Driftwood Outdoors Issue 7 by Driftwood Outdoors

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Your guide to Missouri outdoors

Volume 1 Issue 7

November/December 2012

Leaves shower down as frigid winds howl. Time turns back and again we enter the long months of winter. Thanksgiving and Christmas draw family and friends together as we celebrate all that is good in life. And of course, thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the arrival of the ducks. Oh, the ducksâ&#x20AC;Ś

Also in this issue of Driftwood Outdoors Predator Control Protect Your Ears Rabbit Hunting

Small Game on pg 8

Winning Combos on pg 14

Lady Falconer on pg 16

November/December 2012

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November/December 2012

Don’t Overlook Slug Guns

by Brandon Butler Sure, I’m biased. I grew up with a slug gun in my hands. My first buck was shot with a slug. So was my second and so was my third. But my history with shooting slugs isn’t the only reason I enjoy hunting with them. Shotgun slugs are devastating on impact and should have a place in every

gun hunter’s repertoire. The days of floating slugs like knuckle balls from a smooth-bore barrel are long gone. The combination of today’s advanced slug technologies and rifled barreled slug guns has brought a whole new level of accuracy to the slug hunter. In Midwestern states, like Indiana, Illinois and Iowa, where the use of traditional rifles is outlawed, the major competitor of slug guns is muzzleloaders. Today’s modern muzzleloaders are awesome, too. I mean with the right load shot from the right gun, you can honestly achieve accuracy at ranges out to and beyond 300 yards. The downside has always been, and remains to be, the single shot. Let me tell you a quick story. The farm my uncle hunts with a bunch of other guys is a monster buck producing piece of property. As a kid, I was able to tag along with my bow and fling arrows at does. Things changed when I got older. Once my abilities improved I became seen by some of the other the hunters as competition, so instead of stirring up any trouble with the hunters, my uncle just stopped taking me. Not cool, I know.

Anyways, the property is bordered by public land on two sides. You have to draw a spot to hunt. I studied the public land and figured out where I wanted to be was on the edge of a big CRP field. I decided an ability to shoot a long ways would be my best bet for success. So I bought a new muzzleloader just for that reason. I practiced and practiced and became deadly accurate at 200 yards. It was game on. Morning after morning, I drove to the Fish & Wildlife property to enter the drawing for a spot. I usually got stuck somewhere I didn’t want to be. Yet one morning, I finally drew my honey hole. With great confidence, I headed out in the dark to set up my stand. I planned to sit all day. A couple hours into my vigil, a doe busted out of the CRP below me. She was running with her mouth open, obviously being chased. I grabbed my muzzleloader and gripped it tght. I knew a buck was on her trail. After a while though, nothing came and I lost concentration. I hung my muzzleloader back up. Of course, then he showed. I grabbed for my gun as the biggest buck I have ever seen in the wild (still true to this day) ran directly under my stand heading down the trail of the doe. I made sounds to try to stop him, but he wasn’t interested. I yelled and he kept going. Finally, I pulled the trigger and missed a running shot at 60 yards. He stopped broadside and froze. With a muzzleloader in my hand, there was nothing I could do.

To this day, I dream of going back in time and having a slug gun with me on that hunt. I’d have dropped him stone dead if I would have had a second shot. In a perfect world, we all hope and pray for “one shot, one kill” scenarios, but occasionally, we all need number two, or three. Slug guns give you those opportunities. If you’re hunting in the timber, or anywhere that won’t offer you shots longer than a couple of hundred yards, I encourage you to consider try hunting with a slug gun. Or maybe you just want to limit your advantages a little by hunting with a slug gun instead of a rifle. Either way, I can tell you from a lifetime of experience, hunting with slug guns has advantages. See you down the trail…

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November/December 2012

In this issue

Matching Wits with Wily Predators

Lake of the Ozark is Premier Vacation Spot.

Small Game Hunting With Stick and String

The All-Around Dog — The Beagle

WildEar: Hunting and Shooting Success is Loud and Clear!

Strange Mating Habits of Whitetail Deer

Bass Tournaments Winning Jig and Plastic Combos

Meet Katherine Grand Lady Falconer

18 19

Late Fall Monster Browns

Fly Fisher’s Guide to Locating and Catching Winter Bluegills

Cardiac Hill... Fact or Fiction

Patterning Prevention Strategies

Columnists

Kevin Reese - Brian Sorrells Stephanie Mallory - Ron Kruger John Martino - Darren Warner John Neporadny Jr. - The Wilsons

Contributors

Mark Huelsing - Meghan Ray Jeremy Stephens - Randy Eason Gene Clifford

Managing Editor Brandon Butler

Fishing Editor Kenny Kieser

Sales Manager Nathan Sizemore 660-216-5727

Creative Layout Joe Pendergrass

Circulation Director

Jeff Thompson 573-822-2217 Driftwood Outdoors is bi-published monthly. The entire content of this newspaper is Copyrighted 2012 ©. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without written consent from the Managing Editor.

Driftwood Outdoors Gear Review Lightfield Slugs

Designed for military application, Lightfield slugs take expansion and knockdown power to a whole new level. Loaded with 1 ¼ oz pure lead slugs, the Hybred Exp 2-3/4” slugs are perfect for deer, coyote, hog, and even elk hunting. Powered by Lightfields proprietary powder, with the pull of a trigger you get 2,549 ft/lbs at the muzzle and 1,121 ft/lbs at 150 yards. However, there are multiple slug types for multiple applications.. For larger game, shooters can step up to the 3 1/2” Commander IDS Plus Slug, the only slug of its kind on the market today. It sends a 600-grain slug downrange with a TKO factor of 115! What’s another benefit to using Lightfield slugs? They are designed to be shot out of both rifled or smooth bore barrel shotguns, and are extremely accurate out of both. At the 2012 Professional Outdoor Media Association (POMA) conference, we were able to send a few slugs down range, grouping on a steel plate at 100 and 200 yards. The effective range is what makes Lighfield slugs better than others. Plus, none of the slugs energy is lost because of their expansion engineering, leading to quicker kills, and shorter track jobs.

FOXPRO Firestorm

The FOXPRO Firestorm is a must have tool in the field. It’s portable, lightweight, and is foolproof when it comes to operation. It comes preloaded with 50 high quality sounds and is capable of storing up to 200 sounds; talk about versatility! Dual speakers serve not only to give you loud, but extra crisp sounds. Plus, if you need more volume, simply plug speakers into the two available speaker jacks to further amplify your calls. This is a great option to have for extra windy days. The Firestorm also includes a remote, which allows you to maximize the unit’s efficiency from a distance. Now the really neat part about the Firestorm is the FOXBANG.. What happens is the unit automatically switches the unit to a preset, such as pup distress, after discharging your firearm. This allows for hands free changing while keeping your eyes on the field. Overall, the FOXPRO unit is a versatile unit with multiple features giving it the competitive edge. It’s backed by a 5-year limited warranty. Plus, it’s made in the good old United States of America.

Mossy Oak Graphics

Chances are, since you’re reading this publication, that you have a passion for hunting and the great outdoors. Then show it with Mossy Oak Graphics! From full vehicle kits to indoor graphics, Mossy Oak Graphics has you covered. Cover your boat or ATV, cover those nasty scratches on your gun with a Mossy Oak gun skins. Here are just a few of the many great graphics available to you. Full Vehicle Camo Kit: The Full vehicle kit contains pre-cut camouflage sections for each area of the vehicle. Precut panels fit the bodysides, back, front, window frames and roofline. Installation is made easy, and the material is removable when desired and it won’t leave behind adhesive residue. If full coverage isn’t up

your alley, they choose from the multiple vehicle accent kits or decals to fancy up your ride. Boat & Motor Kits: Perfect for waterfowlers, the boat and motor kit will cover your favorite hunting or fishing boat. The side panels come in a single piece, eliminating seems and resulting in greater durability. ATV and UTV Kits: Like the boat and motor kit, the ATV, UTV and golf cart kits are made from the highest quality cast vinyl and are proven durable up to seven years. Plus, they come with a 5-year warranty against fading. Gun Skins: Want to camouflage your gun but don’t want to use stick tape that will ruin its finish? Problem solved! The gun skins by Mossy Oak Graphics come in 12 patterns, all of which are extremely durable and won’t leave behind an adhesive residue. Installation is made easy with air release technology, preventing bubbling. Indoor Graphics: Aside from covering your toys, customize your living space with Mossy Oak Graphics. Wall graphics, scenic shots, wildlife shots, and other lifestyle shots will bring your passions inside in a decorative fashion. All of the above products are the perfect way for the outdoorsman or woman to express their love for hunting and the great outdoors. Check out all the available options at www. mossyoakgraphics.com.

