Water N Woods Magazine April 2012

Complimentary

April 2012 Covering Eastern Kansas, Western Missouri, Lake of the Ozarks, Branson & Springfield.

WaterNWoods - 04/12

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March 2012

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CONTENTS 8

April 2012 Welcome to Zone 3

Bait fishing for trout doesn't mean just fishing deep pools. There are long stretches of river calling to bait fishermen.

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10

Take That Kid Fishing

10

So Many Choices for Stream Smallmouth Fishing in Ozarks

14

Hunting for Heroes

16

Some practical tips for teaching kids to fish.

Streams and dozens of creeks offer many opportunities for good smallmouth fishing.

A not-for-profit organization that connects disabled officers across the country through a hunting camp environment.

Pass It On

Sharing the obsession of the outdoors through a program designed to attract new people to water and woods pursuits.

16 18

22

Hiding in Plain Sight

22

Angels Landing, Zion National Park

24

Ode to Ivy

26

The Elusive Morel Mushroom

30

Camo is everywhere, but a camo firearm doesn't have to break the bank.

This 5-mile hike is not for the faint at heart or those afraid of heights.

Caution — everyone needs to be more aware of the noxious weed.

Time to search for the tasty tidbit. The master of concealment is seldom easy to find.

From the Managing Editor: 6 Mountain Man Territory: 7 Ask Missouri Trout Hunter: 9 Angler Guides - Missouri & Kansas: 12-13 Directory - Bait &Tackle, Taxidermist: 20-21 4

Water `N Woods™

April 2012

14

18

24

Missouri Department of Conservation News: 23 Trophy Room: 25 Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks News: 27 Directory - Hunting, Guns, Clubs, Kids Events: 28-29 Cover Photo: Victoria Cromwell ©2012 Photos by Cromwell

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Kids Are Welcome and

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We offer first time youth discounts.

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Book Your Hunt by Calling Dan Hertzog 816-805-2611

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April 2012

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From the

water `n woods™ magazine published by, Tee TImeS golf guIde™ Inc.

Managing Editor

Mailing Address: P.O. Box 2196 Independence, MO 64055 office: 816-878-4509 Cell: 816-739-5760

www.waternwood.com Trees blooming, flowers sprouting, and birds mating are all signs of spring, but it’s turkeys strutting that has my oldest grandson, Camden, excited. He gets to participate in his first youth turkey hunt, March 31-April 1. That reminds me of my many spring first experiences, like when my grandfather told me that the stigma of a Johnny Jump-up was a little flower fairy that came out at night and danced on the petals.

Gramps was a big gentle guy who loved to fiddle with everything outdoors and didn't seem to mind my incessant questions about why, when, where and who. "Why and when do deer shed their antlers? Where can we find them? Who sees that flower-fairy dance?" Some would say I was a chatterbox, but I believe I was just curious, as are most kids. I had a set of questions about everything — walnut trees and fruit trees; fish in an ocean, pond or lake; and the stars, universe and planets — you get the idea. Gramps understood that, and patiently answered what he could. What he didn't know, we discovered together.

Spring is a special time for everyone, but especially for kids in the outdoors, so take some time with a kid and let the exploration begin. Who knows? You may just find that kid in you all over again.

See you outside,

editor-in-chief & publisher: bill cromwell bill@waternwood.com

managing editor/Vice president Victoria Cromwell Victoria@WaterNWood.com

contributing writers Walt Fulps Steve Felgenhauer Billie R. Cooper Alex Riester David M. Zumbaugh Alan Hoskins Mike Mansell (Three Toes)

Victoria Cromwell copyeditor: Karen Burch

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Mountain Man Territory

W

hat’s all the hooting and hollering about, Pilgrim? It sounds if ya was a trying to wake up the dead.

Say now, there’s something ya don’t see every day! Ya reckon that beeve is standing on the bottom of the crick or standing on a log?

Now, Pilgrim, are you saying that beeve is throwing sticks and mud at ya and ya can’t get close to it? Wagh, I never heard the likes! It’s just a big beeve that didn’t drown; although I must admit, it’s the first one I ever seen that held a stick in its front paws just a daring ya to git close — almost like he wants to whop ya upside your noggin.

Well, Pilgrim, about the only thing ya can do is to bust a cap on em.

Hey, I like that, bust a cap, or let’s just say pop a cap. Catchy, ain’t it?

Will ya quit snickering and just shoot that beeve afore one of us gits hurt: Make sure it’s a good head shot. Ya don’t want no extra holes in that hide. Keep in mind you’r shooting towards camp, although I doubt if ya’d hit anything.

camp, it’ll be easier skinning ‘em out here. When we git back, I’ll show ya the finer points of fleshing and stretching that ole beeve.Ya might wanna keep this hide for yourself and make a rainproof cape out of it. It's gonna be a big one, for sure.

Flip ‘em over on his back and make a cut from the center of his bottom jaw, straight down the middle to his vent and go around both sides of the vent as close as ya can, on down to his tail. Cut around the tail where the hide meets the fur and proceed to take his jacket off. When ya git to his feet, skin all the way down to the pads and then cut the feet off at the knuckles. Now, when ya git to his head, just drape ‘em over a log and skin right on down to his nose. We don’t wanna fergit that tail and castor glands. That meat will make for some fine vittles tonight, if’n it ain’t too tough.

Wonder why the campfire is out? Oh well, let’s git that beeve fleshed out.

First thing is to make sure your knife is sharp. Now ya can either drape the hide over your knee to scrape the fat off or use a log, but try to git as close to the hide as ya possibly can. If’n we git all the fat and oil off, it’ll tan much easier. I’ll head back to the carcass and git the brains for tanning, while ya do the fleshing.

photo credit: mike mansell

I must admit, Pilgrim, ya done a good job fleshing that hide. Don’t think I could a done a better job myself. It’s already semi-dry, so let’s go ahead and spread these brains that I’ve already stirred up into a paste and work it real good into the hide. Once that’s done, all we need to do is stretch the hide on a willow hoop and just work the hide till it’s nice and soft. If’n everything goes right, that beeve’s fur will last ya a long time. Keep ya dry on those wet days. Let’s tidy up around here, git a fire started and start on cooking some vittles. Laughing Bear oughta be back for too long, and I’m sure he’ll be hungry.

Now, why are these ashes in the fire pit wet? PILGRIM, ya dad-gum big-footed, too-tall drink of water, goat-smelling idjit — ya done gone and shot a hole in my coffee pot when ya missed that beeve!!!!

Three Toes Q

Like during the 1800s fur trade, this 66.5-pound. beaver pelt is streched on a willow hoop.

Mountain Man Recipe

I cannot believe ya missed! Just shoot em before he throws another stick. Boy, that must hurt, gittin hit in the shins like that. Hee! Hee!

Morel Mushrooms

Well, you might not think it's funny, but I do. Sides it’s your beeve that did it. Just hope he don’t git that trap off’n his foot or he’ll be throwing that at ya as well.

Good shot! Ya put ‘em under that time.

Here, I’ll help ya drag ‘em outta there. He shore enough is a big one, at least 70 pounds or better. Instead of carrying him all the way back to Visit Our Online Magazine at www.WaterNWood.com

Pick in early spring before they dry out or are gone. Some are light gray and some are light brown. Be sure to leave the root when you pick. Carry out in a mesh bag. When home, slice them in half vertically and soak them cold water. Drain well. Heat some oil in a skillet. While the oil is getting hot, season mushrooms with salt and pepper, then dip them in beaten eggs and roll in flour or cracker crumbs. Fry them until they are golden brown.

Mike Mansell April 2012

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Water ‘N Woods | fishing

Welcome to Zone 3 by walt fulps

Photo Credit: Victoria Cromwell

T

here’s an old saying that bait fishing exists simply so old men can teach their grandchildren to catch dinner. That presents a nice image, but I have to disagree.

People who know me at all know I’m a die-hard fly fisherman, but you’d actually have to know me pretty well to have the following bit of inside information — I love bait fishing for trout, too. I must admit, though, that I CANNOT plunk out some store-bought floating bait and sit with my finger on a tight line waiting for a nibble — it’s simply not in my nature. To maintain my concentration, I need to be in motion. If I sit still even for a few minutes, I’m quite likely to drift off to sleep.

I’m betting it’s genetic. I’ll have to ask my father about that someday.

When I was attending college in Springfield, MO, 23 years or so ago, I took a trip down to Roaring River near Cassville. Now, while I was certainly not above fishing in the trout park at the river’s headwaters, this particular day I was enjoying the wilder section downstream. As I was working my way from spot to spot, feeling pretty darn good about my fly-fishing prowess, I noticed I had a shadow following along 75 yards or so downstream of me. He was actually being very polite, fishing slowly, keeping his distance and allowing me to fish each spot before he had a crack at it.

At one point, I briefly hooked a really nice fish on a homemade hare’s ear nymph. I remember that fly very clearly. I didn’t have the “mottled turkey wing” the recipe called for, so I fashioned its wing case from a strip of masking tape, which I manually mottled with a brown magic marker. After hooking the fish, he returned to his spot, completely ignoring me as I cast back to him over and over again. I knew it was hopeless, but this fish was nice enough that I just couldn’t bring myself to walk away. I could tell my shadow was getting antsy for me to move on, so I backed away from the water, had a seat, lit up a smoke and gave him a wave. We exchanged pleasantries and fishing stories, and, of course, I had to point out the big fish that was figuratively sticking his tongue out at me. “Mind if I give him a go?” my shadow asked.

“Sure, knock yourself out.”

The man was wearing some ratty blue jeans, canvas tennis shoes and a dirty T-shirt. He looked at my rig, adjusted the depth of his little redand-white bobber to match mine, and produced a jar of salmon eggs from his pocket. He then fished the spot EXACTLY how I fished it, except he was using one of those push-button Zebco rod-and-reel outfits. He cast up, reeled in the slack as the bobber floated downstream, and then he set the hook on that fish, even though I couldn’t see any logical reason to do so. In his hand, the rainbow looked to be around 18 inches or so, and he released the fish no worse for wear. Then he said, “Give her 10 or 15 minutes, and you could probably catch her again.” And with a cursory, “Good luck,” he was on his way.

I decided to test his theory, so I sat and smoked and ate trail mix out of a Ziploc and gave the fish time to calm back down. Meanwhile, my former shadow continued moving upstream, catching a trout or two every time he stopped walking, bringing the fish to hand, admiring him briefly and then gently releasing him. I am amazed that I didn’t 8

Water `N Woods™

April 2012

notice it before, but the guy was completely outfishing me, and he probably had a grand total of $20 worth of gear and tackle on his person.

Bottom line, he was the better fisherman. And, if it matters, he was right about that trout. After waiting 15 minutes, she did indeed return to the same spot and took my fly again — but I still couldn’t get a solid hook-up.

Until that day, my perception of bait fishing for trout could be summarized as “Sit and wait. Sit and wait. Sit and wait. Check the bait.” After that day, I began to think of bait fishing as a potentially elegant way of fooling “intelligent” trout. The trick is to use tactics traditionally reserved for fly fishermen.

