CAMP LIKE A GIRL - P.4
Edinboro Lake
Story inside page 8
For Grouse, It Starts with Habitat OV Outdoor Times
Something happened in southeast Ohio in the early 1980s, something that will likely never happen again in this generation or the next. For seemingly inexplicable reasons, the By Ralph Scherder grouse population ex- Hunting Editor ploded. Hunter reports of three to four flushes an hour, and more, were common. Most hunters bagged their limit after only a couple of hours afield, and they did so day after day. Compare that with reports from last year’s 40 cooperating grouse hunters who averaged 28 flushes per 100 hours hunted, or just two flushes per day. Not per hour. Per day. It begs the question: what happened to Ohio’s ruffed grouse population? First, let’s look at why grouse populations boomed in the 1970s and 1980s. The number of farms in the United States peaked at around 7 million in the 1930s and dropped to around 2 million by 2000 and has been holding steady ever since. According to the Economic History Association, the rate of decline was sharpest
Ohio Valley
Outdoor Times October 2017
during the 1950s and 1960s, and for almost two decades thereafter, much of that farmland was left to nature, and those lovely little orchards and pastures grew up into prime small game habitat. In southeast Ohio, and many agricultural areas throughout the Great Lakes Region, that translated into lots of grouse. Since that boom in the early 1980s, grouse populations have steadily declined, finally bottoming out the last few years. This decline can be directly associated with one determining factor – most of eastern Ohio is no longer suitable grouse habitat. The forest supports populations of whitetails and turkeys just fine, but not grouse. Trees have been allowed to grow past maturity, and any cutting that has taken place hasn’t been enough. Five or 10 acres here and there every 10 years isn’t going to bring back the grouse population. For grouse to have a chance, we have to get radical with our logging practices. Habitat loss and degradation are the main factors affecting ruffed grouse populations, according to a 2001 study by Daniel Dessecker and Daniel McAuley. They write that “ongoing ruffed grouse research in 7 Appalachian states has documented relatively high nest success (69%), yet very low chick survival (25%) to age 5 weeks. Declines in young forest habitats and the isolation of these habitats in some landscapes may be limiting ruffed grouse and woodcock recruitment and therefore population densities” (Wildlife Society Bulletin). Turn To Grouse Page 3
FR EE!
Ohio Valley Outdoors–Photo by Bill Hall, Jr.
As archery deer season opens in this region Bill Hall, Sr. managed to harvest this beautiful 10-point buck on September 30 in Franklin County, Ohio. His son, Bill Hall, Jr. was hunting with his father and they green scored the buck at 152 1/8”. Hall, Jr. also helped his niece, Hannah Hall, score a nice 8-point buck in the same county.
INSIDE THIS MONTH
OHIO VALLEY OUTDOOR TIMES
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16
Sharing Their Stories...One Camp at a Time
Lake Erie Walleye and Perch Hatches Released
A Wide Spectrum of Fishing at Edinboro Lake
PA Archery Season Opens
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Larry Claypool
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Jeff Knapp
10-11
PAGC
WV’s Archery and Crossbow Seasons Open
OVO’s Parker Crossbow Reader Contest
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ODNR
WVDNR
Vodrey, Winterburn Honored by ODNR ODNR
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A Mandatory Pheasant Permit in PA
OUTDOOR CALENDAR
Turkey Shoots - Each Sunday, 1 p.m. at Tri-State Coonhunters Club, 2601 Irish Ridge Road, East Liverpool, OH. $2 per round, shoot 10 rounds. $5 round at end. Any gun with open sights or scopes. Up to 640 choke. Call William Dalrymple at 330-385-8822. Old Fashion Style Turkey Shoot - Each Sunday until further notice at Beaver Creek Sportsman Club, 14480 Washingtonville Road, Washingtonville, OH. Field stock guns, .680 choke max., scopes permitted, meat and money rounds, shooting 60’. $3 per round, 1 p.m. start time. For info. contact Tom Brunner 330-692-6577 or email:tbrunner1020@gmail.com. Turkey Shoots - Each Sunday at 1 p.m. at Tri-State Coonhunters and Sportsmen’s Club, 2601 Irish Ridge Rd., East Liverpool, OH 43920. $2 per round, shoot 10 rounds, $5 round at end. Club phone: 330-386-3220. For info. call William Dalrymple at 330-385-8822. Gun Show by Mahoning Valley Gun Collectors - Dec. 9-10 (9 a.m. - 4 p.m.) at Lowellville Rod and Gun Club. Admission $4, vendor tables $25. Buy, sell, trade. Free appraisals, free parking. GPS address 6225 Quarry Road, Lowellville, OH. For info. call Bill at 330-506-9194.