Redneck Blinds Buck Palace 360 6x6 Combo Redneck blinds has a line of high quality 100-percent fiberglass blinds specific to your needs. The smallest being 4x6’ and the largest, the “buck palace 360” is a huge 6x6’ blind. The Buck Palace 360 combo blind is roomy and comfortable, specifically designed to accommodate up to four hunters! It’s great not only for gun hunters but also bow hunters, with huge 46-inch tall bow windows. The Buck Palace is also great for family hunting. Since it is so big, multiple people can fit comfortably. Plus the blind will conceal those inevitably impatient kids! The windows are even tinted, adding to concealment. The windows are also hinged on whisper quiet hinges, so that when it comes time for the shot you don’t have to worry about creaking or squeaking. Overall, the line of blinds from Redneck Blinds are well made, come with a vast amount of accessory options and even stand heights. Plus, they come in various sizes to fit your particular needs. Check them out at www.redneckblinds.com.

November/December 2012

Matching Wits with Wily Predators by Brandon Butler In the millenniums before supermarkets, when humans were forced to hunt alongside all other carnivores, species that thrived were those most adept at not only killing, but also retaining their downed prey. Overtime, early humans concluded both of these tasks would be much easier if the competition was simply eliminated. With this realization, predator hunting was born.

become better predators ourselves. “In my experience, the setup is the most important factor that will determine your success or failure in calling predators,” South said. “Good setups must be able to fool a predator’s eyes, ears and nose. Each time I’m faced with choosing a setup I run down a mental list of these ingredients and ascertain if these conditions are in my favor. This may seem a little

enough. Trying to beat their nose? Well, chances are that’s just not going to happen. “Many have tried in vain to defeat a predator’s nose. In my opinion, all these efforts are futile. Experience proves that if predator gets downwind of your setup, or crosses your tracks, the hunt is over. They will detect you,” South said. “I firmly believe that if you realize you cannot defeat his nose, then you’re far ahead. What you must do is choose a setup that denies him

the wind. A predator cannot detect you with his nose if he is upwind and does not cross the tracks you made coming in. This generally means approaching your setup with the wind in your face. This way, your tracks, as well as you airborne scent, are behind you.” One aspect of making a proper set up that is often overlooked by beginners is ensuring the ability to actually see once you sit down and start calling. In any terrain, Story continued on page 21.

Mix and match any two sounds at once!

Byron South with a fine Bobcat.

Today, few of us actually deal with a direct recourse from predators. Most of us aren’t loosing chickens to raccoons, or calves to coyotes. Yet, nearly all of us are somehow indirectly effected by the ills of predator overpopulation. In many areas of our country, deer fawns and turkey chicks are noticeably impacted by predation. Yet in the Rocky Mountain states, true devastation is taking place. If you want to see a man flush with anger, ask a Montana elk hunter from the Paradise Valley about what wolves have done to local herds. Predator numbers must be kept in check. Thankfully, for the most part, society has approved and entrusted this responsibility to hunters, and many of us willingly oblige. Some more so than others. Byron South is a Realtree Pro-Staff member who takes predator hunting to a another level. I recently had a chance to speak with him about how you and I can mimic a few of his favorite setup tips to

elementary, but I am constantly surprised at how many guys pay such little attention to these things. Predators, such as coyotes, basically have three built in defense mechanisms.” There will be times when a predator hunter can get away with not covering all three of South’s bases. For regular success though, one should setup in a location with good cover, where the wind is blowing away from the direction predators will most likely approach from, and where vocalizations can be optimally presented. “I like setups that allow me to use terrain or cover to mask my approach. Once I’ve determined where to setup, I rely on good camouflage and a back drop, such a bush or tree, to conceal me. Most important though, is to sit still. Fidgeting, rubbernecking, waiving your hands, and pointing will ruin a setup in a hurry,” South said. Beating the eyes of a predator is hard

Watch for the next issue of Driftwood Outdoors to be delivered January 1, 2013

Automatically switches calls at the sound of a gunshot Custom design up to 20 different “stands”

• Four speakers for extreme volume, long range calling • Speakers swivel allowing you to aim the sound

• Pre-programmed with custom sequences prepared by members of FOXPRO®’s Furtakers™ staﬀ Mimic moving prey by fading sound from left speakers to right for more realistic calls Mix and match any two sounds of your choice at any time Lets you manipulate the “pitch” of any sound in an effort to trigger a response Record real time data from every stand (duration, shot-time, temperature, barometer, moon phase ...) for future reference

• Remote organizes calls by categories; unlimited number of presets • USB port for easy online updates Shockwave™ Remote

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November/December 2012

Lake of the Ozarks is Premier Vacation Spot by John Neporadny Jr. With so much to do and see at Lake of the Ozarks, anglers visiting this great bass fishery must make sure they set aside plenty of time so they and their families can enjoy the total lake experience. “It is Mid-America’s premier vacation destination with all kinds of boating and water activities,” says Jim Divincen, executive director of the lake’s Tri-County Lodging Association. “We have different lodging facilities to meet all types of budgets.” The lake’s hotels and resorts offer a wide array of lodging choices (6,000 units) including family oriented resorts on the waterfront, well-known motel chains, rental condominiums and bed-and-breakfast accommodations. There are also 1,500 campground sites available for the outdoor enthusiasts. High on a visitors’ must-see list are the area’s two state parks, HaHa Tonka in Camdenton and Lake of the Ozarks in Osage Beach. Both parks offer hiking trails, boat docks and picnic areas. “HaHa Tonka State Park continues to be one of our highest visitors’ satisfaction activities,” says Divincen. High atop a 250-foot bluff at the park are the ruins of an early 20th-century stone castle built by Robert McClure Snyder, a prominent Kansas City businessman who imported stonemasons from Scotland to make sure his private retreat would rival the castles of Europe. The park is also Missouri’s premier showcase of karst topography with a honeycomb of tunnels, eight caverns, springs, a 70-foot wide natural bridge that spans 60 feet and stands more than 100 feet high and sinkholes, including a 500foot long by 300-foot wide sinkhole called the Coliseum. The Lake of the Ozarks State Park is Missouri’s largest state park covering 17,441 acres with more than 80 miles of lake frontage. The park’s log buildings, rustic bridges and stone ditch dams built by the Civilian Conservation Corps are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Another park attraction is Ozark Caverns, a short, spacious cave featuring a unique hand-held lantern tour that includes viewing the “Angels’ Showers” an endless flow of water that falls from the rock ceiling into two massive bowl-shaped stone basins on the cave floor. The lake also features two other

underground attractions—Bridal Cave in Camdenton and Jacob’s Cave near Versailles. Bridal Cave was discovered by the Osage Indians centuries ago and features giant columns, stalactites, stalagmites and Mystery Lake. Jacob’s Cave is the largest and most decorated cave in the lake area with a one-mile tour over a level concrete walkway. Families will discover plenty of attractions for kids at the lake. One of the top fun spots is Big Surf Water Park where the family can enjoy Raging Rapids, the Space Bowl, the Wave Pool, Zambezi Falls and other watery entertainment. A couple of indoor amusement centers at the lake include Miner Mike’s Adventure Town and Buster’s, a combining kids’ rides and high-tech games and simulations all under one roof; and Timber Falls Indoor Waterpark that includes a three-story tree house, 600 feet of water slides, activity pool, 21-seat whirlpool and a lazy river area all located in Tan-Tar-A Resort. “Timber Falls is really neat for the kids no matter what the weather outside is like,” says Divincen. Youngsters can also stay pretty busy visiting the lakes seven miniature golf courses and seven go-kart tracks. More family entertainment is available at Main Street Music Hall in Osage Beach and Stoneridge Amphitheater. The music hall features a two-hour variety show packed with musicians, singers and comedians displaying their strong sense of patriotism and singing gospel medleys. The amphitheater has seating for 10,500 spectators and holds a variety of concerts throughout the year. For the shoppers in the family, the lake area is one of the state’s major yearround retail centers. “We have the largest premier outlet mall (Osage Beach Premium Outlets) in the state with 110 stores,” claims Divincen. There are also more than 50 antique shops within 50 miles of the lake. After shopping or enjoying any of the lake’s other activities, you can satisfy your appetite at one of the lake’s 100 restaurants located on and off the water. Fifteen championship golf courses make the lake area a great place for golfers as well as fishermen. Shooting enthusiasts can also sharpen their skills at the Missouri Trapshooters Association’s shooting range in Linn Creek and the indoor range (for pistols and bows) at Pistols Plus gun store in Osage Beach. All of these attractions make the Lake of the Ozarks a great vacation place, but the top draw is the lake itself and its vari-

Lake of the Ozarks offers plenty of fishing action for anglers and lots of entertainment for the whole family.

ous water activities such as swimming, boating and water skiing. The lake features 31 marinas offering boat, houseboat and personal watercraft rentals. Besides its great bass fishing, the lake is one of the best multi-species fisheries in the state with thriving populations of crappie, white bass and catfish. The watery environment makes the lake area an ideal feeding and resting area for numerous species of wildlife, including a large variety of birds. Some of the species bird watchers can view at the lake include the great blue heron, hawks, ducks, wild turkey, pectoral sandpipers, cliff swallows, terns, American goldfinches, ruby-throated hummingbirds, robins, quail, eastern meadowlarks, belted kingfishers, pileated woodpeckers and bluebirds. Covering 54,000 acres and running 92 miles, the Lake of the Ozarks is a scenic panorama offering a wide range of leisure and water activities that will excite visiting anglers and their families for as long as they want to stay. For information on lodging and other facilities at the Lake of the Ozarks or to receive a free 162-page vacation guide, call the Lake of the Ozarks Convention & Visitors Bureau at 1-800-FUN-LAKE or visit the Lake of the Ozarks Convention and Visitors Bureau web site at funlake.com. Copies of John Neporadny’s book, “THE Lake of the Ozarks Fishing Guide” are available by calling 573/365-4296 or visiting the web site www.jnoutdoors.com.

