Southern Traditions Outdoors August-Septemeber 2012 by Southern Traditions Outdoors

Complimentary Copy

AUG/SEPT 2012

YOUTH IN THE

OUTDOORS DEER DETECTING DOGS GETTING SQUIRELLY TWRA NEWS

SOUTHERN TRADITIONS OUTDOORS | AUG./SEPT. 2012

From the Editor’s Desk

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ARTICLE

TWRA News Puppy Training Deer Detecting Dogs The Evolution of the Muzzleloader Getting Squirrelly Women in the Outdoors Youth in the Outdoors Off Road Section 2012 Duck Fest The Art of Duck Calling Trophy Room Kid’s Corner

AUTHOR H. Joe King Jr. Josh Ray Rob Somerville Rob Somerville Terry Wilkerson Walter Wilkerson Rob Somerville Rob Somerville

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n August 19th of this year, our region said good-bye to a man that knew no strangers. He was always ready with a smile, a few words of encouragement and an ever-present twinkle in his eyes and hearty laugh that earned him the nickname “Santa Claus.” His name was Jacky Daugherty and I got to know him through my friendship with his wife {and spiritual counselor at times} Sherry Daugherty, who is the owner of Buckets Pub & Grub, in Union City and Dyersburg. I am dedicating this issue to Jacky Daugherty and I hope the following poem touches our reader’s hearts and inspiring us all to appreciate our loved ones while we can. Twin Souls Dedicated to Jacky Daugherty July 2, 1950 – August 19th, 2012 They were high school sweethearts and soon it became so very apparent to see, Jacky would not give up, until Sherry, the love of his life, became his wife and moved to Tennessee. We’ll all surely miss Jacky and his good hearted nature –of this I cannot lie, But, now he is in a mansion of gold, sitting at his Lord’s feet, well above the sky.

On the Cover Ethan Armstrong {age four} is loaded up with gear and ready to go fishing with his family at Reelfoot Lake, in Northwest Tennessee. Photo by Walter Wilkerson

They were twin souls together, forging the perfect balance, of the symbolic Ying and Yang, She became a lay minister, but just had to smile, as a Johnny Winter’s tune he sang. The two fit together like a piece of a puzzle, stood together during good times and bad, I just wish that I got to know him better, that much sure makes me sad.

Southern Traditions Outdoors Magazine, LLC Owners - Eddie Anderson Rob Somerville Kevin Griffith Publisher - Eddie Anderson Editor - Rob Somerville

Garry Mason Walter Wilkerson Terry Wilkerson Jeff Agee Paul Moore

Magazine Design - Kalli Lipke Advertising Sales Rob Somerville - Managing Partner Distribution Johnathan Anderson

Field Staff Editors

Steve McCadams Kelley Powers Eddie Brunswick Stacey Lemon Larry Self

John Sloan Richard Simms John Meacham Joe Hall Buck Gardner

So shed your grief and trust the Lord – to lean on along the way, And think of Jacky – as he would you – best friend and spouse– in love each and every day. It will be difficult for you to travel this journey of mourning, on which you have partaken, But God knows our hearts and the losses we feel, so our paths and spirits will not be forsaken.

Scott Marcin Ed Lankford Drew Brooks John Latham John Roberts

Advertising Information:

Southern Traditions Outdoors | Rob Somerville (731) 446-8052 stomag1@gmail.com DISCLAIMER - Neither the authors nor Southern Traditions Outdoors Magazine LLC assume any responsibility or liability for any actions by readers who utilize any information contained within. Readers are advised that the use of any and all information contained within Southern Traditions Outdoors is at their own risk.

Southern Traditions Outdoors Magazine Mission Statement: Southern Traditions Outdoors Magazine vows to put forth a publication to promote the outdoors lifestyle in a positive manner. We will strive to encourage veteran and novice outdoorsmen, women, kids, and the physically challenged to participate in the outdoors in a safe and ethical manner. Our publication will bring positive attention to the wondrous beauty of the world of Nature in the mid-south.

Daddy Jack is in his true home now, with no tears, or aches or pain, And all who knew him can rest assured that our loss was Heaven’s gain. Until next time, please remember that our kids are our most precious natural resource. They are our future! See ya,

SOUTHERN TRADITIONS OUTDOORS | AUG./SEPT. 2012

Rob Somerville STO Editor

TWRA NEWS From the Tennessee Wildlife Resource Agency

INDIANA MAN REACHES PLEA AGREEMENT FOR 2011 DALE HOLLOW LAKE BOATING INCIDENT An Indiana man has reached a plea agreement in a July 2011 boating incident on Dale Hollow Lake, which resulted in one fatality and injured three others. Bonomini had been indicted by a Pickett County Grand Jury late last year Joseph Bonomini (24), of Lawrenceburg, Indiana pled guilty to one count of reckless vehicular homicide, a class C felony. The single vessel collision killed Byron Hartman of Guilford, Indiana and was investigated by officers of the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency. The officers found Bonomini under the influence of alcohol at the time of the collision. As a result of a plea agreement, Bonomini faces six years of probation, five years revocation of his boat operating privileges, 250 hours of community service and a $600 fine. He will be eligible for a judicial diversion of his charge once he completes his supervised probation. The boat operated at the time sank immediately after the collision. It was recovered by TWRA divers and forfeited to the TWRA as a training tool for boat accident investigations training. GREENEVILLE RESIDENT JESSICA PARKINS WINNER OF FIRST YOUTH ELK HUNT PERMIT Jessica Parkins, of Greeneville, is the winner of the permit to participate in the inaugural Tennessee Young Sportsman Elk Hunt to be held Oct. 19th - 20th. A fourteen year-old, rising ninth grader at South Greene High School, Jessica was selected in a random computer drawing from a pool of almost 300 applicants from ages 13-16. The announcement was made Saturday afternoon by Ed Carter, Executive Director of the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, in conjunction with the Second Annual Wildlife & Land Expo held at the Gaylord Opryland Hotel and Convention Center. All of the youngsters who entered to have an opportunity for the youth elk hunt tag received a letter to attend the announcement.

