Water `N Woods Magazine December 2011 Issue

December 2011

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December 2011

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3

CONTENTS

8

December 2011

10 City Trout

8

Trout have come to a city park near you, and the catchand-release season is the perfect time to fish the ponds and lakes that are stocked in Missouri and Kansas.

14

The Christmas Goose ─ A Lasting Tradition

10

Black Powder ─ Yesterday & Today

14

Holiday Gift Ideas

16

How to collect your goose and eat it, too! A long-loved tradition in Britian, hunting your own wild goose for Christmas dinner could become your new tradition.

The thrill of harvesting game with a muzzelloader has not changed, but today’s blackpowder rifles are hardly recognizable

The editor’s pick for gift ideas for your outdoors enthusiast.

16

God’s Back Porch

18

Holiday Backpacker’s Gift Guide

22

The 2011 Kansas Pheasant Opener

30

If you visited God’s back porch, what would greet you? Join David Zumbaugh on his journey.

From stocking stuffers to the more expensive gifts, Alex Riester gives us his picks.

Just a quick update and a couple of great pictures!

Illistration Lizzy Revak

22 From the Managing Editor: 6 Mountain Man Territory: 7 Trophy Room: 11 Hunting Guides - Missouri & Kansas: 12-13 Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks News: 15 4

Water `N Woods™

December 2011

18

30

Directory - Bait &Tackle, Taxidermist: 20-21 Missouri Department of Conservation News: 23 Recipe: 25 Directory - Hunting, Guns, Clubs, Shows: 28-29 Cover Photo: Whitetail buck by Images in the Wild, Prescott Valley, AZ. Copyright ©2011 iStockphoto LP

From the Managing Editor

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

A

s I step outdoors, the crunch of boots on frost-covered grass, the distinct chill in the air, the slight smell of a fire and a lone blue jay at the birdfeeder greet me as I begin my day, signaling the season changing — hello winter. The wonders of winter sometimes get lost in the drudgery of our everyday lives, and we forget to notice the simple things that as children fascinated us about this unique season.

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

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Yes, Christmastime is wonderful, and I love giving and receiving gifts, but winter brings more than Christmas and the holidays to the table. In our rush to complete daily tasks, the dog who tip-toes across the ice- or snow-covered grass, the bunny who made a burrow under the leaves in the garden or the squirrel seeking nuts it hid in the early fall escape us.

I love sitting by the fire, hot chocolate or adult beverage in hand, but that's not all I love about wintertime. For me it is not a time of hibernation, but a time of charm and enchantment. The fact that all snowflakes have six points is amazing in itself. The sun gleaming through icicles and ice-covered branches create prisms if you look at them just right.

Why limit your outdoor time to shoveling the driveway? Determine the animals visiting your yard by their tracks in the snow, trap a single snowflake and freeze it to show a youngster its six points, make a snow angel and do some winter hunting of any kind. Enjoying the silence is my favorite part of winter — it just seems quieter outside this time of year. It’s a time of renewing, enjoying and embracing the wonder-filled outdoors.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, Victoria Cromwell

Subscribe To:

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 Mike Mansell (Three Toes) copyeditor: Karen Burch Layout & graphic design Victoria Cromwell

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Mountain Man Territory

I

swear, Pilgrim, you'r frettin' worse than a woman about that wore-out coonskin hat you'r wearin' on that noggin of your’n. I do believe these here mountains have just about run outa animals for you to try on that head of yours. At least ya started putting them out of their misery afore ya tried em on! Wagh, I never laughed so hard in my life as when that ole badger woke up, stood up on all four feet atop your noggin, and proceeded to part your’n hair four ways to Sunday. My ole ribcage is still sore from laughing so hard. If’n I hadn’t shot that badger when I did, ya woulda needed more than a hat — ya would of needed a wolf hide to cover that big ole shiny spot.

Photo Credit: Karen Mansell

Give me a couple of weeks, I’ll have that badger tamed for ya. Alright! Alright! I see ya getting upset — I’ll leave ya alone about it. 'Sides, we got plenty to do getting this cabin ready for winter. Why there musta been a whole passel of bears sleepin' in here by the looks of things.

First thing we gotta do is put a roof back on and get the chimney rocked back up. Next thing is to make this cabin bear-proof. We don’t need them coming back to hibernate and kicking us outa our own cabin!

Pilgrim, keep doing what your’n doing ― we got company coming in the distance. Keep ya smokepole by your side in case he’s not friendly.

My eyesight ain’t as good as it onc’t was, but I do believe that is Laughing Bear a coming. If’n it is, mayhap he’ll be wintering with us.

Go get the coffee pot on — oh, that’s right, we don’t have no coffee!

Don’t look at me like that! Mayhap he’ll have some.

Three Toes, Pilgrim and Laughing Bear.

Why do I call him Laughing Bear?

Well, he’s been out here nigh on 30 years or more. I don’t reckon there’s another man out here that has seen or done what he has, and he always finds humor whether it’s something bad or good. Just like when ya traded that coffee — now he’ll find that funny as all git out, and you can quit that snickering at anytime.

Photo Credit: Karen Mansell

Let’s go ahead and git a fire going. At least we can offer him some vittles, and then maybe catch up on how the trappings have been around these parts. If’n I can talk him into staying the winter, he’ll sure be a big help getting the cabin fixed up, jerking meat and gathering firewood for the cold months ahead. It’ll give us more time to trap and stretch them beeves. Now let’s go and meet Laughing Bear.

Three Toes

Q

free Trappers Most men who came to the mountains to be free trappers were young men who were poor, single or just tired of working hardscrabble farms. The lure of the wilderness and stories from other trappers were all it took to set them on their journey. They wore their homespun clothes and wool hats until they wore out, and then made their clothes from buckskins and the hats from other animal hides. Every mountain man dressed according to what was practical for himself. No two were alike when it came to clothes. Most were clean-shaven, except for maybe a moustache, but most all had long hair.

Pilgrim, Three Toes and Laughing Bear. www.WaterNWood.com

Mike Mansell December 2011

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7

Water ‘N Woods | fishing

City Trout

by Walt Fulps

photo credit: daniel nelson

N

ovember brings the close of the Missouri trout park harvest season and the start of the catch-and-release season in those very same parks — a time that many fly fishermen await with bated breath. But for you urbanite trout fishers among us, November brings something even more exciting. Rainbow trout have come to a city park near you!

If you’ve read any of my past articles, you’re probably already well educated regarding how water temperature affects metabolism — the colder the water, the less hungry they are and the slower they move. So take an instant-read thermometer with you when you head to the lake.

In a nutshell, if the water temperature is above 50 degrees, they’ll be fairly active ― below 50, less so. Tuck that information away for now.

Missouri and Kansas both offer quite a comprehensive winter trout fishing program made possible by stocking publicly-owned ponds and lakes. West of the state line, the program is funded and managed largely by the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism, but there are several local parks programs that have taken it upon themselves to make trout available to the public. In the Kansas City metro area, Johnson County Parks and Recreation has stocked the lakes at Heritage Park and Shawnee Mission Park with fish ranging from a foot long up to 20 inches and longer, including some startlingly colorful palomino trout. (Sorry, they’re not actually golden trout, but still pretty cool to catch.) Wyandotte County Lake is usually stocked over the winter as well, but not generally until later in the season.

A trout living in a river will quickly learn that he can hang out in a specific location and allow bugs to drift to him. If your lake was built by damming a creek, then there will be a bit of a current, and many of the trout that survive the first few weeks of the season will try to use that current. Those specific trout will also likely head upstream toward the creek if the water temperature is on the warmer side of 50. When the water is wickedly cold, however, they may drift downstream toward the dam. During this upstream/downstream movement, you might find a few fish that begin wandering away from the current (i.e. toward the bank), cruising for food like swimming nymphs and baitfish, but their numbers will likely be somewhat thin. Give it a shot, but if you don’t find feeding fish, start focusing on the invisible channel with some emphasis on the creek or the dam.

There’s not enough room or time to list all of the stocked lakes in Kansas, but the information is fairly easy to track down. For a list of the lakes stocked by Kansas Wildlife, visit kdwpt.state.ks.us and search for “Trout Fishing Program.” There are certain destinations that will require a special permit just to fish, and others that will only require the permit if you’re specifically targeting trout.

Missouri has a similar program, of course, stocking some 29 public ponds and lakes around the state. The greater Kansas City area has four of those destinations, with single locations in towns like Sedalia, Columbia, Kirksville and Mexico. Missouri lakes are generally stocked around November 1, with some of the lakes requiring catch-and-release fishing using flies and lures only until late winter. To double-check locations, visit www.MissouriConservation.com and search for “Winter Trout Fishing.”