John Neporadny is a freelance outdoor writer from Lake Ozark, Mo., and the author of THE Lake of the Ozarks Fishing Guide.

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November/December 2012

Small Game Hunting with Stick and String By Brian Sorrells

There is nothing in the world like bowhunting with a simple traditional bow. While big game, such as whitetails, muleys, elk or caribou generally come to mind, there’s a whole world of bowhunting adventure out there that very seldom ever gets considered with all the excitement surrounding big game season. Some of these smaller critters provide as much challenge and are as tough to hunt as the bigger game. One of my favorite small game animals to hunt is the squirrel. As a boy, I was introduced to squirrel hunting by my Dad, who was taught by his Dad before him. When my Dad was a young man, squirrel hunting wasn’t just for sport, it was a way to add meat to the table when money was scarce. Squirrels were as plentiful back then as they are now, and today we can hardly make a trip across town without having a dozen bushytails scamper across the road in front of us. Squirrels are generally hunted with a lightgauge shotgun or small bore rifle, such as a .22 caliber rifle or scoped pistol. One of the advantages of hunting squirrels with a firearm is the fact that you can reach out and touch them even if they’re in the top of a tree. If you’re a halfway decent shot, it doesn’t take long to limit out. However, if you chase them with a longbow or recurve, your time in the woods will likely last longer than just a couple of hours. Most hunters are of the opinion that squirrels spend most of their time in the trees during early season, which begins around August in many parts of the country. At that time of year, leaves have yet to drop and it can be difficult to spot your quarry, other than the telltale shake of the limb as the squirrel pulls dinner from a convenient limb. Rest assure that squirrels DO come down to ground level though, at all times of the year. Occasionally it’s just to pick up a particularly tasty hickory nut they accidentally dropped, but more often, they come down to explore the ground under mast bearing trees for ripe nuts that have already fallen, acorns in particular. It’s at this time that the traditional bowhunter can add a limit of tree rats to his or her game vest. Squirrels feast mainly on hickory nuts, walnuts, beech nuts and acorns, but will also eat a tasty grub or beetle if given the opportunity. Concen-

Groundhog running for safety.

trate your hunting efforts in and around groves of these nut-bearing trees for the best success. Early morning and late afternoon are the best time to search for these animals at ground level. Seeing them is not difficult and many times, especially if you’re dressed in head to toe camouflage, you can walk right up on them. Squirrels don’t seem to recognize a camouflaged form as a threat and will often continue about their business as though you weren’t even there. Most times, even if you are spotted by a foraging tree-dweller, they’ll only go a short way up the side of the nearest tree, vigorously shaking their tail and announcing your presence with loud squirrel talk, still offering an easy shot. There are two main species of squirrels for mid-westerners; the fox squirrel, sometimes called the red squirrel, and it’s smaller cousin, the gray squirrel. Gray squirrels seem to prefer smaller mast, such as beech nuts and acorns, possible due to the fact that they have smaller mouths, but both can be found in the same general areas, occasionally confronting each other over territory. In northern climes, there are also pine squirrels which subsit on pine nuts and other forage from evergreen trees. While I’ve not hunted or eaten

Silence and stealth are necessary for squirrel hunting.

any of this species, I’ve been told that the flavor of their meat closely follows their preferred food, making the meat taste a bit like Pinesol cleaner. I can’t verify this fact and frankly have no desire to do so.

A fox squirrel on a low limb-a perfect target for the traditional bowhunter.

While squirrels can be taken with broadheads, a lot of valuable meat gets wasted. That’s why I prefer hunting them with blunt-tipped arrows. The Zwickey Judo point is the preferred blunt of most of us traditionalists, and I’ve killed many squirrels with the Judo point, but I prefer something with a lot more heft. My favorite squirrel point is the casing from a .38 caliber pistol cartridge glued over a field point with hot melt glue. The shocking power of one of these blunts from a traditional bow of 45 pounds or more is generally more than enough to anchor old man bushytail on the spot. The ideal target zone is the head, shoulder or amidships in the ribs. The blunt delivers enough shocking power that the transfer of the energy causes hydrostatic shock, which plays havoc with the internal organs and generally stops the heart. I’ve had very few squirrels even twitch after my arrow makes solid contact with a vital area. I’ll be the first to admit that I’ve lost many arrows shooting at squirrels, but I use brightly colored feather fletching on my arrows

and can usually locate them. As a rule, I NEVER shoot up into a treetop, simply because I don’t want my arrow landing on something (or someone) that it shouldn’t. Take only shots at squirrels that or on the ground or low on the side of a tree. Granted, it takes quite a few squirrels to make a meal, but with a long hunting season in most parts of the country, filling the freezer is an enjoyable and rewarding experience. I often extend my early season hot weather deer hunts, after the deer have bedded down for the day, with a couple of hours of squirrel hunting. Being opportunistic, I’ve also taken a few ground hogs and the occasional ruffed grouse during my forays. So the next time you find yourself with a free morning, grab your bow an park yourself in the middle of a grove of mast bearing trees. Brian Sorrells is the author of, “Traditional Bowhunting for Whitetails” and “Beginner’s Guide to Traditional Archery.”

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November/December 2012

The All-Round Dog — The Beagle By Gene Clifford More shotgun shells are spent on rabbit hunting than any other game animal in the Midwest. Along with this statistic goes the most popular dog for this sport—the Beagle. They are excellent pheasant dogs and are willing retrievers. I once had a beagle that would bay on rabbits but would yip on pheasants, telling me that I’d better get up with the dog, as he was either going to catch that pheasant or put it up in the air. The beagle I have now is a rabbit retriever of his own choosing, as I have not taught him this trait. It all started once when I shot a rabbit in some extremely thick briars which would have needed a dog to retrieve it and he came to my rescue, kinda , with a look on his face telling me to pick my shots a little more in the open from now on. Maybe their sound is not as glamorous as an elk bugling in the Rocky Mountains, but the excited baying of a pack of beagles on the hot trail of a rabbit, here in the Midwest, is one of the classic sounds of the fall hunting season. Having been a beagle owner for over 50+ years, I can attest to the fact that

Gene and his dog celebrate a rabbit in hand.

although beagle hounds are often strongwilled, they are very affectionate, and with diligent training and handling, they may serve quite well as both field dogs, and family pets. The present beagle I have now, ”Zeke”, is 6 ½ years old, and undoubtedly the best beagle I’ve had and trained, mainly, no doubt, because I’ve had more time to work with him since I retired in 1999. I’ve had 5 males over those 50+ years, some as long as 14 years and some for less than 10 years. Zeke was born on March 17th, my wife’s birthday. “Happy birthday Honey, I got you a beagle pup” And on my next birthday I received a mink stole. I’m a lifelong rabbit hunter, but some of my past beagles just weren’t up to snuff, and I should have left them home in the kennel. One was a good rabbit runner as long as he could see it he could sight run it. If he lost sight of it he would wander around until he sighted me and return to follow me wherever I was going. Another one was a silent runner and never opened up when running a rabbit, so I never knew just where the dog was. One of the pups

A good beagle enhances rabbit hunting.

