, meditate and appreciate all of His creation. I will also pray for those who have lost loved ones to COVID and will continue to pray this will all go away. SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT “Everybody needs beauty as well as bread, places to play in and pray in, where nature may heal and give strength to body and soul.” – John Muir

FISHING

A THANKFUL THANKSGIVING I wonder how much different my life would have been if I had not become a hunter, fisherman, camper and hiker and developed the passion I have for our great outdoors. I certainly wouldn’t be writing this column for Outdoor Guide Magazine or any of the other magazines, newspapers and blogs I also write for. Neither would I have been able to write and publish my first book this year. I also would probably have never been to some of the

THANKSGIVING QUOTE “He who thanks but with the lips thanks but in part; the full, the true Thanksgiving comes from the heart.” – J.A. Shedd WE NEED CHRISTMAS THIS YEAR Well the very special, magical day of Christmas is almost here. Stores have been selling Christmas decorations since October, and Christmas sales are everywhere. When you get to be my age, time with family and friends on Christmas Day is what’s important and not storebought gifts. I love the smiles, the laughter, the decorations and the good food. I love to see kids open their presents. I don’t know how many more Christmas days the good Lord will give me, but I plan on enjoying every one of them. Christmas is also my birthday – and there have been many. Even with all the busy-ness

of this day, I always try to do something in our great outdoors. When I was younger it was a rabbit or quail hunt. This year it may be a hike in the woods with grandkids, or just sitting around a campfire by myself. It gives me time to reflect on all my many blessings and what the real reason for the season is. In this crazy, messed up old world – and especially after the past few years we have gone through – we need Christmas this year.

CHRISTMAS QUOTE “The great challenge left to us is to cut through all the glitz and glam of the season, that has grown increasingly secular and commercial, and be reminded of the beauty of the One who is Christmas.” – Bill Crowder Larry Whiteley’s new book, “Seasons: Stories of Family, God and the Great Outdoors,” is available from Amazon and Amazon Kindle.

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places I have hunted and fished across this great land. I would never have seen some of the magnificent beauty of those places. Neither would I have met some of the fine people I now call friends. All my kids and grandkids are active in the outdoors and love it. They fish, hunt, camp, hike. None of them have ever been in any kind of trouble. I am proud of the fine people they all are. I have so many great outdoor memories with all of them. I wonder, too, how much different their lives might have been if I had not passed on to them my love of the outdoors and our God who created it all. I tell you all this to, hopefully, get you to think about how much the outdoors has changed your life, too, and how much different it might have been for you. Can you just imagine how much better this old world could be if more people knew what we know and what we experience when we are out there? It is something we should be thankful for this Thanksgiving.

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.

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Outdoor Guide

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Outdoor Guide

November-December 2021

Page 21

Claudette’s Cottage

A cake you can make while you visit By CLAUDETTE ROPER

As rapid ly as it was getting dark before the time change, we sure didn’t need the time change on top of it. Talk about shortening the time in a tree stand for folks who work a full day! With less light, our girls will soon be laying fewer eggs. At that point, Mountain Man and I will have our yearly discussion, over coffee, about whether it’s worth running lights in the hen houses or not. That’s one of the better things about getting old: we forget things, so everything is new again. It saves on subscriptions, too. By the end of the year, we can pull out first-of-the-year issues and read them anew. NOT AGAIN, ETHEL! All the waterers will soon have heaters on them to prevent the water from freezing. The other night, some of our guinea fowl thought they’d like to roost in a tree by the barn. Had their loud carrying-on the next morning been understandable, I’d wager that they were saying: “I’m not doing that again, Ethel!” Cold nights and freezes have pretty much done in the garden, but there is a jungle of asparagus weed, and garlic has come up – all promises of what spring may hold. Meanwhile we’re thankful for all the meals it provided and opportunities to share with the community. THE OLD BULL Looking back at last winter, we had quite a bit of rough weather. As much as I usually enjoy it, it became challenging on the farm. When it was so cold, for so long, that our young bull froze and then broke his “business,” we were out of business. Needless to say, he lost both his job and his girls to the new bull. Our freezer, on the other hand, was full again and ready to feed lots of others. The other

freezer is ready and waiting for venison. Recently some faithful young men came and cut, split and stacked wood for us. Keeping the fire going will not be a problem. They are wonderful workers, and while Mountain Man has always been a good supervisor, he really has it down now. I’m so thankful for them all! The most enjoyable part of working up the wood is the noon break. It’s great to have friends surrounding our large dining room table filled with food. Between the fresh air and the stories that are told, everyone has a good time and everything tastes good. VISITING FAMILY, CAKE IN HAND There’s just something about fellowship that makes everything taste better. We see it during the year as friends come to visit. The holidays are often the same way, especially if you are blessed to have family you like. To say that it can be stressful during the holidays is an understatement. You knock yourself out to have everything just right (whatever that is) and then you get pulled every which way. Some of you end up visiting two or three homes in one day, in what I call hit-and-run fashion. You satisfied all the requirements, but you’re drained, and you still have to get ready for the next round. In all the holiday rush, don’t forget to take time to enjoy your friends and family. Take advantage of the time that’s left to get into a deer stand and remember… morel season isn’t that far away! This issue’s recipe for an easy-to-make and easyto-take cake will give you more time for other things. It’s easy to keep the ingredients on hand and quickly made. There’s a tendency in my kitchen to tweak a new recipe once it has been tried as directed. One exception is when a recipe calls for margarine or oleo. There is not and will not be anything of the sort in my fridge! Use butter. Everything is better with butter. Also, be aware that in many recipes that call for shortening, you can use coconut oil.

PINA COLADA DUMP CAKE Ingredients: 1 20-ounce can pineapple tidbits, undrained 1 cup coconut 1 package yellow cake mix 1 cup chopped nuts 1/2 cup butter, melted DIRECTIONS: Pour pineapple and juice

into a lightly greased 13x9inch baking pan. Sprinkle the coconut over it, then top with the dry cake mix. Pour melted butter over the top, then sprinkle with pecans. Bake at 350º for about 40 minutes or until lightly browned. This is so quick and easy

that when unexpected dinner guests come, you can take a few minutes to throw it in the oven and let it bake during dinner. This Thanksgiving and Christmas, there are bound to be folks thankful to see that not everyone turned up with a chocolate dessert or worse yet, fruitcake!