In case you’re wondering, you missed the rip-snort fishing associated with opening day, and most of those fish have already gone home for dinner anyway. So, you’ll have to adjust your tactics to match what the remaining trout have learned to do in order to survive.

8

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December 2011

A lake-bound rainbow or brown trout will have to cruise around to find food. They will scavenge, eating anything that smells interesting — decomposing bits of dead fish or a lump of dough bait, for example — but they’re also hunting. They really have no choice in this regard. They will have to pursue prey to survive. As a fisherman, you’ll probably have to get your fly or lure DEEP to find these fish, but since they are often suspended off the bottom, depending on oxygen content, play around with the depth a bit. Probably the most important tactic, though, is using a fly or lure that moves plenty of water (something big and fluffy like a wooly bugger or marabou jig) that you can move excruciatingly slowly. Their sensitive lateral lines will help them hone in on the disturbance caused by sudden twitches, but reel slowly to give them enough time to whack it before the lure is outside of their strike zone.

At some point this winter, an unseasonably warm patch will pop up on us with lots of sunshine, lows in the 40s and highs in the 60s. When that happens, their activity level will jump, and you may even find some aggressive feeding. But keep in mind how they’ll migrate up and down in differing conditions, because finding them will be at least half the battle. www.WaterNWood.com

Of course, if fishing an urban lake for trout is just not for you, the trout parks are waiting.

Maramec Spring Park will be open seven days a week, with Bennett Spring, Roaring River and Montauk State Parks remaining open for fishing Fridays through Mondays. Fishing at Q the parks is permitted 9a.m. – 4 p.m. Come on down! We’ll be happy to have you.

Gif t t es fic a le i t r Ce a il a b Av

correction: The photo credits for Walt Fulps’ November article, “It’s Not Too Late for Big Brown Trout,” were incorrect.

Matt Tucker took those wonderful pictures of Brian Wise holding that monster brown trout. pictured: brian wise photo credit: matt Tucker

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.

Ask Missouri Trout Hunter

T

his month’s question via facebook: “fluorocarbon or monofilament?”

Monofilament (mono) is fairly inexpensive, which is its number one benefit to most anglers.

In addition, it’s flexible, flimsy and stretchy. These physical qualities allow the bait or fly to tumble naturally in the current, and they help you make a delicate cast. The stretchiness can mean a missed fish or two, since it might take an extra millisecond for the fish to feel the hook-set, but that same stretchiness can actually give you a better hook-up, assuming you’re quick enough. Mono is also fairly buoyant, which is a benefit if you’re fishing dry flies.

Fluorocarbon (FC) is not absorbent like mono is, and the material itself is more dense. This means it will sink faster, and it has very little stretch and limited flexibility, although the flexibility has improved over the last few years. The denser material also means that FC has a stronger tensile strength than mono when compared by thickness, and it’s quite resistant to damage by abrasion. But the most well-known benefit is that its refractive index (a measure of how much light it reflects) is almost exactly the same as water, making it almost invisible. The most obvious weakness is that its lack of flexibility makes the knots more likely to slip, although the higher price is also a problem for some.

Here’s where I get into trouble. The invisibility benefit isn’t worth the extra money, in my opinion, because trout (here it comes) actually do not have good eyesight. Before you all start sending your angry emails full of anecdotal evidence, trout eyes have been dissected, their rods and cones counted, the space between the rods and cones measured, and humans have them beat 14:1. Sorry. That’s why a hook with fur and feathers on it looks enough like a bug for them to eat it ― crummy eyesight. And before you ask about midges, does a Griffith’s Gnat actually look like a midge? So, setting aside the invisibility, if you are casting upstream with a slack line, attempting to get a natural tumbling drift, mono is the way to go. If you’re casting downstream and swinging your flies with tension in the line, FC may be the best choice for you. Personally, I’m cheap, and I continue using monofilament leaders and tippets, catching fish like they’re going out of style!

Keep the questions coming to @MoTroutHunter (Twitter) or find Missouri Trout Hunter on Q Facebook. www.WaterNWood.com

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December 2011

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9

Water ‘N Woods | hunting

The Christmas Goose —

A Lasting Tradition

by Billie R. Cooper

I

t does not taste like chicken or turkey; however, at Christmastime, goose has one important thing on its side — tradition.

Every reader of Dickens’ A Christmas Carol will remember that after Mr. Scrooge found the “Christmas Spirit,” he purchased a goose to deliver to the Cratchets himself. The following was on his list for stuffed goose with gravy — the stuffing for the goose, creamed onions and baked asparagus.

Dickens, with the exception of one other, has had the most influence on how we celebrate Christmas. His Christmas stories of the 1840s rekindled the joy of Christmas in Britain and America after the Puritans had all but snuffed out the Christmas traditions of singing carols and celebrating Yule in the early 1800s.

The goose is steeped in history in the British culture. It is seeing a revival of interest among the Brits. People are becoming more discerning about what they eat. British geese raised on natural pastures and corn stubble hold great appeal. A rediscovery of national heritage and customs seems to be reviving tradition.

The British have long valued the goose for more than its succulent meat. Goose quills were found on writing tables until the 19th century, and goose down and feathers provided the ultimate in bedding. Most people made their beds from crude mattresses stuffed with straw or horsehair. The wealthy preferred the comforts of goose down.

The graylag is the only goose indigenous to Great Britain. From this bird, soldiers took the grey pinion feathers to make fletches for their arrows. By the end of the 14th century, the English had become expert longbowmen. Taught from an early age, men and boys were required to practice their skills after church each Sunday. The Englishmen accomplished great victories against astonishing odds — at Crecy in 1346 and Agincourt in 1415. The accuracy and steadiness of the Wild geese are abundant and make a delicious Christmas dinner. Try farms when searching for a Christmas goose.

Photo Credit: © Наталья Аксёнова

English archers decimated the cavalry of French armies and changed the course of history.

Small European communities exercised the practice of maintaining flocks of geese in open spaces within each parish. Benefits included eggs, feathers, down, quills, fat and meat.

Goose clubs flourished in Victorian times. Members made payments throughout the year. Sherlock Holmes’ short story, “The Adventure of the Blue Carbuncle,” describes the benefits of one of these clubs.

Goose fat is one of the greatest appeals of the bird. The meat is succulent and harbors a different flavor. Goose fat is softer than that of red meat and contains a higher proportion of the more desirable monounsaturated fatty acids. Top chefs love to use goose fat.

Goose also remained a favorite holiday meal for many generations of Eastern European Jews. Americans, however, never seemed to develop a taste for goose. According the USDA, Americans only consume onethird pound of goose per capita per year. Compared to the 87 pounds of chicken each American eats each year, it becomes clear that a goose is a bird of a different feather, according to Americans.

Goose is considered a white meat. However, its breast is darker than chicken and carries a stronger flavor, all of which comes from the fact that geese fly. Chickens and turkeys normally stick to the ground and do not develop their breast muscles. Geese have a layer of fat under the skin that is easily removed before cooking, but the meat is not marbled like beef. And, according to the USDA, goose is similar to chicken or salmon in regards to fat and cholesterol levels.

Acquiring a goose for Christmas dinner can be as easy as going to the local supermarket. However, geese are not generally mass-produced in the United States. The best tasting goose will have been farm-raised in a sustainable manner. Local farmers raise geese under natural conditions. The birds are allowed to graze pasture lands and are often fed supplements of corn. By law, geese cannot be given growth hormones, and antibiotics may be used only to treat illness.

If your intent for a Christmas meal of goose is to try something different and to experience a bit of traditional history, a farm raised goose is the way to go. The whole experience from visiting with a farmer to preparing and serving the goose will provide memories and a connection to the past.

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Water `N Woods™

December 2011

Another option to collecting a goose is to hunt wild geese. Canada goose populations have swollen by 35,000 percent since 1975, according to Dave Graber, a waterfowl research biologist for the Missouri Department of Conservation. Graber also noted that Springfield has a growing giant Canada goose population. They often become nuisances around golf courses and other public places. While hunting them in city limits is not legal, geese often fly out to the countryside.

“Scouting geese is almost as much fun as hunting them,” said Buck Gardener, a pro waterfowl hunter with Hunter Specialties. “Geese that are not bothered establish a routine. It is simple to follow geese as they move about. Once you locate where geese are going down on a farm, ask permission to hunt. Many landowners suffer crop damage by the big birds and will allow those who ask ahead of time the opportunity to hunt.”

Need g in Camp r?

Geaave It!

Allen Treadwell, of Seligman, Missouri, served as an alternate for the U.S. Olympic Skeet Team in 2004 and is a pro-staffer for Bass Pro’s prestigious RedHead Hunting Team.

We H

“I love goose hunting,” Treadwell said. “There is nothing more fun than being in a layout blind in a cut corn field early in the morning and calling a flock of giant Canadas to the decoys.”