Jessica was in attendance with her parents, Robert and Cindy, and younger brothers Caleb (11) and Corey (9). She will be able to hunt on any five of the elk hunting zones designated at the North Cumberland Wildlife Management Area, located northwest of Knoxville. In addition to receiving the permit, Jessica received several gifts from the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, including a new hunting rifle and an assortment of gifts from the Quality Deer Management Association (QDMA). The presentation of the permit came at the QDMA’s Rack Pack display area. In addition, all those youngsters who entered the contest and were in attendance for the announcement, received a gift bag. Along with the TWRA’s Director Carter, comments were also made by TWRA Forestry and Wildlife Division Chief Daryl Ratajczak, Bill Carman of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation and Daniel Bartley of the QDMA. The state’s fourth sanctioned elk hunt will precede the youth hunt and will be held Oct. 15th – 19th with five hunters participating. The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Commission approved the 2012 special elk hunting season and the addition of a permit for one state resident to participate in the first youth hunt at its February 2012 meeting.

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AUG./SEPT. 2012 | SOUTHERN TRADITIONS OUTDOORS

TWRA NEWS CONTINUED

TWRA RESPONDS TO GOLD MINING CONCERNS IN TENNESSEE STREAMS AND RIVERS The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency has received a series of complaints recently from various recreational users concerning dredging activities on the Little River in Blount County. Complaints are centered on practices that include the use of suction dredges to excavate large holes in the river bottom, and the discharge of muddy water downstream from dredging activities. Also, there has been the blanketing of shoals with sediment, petroleum products on the water and the use of high pressure hoses to blast holes in the river bank. Upon investigation, the activities generating the complaints are related to gold mining. The Little River is extremely popular with visitors to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the Townsend area. Trout fishing, smallmouth bass fishing, tubing, canoeing, and wading are among the activities attracting both instate and out-of-state visitors and local residents to the area. Tennessee has a long tradition of people “panning for gold” using sieves, homemade sluice boxes, buckets and hand tools such as shovels and trowels. “Panning for gold” is considered by many to be an enjoyable family activity. Small scale panning, using traditional techniques and hand tools, does not pose a threat to Tennessee’s extraordinary aquatic resources. As with all stream activities, TWRA recommends the respect for private property, following public lands rules, not littering and being safe on the water. The use of commercial grade suction dredges, large scale 6

sluice systems, diesel-powered pumps and mechanical shovels, including backhoes and track hoes, and the use of high pressure hoses to blast away riparian habitat in a method called “high bank mining,” has become an aquatic habitat destruction issue in several states. The use of commercial scale mining equipment by individuals is apparently being promoted by both equipment manufacturers and cable television programs about gold mining. The destruction of aquatic habitat and related water pollution by suction dredging, use of backhoes or track hoes, or other machinery for gold mining in Tennessee streams and rivers is an illegal activity. The TWRA is responding to the complaints by contacting suction dredgers and high bank miners, obtaining contact and identification information, and taking such actions as are appropriate and provided for by state law. The TWRA is aware of gold mining in the Coker Creek watershed in Polk County. The Coker Creek watershed is an issue that is currently under consideration by state and federal resource agencies. For more information on these articles and more, go to the TWRA website at: www.tnwildlife.org.

SOUTHERN TRADITIONS OUTDOORS | AUG./SEPT. 2012

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AUG./SEPT. 2012 | SOUTHERN TRADITIONS OUTDOORS

Introducing More Formal

Puppy Training

By H. Joe King Jr. In the last issue, in continuation of our series of retriever training, we discussed the basic commands of Sit, Stay and Come (or Here). Through several repetitious sessions and plenty of your loving patience, your pup should be responding well now to these basic commands. What you want to ultimately achieve is immediate response to your commands. The next command that is very important is the Heal command. This command is the initial starting position for sending your dog to retrieve a training dummy or bird that he has seen or for a “blind” retrieve, which is a retrieve where the pup does not see you throw or place the training bird or dummy. With this command, your puppy should be very comfortable with wearing a lead and collar. The dog’s position could be either on your right or left side, where the dog’s lead is at your knee and the pup should be no further. Walking with him next to your knee, issue the command Heal. Pat the side of your knee, to give a visual assist to your puppy, showing him the correct position he needs to be in. Again, with time, patience and repetition your pup will understand this very important command. During these articles, the weather has been very hot and muggy. Realize how your puppy must feel by imagining yourself wearing a fur coat in this heat. Please do not over work your new best friend and keep your puppy well hydrated with cool water. For more information on dog training, contact STO Magazine field staff editor H. Joe King Jr. at Thunder Ridge Retrievers. You can email him at thunderridgeretrievers@yahoo.com or call him at 731-676-7776. H. Joe King, Jr. Thunder Ridge Retrievers thunder ridge retrievers

