2011 Outdoor Sports

Page 1

2011 Outdoor Sports Special Setting their sights on the new season

Cleaning and sighting in a gun is necessary, especially when it始s new, before hunting season begins. Reviewing the rules, becoming acquainted with the gun and some good old fashioned target practice can be a family affair. Billie Cole/McCook Daily Gazette

McCook Daily Gazette Thursday, Oct. 27, 2011


Nebraska Game and Parks sets 3 special deer hunts OUTDOOR SPORTS SPECIAL

2 – McCook Daily Gazette

Thursday, Oct. 27, 2011

LINCOLN, Nebraska (AP) — The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission has scheduled three special antlerless deer hunts. They will be held at Eugene T. Mahoney and Platte River state parks as well as Schramm Park State Recreation Area.

Successful applicants will get a permit that allows them to hunt antlerless deer in designated areas of a park on designated dates, using specific equipment. Applications will be accepted through

Oct. 31. If there are more applicants than permits, a drawing will be held Nov. 2. Application forms can be obtained by calling Mahoney park at 402-944-2523, Ext. 7122; Platte River park at 402-234-

2012 Honda Big Red

H ONDA O N D A -Y - Y AMAHA AMAHA

3 Speed Automatic, Diff. Lock, 680cc, Fuel Injected, 4x4

2011 Yamaha Grizzly 450 4x4, Automatic, Independent Suspension

SALE SALE

2217; Schramm park at 402-332-3901; or Game and Parks at 402-471-5597. Legal equipment at Mahoney and Platte River state parks are archery and muzzleloaders. The legal equipment at Schramm park is archery.

$6,399

$11,299

2011 Honda TRX 500 Foreman 4x4, Electric Shift

2009 Yamaha Raptor 90 Something for Dadʼs Right Hand Man! Hardly Ever Ridden

SALE SALE

$1,999

401 401 East East B Street Street M McCook, cCook, N NEE 669001 9001 (308) (308) 345-520 345-5200 1-800-345-0031 1-800-345-0031 wwww.devenychryslerjeepdodge.com w w . d e ve n y c h r y s l e r j e e p d o d g e . c o m

$6,299

• Deluxe Breakfast Bar • High Speed Internet (All Rooms) www.horsecreekinnmccook.com

1 Holiday Bison Drive N Hwy 83 McCook, NE 69001 308/345-4505 Fax 308/345-2990


Anglers tackle fall fishing

OUTDOOR SPORTS SPECIAL

McCook Daily Gazette

KANSAS DEPARTMENT OF WILDLIFE AND PARKS

PRATT, Kansas — Before long, the Kansas hunting seasons will be in full swing, but there’s still time to enjoy some excellent fishing. There’s a lull after the fast action of the opening dove, early teal, and youth deer and duck seasons, but avid outdoorsman are still itching to get out. This is a time of year when many take advantage of hungry fish, feeding continually in preparation for a long winter. Fall is a great time to be outdoors. In the state’s larger lakes and reservoirs, gizzard shad are the preferred prey of most sport fish. In the fall, young-of-the-year shad are about 2-3 inches long, and a white or chrome, fat-bodied crankbait is the perfect imitation of a gizzard shad. Cast a deep- or medium-diving crankbait along rocky points and rip-rapped shorelines, and retrieve it quickly, so it gets near the bottom and bounces off the rocks. A deepdiving crankbait may be the best choice even when fishing relatively shallow water. The lure’s long lip deflects off rocks and other snags, and this action can trigger strikes. If the

Thursday, Oct. 27, 2011 – 3 lure does hang up, give it some slack, and it will often float free. Using light monofilament or a small-diameter braided line will allow a crankbait to dive deeper. Later in fall, when water temperatures cool to the low 50s or high 40s, it’s time to catch Kansas crappie. Reservoir crappie congregate in large schools over deep brushpiles and creek channel dropoffs at this time. Jigs or jigging spoons fished vertically in 12-25 feet of water are most effective. If too many small crappie are biting, try a larger jig with a 2- or 2 1/2-inch shad-type plastic body. The larger bait will more closely resemble shad and may discourage smaller fish. When concentrations of crappie and white bass are found, use landmarks or GPS to mark their location. If the state experiences a frigid winter and safe ice forms, you can return to the spots that held fish before freeze-up and catch them through the ice. Even though autumn weather may be mild, always wear more layers of clothing than you think necessary when fall fishing. No matter how warm it feels on land, it will be much cooler on the water, especially if the wind blows.

Welcome Hunters & Fishermen

Storewide Savings on Ammo, Reloading, Clothing, Boots, Guns, Fishing Tackle, Rods, Reels, Camping, Boating & Marine Supplies 9 A.M. - 5:30 P.M. - Monday-Friday 9 A.M. - 4:00 P.M. - Saturday

Bob Woolsey * * * * * * Joe Dejmal 502 East Frontier Parkway, Oberlin, Kansas 785-475-2201 www.dalesfishnfun.com

M, W, Th, Fri, 8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. and 1-4:30 p.m.

Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. 5 p.m. Closed lunch hours and Wednesday afternoons


OUTDOOR SPORTS SPECIAL

4 – McCook Daily Gazette HAYS, Kansas — On Oct. 29, the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT), in cooperation with Smoky Hill Pheasants Forever No. 424 and the Hunting Heritage Group Inc. (HHG), will host the sixth annual youth upland hunt in memory of former volunteer Darrell Brown. The event will be held at the Hays City Sportsman’s Club, 5810 230th Avenue in Hays (Exit 157 off I-70). The hunt is for youth 12 through 18 years old. Each youth hunter will have the opportunity to harvest at least four birds while hunting over seasoned pointing dogs. Upland bird hunters 16 and older must have a valid Kansas hunting license and hunter education certification. Participants not only hunt but receive instruction on how to hunt with pointing dogs, field safety, hunting dog training, gun handling, how to clean and prepare harvested birds, and what type of habitat

to look for when hunting upland birds. The Drug Abuse Resistance Education (D.A.R.E.) program is also incorporated into the event. For more information on this hunt, phone natural resource officer Jason Hawman at 785-483-0504. To register for the hunt, phone Shayne Wilson at 785-628-1415, 8 a.m. through 5 p.m. Monday thru Friday. There is no charge for the hunt. In addition, KDWPT and HHG will host a waterfowl hunt on Oct. 22-23 for youth ages 12 through 18. The event will be held around Cedar Bluff Wildlife Area on both public and private land. Lodging for Oct. 22 will be at the Dream Camp Facility, near Cedar Bluff State Park. Each hunting group will be accompanied by a guide. In addition to the hunt, participants will enjoy a variety of classes to further understand waterfowl hunting. Youth waterfowl hunters 16 and older must have a valid Kansas

Sixth annual youth upland, waterfowl hunts to be hosted near Hays, Kansas

Thursday, Oct. 27, 2011

KDWPT photo hunting license, a Federal Waterfowl Stamp, and Kansas Waterfowl Stamp, a Harvest Information Program (HIP)

stamp, and hunter education certification. To register for this hunt, phone Hawman at 785-483-

0504 or Jeff Woodworth at 785-650-8263. There is no charge for the hunt, but space is limited.

H u n t e r s H a ve n , L L C 308-697-4808

305 Nasby Cambridge, Nebraska

Daily Lodging Completely Furnished Southeast of Wauneta

C a l l 3 0 8 - 3 94 - 5 4 2 5


OUTDOOR SPORTS SPECIAL

Ducks Unlimited asking waterfowl enthusiasts to ‘Double Up’ on duck stamps

McCook Daily Gazette

Thursday, Oct. 27, 2011 – 5

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Ducks Unlimited is asking duck hunters and other waterfowl enthusiasts to "double up for the ducks" by purchasing two federal duck stamps this year. "The federal duck stamp has been an important tool in waterfowl habitat conservation for 77 years, but its ability to purchase and conserve important waterfowl habitat has been greatly diminished by inflation and rising land prices," DU CEO Dale Hall said. "The purpose of the 'Double Up for the Ducks' campaign is to show that hunters support the program and are willing to pay more for the duck stamp in order to conserve waterfowl habitat. We view the duck stamp as an investment in conservation, not as a tax on hunters." This effort is part of a larger campaign currently being led by Ducks Unlimited to increase the price of the federal duck stamp. Since 1934, the Federal Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp, commonly known as the federal duck stamp, has added more than 5.3 million acres of waterfowl habitat to the National Wildlife Refuge System. See ʻDOUBLE UPʼ Page 12

DEER PROCESSING

For All Seasons $70 Deposit Required on Carcass Deer

Check out our website for processing prices on DEER, BEEF AND HOGS @ WWW.OXFORDLOCKER.COM

WE NOW STOCK AND SELL FIREARMS Benelli Dealer Ammunition in Stock

Accepting boned out deer trim year ‘round All Deer Being Donated or Given Away MUST HAVE A GAME CUSTODY TAG Filled Out By The Permit Holder. Hours: 8-6 Monday thru Friday and 8-3 Saturday Rifle season hours 8 am to 6 pm November 12th 20th Hours: 8-6 Monday - Friday and -8-3 Saturday

309 Odell St • Oxford NE 68967 • 308-824-3662


OUTDOOR SPORTS SPECIAL

6 – McCook Daily Gazette

Safe boating practices matter year-round

(even when you don’t think you’re boating)