I was training had the same tendencies, and at his annual checkup at the vet , I mentioned it, and the vet advised me that when a rabbit was jumped to get down on my hands and knees and bay like a mother beagle. Surprisingly, he caught on to what I was doing, and started to open up when he got on a fresh trail. All my beagles have been family pets besides being an occasional good hunter. Regardless of whether they were good hunters or trailers, they sure took a lot of the effort out of kicking all the brush piles and fencerows myself, and seemed to be eager to do what comes naturally to them. I’ve always played with my pups and tried to teach them how to retrieve a tennis ball or thrown stick. When they couldn’t find the ball or the stick, I’d rub some bacon grease on it so they could find it by scent. I’ve found that you don’t have to teach a well-bred beagle to retrieve. They quite often do it instinctively. Most of my past beagle pups were purchased for $50 or less, from people that just had beagle pups for sale. Whereas, my present beagle, “Zeke”, cost me $200, because I bought him from a beagle breeder who just happened to be the President of a local beagle hunters club. It has proved to be a worthwhile investment, with many happy returns. When looking for likely places to hunt rabbits, remember, that if there are no, or little briars, there will be no , or little rabbits. When I say briars, I mean Blackberry, Raspberry, and Multi-flora Rose. In the winter, this is what the bunnies, primarily feed on, regardless of the depth of the snow. Bunnies will stick to the thickest cover that will provide them protection from

the wind and precipitation. These briar patches are classic types of cold weather cover. If you jump a rabbit in this thick cover and don’t have a clear shot, take a position where you do, and just wait for the dogs to bring the rabbit back, as they seldom run more that 50 to 80 yards from where they were jumped, and circle around to return to their point of origin. Rabbits breed like, well, rabbits. So don’t expect to take any more than say, 1 rabbit for every 2 or 3 acres of area hunted. This will give the area a chance to replenish itself. If you do locate an area with a decent amount of rabbits, don’t hunt it more than once a week using the ratio I just stated. It’s better to have several such places and hunt them on a rotating basis. If you are serious about owning and training a great rabbit dog, then consider joining a local field-training club. Beagles have lots of desire to hunt, and please their owners. So despite what some people say, a great field dog can also be a wonderful family pet. Gene Clifford is an old school outdoorsman and longtime writer.

November/December 2012

WildEar: Hunting and Shooting Success is Loud and Clear! Bowhunter’s hearing amplification with shooting sports protection! by Kevin Reese

I don’t regret a minute of service as a Marine to my beloved country I certainly regret my diagnosis of tinnitus, a condition that earned me a service connected disability upon being honorably discharged from the U.S. Marine Corp in 1996. I used to be reminded randomly but in 2011 my reminder became a constant ringing in my left ear and more acute yet still intermittent ringing in my right ear. As an avid hunter, hearing has been a significant hindrance to my success in the field. While many count on hearing, sight and smell on the hunt, I have lost much of the second most critical sense we carry into the woods. Over the years I tried numerous hearing amplification systems but nothing worked. My smaller ear canals did not appropriately handle out-of-the-box amplifiers and amplifying headphones/ ear muffs were stifling in warmer temperatures. When units did work as promised they allowed too much noise. At times, the noise level was overwhelming and the sound of wind or rain often drowned out every other sound in the woods. Finding the right device to get me hearing on the hunt seemed a futile pursuit. So, what’s a frustrated hunter to do? I called WildEar ordered WildEar’s Master Series Hearing Enhancement System (HES). What a Godsend! Brad sent me an information and fitting instruction kit and I scheduled an appointment with my local audiologist. I left the audiologist’s of-

fice with impressions in hand and mailed them back to WildEar. Within two weeks I had a package waiting at my front door. All That and a Custom Made Box, Too? Upon opening the shipping box I found a beautifully crafted wood box with my name carved into the lid; I was immediately impressed! Opening the box I found every component neatly displayed including my WildEar Hearing Enhancement Devices (HED), a WildEar adjustable lanyard, extra plugs, a cleaning brush, identification card, extra size 13 batteries, instruction manual and an extremely nice leather carrying pouch. After a quick read through the instructions and becoming familiar with button locations, I was ready to give my new “WildEars” a whirl. After installing the battery in the first device I immediately inserted it in my ear and continued installing the battery in the other device; while I did so, the left device cycled through a series of tones confirming that I had inserted the battery correctly and the unit was now active. After installing the battery in the second unit and firmly inserting it into my ear canal I heard the same tone; both units were active and appeared to be working properly. Once the units were powered on amplification of sounds was immediate and because the HED was created from personal impressions the fit was incredibly comfortable. Hearing Hunting Success One Ear at a Time! A major benefit to WildEar’s HES is adjustability. This is the first system I’ve had the pleasure of using that incorporates

Reese inserts one of his WildEars to help with his hearing.

comprehensive adjustability. WildEar HED’s offer four presets and numerous volume levels to optimize hearing FOR EACH EAR! Using the various presets and volume levels I quickly achieved optimum hearing; in fact, after customizing the settings and recording them on

a piece of paper (I now keep folded in the leather pouch for reference) the variance in hearing from one ear to the other I had experienced for years became negligible. Where did That Come From?

November/December 2012

Reese celebrates a doe he heard coming thanks to his WildEars.

Another benefit was the ability to discern noise direction. Experimenting with other devices I noticed difficulty in ascertaining which direction noises were coming from. Using WildEar’s HED’s I had no problem identifying the source direction of various sounds; a critical element to hearing in the woods! In a matter of minutes I had leveled my outdoor playing field with a keen hearing ability I presume rivals that of my prey. Hunting to Hard Core Shooting! My Master Series HED’s were designed for a diverse range of outdoor activities including both firearm shooting and bowhunting. When rifle or pistol hunting, or during a day on the shooting range, I simply insert the vent plugs into the vent holes. The plugs seal the vent holes preventing outside noise from entering the devices. Noise is suppressed when it reaches a potentially dangerous level. My HED’s only suppressed the firearm blast then returned to hearing amplification. While bowhunting I remove the plugs. The open vent holes allow for natural noise and air to infiltrate, eliminating any semblance of feeling “plugged up”. It’s worth noting that at any time you transition from bowhunting to shooting a firearm you must remember to install the vent plugs! My Thoughts (No pennies included!) I never realized how much I was missing the field. WildEar HED’s gave me a new lease on my bowhunting life. Now I

used them for more than outdoor pursuits. Late in the evening you can now find me watching a couple of my favorite television shows… without subtitles! The quality of workmanship was readily apparent and proven through use. WildEar accounted for every minute detail. The presentation of the product in the customized box seemed to demonstrate just how much WildEar focuses on satisfying customers; I felt like I was important to them. WIldEar has earned my trust, endorsement and recommendation. Well done, WildEar, well done! The Cold HEARD Truth! The only con I observed is the inability to power off the devices without removing the batteries. A power button on each device would be a great addition; handling batteries while 20 feet up in a treestand can be frustrating. Considering that minor inconvenience, WildEar still earns top honors with me. I expect my WildEar HED’s will be an important part of my outdoor gear for years to come! Many thanks to WildEar for offering premium, dependable and diverse HED’s at prices most bowhunters who take their hearing seriously can afford! Hunt hard, hunt often! Kevin may be reached for questions, comments or suggestions by emailing kevinr@just-hunt.com.

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This body wrap sure kept us warm on those cold mornings. Don & Toni Collins

- Bass Pro Shops Pro Staff - 2010 Angler Team of the Year - 2010 Sportsman of the Year

November/December 2012

Strange Mating Habits Of Whitetail Deer by Ron Kruger

I’ll have to admit: people can act pretty strangely in singles’ bars and other places where reproductive urges overrule good sense. But that’s nothing compared to a buck deer. In the first place, he has the strange habit of growing bones on the top of his head. This is entirely for reproductive reasons. It has nothing to do with keeping taxidermists in business. The antlers are a sign of virility, which he not only uses to attract the attention of the opposite sex, but to establish his dominance over other males in the area that are just as hormonal goofy. These strange appendages start growing in August, and until they are fully formed, they are covered with a mosslike coating of tightly-compacted blood vessels. During this stage, these blooming antlers are fragile and sensitive, so he spends most of his time avoiding trouble and trying to be a “good boy.” This is sort of like our pre-pubescent stage. He hangs around mostly with other males and thinks girls are yucky. All that changes, however, when the antlers are formed and the “velvet” coverings start dying. It itches and bothers him. So he combs his bones on softbarked saplings (called “rubs”) until they shine, sort of like how we used to put every hair in place. Rubs serve a couple of purposes. They mark the outline of his territory and strengthen his neck for fighting, sort of the way we once lifted weights and run a lot when we were entering puberty. He doesn’t get into any real trouble at this point, but he is becoming mischievous. After considerable exercise, his neck becomes swollen with muscles. He starts losing his boyish fat and his boyish ways, and if he had a mirror, he would look into it often. He may still hang around with his buddies at this point and spar playfully with them, but things are changing. He’s starting to feel competitive. He doesn’t openly chase girls, yet, but he does stop to watch them walk by, and he takes an active interest in contact sports. In the late evening, he and his friends come to the edges of clearings to horse around and show off, which we call “displaying.” The girls stand on the sidelines like cheerleaders, but they all know something is in the air.

For a normally cautious buck, the allure of the opposite sex can be a fatal attraction. Photo by Ron Kruger

This large scrape and rub found together is the whitetail buck’s equivalent of a bar stool at a singles’ bar. Photo by Ron Kruger

As the days shorten, a couple of his glands go into overdrive. Many believe that cold weather triggers the “rut,” but, according to the biologists, it is the “photoperiod,” or the length of the day that marks the opening of the single’s bars for whitetail deer. Before you know it, women are the only thing that matters, and he even starts beating up his best buddies. He doesn’t trust anyone of his own sex anymore, and becomes a loner, staying out late and looking for trouble.

