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FEATURES :
2011/2012 W WaterfoWl aterfoWl S SeaSon eaSon r reSultS eSultS -- 2011/2012 raymond aymond e. e. lleWiS eWiS t tribute ribute -- r SportSmanS portSmanS b ball all u update pdate -- S
Spring iSSue
DEParTMENTs
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the director’S deSk Raymond E. Lewis Tribute
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Wood duck neSting program Students of F.E. Dubose Help Build Nest Boxes
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chapter development BANQUETS FINISH WELL DESPITE THE ECONOMY SPORTSMANS BALL A HUGE SUCCESS DUCK SHUCK 2012 dog training HUNT EM UP PUP - PART 2
camp Woodie update
in the neWS
28 drought monitors
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North America & Canada
28 E-Duck Stamps
29 Hunting DNR WMAs
Native American Artifact Show
30 SCWA Hosts SCDNR Technicians Meeting Special featureS
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2011/2012 Waterfowl Season Results
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product & outfitter revieWS HEVI-Metal Shot & Agri Drain
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WaterfoWl ScienceS RING-NECKED DUCKS
the Sporting chef ROAD SNACKS corporate SponSorS
on the cover:
W ildlife
photographer b en c leWiS captured thiS Shot of a beautiful drake b lue - Wing t eal ; it WaS one of over 500 that bombarded hiS decoyS .
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by Doug Gardner
SCDNR, John Frampton Retires
Camp Leopold Charging Forward!
SOUTH CAROLINA WATERFOWL ASSOCIATION Board of Directors
Camp Leopold is off to a great start! The SCWA team, along with Jim Koenig of Kingfish Environmental, has worked hard on the launch of our school year program. Through August and September 2011, we spent most of our time investigating every inch of our 410-acre facility. With the SCWA team’s knowledge of the property and Jim’s keen eye, the vision of educational activities was not only possible, but limitless. Jim used his many years of outdoor education experience in application with Aldo Leopold’s writings and discoveries to develop a curriculum which we are excited to share with future Leopold campers. This curriculum contains many youth outdoor education activities that meet South Carolina educational standard requirements. Also, with today’s society thriving on technology and youth benefiting from it in so many ways, our curriculum has the ability to incorporate all of the modern possibilities. The Wildlife Education Center hosted 26 educators from across the state of South Carolina in October and November 2011. We have also scheduled 27 more workshops for educators from February through May 2012 and currently have 62 educators signed up to attend. In early October 2011, Camp Leopold hosted Buist Academy, Mt. Pleasant, SC, for our pilot camp. The pilot camp was a huge success! We were able to view our plans in action. Most things starting out take time, but with our already fine-tuned facility and support from key SCWA supporters, we have charged forward with Camp Leopold. If you would like to view details on our pilot camp with Buist Academy, go to our website www.wildlifeedcenter.org and click on Camp Leopold to watch the video. If you would like to sign your school up for a 2-1/2 day session at Camp Leopold, attend an educator workshop, or make a donation towards a school's attendance please contact me!
Ed Paul South Carolina Waterfowl Association Director of Camp Woodie "Summer Program" & Camp Leopold "School Year Program" Office: 803-452-6001 ext 106 Cell: 803-600-8977
President James H. Walker Senior Vice President Philip L. Horn, Jr. Secretary/Treasurer A. Carrol Josey
Gary W. Dietrich Delbert E. Eggert Marshall J. Collins, Jr Stan Luthi John N. McCarter
Charles C. Rountree III O. Johnson Small, II John Stroud Richard M. Unger John W. Williamson, III
Executive Director David J. Wielicki
Chapter Development Mac Bagnal Controller Tom Ratkovsky
Data Entry Thomasyne Hipp
Fundraising Coordinator Jennifer McNeely
Senior Waterfowl Biologist Stuart Cochran Camp Director Ed Paul
Waterfowl & Wetlands Magazine is the official quarterly publication of the South Carolina Waterfowl Association. SCWA is a state-wide, non-profit, waterfowl and wetland conservation organization based in Rimini, SC. All money raised by SCWA is spent within South Carolina on waterfowl and wetland education, management and research programs, and legislative education. All donations to SCWA beyond the retail value of the merchandise acquired are fully tax deductible under section 501 (c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Service Code. Direct all SCWA and magazine inquiries to: 9833 Old River Road Pinewood, S.C. 29125 (803) 452-6001 Fax: (803) 452-6032 www.scwa.org
Queries for story and photo submissions should be sent directly to the editor. Photos must be released by the pho tog ra pher prior to publication. SCWA assumes no re spon si bil i ty for unsolicited material.
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A tribute to my Mentor - Raymond E. Lewis - 1926 - 2011 THE DIrEcTor’s DEsK
BY DaVID J. wIELIcKI, scwa EXEcUTIVE DIrEcTor
t was the summer of 1983 when I first met Ray Lewis. I was a graduate student working on my masters degree at the Delta Waterfowl and Wetland Research Station in Delta, Manitoba. Now known as the Delta Waterfowl Foundation. The station was duck heaven for a young waterfowl biologist. On any given day there would be 10 to 20 waterfowl researchers working at the facility and its surrounding wetlands. There was always an exciting new waterfowl or wetland discovery or hypothesis to discuss. On a regular basis wealthy waterfowl enthusiasts from across North America and Europe would visit the facility to spend time with researchers to learn about new waterfowl and wetland discoveries and future research projects. These concerned waterfowl hunters were and still are the backbone of Delta's financial support. In the summer of 1983, Ray Lewis and Starker Leopold visited Delta. Ray was a successful California businessman with a passion for waterfowl hunting and conservation. For year's Ray had volunteered his time and resources to help develop the California Waterfowl Association (CWA) into one of the leading waterfowl conservation organizations in the country. Starker was Ray's wildlife conservation mentor. Starker was a wildlife professor and researcher at the University of California in Berkeley and was the son of the Father of Wildlife Management, Aldo Leopold. Starker's father was a cofounder of the Delta program. Starker had brought Ray to Delta to learn about its programs and to seek waterfowl biologist advice and staff members to help CWA improve waterfowl and wetlands in California. During their visit both of these men made a lasting impression on me. Despite their busy schedules they took the time to learn about my mallard research and to encourage me in my career as a waterfowl biologist. After leaving Delta in 1985, I went to work for Ted Turner managing thousands of acres of waterfowl habitat at Hope Plantation near Jacksonboro, SC.
