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VOL. 2015 • No. 6

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BEHIND THE BADGE PAGE 7

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JUNE, 2015

WANDERING BLACK BEAR CONFIRMED IN NORTHERN INDIANA DNR REPORT - Department of Natural Resources wildlife biologists confirmed the presence of a wild black bear in northern Indiana on June 12 after the bear walked in from Michigan.

The DNR received reliable reports earlier in the week of the wandering bear northwest of South Bend in St. Joseph County and made the confirmation after wildlife biologist Budd Veverka examined waste material submitted to the DNR and identified it as bear scat.

“With black bears in some surrounding states, we were expecting a bear to show up eventually,” said Mitch Marcus, Wildlife Section chief for the DNR Division of Fish & Wildlife. “It’s quite unusual and exciting for a Michigan lakeshore black bear to move this far south.

Michigan DNR officials told us this is the southernmost black bear movement in more than a decade.”

Although there have been occasional unconfirmed reports of bears in Indiana, this is the first verified presence of a bear in the state in more than 140 years.

Young black bears are known to disperse in the springtime as they seek new territory in which to settle.

“Indiana does not have a breeding population of black bears, and we expect this one to turn back north eventually,” Marcus said.

Indiana DNR encourages citizens to report sightings of the bear to dfwinput@dnr.IN.gov or by calling (812) 334-1137 during regular business hours. Photos or videos can be sent to the same email address. The maximum file size is 15 MB. Black bears are shy by nature and tend to avoid human contact.

Attacks are rare. Black bears are non-aggressive in most instances and prefer fleeing from humans when given the chance. DNR wildlife biologists offer the following bear awareness tips: • Don’t intentionally feed bears.

If a bear becomes accustomed to finding food near your home, it may become a “problem” bear.

• Eliminate food attractants by placing garbage cans inside a garage or shed.

• Clean and store grills away after use.

• Don’t leave pet food outside overnight • Remove bird feeders and bird food from late March through November • Don’t add meat or sweets to a compost pile • If encountering a bear, don’t run. Shout, wave your arms and back away slowly.

As European settlers began arriving in the 1700s in what is

A black bear has been confirmed in St. Joseph and LaPorte counties. The DNR says it is the first verified presence of a bear in Indiana in more than 140 years.

USFWS Photo. now Indiana, black bears were found throughout the territory.

Loss of habitat and demand for furs of all sorts led to the bears’ demise.

Shipment records of Vincennes fur trader Francis Vigo from 1777-87 include 2,669 bear hides. The Ewing family, which operated out of Fort Wayne and Logansport in the early 1800s, shipped 2,623 bear hides from 1836-41.

According to the book “Mammals of Indiana” by John O. Whitaker, Jr., and Russell E. Mumford, the last confirmed report of a resident wild black bear in Indiana was in 1850. Whitaker and Mumford report a bear sighting in northwest Indiana in 1871 but note it was forced south from Michigan

to escape a series of fires known historically as the Great Michigan Fire.

Black bears are now listed as an exotic mammal and protected under Indiana Administrative Code 312 9-3-18.5 (b-1), which prohibits the killing of a black bear except by a resident landowner or tenant while the animal is “destroying or causing substantial damage to property owned or leased by the landowner or tenant.”

Michigan DNR estimates a population of 15,000 to 19,000 black bears in the state, with 90 percent of them living in the Upper Peninsula. Black bears also have recolonized in the eastern portions of Kentucky and Ohio.

CWD CONFIRMED IN MICHIGAN’S WILD DEER HERD

PANFISH PAGE 8 & 12

BASS FISHING PAGE 10

PICK YOUR PACK PAGE 14

EAST LANSING, MI - On May 28,the Michigan departments of Natural Resources (DNR) and Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) confirmed that a free-ranging deer in Meridian Township (Ingham County) has tested positive for chronic wasting disease (CWD), a fatal neurological disease that affects white-tailed deer, mule deer, elk and moose. This is the first time the disease has been found in Michigan’s free-ranging deer population. In 2008 a whitetailed deer from a privately owned cervid (POC) facility in Kent County tested positive for CWD. The animal was observed last month wandering around a Meridian Township residence and showing signs of illness. The homeowner contacted the Meridian Township Police Department, who then sent an officer to euthanize the animal. The deer was collected by a DNR wildlife biologist and delivered for initial testing to the DNR Wildlife Disease Laboratory at the Michigan State University Diagnostic Center for Population and Animal Health in Lansing, Michigan. After initial tests were positive, samples were forwarded

to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Veterinary Services Laboratory in Ames, Iowa, for final confirmation. The Michigan DNR received that positive confirmation last week.

To date, there is no evidence that chronic wasting disease presents any risk to non-cervids, including humans, either through contact with an infected animal or from handling contaminated venison. However, as a precaution, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and the World Health Organization recommend that infected animals not be consumed as food by either humans or domestic animals.

“This is the first case of chronic wasting disease to be confirmed in a free-ranging Michigan whitetailed deer,” said DNR Director Keith Creagh.

“While it is a disappointing day for Michigan, the good news is that we are armed with a thoughtfully crafted response plan,” Creagh said. “We are working with other wildlife experts at the local, regional, state and federal level, using every available resource, to determine the extent of this dis-

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COMPLIMENTS OF:

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INDIANA OUTDOOR NEWS ® 2015©

June 2015

June 2015

INDIANA OUTDOOR NEWS Ž 2015Š

Page 3

Predators, Disease and Politics

JOSHLANTZ Wildlife populations are alive and well in the United States. Or are they?

It’s Alive!

Populations of most game species are certainly at an all-time high. Not only do we know this as sportsmen and conservationists, but we also know why. Game and non-game animals are thriving because of the American model of wildlife management, which relies on dollars contributed by hunters, trappers and anglers through equipment and license purchases.

But non-hunting America is noticing growing wildlife populations, too, thanks to increasing reporting on the science of wildlife management by mainstream media outlets like Time magazine. Time’s December, 2013 ill-titled cover story, America’s Pest Problem, provided a fairly comprehensive overview of the rapid growth of America’s wildlife populations.

While species like wild turkeys that don’t cause too much of a nuisance fly under the public radar, animals like deer make a big impact on the public when their numbers rise - often quite literally.

Insurance companies have lobbied throughout much of the country including Indiana - to do more to reduce the deer herd.

Predators have also received increasing attention from the public and those who are elected to govern. Wolves, coyotes, cougars,

bobcats, alligators and bears strike terror in the minds of the uninformed. And while these predators are doing an admirable job of controlling the deer and elk herds in many areas of the U.S. - too good a job in many areas - their increased visibility has put many urban and suburban Americans on edge. Even as predator populations are expanding and increasing the incidence of conflicts with humans, our new, progressive, urbanized society is doing everything it can to make the critical management of predator species difficult to impossible.

And so, I’ve been watching with great interest since the Indiana DNR confirmed the existence of Indiana’s first documented black bear in nearly 150 years a couple weeks ago. So far, aside from a couple entertaining interviews of residents on local news reports, there hasn’t really been much hysteria. I like that. And if the bear hadn’t left a pile of poo in a northside South Bend resident’s driveway, I wonder if anyone would even have known he was here.

Black bears are awesome animals. I’ve had several personal encounters with them in Alaska, Canada, Michigan’s Upper Peninsula and the American West, and have been fortunate to hunt them a couple times as well. In my opinion, black bears are one of the top three most versatile and enterprising large animals that exist in North America, along with the American alligator and the coyote.

When I was a fishing guide, most of my 15-year career was spent on the St. Joseph River system. On several occasions - usually during the berry season of early summer - I would marvel at how bears weren’t using this diverse and ideal habitat. Since our current bear was first confirmed west of South Bend, I have no doubt that it

wandered down from Michigan following the St. Joe corridor undoubtedly stuffing it’s face with berries and visiting the numerous fruit vineyards and orchards along the way. There is something about a black bear’s daily routine - at least man’s conjecture of it - that makes me smile. Does he know he’s “not supposed� to be here? I doubt it. I’ll bet he’s thoroughly enjoying the lack of competition for food.

As of press time, the DNR was reporting that the young, male black bear had turned west and been sighted around Michigan City. Good for him. He’s almost to the dunes. That’s where I’d go, too. Aside from his tracks in the sand, he can stay nearly invisible in the relative wilderness of the Indiana National Lakeshore... as long as he doesn’t start stealing picnic baskets or knocking over trash cans in the campgrounds. All he needs now is for a female to wander in and he can set up shop for good.

Best of luck, Mr. Bear.

But is it Well?

Throughout history, nature has used disease as a means to control rapidly expanding populations of animals, including people.

Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) first surfaced in captive deer and elk in 1967, and began to affect wild western populations as early as 1981. It has been expanding ever since.

Here in the Midwest, the State of Wisconsin has been especially hard-hit, having spent over $50 million to combat the disease.

Indiana has remained untouched, but as long as we allow the import of captive deer and elk from other states, it’s only a matter of time before CWD arrives within our borders as well. Even if we do ban imports, the disease could still be brought to Indiana by wild deer.

All of Indiana’s surrounding states have CWD problems, either in captive animals, the wild herd or both. Michigan’s first case of CWD showed up at a Kent County deer farm in August of 2008.

Despite measures taken by the state to contain the disease, a wild Michigan whitetail tested positive for CWD late last month. That’s bad news for Michigan deer hunters, who have already seen their deer populations in the Upper Peninsula devastated by wolves.

Time will tell how big a toll CWD ends up taking.

A relatively new disease is also beginning to impact wild birds - specifically, Canada geese, whose numbers are also at or near an alltime high.

Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) has shown up in Michigan geese, and, recently, in Indiana’s backyard poultry flocks, putting our state’s $1.23 billion poultry industry on high alert.

While 21 states have documented cases of the disease, Michigan is one of just six states that have reported cases in wild birds. Minnesota and Iowa have the most, and these states are spending millions of dollars on testing and other precautionary measures.

So far, HPAI has not been confirmed in any wild geese or turkeys in Indiana. While HPAI poses great risks to wild and domestic poultry and waterfowl, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) says risks to humans are low.

Predators - including hunters are critical to the management of wildlife. But both must be managed through science.