This is when he goes completely berserk. He doesn’t eat properly. He doesn’t sleep much. He loses most of his good sense and survival skills and runs around like a madman. If we didn’t know better, we might think he was on drugs or something. And get this: On moonlit nights, especially during or after a rain, he stands in one place and paws the ground like a lunatic, creating a circular-shaped depression. When he’s satisfied with the size and shape of it, he straddles the “scrape” and urinates in it. This is his personal seat at

the singles’ bar, and the rest of the bucks better stay away. He chooses this particular spot because he can tell with bloodhound-like olfactory efficiency that a lot of pretty, young women pass by it often, just like the guy who always sits at the end of the bar because that’s where all the girls pass to go “powder their noses.” For good measure, he licks the twigs of an overhanging branch to deposit saliva, and he rubs scent glands located near his eyes on the branches. Then he puts his personal mark on his handcrafted bar stool. Like a fingerprint, he presses the image of his front hove right in the middle of the scrape. Make no mistake: he intends to claim every woman in that neck of the woods. His behavior is so bizarre that any female not in heat avoids him at all costs. Children are scared to death of him. The guy probably should be committed. Nevertheless, we can’t blame all of this nuttiness on the boys. Some of the girls encourage his behavior and tease him mercilessly. They’ve been going through their own biological pubescence, and these changes have created a perfume that makes a buck’s eyes cross and his tongue flick about like Gene Simmons in a KISS concert. The little flirts won’t come right out and admit their desires. Instead, they sneak up to his bar stool when he’s not there and pee on it–knowing full well this will drive him over the edge. He happens back by to check his scrape shortly thereafter, picks up the trail she purposely left, and the chase is on. This dance can go on for days. She runs like she doesn’t want to be caught, but she never gets very far ahead and she trots with her tail in the air so that the perfume stays strong in his nostrils. At this point, he’s so consumed with passion that he doesn’t even realize he’s grunting like a pig and crashing through the woods like an absolute fool. Finally, she becomes exhausted, and another Bambi is conceived. When the rut is over well into the winter, the bones fall off the buck’s head, and, like a balding man, he regains his sanity and wisdom. Bucks go through this hormonal madness every year of their lives. I’m just grateful I’m human and only had to go through it once. Ron Kruger lives the life he writes about, spending countless days a year on the water in Missouri.

November/December 2012

Bass Tournament Winning Jig-and-Plastic Combos

By I.M. Bradley How would you like to win more bass tournaments? If you answered “no,” then continue to fish the same lures and techniques you always do. Keep a closed mind. Never try anything new. By God, you caught a bass on a jig-and-pork in 1978, and that’s just the way it is! If you answered “yes,” however, keep reading because the secret of catching tournament winning stringers is going to be revealed. OK, there is no secret. No magic lure, secret technique or expensive machine that drives bass into an insane feeding machine. However, the fact is that a jig with some kind of soft plastic as a trailer has been on the business end of more tournament-winning rigs than any other. Winning major bass tournaments requires thorough preparation before and flawless execution during the event, as well has “giving them what they want.” Bassmaster Elite Series professional anglers Alton Jones and Edwin Evers know that along with having the right lure, each angler must make adjustments during each day to catch the biggest bag. These two anglers won nearly $1 million dollars on just three tournaments using a variation of that old jig-and-pork you (or your grandpa) caught a bass on back in the 1970s. Jones won the Bassmaster Classic in 2008 on Lake Hartwell in South Carolina; Evers won the Bassmaster Elite Series Citrus Slam Tournament on the St. Johns River and the PAA Series Tournament on Lake Norman, and all three tournaments were won with a jig. Crawfish imitations just seem to catch better numbers of bigger, quality bass. Another way of looking at it is that they eliminate the smaller bites, thus giving the bigger bass a better chance of getting on your line. Only a handful of anglers have ever won the Bassmaster Classic. Jones won in 2008 on a jig-and-craw combination of his own creation. He took the skirt off another jig and wired it to a BOOYAH jig head. His newly built prototype jig became known as the A-Jig. Jones then added a YUM Chunk as a trailer. The skirt, jig head and trailer combination was the key to his win. After Jones won the Classic on Lake Hartwell with the new BOOYAH A-Jig it became an instant must-have lure among tournament anglers. The BOOYAH A-Jig features the same style skirt with both round rubber and silicone strains – a skirt

combination that flairs and provides more action. These skirts are hand-tied, and the jig features a big, round-bend hook. Jones credited his victory in the Classic to this jig-and-chunk combination and to locating the right fish in deep water. “I knew that I could catch them early on a spoon, but I needed to figure out a different lure that would catch them after the morning bite subsided. So, I spent every day of practice trying to catch them on different lures. Finally, I tried my prototype jig combination on a bottom drop off,” said Jones. On his first cast, he caught a nice keeper, and another on his second cast. “I knew right then, I had found something special,” said Jones. To get his winning stringers he fished in 35- to 55-feet of water around drains and depressions with scattered stumps and cover. “I literally had to crawl the lure on the bottom very, very slowly, and when the jig came off the bottom and fell, the bass would strike it, but only if the jig fell slowly,” explained Jones. Jones knew the jig combination was going to be his key to winning the Classic once he started catching bass on it. “Once I started catching bass, I knew that this was something special and it was going to be hard for any other competitor to reproduce,” said Jones.

Bass dig craws.

Jig combinations won’t win on every lake. Jones says that he puts jigs first when he’s fishing a lake known for producing big bass, such as his home-away-from-home, Falcon Lake, or when he’s confident that he can get five good bites from the area he’s fishing. Five bites are all it takes to win a tournament, but they have to be the right five, and the angler must perform flawlessly. Professional angler Edwin Evers has two recent wins using a jig combination. In Florida at the 2011 Citrus Slam on the

Don’t be afraid to bog big for big bass.

St. John’s River, Evers was fishing the YUM F2 Money Craw combined with YUM Pumpkin ‘Ed Jig to elicit strikes from bedding bass. The Pumpkin Ed Jig is a plain jighead featuring a flat top and horizontal line tie that forces the soft-plastic bait to stand up vertical on bottom. Another feature of the Pumpkin Ed Jig is the extended screw lock keeper. The longer screw lock makes attaching bigger baits easier and holds them more securely than a shorter keeper. In the Citrus Slam event, Evers pitched his lure into the bass bed and let it sit with very little action imparted with the rod. However, he selected the Money Craw because of the way it quivers and moves even when he’s not doing anything with the rod. “When attached to a Pumpkin ‘Ed jig, the slightest current or movement will make the claws undulate and move back and forth,” said Evers. “That was really a key to getting fish to strike.” Evers also used a jig-and-plastic combo in a PAA tournament on Lake Norman in North Carolina. Unlike the

Citrus Slam, an early spring tournament in which bed fishing for spawning bass was the winning ticket, the Lake Norman event was held in late summer. Evers again selected the Money Craw as his jig trailer, but his technique was completely different. Instead of a nearly motionless craw sitting on bottom, he used the combo to simulate a bluegill and constantly swam the bait. He admits that this combo is one he has tremendous confidence in. Evers noted that Oklahoma’s Grand Lake, site of the 2013 Bassmaster Classic, Oklahoma is an excellent lake to fish a jig-and-craw combination. “I would fish a 3/8- or 1/2-ounce Pumpkin ‘Ed jig head rigged with a big 10-inch YUM F2 Mightee Worm in green pumpkin or plum on 14- to 17-pound test Fluorocarbon fishing line,” said Evers. He said he’d throw that combo in deeper water around cover and structure. It’s the exact combo that B.A.S.S. Elite rookie Cliff Prince used to take fifth in the 2012 Toledo Bend tournament. He focused on bridge pilings in 20- to 30-feet of

November/December 2012

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water and won Carhartt Big Bass with the rig. He knew there were lots of fish in that area, and selected the big worm in part to eliminate the smaller fish that dominated his drop-shot rig fishing. It’s a proven fact; jig combinations can catch winning stringers of bass. Often called the most versatile bass lure, the

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November/December 2012

Meet Katherine Grand—Lady Falconer by Stephanie Mallory

When Katherine Grand, the dealer relations and pro-staff coordinator for Prois Hunting Apparel, is not working, you can often find her hunting with her newest favorite hunting partner, Finnegan. A Kestrel, Finnegan is a member of the raptor family, and his natural maneuverability and speed make him a top predator and excellent hunting companion. Grand, a licensed falconer, is currently training Finnegan to hunt in the woods and fields by her home. How does a young woman, such as Grand, become a falconer? “I have always been intrigued by raptors, and I love the idea of being a part of something wild and ancient,” Grand says. “When I’m working with my birds, I feel like I’m a part of the drama of nature that unfolds daily. I love working in a symbiotic relationship with a bird of prey, and I love that once the bird is trained, it has a choice to leave me while it’s flying free.” After watching a TV show of two men hunting rabbits with red-tailed hawks, Grand decided “if they can do it, I can do it.” She devoured literature on the subject, and after moving to Oregon five years ago, found a sponsor, built a mews (hawk house) and took her test to become a falconer. After trapping and training her first red-tailed hawk, she became hopelessly addicted to falconry. “Being a licensed falconer is a huge commitment,” she says. “You must train with a sponsor, take a test and have knowledge of raptor disease, health issues and care. Falconry is more of a lifestyle than a hobby, especially for someone like me who hunts with her bird five to six times a week. Not only does the bird require feeding and care, but you must weigh it daily, calculate how much to feed it so it will be at hunting weight when you fly it and constantly monitor its health and condition. You must provide your bird with whole-bodied animals, a bath pan

filled with fresh water, and safe housing and equipment. It is unfair to try to keep a bird of prey if you don’t have the time to commit.