Thursday, Oct. 27, 2011

KANSAS DEPARTMENT OF WILDLIFE AND PARKS

PRATT, Kansas — In cool weather, pleasure boaters dwindle, and lakes and rivers are primarily used by hunters and anglers. Many times, these outdoorsmen don’t see themselves as boaters, and to them the boat is little more than a way to bring home dinner, a trophy or a good fish story. “Hunters and fishermen rarely take safe boating classes offered by the Coast Guard Auxiliary or the US Power Squadron,” says Dan Hesket, assistant director of the KDWP’s Law Enforcement Division. “Wearing a life jacket is often viewed as uncomfortable and in the way. And hunters often use small craft that are unstable. Falling overboard is easy, even without a collision, bad weather, or high speeds, and that can be a prescription for disaster in cold water.” Hesket also notes that hunters and fishermen spend much of their time in shallow water around standing timber, submerged rocks and logs because these are a great places to locate (or hide from) quarry. Unfortunately, falling headfirst from a standing position into shallow water around rocks and logs is a good way to be knocked unconscious and drown. See BOATING Page 14

402 W Frontier Pkwy ( At The Corner of 36 & 83 )

Oberlin, KS 67749

(785) 475-8951

www.oberlininn.net Friendly Faces, Your Home away from Home. * 16 Clean, comfortable rooms * Air Conditioning, Cable TV

Check out these great prices on Refrigerators and Freezers!

* Hot Tub Suite with a 55 Inch TV * Children 11 and Under stay free in room with parents. * Local Calls are Free * Free coffee and toast bar in the lobby

Cash Charge

Rent to Own

123 Norris Ave. McCook, NE

Phone: (308) 345-7161


OUTDOOR SPORTS SPECIAL

A hunter writes from the trail

McCook Daily Gazette

An early morning stalk for antelope in Wyoming

Jack Dykinga/Agricultural Research Service

BEN NEARY ASSOCIATED PRESS

CARBON COUNTY, Wyoming (AP) — At first glance, the country appeared to be nothing but bleak sagebrush that swept to the west before rising into distant gray hills. But careful glassing with binoculars revealed a different picture – antelope. Lots of them. Through the 8x lenses, the setting sun illuminated their cream-colored bodies far out on the plains. Some grazed in the draws while many others stood on the slopes of the small hills. Surrounded by open country, they appeared secure in knowing that any approaching hunter would be visible long before getting close enough to take a shot. Earlier, my son Stanley and I had made a token effort at getting close to a small herd that had wandered near our camp. We tried to keep out of sight, but they busted us instantly and took off running. The white hairs on their rumps flashed their indignation as

20th A nnual Plains

Come visit Gary and Kelly, Sporting Goods Managers, and Sales Staff at your friendly McCook Walmart.

Y ou w ill fin d all y ou r H u n tin g & S p or tin g G ood S u p p lies.

March 17, 2012 at the Community Building

Thursday, Oct. 27, 2011 – 7 they sprinted across the red clay of a dry lake bed far out of range. Around the campfire that evening, we discussed our plan for the next day: We wouldn't try a pointless stalk across the plains. We would get into their home turf while it was still dark and take them by surprise. The west wind hammered the tent that night, setting the canvas to a constant trembling. I had been awake for hours before my wristwatch alarm finally signaled that it was 4:20 a.m. Leaving the tent, I saw the Milky Way as a vibrant white swath across the sky. Then I found Orion, the hunter, whirling overhead among the other stars – always a good sign. Aided by high altitude and clean air, the Wyoming sky nearly sizzled in its brilliance on this moonless, cloudless night. It was easy to see why ancients of all cultures found their gods in the constellations. See ANTELOPE Page 13


OUTDOOR SPORTS SPECIAL

8 – McCook Daily Gazette

A group of pheasant hunters meet during a special outing held in Dec. 2010 on property owned or leased by Mike and Tom Baker of rural Trenton, Nebraska.

• Sausage • Jerky • Sticks • Polish • Bratwurst Bratwurst • Breakfast Sausage •Normal Cut

Thursday, Oct. 27, 2011

Connie Jo Discoe/McCook Daily Gazette

Knights Of Columbus 32nd Annual MIXE

I D DR

NKS!

BEER!

Hu n t e r St a g a n d St a g e t t e Fr i d a y No ve m b e r 1 1 , 2 0 1 1 6 : 0 0 P. M.

MCCOOK KC HALL 309 EAST NINTH STREET

(Two Blocks North of “B” Street on East 9th)

12-23

$100

Serving: Fries, German Sausages, and all the Fixings. from 6:00 p.m. until the food is gone. $10.00 all You Can Eat Kids 12 & under - $5.00 Door

Prize

s!

$ 500 Visa Gift Card Raffle (tickets may be purchased in advanced)

Food And Fu n!