Our society has done a great job over the past hundred years or so to help wildlife recover, expand and thrive. But an expanding population of urbanites, largely disconnected from the natural world,

have a growing voice in today’s democracy. Our politicians are listening to them when they make the purely emotional argument that predator populations should not be hunted, or that hunting, overall, should have no place in our modern and “civilized� society.

Well, I love wildlife, and I disagree. So do our state and federal wildlife agencies. Don’t you?

If so, join a conservation group like Ducks Unlimited or Whitetails Unlimited who have a national voice. Support the U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance who continuously lobbies in Washington D.C. and fights in courts around the country for our right to manage wildlife through regulated hunting.

Most importantly, pass along your knowledge and your passions for our outdoor traditions to the next generation.

Volume 2015 • Number 6

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INDIANA OUTDOOR NEWS ® 2015©

MONROE LAKE BALD EAGLE ONE OF OLDEST ON RECORD DNR REPORT - It’s not uncommon to see bald eagles around Monroe Lake these days, but the one Cassie Hudson and her friends recently saw was a rare find.

Hudson, a biologist with the DNR Division of Fish & Wildlife, was on a boat ride with her husband, Brandon, and friends Eric and Teresa Bass when she caught a glimpse of a bald eagle along the shoreline.

“We slowly cruised over, shut off the engine and quietly floated,” Hudson said.

Before they got too close, Teresa Bass put a telephoto lens on her camera and began taking photographs.

Hudson later shared the photos with coworker Amy Kearns and former DNR employee John Castrale, who used an orange color band on one wing and metal leg bands to identify the eagle as C43 — one of the original eagles released at Monroe when the Indiana DNR began its bald eagle restoration program in the late 1980s.

“I was kind of shocked,” said Castrale, who supervised the DNR’s release of bald eagles, peregrine falcons and ospreys before retiring last year.

“It felt like a team effort,” Hudson said. “Me spotting the eagle, Teresa having a nice camera with a long lens to get a picture, and then coordinating with John and Amy to document a part of this bird’s history.”

Bass’ long lens provided another surprise — a brood patch on C43’s front.

“That indicates she’s still raising young,” Castrale said.

DNR records show that C43 was taken from a nest in Whitestone Harbor in southeastern Alaska on July 22, 1988.

“That makes her nearly 27 years old,” Castrale said. “Most birds don’t live that long.”

In fact, the Bird Banding Laboratory at the Patuxent Wildlife Research Center in Maryland has documented only six banded bald eagles that have lived longer. The lab’s longevity record for a bald eagle is 33 years, 5 months.

“A few years ago we had one show up that may

June 2015

YOUNG KENTUCKY HUNTER BAGS WORLD RECORD GOBBLER

have been 23 years old,” Castrale said. “I figured that was the last hacked bird I’d hear about, so this surprised me.”

The terms “hacked” and “hacking” are borrowed from the sport of falconry and describe the process in reintroduction programs of releasing a juvenile bald eagle from a “hack” — a human-built elevated platform. The goal is to have the eagle imprint on the hack site and return as an adult to nest.

C43 was released from a Monroe Lake hacking tower on Sept. 6, 1988. She was seen near a nest at Monroe in 1994 and is known to have returned to the lake several other times. She also was sighted in Kentucky, Ohio and Tennessee.

“She seems to be one of those frequently spotted (birds) early on, according to my old notes,” said Al Parker, who worked with Castrale on the bald eagle restoration project in the 1980s. “Back then I called her Jenny.”

Bald eagles were on the state and federal endangered species list when Indiana began its reintroduction program in 1985. In 1991, the first successful nesting occurred, and by last year there were an estimated 200250 eagle nesting territories in Indiana.

Although bald eagles are no longer listed as endangered, they are protected by state and federal laws. The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service has established guidelines to avoid disturbing bald eagles, including staying at least 330 feet from nests.

Follow bald eagle activity at Monroe Lake on Facebook at facebook.com/monroelake.

ILLINOIS BOBCAT HUNTING CLOSE TO REALITY

LYON COUNTY, KY— What do you do for a turkey-hunter's grand finale when you're 22 years old and just shot the world record Eastern Wild Turkey? That's the quandary for Kentucky native David Cody Guess, who bagged the 37.6-pound bird with his wellworn Stoeger last April.

Guess was just four days into the 2015 spring season on his family's Lyon County farm, hunting a "blue-sky perfect April morning any turkey hunter would love" when he called the gargantuan gobbler in close and dispatched him with one shot from just eight yards away. "I'd heard some highpitched calls that morning but I usually just go after the deep gobbles so I wasn't that confident," remembers Guess. "But I got up on a ridge and when I yelped a couple of times, he answered right away and then I heard him scratching. He came in fast right at me, like he was on a string—he never knew I was there when I shot him."

Guess spoke quickly as he replayed the 7 a.m. record-breaking moment, the excitement still in his voice as he described walking up on the gobbler after it was down. "I didn't really think about it being a world record—I just knew he was huge!" Guess's trophy was a veteran; with a thick, short 9-? inch beard, the old bird had some obvious beard rot, and the 1-? inch spurs were beaten up and dulled from fighting and sparring.

The Stoeger M2000 semi-auto shotgun Guess used to take his giant tom has also seen plenty of action since he purchased it at age 16; in fact, the M2000 is no longer manufactured and has since been replaced by the M3000. For Guess, thousands of shells and many days of duck, dove and turkey hunting have given occasion for some parts replacements over the years, "but 'Old Faithful' has never failed me yet," Guess says reverently.

Guess enjoys a lifestyle that lends itself to the outdoors. He shoots, hunts and fishes at every opportunity, and his folks own and run the family farm where he took his trophy tom. Cody's mother works at Shooter's Supply of Eddyvile, an outdoor retail and gun store, which also owns Paducah Shooter's Supply where he bought his Stoeger.

Guess says he's been hunting since age three when he remembers sitting in his mother's lap on the deer stand, but that April day will be just as memorable.

"Having this opportunity, and the opportunity to hunt and enjoy the outdoors all my life, is a gift I appreciate and thank the good Lord for— he just put me in the right place at the right time." As an electrician with an extremely tolerant employer, he manages to squeeze in plenty of time hunting turkey, waterfowl, doves and deer every year—enough to literally wear the Realtree Max-4™ camo right off "Old Faithful”.

FIRST CASE OF H5N8 AVIAN INFLUENZA HITS INDIANA BACKYARD POULTRY FLOCK

USSA REPORT - Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner has an important decision to make – one that will determine whether scientific management of wildlife and the efforts of sportsmen are appreciated under his administration.

All that is standing between Illinois sportsmen and a bobcat season is the Governor’s signature of HB 352.

And if anyone deserves a bobcat season, it’s Illinois’ hunters and trappers, who haven’t been able to legally pursue the species since 1972.

Why? Because they are the reason bobcat populations are booming across the state today.

Just like many other conservation efforts, hunters and trappers pay for the bulk of reintroduction efforts and habitat improvements through license fees, stamps and special taxes. In fact, Southern Illinois University conducted an 8-year research project on the state’s bobcat population with funding from the Pittman-Robertson Act, which is funded through an excise tax on firearms, ammunition, bows and other archery equipment.

“This is just another example of the effectiveness of these restoration programs,” said USSA’s VP of Government Affairs, Evan Heusinkveld. “Wildlife in this country is thriving today because of monies contributed to wildlife programs through hunting licenses, tags, permits and excise taxes. Sportsmen and women in Illinois should call Governor Rauner today and urge him to quickly sign this success story into law!”

In addition to financial contributions, hunters and trappers committed thousands of man hours to the bobcat study in Illinois. Experienced trappers assisted biologists in live-trapping bobcats and recording data, while some 2,000 hunters recorded their time spent in the woods and the various types of wildlife, including bobcats, they spotted. All this transfers into reliable data that state’s wildlife biologists then use in determining population health and size.

The bobcat population in the state is currently estimated at around 5,000 cats, with confirmed sightings in 99 of the 102 counties in Illinois and a population growth rate of 4 to 9 percent per year.

Thanks to collaboration between the state’s wildlife biologists, and hunters and trappers, bobcat populations have rebounded and are growing at a significant rate. Sportsmen should be proud of their collective efforts and take pride in calling the Governor’s office to voice their desire to once again play an active role in the scientific management of the species.

Gov. Bruce Rauner’s contact information can be found at the USSA Legislative Action Center: http://www.congressweb.com/ussa/legislators?stateId=IL

INDIANAPOLIS (11 May 2015)—The Indiana State Board of Animal Health (BOAH) has been notified by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Veterinary Services Laboratory that poultry from a backyard (hobby) flock in Whitley County tested positive for highly pathogenic H5N8 avian influenza.

Avian influenza does not present a food safety risk; poultry and eggs are safe to eat. The Centers for Disease Control considers the risk of illness to humans to be very low.

BOAH veterinarians collected samples from the flock, after the owner reported several chickens became ill and died. The hobby flock contained 77 birds of various species, including ducks, geese, chickens and turkeys. In a rapid response effort, all of the birds were removed from the site, to ensure no ongoing risk of disease spread. BOAH is reaching out to poultry owners in the Whitley County area to raise awareness and determine if the disease has spread.

Initial response to this finding has been swift and focused, with coordination among BOAH, USDA, Indiana State Poultry Association and the Indiana Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory. Governor Mike Pence has been fully informed and has directed all relevant agencies to provide a robust response in support of BOAH’s efforts. Indiana is a leading poultry-producing state, nationally ranked first in the production of ducks, second in egg-type hatch, third in egg layers and fourth in turkeys.

Backyard poultry owners are encouraged to be aware of the signs of avian influenza and report illness and/or death to the USDA Healthy Birds Hotline: 866-536-7593. Callers will be routed to a state or federal veterinarian in Indiana for a case assessment. Dead birds should be double-bagged and refrigerated for possible testing.

Signs include: sudden death without clinical signs; lack of energy or appetite; decreased egg production; soft-shelled or misshapen eggs; swelling or purple discoloration of head, eyelids, comb, hocks; nasal discharge; coughing; sneezing; incoordination; and diarrhea. A great resource for backyard bird health information is online at: www.healthybirds.aphis.usda.gov

June 2015

INDIANA OUTDOOR NEWS ® 2015©

USFWS PROPOSED EXPANDED HUNTING & FISHING OPPORTUNITIES AT NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGES USFWS REPORT - U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Director Dan Ashe today announced as part of Great Outdoors Month the agency is proposing to expand fishing and hunting opportunities on 21 refuges throughout the National Wildlife Refuge System. The proposed rule also modifies existing refuge-specific regulations for more than 100 additional refuges and wetland management districts.