Pina colada dump cake is quick and easy when company comes. – 12Tomatoes.com photo

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Outdoor Guide

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November-December 2021

Your Guide to

GREAT GEAR

Oxcart Trail Boss brings new abilities for hauling, dumping

Save time – and your back – when working on your farm, hunting land, worksite or home property with the new Oxcart Trail Boss, The Trail Boss utility cart is designed for ease of use and durability. It reduces physical strain, so you can get more done in half the time and with much less effort. The mesh-free design means it can haul more land-management materials. It boasts a load capacity of 1,750 pounds, compared to competitors’ 1,500 pounds. The 15-inch ground clearance is a big plus while others have 11 inches or less. Trail Boss combines a rear offset dump pivot point for greater control with a patented hydraulic-assisted bed lift for easier heavy-load handling. The Oxcart Trail Boss sells for $599.99 at Home Depot stores and online at homedepot.com.

Hypnotik and Hypnotik Plus attract deer with blend of scents Hypnotik is an all-season calming deer attractant with a unique combination and blending of bedding areas and deer scents which calms bucks and does alike while masking human odors. Hypnotik Plus is the rut phase product, which features Estrus and is designed to be used in real and mock buck scrapes, ground trees, shrubbery and leaves to draw in bucks. List price for Hypnotik is $19. See it online at www.shadowmajikoutdoors.com.

Juneau Fleece Hoodie brings style and performance Named the Juneau Fleece Hoodie to match the best-selling Juneau Beanie, Outdoor Research offers a soft and warm fleece hoodie that doesn’t compromise on performance or style. This hoodie is more than just maximum comfy and cozy. With its double-brushed Sherpa fleece, it also packs in warmth and recycled materials to bring both action and comfort. A nylon exterior traps in warmth and a relaxed fit makes layering a cinch. The Juneau Fleece Hoodie is perfect for chilly days in town or camping in the spring or fall. The Juneau Fleece Hoodies comes in sizes XS, S, M, L and XL, selling for $149.99. See it online at www.outdoorresearch.com/us/womens-juneau-fleece-hoodie-283238.

Millennium offers M360 Revolution hangon, swivel stand

The M360 Revolution is a swiveling 20-inch-wide seat built on an oversize 40-inch circular checkerboard steel powder-coated platform, with the seat in the middle. With this stand, the hunter is set back from the tree with the ability to swivel in all directions. It mounts with four points of contact and its easy-to-use design makes set-up and take-down a breeze and features a built-in level bubble. Suggested retail price is $329.99 at www.millenium-outdoors.com.

Mossberg adds 12-gauge to 940 autoloading shotgun family Mossberg is expanding its family of 940 autoloading shotguns with release of the 940 Pro Field 12-gauge. This performance-driven platform rocked the world of competitive shooting when introduced in 2020. Now Mossberg is bringing the same durability, reliability and versatility to hunters with its Pro Field 12-gauge. The 940 has a new gas-operating system that will run at greater cleaning intervals, up to 1,500 rounds, and will reliably cycle any type of quality factory-made 2.75 or 3-inch ammunition. It features an oversized, beveled loading port with redesigned elevator and shell catch to allow for efficient and pinch-free loading into the magazine tube. The overall length is 47.5 inches and the weight is 7.75 lbs. List price is $848. For more information on this and other Mossberg autoloaders, go online to www.mossberg.com.

Popular flannel shirt converted into shirt jacket Outdoor Research took its popular heavyweight Feedback Flannel shirt and added super-soft sherpa fleece and VerticalX ECO insulation. The result is called the Feedback Shirt Jacket – the best of a flannel shirt and shirt jacket combined into one durable, warm layer. It’s just as breathable and UPF-protected as its flannel cousin, but with the addition of the fleece liner and 85-percent recycled Outdoor Research proprietary insulation. The Feedback Shirt Jacket lists for $149.99 and comes in S, M, L, XL and XXL sizes. To see it, go online to www. outdoorresearch.com/us/mens-feedback-shirt-jacket-283216.

Leupold’s new Alpine HD binoculars are rugged and light

The new Leupold BX-2 Alpine HD binoculars feature a lightweight, rugged magnesium body that stands up to the elements with its EXO-Armor exterior. Available in 8x42, 10x42, 10x52 and 12x52, these binoculars are perfect for any big-game hunting you plan to do. They can be mounted on a tripod for extended sessions. Weights range from 24 to just 30 ounces. Leupold’s Elite Optical System provides edge-to-edge clarity, superb light transmission, glare reduction and lowlight color balancing. They come with a lifetime warranty. The new Leupold Alpine binoculars prices range from $229.99 to $289.99. See them at leupold.com.

Sportsman’s Axe is handy in camp or on the trail Nothing beats an American-made axe for jobs in the woods, at camps or in the garden, so Estwing now offers its Sportsman’s Axe in either 12-inch or 14-inch sizes. This is a great axe to have around if you don’t plan on putting it through consistently heavy use. The head and handle are forged in one piece, making it comfortable to handle and well-balanced. The 2.75-inch cutting edge is plenty for the lighter-use tasks it was designed for, such as chopping wood for shelters or woodworking, splitting small pieces of deadwood and stripping bark. The Estwing Sportsman’s Axe models were selling for about $35 and a Special Edition model for $55 at various outdoors retailers.

Camping rocker rocks and holds drinks on any surface The GCI Outdoor Freestyle Rocker brings the comfort of home to the great outdoors. It’s easy to transport and set up and rocks on any surface, anywhere, using its “spring action rocking technology.” The rocker folds flat for storage and has a built-in handle. The frame is powder-coated steel with padded armrests, nylon feet, weather-resistant fabric and a drink holder. It weighs just 12 pounds and can support up to 250 pounds. The GCI Freestyle Rocker sells for $65 online at Dick’s, Moose Jaw and Bass Pro Shops.

