Hook and Trigger September/October 2017 by hookandtrigger

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Northwest Floridaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

Premier Outdoors Magazine

GAME ON

TROPHY WALL

Readers share photos

Getting ready for deer season

SEPT/OCT 2017

TABLE OF CONTENTS

CONSERVATION

TROPHY WALL

HUNTING REPORT

FRESHWATER REPORT

HUNTING SEASON CHART

ON PATROL

PLATED: WILD RECIPES

TIDE TIME

GOOD TO THE LAST CAST

RIVER ESCAPE

FISHING TOURNAMENTS

SAVING THE SOUTHEASTERN KESTREL

Darryl Williams reminds landowners that everything they do on their land has an effect on wildlife Have weapons cleaned, land scouted, and permission granted well in advance Stay in-the-know with Northwest Florida Zone D game season dates Give your stag some swag with this hearty venison chili recipe Locals Bobby Weir and Matt Schoen make up one of the top teams on the Redfish Tournament Circuit See an overview of the area’s biggest tourneys

2 • HOOK & TRIGGER

Hook and Trigger readers share their hunting and fishing trophy photos and stories Hook and Trigger’s Ernie Martin reminds fishermen that cooler temps lie ahead this fall Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Law Enforcement Reports for Northwest Florida Anglers of all kinds can improve their catch with this valuable information The Choctawhatchee River Blueway and Paddle Trail offer fun in eastern Walton County Florida raptors thrive in longleaf pines

PUBLISHER’S LETTER

BACK ON THE RACK! Welcome to the relaunch of Hook and Trigger Magazine. Many of our readers have already let us know they are looking forward to seeing Hook and Trigger all across Northwest Florida. We here at HNH Media are proud to pick up where founder Steve Andrews left off. Northwest Florida is a diverse area when it comes to the great outdoors. Very few places in America offer saltwater fishing, freshwater fishing, and a variety of hunting opportunities all within an hour’s drive. As we move forward, we plan to bring you up-to-date information on regulations affecting you, tips to improve your hunting and fishing experience, and most importantly, experiences from readers with their favorites catches and hunts throughout the year. You can expect six magazine issues a year distributed at over 100 locations across the Florida Panhandle. As we move forward, we will also relaunch our website and maintain a robust presence on social media. Thanks for reading and following us. If you have an idea for a story, please contact me directly at phil@hookandtrigger.com.

Phil Heppding Publisher

HNH Media Holdings, LLC

HOOK AND TRIGGER LIVES ON

When I decided to launch Hook and Trigger Magazine in the summer of 2011, the idea was designed to provide a local outdoors publication focused on the many hunting and fishing enthusiasts across the Florida Panhandle. Based on the feedback I received from avid readers and outdoors men and women, Hook and Trigger very much filled a void throughout the area. When my family and I decided to move northwest to Arkansas, I began looking for the right people to take the reins and keep a good thing going. Although Hook and Trigger has been on hiatus for a short while, I feel very confident in the job that new publisher Phil Heppding and his staff will provide moving forward. Phil lives in the area and has a passion for publishing and the outdoors. I am proud of what I was able to accomplish with Hook and Trigger in the past, and look forward to seeing it flourish in the future. Remember, keep those lines tight and those aims straight, and live life better in the outdoors.

Phil Heppding

Steve Andrews

Founding Publisher, 2011-13 SEPTEMBER 2017 • 3

Owner/Publisher Phil Heppding phil@hookandtrigger.com

EDITORIAL Managing Editor Michelle Farnham editor@hookandtrigger.com Contributing Writers: Arlo Kane, Ernie Martin, Kristal Walsh, Darryl Williams

DESIGN Creative Director Michelle Farnham

SALES Sales Director Phil Heppding phil@hookandtrigger.com

HOOK AND TRIGGER MAGAZINE HNH Media Holdings, LLC P.O. Box 1441, Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459 850-687-3776

Copyright September 2017, HNH Media Holdings, LLC All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without written permission is prohibited. Web: www.hookandtrigger.com Facebook: facebook.com/hookandtrigger/ Twitter: @hookandtrigger Instagram: hookandtrigger

4 â&#x20AC;˘ HOOK & TRIGGER

Hook and Trigger is a free, bimonthly outdoors magazine serving Northwest Florida. For advertising information and rates, call Publisher Phil Heppding at 850-687-3776 or email phil@hookandtrigger.com. To submit stories, information, or photographs, email phil@hookandtrigger.com or mail to P.O. Box 1441, Santa Rosa Beach, FL 34259. Once content is received, it becomes the shared property of Hook and Trigger, unless alternate arrangements are agreed upon.

CONSERVATION

LITTLE THINGS MAKE A BIG DIFFERENCE Everything you do – or don’t do – on your land has an effect on wildlife BY DARRYL L. WILLIAMS District Conservationist USDA NRCS, Crestview Sometimes it’s the little things you do in life that count. That can be the case with good fish and wildlife habitat. Everything you do – or don’t do – on your land has an effect on the wildlife you share it with. For example, allowing plants to grow taller, rather than clipping close to the ground, gives more cover for wildlife. Or letting a few weedy plants grow results in more insects for young birds. If you think about leaving food or cover for wildlife and fish as you manage your pond(s), you’re on your way to doing the little things that can add up to having a major impact. SUGGESTIONS ALONG THE WAY • Grass and hay fields: Leave streamsides, ditchbanks, roadsides, grassed waterways, and other odd areas undisturbed, or wait until after the nesting season to mow. Add flushbars to moving equipment. Mow hayfields from the center to the outside, giving wildlife a chance to escape to field edges. • Crop fields: Use no-till or conservation tillage operation to provide cover and food for wildlife in the winter. Leave crop residue during the winter for bird nesting materials, while adding wildlife food and pest control. Also, leaving a few rows of grain standing in a crop field next to good cover is a little thing you can do to help wildlife through a winter. Maximize the likely survival of turkey, quail and other birds by leaving these rows next to large tracts of grasses, trees, or other habitat. • Smart pest control: Use integrated pest management practices to minimize fish and wildlife exposure to pesticides and chemicals that can affect animals. • Maximize odd areas: Make full use of non-farmed areas by establishing habitat used by the wildlife you want to see on your farm. Using native grasses as well as forbs will encourage insects and produce seeds for dove, quail, turkey, deer, and other wildlife. Lightly disc a portion of your grasses early in the year; new growth of annual forbs will encourage insects and produce seeds for turkeys, quails and other wildlife. Plant native trees and shrubs to produce fruits and nuts. • Wildlife housing: Leave dead trees standing in woodland areas to provide nesting and foraging sites for woodpeckers and other cavity-nesting wildlife. Put up bird houses, bat boxes, and other artificial nesting structures. These are just a few things you can do to protect and enhance your land for wildlife. For more information, stop by the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service office, 938 N. Ferdon Blvd., in Crestview or your county NRCS office where you live, or visit the NRCS Wildlife Habitat Management Institutes’s website at www.whmi.nrcs.usda. gov or the www.nrcs.usda.gov.

Photo: USDA NRCS

Using native grasses will encourage insects and produce seeds for many kinds of wildlife, like these bobwhite quails.

USDA NATURAL RESOURCES CONSERVATION SERVICE OFFICES DeFuniak Springs Service Center (Walton County) Address: 239 John Baldwin Road, DeFuniak Springs, FL 32433 Phone: 850-892-3712, ext. 3 Fax: 855-463-8618 District Conservationist: Jason Hayford Email: Jason.Hayford@fl.usda.gov Crestview Service Center (Okaloosa County) Address: 938 N. Ferdon Blvd., Crestview, FL 32536-1706 Phone: 850-682-2416, ext. 2 Fax: 855-463-8618 District Conservationist: Darryl Williams Email: Darryl.Williams@fl.usda.gov Jay Service Center (Santa Rosa County) Address: 3927 Highway 4, Suite 102, Jay, FL 32565-1752 Phone: 850-675-6696 Fax: 855-463-8618 District Conservationist: Trent Mathews Email: Trent.Mathews@fl.usda.gov

SEPTEMBER 2017 • 5

HUNTING

PREPARATION IS KING OF THE HUNT

Have weapons cleaned, land scouted, and permission granted well in advance BY ERNIE MARTIN Hook and Trigger It’s preseason deer hunting and there is a long list of jobs that need to be done if you want to have a successful season this year. Don’t wait until the day before the season opens to try to get everything done. It is too risky and dangerous to wait until the last minute when it comes to hunting. Preparation for the season is key. First and foremost is your weapon of choice. Whether it’s a bow, shotgun or rifle, you should have been practicing all summer. Perfect practice will lead to a perfect harvest. Your weapons must be cleaned, fired, and cleaned again to prevent any mishaps in the field. Always fire your weapon at a registered gun range or in a protected environment. It is important to constantly be aware of your surroundings when firing your weapon. Your hunter education book is a great resource for safety tips through the year. Refer to it and stay safe this season. Now let’s talk about preparation in the field. Your food plots should be in the ground. Your cameras should be fixed to the trees

and your deer stands hung in the correct position. If you are on hunting club land or private land, the previous steps are very necessary. If you are going to hunt on Eglin or state property, then most of your time will be spent scouting your areas for signs and natural food sources. Acorns and wild persimmons are part of the white tail deer diet. Finding the trees that are producing in these areas will ensure deer sightings during your scouting excursions. If you hunt the Blackwater State Forest, then you already know that there are private land owners who have land adjoining state property. Locating trails from the bedding areas to the food source is paramount in having a successful hunt. Make sure that you do not trespass in any capacity onto private property – especially with a firearm. That is considered a felony offense and can ruin a great day of hunting. If you are hunting adjacent to private property, it wouldn’t hurt to seek out the land owner and ask for written permission to hunt on their property. You must have it in writing and in your possession while hunting on their land. Let me remind you again that safety must always be a top priority while hunting. Please follow the rules, obey the signs and always have a clear line of sight when firing a weapon. Until next time, God bless and good hunting.