“The Service is committed to strengthening and expanding hunting and fishing opportunities,” said Ashe.

“By expanding hunting and fishing programs across the Refuge System we are furthering a rich tradition of providing quality recreational opportunities to the American people. These programs support local economies, help people connect with the outdoors, and encourage people to value nature.”

National wildlife refuges provide premier outdoor recreational opportunities across the Nation. There are more than 560 national wildlife refuges and 38 wetland management districts, including one within an hour’s drive from most major metropolitan areas. The Service manages refuge hunting and fishing programs to ensure sustainable wildlife populations, while offering traditional wildlife-dependent recreation on public lands.

Under the National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act of 1997, the Service permits hunting and fishing along with four other types of wildlife-dependent recreation when they are compatible with an individual refuge’s purpose and mission. Hunting, within specified limits, is permitted on 335 wildlife refuges. Fishing is permitted on 271 wildlife refuges.

Hunting, fishing, and other outdoor activities on refuges help stimulate the economy and generate funding for wildlife conservation. The Service’s report Banking on Nature shows that refuges pump $2.4 billion into the economy and support more than 35,000 jobs. More than 47 million people visit refuges every year.

Other wildlife-dependent recreation on national wildlife refuges includes wildlife photography, environmental education, wildlife observation, and interpretation.

The Service proposes opening six existing refuges to unting and fishing in Oregon and South Dakota.

Additionally, the Service proposes expanding hunting and sport fishing on 19 refuges in 14 states, including Indiana’s Patoka River National Wildlife Refuge and Management Area.

The Service is seeking comments from the public for 30 days regarding information pertaining to the proposed rule. Please go to www.regulations.gov Docket No. FWS-HQ-NWRS-2015-0029 for additional information. The proposed rule will publish in the Federal Register on June 11, 2015, comments must be received by July 13, 2015.

FEDERAL DUCK STAMP TO INCREASE FROM $15 TO $25 The Federal Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp, or “Duck Stamp,” will increase in price for the first time in 24 years.

The cost will go from $15 to $25. The increase adjusts for inflation over the last 24 years. Several conservation organizations, including Ducks Unlimited and Delta Waterfowl, support the increase.

The 2005 National Duck Hunter Survey showed that 65 percent of U.S. duck hunters spent more than $250 per season.

“In terms of expenditures by waterfowl hunters, a $10 increase each season is not a huge hit for most folks,” said Adam Phelps, DNR waterfowl biologist.

“This increase is equivalent to a half-box or less of shotgun shells, three to four gallons of gas, or one or two duck decoys,” But the revenue will be incredibly important for ducks and duck hunting, according to Phelps.

Ninety-eight cents of every dollar spent on Federal Duck Stamps goes toward improving and preserving habitat, making it one of the most efficient funding sources for wildlife in the world.

Money is spent on the National Wildlife Refuge System, including Waterfowl Production Areas in the Prairie Pothole Region, through land purchases, leases, and conservation easements that protect wetlands. Since 1934, funds from the sales of Federal Duck Stamps have protected more than 6 million acres of wetlands in the United States, an area roughly the size of Vermont.

Unfortunately, the price has remained unchanged for so long that the Duck Stamp’s impact on habitat has diminished. According to the Federal Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2015 it would take $25.74 to have the same buying power as $15 in 1991.

Though it is called the “Duck Stamp,” habitat protected by these funds is used by hundreds of other species, including birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians, fish, invertebrates and plants.

Any waterfowl hunter age 16 or older must buy a Federal Duck Stamp every year. The Duck Stamp provides also allows free entry for wildlife watchers into any National Wildlife Refuge that charges admission.

The Duck Stamp is a good investment not only for waterfowl hunters and stamp collectors, but also for any conservationist, birder or wildlife viewer who wants to ensure that wetland wildlife continues to have a place to live, Phelps said.

“The Duck Stamp is vital to wetland habitats,” said Phelps. “And we hope that this increase does not cause hardship to hunters and other conservationists. The Federal Duck Stamp Program has never been more important.”

The 2015 stamp will be released July 1, and can be purchased at some Indiana license retailers, many U.S. Post Offices, toll-free at (800) STAMP-24, and online at duckstamp.com..

TRACKING WORKSHOP AT PAYNETOWN SRA, JULY 9 DNR REPORT - Monroe Lake will host “Reading the Trail,” a tracking workshop at Paynetown State Recreation Area on Thursday, July 9.

The workshop starts at 10 a.m. and runs until noon.

It is limited to 10 people, ages 14 and older.

Registration is required by July 7 at bit.ly/readingtrail2015. There is a $5-per-person workshop fee.

Monroe Lake interpretive naturalist Scott Klein will lead the workshop. It will cover basic track identification, track-way interpretation and more. The first portion will be inside, then participants will go outside to look for tracks and practice their new skills.

“The tracks and signs that animals leave provide tons of info about which animals have been there and what they were doing – even when you never see the animals themselves,” Klein said.

Paynetown SRA (stateparks.IN.gov/2954.htm) is at 4850 South State Road 446, Bloomington, 47401.

The property entrance fee will be waived for registered workshop participants.

Page 5 Michigan CWD - From Cover

ease, respond appropriately to limit further transmission, and ultimately eradicate the disease in Michigan if possible.”

The confirmed positive finding triggers several actions in the state’s surveillance and response plan for chronic wasting disease. The plan was developed in 2002 through cooperation between the DNR and MDARD, and was updated in 2012. Actions the DNR will take include: • Completing a population survey in the area where the CWD-positive deer was found.

• Establishing a Core CWD Area consisting of Alaiedon, Delhi, Lansing, Meridian, Wheatfield and Williamstown townships in Ingham County; Bath and DeWitt townships in Clinton County; and Woodhull Township in Shiawassee County. Unlimited antlerless deer hunting licenses will be available. Mandatory checking of deer will be required in this area during hunting seasons and restrictions will apply to the movement of carcasses and parts of deer taken in this area.

• Creating a CWD Management Zone, which will include Clinton, Ingham and Shiawassee counties.

• Implementing a deer and elk feeding and baiting ban, which will include the Core CWD Area and the larger three-county CWD Management Zone.

• Prohibiting the possession or salvage of deer killed by collision with a motor vehicle within the Core CWD Area. Also, residents are asked to call in the locations of road-killed deer within this area so DNR staff can pick up for testing. Research shows CWD-infected deer are more likely to be hit by vehicles because of their illness.

DNR Director Creagh will issue an interim order approving immediate implementation of these actions.

“MDARD is working with the state’s privately owned cervid facilities within a 15-mile surveillance zone to ensure compliance with CWD testing requirements,” said MDARD State Veterinarian James Averill.

“For POC facilities located outside of the surveillance zone, there will be no impact. We are, however, encouraging all POCs to continue to be our partners in the state’s CWD testing program.”

Chronic wasting disease first was identified in 1967 as a clinical disease in captive mule deer at the Colorado Division of Wildlife Foothills Wildlife Research Facility in Fort Collins, Colorado. Since then, most CWD cases have occurred in western states, but in the past 15 years it has spread to some midwestern and eastern states.

The disease is caused by the transmission of infectious, self-multiplying proteins (prions) contained in saliva and other body fluids of infected animals. Susceptible animals can acquire CWD by direct exposure to these fluids or from environments contaminated with these fluids or the carcass of a diseased animal. Once contaminated, research shows that soil can remain a source of infection for long periods of time, making CWD a particularly difficult disease to eradicate.

Some chronically CWD-infected animals will display abnormal behaviors, progressive weight loss and physical debilitation. There is no cure; once a deer is infected with CWD, it will die.

Although this is the first positive CWD finding in the state’s freeranging deer population, it is important to note that from Jan. 1, 1998, through Dec. 31, 2014, tens of thousands of free-ranging Michigan deer were tested and no evidence was found of chronic wasting disease in this population. In fact, that testing included 34,207 deer, 1,607 elk and 70 moose – a large sample of animals with no positive finding. In privately owned deer populations, approximately 21,000 samples have to date been tested for CWD. All of those have been negative as well, with the exception of the 2008 Kent County case. MDARD conducts ongoing surveillance of Michigan’s 365 registered, privately owned cervid facilities.

“Strong public awareness and cooperation from residents and hunters are critical for a rapid response to evaluate any deer suspected of having chronic wasting disease,” said Steve Schmitt, veterinarian-in-charge at the DNR Wildlife Disease Lab. “We’d like to thank the resident who called local authorities, as well as the Meridian Township Police Department for its swift response.”

The DNR asks help from the public and hunters in reporting deer that are: • Unusually thin.

• Exhibiting unusual behavior (for example, acting tame around humans and allowing someone to approach).

To report a suspicious-looking deer, call the DNR Wildlife Disease Lab at 517-336-5030 or fill out and submit the online observation report found on the DNR website.

To report road-kills found in the Core CWD Area call the Wildlife Disease Hotline at 517-614-9602 during office hours. Leave a voicemail with location information and staff will attempt to pick up carcasses on the next open business day.

Additionally, Schmitt said hunters will play a key role in helping the state manage this new wildlife challenge.

“Michigan has a long tradition of hunter support and conservation ethics. Now, with the CWD finding, that support is needed more than ever,” Schmitt said. “Historically, areas where chronic wasting disease has been found have experienced a decline in hunter numbers. Because hunters are often familiar with the deer herd locally, one of the best things they can do to help manage this disease is to continue hunting and bring their deer to check stations this season.”

Once the DNR has conducted targeted surveillance in the CWD Management Zone, staff will have a better understanding of needed changes in hunting regulations for upcoming deer hunting seasons.

Despite the CWD finding, Schmitt said there is reason for optimism.

“When it comes to chronic wasting disease, Michigan isn’t alone. A total of 23 states and two Canadian provinces have found CWD in either free-ranging or privately owned cervids, or both,” he said. “Michigan will take full advantage of the collective expertise and experience of those who have for years now dealt with chronic wasting disease on a daily basis.”

