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Click Or Hold? What's Best For Wind Deflection? By John Antanies - Spring 2012, Issue #82
FIND THE ANSWERS YOU'VE BEEN LOOKING FOR IN The VARMINT HUNTER Magazine® Information on Varmint and Predator Hunting, Calling, Long Range Shooting, Handloading, Customizing, Accurizing, Humor, Load Development, Wildcatting, Conservation, Problem Solving, Where-to and How-to articles and much, much more.
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S T N E T N CO
E U S S I 3 1 0 2 ber m e c e D r e Novemb
Hunting //////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
Trophy Deer Hunting Ethics and Responsibilities
Deer Hunting on a Budget
Duck Hunting A Good Starting Point
Mexico Duck Hunting Pacific Paradise
Exotic Hunting Texas Hill Country
Buying Used Guns What to Know
10 14 18 20 26 28
Fishing /////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
Comfort on the Ice A Major Key to Success
Ice Fishing In Style Be Ready For The Cold
Devil’s Lake No Shortage of Fish Here!
Fishing in Deadwood Go “All In”
48 52 54
Bow Hunting //////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
Bowhunting Deer
30
Bowhunting Nebraska
34
Crossbow Tips
37
Pre-rut Whitetail Strategies Whitetails in the Cornhusker State PAGE 4 • DAKOTA HUNTING & FISHING - NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2013
44
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Lodging //////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
Vista Lake
Moose Hunting and more!
57
ARTICLES On Safari With 8 American Legacy Firearms Are You Safe? 63 Carry Concealed in 34 States Escape to Shadow Mountain 38 Adventure of a Lifetime! Gun Dog First Aid 42 huntdhg.com PAGE 5 • DAKOTA HUNTING & FISHING - NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2013
DEPARTMENTS Editorial 6 Top Lodging 57 In Santa’s Bag NEW this Month! What to Buy Your Sportsman 58 Marketplace 62 Misfires 64 Parting Shot 66
DAKOTA HUNTING & FISHING - SEPTEMBER-OCTOBERhuntdhg.com 2013 • PAGE 5
November-December 2013
“We do not know the true value of our moments until they have undergone the test of memory.” – Author, Georges Duhamel You accumulate things as an adult. Stuff. Lots of stuff. I state this honest assessment of all of us because there is a lesson in the accumulation of this stuff. It was looking at all my “stuff” which consisted of personal things, photos, mementos and a lifetime of gathering that I realized it wasn’t the property but the memories that property kept alive in me. When I look at a deer mount or any of the animals I have had mounted I can remember the temperature, my mood, the laughter and the hardships that occurred on the entire trip. I realized that if fire, flood or an act of God took all those items I would still have the memories of my wife, son and daughter, friends and family in the outdoors. I realize that it is hard for people to find the money to hunt at different times in their lives but life’s struggles are always at our heels. Plan ahead a couple years, call your dad, your brother or an old friend and arrange that trip you always wanted because those are memories that stay with you forever. Even if you kill nothing but time, you’ll still take your memories. Whether your trip ends with a giant bear, high racked buck or a giant pike that didn’t get away all the memories from that trip and those that shared it with you are the “stuff” that makes us tick inside. Remember memories are a way of holding onto things you love, the things you are, and the things you never want to lose. Be Safe, Good Hunting and God Bless, The DHFG Staff
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The opinions expressed within are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect Dakota Hunting Guide. No part of this magazine may be reproduced in whole or in part without written permission of the publisher.
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David Pritchett and Jopie with a lechwe.
on safari with
American Legacy In
August of 2013, I had the opportunity to hunt in South Africa with Amanzi Safaris. I brought my Mossberg bolt-action .338. No plain gun, it is an NRA®-licensed Hunting Tradition rifle, embellished by American Legacy Firearms. During the six day hunt, I quickly grew to love my engraved and 24-karat gold plated rifle. Stalking the animals through the African bush with my beautiful commemorative rifle is an experience I will never forget. American Legacy Firearms builds this edition on a Mossberg 4x4. Although they are primarily designed for collectors, they are fully functional. I learned this first hand when I took my first animal on the first day of my safari. When I first saw the small herd of red lechwe, I was astonished by their beauty. After a moment of gratitude, Amanzi Safari’s Private Hunter, Jopie, spotted a massive trophy bull among them, and we began stalking the herd. We didn’t have to go very far before the herd paused, with the dominant bull perfectly broadside for me. That brief pause was all I needed. I took the animal with a single shot, my first big game animal. The performance and accuracy of my rifle far exceeded my expectations.
By David Pritchett PAGE 8 • DAKOTA HUNTING & FISHING - NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2013
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David Pritchett with a lechwe taken in South Africa. Rifle details: Top - NRR Top of barrel, below - NRR Left side closeup, bottom - NRR Right Buttstock
Firearms As we kneeled to take pictures, everyone kept complimenting my rifle. My companions had brought their own Hunting Tradition rifles, between us, four of the six available calibers were represented. Each rifle shot beautifully, with a degree of accuracy that astonished everyone present. On top of their deadly accuracy, we were routinely complimented on the rifles’ beauty. The engraved artwork on the wood is designed to show off North American game, but it worked just as well in South Africa. The wood is gorgeous, and finished with a heavy-duty clear coat designed to protect the wood. The detail throughout the metal is remarkable, and our rifles withstood all of the dragging through the bush and shooting that we could put it through. By the end of the trip, I couldn’t think of another gun I would have preferred to have with me. Each Hunting Tradition rifle is individually numbered, with the state of your choosing. Six calibers are available: .338 Winchester Magnum, .300 Winchester Magnum, .270 Winchester, .7mm Remington Magnum, .30-06 Springfield, and .2506 Remington. Built on a Mossberg 4x4, they PAGE 9 • DAKOTA HUNTING & FISHING - NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2013
feature Mossberg’s unique Lightning Bolt Action (LBA)™ trigger system. The barrel is free-floating, and the forearm is vented to avoid over-heating. On top of all of these material qualities, each rifle helps support the NRA®, commemorate the American tradition of hunting, and is helping to create memories that will last a lifetime. I am proud to own this rifle, which has earned its place among our family heirlooms. Only 100 of these rifles are made per state. If you want a beautiful rifle that functions at the top of its game, give American Legacy Firearms a call at 1-877-887-4867 and reserve yours today.
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PAGE 10 • DAKOTA HUNTING & FISHING - NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2013
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By Keith Cantelmo
If
you love to go trophy deer hunting and have never had an animal become injured from a less than well placed shot, then you are luckier than most. But even the most skilled hunters will experience this situation at some point during a lifetime. Hunters without good ethics will leave the animal to go off on its own and suffer; whereas ethical and responsible hunters would track the animal down. Yes, it takes time and effort to track an injured deer while trophy deer hunting. So instead of looking at it like a chore, consider it a challenge which reaps a great reward. Unfortunately, many hunters will track an injured animal for a short period of time, but as soon as it becomes too difficult or takes too long, they give up. The best attitude is that just as you need to put in time and effort necessary to go on a trophy deer hunting trip, tracking an injured animal is a part of the overall process. Depending on the type and severity of the injury, the deer will likely leave a blood trail that would make tracking easy. However, the more common scenario is that another hunter will shoot a different deer, killing it and while going to retrieve and dress the body, they come across the injured animal. Now, if you were using a bow for your trophy deer hunting, the animal typically jumps and arches the back when hit. However, if the deer were only injured, it would naturally hunch the body while trying to find a place to hide. On the other hand, if the deer were shot with a rifle or shotgun, a trail of blood mixed with brown/ green particles (from the stomach & intestines) would be found in the form of digested and undigested food.
PAGE 11 • DAKOTA HUNTING & FISHING - NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2013 huntdhg.com
DAKOTA HUNTING & FISHING - NOVEMBER-DECEMBER huntdhg.com 2013 • PAGE 11
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Another important note when trying to find a wounded animal that shot with a rifle or shotgun, generally they run much further than those shot with a bow. In fact, gunshot wounds often become blocked by the intestines so blood trails are not as common. The unfortunate thing about a wounded deer from a rifle or shotgun is that most injuries take a long time to kill the animal, which is even more reason to track it down. To find a wounded animal, the first place to start would be at the initial point of impact, then head in the direction the animal ran after being hit. Most often, deer will take the easiest path to freedom, so as you make your way in that direction; try to think like a deer. It should be noted that deer will sometimes circle back toward the area where the hit took place. Sometimes, just walking slowly, 40 yards or so and stopping along the way to listen for sounds will lead you to the animal. Deer want to get away from the hit area as quickly as possible; they are running on adrenaline. A few other indicators that might help you in finding an injured animal during your trophy deer hunt would be to look for blood that appears frothy. In this case, the animal would have taken a hit to the lungs. If the blood is a deep red, then the liver was hit. Additionally, when a deer is injured, it will typically choose downhill routes instead of traveling uphill. Finally, realize that death is likely to be very slow. Therefore, the animal will look for a place to bed, which is usually not more than 50 yards from where it was hit. As an ethical trophy deer hunter you will be dedicated to tracking down a wounded animal. “Fair chase” hunting is the only way to go; being a dedicated, ethical and professional hunter makes you the best trophy deer hunter you can be. By: Keith Cantelmo
Would you think differently about hunting from your truck if you had to mount your trophy like this?
Article Directory: http:// www.articledashboard.com Trophy Deer Hunting Secrets reveals how experts get dramatic results when hunting for trophy whitetails. To learn more about deer tracking visit us at www. trophydeerhuntingsecrets.com
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Visit GetOuttaTheTruck.sd.gov for more hunter safety tips.
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DEER HUNTING ON A BUDGET
By Jim Rogers
N
ow, more than ever it’s so important to find ways to help relieve the stresses of everyday life and doing so without blowing your household budget.
Even though our economy is on the upswing it’s still hard to spend money on our hobbies, especially when you’re breaking into a new sport. Now, more than ever it’s so important to find ways to help relieve the stresses of everyday life and doing so without blowing your household budget. One of the best ways I know to help relieve the stresses of life is to gear up and head out into the field for some whitetail deer hunting. For anyone who is an outdoorsman at heart, just the thought pulls at your heart strings. The most important item for your deer hunting adventure is your rifle or shotgun. You can purchase a rifle or shotgun directly from the manufacturer or at a local retail outlet. Whichever you choose, knowing which items are the best buy for the money is imperative. The key point to remember is that you don’t have to spend a fortune to get a dependable, durable rifle or shotgun. So, in order to help you get out into the fields, I have reviewed what I consider to be the top 10 rifles and shotguns; all for under $900.
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1.
The first is the H&R Ultra Slug Hunter Deluxe 12 gauge. This shotgun is the perfect bargain. Its average retail price is around $350. For that price, the Slug Hunter sports a 24 inch barrel which fires only one shot at a time. This barrel helps to ease the kick of the Slug Hunter, so you won’t dislocate your shoulder and you will only need one shot.
2.
My next recommendation is the CVA Scout. The Scout was manufactured to be a big game rifle for a hunter on a budget; and at an average retail price of $380, who can argue? The Scout is a single shot, break action with an overall length of 38 inches. This size makes it easy to maneuver in many settings, not to mention a great first rifle for youth hunters. This rifle has no fancy extras, but it provides enough to get the job done.
3.
The Marlin Model XL7 has been built for those who demand premium features at a fair price. Noteworthy features include their adjustable Pro-Fire™ trigger system, Soft-Tech™ recoil pad, fluted bolt for speed and smoothness, a pillar bedded stock for accuracy and recessed “target style” muzzle crown. Priced right at the $400 mark, the XL7 is a rifle that you can be proud of at a price you can afford.
4.
huntdhg.com PAGE 15 • DAKOTA HUNTING & FISHING - NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2013
The Ruger American Rifle hopes to establish a new American tradition of affordable quality with this new American Rifle, which was introduced with the deer hunter definitely in mind given the chambering it is being offered in (.243 Win .270 Win .30-06 and .308 Win) This sleek black gun tips the scales at a mere 6.25 pounds, and depending on the chambering, is 42 or 42.5 inches in overall length. With a ton of innovation and American know how it comes in around the $450 mark.
DAKOTA HUNTING & FISHING - NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2013 huntdhg.com • PAGE 15
5.
The Mossberg 500 Deer/Turkey Combo is my next choice. Sporting an average retail price just north of $500, this shotgun delivers exceptional results. The 500 is dressed in a camo finish for blending into any surroundings. The turkey barrel has a bright, adjustable, 3 dot fiber optic sight. The slug barrel has open sights from Williams. This is a excellent two season shotgun.
6.
Here’s one of my budget favorites, the Weatherby Vanguard 2 Synthetic. Weatherby is renowned for its quality this gun is no exception. This Weatherby for under $500 still features many of the company’s quality firearms features such as a match quality, two-stage creep-free trigger, Monte Carlo Griptonite stock, a right-side palm swell, one-piece machined and fluted bolt, a matte bead blasted blued finish on the cold hammer forged 24-inch barrel, and three-position safety. And it all comes with Weatherby’s Sub-MOA guarantee.
7.
Next the Savage Model 111 in .30/06. This rifle is the definitive basic hunting rifle. The Model 111 can be chambered in standard calibers and sports a synthetic stock for durability. The Model 111 is a bit more expensive than many of its cousins manufactured by Savage due to the inclusion of Savage’s patented “AccuTrigger.” Even though, the Model 111 comes in at about $600. Well worth the investment.
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8. 9. 10.
The innovative Browning A-Bolt delivers dependable, pinpoint accuracy that exceeds the stringent standards of the modern rifleman for around $500-$800. The renowned A-Bolt is available in three action lengths in a spectrum of popular chamberings, materials and finishes to satisfy your needs in any hunting or shooting situation. Take a look at the broad line up of A-Bolt rifles and see for yourself that the A-Bolt leads the competition in variety, versatility and performance.
Marlin Model 1895. Marlin big-bore lever-action rifles are just as good as the smaller 336, and they should be, since they are simply scaledup versions of the same gun. Chambered for 45-70, these guns pack a wallop, and will handle tougher game than their smaller antecedent. These full-grown lever guns are some of the most dependable and accurate knocker-downers I’ve used. At $600-$1000 these beasts get the job done anywhere, even on a budget.
Last, but by no means least, is the Beretta 3901. This 12-gauge semiautomatic shotgun is the progeny to the 390. The 3901 cycles smoothly through whatever you put in the chamber. This shotgun will be a survivor for many a whitetail rifle hunting season, given its manufacture by firearms giant Beretta and the fact that with all that innovation behind it, the price comes in just south of $800. Waupaca, Wisconsin
Stock Photos
Stock Photos
”Typical“ Whitetails With Mainbeam Mass
Stock Photos
F
inding a dependable, durable rifle or shotgun for your next deer hunting adventure on a budget is definitely possible, in tough economic times or not. Take time to head out into the fields with one of the guns I have reviewed above. It will make for an enjoyable & successful deer hunting season and maybe even leave you a few dollars in your pocket.
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P AGE 17 • DAKOTA HUNTING & FISHING - NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2013 huntdhg.com
DAKOTA HUNTING & FISHING - NOVEMBER-DECEMBER huntdhg.com 2013 • PAGE 17
A GOOD
STARTING POINT N
o one can just go out and master it right off the bat. That’s why anyone who is looking to break into the sport is going to need a little help. This article will attempt to give you a good starting point to begin your duck hunting career.
By Richard C. Thomas
TO BEGIN PAGE 18 • DAKOTA HUNTING & FISHING - NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2013
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Like most things today, the first place you’re probably going to start is on the internet. As you might expect, there is a wealth of information online about duck hunting. If you’re serious about it, read as much information as you can. After that, try to sit down and talk with people you know that are into duck hunting. The best way to learn about anything is to speak with those who are good at it. These people can share their successes and their failures with you. This can give you an opportunity to try some of the techniques that made them successful and avoid some of the mistakes they have made. Just sit and talk to these people, or if you can, accompany them on a hunt to see them in action. You can also learn a lot by studying the techniques of professionals in the sport. Many of them offer books and videos that you can use to hone your skills.
Striking Out on Your Own After you have learned everything you can learn from reading about and watching other people, eventually you’re going to have to try duck hunting for yourself. This is going to involve devising a strategy of your own. First you’re going to gather all of the equipment that you will need on your hunt. If you’ve done your homework, this is something you have already taken care of. Next, you’re going to have to plan where and when you are going to hunt. This will depend on several factors, especially the weather. You will also have to do some scouting to determine wind directions and flight patterns. All of this information will help you choose the ideal duck hunting spot. Unfortunately, like many plans, there may be things that arise that will require you to change
those plans. For example, if you get to the hunting area and someone has already taken the spot you had picked out. This can really be a problem if you don’t have a backup plan. After you have chosen your first spot, it’s a good idea to start thinking about things that could go wrong, such as someone being in your spot and changes in wind direction and flight patterns. This will allow you to come up with at least one alternate duck hunting spot that you can go to in the event that something would go wrong. The last thing to remember is to learn from your own successes and failures. This means paying attention to the things that go right and the things that go wrong. By doing this you can learn what to continue doing in the future and what you should avoid.
DUCK HUNTING
DUCK HUNTING, LIKE ANYTHING ELSE, TAKES TIME AND EXPERIENCE TO GET GOOD AT IT.