The “Zone 3” mentioned in the title of this piece is a reference to the third of three fishing areas at Bennett Spring State Park, the flagship of the Missouri trout park system. While Zone 1 is reserved for fly-fishing only and Zone 2 adds lures to the menu, Zone 3 is reserved specifically for natural and manufactured baits, as well as soft plastic lures. Each of our four trout parks has an area like this, and as you wander the bank, you’ll find most fishermen collected around the deepest pools of water.

Many will be sitting in lawn chairs with a cold drink next to them, waiting for a cruising trout to stumble upon their heavily-weighted bait sitting on the bottom of the creek. But if you glance upstream and downstream, you’ll also see long stretches of the river that receive little attention from bait fishermen. Those areas are calling to you!

The simplest method is the one modeled by my Roaring River shadow.

A trout living wild understands how to use the current. He’ll find a seam — the line between faster water and slower water — and he’ll line up along that seam, usually on the slower side. As little bits of food drift along, he’ll lean into the faster water to intercept the tidbit as it drifts by. Of course, they eat drifting bugs, but they’ll also eat anything that looks like it might be edible. You’ll have great luck fishing this style if you use softer baits like salmon eggs and moist homemade dough baits, but small worms and even hellgrammites can be used to great advantage. My personal favorite is a simple mix of white bread and cream cheese, but it seems that everyone has his or her own opinion of what a trout likes to eat. Set your bobber deep (it’s only a “strike indicator” when you’re fly-fishing), cast upstream and try to drift the current seams. And, as usual, any hesitation in the bobber’s drift or any fishylooking movements below the surface deserve a hook-set. Cast and drift a few times, take five or six steps upstream and then repeat.

If you’re a sit-and-wait bait fisherman, you owe it to yourself to watch the fly fishermen for awhile to see what techniques they are using that can be transplanted to Zone 3, or, for that matter, any of Missouri’s White Ribbon Trout Areas where bait and soft plastics are permitted.

Not only will you become a better fisherman, you’ll outfish most of the fly fishermen out there. After all, you have an unfair advantage. Your bait actually tastes good!

Q Walt Fulps is the owner of Trout Hunter Guide Service, Trout Hunter Fly-Fishing School, and Trout Hunter Replicas. You can reach him through his website, www.MissouriTroutHunter.com.

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Ask Missouri Trout Hunter

T

his month’s question comes from my facebook page: “what are the most important bugs for ozarks trout fishermen to focus on?”

Usually, when a fly fisherman asks me this question, he’s hoping I’ll be able to clue him in to a storybook seasonal hatch — something like the green drake hatches out west or the hexagenia hatches up north. Unfortunately, Ozark trout streams don’t host many spectacles like that. The shortest answer I can give is to list the bugs that make up the bulk of a typical trout’s diet, but that varies from river to river, and it doesn’t really help the fisherman to know that information. If a trout is eating 500 midge a day, the best to catch him might just be a yellow glo-bug — even trout get bored eating the same thing all the time.

I don’t want to bury you in Latin, so we’ll stick with English, if you don’t mind. Aquatic insects that trout care about generally fall into five categories: mayflies, caddis, stoneflies, midges and everything else (dragonflies, hellgrammites, etc.), and they all come in a wide variety of sizes and colors. The “most important” insects will generally be small bugs that are present in large quantities (midges, tricos, beatis, etc.) or large bugs present in smaller numbers (drakes, stoneflies, march browns, etc.). Most fishermen, on the other hand, tend to stock their fly boxes with flies that tend to fall somewhere in between, and their effort at moderation often will lead to moderate success on the river. In addition to aquatic insects, trout also key in on small crustaceans like scud and sow bugs, and in the summertime, terrestrials like grasshoppers, ants and beetles become more important than most folks realize. That said, it’s also surprising how many fishermen will hit the river without those patterns present as well.

Aside from making sure you’ve covered the big bug, little bug and other bug categories, a good general-purpose fly box will mostly include general-purpose flies that represent more than one insect.

For example, a gold-ribbed hare’s ear tied in various sizes and colors can represent both small mayflies and fairly large golden stoneflies, and a size 18 wd 40 can imitate a midge, a scud or a caddis nymph.

You won’t usually need to perfectly match a specific species of insect, but flies that offer a vague resemblance to a variety of bugs will help you cover your bases.

Now that your fly box has a better inventory, don’t forget to broaden your scope of vision on the river. If you seem to fish a copper john almost every time out, try a big black stonefly with a caddis or a scud trailer. See any grasshoppers flying around? Then why are you using a wooly bugger? Tie on a hopper-dropper rig, for Pete’s sake!

Half of my fly box is filled with generic flies that are rarely used, but when I need them, I have them, and I absolutely use them.

What’s in your fly-box?

Remington Hutton Taxidermist

G

reeting people at the Water 'N Woods booth during the Pheasant Fest and Quail Classic in February was a lot of fun and we met a bunch of really nice folks, but the last thing I expected to see was a young man wearing a mounted-Pine Matin ball cap. The picture says it all.

It is simply fantastic!

Remington Hutton, 13year-old son of Tracy and Cody Hutton of St. Charles, IA, showed off his creative taxidermy by wearing it. His mother told me, “He came up with the design, then created and mounted it by himself. We are all very proud of him!” He has two younger brothers — Bridger, age 11 (who loves to hunt and shoot anything), and Gunner, age 9 (who loves animals in general).

Remington also likes to hunt but loves doing taxidermy and would rather do it most of the time. He learned the art of taxidermy from his grandfather, Roger Hutton, owner and instructor at the Hutton Valley School of Taxidermy, and started competing in it at age nine.

He even has his own business cards.

Hutton Valley School of Taxidermy, 2518 Victory Ln., St. Charles, IA 50240 641-396-2760, www.huttontaxidermy.com, huttontx@netins.net.

An impressive young man!

Tweet your trout-related questions to @MoTroutHunter or post them on the Missouri Trout Hunter Facebook page. I’ll answer as many as I can right here each month.

Q www.WaterNWood.com

April 2012

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Water ‘N Woods | fishing

Take That Kid Fishing

by Kenneth L. Kieser

I

dedicated my writing career to introducing children to fishing and other outdoor endeavors 35 years ago. I have conducted seminars, given speeches and published numerous articles on the particulars of introducing kids — including special needs kids ― to our remarkable sport. These ideas may be used for sharing a favorite fishing spot with any boy or girl.

Find Productive Fishing You can bore any child by spending a couple of hours trying to find a spot where the fish are biting. Locate good crappie or bluegill water and know the best techniques for catching either species.

Teach The Basics Let the child create his or her own experience. Some adults do everything for the child, and this can be a mistake; however, take the time to explain why you are tying on a certain hook or lure.

Kids need to develop self-reliance, and putting their own bait on the hook is a start. Yet, don’t force the issue. Some kids don’t want to touch a slimy old worm or minnow. This will change with time and experience.

Photo Credits: Kenneth L. Kieser

Children under 7 or 8 are best equipped with a simple rod, reel, hook, line and sinker. Later they can learn techniques for casting and different types of retrieves, but for now, keep it simple.

Setting The Hook An eager child will likely lose a fish or two by setting the hook too hard. Teaching them to set the hook quickly but gently will improve their technique. Remember to let them land a fish, even if you have to set the hook and hand them the rod.

Choose Fishing Equipment Wisely Most kids should start with a spin cast reel wound with 4- to 10-pound test line. Find a small, inexpensive tackle box and stock it with a few jigs, bobbers, hooks, weights and other neat stuff. Teach your child to neatly arrange and organize.

Watch That Bait I took a 4-year-old boy fishing several years ago. During the drive in my pickup, I heard a terrible, blood-curdling scream and turned to find he had opened the container of crickets. The crickets took different positions on his head and face, while some escaped. I listened to chirping in my pickup until cold weather arrived ― never did find them all.

Properly Fitting Life Vests Each child in your boat must wear a life jacket. Make sure the vest fits snuggly and comfortably. Trying to fit an adult-sized vest on a child’s frame is a mistake. The child will be uncomfortable, and it is an unsafe act. Set a good example by wearing a vest, too.

Be A Weather Watcher Choose your days well before taking that child fishing. Avoid windy, rainy or cold days. Bluebird days are ideal for the best childhood memories. Remember to take extra jackets for weather changes.

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April 2012

Know When To Leave Boredom in youth may strike at any time — even when the fish are biting. Forcing children to stay out longer than their attention span allows is a good way to turn them off from fishing forever. A friend will sometimes make the child want to stay longer. Naturally, this doubles the demands on adults. Ideally, there should be an adult for each child under 10. Don’t forget snacks and potty breaks.

Mentally And Physically Challenged Physically and mentally challenged kids on a fishing trip may require special precautions. This special group enjoys simple pleasures. A fishing trip should never be about competition.

Imagine never sweating. Many who live in wheelchairs deal with this daily. Some paralyzed areas of the body don’t sweat. Quadriplegics, for example, don’t sweat at all. Too much exposure to the sun can bring on severe dehydration and severe illness or even death.

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Mentally challenged individuals around water are another consideration. Many are excellent swimmers, but don’t count on it. Instead, make sure volunteers are capable of pulling a heavy body out of the water.

Mentally challenged boys or girls are curious about the lake or pond like any other child.

Trout Hunter Replicas For Catch & Release Anglers

Never use a seatbelt or harness that attaches the child to his or her wheelchair. A chair overboard will quickly sink to the bottom. A life jacket is necessary for the challenged swimmer or non-swimmer. Some attach a safety cord from the watercraft to the challenged person. Bass boats are only recommended for special individuals who don’t scare easily.

Finally, make sure ramps to the lake and for boarding pontoons are secure and wide enough. The average wheelchair is between 30–36 inches. Pontoons must allow a wheelchair space to maneuver.

Original Caught & Released

Email Us a Photo, We’ll Ship You a Trophy!

Photo Credit: Kenneth L. Kieser

Replica for Your Wall

Museum-Quailty Replica Fish Mounts!

We are dedicated to providing TRUE Museum-Quality Replica Mounts with layer-upon-layer of colors and shimmers. No one will ever say, “What a great looking replica!” All they will see is a beautiful fish.

Kids will be kids, but they occasionally love to go fishing.

Ball caps and sun block are required to prevent sun damage for all children. Sun block is important, but some can’t use it because of sensitive skin. Check with their parents or doctor for special ointments.

Remarkably, the child that you take fishing may take you fishing someday. You will always live in their memory for the experience of a warm pond bank, tadpoles and green sunfish.

Your child may never want to go fishing. My high school chum says she went with her father and treasured the days when her family was on the water and she could sit in camp and read a book while listening to the birds chirp. Today she follows this tradition while her husband and kids fish. There is nothing wrong with her assessment of outdoor fun. The importance of enjoying the outdoors should never be denied.