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During that time I stayed in touch with Ray to learn more about the progress of CWA. I asked Ray to help me develop a similar program in South Carolina. Over a period of 10 months in 1986 Ray worked with me to develop a business plan to form the South Carolina Waterfowl Association. I made several trips to California that year with Ray's financial support to learn more about CWA. Ray set up a special trip for Ted Turner and I to tour California wetlands and CWA projects. This tour encouraged Mr. Turner to lend his support to help start SCWA. Without Ray's advice, encouragement and financial support SCWA would not exist. Everyone in California, new Ray by his nickname, The Duck Guru. Ray new more about waterfowl and wetland management than most waterfowl biologists. Over the year's he had owned and developed some of the most impressive duck clubs in the Central Valley of California. He had a scientific mind and was always learning and trying new management techniques. Ray new everyone and everyone went to Ray for waterfowl and wetland advice including me. He was a major fund raiser for waterfowl conservation using his own financial resources and his extensive network of friends to build support for CWA, Delta Waterfowl and SCWA. Since SCWA's founding in December of 1986 Ray Lewis was there every step of the way to help me and the Association grow. He loved to mentor others and treated me like his own son. He especially loved SCWA's Wildlife Education Center and our Camp Woodie and new Camp Leopold program. Ray knew that the future of our waterfowl and wildlife resources depended most on mentoring the next generation of wildlife conservationists. I know that Ray is now in a better place and I know that with every child who attends Camp Woodie or Camp Leopold we will honor the memory of Ray Lewis by passing on our wildlife legacy to the next generation. Ray Lewis made a difference during his life and his legacy will live on from sea to shining sea. wETLaNDs
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2011/2012 Waterfowl Season Results
By DAvID WIELICKI, SCWA ExECuTIvE DIRECTOR
Waterfowl Update
his year's waterfowl season failed to meet the expectations of most South Carolina duck hunters. Despite an excellent nesting season and a large fall flight of waterfowl, duck and goose hunting on public and private lands in many parts of the state did not meet expectations. Waterfowl numbers at SCWA's Wildlife Education Center (WEC) were an exception. The WEC held several thousand ring-necked ducks and teal throughout the season thanks to an abundance of irrigated corn and chufa planted at the WEC impoundments. The slower than expected South Carolina waterfowl season can be attributed to several factors: Warm Winter Talk about extremes, we went from one of the coldest winters on record during the 2010/2011 waterfowl season to one of the warmest this season. Warm temperatures in South Carolina and across the Central and Eastern US delayed and limited waterfowl migrations, especially for mallards and Canada geese. There was very little snow cover in the Plains, Midwestern and Northeastern states. The lack of snow cover on waste grain fields allowed ducks and geese to continue to feed in these fields throughout the winter months. Mallards and Canada geese tend to delay southward migrations as long as they have open water and food. Evidence of this can be found in the January 2012 mid winter waterfowl count in North Dakota which surveyed a record 279,000 ducks and geese! The lack of cold weather and ice also delayed the migration of many other species such as Ring-necked ducks and greenwinged teal which are so important to South Carolina duck hunters. The bottom line is that wintering ducks and geese were distributed over a much larger area than in a normal winter. Seasoned duck hunters also know the best days to hunt are during cold and windy days. The cold weather makes ducks and geese more active as they seek food to meet increased energy requirements. The wind also makes them easier to decoy. We had very
few good "duck weather days" for hunting this past season. The few cold spells we had during duck season were short lived and were not intense enough to force northern ducks and geese to migrate south. Drought and Poor Habitat Conditions A hot and dry summer across most of South Carolina dried up many of our beaver ponds and small wetlands, lowered our reservoirs and greatly reduced crop production for wintering waterfowl on state, federal and privately owned waterfowl impoundments. These areas are critical to attracting and holding large numbers of wintering waterfowl. Many coastal impoundments could not be flooded in November due to high salinity levels in our rivers as a result of drought. Lake Marion was so low the Santee National Wildlife Refuge was unable to flood most of its impoundments until lake levels rose in January. The Hickory Top Waterfowl Management area also remained dry through the season due to low water levels. To attract and hold large numbers of wintering waterfowl you need cold weather up north to move the birds south and an abundance of quality wetland habitat to hold them when they get here. Both of these factors were lacking this year. The dry conditions in the state greatly reduced the abundance of our number one duck, the wood duck. Many wood ducks left the state in search of better water conditions in the rain soaked Mississippi valley region. Low water levels greatly reduced wood duck habitat and hunting opportunity in South Carolina. South Carolina was not alone as hunting reports from up and down the Atlantic Flyway and many parts of the Mississippi Flyway were also poor. The good news is that waterfowl populations across North America are at high levels and we should have an abundant and healthy breeding population returning for this year's nesting season. Now all we need is water and good nesting cover on the breeding grounds. Once again, hope springs eternal from the duck blind.
Doug Gardner.com
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Now Hiring!
We are currently recruiting new volunteers for our local chapter committees to serve in various positions including the following: Chapter Chairman Banquet Chairman Sponsor Chairman Ticket/Membership Chairman Wood Duck Chairman Youth Chairman
If you are interested in participating on your local SCWA committee please contact the local chairman or me. If you would likestart a new chapter please feel free to contact me as well. Mac Bagnal 803-452-6001 803-938-3145 mbagnal@scwa.org
You are a member of SCWA, but how about some of your buddies?
You know SCWA is a quality organization, your recommendation is the best advertising we have. So, pass this membership application to a buddy and help grow SCWA along with perpetuating our waterfowl heritage. Just fill out the membership form below and mail it to: SCWA, 9833 Old River Rd. Pinewood, SC 29125
it’s easy to join!
Please sign me up as a member!
$10 Woodie Membership (up to 16 years of age) Pin & decal
________________________________________________________________ Name ________________________________________________________________ Address
$25 Regular Membership SCWA magazine & decal
________________________________________________________________ City, State, Zip
$50 Contributing Membership SCWA magazine, decal & hat pin.
$100 Donor Membership SCWA magazine, donor decal, hat & hat pin $250 Sponsor Membership SCWA sponsor gift, hat, hat pin, magazine, sponsor decal, local chapter banquets couples ticket, & invitation to local sponsor events.
________________________________________________________________ County Telephone (Home) (Work)
$10 Woodie Membership $100 Donor Membership $25 Regular Membership $250 Sponsor Membership $50 Contributing Membership Amount Enclosed: $__________________
for more information call us at (803)
__visa __ MasterCard __American Express__Discover
452-6001 or check out our website at www.scwa.org.
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SCWA Chapter News CHAPTER DEVELOPMENT
BY DIRECTOR MAC BAGNAL
Banquets Finish Well Despite the Economy!
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ur Fundraisers have been successful and have made budget because of the hard work and dedicated time of our volunteers, sponsors, and everyone that took part in our events. Donated items that come from you, the Sponsors and members of this association, have played a huge role in the success of the past banquet season! The evidence has been at every fundraiser we have had this Banquet season. All of these proceeds go directly to support our education and wildlife programs. Some of the items that were donated this banquet season were custom oyster tables, season tickets to football, baseball, and hockey games, Bud Light neon signs and bicycles, vacation rentals, original art, framed prints, wildlife hunts including duck, quail, turkey and deer, and gift certificates for many local services; just to name a few. We are always interested in your ideas for other types of donations that can be used for our fundraising efforts. Please email your ideas to 20 1 2 – 2 01 3 Ch a pter Even ts 4/14/12 06/8-9/12 8/10/12 8/11/12 8/25/12 9/15/12 9/21/12 9/27/12 10/06/12 10/11/12 10/13/12 10/18/12 10/20/12 10/26/12 11/03/12 11/08/12 11/15/12 11/16/12 11/29/12 11/30/12 12/07/12 12/08/12 01/19/13 01/25/13 01/26/13 02/01/13 02/15-16 02/21/13 03/01/13
mbagnal@scwa.org. Remember, all donations are tax deductible, so let’s dig deep and help raise money for the wonderful programs that will not only benefit people today, but for generations to come! We are entering the “Down Time” for our chapters, but we are going to need everyone’s help to make the next banquet season the best it can be starting in August with the Midlands event in Columbia. Please feel free to get involved in your local chapter and help us perpetuate our waterfowl heritage. If you are interested, please call me at 803-452-6001. Thanks again for all of the hard work of our committee members, sponsors, donors and everyone who helps us here at SCWA. SCWA Industry Sponsors