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INDIANA OUTDOOR NEWS ® 2015©

DEER HUNTING Most whitetail enthusiasts don’t run their trail cameras through the early summer months for several reasons; one being, a buck’s antlers haven’t developed to a point of distinguishing them from other bucks. Next month is the perfect time to get your cameras working for you and following are a few thoughts to help you get the most from your trail cameras.

1) Choose the right camera. The worst cameras today are better than the first flash cameras that hit the market. The two most important features are an infrared flash and a quiet shutter. No animal, including whitetails, like to have a whopping, white explosion go off in their face when it’s pitch black.

Flash cameras spook wildlife, period. You must also have a quiet shutter. If you get photos of the animal looking at your camera, it could be hearing your shutter. You may also want certain other features like better resolution, timelapse, burst mode, video, password protection or built in viewer. It all depends upon your personal needs, but like most things…you get what you pay for.

2) Angle the camera to the trail.

Trigger speeds have come a long way in recent years, but if you’re covering a trail or a passage where the animals will pass by relatively quickly, it’s best to angle the camera (about 45 degrees) to the trail rather than placing it perpendicular to the trail. If the camera is placed at a right-angle to the trail and the animal passes through the sensor

June 2015

12 Trail Camera Concepts – A Watchful Eye area traveling fast, you may only have an image of a hind-end or no animal at all.

3) Use your cameras to back-track specific bucks. If a buck is showing up at a food plot or feeding station after dark and you don’t have snow to back track him to his bedding area, let your trail camera do the work for you. The closer you get to their core area, the better your chances for a shot during legal shooting light. The key is to keep your cameras moving. A buck may simply walk five feet out of your camera’s sensor area, so keep repositioning them. Follow your buck back in to a spot where you have a good chance of killing him during legal hunting hours.

4) Place the camera south of your target area and remove all debris.

At times you may also get away with facing your cameras to the south, it depends upon the time of the year as the sun’s angle to the earth will change. It’s really the sunrise and sunset that you should try to avoid. By facing the camera in a northerly direction your daytime photos should have the best lighting. Make sure to remove all obstructions. Cut branches, weeds and twigs out of the way. Below you’ll see it’s suggested to use natural foliage to keep the camera concealed and hide it from thieves, but if you do, just make sure you have a clear path to your target area. Otherwise the LEDs will light up the brush in front of the camera leaving your target underexposed.

It can also cause false triggering. If

By Todd Amenrud

a large, sun-saturated branch is passing in front of the camera’s sensors you’ll have an SD card full of animal-less images.

5) Camera thieves suck! Deter camera crooks by concealing the camera, securing them to a tree with a cable and lock, hanging them in hard to reach spots or placing them in a locked steel box.

Nothing seems to stop a really determined camera bandit, but to begin you must use some common sense - don't hang your camera in an obvious location. A camera hanging on a trail, next to a feeder or at a gate opening may be a bit too tempting. Find a less obvious spot and camouflage the camera into the surroundings. One of the best ways to discourage theft is to hang the camera high in the tree.

Bring a climbing stick section, a couple tree-steps or a small ladder and hang the camera out of reach of the average person. Remember, if you hang it high, you’ll need to place a branch or wedge behind the camera to angle it downward.

Security chains and cables work well to deter most, but sometimes if a camera pinching puke can’t take the camera, they’ll destroy it.

Again, if a resolute crook wants the camera they seem to find a way – unfortunately a pair of bolt cutters fits in a backpack. Lastly, some cameras have security boxes that can be fastened to a tree and then the camera locked into the box.

It is possible to use a second, better hidden camera to catch a camera thief. If you place a second camera pointed at your original camera and

When you position your camera it’s best to take a test picture to make sure everything is framed properly. You want to see the whole deer, not just the legs or half of a set of antlers. Photo by author. make sure to conceal it VERY well, it’s possible to catch some of these brainless camera-nabbing crooks. The penalty for vandalism or theft is much greater than trespassing.

6) Take advantage of the timelapse feature. This means the camera is triggered at predetermined time intervals rather than movement through the sensor area.

Time-lapse is a great feature for covering food plots, agricultural fields or any large open area. If you can’t figure out which trails deer are most often using to access a food source, time-lapse can teach you. Time-lapse is also a great feature for scouting turkeys. It can tell you areas gobblers prefer for strut-

ting zones/bugging areas and where it’s best to set up your ambush.

7) Use scent for a stopper. A small amount of scent placed in your chosen spot can stop your buck in the perfect position to pose for his portrait. A little Trail’s End #307 or Golden Buck will work during early season or after the rut, and Special Golden Estrus or Mega Tarsal Plus will stop them in their tracks and draw them in during late October through November. Place the scent on a Key-Wick and then put it on a branch or twig about four feet off the ground. Mock scrapes work amazingly well to

Continued On Page 12

June 2015

INDIANA OUTDOOR NEWS Ž 2015Š

Page 7

enforcement. Dogs easily pick up on it.

Some of my favorite stories I hear from ICOs are Another tracking scent is made by a disturWhat Makes a Tracking Dog? about the K-9 Officers. The abilities their dogs have bance.

As an animal or person moves across the never cease to amaze me, and have changed the way I ALANGARBERS ground, they disturb it by crushing or bending vegetathink about deer hunting. tion and loosening soil and rock. Think of the scent of I recently got to speak with ICO Levi Knach, who a freshly mowed yard or newly plowed field. While is the human half of an IDNR tracking team, and humans can smell massive disturbances such as mowed Kenobi, who is a rock star chocolate lab. grass or freshly turned earth, dogs can smell them on a One might wonder what special breeding goes minuscule level.

Depending on the situation, a dog’s into making a great tracking dog. How about a blood sense of smell is at minimum 40 times stronger than hound mixed with Rottweiler? How about German that of a human’s, and in some instances 500 times betShepherd mixed with a black and tan coon hound? ter!

Maybe. No special breeding is required. Almost any Say a lost child wanders away from home by dog would be great, provided they had one thing; a cutting across a grassy yard, down the sidewalk, and strong desire to play. “Number one, you want a dog onto a dirt playground.

Along with the child’s scent, that will not stop playing with you.� the dog will smell the freshly damaged grass in the After finding a toy that the dog really likes, the yard, then the smell of grass as it’s tracked down the trainer works with the dog to get it to track the toy. To sidewalk, and then the fresh scuffs into the packed dirt start with, the trainer only goes a short distance away of the playground, as well as the bacteria consuming and is in easy eyesight of the dog. The dog quickly the dead skin cells along the way. finds the trainer with the toy and is rewarded with In another example, if you and the dog went to playtime. As days go by the distance is longer and a pizza parlor, you would smell pizza while the dog longer until the trainer is out of sight. At that point the would smell the components of the pizza. If you could dog must rely on its scent tracking ability to find the smell the pizza cooking from a block away, the dog trainer and get its reward of playtime. By working could smell it 40 blocks away. with the dog’s natural abilities, it learns to track human Deer hunters, take note: deer and other scent. But along with the ability to track there also wildlife have the same ability. While you may be has to be desire to track. Kenobi desires playtime attempting to cover or eliminate your body scent, what with ICO Knach so much, that he will drive himself are you doing to eliminate the disturbance you make to hour after hour in an effort to get his reward at the end. the ground and vegetation as you walk into your stand?

At times Knach has to pull Kenobi off the track to Kenobi has repeatedly tracked hunters that used scent control products and it had no effect make him rest and not overheat. on his ability to find them.

Because of this ICO Knach no longer bothers with scent conDogs like Kenobi track humans by following more than three different scents. trol products while hunting.

The first is skin cells. As you move microscopic bits of your skin constantly fall to the The scent trail can remain for a long time. Recently ICO Knach and Kenobi were ground leaving scent trail. called to a property where a poacher had walked all the way through a nature preserve and The second is bacteria. After those skin cells hit the ground, bacteria start to eat them shot a deer on private property without permission. The homeowner went to investigate and and produce another scent that can be tracked. saw the poacher run away. The next morning, the trail was twelve hours cold but Kenobi Tracking criminals adds another scent. Most of us have heard that dogs can smell fear. was still able to find the track and follow it two-miles, back through the nature preserve, to While dogs do have a powerful sense of smell, they can’t smell emotion, but they can smell the location that the person had been parked. a product of strong emotion, and that’s adrenaline. Criminals are afraid they are going to Next Month: More on Kenobi, how he tracks, and what he alerts on. get caught or hurt and they produce a great deal of adrenaline while running from law

This month’s puzzle on Page 13

Page 8

INDIANA OUTDOOR NEWS ® 2015©

PANFISH We all have our favorite fish, but statistics prove that bass are #1.

And by far, it's landing a big ol' green-sided largemouth that tickles the fancy of the majority who target the genus Micropterus; meanwhile, it's doing battle with its close cousin, the brute bronze-backed smallie, which comes in right behind.

Overlooked and underappreciated, however, is a bass of a different hue. Its DNA differs from the most popular, and the species roams a majority of waterways throughout the country. I'm talkin' white bass.... And they are a blast to catch.

Most white bass fans look forward to massive spring spawning runs in rivers that connect to the large natural lakes and reservoirs the fish call home during the rest of the year. But after the run, most anglers set their sights on other species.

So why are they the Rodney Dangerfields of our waterways, earning such little respect? Good question...

It can't be their unwillingness to whack a vibrating or flashing lure. The fact is, these fish have voracious appetites, and once schools are located, the catching comes easy. And it's certainly not what they lack during battle. White bass zig, zag and power dive from hook set to landing net. And, by far, it's not their poor table fare. On the contrary, white bass make for good eats if you ice 'em right away or keep them in a well-aerated livewell, and then make sure to remove all the red-colored flesh when filleted.

More than likely, it's simply they're too hard to find in numbers much of the year. Just like their

A Cast to the Other Bass saltwater cousins, the striped bass, these fish are pelagic. This means they don't dwell near bottom or hug shoreline structure, making them more difficult to find. Instead, they rove high in the water column and create havoc on pods of bait fish doing the same.

Or maybe they're simply not trendy enough to target. But that's about to change.

When the lovin' is over Enter ardent angler Jim Edlund, who is far from troubled to speak in favor of targeting white bass. The Minnesota-based outdoor writer says he fishes white bass every chance he gets, and now coaches his daughters on how to catch them year-round; even well after the massive spawning migrations have ended.