P AGE 19 • DAKOTA HUNTING & FISHING - NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2013 huntdhg.com
DAKOTA HUNTING & FISHING - NOVEMBER-DECEMBER huntdhg.com 2013 • PAGE 19
If you are looking for the duck hunt of a lifetime, take a trip to Mexico’s Pacific Paradise. Of the hunting opportunities in Mexico, the most consistent shooting is now found along the Pacific coast. By Rick Kennerknecht for Global Sporting Safaris
PAGE 20 • DAKOTA HUNTING & FISHING - NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2013
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Gulf of California (also known as the Sea of Cortez)
I have been fortunate in the fact that I have had opportunities to hunt a lot of different places over the years, mostly for ducks and turkeys, but the two trips that have been on the top of my list for a good while have been a late season duck hunt in Mexico and a turkey hunt in New Zealand. My fantasies about duck hunting Mexico had always centered around the famous Laguna Madre on the east coast. As I researched duck hunting south of the border in more recent years, I learned that although there is still good hunting in eastern Mexico, the most consistent shooting is now found along the Pacific coast. I am a stickler for detail when planning a hunt, and I found just the person I was looking for to make a trip to the left coast of Mexico a reality in Dick Kennerknecht, owner of GSSafaris. PAGE 21 • DAKOTA HUNTING & FISHING - NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2013
Dick told me he represented the Sinalopato Duck & Dove Club in Los Mochis, Mexico, and it was the place I had been searching for. Dick explained that once in Los Mochis, I would stay at a 4 star hotel (part of the club) and be able to make morning and afternoon hunts in the surrounding countryside. Hunters have a choice of shooting doves or ducks each morning or afternoon, and I told Dick I wanted to hunt ducks the whole time. At the end of January after most seasons in the U.S. closed, the adventure started. My group consisted of Lamar Underwood (editor of Sports Afield), Neil Dickenson and Anthony Brown (of Knight & Hale Game Calls), and after flying over the Mexican desert and mountains for a couple of hours, we were pleasantly surprised when lush green crop fields and plenty of water covered the landscape as we descended huntdhg.com
toward Los Mochis. I knew we were in for a treat when I could see numerous flocks of ducks from the plane. The next morning Lamar, Anthony and I were shuttled by airboat to a small blind situated on the edge of a canal that connected two large lagoons just as the sun was peaking over the horizon. The noise of our ride sent thousands upon thousands of ducks and shorebirds into the air, and our already high expectations grew exponentially. One of my goals for the trip was to bring back a prime drake cinnamon teal to be mounted, and I thought, “surely out of all these birds, there is one drake that will give me a shot.” When we reached our small blind, our bird boy Miguel set out 9 or 10 Carry-Lite decoys, and Anthony settled into some nearby brush with his video camera. Lamar took the right end of the blind as I stationed myself to his left. The action began immediately with small groups of teal buzzing up the canal just off the deck every couple of minutes. We never had time to fully load our guns until we had 6 greenwings on the water. When Lamar and I finally got a break and settled our gear, we just looked at each other and smiled. Shortly thereafter, Anthony hissed, “big ducks out front.” I saw a trio of what appeared to be gadwalls cruising by about 200 yards away, and I grabbed my new Knight & Hale Bachelorette call that we were field testing and offered a greeting. The gray ducks turned on a dime and approached quickly. They made one pass, and I made a pleading comeback as Lamar backed me up with a double reed Smooth Talker (another new K&H call we were testing). That was more than the gadwalls could handle, and they cupped and committed. At less than 20 yards, Lamar and I came up in unison and dropped a drake
each. “Now that was fun. I didn’t know how much effective calling we would get to do down here,” I said as Miguel waded the canal to retrieve our birds. We shot more Greenwing teal, wigeon, gadwalls, and even a scaup or two, but I hadn’t seen a cinnamon teal. Dick said the drakes would really stand out in a flock because their bodies would appear black in contrast to the white underside of their wings. I imagined they would look like miniature black ducks at a distance. About 9AM, flocks of big slow flying ducks that made an odd whistling sound began to fly over. Miguel told us they were “peachy willow,” and upon inspection through binoculars, we saw that they were black-bellied and fulvous tree ducks. When a small flock flew by fairly close, Miguel mocked their whistle, and the group dropped down low. Lamar and I both scored doubles, and to our amazement, the lone survivor banked hard at 100 yards and came right back over the blind. He was up pretty high, but since lead shells are still legal in Mexico, I knew I had the load for the job. When my barrel swung past his beak, I touched the trigger and the big brown duck folded up and almost fell in the blind. I am by no means a great shooter, but that was one of those rare mornings when I was “on,” The action had slacked off and we were taking a much-needed break, when I saw two small specks approaching from straight down the canal 90 degrees to my left. When they were 150 yards out and barreling toward us at what looked like Mach IV, I recognized the back bird as a cinnamon teal. I quickly told Lamar and Anthony what I saw and to be still. I also said I only planned to shoot the back bird.
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The pair stayed their course, and at 25 yards, I rose and took my shot. I completely missed, and the teal launched almost straight up without missing a wing beat. I found the drake again, and the second time my lead was correct, and I dropped my prize. Miguel hurried out and brought in the most beautiful little duck I have ever seen. He was a mature drake in perfect plumage, and my shot hadn’t torn him up at all. It is a good thing I connected on that opportunity, because that was the only prime drake cinnamon teal that any of our group took. After that I was thoroughly satisfied, and Anthony came over and took my shooting position. I thought I was on with the gun that morning, but Anthony made me look like a novice. With his first 8 shots, Brown knocked down 4 teal and 3 black-bellied tree ducks. Soon after, the airboat came back to pick us up, and we made the short ride back to the launch. The other groups had fared equally as well, and between the four groups we took about 100 ducks. After the season I had in the States last year, when the morning’s take was hung up on the picture board, it was a mind-boggling site. That afternoon, we hunted a wide open saltwater marsh with spectacular mountains as the backdrop. Lamar, Anthony, Carlos (our new bird boy) and I were dropped of at a small blind in the middle of a huge lagoon. Carlos set out half a dozen brant decoys and about a dozen pintail and wigeon imposters. I was looking forward to shooting some brant, and we had seen quite a few pintails on the ride in as well. There was a huge raft of brant about a half a mile down the lagoon from us, and when the airboat left, he passed by them just close enough that they took to the air. They
broke up into several groups, but none came our way. Most regrouped about 300 yards to our left, and then Carlos began calling. He pointed to the right, and we saw a dozen brant bearing straight down on us. At very close range, I knocked down two of the big birds, and they fell right in the dekes. We shot brant off and on through the warm afternoon. Lamar let Anthony take the shots at brant because he has hunted them so many times on the eastern seaboard. Brown and I knocked 4 out of the next flock, and Carlos came back with a big smile on his face. One of the brant was double banded. As the warm afternoon (temps in the mid-80’s) wore on, the brant action slowed and the ducks worked better. A major concentration of pintails congregated about 200 yards behind us, and we occasionally coaxed in small groups to our decoys. Again, we took wigeon and teal mixed in with the sprigs. As our first day came to an end, we were treated to a spectacular sunset complete with purple mountains and shimmering water. The next morning we had steady shooting on another freshwater marsh, and had a delicious shore lunch of prawns and smoked chicken. The afternoon really was hot, and I was glad I had worn my Under Armour HeatGear under my TrekLite. The temperatures rose above 90 degrees, the duck hunting was fast and furious and our barrels were just short of turning red. Next we hunted a different part of the same marsh, and Neil Dickenson joined Anthony and I for the PM shot. We took a great variety of ducks including bluewing, greenwing and cinnamon teal, bluebills, wigeon, pintails, gadwalls, and Mexican mallards (a species much like black and mottled ducks).
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We offer ... Guided hunting for deer and pheasants on 1800 acres of privately owned family land. Rolling hills, acres and acres of trees, tree strips, food plots, water holes and grasses make for a fruitful and enjoyable hunt. huntdhg.com DAKOTA HUNTING & FISHING - NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2013 • PAGE 23
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While shooting teal, we all kept hearing mallard calls, but we thought we were either imagining things or hearing the guys in another blind calling. The calling continued so we decided to give our Bachelorettes and Smooth Talkers a try. Soon we had a pair of “mallards” circling, and with feet down, we took the brace. We were treated to working the big ducks numerous more times in singles and pairs throughout the afternoon and ended up with 9 of them on the strap. The action was so heavy that afternoon that we actually ran out of ammunition an hour before we were picked up. We took 8 species of ducks that afternoon in what turned out to be the best hunt of the trip. The final morning of our hunt Lamar, Dick, Neil, Anthony and I all went to a small inland pond that was a special spot that is normally reserved for Bobby Balderrama, the owner of Sinalopato Duck Club. The pond was only about an acre in size, so the shooting was tight. We had some huge flocks of teal come in, and we took our fair share, but again the highlight of the morning was working Mexican mallards. In the intimate setting, we found the K&H Bachelorette calls really shined. One is able to produce quality duck sounds at very low levels on the Bachelorette. When hunting small water, it is very important to call softly and not blow the ducks out. That was the first time I had a chance to hunt with Dick Kennerknecht, and he really put on an impressive shooting display. I don’t think a single duck escaped that he shot at all morning. Our last hunt was back on the marsh where we hunted the first morning. A large and varied bag was again taken, and everyone saw action right up until dark. It had been a long day, and we were all ready to get back to the Plaza Inn for a late dinner, but I for one wished that I had another day or two of hunting left. In the three days we hunted at Sinalopato, I saw more action than I had all season long at home. It was an experience that lived up to every one of my expectations. Passage in and out of Mexico is a breeze with only a birth certificate and driver’s license, the food was delicious, the guns were top shelf (all Benellis and Berettas), and the hunting really was what dreams are made of. Best of all, U.S. hunters can take this remarkable trip after their seasons close at home. All I can say is that if you are looking for the duck hunt of a lifetime take a trip to Mexico’s Pacific Paradise.
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Sinalopato Duck & Dove Club in Los Mochis, Mexico, on the Gulf of California PAGE 24 • DAKOTA HUNTING & FISHING - NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2013
huntdhg.com
A little more about duck hunting in Mexico… When traveling to Mexico for a duck hunt, keep a few things in mind. Seasons run into March, so you can go after US seasons close, and the later you go, the better the ducks’ plumage will be. You will most likely hunt in warm weather, so take light clothing. I was thankful to have a light rain jacket for the early morning airboat rides, but within an hour I was sure glad I had on my Under Armour HeatGear and TrekLite. Afternoon conditions are much more like those I am used to dove hunting in rather than waterfowling. Most duck hunts can be combined with dove shoots for those that want a combo hunt. Quality guns and shells are usually available from the outfitter, so the expense and hassle of traveling with them is unnecessary. Logistics are much simpler than you might expect, and using a US Hunting Consultant such
as Dick Kennerknecht makes traveling south of the border an absolute breeze. If you go, just be ready for the duck hunt of a lifetime and prepare to have a sore shoulder! Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com
This article was written by an independent outdoor writer Rick Kennerknecht for Global Sporting Safaris. Global Sporting Safaris, Inc. is a Full-Service Hunting Booking Agency for Mexico Duck Hunting, Mexico Bird Hunting and Guided Duck Hunting located in Casper, Wyoming and established in 1991. We have a staff of 7 Hunting Consultants and Fishing Travel Agents with a combined 175 years of experience.
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huntdhg.com DAKOTA HUNTING & FISHING - NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2013 • PAGE 25
Smalloy - Texas Wildflowers Flickr.com
HUNTING
TEXAS By Deborah Allen
EXOTIC HUNTING IN THE TEXAS HILL COUNTRY One does not have to travel to the far regions of Africa to enjoy a good hunt for exotic animals as the Texas Hill Country has become quite notorious for such. The Texas Hill Country, located directly between Austin and San Antonio, has become a notorious exotic animal hunting region. Its rolling hills are covered with cedar and oak, which is separated by grassy pastures making it the perfect habitat for a number of exotic game species. These species include animals from North Africa, India, Nepal and China. There is the emu, fallow deer, barasingha, Addax antelope, Blackbuck antelope, Axis deer, red stag, red sheep, scimitar horn oryx, zebras, bison and more. Due to the number of exotic animals in this region, hunting is permitted year around with a state hunting license. There are a number of licensed guides in the area to help you along the way. These guides usually have PAGE 26 • DAKOTA HUNTING & FISHING - NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2013
permits and access to ranches and property for hunting. Where do all these exotic animals come from? Many of these animals had originally been imported by collectors and hunters who have private ranches. Many of these animals have escaped and established themselves by the tens of thousands around southern Texas and particularly in the Hill Country. Now the overpopulation of these varieties has become a problem. The executive director of the Exotic Wildlife Association, Charly Seale, says that there are nearly 400,000 exotics living behind high fences in Texas. In addition there are 50,000 to 60,000 free-ranging exotics living outside of these fences. He adds, the populations have been growing huntdhg.com
T
he Texas Hill Country, located between Austin & San Antonio, has become a notorious exotic animal hunting region. There are emu, fallow deer, barasingha, Addax antelope, Blackbuck antelope, Axis deer, red stag, red sheep, scimitar horn oryx, zebras, bison and more. A herd of about two dozen wild Black Buck Antelope passing through a small subdivision in Medina in Medina County.
at a rate of 10 percent a year. Owners of herds manage their population by allowing routine hunting. One ranch owner said they try to shoot 30 black bucks a year and 10 to 20 axis deer. The hunting of these exotic trophy animals has not only been a boon for hunters but for locals as well. Hunts can start at $1,500 for black bucks and axis deer and go up from there for super exotics such as bison and kudu. Texas A&M studies have shown that the exotic animal business in Texas has assisted the economy by about $1.3 billion. For the Nature Conservancy, they see the hunters playing a key role in managing free-ranging exotics. For those who hire hunting guides, their fee usually covers a two to four day package which includes the daily hunt fee, meals, lodging and guiding services. There are additional costs that vary according to the type of animal hunted to if an animal is wounded and survives after being shot , so ask your guide about these fees. Whether you’re hunting with a gun or bow, you must purchase a license, which is sold at most local grocery stores. Nonresidents of Texas will need a valid NonResident Special Hunting License (Type 107) or NonResident 5-Day Special Hunting License (Type 157). Those under 17 must obtain a Youth Hunting License (Type 169). Exotics that can be legally hunted include animals that are ungulates, that is grass, or plant-eating, singleor cloven-hoofed mammals that are not native to Texas. This list includes: aoudad sheep, axis deer, fallow deer, elk, bison, blackbuck antelope, feral hog, sika deer, scimitarhorned oryx, wildebeest, ibex, mouflon, Texas dahl sheep, Catalina goat, gemsbok, markhor, impala, eland, barasinga (Indian swamp deer) and other species. Hunting of ratites (emu, rhea, ostrich, cassowary) is also allowed. P AGE 27 • DAKOTA HUNTING & FISHING - NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2013 huntdhg.com
mlhradio - Flickr.com
No, one doesn’t have to travel to other countries to enjoy an exotic animal hunt, when there is the Hill Country of Texas right at your back door.
Aoudad or Barbary Sheep. Natives of Africa, Barbary sheep are more closely related to goats than sheep.
12fh - Flickr.com
By: Deborah Allen Deborah Allen is a sales counselor at Ranches of Brushy Top, a hill country acreage real estate community. They sell some of the most remarkable, rural, hill country Texas land located near Blanco, TX. For more information please visit www.brushytop.com. huntdhg.com DAKOTA HUNTING & FISHING - NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2013 • PAGE 27
What to Know When Buying
By Winston Crump
There are many people interested in purchasing used guns. While there are many opportunities, always use caution when you are considering a used gun. Making an informed decision is critical in purchasing used firearms. By following some simple guidelines, you might find yourself an excellent gun at an affordable cost. Be Fully Informed Before You Buy Probably the single most important thing before you go gun shopping is to know what it is you are looking for. Do not allow yourself to end up in a situation in which you are likely to make hasty purchases on cheap guns. If a seller is pressing you to buy a particular firearm at a low cost, it is likely there is something they would rather not tell you. A low price on a reputed brand of firearm can often mean it is stolen, defective, or otherwise below par. You should be wary of deals that seem too good to be true. Prior to going into a retailer, make sure you are educated on the market value of the firearm you are after. You should know both the price for the model new off the shelf as well as the price that the same model sells for in used condition. A PAGE 28 • DAKOTA HUNTING & FISHING - NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2013
local dealer or auction house can advise you of the value of a used firearm. Make sure you are aware of the cost difference between a used gun and a brand new model. That amount of difference will help you to decide whether you are better off buying new or risking reparations.
Only Buy Reputable Used Guns There are some distinguished firearm brands that are known for quality and durability. Making sure that a used gun is of quality manufacture is one of the first basic steps to ensuring your purchase is worthwhile. The next important factor is whether the gun you are buying has good ammunition availability. When you are buying any weapon, be aware of how easily it will resell, because this will expand your options. huntdhg.com
Adventures The Hunting Possibilities Are Endless! Check The Firearm Yourself Many firearms are sold without being examined by the buyer. A personal check is important because it will determine whether the parts fit together well and whether there is any wear damage. If screw heads have been gouged, it is likely that someone has been unskillfully tampering with the gun. If there is anything which rattles or is loose, this is generally a sign that quality has been compromised.