Outdoor Guide

November-December 2021

Page 23

Wild Wine Life

Stir fry quail – an Asia/ Missouri fusion Photo and Text By RAY MAXWELL

Over the years, creating a fusion dish that allows me to enjoy wild game, while at the same time cooking a dish that appeals to my wife, has been a fun challenge. This stir fry quail takes some of the things we enjoy about Sichuan food and combines it with local wild game into a delicious, healthy and spicy meal. The dish is not entirely Sichuan nor Missourian, but what we consider the best from both. MARINADE INGREDIENTS Dry white wine (non-oaked) Chopped garlic Chopped ginger Chopped green onions Dark soy sauce DISH INGREDIENTS • 6 quail • 1 tablespoon chopped garlic • 1 tablespoon chopped ginger • 4 green onions • 10 sugar crystal cubes or 2 tablespoons sugar • 4 dried chili peppers (Increase the level of heat by adding more) • 5 anise stars • 1 teaspoon Szechuan peppers (found in Asian specialty stores) TIME TO COOK Place the quail into a container. Mix four ounces of white wine and two ounces of soy sauce and pour it over the quail.

Then add the other chopped ingredients. Every couple hours, rotate the quail in the container. You can do this four hours before cooking the dish or the night before. Heat up some olive oil in either a cast-iron skillet or wok. Add the sugar, and stir until the sugar has melted into the oil. Add two tablespoons of dark soy sauce. Place the quail into the hot olive oil. The goal is to brown and crisp the skin on the quail. Once you have browned the skin, remove the quail. Next, add the garlic, ginger, anise, chili peppers and Szechuan red peppercorns. After stirring, then add the quail back into the wok or skillet. While mixing the quail, add two ounces of white wine and two additional tablespoons of dark soy sauce. NOT DONE YET Continue to stir several times and then, while the heat is on low, cover the dish. Periodically turning over the quail, keep adding small amounts of wine as the liquid evaporates. About half-way through the cooking, add the green onions and continue to stir and watch the quail. You will see a nice dark color on the quail and notice a tenderness in the meat when it is

finished. Plate the dish and add some additional green onions for color and presentation. TWO WINES THAT PAIR WELL Augusta Vidal Blanc 2020 and Kung Fu Girl Riesling 2020, you will discover, both pair very well with this dish whether you decide to place it on the lower spectrum of spicy or extremely hot.

The Augusta offers wonderful citrus and pear aromatics while bringing hints of spice with matching flavors and a crisp, dry finish. You will find the wine works extremely well with this dish. The Augusta will show you that Missouri can offer quality dry white wines for under $15 per bottle. Kung Fu Girl, from Washington state, is the wine for Riesling lovers and those who

you decide for this dish. It’s a very versatile wine you can find under $15 a bottle. You can see the video version for this recipe on Facebook or Youtube, along with other wild game recipes and wine recommendations at Wild Wine Life. Please “Like” Outdoor Guide & Wild Wine Life on Facebook and invite your friends to Like us both.

Kenrick’s MEATS

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have not discovered a Riesling they enjoy yet. I describe the wine as drier than most mainstream German and Washington Rieslings while just a hair sweeter than the Alsatian Wines version. Wonderful Granny Smith apple, apricot and white peach flavors make this a fun wine. This wine was originally created to pair with spicyAsian food and will handle any heat and spice level that

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Kenrick’s Specialty Venison Sausages 3 lb. Stick Hickory Smoked

Summer Salami................................... $4.29 lb..................... $12.87 per stick 3 lb. Sticks

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November-December 2021

Outdoor Gallery

GOGGLE-EYES! – John Thompson of Ballwin, MO caught a limit of rock bass, also known as goggle-eyes, rock perch or red eye, while floating on the Big Piney River with retired Outdoor Guide Editor Bobby Whitehead and guide Paul Wade

NICE CATCH – Here’s 11 year old Colin Schmieg with a nice bass that he caught on a private lake outside of Waterloo IL. Nice catch Colin!!

WORKING MAN – Joe Secrest, an Ironworker with Local 396 of the Ironworkers, loves to fish. Here are some of his large crappie.

GREAT SCOTT – Scott Nicholson, a retired local IBEW Local 309 electrician, made this nice catch on a private lake in Illinois.

MISS MAE – Mae Kittle, 9, caught her trophy largemouth bass fishing with her grandfather at a friend’s pond near Pickerington, Ohio. The lunker weighed in at nearly five pounds and hit a small, 32-ounce panfish jig.

IT TAKES TWO – Adam DeMoss of Roofers Local 2 in St. Louis, who works at Taylor Roofing in Belleville, caught both snook and tarpon on a fly rod off of Islamorada Key in Florida.

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

November-December 2021

Page 25

Top spots for fall, early winter crappie

Speed will be from slow to very slow in cold water

Photos and Text By TIM HUFFMAN

Good crappie spots are precious gifts to be appreciated. Like houses – location, location and location determine a structure’s value. Finding a top spot means you’ll have fast action and a cooler full of good eating. DEEP LEDGES “Deep ledges are potential winter hot spots in most waters across the country,” said tournament angler Dan Dannenmueller. “Missouri, Illinois or Alabama, it doesn’t matter, crappie like ledges. “Deep is a relative term and may be 14 feet in some waters and 50 feet in others. Fall crappie will be in the middle depths, but when water turns cold, I find 15 to 30 feet is usually the correct range. Fish are there because it is a comfort zone and will have baitfish.” Dannenmueller spider rigs using high-tech electronics. He moves slowly along the ledge. Crappie may be roaming some in fall, but in the winter they will be hugging tight to logs, laydowns or other combinations of wood cover. Shad roaming in the

area are a huge positive factor. He recommends moving slowly along but stopping when electronics reveal good cover with fish on it. “I give crappie live meat this time of year. Minnows are important. I may be tipping a Bobby Garland jig because a jig will get into the cover better than a minnow on a hook,” he said. “In the fall, crappie will be up on shallower ledges or suspended up. As water gets cold, it’s important for a fisherman to be patient. Fish might require you to force feed them and leave the bait still for a long time to entice a strike.” CREEK AND COVE MOUTHS Three-time Classic Champ Charles Bunting from Missouri says crappie suspend out in the mouths of creeks and coves during late fall and winter. He catches them by slow trolling with multiple poles or by LiveScoping with one pole. “The two techniques I use work on most lakes,” Bunting said. “The fish will suspend up on wood or out in open water, often 10 or 12 feet deep over 25 to 35 feet of water. I’ve overlooked these fish for years, but LiveScope has shown us so many things, and these suspended fish in the cove mouths is one of them. It’s also interesting that the largest crappie will be the ones in open water, not on the brush.”