Kenneth L. Kieser is a veteran writer of 35 years with several thousand bylines in newspapers and magazines. Kieser has also written two western novels. He was inducted into the National Fresh Water Fishing Hall of Fame in the Legendary Communicator 2010 class because of his fishing stories and his work teaching young people to fish, which has prompted him to start a kids fishing program for special needs children through the local YMCA’s.

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Email Your Photo To Walt@MissouriTroutHunter.com or For More Information Visit: www.MissouriTroutHunter.com April 2012

Water `N Woods™

11

Anglers Guide for Missouri Creel Limits

©Water `N Woods. 2012, All Conceptual Designs & Reprint Rights Reserved

Game

Primary Season Dates

Bag Limit

Possession Limit

Bass - White, yellow, striped and hybrids

Open All Year

15

30

Black Bass - Impoundments

Open All Year

6

12

05/28/2011 - 02/29/2012

6

12

Catfish - Blue

Open All Year

5

10

Catfish - Channel

Open All Year

10

20

Catfish - Flathead

Open All Year

5

10

Common Snapping Turtle

Open All Year

5

10

Crappie - Black and White

Open All Year

Gigging - Non-game Fish

09/15/2011 - 01/31/2012

20

40

Muskellunge

Open All Year

1

2

Mussels and Clams

Open All Year

5

10

Non-Game Fish

Open All Year

50

Northern Pike Paddlefish

Open All Year

1

2

TBA

TBA

TBA

Pickerel – Chain and Grass

Open All Year

6

12

Rock Bass

Open All Year

15

30

TBA

20

40

Black Bass - Specified streams

Snagging - Non-game fish Soft-shelled Turtle

30 Please Check for Special Area Regulations 60

TBA

TBA

TBA

Sturgeon - Shovelnose

Open All Year

10

20

Walleye and Sauger

Open All Year

4

8

See Wildlife Code at www.sos.mo.gov/adrules/csr/current/3csr/3c10-6.pdf for length limits

Anglers Guide for Kansas Creel Limits

©Water `N Woods. 2012, All Conceptual Designs & Reprint Rights Reserved

Type of Fish

Number of Fish

Channel and Blue catfish (single species or in combination)

10

Walleye, sauger, saugeye (single species or in combination)

5

Rainbow trout, brown trout (single species or in combination)

5

Black basses (largemouth, smallmouth, spotted, single species or in combination)

5

Flathead catfish

5

Northern pike

2

Striped bass

2

Wiper (white bass/striped bass hybrid)

2

Crappie

50

White bass, bullhead, bluegill and all other legal species

Length of Fish 15 inches 15 inches 30 inches

No limit

Paddlefish

2

34 inches

The possession limit on all fish is three times the daily creel limit.

Trout Parks: March 1 - October 31 Miles

Trout Water

1.5 miles Bennett Spring State Park Maramec Spring Park 2 (Open daily from the 2nd Mon. in 0.7 miles Nov. to the 2nd Mon. in Feb.) 3 miles Montauk State Park 3 miles

Roaring River State Park Trout Parks: Fri.–Mon. from the 2nd Fri. in Nov. to the 2nd Mon. in Feb.

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Water `N Woods™

As posted

April 2012

©Water `N Woods. 2012, All Conceptual Designs & Reprint Rights Reserved County

Length Limit

Daily Limit Lures & Baits

Dallas & Laclede Rainbow trout–none. Brown trout–at least 15”

4

As posted

Phelps

Rainbow trout–none. Brown trout–at least 15”

4

As posted

Dent

Rainbow trout–none. Brown trout–at least 15”

4

As posted

Barry

Rainbow trout–none. Brown trout–at least 15”

4

As posted

Winter catch-and-release season.

0

Flies only

All four trout parks

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Anglers Guide for Blue Ribbon Trout Areas

©Water `N Woods. 2012, All Conceptual Designs & Reprint Rights Reserved

Trout Water

Miles/ Area

County

Barren Fork Creek

3.2 miles

Shannon

At least 18”

1

Artificial lures and flies only

Blue Springs Creek

4 miles

Crawford

At least 18”

1

Artificial lures and flies only

Crane Creek

8 miles

Stone and Lawrence

At least 18”

1

Artificial lures and flies only

Current River

9 miles

Dent, Texas, Shannon

At least 18”

1

Artificial lures and flies only

Eleven Point River

5.5 miles

Oregon

At least 18”

1

Artificial lures and flies only

Little Piney Creek

9.9 miles

Phelps

At least 18”

1

Artificial lures and flies only

Mill Creek

7.7 miles

Phelps

At least 18”

1

Artificial lures and flies only

North Fork of the White River

8.6 miles

Ozark

At least 18”

1

Artificial lures and flies only

Spring Creek

6.2 miles

Phelps

At least 18”

1

Artificial lures and flies only

Anglers Guide for Red Ribbon Trout Areas

Length Limit

Daily Limit

Authorized Lures & Baits

©Water `N Woods. 2012, All Conceptual Designs & Reprint Rights Reserved

Meramec River

8.2 miles

Phelps and Crawford

At least 15”

2

North Fork of the White River

7 miles

Ozark

At least 15”

2

Roubidoux Creek

2.2 miles

Pulaski

At least 15”

2

Artificial lures and flies only

Meramec River

8.2 miles

Phelps and Crawford

At least 15”

2

Artificial lures and flies only

North Fork of the White River

7 miles

Ozark

At least 15”

2

Roubidoux Creek

2.2 miles

Pulaski

At least 15”

2

Anglers Guide for White Ribbon Trout Area

Artificial lures and flies only All

All Artificial lures and flies only

©Water `N Woods. 2012, All Conceptual Designs & Reprint Rights Reserved

Capps Creek

2 miles

Barry and Newton

Rainbow trout– none. Brown trout– at least 15”

4

All

Current River

7.7 miles

Dent and Shannon

Rainbow trout– none. Brown trout– at least 15”

4

All

Eleven Point River

14.2 miles

Oregon

Rainbow trout– none. Brown trout– at least 15”

4

All

Hickory Creek

2.7 miles

Newton

Rainbow trout– none. Brown trout– at least 15”

Little Piney Creek

3.7 miles

Phelps

Rainbow trout– none. Brown trout– at least 15”

4

All

Niangua River

11.5 miles

Dallas and Laclede

Rainbow trout– none. Brown trout– at least 15”

4

All

Roaring River

4 miles

Barry

Rainbow trout– none. Brown trout– at least 15”

4

All

Roubidoux Creek

0.9 miles

Pulaski

Rainbow trout– none. Brown trout– at least 15”

4

All

Stone Mill Spring Branch 1

0.3 miles

Pulaski

Rainbow trout– none.

www.WaterNWood.com

4 All from Mar. 1–Oct. 31, artififrom Mar 1 cial lures and flies and Catch & release from Nov 11–Feb 13 Oct. 31

4 All from Mar. 1–Oct. 31, artififrom Mar 1– cial lures and flies and Catch Oct. 31 & release from Nov 11–Feb 13

April 2012

Water `N Woods™

13

Water ‘N Woods | fishing

SO MANY CHOICES FOR STREAM

by Billie R. Cooper

E

very fisherman should have the problem we have here in the Ozarks in regards to smallmouth bass fishing. The biggest problem facing Ozark smallmouth anglers is neither access nor a place to fish. Neither is it a lack of smallmouth to catch. Our biggest problem, when planning a smallmouth fishing trip, is simply deciding which of our rivers, streams and creeks we would like to fish.

Someone should write a folk song about the many components (waters one must consider) prior to traveling to a destination to fish for smallmouth. It could be written in the style of the song Johnny Cash sang about constructing a complete and functional automobile over a period of years by borrowing pieces from the auto factory where he worked.

Think about it. Look at this list, as I think of them in no particular order. We can choose from the Meramec, Huzzah, Courtois, Big Bourbeuse, Little Bourbeuse, Little Piney, Big Piney, Piney Creek, Gasconade, Osage Fork, St. Francis, Black, Maries, Moreau, Current, Jack’s Fork, Eleven Point, Elk, James, Niangua, Salt, North Fork, Mineral Fork, Joachim Creek and Ten Mile Creek. Then there are the dozens of tiny creeks on private properties that some are lucky enough to occasionally obtain permission to fish. That is an amazing list of streams that offer good smallmouth fishing with an unimaginable variety of fishing habitats. There's a stream for every smallmouth fishing style.

Not only are our smallmouth bass fishing opportunities many and varied, but also most of the streams I mentioned offer very good fishing. Of course, some are better than others. In 1991, the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) began managing a few of our streams for better smallmouth fishing opportunities. The regulations have worked in most areas. MDC is now in the process of surveying

The general public prefers a lower minimum length limit and a higher possession limit for smallmouth bass.

anglers to see if they might be interested in expanding management to other streams or longer sections in streams that already have established management regulations.

Smallmouth anglers have a myriad of streams and creeks from which to choose in the Ozarks.

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Water `N Woods™

April 2012

While I enjoy fishing the smallmouth management areas on several of our Ozarks streams, I still enjoy fishing the areas that do not have the special regulations. I seldom ever kill a smallmouth. If I do, it is because it is hooked deeply and has little chance of surviving. However, there is still something instilled in me that causes me to want to fish with as little regulation as possible. I think it is called freedom of choice. Sometimes I want the choice of keeping a fish to eat, if I want.

Most likely, I will not reduce a smallmouth bass to creel. However, there have been a few times, especially when I am camping on a riverbank, when smallmouth bass were the only species I caught. Under such circumstances, a smallmouth might become dinner. Although I seldom make that choice, I would like to continue to be able to do that on some sections of our streams.

Visit Our Online Magazine at www.WaterNWood.com

SMALLMOUTH FISHING IN OZARKS Most often, I prefer to fish for smallmouth in one of the special management areas for one reason. The regulations have worked, and I catch bigger smallmouth in those sections of streams. Any experienced smallmouth angler wants to catch big smallmouth, most of the time. The question is whether he wants to give up all chances for choices in selecting how he wants to fish.

Primarily, I am in favor of expanding the river miles under special smallmouth rules. More quality smallmouth fishing sounds wonderful, but I think we must always keep in mind that there are those who fish rather infrequently and may want to keep a few fish for a meal. Many people do not differentiate between smallmouth and other fish when it comes time for a meal. Hopefully they will follow the regulations and only keep the number of fish they are allowed. Most will abide by the law. Those law-abiding citizens deserve the opportunity to occasionally keep and eat that which is a renewable resource.

Those making new regulations need to keep in mind, as well, that rural populations often see little need for the extremes of over-regulation.

People living in areas that contain a smallmouth stream are the vanguards of that waterway. They protect the watersheds and make sure no one abuses the area. Rural residents are keenly aware of what goes

The specially managed smallmouth areas in Missouri have increased the size of smallmouth bass found there.

on in their communities and are quick to respond to abuses and neglect, often settling trespass and illegal activities themselves without the aid of law enforcement agencies. They deserve due respect in the formulation of new laws and regulations affecting how they use the streams that course through their farms and neighborhoods.

Many choices are now available to us as far as areas to smallmouth fish. We should approach with caution when deciding how we want to limit others and ourselves by making new regulations. With each new regulation, the choices become more limited.