Know When to Say No on a Deal Sometimes even a gun in acceptable condition is a deal not worth making. This may be the case if there is a discrepancy in the price, if you do not trust the alleged history of the gun, or the dealer. There are plenty of other places to look. When a deal does not feel right, the possible disadvantages far outweigh the likely benefits.
Find a Dealer With a Good Name If you are on the hunt for a used gun, your priority ought to be finding a seller with a good name behind them. Local gun stores can be of great assistance in this regard. Local dealers are likely to ensure that you get a good deal that they can guarantee. It is highly advisable to purchase through a reputed local dealer with the experience to help you make an informed purchase. All purchasing a used gun demands is a little common sense. You can pick up a good used gun at an affordable cost. Just follow these simple guidelines and go find a great deal. By: Winston Crump Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com Dury’s Gun Shop has served San Antonio and the South Texas region for half a century. Our online store makes it easier to find used hunting guns. Since 1959, we have strived as a family owned business, to build a gun shop that is here to grow with your family.
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Welcome to Mobridge, South Dakota! W W With abundant habitat for pheasant, g grouse and other game, you’re sure to e enjoy your hunting trip here. Natural p prairie grasses draw wild game from h hundreds of miles turning our small city iin North Central South Dakota into a h hunter’s paradise. Come see for yourself tthis season!
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peppersloughhunt@aol.com DAKOTA HUNTING & FISHING - NOVEMBER-DECEMBER huntdhg.com 2013 • PAGE 29
Bowhunting Deer: Pre-rut Whitetail Strategies
By Steve Peters
Buck Lairs The temperatures at night start to graze the bottom of the mercury barrel. The amount of available sunlight decreases on a daily basis, and whitetail bucks slowly go mad with wanton desire. Rubs and scrapes appear on the edges of fields and along trails in high-interaction areas. Deer activity intensifies during daylight hours as a sudden influx of animals crossing highways and country roads at night increases. This stage of the whitetail breeding season is commonly referred to as the pre-rut. Selecting the right stand location at this time of year can result in a close encounter of the monster buck kind. It’s an extremely exciting time to be in the deer woods. There simply is no better time to identify, isolate and exploit the common behavioral traits of mature whitetails bucks than during the pre-rut. Although the timing of the rut fluctuates across North America, the farther one travels south, the later the rut occurs, the tactics described here will work throughout the entire range of the white-tailed deer. We all know what happens during the rut. Bucks are running around like wild dogs in a helter-skelter manner, chasing every hot doe that crosses their path for miles. Sure you see a lot of bucks during this time of the year, but patterning those bucks and trying to close-in on one particular buck is a nightmare at best. So why am I discussing pre-rut whitetail deer tactics at this time of year you ask? Because there is no better time to be searching the woods for the sign that will lead you to a pre-rut stage monster buck this coming fall than right now!
PAGE 30 • DAKOTA HUNTING & FISHING - NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2013
Continuously monitoring and scouting various trail systems can lead to areas that big bucks prefer to roam. Virtually living solitary lives for most of the year, big whitetails often select the nastiest, most impenetrable piece of real estate in an area to call home. These areas are normally located in sections of timber where deer feel safe. Cedar swamps, standing cornfields, briar thickets, brushchoked streambeds and pine plantations are all areas that offer protection and provide concealed daytime movement. For this reason, bucks will often establish their bedding areas, or core areas, nearby. Mature animals will routinely use this type of cover to move from one section of the woods to another. Although bucks tend to let down their guard during the heat of the rut, safety is still their No. 1 concern throughout the pre-rut period. The odds of arrowing trophy deer are excellent in places where they feel secure. Identifying and studying these areas will earn you the opportunity to harvest a true wall hanger. Setting up over trails that link feeding and bedding areas can still produce good results. Bucks will continue to use earlyseason trails, making short visits at food plots and crop fields as they slowly extend their range into neighboring territory. These excursions focus on assessing the breeding status of local doe concentrations, and storing energy for the rigors of the upcoming rut by quickly consuming high-energy chow. In most cases, trophy bucks choose to travel on lessdefined trails that skirt heavy cover. Rarely will you see a mature deer traveling through open timber or crossing an open field at this time. Keeping a low profile is standard operating procedure, but the one weakness bucks have in sustaining an anonymous lifestyle is the uncontrollable habit of leaving behind evidence of their existence. Accurately interpreting and processing this information can be a tremendous aid in devising a plan of attack. huntdhg.com
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Solving the Puzzle The most difficult aspect of hunting trophy whitetails is interpreting deer sign. Developing this skill will take time and experience. By using a little creativity you can learn to evaluate and eventually exploit the sign that bucks yield in the wake of their travels. Imagine interpreting and processing deer sign as constructing a giant jigsaw puzzle. The wooded terrain and natural food sources of a certain area make up the main body and outer edges of the “puzzle.” The final pieces include rubs, scrapes, trails and bedding areas. Normally the edges of a puzzle are the easiest to identify and arrange. The task becomes more challenging and reveals more of the impending scene as you work towards the center. Gathering bits of information and applying the acquired knowledge will lead to a specific strategy for solving the puzzle. In one case it may be a beautiful mountain vista or prominent landmark. In the other, a trophy buck. I personally focus my attention on finding fresh rubs while on scouting forays. Rubs are one of the few distinguishing pieces of evidence that verifies antlered animals are frequenting a certain locale. From the time their antlers harden in early September until they cast them in late winter bucks will make rubs. Saplings, fence posts, power line poles and a wide variety of scrub brush fall victim to their abuse. Taking advantage of a buck’s natural tendency to create these spontaneous woodland sculptures is the answer to consistently taking bragging-size bucks during the pre-rut. Scrapes are also an indication that bucks are working an area. Studies have shown that the majority of activity in and around a scrape generally occurs under the cover of darkness. Yearlings and immature bucks will visit scrapes on a regular basis, but mature animals tend to shy away from these locations during daylight hours. For this reason, rubs normally offer a more reliable means of plotting travel patterns than scrapes. P AGE 31 • DAKOTA HUNTING & FISHING - NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2013 huntdhg.com
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However, during a recent hunt in northern Missouri, I witnessed several large bucks visiting a primary scrape at various times of the day, including the first hours of daylight in the morning and the last few hours before sunset. One of the aforementioned bucks sported a massive, bone-white set of antlers whose rack would score somewhere in the high 160s as a 10-pt typical. I had definite plans of harvesting this particular animal, but due to a perplexing attack of impatience I wound up shooting a lesser deer only to have the big 10 show up under my stand moments after harvesting the smaller buck. In this case, I learned that there are simply no absolutes when it comes to bowhunting trophy whitetails. Anything can happen at any time. An example of this, as stated previously, are the many studies that substantiate the frequency of nighttime scraping activity by mature deer. Yet those north Missouri bucks were brazenly working their scrapes during broad daylight without a care in the world. So when pursuing trophy bucks with archery equipment it’s best to keep an open mind for every possible opportunity to be able to capitalize on the habits of the deer in your particular area. This type of mindset is yet another key to outwitting pre-rut whitetails.
• Groceries • Guns • License • Ammo • Clothing • Fishing Tackle • Liquor & Beer OPEN 7am-10pm
120 W. Sioux Ave. Pierre, SD 57501
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PAGE 32 • DAKOTA HUNTING & FISHING - NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2013
One of the most productive times to search for deer sign is immediately following the bow season. Another is during the spring. In the early stages of spring, the woods appear in basically the same condition as they did during the previous bow season. Rubs, scrapes and trails are exposed and are easily identifiable. This time of the year also offers yet another opportunity to legally harvest the prized headgear of virtually every buck in your hunting area. This highly enjoyable, early spring activity I’m referring to is widely known in the bowhunting ranks as “shed hunting.” Hunting for shed antlers has become one of the fastest growing pastimes of an ever-increasing number of outdoor enthusiasts. Serious bowhunters, nature lovers and those who seek to profit from these complimentary woodland souvenirs are among the most recognized of today’s burgeoning legion of “bone collectors.” With a formal record book in current production that is solely dedicated to shed antlers, and a separate category that officially recognizes them as stand-alone trophies, the one-time leisure pursuit of a few adventurous individuals has now become an extremely competitive arena. Scouring the woods for these naturally abandoned gems of the whitetail world definitely has its advantages for archers seeking trophy bucks. Finding a single shed, or if you’re lucky enough, a matched set of antlers will positively confirm that a certain buck has survived the hunting season. Also, simply knowing that a particular buck is still alive and well, and is residing in your hunting area on a consistent basis, will significantly increase your odds of killing him next bow season. Yet another reward for your efforts is the beautiful addition that shed antlers make to any trophy room. Attached to the skull plate or displayed on a mantle or laid out on deer hide covered coffee table makes no difference to me. Antlers are eye-popping works of art that are just plain cool. huntdhg.com
Unfortunately, the exploration of every hunting spot prior to the season is not possible, leaving many pieces of the whitetail puzzle missing or out of place. In this case, you must switch gears and start to look at things from a different perspective. Scouting just prior to, or during the open season, is a tricky business. One wrong move could ruin a spot for the entire year. Yet there is a way to get the drop on the resident deer herd with only marginal amounts of disturbance. Rubs made the previous fall are the keys to locating hot spots in unfamiliar territory. Fresh rubs are much better, but one of the easiest ways to pinpoint productive stand sites in a new area or when the season is fast approaching is by tracking down old rubs. Old rubs provide valuable clues to unlocking preferred travel corridors. The logic behind this method relies on the habitual nature of deer. A spot that held bucks in the past will usually hold them in the future if the deer still feel secure while moving through the area.
Stand Placement The location of rubs is more important than their size. A big rub is a relatively accurate measure of the quality of animal you are pursuing. On the other hand, big rubs can only tell you where a good buck was, not where he is going to be on a regular basis. Rubbing activity normally takes place under the cover of darkness along field edges. Bucks often stop and make rubs when exiting a field in the morning. Although the eye-catching fallout from these latenight calisthenics can be very impressive, don’t bank on seeing the buck during daylight hours at the edge of the field. Prime locations are easily identifiable, but not as easy to find. It will take a fair amount of dedication and legwork to uncover areas where big bucks spend the majority of their time. Relying on rubs will eventually lead to the center of a buck’s bedroom. Bucks tend to mark the perimeter of their bedding areas with rubs. There will usually be a line of rubs leading into and another line leading away from a bedding area. Concentrate on clusters of rubs adjacent to heavy cover or a line of rubs leading into similar terrain. Setting up within close proximity of the trail, or trails, that link these rubs can lead to a close range shot at a good deer. Be thoroughly discriminate in the process of stand selection. Set up 15 to 20 yards from the edge of the trail or line/cluster of rubs. Choose a tree that takes advantage of the prevailing wind direction. Make sure the thermals will blow your scent away from the deer and their expected route of travel. Place the stand in a spot that allows immature and non-antlered specimens of your quarry to pass by without detecting your presence. The goal is to catch the buck on his feet during legal shooting hours. To increase your odds of success, place a stand as close to the buck’s bedding area as possible without tipping your hand. Couple the location with fresh rut sign and sit tight. To maintain a productive stand site, consider the following advice: Make sure to alter your entry and exit routes to and from your stand to keep the deer guessing. Try and keep noise to a bare minimum while in close proximity PAGE 33 • DAKOTA HUNTING & FISHING - NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2013 huntdhg.com
of the ambush site. Take every precaution necessary to avoid contaminating the area with human scent. Wash all hunting clothes in baking soda, or similar agent, and apply scent-eliminating sprays. Don’t over-hunt the stand or allow the deer to pattern your movements. Avoid touching low-hanging branches or saplings to reduce the risk of dispensing alarming odor on surrounding vegetation. And, [I, personally,] always wear a pair of Elimitrax or scent-free footwear to conceal [my] your footpath. Going to these extremes will boost success rates. It will also prevent the contrasting reality of enduring long, unproductive vigils of babysitting vacant woodlots during the pre-rut. By: Steve Peters
Steve Peters is the founder and President of the United Outfitters Association: www.unitedoutfittersassociation. com You can find out more information on selecting a quality hunting outfitter by going to www. unitedoutfittersassociation.com If you are looking for a guided or outfitted hunt be sure to check out FORAHUNT. com at: www.forahunt.com
There is no better time to be searching the woods for the sign that will lead you to a pre-rut stage monster buck this coming fall than right now!
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NO RECOVERY - NO FEE! Kit McCahren OLINGER, LOVALD, McCAHREN & REIMERS, P.C. L AW O F F I C E
LET ME HELP! 117 East Capitol Avenue, P.O. Box 66 Pierre, South Dakota 57501-3105 Telephone: 605-224-8851 Toll Free: 1-877-225-5548 Cell: 605-280-6913 http://www.olingerlaw.net huntdhg.com DAKOTA HUNTING & FISHING - NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2013 • PAGE 33
BOWHUNTING: NEBRASKA
Whitetails in the Cornhusker State By Steve Peters The sound of leaves crunching in the distance alerted me to the slow progression of several deer approaching my stand site. My heart began to flutter in anticipation of their arrival, as the staccato rhythm of advancing footfalls grew louder and louder. The first deer to appear on the scene was a mediumsized doe, followed by an 8-pointer and a much larger buck whose unique-looking rack sported a small sticker point, and a broken left brow tine. As I embraced the magic of the moment, a surge of deep concentration took over my thought process. My eyes immediately centered on the bigger of the two bucks. After casting a few quick glances in his direction, I instantly determined that he was a “shooter.” My position was ideal. A strategically placed ladder stand blended in well with the surrounding terrain. The stand was located approximately 15 feet above the ground in one of several large oak trees that overlooked a gradually sloping hillside. This particular area was a virtual haven for whitetailed deer. It offered an assortment of natural attractants that appealed to bucks of all shapes and sizes, including the most dominant and mature. The presence of a nearly impenetrable cedar thicket to the south served as a secure sanctuary for their daytime bedding area. In addition, a small creek bottom and a recently picked cornfield nestled below the stand of oaks provided an inviting buffet of food and water. Also, large family groups of female deer commonly gathered on the hillside oak flat at sundown to feed, which further increased its allure. From my elevated perch, I watched the 8-pointer vigorously work over a large scrape and its helpless overhanging branch. Meanwhile, the bigger buck appeased his appetite by devouring a healthy amount of acorns. He was also quite intent on analyzing the actions of several does that were now lurking in the nearby shadows. Since it seemed obvious that he had no PAGE 34 • DAKOTA HUNTING & FISHING - NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2013
idea I was in the immediate area, I figured it was safe to try tickling his auditory nerve. I assumed that I could prey upon his natural impulses as his attitude clearly indicated that he was ready to start the breeding ritual. After slowly reaching for my grunt tube, I followed with three short tending grunts in an attempt to lure him into bow range. It seemed to work as he stepped out from a patch of thick brush and started heading in my direction. I was bowhunting trophy bucks in southeastern Nebraska. It was the latter stages of October and the pre-rut phase of the whitetail breeding season was just starting to heat up. Although the drive from my then home state of Wisconsin had been long and tiresome, the prospect of hunting new territory kept my spirits high along the way. Arriving later than expected, I quickly made plans for an early evening hunt. There was only enough time left in the day to purchase my license and to take a quick nap before making my freshman debut as a Cornhusker State bowhunter. After some much needed rest, I headed for the woods. Needless to say, I was eager to start my five-day instructional course in Nebraska Whitetail Hunting 101. The last minute appearance of a large doe was the only action I experienced on that first afternoon. After coming within easy bow range, the lone deer occasionally stopped to browse in a nearby milo field. A sense of bittersweet consolation swept over me as the last seconds of legal shooting hours slowly ticked away. Undaunted by the outcome of my first encounter with a Nebraska whitetail, I sat back and enjoyed the peace and tranquility of nightfall. The gradual decent of the sun dissolved into a wash of vibrant colors, setting the night sky on fire. It was a show of natural artistry that I will not soon forget. huntdhg.com
Once the doe was out of my sight, I quietly climbed down from my stand, walked out to the main trail and waited for my hunting partner to pick me up. Sitting alone in the darkness, I heard the eerie yips of several coyotes echoing in the distance. From one predator to another, I wished them all good hunting as I silently devised my own plan of attack. Although I never raised my bow from its hanger, it had been a good first day of hunting. Unfortunately, the temperatures turned unseasonably warm for the month of October, resulting in tough hunting conditions. On the second day of my hunt, the mercury consistently hovered near the middle 70s. As one can imagine, good buck activity normally slows down during warmer weather conditions, but I had done my homework by conducting several intensive scouting missions just prior to my hunt. I knew if I was willing to spend some quality time at one of my many ambush sites, I would have an opportunity to take a good buck. Given my positive attitude, it was still surprising to have a good buck within effective bow range so soon into my five-day hunt. The sound of my bogus grunts infuriated the buck. As the bruiser slowly worked his way toward my stand site, he answered back in bold defiance. Continuing his show of aggression, he stopped every few feet and pawed a fresh scrape on the ground, tearing at the earth with each ruthless thrust of his hooves. Now strutting past at a mere 12 yards, urine dripping from his hind legs, the husky stag presented me with a perfect broadside target. Seeing the window of opportunity open, I slowly moved into position for the impending shot. Just as I started to feel the string’s tension on my finger tab, the twist of fate decided to rear its ugly head. At that very moment, the small 8-pointer came dangerously close to my stand tree, slamming the window shut. Fearing that any movement would tip my hand, I elected to wait it out. And, wait I did. Standing stone still, afraid to even exhale, I could literally hear the ticking of my watch as seconds of time turned into minutes of agony. With the indiscriminate force of nature directing the show, the battle of wits ensued. Finally, after what seemed like hours, the smaller buck moved off leaving his superior and I to finish the high stakes chess match on our own. The big 9-pointer was now facing directly away from me. He had moved out to 23 yards while I was busy performing my best impression of a tree trunk. As I waited for a shot opportunity, I silently reminded myself to pick a spot. The buck began slowly moving to his right in what seemed like slow motion. Without hesitation, I brought my 78-pound Hoyt Vectrix XL back to full draw and waited for him to complete his turn. Suddenly, he paused and looked back in my direction. I patiently waited for him to look in another direction, but that look never came. Minutes passed as I pleaded with the heavens for a favorable outcome. I knew I had to act quickly or all would be lost. Realizing that I could no longer hold my pose, I forced myself to focus on a spot behind the buck’s shoulder blade and released the string from my stiff fingers. P AGE 35 • DAKOTA HUNTING & FISHING - NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2013 huntdhg.com
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huntdhg.com DAKOTA HUNTING & FISHING - NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2013 • PAGE 35
HUNT TROPHY BULL ELK
Great opportunity to harvest a trophy bull elk in Atkinson, Nebraska. This ranch is comprised of cedar and hardwood drainages that holds a number of elk that are trophy class. Call for hunt dates and pricing. No drawing for license! Buffalo, deer and some exotics are available in addition to your elk. Ph. 402-340-6121 or contact us at: www.trophybison.com
Watertown • 605-886-5816 Sioux Falls • 605-543-5206 Rapid City • 605-341-8780
Large and small animals • Veterinary supplies • 24-hour emergency service • Reasonable Prices
My arrow found its mark in less than the blink of an eye. I watched the G5 STRIKER-tipped shaft penetrate the brute’s tough exterior as a crown of crimson instantly formed around the fletching. Fatally wounded, the buck fell to the ground within sight. Struggling to regain his feet, the big deer made a staggering exit, toppled over a ridge and came to rest at the bottom of a steep ravine. Hours later, in the radiant glow of the moon, I knelt at his side and gave thanks to the Great Spirit above while praising him for his courageous effort. After conducting an early morning photo session and visiting a cold storage plant, I made arrangements to employ the services of a local butcher. It was during this time that I had a chance to reflect on the hunt. I quietly mused over the buck’s potential as a record book candidate and what may have caused him to break off one of his brow tines. After a fair amount of conjecture, I came to the conclusion that he lost it while defending his breeding rights. I surmised that another buck had invaded his territory and was competing for the amorous attentions of the local doe population, when a routine woodland scuffle turned ugly. In any event, I was one happy hunter to have harvested such a fine trophy. As it turns out, the decision to end my hunt after only two days afield was somewhat prophetic. The temperatures continued to climb into the high 80s, causing most breeding activity to occur under the cover of darkness. As a result of Mother Nature’s fickle mood swing, daytime buck sightings became few and far between. My only regret is that I didn’t spend more time in the woods chasing an even bigger buck that was caught on videotape in late August by some local hunters. Nicknamed “Heart Attack,” the huge 12-point typical is a true jaw-dropping monster. Maybe that Cornhusker State giant and I will cross paths sometime in the future, but that’s another story. Until then I’ll set up an appointment with my cardiologist, and keep my bow fingers crossed.