Katherine and Finnegan.

TRAPPING THE BIRD To trap her raptors, Grand often uses what is called a bal-chatri trap (BC), which is essentially a weighted-down wire cage with monofilament fishing line nooses along the outside. The bait animal is placed inside the trap. When the hawk lands on the trap, its feet become entangled in the nooses. Browne drives the roads in search of a raptor to trap. When she spots a bird, she slows the vehicle down almost to a stop and drops the trap in the bird’s vicinity. Then she drives a couple hundred yards down the road and sits and watches the bird and the trap with binoculars. BC traps need to be monitored constantly because after the bird is trapped, it can be injured or attacked by predators if left unattended. In fact, it is illegal to leave a BC unattended (it’s also highly illegal to trap birds of prey without the proper permit). “Once the bird is snared, I run up and grab the hawk, preferably without getting footed or bitten,” Grand says. “Trapping is by far one of the most exciting things I’ve ever done.” Grand says once you trap a bird,

you must determine if it’s a legal bird to keep and if you want to keep it. Passage (juvenile) birds that have left the nest but are still in their first year of life are legal to take. You can also take eyasses (chicks) after you become a general falconer. You’re limited to either trapping a juvenile redtailed hawk or an American kestrel for the first two years of your falconry training. Check your state’s falconry laws for additional rules and regulations. “I am currently a general falconer, which requires at least two years of falconry experience,” Grand says. The longer you are a falconer, the more species are open to you. The most challenging birds are reserved for master falconers who have been at the sport for at least five years. TRAINING THE BIRD Training a raptor is a long, slow process. Not only is each species different in terms of training, but so is each individual bird. And, even though there are many methods and schools of thought on training, Grand uses a few basic steps with the birds she’s trained. “Perhaps the most important part of this process is weighing the bird daily on an accurate scale,” Grand says. “Falconry is all about weight management and figuring out the flying weight, which is the weight at which the bird is most responsive.” Unless the bird is very thin when trapped, most falconers begin reducing their bird’s weight slowly and steadily during the training process and recording the bird’s responses in a log book along with the amount and type of food it’s eating. When the falconer first arrives home with the bird, he or she begins a process called “manning.” During this time, the bird gets used to being indoors with the trainer. The trainer touches and carries the hawk around as much as possible. “When I brought Ares, my last redtail, home and removed the hood, he sat on my fist with his eyes wide, wings spread, feathers puffed out and his tongue sticking out,” Grand says. “He was terrified. This is pretty typical behavior for a freshly trapped hawk. Initially you want the room to be dimly lit and for things

to be quiet and calm. After sitting for a moment, Ares bated (jumped from the fist) and hung upside-down by his jesses (the leather straps around a falconry bird’s feet). I call this stage the bat-bird stage. My red-tail Athena hung upside-down most of the time I worked with her for the first three days. Luckily, Ares caught on faster, and after gently helping him back on the glove a few times, he stopped hanging like a bat and started hopping back up to the fist on his own.” Grand explains that the next step is getting the hawk to eat from her hands, which can be a difficult task. She’ll rub the meat on the side of a raptor’s beak causing it to bite reflexively. When hunger takes over, the bird will swallow the meat. Every time Grand offers her new bird a piece of meat, she whistles. By making the same noise each time, the bird will start to recognize the sound as an indicator for food. Like training any animal, consistency is incredibly important. After the bird learns to eat from the trainer’s fingers, it is then trained to eat from a gloved hand. Next the bird learns how to hop to the glove, which is Grand’s favorite step. “This is the leap of faith where your bird makes the jump to your fist,” Grand says. “I place the bird on a solid perch (I favor a saw horse) and hold my garnished glove (glove with a piece of meat on it) just out of reach so the hawk has to stretch out to get it.” Next the bird learns how to fly to the trainer inside the home. Grand says this step is a lot of fun as well. She uses a long leash and calls the bird to her for longer and longer indoor flights. Once she accomplishes this step, she takes the bird outdoors. “When I first take my bird outside after working with it indoors, it’ll often get what I call ‘blue sky syndrome’,” Grand says. It’ll see the sky and will try to fly off. At this stage I often have to reduce its weight and do some shorter flights than I was doing indoors. I’ll also introduce the lure, which is my safety net while flying the bird. I attach meat to a padded leather boomerang-shaped lure. Every time I feed the bird from the lure it should get a good

November/December 2012 bird is approaching its flying or hunting weight. Once it comes without hesitation, it’s time to cut it loose and start hunting.

It takes years to train a falcon, but the reward is a longtime partner.

meal so when it sees the lure, it will come readily, even if its weight is a little high.” Grand explains that as she flies the bird outside, she increases the length of the creance (a long tether), and as she reduces the bird’s weight, she watches for an immediate response to her whistle. A quick response is a good indicator that the

THE HUNTING Since juvenile birds have already been out on their own, they know how to hunt, but Grand says she has to teach the bird that it will have more opportunities at game and more success if it hunts with her. “I train my bird to see me as a partner, not a predator,” Grand says. “I have to be very careful not to give the impression that I will steal food from it. I have to develop a relationship with my bird so that I can approach it on prey and dispatch the prey without it carrying it away, hiding it from me or showing aggression toward me.” Grand says falconers often have to train their birds to pursue the quarry of their choice and build their confidence that they can be successful catching this particular animal. Many juvenile birds have only caught mice and small ground quarry and do not necessarily see larger game as food. Trainers often set up a couple easier hunting scenarios to build the bird’s confidence at catching larger prey, such as rabbits. This is called “entering your bird.” “There is so much work and dedication involved with training a falcon,” Grand says. “That’s why it is so important that you go through the proper channels

Finnegan is ready to fly and find a prey.

to become a falconer. It’s hard work, but if you are passionate and committed, it’s more than worthwhile. During the first two years, beginner falconers are required to have a more experienced falconer as a sponsor. The knowledge you gain from your sponsor in your first two years (or more) as an apprentice falconer is irreplaceable. If you’re interested in pursuing this sport, start off by reading one of the many books on training and hunting with different birds of prey. My favorite is North American Falconry & Hunting Hawks by

BeeBe and Webster, which many, including myself, consider the bible of North American falconry. Take the time and do it right. You won’t regret the effort and time you put into being a falconer. We get to see things that most people will never see in a lifetime. ” Stephanie Mallory is the owner of Mallory Communications, and represents many of the largest companies in the outdoor industry.

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November/December 2012

Late Fall Monster Browns

By Davy Wotton There are two favorite times on my trout fishing calendar, Spring and Fall. Spring brings forth warmer waters the abundance of insect hatches and the resurgence of aquatic life within the river systems. Not only that after the cold winter period the trout are eager to feast on the new abundance of food sources and as a rule fishing is good. Fall on the other hand is the opposite, the hot days of summer fade away, the water temperatures lower and in some cases the aquatic food sources become less active and dormant, on the other hand the fishing often as not is as good as you can get. Trout also realize the changes. Day light hours decrease and that also reduces the available time the tout have to forage for food, they know that the onset of winter means eat as much as we can now and build up fat reserves. It is also at this time that the Brown trout if not already done so migrate upstream to zones they will likely spawn. By the very nature of the species as they do so and settle for short periods in new holding zones they exhibit aggressive behavior toward lessor forms of life, they also realize that they must take advantage of the food sources available as the rigors of the spawn, loss of weight and condition and the long cold winter period requires tip top condition to survive until the next early Spring period. Bear in mind also that early morning periods may be cold which may reduce fish feeding activity, as the day warms up so the fish become more active and eager to feed. So what does this mean for the fly fisher, in simple terms our odds increase not only to catch that once in a life time trophy Brown, its that the fish are eager to eat what they can and may well be less cautious to some extent. At this time our tailwater lakes and rivers are generally low, water releases from the dams are likely to be low this fall which to some extent puts further odds in our favor. During low water Trout will be more confined to the deeper pools and zones that have good agitation such as shoals and riffles, these are the zones to concentrate you fishing activity when wade fishing. If higher water levels exist due to rainfall or generation are the routine then options will change some. Browns at this time of the year tend to look for slower water zones and hug close to shorlines. Rainbows may be found well spread out all be it any structure such as moss beds and rock are more likely to be favored.