“Springtime is primetime, typically when water temps are in that 50 to 60 degree range. Fish a day or two before, on, or immediate after a full moon and you're really rocking. That's when the spawn is in full-swing. It's the perfect bite to get kids really excited about fishing. Not surprising, my kids are big fans of white bass,” says Edlund.

Although spring can be easy pickings, Edlund says good electronics can help you find white bass the rest of the year.

“Despite all the pretty pictures of bridges and sunken boats you see in the advertising, what Side Imaging really does is minimize the amount of time it takes to find fish,” says Edlund. “I simply idle around river points, sandbars, feeder creeks and watch for white splotches of bait and fish on my SI screen. Once I see life, I scroll the cursor over the spot and boom, there's the waypoint on my

LakeMaster map. This allows me to back off and idle into the spot from upwind with my Minn Kota and get the kids casting without spooking them.”

A fan of river fishing from a small, aluminum Lund that's taken years of abuse, Edlund calls his system “high-tech, old-school.”

“To think that a guy can get Side Imaging, Down Imaging, mapping and 2D sonar for under $500 is awesome. Fishing with the Humminbird Helix SI GPS is like drinking Don Perignon on a Natty Ice budget.”

As Edlund nears the waypoints he marked on Side Imaging, he switches to split-screen view of 2D sonar and LakeMaster map, noting the depth marks start appearing, more than likely the same depth white bass will move into if the wind kicks up and waves roll over sunken islands or points adjacent to the deeper water.

“I can't tell you how many times I've stopped jigging walleyes on the Mississippi River to chase a school of white bass. I have buddies who just shake their heads.

Then out comes the casting stick for as long as the whities will play along. They're just too much fun to be ignored, especially with kids in the boat.

Overall, once white bass have spawned, they move out into the main lake and can be found in areas with turbid water over ultra-clear.

In reservoirs, both bait and bass are often found along the old river and creek channels. In natural lakes, these predators tend to hover over main-lake flats. It's in these areas you may see baitfish leaping for their lives, indicating there are white bass below.

“Although electronics are

June 2015

By Mitch Eeagan

Eight-year-old Mae Edlund is all smiles during a river white bass blitz! An H20 Precision Jig and minnow or B Fish N Tackle Pulse-R is like candy to these voracious pelagics! great, always pay attention to what's going on around you, like busting bait and surfacing fish. And watch where the birds are feeding on the water,” says Edlund.

Once it's determined the bass are at the surface or below, it's time to cast into the chaos.

Gearing up Lures and gear should be beefed up from what one might expect when catching fish that range from 1-4 pounds. Because white bass feed on shad and shiners, baits that match the size of the baitfish are best. And larger lures have bigger hooks, which need a little more oomph during the hook set. Vibration and flash are key.

Soft jerkbaits with large paddle tails, such as 3.5-inch Castaic Jerky J Swim Series and Custom Jigs & Spins 3.25-inch Pulse-R Paddle Tail, rigged onto a jig head with a narrow shape like an H20 Precision Jig, or the Rapala UltraLight Rippin' Rap are some of Edlund's favorite baits to cast. He throws them with 10-pound-test superline and an 8-pound-test fluorocarbon leader on a fast-action

medium-power St. Croix AVID-X spinning rod.

“I could use lighter gear, but I don't like to baby 'em. Plus, it's a numbers thing; I want to boat the fish without any unnecessary ballet and get right back out to hot fish.

Plus, these same river spots can produce some big 'eyes, smallies, cats … when there's a lot of bait getting slashed, your next fish could be anything,” says Edlund.

Spinners are also a great choice for whities, with number-3 and -4 Mepps Aglia in-line spinners a mainstay. Spoons with a wide wobble that can be fished both fast and slow that can be stopped and flutters on the fall, such as a size-1 Fin-Wing or Custom Jigs & Spins Pro Series Slender Spoon, work wonders.

Cast, retrieve, repeat Overlooked and underappreciated? That's the white bass. Once located high in the water column, it's straightforward to catch them just cast, retrieve and repeat. Once you land a few you'll realize just why they should rank higher in the sport fish class.

June 2015

INDIANA OUTDOOR NEWS ® 2015©

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INDIANA OUTDOOR NEWS Ž 2015Š

When Big Baits Are Best for Bass

BASS FISHING Fish studies confirm that bass can become conditioned through continual exposure to baits.

Especially on heavily-pressured waters, bass do learn to avoid baits.

Berkley’s Dr. Keith Jones covers the subject in his book Knowing Bass: The Scientific Approach for Catching More Fish. In it, Jones discusses research evidence that suggests bass remember lures for a long time – “for at least up to three months and perhaps much, much longer.�

The challenge for the angler is staying ahead of the curve. One of the best ways is to fish outside of the box, choosing baits the fish have probably never seen before.

Or fishing baits that have fallen out-of-favor for newer, trendier baits.

Or simply up-sizing the same baits we already know are effective.

I remember fishing a river system one spring day. We had started early to avoid the crowds, then battled skyrocketing temps throughout the day. I know a lot of anglers like to be on the water during those warm spring days, but I prefer more stable conditions.

Fishing was predictably slow under the changing conditions so I slowed down like you do during a cold front and went to smaller baits while casting to timber and current seams along the bank. We landed four bass running between 1.5 and 2 pounds.

There was another boat working the same bank behind us‌with a lone angler in the bow. I saw him hook up a couple times, but didn’t think much of it at the time.

Later, back at the launch, I asked the other angler how he had done. He said he caught five fish, including a 3-pounder and two 4pound fish flippin’ the same river timber I had fished ahead of him.

I asked him, “What bait where you flippin’?�

June 2015

His plaintive response: “Power Lizards.�

I hadn’t thought to go larger with my presentation and so this information was striking. But the more I thought about it, the logic behind it was too strong to ignore‌how many other anglers would go in this direction during difficult situations like cold fronts or what I call “heat frontsâ€??

When you get a week of average temps and all of a sudden the temperature sky-rockets into the 80 or 90s (or higher), water temps change drastically. It’s like what happens during a cold front, but in reverse. And the effects on bass and other fish are the same; their movements slow. If you monitor the water temps on your electronics, there are situations where increases can be as much as 8, 10 or even more degrees in a day.

Where I

live, going from 40-degree overnight air temps to 80 degrees by late afternoon is not uncommon!

When faced with drastic temperature increases, I often hold off fishing my best spots until late in the day when temperatures stabilize somewhat. By this time, the biggest fish with the most mass will have had time to acclimate to the change and will be more active.

The bass that do feed during these dramatic shifts in water temperature often look for the biggest meal with the least amount of metabolic effort. Like any host of large amphibians, salamanders and the like.

Still, a lot of anglers are hesitant to fish lizards, thinking they’re only big-fish baits. In reality, a lizard doesn’t appear too large to bass, which typically track prey from behind. The visual cue is only part of the equation. What can real-

Pennaz prefers a 5/0 or 6/0 offset worm hook over an EWG for Texas-rigging lizards or big worms. “You’ll get greater hook-up ratios and a more natural bait action,� says Pennaz.

By Steve Pennaz

ly stimulate their feeding or attack response has to do with how they feel that bait. With its many appendages, a lizard displaces more water and produces more vibrations, which the bass picks up via its lateral line.

An angler needs to ask a few questions: How big of a bait can I get away with on a given body of water? And secondly, what will be most appealing to the biggest fish in a school?

At times it makes sense to start smaller, but there are times when going large is the right move.

If the waters have big fish and lots of pressure, I may start bigger because I can. And for the past couple of years, I’ve been fishing lizards ‌ a lot.

Why more anglers aren’t fishing lizards is a real head-scratcher.

But I can relate. The past decade we’ve seen so many new and effective creature-style baits and worm designs hit tackle shelves that it was easy to forget the proven performer.

Big mistake. Lizards worked then -- and still do.

Lizard Rigging Tips When rigging lizards, hooks can make or break your day. I learned long ago that while great for compact, creature baits, EWGstyle hooks are not the best choice for Texas-rigging lizards or big worms.

Instead, I use a 5/0 or 6/0 offset worm hook that provides great hook-up ratios and allows the baits to move fluidly, as designed.

Historically, my favorite lizard is the 6-inch PowerBait Power Lizard, although I’m starting to catch a lot of bass on the Gary Klein-designed Havoc Boss Dog, too. But given that bass will often grab lizards and big worms in the middle – rather than inhaling the entire bait – the PowerBait formula really puts the odds in your favor. They simply hold on to the bait longer, giving you more time for a solid hookset.

In terms of color, my favorite is pumpkin with a chartreuse tail, which is based purely on nostalgia; it produced my first giant bass years ago and still works great today. But I also carry black/blue, black, green pumpkin and watermelon.

In terms of line‌I fish 10- to 15-lb. Berkley Trilene 100% Fluorocarbon in clear waters; 15to 17- lb. for stained conditions.

And in waters with double-digit bass, I’ll go even heavier. I like the sensitivity you get with fluoro, the fact it sinks, and the near invisibility factor.

Another cool thing about fishing heavy fluoro with lizards or big worms is it decreases the amount of tungsten or lead weight you need to use. You get some sinking factor with the line itself. That means I’ll often fish lizards or big worms weightless in shallow-water (1.5- to 2 feet) situations. Plus, the Berkley PowerBait Power Lizard is pretty bulky in the body. All this adds up to long casts and easy fishability.

Pennaz has found that soft plastic lizards are a great bait to fish during both cold and heat fronts. “The beauty of the lizard is it resembles salamanders, which pack a big caloric punch, motivating bass to eat during negative to neutral bites. Also, not a lot of anglers throw them anymore, so fish are less conditioned on pressured waters,� says Pennaz.

Rod & Reel Setup One of my secrets to fishing lizards is upping the speed. Rather than the typical “lift-drag� Texas rig retrieve, I’ll use a twitchtwitch-reel-reel-shake and repeat.

This gets the appendages really pushing water. To those ends, I like a higher-geared baitcaster like the 7.0:1 Abu Garcia Revo MGX. Speaking to that reel, it weighs around 5 ounces, which means when combined with a feathery 7’6� fast action, medium-heavy power Abu Garcia Veracity, you can easily fish these big baits all day without fatigue. Plus, fishing lighter rods and reels gives you better sensitivity‌important for detecting bites on the drop.

Parting Words This season pay attention to drastic temperature swings and fish

them like cold fronts in reverse.

Size up and try lizards for more and bigger bass, even during difficult situations on pressured waters.