Trip Notes Following the required 60-day drying period, an official measurer of the Pope and Young Club tallied a final score of my buck’s rack. He grossed an impressive 128 3/8 points. After a total deduction of 9 4/8 inches the rack netted 118 7/8, falling a little shy of the 125-point minimum necessary for record book consideration. An extra G3 tine on the buck’s right antler and a small sticker point on his left accounted for the majority of its deductions. The missing left brow tine also affected the final score. By: Steve Peters
Monday to Friday 8:00 am to 5:30 pm Saturday 9:00 am to 12:00 pm
603 West U.S. Hwy. 14 • Fort Pierre, SD 57532 605) 223-2562 • www.oahevetclinic.com PAGE 36 • DAKOTA HUNTING & FISHING - NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2013
Steve Peters is the founder and President of the United Outfitters Association: www.unitedoutfittersassociation. com You can find out more information on selecting a quality hunting outfitter by going to www. unitedoutfittersassociation.com If you are looking for a guided or outfitted hunt be sure to check out FORAHUNT. com at: www.forahunt.com huntdhg.com
How to Select The Best Crossbow For Hunting Whitetail By Keith Cantelmo The world of hunting, more specifically whitetail hunting, is experiencing a trend in the decline of numbers of people heading out into the fields all across the United States. This is one of the main reasons why it is important to introduce the younger generation to this sport. There is a group within the whitetail hunting ranks however which are experiencing a growth spurt in every corner of the country. The incorporation of crossbows into the archery season is allowing for older hunters to remain in the fields longer. Despite this fact, crossbow hunters are growing in all age groups and genders. If you are considering the purchase of a new crossbow for hunting whitetails and joining these ever growing numbers, your first order of business is purchasing the best crossbow for your style of hunting. The optimum way to do this is to head out to a large sporting goods store. Examine and touch every single crossbow which you lay eyes on. Take your time and narrow your choices down to your top three or four picks. Find a salesperson who can answer all of your questions about the different characteristics that you consider to be paramount in making your decision. If the store you are at offers the option of a shooting range; take advantage of it. Put several bolts through the crossbow; get a true feel for how each and everyone one of your final choices handles. Your next order of business is to take some time and do research on the internet. Visit various crossbow forums. You will find that there are avid crossbow hunters who are more than willing to share their opinions and experiences with you about crossbows in general as well as the specific one you may be considering. Ask the questions which are most important to you; get the honest answers; make the best decision. However, no matter how much information you obtain before your purchase; once you settle on the right one for you, read the owner’s manual completely. Another consideration when deciding to purchase and use a crossbow is the fact that crossbows have a significantly higher draw weight than vertical bows. For a hunter who has a disability, cocking a crossbow could be impossible. If this is the case there are tools available to help. You could use a cocking rope which can reduce the draw weight by up to 50 percent. You could also use a crank-cocking device. This attaches to your crossbow and operates much like a winch. The need for a high draw weight is essential because a crossbow has a shorter power stroke than a compound bow. The power stroke is the distance that the bowstring travels to push the arrow toward the target. Because of this shorter power stroke, the kinetic energy built up in the limbs is much less versus the buildup in vertical bows. Due to this fact, even with the higher draw weight, the arrow leaving the crossbow will always drop off faster than an arrow leaving a vertical compound bow. Another difference is the fact that the arrow used with a crossbow needs to be much heavier. Most crossbow arrows are 400+ grains. This is necessary for the arrow to withstand the initial energy transfer. Be sure that you follow the manufacturers instructions to the letter. If you don’t, you risk injury to yourself and damage to your crossbow. Also, most manufacturers do not recommend taking a shot at a target which is over 40 yards away. This is due to the rapid loss of arrow speed and the fact that the higher draw weight makes the crossbow considerably louder than its vertical compound bow counterparts. Keeping your shots within 40 yards also helps to prevent a buck from “jumping your string.” Finally, it should be noted that most crossbows are heavier overall than vertical bows. Though manufacturers are continually working to lighten the overall weight, currently this is not the case. So, there are a number of items on the market which are constructed specifically to help the hunter steady the crossbow when preparing for a shot. There is the “KneePod.” It is lightweight and easy to use. Another item is “Steddy Eddy.” This helps the crossbow hunter just like shooting sticks help the rifle hunter. Maintenance and safety concerns are mostly the same as you have with vertical compound bows. The only additional safety concern with crossbows is making sure that your fingers remain below the barrel. Failing to do so will mean the loss of your fingertips. For more safety information you can check out the National Bowhunter Education Foundation website. Crossbow hunting whitetail deer can be a challenging experience. Choosing the right crossbow for you will also make this experience a fun one. Trophy Deer Hunting Secrets reveals how experts get dramatic results when hunting for trophy whitetails. To learn more about crossbows for hunting whitetails visit us at www. PAGE 37 • DAKOTA HUNTING & FISHING - NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2013 trophydeerhuntingsecrets.com
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Lake at Shadow Mountain
ESCAPE TO
SHADOW “When it comes to hunting big game in British Columbia, Canada my first choice by far is Shadow Mountain Outfitters, Ltd. Lots of quality game, unbelievably gorgeous country, great food and the finest guides found anywhere in North America. Shadow Mountain Outfitters is hunting at its finest and best!” – Larry Weishuhn Shadow Mountain Outfitters is located in the Purcell Mountain Range. It is situated about 4.5 hours north of Spokane Washington taking you through northern Idaho. It is the largest guiding territory in the Southeastern corner of British Columbia, encompasses the 80-mile Kootenay Lake. This territory offers over 4000 square miles of pristine hunting grounds. This corner of British Columbia has often been referred to as “Little Africa” in the hunting world as it is home to more Big Game Species than anywhere else in North America. It should be noted that the guiding area has seen very little hunting pressure in the past 20 years and had never been set up to take non-resident hunters. Let’s take a look at what Shadow Mountain Outfitters has to offer; Wilderness Big Game hunting at its best for Elk, Moose, Whitetail and Mule Deer, Mountain Goat, Sheep, Black Bear, Grizzly Bear, Cougar and Bobcat. By Shadow Mountain Outfitters
PAGE 38 • DAKOTA HUNTING & FISHING - NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2013
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THE COUGAR Join Tim and his cougar hounds to pursue the elusive Mountain Lion with Shadow Mountain Outfitters. They have some of the finest mountain lion hunting found anywhere on the continent, Period. They harvest only mature Toms; they have the skill, experience, and knowledge to identify the difference between a Tom and Female by the track, so there is seldom time wasted treeing a Female. Limited numbers of Cougars are available. This is a 7-day hunt throughout December and January, depending on Mother Nature and snowfall. What’s amazing is that they run a 90% success rate on this hunt. Oh and a bobcat would be a great addition to this hunt.
BOBCAT This is a great hunt to watch the hounds work a track, as Bobcats can be very elusive. These cats range from 15 to 30 lbs. and have impressive color markings. This cat can be hunted alone or with a combination Cougar hunt.
GRIZZLY BEAR
Janine Russell Flickr.com
Shadow Mountain Outfitters offer exclusive Spring Grizzly Hunts. Dates may vary depending on the arrival of spring and condition of the snow pack. So book early. Their Interior Grizzlies are world renowned for their color variations. The methods for hunting these animals are “spot and stalk”. You’ll hunt these magnificent bears in the slide areas as they emerge from their winter hibernation. You’ll pursue big bears and harvest males only. They have a healthy population of Grizzlies so your chances of a successful hunt are very good. You may also have the option to harvest a black bear while on this 10-day hunt. Please note: there are a limited number of tags allocated to each hunting area so these hunts are high in demand and spaces are limited. Again we recommend you book early if you are considering this hunt.
MOUNTAIN AND FIND YOUR ADVENTURE OF A LIFETIME! BLACK BEAR
e_monk Flickr.com
PAGE 39 • DAKOTA HUNTING & FISHING - NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2013 huntdhg.com
You’ll use the “spot and stock” method for the May through June Black Bear season. Shadow Mountain Outfitters has a 90% success rate on 6 foot and larger bears using this proven and effective method. These bears range in color phases from black to brown, blonde, cinnamon, chocolate and even albino and ranging in weight from 250 to 500 lbs. This is a 5 or 7-day hunt, a great father and son hunt or a corporate get together with the guys. With great animals to harvest, exceptional scenery and great hospitality Shadow Mountain Outfitters can accommodate all kinds of hunters from 11 years old to 80 years young. This hunt gives you the opportunity to harvest 2 bears. Come and experience why they have been rated #4 in North America for Spring Black Bear hunting. The terrain can be quite rugged as you’ll be hunting old cut blocks using either trucks or quads. Hunters will be staying in comfortable dry cabins, with wood heat and running water. They also have record Gerard Rainbow Trout fishing available as a combination “Blast and Cast” adventure. We highly recommend this. huntdhg.com DAKOTA HUNTING & FISHING - NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2013 • PAGE 39
Steve Frye Flickr.com
Dan Dzurisin Flickr.com
SHIRAS MOOSE They have a good population of Shiras or Wyoming Moose. They are limited in the number you can harvest. So if you are interested in a potential record class Shiras Moose they may be able to help you. This hunt can be combined with a whitetail, mule Deer or a Goat. Ask about a combination hunt. Dates for our Moose hunts are October 24th to November 5th.
ELK Shadow Mountain Outfitters offers a 7-day Elk hunt in varying types of mountain terrain. The hunts are usually conducted by horseback however, depending on the type of terrain and your personal preference; the hunt may include the use of quads, 4x4’s and hiking. Charles Dawley Flickr.com For extreme hunting enthusiasts, don’t worry Shadow Mountain Outfitters friendly local guides are experienced and knowledgeable in their hunting techniques. Hunting elk in the rut or during bugling season makes for an exciting experience. With a six point mandatory season in place, this species is allowed the opportunity to fully mature into 280 to 350 class bulls. Shadow Mountain Outfitters average harvest is 320 class bulls. Depending on your hunting and physical abilities, Shadow Mountain Outfitters can offer a diversified type of terrain in the West Kootenay territory. This provides them with the opportunity to choose which territory best suits your needs. Discuss your options with them to arrange a hunt that suits your personal preferences. These hunts include black bear, mule deer & whitetail deer. These animals are secondary and should be considered as a bonus and hunted only after the primary animal is harvested.
WHITETAIL & MULE DEER Shadow Mountain Outfitters offers two 7-day deer hunts or a 10-day combination for whitetail and Mule deer. These dates are November 1st to November 7th or November 9th to November 15th. The area they hunt for deer is a true hot spot for rutting and migrating deer. This offers the hunter a reasonable chance to bag a once in lifetime trophy. Check with them for dates on a 10-day Combination Hunt.
ROCKY MOUNTAIN GOAT Shadow Mountain Outfitters’ success rate of 95% speaks for itself. This area of the Rocky Mountains truly has some of the finest and accessible Rocky Mountain goat hunting anywhere in North America. This danw7504 Flickr.com 7-day hunt is available from September 10 to the end of November. The best time to hunt goat are late October to mid-November this provides the best opportunity for a full winter coat for your trophy mount. This hunt includes a whitetail or mule deer.
“I have hunted with Shadow Mountain Outfitters now on 3 separate occasions and can say nothing but good things about this outfitter, their operation and people. All three hunts were outstanding. Accommodations top notch, food great, guides and equipment couldn’t have been better. I have another hunt booked with them again and will probably be returning as often as possible. If you are looking for a top quality outfitter in a beautiful area you will be hard pressed to do better. “ – Douglas S. Hamric PAGE 40 • DAKOTA HUNTING & FISHING - NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2013
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WHY SHADOW MOUNTAIN OUTFITTERS? Shadow Mountain Outfitters strives to provide outstanding shooting opportunities for Big Game Hunting while in a comfortable environment that includes a Central lodge with individual cabins plus satellite camps. They provide guides that have an outstanding knowledge of the 4000 square miles of British Columbia hunting area plus being highly experienced in the hunting of the numerous Big Game Species. They offer European style cooking with the highest quality food, far superior to normal “Camp Food.” They adhere to current hunting rules and regulations and insure the safety of all hunters plus follow the Guide Outfitters “Code of Ethics & Standards.” Tim Faiers has been in the guiding business for 30 years, starting out at the age of 17, guiding for the local outfitters in the region, learning all the skills it would take to operate a guiding business of his own one-day. In 1987 he met his partner and wife Astrid (Oz), and together, they realized they, both had the same passion for the industry and they decided to venture out, and start their own guiding service. In 1993 they purchased the Bull River Territory consisting of about 300 square miles. It soon became a very special destination for many American hunters, some returning as many as 15 years in a row. So special in fact, 60% of their clientele return to hunt again and again. As demand grew, they realized they needed to expand their operation to meet the needs of so many hunters. Shadow Mountain Outfitters then purchased the hunting territory in the West Kootenays offering additional 4000 square miles. They have since released the Bull River territory to concentrate on the larger West Kootenay hunting grounds.
PAGE 41 • DAKOTA HUNTING & FISHING - NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2013 huntdhg.com
THE GUIDES Why are Shadow Mountain Outfitter guide superior in their field? All of their guides have a passion for hunting and are extreme hunting enthusiasts. They all started hunting at an early age and have outstanding knowledge and experience on the movement, tracking and location of the big Game animals. Having growing up in this hunting area they have exceptional knowledge of the 4000 square miles of their spectacular hunting territory.
ACCOMMODATIONS The accommodations range from rustic mountain cabins to the comfort of a lodge offering all the amenities of home including electricity and cell service. Wherever you stay during your time with them, you will always be surrounded by pristine mountain wilderness.