JOE KING OVER 35 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE BREEDING & TRAINING HUNTING DOGS

Remember that the keys to training a quality retriever puppy are practice, repetition and patience. STO File Photo

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Deer Detecting Dogs By Josh Ray

Josh Ray is pictured here, during one of his intense training sessions for tracking wounded deer for the upcoming season, with his Louisiana Catahoula Leopard Dog â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Gunner. Picture courtesy of Josh Ray

t takes someone that is an avid hunter to really understand what itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s like when you lose a wounded deer. I know this from firsthand experience; because when I have told my story about losing the buck of a life10

time, I have experienced fellow hunters feel the pain of the story, much more than a non-hunter would ever understand. The responsibility of a hunter to make every effort they can to recover a wound-

ed animal is something I do not take lightly. If you take the time to shoot an animal, you should do the right thing and do your absolute best to recover it. Even if you are only interested in the rack, there is still plenty of

SOUTHERN TRADITIONS OUTDOORS | AUG./SEPT. 2012

meat that could be given to a needy family. I have been on the blood trails of many wounded deer. Whether they were does or trophy bucks, I always lend a hand when possible. Deer that are hit high, or ones that

do not have an exit wound, can sometimes leave a scant to non-existing trail of blood to follow. Darkness falling, or having too many “well meaning” helpers destroying tracks or blood droplets with their boots, can also hamper recovery of an animal. Having seen how easy it is to lose the blood trail of an animal, when we are sure they are mortally wounded, I took the next step in trailing and tracking and purchased a blood dog. I decided to get a “pure bred” blood trailing dog last year after I lost the biggest buck that I have ever shot. We captured the shot on video, and I was almost certain that I had made a good hit. I gave the buck an hour before I decided to get down and track him. My arrow looked

not to walk over any existing sign that we had previously found, and went to gather a search party. To my great misfortune, we never found another drop of blood or my dream buck. That’s just one of many stories I can tell on lost blood trails. After extensive research, I decided to purchase a Louisiana Catahoula Leopard Dog, as my choice of blood dog. They are known for their tracking abilities and enthusiastic willingness to work. I’ll never give up on a wounded deer again, and neither will my blood dog, Gunner. Although he is young, he is a hard worker and enjoys what he believes to be a game of tracking. I bought Gunner from a professional breeder/ trainer out of Louisiana. He strongly promotes this blood

Having seen how easy it is to lose the blood trail of an animal, when we are sure they are mortally wounded, I took the next step in trailing and tracking and purchased a blood dog. like the shot had been lethal, and I immediately found a good blood trail starting about 10 yards from the deer’s location where I shot it. The blood trail was very easy to follow as the huge buck went away from the stand and started curling back around. About 150 yards into our tracking, we came upon a dried up slough. In a matter of 15 feet the blood trail went from easily visible to seemingly nonexistent. We carefully backed out, careful

line of proven working dogs. I decided to take on the task of opening a business that will help fellow hunters in the surrounding areas recover deer and other animals that they may otherwise never find. I am looking forward to the upcoming deer season, which is quickly approaching. So, if you find yourself in a situation like I was in last year, don’t hesitate to call. I will be more than happy to come and lend a hand. I hope you have a safe and

Following an easily visible blood trail from a wounded deer, like the one pictured here, is simple. It is when all signs of blood seemingly disappear that a pure bred tracking machine, like Gunner, can make the difference between heartbreak and elation for a hunter. Photo by Rob Somerville

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By Rob Somerville

Proper gun maintenance and the urgent need to keep their gunpowder dry were two of the top priorities for early American settlers and mountain men; often deciding the difference in their life or death. STO File Photo

SOUTHERN TRADITIONS OUTDOORS | AUG./SEPT. 2012

any Volunteer State hunters enjoy the challenge of deer/muzzleloading season. While these special hunts allow you a separate and unique opportunity to harvest whitetails, there are several disadvantages also. The major one being that you had better make that first shot count, because unlike a rifle, which can chamber a “ready to shoot” round in a second, a muzzleloader’s charge must be loaded separately and takes about sixty seconds to achieve. First comes the powdered or palletized propellant. Next you load the bullet or projectile and tamp it down with your “ramrod” and finally you set your primer cap or ignition choice. By the time you take care of these steps, your deer could be way out of range.

But, modern muzzleloading has come a long way. To understand just how far, we will go back to the days of pioneers and fast forward to the future. Primitive Muzzleloading Guns – A Trip through History Our great country owes a great deal to the invention of black powder and the primitive firearms, which were utilized to protect and feed the

this firearm performed with greater accuracy, there were still many drawbacks. One of the favorite sayings our early mountain men used to tell each other when bidding farewell was to, “Keep your powder dry.” {The other was to watch your “top knot,” which meant to be careful not to be scalped by Native American Indians}. The reason in wanting to keep their powder dry was really quite simple. These

by pouring black powder from a measuring flask into the muzzle or barrel end of the gun. They then took a “patch” {dry piece of cloth} and pushed or tamped it down in to the barrel with a round ball. Once this was accomplished, they poured a small amount of powder onto the “flash pan” of their gun. It was then ready to fire. By triggering the hammer, it would then strike a piece of flint, sending a spark to the powder in the flash pan. This spark would in turn light the powder charge through the breech in the barrel and propel the round ball, with a fair amount of accuracy, towards the target. If the powder in the flash pan or barrel got damp, the gun would not fire. If the target they were aiming at was a