Ohio Valley
What’s your story? We all have a story. Some like to keep that story close to their heart. Others are still writing that story. Ginny McKinney doesn’t mind sharing her story with others. She did that with me By Larry Claypool last week during the Editor Camp Like a Girl event at Beaver Creek State Park campground. See my article on Page 4. Sharing parts of our life history in conversation is done for a few different reasons. For McKinney it’s been part of the grieving process after her husband of several years died suddenly of a heart attack in 2013. McKinney said she couldn’t sit still and weep in her sorrows. She had to take action. She did that. First by taking a three-month camping trip — by herself — in the mountains of Colorado. And several months later, after getting things in order — sort of — she purchased a bigger camper and pickup truck to “hit the road”. For two years! By herself! She tells the story that she crisscrossed the United States, hitting campground after campground, town after town working on what she would later call her “passport to joy”, in reference to a book she read about the women’s adventure camping group called Sisters on the Fly. McKinney has shared her story with many people while sitting by a campfire in countless zip codes. Her two-year traveling stint alone expired in 2016, but she continues to blaze a trail in her 30-foot Starcraft Launch Ultra Lite travel trailer. She also shares her activities — daily — online, via her personal blog on Facebook under the name of Marshmallow Ranch. (That’s another story.) While sharing her daily thoughts and ac-
October 2017
tivities online McKinney also pours her heart out to the audience — nearly 6,000 followers on Facebook and many more on her website blog ‘Marshmallow Ranch’ — as part of her own healing process. Many of her “followers” interact with her about personal experiences of their own, and McKinney responds to every comment. It’s her responsibility, she says. Being responsible, and active, on social media has offered an interesting boost to McKinney’s popularity, if you will, among many women, campers or not. The attention, and McKinney’s story, has not gone unnoticed. She’s been asked by a large publishing firm to share her story through a book (she’s finalizing that now), she’s been interviewed by the New York Times and Fox News of New York, she’s committed to writing several regular blogs on multiple websites, been featured on Go RVing.com (including many podcasts), has done many guest speaker engagements on various topics, has spoken at numerous events and more. McKinney said some of the blogs and speaking engagements pay money, but others do not. For that, she continues on — travelling the country, speaking to many and continues her journey to “joy”. McKinney said the story behind her ‘Marshmallow Ranch’ blog and Facebook name comes from a small home business she started in Colorado, not too long before her husband died. McKinney was crafting jewelry from spoons and maps in her home studio called, Marshmallow Ranch. “It was a catchy name, and people wonder what it is, so I kept it,” said McKinney. Read more about McKinney on her Facebook page, website (www.MarshmallowRanch.com), Sisters on the Fly website blog called Getting Bolder and Girl Camper podcast with friend Janine Pettit on Facebook.
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Outdoor Times October 2017
We All Have a Story OV Outdoor Times
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VOL. 9, NO. 10
Ohio Valley Outdoor Times
is published by Ohio Valley Outdoors Magazine©
Offices located at
210 E. 4th Street, East Liverpool, OH 43920 Phone 330-385-2243, Fax 330-385-7114 ohvod@ohiovalleyoutdoors.com www.ohiovalleyoutdoors.com
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October 2017
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$400 400 OFF F Ohio Valley Outdoors–Photo by Ralph Scherder
The habitat supports all types of wildlife, including grouse, but will we see Pennsylvania’s state bird eventually rebound to its previous glory.