About the Author Steve is one of the most trusted voices in fishing. From 1988 until 2012, he served as Executive Director for the North American Fishing Club, including North American Fisherman magazine, fishingclub.com and the club’s daily enewsletter “Fishin’ Informer.� He’s also hosted several television series, including “North American Outdoors,� “North American Fisherman,� and “Fishing Club Journal.� Pennaz launched Knot Wars, now a successful app on iPhone and Droid.

He excels at finding and catching fish on new waters, a skill that now drives “Lake Commandos.�

Barbee Chain of Lakes /Kosciusko County Beaver Dam Lake / Kosciusko County Bluegrass Pit / Warrick County Brookville Reservoir / Franklin County Clear Lake / Steuben County Eagle Creek Reservoir / Marion County Loon Pit / Warrick County Monroe Reservoir / Monroe County Palestine Lake / Kosciusko County Patoka Lake / Orange County Pine Lake / LaPorte County Sullivan Lake / Sullivan County Lake Waveland / Montgomery County Lake Wawasee / Kosciusko County Wolf Lake / Lake County Worster Lake / St. Joseph County

June 2015

INDIANA OUTDOOR NEWS Ž 2015Š

Page 11

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( ) ( Plano’s venerable Model 1312 Field Box has been a favorite among hunters and shooters for decades. The affordable workhorse holds 6-8 boxes of ammunition inside its tough plastic shell, and further protects its payload with a water resistant O-ring seal and a heavy-duty brass bail latch.

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+ / " - $ ' ) Declassified at the Chicago Muskie Expo, meet St. Croix's new super weapons for marathon giant esox hunting – Legend Elite Musky.

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"Our new Legend Elite Musky also features a completely re-designed guide train utilizing FujiŽ TorziteŽ for rings that are harder and half the diameter of the SiC Concept Guide System, and guide frame weight reduction while maintaining optimal guide opening size," adds Schluter. Six models are available. • • • • • •

7' 6" Extra-Heavy, Fast Action (LEM76XHF) 8' Medium-Heavy, Fast Action (LEM80MHF) 8' 6' Medium-Heavy, Fast Action (LEM86MHF) 8' 6" Heavy, Fast Action – (LEM86HF) 9' Medium-Heavy, Fast Action (LEM90HF) 9' Heavy, Fast Action (LEM90MHF)

Legend Elite Musky is designed, engineered and manufactured in Park Falls, Wisconsin, and feature a 15-year transferrable warranty backed by St. Croix's celebrated Superstar Service. The St. Croix Legend Elite Musky rods retail for $550. Learn more at www.stcroixrods.com.

+ $ + , $ - . ' $ / %

Hunting isn’t just about the hunt – it’s also about enjoying the sounds of nature and spending time with hunting buddies. These experiences are often lost with traditional hearing protection, which muffles all noises. But now hunters and shooters can protect their hearing from muzzle blasts without blocking sounds of conversation and their surroundings.

SoundGear is a line of all-digital hearing protection products that block loud, harmful noises while still allowing basic communication and sounds to be heard. The products offer the latest advancements in high-definition sound reproduction, enhancing sound eight times more than traditional hearing protection products. Users experience reduced noise levels, less feedback and the ability to tune into their surroundings while still protecting their hearing – ultimately increasing success and safety in the woods and on the range.

Ultra light and comfortable in-the-canal style units sell for around $400. Learn more at www.soundgearhearing.com.

The IMPACT HUNTER™ is one of the best hunting arrows ever designed. A proprietary Rugged Wrap™ Construction process provides a much thicker carbon wall than competing shafts, which makes the IMPACT HUNTER™ one of the toughest arrows ever built. The ultra small diameter means greater penetration and less wind drift.

With our IMPACT HUNTER™ you have the perfect combination of accuracy, toughness, and pass thru impact!

The IMPACT HUNTER™ is pre-fletched with 2� Blazer vanes for unmatched speed and durability. With a +/-1 grain per arrow and a straightness tolerance of .004�, the IMPACT HUNTER™ is truly perfect for all your hunting needs.

The FLARE™ SERIES IMPACT HUNTER™comes with lighted nocks and batteries. The Flare™ Nock and Battery is the most convenient lighted nock system ever made. All BloodSportŽ standard and small diameter arrows come with the Flare™ Nocks installed. Finally, a lighted nock system that doesn’t require resighting in or changing nocks! Shoot the same nock all year long, then just insert the 5 grain light when you are ready to hunt! A proprietary rubber grabber is attached directly to the battery without any moving parts. It is incredibly light and won’t affect arrow flight after installation. Simply slide the Flare™ Nock into any BloodSportŽ arrow with the Battery installed for the most trouble-free, lighted nock on the market. No tools or glue needed. If the Flare™ Battery runs out of power, just remove it and install a new one for continued use.

All Bloodsport arrows come with the patented Blood Ring™ -- a blank canvas that actually takes a ‘blood sample’ when it passes through the animal has taken the guessing game out of the equation for a lot of hunters. Never before has an arrow company spent the money to develop such an important tool for hunters. The super bright white, textured, spray-on material is designed to capture blood as it passes through the animal without affecting arrow flight. You can literally see what type of hit you made from your stand, allowing you to make better decisions on when to begin tracking.

IMPACT HUNTER™ arrows also come with the APS (Arrow Protection System) Outsert, providing an unmatched combination of penetration and strength. Made from special 7075 aircraft grade aluminum, the APS provides all the protection needed without the weight of competing products. The unique APS design absorbs the shock of a hard hit rather than the carbon shaft.

Six custom cut, fully fletched IMPACT HUNTER arrows with outserts and Flare nocks and batteries installed - ready to shoot - costs about $90 at www.bloodsport.co.

( * ) ( (

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BushnellÂŽ has introduced a comprehensive new rechargeable lighting line that provides best-in-class light output combined with legendary optical technology to deliver brighter light and better sight. The new Rubicon rechargeable line includes two flashlights, a micro lantern and a headlamp.

Built on an ethos that performance is everything, Bushnell Outdoors outfitted each Rubicon product with high-quality, energyefficient CreeÂŽ LEDs for maximum brightness and extended battery life. By pairing the expansive optics expertise from Bushnell with premium LEDs, Rubicon products produce collimated light beams to deliver a brighter, clearer and more comfortable lighting experience.

The new line of rechargeable Rubicon lights features a pair of 250 and 500 lumen flashlights, a 125 lumen headlamp and a 200 lumen micro lantern. Both the 250 and 500 lumen flashlights can be recharged with the included USB cable, and have charging indicator and battery status notification lights. The 500 lumen model also is equipped with optional auto-dimming, which decreases the intensity of the light when looking at maps or other items up close to reduce glare.

The 125 lumen headlamp features five different lighting modes, tilt adjustment, USB charging cable, charging indicator and battery status notification. The headlamp is lightweight at only three ounces, with a headband that is easily adjustable for fit and comfort.

The new 200 lumen Micro Lantern has four power options: high, medium, low and red halo to reduce night vision loss. It is rechargeable via a micro USB (cable included) and has an underside hanger for use as an overhead light in tents, campsites or tree stands.

The MSRP for the 250 and 500 lumen flashlights is $59.99 and $89.99, respectively. The headlamp and Micro Lantern will both have an MSRP of $49.99. Learn more at www.bushnell.com.

Page 12

INDIANA OUTDOOR NEWS ® 2015©

June 2015

Frog Gigging a Nighttime Treat

BRANDONBUTLER Gur-ump, Gur-ump, Gur-ump; a big bullfrog bellows out his call from across the swampy pond.

Derek Butler turns the silent, electric trolling motor to our right and the small jon boat starts sliding towards shore.

About 50 yards from where we expect the bullfrog to be, I fire up the five million candlepower spotlight. A couple of quick backand-forth scans across a small stretch of cattails reveals two glowing eyes. They look like white marbles sticking out just above the water.

Derek turns the power down

on the motor and we ever so slowly approach the frog. I hold the spotlight in my left hand and pick up a gig with my right. Shinning the bright light in the frog's eyes keeps him statue still. I thrust the gig on a 12-foot handle at the target and find my mark. I set down the light and pull the big frog off the prongs and toss him in a basket that is starting to fill up.

We make the rounds along the shoreline of this moss-covered pond twice. When we pull out of the water at 2:00 a.m., my cousin and I have 17 jumbo bullfrogs. It's a good haul for the size of the water we are on. We don't want to exhaust the resource, which can be done easily by overharvesting.

It takes us about a half-hour to clean the frogs. We wash and rinse the 17 sets of legs, then place them in a bowl of salt water to brine over night. The next afternoon, we pull the legs out and pat them dry.

Bluegill fishing returning to Kunkel Lake Bluegill fishing is picking up at Kunkel Lake in Ouabache State Park due to a successful DNR fish eradication and restocking project.

Before the 2013-2014 renovation, the 25-acre impoundment in Wells County was overrun by carp, small bluegills and crayfish. The water was muddy and aquatic plants were sparse.

To remove the unwanted fish and improve fish habitat, DNR officials lowered the water level in September 2013 and treated the remaining pools with rotenone, a fish toxicant.

The lake was then refilled and stocked in March 2014 with 19,000 bluegills and 5,200 largemouth bass. An additional 2,600 channel catfish were added last fall.

The project was funded through fishing license revenue.

According the Mike Miller, Ouabache assistant park manager, anglers are catching some 7-8 inch bluegills, but most are smaller and should reach keeper-size this summer.

Bass anglers will have to wait longer before they can keep a legal-size bass.

A proposal is in the works to impose an 18-inch minimum size limit on largemouth bass at Kunkel Lake and limit the daily catch to two bass per angler.

The regulation was approved

by the Natural Resources Commission on May 19 and will go into effect next year.

Currently a bass must be 14 inches long if taken, and the daily catch limit is five.

During a survey last summer, DNR biologists captured 28 bass in 15 minutes of sampling with an electrofishing boat. The bass were 5-6 inches long.

Although they are expected to grow rapidly, bass may not reach the 18-inch limit for five years.

The size limit is to protect the majority of bass from harvest so that they can prey on small bluegills and keep bluegill spawning in check.

A dense bass population also will help control other fish species that may eventually get into the lake and prevent the build-up of a large population of rusty crayfish.