BOOK EARLY They recommend you book early. With over a 60% in repeat hunts, they can fill a season in a hurry. They truly deliver an “Adventure of a Lifetime” every time. These guys are worth every penny. Hunters are still amazed at how they consistently deliver on every hunt. Call now, and Escape to Shadow Mountain...
Shadow Mountain Outfitters, Owners Tim & Astrid Faiers, Phone (250) 225-3551, Email shadowmtguides@ bluebell.ca, Mailing Address 1712 Eastman Ave. Riondel BC VOB 2BO
huntdhg.com DAKOTA HUNTING & FISHING - NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2013 • PAGE 41
FIRST AID
As sporting dog owners, you should be prepared and ready for anything that could happen to your dog. By Jim Rogers As Sporting Dog owners, we’ve seen our dogs get into some dangerous situations. I’m a firm believer that it’s a dog owner’s responsibility to have the appropriate knowledge in caring for your dog, especially in the field. One of the most important is learning canine first aid and having the right emergency supplies for your dog. It is not a substitute for medical treatment, but it can save the life of your faithful hunting companion. You should have a first aid kit supplies available in your vehicle, camp, and as close by as possible when in the field. Accidents can happen in our most unexpected time and place. As sporting dog owners, you should be prepared and ready for anything that could happen to your dog.
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I can’t emphasize enough the need for giving all gun dogs a thorough “pre & post-hunt inspection” from “head to tail” for possible on-the-job injuries. Getting you (and your dog) into a routine of checking before and after your hunt for injuries may be bothersome, it will however pay off in the long run. Knowing the “quirks” of your dog can be invaluable. This will make it easier to identify an injury that isn’t obvious (like dislocations, shock, hypothermia-hyperthermia, or even poisonings). Infections from an overlooked laceration can be painful, debilitating, and even potentially fatal. Learn when it’s ok keep an injured canine going in the field as well how to identify when a hurt canine should be immediately taken to a veterinarian. Learn how to examine for hypothermia and hyperthermia, how to check a dog’s pulse and body temperature, and how to evaluate a dog’s general physical condition. Having a checklist and knowing what to look for are obviously important. There a ton of books, magazines, and videos to help you here (check your library, book stores, and on youtube.com). Want the best advice? Ask your veterinarian where to find these resources. You may want to buy a Canine First Aid Manual for you to read and for a quick reference in the field. Have a veterinarian data sheet ready in your first aid kit. This data sheet contains information such as name, age, weight and breed of your dog, your contact information, the telephone number of your veterinarian, a copy of the health and vaccination records of your dog. This will help the attending veterinarian or clinic when treating the dog. This sheet is invaluable when a friend has to take the dog in, remember be prepared for anything. Medication can be an important part of your first aid supplies for dogs. Medicines such as Kaopetate, Imodium AD, Pepto Bismol, PNP Buffered Aspirin for dogs, Bene-Bac Gel, PureCalm for anxiety and panic attacks, Dramamine, Benadryl tablets, Pedialyte, Sterile Saline Solution, Hydrogen Peroxide, and an ear cleaning solution can be helpful in the field. Make sure you consult with your veterinarian for the proper use and dosage before using any medications. Some of the injuries you and your dog may face this season are barbwire cuts (probably the most common type of laceration), abdominal wounds (punctures caused by everything from dog fights to gun shots), bleeding (from the tongue or ear flaps, often caused by running through briars); dislocation, and broken bones (legs, ribs, toes, or tails). Add to that list insect bites, snakebites, ingested poisons, eye-ear-mouth injuries, and cold weather injuries such huntdhg.com
as hypothermia, chilblain, and frostbite. If your gun dog or your hunting partner’s dog hasn’t experienced any of these problems, you are very lucky. But if you train, hunt, or exercise your dog on a regular basis, you can be certain that sooner or later you will become personally familiar with one or more of the subjects on this list. When emergency situations occur, you should assess your dog. This is where the pre-inspection pays off. Observe and carefully approach your dog. Look to see if he is breathing, bleeding, or has obvious deformities. Do not rush into things without assessing; you may injure the dog further. If the dog is no longer breathing, you may have to start doing CPR. If he is bleeding, you should apply pressure to the wound. If there is a deformity, it may be a dislocation, broken bone(s), or swelling you may need a splint. Handle your injured dog carefully. Remember even our trusted hunting companions can and will bite when they are scared or in pain. Always remember to keep your face away from the dogs’ mouth. To reassure your dog that everything is in control use a soothing voice and a calm slow motion. The dog will be scared when you shout and/or use panicked or fast motions, and you do not want to scare him. If you need to take him to the animal clinic, you may have to put on a muzzle if the wounds are too painful. This is for the dog’s safety as well as yours or anyone treating the dog. An injured animal should be kept warm blankets, and an ice pack is also beneficial for swelling. A soft fabric muzzle, tweezers, scissors, rubber latex gloves, eye droppers, bulb syringe or a turkey baster, cotton balls, bandages, adhesive tapes, antiseptics and medications should be included in your kit. Other items that are useful and should be included in your first aid kits are a leash and extra collar, a large and small flashlight, a clean towel, and several clean wash cloths. (See sidebar) Extracting your dog from the field can be an adventure in itself. How you evacuate your dog will vary depending on injuries, terrain, size of the dog, vehicles available, etc. Some dogs may be able to walk themselves out, or may be small enough to carry. You can also use makeshift stretchers such as a board or blanket to carry him using a hammock-style sling. The key to emergency treatment and evacuation is to improvise, adapt, and overcome. I want to stress, first aid is not intended as an alternative for medical and veterinary care but it is useful stabilizing the condition of the animal before reaching a veterinary clinic and with proper care given by specialized veterinarians. This first-aid care should be followed by a veterinarian’s attention or any other animal emergency clinic. Being prepared has more chances of survival.
Outdoor Safety Pro Model Canine First Aid Kits The Pro Model #3030 (91 pcs.) This is their “everything kit.” The unmatched quality of the Pro Model #3030 starts with our custom heavy-duty gate hinged case (larger than the #1010 kit case). It has extra room and pockets for additional items like e-collar and prescription meds, plus an extra storage area on the bottom of the bag. This superior quality kit is Veterinarian and Trainer Approved. It is designed for: Sport dogs afield, law enforcement, military and S&R K-9 units, working & service dogs, agility competitors, and the family pet. This High quality first aid supplies include: WoundSeal®, Staple Remover, Skunk Odor Remover, Ticked Off® - tick remover, Slip Lead, Rehydration drink mix packets, Benadryl, Nail Trimmer, SAM Splint, Emergency Thermal Blanket, Saline Solution, Pill Gun, Hydrogen Peroxide, PVP Iodine, Digital Thermometer, Instant Cold Pack, Locking Hemostat Forceps, Large Selection of Bandages, Large Cohesive Bandage (4” x 5 yd.), Ointments, Eye wash, and much more. PAGE 43 • DAKOTA HUNTING & FISHING - NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2013
Pro Model #3030 Canine First Aid Kit 1 - Water resistant gate hinged case (13”x12”x9”) 1 - WoundSeal® 1 - Triple Antibiotic Ointment, (1 oz. tube) 3 - Dog Rehydration Drink Mix 1 - Locking Hemostat (Surgical quality) 1 - Scissors 1 - Thumb Forceps 1 - Digital Thermometer w/case 1 - Instant Cold Pack 1 - Ticked Off - tick remover 1 - Skunk Off - odor remover 1 - Slip Lead 6 - Wooden Splints 3 - Sterile Trauma/Wound Pad 1 - SAM Splint 1 - Saline Solution 4 - Benadryl (2 packs of 2) 1 - Silver Mylar Emergency Blanket 1 - Nail Trimmer 6 - Non-Latex Gloves (3 pair) 1 - Skin Stapler (Sterile, Disposable - 35 ct) 1 - Staple Remover 1 - PVP Pre-Surgical Scrub Brush 1 - Pill Gun 1 - 10 c.c. Oral Applicator 1 - PVP Iodine (4 oz.) 1 - Hydrogen Peroxide (4 oz.) 2 - Alcohol Wipes 2 - PVP Iodine Wipes 2 - Hydrocortisone Cream Packets 8 - Sterile Gauze Pads (4”x4”) 8 - Sterile Gauze Pads (3”x3”) 1 - Gauze Bandage (2”) 1 - Gauze Bandage (3”) 1 - Tape (1”x2.5 yds) 1 - Cohesive Bandage (4”) 4 - Towels 3 - Eye wash (1 oz. bottle) 1 - Non-Latex Tourniquet 6 - Cotton Balls 5 - Cotton Swabs 1 - First Aid Book, 112 pages/ illustrated - “Emergency First Aid for Your Dog,” by Tamara S. Shearer, DVM 1 - 1 Year FREE Membership in 1-800-HELP-4-PETS Lost Pet Locator Service huntdhg.com
Ice fishing used to be a sport for the hardcore folk but, that isn’t necessarily so anymore. These components can be pivotal to your success as a fisherman on the ice. By Jason Freed
PAGE 44 • DAKOTA HUNTING & FISHING - NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2013
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PAGE 45 • DAKOTA HUNTING & FISHING - NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2013
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When you think of trophy fishing, you should be thinking of Eagle West Resort. • Outstanding numbers of trophy musky, lake trout, walleye, smallmouth bass and northern pike • Five spacious, immaculate and fully equipped cabins, all of which offer a spectacular view of the lake. • Propane BBQ, fridge, coffee maker, toaster, dishes and cutlery • KingFisher boats in a 16 or 18 foot size, outfitted with 4 stroke fuel efficient 25 or 50 horsepower YAMAHA motors. • Canoes, paddles, life jackets • Complimentary boat tour of the West Arm for first-time customers • Guides are also available upon request • Dock service, fuel service at current pump prices • Freezer fish wrap and wharfage. • Brand new fish-cleaning house which is attached to the resort office and bait room.
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It wasn’t many years ago, my fishing buddies and I were planning our annual late ice fishing excursion. Each and every year we get together in February or early March and plan to chase walleyes, perch, and panfish on many of our favorite lakes. As the anticipation grew, the weather forecast began to dampen our excitement. Finally when we all got together at the cabin, we were greeted with a massive cold front that had temperatures well below zero and winds blowing 15-25 mph all weekend long. Now, no one likes to be cold, and to be cold sitting on a huge sheet of ice is even worse. Ice fishing used to be a sport, for the hardcore folk but, that isn’t necessarily so anymore. With the advancements in clothing, shelters, and heat sources it is much nicer to be on the ice most days. What many people don’t realize is these three components can be pivotal to your success as a fisherman on the ice. It may seem as a small detail but, it helps keep you focused and comfortable in any conditions Mother Nature can throw at you.
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The key to any successful system of keeping warm is simply layering. ICE TEAM Pro Jim Hudson refers to this process as “dressing yourself from head to toe.” The key to sustaining warmth begins with a good under layer. It is extremely important to have an under layer, both tops and bottoms, especially ones that are made up of moisture wicking material. What this material does for you, is draws the moisture of perspiration away from your skin. Remember this, “wet skin, is going to be cold skin”. Complementing this under layer, and just as vital is a good pair of wool socks. Socks are often overlooked, but when cold creeps in it will start with your feet on the ice.
The Exterior
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Firmly place the sharp end of the FILLET BUDDY on the tail of the fish and slide the fillet knife down between the skin and the fillet.
Fishermen:
To remove the belly bones: UNCLE RAY’S FILLET BUDfirmly hold the clean fillet DY holds the fillet while you with the FILLET BUDDY, and remove the rib bones. using the fillet knife, carefully remove the belly bones.
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UNCLE RAY’S FILLET BUDDY is a MUST-HAVE for the HUNTERS AND THE FISHERMAN! For a list of dealers or to purchase, visit www.uncleraysfilletbuddy.com PAGE 46 • DAKOTA HUNTING & FISHING - NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2013
Here we need our outdoor armor to push back against the elements that will try to invade, chiefly the wind, snow, and the rain. Many times when you are on the ice, whether it is setting up your portable, moving your wheel house, or hole hopping trying to find fish, you find yourself mixed in with the elements. Many of the suits that are on the market today are meant to allow you to go toe to toe with the wind, snow, slush, and other elements. Suits today are built to withstand these elements and the best ones are also equipped knee pads and butt pads. At the end of a long day on the ice, this extra padding will save countless wear and tear on your joints. Due to the range of weather we encounter, having 2 suits is never a bad idea. One thing to consider is to have a suit for early winter and one for the extreme cold that can grip the Midwest from time to time. With either one, be sure to buy it big enough to allow for ample layering without restricting movement. Boots are another key piece for comfort and you really don’t want to walk out onto the ice or in the slush or snow with boots that aren’t waterproof. When searching for pair of boots, find a pair that fits well, waterproof, has high grams of Thinsulate, but also isn’t going to weigh you down. Another tip is to consider is a boot that will work with ice cleats, which are vital early and late in the season.
Your Hands! Fisherman often times associate gloves with being cumbersome and, at times, limiting your sensitivity when fishing. Having a couple pair of gloves is often helpful. One pair that can be used when pulling your gear, drilling holes, and setting up, and another that is thinner and affords you better feel for when you are fishing. Doing so will give you huntdhg.com
that freedom to bait hooks and tie knots easily with three of your fingers exposed. Without keeping our hands warm, it will be tough to finesse that 30 inch walleye onto the ice!
The Shack The next piece to being comfortable on the ice is having a good portable shack to keep you out of the wind, snow, or rain. According Hudson, “Shacks are needed in brutal conditions or just to relax and warm-up.” While there are many portables on the market today, be sure to pay close attention to the fabric that your portable is made from. The new thermal technology on the market today can keep your shacks up to 25 degrees warmer and often times eliminate any condensation at all within your shack, which is nice because no one likes to have cold water dripping on your head or neck. Finding a quality shack and being organized within your shack will allow you more comfort and efficiency within your fishing environment.
Helpful Tips to Staying Comfortable in Your Shack 1. Check out Jim Hudson’s heater modification to enhance your ice shack. 2. Put a piece of rubber or old carpet on the ice where your feet are resting on the ice. 3. Always make sure you block off any wind with snow or slush to prevent it from coming into your shack.
Your Heat Source Once you are in your shack, you may still wish to use a heater to keep you warm and comfortable when fishing your favorite species. I can remember as a kid getting my first sunflower heater, I thought it was the Cadillac of heaters and it was at the time. In the last five years though, portable heaters have changed immensely and become much safer and more efficient. When pairing your heating needs with your shack, consider the size and its surface area you will be heating. For a one man portable shack a smaller heater is all you need. Whereas with a larger two man portable or a hub shelter you will need to look at a larger unit that cranks out more BTU’s. If you combine one of these top notch heaters with a thermal fabric you are going to find yourself getting rid of layers while fishing on the ice. Having this comfort gives you a fishing environment that allows you the ability to use your hands and body freely. Ice fishing, is a sport that is rapidly growing throughout the whole country. Technological advances from electronics to lures make it better for fisherman to catch fish. Couple those things with new advancements in clothing, heating and portable fish shelters and the sport will only get continue to grow. Making a step by step investment and system with these components in order to keep you warm and comfortable on the ice is going to pay off and help you stay on the ice longer. As many fisherman can attest, time on the water or the ice, is what separates average fisherman from great fisherman, and being able to be dry and warm is going allow you to do just that. This winter think about what you wear, the shelter you are using, and how you are heating it and realize even though they seem like just things you wear or set on the ice, they too help you catch fish and become a better ice fisherman.
Editors note: Leisure Outdoor Adventures is a premier guide service, and promotional group partnered with Chase on the Lake resort in Walker MN and other businesses in central Minnesota. P AGE 47 • DAKOTA HUNTING & FISHING - NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2013 huntdhg.com
“The Comfort System” Recommend List of Products Under layers - Merino Wool Blend or the IceArmor Poly Top and bottoms, Exterior Layer or Suits - IceArmor Ultra Suit or the Ice Armor Edge Boots - Onyx Boots Gloves - Ice Armor Extreme gloves and the Ice Armor 2 Finger Glove. Shacks - Clam Fish Trap Big Mouth Thermal, Clam X2 Thermal, and the Yukon TC Heaters - The leader in the industry is by Mr. Heater. They have three models of heaters that are ideal for fishing your shack or even out on a calm day on the ice. The Little Buddy, Portable Buddy, and Big Buddy.