Early successional habitat is vital to chick survival for a number of reasons, primarily food, shelter, and protection from predators. Another study done in 1963 by Ward M. Sharp found that the average lifespan of a clear-cut for brood use was 7-8 years. The 13-year study was conducted in the Barrens in Centre County, PA, and involved various stages and types of cuttings on a 735-acre tract. There are two other findings from this study that are particularly interesting. First, beginning in 1951 (only one year after habitat management began), 7 grouse broods used the managed part of the area. In 1952, 10 broods. In 1953, 16 broods. In 1954, 10 broods. And in 1955, an amazing 21 broods! By comparison, in the area that was left unmanaged and with no habitat improvements, from 1951-1955, those numbers were only 3,2,2,3, and 3 broods, respectively. The second finding of note is that all cutting was completed after the first few years of the study. No cutting was done during the last seven years. It’s no wonder that brood populations dropped from an early average of 18 to only 9 from 1956 to 1962 – the average during the last four years was only 7 broods. Even after it peaked for brood use, the habitat remained good for adult birds for several more years. In fact, adult grouse can survive just fine in heavily-canopied forests, but like any population, reproduction and recruitment are crucial for survival of the species. When those adult birds are picked off by avian predators, hunters, or simply die of old age, there won’t be any young birds to replace them, and that’s exactly what’s happening in our woods today. The timber industry has been just as much of an indicator about the health of our grouse population as anything. Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, commercial logging was sparse and huge tracts of forestland were allowed to grow beyond maturity. A Grouse From Page 1
Turn To Grouse Page 7
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Sharing Their Stories... One Camp at a Time OV Outdoor Times
“Girl campers...we go places, and we do things.” Those were the words of Janine Pettit, as told by her friend Ginny McKinney. Pettit and McKin- By Larry Claypool ney are frequent Editor campers who travel across this country in pull-along travel campers and share their exploits with others, mostly via social media, and by the campfire, of course. Pettit is nationally known for sharing her camping and travelling stories in her blog — featured on GoRVing.com — and her personal website (www.GirlCamper.com) and podcasts. McKinney writes a daily, faith-based blog, called Marshmallow Ranch, both on Facebook and her website (www.marshmallowranch.com). She also writes a branded series (Getting Bolder) on the Sisters on the Fly blog. McKinney was in this region recently
— yes camping — at Beaver Creek State Park’s campground, near East Liverpool. She was taking part in a ‘Camp Like a Girl’ event at the nationally recognized scenic park. Pettit was scheduled to make the trip to Ohio from her New Jersey home, but had to cancel at the last minute. The Camp Like a Girl group was started by Pettit about five years ago. The ‘girl campers’ group is patterned like the international women’s group, ‘Sisters on the Fly’, which both Pettit and McKinney are members of. About Sisters on the Fly: (From their website - www.sistersonthefly.com) It’s the largest outdoor women’s group in the United States. The membership-based community supports women in their efforts to experience the outdoors with a style, color, and passion that’s unique to Sisters on the Fly. The organization fosters a network of 9,000+ women and an impressive calendar of events that take place all over the country, year round. Turn To Camp Page 5
October 2017
Ohio Valley Outdoors - Photo by Larry Claypool
Ginny McKinney (left) and Gail Bable look for sundry items in Bable’s Aliner Alite camper while it’s parked at the Beaver Creek State Park campground near East Liverpool during a recent Camp Like a Girl event. Bable is the Camp Host at the state park.
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October 2017
Camp From Page 4
“Sister-activities” include everything from fly fishing to horseback riding, camping, hiking, wine tasting and most famously, restoring and touring vintage campers. As a much smaller group, the Camp Like a Girl group is less structured than the ‘big Sisters’ group. Twenty-seven campers pulled their personal travel campers, vintage campers, tents or SUVs into the Beaver Creek campground in late September. The Beaver Creek event was hosted by Girl Camper Gail Bable, who leads the “Ohio Campers”, as Pettit calls them. Bable also is the Camp Host at Beaver Creek State Park during the spring and summer months. A job she’s done for the past four years. She lives in nearby Negley, Ohio. Bable has a lot of experience camping at Beaver Creek. “I’ve camped with my family here since I was 10 years old. I just love it,” said Bable. As Camp Host for ‘the Girls’, Bable does most of the planning for the Ohiobased event at Beaver Creek. She plans events, craft projects, games, themed meals, outings, local trips and more for the group.