This in-line, .50 caliber gun has revolutionized the industry. It actually breaks open, like an over and under shotgun. early settlers. First came the musket, which looked more like a musical instrument than a gun. Next, the flintlock rifle was invented. While

rugged men lived or died in their survival life by relying on their guns. Early muzzleloaders were primed

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Muzzleloaders Continued Shortly thereafter, followed the invention of Pyrodex Pellets, which were pre-measured charges of pelletized powder. The next innovative step in modernization was the “sabot” that would replace the round ball and greatly improve shot accuracy. Sabots are comprised of a plastic jacket encasing a slightly smaller caliber bullet than the rifles bore. For example, a .50 caliber muzzleloader will shoot a .44 caliber sabot bullet.

The evolution of muzzleloading has come a long way in both accuracy and safety, with modern inventions such as the in-line rifle, pelletized powder and percussion caps shown here. STO File Photo

grizzly bear or hostile Indian, they could be dead. Modern Muzzleloading – The Next Generation For hunting purposes, the late 20th century saw the invention of “side hammer” muzzleoaders, which used a #10 percussion cap for ignition. These guns had heavy, octagon shaped barrels that were difficult to clean, and

while they showed a vast improvement for hunting, the best was yet to come. In the 1970’s, a man by the name of Tony Knight, invented the first in-line muzzleloader.

the percussion cap did not have to travel 90-degrees to ignite the charge. It went in a straight line, through a removable breech plug. This era also saw the invention

Traditions – The Future is Here A small company named Traditions, out of Connecticut, has always been an innovative force in the muzzleloading industry. But, in the past decade, they have truly outdone themselves. I bought one of their Premiere Pro models at Bass Pro Shops the year they debuted, after reading about it. This in-line, .50 caliber gun has revolutionized the industry. It actually breaks open, like an over and under shotgun. This not only allows easy cleaning away from the ignition system, it also lets you visually check your breech plug ignition

The most amazing benefit is in accuracy. Aptly named Knight Rifles, these guns had a true “inline” ignition system. This meant that the spark from

of Pyrodex powder, which burned cleaner than black powder and didn’t leave as much residue after shooting.

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hole, to ensure that it is clear between every shot. The most amazing benefit is in accuracy. When testing this gun, I consistently shot patterns within a five inch circle from 150 yards. I was using four, thirty grain Pyrodex Pellets {for a total of 120 grains of powder}, and 265 grain sabots. This model also solved another muzzleloader problem - being “barrel-heavy” when you raise them to fire. The Premiere Pro shoulders just like a quality rifle. Summary There is still a place for those purists that enjoy the old style “front stuffers”. But I feel that as an ethical hunter, I should use the most ac-

curate and safe gun, which is available and legal. That is why I choose to hunt with an in-line rifle. If our early American ancestors had these models, maybe the only thing they would have had to worry about was watching their “top-knot”. Whether you choose a modern in-line model or a more traditional style, here’s hoping that when the smoke clears your buck of a lifetime is harvested. Note: If you are interested in the history of black powder firearms, I highly recommend a visit to Dixie Gun Works in Union City, Tennessee. They have an extensive collection of black powder guns dating back to before the Civil War.

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Squ

G e t ti n

ir re

lly By Rob Somerville

If a squirrel spots you before you can get a shot, they will usually flatten out against the opposite side of the tree from where you are located. STO File Photo

SOUTHERN TRADITIONS OUTDOORS | AUG./SEPT. 2012

t’s been a long time between hunting seasons and you have religiously attended all of the outdoor shows and rented all of the hunting videos from the local rental store. You must get into the woods. It pulls at you like a giant magnet. Well, rest easy, squirrel season is here. Neither hot nor humid weather, swarms of bloodsucking mosquitoes, or dense vegetation can keep the Volunteer State hunters from entering the woods for squirrel season. Today, I will give you some fall hunting strategies for this rascally rodent. Squirrel Smorgasbord The first thing you want to look for when hunting fall season squirrels is their food source. The acorns from the oak trees won’t be ready for a couple weeks, so you must search for mass producing

trees such as hickory, beech and pecan. Find one or more of these trees with branches drooping from their nut mast and you can easily fill your game bag. Buck-toothed Breakfast Use your senses of sight and hearing, and you will find the squirrels. When the “tree rats” grasp a nut in their paws they gnaw at the hard outer shell with their two over-sized incisors to get at the tasty delicacy within. This is called “cutting.” The sounds of a family of squirrels cutting in a hickory tree resemble a bunch of three year-olds munching on some crisp potato chips. They also leave the shavings from the outer shell droppings on the ground in visible piles, beneath their feeding tree. These shavings hitting

When fall squirrel hunting, listen for the distinctly audible sounds of these bushytails “cutting” on pecan, hickory or beech nuts. STO File Photo

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Squirelly Continued the ground under a hot tree will make it sound like it is raining in the woods. You also want to scan the upper branches for limbs bowing under the weight of a squir-

rel, as it leaps from branch to branch. If you quietly and slowly approach the tree, using the stealth of a Green Beret, you can slip right up into shooting position.