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We also carry a large selection of quality Yar-Craft Boats and Accessories huntdhg.com DAKOTA HUNTING & FISHING - NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2013 • PAGE 47
Ice Fishing In Style By Ted Takasaki and Scott Richardson PAGE 48 • DAKOTA HUNTING & FISHING - NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2013
This may not seem like the right time to talk about ice fishing so soon after the Midwest’s long, hot summer. But, take a tip from walleye fishing pro, Dave Underhill that now is exactly the right time to talk about hard-water fishing if you want to be ready when cold weather arrives. huntdhg.com
For one reason, the location of fish species like walleyes, northern pike, and panfish in December, January and February mirrors their locations in summer. Now is the time to reflect on where you found fish in June, July and August. “Anything we do in the summer,” says Underhill, “we are logging for winter.” For another, it’s time-consuming to get the right gear together to increase odds of success and to insure your time on the ice will be safe, comfortable and fun. For Underhill, who is also general manager of South Dakota-based Distinct Builders, this means he’s selling lots of four-season RVs and trailers known as The Lodge Recreational Vehicles and Fish Houses. The term ‘ice shanty’ doesn’t apply to these mobile motel rooms on wheels. Distinct Builders is the only certified manufacturer of fish house-related RVs by the Recreation Vehicle Industry Association (RVIA), the governing association that insures quality control for wiring, over-theroad travel, ventilation, safety and more. Not only can ‘Lodges’ be used in warm weather, they can be driven onto the ice, lowered to the slick surface and turned into the fanciest fish house you’ll ever see. Heated by forced air just like home, fishermen can stay toasty inside while they fish through trap doors in the floors. The interior is pine. They look like rooms in a resort somewhere. “We are the Cadillac of ice shacks,” said Underhill. Ice anglers can watch jigs work on an ice cam projected on half of the 32-inch flat screen TV mounted in the Lodge, while they also watch a movie or NFL football on satellite broadcast on the other half of the screen. There’s more. They can cook in a fully equipped kitchen and sleep on comfortable beds. “Plus,” says Underhill, laughing, “there’s plenty of room left over for a recliner for the guy who drinks a few beers and decides it’s too far to walk all the way over to the bed.” Ice fishing has come a long way since Underhill was introduced to the sport at age four in Minnesota. A tarp house was built with anything that might keep the frigid wind off a fisherman. They used chisels and single-blade augers to cut holes. The work it took wasn’t too conducive to moving very often and there were accidents. He still chuckles when he remembers how he caught his sister’s ponytail in the auger once. The ponytail had to be sacrificed. They used jiggle sticks for fishing rods. Some brilliant inventor came up with a reel made from a coffee can with marbles that could be mounted to the shanty so it would make a racket when a fish took a bait. It was the forerunner of today’s rattle reels which can be mounted in the Lodge. Heck, there’s even a gizmo that will jig your jig for you. You can select the speed, leave it in a rod holder and go back to playing cards. If you have tip-ups outside, each one can
be assigned a number that flashes on a signal board inside so you know exactly which one has a fish on. It’s especially helpful on chilly nights. “Then you just send your son out,” laughed Underhill. “Just tell him to watch out for the 10-inch holes we don’t have covers on. They usually come back without a boot. Or send one of your fat buddies. You’ll usually have to chisel his leg out of the hole. We give him three minutes and then go look for him.” Because mobility is the key in ice fishing, the smaller Fish Houses can be moved easily from spot to spot with an ATV or larger vehicle, if the ice is thick enough. Eighteen inches of solid ice will hold a full-sized vehicle, Underhill said. Just be sure you know where current might create thin spots. On home lakes and reservoirs, scouting begins every summer when productive spots are entered as waypoints on a GPS. A navigation/mapping chip helps even more to pinpoint the small structures, the deep drops off of points, the isolated rock piles and humps that hold walleyes and other predators. In bowl-shaped lakes, even a drop of a foot can be a gold mine. Even if you’re familiar with a body of water, stop at several bait shops on the way to get the latest information on where fish are biting and what baits are working best. If ice is too thin for the Lodge, park it in any campground or even a Wal-Mart parking lot, unload your ATV or snowmobile, along with portable ice shanty, from the storage area in the Lodge and head out on the ice. If the snow cover
It only looks like Ted Takasaki battled this monster pike up through a hole in his hotel room! Fishing inside a Lodge by Distinct Builders of South Dakota (www.ice-shack.com), ice anglers will find the ultimate in comfort, including split-screen TV with half showing your lures under the water and half showing the football game! Also, as usual, Ted offers general ice-fishing advice here that will help you set up the Lodge over a hot spot.
P AGE 49 • DAKOTA HUNTING & FISHING - NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2013 huntdhg.com
huntdhg.com DAKOTA HUNTING & FISHING - NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2013 • PAGE 49
Your Best Ice Safety Strategy Most accidents occurring on ice are simply due to poor judgment or deciding that an area of ice is safe based on estimate. By performing some simply steps, you can take control of the situation to ensure you are the safest possible. Remember that ice does not freeze uniform. The safe thickness of ice on a small farm pond may not be the same as on a large lake. It is for this reason that the Dept. of Natural Resources does not offer ice thickness guides. 1. Be responsible for every trip you make out on the ice to determine the thickness of the ice so you stay safe 2. Rather than use the ice thickness guide as fact, use it as a general suggestion only 3. You want to fish on 4” of ice or more. For your friend, you can use the 4” rule if you are several feet apart, if sitting closer together, look for ice that is around six inches. 4. Never fish alone. By fishing with a friend, you are safer and will have a more enjoyable time 5. Always have a personal flotation device on. 6. You should also make sure that someone back home knows where you will be fishing and if you change plans, provide an update. 7. Be sure to use an auger or ice spud bar to test the ice 8. Talk to someone at the local bait and tackle shop to obtain current conditions for where you will be fishing 9. Avoid any over flowing water found near the shoreline as well as those around stream inlets or outlets 10. Remember that late in the ice fishing season, environmental temperatures fluctuate, which will change the integrity of the ice 11. Be very cautious around gray, dark, or porous areas of the ice, as this would be an indication of soft ice. Instead, you want to look for blue and hard areas, which indicate thick and strong ice. 12. In areas with heavy snowfall, the snow will actually insulate the ice. This causes the ice to freeze unevenly and not as fast as it would without the snow. 13. River ice should always take more of your attention. With underwater debris such as tree stumps and the variance in currents, there is going to be significant changes in the thickness of ice. For instance, it is common to be standing on 6” of solid ice, but just one foot away be standing on 10” and on the other side, only three inches. 14. You should keep a nylon rope and several oversized nails with you should you accidentally fall through the ice. The nails will serve as grips in the ice while the rope can be used to toss out for your friend to help pull you out. 15. Your initial reaction should you fall through ice is to panic. However, it is critical that you remain calm. You need to turn your body in the direction from which you fell, or in other words, the original ice that was supporting your weight. Then with your nails, you can spike them into the solid ice and while kicking your feet, pull yourself out. 16. When you get out of the water, do not stand up as you could fall right back through the ice. Instead, you want to roll away from the break in the ice toward shore or solid ice. 17. Finally, there is an old ice fishing saying that is an excellent tip to remember... “Thick and blue, tried and true. Thin and crispy, way to risky!” By: Wolfgang Jerard Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com Wolfgang Jerard is best recognized for constantly winning on the ice... right now he’s giving out his very best kept strategies of how to be successful with ice fishing. Check out his incredible concepts at www.icefishings.com before he takes it off the shelf. PAGE 50 • DAKOTA HUNTING & FISHING - NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2013
is light, divide the lake or reservoir into sections and split up your group to check out spots until the most active locations are found. Meet back at headquarters to discuss the next step. “The guy who comes back with the best fish is special,” said Underhill. “He doesn’t have to drill holes, cook supper or go outside to get a tip-up.” If the ice is thick enough to support the Lodge, take it to the best spot, drop it and start fishing. You can always use the portable shanties to scout more locations or to fish spots you know are good close by. Crappies, bluegills and walleyes can be found in the same places early in the ice season. In lakes, check greenweed edges in 4 to 14 feet of water. Look for points and inside turns, especially those that lie in transition areas from sand to mud where the forage base will be richer. In reservoirs, check the points and breaks into old river channels. Later in the winter, check the sharpest shoreline breaks to the deepest part of a lake. Walleyes don’t have to move as far to feed, a perfect situation for a fish that wants to eat without working hard to do it. Conserving energy means survival to a fish, especially during the cold months. Focus on mid-lake reefs on bigger water. Crappies will often be suspended over structure. Perch will be on the bottom. Sonar units, like Hummingbird’s new Ice Machines, are invaluable. Effective depth depends on the place. Some are 30 feet deep and some are 100 feet deep. Time of day plays a role, too. Walleyes cruise shallow flats early in the morning. They return at night, though they may not be as shallow as before. Go deeper on structure during the day. Use a variety of baits. Crappies like small jigs and plastic trailers or wax worms and maggots. Bluegills like tiny jigs with the same baits. Depending on size, spoons are great for more active panfish and walleyes early and late in the season. Rattle Reels can be rigged with 4-pound-test ‘leaders’ (tippets) for crappie and perch, 8-pound for walleyes and heavier if you like northern pike. Rest assured, the RVs won’t sink even if they break through the ice. Enough insulation is blown in to make them float. Take time, now, to turn your thoughts to ice fishing and you’ll soon be fishing the hard water in style.
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www.gunandreelsports.com (701) 252-2850 / 1-800-427-2850
PAGE 51 • DAKOTA HUNTING & FISHING - NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2013 huntdhg.com
huntdhg.com DAKOTA HUNTING & FISHING - NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2013 • PAGE 51
No Shortage of Fish in
Devils Lake All Fishing Tactics Prove Effective! By the Devils Lake Convention & Visitors Bureau Devils Lake, the North Dakota lake that has grown more than six times as large in the past 20 years, continues to amaze anglers. They show up from all corners of the walleye world, and quickly learn they can fish their “hometown” methods and catch fish. “The fishing is out of this world with tactics more diverse and unique than most walleye factories,” said pro walleye fisherman Tommy Skarlis. Anglers that fish slip-bobbers and live bait will be right at home on Devils Lake. So will crankbait trollers. Those who love to cast cranks, spoons and spinners will be able to target hundreds of shoreline miles plus humps, bumps and roadbeds under 200,000-plus acres of water. Jig fishermen will be in heaven when vertical jigging around the many bridges – especially when the wind blows, setting up current – or casting and retrieving jigs with live bait or plastics. Live bait riggers will be doing the same technique that led Bruce “Doc” Samson to two PWT wins on the lake. Anglers may fish like they’re at home, or they can experiment with new tactics and be in the fish zone PAGE 52 • DAKOTA HUNTING & FISHING - NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2013
Jason Feldner with a nice walleye from Devils Lake, MN
almost immediately. Catching fish builds confidence. From ice-out in spring to late fall, walleyes are the number one target. Of course, white bass, northern pike and perch rank pretty high as well. North Dakota fisheries biologist Todd Caspers said, “Our July walleye sampling shows the overall catch rate well above longterm averages.” Placing it in perspective, he said last year there were record high numbers of 10 to 15 inch walleyes. “The number of 15 to 20 inch keeper walleyes increased this year over last,” he said. “I’m looking for good numbers of eater walleyes this fall and winter.” The recent fisheries surveys will make perch anglers smile. The overall survey catch rate is above last year, and five to eight inchers he said, “Are way up over the long-term average.” Caspers also noted, “Since our surveys began in 1992, we now have a record level of 12inch and larger perch in the system, huntdhg.com
with most of those being right at a foot long or slightly bigger.” Two other species, white bass and pike are also targeted by many anglers. White bass numbers are higher than last year, but below long-term averages. “The big white bass from 15 to 18 inches are significantly above long-term averages,” Caspers said. Pike are well above long-term averages, with loads of 21 to 27 inch fish biting everything. “Those 28 to 34 inch pike are at numbers higher than last year and the big pike, over 34 inches, are present in good numbers,” he said. “There’s no shortage of fish in Devils Lake!” What the experts are saying: Johnnie Candle, Devils Lake guide and promoter, “Walleyes remain relatively shallow all spring, summer and fall, making crankbaits and jigs dressed with plastic deadly. Snap-jigging, spinners behind bottom bouncers rigged with artificial crawlers, swimbaits and trolling crankbaits all work.” Jason Feldner, Devils Lake guide, “Pitching crankbaits on wind-blown shorelines is a main-stay out here, but jigs and plastic work just as well.” Mike Gofron, tournament pro angler, “It’s amazing how aggressive the walleyes really are. I use Northland Mimic Minnows or Johnson Beetle spins over and through the weeds.” Ben Mack, 2013 Devils Lake Chamber of Commerce walleye tournament winner, “I fish walleyes on Devils Lake like the bass guys do – casting and flipping to trees and weeds.”
Ross Sensiba, Devils Lake guide, “When casting cranks shallow (4 to 6 feet of water), my standby is the Rapala Countdown. They cast a mile in the wind and I reel them slow or twitch them.” Mark Bry, Devils Lake guide, “Casting is preferred, but when we have to slow down, the number one method is slip bobbers. We stay in the strike zone and don’t snag like we might with a jig.” Guide Johnnie Candle, “It’s coming to my favorite time of year when the current around bridges really sucks in the fish.” Nine convenient public concrete ramps are open with plenty of parking. A map is featured on devilslakend.com. The entire community is proud of the modern, air-conditioned fish-cleaning station, a 20 x 32 building, located south of Ed’s Bait Shop on Hwy 20 (south of the City of Devils Lake). It’s free-ofcharge to anglers, and features two grinders, a cleanup sink, regular and handicapped bathrooms. It can handle 15 anglers at once, and is open 12 months of the year, just like the Devils Lake fishing season. Several outdoor fish-cleaning stations are situated at ramps. Devils Lake fishing guides target walleyes, white bass, perch and pike. To contact guides and find the latest lake conditions, fishing reports, lodging, activities, restaurants, tournament news and resorts, check www.devilslakend.com, or call 701-662-4903.
GOOSE BAY CAMP
On Lac Seul and Nungesser g Lakes,, N.W. Ontario
Great Mid-Summer & Fall Fishing For Trophy Walleye and Northern Pike We offer: Fishing • Hunting Boats & Motors Housekeeping Cabins
“SNO BEAR” Guided Trips Available
Contact:
Andrea Langford P.O. Box 68, EAR FALLS, ON P0V 1T0 222-3313 • Fax: (807) 222-3295 GOOSE BAY Phone: (807) Toll Free: 1 1-800-667-5208 800 667 5208 5208 CAMP www.lacseul.com or www.virtualnorth.com/goosebay
1-800-437-9937 807-727-3111 fish@sydneylake.com www.sydneylake.com
Only camp on 19,000 acres of water! World Class Fishing
$
995
3 Days including fly-in & out with your own boat
Walleye • Trout • Northern Pike
PAGE 53 • DAKOTA HUNTING & FISHING - NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2013 huntdhg.com
Open 365 24/7 • Guides For Fishing Call For Pricing • Group Rates • 4 brand new, 800 square foot, 2 bedroom cabins • Rooms will sleep 2 to 6 comfortably. • TV and high speed wireless internet in each unit, outdoor porch and a grill. • Access to a private boat ramp, fish cleaning station and beach area. • 24-hour gas station is located nearby.
www.haybaleheights.com 4355 87th Ave NE | Devils Lake, ND 58301 701.351.3130 huntdhg.com DAKOTA HUNTING & FISHING - NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2013 • PAGE 53
Go “All In”...
Phot o: Te
d Tak asaki
By Ted Takasaki & Scott Richardson
in Deadwood
Deadwood, SD, deals out plenty of chances to anglers for a full house of trout, walleye, perch, smallmouth bass & other fish. It’s a safe bet Wild Bill Hickok would have been better off holding a fly rod on the bank of one of the streams around Deadwood, S.D., than he was sitting in a saloon holding two pairs of aces and eights, the deadman’s hand. Deadwood still offers plenty of gambling opportunity, but the town also deals out plenty of chances to anglers for a full house of trout, walleye, perch, smallmouth bass and other fish. Lee Harstad learned what a great spot Deadwood was for fishing when he arrived six years ago to be marketing director of the Deadwood Chamber of Commerce. “Everybody knows about Wild Bill and Deadwood,” said Harstad. “There are so many stories like that, about how lawless it really was. It’s entertaining history, the Wild West and the girls and the guns. But from an outdoor perspective, the biggest thing about Deadwood is that it is a base camp, a perfect place to go on a fishing adventure no matter what the season. Within an hour you can be on walleye, trout or bass.” PAGE 54 • DAKOTA HUNTING & FISHING - NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2013
At first, Harstad, a native of Grand Forks, North Dakota, felt out of his element. His favorite fishing involved live-bait rigging for walleyes. But the first opportunity that presented itself at Deadwood centered on fly fishing or spinners for trout. Turns out that gold isn’t the only thing sparkling in legendary Whitewood Creek, which runs through town. Those quick flashes are sunlight playing off the sides of brook, brown and rainbow trout. “The key,” says Harstad, “is to find the pools, be very patient and quiet.” Spearfish Creek, which lies a few miles away and higher up in the Black Hills, has “phenomenal trout fishing,” Harstad adds. Rapid Creek has a catch-andrelease-only stretch below Pactola Reservoir that is rich in trophy trout. Harstad said overlooking other creeks, like Castle, Crow, Sand, Box Elder and French inside the Black Hills National Forest would be a mistake. With more than a million acres of public land, there’s no problem finding a stretch of stream where you can huntdhg.com
Local guide and professional fisherman Tyler French with a dandy walleye from South Dakota’s Belle Fourche Reservoir. Anglers of all stripes will find a playground in and around Deadwood.