Charles Bunting displays a typical fall crappie. He says finding them can be difficult but creek and cove mouths are a good place to start.

His one-pole is a BnM Super Six Sharp Shooter for casting. For pitching and jigging, Bunting’s pick is a 13-foot BnM Stick with sixpound-test Vicious line and a 1/8-ounce Whack’em head with a Muddy Water plastic body. He starts by casting

Spider rigging, also called slow trolling, is still a popular way to catch crappie. Multiple poles and the ability to go super-slow in cooler water make this a productive method.

and follows up with a vertical presentation. The bait is presented slowly or held still right over their heads. Bunting says every body of water is different, so depths will be different. Late fall and winter is a great time to catch numbers of fish, but

finding them and dialing in the right bait can be tricky. Also, remember to tip jigs with minnows for more bites. BRIDGES Whether fishing Rend Lake in Illinois, down in Mississippi or somewhere in between, bridges can be awesome holding areas as soon as the water starts to cool. BnM pro staffer Hugh Krutz says it’s no secret that bridges create a bottleneck that forces baitfish and predator fish into a tighter area above, below and under a bridge. “Several things are important for success,” Krutz said. “First is current. Too much or too little pushes fish away from the bridge, so a mild current is what you need. “I still prefer old-fashioned spider rigging with multiple poles. I use 16-foot BnM BGJP poles and Capps/ Coleman double-hook minnow rigs. It’s easy to move around slowly working the big holes below the bridge and work the concrete pilings under the bridge using this method. Speed will be from slow to very slow in cold water.” Krutz says it’s likely a fisherman can find the good spots quickly, because bridges draw crowds of fishermen. Fish will usually be concentrated somewhere around the bridge and so will fishermen. He says not to crowd others,

but you have to get where the fish are located, so easing in is what everyone does. OTHER SPOTS Late fall and early winter crappie may be in different locations. Creek channels and the flats associated with them can be outstanding. Crappie move up on the flats to feed and then go back down in the channel. Fish may suspend, too, so electronics are critical to ensure baits are in the strike zone. Different methods will work, but a float and fly method using a 1/32-ounce jig, a fixed float and a sevento nine-foot spinning rod is a fun way to catch these fish. Work the flat for feeding crappie and the top of the creek ledge, where crappie will suspend. Crappie may be in standing timber where food is located. Jigging is a great way to get them. Crappie move a lot in the fall and early winter, so keep an open mind when searching for fish. Pay attention to where the experts like to fish and give those places a try. Enjoy the cool weather and hot fishing. Tim Huffman has written for Outdoor Guide for three decades. His books, “Limiting Out for Crappie” and “300+ Crappie Fishing Tips,” are available in paperback at Grizzly Jig Company or from Amazon (in Kindle or paperback).

Cold-water baits should be medium to small in size. The Bobby Garland Itty Bit Slab Slay’R and Baby Shad are good examples of baits that should be tested in late fall and winter.

Outdoor Guide

Page 26

November-December 2021

Finesse jig fishing on Lake of the Ozarks Photo and Text By JOHN NEPORADNY JR.

Standard casting or flipping jigs has always been associated with power-fishing tactics, but a smaller and lighter version of the lure has become an effective alternative when Lake of the Ozarks bass get picky. Former Bass Fishing League (BFL) All-American champion Brian Maloney has become an advocate of the finesse jig, and he religiously uses it in the same situations where other anglers would rely on standard flipping or casting jigs. “It’s smaller, but more importantly, it is the lighter the jig, the more erratic the fall is,” Maloney said. “Sometimes the jig will spiral on you, and sometimes it will shoot away from you. But you have to be extremely careful to go with light line to get that action out of those jigs.” Finesse jigs were originally designed with a collared skirt and a ball head. The collared skirt is still a trademark of a finesse jig, but lure manufacturers are now making versions with swim, rocker and football heads. The jig is also equipped

with a light-wire hook, which Maloney believes penetrates deeper than heavier gauge hooks for a better hookset. He cautions that the light-wire hook will bend on a hookset if you are using heavy line, so downscale to lighter line and loosen your reel’s drag so it will slightly give up some line during a hookset. The local angler and tournament veteran relies on Jakked Baits Finesse Jigs which feature multi-color skirts. His favorite jig colors include black and blue with a dash of purple or chartreuse, green pumpkin or black and brown mixed with a shade of red or chartreuse. He opts for 5/16- or 7/16-ounce finesse jigs for most of his pitching applications. However in “super clear” water he will switch to a 1/4-ounce model that he throws with spinning gear. MAKING A MATCH Matching the finesse jig with the right-size trailer is crucial. Maloney’s favorite soft plastic trailers include a bulky flipping tube and a 4-inch Strike King Rage Bug. He avoids tipping the jig with larger trailers. “You have to be careful when

Brian Maloney relies on a finesse jig to catch bass yearround in any water color.