Since 1988 • Trusts & Wills • NFA Gun Trusts/Florida Gun Law • Commercial Litigation • Business Law & Transactions • Pest/Mold Litigation • Agricultural Law & More

GREG D. CROSSLIN LAW OFFICE OF

3999 Commons Dr. West, Suite D, Destin • 850-650-7378 • destinlegal.com The hiring of a lawyer is an important decision that should not be based solely on advertisements. Before you decide, ask us to send you free written information about our qualiﬁcations and experience by contacting us online or by phone.

6 • HOOK & TRIGGER

2017-18 Northwest Florida Resident: Zone D

HUNTING SEASONS • Seasons do not apply to wildlife management areas •

Deer

Archery Crossbow I Crossbow II Muzzleloader I Muzzleloader II General Gun I General Gun II Deer-Dog Train

Oct. 21-Nov. 22 Oct. 21-Nov. 22 Nov. 27-Dec. 1 Dec. 2-8 Feb. 19-25 Nov. 23-26 Dec. 9-Feb. 18 Oct. 28-Nov. 16

Antlered or antler-less deer by bow or crossbow Antlered or antler-less deer by crossbow or bow Antlered deer only by crossbow or bow Antlered deer by muzzleloader, crossbow or bow Antlered deer by muzzleloader, crossbow or bow Antlered deer Antlered deer Daylight, after registering land with the FWC

Oct. 21-Nov. 22 Oct. 21-Nov. 22 Nov. 27-Dec. 1 Dec. 2-8 Nov. 23-26 Dec. 9-Jan. 14

Gobblers/bearded turkeys by bow or crossbow Gobblers/bearded turkeys by crossbow or bow Gobblers/bearded turkeys by crossbow or bow Gobblers/bearded: muzzleloader, crossbow or bow Rifles, shotguns, muzzleloaders, cross/bows, pistols Rifles, shotguns, muzzleloaders, cross/bows, pistols

Oct. 14-Mar. 4

Rifle, shotgun, muzzleloaders cross/bow, pistol, air gun

Oct. 21-Nov. 10 Oct. 21-Nov. 10 Nov. 11-Mar. 4

By bow or crossbow By crossbow or bow Rifles, shotguns, muzzleloaders, cross/bows, pistols

Mar. 10-11 Mar. 17-Apr. 22

Rifles, shotguns, muzzleloaders, cross/bows, pistols Rifles, shotguns, muzzleloaders, cross/bows, pistols

Year-round

Rifle, shotgun, muzzleloaders, cross/bow, pistol, air gun

Year-round

Rifle, shotgun, muzzleloaders, cross/bow, pistol, air gun

Dec. 1-Mar. 31

Rifle, shotgun, muzzleloaders, cross/bow, pistol, air gun

Dec. 1-Mar. 1

Rifle, shotgun, muzzleloaders, cross/bow, pistol, air gun

Turkey

Archery Crossbow I Crossbow II Muzzleloader General Gun I General Gun II

Gray Squirrel

General Gun

Quail

Archery Crossbow General Gun

Spring Turkey

Youth Hunt Spring Hunt

Rabbit

Statewide

Wild Hog

Statewide

Bobcat

Statewide

Otter

Statewide

Raccoon/Opossum/Coyote/Beaver/Skunk/Nutria

Statewide

Year-round

Rifle, shotgun, muzzleloaders, cross/bow, pistol, air gun

Florida Hunting Zone D: Bay, Calhoun, Escambia, Franklin, Gadsden, Gulf, Holmes, Jackson, Leon, Liberty, Okaloosa, Santa Rosa, Wakulla, Walton, and Washington counties SEPTEMBER 2017 • 7

HUNTING

Photo: NewsUSA

When gearing up for hunting season, don’t forget to check your hunting license. Ensure that it’s valid and covers all varieties of wildlife you intend to hunt. Even if you’ve hunted in the same location, check that permit requirements haven’t changed.

GEAR: BEFORE THE FIRST SHOT Tips to prepare for hunting season

It’s never too early to start checking things off your hunting season to-do list. After all, no matter how you slice it, there is a lot of work that goes into getting ready. Fortunately, for today’s hunter, things have changed drastically from decades past. It used to be that hunters slept in tents, heated tin cans of beans over an open fire, wore puffy down parkas to keep warm, and stayed near paved roads in case they got stuck. Now, lodges, guides, cooks, cell phones and all-terrain vehicles make hunting a more enjoyable and safer experience. With that in mind, the following tips will help you get prepared for this year’s hunting season: • Check your hunting license. Ensure that it’s valid and covers all varieties of wildlife you intend to hunt. Even if you’ve hunted in the same location, check that permit requirements haven’t changed. Regulations get updated yearly, so don’t assume that what was valid last year still applies to your favorite watering hole. • Pack your bag. This tip is two-fold: if you’re planning to head out of town, you’ll need a hunting permit for that state. If you’re staying local, you should pack a bag filled with essential items that 8 • HOOK & TRIGGER

will help you survive any unexpected situation, be it weather or something more dire. These include a cell phone, GPS, first aid kit, lighter, maps, binoculars, small rope, pocket knife, bottled water and a few high-energy snacks. • Bring the right clothing. Depending on where you’re headed, you’ll need a light or heavy jacket, gloves, hat and layers for nights when the temperatures dip. And don’t forget the rain gear. If in a warmer climate, you can dress down with lighter clothes, but whatever the case, don’t forget your orange hunting vest. One caveat: wash any clothes you intend to wear with unscented laundry detergent. Animals will (literally) be able to smell you a mile away and not come near you. • Take any necessary accessories. This could include extra ammunition, maps, flashlight, whistle, and if you’re a smokeless tobacco user, consider bringing a portable spittoon such as those created by Atlanta-based FLASR. The new 4-ounce FLASR pocket-sized spittoon is designed to allow users to open and shut it with just one hand, making it an ideal solution for taking the pleasure of snuff, dip or chew, hunting, fishing or any other outdoor activity. FLASR’s spittoons also help eliminate the scent of chewing tobacco spit, which could ward off animals. (NewsUSA)

PLATED WILD RECIPES FROM HOOK & TRIGGER

VENISON CHILI Yield: Four 1.5-cup servings Cook time: 1 hour INGREDIENTS 1 pound ground venison 1 cup chopped sweet onion 1 cup chopped green bell pepper 4 garlic cloves, minced 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and chopped 2 tablespoons chili powder 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin 1/2 teaspoon ground red pepper 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained 1 (14-ounce) can fat-free, reduced salt chicken broth 1 tablespoon tomato paste 1 (15-ounce) can red kidney beans, rinsed and drained Cooking spray DIRECTIONS Heat a small Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Coat pan with cooking spray. Add venison; cook 3 minutes or until browned, stirring to crumble. Remove from pan with a slotted spoon. Cover and keep warm. Reduce heat to medium. Add onion, bell pepper, garlic, and jalapeño to pan; cook 10 minutes or until tender, stirring frequently. Stir in chili powder, salt, cumin, red pepper and black pepper. Add venison, diced tomatoes, chicken broth, and tomato paste, stirring until well combined; bring to a boil. Cover; reduce heat, and simmer for 30 minutes. Add red kidney beans and cook, uncovered, for about 15 more minutes. Chef ’s note: Ground sirloin can be substituted if venison is not available. ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS Phone: 850-687-3776 Email: phil@HookAndTrigger.com www.HookAndTrigger.com

Northwest Florida’s Premier Outdoors Magazine Follow the revamped Hook and Trigger Magazine for the latest on local hunting, fishing, conservation, and the great outdoors. Find upcoming events, trophy photos and everything in between, for free!

facebook.com/hookandtrigger @hookandtrigger hookandtrigger www.HookAndTrigger.com SEPTEMBER 2017 • 9

GOOD TO THE LAST CAST

Local duo Weir and Schoen one of top teams on Redfish Tournament Circuit BY PHIL HEPPDING Hook and Trigger

Submitted photos

Matt Schoen (left) and Bobby Weir were presented with the first place plaque at the 12th annual Old Nick’s Redfish Roundup in May.

10 • HOOK & TRIGGER

It has been decades since Bobby Weir and Matt Schoen first learned to bass fish under the watchful eye of their grandfather in North Georgia. Fast forward to today and these cousins spend their leisure time fishing the Redfish Tournament Circuit from Jacksonville, Fla. all the way to Hou“Be prepared for ma, La. During the season, you anything because can find them battling it out your equipment will with anywhere from 25 teams to over 100 for prize money fail you after pushing and – more importantly – it to the max every bragging rights. While it can single day.” get expensive for gear, travel, – BOBBY WEIR and entrance fees, the payoff comes with prize purses worth thousands of dollars on any given weekend. Weir and Schoen are sponsored this season by Mercury Outboards, 13 Fishing, Z Man Fishing Products, Yeti Coolers, Cobra Electronics, Costa Sunglasses, and Simmons Custom Rigging. While Weir and Schoen wouldn’t share all their insider secrets, we were able to catch up with the duo in August to get a mid-season

update and gain a few pro tips for both the tourney fisherman and the novice alike. How long have you been tournament fishing and when did you get started? MS: We were taking our captain’s license class at Legendary Marina in 2010 and we went outside on a break. There was a weigh-in going on for one of the redfish tourneys and we both looked at each other and said, “How do we get signed up for this?” BW: Had we not walked outside and seen the weigh-in, I’m not sure when or if we would have ever started tournament fishing. Name some of the tourneys for us? Weir and Schoen fish about 16 to 18 events a year, including IFA Inshore Fishing Association, Florida Pro Redfish Series, Tito’s Vodka Redfish Series, Emerald Coast Redfish Circuit, Nick’s Redfish Roundup (won in 2017). What do you know now that you wish you knew when you first started tourney fishing? BW: Where to fish! It can only come over time, and never give up because you can win a tournament on the last cast. MS: You can have the worst day fishing and it takes two bites and those can happen at the end of the day in the last hour. Any advice to those just starting to tournament fish? BW: Don’t be intimidated by folks that may have been fishing the events for years. Don’t always sight fish ... Get out of the tower and don’t rely on sight fishing to win a tournament. BW: And remember, be prepared for anything because your equipment will fail you after pushing it to the max every single day. Any advice for someone just learning to fish for Redfish? MS: Tie a gold spoon on, go to a flat and throw it as far as you possibly can and do it a million times. r Interested in the upcoming Redfish tournaments here on the Emerald Coast? Be sure to follow Hook and Trigger Magazine on Facebook for the latest tournament news.