Tactics. Low water conditions. Wade and boat drift. Odds are there may be a chironomid hatch (midge), that being so the set up ideally should be a long overall leader system 12 to 15 ft terminating to 5 or 6x. A micro small indicator to support midge pupa in general sizes of 18 to 22. Colors of black, red, brown, wine and gray, with and without bead heads. Variations of Zebra style, White tail and Prism midges will serve you well. If you see indications of fish taking emergers in the film then options here will include small midge emergers and dries such as Adams, BWO. Midge fishing can be demanding at times when the trout refuse your offerings, odds are if they do your flies are at the wrong depth and may be the wrong size, so ring the changes until you get it figured out. Suitable tackle includes rod wts of 3 to 5 soft tip mid flex actions. Low water offers many other options using generic fly patterns such as hares ear, sowbugs, scuds, pheasant tails,San Juan worms and eggs eggs in various sizes and colors. Once again a long leader set up is preferred to 5x, coupled with a indicator. You will need to asses at your location if weight is needed to get your flies close to the river bed as that is important. Soft hackles and wet flies are likewise a good bet when fishing riffle and agitated run off zones. Early fall may well see good interest fishing with hoppers and other dry fly patterns such as micro caddis and BWO, always worth fishing those options if you see fish paying attention to the bugs. Hopper dropper rigs can be very effective, the hopper may well draw the troutâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s attention but it is the bug below they choose to take on the other hand they may take the hopper.

Streamer fishing with smaller flies such as woolly buggers in various sizes and colors, once again always worth fishing, you never know when a trophy Brown may take a liking to your fly at this time. High-water boat drift fishing. Many options here, the majority of the former methods will work provided you set the rig up right which entails long leaders, weight, either fly, added or both. The advantage boat fishing is you can

Streamer fishing casting to the banks may well promote a trophy Brown to nail you fly some days the bite can be awesome, others little interest, you never know until you try it. It is also at this time as atmospheric temperatures reduce that the lakes start to turnover, in otherwords the warmer upper levels cool down and mix with the lower levels. There may be times during generations that the DO levels drop below

Davy Wotton shows of a nice White River brown trout.

search the water and return back to zones you have located fish. My go to rigs at this time for fishing include a two fly rig, as a rule one of which will be a worm,red, tan, pink are good choices, 18 ins above that choices include, white tail and zebra midge, sowbug/scud, hares ear and at times a soft hackle. Simply the deal is having the correct depth from the indicator to the flies with just enough weight, too much will cause you to hang up,not enough you will not track the flies at the right depth.

acceptable levels for trout comfort, this being so interest to feed may not be good, generally a issue closer to the dams, there fore move way downstream. On the other hand l have seen during this period some good shad kills, all be it most look for this during the cold winter periods and the new year, not always so. If you do encounter this then go for white jigs and flies that represent shad, fished either dead drift or as surface fished flies. Tight lines all. Davy Wotton.

November/December 2012

Patterning Prevention Strategies By Darren Warner I’ve got a story to tell you ‘bout a man named Jed. No, he didn’t discover oil in his back 80 and move to Beverly Hills, CA. Jed’s a deer hunter. Every year, Jed takes the same path through hardwoods to his favorite hunting blind. He arrives 15 minutes before daylight and stays until 11 a.m. He then uses the same trail to get back to his home and have lunch. At 4 p.m., he heads back to his stand and hunts until dark. Year after year, hunt after hunt, Jed’s routine never changes. Occasionally he kills a young buck, but he can’t remember the last time he harvested anything with good headgear. It’s never occurred to Jed that the hunting routine he religiously follows makes it a cinch for whitetails to pattern him. And don’t kid yourself – deer DO pattern hunters. “One way to tell if deer are patterning you is to keep track of how many times you go into the woods to setup and check trail cameras,” said Neil Dougherty, a wildlife consultant for North Country Whitetails (www.northcountrywhitetails. com). “You’ll notice that the more trips you make, the fewer deer photos you get.” Dougherty believes that whenever you enter a deer’s domain, whether it’s to check cameras, scout or bait, there will be a reaction by whitetails. Research conducted by biologist Bryan Kinkel, owner of BSK Consulting, confirms it. By keeping track of the amount of hunt time each stand experiences, he found that it doesn’t take much to change deer travel patterns. “After a stand had experienced 15 hours of hunt time, the odds of seeing a mature buck at that stand dropped to zero,” Kinkel said. “What’s really interesting is that I found that the 15 hour limit is cumulative for three years back, meaning if you hunted from one stand for five hours each year, by the third year your chances of taking a mature buck were nil.” The best way to prevent deer from patterning you is to find new spots to hunt on your property. One way to do this is to get a map of your hunting area, record the locations of all your stands and how many hunting hours each stand experiences annually. Then identify areas on your property that aren’t being hunted – those are the spots you’ll find mature bucks. “By not hunting certain areas of their property, hunters inadvertently create what I call defacto sanctuaries,” added Kinkel. “The areas exist because there’s no deer sign or anything that would make you think mature bucks are there, but we’ve

Jed gets his sneak on.

found that next year they become buck hotspots.” Another way to prevent whitetails from pattering you is to do what Dougherty calls “hunting by contamination.” Set up two or three stands 100-150 yards downwind of your primary stand. After sitting in your number one stand once or twice, move to the next stand. Whenever you’re hunting, keep careful records of deer sightings, particularly older bucks and does. When you notice a sharp decrease in the number of deer you see, it’s time to get out of there and move to another stand. Another patterning prevention tactic is to never do the same thing twice. Whether it’s using a different entry/exit route (always with the wind in your favor) or parking your truck in a different spot, the point is to make it difficult for deer to pattern you. Because they have to compete with other hunters for mature bucks, many public land hunters are really good at this. They know not to take a direct path to their stand location, not to leave their stand when other hunters do and not to be seen in broad daylight dragging a buck out of the woods. By employing these same strategies, you’ll keep hunters and deer guessing. Also pay attention to your calling patterns and use of scents and lures. Mix up

Big bucks like this are what drive us to go the extra mile.

your calling sequences and don’t use the same deer scent more than once, especially if it’s a popular one used by other hunters. Pay attention to your hunting habits and stay committed to using different hunting techniques. Follow these anti-

patterning strategies and you’ll make it darned difficult for bucks to pinpoint your whereabouts, and easier for you to punch your tag.

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November/December 2012

A Fly Fisher’s Guide to Locating and Catching Winter Bluegills By Terry and Roxanne Wilson

Bluegill fishing is synonymous with warm spring days and sultry summer evenings, not conditions that produce ice in the guides of your fly rod. But there are fish to be caught when the weather turns frosty. When woolen stocking caps, insulated coveralls, and a thermos of steaming coffee are necessary accessories, bluegills may well be warmwater’s best bet. In late autumn when water temperatures begin to dip below 50 degrees, bluegills leave the shallows. The first stop in their transition to wintering locations is the first break line, which is often the deepest edge of the weedline. As water temperatures plummet, aquatic weeds begin a state of decline, but they still serve the needs of the fish by providing protective cover for bluegills and their prey. This first breakline may be in water from 4 feet to 15 feet deep. Bluegills may spend from several days to several weeks in this transitional location, and they are usually in a positive feeding mood as the need to build reserves for the cold times ahead remains strong. Heavily weighted flies and sink-tip or full-sink lines will be necessary to get and keep your offering in the fish zone. Small streamers up to 1½ inches long that feature lots of silver and white are often the ticket to success. Allow the fly to sink to the desired depth, then retrieve it using either slow strips or a hand-twist retrieve. On larger bodies of water, trolling or controlled drifting can be the best method of locating pods of feeding fish. The bluegills can be located at any depth along a weed bank. Water temperature, sunlight penetration, and available food sources will help to determine the exact location. In this situation a good fish finder will be valuable in staying on the weedline’s edge. Crustaceans and insects will still be active during this time, so small crayfish imitations and nymph patterns will be most successful. As the water temperature continues to drop, nutrients and sediments that suspend in summer sink to the bottom and

the water becomes clearer. Light-colored flies become more visible, and patterns that contain reflective materials such as Flashabou, Krystal Flash, or tinsel chenille do a good job of getting the attention of the fish. By the time the water temperatures reach 42 degrees, a bluegill’s metabolism will be noticeably reduced. Lower temperatures prompt yet another move, this time to wintering areas. Nearly always these fish will school tightly and suspend. Often, suspended fish will relate horizontally to a piece of structure and, although their location will constantly change, they won’t move very far from a favored area. While schools of summer bluegills can be spread over a large area, this is not the case for winter bluegills which tend to be much more tightly grouped. This behavior may make finding the fish more difficult because the area they occupy is smaller. On larger waters, a fish finder can shorten the search considerably. But even with the aid of electronics it’s never a good idea to wander about aimlessly. It’s a good bet that the bluegills haven’t gone far. The mouths of coves, the bases of steep bluffs, and the deepest edge of a dock would be good places to start. If the lake has deadfalls that protrude into deeper water, wintering bluegills will often suspend over extended branches or in open water off the ends of dead trees. In reservoirs that have coves full of standing timber, it’s a sure bet that cold water bluegills will suspend in the limbs, but the problem then becomes finding the few trees that bluegills have chosen as their

Look for bluegills around fallen timber.