you start pushing up 4-inch or bigger trailers because it can dominate that little jig and really take the action out of it,” he said. “If those tails on the trailer are too big, you might as well throw just the trailer and not even have a jig on there.” Maloney always tries to contrast the colors of his jig and trailer. He experiments with

different color combinations such as a black/blue jig with a smoke trailer or black/blue jig and green pumpkin trailer. When fishing in gin-clear water at Lake of the Ozarks, Maloney scales down to 10-pound fluorocarbon, and he opts for 14-pound fluorocarbon for dirty water fishing. Maloney claims the

biggest mistake some anglers make is tying finesse jigs on 15- to 20-pound line because the heavier line kills the jig’s action. The finesse jig has produced for Maloney in all ranges of water color. “It resembles a small crawfish or baitfish, so I am not worried about the color of the water,” he said. Maloney also likes to pitch the jig in the same cover as others probe with bigger jigs. He swims it along the sides of docks or laydowns, skips it under docks to big bass sitting in the shade or casts it along bluffs or rocky banks. “It’s a finesse jig, but it is still a jig, so anything you can fish with a 1/2- or 3/4-ounce, you can do with the little jig,” he said. “It is a very versatile bait. I think a lot of people overlook it because they are so wrapped up in the heavier baits, and they want to be able to feel those baits.” LETHARGIC BASS The finesse jig is especially effective for Maloney when he targets lethargic bass that want a slower falling lure. “It is just a whole different presentation

in the fact that you just have to slow down and lighten up on your line,” he said. “Probably the one factor of the small jigs that people don’t like is that they have to fish them so slow to keep the feel.” The two-time BASS Nation Championship qualifier mostly fishes the finesse jig in shallow water, but he will present it to bass out to depths of 20 feet if he knows the fish are that deep. Maloney suggests the finesse jig is a hard way to search for bass because it has to be fished slowly, especially in water deeper than 12 feet. His finesse jig retrieve varies depending on the mood of the fish. Sometimes he swims the jig 1 to 2 feet off the bottom or hops it along the bottom. For inactive bass he deadsticks the jig, letting it sit on the bottom for about five seconds or longer. Maloney relies on his jig in all sorts of weather and in all seasons. “It’s a 365-day-a-year jig,” he says. For copies of John Neporadny’s Lake of the Ozarks Fishing Guide, call (573) 365-4296 or visit www.jnoutdoors.com.

When heading to backcountry, be ready for it Photo and Text By BRANDON BUTLER Driftwood Outdoors Whether you are heading out on an epic Alaskan adventure or simply hitting a trail in your local national forest for an overnighter, your level of achievement will directly correlate with being properly prepared for the expedition at hand. Having the right equipment, using sound judgement and being in good shape make any backcountry adventure much more safe and enjoyable. REMEMBER THESE ESSENTIALS: • BOOTS – Every time we step into the wilderness, our goal should be to learn something. Over the years, I’ve learned a number of lessons. First, a good boot is essential. I wear backpacking boots by Lowa. I’ve come to like the feel over many years and trust my ankles in them. I always break in new boots for at least two weeks before leaving on a trip. This keeps hotspots and blisters to a min-

imum. I also suggest inserted soles. I use Superfeet, but there are lots of options out there. Just find one that fits and feels comfortable to you. • MRE TO EAT – Dehydrated food isn’t bad. Meals ready to eat, or MREs, are produced by many companies. I tried a number of brands over the years before finding my favorite. You may have to do the same. At first, I was surprised by how good they were. MREs are lightweight to carry and very easy to make. Open the package, boil two cups of water, poor water in, stir, seal and let sit for 10-15 minutes. The meal is then ready to eat. I usually eat mine out of the bag so I didn’t have any dishes to carry or wash. • PAD – Now that there is some gray in my beard, one piece of gear I’ll never go into the backcountry for an overnight trip without is an inflatable mattress pad. I’m now either too old or too smart to sleep right on the ground. I’ve had more than my share of nights that left me cold and sore. A sleeping pad helps fight against both. These

Spending time in the backcountry is great – when you’re properly prepared.

sleeping pads, which are like miniature air mattresses, not only provide cushioning but warmth as well. • TARP – You also don’t need a tent for most overnights, once the first frost has knocked the bugs back. A good old-fashioned tarp is all you need. It will block the rain and provide a nice sitting area out of the sun.

A tarp probably won’t weigh a pound with strings. You can use sticks found in the forest to prop up the ends and center of the tarp. • GPS – A GPS of some sort is a crucial piece of safety gear. Most phones have tracking apps nowadays, but be sure your phone is not going to die on you while you’re in the backcountry.

An external battery charger can supply power, but I prefer a small solar charger. The one I use weighs almost nothing and gives me power throughout my time off the grid. Going into the backcountry, whether that’s in the most desolate reaches of the planet or a large parcel of Midwestern public land, is an amazing

adventure. You just have to be prepared. You owe it to yourself and to those who love you. Have the right gear and use good judgement and you’ll experience pure bliss in the backcountry. For more of Brandon Butler’s Driftwood Outdoors, check out the podcast at www. driftwoodoutdoors.com.

Outdoor Guide

November-December 2021

Page 27

Two places to see elk in natural habitat Photos and Text By BOB HOLZHEI

Editor’s note: Lone Elk Park in St. Louis County is a great place to see elk and buffalo in their natural environment on its 546 hilly acres. Imagine a 110,000-acre version of the park. That’s what this story is about. Pigeon River Country State Forest, consisting of 110,000 acres spread over three counties, is located at Gaylord, MI and is a tourist destination where visitors can view elk in their natural habitat. “Elk viewing is one of the most popular area activities,” said Kristie Walcott of the Gaylord Area Convention & Tourism Bureau, which keeps an elk viewing page on its website. Gaylord is at the north end of Michigan’s Lower Peninsula, off of Interstate 75 with Lake Michigan to the west and Lake Huron to the east. “Four staff members take care of the elk and the herd is overseen by a licensed veterinarian that provides medical care on an as-needed basis,” said Alan Zielenski, supervisor of the Gaylord Department of Public Works. I was spellbound as our very slow drive began in the fencedin area. As the tour began, my mind

traveled back in time to an earlier era. I found myself in the late 1800’s, traveling in a covered wagon, pulled by a team of horses on the frontier. As Zielenski narrated, I imagined how my great-great-grandparents might have lived. A TIME FOR PHOTOS We did not want to spook the elk within the area. Many elk were lying along the fence line, under the cover of shade from the sun. Photos captured the many majestic elk; in this case a picture was worth a thousand words. I felt like I was traveling back to an earlier era in wild Michigan when the land was unspoiled. It was a time of settlers within small hamlets, forging a life in the wilderness for their families. What is the history behind the current elk herd? Elk were extinct in Michigan during the 1800s. In 1918, seven Rocky Mountain elk were relocated to Gaylord from the western United States. The herd grew to 1,500 elk in the nearly 1960s, dropping to 200 in the mid-1970s because of poaching and reduced habitat quality. Over the past 40 years, public and private elk wildlife management has contributed to the success of the current population. The Michigan Department

The dinners have a north country look and feel to them.