Collecting your own wild goose for Christmas dinner can be a social and fun affair.

Wild goose or farm-raised goose ― one thing remains eternal. Regardless of your choice for a Christmas goose, the bird will reconnect you and your family to nature and ancient tradition.

Goose recipe compliments of USDA is this month’s feature recipe on page 25.

Billie R.Cooper, from the Missouri Ozarks, earned a Masters 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.

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Hunter Johnson, a member of the Avery Waterfowl Pro-Staff and owner of Locked Wings and Labs, a waterfowl hunting operation out of the Missouri bootheel, agrees. “One of the greatest thrills in the outdoors is to coax a big flock of geese into shooting range. I love it when clients experience the thrill of harvesting their first goose.” Check his operation at www.lockedwings.com.

11

MISSOURI HUNTING SCHEDULES QUICK GUIDE FOR 2011 & 12 ©Water `N Woods. 2011, All Conceptual Designs & Reprint Rights Reserved

Furbearers Season Deer Archery - 1st Half Deer Archery - 2nd Half Deer - Urban Deer Youth Deer Firearms Deer Muzzleloader Deer Antlerless Furbearers Groundhog Rabbit Squirrel Coyote

Missouri Bird Hunting Seasons and Limits

Common Snipe Crow Dove Pheasant Youth Pheasant Northern Zone Pheasant Southern Zone Quail Youth Quail Ruffed Grouse Sora and Virginia Rails Turkey Archery 1st Half Turkey Archery 2nd Half Turkey Fall Firearms Woodcock Teal Ducks

Waterfowl Waterfowl North Zone Waterfowl Middle Zone Waterfowl South Zone

Sep 1, 2011 Nov 1, 2011 Sep 1, 2011 Oct 29, 2011 Nov 1, 2011 Dec 1, 2011 Oct 29, 2011 Nov 1, 2011 Oct 15, 2011 Sep 1, 2011 Sep 15, 2011 Nov 23, 2011 Oct 1, 2011 Oct 15, 2011 Sep 10, 2011 Youth Hunts Oct 22-23, 2011 Oct 22-23, 2011 Nov 19-20, 2011

See Zones Above See Zones Above See Zones Above See Zones Above See Zones Above See Zones Above See Zones Above See Zones Above See Zones Above See Zones Above See Zones Above See Zones Above See Zones Above

Possession

1 1 1 1 1 1 1 No Limit No Limit 12 20 No Limit

8 No Limit 15 2 2 1 8 8 2 25 2 2 2 3 4 Canada Geese

16 No Limit 30 4 4 2 16 16 4 25 2 2 2 6 8 Whitefronted

Oct 1-9, 2011 Nov 24, 2011& Nov 24, 2011- Jan 31, 2012 Nov 24, 2011-Jan 22, 2012 Jan 31, 2012 Oct 29 - Dec 27, 2011

Nov 5, 2011 - Jan 3, 2012

See Zones Above See Zones Above See Zones Above See Zones Above See Zones Above See Zones Above See Zones Above See Zones Above See Zones Above See Zones Above See Zones Above See Zones Above See Zones Above

Comments Open Statewide Open Statewide In eleven counties. Permits & regulations apply

Open Statewide Open Statewide Open Statewide In 73 counties Statewide (Beaver trapping thru March 31)

No Limit/Open Statewide No more than 2/4 swamp rabbits Open Statewide Restr apply during deer and turkey seasons.

©Water `N Woods. 2011, All Conceptual Designs & Reprint Rights Reserved

Dec 16, 2011 Mar 3, 2012 Nov 9, 2011 Oct 30, 2011 Jan 15, 2012 Dec 12, 2011 Oct 30, 2011 Jan 15, 2012 Jan 15, 2012 Nov 9, 2011 Nov 11, 2011 Jan 15, 2012 Oct 31, 2011 Nov 28, 2011 Sep 25, 2011 Ducks Regular Season

Ducks & Geese Mallards Black ducks Canvasback Hooded Mergansers Pintails Redheads Scaup Wood ducks Mottled ducks Light geese Canada geese White-fronted geese Brant geese

Bag Limit 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 No Limit No Limit 6 10 No Limit

Close Dates Open Dates Nov 11, 2011 Sep 15, 2011 Jan 15, 2012 Nov 23, 2011 Oct 10, 2011 Oct 7, 2011 Nov 5-6, 2011 & 2nd 1/2 Jan 7-8, 2012 Nov 22, 2011 Nov 12, 2011 Dec 27, 2011 Dec 17, 2011 Dec 4, 2011 Nov 23, 2011 Jan 31, 2012 Nov 15, 2011 Dec 31, 2011 May 9, 2011 Feb 15, 2012 Oct 1, 2011 Feb 15, 2012 May 28, 2011 Mar 31, 2012 May 9, 2011

Daily Bag Limit

Possession

4 (2 females)

8 (4 females)

1 1 2 1 2 2 3 1 20 3 2 1

2 2 4 2 4 4 6 2 No Limit 6 4 2

Open Statewide Open Statewide Open Statewide Northern Zone Only

Open Statewide Open Statewide See Open Counties at MDC

Open Statewide Contingent upon final Federal Framework

Light Geese (Snow/Blue/Ross's) Oct 29, 2011- Jan 31, 2011 Bag Limit: 20 Conservation order: Feb 1-Apr 30, 2012

Limit

©Water `N Woods. 2010, All Conceptual Designs & Reprint Rights Reserved

WATER`N WOODS STRONgly REcOmmENDS vERifyiNg iNfORmATiON WiTh mDc WhEN iN quESTiON. It is not our intention to provide any incorrect information. Information Posted Is Non-Binding & Only An Entertainment Reference Guide.

12

Water `N Woods™

December 2011

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KANSAS HUNTING SCHEDULES QUICK GUIDE FOR 2011 & 12 ©Water `N Woods. 2011, All Conceptual Designs & Reprint Rights Reserved

Furbearers Season Deer Archery - 1st Half

Open Dates Sep 19, 2011

Close Date

Bag Limit Possession

Comments

Dec 31, 2011

1

1

Deer Archery - Ext. Anterless Jan 9, 2012

Jan 31, 2012

1

1

Deer Youth & Disability

Sep 10, 2011

Sep 18, 2011

1

1

Deer Firearms

Nov 30, 2011

Dec 11, 2011

1

1

Deer Muzzleloader

Sep 19, 2011

Oct 2, 2011

1

1

Deer Antlerless Extended

Jan 1, 2012

Jan 8, 2012

1

Antelope Firearms Season

Oct 7, 2011

Oct 10, 2011

1

1

ELK - Archey

Sep 19, 2011

Dec 31, 2011

1

1

ELK - Firearm

Nov 30, 2011

Dec 31, 2011

1

1

Holders of Any-Elk Permits

Furbearers

Nov 16, 2011

Feb 15, 2012

No Limit

No Limit

Statewide (Beaver trapping thru March 31)

Bullfrogs

Jul 1, 2011

Oct 31,2012

8

24

Area Open: Statewide

Rabbit

Jan 1, 2011

Jan 1, 2012

10

30

Open All Year - Cottontail & Jackrabbit

Squirrel

Jun 1, 2011

Feb 28, 2012

5

20

Area Open: Statewide

Kansas Bird Hunting Seasons and Limits

(DMU 19 and Fort Leavenworth only)

Statewide

Note Below (RS = Regular Season)

Common Snipe Crow Dove Pheasant Youth Season Pheasant (RS) Prairie Chicken (RS) Prairie Chicken (RS) Quail Quail Youth Sandhill Crane Turkey Gun (Spring) Turkey Gun (Fall)

Sep 1, 2011

Dec 16, 2011

8

16

Area Open: Statewide

Nov 10, 2011

Mar 10, 2012

No Limit

No Limit

Area Open: Statewide

15

30

Area Open: Statewide

Turkey Gun (Part 2 & 3 Fall)

Woodcock Teal Ducks Waterfowl ZONES

Sept.1 - Oct 31 & Nov 5-13, 2011 Nov 5, 2011

Nov 6, 2011

2 cocks

in season

Area Open: Statewide

Nov 12, 2011

Jan 31, 2012

4 cocks

in season

Area Open: Statewide

Nov 19, 2011

Jan 31, 2012

2

4

Nov 19, 2011

Dec. 31, 2011

1

2

(RS) - East and Northwest zones (RS) -Southwest zone

Nov 12, 2011

Jan 31, 2012

8

16

Area Open: Statewide

Nov 5, 2011

Nov 6, 2011

4

8

Area Open: Statewide

Nov 9, 2011

Jan 5, 2012

3

6

Area Open: Statewide

Apr 1, 2011

May 31, 2011

1

1

Units 2, and 3

Oct 1, 2011

Nov 29, 2011

1

1

Units 1, 2, and 3

Dec 12-31, 2011

Jan 9-31, 2012

1

1

Units 1, 2, and 3

Oct 15, 2011

Nov 28, 2011

3

6

Area Open: Statewide

High Zone, Sept 17-25

Low Zone, Sept 10-25

4

8

Contingent upon final Federal Framework

Youth Hunts

Regular Seasons

Daily Bag Possession Limit Limit

Ducks High Plains Zone

Oct 1-2

Oct 8-Jan 2 & Jan 21-29, 2012

6

12

Ducks Early Zone

Oct 1-2

Oct 8-Dec 4 & Dec 17-Jan 1, 2012

6

12

Ducks Late Zone

Oct 22-23

Oct 29-Jan 1 & Jan 21-29, 2012

6

12

Ducks Southeast Zone

Oct 22-23

Nov 5-Jan 8 & Jan 21-29, 2012

Mallards Black ducks and Canvasback

6

12

5 (2 females)

8 (4 females)

Comments The daily bag limit is 6 ducks, which may include no more than the individual species limits listed.