Terry takes on late season bluegills.

winter addresses. Look for trees that appear to have a wide spread of submerged branches, and check out the ones that jut out from the rest to form a point. Lake maps that show old creek channels can be helpful in determining which trees are the most logical candidates for harboring bluegills. Remember that the fish are moving from shallow areas to these deeper

locations and they will use the creek channels for travel. Their progress will lead them from the shallow flats to the nearest “point tree,” then they’ll move progressively along that path toward deeper water. Once bluegills are located, the battle is but half won. Remember that these coldblooded creatures have been slowed considerably by falling water temperatures, so

November/December 2012

Always keep a variety of flies.

few of these fish will be actively feeding. In this condition of reduced movement, their appetites don’t approach the voracious levels of summer. This means that the angler’s window of opportunity is comparatively small but the good news is that, down to water temperatures of about 38 degrees, there will be a significant portion of the school interested in feeding at any given time. If we can hook and fight one of those fish amongst its brethren, others will likely become interested and shake off their lethargy to become active feeders. The hooked fish, swimming actively with food visible in its mouth, will serve to pique the interest of other nearby fish. Retrieves should be extremely slow and interrupted by long pauses. Even when trolling to locate a school, your motor should be used only intermittently, Even drifting with a mild breeze can be too fast for this kind of presentation.

In standing timber or where other obstructions interfere with the retrieve, fishing becomes more of a vertical jigging operation. Full-sinking lines and heavy flies are the order of the day. Maintain contact with the fly as it is raised and lowered through the water column because hits in cold water are usually quite soft and strike detection can be difficult. Jig the fly slowly in one spot for up to a minute, then move only slightly along the same structure before repeating the process. These cold water fish won’t move far to grab the fly, but they may well have become interested. When you feel a take, drop the rod tip slightly before gently raising the rod to set the hook. In warm water bluegills can reject a fly quicker than a hiccup, but these lethargic bream aren’t nearly as fast. Our experience has shown that bluegills tend to suspend in shallower water in small ponds. On sunny winter days the fish will often be suspended over dark mud bottoms that absorb the most sunlight and in turn raise the water temperature a degree or two. This year, extend your warmwater season well into winter. Solitude is sure to be a side benefit of the outing. The most satisfying fishing of the entire year awaits, and catching a bunch of wintertime bluegills will warm your spirits.

Predator story continued from page 5.

but especially in thicker, denser country, if you can’t see the animal coming in until he is right on top of you, then you’ll have very limited success, because you’ll either end up with a poor percentage shot or no shot at all. Being able to look out over an expanse and pick up incoming predators is a key, perhaps the most important key, to predator hunting success. “Your ability to see an approaching predator is a must. It does you little good

to get into a setup undetected and call in a predator if you can’t see him. Every good setup has a vantage point as well as an ambush point or killing field,” South said. As predator populations continue to expand across the country, the popularity of hunting these wily creatures continues to grow as well. Understanding that you must setup in a location that gives you a good field of view, while concealing you from the eyes and nose of your prey, is the basis for success. After that, it comes down to good calling, and a little luck.

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Terry and Roxanne Wilson are the authors of 4 books and more than 200 magazine articles about warmwater fly fishing. They reside near Bolivar, Missouri. Visit them at www.thebluegillpond.com.

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November/December 2012

Cardiac Hill…Fact or Fiction By Michael Dixon Missouri residents are fortunate to have a variety of streams with top notch fishing. Four are in Missouri’s trout parks, and numerous others are fed by natural springs found in the Southern half of the state. Add to that the outstanding efforts of the Missouri Department of Conservation and we have some fisheries that are second to none. I fly fish, and I’ve spent most of my life fishing Bennett Spring State Park. I’ve never felt there was a good reason to fish anywhere else, until a friend convinced me to fish the Upper Meramec below Meramec Spring Park. Living near Elsberry, I could make it a “day trip” to fish there. Our routine was simple. Drive to Meramec Spring Park and leave the truck there. We would walk to the end of the park stream, then fish downstream from the confluence of the park stream and the Meramec River below the swinging bridge. Our quarry was trout, and anything else that would take our fly seemed like an aggravation. We had heard of access points farther downstream, but hadn’t looked very hard to find them. Cardiac Hill, and Suicide Hill? The names alone sounded like a warning. Why should a couple of older guys risk life and limb, just to fish a different part of the same river! The other evening I received a phone call from my friend. He sounded out of breath as he explained how he had just checked out Cardiac Hill. He described how the walk down to the stream wasn’t bad at all, but the hike back up the hill was a real challenge! I asked about the fishing part of the ordeal, and he informed me he didn’t have his fly rod with him. He just wanted to check out the stream, and see how bad the walk in and out really is. Now, I’m a retired scientist, and I found myself struggling to identify any logic in what I had just been told. To me, exploring an access trail named “Cardiac Hill” without taking a fly rod is like hitting your thumb with a hammer to see how bad it will hurt in case you have an accident later! That being said, I figured since he’s older than me and he survived the treck, then I probably could too. And since he wanted to do it again (taking a fly rod this time), then I would give it a try. We made plans for early the next morning. The alarm clock sounded at 4:30, and I was on the road by 5:00. I met my friend in Sullivan, MO, and we continued our journey from there. When we arrived, there were no signs telling us we were in fact at Cardiac Hill, only a sign indicating that somewhere down the hill is a “red

The Meramec is one of Missouri’s most scenic fishing rivers.

ribbon” trout stream. The regulations were clearly displayed: Flies and artificial lures only, no natural bait or soft plastics, and a reminder that the daily limit is only two trout that must be at least fifteen inches long (each, not laid end to end). As I read that part, I thought to myself that the limit is most likely a theoretical number, but I regarded it as a challenge! The stream is known for Brown Trout. Big Brown Trout, and Cardiac Hill was waiting. I didn’t see

a portable defibrillation machine or CPR instructions posted anywhere, so it can’t be too bad. Right? After a very short hike from the parking area through the woods, we reached a gravel road. The road led us down the hill to the bottom, where, again, we hiked along a small trail to the river. A quick survey of the area from that point indicated crossing to the other side would be best. Roots and rocks served as steps

for the final descent into the water. The current was swift where the trail ended, and rocks on the bottom made crossing a little tricky, but crossing was the only good option. We fished about three hours before deciding it was time to attack the hill and return to the truck. I was right about one thing, the two trout limit was a theoretical number that day. Forget the length limit. We climbed the roots and rocks to get

November/December 2012 out of the water, then walked along the trail to the road. That’s when it became apparent how the hill got it’s name! Up the road we walked. The grade was as steep as thirty degrees in some areas, and appeared to be steeper in others. As I walked, I was reminded of another scientific principle. I’m a scientist, remember? Wet wading boots weigh more than dry wading boots! It would have been nicer if they were wet walking down the hill, and dry walking back up, but streams tend to be found in the valleys (yet another scientific observation). After a series of walk a while, rest a while, walk a while, etc. we made it back to the top of the hill and the truck. I learned a few things on this trip, and I feel they are worth sharing. Driving directions to the parking area can be found online at www.missouritrouthunter.com/ MeramecRiver.htm Take some walking shoes down the hill to the river. There is a large log near the water that can serve as a chair. After fishing, change into the comfortable shoes for the walk back up the hill and carry your waders. Pack a snack and drink in your vest. It’s a long walk back to the parking area for a break, so take the break at the stream. You’ll be able to fish longer, and enjoy the time more. Just be sure to carry the empty containers out with you!

Take your time walking back to the parking area. Fly fishing is not about being in a hurry, and the walk back should be approached with the same attitude. Pause frequently and watch for wildlife. If you have a camera with you, use it. Catching trout isn’t everything! In all fairness, I did see trout. They just weren’t interested in what we were offering at that particular time. We did catch a few Goggleye and sunfish that morning, and had a good time doing it. Smallmouth bass are also plentiful in the stream. We were there on a weekday in September, and didn’t see another human the entire morning. Half of the time I couldn’t even see my fishing partner! Be aware, though, that the Meramec is a popular canoeing river during the summer. As an end note, Missouri’s four trout parks require a daily trout tag. Any time you fish in designated trout water outside of a park, an annual trout permit is required in addition to the annual fishing license. It doesn’t matter what species you’re after, the trout permit is required. Also, waders with soles made of felt or other porus materials are prohibited in designated trout waters. A quick check at www. mdc.mo.gov will answer all your questions. I’ve been told that “Suicide Hill”, which is a little further downstream, requires the abilities of a mountain goat. I’ll leave that adventure to the younger enthusiasts.

November/December 2012

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