A picture is worth a thousand words at Pigeon River Country State Forest.

of Natural Resources has been a vital part of the rehabilitation of the elk herd. The habitat consists of open and natural forested areas. The unspoiled surroundings are the result of cutting timber, planting crops and controlled burns. Gaylord has a City Elk Park allowing visitors to view the elk from their cars. Currently in the park there are 30 bulls and 10 cows in a 108-acre fenced-in area. Feed for the elk consists of four round bales of hay each week along with sugar beets, corn and vitamins. The older bulls fight for

dominance and the opportunity to breed the cows. Zielenski said that once, as two bulls fought, a smaller bull sneaked in to service the cow. Observation details, including maps with directions, are available at the Gaylord Information Center. The forest gives out this information: “If you’re planning a trip to the Pigeon, keep in mind that it’s managed differently than other state forests. To retain that ‘wild character’ that provides an opportunity for a remote, undeveloped, backcountry experience, it

After dinner, guests are taken out to see the Elk in sleighs or wagons.

isn’t peppered with a lot of infrastructure and signs. This doesn’t mean there isn’t a lot to explore – you just have to be ready for an adventure. Also be aware that cellphone coverage is patchy.” THUNDER BAY RESORT An additional elk viewing experience is available at Thunder Bay Resort located at Hillman, MI., east of Gaylord and close to Lake Huron. “People started requesting information on elk viewing opportunities,” said Jack Mathias of Thunder Bay. “In addition, we offer a wagon or sleigh ride through the forest, arriving at a log cabin where a gourmet meal, cooked on 125-year-old stoves, is provided to our guests This unique outdoor opportunity has become so popular that making reservations ahead of time is recommended.” Thunder Bay Resort has been recognized as one of “America’s Best Attractions.” The award-winning elk viewing, horse-drawn sleigh or carriage ride, gourmet dinner and wine tasting event is “a real fairy tale” and was declared by USAToday and Fox News Online as a Top Ten event. The horse-drawn carriage or sleigh ride whisks guests “over the river and through the woods,” to the resort’s elk pre-

serve to view Rocky Mountain elk in their natural habitat. WHAT’S FOR DINNER? At the Elk Antler Cabin, a warm fire awaits with a gourmet dinner including a pear and apple dumpling, shrimp cocktail, homemade chicken noodle soup, a sweet Napa salad and croissant, crown roast of pork with roasted skinned potatoes and a white chocolate mousse filled with pizzelles with fresh raspberries. “Elk viewing dinner rides are now part of destination weddings, holiday parties, and murder mystery weekends,” Mathias said. “With five carriages or sleighs, the capacity for the experience is 104 guests.” This year, Thunder Bay Resort celebrates its 30th anniversary. Over 120,000 people have experienced the magic of an elk bugle and a gourmet meal. “Gaylord is known as a four-season outdoor recreation area offering boating, fishing, hunting, swimming, kayaking, rafting, hiking, biking and golf during the summer months,” Zielenski said. Contact the Gaylord Information Center at 319 W. Main Street or online at www.gaylordmichigan.net. For Thunder Bay Resort, call 800-729-9375 or go online to www.reservations@ThunderBayResort.

Thunder Bay Resort will feed you at the Elk Antler Cabin.

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Outdoor Guide

Page 28

November-December 2021

Plenty of ducks, but hunting may be tough Photo and Text By JERRY PABST

Dry weather last spring has created an unusual circumstance for waterfowl hunters to deal with this fall. While the fall flight will contain a plentiful amount of ducks, hunters will need to rely on all of their skill to harvest many of them. Delta Waterfowl forecasts that poor breeding conditions in the prairie pothole region will result in a smaller fall flight than waterfowl hunters have experienced for many seasons. But the overall duck population is well above the long-term average. The bad news is that in North Dakota, one of the few states able to carry out its annual breeding survey in a pandemic year, the breeding duck estimate dropped a hefty 26.9 percenet. It was the highest percentage decrease in the history of the North Dakota survey. Due to Covid-related problems, the breeding survey was not carried out on the Canadian prairies for the second year, but by all indications the lack of wetlands extended across this entire region, too.

SILVER LININGS Still, there are silver linings to be found when small, shallow prairie wetlands – those most vital to making ducks – dry out. Little precipitation fell throughout the winter and early spring, and in turn the normally wet pools produced abundant vegetation. Dr. Frank Rohwer, president and chief scientist of Delta Waterfowl, noted, “Alot of the prairies were dry, but the drought cycle rejuvenates wetlands with food for hens and ducklings in the following spring.Assuming we have better water next year, ducks will rebound quickly. We could have outstanding duck production.” Rohwer added, “There will be far fewer juveniles in the fall flight, and that’s unfortunate because the best seasons are always those when you’ve got an abundance of young ducks winging south.” Despite indicating a significant decrease from 2020, North Dakota’s breeding-duck estimate remains 19 percent above the long-term average. And long-term data indicates that most duck populations are

Grassy Lake Hunting Club near Jonesboro in southern Illinois is a prime location for hunting ducks.

well above average – including a 2019 estimate of 38.9 million breeding ducks, 10 percent above average. HOW THEY FARED Not all the duck species suffered equally during the nesting season. Here is how some of them fared under the drought conditions. • Mallards : Delta expects that mallards had poor production, mainly due to poor re-nesting conditions of failed nests.