Crayfish numbers were so high before the renovation that they, along with carp, muddied the water.

Since the renovation, water clarity at Kunkel Lake has doubled and aquatic plants have returned.

Park personnel will monitor expansion of vegetation and take control measures if needed.

Biologists from the Division of Fish & Wildlife will also conduct a follow-up fish survey in mid-June.

Then dip them in beaten eggs and toss them in Shore Lunch batter.

We heat peanut oil in a cast iron fry pot to 350 degrees, drop the legs in and let them sizzle for 10 minutes.

What comes out is perfection.

Frog legs are one of nature's delicacies. They don't taste like chicken. They taste like frogs. The white meat is sweet and succulent.

I suppose they are not for everyone, but I look forward to a mess of fresh, well-cooked frogs as much as any steak you could put in front of me.

Indiana has a long season for bullfrog and green frogs. It runs from June 15 - April 30. The daily bag limit for game frogs is 25 (in aggregate). The possession limit for game frogs is 50.

You can take frogs a number of ways. A gig or spear that has a head not more than three inches in width and a single row of tines, a bow and arrow, club, your bare

hands, a fishing pole or a hand line. On the fishing pole or hand line, you can't have more than one hook or artificial lure attached.

You can take frogs by these methods with a fishing or hunting license. If you want to use a firearm to shoot frogs, you can

only shoot them with a .22-caliber loaded with bird shot and you must have a hunting license.

For more information, you should refer to either the Indiana Hunting & Trapping Guide or the Indiana Fishing Guide.

See you down the trail…

Camera Concepts - From Page 6 take an inventory of the bucks you have in your area.

You may not get many photos of does, but bucks are instinctually drawn to the scrape from early October into December. You can “doctor-up” a buck’s natural, existing scrape or make your own mock scrape. A Magnum Scrape Dripper with some Active Scrape or Golden Scrape will work best for this tactic.

8) Develop a system for filing your photos. To really effectively manage a property you must be good at keeping records. Trail camera photos are one of the primary ways to keep on top of what’s happening on your property. They help you to gather information on mature bucks, document trends over the years and there is no better way to determine density, buck to doe ratio or age structure of your herd. Now days, one property manager on a 500 acre parcel can go through 200,000 images or more in one season. Whether you categorize your files by date, place where the camera was located, the specific buck you’re after or some other system, it’s important to find a way to organize your images so you can find them when you need to recap.

9) Shoot a test photo/video so you know it’s framed properly. If your camera has a built in viewer this will be easy, but you don’t want your camera to capture just legs or half a set of antlers. Consider using a digital picture viewer so you can check over your photos in the field. Small digital cameras may also work for you.

If you happen to get images of deer looking directly at you, it may mean the camera’s shutter triggering is too loud.

10) Find the sweet-spot. Most cameras will claim they are good to a certain range… when in reality, they stink at the maximum touted limit. Set them close enough to your target to get good nighttime illumination on the subject from your infrared flash.

11) What are some camera manufacturers thinking with their mounting systems? The strap some of them give you to fasten your camera to a tree could double for a seatbelt in a car and it requires two people to get it around a tree. A simple small rubber cord (bungee-cord) with hooks at each end works perfectly if you’re not worried about theft. Otherwise, with mounting systems like the “Stake Out” or “Stic-n-Pic” you don’t need a tree at all.

Some trail-cams will work with a regular camera tripod. There are numerous other mounting options, but it’s nice to have something simple and fast.

12) How and when should you check your cameras? Some say you must wait a certain time-span and check them at a specific time of day, but every situation is different. In some instances you may need to check them every day or every-other day. Under other scenarios you may want to wait a week to ten days or more before you check them. Variables would be the time of year, location of the camera(s), what you’re trying to do with your camera, how you’re checking the cameras, weather conditions and more. The idea is to check or move your cameras when you will disturb the area the least. Since an ATV or some farm vehicles are less intrusive than a person on foot, some choose to mount their cameras so they can drive right next to the camera to switch out SD cards. This is less of a disturbance than walking in on foot because whitetails will stay bedded and will tolerate the vehicle passing by, where a person on foot would bump them to the next property. If you’re able to drive right to your camera you also leave much less human scent in the area.

Would you like to learn more about improving your hunting and get discounts on the products you need? Learn from the experts by joining the new Mossy Oak GameKeepers Club at www.gamekeepersclub.com. Or call 662495-9292.

June 2015

INDIANA OUTDOOR NEWS ® 2015©

Page 13

June’s Best Hunting & Fishing Times...

Indiana Outdoor Calendar June 2015 June 6: Youth Fishing Derby at Monroe Lake. More info at www.interpretiveservices.IN.gov.

June 20: Fly Fishing Workshop at the Clarksville Bass Pro Shops Store, 10AM. Call 812-218-5500 for more info.

June 20: IL CCW and Utah CC Courses at the Hammond Cabela’s store.

Call Shaun at 708-724-3716 or visit www.blackhawkdefense.com for more info June 20-21: Skamania Mania Fishng Tournament.

Go to www.nwisteelheaders.org for more information.

June 20-21: Rocky Point IBF Invitational Tournament, Contact Kenny Swint 317-416-4579 June 27: Beakfast with the Birds at Hardy Lake. More info at www.interpretiveservices.IN.gov.

June 28: Bird Hike at Mounds State Park, 9-11AM. Call 765-649-8128 for more info.

01 Mon 02 Tue 03 Wed 04 Thu 05 Fri 06 Sat 07 Sun 08 Mon 09 Tue 10 Wed 11 Thu 12 Fri 13 Sat 14 Sun 15 Mon 16 Tue 17 Wed 18 Thu 19 Fri 20 Sat 21 Sun 22 Mon 23 Tue 24 Wed 25 Thu 26 Fri 27 Sat 28 Sun 29 Mon 30 Tue

A.M. Minor

A.M Major

P. M. Minor

P.M. Major

Sunrise

Sunset

Fishing Quality / Notes

4:48 5:31 6:21 7:17 8:18 9:22 10:28 12:08 12:45 1:21 1:57 2:35 3:14 3:57 4:44 5:35 6:30 7:26 8:24 9:21 10:18 11:14 12:04 12:33 1:03 1:33 2:06 2:43 3:24 4:11

11:58 12:20 1:14 2:10 3:07 4:11 4:57 5:51 6:44 7:36 8:28 9:21 10:13 11:07 ----12:26 1:22 2:15 3:06 3:54 4:40 5:24 6:07 6:49 7:32 8:16 9:01 9:49 10:39 11:31

7:09 8:08 9:04 9:56 10:44 --------11:35 12:44 1:51 2:59 4:07 5:13 6:18 7:18 8:14 9:04 9:48 10:27 ------------12:10 1:05 2:02 2:59 3:57 4:56 5:54 6:52

----12:49 1:42 2:36 3:31 4:24 5:18 6:10 7:02 7:54 8:47 9:40 10:35 ----12:01 12:54 1:47 2:37 3:25 4:11 4:56 5:39 6:21 7:04 7:47 8:32 9:20 10:10 ---------

6:18 6:18 6:18 6:17 6:17 6:17 6:16 6:16 6:16 6:16 6:16 6:16 6:16 6:16 6:16 6:16 6:16 6:16 6:16 6:16 6:16 6:17 6:17 6:17 6:17 6:18 6:18 6:19 6:19 6:19

9:07 9:07 9:08 9:09 9:09 9:10 9:11 9:11 9:12 9:12 9:13 9:13 9:14 9:14 9:15 9:15 9:15 9:16 9:16 9:16 9:16 9:17 9:17 9:17 9:17 9:17 9:17 9:17 9:17 9:17

Fair Poor / Full Moon Fair Fair Fair Fair Fair Poor Fair / Waning Half Moon Fair Fair Fair Fair Fair Good Good / New Moon Good Good Fair Fair Fair Fair Poor Poor / Waxing Half Moon Fair Fair Poor Poor Fair Fair

All times are for the Eastern Time Zone and are calibrated for Indianapolis

• A variety of Hunter Education courses are offered around the state this month. For details, visit www.in.gov/dnr/lawenfor/4812.htm.

• Check http://www.ducks.org/indiana/events/ for a complete list of Ducks Unlimited events throughout Indiana this month.

• Check http://www.nwtf.org/indiana/hh_banquets.html for a complete list of National Wild Turkey Federation banquets in Indiana this month.

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ACROSS

DOWN

1 Parts of antlers 4 Also called a bowfin 9 A species of a large catfish 10 Distribution of shot pellets 11 Good boat for small lake fishing 12 A good bait for Spring bass 13 Rules for outdoor activities 14 A wingshooter's sport quarry 15 A wood used for arrow shafts 17 Deer rotate these to pick up sounds 19 Knife for dressing game 22 A male moose 23 Hunter sets out decoys to lure them 24 name for large crappies 26 A top breed of retriever 30 A fishing lure 32 A deer gun 33 A salmon 34 Newborn elk 36 The ____ of a shotgun 37 A female bear 39 Hunter's quarry in Hawaii 40 Used in still hunting 41 Ring that controls a campfire

1 The wild pig 2 A catch of the North lakes 3 The very large bass 6 Good bait for thr brown trout 7 Makes lake waterb safe to drink 8 A sight on a shotgun 14 Basket used to carry fish catch 16 Method of luring game or fowl 17 Wildfowl nest fills 18 A top predator fish 19 Thr male elk 20 Need auger for this type fishing 21 Deer meat 22 A wingshooter's quarry 25 A species of duck 27 A big game of the prairies 28 Icefisherman's cold weather cover 29 Slots in the end of an arrow 31 Of a bow with backing 32 Deer markings 35 A type of gunsight 38 Fly lure fished below the surface

Answers on Page 7

Page 14

INDIANA OUTDOOR NEWS Ž 2015Š

June 2015

Pick Your Pack

A tale of five hunting pack designs: Which is right for you?

JOSHLANTZ A hunting pack is a fundamental piece of gear. Even the most spartan hunter has a bevy of core equipment and supplies they need to transport to and from the field.

A gadgeteer has even more gear and will require much more from a pack in terms of its capacity and organizational capability.

In addition to one's proclivity for gadgets and technology, what and how he or she hunts also plays a significant role in determining their ideal hunting pack.

So, where does one begin?

Look at hunting pack selection as a three-step process. First, consider five fundamental hunting pack designs. Choose the style that best suits the way you'll hunt.