Agridrain Cypress Knee Chufa Proline Remington Shady Grove Kennels Sportsman’s Warehouse Hevi-Shot Columbia Sportswear Federal Premium
As of April 1st, 2012
Four Holes/Edisto Conservation Dinner - utopia Club Leadership Meeting at Camp Woodie Midlands Conservation Dinner - The Millennium Center Berkeley Kick Off Event - Moncks Corner Railroad Depot Summerville Conservation Dinner - Dorchester Senior Center Doe Tournament at Camp Woodie Spartanburg Conservation Dinner - CCC Family Room Greater Piedmont Conservation Dinner - Baxter Hood Center Kingstree Conservation Dinner - Recreational Department Greater Wateree Conservation Dinner - Camden Shrine Club Clarendon Conservation Dinner - The Cypress Center Laurens Conservation Dinner - Lakeside Country Club Berkeley Conservation Dinner - Shrine Club Charleston Conservation Dinner - The Lighthouse on the Creek Francis Marion Conservation Dinner - SiMT Building Sumter Conservation Dinner - Sumter County American Legion Georgetown Conservation Dinner - National Guard Armory “Fowl” 1st Season Kick Off Dinner & Auction - SCWA Ed. Center Greenville Conservation Dinner - St. George Greek Orthodox Horry Conservation Dinner – The Boathouse “Fowl” 2nd Season Kick Off Dinner & Auction - SCWA Ed Center Barnwell Conservation Dinner - National Guard Armory Walterboro Conservation Dinner - National Guard Armory Black Creek Conservation Dinner - Prestwood Country Club Orangeburg Conservation Dinner - The Garden Room Newberry Conservation Dinner - Newberry Shrine Club Sportsman’s Ball - Duck Shuck - Omar Shrine Ctr in Mt Pleasant CSRA Conservation Dinner - N. Augusta Community Center Pee Dee / Marlboro Conservation Dinner - Community Center
www.agridrain.com www.cypruskneechufa.com www.prolineboots.com www.remington.com www.shadygrovekennels.com www.sportmanswarehouse.com www.hevishot.com www.columbia.com www.federalpremium.com
800-232-4742 252-539-4434 800-334-4612 336-548-8560 803-892-5797 803-731-3000 541- 367-3522
Chapter Chairperson List Chapter Anderson Barnwell Beaufort Berkeley Black Creek Charleston Clemson Clarendon CSRA Four Holes Francis Marion Georgetown Greater Piedmont Greater Wateree Greenville Greenwood Horry Kingstree Laurens Midlands Newberry Orangeburg Pee Dee Spartanburg Summerville Sumter Walterboro Walterboro
Chairman Name Dean Harbert Carlton Wall Mike Fowlkes Amanda Dalton Cal Wheeler Will Brown Contact SCWA Charlie Brunson Ned Manor Kevin Weatherford Brad Marlowe Jonathon Agner Del Eggert Matt McCaskill Emory Hendrix Bud Thomas Jon Elvis Kevin Mouzon Jim Watson David Stanley Blair Long George Wells Jimmy Jones James Owens Larry Wells Buddy Wescott Allen Bell Jim Minor
Business Phone 803-266-4254 843-252-7933 843-709-4176 843-343-4045 803-452-6001 803-473-8302 803-492-8280 843-566-3622 843-241-7752 803-324-9781 803-729-0672 864-941-7167 864-941-7299 843-254-2896 843-319-1937 864-543-3717 803-781-8765 803-321-6276 864-809-7911 843-873-0047 803-469-0717 843-893-2230 843-846-6346
Home/Cell. Phone 864-314-5205 803-541-4371 843-858-0766 843-577-6450 803-640-5007
843-201-5876 864-420-7170 803-924-8743 843-810-2453 843-709-3175 803-773-8134 843-908-1234 843-812-8023
For further information, please call Mac Bagnal, Chapter Developement Director at (803) 452-6001 ext.108 or Jennifer McNeely, Coordina tor ex t.109 o r visit our web site at www.scwa.org waTErFowL 10 1 wETLaNDs
Banquets
Greenville Chapter
Horry Banquet
CHAPTER EVENTS
Newberry Banquet
2012 Sportsman's Ball A Huge Success
On Friday, February 17 at the Omar Shrine Club in Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina, 850 waterfowl conservationists gathered to participate in the state's largest conservation fundraiser, The Sportsman's Ball. The event featured spectacular food prepared by Charleston Bay Gourmet, and an exciting array of outfitters from across North America. The auction and raffle featured top quality guns along with donated hunting and fishing trips from around the world and luxury home rentals. SCWA would like to thank all of our donors and everyone who attended the this exciting event. We are already planning next year's event which is always held at the Omar Shrine Temple on Friday night of the Southeastern Wildlife Exposition. During the event SCWA was also privileged to be able to present a number of awards to outstanding chapters, volunteers and supporters from around the state. Congratulations to our award recipients:
2011 Corporate Conservator Of The year Blanchard Machinary
Division III Chapter Of The year Clarendon Chapter
2011 Camper Of The year Jake Goodwin
Division I Chapter Of The year Midlands Chapter waTErFowL 11 1 wETLaNDs
SCWA Board Member Award Carrol Josey
2011 Wildlife Education Center Corporate Sponsor Of The year Ferguson Enterprises
Horry Wood Duck Project Award
Members Of The year Award Johnny & Kaki Williamson
Shot Show 2012 Federal Ammunition Award
Shot Show 2012 ProLine Award
Sportsman’s Ball $1000 Cash Raffle Winner
Shot Show 2012 Hevi-Metal Award
2011 SCWA Chapter Of The year Barnwell Chapter
OPERATION GAME THIEF
Sportsman’s Ball Patrons
Rep ort Violators. ..
1-800-922-5431
* OR # OGT
OR DIAL
DO YOUR PART TO PROTECT SOUTH CAROLINA’S NATURAL RESOURCES. waTErFowL 12 wETLaNDs
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2012 Duck Shuck By Mike Stritch
reat Raffle prizes. Good outfitters on hand with great trips available. Plenty of the most excellent grilled duck. very tasty ‘sters and lots of them. Most excellent buffet. Good band, always glad to see them come back. Good looking girls with assault rifles. Good to see Joette again. Excellent silent auction items. Excellent attendance. Wife and her friend thoroughly enjoyed themselves. (We all know if wife is happy home is happy and we also know the opposite. Add in her best friend having a good time and it can’t get much better.) Among the attendees was Tate Wood, the owner of Drake Waterfowl. His company makes some of the very best
(meaning dry and warm) gear for waterfowl hunting (meaning excellent pockets and accessory holders) I’ve had the pleasure to use. As I told him, I’m even willing to pay retail for it when I have to. He lives in Memphis but noted his son has attended Camp Woodie so when he had the opportunity to come to the Duck Shuck he took it and enjoyed it thoroughly. Once again 4 Holes Chapter and friends supported the food end of the event and did an even better job this year than last. They save and make us a ton of money and did an absolutely superb job with the food and support. Kudoes to them and their significant driving companions particularly for making my wife and her friend happy.
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My first hunt with Jim Riley was an elk/mule deer hunt and besides filling my tags, I had a great time and made great friends. Since booking more hunts through Into the Wild I have the utmost confidence that he can help me make the right choice saving time and money by making one phone call to Jim, trusting his vast experience and knowledge. – Tom C., Kentucky Saw five bucks today over 180″, 2 pushing 200″, two stalks made but got busted. Unbelievable country and mammoth mule deer, I’m in Heaven! – John N., Montana ITWA is my go to source for my next hunting adventure! Jim knows the latest hotspots. I have hunted from Argentina to Africa using his knowledge as my guide! – Ryan M., Iowa
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F.E. DuBose Helps Build Boxes
Wood Duck Nesting Program
Teaching The youTh of ouR STaTe The SkillS They need
ecently I have relied heavily on volunteers and donors to help continue our wood duck conservation program. Donations from businesses and volunteers helping to check boxes make it possible for this program to continue. As I wrote in the last magazine companies such as Marshall Air Systems in Charlotte have donated both the metal to make guards and the machines to cut them out. Other people like Jimmy Witherspoon with A&K Mulch, in Alcolu SC, donate or discount cypress so that we can continue making boxes affordable to landowners. The most recent establishment to help in our conservation efforts is F.E. DuBose career center in Alcolu, SC. They have built about 30 wood duck boxes thus far and have the materials to build an additional 40 to 50. F.E. DuBose is a part of Central Carolina Technical College and offers Clarendon county high school students the opportunity to earn college credits. Students can do this by taking advanced course work in several different fields of study and in doing so find out what jobs may interest them in the future. Sports Medicine, Cosmetology, Forestry, Welding and Carpentry are just some of the courses that they offer there. Mr. Mike Griffin is in charge of the carpentry class and he along with about 20 students have worked together to build these boxes. Mr. Griffin has three classes per day with the morning class doing most of the material cutting with the midday and afternoon classes assembling the boxes. The
midday class in which I interacted with consisted of 9 students with four of them assembling the boxes, two measuring and marking the boxes, two cutting and screwing door latches and one cutting the holes in the front of the boxes. South Carolina Waterfowl Association would like to thank F.E. DuBose Career Center and specifically the carpentry class for their hard work not only in building wood duck boxes but in educating the youth of Clarendon County. If you are interested in learning more about F.E. Dubose Career Center visit their website at www.fedubose.org. The classes that they offer will provide highly skilled workers not only in this county but for the entire state of South Carolina. Keep up the good work and we look forward to working with them in the future. If anyone knows of any other career centers, schools or other workshop type classes that would be willing to build wood duck boxes have them contact me Stuart Cochran at 803-452-6001 ext 103.