Become Invisible Wear a camo pattern that helps you blend in to your surroundings. I like Mossy Oak’s Forest Floor, during early squirrel season, as it

has a lot of green blended into it. Ease around as slow as possible with all your senses attuned for noise and visual recognition of squirrels feeding. Tips and Tactics If you come upon a tree with several squirrels feeding in it and harvest your first one, freeze! I have found that if you are perfectly still, and the squirrels detect no motion on the ground, they will soon begin feeding again. But, make sure you mark the spot where the first squirrel hit the ground carefully or you may have trouble finding it. If you slip up on a squirrel and they bust you, they will probably flatten out behind a limb or scurry around to the opposite side of the tree from which you are standing. Pause a couple of seconds, and then pick up a couple of rocks. Toss the rocks, one at a time, on the opposite side of the tree from where you are positioned. Oftentimes, this will force the squirrel back to your side of the tree, where you have an easy shot.

Squirrel hunting is a great way to introduce youngsters to the great American heritage of the outdoors, as well as letting Mother Nature teach them valuable lessons. STO File Photo

SOUTHERN TRADITIONS OUTDOORS | AUG./SEPT. 2012

Gather Up the ‘Youngins’ Squirrel hunting is a perfect opportunity to introduce kids to shooting sports. A 20 gauge youth model shotgun and light load shells packs plenty of punch to harvest a furry trophy. As you walk through the woods with the youngster, you can point out deer trails, different species of birds and other educational wonders of nature.

Equipment Log Carry plenty of ‘skeeter’ dope. I like to use a spray that is effective against ticks, with Deet as an ingredient. This is effective against ticks, which can cause Lime disease, as well as mosquitoes, which have been believed to carry the West Nile Virus. I hunt adjacent to a river bottom, so I always wear my snake-proof boots. Just last

week, I nearly steeped on a four-foot version of “Old Cold Jaws.” Many squirrel hunting purists use .22 caliber rifles. This is fine, as long as you are very confident in your shooting ability. But remember, a .22 rifle bullet will travel over one mile if unimpeded and could be dangerous. Most hunters in our state use a 12 or 20 gauge shotgun.

Tortoise and Hare There are two main subspecies of squirrel in our state, which consist of fox and gray squirrels. The fox squirrel has a fuller coat and tail and may be red, brown and even black in coloration. They are larger, and although they can get up and go when sensing danger, they aren’t as speedy as their smaller cousin - the gray squirrel.

The gray squirrel defies gravity with its acrobatic leaps and blinding speed. Many connoisseurs feel that they are also tastier in the frying pan. I hope you fill your skillets with fried squirrel this season, but remember that in order to be a successful hunt, it must first be a safe one.

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AUG./SEPT. 2012 | SOUTHERN TRADITIONS OUTDOORS

Field Care for Your Trophy Mount It’s that time of year again bobcat stalking its prey. As after they are killed. As soon buy a deer skin to replace a and everybody we talk to is taxidermists, we have even as the animal dies, forms of ruined one. getting geared up for this mounted some beautiful ani- bacteria start to attack the Field care is just as imporhunting season. It seems like mals that were the results of carcass. Warm and humid tant. For mounting purposes, they are all getting their bows a vehicular road kill, but the weather accelerate bacteria the only mammal you need to fine-tuned, buying new ar- body has to be fresh. That growth, so if you can’t take field dress is a deer. If you rows, putting out trail kill a deer or turkey, cameras and getting in ...it is crucial if you want to have a great looking and my husband Walt is plenty of practice time, mount that you must get it to your taxidermist available, he will gladshooting their bows. ly cape your deer or as soon as possible. There are more people skin your bird for you, that hunt (men and women) is a point I want to stress to it to your taxidermist imme- so you can enjoy your meat. than the average, non-hunt- everyone, that it is crucial diately, store your trophy in Don’t try to attempt skinning ing person could imagine. if you want to have a great a freezer. If it’s a deer to be your turkey on your own if We hunt not only for food, looking mount that you must mounted, take it to your pro- you plan to have it mountbut also for the excitement of get it to your taxidermist as cessor, but please be sure to ed. It’s done differently than the chance to see that trophy soon as possible. We know pick your caped deer head up most birds. whitetail walking through you want to show off your as soon as you’re told it will So, if you wanted birds the woods at 20 yards, or trophy and tell the story of be ready. Many deer skins or fish mounted ... DO NOT a beautiful pair of mallards your hunt to your friends and are ruined, because they were FILLET OR DRESS THEM! with wings cupped and com- family, but many trophies are left in a cooler or freezer too If you are going to mount ing in to their decoys, or a ruined in the first few hours long, and even when stored it, you don’t need to gut it. i n a Place your bird or fish in a coolplastic bag, being careful not e r o r to bend or damage the feathPHONE (731)286-0853 • 1529 MORGAN RD., DYERSBURG freezer ers or fins. Try to get all the it won’t air out of the bag that you last can and tie the bag closed. forevThen place it carefully in the er. You freezer. spend Small mammals should not a lot of be field dressed or skinned time and and should be taken to your money taxidermist or frozen right on huntaway. Many small mammals, EVERY MOUNT IS A ing, so such as carnivores, will spoil Don’t trust you sure quickly because of their thin just anyone. don’t hide and exposure to bacteTrust a State, National & World Award want an rial growth. Winning Taxidermists! extra Happy hunting everyone! “Quality Work at a expense Terry “Living Life Reasonable Price” of havOutdoors’’ Wilkerson Member T.T.A. & N.T.A. ing to

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SOUTHERN TRADITIONS OUTDOORS | AUG./SEPT. 2012

Taxidermy Tips: • When field dressing a deer to be mounted, do not cut into the brisket (chest) or neck area, and don’t insert your kill tag in the ears, which will makes holes. • Always have appropriate tags with your trophy and hunting license ready to show your taxidermist, as the law requires it. • Remember that songbirds, owls, eagles, hawks and snakes are protected by federal law and cannot be mounted unless you have a special federal permit.