Results of the 42-question Smallmouth Bass and Rock Bass Fishing in Missouri Survey of 100,000 anglers in the state won’t be available until summer, but MDC biologist John Ackerman shared some highlights of the study recently. According to Ackerman, the general fishing public prefers a lower minimum length limit and a higher possession limit than members of the Smallmouth Alliance, a group of very serious smallmouth fishermen in the state. More information from the study will be available as summer approaches. Until then, spin the “Where to Smallmouth Fish” wheel and load your gear.

Q

Every smallmouth fisherman dreams of catching a trophy.

www.WaterNWood.com

Billie R.Cooper, from the Missouri Ozarks, earned a master’s in outdoor education from the University of Missouri, as well as a commission in the U. S. Army. He has written extensively about his life's passion, the outdoors, since 1972 and received honors from Missouri in 2000 and 2008 as both the Outdoor Educator of the Year and Conservation Communicator of the Year.

Cooper is a member of the Professional Outdoor Media Association and a lifetime member of the Missouri Outdoor Communicators and can be contacted at billrcooper801@gmail.com.

April 2012

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15

by Christopher Allen

H

unting for Heroes (H4H) is an organization that provides recreational therapy and counseling for law enforcement officers severely injured in the line of duty. H4H reaches out to officers across the country to connect them with other officers who have sustained life-altering injuries. H4H provides a hunting camp environment where officers and their families are able to step away from daily struggles and enjoy time outdoors.

H4H is hosting its 2nd Annual Spring Turkey Hunt in California, MO, May 3-6, 2012. At this event, five disabled officers and their families will be flown in from around the country for an all-expense-paid trip full of rest, relaxation and some amazing spring turkey action. H4H will be hosting heroes from Illinois, Texas, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Colorado. Each of these officers has been severely injured in the line of duty. That means they have sacrificed their safety and wellbeing to protect their communities. They have agreed to make this sacrifice without asking any help or recognition. H4H feels it is its duty to help these brave men and women down the long road to recovery and to let them know that the citizens in their communities say thank you.

Mark Bradley, H4H participant from 2011, said it best during an interview with Tony Edgar from Season to Season Outdoors, “This is the best feeling that there is. This is better than any doctor I have seen, any medicine I have taken. This is the healing process.” Bradley’s statements are similar to all of the past participants. These heroes have been seeking to find a balance from their “old life” to their “new life.”

They just want the opportunity to feel normal again. H4H provides that for them.

Unlike many other charity organizations, H4H has no paid staff and is operated exclusively by volunteers. If you would like to be a hero today, please sponsor a hotel room for a hero and his or her family or help with the airfare or even just cover the cost of a box of shells. No donation is too small to make an impact on the lives of these brave men and women who have already been through so much.

You may make your tax-deductible donations online at www.huntingforheroes.org or mail it to: Hunting for Heroes, 8426 Clint Drive, Suite 353, Belton, MO 64012.

Join the H4H mailing list by texting H4H to 22828 to stay informed about current events and to have your life touched by a monthly hero spotlight.

Officer Matt Crosby after a successful day afield during the Hunting for Heroes 1st Annual Turkey Hunt

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Water `N Woods™

April 2012

H4H would like to thank you for your support and to remind you that as an all-volunteer organization, every dollar donated is a direct investment in the ongoing recovery of the law enforcement heroes who keep our communities safe.

Q

Visit Our Online Magazine at www.WaterNWood.com

Water ‘N Woods | hunting

S

ince you are reading this article, you are probably a hunter or fisherman. At the minimum, you must have a particular interest in outdoor recreation because you are browsing through this magazine. However, I doubt that your attention could compare to the passion of one Mike Miller of the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWP). His obsession with all things out-ofdoors prompted former KDWP directors, Steve Williams and Rob Manes, to appoint him to be the coordinator of the Pass It On program, which intends to attract new people to water and woods pursuits. The program, designed as an outreach platform and funded through hunting license fees, has a growing number of individuals participating via well-organized events throughout the state.

Pass It On!

by David M. Zumbaugh

The focus of the program is to provide education, increase awareness and enhance opportunities for young people who do not have the knowledge or understanding of how or where to hunt and fish.

A mentoring program, in cooperation with the well-known Big Brothers/Big Sisters group, is also a popular venue. Other entities, such as Pheasants Forever, 4H Clubs, local gun clubs and interested community organizations, are involved by co-sponsoring events.

Specific examples are wing shooting clinics (shotgun), target archery for beginners, kids’ fishing derbies and outdoor skills training, which will hopefully lead to successes in the field.

As the program gained momentum from its start in 2001, youth seasons for deer, turkey, upland birds and waterfowl became new vehicles to pass on our outdoor heritage to young people. There are also special youth hunts that are coordinated with experienced guides to further foster learning and to introduce ethical harvesting of game.

Someone once said, “It takes a hunter to make a hunter.” Youth mentoring is an important part of recruitment and retention of hunters and anglers alike. It could be as easy as offering a copy of a popular hook and bullet magazine to a relative or neighbor kid to peak his or her interest. But most times it takes a more active approach, like supplying a kid a fishing rod and getting him or her to the lake on a nice, spring day. Without effort, the urbanization of our culture is leading to the decline of our ties to the land, nature and wildlife, resulting in lower license sales and fewer next-gen people partaking in the wonderful opportunities readily available.

So, lending a hand by volunteering your time, getting your kids or other youth participating in an event or even stepping up and donating some shotgun shells or other equipment to Pass It On. Learn more at http://ks-pio.blogspot.com/.

Q David Zumbaugh is a freelance writer, photographer and avid outdoorsman. He has a B.S. and a M.S. in Biology from Fort Hays State. He is the Conservation/News Editor for American Waterfowler magazine and a member of Ducks Unlimited, National Wild Turkey Federation and Kansas Wildscape. David can be contacted at David_Zumbaugh@hotmail.com.

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Water `N Woods™

April 2012

www.waternwood.com

T

Photo Credits: David M. Zumbaugh

he 7th Annual Kansas State University Shootout at the Crossroads, a colleagiate shotgun tournament at Powder Creek Shooting Park in Lenexa, KS, took place March 10-11, 2012.

Approximately 200 men and women shooters and 15 teams took part in the competition.

There are a total of 400 targets: 100 ATA Trap Singles, 50 pair ATA Trap Doubles, 100 NSCA Sporting Clays, and 100 NSSA Skeet. Competitors don't have to shoot all 400 — they may shoot any combination of the event.

Beautiful weather on Saturday made for good shooting. Sunday’s soaking rainfall, beneficial for growing grass but not for comfort, created unexpected challenges; however, some great scores were posted over the two-day event. results: Trap Singles 1st Place - Rachel Hopkins - Lindenwood, 99 2nd Place - Chris Riley - Lindenwood, 99 3rd Place - Zach Bryant - Lindenwood, 99 High Lady - Rachel Hopkins - Lindenwood, 99 Lady Runnerup - Brittany Wright - Lindenwood, 97 Team - Lindenwood team of Scott Laymen, Zach Nannini, Garrett A Blankenship, Walt Reaster and Zach Bryant, with a combined score of 478. results: doubles Trap 1st Place - Lauren Mueller - Lindenwood, 98 2nd Place - Blake Fahmey - Lindenwood, 96 3rd Place - Tim Vable - Lindenwood, 96 High Lady - Lauren Mueller - Lindenwood, 98 Lady Runnerup - Rachel Hopkins - Lindenwood, 83 Team - Lindenwood team of Walt Reaster, Zach Nannini, Scott Laymen, Garrett A Blankenship and Zach Bryant with a combined score of 439. results: Sporting clays 1st Place - Austin Knapp - OSU, 95 2nd Place - Garrett A Blankenship - Lindenwood, 95 3rd Place - Trevor Sorenson - Lindenwood, 94 High Lady - Sarah Hughes - Lindenwood, 92 Lady Runnerup - Alison Caselman - Mizzou, 85 Team - Lindenwood team of Casey D Van Sant, Colton J Raley, Sarah Hughes and Matt Hughes with a combined score of 457. results: Skeet 1st Place - Matt Hughes - Lindenwood, 99 2nd Place - Dustin Perry - Lindenwood, 99 3rd Place - Print Zutavern FHSU 99 High Lady - Elizabeeth Key Lindenwood 98 Lady Runnerup - Ashley Nau FHSU 97 Team - Lindenwood team of Tyler Stein, Taylor Matheny, Kevin Bretzner, Nick Boerbon and Zach Brody with a combined score of 484. www.waternwood.com

A worldwide hunting and conservation organization.

Who Should Join SCI? Anyone who believes in conserving wildlife, preserving the right to hunt and educating young people about both.

KC SCI Projects:

      

Hunt for Warriors Sportsmen Against Hunger Hunter Education Sensory Safari Apprentice Hunter Camp Youth Firearms Programs Waterfowl Clinic & Hunt for Youth

Join the Fun! To join or for membership information, contact fred robertson at 913-299-6759 or frobertson57@sbcglobal.net. for information about ScI, visit www.kcsci.com.

April 2012 Water `N Woods™

19

Water ‘N Woods | resource directory

Hunting, Bait, Tackle & Outdoor Supplies

Bait & Tackle Supplies Kansas City Missouri Areas

Bait & Tackle Supplies Western Kansas Areas

Bait & Tackle Supplies Lakes of the Ozarks Area

burton's bait & Tackle 816-532-4659 119 N Us Highway 169, Smithville, MO Live Bait, Tackle, Sporting Goods, Hunting.

Al's bait & Tackle 913-328-2248 7830 Leavenworth Rd., Kansas City, KS Fishing Bait & Tackle, Sporting Goods.

baker's bait & Tackle 660-547-3350 205 N Highway 65, Lincoln, MO Fishing Bait & Tackle, Sporting Goods.

dick's Sporting goods (lee's Summit) Summit Woods Crossing 816-525-3006

bass pro Shop 913-254-5200 12051 Bass Pro Dr., Olathe, KS 66061 Hunting Fishing Goods, Boat Dealers

bait & bagel marina 573-964-0510 39 Knox Rd., Rocky Mount, MO Fishing Bait & Tackle, Marina.

brown's bait & Tackle 1000 S Payne St., Olathe, KS LiveFishing Bait & Tackle.

bryant’s osage outdoors 716 N Main St, Laurie, MO Fishing Bait & Tackle

dick's Sporting goods (Independence) Bolger Square 816-350-0089 dick's Sporting goods (north Kansas city) Zona Rosa New Urban Retail Center 816-436-3524

913-764-8675

800-909-3528

dick's Sporting goods (South Kansas city) Ward Parkway Mall 816-363-1198

cabela's 913-328-0322 10300 Cabela Drive Kansas City, KS Hunting Fishing Goods, Boat Dealers

fishermans paradise 573-302-1184 5267 Highway 54, Osage Beach, MO Fishing Bait & Tackle,

rogers Sporting goods 816-781-9026 320 N 291 Hwy Liberty, MO. Archery, Hunting Equipment & Supplies, Fishing Bait & Tackle.