OHIO VALLEY OUTDOOR TIMES
“Gail knows how to plan. She’s so crafty, and has a heart the size of Texas. She’s just good people,” said McKinney, who now hails from Macfarlan, WV. The Beaver Creek event featured crafts, local shopping trips, an apple orchard tour, grist mill and Pioneer Village tour, hikes, nightly campfires, special food nights and several programs (fly fishing instruction, night hike, archery and honey bee demonstration) offered by Beaver Creek ODNR Naturalist Mike Mainhart. The word ‘camping’ can mean a lot of different things to many people. Most of us have done some sort of camping in our lifetime. There are; adventure campers, dry campers, backpacking campers, canoe campers, reenactment campers, social campers, glamping campers and more. Note: the glamping style is not in these ladies’ vocabulary. I would put this group in the ‘social campers’ category. But know this, these ladies do all of the work by themselves. Some call it an empowerment adventure group, and for good reason. Setting up and tearing down a travel camper and campsite would be included in that description, especially without the help of a spouse or family members. Turn To Camp Page 6
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Ohio Valley Outdoors - Photo by Larry Claypool
Gina Corbin, of Columbus, OH, tries her hand at fly fishing under the instruction of Craig Wetzel during the Camp Like a Girl event in late September at Beaver Creek State Park.
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Camp From Page 5
“Women used to be quilting or canning. That’s how they bonded. And they had no social life,” said McKinney. “This camping, on so many fronts, is helping so many women. “There’s two schools of thought here; some of these women camped as a child or always wanted to camp and never got the opportunity. And here they are,” added McKinney. Camping has taken on a different perspective for McKinney. She has a great story to tell. It’s a sad story that she’s turned around — sacrificing her ego along the way. Camping and being on the road has morphed into a coping mechanism for her to deal with the tragic death of her husband. It was four years ago that McKinney called 911 from a camping trailer dealership for her husband, who later died in the hospital of a massive heart attack. They were looking through campers to purchase one and tour the country together in an RV. McKinney said they were in the fourth camper on the lot when her husband, Dan, took ill. Two weeks after her husband’s funeral, McKinney went back to the camping trailer dealership and purchased a
OHIO VALLEY OUTDOOR TIMES
16’ camper. Shortly after that, in the spring of 2013, she went on a “threemonth junket” in the Colorado mountains. At the time they had lived in western Colorado. “That began my grieving,” she said. “I was by myself. Stood on top of the mountain, coyotes howling in a distance from the left and the right. I stood there, screaming ‘God why did you take my husband?’ and then I yelled at Dan, ‘why did you leave me?’” The following summer McKinney decided to sell her house, most of her belongings and purchased a bigger 30’ camper, a new truck and hit the road. For two years she crisscrossed the United States, joining the Sisters on the Fly, camping and telling her story to many along the way. Another outlet that has served McKinney well in dealing with her grief, and loneliness, was starting a personal blog (Marshmallow Ranch on Facebook) to help tell her story. She shares her thoughts daily on the blog. And the interaction she’s received from her readers have been both healing and inspirational. McKinney said she’s met many of her readers in person, as she canvasses the country. Some of those she’s met at
October 2017
Ohio Valley Outdoors - Photo by Larry Claypool
Alexis Dowding, of East Liverpool, OH, lines up a bow and arrow during the Camp Like a Girl event at Beaver Creek State Park in late September.