FLORIDA OFFERS 8 LICENSE-FREE FISHING DAYS EVERY YEAR

Florida offers several license-free fishing days over the course of the year, allowing those who do not yet have a license the opportunity to try out the sport. On these days, the fishing license requirement is waived for all recreational anglers (residents and non-residents). License-free fishing days for freshwater fishers are the first Saturday and Sunday in April, and the second Saturday and Sunday in June. For saltwater anglers, the license requirement is waived on the first Saturday and Sunday in June, the first Saturday in September, and the Saturday following Thanksgiving. The saltwater waiver applies to any recreational harvest requiring a saltwater fishing license (e.g., crabbing, lobstering, scalloping, etc.) as well as fishing from shore or a boat. A snook or spiny lobster permit are not required on these days. All other rules – including seasons, bag limits and size limits – still apply for both water types.

NORTHWEST FLORIDA

Fishing Tournaments March Gulf Coast’s Premier Cobia World Championships Location: Harbor Docks cobiaworldchampionships.com Destin Cobia Tournament Location: HarborkWalk Marina harborwalkmarina.net/tournaments-and-events

April AJ’s Spring Fling Cobia Tournament Location: Destin Harbor www.ajsdestin.com/fishing-tournaments.html Crab Cruncher Classic Location: Harbor Docks cobiaworldchampionships.com/tournaments Destin Flathead Classic Location: Destin Harbor www.destinflatheadclassic.com/ South Walton Kids Fishing Tournament Location: Grayton Beach www.waltonoutdoors.com/cca-hosting-kids

June Emerald Coast Blue Marlin Classic Location: Sandestin – June 20-24, 2018 www.fishecbc.com/

August Pinfish Grand Nationals Location: Bluewater Bay Marina Complex bluewaterbaymarina.com/6th Harbor Docks Summer Open Location: Destin Harbor cobiaworldchampionships.com/tournaments

October Destin Fishing Rodeo Location: Harborwalk - Oct. 1-31, 2017 www.destinfishingrodeo.org/ Submit your tourney: editor@hookandtrigger.com SEPTEMBER 2017 • 11

TROPHY

WALL

Jacob Huckabee of Crestview (right) bagged quail and chukar Jan. 28 on what he called “a calm day working Avery, the German Shorthair Pointer” on private property in Laurel Hill. He is pictured with Joey Hutcheson.

Crestview’s Darryl Williams was fishing a private lake April 14 when he snagged a .25-pound bream on a Bitsy Minnow with a 4-pound test line.

Robert Smith Jr. of Milton said his scale was junk, but he thinks this 48-inch red fish tipped the scales around 40 pounds. “My son Lance helped me land the fish as it almost pulled me overboard twice, but we got it,” Smith said. “Fought it for 30 minutes on a Daiwa Baitcaster. The reel is junk now.” It was a happy ending for everyone, as the fish was released safely back to its home in Mulat Bayou.

12 • HOOK & TRIGGER

Daniel Coon of Crestview (right) caught this 27-pound red snapper on a June 24 fishing trip in Destin. Coon is pictured with his buddy, Charlie Darby.

Denise Thompson of DeFuniak Springs reeled in a 6.26-pound largemouth bass – her personal best – from Lake Seminole on June 3. “It was the hardest fish we ever had to get in the boat!” Thompson said. She made the catch using a Booyah frog. Bryan Holley of Baker was trolling with live shrimp when he caught this 19-pound striped bass in Black Water Bay on Feb. 12.

Adyn Spikes of Crestview was on a guided fishing trip on Lake Hartwell, Ga., when he made this catch June 30. Along for the trip were Adyn’s Papa Tommy Spikes and Uncle Mike Savage. Not once did he complain but the trio maxed out on their catch limit in 3 hours. Adyn’s 12-pound, 28-inch striped bass put up a good fight, and was the largest striper of the day.

This bass was caught by Dewayne Nesmith of Crestview, using a watermelon red plastic worm in the aftermath of a stormy May 10 afternoon. The nearly 9-pound bass came out of Speck Pond. Dwayne Hatcher Jr. of Pensacola wouldn’t give up the location of his secret favorite fishing hole, but he snagged this 7-pound largemouth bass on July 16. It was a “beautiful day with no cover so I tied on a jig with a crawl trailer and bounced the bottom until this toad nailed it,” Hatcher explained.

CATCH A REAL

WHOPPER?

Submit your hunting/fishing trophy photo and appear in Hook and Trigger for free! This 4.2-pound bass lived to see another day. Miranda Booker of Wing, Ala., caught and released the fish May 28 from a local fishing hole on the Choctawhatchee.

Braylon Phillips of Crestview hooked a 1.5-pound bass April 15 in a Laurel Hill pond. Phillips was using a brand new spin caster and caught seven bass during his fishing trip.

Complete the online form: http://bit.ly/2vcmSUI SEPTEMBER 2017 • 13

FRESHWATER

FISHERMEN WEATHER THE WEATHER Anglers and fish alike prefer cooler temps BY ERNIE MARTIN Hook and Trigger Hello to all the friends of Hook and Trigger Magazine. I have been looking forward to this time with much anticipation. It’s my hope that this report finds you in good health and with some great fishing stories of your own. I have several fishing stories that I will share with y’all in the coming months. SEPTEMBER: LOW AND SLOW September in the Florida Panhandle is not much different than July and August as far as temperature is concerned. It’s just hot out there! To quote an old George Jones song, “She’s hotter than a two-dollar pistol.” The heat needs to be your focus when out on the water this month. Stay hydrated and try to fish early mornings or late afternoons to avoid heat exhaustion. When it comes to fishing in September, I treat this month very

FEEDING FORECAST Northwest Florida Fish • September-November 2017

DATE MAJOR

MINOR

DATE MAJOR

MINOR

SEPTEMBER 15 8:40A/9:10P 1:35A/3:40P 16 9:35A/10:05P 2:40A/4:30P 17 10:30A/11:00P 3:40A/5:20P 18 11:25A/11:55P 4:45A/6:00P 19 12:15P/ N/A 5:45A/6:40P 20 1:15P/ N/A N/A/ N/A 21 1:50P/ N/A 7:50A/7:55P 22 2:20A/2:40P 8:45A/8:30P 23 3:05A/3:25P 9:40A/9:05P 24 3:50A/4:10P 10:35A/9:45P 25 4:35A/4:55P 4:45A/6:00P 26 5:25A/5:45P 12:20P/11:10P 27 6:10A/6:30P 1:10P/11:55P 28 6:55A/7:20P 2:00P/ N/A 29 7:45A/8:10P 12:40A/2:45P 30 8:30A/9:00P 1:35A/3:30P

15 9:20A/9:50P 2:40A/4P 16 10:10A/10:40P 3:40A/4:40P 17 10:55A/11:25P 4:40A/5:15P 18 11:45A/ N/A 5:35A/5:50P 19 12:10A/12:30P 6:35A/6:25P 20 12:55A/1:55P 7:30A/7:05P 21 1:45A/2:05P 8:25A/7:40P 22 2:30A/2:50P 9:20A/8:20P 23 3:15A/3:40P 10:10A/9:05P 24 4:05A/4:25P 11:05A/9:45P 25 4:50A/5:15P 11:55A/10:35P 26 5:35A/6:00P 12:40P/11:25P 27 6:25A/6:50P 1:25P/ N/A 28 7:10A/7:40P 12:15A/2:05P 29 8:00A/8:25P 1:10A/2:45P 30 8:45A/9:15P 2:05A/3:25P 31 9:30A/9:05P 3:05A/4:00P

OCTOBER 1 9:20A/9:45P 2:30A/4:10P 2 10:05A/10:35P 3:25A/4:50P 3 10:55A/11:25P 4:20A/5:30P 4 11:40A/ N/A 5:20A/6:00P 5 12:15A/12:30P 6:25A/6:40P 6 1:05A/1:25P 7:25A/7:25P 7 1:55A/2:20P 8:30A/8:05P 8 2:50A/3:15P 9:35A/8:50P 9 3:45A/4:10P 10:40A/9:40P 10 4:45A/5:10P 11:45A/10:35P 11 5:40A/6:10P 12:45P/11:35P 12 6:40A/7:10P 1:40P/ N/A 13 7:35A/8:05P 12:35A/2:35P 14 8:30A/9:00P 1:40A/3:20P