Shown here, is a diagram that shows the proper method to cape a deer, if you wish to have it mounted. STO File Photo

AUG./SEPT. 2012 | SOUTHERN TRADITIONS OUTDOORS

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Quality Service and Reasonable Rates! When I am in need of vehicle repairs, or servicing, I always go see my good friend Daniel, who owns D.R. Auto Repair & Service Center in Kenton, Tennessee. - Rob Somerville

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Youth in the Outdoors By Walter Wilkerson

Pictured here are three generations. Shown are father Josh Ray {on left and holding eight week-old son Cody} and grandfather Terry, with a nice gobbler. Photo by Walter Wilkerson

SOUTHERN TRADITIONS OUTDOORS | AUG./SEPT. 2012

ust the other day, I was watching the news and I saw where a young boy had to be hospitalized, for severe dehydration. Apparently, he had shut himself up in his room for days, playing an XBox game. That should be a wake-up call for many parents. So, let’s get our kids out of the house to enjoy what God created for us in the great outdoors. Some of my fondest memories as a child are playing sports, or of hunting and fishing with my friends and family. Just take a child into the woods and let them hear a crow call or a squirrel bark. Let them see the numerous birds and bugs, and let them try to identify all the sounds of nature they hear. I love to just close my eyes and listen, to see how many species of birds I can hear and then look to see if I can find them in the trees. Yo u w o u l d b e surprised at all the sounds of nature’s creatures that you can hear in the woods that we just take for granted. Now, on a more serious note, I would hate to see all of our hunting and fishing rights taken away. It’s up to us to impress on our children how important it is to retain these rights. As mentors, we need to teach them the safe, ethical and legal ways of

hunting and fishing, so that they will appreciate and carry on these traditions. There is no greater feeling than your experience with a child the first time they see a deer, or feel that tug at the end of a fishing pole. If you’re like me, most of you can remember who you were with and where you were, when you caught that first fish or shot your first deer. It’s exiting and I love to share and be a part of this with others. But, when you do take a kid hunting or fishing, you must be patient. Children are going to be naturally restless and are going to rustle the leaves and snap twigs in the woods. When fishing, they will slap the water with their poles, so just be patient and make it fun. Make it about them. This way, they will learn and continued on next page

AUG./SEPT. 2012 | SOUTHERN TRADITIONS OUTDOORS

Twin brothers, Griffin and Fulton Armstrong, are excited as they are heading out to fish with their other two brothers {Dylan and Ethan} their dad Ryan, and their granddad Arthur, at Reelfoot Lake. Photo by Walter Wilkerson

Youth Continued will want to go back, again and again. There are several different conservation organizations that have programs designed exclusively for promoting and encouraging the youth in our communities to participate in the outdoors lifestyle. A couple of these groups are the Greenwing Teals program {that is sponsored by Ducks Unlimited} and the Jakes program {sponsored by the National Wild Turkey Federation}. 32

To find out more about the Greenwing Teals or Jakes events and programs, contact your local chapter of the National Turkey Federation and Ducks Unlimited. We also have a local youth trap shooting team, right here in Dyersburg, with two certified instructors who show kids the safe way to handle shotguns and compete in skeet shooting. For more information on that program, you can call William Moore or Terry Hallum, at

731-297-7449. I just recently was informed of another group called Mississippi Flyways Waterfowlers. Their organization specializes in the mentoring of our local youth through a program specifically designed to introduce kids ages six through seventeen to the sport of water fowling in Mississippi Flyway areas. To find out more about the Waterfowlers, go to www.talkinfowl.com. Please support all of these

SOUTHERN TRADITIONS OUTDOORS | AUG./SEPT. 2012

groups. Your donations are an investment in the youth of today! Remember that all kids, ages nine and older, must have graduated from a hunter safety course prior to hunting, which is free and taught by local volunteers and/or the TWRA. Please people; let’s get our kids outdoors, instead of in their rooms playing X-box. Walt ‘’Keeping the Tradition Alive’’ Wilkerson

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www.acornpointlodge.com - Phone: 731-538-9800 - Fax: 731-538-9007 AUG./SEPT. 2012 | SOUTHERN TRADITIONS OUTDOORS

Bikini Bottoms – West Tennessee’s Best Kept Secret By Rob Somerville

There is a song called “Mud on the Tires” by Brad Paisley that epitomizes an ATV/Off-Road Park located just north of Dyersburg, Tennessee in the northwest corner of the state. It is called Bikini Bottoms and is privately owned by Bob and Pam Williams. The park is a haven for those who love to go ‘muddin’ with trucks, Jeeps or ATV’s . This place has something for everyone - family riding trails, mountains of dirt to climb, deep mud covered in water, and headliner concert events. Some people may call the patrons of Bikini Bottoms “rednecks” but these folks don’t care what you think. They have a ball! I decided to interview Bob and Pam to find out more about Bikini Bottoms for our readers. So throw your rig in four wheel drive, strap on your helmet and let’s hit the road!