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For over 30 years, Doug and Mary Sonnier have been helping hunters enjoy some of the nation’s finest waterfowling. From this experience has grown Doug’s Hunting Lodge, a full-service camp that’s sure to satisfy even the most seasoned hunter. Spanning thousands of acres of prime habitat, Doug’s prairies and marshflats are strategically spread throughout the heart of America’s greatest wintering grounds. When the birds move, Doug’s hunters move with them, led by the best guide staff in the State of Louisiana. Whether it’s a fun hunt with family and friends or a corporate excursion with big business on the line, Doug’s Hunting Lodge can make your next outing your most exciting and memorable. Hundreds of serious wingshooters throughout the nation make their annual pilgrimages here to experience some of the world’s best hunting and hospitality. We hope you’ll join us.
337-536-7902 or 1-800-888-0960 email: dougs@net-connect.net website: www.dougshuntinglodge.com
G UN D OG P HOTOGRAPHY PAMELA O. K ADLEC
• Dogs in training and dogs being tested at field trials and hunt tests. • Private sittings at your place, at a hunt test, or in Edgefield, SC, (Birds provided) • Gun dog portraits. • Pet and wildlife photography. • Great gift idea for all gun dog owners. • Call for your appointment today. • Shipping free on all orders.
Just Ducky Kennel & Spaniel Training Academy Edgefield, SC 29824 803- 637-2007 • cell 803-341-0541 www.boykinspaniel.com • www.justducky.photoreflect.com
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WATERFOWL SCIENCE
Ring-necked Ducks...
By STEWART COCHRAN, SENIOR WATERFOWL BIOLOGIST
Where do they come from?
o matter where you’re at in South Carolina Ring-necked ducks (aka ringnecks) seem to be a staple for waterfowl hunters. Here along the shores of Lake Marion they are without doubt the most abundant duck besides wood ducks. They inhabit large open water areas and prefer to feed on deep flooded food such as corn or chufa. On the lakes they tend to congregate over large areas of eel grass, hydrilla, watershield or other submerged aquatic vegetation. They are extremely social ducks and congregate in large flocks or “rafts” but where do our ringnecks come from? In order to best answer this question we need to look at banding data from the united States Fish and Wildlife Service (uSFWS). Let’s first get some background on both banding and on ringnecks themselves in order to better understand their migration patterns. Banding waterfowl in any numbers first began in 1922 and was used by biologists to better understand the migration routes of waterfowl. The early data collected helped to establish the four major flyways in North America (Pacific, Central, Mississippi and Atlantic). It was not until the mid 1940’s that an international effort was made to address specific management efforts for waterfowl. Since the early 1900’s over 13 million ducks have been banded of which over 7 million were mallards. Each year between 85,000 and 90,000 bands are reported. Banding data also helps biolo-
gists to determine annual survival rates of waterfowl species. Ringnecks are a hard duck to band because of the remote places in which they nest. They typically nest in the boreal regions of Canada in boggy ponds or marshes which make them very hard to catch. unlike many puddle ducks which nest in tall grasses around ponds or “potholes” that are easily accessible, ringnecks nest in very remote areas and typically nest in thick vegetation over or directly adjacent to water. They lay between 6
and 14 eggs and after hatching the ducklings can dive after 48 hours and fly within 7 to 8 weeks. As I have already mentioned ringnecks are not one of the most commonly banded ducks and therefore the amount of data on them is significantly less than say Mallards, Teal or other “prairie pothole” ducks but there is still a good amount data out there. Although they are found across the continent they are most prevalent in both the far western and far eastern parts of Canada during the breeding season. The ringnecks in our state come almost exclusively from far eastern
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Canada. This year we harvested 3 banded ringnecks at our Wildlife Education Center here in Rimini, SC. The first one was banded on 8-10-2009 in Carmanville, Newfoundland. The second was banded on 8-11-2009 near Sackville, New Brunswick and the third was banded on 3-25-2010 in Erie, Pennsylvania. The first two were obviously banded at or near their breeding grounds while the third was banded on the way back north to the breeding grounds. These are the only banded birds shot out of over 1400 ringnecks that were harvested at the SCWA Wildlife Education Center this past season. I also talked to a neighboring duck club that harvested around 1000 ringnecks. They shot two banded ringnecks with one of them being from Nova Scotia and the other from New Brunswick. These banding reports are similar to most banding data for South Carolina ringnecks showing that most of the ringnecks in the Atlantic Flyway and specifically in South Carolina come from the boreal forests of extreme eastern Canada. Through the banding efforts of the uSFWS and the Canadian Wildlife Service (CWS) we are able to see where and when ducks migrate while also gaining insight on the annual survival rate of waterfowl species. The answers to
these questions are crucial in understanding the biology of waterfowl. This information allows biologists, conservation organizations and state/provincial agencies to adjust their management techniques to best suit waterfowl needs and to adjust season dates and bag limits to ensure that over harvest does not occur. It is important to remember that we need to do our part to help ensure that our children and grandchildren are able to enjoy a healthy waterfowl resource by supporting waterfowl conservation efforts such as state and federal waterfowl banding programs.
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Hunt Em Up, Pup! - Part 2
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DOG TRAINING
By Pamela O. Kadlec
needed. Most likely, pup will be looking at the bumper behind him and may have moved and is now facing the bumper, not you. If the pup won’t turn back to you, go to him and heel him around, sit him down and back away. Tell the pup to ‘Look at me’ and when you have direct eye contact, raise one arm straight up and tell the pup, “Back”. He may be confused so you will need to step toward him and encourage him to turn and go Back. Repeat this exercise until pup will sit facing you, let you toss a bumper over his head and wait for you to cast him Back. Move the pup to different areas, most important new area is one where you sit the dog with his back to a pond and teach him to take a Back into water. The next step is to teach the pup to take a line to the downed bird. To teach this, carry at least four bumpers with you and your pup to an area with short cover so pup can see the bumpers. Sit pup and toss all bumpers a few yards in front of you, turn and heel pup about ten yards, turn and face the pile of bumpers. Tell pup, “Dead Bird” to cue him that there is a bird down that he did not see fall. When he is looking in the right direction, give him a “Back” command. you can put your hand over his head, between his eyes, to encourage him to take the right line but it’s not a requirement. If pup goes straight to the pile, then back up ten yards and send him again. If he seems confused, repeat until he understands. Work your way back until pup will go one hundred yards straight to the pile. Take your time, be patient, and give the pup every opportunity to be successful. waTErFowL 21 2 wETLaNDs
When pup will take a Back to an established pile, move the pile to a new place and repeat the drills. So, pup will go out when you send him and will turn and go Back when you give him the cast and responds to the command to go Back. To transition this over to water you will need to find a pond that is about fifty yards wide. Walk around and place one or two big white bumpers on the opposite shore. If it’s a calm day, toss one more bumper ten yards out into the pond. Walk back around and toss another white bumper in the same line as the others, about thirty yards out. Let pup watch you plant all these bumpers. Heel pup around and walk about ten yards before turning to face the pond. Line pup up with ‘dead bird’ and when he’s looking the right way say, “Good” and “Back”. When pup comes back with the bumper, line him up again and send him for the next bumper. Keep an extra bumper in your hand in case pup gets confused and you need to toss one over his head with the Back command. Repeat this exercise until pup will swim across the pond and fetch the bumper on the opposite shore. you can break up this drill by tossing a bumper on land between casts if pup seems bored. Once pup is proficient in this area, move to another area of the pond or reverse the drill from the other side. The more you can do this drill in as many different places as possible the more confident pup will become at going out when you send him. In combination with the Hunt Dead training, pup will now go Back on command and Hunt Dead, using his nose to find your ducks. by Pamela O. Kadlec