NOVEMBER 1 4:05A/5:35P 2:05A/6:05A 2 11:10A/11:40P 5:05A/5:15P 3 12:00P/ N/A 6:10A/5:55P 4 12:35A/1:00P 7:15A/6:40P 5 1:00A/1:00P 7:25A/6:35P 6 1:30A/2:00P 8:30A/7:25P 7 2:30A/3:00P 9:35A/8:25P 8 3:30A/4:00P 10:35A/9:30P 9 4:30A/5:00P 11:30A/10:30P 10 5:25A/5:55P 12:20P/11:35P 11 6:20A/6:50P 1:05P/ N/A 12 7:10A/7:40P 12:35A/1:45P 13 7:55A/8:25P 1:35A/2:20P 14 8:40A/9:10P 2:30A/2:50P

14 • HOOK & TRIGGER

differently than the month of October. Low and slow is the name of the technique I use for all freshwater species during September. For example, when I am targeting bluegill, I try to fish deep in the clear lakes and rivers that we have in this area. My rig will be either a light spinning rod with a 6- to 8-pound test, or a telescoping pole in the 12- to 15-foot range with the same pound test line. I will use a hook that matches the bait and not the size of the panfish. For crickets, I’ll use either size 8 or 10 gold hook. I generally use a size 4 or 6 hook for earthworms and wigglers. I will add just enough pinch weight to get my bait to the bottom. I also add a sliding cork to my spinning rod and set my depth with a stationary cork on my telescoping pole. I let the bluegill tell me how deep to fish and this time of year that is usually within 2 to 3 feet of the bottom. For all the bass anglers – whether you are a tournament angler or a laid-back bass fisherman – the season’s techniques are highly dependent on two entities: water movement and water depth. If you find moving water, either in a river or a reservoir, the bass will tend to be feeding in the early morning shadows and will move out to deeper confines as the sun rises. My go-to baits are set up for both scenarios. My pre-sun-up baits are top water lures such as buzz baits, prop baits, frogs of all types and jerk baits. I will, however, switch to crankbaits and soft plastics once the sun clears the trees. I can attest to the fact that these techniques and baits work. I have had the pleasure of fishing with and against some of the best local anglers in the southeast, and these are the summertime techniques that not only catch bass, they also help tournament anglers cash checks! OCTOBER: COOLER TEMPS LEAD TO HOTTER FISHING When September is in the books and October is here, my excitement level increases dramatically as I anticipate the first cool front of the fall. Notice I didn’t say cold front, since we haven’t seen a real cold front in about two years! Once the temperature cools down, the length of time that I spend on the water increases. Let’s face it, the fair weather makes fishing more enjoyable and the fish like it, too. If you’re a bass fisherman and you love throwing top water baits, this is the beginning of some all-day top water action. I have caught bass on top water baits all day in the month of October. Pick your favorite spot and tie on several different top water baits and figure out the one the bass want and have a blast. Now to be honest I don’t fish for panfish in October. I am either bass fishing or I am on the bay with my cast net. If you have lived on the Florida Gulf Coast for as long as I have then you know what I am catching in my net: mullet! Mullet are a fall favorite. I thoroughly enjoy heading out to the bay and catching some big mullet in the morning and dropping them in the grease that afternoon. I have suggested to my wife that I am going to a college football game and tailgate with fried mullet. I would have done this already but I’m scared that I would create a problem if I didn’t have enough for everyone. A typical fall Saturday in the south with fried mullet and football is a blessing. I hope you have an opportunity to enjoy both this fall. Until next time, God bless and good fishing.

2017 Recreational Seasons - AT-A-GLANCE Gulf of Mexico State Waters Click on the species Fish for up-to-date closures and regulations. ©Florida & Wildlife Conservation Commission SPECIES

JAN

FEB

MAR

APR

MAY

JUN

JUL

AUG

SEP

OCT

NOV

DEC

Early closure April 22 - Dec. 31, 2017 Amberjack, Greater

Visit Bay Scallops At-a-Glance for 2017 Seasons Bay Scallops

Closes May 16

Opens Oct. 15

Crab, Stone

Gag Grouper Franklin, Wakulla, Jefferson & Taylor counties Gag Grouper All counties excluding Franklin, Wakulla, Jefferson, Taylor & Monroe counties

Open June 1 - Dec. 31

Special Permit Zone (SPZ) Permit Sats & Suns starting May 6 & daily starting May 27

Snapper, Red

Closes July 10

Fris, Sats, & Suns & Labor Day

Snook Including Monroe County & Everglades National Park Sport season open July 26-27

Spiny Lobster

Opens Aug. 6

Jan. 1 - Dec. 31, 2017 Check back for limited season dates Triggerfish, Gray

KEY

Open

Closed

Open for portion of month (see open/close dates)

SEPTEMBER 2017 • 15 Jan. 1 - Dec. 31, 2017 Check back for limited season dates

ON PATROL

SOMETHING’S FISHY AT FISHING HOLE THIS WARRANTS A CLOSER LOOK – Officers Hutchinson and Mullins responded to a shot they heard on the Blackwater River in Santa Rosa County. They found two men on a dock in the area. After questioning the men, they determined that the shooter was just shooting into the water. While talking to him, they determined that he had multiple felony warrants. Officer Mullins placed him under arrest and transported him to the Santa Rosa County Jail. OKALOOSA COUNTY DON’T BE CRABBY – Officer Pifer was on land patrol conducting saltwater fisheries and license inspections when he contacted an individual fishing from a pier at a county park. Upon inspection, an egg-bearing blue crab was found in the individual’s bucket. Photographs of the crab were obtained and it was released alive. The individual was cited for possession of an egg-bearing blue crab. CAUGHT RED-HANDED – Officer Pifer was on land patrol conducting state fisheries and license inspections in the Shalimar area and saw an individual wading at a local boat ramp. The officer waited until the fisherman returned from fishing and conducted a fisheries inspection of the subject’s cooler. The individual was found to be over the bag limit of red drum (redfish), possession of undersized red drum, over the bag limit of gray/mangrove snapper and in possession of more than one spotted sea trout over 20 inches. The individual was issued notice to appear citations for the resource violations. SWIM FREE – The Gulfarium scheduled a sea turtle release at Henderson Beach State Park. Twelve green sea turtles were rehabilitated at Gulfarium and released in the Gulf of Mexico. Approximately 250 individuals attended the event. Officer Nichols provided security and traffic control and answered questions from the public. ROUND AND ROUND – Officer Corbin was dispatched to a single vessel accident in the Intercoastal Waterway between Destin and Fort Walton Beach. Corbin arrived on the scene with USCG Station Destin and Tow Boat US who had made several attempts to stop the vessel, which was still underway going in small circles. The operator of the vessel had made a sharp evasive maneuver to avoid an accident and was thrown from the vessel. The operator was

EXPLORE THE OUTDOORS FESTIVAL PLANNED OCT. 14

FREEPORT – The eighth annual Explore The Outdoors Festival introduces children to the wonders of exploring nature. Hands on activities include fishing, hydrobiking, kayaking, wildlife, archery, interactive educational exhibits, and giveaways. The water activities are geared for children over 5. Food will be available for purchase. The festival will be held at Live Oak Landing, 229 Pitts Ave., Freeport. For more information, call 850-267-2064 or go to www.waltonoutdoors.com/explorefest. 16 • HOOK & TRIGGER

picked up by a Good Samaritan and only suffered minor injuries. PROUD GRADUATES – Officer J. Rockwell attended the Crestview Youth Academy Graduation, a multi-agency event with Crestview Fire Department, FWC and Crestview Police Department. There were 48 students who graduated from the academy. Rockwell brought a vessel and explained FWC’s core mission. SANTA ROSA COUNTY MAXED OUT – Officer Hutchinson was pumping gas in his patrol vehicle when a truck pulled up next to him pulling a boat. Hutchinson asked the driver if he had been fishing and he said they had caught some bass in Hurricane Lake. When Hutchinson asked if he could see them, the fisherman was hesitant. The subject was in possession of 11 black bass, which is over the daily bag limit. The subject was charged with taking over the daily bag limit of black bass. CROSSED A LINE – Officer Land was on patrol in Eglin Wildlife Management Area (WMA) and saw vehicle tracks entering a closed area of the WMA. Land tracked the tire sign to a clay pit within the WMA and located two vehicles. Each vehicle had multiple occupants and only one individual possessed a valid Eglin permit. Officer Land informed Eglin Range Patrol of the violation and asked for their assistance. The appropriate action was taken and individuals were banned for two years by the Eglin Range Patrol. PAY ATTENTION, CLASS – Officer Jernigan assisted with a Hunter’s Safety Course at the Jay Community Center. Jernigan went over the hunting laws and regulations of the state. The class was small with only 15 present, but all were very attentive and asked questions concerning hunting regulations in Florida. PEACE AND QUIET – Officers continue to patrol shorebird nesting areas around the Navarre Causeway, educating the public on the importance of protecting our imperiled species by not disturbing the nesting areas. Officers Ramos and Lugg informed two individuals who were walking through the protected area. WALTON COUNTY GONE TO POT – Okaloosa and Walton County officers assisted multiple agencies with a joint detail to detect illegal outdoor marijuana grow sites which included an FWC aircraft, pilot and ground crews for both counties. During the three-day multi-agency detail, 65 grow sites were detected with 2,692 plants removed and destroyed, with an approximate value of $5,384,000. REEL IT IN, FOLKS – Officers Brady and Rice were conducting offshore patrols in federal waters near the Madison Swanson Closed Area, which is closed to the harvest of reef fish. Officers noticed an approaching vessel. After a few minutes, the vessel stopped and several passengers began to fish. The vessel was approximately two miles inside the Madison Swanson area. Officers conducted a resource inspection of the vessel. During the inspection, appropriate federal citations were issued for fishing in the closed area. – Courtesy of FWC Division of Law Enforcement: Okaloosa, Santa Rosa, and Walton counties