The dam Store 11149 39th St, Perry, KS

gier's bass pro & liquor 573-392-4791 105 W 4th St., Eldon, MO Fishing Bait & Tackle, Sporting Goods.

blue parkway bait & pet 816-861-0041 6921 Blue Pkwy., Kansas City, MO Fishing Bait & Tackle, Sporting Goods.

40 woods bait & Tackle 816-229-6818 3995 SW US Highway 40., Blue Springs, MO Fishing Bait & Tackle, Guns & Gunsmiths. flies direct, llc 816-699-2592 8750 N. Chatham Ave., Kansas City, MO 64154 www.fliesdirect.com - quality flies at lowest prices g & w bait & Tackle 816-921-8888 1260 N Church Rd # 5, Pleasant Valley, MO Fishing Bait, Fishing Tackle-Wholesale

785-597-5256

dick's Sporting goods (merriam KS) Merriam Town Center 913-432-3945 5600 Antioch Road, Merriam, KS 66202 dick's Sporting goods (olathe KS) North Ridge Plaza 913-254-9196 15280 West 119th Street, Olathe, KS 66062 dick's Sporting goods (leawood KS) Town Center Plaza 913- 661-0200 11801 Nall Avenue, Leawood, KS 66211 The dock 2838 SE 29th St, Topeka, KS

heartland Trails 816-587-1463 4200 NW 100th St., Kansas City, MO Fishing Tackle, Fishermen's Supplies one Incredible bass package 816-569-1107 3017 NE 59th Ter, Kansas City, MO Fishing Tackle, Fishing Guides

K & K fly fisher's Supply Inc 913-341-8118 8643 Grant St, Overland Park, KS Fishing Bait, Fishermen's Supplies

rainbow fly Shop 816-373-2283 4621 S Shrank Drive Independence, MO www.KCflyShop.com

martins bait 785-945-3481 1008 Mulberry St, Valley Falls, KS

The Sports Authority 816-587-1463 8980 N Skyview Ave, K C, MO. Fishing Tackle, Sporting Goods, Ski Equip & Snowboard Rentals The Tackle box 816- 233-1844 3724 Pear St., Saint Joseph, MO Live Bait, Fishing Tackle, Hunting Eqp.

minnesota bait & fly co Inc. 913-371-0343 1124 Minnesota Ave., Kansas City, KS Lures, Reels, Fishing Bait & Tackle, Sporting Goods, Hunting Equipment. wades bait & Tackle 22157 Valley RD, Lacygne, KS

913-757-2542

Yagers flies 785- 842-1239 2311 Wakarusa Dr., Lawrence, Ks Fishing Tackle Repair, Fishing Bait & Tackle,

©Water `N Woods. 2012, All Conceptual Designs & Reprint Rights Reserved

Koehn bait 573-377-2384 15525 Highway 135, Stover, MO Fishing Bait & Tackle, Sporting Goods.

785-266-8755

Jayhawk marina 913-686-2319 26353 Jayhawker Dr., Paola, KS www.jayhawkmarina.com Bait, Tackle, Camping & RV Supplies, Full-Service Marina, Boat & Watercraft Rental

rogers Sporting goods 816-781-9026 1760 N. Church Rd Liberty, MO 64068 www.rogerssportinggoods.com Sporting Goods, Fishing Tackle and Supplies

Jack's Sporting goods & hdw. 573-346-2279 1289 E Us Highway 54, Camdenton, MO Fishing Bait & Tackle, Sporting Goods.

lazy lou's bait n more 573-346-7597 219 N Lake St., Linn Creek, MO Fishing Bait & Tackle, Sporting Goods. laurie bait & Tackle 573-374-6065 102 N Main, Laurie, MO Skis,Tubes,Wake Boards,Ropes,Life Jackets, Tackle Bait, Licenses, Marine Supplies. minit-mart 573-365-5777 1780 Bagnell Dam Blvd., Lake Ozark, MO Live Bait, Deli, Worms, Fishing Bait & Tackle, Sporting Goods, Gas Stations,Beer, Groceries. osage beach bait & Tackle 573-348-9333 5441 Highway 54, Osage Beach, MO Fishing Bait & Tackle, Sporting Goods. rippin lips bait & Tackle 573-552-8238 454 Highway 42, Osage Beach, MO Fishing Bait & Tackle, Vanhook's bait & Tackle 573-346-2429 2418 N State Highway 5, Camdenton, MO Fishing Bait & Tackle, Sporting Goods.

NOTICE:

To Update Your Listing Here Please Email Your Info to Victoria Cromwell at: Victoria@WaternWood.com 20 Water `N Woods™

April 2012

Visit Our Online Magazine at www.WaterNWood.com

©Water `N Woods. 2012, All Conceptual Designs & Reprint Rights Reserved

Hunting, Bait, Tackle & Outdoor Supplies

Water ‘N Woods | resource directory

Bait & Tackle Supplies Warsaw & Clinton Areas

Bait & Tackle Branson

Alron lures 660-885-3122 829 NE Highway Ac, Clinton, MO Fishing Bait & Tackle.

Anglers & Archery outfitters 417-335-4655 136 Eden Way, Branson, MO Archery Pro-Shop, Fly Shop, Tackle, Guide Service

bait & more 222 N 2nd St., Clinton, MO Sporting Goods, Bait & Tackle.

660-890-2248

bass pro Shops 417-243-5200 1 Bass Pro Drive, Branson, MO Fly Shop, Fishing Tackle, Boat Rentals.

bucksaw resort & marina 660-477-3900 670 SE 803, Clinton, MO  Bait, Tackle, Guides, Lodging, RV Park & Full-Service Marina.

cape fair marina 417-538-4163 1500 Shadrock Road, Cape Fair, MO Fishing Tackle, Boat Rentals, Guide Service.

oct 10-14 Kansas pavilions, wichita, KS Chisholm Trail Antique Gun Association 888-851-0888.

c's bait & Tackle Warsaw, MO Sporting Goods, Bait & Tackle.

chartered waters Trout Shop Inc. 417-334-1005 1326 Acacia Club Rd, Hollister, MO

missouri - gun Shows 2011

660-438-7226

crappie Town 660-547-3364 PO Box 1600, Warsaw, MO Fishing Bait & Tackle. Ecommerse only.

cooper creek resort 800-261-3898 471 Cooper Creek Rd, Branson, MO Fishing Tackle, Boat Rentals, Guide Service.

everharts outdoor Store 511 E Hillcrest Dr. Clinton, MO Sporting Goods, Bait & Tackle.

660-885-4436

early bird bait & Tackle 417-739-4019 59 Corewood Ln., Reeds Spring, MO Fishing Tackle & Supplies Manufacturers.

first out lures 628 SE 771st Rd, Clinton, MO Fishing Bait & Tackle.

660-477-3614

hideaway marina 417-538-2828 1810 Hideaway Road, Galena, MO Tackle, Boat Rentals, Guide Service. Open Mar-Oct.

funny farm bait & Tackle 660-438-8546 22558 Highway 7, Warsaw, MO Sporting Goods, Bait & Tackle. Open Mar-Oct. fuzzys bait & booze 417-646-2325 3665 NE Highway 13, Osceola, MO Fishing Bait & Tackle. la prairie 5 E Rogers St, Lowry City, MO Sporting Goods, Bait & Tackle.

Indian point marina 417-338-2891 3443 Indian Point Road, Branson, MO Fishing Tackle, Boat Rentals, Guide Service. lazy Valley resort 417-334-6380 Fall Creek Rd, Branson, MO 65615

417-644-7332

little countryside bait & more 660-638-3256 752 NW 1401st RD, Urich, MO Sporting Goods, Bait & Tackle. puddle Jumper’s bait & country mart 11429 Z Hwy, Warsaw, MO 660-438-6300 rocky Top bait & Tackle 660-438-7341 14571 Highway 7, Warsaw, MO Sporting Goods, Archery Equip. Bait & Tackle.

Station bait & Tackle Shop 660-438-7664 Truman Dam Access Rd., Warsaw, MO Sporting Goods, Bait & Tackle.

Tebo creek bait Stop 660-477-3351 96 SE Highway Pp, Clinton, MO Sporting Goods, Bait & Tackle.

Tightwad bait & Tackle 1093 S 7th St, Clinton, MO Sporting Goods, Bait & Tackle.

hitch-n-post Tackle 417-334-3395 5439 State Hwy 165, Branson, MO

660-477-3630

Trailside general Store 660-438-5122 32707 Berry Bend Ave., Warsaw, MO Sporting Goods, Bait & Tackle.

www.WaterNWood.com

Upcoming Gun Shows Kansas - gun Shows 2012 April 28-29 Kansas coliseum I-135 and East 85th Street North Wichita, KS www.rkshows.com Jun 9-10 The gateway center, oberlin,KS JW and Deb Smith 785-475-2695 www.kansasgunshow.com

April 6-8, Johnson county fairgrounds Warrensburg, MO, B&M Shows 417-993-5383 or 417-777-1438 April 21-22, Sedalia, convention hall Liberty Park, Sedalia, MO Bud Oelrichs 660 668 4820 may 4-6 moberly moose lodge Moberly, MO Sweet Springs Gun Show 573-754-2336

Outdoor Shows April 20-22, April In water boat Show at Dog Days Bar & Grill at 19MM, Osage Beach Details: 573-480-2300 or www.lomdaboats.com

Taxidermists

(a few)

Within The KC Area

lilleys’ landing 417-334-6380 367 River Lane, Branson, MO Fishing Tackle, Boat Rentals, Guide Service.

You Worked Hard For Your Trophy - Now Remember It For A Lifetime!

ozarks bait & Tackle 417-739-1116 11863 State Highway 13 # 2, Kimberling City, Sporting Goods, Bait & Tackle - Wholesale.

bob Kamler Taxidermy 816-985-7359 14835 Sharp Station Rd, Platte City MO www.bobkamlertaxidermy.com

river run outfitters 417-332-0460 2626 State Hwy. 165, Branson, MO Fly Shop, Fishing Tackle, Guide Service.

brookes Taxidermy 204 S Pine St, Norborne, MO

Scotty’s Trout dock 417-334-4288 400 S Box Car Willie Dr, Branson, MO State park marina 417-334-2628 380 State Park Marina Road, Branson, MO Fishing Tackle, Boat Rentals, Guide Service.

Table rock worm farm 417-739-4921 2705 State Highway 00, Reeds Spring, MO Bait, Tackle, & Sporting Goods. Wholesale.

Tablerock Tackle & marine 417-739-4541 14743 State Highway 13, Reeds Spring, MO Sporting Goods, Fishing Bait, Tackle, & Repair. what’s up dock 417-737-2315 49 Lake Road, Kimberling City, MO Fishing Tackle, Boat Rentals, Guide Service.