duck blinds ost require plenty of camouflage to fool the ducks into believing there are no hunters waiting to ambush them. It’s great to hide you from the ducks but the problem is, it also hides your retriever, making it impossible for him to see the birds fall. This makes it essential that your dog learns to take directions to the bird unless you want to carry a pocket full of rocks to guide the dog to your ducks. Two primary drills will get you a long way to retrieving your ducks. The first is teaching pup to Hunt Dead and the other is teaching the pup to go Back. I discussed the Hunt Dead in the last SCWA issue, Fall 2011, so I will move on to teaching your pup to take a Back cast. Pup should Sit to the whistle and be steady, but if not, use a long check cord to keep him from breaking before you send him. Sit the pup facing you and back up about ten yards. Toss a bumper over pups’ head, reinforcing the Sit as
BY PAMELA O. KADLEC
G EARING U P F OR 2012 C AMPERS
H
CAMP WOODIE
ere at Camp Woodie, we are gearing up for another great summer! Throughout the offseason, we enjoy hearing from and seeing our campers. That simply means that our campers are out enjoying God’s creation and using their skills that have been developed or greatly enriched at Camp Woodie. Camp Woodie has hosted record setting waterfowl hunting this fall and winter. Among some of these fine waterfowl hunts were incredible youth hunts held for our level 2 advanced campers from the 2011 summer. Stuart Cochran, our Head Biologist, and the SCWA team worked really hard to insure that our 410-acre facility was in tip-top shape for the many different species of waterfowl to migrate and call home. On our youth hunts, the campers and their chaperone-ofchoice are invited to come out to Camp Woodie the night before the hunt and enjoy a camp fire with hunting stories from “Chief” Louie Chavis and other guides. Included as well is a wonderful dinner prepared by Ms. Earnestine Moore. After our dinner, we resume with a hunt and safety talk to insure a safe and bountiful hunt. Each and every one of our guides are true professionals in the outdoors. They all have many years of experience and possess a passion for passing on the legacy of our waterfowl heritage. On December 3rd, at approximately 5:15am, I expected to see crusty eyes and long faces from an anxious sleepless night dreaming about decoying birds, but was shocked to see all of the bright eyes and smiling faces. Knowing that we are not only protecting the future of waterfowling, but also passing on an indescribable respect for the outdoors which builds character and confidence within, really gets us here at
Camp Woodie excited! Fathers and mothers, mentors, and outdoor enthusiasts have been given a gift as well as an obligation. Our gift is that we have the freedoms in life to pursue these wonderful animals with compassion and knowledge. Our obligation is to protect what we have today to benefit those who are interested in it tomorrow. Twenty-seven campers were able to attend this December hunt. It was very successful with every blind having an ample amount of opportunities, and most blinds harvesting their full limits. Having experiences in nature such as this one benefit their everyday lives tremendously. We hosted two more youth hunts scheduled in February with about the same number of campers on each one. Each hunt was just as successful as the first. Special thanks to Joe Blanchard for allowing us to take many of the young hunters to his property for a great hunt. Campers and parents remember to sign up your camper as soon as possible so you get the dates you want. If you have friends who are interested in Camp
H OME V ISIT S PECIAL
The program works like this: a person or family serves as a host to their friends and their kids that are interested in learning more about Camp Woodie. I will come to the host house to explain the activities and goals behind Camp Woodie. All questions will be answered and a slide show will be presented. Contact Camp Woodie. 803-452-6001
For more information on Camp Woodie call the office at (803) 452-6001 or visit our website at www.scwa.org.
South Carolina Waterfowl Association please reserve space at Camp Woodie for:
Camper’s name __________________________________male_____female_____ age Week of Choice ___________________________________ Parent’s Name Address
State/zip
Payment type (circle one):
Check
MC
Visa
Amex
Phone
Discover
Birth date
City
EMail________________________________________
expiration date Name on Card________________________________credit card # Mail this form to: SCWA Camp Woodie, 9833 Old River Road, Pinewood, SC 29125 Fax: (803) 452-6032 PH: (803) 452-6001 web site: www.scwa.org waTErFowL 22 wETLaNDs
Woodie and would like to learn more about it, we will do school visits as well as home visits. If there is anything we can do to further educate the next generation on the great outdoors, please contact us! We are very excited to see you all this summer! God has given each and every one of us the ability to educate in some way shape or form, so let’s educate the children of tomorrow on how great “outside” can be! From the woods and the water, we will be seeing you soon! Camp Director Ed Paul
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CAMP DATES 2012
CAMP WOODIE
Week 1 - June 3 - June 7 Level 1 - 8-11 Week 2 - June 10 -June 14 - Level 1 - 8-11 Week 3 - June 17 - June 21 - Level 2 - 12-16 Week 4 - June 24 - June 28 - Level 1 - 8-11 Week 5 - July 1 - July 5 Level 1 - 12-16 Week 6 - July 8 - July 12 Level 2 - 12-16 Week 7 - July 15 - July 19 - Level 1 - 8-11 Week 8 - July 22 - July 26 - Level 1 - 8-11 Week 9 - July 29 - August 2 - Level 2 - 12-16 level 1 - $420 - level 2 - $575 - all Weeks are co-ed!
Word Find Game
Hunt and Fish
DUCK HUNTER'S SPECIAL
Package includes:
•Hot breakfast before your hunt
•Heated indoor pool & sauna
•Dining Room & Lounge
Owned & Operated by the Childs family.
Walpole Island: •Ducks •Bass •Divers •Perch •Geese •Walleye
Located on the migratory bird flyway, one can expect steady streams of new ducks while hunting.
Walpole Island and Lake St. Clair 10 Minutes from Oak's Inn Full Service Motel
At Oak's Inn all your necessary licenses and permits are available.
Wallaceburg, Ontario N8A1R9 Phone 519-627-8651 Fax 519-627-6101
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PRODUCT REVIEW
I
Gunning With HEVI-Metal
magine if you will. A turkey shell that will smoke a turkey at 40 yards. A turkey shell that has HEvI-Shot® technology behind it. A turkey shell at a price that you can afford. The research and development team at HEvI-Shot® have been burning the midnight oil to come up with a new turkey load. you can’t improve on the pattern of the Magnum Blend™ or the HEvI13® shells. But as we all know, those premium shells do come with a premium price. That’s when it came to them, a HEvI-Metal® style turkey load using a newly developed pellet, at a price that won’t break your wallet. It’s a hunters dream come true and will be available in 12 gauge3” and 3-1/2” and 20 gauge 3”. Keep watching for it, the HEvI-Metal® turkey load with a brand new pellet from the makers of HEvI-Shot® will be hitting shelves in January!
Agri Drain’s New Water Quality Inlet
Agri Drain is pleased to introduce our new product; the Water Quality Inlet. This exciting new product brings benefits to both Ag and the environment. The Water Quality Inlet is farmer friendly; as there is no need to plant around it. It resists plugging due to multiple slots with a high volume of inlet area. In addition, it improves water quality by filtering debris prior to it entering your drainage system! Agri Drain’s Water Quality Inlet is manufactured of high-density polyethylene and the base snaps into single wall corrugated plastic pipe or slides into Hickenbottom or Precision underground sections. Sizes available are 4”, 6” or 8” pipe diameters and 18” or 36” heights. Colors available are green and yellow. The 4” diameter contains 18 individual wicks; 6” diameter contains 54 individual wicks; 8” diameter contains 90 individual wicks. The Water Quality Inlet is designed to improve water quality by reducing the transport of sediment, phosphorus, and other waterborne constituents to tile lines and surface waters and reduces the velocity and volume of drainage to reduce flooding and to reduce soil particles from entering infield structures. The Water Quality Inlet can achieve equal or greater flow and improved water quality impacts when replacing standard inlets in fields with drainage water management systems, bio reactors, saturated buffers, blind inlets and ter-
race channel inlets. It provides consistent filtered flow with ponds, catch basins, wetland lagoons, rain gardens and aquaculture impoundments. This product can also be used in tall grass and high trash areas to eliminate plugged intakes; may be used for outlet guards if there are ditch cleaning activities, and lastly, for residential settings to provide an inlet which can be maintained, mowed and is aesthetically pleasing. To learn more about the benefits of the Water Quality Inlet, or to place your order, call 1800-232-4742 and ask for Customer Service.