2017 Recreational Species With No Closed Seasons - AT-A-GLANCE ©Florida & Wildlife Conservation Gulf of Mexico State Waters Click on theFish species for up-to-date size andCommission bag limits. JAN

FEB

MAR

APR

Bonefish Catch and Release Only

MAY

JUN

JUL

AUG

King Mackerel

SEP

OCT

NOV

Sheepshead

Spanish Mackerel

Snapper (all snappers except red)

Mullet

Spotted Seatrout

Black Drum

DEC

Blue Crab (regional trap closures apply)

African Pomano

Lionfish

Bluefish

Cobia

Dolphin, Mahi

Flounder

Hogfish

Florida Pompano

Red Drum (redfish)

Black Sea Bass

Shark (Non-prohibited species)

Other Groupers Includes Red, Black, Yellowfin, Yellowmouth, Rock Hind, Red Hind & Scamp Excluding Monroe County

Tripletail

White Grunt

Whiting

Prohibited Species: Goliath Grouper, Nassau Grouper, Queen Conch, Prohibited Sharks, Sturgeon, Spotted Eagle Ray. (Does not include all prohibited species)

SEPTEMBER 2017 • 17

TIDE-SUN-MOON TABLES

Navarre Beach • 30.3767ºN, 86.8650ºW

The Narrows, Choctaw Bay • 30.4083ºN, 86.7317ºW

DAY HIGH/HEIGHT LOW/HEIGHT SUNRISE SUNSET MOON DAY HIGH/HEIGHT LOW/HEIGHT SUNRISE SUNSET MOON SEPTEMBER SEPTEMBER 15..............4:25AM/1.8.....................4:05PM/0.3..................... 6:32AM................. 6:52PM 15..............8:40AM/2.0.....................9:03PM/0.2..................... 6:31AM................. 6:51PM 16..............5:59AM/1.8.....................4:58PM/0.3..................... 6:32AM................. 6:51PM 16..............9:49AM/1.9.....................9:54PM/0.3..................... 6:32AM................. 6:50PM 17..............7:39AM/1.7.....................5:46PM/0.5..................... 6:33AM................. 6:49PM 17..............10:59AM/1.8...................10:38PM/0.5................... 6:32AM................. 6:49PM 18..............9:00AM/1.6.....................4:28PM/0.6..................... 6:33AM................. 6:48PM 18..............12:09PM/1.7...................11:11PM/0.7..................... 6:33AM................. 6:48PM .................5:44PM/0.6.....................6:23PM/0.6 19..............1:21PM/1.5.....................11:22PM/0.9.................... 6:33AM................. 6:46PM .................11:26PM/0.9 20.............3:20AM/1.0.....................7:41AM/0.9...................... 6:34AM................. 6:45PM New 19..............11:29PM/0.9....................1:56AM/0.8..................... 6:34AM................. 6:47PM .................2:42PM/1.3.....................10:59PM/1.0............................................... .................10:09AM/1.4...................4:10PM/0.7..................... 21..............2:19AM/1.1.....................10:17AM/0.9.................... 6:34AM................. 6:44PM 20.............11:22PM/1.0....................3:08AM/0.7..................... 6:34AM................. 6:46PM New .................4:39PM/1.2.....................9:39PM/1.1................................................. .................11:14AM/1.3....................4:17PM/0.8 22.............2:19AM/1.3.....................12:05PM/0.8................... 6:35AM................. 6:43PM .................8:48PM/1.0.....................8:50PM/1.0 23.............2:42AM/1.4.....................1:36PM/0.7..................... 6:35AM................. 6:41PM 21..............9:09PM/1.1.....................4:12AM/0.6..................... 6:35AM................. 6:44PM 24.............3:13AM/1.5.....................2:56PM/0.6..................... 6:36AM................. 6:40PM .................12:20PM/1.1...................4:27PM/0.9..................... 25.............3:51AM/1.6.....................4:08PM/0.5..................... 6:37AM................. 6:39PM 22.............9:49PM/1.3.....................5:14AM/0.6..................... 6:35AM................. 6:43PM 26.............4:36AM/1.7.....................5:13PM/0.5..................... 6:37AM................. 6:38PM .................1:34PM/1.0.....................4:31PM/0.9..................... 27..............5:25AM/1.7.....................6:14PM/0.5..................... 6:38AM................. 6:36PM First 23.............10:32PM/1.4...................6:18AM/0.6..................... 6:36AM................. 6:42PM 28.............6:22AM/1.7.....................7:08PM/0.5..................... 6:38AM................. 6:35PM 24.............11:17PM/1.5....................7:31AM/0.6..................... 6:37AM................. 6:41PM 29.............7:23AM/1.7.....................7:57PM/0.5..................... 6:39AM................. 6:34PM 25....................................................9:19AM/0.6..................... 6:37AM................. 6:39PM 30.............8:26AM/1.6.....................8:39PM/0.5..................... 6:39AM................. 6:33PM 26.............12:06AM/1.5...................11:49AM/0.5.................... 6:38AM................. 6:38PM OCTOBER 27..............1:02AM/1.6.....................12:51PM/0.5.................... 6:38AM................. 6:37PM First 1...............9:31AM/1.6.....................9:14PM/0.6..................... 6:40AM................. 6:31PM 28.............2:06AM/1.6.....................1:38PM/0.5..................... 6:39AM................. 6:36PM 2...............10:39AM/1.5...................9:41PM/0.7...................... 6:41AM................. 6:30PM 29.............3:15AM/1.6.....................2:17PM/0.5...................... 6:39AM................. 6:34PM 3...............11:51AM/1.4....................9:53PM/0.8..................... 6:41AM................. 6:29PM 30.............4:27AM/1.6.....................2:48PM/0.6..................... 6:40AM................. 6:33PM 4...............3:15AM/1.0.....................6:28AM/1.0..................... 6:42AM................. 6:28PM OCTOBER .................1:16PM/1.3.....................9:43PM/1.0..................... 6:42AM................. 6:26PM Full 1...............5:42AM/1.5.....................3:08PM/0.6..................... 6:41AM................. 6:32PM 5...............1:43AM/1.1.....................9:18AM/0.9..................... 2...............7:02AM/1.5.....................3:17PM/0.7...................... 6:41AM................. 6:31PM .................3:14PM/1.2.....................8:48PM/1.1................................................. .................10:43PM/1.1 6...............1:31AM/1.3.....................11:04AM/0.7.................... 6:43AM................. 6:25PM 3...............10:26PM/1.1...................1:00AM/1.0..................... 6:42AM................. 6:29PM 7...............1:47AM/1.5.....................12:32PM/0.5................... 6:44AM................. 6:24PM .................8:28AM/1.5.....................3:20PM/0.8................................................. 8...............2:19AM/1.7.....................1:52PM/0.4..................... 6:44AM................. 6:23PM 4...............10:19PM/1.2....................2:16AM/0.9..................... 9...............3:02AM/1.8.....................3:06PM/0.2..................... 6:45AM................. 6:22PM .................9:50AM/1.4.....................3:24PM/0.9..................... 6:42AM................. 6:28PM 10..............3:51AM/2.0.....................4:17PM/0.1...................... 6:46AM................. 6:21PM 5...............9:49PM/1.3.....................3:20AM/0.8..................... 11..............4:45AM/2.0.....................5:24PM/0.1..................... 6:46AM................. 6:19PM .................11:10AM/1.3....................3:31PM/1.0..................... 6:43AM................. 6:27PM Full 12..............5:45AM/2.0.....................6:25PM/0.1..................... 6:47AM................. 6:18PM Last 6...............9:09PM/1.5.....................4:22AM/0.7..................... 6:44AM................. 6:26PM 13..............6:49AM/1.9.....................7:19PM/0.2...................... 6:48AM................. 6:17PM .................12:32PM/1.2...................3:38PM/1.1..................... 14..............7:58AM/1.7.....................8:04PM/0.4..................... 6:48AM................. 6:16PM 7...............9:35PM/1.7.....................5:27AM/0.6..................... 6:44AM................. 6:25PM 15..............9:14AM/1.5.....................8:36PM/0.6..................... 6:49AM................. 6:15PM .................2:14PM/1.1.....................3:27PM/1.1 16..............10:43AM/1.3...................8:46PM/0.8..................... 6:49AM................. 6:14PM 8...............10:16PM/1.8....................6:41AM/0.5...................... 6:45AM................. 6:23PM 17..............2:25AM/1.0.....................7:00AM/1.0..................... 6:50AM................. 6:13PM 9...............11:04PM/1.9....................8:28AM/0.4..................... 6:45AM................. 6:22PM .................12:34PM/1.2...................8:25PM/0.9..................... 10..............11:58PM/1.9....................11:25AM/0.3.................... 6:46AM................. 6:21PM 18..............1:06AM/1.1.....................9:29AM/0.8..................... 6:51AM................. 6:12PM 11.....................................................12:33PM/0.3................... 6:47AM................. 6:20PM .................3:29PM/1.0.....................6:47PM/1.0 12..............1:00AM/1.9.....................1:32PM/0.3..................... 6:47AM................. 6:19PM Last 19..............12:54AM/1.3...................10:54AM/0.6................... 6:52AM................. 6:11PM New 13..............2:09AM/1.8.....................2:23PM/0.4..................... 6:48AM................. 6:18PM 20.............1:06AM/1.4.....................11:59AM/0.5.................... 6:52AM................. 6:10PM 14..............3:27AM/1.7.....................3:02PM/0.5..................... 6:49AM................. 6:17PM 21..............1:27AM/1.5.....................12:54PM/0.4................... 6:53AM................. 6:09PM 15..............5:29AM/1.5.....................2:40PM/0.7..................... 6:49AM................. 6:15PM 22.............1:55AM/1.6.....................1:45PM/0.3..................... 6:54AM................. 6:08PM .................10:01PM/1.1 23.............2:28AM/1.7.....................2:36PM/0.3..................... 6:54AM................. 6:07PM 16..............9:54PM/1.1.....................12:07AM/1.0................... 6:50AM................. 6:14PM 24.............3:04AM/1.7.....................3:27PM/0.2..................... 6:55AM................. 6:06PM .................8:11AM/1.4......................2:18PM/0.8..................... 25.............3:44AM/1.7.....................4:18PM/0.3..................... 6:56AM................. 6:05PM 17..............9:54PM/1.2.....................1:40AM/0.9..................... 6:50AM................. 6:13PM 26.............4:26AM/1.6.....................5:08PM/0.3..................... 6:57AM................. 6:04PM .................9:37AM/1.3.....................2:24PM/0.9 27..............5:13AM/1.6.....................5:53PM/0.3..................... 6:57AM................. 6:03PM First 18..............9:27PM/1.3.....................2:51AM/0.7..................... 6:51AM................. 6:12PM 28.............6:02AM/1.5.....................6:32PM/0.4..................... 6:58AM................. 6:02PM .................10:53AM/1.1...................2:35PM/0.9................................................. 29.............6:56AM/1.4.....................7:02PM/0.5..................... 6:59AM................. 6:01PM 19..............8:15PM/1.4.....................3:51AM/0.6..................... 6:52AM................. 6:11PM New 30.............8:01AM/1.2.....................7:20PM/0.6..................... 7:00AM................. 6:00PM .................12:07PM/1.0...................2:44PM/0.9 31..............9:41AM/1.1.....................7:18PM/0.7..................... 7:00AM................. 5:59PM 20.............8:44PM/1.5.....................4:48AM/0.5..................... 6:53AM................. 6:10PM NOVEMBER .................1:43PM/0.9.....................2:30PM/0.9 1...............1:06AM/1.0.....................8:33AM/0.8..................... 7:01AM................. 5:58PM 21..............9:19PM/1.6.....................5:43AM/0.4..................... 6:54AM................. 6:09PM .................12:29PM/0.9...................6:32PM/0.8 22.............9:56PM/1.6.....................6:39AM/0.4..................... 6:54AM................. 6:08PM 2...............12:22AM/1.1...................9:59AM/0.6..................... 7:02AM................. 5:58PM 23.............10:35PM/1.6...................7:42AM/0.4..................... 6:55AM................. 6:07PM 3...............12:19AM/1.3....................11:03AM/0.3.................... 7:03AM................. 5:57PM 24.............11:17PM/1.6....................9:03AM/0.4..................... 6:56AM................. 6:06PM 4...............12:38AM/1.5...................12:03PM/0.1................... 7:03AM................. 5:56PM Full 25....................................................10:30AM/0.4................... 6:56AM................. 6:05PM 5...............1:10AM/1.7.....................12:02PM/-0.1.................. 6:04AM................. 4:55PM 26.............12:02AM/1.6...................11:32AM/0.4.................... 6:57AM................. 6:04PM 6...............12:51AM/1.9....................1:02PM/-0.2.................... 6:05AM................. 4:55PM 27..............12:53AM/1.6...................12:18PM/0.5.................... 6:58AM................. 6:03PM First 7...............1:38AM/1.9.....................2:01PM/-0.2.................... 6:06AM................. 4:54PM 28.............1:51AM/1.5.....................12:51PM/0.6.................... 6:59AM................. 6:02PM 8...............2:27AM/1.9.....................3:00PM/-0.2.................... 6:07AM................. 4:53PM 29.............3:00AM/1.5.....................1:13PM/0.6..................... 6:59AM................. 6:02PM 9...............3:19AM/1.9.....................3:54PM/-0.1.................... 6:07AM................. 4:53PM 30.............4:23AM/1.4.....................1:25PM/0.7..................... 7:00AM................. 6:01PM 10..............4:11AM/1.7......................4:40PM/0.0..................... 6:08AM................. 4:52PM Last .................9:23PM/1.2 11..............5:02AM/1.5.....................5:14PM/0.2..................... 6:09AM................. 4:51PM 31..............8:59PM/1.2.....................12:41AM/1.1.................... 12..............5:52AM/1.2.....................5:27PM/0.4..................... 6:10AM................. 4:51PM .................6:40AM/1.2.....................1:32PM/0.8..................... 7:01AM................. 6:00PM 13..............6:39AM/1.0.....................5:09PM/0.6..................... 6:11AM................. 4:50PM NOVEMBER .................11:36PM/0.9.................... 1...............8:47PM/1.3.....................2:02AM/0.9..................... 7:02AM................. 5:59PM 14..............10:57PM/1.1...................8:40AM/0.7..................... 6:12AM................. 4:50PM .................9:09AM/1.2.....................1:39PM/0.9................................................. .................9:55AM/0.7.....................3:49PM/0.7 2...............8:23PM/1.5.....................3:05AM/0.7..................... 7:02AM................. 5:58PM 15..............10:56PM/1.2...................9:23AM/0.5..................... 6:12AM................. 4:49PM .................10:49AM/1.1...................1:45PM/1.0................................................. 3...............8:13PM/1.6.....................4:05AM/0.5..................... 7:03AM................. 5:57PM .................12:33PM/1.0...................1:37PM/1.0 Note: The information contained in these charts is not intended to be used for navigation. Hook 4...............8:37PM/1.8.....................5:07AM/0.3..................... 7:04AM................. 5:57PM Full and Trigger assumes no liability for damages arising from use of this information. Storms, environmental 5...............8:13PM/1.9.....................5:15AM/0.2..................... 6:05AM................. 4:56PM changes and other phenomena can impact these predictions without notice.