STO: Where did the concept of Bikini Bottoms come from and how did you go about creating this off-road park? WILLIAMS: We have always had a beautiful waterfall on our farm, where the family would go swimming and our daughter would refer to it as Bikini Bottoms from the cartoon. We came up with a logo and decided ro open the gates to the public, so others could enjoy our unique and naturally scenic place.

STO: How many acres is the park and what different venues does it offer? WILLIAMS: We have about 160 acres in the park itself, including all kinds of off-road riding trails, for the beginners as well as for the experts. We have mud races, deep mud holes to try to cross, tall hills to climb and riding competitions for trophies and money. There are plenty of designated locations for camping and we also provide a nice shower house, to wash the mud and dust off after trail riding. On our race weekends, we have concessions as well.

STO: Tell us about the concerts you have already held there and are there plans for future music events? WILLIAMS: There have been two this year, which proved to be a huge success and turned out huge crowds. Our plan is to have three concerts a year. STO: What are your rates and amenities at the park? WILLIAMS: We charge $10 per day every weekend, except for

when we hold our Saturday Race events that are $15 a day. Kids, who are twelve and under, are admitted free of charge. There are weekend rates for campers as well.

STO: What are your goals and visions for the future at Bikini Bottoms? WILLIAMS: We have the blue prints to build a 3000 foot long Zip Line, which will be an adrenaline rush filled ride from 200 feet in the sky. We are also considering renting out canoes as well, to ride down the Obion River back to the park. For more information about Bikini Bottoms OffRoad Park go to www.bikinibottomsoffroadpark.com or Facebook them.

SOUTHERN TRADITIONS OUTDOORS | AUG./SEPT. 2012

AUG./SEPT. 2012 | SOUTHERN TRADITIONS OUTDOORS

Visit Dyer County,Tennessee A Spo rtsman’s Paradise!

Located just 1/2 hour, from beautiful Reelfoot Lake, Dyer County has something for everyone. From the finest motels, restaurants, shopping malls, and bars ... we welcome all sportsmen that are hunting or fishing at the “Quake Lake.” There is nowhere else for miles that can offer hunting and fishing licenses, sporting goods, cost-efficient - yet clean and comfortable lodging, and a cold beer or cocktail. Our restaurants can tempt you with everything from a “Black Angus” ribeye steak - to fast food. The best feature of all, which Dyer County has to offer, is that you will always enjoy your visit with us, in a safe and friendly atmosphere. So, what are you waiting for? As far as area ratings go ... You can’t score higher than Dyer! Ex_HalfPage.pdf

3/16/11

www.dyerchamber.com

2:48:59 PM

CMY

SOUTHERN TRADITIONS OUTDOORS | AUG./SEPT. 2012

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Are you stumped, as to what to buy that “outdoor lover in your life, for Christmas? Well the solution is right here in Dyersburg, Tennessee at HUNT, FISH + WHOLESALE! The owner of this store, Jack Dewailly, is an avid outdoorsman and has been in the industry for decades. He has a huge assortment of steel shot, camo apparel, ammunition, knives and outdoor related gifts that any hunter or fisherman will love. His prices are very affordable, and if he doesn’t have what you want in stock, I guarantee he can get it. After all, he has several warehouses, in various states, stocked with quality goods. HUNT, FISH + WHOLESALE is located in Green Village Shopping Center, in Dyersburg, Tennessee. For more information, call Jack at 731-882-1888. - Rob Somerville

AUG./SEPT. 2012 | SOUTHERN TRADITIONS OUTDOORS

The third annual Dyersburg Duckfest saw another record crowd in attendance; estimated at over 2500 people. The event is centered around the TWRA public duck blind drawings for the TIGRETT WMA, located near Dyersburg, Tennessee. Carl Wirwa and over a dozen TWRA officials were on hand to register hunters and conduct the blind drawing. Over twenty vendors of outdoor related goods, displayed their wares as well as supplied donated door prizes, and concessions were available. A great time was had by all. All photos courtesy of Steve Guttery and the Dyer County Chanber of Commerce.

SOUTHERN TRADITIONS OUTDOORS | AUG./SEPT. 2012

AUG./SEPT. 2012 | SOUTHERN TRADITIONS OUTDOORS

The Art of Duck Calling By Rob Somerville

recently had the chance to visit with two of the top duck callers and hunters in the Mississippi Flyway region. Our discussion involved calling techniques. This duo of “Quacker Smackers” consisted of the following men: Buck Gardner and Stu Wolcott. The most interesting concept I observed was the difference between competition calling and actual calling to ducks in the field. The following information reveals their views and tips. Buck Gardner – “Champion of Champions” Few people have reached the status of Buck Gardner in the Competition Duck Calling arena. He has basically won every title there is from regional, to various states, to world championships. Buck even won the grand-daddy of them all, the Champion of Champions. This con-

test is only open to people who have already won the world championship. In other words, he beat the “best of the best.” Here is what he says about competition calling: “Competition calling is like playing a musical instrument in a concert. You are appealing to human ears. I like to do things a little differently. That way, if the judges liked me in the first round, they will recognize my routine in later rounds. If you are interested in being a competition caller, I recommend you do several things.” You can find Buck’s tips on the next page. The Master of Meat Calling – Stu Wolcott Stu Wolcott, is the owner/ operator of Primm Springs Wildlife Company, which consists of full service guided dove, trophy deer and turkey hunting in Middle Tennessee, as well as a wa-

terfowl hunting operation just outside Stuttgart, Arkansas. Primm Springs has a beautiful lodge that houses over 40 hunters. He has been one of my best friends for over 20 years, and without a doubt, is one of the most knowledgeable and successful duck callers I have ever shared a blind with. But, Stu is in it to call in the huge flocks of ducks to his decoy spread, not to please judges. He told me that competition calling is as different as night and day, when compared to trying to get a greenhead to have its wings locked and feet dropped into your spread. Stu’s tips can be found on the next few pages on how he recommends hunters to improve their calling from the blind, pit or boat. Summary Competition calling can bring you accolades, prizes