Next, factor in your needs as they relate to overall capacity and choose the right size. Finally, but equally important, consider features that increase comfort and functionality.

Traditional Backpacks A traditional backpack is what most envision when thinking of a hunting pack. It's worn on the back and is supported with shoulder straps, which should be fully adjustable to modify the pack's fit based on the wearer's unique physique and the particular load being carried. The best models also have a fully adjustable waist belt system and at least one chest strap for increased comfort and load balancing.

Traditional backpack-style hunting packs come in many sizes, from less than 1,000 cubic inches to over 6,000 inches of total capacity. They typically contain at least one main compartment, which may include additional sub compartments to keep gear organized.

Additional pockets or pouches may exist on the front and sides of the pack for added utility. Other additions may include D-rings, compression straps or other mechanisms for attaching additional pieces of gear to the pack's exterior.

The best hunting models will also include a dedicated spot to safely

carry a firearm or bow.

Traditional backpacks may be constructed over a rigid frame of aluminum or, in some cases, carbon fiber. Packs lacking some kind of interior frame or internal stiffening components are less expensive, but will also be less comfortable to wear, as a frame helps support and distribute whatever load is being carried. Frame packs, or those supported with stiffening splines, are a necessity for backcountry hunters who use their packs to carry an abundance of gear, game quarters or capes.

Traditional backpack-style packs are the kings of capacity and load carrying, and are typically favored by big game hunters. The design is one of the most restrictive with respect to upper body mobility, however, and may hamper the wearer's ability to shoulder a firearm or draw a bow. This may be of little consequence to the tree stand or blind hunter, however, who typically takes his or her pack off when settling in and hangs it on a nearby limb or hook.

Waist Packs A waist pack is a great graband-go option for the stand or blind hunter, for archers, or for anyone who wants to travel light without an abundance of unnecessary gear or supplies.

By definition, these packs are worn around the waist and include at least one main compartment.

They may also include side pockets, D-rings, or other specialized pouches for carrying knives, rangefinders, ammunition or other essentials.

The waist pack's belt system is of critical importance, as it's the sole means of support for the pack's weight. Look for models with a wide, padded and fully adjustable

Waist packs offer great mobility and offer enough capacity for the stand or still hunter hunting close to camp or the truck. Photo courtesy of www.tenzingoutdoors.com.

Frame packs are backpacks capable of carrying extremely heavy loads, and are the only suitable choice for big game wilderness hunts. Photo courtesy of www.tenzingoutdoors.com.

waist belt and durable buckle that won't loosen under a load.

Some waist packs offer additional functionality beyond load carrying. The TZ 721 model from Tenzing is designed for core warmth; with an integral hand muff and built-in pockets inside the waist belt to accept chemically activated hand-warmer pouches - a thoughtful and welcomed feature for stand and still hunters.

Lumbar Packs A lumbar pack can be described as a hybrid of the traditional backpack and waist pack designs, and is a superior option for bowhunters, horseback hunters, or anyone who needs or appreciates full upper body mobility.

A lumbar-style hunting pack carries its load low around the waist like a waist pack, but is also supported by shoulder straps or a shoulder yoke. The design minimizes binding between the shoulders and allows archers a comfortable and unrestricted draw.

Lumbar packs offer greater capacity than waist packs, and represent a superior option for bowhunters, horseback hunters, or anyone who needs or appreciates full upper body mobility. Photo courtesy of www.tenzingoutdoors.com Capacities are generally significantly larger than those of waist packs, with most models providing a variety of compartments and pockets with up to about 1,500 cubic inches of total interior space.

Lumbar packs are a relatively complex design. Key features to look for include full adjustability of all waist, shoulder and chest straps, along with quality components and materials that improve durability and comfort.

Vests A traditional preference for upland game and turkey hunters, the hunting vest is more garment than pack.

Nonetheless, it's designed to carry ammunition, electronics, calls and other essential gear, in addition to harvested game, and is a mainstay in most hunters' wardrobes.

Standard upland hunting vest features include front pockets with built-in shot shell loops and a large rear game pouch. Turkey models may also include specialized pockets for calls and other gear.

Materials cover the gamut, from inexpensive Nylon to oiled cotton to modern Dyneema-reinforced ripstop cotton.

As with other types of packs and hunting accessories, prices rise as features increase. Premium models are available in multiple sizes, include high-tech materials, fully adjustable waist belts and chest straps, and various pockets and compartments for specialized gear.

Look at hunting pack selection as a three-step process. First, take a look at available hunting pack designs. Choose the style that best suits the way you'll hunt. Next, factor in your needs as they relate to overall capacity and choose the right size. Finally, but equally important, consider features that increase comfort and functionality. Photo courtesy of www.tenzingoutdoors.com.

Chair Packs Chair-style packs represent a relatively new hunting pack category, ranging from simple but wellengineered folding chairs with built-in shoulder straps to more advanced hunting backpacks with fold-out legs and drop-down, padded seats.

Chair-style packs are exciting options for turkey, predator, hog and even deer and elk hunters anyone who hunts from the ground, needs to remain mobile and set-up quickly.

Capacities and designs vary, but two of the more advanced are Tenzing's TZ TP14 Turkey Pack and TZ PP15 Predator Pack. Both utilize an aluminum frame stay backpack design with adjustable, foldout aluminum legs and a dropdown padded seat. The Turkey Pack incorporates a variety of specialized call and accessory pockets on its front and a large, expandable turkey pocket on its back. The Predator Pack is more generalized, sporting 2,200 cubic inches of storage space in a true backpack with primary and sub compartments, a separate detachable electronics or accessory pack, and zippered front/side compartments with centerfire cartridge and shot shell loops, and a foldout boot to carry a firearm.

Pick Your Pack Regardless of design category, today's hunting packs range in price from as little as $30 to as much as $900. As one can imagine, price is a direct reflection of features, size, comfort and quality of construction. Packs with quality zippers, thread, advanced high performance materials, full adjustability and extra features like hydration systems, compression straps and rain covers represent the top of the market. Plan on spending $60 to

Chair-style packs are exciting options for turkey, predator, hog and even deer and elk hunters anyone who hunts from the ground, needs to remain mobile and set-up quickly. Photo courtesy of www.tenzingoutdoors.com. $220 for a quality traditional hunting daypack that will hold up and perform for several seasons.

Quality backcountry hunting packs capable of carrying capes, quarters or a week's worth of gear start at around $200.

At least two truths become evident when researching and shopping for hunting packs today.

First, the range of styles, features and choices has never been better.

More options are available across multiple price points than ever before. Second, no single hunting pack excels in every hunting situation. Most avid hunters have multiple packs, so save your pennies, buy the highest quality, best-fitting packs you can afford, and take care of them. They'll take care of you, and you'll be money ahead in the long run.

Packs with quality zippers, thread, advanced high performance materials, full adjustability and extra features like hydration systems, compression straps and rain covers represent the top of the market.

Photo courtesy of www.tenzingoutdoors.com.

June 2015

INDIANA OUTDOOR NEWS ® 2015©

Page 15

What’s With Worms?

The Last Thought MIKESCHOONVELD Charlie Kaufman threaded a worm on the hook tied to my fishing line attached to my long cane pole and showed me how to swing the bobber and line out into the pond. The bobber sat there for a second then came to life as a bluegill engulfed the worm, became hooked and then started towing the bobber around. I lifted the pole, the hapless bluegill dangling at the end of the string and my life as an angler had begun.

That was my first fish. But it certainly wasn’t my last or the only fish I ever caught courtesy of a worm.

What’s up with worms and fish?

My guess is the average fish (no fishermen involved) would live its life never having the chance to eat a worm. Worms live in the soil, fish live in the water. They don’t naturally inter-

mingle.

Sure, in a flood situation maybe the fish’s habitat expands and there are worms aplenty in the flooded lands for them to slurp up. But how often does that happen? Once every 10 years or more? Generations of fish come and go without the opportunity to forage for flood ravaged earthworm populations.

Sure, worms occasionally come out of the soil in which they live and squirm around on top of the ground. Should one of those rare occasions occur and should the wandering worm happen to be near a stream bank or the edge of a pond it could recklessly end up in the water where a fish could find it; but realistically, how often would that happen?

To my way of thinking, about as often as a Filet Mignon falling from the sky and just happening to land on the grill on my patio.

So why do fish almost magically slurp up worms fishermen throw into the water where they live?

No one can answer that question with certainty. It can’t be that worms regularly get washed or randomly squirm their way into the places where fish

live. A sunfish, bass, bullhead, walleye or any other species of fish finding a “naturally occurring” worm wiggling in their underwater world has just been blessed with what is probably a once in a lifetime opportunity.

Still, I’ve no doubt the sunfish, bass, bullhead, walleye or other kind of fish would pass on the opportunity. They’d eat the worm!

From personal experience I can attest that the above mentioned kinds of fish plus salmon, steelhead, catfish, carp, trout, drum, crappies and pike would also eat the worm. I’ve fed worms to all of these and probably other kinds of fish I don’t remember, right now.

When I was a kid, every fishing trip began with a trip to the garden to dig enough worms to last the day. Most of the worms I found were what I called “garden worms.” Occasionally, I dug up a nightcrawler which is a mega-version of a garden worm. Little squirmy red worms were occasionally found but if I was getting plenty of the garden worms, I didn‚t mess with the red worms.

Even when I got older and procured my worms from bait shops, I have never been fond of

Garden worms will catch nearly any kind of fish that swims in freshwater. Photo provided. red worms. Those little skinny specimens are hard to thread on a hook and never seemed to have the fish attracting power of garden worms or nightcrawlers.

How I fished the worms depended on the abundance of worms I had in my bait container.

In the spring, with moist soil conditions, I’d have worms aplenty.

Then, I’d pin a whole worm on the hook, use it to catch a fish or two and rebait with a fresh one.

Later in the summer, when worms were hard to come by, or

on a day when the fish were biting so fast the worm supply had to be rationed, I’d only put pieces of worm on the hook.

I don’t think the fish ever snubbed either technique. After all, the worms aren’t one of their natural foods. Whether there’s an inch of worm on the hook or an eight-inch nightcrawler, the look, smell and taste of it is irresistible to most fish.

In the end, that’s all a kid with a cane pole, fishing line, hook and bobber needs to know.