1

2

Hooded Mergansers, Pintails, Redheads and Scaup

2

4

Wood ducks

3

6

©Water `N Woods. 2010, All Conceptual Designs & Reprint Rights Reserved

Daily Bag Limit

Possession Limit

Area Open: Statewide Note: By special conservation order, light geese may also be taken from Feb. 13 April 30, 2012. During this period, there will be no bag or possesion limit on light geese.

Geese

Early Season

Late Season

Canadian Geese

Oct 29 - Nov 6, 2011 Nov 9, 2011-Feb 12, 2012

3

6

White-Fronted Geese

Oct 29 -Jan 1, 2012

2

4

Light Geese

Oct 29 - Nov 6, 2011 Nov 9, 2011-Feb 12, 2012

20

No Limit

Feb 4-12, 2012

WATER`N WOODS STRONgly REcOmmENDS vERifyiNg iNfORmATiON WiTh mDc WhEN iN quESTiON. It is not our intention to provide any incorrect information. Information Posted Is Non-Binding & Only An Entertainment Reference Guide. www.WaterNWood.com

December 2011

Water `N Woods™

13

Water ‘N Woods | hunting

Black Powder — Yesterday and Today

by Steve Felgenhauer

O

ne of my favorite methods of hunting deer is using a black powder rifle. And what’s not to like? Now that Missouri has moved the season to mid-December, it feels like hunting season. Of course, this is Missouri — so anything is possible, but usually the air is crisp and, on occasion, there is an opportunity to hunt while snow is on the ground.

While many of my cohorts thought my black powder toting “primitive,” I never felt at a disadvantage, and relied solely on the first shot.

After a stint in the service, I once again took up arms with the black powder rifle. One of the most memorable hunts was the first buck I harvested by rattling ― the fact that I used my black powder rifle was just icing on the cake.

I grew up using a muzzleloader very different from the modern marvels so popular today. My first muzzleloader was a traditional type ― complete with side hammer, double set triggers and open sights. Still with these “handicaps,” I was able to keep a four-inch group at 100 yards.

However, change was in the air, and today’s black powder rifles are hardly recognizable.

Learning the ropes of black powder rifles At the age of 14, I received my first lesson using a black powder rifle. My mentor, Boyd, meticulously showed me the ins and outs of black powder rifles and how to prevent misfires by snapping three percussion caps before dropping a charge of black powder down the barrel.

Deer season came, a week later, and I already felt confident with the rifle.

Today’s black powder rifles Today’s modern inline muzzleloaders utilize adjustable triggers, drilled and tapped for a scope, and can extend a hunter’s range up to 150 yards beyond the muzzleloaders of yesteryear. A new industry has been developed, including black powder scopes, powder, bullets and even TV shows dedicated to the way of the black powder hunter.

Black powder rifles do require a bit more attention than shoving a handful of cartridges in your pocket, and care must be exercised to ensure the rifle goes off when it should.

Instead of a can of black On opening morning, I powder, round balls and loaded the rifle and went patches, and a tin of percusPhoto Credit: Steve Felgenhauer sion caps, today compressed hunting. The cold temperature had the deer moving, powder pellets, saboted Modern muzzleloaders like the Thompson Contender G2 and a traditional bullets and shotgun primers but I was holding out for a Hawken keep deer hunters in the woods in mid-December. buck. As the sun dipped are tools of the trade. below the horizon on the final evening of the black powder season, I spotted what I had been Today’s muzzleloaders are inline, meaning the ignition component looking for — an 11th-hour buck. I dropped down in the prone position, delivers sparks directly to the powder charge and while ignition is took a dead aim, set the trigger and was surprised when the expected supposed to be positive. I will continue to fire a primer before loading report of the rifle was a snap instead of a roar. The tutelage I received the rifle. This gets rid of any moisture or oil in the barrel. Thanks, Boyd. only a week ago obviously didn’t sink in. After snapping two more The ignition is standard shotgun primers. caps and getting the same results, I reduced myself to standing and yelling at the magnificent buck.

The compressed powder is a round cylinder called a pellet. These small powder chargers are very uniform, with the most common being in As I skulked into Boyd’s house, tail tucked between my legs, I was 50-grain increments. met with a stern, yet sympathetic, “I told you to always snap three caps before loading the rifle.” It was a hard lesson learned.

The bullets are pistol bullets encased in a plastic sabot and are accurate to ranges that surpass some traditional deer rifles.

And it wasn’t the last time I had to take the muzzleloader back to Boyd.

I thought I would load a different kind of bullet, and proceeded to get So have I converted? Am I using the latest in black powder rifles? Of a bullet lodged halfway down the bore. Two broken ramrods later, I course! I recently obtained an inline muzzleloader, mounted a scope, headed out to the ridge to get a talk from Boyd. got a box of Pyrodex pellets and some saboted bullets and already made Q plans to try it out on a Missouri whitetail this month.

Once again, Boyd fixed my mess. Luckily, I wasn’t too bright, so I was The love of hunting, fishing and the great outdoors, combined with writing, still not deterred.

I used the rifle quite a bit the following summer, mainly hunting groundhogs and target shooting. That winter I connected on my first black powder deer.

14

Water `N Woods™

December 2011

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.

www.WaterNWood.com

Kansas Department of Wildlife Parks and Tourism News

february 24-26 KcScI Annual hunter’s expo

GLEN ELDER WILDLIFE AREA MENTOR/NOVICE AREA ENTERS THIRD YEAR

at KCI Expo Center Details on page 29

After two years, the 1,000-acre Walnut Creek Mentor/Novice Area on Glen Elder Wildlife Area is receiving great reviews from hunters.

Many youngsters, as well as a few new adult hunters, have harvested their very first pheasant or deer on the area. Other young hunters have taken advantage of the opportunity to build on their newly acquired outdoor skills and experiences.

The Mentor/ Novice Area is located on the southeast portion of the 12,500-acre Glen Elder Wildlife Area, near Glen Elder Reservoir in Mitchell County. The Walnut Creek area was chosen for this designation because of the wide range of hunting opportunities it provides.

Pheasant and deer are found in good numbers, and the area also harbors small game, waterfowl, dove, furbearers, and turkey.

The purpose of the Mentor/Novice Area is to provide a public area for beginning hunters with a good opportunity for success while maintaining overall hunting opportunities on the entire property.

“Novice” includes youth age 18 and younger and any person who has not previously purchased a hunting license or permit in any state for the particular game species they wish to pursue. For example, a veteran pheasant hunter can qualify as a novice deer hunter if that individual has never previously purchased a deer permit. Experienced adult hunters are allowed to hunt in this area if they are mentoring at least one youth or novice hunter.

In 2000, participation in Kansas’ first youth pheasant season was high at Glen Elder, with an estimated 78 youth and 74 adult hunters taking advantage of this new opportunity. In succeeding years, adults were not allowed to hunt with the youth, and annual participation dropped to an average of 15 youth. With this in mind, the concept of the Mentor/Novice Area was developed — a place for new hunters to learn and experienced hunters to recruit new hunters during regular seasons.

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

The Walnut Creek Cove of the lake is a popular duck hunting area.

Waterfowl hunting without the Mentor/Novice requirement is still allowed, but hunters are only allowed to hunt and access the shoreline areas by boat. The nearby Walnut Creek boat ramp is open and available for this purpose.

In 2004, the Walnut Creek Area was designated as a survey area with free daily permits required of each hunter. Five years of baseline background data is available and provides a wealth of information on who uses the area, what they harvest, and how they rate their experience. Data collected from the Walnut Creek Area including the Mentor/Novice Area will supply data for a three-year study comparing information from before and after the designation. A decision will then be made to continue, modify, or eliminate the Mentor/ Novice Area based on data evaluation.