SOUTHERN TRADITIONS OUTDOORS | AUG./SEPT. 2012

and money. You will meet a lot of great friends and can possibly forge out a career in the outdoor industry as Buck Gardner did. But, don’t necessarily think that the road will be an easy one. You will have to work very hard and never give up. Meat calling on the other hand will make you a better hunter, and if you mess up and squeak out a bad sound from your call, you won’t get disqualified by a judge. You may flare a duck or two off of your spread, but your mistake won’t be witnessed by hundreds of people either. Editor’s Note: If you need help with your calling, these two men will be happy to assist you. You can reach Buck Gardner at 1-901-754-095 {www.buckgardnercalls.com} or Stu Wolcott at 931-7290392 {www.primmspringswildlife.com}.

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Buck Gardner’s Tips on “Calling for Judges” 1. Go to contests and tape record the top three finishers as they do their routines. Listen to this recording over and over and learn it. 2. Find a duck call you like and stick with it. I recommend a double-reed call. 3. Find an experienced caller who is willing to mentor you or a call manufacturer that can give you tips. 4. Practice every chance you get. One good way to do this is to get an instructional CD or tape to listen to. Play it, pause it, and then attempt to mimic what you heard. 5. Enter small contests at first, until you win a few. Then you can move to larger venues. 6. Most important of all, is perseverance. You must practice every day and never get discouraged!

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“World Champion of Champions” duck caller Buck Gardner worked hard to achieve all of the prestige he has earned in the world of competitive duck calling. Photo courtesy of Buck Gardner

AUG./SEPT. 2012 | SOUTHERN TRADITIONS OUTDOORS

Stu Wolcott’s Tips on “Calling for Ducks” 1. Go to a refuge and listen to the ducks. Record the different vocalizations they use and practice them. 2. Give the ducks what they want to hear. If they are loud get loud. If they are subtle in their vocalizations – you do the same. 3. Watch their reactions to your calling and react to it. 4. Know when to shut up. If they are coming in silent, then you should be silent too. 5. Never call to ducks if they are coming towards you, or directly overhead. Only call when you can see wingtips or their backs. 6. Keep down in the blind. The only one looking at the ducks should be the pit boss. The other hunters should watch the pit bosses’ eyes for where the ducks are located. 7. The most common mistake duck hunters make when calling is over-calling. Stu Wolcott walks the walk, rather than talks the talk, when it comes to consistently bringing in mallards. Here he is pictured with a multi-limit brace of ducks from one of his guided morning hunts. Photo courtesy of Stu Wolcott

8. Utilize motion decoys when they are working successfully. Spinning wing decoys usually work best early in the year, but can flare the more educated ducks later in the season. Older decoys that have faded can be made to look more realistic by spraying them with a light coat of polyurethane. 9. Use softer calling when hunting flooded timber, as the sounds will echo off of the water in the trees. 10. Use chatters and Drake whistles mixed in with your calling.

SOUTHERN TRADITIONS OUTDOORS | AUG./SEPT. 2012

AUG./SEPT. 2012 | SOUTHERN TRADITIONS OUTDOORS

Bradley Floyd killed his first turkey on March 24th, 2012 while hunting with his uncle, Jack Hill in Weakly County, Tennessee. Photo courtesy of Wilkerson’s Taxidermy

Drake Palmer from Ridgely, Tennessee caught this 8.4 lb. bass out of Gibson County Lake on July, 7th 2012 while fishing with his dad. This 9 year-old boy is the son of David Palmer from Dyersburg, Tennessee. Photo courtesy of Wilkerson’s Taxidermy

SOUTHERN TRADITIONS OUTDOORS | AUG./SEPT. 2012

Will Wilson caught this bass at a private lake in Dyer County fishing with his dad, Chris Wilson. It weighed 4 pounds and was 20 inches long. Photo courtesy of Chris Wilson.

Ryne O’Rourke harvested his first turkey ever, which weighed in at 23lbs and had a 9” beard. He took this nice gobbler while hunting with his dad, David S. O’Rourke, during the youth turkey season on April 1st, 2012 in DuQuoin, Illinois. Photo courtesy of Wilkerson’s Taxidermy

Kirsten Ray proudly holds up this bluegill, which she caught on her family’s lake, while fishing with her granddad, Terry Ray. Photo Courtesy of Wilkerson’s Taxidermy

AUG./SEPT. 2012 | SOUTHERN TRADITIONS OUTDOORS

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AUG./SEPT. 2012 | SOUTHERN TRADITIONS OUTDOORS

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SOUTHERN TRADITIONS OUTDOORS | AUG./SEPT. 2012