• Blue-winged teal: Delta

believes they had a decent production year relative to other ducks. They nest sooner than most species, in late April and early May – a period in which a smattering of wetlands was still available in their core breeding ranges across the Dakotas. For ducks that rarely re-nest following nest destruction, drought has less of an impact. • Green wing teal: These nest farther north in the upper tier of the Canadian parklands and the

boreal forest, where wetland conditions fluctuate far less year to year. Delta forecasts that their production was stable. • Gadwall: The population continues to boom, increasing 47.4 percent to 649,216 ducks, an incredible 109.5 percent above the long-term average. Rohwer said. “I suspect they did better than mallards because they’re less dependent on re-nesting. However, they also tend to nest late – as far as into early June – and that’s when wetland conditions really deteriorated. They’ve definitely proven a very resilient species.” • Pintails: The news is especially unfavorable for pintails, as conditions were very poor in prairie Saskatchewan – the traditional heart of the pintail’s breeding range – and the shallow wetlands that pintails especially depend on were nowhere to be found. • Wigeon: Delta believes that wigeon, which also have the core of their breeding range in Saskatchewan, did not fare well either in that exceptionally dry part of the prairies. • Canvasbacks: A decreased fall flight of canvasbacks is predicted as well, due to poor nest-

ing conditions in the parklands of Saskatchewan, Manitoba and, indirectly, the Dakotas. • Redheads: These have steadily increased for a number of years, but Delta believes this year’s conditions will result in a short-term reversal of that trend. • Bluebills: Production of bluebills was likely consistent with recent years this spring. • Ring-necked ducks: These ducks are expected to have furthered their upward-trending population this spring. Unlike their close relatives, bluebills, ringers nest over water, where they appear to be more successful at hatching nests. So there you have it. During the current waterfowl season, you are going to be dealing with mainly smart, older birds that have been up and down the flyway several times and have seen all the hunters’ tricks and heard all their different calling techniques. They are not going to be easy. The only advice I can give you is to make sure every square inch of your blind is well covered, keep your face down and your duck call in your pocket.

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November-December 2021

Page 29

Fly fishing for river crappies in autumn

Photo and Text By TERRY & ROXANNE WILSON

In autumn, the lower sections of rivers that flow into reservoirs host migrant populations of several species. The fish’s mission is to gorge on the river’s bounty before returning to the depths of the lake for winter. Largemouth bass, bluegills and crappie forage for minnows and feed on the abundant aquatic insects. It’s possible to catch a mixed bag of species, particularly in early autumn, but later in the season, it’s not very likely. Bluegills enter the river and depart first. The bass are followed by crappies that remain in the river the longest. By the time crappies dominate the scene, the only mixed bag will likely be migrant crappie and the river population of various other species. Generally, the river residents will be smaller than the migratory populations because their lives are more arduous due to the continually moving water. UPSTREAM FROM RESERVOIRS For autumn crappie fun, river fishing just upstream from reservoirs ranks high on our list. This is due, in part, to cooling water, when lakes are subjected to a period of turbulence. It’s called the “fall turnover.” Colder air temperatures cool the upper layer of lake water and cause it to become heavier than the other layers and sink. This becomes a stressful time for the fish population and inducing them to bite is difficult. Moving into the rivers makes sense for the fish and the angler as well. Another reason for our attraction to autumn river crappies is that they often feed on sub-aquatic insect life, which

translates into a perfect situation for our light rods. A soft action rod, 4X or 5X tippets, size 10 and 12 flies, and big crappies are surely a match made in heaven. Anyone who would denigrate the fighting ability of crappies in this setting just hasn’t had the opportunity to enjoy the experience. River crappie trips often involve shallow-water presentations, but there are times that deeper holes must be explored as well. It is always a good idea to carry two reel spools, one loaded with floating and the other with either sink-tip or full-sinking line. Recently we found that intermediate lines handle the deep water structure even better. Lines designed to sink as slowly as 1 to 2 inches per second will get the fly deep enough yet keep the fly above bottom entanglements. Wind that causes a chop on the water’s surface allows slack and consequently loss of direct contact with the fly. Intermediate lines eliminate that problem. DEEP DRIFT FISHING If a deep drift is desired, cast up and across. Slow current will enable the angler to stay in control of the fly and still achieve a dead drift. Another option is the attachment of a strike indicator above the fly. This is especially helpful in avoiding snags. Remember, the crappie’s eyes are located near the top of its head, enabling them to feed above its position. There are times when casting down and across the current without a strike indicator will induce more strikes. This presentation allows the fly to acquire drag and simulate the natural insect’s rise to the surface. Observation of a hatch in progress with few fish rises

For autumn crappie fun, river fishing just upstream from reservoirs is great.

may indicate that the down-andacross presentation is in order. Creating a fly box for autumn crappie in rivers is pretty simple. We utilize only two fly patterns, but we do carry a couple of different colors of each. Best results are usually attained while using a size 10 nymph with a very buggy appearance. The fly

doesn’t need to imitate particular sub-aquatic insects, but a stark silhouette and a bit of action will attract the most crappie interest. A dark-colored fly, such as black, brown or olive, will get the most interest in stained water, while a lighter-colored nymph, either tan or pale olive, is best in clear water.

THE STREAMER CHOICE When the crappies seek a more substantial meal, a streamer is a wise choice. Use a small size to replicate the minnow population in the river. A size 10 marabou streamer with the wing being no longer than one and a half times the hook shank length

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will provide the enticing action necessary to induce strikes. A dark pattern with an olive wing and copper body is especially productive in stained water. A down-and-across presentation on a slack line will allow the minnow imitation to reach the desired depth before imparting short, erratic strips.

The Big Woods

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Outdoor Guide

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November-December 2021

Muskie fishing heats up on cool days

Photo and Text By BRANDON BUTLER Muskie are the apex predator of freshwater fishing. These toothy creatures, which reach lengths of 60 inches and can top out scales at over 60 pounds, are not easy to catch, but tangle with one and you’ll know it was worth the effort. While more prevalent in the northern Midwest states, like Wisconsin and Minnesota, muskie are also caught in lakes and rivers in Missouri, Illinois and Indiana. Fall is one of the best times to catch them as they prepare for winter. Muskie are known as the fish of 10,000 casts. This is of course an estimate, but the point is that catching a muskie with any type of fishing tackle is no easy task. If you want the reward and excitement of landing one of these solitary predators, you are going to have to work for one. It’s not like anyone can tell you exactly how, where and when to go catch one.