660-594-3636

buck hollow Taxidermy 816-380-2491 22904 E 283rd St, Harrisonville, MO don's Taxidermy 816-532-3500 5012 Five Corners Rd, Smithville, MO Kalwei Taxidermist 816-763-5272 8200 Longview Rd, Kansas City, MO Second creation Taxidermy 913-422-3111 11501 Riverview, Kansas City, KS www.secondcreation.com Snowbarger Specialty Taxidermy 1303 W 125th St, Olathe, KS 913-636-2729 Trophies Taxidermy 816-353-4442 11212 E 61 Street, Kansas City, MO

April 2012

Water `N Woods™

21

Water ‘N Woods | hunting

Hiding in Plain Sight

by Steve Felgenhauer

T

he world has gone camo. There’s camo everything ― from antler mounts to Zippo lighters. I’ve even seen camo underwear, though I don’t know many animals that would see or care to see what color underwear I am wearing.

Firearms are no exception. There is no excuse for spooking game since all firearm companies offer camo models, except for the fact that the price of a new rifle or shotgun would cost several hundred dollars, plus a couple hundred for the newest camo pattern. In response to this, aftermarket and do-it-yourself camo kits have become all the rage, which is why I thought it was time I tried one out for myself.

While there are several different kits, I suggest you research the reviews of each kit online prior to spending your hard-earned cash. I used the DuraCoat (www.lauerweaponry.com) kit, complete with stencils, but other kits come with just paint and the stencils can be bought or made to suit your needs.

Step 1: prepare and mask off anything you don’t want painted.

First, I stripped the gun of all parts that would not receive the treatment — the bolt, the recoil pad and the bottom carrier. I placed a shop rag inside to prevent painting the inside of the receiver. Next, I degreased all the parts that I intended to paint. DuraCoat sells degreaser; however, denatured alcohol works fine. The directions recommended a curing time of 24 hours before applying the first stencils. Make sure you understand the 1:12 mix ratio of the paint. This is vital to proper curing and durability.

Step 3

The stencils are sturdy ― made of a thin vinyl with the design perfectly stamped in the middle of each block. The block on the Urban MirageFlage forms two separate stencils: the male, for masking large shapes used in the first stage of stencil placement, and the female, for the outside of the stencil used for the accent of the smaller contrasting color.

The simple-patterned stencils, such as Marsh, may be reused.

However, the Urban MirageFlage is too distorted to reuse.

After applying the male stencils, I applied the second color to the entire gun and set to cure.

Step 4: Add more stencils and colors.

All stencils remain on the gun until the final coat dries. Then apply more stencils, and since gray is the predominate color of the gun, additional stencils are randomly placed to break up the outline of the gun.

Step 2: mix the paint and apply the basecoat.

After properly mixing the paint with the hardener, I applied the first coat of paint as a basecoat. Contrary to conventional thinking, the darkest color goes on first, and then you apply more paint, working to the lightest shades. After the paint is applied, let it dry for 24 hours.

Step 3: Apply the stencils.

Step 3

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The next morning I applied the stencils.

This was a tedious, time-consuming job.

The Urban MirageFlage looks best if the blotches are symmetrical — that is, the right side mirroring the left. The catalog that accompanied the kit came in handy as a reference for stencil placement. The Urban MirageFlage has long blotches that should run parallel with the barrel on long guns and along the slide or barrel on a handgun.

Step 4

I got creative, overlapping new stencils over ones in place already.

Then I applied the second coat of paint and set the gun aside again to cure.

Step 5: reverse stencils.

Step 5: Note the painter’s tape.

When it came time to apply the female or accent stencils, I took my time trimming down the borders of the stencils to ensure they adhered to any complex shapes. I am a messy painter, so as an added safety measure, I used painter’s tape to mark the parts of the gun that I did not want to be painted. I applied the final color and let the gun cure.

Step 6: clean up and clear coat.

As a precautionary measure, the folks at DuraCoat recommend the application of a clear coat, included in the kit, after the tape residue is removed. So, again, I used denatured alcohol.

Missouri Department of Conservation News Paddlefish Snagging

T

he 2012 paddlefish-snagging season opened March 15 and runs through Monday, April 30. Weekly paddlefish snagging reports for Truman Lake, Lake of the Ozarks and the Osage River began March 20, and Fisheries Biologist Trish Yasger will post them on Wednesdays. Updates will be based on field observations from biologists and conservation agents. Contact Trish Yasger at Trish.Yasger@mdc.mo.gov.

Snagging clinic April 14 If you have never snagged or haven’t snagged in awhile, you’re invited to attend our Discover Nature Family Paddlefish Snagging Clinic on Saturday, April 14, in Warsaw. Please check Fishing Events at http://mdc.mo.gov/fishing/fish-catch/game-fish/paddlefish/paddlefishsnagging-report-and-advisories for registration and contact information.

Although an easy process, it is nerve-racking waiting for the paint to cure completely. The result, though — Awesome — Q even on the checkering!

natives managed as a trophy sport fishery Paddlefish are native to the Mississippi, Missouri and Osage River basins in Missouri. They are listed as both a sport and a commercial fish in Missouri. Because dams have blocked their spawning migrations and have flooded spawning grounds, the Department maintains paddlefish fisheries in Table Rock, Truman and Lake of the Ozarks by annually stocking hatchery-produced fingerlings that are 10‒12 inches long. To accomplish this, paddlefish broodstock are collected in the spring at Table Rock Lake. The paddlefish are spawned, and the young are raised at Blind Pony Hatchery in Sweet Springs until they are large enough to release in October. Paddlefish stocking and management is directed by a statewide paddlefish management plan developed by the Missouri Department of Conservation. The goal of the plan is to manQ age paddlefish as a trophy sport fishery.

Courtesy of Missouri Department of Conservation. For more information about this story and others, visit www.mdc.mo.gov/newsroom.

The love of hunting, fishing and the great outdoors, combined with writing, sent Water ‘N Woods contributor Steve Felgenhauer down his current career path as a gunsmith and writer. His byline has appeared in NWTF’s Turkey Country, Cabela’s Outfitter Journal, Gun Digest and Bass Pro Shops OutdoorSite Library, just to name a few. Email Felgenhauer at sfoutdoors@live.com.

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April 2012

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23

Angels Landing, Zion National Park

by Alex riester

T

Riester’s dad, Bill Riester surverys the beauty of Zion National Park. All Photo Credits: Alex Reixter.

hree days of backpacking through the Grand Canyon only proved to inflame the hiking fever in my father and me, so we decided to head to Zion National Park for a few day hikes. During the seven-hour drive, we scoured our guidebooks, trying to create our own top-ten priority, must-see Zion National Park hikes. One hike in particular topped every single source’s list — Angels Landing.

loaded my hydration bladder with three liters of water, I had just enough space for my Icebreaker 260 Quantum Zip and a few Clif-bars, wonderfully delicious organic nutrition bars. It was quite brisk that morning, but I knew that as soon as I got moving, my legs would warm up, so instead of being inhibited and risk overheating, I opted for nylon shorts instead of pants.

Named in 1916 after Frederick Fisher said, “Only an angel could land on it.” This trail has claimed over five lives. My dad and I had to check this one off our list. The five-mile trail was rated as “strenuous,” so we made sure to schedule an entire morning for it.

We woke up early, dressed and prepared our backpacks. I took my ultra-light and incredible small Osprey Talon 5.5 backpack. After I

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I practically ran up the first part of the trail, entitled “Walter’s Wiggles,” because of a series of around 25 steep switchbacks. I was very excited to see the view first-hand, especially after reading countless accounts of the raw beauty and awesomeness of this hike. After the switchbacks, there was a rest area with a restroom and a staging area for the more serious and dangerous part of the hike. The guidebooks refer to this as “Scout Lookout.” My father and I took advantage of the amenities, ditched our packs along the side of the trail, mocked the tourists feeding the squirrels under “DO NOT FEED THE WILDLIFE” signs and got on our way.

Trophy Room Send Your Trophy Photos

This was where the trail became incredibly exciting. The 5,785-foot peak of Angel's Landing could be seen in the distance, but to get there one had to cross a half-mile narrow isthmus approximately three to ten feet wide made of slippery sandstone, with a 1200-foot drop on one side and an 800-foot drop on the other. I gripped the provided chain with a white-knuckled ferocity and never let go of that chain. I always had at least one hand on it, just in case my feet were swept out from underneath me. At one point, where the hike really started turning into a vertical climb, I had to wait for the people in front of me to slowly ascend. As I stopped, I felt the chain shake. I looked at my own steady hand, and then glanced at the older man in front of me. He was shaking so badly the entire 20-foot section of the chain was rattling.

This was not a hike for the faint at heart or those afraid of heights.

After the vertical ascent, a little free scrambling was required, and then we found ourselves on top of the world. We sat, rested and took in the spectacular views of the Virgin River and the numerous other Zion National Park landmarks. This hike was not only breathtaking from a physical point of view, but from a spiritual, emotional and any other point of view we could have.

The descent was not nearly as exciting as the ascent, and it felt as if you moved twice as fast. If you ever visit Utah, you must experience Angels Landing in Zion National Park for yourself.

Alex Riester grew up canoeing and kayaking with his father. His most recent adventures include excursions to the Boundary Waters in Minnesota, the Green River in Utah, and backpacking in the Grand Canyon and Zion National Park. Alex is married to a wonderful woman, Kaitlyn, and together they have an Alaskan malamute named Denali, Alex’s other partner in crime.

Alex currently works at Backwoods in Overland Park, KS. He enjoys canoeing, backpacking, canyoneering and just about anything else that includes sleeping in a tent.

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While fishing for crappie in a private 30-acre pond in central Missouri, I caught a 57-pound blue catfish. It was 47 inches long and 25 inches in girth. I was using a mini-spin with new Berkley 6 pound test line and a bobber with a live minnow. The battle lasted just over an hour before the monster came into view. IGFA says that I set a world record for the line class, but since I released it, and did not have the weight certified, the record is unofficial. Submitted by Ted Parrish, Warsaw, MO.

Email Us Your Trophy Photos: Please send the best you have to Victoria Cromwell, victoria@waternwood.com.

Provide your name, hometown and a short story. Suitable images for printing will be published.

April 2012

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Ode to Ivy

by David M. Zumbaugh

About 80% of Americans are susceptible to the rash caused by the “juice” or urushiol from poison ivy. The Latin or scientific name of the plant is Rhus toxicodendron, which literally means “toxic leaves.” A drop of the urushiol actually sticks to the skin and results in an itchy, blistering rash that can spread if the oily substance is not washed away. People can get the rash by touching clothing, tools or even pets that have come in contact with the leaves, stems or other parts of the plants. The smoke from burning ivy vines also carries the harmful ingredients and can be extremely dangerous if inhaled.

To gauge the scope of the problem, more than 350,000 cases of dermatitis caused by ivy are reported in the USA every year. One would assume that

These two photos are courtesy of poisonIvy.org

many more occurrences are treated with over-the-counter remedies. If the rash is persistent, Prednisone can be prescribed by a doctor.

It consists of pills taken orally. For extreme cases, an injection of Depomedrol is very effective and works quickly to alleviate the condition. I had both treatments last spring after several trips to the woods mushroom hunting.