Join the Fun!

For more information on this special opportunity, phone the wildlife Q area office at 875-545-3345.

To join or for membership information, contact fred robertson at 913-299-6759 or frobertson57@sbcglobal.net.

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

for information about ScI, visit www.kcsci.com.

www.WaterNWood.com

December 2011

Water `N Woods™

15

Holiday Gift Ideas For The Outdoors Enthusiast weber's camo Leather 6 oz. flask Smith's diamond edge 2000 electric Sharpener de Keeping Your Bla

Sharp

Take your favorite beverage with you in this Camo Leather Hip Flask from Weber's. Made of stainless steel. Color: Mossy Oak® Break-Up®.

• Hinged cover for easy opening and closing • Made with stainless steel • Wrapped in camo leather with black leather accent SRP: $29.99 at Bass Pro Shops or www.basspro.com

The first step to enjoying the outdoors is to be prepared for what comes after you’ve taken game from the field. The Diamond Edge 2-Stage / 2000 Electric Knife Sharpener will aid in your preparations. It incorporates both mechanical and manual sharpening elements in one unit.

The mechanical sharpening slot features a diamond-coated sharpening wheel and blade guides to hold your knife at the correct angle during mechanical sharpening.

After sharpening both sides of your blade with the diamond sharpening wheels, Smith's recommends using the crossed ceramic stones in the manual finishing slot for the final edge honing. Ceramic stones remove any burrs left on your blade from mechanical sharpening and put a razor sharp edge on your blade.They can also be used for a quick touch-up of an already sharp blade.

Available at Dick’s Sporting Goods. SPR: $49.99 www.dickssportinggoods.com.

Sears - www.sears.com

foodSaver® V2840 The stainless steel FoodSaver® V2840 Advanced Design Vacuum Sealer is perfect for vacuum sealing your game prior to freezing.

It preserves and even marinates food in minutes. Store wet, dry and delicate foods safely in airtight bags with CrushFree™ Instant Seal, two sealing levels and an extrawide sealing strip. Built-in roll holder, cutter and accessory port included.

Product Features: • Full-Size Model with Easy Lock Latch System • Space Saving Flip-Up Design • 2 Vacuum Speeds • 2 Sealing Levels – Great for Moist or Dry Foods • Extra-Wide Sealing Strip for the Strongest Seal • Built-In Roll Storage and Cutter • Easy-Clean Antibacterial Drip Tray 16

Water `N Woods™

December 2011

Retails in and outdo most appliance o stores SR r/sporting goods P: $149.9 9 www.foo dsaver.co . m

bushnell bone collector Sport 850 Laser rangefinder Know your yardage instantly — with the tap of a single button, you know the exact distance to your target from 5 to 850 yards. The bright, crystal-clear optics get you on game with speed, even in low light. Lightweight and small enough to fit in a shirt pocket, the Sport ® 850 has the accuracy you want and is easy to use. Its compact dimensions and handy vertical configuration make it a favorite with bow and gun hunters alike.

Features: • Vertical configuration • 4x magnification/ objective size (mm): 4 x 20 • FOV (ft. @ 1000 yds.): 430 • Range: 5-850 yards • Reflective: 850 • Exit pupil: 5 mm • Eye-relief: 17 mm • Optical coatings: multi-coated • Dimensions: 1.4" x 3.8" x 2.9" • Battery-life indicator • Weight: 5.3 oz.

• Battery type: 3-Volt CR2 included • Includes case, strap and battery • Built-in tripod mount Available at Bushnell Retail Outlet Stores or Dick's Sporting Goods SRP: was $249.99, now $189.98. www.dickssportinggoods.com. www.WaterNWood.com

rapala electric fillet Knife

Not your typical electric knife — the Rapala Electric Fillet Knife is made for anglers. It offers all the features you need to take the chore out of cleaning fish. The Rapala Electric Fillet Knife's 7 1/2" stainless steel reciprocating blades will breeze through the toughest bone and skin. This electric fish fillet knife also features a quiet, long-lasting motor with advanced airflow for years of service. It has a 7' power cord, which will plug into any 110 volt wall outlet. This knife also comes with a bonus fillet fork to securely hold your catch during the cleaning process.

Say E SE E H C

Available at Dick’s Sporting Goods www.dickssportinggoods.com - SRP: $39.99 Bass Pro Shops - www.basspro.com Cabelas - www.cabelas.com

wildgame Innovations Vantage hi-definition Infrared Action camera Record your outdoor adventures with premium quality and clarity.

The Wildgame Innovations® Vantage Hi-Definition Infrared Action Camera provides 5.0 mega pixels, 720i HD video and zooms up to four times. Vantage features Rapidx photo feature that allows for shooting multiple high-speed photos. The only like camera that allows you to see your recording options in the easy-to-read side settings window. Also featured are four accessories for filming your hunt in high definition. Vantage includes a clear water-resistant case.

Scientific Anglers fly fishing Trout outfit Scientific Anglers’ Fly Fishing Outfits give you everything you need to enter the world of fly fishing. These species-specific outfits include a 4-piece graphite fly rod, graphite disc drag fly reel backing, a weight forward floating fly line, tapered leader flies and a fly box.

Each outfit also includes a copy of Scientific Anglers DVD, Fly Fishing Made Easy. This DVD is great for the beginner and explains terminology of casting and more. As a bonus, a copy of Larry Dahlberg’s Panfish and Bass is included. Remember, fly-fishing is not only for trout ― catch a variety of pan and sport fish.

Features: • Instructive LCD command console • Capability of 720i HD video • 848x480 or 720i HD for digital video clips in WVGA • Multiple high-speed photos with Rapidx photo feature • Zooms up to 4 times • Up to 40-ft. infrared flash • Four accessories included to film hunt in HD • Clear water-resistant case • 5.0 mega pixels Available at Dick’s Sporting Goods. SRP: $169.99 www.dickssportinggoods.com.

Scientific Anglers 4-Piece Fly Fishing Trout Outfit is available at Raninbow Fly Shop, 4621 S. Shrank Drive, Independence, MO www.kcflyshop.com, Sears -www.sears.com and Dick’s Sporting Goods stores.

SRP: $99.95 www.WaterNWood.com

December 2011

Water `N Woods™

17

God’s Back Porch A Semi-True Story

by David M. Zumbaugh Illistrations by Lizzy Revak

I

experienced what psychologists call a night terror the other evening; beyond a bad dream, an episode where you wake up sweaty and shaking. The vivid scene encountered was that I had wrecked my truck in a Wal-Mart parking lot and was violently dismembered and killed. However, I was not upset I was deceased, but that my beloved F-150 off-road truck, “Gertrude,” had been completely demolished. The weird part was I regained consciousness on a wonderful, comfortable back porch in an intimate, but surreal, world.

I was sitting on a carefully crafted deck chair, the wood sawn by hand as evidenced by the kerf marks on the mahogany staves. The porch itself was artfully designed with turned balusters and a railing of seemingly perfectlyfitted carpentry. The joinery was either dove-tailed or pegged, and there were no visible nails. All construction was natural grain with knotholes absent, and the unblemished finish showed no signs of sun fading or weathering.

My environmental awareness could not detect if it was hot or cold, dry or moist ― just a pleasant climate. I was wearing some type of long-sleeved flannel or chamois shirt and long pants, but no shoes. The musty smell of dropping walnuts was in the air, but with a hint of apple cider blended in. Every once in awhile, a whisp of hickory smoke floated to my nose from a river-stoned fireplace attached to the cedar log house.

In the distance was a crystal-clear trout brook, with endless gurgling riffles disappearing in the distance behind a forest of strange, but beautifully symmetrical, coniferous trees. At this point it dawned on me that I must be in heaven and resting on God’s own back porch!

On a small table next to me was a frosted glass of perfectly sweetened lemonade and a plate with two sugar cookies that tasted just like the ones my grandmother used to bake. I accidentally dropped a crumb on the floor, and a spry and brightly striped chipmunk appeared to partake of the morsel. Soon the small squirrel was nervously chirping away on the arm of my chair, greedily begging for another bite. It then boldly hopped onto my knee, so I obliged with another chunk, and it scampered away to a secret, albeit safe, hideaway to feast on the bounty.

In the meadow across the stream, I espied a large wooly brown bear searching for its supper. It casually stood on its hind legs and I could’ve sworn that it waved a huge clawed paw at me! Oops! Since this is a story about God’s property, I should not be blaspheming. So sorry!