Muskie roam. You’re going to have to cast a lot, try a lot of different lures, fish different structures, different depths, multiple days, and maybe, just maybe, it’ll all come together for you and across your arms will be draped a fish longer than your leg. A GUIDE HELPS Statistics tells us that fishing with a guide drastically cuts down the number of casts you’ll have to throw to land a fish. An Indiana survey of muskie guides showed that the 12 guides operating conducted 2,900 trips in 11 years. That’s an average of 264 trips per year. They boated 300 muskie on those trips for an average of 1.14 fish landed per guide trip. I don’t know how many casts you’ll throw in a day, but it won’t be 10,000. The point is, if you want the best chance of landing a muskie, hire a guide. Traveling to muskie fish is a lot like traveling for a hunt. You are successful if you catch one. These fish don’t swim in every lake and

pond like bluegill or bass. You usually have to hit the road to chase them. Here are a few options: • Northwoods – There’s nothing like fishing the Northwoods in fall. The Turtle Flambeau area of Wisconsin is a muskie fishing destination that has been attracting anglers for generations. For me, there is no better time to be there than now. Throwing big muskie baits is a laborious task, but when you hook one, you know you’ve just done something special. Land one and you’ll have a memory to last a lifetime. • Down South – If you’re into muskie fishing down south, Cave Run Lake in Kentucky is a must-fish destination. At 7,800 acres, it’s a big body of water, but is small enough to learn given a little time. Numerous guide services operate on Cave Run, and all of them will tell you fall is a great time to book a trip. Muskie must be 36 inches to keep, but hopefully you’ll strongly consider catch and release. If you’re looking for a specific place

Known as the fish of 10,000 casts, muskie are not easy to catch.

on the lake to fish, Musky Bend might be a good place to start. • Bass Lake – Bass Lake, located in the Dugger Unit of the Greene-Sullivan State Forest in southern Indiana, is the largest of all the state forest lakes at 222 acres. The Dugger Unit is a heavily

fished section of the forest. DNR researchers found muskie to be the third most sought-after species in Bass Lake. They are also found in Duck Lake and Black Cat Lake within the forest. If you’ve ever had the good fortune to tangle with a “water wolf” then you know

Muskie aren’t pre-disposed to kindness. In fact, they’re downright out evil creatures. In my book, this makes them all the more appealing to fish. Catch one and you’ll likely be hooked for life. Check out Brandon Butler’s podcast at www.driftwoodoutdoors.com.

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Outdoor Guide

November-December 2021

Page 31

The seven pillars of wildlife conservation By GERALD J. SCOTT

When the first Europeans settled in what would become the United States and Canada, all wildlife in Europe had been the wholly owned property of regents and/or their allied landed gentry for well over 1,000 years. Ordinary citizens who appropriated as little as a single rabbit for their own use did so at their peril. That system didn’t translate to North America for a number of reasons, the most important of which was the all-but-universal belief that both the new continent’s land and its wildlife were literally infinite. But it didn’t take long for late 17th and early 18th century settlers to be confronted by hints that there’s no such thing as infinite in nature. In the early 1700s, New York imposed the first wildlife regulation in North America when it closed the deer season from late winter through early summer in hopes of preventing the collapse of the deer herd, which was a vital source of meat. In terms of today’s dollars, the fines for violating the

regulation were draconian, but enforcement was impossible. Not surprisingly, the lesson of New York’s deer was forgotten as the population began its rapid western expansion. It wasn’t until late in the 19th century, after the passenger pigeon was gone and after elk, once the most widely distributed ungulate in North America, had taken their final refuge in the western mountains, that a small group of men led by Theodore Roosevelt, in effect, said, “Enough is enough.” A WORK IN PROGRESS It took decades to form a framework for wildlife conservation in North America, and it’s still very much a work in progress, but the project is now known as the North American Model of Wildlife Conservation. At this point, I want to pause and note that Mexico, other than being a signatory to a few migratory wildlife treaties, is not an active participant. Canadian wildlife professionals do what they can and would like to do much more, but they’re hamstrung by their own government. That leaves

on this one, but such cannot be said of many other states. For example, a single unelected bureaucrat in New Jersey blocked that state’s 2021 bear season, despite the fact that the state’s wildlife experts had approved it.

This pillar’s original intent was to make a firm statement against all forms of commercial market hunting. There will always be arguments about what other purposes are legitimate. As of now, a significant majority of Americans consider hunting in general to be legitimate, and an even larger majority approve of hunting for meat to be used by the hunter and his family. Trophy hunters don’t fare so well and need to do a better job of explaining what they do.

6. Wildlife is allocated by democratic rule of law. 7. Every person has an equal opportunity under the law to participate in hunting.

I’m putting these last two pillars together, not just due to space limitations, but also because they raise such complex issues that I wonder if the goals they express are attainable. The authors of the sixth pillar intended that “everyone has a fair and equitable opportunity under the law to join the hunt.” But as I noted earlier, this pillar can be rendered moot by a failure to abide by Pillar 5. And as for the seventh pillar, it grieves me to say so, but this one’s unrealistic. Factors including wealth, land ownership and state of residence, among others, will always impact any given individual’s ability to go hunting.

4. Wildlife is considered an international resource. Elk including these are finally being restored in the eastern United States. – Mossy Oak photo

the United States to carry the load to advance the model’s “seven pillars.” 1. Wildlife is a resource held in public trust.

This one sounds good, but government is the only practical conservator of that trust. It only works if the public cares enough about wildlife to constantly monitor the government’s actions or inactions. 2. There are no markets for wild game.

In Europe, there is a thriving market for wild game meat. As a direct result, wild game continues to be the property of the owner of the land on which it lives. To maximize the revenue generated by wild game, many landowners allow “hunters” to harvest wild game under carefully controlled conditions, but the meat is retained by the landowner. 3. Wildlife may be killed only for legitimate purposes.

Waterfowl were the first wildlife to be protected by international treaties, and the system seems to be working quite well with the cooperation of all three North American countries. Conversely, the United States still refuses to cooperate with a number of other countries – including Canada – by banning the import of trophies taken legally in those countries. 5. Science is the proper tool for discharge of wildlife policy.

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