Some lucky people are totally immune to the effects of urushiol.

photo credit: david Zumbaugh

S

ome of us remember the old song “Poison Ivy” by the Coasters that warns, “You’re gonna need an oooocean of calamine looootion.” And although this tune was meant to be humorous, there is a new warning that everyone needs to be more aware of the noxious weed called poison ivy. Recent studies have shown that an increase in atmospheric carbon dioxide has accelerated the growth and toxic properties of this common plant. Some believe that global warming is involved.

Duke University did a five-year study on ivy to evaluate the effects of higher CO2 levels on the plants.

Winter vines are still quite potent.

Researchers tried to simulate the predicted CO2 levels for 2050. Results were absolutely startling! Average annual growth rates were 149% higher, shown mainly in leaf development. Further, potency of urushiol increased by 153%, resulting in a more allergenic form of the chemical. The study has been referenced in many publications and can be reviewed here: http://www.nicholas.duke.edu/news/poisonivypaper.pdf.

In addition to the consequences for humans, the woody vines actually contribute to the death of trees and prevent new trees from growing.

This is especially true in the tropical range of the plant. The accidental introduction of poison ivy into Europe and even Australia has further exacerbating its problem.

Poison ivy will climb anything that stands still. Its leaves are red when they first come out in spring.

So now is the time to make sure the children you know are aware of what poison ivy looks like and how to avoid it. Turkey hunters should be especially aware of this potential threat. It is very common in most of the U.S., especially in the parks and other overgrown areas.

Warming springtime temperatures allow us to wear shorts, increasing our potential for exposure. With the plant becoming more abundant and more irritating, there is no doubt that it will become a greater health Q problem. Remember, “Leaves of three, let it be!”

David Zumbaugh is a freelance writer, photographer and avid outdoorsman.

He has a B.S. and a M.S. in Biology from Fort Hays State. He is the Conservation/News Editor for American Waterfowler magazine and a member of Ducks Unlimited, National Wild Turkey Federation and Kansas Wildscape.

David can be contacted at David_Zumbaugh@hotmail.com.

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Kansas Department of Wildlife Parks and Tourism News Kansas Paddlefish Season A paddlefish permit — $12.50 for those 16 and older, $7.50 for youth 15 and younger — includes six carcass tags. Immediately upon attaching a fish to a stringer, the angler must sign a carcass tag; record the county, date and time of harvest; and attach the carcass tag to the lower jaw of the paddlefish taken. Anglers must stop snagging once the daily creel limit of two paddlefish is reached.

Paddlefish may be taken inside Chetopa and Burlington city parks on the Neosho River, on the Neosho River at Iola downstream from the dam to the city limits, on the Marais des Cygnes River below Osawatomie Dam downstream to a posted boundary, and on the Marais des Cygnes River on the upstream boundary of Marais des Cygnes Wildlife Area downstream to the Kansas-Missouri border.

Paddlefish may be snagged using pole and line with not more than two single or treble hooks. Barbless hooks must be used in Chetopa City Park. Catch-and-release is allowed in Burlington, Chetopa, and Iola, except that once attached to a stringer, a fish becomes part of the daily creel limit. The daily creel limit for paddlefish is two, and the season limit is six. On the Missouri River (season: March 15-April 30), there is a 24-inch minimum length limit.

There is a 34-inch minimum length limit on Marias des Cygnes River.

Photo Credit: KC Hosey

Many anglers in eastern Kansas look forward to March 15, the first day of the Kansas paddlefish season, which runs through May 15 at specific locations. Once water temperatures near 60 degrees, paddlefish make the annual spawning run. Some snagging areas, such as the Neosho River in Chetopa, require a rise in the river level for paddlefish to be present, so significant rainfall is essential.

Paddlefish caught outside the paddlefish season or in non-snagging areas may be kept if they are hooked in the mouth only.

Nonsport fish (carp, drum, grass carp, threadfin and gizzard shad, goldfish, gar, goldeye, bowfin and suckers, including carpsucker and buffalo) may also be snagged in waters posted open to snagging during the paddlefish season. There are no Q limits on nonsport fish.

Courtesy of Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks. For more information about this story and others, visit www.kdwp.state.ks.us.

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Fishing Hunting Boating Relaxing

Truman Lake Area Cabin,

Mom & Pop Owned, Rent By The Day, Week or Month.

Open Floor Plan, Privacy, Sleeps 6, Kitchenette, Close To Boat Ramp.

Limited Availability. Call to Reserve Your Relaxing Stay.

Tightwad Inn, 660-477-3330 or 816-517-3415 1165 SE Hwy 7, Clinton, MO 64735 WaterNWoods - 11/111

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April 2012

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Water ‘N Woods | resource directory

Hunting Equipment Missouri - KC METRO

Where To Shop For Guns & Gunsmiths Guns & Gunsmiths Within 50 Miles of Kansas City

mISSourI

bass pro Shops branson: 1 Bass Pro Drive 417-243-5200 columbia: 3101 Bass Pro Drive 573-886-7100 Independence: 18001 Bass Pro Dr. 816-795-4300 Springfield: 1935 S. Campbell 417-887-7334 Hunting Fishing Goods, Boat Dealers www.basspro.com

gunslinger firearms llc 816-380-5099 2110 Royal St., Harrisonville, MO Guns & Gunsmiths. gunner’s firearms llc 816-318-9968 402 Pine Street Suite C, Raymore, MO Firearms: Buy - Sell - Trade - Transfers www.gunnersfirearms.com

bushnell factory outlet 816-525-2220 445 NW Murray Rd, Lee’s Summit MO Riflescopes, Binoculars, Sunglasses & More dick's Sporting goods (lee's Summit) Summit Woods Crossing 816-525-3006 1600 NW Chipman Road, Lee's Summit, MO dick's Sporting goods (Independence) Bolger Square 816-350-0089 17730 East 39th Street, Independence, MO dick's Sporting goods (north Kansas city) Zona Rosa New Urban Retail Center 816-436-3524 8665 NW Prairie View Road., Kansas City, MO 64153 dick's Sporting goods (South Kansas city) Ward Parkway Mall 816-363-1198 8600 Ward Parkway, Kansas City, MO

Hunting Equipment Kansas - KC METRO

Avid Archery 913-592-6738 111 W Johnson, Spring Hill, KS 66083 Authorized Mathews Dealer & Hoyt Dealer bass pro Shop 913-254-5200 12051 Bass Pro Dr., Olathe, KS 66061 Hunting Fishing Goods, Boat Dealers bushnell factory outlet

913-310-0783

8500 Marshall Drive, Lenexa, KS

Riflescopes, Binoculars, Sunglasses & More cabela's 913-328-0322 10300 Cabela Drive Kansas City, KS Hunting Fishing Goods, Boat Dealers dick’s Sporting goods (Merriam KS) Merriam Town Center 913-432-3945 5600 Antioch Road, Merriam, KS dick's Sporting goods (Olathe KS) North Ridge Plaza 913-254-9196 15280 West 119th Street, Olathe, KS dick's Sporting goods (Leawood KS) Town Center Plaza 913- 661-0200 11801 Nall Avenue, Leawood, KS 66211 m c Sporting goods 913- 851-7583 camping equipment only 11310 W 135th St Overland Park, KS

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Guns & Gunsmiths Within 50 Miles of Kansas City

hatfield's 816-233-9106 2028 Frederick Ave., Saint Joseph, MO Guns & Gunsmiths, Sporting Goods, Antiques-Dealers.

Advertisers in this publication are listed in Red in the Resourse Directories.

mISSourI A-bee's pawn & gun 816-232-3006 2602 Messanie St., Saint Joseph, MO Guns & Gunsmiths, Sporting Goods, Pawnbrokers Armory 816-903-0999 701 N Country, Rd., Kearney, MO Gunsmith, Indoor Range, Guns www.thearmoryonline.com Arms mart Inc 816-796-5800 21200 E Truman Rd, Independence, MO Guns, Ammo, Accessories - Buy. Sell. Trade.

blue Steel guns & Ammo

816-358-8004

James country mercantile 816-781-9473 111 N Main St., Liberty, MO Guns & Gunsmiths, Sporting Goods. longshot rifles 816-773-6500 30402 E 323rd St., Garden City, MO Guns & Gunsmiths, Sporting Goods. odessa gun Shop 816-230-4423 11706 Varner Rd., Odessa, MO Guns & Gunsmiths, Sporting Goods. orman's gunshop 816-633-7242 12342 Mount Tabor Rd., Odessa, MO Guns & Gunsmiths, Sporting Goods. r & r pawn Shop 816-632-1787 214 E 3rd St,. Cameron, MO Guns, Ammunition, Jewelry, Pistols.

8832 E. 350 Highway, Raytown, MO Handguns, Rifles ― Buy. Sell. Trade.

Shooting Supplies, Gunsmith & Classes www.bluesteelgunsandammo.com

Show me Shooters Indoor range 816 452-4867 287 E US Highway 69, Kansas City, MO Guns, Rifle & Pistol Ranges.

b & g gunsmithing 816-331-6589 605 Lillian Ln., Raymore, MO Guns & Gunsmiths, Sporting Goods.

Snapshots gun Shop 816-221-9117 2001 Clay Street, Kansas City, MO Guns & Gunsmiths

drake's military Supply co 816-896-4131 Kansas City, MO. Guns & Gunsmiths, Sporting Goods

Tristar Sporting Arms 816-421-1400 1816 Linn Street, Kansas City, MO tristarsportingarms.com

crossfire recreational center 816-796-0023 21200 E Truman Rd, Independence, MO Guns & Ammunition, Guns Certification & Safety Instruction, Shooting Range

uS gun Specialties 816-436-2700 6581 N Oak Trfy, Kansas City, MO Firearms, Accessories, & Safes.

40 woods bait & Tackle 816-229-6818 3995 SW US Highway 40, Blue Springs, MO Guns & Gunsmiths, Fishing Bait & Tackle. guns unlimited Inc 816-468-4867 8113 N Oak Trfy., Kansas City, MO Guns & Gunsmiths, Sporting Goods. ©Water `N Woods. 2012, All Conceptual Designs & Reprint Rights Reserved

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Fishing Clubs & Sport Shows Missouri & Kansas

KAnSAS

KAnSAS

Atchison outfitters 913-367-6312 2000 W Highway 59, Atchison, KS Guns & Gunsmiths, Sporting Goods, Ammunition Reloading Supplies,

backlashers 913-782-2952 Jerry Wagner, 15706 W. 126TH. St Olathe, KS 66062

bass pro Shop 913-254-5200 12051 Bass Pro Dr., Olathe, KS 66061 Hunting Fishing Goods, Boat Dealers cabela's 913-328-0322 10300 Cabela Drive Kansas City, KS Hunting Fishing Goods, Boat Dealers bullet hole 913-432-0050 6201 Robinson St., Overland Park, KS Guns, Gunsmiths, Sporting Goods, Range. brigade gunleather 913-755-3139 33301 Osawatomie Rd., Osawatomie, KS Guns & Gunsmiths, Sporting Goods ©Water `N Woods. 2012, All Conceptual Designs & Reprint Rights Reserved

Fishing Clubs

Guns & Gunsmiths Within 50 Miles of Kansas City

coffman's repair & custom 740 N 7th St., Lawrence, KS Guns & Gunsmiths,

785-841-1077

culver Knives & gunsmithing 785-484-0146 5682 94th St., Meriden, KS Guns & Gunsmiths, Sporting Goods cedar hill gun club 785-843-8213 918 E 1650th Rd., Baldwin City, KS Guns & Gunsmiths, Sporting Goods, Trap Skeet & Sporting Clay Ranges. guns & gunsmiths, Sporting goods heart of America ps 913- 371-3200 620 Minnesota Ave., Kansas City, KS Guns & Gunsmiths, Sporting Goods hacks outfitters Inc 785-842-6338 941 E 23rd St., Lawrence, KS Guns & Gunsmiths, Sporting Goods, Bait & Tackle.