Camp Like a Girl events. One local camper at the Beaver Creek event said she found out about the ‘Girls’ recently through one of Pettit’s podcasts. “It was podcast number 43,”
said Alexis Dowding of East Liverpool, OH. “I looked forward to coming here after listening to that podcast. I grew up yard camping, tent camping at state Turn To Camp Page 7
October 2017
Grouse From Page 3
potential reason for this is that only 14% of the timberland in the eastern U.S. is in public ownership. Studies have shown that privately-owned land is much less likely to be timbered. As of 1988, early successional habitat required by ruffed grouse made up only 8% of the timberland in the Northeast, and as Dessecker and McAuley write, “declines in young forest are the result of changing management objectives and techniques, changing attitudes of landowners, a decline in farm abandonment, increased fire suppression, and increased urbanization.” In recent years, biologists have looked to other factors such as West Nile Virus as a cause for grouse population declines. While that may play a small part, the key to grouse survival – as well as the survival of dozens of other species which are also declining – is early successional habitat, which according to the Pennsylvania Game Commission (PGC) is at a 50-year low. In a recent PGC press release, Lisa Williams, a PGC game birds biologist, states that Pennsylvania lost about 30% of its young forest between 1980 and 2005, and declines continue. Similar patterns are happening in Ohio. The PGC, DCNR, Ruffed Grouse Soci-
OHIO VALLEY OUTDOOR TIMES
ety, and other agencies and organizations are trying to turn this trend around, but there’s only so much they can do. Eventually, private landowners in Pennsylvania and Ohio have to step up to the plate, too. If we know that grouse and other wildlife populations are suffering because of a lack of early successional habitat, then why aren’t we promoting more and better logging practices? In short, our battle isn’t just with the bureaucrats in government. It’s also with the general, non-hunting public, and many times with those in our own ranks. We appreciate forests for their aesthetic value rather than their ability to sustain wildlife. We need to change our thinking and support and promote timbering on public and private lands. It effects more than just grouse, too. Over-mature forests with very little ground cover are especially susceptible to deforestation by whitetails. Eventually, even turkeys and other wildlife stop using them, and you end up with a stand of pole timber that harbors nothing but shade. When a forest isn’t managed properly, it sets off a chain reaction that negatively effects the whole ecosystem. Forest management defies modern day
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society’s demand for instant results. Rather, it’s a long term investment, and in order for it to be effective and produce sustainable results, we must continue investing for many years. The benefit is habitat that supports all types of wildlife, and eventually we’ll see the ruffed grouse rebound to its previous glory. It’s a long journey, but it will be worth it.
Camp From Page 6
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parks and family camping. I joined the ‘meet-up’ about eight days ago. It’s amazing, the different things they do.” Pettit’s podcast #43 featured an interview with Beaver Creek’s Bable about her hosting the campsites and Camp Like a Girl events. It was taped in August of 2016. The fact that Pettit’s podcast originated more than a year ago proves the worth of social media for groups like Sisters on the Fly and Camp Like a Girl. Pettit has done 103 podcasts to date, all with different topics related to girl campers, camping, equipment and the outdoors. Bable said many of the campers she’s welcomed to the group, and her campsite, found them through social media. McKinney agreed that social media helps drive her blog posts, and keeps her motivated. So much that she posts her Facebook blog each day at 4:00 a.m. “Yes, I’ve had women say it’s like reading ‘Dear Abby’ every day. They get up, get their coffee and read what I have to say,” said McKinney. And McKinney, and ‘the girls’, will continue to go places and do things...sharing their stories along the way.
OHIO VALLEY OUTDOOR TIMES
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A Wild Spectrum of Fishing at Edinboro Lake days of inclement weather. Happily, some of the lake’s best fishing occurs during autumn, when the lake is less busy. Edinboro contains a wild spectrum of panfish and larger gamefish. Panfish species include black crappies, yellow perch, bluegills and pumpkinseed. Bass are present in good numbers, particularly largemouths, though some quality-sized smallmouths also call the lake home. The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission stocks walleyes on a regular basis, resulting in a decent population of this species. The lake is also well noted for a solid musky population – again maintained by the Fish and Boat Commission – and it receives plenty of attention for the musky fishing fraternity. Unlike some northwestern Pennsylvania glacial lakes, which are somewhat featureless, sandy-bottomed depressions where submerged weedbeds provide the main “edge habitat,” Edinboro has a variety of cover and structure options for its various finned inhabitants.