18 • HOOK & TRIGGER

TIDE-SUN-MOON TABLES

Destin, East Pass • 30.3950ºN, 86.5133ºW

Panama City Beach • 30.2133ºN, 85.8800ºW

DAY HIGH/HEIGHT LOW/HEIGHT SUNRISE SUNSET MOON SEPTEMBER 15..............6:36AM/0.8.....................7:32PM/0.1..................... 6:30AM................. 6:51PM 16..............7:45AM/0.8.....................8:23PM/0.1..................... 6:31AM................. 6:49PM 17..............8:55AM/0.8.....................9:07PM/0.2..................... 6:31AM................. 6:48PM 18..............10:05AM/0.7...................9:40PM/0.3..................... 6:32AM................. 6:47PM 19..............11:17AM/0.6....................9:51PM/0.4..................... 6:32AM................. 6:46PM 20.............1:16AM/0.4.....................6:10AM/0.4..................... 6:33AM................. 6:44PM New .................12:38PM/0.6...................9:28PM/0.4 21..............12:15AM/0.5....................8:46AM/0.4..................... 6:33AM................. 6:43PM .................2:35PM/0.5.....................8:08PM/0.5 22.............12:15AM/0.5....................10:34AM/0.3................... 6:34AM................. 6:42PM 23.............12:38AM/0.6...................12:05PM/0.3................... 6:35AM................. 6:40PM 24.............1:09AM/0.6.....................1:25PM/0.3..................... 6:35AM................. 6:39PM 25.............1:47AM/0.7.....................2:37PM/0.2..................... 6:36AM................. 6:38PM 26.............2:32AM/0.7.....................3:42PM/0.2..................... 6:36AM................. 6:37PM 27..............3:21AM/0.7.....................4:43PM/0.2..................... 6:37AM................. 6:35PM First 28.............4:18AM/0.7.....................5:37PM/0.2..................... 6:37AM................. 6:34PM 29.............5:19AM/0.7.....................6:26PM/0.2..................... 6:38AM................. 6:33PM 30.............6:22AM/0.7.....................7:08PM/0.2..................... 6:39AM................. 6:32PM OCTOBER 1...............7:27AM/0.7.....................7:43PM/0.2..................... 6:39AM................. 6:30PM 2...............8:35AM/0.6.....................8:10PM/0.3..................... 6:40AM................. 6:29PM 3...............9:47AM/0.6.....................8:22PM/0.3..................... 6:40AM................. 6:28PM 4...............1:11AM/0.4......................4:57AM/0.4..................... 6:41AM................. 6:27PM .................11:12AM/0.5....................8:12PM/0.4 .................11:39PM/0.5 5......................................................7:47AM/0.4..................... 6:42AM................. 6:26PM Full .................1:10PM/0.5.....................7:17PM/0.5 .................11:27PM/0.5 6...............11:43PM/0.6....................9:33AM/0.3..................... 6:42AM................. 6:24PM 7......................................................11:01AM/0.2.................... 6:43AM................. 6:23PM 8...............12:15AM/0.7....................12:21PM/0.1.................... 6:43AM................. 6:22PM 9...............12:58AM/0.8...................1:35PM/0.1..................... 6:44AM................. 6:21PM 10..............1:47AM/0.8.....................2:46PM/0.1..................... 6:45AM................. 6:20PM 11..............2:41AM/0.8.....................3:53PM/0.0..................... 6:45AM................. 6:19PM 12..............3:41AM/0.8.....................4:54PM/0.1..................... 6:46AM................. 6:17PM Last 13..............4:45AM/0.8.....................5:48PM/0.1..................... 6:47AM................. 6:16PM 14..............5:54AM/0.7.....................6:33PM/0.2..................... 6:47AM................. 6:15PM 15..............7:10AM/0.6.....................7:05PM/0.2..................... 6:48AM................. 6:14PM 16..............8:39AM/0.6.....................7:15PM/0.3...................... 6:49AM................. 6:13PM 17..............12:21AM/0.4...................5:29AM/0.4..................... 6:49AM................. 6:12PM .................10:30AM/0.5...................6:54PM/0.4 .................11:02PM/0.5 18.....................................................7:58AM/0.3..................... 6:50AM................. 6:11PM .................1:25PM/0.4.....................5:16PM/0.4 .................10:50PM/0.5 19..............11:02PM/0.6....................9:23AM/0.3..................... 6:51AM................. 6:10PM New 20.............11:23PM/0.6....................10:28AM/0.2................... 6:51AM................. 6:09PM 21..............11:51PM/0.7....................11:23AM/0.2.................... 6:52AM................. 6:08PM 22....................................................12:14PM/0.1.................... 6:53AM................. 6:07PM 23.............12:24AM/0.7...................1:05PM/0.1..................... 6:53AM................. 6:06PM 24.............1:00AM/0.7.....................1:56PM/0.1..................... 6:54AM................. 6:05PM 25.............1:40AM/0.7.....................2:47PM/0.1..................... 6:55AM................. 6:04PM 26.............2:22AM/0.7.....................3:37PM/0.1..................... 6:56AM................. 6:03PM 27..............3:09AM/0.7.....................4:22PM/0.1..................... 6:56AM................. 6:02PM First 28.............3:58AM/0.6.....................5:01PM/0.2..................... 6:57AM................. 6:01PM 29.............4:52AM/0.6.....................5:31PM/0.2..................... 6:58AM................. 6:00PM 30.............5:57AM/0.5.....................5:49PM/0.2..................... 6:59AM................. 5:59PM 31..............7:37AM/0.4.....................5:47PM/0.3..................... 6:59AM................. 5:58PM .................11:02PM/0.4 NOVEMBER 1...............10:25AM/0.4...................7:02AM/0.3..................... 7:00AM................. 5:58PM .................10:18PM/0.5....................5:01PM/0.3 2...............10:15PM/0.6....................8:28AM/0.2..................... 7:01AM................. 5:57PM 3...............10:34PM/0.6...................9:32AM/0.1..................... 7:02AM................. 5:56PM 4...............11:06PM/0.7....................10:32AM/0.0................... 7:03AM................. 5:55PM Full 5...............10:47PM/0.8...................10:31AM/-0.0................... 6:03AM................. 4:55PM 6...............11:34PM/0.8....................11:31AM/-0.1................... 6:04AM................. 4:54PM 7......................................................12:30PM/-0.1.................. 6:05AM................. 4:53PM 8...............12:23AM/0.8...................1:29PM/-0.1.................... 6:06AM................. 4:52PM 9...............1:15AM/0.8.....................2:23PM/-0.1.................... 6:07AM................. 4:52PM 10..............2:07AM/0.7.....................3:09PM/0.0..................... 6:07AM................. 4:51PM Last 11..............2:58AM/0.6.....................3:43PM/0.1..................... 6:08AM................. 4:51PM 12..............3:48AM/0.5.....................3:56PM/0.2..................... 6:09AM................. 4:50PM 13..............4:35AM/0.4.....................3:38PM/0.2..................... 6:10AM................. 4:50PM .................9:32PM/0.4 14..............7:51AM/0.3.....................7:09AM/0.3..................... 6:11AM................. 4:49PM .................8:53PM/0.4.....................2:18PM/0.3 15..............8:52PM/0.5.....................7:52AM/0.2..................... 6:12AM................. 4:49PM