Kansas firearms Specialties 913-369-0123 328 Delaware St., Tonganoxie, KS Guns & Gunsmiths, Sporting Goods olathe gun Shop 913-782-6900 716 S Rogers Rd.,Olathe, Ks Guns, Accessories, Ammunition, Sportiing Goods, Range, Special Orders, New & Used, Gunsmiths.

Simmons gun repair 913-782-3131 700 South Rogers Rd, Olathe, KS Full-Service Gunsmith uT Arms 913-459-4877 303 Power Dr, Kansas City, KS Guns, Accessories, Ammunition, Toll Free: 885-488-2767 or visit: utarms.com

Water ‘N Woods | resource directory

2012 Kids Events

leavenworth bass club 913-758-1586 Randy Kenton 1700 Chester Ct., Leavenworth KS 66048 olathe bass club 2011 President, Jimmie Folse For more info: olathebassclub@gmail.com olathe community Sportsmans club Kevin Herschberger 816-225-8897 Kickback Jr. bass club 913-231-4603 Mike Douglass: mikekellydouglass@gmail.com www.kickbackbassclub.com Shawnee mission bassmasters John Cambpell: President 913-208-9802 Nic Garcia: Tournament Director 913-653-4490 website: http://smbassmasters.com

mISSourI blue Spring lake buddy Tournaments Contact Mark Slocum 816-550-5664 http://bluespringsbuddybass.com central u.S. bass Anglers 816-537-4248 David Burlington, President 3601 SW Crane Rd., Lee Summit, MO heartland Tournament Association P.O. Box 565 Platte City, MO 816-464-5557 www.heartlandproam.com Jacomo bass club 816-524-6266 Open Buddy Tournaments thru October 100% Payback cal for details. missouri b.A.S.S. federation 3405 NW Nautical Court Blue Springs, MO. http://mobass.com raytown bass club 816-506-0611 Neil Parikh - President: neil@raytownbassclub.net neil@raytownbassclub.net nothin' but Toads bass club 816-805-8237 Independence, MO., Brent Fasse website: http://nothinbuttoads.com Smithville bassmasters 816-588-2087 Chester Winans - kcwinans@yahoo.com http://web.me.com/ahabiger/Smithville_Bassmasters/Welcome.html

April 14, earth day Lakeside Nature Center, 4701 E. Gregory Blvd., Kansas City, MO, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Come to the center to learn, watch a puppet show from StoneLion Puppets, make something to take home and see our night-time stars. Details: 816-513-8960.

April 14, Southeast of Saline crimestoppers fishing derby - Salina, KS Family Fun event. Casting Demonstration and Contest. Prizes for age 3 to 16 and 17+.

Details: 785-536-4286 April 21, beginner bird walks Lakeside Nature Center, 4701 E. Gregory Blvd., Kansas City, MO 64132 Details: 816-513-8960. may 14, Kid's fishing derby, Lake Side Shelter- Gardner Lark Park, Gardner KS. may 19, "calling all men and boys....let's go fishin'" Bring your sons, nephews, grandsons, neighbors for this time of fun, fellowship, competition and food. Shawnee Park at 29th & West Edge, across from BP station.

Meet at the Marina to get geared up to fish.

Details: Pastor Tony Stanley 785-478-4428.

We Update Information Each Month So Keep Watching For New Listings And Also Visit www.WaterNWood.com.

Notice: To Update Your Information or Be Listed Here - Send To: V i ctoria@ Water nWo o d.c om Visit Our Online Magazine at www.WaterNWood.com

April 2012

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Hunting the Elusive Morel

by Kenneth l. Kieser

M

orels will soon be popping up, especially with the wet ground mixed with sunshine. Hunting morel mushrooms is a tradition for many across the United States. Every state has a version of this popular mushroom, including Hawaii. Normally a hunter will walk miles while finding a mushroom here and there — or occasionally hit the mother lode.

Morels are seldom easy to find. Chances are this tasty gem has met your shadow during springtime walks in the woods. They are masters of concealment in dead leaves and under or around spring foliage. The average hunter may find 10 and walk past 100.

Some of you may have had the same experience my folks enjoyed.

A close friend of my family hunts morels in different states. He has a couple of honey holes in Iowa where he constantly finds a bucket full.

This is somewhat unusual and may depend on a number of conditions.

There are many reasons why morels grow in certain spots. Everyone has a theory, including botanists who have scientific explanations, but they seldom agree, proving what mysteries morels can be. Let’s examine a couple of theories that may help you find a grocery sack full.

Many believe you should always cut or pinch morel mushrooms off at the bottom. Leaving the roots is said to produce new mushrooms when conditions are correct.

Others say the best mushroom producing grounds are in a direct line with wind currents that carry mushroom spores through the air. Many mushroom hunters, including my family, believe this, so they carry their morels in net sacks so spores can float through the material and on the ground.

Spores that create new morels come from the mushroom’s head. When the sun comes up, morels dry out and release their spores ― the seeds for new morels. Some catch a wind current and float to meet another spore from another morel to create more, occasionally making them grow in unexpected places.The rough texture of the bag helps release the spores. Some stay in the mesh and release later. We use the same bags over and over, season after season without washing.

We start looking for Midwestern morel mushrooms in late March or early April when woodlot plants appear. Half-grown mayflowers are a good indicator of the required soil warmth when early morels start to pop up. My grandfather always claimed you could find morels around mayflowers, but I never did.

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Dying elm trees are said to produce a rotting root system that feeds morels, but after the roots rot away, you may not find them in the same spot. Don’t limit your search to only elms. Check unlikely areas. The darn things could pop up anywhere. Apple trees are possibilities because constantly rotting fruit can help produce them.

Areas with good leaf matting, typically under trees that drop their leaves and bark earlier in the fall and have longer to decay, consistently produce morels. Light-colored-barked trees like birch, sycamore and cottonwoods are good examples of these trees, while the earlier mentioned dying elm trees may only produce morels for a year or two.

Plenty of moisture mixed with temperatures in the high 60s to low 80s are perfect conditions for good mushroom growth. April and early May provide all of this, with warm rain and mild overnight temperatures.

Morel mushrooms are temperature-sensitive.

Early-season hunters should start by checking southern hillsides and creek bottoms open to sunlight that quickly warms the soil. Warming trends make eastern areas productive. Morels do not grow by the sun.

They lack chlorophyll, the chemical that absorbs sunlight as energy to reproduce. Morels start popping up at dusk and grow through the night, but you will occasionally see one pop up during daylight hours. Northern spots are best when air temperatures heat up at the end of the morel season. Dry springs seldom produce exceptional morel mushroom numbers. More grow when it is wet, but some will grow no matter what. You might still find morels in good numbers, but they may not grow as large.

My first morel mushroom hunt happened 59 years ago with my mother.

I was born the next day. She has never missed a mushroom season since. My brother and I join her when possible. Mom does not handle the creek banks or hills as easily these days, yet she still manages to hunt through creek bottoms. Thankfully, morel mushroom hunting is her only addiction.

EQUIPMENT: You will need a good pair of walking boots, light colored clothing in case early ticks make an appearance, a mesh bag, a good walking stick and your best pair of eyes. Then walk slowly and search. When the first morel is found, kneel down and look a little longer. My father always said, “Where you find one, you will find two or more.” He was always right.

COOKING MORELS: Soaking in salt water is good for fish, but not morel mushrooms. This does not kill or remove the bugs, and the mushroom’s texture will become slimly and salty. Instead, soak morels in cold water. Try cutting your morels in little pieces to mix in omelets.

Most mushroom hunters cut each morel in half and dip them in eggs.

Each “shroom” is fried in cornmeal, flour or crushed crackers. Either way, fry until golden brown and don’t invite company that night. Few entrées taste better.

Kenneth L. Kieser is a veteran writer of 35 years with several thousand bylines in newspapers and magazines. Kieser has also written two western novels. He was inducted into the National Fresh Water Fishing Hall of Fame in the Legendary Communicator 2010 class because of his fishing stories and his work teaching young people to fish, which has prompted him to start a kids fishing program for special needs children through the local YMCA’s.

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Product Review

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INITIAL CONSULTATION

F The Bushnell 10x42 H2O Porro H e r e t o H e l p Yo u W i t h Yo u r Binocular S pLeengda lYNo ue re dT si mSeo YOouut dCoaonr s .

PAUL MUDD, Attorney D WI / TR AFF IC DI VORC E I N J U RY C L A I M S – A L L T Y P E S AU TO A C C I D E N T S WOR K ER S’ C O M P

816-836-0427 400 W. KANSAS, INDEPENDENCE, MO

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he Bushnell 10x42 H2O Porro Binocular eliminates all the worries of water damage. Part of the H20 series, it is O-ringed sealed and nitrogen-purged, offering outdoor enthusiasts 100 percent waterproof and fog-proof performance. The durable, rubber-coated chassis has been enhanced with a new soft-texture grip that provides added reassurance in inclement weather, and the center focus dial gets where you want to go in a hurry. This is a full-size porro prism unit with enhanced magniďŹ cation, a wide 6.6° viewing angle, comfortable eye relief and a great sense of depth.

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In addition, BaK-4 prisms and multi-coated optics deliver maximum light transmission and bright, optimal clarity at any distance. These are astoundingly clear! Featuring a large center-focus knob for quick focus and twist-up eyecups that provide expanded eye relief, the Bushnell H2O is a well-rounded binocular.

Adventure tested, the H2O product line includes 24 models with designs that range from compact to full-size. The H2O binocular is available in both the porro and roof prism models, with an MSRP that ranges from $69.95 to $173.95.

For more information about the Bushnell H2O binocular line, visit the product section at www.bushnell.com. To purchase the Bushnell 10x42 H20 Porro Binocular, visit the Bushnell factory outlets at 445 NW Murray Rd, Lee's Summit, MO, 816-525-2220, and 8500 Marshall Q Dr, Lenexa, KS, 913-310-0783.

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April 2012

Water `N Woodsâ&#x201E;˘

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