Coon in Boots, Rattlesnake Mount, Flying Pheasant Mount Gift Certificate ($475 Value) towards a mount at C o l l i c o t t s T a x i d e r m y of Culbertson Bubbas BBQ Oven from Cappel Sales and M a n y M o r e!!! EVERYONE WELCOME!! Come out, relax and have a good time!!


McCook Daily Gazette

OUTDOOR SPORTS SPECIAL

Thursday, Oct. 27, 2011 – 9

One of the hunters takes a moment to give his dogs a little rest and water during last Decemberʼs Trenton-area pheasant hunt.

Connie Jo Discoe/McCook Daily Gazette


Nature photographer’s call drawing bull moose to his lens OUTDOOR SPORTS SPECIAL

10 – McCook Daily Gazette

SAM COOK DULUTH NEWS TRIBUNE

SOUTH OF ISABELLA, Minnesota (AP) — Paul Sundberg hopped out of the van for a closer look at the moose tracks along the Stony River Forest Road. "Those are fresh," he said. It was just after sunrise on a late September morning. Sundberg and I had risen early to see if we could call in a bull moose. We weren't hunting. We were just out to see if we could lure one of Minnesota's most iconic creatures close enough for photos, something Sundberg had done a half-dozen times before. The Grand Marais wildlife and nature photographer has made some excellent images of bull moose at this time of year, when calling is productive because it's mating season for moose.

We drove slowly along the moose tracks until we saw where the bull had gone into the woods. We parked nearby and walked into a small clearing. Sundberg lifted a megaphone-shaped Fiberglass cone to his mouth and from deep in his chest came a sound like a lovesick cow

seven more of these love groans. Within seconds, we heard a grunt from off in the woods. We looked at each other with big eyes. Soon, Sundberg offered another series of cow calls. The bull grunted again, and now we could hear him sloshing through a swamp. We could make out every

Thursday, Oct. 27, 2011

But the prospect of soon being in the presence of a 1,000-pound critter that may or may not be somewhat cantankerous, as bulls can be this time of year, is a sobering thing. There were no climbable trees close to us. "We're too vulnerable," Sundberg said. "We've got to move."

The medium-sized bull emerged from the edge of the clearing on the move. We didn't have time to compose any photos before the moose moved behind a cluster of alders and a couple of birch trees. He was about 50 yards away. We could just make him out if he moved. We were sure he would continue ahead and step out from behind the cover. If he did, we would have some perfect photos of the deep brown bull set off against the backlit leaves of the young forest. The bull must have been eyeing us suspiciously. He stood there for what seemed forever. It was probably about a minute. Then, he turned and trotted away, offering no photo opportunity. "He must have decided we were not the love of his life," Sundberg said. See MOOSE CALL Page 15

“Sundberg lifted a megaphone-shaped Fiberglass cone to his mouth and from deep in his chest came a sound like a lovesick cow moose. It was part grunt, part moan, low and evocative. In the early-morning stillness, the sound must have carried forever. It echoed off the trees and seemed to hang in the air.” moose. It was part grunt, part moan, low and evocative. In the early-morning stillness, the sound must have carried forever. It echoed off the trees and seemed to hang in the air. Sundberg issued six or

slogging footstep. They sounded close. The bull grunted again. I dropped into a slight depression bordered by some brush. I thought it might act as a blind from which I could shoot.

So, we both retreated nearer the van, where we could quickly hop inside if necessary. Now we could hear branches breaking in the woods in addition to the bull's grunting. And there he was.

WELCOME ALL HUNTERS

RROCKIN’ O C K I N’ RROBIN OBIN BAR N. Hwy 83

KITCHEN • T-Bone • Shrimp • Phillies • Burgers

SERVING PIZZA ANYTIME FOUR $.50 POOL TABLES

HAPPY HOUR Mon-Fri 3 - 6 pm $1.50 Bottles $1.00 Draws

KENO - Open (3 p.m. to 1 a.m.) Over $1 Million Paid Out KARAOKE - Thursday, Friday & Saturday (9 p.m. to 1 a.m.)

HOURS: MON-FRI - 3 p.m. - 1 a.m. • SAT - 4 p.m. - 1 a.m. KITCHEN HOURS: MON-SAT - 5 p.m - 9 p.m

Medicine Creek Lodge

Located- 2 miles West, and 9 miles North of Cambridge on Trail 1 of Harry Strunk Lake - Medicine Creek Reservoir

Phone # 3 0 8 - 6 9 7 - 3 7 7 4 m e d i c i n e c r e e k l o d g e@yahoo.com

Open Year Round

• 1 and 2 Bed n’ Bath Cottages • Hunting and Fishing Supplies • Full Service Restaurant for your dining needs • Licenses and Permits • Fuel • Deer Check Station