The sun was straining to set in the west, blazing puffy orange clouds, and as I gazed in that direction, I saw an irregularlyshaped fishpond with a wooden canoe on the bank that must’ve also been built by a true master of hardwood skills. There just had to be some hungry trophy fish in that deep blue-green pool, and I lusted to at least take a short walk around its banks. Although there was a bamboo fly rod leaning against a nearby tree and rigged with a woolly bugger, I could not move my legs.

I noticed a long-haired dog with tinges of red fur sleeping in the corner of the covered enclave, and so I justified it as a red setter.

It was basking in a triangle of the last rays of sunshine and padding away through imaginary leaps in some faraway covert.

For some reason I would have thought the Lord would have fancied golden retrievers, but such assumptions could get a man in trouble. As I took the last sip of tangy citrus, the dog yawned, stretched, came over to get an ear scratch and wandered off to sniff after some grouse of whatever persuasion that inhabited this gorgeous place.

In the distance I could detect the rising hail of a flock of Canadian geese, and as they resumed more loudly, I predicted that they were destined to roost in the glade where the pond emptied its overflow. The honkers cautiously circled the vicinity several times, discussing the appropriate landing path, before adjusting wings and landing gear to target the moist and inviting plot. There are few spectacles more glorious than witnessing such magnificent, symphonic fowl on final approach.

In the glowering light, I noticed a small clinging tendril of poison ivy climbing one of the porch pedestals and surmised that even God cannot keep track of and control everything. Was this a reminder that evil lurks in unlikely places and no matter how good a person may be, or the value of one’s portfolio, you must have faith, as sooner or later you will be afflicted by some hazard and will need support beyond mankind? Soon, darkness was victorious over daylight and complete blackness enveloped my consciousness.

As you might expect, I awoke in a panic. It took several minutes of deep breathing to realize that this affair was certainly not reality. The experience impacted me to the point of shocked epiphany. Indeed, if what I witnessed was truly heaven, everyone needs to work much, much harder to get to that place, but at the same time, it would be a shame to see it overcrowded.

I vowed to evaluate my lifestyle, selfishness and countless, unfathomable vices and make Q immediate amends.

David Zumbaugh is a freelance writer, photographer and an 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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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. 2011, 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™

December 2011

www.WaterNWood.com

©Water `N Woods. 2011, 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.

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

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

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.

What’s In a Mount?

In One Word – Quality

Shoulder Mounts, Life-Size Mounts, Small Mammals, Bird, Fish & Replicas.

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.

All Mounts 100% Guaranteed with Lifetime Warranty

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

816-985-7359

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.

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.

Indian point marina 417-338-2891 3443 Indian Point Road, Branson, MO Fishing Tackle, Boat Rentals, Guide Service.

660-477-3630

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

www.WaterNWood.com

l 10 Years Experience l Affordable Prices l Great Turn-Around Time

Platte City, MO

www.BobKamlerTaxidermy.com buckfeverbob@msn.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

December 2011

Water `N Woods™

21

Holiday Backpacker’s Gift Guide

by Alex Riester

T

his Christmas season brings many highly innovative gifts you could give your favorite backpacker or camper. The outdoor industry is flooded with new ways to travel lighter, more efficiently and more comfortably. I have chosen a few of my favorite items, ranging in price from stocking stuffers to life-changers, and a few items in between.

Stocking Stuffers: My favorite stocking stuffer, besides Smartwool socks, is the Soto Pocket Torch ($20). The Pocket Torch turns your ordinary rectangular, non-Bic lighter into a wind-resistant torch, burning at temperatures above 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit. It is a must-have for any cigar aficionado, anyone who enjoys lighting campfires and anyone who hates using traditional lighters. For those who have tried to refill a storm-proof torch before, they know what a hassle it is, and usually end up reeking like butane for a few hours afterwards. The Pocket Torch fixes that with a quick lighter reload, and with an average 20-minute burn time, you will not have to replace the lighter all that often.

Mentioned before as one of my favorite items in my backpack, the Inka Stainless Steel Pen ($17.99) is still on my list as a well-priced must-have.

It folds together to make full-size pen, but it is only the length of a normal key when collapsed. It is reliable and is pressurized, so it works upside down.

It even works underwater.

This pen is simply amazing. gifts for uncle, brother, or anyone you want to spend a little extra dough on: Portable speakers used to have terrible sound, would burn through batteries, and break if only slightly dropped, so testing their durability was out of the question. The Goal Zero Rock Out Portable Speaker ($40) fixes all those problems. An internal lithium battery brings at least 20 hours of musical enjoyment, depending on how loud you have them cranked. The sound is phenomenal — crisp, clear tones and the bass speakers help deliver a full range of high-quality sound.

A wooden sound box protects and adds to the sound quality. These are a must for anyone who enjoys parties, BBQs, campfires or gettogethers.

22

Water `N Woods™

December 2011

If the gift receivers already own and enjoy Smartwool Socks, then it is time for them to wear, drumroll please, the Merino T-shirt. Most people hesitate before spending $60 on a t-shirt, so why don’t you spend it for them? In my professional opinion, anyone who enjoys going outside needs to experience the wonderfulness that is the Icebreaker Tech T Lite. Soft, breathable, warm, comfortable ― I will run out of superlatives to compliment this amazing fiber. It is simply miraculous. gifts for the one whom you love the most: The Patagonia Black Hole Duffel is at the top of my own personal Christmas list this year. The 90-liter size runs around $120. It comes in bright colors, so when you see it pop out of that luggage terminal, there is no question of which bag is yours. It is waterproof everywhere but the main zipper. You can tie it to the roof of your car and drive through rainstorm after rainstorm, and your clothes and gear would still be dry. Patagonia even put four daisy chains on each corner to help you tie it down. It is also square, as opposed to round, so it stacks much easier. I can almost hear the bag crying out for you to abuse it, test it, throw it at the baggage handlers to abuse and then watch it come back ready to be abused even more.

The Mountain Hardwear Drystein jacket ($450) is the most waterproof, breathable and air permeable jacket on the current market. Mountain Hardwear dropped GoreTex this year, in favor of their proprietary waterproof technology called DryQ. The Drystein uses the top level of DryQ, called DryQ Elite, and it wicks the moisture off your skin. Just imagine — the days of feeling clammy in your rain jacket are over. This marvelous piece of equipment pulls the sweat off your skin and dissipates it across the jacket, resulting in a quicker drying time and a more comfortable you. I think everyone would appreciate the benefit of this jacket. It is spectacular.

Well, there you have it — the best of the best for that avid backpacker, camper or anyone who enjoys the outdoors. If any of these items make your list, they are sure to bring a smile or at least a bemused look of wonderment. Have a Merry Christmas and good luck with the gift giving.

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. Riester is married to a wonderful woman, Kaitlyn, and together they have an Alaskan malamute named Denali, Riester’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.

www.WaterNWood.com

missouri Department of conservation News Skeet Shooter Finds Accessible MDC Range and Coaching on Target

by Bill Graham

K

atie Garcia rolls her wheelchair onto the skeet firing positions along with other powder-burning, target-busting regulars at the Lake City Shooting Range. “Pull,” Garcia says, shouldering her 20-gauge shotgun as an orange-and-black clay pigeon spins skyward. The target splits into pieces after her gun booms. It’s another hit and time for a smile.

Still, Garcia improved her accuracy and nuanced abilities at the same pace as other shooters he has coached, Dale said. Her wheelchair was no hindrance.

“My best round so far is (hitting) 21 of 25,” Garcia said. Plus, she’s enjoyed the comradeship of Dale and the other volunteers and shooters who frequent the Wednesday afternoon skeet rounds.

“When I first came out here, Richard and the others helped me and worked with me every week,” Garcia said. “I don’t know if I’d be doing it now if they hadn’t encouraged me.”

Now, she’s got her own personal range gear and the goal to keep shooting better. “I’ll keep shooting because it’s enjoyable,” Garcia said, “and I like coming out here to be with these guys.”

Shooters interested in opportunities and classes at the Lake City range can call 816-249-3194 or go to http://mdc.mo.gov/node/282. A list of accessible MDC shooting ranges is available in the booklet “DisabledQ Accessible Outdoors,” at http://1.usa.gov/sSCHM. Courtesy of Missouri Department of Conservation. For more information about this story and others, visit www.mdc.mo.gov/newsroom.

Award Winning Taxidermy

Katie Garcia shooting.

Photo Courtesy of Missouri Department of Conservation.

Outdoor sports were rare in her life until this spring when she discovered skeet shooting and a mentor, Richard Dale, a volunteer at the Lake City range. “It’s fun,” Garcia said, “and I feel like it’s a sport that I can do on my own.” But she had help getting started from the Wednesdayafternoon regulars at the Lake City skeet and trap range, which is operated by the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) near eastern Independence and northern Blue Springs.