DAY HIGH/HEIGHT LOW/HEIGHT SUNRISE SUNSET MOON SEPTEMBER 15..............3:49AM/1.9.....................4:26PM/0.3..................... 6:28AM................. 6:48PM 16..............7:20AM/1.8.....................5:14PM/0.4..................... 6:28AM................. 6:47PM 17..............8:25AM/1.8.....................5:57PM/0.6..................... 6:29AM................. 6:46PM ............................10:47PM/0.9 18..............11:02PM/1.0....................12:20AM/0.9................... 6:29AM................. 6:44PM ............................9:25AM/1.7.....................4:18PM/0.7 19..............11:23PM/1.1....................1:51AM/0.9..................... 6:30AM................. 6:43PM ............................10:26AM/1.6...................4:17PM/0.9 ............................7:23PM/1.0.....................8:35PM/1.0 20.............11:43PM/1.2....................3:06AM/0.8..................... 6:30AM................. 6:42PM New ............................11:30AM/1.5...................4:19PM/1.0 ............................8:03PM/1.2.....................10:05PM/1.1............................... 21..............8:44PM/1.3.....................4:08AM/0.7..................... 6:31AM................. 6:40PM ............................12:34PM/1.3...................4:22PM/1.0.................................. 22.............9:27PM/1.5.....................5:04AM/0.7..................... 6:32AM................. 6:39PM ............................1:36PM/1.2.....................4:26PM/1.1.................................. 23.............10:13PM/1.6....................5:58AM/0.7..................... 6:32AM................. 6:38PM ............................2:42PM/1.1.....................4:28PM/1.1................................... 24.............11:06PM/1.6....................7:11AM/0.7...................... 6:33AM................. 6:37PM 25....................................................10:02AM/0.7................... 6:33AM................. 6:35PM 26.............12:03AM/1.7...................11:17AM/0.6.................... 6:34AM................. 6:34PM 27..............1:01AM/1.7.....................12:08PM/0.6................... 6:34AM................. 6:33PM First 28.............1:56AM/1.7.....................12:57PM/0.5................... 6:35AM................. 6:32PM 29.............2:52AM/1.7.....................1:44PM/0.5..................... 6:35AM................. 6:30PM 30.............3:53AM/1.6.....................2:27PM/0.6..................... 6:36AM................. 6:29PM OCTOBER 1...............5:11AM/1.6......................3:03PM/0.6..................... 6:37AM................. 6:28PM ............................10:32PM/1.1...................10:44PM/1.1 2...............7:32AM/1.5.....................3:28PM/0.7..................... 6:37AM................. 6:27PM ............................10:14PM/1.1............................... 3...............10:27PM/1.1...................12:38AM/1.0................... 6:38AM................. 6:26PM ............................8:47AM/1.5.....................3:37PM/0.8 4...............10:39PM/1.2...................2:00AM/0.9..................... 6:38AM................. 6:24PM ............................10:01AM/1.4...................3:29PM/0.9.................................. 5...............8:30PM/1.3.....................3:09AM/0.8..................... 6:39AM................. 6:23PM Full ............................11:20AM/1.3...................3:29PM/1.0 6...............8:48PM/1.5.....................4:09AM/0.7..................... 6:40AM................. 6:22PM ............................12:36PM/1.2...................3:41PM/1.0 7...............9:20PM/1.7.....................5:05AM/0.6..................... 6:40AM................. 6:21PM ............................1:49PM/1.1.....................3:57PM/1.1 8...............10:01PM/1.8...................6:07AM/0.5..................... 6:41AM................. 6:20PM ............................3:15PM/1.1.....................3:59PM/1.1 9...............10:53PM/1.9...................7:51AM/0.4..................... 6:41AM................. 6:18PM 10..............11:56PM/1.9....................11:07AM/0.3.................... 6:42AM................. 6:17PM 11.....................................................12:08PM/0.3................... 6:43AM................. 6:16PM 12..............1:02AM/1.9.....................1:08PM/0.3..................... 6:43AM................. 6:15PM Last 13..............2:04AM/1.8.....................2:23PM/0.4..................... 6:44AM................. 6:14PM 14..............3:05AM/1.6.....................3:38PM/0.5..................... 6:45AM................. 6:13PM 15..............4:16AM/1.5.....................5:17AM/1.5..................... 6:45AM................. 6:12PM ............................7:27AM/1.5.....................2:19PM/0.6................................... ............................9:19PM/1.0................................................................................................. 16..............9:33PM/1.1.....................12:01AM/1.0.................... 6:46AM................. 6:11PM ............................8:36AM/1.4.....................2:23PM/0.8.................................. 17..............9:49PM/1.2.....................1:38AM/0.8..................... 6:46AM................. 6:10PM ............................9:41AM/1.3.....................2:29PM/0.9.................................. 18..............9:50PM/1.3.....................2:55AM/0.7..................... 6:47AM................. 6:08PM ............................10:48AM/1.2...................2:33PM/1.0.................................. ............................7:20PM/1.3.....................8:59PM/1.3.................................. 19..............7:52PM/1.5.....................3:56AM/0.6..................... 6:48AM................. 6:07PM New ............................11:59AM/1.1...................2:38PM/1.0.................................. 20.............8:27PM/1.6.....................4:48AM/0.5..................... 6:49AM................. 6:06PM ............................1:12PM/1.0.....................2:43PM/1.0.................................. 21..............9:03PM/1.7.....................5:35AM/0.4..................... 6:50AM................. 6:05PM 22.............9:42PM/1.7.....................6:26AM/0.4..................... 6:50AM................. 6:04PM 23.............10:23PM/1.7...................7:36AM/0.4..................... 6:51AM................. 6:03PM 24.............11:11PM/1.7....................9:24AM/0.4..................... 6:51AM................. 6:02PM 25....................................................10:32AM/0.4................... 6:52AM................. 6:01PM 26.............12:06AM/1.6...................11:20AM/0.3.................... 6:53AM................. 6:01PM 27..............1:02AM/1.6.....................12:01PM/0.4.................... 6:54AM................. 6:00PM First 28.............1:56AM/1.5.....................12:38PM/0.4................... 6:54AM................. 5:59PM 29.............2:51AM/1.4.....................1:10PM/0.5..................... 6:55AM................. 5:58PM 30.............3:54AM/1.2.....................1:30PM/0.6..................... 6:56AM................. 5:57PM ............................8:58PM/1.1................................. 31..............9:06PM/1.1.....................12:12AM/0.9.................... 6:57AM................. 5:56PM ............................5:40AM/1.1.....................6:02AM/1.1.................................. ............................7:58AM/1.1.....................1:29PM/0.7.................................. NOVEMBER 1...............9:11PM/1.2......................1:57AM/0.8..................... 6:57AM................. 5:55PM .................9:18AM/1.0.....................1:26PM/0.8..................... SEPTEMBER 2017 • 19