Surrrround e acre res of Pu d by 5,,5500 blilic Huntit ing Grrooun ds

Now Taking Reservations for 2012 Also Offering

Heartland Pride Outfitter, LLC Guided Hunts on Private Land

Cody Kuck

308-991-8456 c o d y@heartlandprideoutfitter.com

• Fuel • Snacks • Ice • Propane • Hunting Licenses • Park Permits STORES CULBERTSON 278-2101

KUGLERS WEST B

ARAPAHOE 962-8480

345-1687

Ta s t e o f Te x a s B B Q Welcome Hunters

Genuine S l ow C o o ke d BBQ

112 West 11th

McCook

345-1161


OUTDOOR SPORTS SPECIAL

McCook Daily Gazette

Tree stand safety tips

Proper use of a fall arrest system/full body harness (FAS/FBH) can prevent serious injury or death Matt Conner/USFWS

ALWAYS wear a Fall-Arrest System (FAS)/Full Body Harness meeting TMA Standards even during ascent and descent. Be aware that single strap belts and chest harnesses are no longer allowed Fall- Arrest devices and should not be used. Failure to use a FAS could result in serious injury or death. ALWAYS read and understand the manufacturer’s WARNINGS & INSTRUCTIONS before using the treestand each season. Practice with the treestand at ground level prior to using at elevated positions. Maintain the WARNINGS & INSTRUCTIONS for later review as needed, for instructions on usage to anyone borrowing your stand, or to pass on when selling the treestand. Use all safety devices provided with your treestand. NEVER exceed the weight limit specified by the manufacturer. If you have any questions after reviewing the WARNINGS & INSTRUCTIONS, please contact the manufacturer. ALWAYS inspect the treestand and the Fall-Arrest System for signs of wear or damage before each use. Contact the manufacturer for replacement parts. Destroy all products that cannot be repaired by the manufacturer and/or exceed recommended expiration date, or if the manufacturer no longer exists. The FAS should be discarded and replaced after a fall has occurred. ALWAYS practice in your Full Body

Thursday, Oct. 27, 2011 – 11 Harness in the presence of a responsible adult prior to using it in an elevated hunting envornment, learning what it feels like to hang suspended in it at ground level and how to properly use your suspension relief device. ALWAYS attach your Full Body Harness in the manner and method described by the manufacturer. Failure to do so may result in suspension without the ability to recover into your treestand. Be aware of the hazards associated with Full Body Harnesses and the fact that prolonged suspension in a harness may be fatal. Have in place a plan for rescue, including the use of cell phones or signal devices that may be easily reached and used while suspended. If rescue personnel cannot be notified, you must have a plan for recover/escape. If you have to hang suspended for a period of time before help arrives, exercise your legs by pushing against the tree or doing any other form of continuous motion or use your suspension relief device. Failure to recover in a timely manner could result in serious injury or death. If you do not have the ability to recover/escape, hunt from the ground. ALWAYS hunt with a plan and if possible a buddy. Before you leave home, let others know your exact hunting location, when you plan to return and who is with you. See TREE STAND Page 15

Ho- Jo’s HIDEAWAY

Full-Time Gun Smith On Site

• Serving Daily Specials • Authentic Mexican Food Friday Nights • Prime Rib Saturday Nights • We Also Feature Charbroiled Steaks

S U N DAYS 3 M E AT F U L L BU F F E T 1 1 : 0 0 - 1 : 3 0 hour Happy - F 5- 7 M

“The Coldest Drinks in Town”

On and Off Sale Liquor • The Grill is On till 10:00p.m. We sell hunting permits till 1:00 a.m.!

Holbrook, NE • 308-493-5906

New Location Now Open! 102 Grant St. * 785-626-9100

Hours: Monday - Friday: 8 am - 6 pm Saturday: 9 am - 4 pm Sunday: Closed

Over 800 Guns in Stock. We stock some hard to find and unique guns. We specialize in Customer Service.

www.greatoutdoorsgunshop.com

Red Willow County Land Auction 386.5 +/- acres cropland & pasture. Community Bldg - Indianola, NE 10:00 AM November 17, 2011

Hitchcock County Land Auction 1,121 +/- acres cropland & pasture November 29, 2011 123 West B 308-345-5520 1-800-218-9771

Taxidermy F u l l S e r v i c e Ta x i d e r m y S t u d i o Quick Turnaround • Excellent Quality Fair Prices • No Skinning Fees

North Platte, NE (308) 696-6771

“We Do Deer”

email for pictures at fowlfirst@hamilton.net


‘Double Up’ 12 – McCook Daily Gazette

The program is a highly efficient way for waterfowl hunters to invest in the future of their sport by conserving habitat; 98 cents out of every dollar is spent to acquire land and protect waterfowl habitat. Additionally, acquiring land under the National Wildlife Refuge System not only expands habitat protection, but also expands hunting opportunities and access. While the federal duck stamp has proved a valuable conservation tool, its buying power has not kept pace with inflation. The cost of the stamp has not increased since 1991, marking the longest period in the program's history without a price increase. Simply put, $15 is not what it used to be: • Based on the Consumer Price Index, the stamp would