Garcia, 34, of Pleasant Hill, lost the use of her legs in 2000 after a skiing accident. But the Lake City range is accessible for people who use wheelchairs for mobility. That includes the range’s pistol and rifle shooting lines and the classroom.

“We took a ladies gun safety course here and I became interested in doing the skeet shooting,” Garcia said. “They told me to come up here because the skeet guys all shoot on Wednesday.”

L e a r n T h e A r t o f Ta x i d e r m y Start your new hobby or career out right with Second Creation Taxidermy School. Serving the Kansas City area since 1986. We provide quality taxidermy work, and one of the premier taxidermy schools in the nation. Call today for more information, classes now forming.

That informal group includes Dale, 67, of Napoleon, MO. He began teaching Garcia the basics about handling shotguns and shooting accuracy. But both teacher and pupil found new challenges from a sport that alternates shooting positions and the directions that targets fly.

“For me, being in a wheelchair, I had to figure out how to position myself for the different shooting positions so I could be in the right place to shoot well,” Garcia said.

Dale, an experienced shooter, found himself studying the sport from a new angle.“I can tell people how to stand and shoot,” he said. “But I couldn’t tell her the same, she had to figure that out for herself.” www.WaterNWood.com

Call 913-422-3111 SecondCreation.com December 2011

11501 Riverview, Kansas City, KS. Cindy Cunningham, Owner/Wildlife Artist Water `N Woods™

23

Pheasants Forever, Quail Forever & MidwayUSA Present the First Annual Wildlife Conservation Experience and Career Day February 17, 2012 at the Kansas City Convention Center in Kansas City, Missouri who is invited?

High schools in the Kansas City, Missouri and Kansas area. We are expecting 200 students to participate in this educational day. Transportation and lunches will be provided for participating students and teachers.

what will students experience?

A customized educational program will be offered as part of PF/QF’s No Child Left Indoors® initiative. Highlights include: • Opening session featuring a motivational speaker addressing leadership and making choices for your future.

• Educational sessions that include wildlife lessons from the Missouri Department of Conservation, wildlife career opportunities, Leopold Education Project activities, nature resources in the KC area, outdoor skills instruction and more.

• All students will have a chance at lunch to tour the Youth Village at Pheasant Fest and try casting, laser shooting, archery and other activities and meet members of the PF/QF National Youth Leadership Council.

• Students and teachers will be provided free tickets to Pheasant Fest if they want to bring their families back over the weekend.

how is this an educational field day?

• •

•

• •

Students will be supplied with a registration packet filled with educational materials to take home.

Students will participate in hands-on sessions at the career day focused on wildlife and conservation topics. They will also learn how some of these topics can lead to careers in conservation, education or the outdoor recreation field.

Students will have the chance to learn about educational and recreational opportunities that are available to them through the Missouri Department of Conservation, Kansas City Parks and Recreation and local businesses/organizations.

Lessons will be correlated to Missouri Show Me Standards and Kansas Academic Standards.

(Optional for teachers – some scholarships available!) Interested educators will be invited to participate in a Saturday training to learn more about Pheasants Forever’s conservation education program (The Leopold Education Project) and take part in hands-on ways to get youth and their communities connected to the outdoors.

For more information, contact the Conservation Day Coordinator Janine Kohn at jkohn@pheasantsforever.org.

24 Water `N Woods™

December 2011

Product Review Bushnell Adds New Features to Its Trophy Cam Series Helping Hunters More Effectively Pattern Game

B

ushnell Outdoor Products, an industry-leader in high performance sports optics and outdoor accessories for more than 60 years, has improved its 2011 Trophy Cam series with a variety of new features. The Trophy Cam has quickly become one of the most popular trail cameras on the market by leading the way with an impressive one-year battery life and one-second trigger speed.

Equipped with a 45-foot motion-activated sensor, 32 low-glow LEDs standard and the new Field Scan feature, the Trophy Cam allows users to record game activity around the clock. The Field Scan time-lapse technology automatically captures images at pre-set intervals, from one minute to 60 minutes, allowing users to pattern game and expand coverage beyond the sensor range. In addition, the day/night auto sensor allows the user to monitor game any time of day. The Trophy Cam is the only camera in the industry with the ability to capture live trigger and time lapse images simultaneously.

The Trophy Cam features an enhanced full-color resolution of 8 MP and a new audio record feature that enhances the camera's impressive video functionality. To ensure the user never misses an image, the 32 GB memory capacity allows the user to capture more than 20,000 photos on a single memory card.

In addition, Bushnell has introduced two new high-definition video Trophy Cams, giving users the ability to capture unprecedented video footage from a trail camera.

Another optional feature available on two select models is a built-in color viewer with enhanced zoom, allowing users to conduct a more thorough, in-the-field review.

With all the new advancements, Bushnell continues to improve the most reliable trail camera in the woods.

The Bushnell Trophy Cam is available in five different models and includes an adjustable web belt for quick and easy setup in the field.

Type http://bit.ly/Trophycam into your web browser to view the chart.

The Bushnell Trophy Cam is available at the Bushnell Factory Outlets at 445 NW Murray Road, Lee's Summit, MO, 816-525-2220 or 8500 Marshall Drive, Lenexa, KS, 913-310-0783. For more information about the Bushnell Trophy Cam and other Bushnell products, visit Q www.bushnell.com or call 1-800-423-3537. www.WaterNWood.com

RECIPE OF THE MONTH

Roast Goose IngredIenTS 1 thawed, raw goose (12 to 14 pounds) 1/3 cup butter ¾ cup chopped onion 8 cups day-old bread cubes 3 cups chopped, unpared apples I cup raisins 1 ½ teaspoons salt ¾ teaspoon black pepper ¾ teaspoon thyme or sage

dIrecTIonS 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

11.

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

In a large pan, cook celery and onion in butter until tender, stirring occasionally.

Remove from heat and add bread cubes, apples, raisins, and seasonings. Set aside.

Remove neck and giblets from goose. Remove excess fat from body cavity and neck skin, and discard. Pat goose dry with paper towels. Wings may be removed at second joint and cooked later, or leave wings attached and bend them to the back.

Fill neck and body cavities with prepared fruit stuffing mixture.

Fold neck skin to back and turn under, covering opening (you may fasten with skewers or toothpicks). Tie legs together or tuck in band of skin at tail, if present.

Place goose, breast side up, on rack in large pan. Insert meat thermometer deep into thigh muscle, without touching bone.

Roast uncovered for 1 hour at 400 degrees.

Reduce temperature to 325 and continue roasting for 2 to 2 ½ hours – until meat thermometer reaches 180 degrees.

During roasting, spoon off and discard accumulated fat at 30minute intervals.

When roasting is complete, move goose to a plate and allow to stand 20 minutes for easier carving.

Note: Goose recipe compliments of USDA and Bill Cooper.

www.WaterNWood.com

Trout Hunter Replicas For Catch & Release Anglers

Original Caught & Released

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

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.

Email Your Photo To Walt@MissouriTroutHunter.com or For More Information Visit: www.MissouriTroutHunter.com December 2011

Water `N Woods™

25

New Zealand Adventure

by Derrick Vidacak

M

y wife Jennifer and I purchased a New Zealand Red Stag hunt with Lindsay Fraser Safaris at the KC-SCI Hunter’s Expo dinner banquet and auction. We went on the hunt in June 2010 and had the most incredible time of our lives. Jennifer was up first, looking for one of the New Zealand giants you see in brochures. She stalked a huge 384 SCI stag and put four nicely placed shots into its front shoulder at 280 yards. Later that afternoon my guide put me on a nice Alpine Goat after trudging through knee-deep snow drifts across the ridge tops.

The next day, two of the Fraser Safaris guides took me up into the mountains for a fair chase Chamois hunt on foot. After half of a day of mountain climbing and glassing, we found a small group of chamois with one mature buck across the gorge. They ranged them at 370 yards.

I was reluctant to take that long of a shot with a rifle I was borrowing from the outfitter, but my guide was certain it would be fine. I took the shot and dropped the chamois off the rock outcropping on which it was standing into the trees below. It took the rest of the day to get over to the chamois, cape it and pack it out. I learned later that evening that the Chamois I took was the only one taken on foot their entire season.

They explained that most hunters don’t prepare and train to the level of physical fitness necessary for such a hunt on foot, and instead hunt them by helicopter.

We were thrilled with our experience with Lindsay Fraser Safaris on the South Island of New Zealand. It has to be one of the most beautiful places in the world to hunt. Everyone was friendly and hospitable.

My cousin, Dillon Davis, has been assisting with our deer hunting efforts since he was old enough to go into the woods. Last youth season we went out but didn't see anything, last rifle season he had one shot but wasn't able to connect. At 7:30 a.m. opening morning of the 2011 youth season, we rattled and this six-point came trotting towards us from about 200 yards away.