HEAD TO THE RIVER

20 â&#x20AC;¢ HOOK & TRIGGER

OUTDOORS

Choctawhatchee River Blueway, Paddle Trail offer fun close by BY KRISTAL WALSH FWC Biological Scientist IV WALTON COUNTY – Need to escape the hot summer sun but want to stay and play in your own backyard? The Choctawhatchee River winds over 150 miles from its beginning in southeastern Alabama, flowing through the Florida Panhandle into Choctawhatchee Bay before finally emptying into the Gulf of Mexico. In 2016, a 60-river-mile stretch of the Choctawhatchee River in Florida was formally designated as the Choctawhatchee River Blueway, as part of the Florida Greenways and Trails System (Section 260.014, F.S.). This state-designated waterway and paddling trail begins at East Pittman Creek The Choctawhatchee River Landing near WINDS OVER State Road 2 in Holmes County and ends to the south at Cowford Landing, from southeastern State Road 20 near Ebro in Walton County. TO THE The Choctawhatchee floodplain is home to many native wildlife species and plays host to several endangered plant and animal species – including the federally threatened Gulf Sturgeon. This monster is known to jump completely out of the water at times – definitely a sight many have never seen. These pristine river wildlands are a birder’s paradise, where several species of woodpeckers, owls, little blue heron, ibis and other wading birds can be spotted. Not so long ago, the believed-to-beextinct ivory bill woodpecker was reported to have been sighted in these very backwater channels. Thirteen crystal clear springs feed the Choctawhatchee River as it meanders through a broad floodplain, bound by old growth hardwood forests. The river also offers excellent fishing. Anglers enjoy great success year-round with hauling in nice numbers of largemouth and striped bass, as well as bluegill and shellcracker. The river corridor consists primarily of undeveloped, protected lands managed by the Northwest Florida Water Management District, but the Blueway is maintained under a tri-county agreement which includes Washington, Holmes, and Walton counties. These Panhandle counties have worked with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection to identify maintenance obligations which will keep the trail open to non-motorized watercrafts while preserving the river’s natural aesthetics. Maintenance staff take care to cut and remove only what is necessary for safety but are careful to leave woody debris which contributes to quality underwater habitat for fish and aquatic insect species. There are 18 landings along the Blueway, not including Dead River Landing which can be accessed from a western tributary. All

150 MILES Alabama

Gulf of Mexico

Map: Florida Department of Environmental Protection

Map 1 of the Choctawhatchee River Blueway Paddling Trail shows Access Points 1 to 3. For maps of Points 4 to 15, visit www.dep.state. ﬂ.us/gwt/guide/designated_paddle/Choctawhatchee_guide.pdf

stops along the paddling trail have a boat launch, and many have a pavilion or picnic areas, bathrooms, and parking. There are a few primitive camping sites available at Dead River Landing and Boynton Cutoff. The remoteness of most access points is what many paddlers seek for the ideal wilderness adventure. However, shuttle to and from entry and exit points and navigation of the river will require some planning. The Blueway provides unique connections to the Florida Scenic Trail at Cowford Landing and to the 34-mile Holmes Creek Paddling Trail where the Choctawhatchee forks just north of Cowford Landing. Funding is currently being sought to place canoe/kayak racks and screened, elevated shelters at designated landings along the paddling trail. More information about the Choctawhatchee River Blueway, detailed maps and specific directions to the access points can be found online at the Florida Park Service Choctawhatchee Blueway Guide, www.dep.state.fl.us/gwt/guide/designated_paddle/Choctawhatchee_guide.pdf Photo opposite page: Boaters arrive at Morrison Springs Landing in the eastern part of Walton County. Photo by Kristal Walsh SEPTEMBER 2017 • 21

CONSERVATION

SAVING THE SOUTHEASTERN KESTREL Florida raptors thrive in longleaf pines BY ARLO KANE Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Landowner Assistance Program PANAMA CITY, FLA. – As a kid growing up in Oregon, I remember looking out the car window on road trips, watching red-tailed hawks sitting on fence post after fence post, lining the old farm fields. They were waiting and watching for their next meal. When I moved to Florida as an adult, I missed the red-tailed hawks but enjoyed seeing another raptor, the American kestrel, although you are more likely to see it on powerlines than fence posts. The kestrel is not really a hawk but rather a falcon with long, pointed wings and sleek bodies. Thirteen species of kestrels can be found around the world, but only one, the American kestrel, resides in the western hemisphere. Biologists further divided the American kestrel into 17 subspecies, and one of those is the non-migratory southeastern American kestrel, found primarily in Florida. The northern subspecies is a migrant and winter visitor to Florida. Telling them apart is difficult outside of the breeding season, when only the southeastern American kestrel resides in Florida. Kestrels breed from March through July, so if you see one during that time, it is a southeastern American kestrel. The kestrel measures only 9 to 12 inches tall, which may be why it was once called the sparrow hawk. Insects, anoles, and skinks are the prime targets for kestrels in Florida. Although they will take an occasional sparrow, birds are not a prime target for these raptors. One study in Florida found they had a fond taste for lizards. Kestrels hunt from perches or by gliding and hovering. They will spend time on telephone poles or wires, watching for prey, then pounce. They don’t chase small birds long distances like some other raptors, so they won’t hurt your bobwhite population. They prefer short grass fields where they can see their prey easily and open longleaf pine stands that they can easily fly through. Kestrels are not forest raptors. Instead, they tend to be associated with early successional open canopied grasslands. The longleaf pine savannas, sandhills, dry prairies and scrub are favored natural habitats. They are also known to use parks, golf courses, pastures and orange groves because of the open habitat structure. But it is the longleaf pine-wiregrass community that is most associated with the southeastern American kestrel in Florida. It is the open-canopied, low-density longleaf pine grasslands – not longleaf planted in dense forests – that provide the best habitat for southeastern American kestrels. DWINDLING NUMBERS: A CALL FOR HELP The southeastern American kestrel is in trouble. This subspecies has experienced the greatest declines of all North American Kestrel populations. Estimates show that the southeastern American kestrel has declined 82 percent to 95 percent 22 • HOOK & TRIGGER

The longleaf pine savannas, sandhills, dry prairies and scrub are favored natural habitats of the Southeastern American kestrel.

in Florida over the last 50 years. Once found in seven southeastern states, it now resides mostly in Florida, with a few scattered populations in South Carolina and Georgia. Kestrels, like other birds included in the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, are federally protected. So, it begs the question: why are they declining? Well, like many, if not most species of wildlife, habitat loss is the number one cause of decline. The longleaf pine-wiregrass community has been replaced over large areas by dense pine plantations, row crops, pastures, and urban sprawl. Restoring the open grassland-dominated, low density longleaf pine savannas is critical to restoring kestrel populations in Florida. Agricultural fields and pastures could fill the early successional structure, but lack the most important feature: longleaf pine snags (a dead or dying tree). Kestrels are secondary cavity nesters. They need snags with cavities hollowed out by woodpeckers – who are built for excavating cavities, unlike raptors. Longleaf snags last longer than snags from other species of pine and so provide better nesting opportunities. Nest boxes on poles and trees will help in pastures, agricultural fields and other open habitats without snags. In fact, a nest box pilot project started in 2009 by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission in central Florida increased a local population by fivefold. TAKING ACTION: HOW TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE The FWC, as part of the Species Action Plan for southeastern American kestrels, has proposed 10 kestrel management units (KMUs) for the state. KMU 1 is located in the western panhandle and is the only unit proposed for the panhandle. One of the action items in the plan is to install, maintain, and monitor nest boxes on public and privately managed lands in the peninsula and then expand that scope into a statewide Southeastern American Kestrel Monitoring Partnership (SAKMP). For private land, the first step is to get landowners with open habitats to install nest boxes. The American Kestrel Partnership, which is a project of the Peregrine Fund, has more than 600 partners monitoring over 1,400 nests from Alaska to Argentina. A quick look at a map of their cooperators shows that there are no partners located in the Florida panhandle. For those interested in helping this majestic bird, you may want to look into their program. You can even sponsor a box for a donation if you don’t want to install your own box. For those so inclined, you can find designs to build your own nest box at http://myfwc.com/wildlifehabitats/profiles/ birds/raptors-and-vultures/american-kestrel/ The southeastern American kestrel is a state-listed, threatened

Photos: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

The Southeastern American kestrel is found primarily in Florida. Its population has declined upwards of 90 percent in the last 50 years, but restoring longleaf pine savannas can help them.

species. As such, they and their nests are protected. Recently the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services developed agriculture and forestry Wildlife Best Management Practices for state imperiled species. The kestrel was one of 16 species featured in these BMPs. The best management practices for kestrels include: leaving snags where they do not pose a safety risk, avoiding felling known nest trees, and avoiding prolonged heavy equipment operation (generally in excess of one day) within 490 feet of active and visible nests from March to June. It is also a good idea to rake around snags before conducting prescribed burns to prevent them from burning. How can you help restore southeastern American kestrels? By restoring your land to a more open, low-density pine habitat or installing nest boxes in pastures and agricultural fields. Cost share programs through USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service programs can help offset the cost of conducting habitat restoration and installing nest boxes. Contact your Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Landowner Assistance Program biologist or local NRCS District Conservationist for more information. Photo opposite page: Kestrel nest boxes on poles and trees help in open habitats that don’t have sufficient snags. Photo by FWC SEPTEMBER 2017 • 23

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