OUTDOOR SPORTS SPECIAL

need to cost $24.26 today to have the same buying power that $15 had in 1991. • The total buying power of the duck stamp has decreased by 64 percent since 1991. • In 1991, revenue from the duck stamp enabled the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service to acquire 89,000 acres of habitat for the National Wildlife Refuge System at an average cost of $306 per acre. In 2010, the USFWS was able to acquire only 32,000 acres because land values had tripled to an average of $1,091 per acre. Ducks Unlimited supports efforts to ensure that the investment waterfowl hunters have made to protect waterfowl habitat over the last 77 years is sustained into the future. And it is up to duck hunters and all who

Continued from Page 5

enjoy wetlands and waterfowl to continue the conservation legacy of the federal duck stamp. For these reasons, Ducks Unlimited supports legislation that would immediately increase the price of the stamp from $15 to $25, which would allow the program's revenues to keep pace with inflation. "Increasing the price of the duck stamp will take an act of Congress," DU Chief Conservation Officer Paul Schmidt said. "To get Congress to act, waterfowl hunters must show their elected officials that their constituents care about conservation issues. The increased sales that will occur when hunters ‘double up' on duck stamps will help conserve more habitat and also show Congress that hunters are serious about this issue."

“Based on the Consumer Price Index, the [duck] stamp would need to cost $24.26 today to have the same buying power that $15 had in 1991.” – Ducks Unlimited

B l a c k w o o d H u n t i n g & Re c re a t i o n

Happy Hour All Day, Every Day! Grill Open Everyday 5:00-10:00 7 Days A Week

Beer & Drink Specials Every Day!!

Sandwiches - Seafood - Steaks Original Homemade Pizza

• 5 Pool Tables • Watch all the games on 3 Big Screens

Thursday, Oct. 27, 2011

Dine In or Carry Out

• 3 0 , 0 0 0 + a c re s o f p r i v a t e l a n d w i t h n a t u r a l h a b i t a t • Ye a r- ro u n d h u n t i n g • Tr a n s p o r t a t i o n t o a n d f ro m f i e l d s • C a n p u rc h a s e u p l a n d g a m e l i c e n s e o n s i t e

• Lo c a t e d i n t h e h e a r t o f S o u t h w e s t N e b ra s k a • O f f e r a 5 S t a n d S p o r t i n g C l a y C o u rs e • Fu l l y f u r n i s h e d B l a c k w o o d H o u s e f o r r e n t f o r a n y e v e n t by day or week. Sleeps 8-10.

Enjoy the Nightlife CONTACT INFORMATION:

Monday-Saturday 4 p.m. Sunday 12 Noon

Phone:308-286-3649 • M obile:308-883-7279 w w w .black w oodhunting.com

1604 West J McCook

Daily Specials • Excellent Mexican Food

AUTHENTIC MEXICAN RESTAURANT & CANTINA

O rd ,N ebra s k a • 308308750-750700 0-0700

Sunday-Thursday 11 am-9:30 pm Friday-Saturday 11 am-10:30 pm

112 W. 1st Street McCook, Nebraska 69001 308.345.6243


Antelope McCook Daily Gazette

I lowered the pickup's tailgate as quietly as possible to begin loading our day packs. Once the flurry of dressing and packing was done, the three of us – my wife Susie, Stanley and I – set out into the darkness. Susie and I carried rifles. I wore a headlamp and led the way gingerly through sagebrush, skirting the many badger holes. More than once, Susie had to warn me I had drifted dramatically off course as I walked with my eyes fixed on the ground, We walked for nearly an hour, always to the southwest, into the hills beyond where we had seen the antelope settling down the previous evening. I cut the headlamp as it became lighter. We waited a few minutes as our eyes became accustomed to the gloom. We walked a bit more and found a

OUTDOOR SPORTS SPECIAL

good clump of sagebrush on a hilltop where we sat down to wait for better light. Susie soon saw three antelope moving in from the south.

of perhaps 20 antelope grazing. I quickly ducked back down. They were less than 300 yards away, within range.