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North America and Canada Drought Monitors
NEWS
North American Drought Monitor
http://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/nadm.html
February 29, 2012
Analysts: Canada - Trevor Hadwen* Richard Rieger Mallory MacDonald Mexico - Reynaldo Pascual Adelina Albanil U.S.A. - Mark Svoboda
Released: March 13, 2012
Drought Impact Types: Delineates dominant impacts S = Short-Term, typically <6 months (e.g. agriculture, grasslands) L = Long-Term, typically >6 months (e.g. hydrology, ecology)
S
L
* Responsible for collecting analysts' input & assembling the NA-DM map
Drought not analyzed in shaded areas
Intensity: D0 Abnormally Dry D1 Drought - Moderate D2 Drought - Severe D3 Drought - Extreme D4 Drought - Exceptional
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The Drought Monitor focuses on broad-scale conditions. Local conditions may vary. See accompanying text for a general summary.
S
SL L S L S SL Regions in northern Canada may not be as accurate as other regions due to limited information.
"As the North American and Canadian drought monitor maps demonstrate, the prairie pothole region of the US and Canada has received below normal precipitation over the winter months. Despite extremely wet conditions last year, abundant Spring snows and rain will be needed to ensure an excellent nesting season for waterfowl."
U.S. House Passes E-Duck Stamp Bill
Delta Waterfowl has long encouraged the nation's waterfowl hunters to purchase two federal duck stamps to increase funding for duck and goose habitat, and a new bill could make such purchases that much easier. The u.S. House of Representatives recently passed a measure that, if approved by the u.S. Senate, would allow waterfowlers and others to purchase federal duck stamps online in all 50 states. Started four years ago as a pilot program in eight states, the e-Duck Stamp program allows hunters 16 and older to purchase temporary stamps (good for 45 days) online until their actual stamps arrive in the mail. Waterfowlers now purchase duck stamps at post offices or sporting goods stores. However, stamp suppliers sometimes run out and some rural post offices do not make the stamps available. The new legislation would make it easier for
waterfowlers to purchase their duck stamps online. The House voted 373-1 to continue the online stamp program. If the Senate vote is successful, the u.S. Fish and Wildlife Service would have the authority to make the program permanent and extend it to all states. Enacted in 1934, the federal duck stamp has generated more than $800 million to protect waterfowl habitat in the u.S. The stamps currently cost $15 for a year, with 98 percent of the revenues going to purchase or lease wetland habitat as part of the National Wildlife Refuge System. article provided by delta Waterfowl http://www.deltawater-
fowl.org/media/deltanews/120130-duckstamp.php
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Duck hunters finish the season on DNR Waterfowl Management Areas
Duck hunters finished the season on S.C. Department of Natural Resources public hunting lands with a total harvest of 4080 birds, an average of 2.4 birds per hunter, the same average reported last year. A total of 1718 hunters participated in these popular hunts at the 15 Wildlife Management Areas that recorded individual hunt data. Total hunter participation and total harvest was down from last year as several management areas lacked water due to the ongoing drought. Hickory Top Greentree Reservoir and Sandy Beach on the Santee Cooper Lakes were dramatically affected. American green-winged teal accounted for 20 percent of the harvest, followed by Northern shoveler, Gadwall, wood ducks and American widgeon. "Overall, the season for our waterfowl areas was excellent, given the warm dry winter we have been having," said Dean Harrigal, Waterfowl Program Coordinator with the S.C. Department of Natural Resources (DNR). "Most areas that were able to flood attracted good numbers of birds and provided good hunting opportunities for our sportsmen." Santee Coastal Reserve in Charleston and Georgetown Counties had the highest hunter participation and harvest of all areas with 360 hunters reporting harvesting 1483 birds, predominately American green-winged teal. On Category I Wildlife Management Areas (drawing only), 903 hunters (on 6 areas) harvested 3321 birds with an average of 3.7 birds per hunter. American green-winged teal, Northern shoveler, Gadwall, and American widgeon were top birds in the bag. Santee Coastal Reserve in Charleston and Georgetown Counties had the highest hunter average with 4.1 birds per hunter, followed by Bear Island WMA in Colleton County with 3.9 birds per hunter, Santee Delta in Georgetown County with 3.6, and Broad River in Fairfield County with 2.9 birds per hunter. "American Green winged teal are a mainstay of our
Category I Wildlife Management Areas, especially along the coast," said Harrigal. "When teal are around we generally have good hunter success." Top individual hunt units were Springfield/ The Cut of Bear Island (4.6 birds per hunter) Murphy Island of Santee Coastal Reserve (4.5 birds per hunter), The Cape of the Santee Coastal Reserve (4.4 birds per hunter), Bear Island East (4.4 birds per hunter), and Santee Delta West (4.2 birds per hunter). Hunt data was collected on 6 of the 25 Category II Wildlife Management Areas (open to the public on specific days). Hunters reported a harvest of 364 birds on these areas, the majority coming from Enoree Waterfowl Area. The average for 657 hunters was 0.6 birds per hunter. Wood ducks accounted for over 63 percent of the bag. The low water conditions on many Category II areas reduced the number of wintering birds and hunter participation, especially on Hickory Top Greentree Reservoir. Regular season adult-youth hunts were held on 3 special adult -youth only areas. The reported harvest was 395 birds by 158 hunters for an average of 2.5 birds per hunter. Wood ducks, Ring-necked ducks, and American green-winged teal were the top birds in the bag. Bonneau Ferry WMA in Berkeley County was the top adult-youth waterfowl hunting area during the recently completed season. DNR sponsored special hunts for youth during State and Federal youth Hunting Days on Dec. 3 and Feb. 4. A total of 107 youth harvested 295 birds on the 6 Category I areas that reported data. Top areas were Santee Coastal, Bear Island and Santee Delta Wildlife Management Areas. "We were especially pleased that our youth-oriented hunts provided quality waterfowl hunting opportunities for young men and women during the season," Harrigal said. article Provided by: dnR http://www.dnr.sc.gov/news/yr2012/feb16/feb16_duck.html
Native American Artifact Show
The Piedmont Archeological Society and the South Carolina Waterfowl Association will host a Native American artifact show at the SCWA Wildlife Education Center on Saturday, March 31, 2012. The show will run from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Hamburgers, fries and soft drinks will be available for purchase during the event. Admission is free. Display tables are $10 and dealer tables are $25. Last year the show had 25 tables of South Carolina and Southeastern Native American artifacts on display. visitors are welcome to bring in their artifacts for identification by experts. For information on display or dealer tables call David Wielicki at the SCWA office at 803-452-6001. waTErFowL 29 6 wETLaNDs
SCWA Wildlife Education Center Hosts SCDNR Wildlife Technicians Meeting NEWS
The SCWA Wildlife Education Center (WEC) hosted the annual South Carolina Department of Natural Resources Wildlife Technicians meeting February 13 through the 15th. SCWA was happy to donate the use of the facility to SCDNR. The meeting was well attended by over 40 wildlife technicians across the state. Wildlife management experts from around the state pre-
sented excellent information on the latest wildlife management techniques and wildlife conservation issues important to South Carolina. SCWA biologists gave a waterfowl habitat tour of the WEC and surrounding duck clubs. The meeting presented an excellent opportunity for SCWA and SCDNR staff to get to know each other and share wildlife management information.