‘play solitaire,’ just you and the fish. Stream fishing is best in spring when water is fresh and flows are good, and again in fall. If you’d rather fish trout on reservoirs, check out Pactola, Sheridan and Deerfield. They all offer good trout populations. An added bonus is that they lie within the national forest so commercial and housing development is severely limited. Their shores are largely pristine, but they have good boat launches, camp grounds and fishing amenities. Sheridan is more of the recreational-type lake for boating and water skiing. Pactola has big pike and lake trout in addition to the other trout species. Deerfield is accessible by gravel roads and entirely no-wake so anglers do not have to compete with skiers or other water users. Still, the lake is large enough to hold splake and brook trout. “The perch population is on a boom at Deerfield, too,” Harstad said. “All area anglers have their favorite spots and anywhere on Deerfield would be mine.” Fly fishing is done from shorelines. Boaters use spinners and jigs or they troll. The water is crystal clear. Trout like the flashy presentations. Harstad did a little exploring and eventually found Belle Fourche Reservoir, located within an hour of Deadwood on the prairie surrounding the northern Black Hills near the reservoir’s namesake town in western South Dakota. Created by Orman Dam, Belle Fourche means “beautiful fork.” Harstad calls it a “walleye factory.” “Limits are common,” he said. A slot limit is in force, which means any fish from 15 to 18 inches must be released. “We’re catching a lot in the slot this year, but seeing some into the mid 20s,” Harstad said.
P AGE 55 • DAKOTA HUNTING & FISHING - NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2013 huntdhg.com
huntdhg.com DAKOTA HUNTING & FISHING - NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2013 • PAGE 55
TROPHY WALLEYE & NORTHERN PIKE FISHING Fishbasket Camps is located 315 miles north of Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada on beautiful Mameigwess Lake, a pristine lake where anglers will enjoy unparalleled “Catch & Release” fishing for Walleye and Northern Pike.
• • • • • • • • • •
Propane B.B.Q All kitchen utensils supplied Fish cleaning house Ice house Solar & generator powered electricity Hot & cold running shower Access to satellite phone Portable trail radio’s Satellite T.V. Deep V Lund boats powered by 15-HP 4 stroke Mercury motors. • Experienced guides are available upon request. • Wide range of packages from small groups to large & just a few nights stay up to a week or more. Don Sofea (Fishbasket Camps) C ) Summer Beaver, ON P0T 3B0, CANADA Phone: 1-807-593-2123 Cell: 1-807-627-5862 E-mail: dsofea15@gmail.com www.fishbasketcamps.com
Mattice Lake Outfitters Your Adventure begins in Armstrong, Ontario, Canada Fly-In Outpost Camps Spectacular Fishing • 16 Remote camps • 4-8lbs. Walleye • 15-30lbs. Pike • 5-8lbs. Brook Trout • 20-40lbs. Lake Trout
30 YEARS EXPERIENCE Amenities include:
Electric or Solar Lighting Hot Showers / 2 Way Radio Late Model Lund Boats w/ Backrests and Padded Seats 9.9hp & 15hp Motors Unlimited Fuel / Ice Freezers / Ranges Refrigerators w/ Freezers P.O Box 157 Armstrong Station, ON P0T 1A0, Canada Toll Free: 1-800-411-0334 Email: mattice@walleye.ca www.walleye.ca PAGE 56 • DAKOTA HUNTING & FISHING - NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2013
Harstad feels right at home there. He grew up on North Dakota reservoirs fishing for walleyes with rigs, a tactic that is effective at Belle Fourche. As with all reservoirs, structure normally consists of points. The reservoir level has been down the past couple years, allowing weeds to grow. This year’s weather brought ample water, thus flooding the vegetation. Rigging the weed edges with ‘crawlers or leeches is effective, Harstad noted. A half-ounce weight is usually enough unless the wind deals itself into the game. Belle Fourche is a wide, round lake and storms can come rolling seemingly out of nowhere. “You can be in for a ride,” Harstad said. On rough days, you might need three-quarters of an ounce to an ounce of weight. “You have to feel the bottom,” he said. Drift or use a trolling motor to stay fairly vertical over the fish. Other anglers have had luck trolling crankbaits along the contours and over a couple of large flats. Perch and shad are the primary forage fish. The state allows two rods per angler. “You’ll see guys doing it all,” says Harstad. “I believe the key to that reservoir is being able to fish what you are comfortable with. If you do, you can catch more fish.” If walleyes aren’t your favorite fish to bet on, deal yourself into some of the reservoir’s yellow perch, catfish or smallmouth bass. Perch are also targeted on winter outings. Not all Deadwood fun involves water. The area is rich in Western history. Many of the old-time buildings have survived, including Saloon Number 10, where Hickok was gunned down. Hickok’s killer was acquitted by an unofficial miners’ court after lying by claiming Hickok had killed his brother. His killer was later tried in an official court of law and hanged. Hickok is buried in Deadwood. The townspeople buried Calamity Jane next to him. She had a crush on Hickok, who had been married to someone else. The area also offers miners’ camps and museums to visit. Just 15 miles away sits the town of Sturgis, the famous motorcycle destination that attracts 500,000 cyclists every August. In Deadwood, “you’re in the entertainment center of the region,” Harstad said. “We have great restaurants, great hotels, great casinos with a lot of variety in the games and gambling. There are plenty of places to go and eat and enjoy fine dining. And bring a fishing pole. It is a great base camp, a great place to hang out.” Odds are you’ll have more fun than Wild Bill, even if you are… holding aces and eights.
“The biggest thing about Deadwood is that it is a base camp, a perfect place to go on a fishing adventure no matter what the season. Within an hour you can be on walleye, trout or bass.” huntdhg.com
Top Lodging Vista Lake Outfitters Ontario Canada You Will Love Moose Hunting with Us! The moose hunting at our facilities on Vista Lake offer two things that are of vital concern to avid hunters. One, it has a very high success rate and the second is a large hunt area that, because of the remoteness of our operation, guarantees this to be an almost exclusive hunt. Through the years that we have operated our moose hunting program we have developed a repeat clientele that will gladly vouch for the excellent facilities at our camps and the abundance of our moose herd. With this in mind, we suggest that should you decide to hunt at Vista, an early booking and deposit, will provide the best opportunity of obtaining a moose hunt with us.
Bear Hunting, an Experience of a Lifetime The remoteness of our cabins will guarantee many excellent opportunities to harvest your trophy bear. The facilities and hunting areas are surpassed by none, yet they do take you back in time to log cabin days for BOONE AND CROCKETT trophies. Our Bear Management Unit surrounds Vista Lake and encompasses most of the adjacent lakes and streams that empties into it. These smaller lakes and streams provide many natural feeding areas for black bear and your choice of baited stands are many. The bear hunt area at Vista Lake exceeds 350 square kilometres and is relatively new. The bear population is excellent. Combine your bear hunt with an fishing trip sample our wonderful walleye and northern pike in addition to your hunting adventure. The separate location of each cabin ensures complete privacy and offers all the conveniences of indoor plumbing and propane or solar electric utilities. Guided bear hunts and pre-baited stands can be arranged with our native guides and by relying on their experience, ensures an even greater chance for success.
Small Game Fall wolf and grouse hunts are available for large and small groups at Vista Lake. Our staff and guides will take you to the nearby lakes, rivers, and forests to make sure that you have the small game hunting adventure you can tell your friends and family about for years to come.
Fishing at Vista Lake Vista Lake Outfitters is the only outfitter on a fantastic 12 mile long body of water known as Vista Lake. Five gorgeous modern cabins are strategically located along the shore to ensure total privacy, quick access to the best fishing spots and the most beautiful views. In fact, you can successfully fish right off the dock at most of the cabins! The cabins are a minimum of 1 mile apart. This unspoiled outdoorsman’s boatin paradise offers Walleye and Northern Fishing that is simply unsurpassed and the good fishing continues all summer long. You can fish in any weather around plenty of islands and secluded bays. Vista Lake is not prone to rough water. There is a large parking area where you can leave your vehicle, plus there is a boat ramp if you wish to bring your own boat. Our camps are the only ones on the lake and most species of fish are extremely plentiful as there is little human pressure and no overfishing taking place. As a bonus, there are eight additional lakes that our guests can portage to where we have placed additional boats for you to fish with. These exclusive lakes are seldom seen by anyone but our guests. Don’t forget to ask our staff about these special spots and arrange a small motor rental or bring your own small motor. Most of our boats accept a 4-9 hp motor.
Call to Book Your Reservation Today! 1-800-665-5253 or info@vistalake.com or Visit our Website for More Information at www.VistaLake.com. PAGE 57 • DAKOTA HUNTING & FISHING - NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2013 huntdhg.com
huntdhg.com DAKOTA HUNTING & FISHING - NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2013 • PAGE 57
In santa’S ’ Bag
What to Buy Your Sportsman
ALUMINUM FRAME FISH HOUSES Yetti houses are built solid with a single weldment trailer: the entire house provides structure to the trailer base. The trailer frame is welded to the walls, the walls to the roof, etc. End result? A stronger, longer lasting product! Key Features • Lightweight & durable • No rusting or rotting • Easy up/down • Multiple configurations • Ready to finish interior Construction • All aluminum construction • Fully complete exterior • Ready to finish interior • .040” screwless aluminum exterior • Diamond plate trim • Easy crank raise and lower • Removable tongue • Home quality windows • 3/4” marine grade plywood floor
INUM ALUMAME FR FISH E S HOU
More Information: PAGE 58 • DAKOTA HUNTING & FISHING - NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2013
www.YettiFishHouse.com
s : Varie E C I R P del by Mo huntdhg.com
HEATED INSOLES – THE NEW FOOT WARMERS Whether you’re at work or play, cold feet are not fun. ThermaCELL Heated Insoles foot warmers keep your feet comfortably warm. They maintain a steady temperature inside your shoes or boots, keeping your feet around normal body temperature. That’s different from disposable chemical foot-warming pads that get hot to the touch and can make your feet sweat. Foot warmers make any cold weather activity more comfortable and enjoyable. ThermaCELL Heated Insoles foot warmers are…
aCELL m r e h T ed Heat les Inso
• Wireless • Remote-controlled • Rechargeable • Lightweight • Durable • Affordable: $.05 per hour
: PRICE 9 $134.9
More Information: www.ThermaCELL.com
THE FASTEST RIMFIRE IN THE WORLD At 3,000-FPS, the new 17 Win Super Mag is the fastest, flattest-shooting rimfire cartridge in the world. And the new Savage B.MAG was designed to deliver that blistering speed with all the accuracy of a Savage.
Key Features • Completely new compact rimfire action with rear locking lugs and cock-on-close bolt. • Same thread-in barrel headspacing system as our centerfire rifles. • Center-feed rotary magazine. • Light, crisp AccuTrigger is user-adjustable without special tools. • Soft rubber butt pad. • Hidden action-screws. More Information:
www.SavageArms.com PAGE 59 • DAKOTA HUNTING & FISHING - NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2013 huntdhg.com
in 17 W r Supe Mag
: PRICE SRP 0M $349.0
huntdhg.com DAKOTA HUNTING & FISHING - NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2013 • PAGE 59
THE REST OF THE BAG...
They want these under the tree too...
Craiger’s Breading & Batter Mix
Strike King Lures
Inferno EPS
Go Little Guy
The #1 manufacturer of soft plastic lures, spinner baits, and crankbaits for fishing. The various types of baits offered by the company include hard, bleeding, multispecies and spinner. Get more bang for your buck at DB’s Bait & Tackle. Buy Five Strike King Lures and Get One Free. A great deal!
The EPS was designed to allow all day comfort in extreme weather conditions. A back pack that converts into a full body system that’s innovative, light weight, easy to use, with guaranteed performance against snow, ice, high winds, and subzero temperatures. So whether you are in the woods ready to bag a trophy deer, out in the field duck hunting, ice fishing on the lake, or at the stadium watching your favorite team, the Inferno EPS by InfernoTek has got you covered.
Perfect campers for any situation that requires a small compact design. Pull these campers and get great mileage with the lightest towing capacity on the market today. Designs that promote the utmost in using all the available space and color schemes that is trendy for today’s market. Rear entry storage and side entry doors make the camper perfect for a dry and comfortable night. Check out the models and find the design that meets your needs at our website or call toll free at 877-545-4897.
Craiger’s is a gourmet quality one step - no mess breading and batter mix that is sure to satisfy every taste. No need for milk and eggs with Craiger’s! All you need is water. It’s simple! This makes Craiger’s perfect for outdoor lunches too! After all, who carries milk and eggs with them out in the woods or on the boat? Craiger’s offers three flavors sure to please everyone; Original, Mild Cajun, and Extra Crispy.
PRICE: $3.99 MORE INFORMATION: www.CraigersBreading.com
PRICE: Varies MORE INFORMATION: Call (605)842-2199
PRICE: $339.00 – $349.00 MORE INFORMATION: www.InfernoTek.com
PRICE: Varies Per Option MORE INFORMATION: www.GoLittleGuy.com
SagenSaw
16” Folding Stool
The Hench Bench™
Traveling Canteen
The SagenSaw is a compact, lightweight field dressing saw that allows you to quickly and safely cut through the pelvic bone while cleaning big game without puncturing the colon or bladder. Safer than using a hunting knife and with the unique bumper, you’re not as likely to rupture organs. Also works wonders on the rib cage and leg bones. Both SagenSaws come with a camouflage nylon sheath. Made in the USA.
The Tower Stool Co. has been making precision crafted folding stools since 1989. Made of hardwood and brass plated hinges. A sturdy step stool for hard to reach places or for anyone who needs to sit down or step-up. This folding stool opens ad closes with a flick of the wrist. Compact, taking less than 3 in. of space and weighs only 4 lbs. It is finished in a mar-resistant polyurethane. Easy to clean and perfect to use at home, in the RV, tent or even maintenance area. American Made. Any questions? towerstoolco@ gwtc.net or 1-800-568-4228
The Hench Bench™ above is a standard shooters bench top, available in left or right hand 26” wide x 40” long. 32” or 34” tall. Weighs 26 lbs. Optional 16” high folding stool. Tops have a raised lip around the edge. A folding 16” high wood stool is optional. The handicap bench is designed to let a wheelchair shooter in close to the platform. The outside edge is slightly raised to prevent supplies rolling off. Extra wide top. 30” wide x 43” long with cutout 35” total height. Weighs 28lbs. This unique tripod design stands steady. American made by Tower Stool LLC, Faith, SD. Call 800-568-4228 .
The virtually leak proof, spill proof, indestructible, traveling; take anywhere pet water and food bowl. This product was designed to be taken with you so your pet can have food or water whenever you want to give it to them. The design is fantastic allowing even the largest dogs the ability to eat and drink from the container. Keeping your pets feeding schedule the same is a snap by just removing the leak proof lid allowing access to the food when you want them to have it. Great for: Hunting Field use, camping trips, motorhomes and trucking companions.
PRICE: Varies MORE INFORMATION: www.TowerStool.com
PRICE: $79.95 - $84.95 MORE INFORMATION: k-9enterprises.com (970)215-1924 huntdhg.com
PRICE: $20.95 - $27.50 PRICE: Varies MORE INFORMATION: MORE INFORMATION: www.SagenInc.com www.TowerStool.com P AGE 60 • DAKOTA HUNTING & FISHING - NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2013
THE REST OF THE BAG...
They want these under the tree too...
Super Slam™
ECHO HD Call
High Country Spotter
Welcome to the latest evolution of optics—the new Super Slam™ series from Weaver®. Engineered to meet the strict standards of the legendary Weaver name, these new scopes are loaded with the latest technological advances. If you know and trust the Weaver name, you’ll be impressed with this new line of premier riflescopes designed for the serious big game hunter and shooter. A portion of the proceeds from every Grand Slam and Super Slam scope sold goes to benefit the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation.
Flextone Game Calls introduces their New ECHO HD electronic call. The ECHO HD is a more advanced electronic call with features that will drop your jaw with realistic animal sounds. The ECHO HD comes pre-loaded with 100 high-def calls and is programmable giving you the perfect hunting scenario. The handheld remote comes with a docking station in the base unit for recharging. The base unit and remote comes with an easy-touse backlit LCD interface for quick sound selection and easy viewing at night.
The High Country spotters are as rugged as their name implies. Long a favorite of hunters and outfitters, they offer performance and value. Available in 15x-45x-50mm and the 20x-60x-60mm models, the High Country spotters are feature rich with fully multi-coated lenses, durable armored exteriors and waterproof construction. Other features include a slide-out sunshade to eliminate glare and a protective integrated lens cap.
PRICE: $690.49 - $1080.95 MORE INFORMATION: www.WeaverOptics.com
PRICE: $229.99 MORE INFORMATION: www.FlextoneCalls.com
PRICE: $149.99 - $199.99 MORE INFORMATION: www.BurrisOptics.com
PRICE: $249.99 MORE INFORMATION: GunandReelSports.com (701)252-2850
Trophy Series Gun Safe
Beretta A400 Xtreme Optifade
Titan Extreme
Vortex Viper PST
Built with the same precision as Champion’s higher-end models, the Trophy Series offers elegance and rugged protection. It’s 11-gauge steel body and thick composite door with numerous 1 1/4” diameter 4-way active door bolts provide excellent security. To protect from the hottest fires, it boasts a 1500° 75-minute fire rating. The Trophy Series comes in high-gloss and textured finishes, with a velour covered interior and convenient door organizer. Available in sizes to accommodate 12, 24, or 44 guns.