Thursday, Oct. 27, 2011 – 13

and loaded a cartridge into the chamber. I put my left arm through the sling and felt its tension hold the rifle tightly against my shoulder as I lay

“Using words he must have learned from his grandfather, [my son] remarked that the rifle was loud. Then he said he thought the antelope had been dragging its back leg as it ran. That was not what I wanted to hear.” They were grazing, completely unaware of our presence. It was still too dark to shoot, but we were pleased to see one was a buck. Once we could make out the contours of the land, Stanley and I moved north to get onto a nearby hill. It was dawn now, the rising sun blasting orange out of the east. Peering gingerly around the side of the hill, I saw a herd

Stanley and I kept quiet as we moved to the top of our rocky hill. We crouched as we neared the top and covered the last distance on our knees and elbows. I could see the herd clearly now, and made out a good buck. I moved higher, making certain no grass clumps or brush would deflect the bullet. I opened the action of my Ruger .30-06 single-shot rifle

prone, my elbows digging into the rocky soil. I settled the crosshairs of the 4x scope on the buck, holding just behind its front leg as it stood nearly broadside. Because the rifle was sighted to be dead-on at 200 yards, I held a bit higher on the antelope's body than the point I wanted to hit to account for the bullet drop. There was no wind.

Hwy 34 & 25 HC2 128B Trenton, NE 69044

Continued from Page 7

The crosshairs appeared to bump slightly up and down on the antelope's body with each beat of my heart. I settled my breathing. When all the elements were perfect, I finished squeezing the trigger and felt the jab of the rifle's recoil. I lost sight of the antelope for a moment. Then he was sprinting wildly away from the herd. Using words he must have learned from his grandfather, Stanley remarked that the rifle was loud. Then he said he thought the antelope had been dragging its back leg as it ran. That was not what I wanted to hear. I was confident in my shot. But I felt a pang of nervousness that I might have only wounded the buck. I reloaded the rifle and set the safety. We walked forward. See ANTELOPE Page 15

Color Cable T.V. Clean/Quiet Rooms

Hunters W e lcom e!

3 Miles From Swanson Reservoir Great Fishing/Camping Owner: Jim Linenberger Manager: Joe & Kecia Elliott

We will be accepting Clean, Boneless Deer Meat for processing into New Item Salami, Jerky & Stix. Thi s Yea r!

Jalapeno & Cheese Salami

308/334-5252 Fax: 308/334-5887

ŐűŦů ŅŢŪŭź IJIJĻıı łįŎį ŵŰ IJıĻıı őįŎį ijıĶ ŏŰųųŪŴ łŷŦůŶŦ ĴıĹĮĴĵĶĮijĹıĶ ʼnŶůŵŦųŴ ŘŦŭŤŰŮŦ ńŰŮŦ Ūů Ţůť ŤũŦŤŬ ŰŶų ŔűŦŤŪŢŭŴĢ ŕũŢůŬ ŚŰŶ łŮŪŨŰŴĢ


Big numbers for 2010 Nebraska deer harvest

Moose call

OUTDOOR SPORTS SPECIAL

14 – McCook Daily Gazette

LINCOLN, Nebraska – Nebraska deer hunters produced a big year in 2010, setting records for overall and antlerless whitetail harvest. Game and Parks has a goal of reducing the whitetail population in eastern Nebraska by harvesting more antlerless deer. Here's how: The total deer harvest during the 2010 season was 88,034 (77,028 whitetails and 10,709 mule deer). While a record 37,967 whitetail bucks were killed, a record 39,198 antlerless whitetails also were killed – marking the first time the antlerless whitetail harvest surpassed whitetail buck harvest. The antlerless whitetail harvest increased by nearly 9,000 from 2009. Bonus tags, antlerless-first mandates in some units, additional hunting opportunities, and $6 youth permits all contributed to the antlerless whitetail harvest. Here are other highlights to the 2010 big game hunting seasons: I A record 141,573 deer permits were sold. The number of firearm permits sold increased while the number of archery and muzzleloader permits sold decreased from 2009. I Deer hunter success rates were 68 percent for firearm, 40 for archery and 37 for muzzleloader. I Electronic checking helped wildlife managers obtain harvest information faster. There were 25,000 deer checked via telephone or online.

We trailed him a short distance, thinking he might stop to check us out. But he was on his way back to mooseville. Already, Sundberg was kicking himself. "I've got to quit being so scared of those things," he said. "If you had stayed where you were, you'd have had some good shots of him." That was easy to say in retrospect. But bull moose in mating season are notoriously unpredictable. They've been known to charge a person, forcing him to climb a tree to escape.

Boating

Following some simple rules recommended by the Coast Guard can prevent disaster and ensure a safe and rewarding day on the water: Avoid alcohol — balance and judgment will be impaired and resistance to hy-

Thursday, Oct. 27, 2011

Continued from Page 10

Twice in his moose quests of previous years, Sundberg has come away from moose encounters without a single photo, simply because he was taking evasive action with a bull coming in. We drove on up the Stony River road for a few miles and saw a huge cow trot across in front of us. We stopped and called, and a bull grunted back several times. But we couldn't get him to come in. Maybe he had already met that cow and determined she was the love of his life.

pothermia reduced; Always wear a Coast Guard-approved life jacket when in a boat; Fish or hunt with a buddy; File a “float plan” – make sure someone knows where you are and when

Continued from Page 6

you’re expected back; Take a safe boating class; Get a vessel safety check. For more information on safe boating in Kansas, go to the KDWP website (www.kdwp.state.ks.us) and click the “Boating” icon at the top of the page.