RETIRING DNR DIRECTOR RECOGNIzED
Retiring S.C. Department of Natural Resources director John Frampton was recognized for his 37-years of service to the state of South Carolina by a resolution passed in the South Carolina House of Representatives on Feb. 9. The resolution reads in part: "Whereas, the South Carolina House of Representatives is grateful for the legacy of leadership John Frampton has bestowed on this great State and appreciates the long and enduring dedication he has exemplified in his service to the people of South Carolina. The members trust he will find pleasure in the more relaxed pace of the days ahead as he begins his retirement." Mr. Frampton joined the S.C. Department of Natural Resources (DNR) in 1974 as an Assistant District Biologist within the Central Piedmont Hunt unit and was assigned to the union office. In 1976, he accepted the position of Regional Wildlife Biologist, which he held until 1985. In 1985, he was promoted to Chief of Wildlife and assigned to the Department’s Columbia office. In August 1999, Mr. Frampton accepted the position of Assistant Director for Development and National Affairs directly under the agency director. Frampton was selected as agency director by the seven member South Carolina Natural Resources Board in 2003. The Board named DNR Law Enforcement Col. Alvin Taylor as permanent director of the agency effective March 17, 2012 replacing Frampton.
article provided by dnR http://www.dnr.sc.gov/news/yr2012/feb16/feb16_frampton.html
Word Find Game ANSWERS
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Path for Farm Bill Reauthorization Taking Shape
Late last year, the leadership of the House and Senate Agriculture Committees developed recommendations for the Joint Select Committee on Deficit Reduction to reduce $23 billion in federal spending on agriculture programs. While the Select Committee was unable to reach agreement on a deficit reduction package, Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry Chairwoman Debbie Stabenow (MI) has indicated that she will use those recommendations as the starting point for reauthorization of the next Farm Bill. According to the Wildlife Management Institute, it is expected that the Senate will take the lead on the Farm Bill reauthorization process with the House watching for progress in the Senate before initiating their effort. The current legislation expires on September 30, 2012. While the Agriculture Committees’ final recommendations to the Select Committee were not released publicly, some conservation partners received an earlier draft that is thought to be close to the final version. In it, the Conservation Title suffers a cut of about 10% or $6 billion dollars. The recommendations reduce the Conservation Reserve Program from 32 to 25 million acres, reauthorize and fund the voluntary Public Access Program, reauthorize the Conservation Stewardship Program, consolidate the Wildlife Habitat Incentive Program with the Environmental Quality Incentives Program into one working lands program with a wildlife focus, and consolidate the existing suite of easement programs - the Wetland Reserve Program, the Grassland Reserve Program, and Farm and Ranch Land Protection Program - into one umbrella easement program. According to Jen Mock Schaeffer, Agriculture Conservation Policy Analyst for the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies, “Two items of priority to the conservation community that were not included in the recommendations are the re-coupling of conservation compliance to crop insurance and sodsaver language that would prevent landowners from participating in uSDA programs if they choose to plow native prairie lands. To secure these important provisions and hold the funding line at a 10% cut to the Conservation Title will require everyone in the conservation community to work together.” Given the current emphasis for deficit reduction on Capitol Hill, it appears that maintaining effective conservation programs in the next Farm Bill will be a difficult challenge in this reauthorization process.(pmr) article provided by Wildlife Management institute
Lodge and World Class Waterfowling in Saskatchewan and Central Oregon Duck and Goose Hunting Custom Hunts in Small Groups in Field
541-771-4976 duckcreekoutfitters.com
Twin Ponds Memberships for Sale
If you like dove, duck and goose hunting with 15 acres for bass, bream and crappie fishing with a 3 bedroom modern interior cabin then it may suit you and your family. Great for kids. One hundred acres only 25 minutes north of Spartanburg, "Twin Ponds" is a 35 year old club with 11 members. No mortgage or time share. Very secure with custodian. Lockers for members. Well stocked kitchen with maid service. May use anytime. Wood duck boxes with well stocked pond. All members pay approximately $175/month, New Members to pay a reasonable equity. Call Jack Newton at (864) 542-4412.
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Road Snacks
THE SPORTING CHEF
By SCOTT LEySATH
scott Leysath
As much as I like jerky, I always flinch when I take a look at the price sticker on the package. At about twenty bucks a pound for the storebought stuff, it makes sense to make your own jerky from the ducks and geese in your freezer. Contrary to what you may think, making jerky at home doesn’t require any special equipment. A sharp knife and an oven will suffice. I know one guy who just hangs his venison jerky across a set of elk antlers mounted over his warm, dry fireplace. In a day or two, it’s ready to eat. Assuming that you’ll want to prepare jerky using more conventional ovens, smokers or dehydrators, keep in mind that the goal is to remove most, but not all, of the moisture from the meat. After the first batch, it’ll be obvious whether it will be necessary to “cook” future jerky less or more. Jerky should not be so dry that it breaks apart like crispy bacon. Jerky that is still too “wet” will be chewy and, if not refrigerated or frozen, will eventually spoil. If you prefer to tote a bag of jerky with you in your blind bag, backpack or tackle box, it needs to a little more on the dry side. Making jerky with waterfowl meat is relatively simple. First, remove any gristle, skin and discolored areas from your breast fillets. Slice the meat about 1/4-inch thick. placing the meat in the freezer for an hour or so to firm it up will make it easier to slice thinly. If you prefer a softer, more malleable jerky, lightly pound it with a mallet or heavy skillet. Cutting the meat across the “grain” of the meat will also produce a
jerky that’s easier to chew. Next, submerge in marinade or rub with your favorite jerky seasoning. Allow the meat to marinate in the refrigerator for 24 hours or, if you’re going the dry rub route, wrap it in plastic wrap for at least 12 hours and refrigerate as well. Follow the directions on your dehydrator for making jerky. Typically, crank up the heat as high as it will go and allow about 4 hours of dehydrating time. Warm your smoker up to about 200 degrees and place the meat in a single layer on the racks. Smoke for 1 1/2 to 2 hours. Whether your smoker is fueled by electricity, gas, charcoal or wood chunks, maintain the heat until the meat is dried. If you’re making jerky indoors in the oven, lay the meat in strips on racks or screens and place in a 200 degree oven with the door cracked open about 1/2 inch, allowing the moisture to escape as the meat is dried. If your oven doesn’t have a little doohickey to keep it from closing all the way, roll up a piece of foil and place it between the door and the frame. Store your jerky in vacuum packaging bags or freezer-safe zipper lock bags in the freezer for a year or two or in the refrigerator for a few weeks. Load your pack with frozen jerky that’ll last for several days as you wander across the Appalachians or head to the coast to work on your tan while you wait for a bent rod tip. With the money you’ll save on making your own jerky, you’ll not only make room in the freezer for this season’s harvest, you might save enough to buy yourself a new duck call. Duck or Goose Jalapeno Lime Jerky An easy marinade for jerky with a southwestern tang. 2 lbs (about 4 cups) trimmed and thinly sliced boneless/skinless duck or goose breast 1/2 cup freshly squeezed (or bottled) lime juice 1 1/2 cups soy sauce 2/3 cup brown sugar 1 tablespoon kosher salt 1 tablespoon coarsely ground pepper 1 tablespoon garlic powder 2 jalapeno peppers Combine all ingredients and toss with sliced meat in a non-reactive container. Cover and refrigerate for 24 to 48 hours. Dry-Rubbed Jerky Many prefer a dry-rubbed jerky with savory seasonings. The salt will help draw out the moisture from the meat. 2 lbs (about 4 cups) trimmed and thinly sliced boneless/skinless duck or goose breast 1 cup coarse (not table grind) kosher or sea salt 3/4 cup brown sugar (use molasses for a strong flavor) 2 tablespoons granulated garlic 1/4 cup dried rosemary leaves 1 teaspoon dried sage 3 tablespoons lemon pepper Combine dry rub ingredients in a container. Evenly season meat on all sides, but just a thin layer will do or your jerky will be too salty. Stack meat together and wrap snugly with plastic wrap for 12 to 24 hours. Refrigerate. Pat dry before placing in dehydrator, smoker or oven.
Scott Leysath is The Sporting Chef America’s Premier Wild Game Chef
Scott's TV show, HuntFishCook can be seen on Comcast Sports Southeast(CSS) every Sunday AM and nationwide on The Sportsman Channel. He also appears each week on Ducks Unlimited TV on OLN. Check out his website, SportingChef.com, for more information and great fish and game recipes.
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Carolina WaterFowler Guide Service
Ronoake Rapids Lake Morning and Afternoon Hunts Mon., -Wed., -Thurs.
Duck Hunt Central North Carolina Sharon Harris Lake Morning and Afternoon Hunts Tues.,-Fri.,-Sat.
$150 Per Person –
( Min. Four People, Max. Ten People) Breakfast served in the Blind
Call Darrell McAuly Office-910-423-8853 Home-910-486-0241 Mobile-910-263-3499
IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ACTION! Where The Central & Mississippi Flyways End, and the Gulf of Mexico Begins! $300
Experience the Best Duck Hunting in Louisiana, Private Marsh Hunting, No Pressure, 2 per Blind . Fees include Lodging, 3 Meals a day (You Know how Good That Cajun Food is), Guided Boat Transportation to and from the Blinds, Decoys, Pirogues. Caring of Game, Gun Cleaning Equipment, Rods and Reels for PM Fishing and fully Equipped Dog Kennels!
per Person, per Day! 3 Day Hunt
Milton “Pete” J. Pitre, Jr. 4349 Bayouside Drive, Houma,LA 70363
Cell: 985.637.2404, Eves: 985.594.7476, Day: 985.594.9936, Lodge: 985.594.2681 waTErFowL 34 wETLaNDs
$21,000 - $30,000 Defender Services, Inc.