Frigid rain, driving sleet, blinding snow and relentless salt spray—hardcore waterfowlers live to hunt in Xtreme conditions and so must their shotgun. Beretta’s A400 Xtreme features KickOff MEGA’s 70% recoil reduction, Blink’s 36% faster cycling of any 12ga. load, and Aqua Technology’s exclusive corrosion proof barrier. These features combine to produce the Xtreme’s never quit, show no mercy attitude in the most Xtreme conditions.
PRICE: $899 to $1599 PRICE: $1649.99 MORE INFORMATION: MORE INFORMATION: GunandReelSports.com (701)252-2850 www.sodaksports.com P AGE 61 • DAKOTA HUNTING & FISHING - NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2013
The combination of the longer and lighter Fusion Lite stock and a narrower bow assembly fitted with 180-pound field-tested HL limbs and XR wheels elevates TenPoint’s long-standing workhorse model to thoroughbred status. Also Included: • TenPoint’s 3x Pro-View 2 Scope mounted on a machined aluminum 7/8-inch Fixed Dovetail Mount. • Patented ACUdraw cocking mechanism. • Instant Detach 3-Arrow Quiver • Three-pack of TenPoint aluminum arrows with practice points. • GripGuard safety shield and More.
PRICE: $819 MORE INFORMATION: www.TenPointCrossbows.com
Camp Chef Smoke Vault Infuse your meats with delicious mesquite, hickory or any other smoked flavor with the Smoke Vault 18”. Use the Smoke Vault for a variety of foods from ribs, to salmon and even baked pies or breads. Fully adjustable heat control heat-control dials, 3 damper valves, and a door thermometer help you control internal temperatures, varying from 160°F to 500°F. The heavygauge steel wood chip tray and water pan create smoke and keep your meats moist.
6-24x50 FFP Riflescope The Viper PST riflescope boasts features associated with top-tier riflescopes, yet comes in at a street price under the $1,000 mark. Matching reticle and turret measurements allow accurate, fast dialing of shots. The 1-piece 30mm tube, precision-machined from a single solid block of aircraft-grade 6061-T6 aluminum, offers ample windage and elevation adjustment. The Viper PST series delivers the performance and features tactical shooters demand at an economical price.
PRICE: $949.99 MORE INFORMATION: www.sodaksports.com huntdhg.com
marketplace Hunting • Fishing • Lodging Buy • Sell: Equipment & More
5 current models of Aluma Snowmobile Trailers in various lengths to meet your needs. A Bar K Trailer Sales, Sioux Falls, SD, 605-335-8934, www.abarksd.net. Look for us on Facebook!
“The Pheasant Capitol of the World” The Buffalo Butte Ranch is located in the heart of this area known as the “Golden Triangle”, a prime pheasant hunting area between Gregory, Winner and Chamberlain. Buffalo Butte Ranch is a 6,000 acre privately owned and operated pheasant farm which has been in our family for five generations. Go to www.buffalobutte.com or Call (800) 203-6678.
Dry Dock stocks many items to outfit almost any gun. Bipods * Shooting Sticks * Targets * Slings * Tactical Accessories * Handgun Safes * Reloading Supplies * Black Powder * Shooting Rests * Gun Cleaning Kits * Vexilars * Holsters * Body Armor * Knives * Binoculars * And Much More * Call 701-652-2421 or go to www.drydocksports.com
Caribou Lodge Outfitters Canada Manitoba Canada Caribou Lodge Outfitters Year Round Trophy Fishing Walleye, Northern Pike, Lake Trout, Black Bear Hunts Family Fun 1-877-472-4868 www.huntnfish.ca
Clip-Shot™ con connects to your camera’s universal mounting system and will attach securely to flat items up to 1/4” thick or round objects up to 1/2” in diameter. Clip-Shot™ is a rugged, lightweight, portable tripod substitute. Connect your camera to common objects and use the built in timer virtually anywhere. Purchase your Clip-Shot™ for $14.99 at www.clip-shot.com or call (406)847-2672. Marie Fritz Perry - Pastel & Oil Artist. Custom portraits last forever and portray more than a photograph. Tell me about your special dog... 507-301-8693 www.CanineCustomArt.com
Need a blade that won’t let you down? Calvin Klein Knives are custom made and diligently created with durability using ATS-34 Steel. Each Knife is hand made one by one. Custom designs are always welcome. Call Calvin at 605-336-2003.
PAGE 62 • DAKOTA HUNTING & FISHING - NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2013
Buck Pro Deer Lure/100% Estrus - $14.00. Thats right! This doe urine is taken during the estrus cycle giving you the best chance to get curiosity going from that buck you have been glassing all year. Good for pre-rut and during rut season. Comes in 2 oz., amber www.hocolored. Purchase at www.ho meofthebraveoutdoors.com. Call (507) 581-4294.
Located off I-90, Exit 379, Last Call Lodge is only 20 min. from Sioux Falls airport and sits on the edge of the magic zone of thousands of acres of public and private land for hunting and fishing opportunities. Last Call is a quiet place to stay for the night and relax with friends and family. The perfect destination for groups of hunters, family reunions or business meetings. The lodge sleeps up to 12 people and has a large TV/Game Room. 605-940-0952. facebook.com/LastCallLodge
Have you tried other methods of killing lake and pond weeds like harvesting, aquatic herbicides and manual weed raking only to be disappointed? The Jenson Lake Mower™ is the cost effective, environmentally friendly, mechanical aquatic weed control method you’ve been searching for. For More Information go to www.LakeMower.com
NYATI AMMUNITION - The World’s Most Accurate Low Recoil Big Bore Precision & Practice Ammunition! Hand Crafted Ammunition Designed for the Discriminating Sportsman. We produce a quality range of low recoil, low chamber pressure and low velocity ammo in .375 H&H, .378 Wby Mag, .416 Rigby, .458 Win Mag, .458 Lott and .470 NE. Barnes Banded Solids are used exclusively in all these cartridges - 300 grainers for the .375’s, 400’s in the .416, 500’s in the .458’s and .470 NE. Muzzle velocities are in the 1100 to 1300 fps range. Check us out, we offer custom loading for most calibers. www.nyatiinc.com
LANDERS SHELL - Exit 159 off I –94 and US 83 – Full Service Sportsman’s Stop for Hunting and Fishing. Open at 5am with gas and diesel fuel, Hot coffee, snacks, license, propane, tackle, ammo and weekdays you can get soups, sandwiches and desserts at the North side Market restaurant. Cold beer to go and groceries for the day or the week. Open 7 days a week from 5am to 11pm. Ph. 701-255-2744.
The Bait Box minCrappie min nows, large and small, fatheads, leeches, smelt, spikes and wax worms, etc. We carry a large line of the most popular lures and jigs for this area, rods, reels, and all of your tackle needs. Come see us at 107 Fremont Ave. N., Lake Preston, SD. Or call us at (605) 847-4590. huntdhg.com
Utah Concealed Firearm Permit (CFP)
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Do you travel across more than one state? Do you sometimes find yourself in potentially dangerous situations such as rest stops and gas stations at night, getting money from outside ATMs, or picking up last minute items at a liquor store? The fact that you travel means you could likely become a victim of a violent crime such as murder, rape, assault, or robbery. That is why you need to be able to safely handle and defend yourself with a firearm – confidently, skillfully, and, most of all, legally. Remember, bad guys don’t care if they break the law so why should you give them the advantage?
ABOUT THE CLASSES All classes are taught by a certified Utah CFP instructor who is also a certified NRA pistol instructor, NRA Chief Range Safety Officer, and NRA Refuse to be a Victim personal safety and crime prevention instructor. The certification training is classroom-only and does NOT require shooting or range qualification to obtain our CFP. All it takes is four hours of your time and you are on your way to carrying legal in 34 states! Course: Utah Concealed Firearm Permit (CFP) Certification Class Cost: US $100.00 Email: info@weaponconcepts.com Telephone: 605-920-0229 Web: www.weaponconcepts.com Pre-registration is encouraged as these classes fill up fast. You can pre-register by telephone (605-920-0229), by email (info@ weaponconcepts.com), or on the web (www.weaponconcepts.com). Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and American Express are accepted.
GUNS-AMMO-TRAINING
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS TO OBTAIN A UTAH CFP
Minimum requirements for application are 21 years of age and proof the applicant is of good character. As cited in Utah Criminal Code §53-5-704(2), an applicant demonstrates good character if he/she: 1. has not been convicted of a felony; 2 .has not been convicted of a crime of violence; 3. has not been convicted of an offense involving the use of alcohol; 4. has not been convicted of an offense involving the use of narcotics or other controlled substances; 5. has not been convicted of an offense involving moral turpitude; 6. has not been convicted of an offense involving domestic violence; 7. has not been adjudicated by a court of a state or of the United States as mentally incompetent, unless the adjudication has been withdrawn or reversed; 8. is qualified to purchase and possess a dangerous weapon and a handgun pursuant to Section 76-10-503 and federal law; 9. within the last ten years, has not been adjudicated delinquent for an offense which if committed by an adult would have been a violent felony (Juvenile offenses); and 10. within the last seven years, has not been adjudicated delinquent for an offense which if committed by an adult would have been a felony (Juvenile offenses). Weapon Concepts, LLC provides competitive prices on retail sales of firearms, ammunition, and accessories in furtherance of Second Amendment Rights, especially for Military Veterans, Law Enforcement Officers, First Responders, and Freemasons. We also provide NRA certified firearms training and related courses, Utah Concealed Firearm Permit (CFP) classes, armed and unarmed self defense training, and Beachbody Fitness programs and products.
UTAH NON-RESIDENT CONCEALED CARRY FIREARM CLASSES
GET YOUR MAN CARD REISSUED!
605-559-1004 INFO@WEAPONCONCEPTS.COM WWW.DEADWOODJAKES.COM 12 LEE STREET, DEADWOOD, SD 57732
PAGE 63 • DAKOTA HUNTING & FISHING - NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2013 huntdhg.com
Weapon Concepts, LLC, proudly offers certified training necessary to obtain a Utah Concealed Firearm Permit (CFP). You don’t have to be a resident of Utah and the CFP is honored in 34 states: • Alabama • Alaska • Arizona • Arkansas • Colorado • Delaware • Florida • Georgia • Idaho
• Indiana • Iowa • Kansas • Kentucky • Louisiana • Michigan • Minnesota • Mississippi • Missouri
• Montana • Nebraska • New Hampshire • North Carolina • North Dakota • Ohio • Oklahoma • Pennsylvania • South Dakota
• Tennessee • Texas • Utah • Vermont • Virginia • Washington • West Virginia • Wisconsin • Wyoming
huntdhg.com DAKOTA HUNTING & FISHING - NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2013 • PAGE 63
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Latest Shutdown Casualty: Prime Hunting Acreage By Dirk Lammers, AP When pheasant hunters take to the fields of South Dakota to renew a treasured rite of autumn, they’ll have less land to do it on thanks to the federal government shutdown. Some 150,000 acres in the national wildlife refuge system were off-limits for the state’s annual public lands hunt. It’s a scenario being played out across the country, affecting millions of acres that are ordinarily available to hunters seeking antelope in Colorado, ducks in Montana or bears in Alaska. In South Dakota, millions of acres leased or owned by the state will still be available. But the national wildlife refuge system sites offer some of the best cover for upland birds, said Mark Norton, hunting access coordinator for the South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks Department. “In the grand scheme of things, it won’t be a huge amount,” Norton said. “But a lot of the waterfowl production areas are in the prime pheasant land of South Dakota. It will be felt by sportsmen, that’s for sure.” The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service said it was closing its public properties across the country due to the shutdown. That presents a security risk, outdoors groups say, as just 350 Fish and Wildlife Service workers are protecting more than 150 million acres of wildlife refuges, an area nearly twice as large as the national park system. Wildlife-related recreation is a big business in the U.S., with more than 90 million Americans spending more than $144 billion in 2011, according to the Fish and Wildlife Service. In Minnesota, the Fish and Wildlife Service closed 13 national wildlife refuges, eight wetland management districts, one ecological services office and the Midwest regional office, totaling more than 489,000 acres. More than a half-million residents and visitors hunt in Minnesota each year, contributing an estimated $725 million to the state’s economy, according to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Statewide, more than 80,000 hunters are expected to go after pheasants this year. Fish and Wildlife spokesman Tim Patronski said the skeleton crew of federal wildlife officers won’t be able to cover up the numerous green-and-white waterfowl production area signs that state, “Open to public hunting.” Officers will talk to anyone they encounter, he said. “Our primary role is to educate, just to get the word out,” Patronski said. Steve Williams, former director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, said public lands available for hunting already are too crowded, and the federal acres closure will further deter hunters PAGE 64 • DAKOTA HUNTING & FISHING - NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2013
from trying to find their spots. Williams, president of the Wildlife Management Institute, said most hunters want to hunt legally, and the confusion over what’s open and what’s closed will likely prompt some people to just stay home. “I’m sure there’ll be some number that will say, ‘I don’t know where to go, where I’m allowed to go and therefore I’m not going to take a chance,’” said Williams. “And perhaps they won’t go at all.” The shutdown comes just as most states’ primary hunting seasons get underway. “For guides it’s like Macy’s at Christmas, you lose your income for the year,” said Desiree Sorenson-Groves, vice president of the National Wildlife Refuge Association, an advocacy group. Tags to hunt bears at Alaska’s Kodiak Island National Wildlife Refuge are tough to get, and the closure is forcing eager hunters to alter their plans for hunts that should have kicked off Oct. 1, said Land Tawney, executive director of Missoula, Mont.-based Backcountry Hunters and Anglers. That hurts not only hunters, but the businesses they support, he said. Tawney said he scouted an area of the Ninepipe National Wildlife Refuge for two weeks with hopes of duck hunting but had to take his shotgun to another part of Montana. “It’s a duck haven, and this time of year it’s a great place to duck hunt,” he said. In some parts of the country, hunters have waited 15 to 20 years to earn a tag to hunt big game such big horned elk or pronghorn antelope. “Now they have to turn in their tags and wait another year,” said Gaspar Perricone, co-director of Bull Moose Sportsmen’s Alliance, a Colorado-based hunting group. Associated Press writer Matt Daly contributed to this report from Washington, D.C. huntdhg.com
The Best Strip club in the Black Hills!
Kongo Klub the the
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• Darts • Video Lottery PLEASE BE RESPONSIBLE... Call any of these services for transportation: Becky’s Vans...605-770-5613 EZ Ride ..........605-630-1026
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605-996-9415 • 4901 N. Main • Mitchell, SD
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Always Hiring (320) 855-5555 PAGE 65 • DAKOTA HUNTING & FISHING - NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2013 huntdhg.com
203 Main Lesterville, SD 57040
605-364-7799
Hours: Thursday - Saturday 4pm - 1:30am Food, Beer, Dancers, Video Lottery huntdhg.com DAKOTA HUNTING & FISHING - NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2013 • PAGE 65
BEFORE YOU GO... CONSIDER THAT SD PHEASANT NUMBERS ARE DOWN - BUT HUNTERS ARE STILL OPTIMISTIC South Dakota Pheasant Survey Lower, But Hunting Opportunities Improve From South Dakota Game, Fish & Parks, gfp.sd.gov
PIERRE, S.D. – Months of persistent drought in 2012, a cold, wet spring in 2013 and a reduction in habitat have impacted pheasant brood counts, according to a report released today by the South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks Department. But officials note that South Dakota will still offer the best pheasant hunting experience in the country, with more than 1.1 million acres of public land available for pursuing birds within the state’s main pheasant range. The department’s annual brood count surveys the number of pheasants per mile as a means to track pheasant numbers over time. The actual population size is estimated after the pheasant hunting season ends, with additional information gathered from hunter surveys and a winter rooster-to-hen ratio survey. The 2013 report indicates an index of 1.52 pheasants per mile, down from 4.19 pheasants per mile last year. “The annual brood count provides us with a year-overyear analysis tool,” said Travis Runia, GFP’s lead pheasant biologist. “Our numbers may be down from last year, but hunters will still be able to find birds.” GFP conducts the brood route survey each year on select stretches of roads around the state. All pheasants are counted along each route, with particular attention to the number of broods.
PAGE 66 • DAKOTA HUNTING & FISHING - NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2013
South Dakota will still offer the best pheasant hunting experience in the country, with more than 1.1 million acres of public land available for pursuing birds within the state’s main pheasant range. “Much of the northern Great Plains experienced the same weather and habitat factors that impacted our brood counts,” Runia said. Runia noted that lower brood counts in 1992 and 1997 still resulted in almost one million pheasants harvested in South Dakota each year. Since 1992, the state has added 350,000 acres of public access within the main pheasant range, expanding hunting opportunities. The 2013 pheasant season opens Oct. 19 and runs through Jan. 5, 2014. The Youth Pheasant season will run from Oct. 5 – 9 and the Resident Only season Oct. 12 - 14. The 2013 Pheasant Brood Survey Report, complete with comparisons for different local areas, can be accessed at http://gfp.sd.gov/hunting/small-game/pheasant-outlook. aspx.
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PAGE 68 • DAKOTA HUNTING & FISHING - NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2013
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