I told Dillon to get his gun pulled up but not to take it off safety and to watch his breathing, because the deer was coming right to us but we're going to wait for the right shot. Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, the buck was within range. I told Dillon to take the gun off safety and shoot when he was ready.

About 15 seconds later, he pulled the trigger and the buck fell in his tracks. I gave him a huge hug. He called the family before we even got out of the stand. Dillon put more work into that buck than most hunters twice his age. He has put in his time, the work, the education and showed a patience way beyond his 13 years. We are all very proud of him. Submitted by KC Hosey, Independence, MO.

Photo credit: David Vidacak The food was wonderful and the accommodations were great. I would highly recommend Lindsay Fraser Safaris to anyone interested in a great New Zealand hunting experience.

The Hunter’s Expo Friday and Saturday evening benefit auctions are the place to find hunt-of-a-lifetime adventures at a substantial discount.

Kansas City Safari Club’s 2012 Hunter’s Expo takes place February Q 24-26, 2012, at the KCI Expo Center, Kansas City, Missouri.

Water `N Woods™

December 2011

On the evening of November 8, right after the rain quit this buck walked out of the woods, straight down the beaten path, and right into the lap of Charles N. Black at 13 yards. The end.

Ohbutwait ― there's more! Black's oldest son Hunter found both of this deer's sheds last spring, laying side by side in a grass field. Recently, a cagey fellow bowhunter tried to buy those antlers to use as rattling horns but Hunter refused to sell them, though the price was tempting. Hunter explained that "Dad might shoot that buck this year, and if he does, he'll want those antlers." Submitted by Black.

Trophy Room Send Your Trophy Photos

Michael Mansell shot this 300+ pound bull on the Uncompahgre Plateau, south of Grand Junction, Colorado.

Ryan Byrom from Independence, MO caught this 48-pound flathead on a troutline at the Little Blue River.It took him 17 minutes to get it in the boat.

KC Hosey of Independence, MO with his first bow-deer on October 2, 2011.

Todd Kenney with a nice 11-point buck taken near Gallatin, MO, Sunday afternoon, November 13, 2011.

Michael Beery of Jamesport, MO with a nice opening morning buck.

Dale Chapman with his son Colton and Colton’s first deer opening weekend 2011.

Greg Sowell's first bow kill. This beautiful, big 8pointer was taken November 9, 2011 in Kansas.

Brandon Flanigan, 26 years old, from Blue Springs, MO, shot this 11-point at 150 yards opening morning at about 6:30 a.m. in Dover, 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.

27

Water ‘N Woods | resource directory

Where To Shop For Guns & Gunsmiths

Hunting Equipment Missouri - KC METRO

Guns & Gunsmiths Within 50 Miles of Kansas City

Guns & Gunsmiths Within 50 Miles of Kansas City

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

mISSourI

mISSourI gunslinger firearms LLc 816-380-5099 2110 Royal St., Harrisonville, MO Guns & Gunsmiths.

gunner’s firearms LLc

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

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

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

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

28 Water `N Woods™

December 2011

816-358-8004

8832 E. 350 Highway, Raytown, MO Handguns, Rifles & Shooting Supplies Gunsmith on hand. Classes offered.

Buy. Sell. Trade.

816-318-9968

402 Pine Street Suite C, Raymore, MO Buy - Sell - Trade - Transfers Firearms, Ammo Shooting Supplies, Special Orders and Accessories. Many Brands available! sales@gunnersfirearms.com www.gunnersfirearms.com hatfield's 816-233-9106 2028 Frederick Ave., Saint Joseph, MO Guns & Gunsmiths, Sporting Goods, AntiquesDealers.

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.

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

r & r pawn Shop 816-632-1787 214 E 3rd St,. Cameron, MO Guns, Ammunition, Jewelry, Pistols.

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

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

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

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

40 woods bait & Tackle 816-229-6818 3995 SW US Highway 40, Blue Springs, MO Guns & Gunsmiths, Fishing Bait & Tackle.

great guns

816-781-2323 1780 N. Church Road., Liberty, MO. Appraisals, Buy, Collections Purchased, Sell, Trade, Used Firearms, Guns & Gunsmiths, Sporting Goods. visit: www.greatguns.us

Tristar Sporting Arms 816-421-1400 1816 Linn Street, Kansas City, MO tristarsportingarms.com uS gun Specialties 816-436-2700 6581 N Oak Trfy, Kansas City, MO Firearms, Accessories, & Safes.

guns unlimited Inc 816-468-4867 8113 N Oak Trfy., Kansas City, MO Guns & Gunsmiths, Sporting Goods. ©Water `N Woods. 2011, All Conceptual Designs & Reprint Rights Reserved

www.WaterNWood.com

Water ‘N Woods | resource directory

Fishing Clubs & Sport Shows Guns & Gunsmiths Within 50 Miles of Kansas City

Fishing Clubs

Missouri & Kansas

Outdoor Shows

KAnSAS

KAnSAS

2012 Sports Shows

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, Rifle & Pistol Range. brigade gunleather 913-755-3139 33301 Osawatomie Rd., Osawatomie, KS Guns & Gunsmiths, Sporting Goods 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, Fishing 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, Firearms, Hunting, Knives, Leather, Optics,Buy, New, Range, Service, Special Orders, Used, Gunsmiths.

Simmons gun repair 913-782-3131 700 South Rogers Rd, Olathe, KS Full-Service Gunsmith

Leavenworth bass club 913-758-1586 Randy Kenton 1700 Chester Ct., Leavenworth KS 66048

January 19-22, 58th Annual Kansas city boat & Sportshow Kansas City Convention Center, Bartle Hall Contact: Mark Adams, VP, NMMA Sportshows 314-821-5400 or madams@nmma.org www.kansascitysportshow.com february 17-19, pheasant fest & Quail classic

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

Presented by Cabala’s Kansas City Convention Center, Bartle Hall

The show will focus on wildlife conservation, upland game bird hunting, dog training, and wildlife habitat management and restoration.

Contacts: Karlene Carlson, Event Coordinator kcarlson@pheasantsforever.org, 877-773-2070 Brad Heidel, Director of Special Events Sales bheidel@pheasantsforever.org, 877-773-2070 or 651-403-1772 www.pheasantfest.org/page/1/2012pheasantfest.jsp february 24-26 Kansas city chapter Safari club International Annual hunter’s expo

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

©Water `N Woods. 2011, All Conceptual Designs & Reprint Rights Reserved

KCI Expo Center, 11730 N. Ambassador Drive, Kansas City, MO

The event will feature exhibits by gun makers, outfitters and numerous name-brand outdoor industry companies.

A full slate of Pro-Staff seminars on whitetail management, big game, turkey hunting and waterfowl hunting is scheduled throughout the event.

Contacts: kchuntersexpo@gmail.com Convention Chairman: Mike Hagen, mhagen@kc.rr.com, website: hunters-expo.com We Update Show 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 www.WaterNWood.com

December 2011

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The Kansas Pheasant Opener

by David Zumbaugh

I

have been pheasant hunting opening day with a college buddy from Fort Hays State for over 30 years. We hunt on his family's property in Rush and Barton Counties that was homesteaded by his ancestors. Some years have been very good with lots of birds, and some, like this year, are markedly down. But there were good numbers of hens, so with a mild winter and some precipitation, it should be better next year. An old timer of 80 said this was the second time in his life that the creek was dry!

We have become the shepherds of the hunt, as many of the old-timers have now passed on or cannot actively participate. My kids have become part of the tradition, but only my oldest, Zachary, could make it this year.

The land has changed with agricultural practices and new property owners trying to scratch out a living, but we seem to find a way to get together and walk the fields. We always have a group lunch and share some goodies like homemade venison jerky or cookies, and catch up on living.

Of course, then comes field dressing the birds, and that can be a chore if you have 40 or 50 pheasants!

I now have a battery-powered vacuum packer that makes things much easier.

Zachary is in the picture with the jumping, Bird Crazy "Mota" [Zumbaughs's new dog]. She is very intense and did a great job for her first time out.

She made a few points and retrieved both pheasants and quail.

She had a few races with bunnies and lost. Everyone had a good time and a very safe outing.

Cheyenne Bottoms has some water, and there are about 50,000 ducks and over 100,000 geese, mostly "neighbors ducks" (shovelers) though.

Sandhill cranes are also plentiful if you have a permit. White geese are still closed as there are a couple of whoopers hanging around.

This opening day tradition becomes more of a cherished privilege every year and less about how many birds we bring home. Each year is unique and we have pictures from most of them, but the early images were for the "count."

Q

Photo Credits: David Zumbaugh

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December 2011

David Zumbaugh is a freelance writer, photographer and an 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.

www.WaterNWood.com

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