$10,000 - $20,999 SCANA Blanchard Machinery Co. C. N. Brown Plastics & Chemicals, Inc. Ferguson Enterprises, Inc. Sportsman’s Warehouse Super Sod
$5,000 - $9,999 North Shore Condo’s Remington Arms Company, Inc.
$2,500 - $4,999 AAA Well Drilling, Inc. B. S. Outfitters Coastal Plains Insurance Enterprise Car Sales Fripp Island Golf & Beach Resort Jarett M. Harrelson Newkirk Environmental, Inc. Nucor Steel – Darlington Numzaan Safaris Pelican Cleaners Piggly Wiggly of Sumter Shi-Awela Safaris Tideland Utilities, Inc. Tom Aydlette Waste Management, Inc.
$1,000 - $2,499 A Sure Sign & Graphic Design Co. Alexander Farms American Sportsman Andrew Godowns Barry Coleman Bill Robertson Bill’s Liquor & Fine Wines Boone Hall Plantation C & S Construction Carolina Fresh Farms - Aiken Carolina Fresh Farms – Rock Hill Carolina Fresh Farms - Summerville Carolina Paint & Body Carolina Pole, Inc. Carrol Josey Carson’s Nut Bolt & Tool Charles R. Snow Charles Warrington Charlie young Chris Cogdill CJ’s Convenience Store CMA Financial Services Construct South D & S Heating & Cooling Dorchester Logistics, Inc. Duraclean Systems, Inc. Eastman Chemical Company Enterprise Car Sales First Citizens Bank - Summerton Haier America Refrigerators Co., LTD Hampton Farm Harold McHaffey Harper Corporation Holly Hill Pawn Shop J. C. Witherspoon, Jr., Inc. Jack Oliver Pools & Spas Joey Mizell Jordan Scrap Metal Kenny Cogdill Kent Porth Nature Photography L & S Farms Linda Bush Marine Marketing Group Martin Marietta Matthew K. Stewart Mazzanna's Lawn Service, Inc. McLain & Lee, LLC Michael Langehans Mill Pond Restaurant Mitch Bailey MSPS Steel Fabricator NBM Builders, LLC No Worries Charters North Quarter Bison Farm Nucor Steel Cooper River Plant Port Royal Gun & Pawn Port Royal Oral Surgery Power Source Principal Financial Group Progress Energy - Robinson Plant Quality Electrical Systems Real Art - Helen Bone Rhodia, Inc. Robert Adams Rodney S. Burbage Schofield Ace Hardware Southern Mechanic Inc. Sunrise International, Inc. Sutcliffe Golf Cars, Inc. The Alpine Restaurant The Wm. Powell Co./Starflo Corp. Tyler Brothers Utility Sales, Inc. Washington K9
Weeks Department Store Welby Walkup
$500 - $999 A & S Auto Sales Absolute Home Services Action Abatement ADSI Moving Advanced Real Estate Ag South Farm Credit Ag South of Summerville Allen Patterson Alpha Powder Coating American Forest Management Anderson Brothers Bank Ann Dedman Atlantic Game & Tackle ATP Gun Shop B & B Body Shop Beaufort Surveying Bill Moody & Son Inc. Billy Ploss Blankenship Electric, Inc Bo Mitchell Bobby Martin Brent and Carson Cogdill C D Post Construction Callawassie Golf Club Carlton Wall Carolina Custom Homes Carolina Engineering Consultants Carolina Orthopedic Specialists Carter Construction Caswell Construction, LLC Chad Gault Chandler Trask Charles McFaddin Charles Wray Chay Cannington Coastal Electric Cooperative Coastal Green Building Solutions Cobalt Safes Complete Lawn Service Conway National Bank Cooters Backyard Grill Corbett Building Supply Countybank Cowden Plantation CPCS- Concrete Products & Construction Crossroads Archery Dangerfield Resources Darrell J. McAuly David Harrelson David Polk David Stanley Dick’s Sporting Goods Dixon Services Doc's Gun Exchange Don Cheeks Don Duncan Donald youngblood Donnie Daughtry Doug Truslow Earthworx, Inc. Eastern Electric Eastern Sales Co. Easy Way Insulation Eddie Polin Egan Brothers Inc. Elliot S. Close Eric Rodgers Extreme Fitness of Florence Farmers & Merchants Farmers & Merchants Bank of S.C. Farmers Telephone Coop. Ferguson Waterworks Firestone Building Products First Citizens Bank - Beaufort First Citizens Bank - Greenville First National Bank of S.C. Frank Boulineau Frank Feltham Franklin Gandy Fred Holseberg Gene Craig GMC Mortage Services Green Acres Turf Farm LLC Greg Housand Greg Zett Gregg Senn Guns-N-Things H & D Supply H & H Representatives Harry’s Equipment Center Henry Farms, Inc. Herbert Venning Hill Plumbing & Electric Co., Inc. Holcim, Inc. Holly Hill Services Howell Construction, Inc. Indigo Gun Club J. M. Lawhon J.B. Schwiers James H. Moss Jared Newman Jason Dandridge Jeff Spencer
waTErFowL 35 6 wETLaNDs
Jeffrey R. Smalley Jenks Inc. Realty Jenni Campbell Jennifer Mixon Jesse & Jennifer Weeks Jim Hudson Lexus John L. Starnes John Smith Karson Corley King Feed LLC Koons Package Store LaFarge Cement Lamar Kennedy Land, Parker, and Welch Landscapes by MEW Larry Avins Lehigh Outfitters Limehouse & Sons, Inc. Linda Bush Long Branch Farm Low Country Window Tinting Master Buick GMC Mattress Express McCutcheon's Welding Medicine Center Michael Knight Michael Wise Mid Carolina Pipe & Maintenance Millie Lewis Mitch Johnson Construction Co., Inc. Mossy Oaks Preschool My Tech Automotive, LLC Nash Oil Company Nucor Steel Cooper River Plant Oates Construction One Eleven Photo P & H Mechanical Heating & Air Palmetto Rural Telephone Co-op, Inc Palmetto Site Prep Pigweed Plantation Pinecrest Marine Plantation Marine, Inc Prospect Hill Plantation Quality Deer Management Association Rance Boozer Randall Hammonds Randall Hillyer Randel’s Lawnmowers Ray Clepper Boating Rhett Gallery Richard M. Unger Richard Norris Riverside Homes Rivertown Furniture Robert E. Mead Rocks Pond, Inc. Rodney Muckenfuss Rodney Winningham Russell Bishop Russell Hightower Ryan Martin Schmoyer & Co., LLC, CPA’s Scott Jennings Sea Island Marine Shady Grove Kennels Shane Lather Sherwood Fender Silver Lakes Plantation Southern Asphalt Southern Flight Retrievers Southern Palmetto Landscapes Inc. Southern Tree Services Of Beaufort Southern Welders Supply Sparrow & Kennedy Tractor State Farm Companies Foundation Steelwater Gun Safes Steven C. Gamble Still Hope’s Farm Stokes Honda Cars of Beaufort Sys Constructors Terry Schmoyer The Animal Hospital Of Beaufort The Kuckery Theresa A. Karlyk Tim Schartz TJ Robertson Tommy Addison Tony Coleman Tony Constant Tony Cross Town & Country Golf Carts Triangle Construction Co. Triangle Ice Tripp Kemp Tronco's Catering, Inc. Tuccio Real Estate Twicken Ham Plantation Unlimited Electric Co. Vaden of Beaufort W. P. Law, Inc. Waste-Pro Wells Fargo Home Mt. Wendy Shelley Whitmore Plumbing William Korb Windsor Jewelers Zippy Lube
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Corporate Sponsors
Corporate Sponsors as of 10/19/11