Complete Meeting & Event Space • Rooms & Suites • High Speed Internet

FREE Breakfast! TOLL FREE RESERVATIONS:866.842.3252 www.thechiefmotel.com 606 West B St. • McCook, Nebraska • (308) 345-3700

The Kelley Creek Pub 905 E. 7th McCook • 345-2948 (North Entrance of the event center)

Come In, Relax and Enjoy Our Nightly Specials! Featuring: Steaks - Seafood - Pasta - Gourmet Burgers & Full Service Bar! Happy Hour: Drink Specials • Weekdays 4-6 pm 1/2 Price Appetizers • Weekdays 5-6 pm

Kitchen Open 5-9 Tuesday - Sunday


Tree stand McCook Daily Gazette

ALWAYS carry emergency signal devices such as a cell phone, walkie-talkie, whistle, signal flare, PLD (personal locator device) and flashlight on your person at all times and within reach even while you are suspended in your FAS. Watch for changing weather conditions. In the event of an accident, remain calm and seek help immediately. ALWAYS select the proper tree for use with your treestand. Select a live straight tree that fits within the size limits recommended in your treestand’s instructions. Do not climb or place a treestand against a leaning tree. Never leave a treestand installed for more than two weeks since damage could result from changing weather conditions and/or from other factors not obvious with a visual inspection. ALWAYS use a haul line to pull up your gear and unloaded firearm or bow to your treestand once you have reached your desired hunting height. Never climb with anything in your hands or on your back. Prior

Antelope

OUTDOOR SPORTS SPECIAL Continued from Page 11

to descending, lower your equipment on the opposite side of the tree. ALWAYS know your physical limitations. Don’t take chances. Do not climb when using drugs, alcohol or if you’re sick or un-rested. If you start thinking about how high you are, don’t go any higher. NEVER use homemade or permanently elevated stands or make modifications to a purchased treestand without the manufacturer’s written permission. Only purchase and use treestands and Fall-Arrest Systems meeting or exceeding TMA standards. For a detailed list of certified products, contact the TMA office or refer to the TMA website at http://www.tmastands.com. NEVER hurry! While climbing with a treestand, make slow, even movements of no more than ten to twelve inches at a time. Make sure you have proper contact with the tree and/or treestand every time you move. On ladder-type treestands, maintain three points of contact with each step.

The doe antelope didn't know where the shot had come from and had moved off together only about 100 yards to the north. They had regrouped and were waiting for the buck to bring up his usual position at the back of the herd before they could run off together. The does skittered nervously when they saw us coming, but there was no sign of the buck and the does stayed put. Stanley soon spotted a horn sticking up from the ground where the buck had fallen after bleeding out on his last, frantic run. I was relieved to see it was dead — that I shot correctly. We took a few pictures of the buck — he was well-muscled, with long, full horns – before we started gutting him. Susie helped before continuing her own hunting. I cut the antelope's skin up to

Thursday, Oct. 27, 2011 – 15

Continued from Page 13

his chin to cut his windpipe without regard for his cape. I wasn't going to pay a taxidermist to put another antelope on the wall, although I've seen plenty of lesser bucks mounted. I retrieved our cart from the truck, and Stanley and I wheeled the antelope back to camp. We quartered him there and put him on ice in a cooler. Unlike elk or beef, antelope don't benefit from hanging and aging before butchering. I spent much of the next day in the garage at home cutting and wrapping the meat. One night soon after, a thick antelope stew was simmering on the stove. When we sat down to eat it with homemade bread and wine, we tasted the sage in the meat and knew exactly where our meal had come from.

The Gazette wishes all area outdoor sportsmen and women good luck this fall and winter! ‡ )UHH %UHDNIDVW ,Q 5RRP &RIIHH ‡ )UHH +LJK 6SHHG ,QWHUQHW ‡ 5HIULJHUDWRU 0LFURZDYH ,Q $OO 5RRPV ‡ 1RQ 6PRNLQJ 5RRPV $YDLODEOH ‡ $OO 5RRPV *URXQG /HYHO ‡ :HHNO\ 5DWHV $YDLODEOH ‡ &DEOH 79 +%2 ‡ 7UXFN 3DUNLQJ

No Appointment Necessary!

Jim M. Allen PA-C Gerald Matzke MD

‡ 1103 East B St/Hwy 6 & 34 E

N Hwy 83 next to the Horse Creek Inn - (308) 345-7036

Hours: M-F 7-7 Sat 8-5 Sun 1-5



Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.