OV Outdoor Times
Located in southern Erie County (Pennsylvania), Edinboro Lake is a fine destination for fisherman of many pursuits. It boasts a good variety of warmwater species – muskies in particular By Jeff Knapp – making it a great Fishing Editor spot to try out this fall. For the angler that works his or her boat up one of the many fingers feeding the lake, the place is refreshingly wild. By contrast, Edinboro Lake is located right next to the town of the same name, one that contains a thriving state university and the busy commerce such institutions help support. Interstate 79 passes just a couple of miles to the west. With no horsepower limitations, the lake sees plenty of recreational boating traffic, including jet skies. Anglers hoping for the best fishing experience should choose times that are least likely to intersect with the boating crowd. This includes the early- to mid-morning period, and
Turn To Edinboro Page 9 •
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October 2017
Ohio Valley Outdoors–Photo by Jeff Knapp
PA’s expert angler Dave Lehman admires a nice Edinboro Lake largemouth bass.
October 2017
Edinboro From Page 8
There is plenty of weedgrowth, at a level well in balance with the overall acreage of the lake. During the summer and early fall months, you will find areas of floating weeds in the form of spatterdock and floating lilies. By fall, though, a great deal of this shallow water floating weedgrowth will be gone, or in the process of dying off. The lake has its share of quality submergent vegetation as well. This includes stands of pondweed and milfoil that grow out to depths of eight to 10 feet. As you’d expect, when weeds extend out to such depths, the lake’s water is relatively clear. In addition to the floating and submergent weed cover, Edinboro has its plenty of submerged stumps. Like most of the natural lakes in the area, a low-head dam is present on outflow. The dam, which was constructed decades ago, elevated the lake elevation a few feet, and maintains the lake at a stable level. Stumps, the remaining evidence of the trees that once stood along the lake’s original shoreline, lie just under the surface in many areas, and are particularly attractive to Edinboro’s largemouths. From the air, Edinboro is shaped much
OHIO VALLEY OUTDOOR TIMES
like and inverted pear, one where someone sliced a few slivers from the slender end. These slices, on the lake, are a series of ditches and canals that feed the lake from its northern end. Most of these are surprisingly deep (three to five feet in many areas), given that you can easily cast from one side to the other. Just south of Edinboro’s northern watery fingers is a large, shallow flat that features floating vegetation throughout much of the warmer months. As the shallow weeds die off, many of the bass that were using this shallow cover will relocate to remaining deeper weeds that rim much of the lake out to the eight to 10-foot depths. An irregular shoreline that features three significant points lies along the eastern shoreline. Stumps are present up in the shallows, particularly in the shallow bays tucked back inside the points. Some rocks can be found there, too, especially the bank stabilizing rip-rap where Route 99 comes close to the lake shore. Along with plenty of weed edges, there are numerous laydowns in Conneauttee Creek, which is the lake’s outlet. Docks are also present in this area, but many will be gone for the season by now.
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WV’s Small Game, Trapping Seasons Open
SOUTH CHARLESTON, WV — West Virginia’s various small game hunting and trapping seasons will soon be underway, and wildlife biologists from the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources are predicting good opportunities for success. Ruffed grouse season begins Oct. 14 and ends Feb. 28. Hunters should look for grouse in five- to 20-year-old timber cuts with abundant soft mast producers like hawthorn, dogwood, greenbrier and grapes. The daily bag limit is four. Raccoon hunting season opens Oct. 14 and ends Feb. 28. Hunters with hounds should experience success similar to last year, provided they pay attention to river bottom areas near favored food sources. The daily bag limit is four per hunter or groups of hunters. Cottontail rabbit numbers appear stable in quality habitat, such as old field and brier thickets. Numerous opportunities should be available this season, which runs Nov. 4 through Feb. 28. The daily bag limit is five. Hunting seasons for snowshoe hare, bobwhite quail, bobcat and red and gray foxes open Nov. 4. Hunters should check
the hunting regulations summary for specific closing dates for each species. Red and gray fox night hunting will begin Jan. 1 and run through Feb. 28. Trapping seasons for red and gray foxes, raccoon, mink, muskrat, coyote, skunk, opossum and weasel open Nov. 4 and close Feb. 28. Populations look good on all species, and trappers should see more animals available due to a low harvest last year and a relatively mild winter. Bobcat, fisher, beaver and otter seasons open Nov. 4. Trappers should check the 2017-18 regulations summary for the closing dates for each species. These species must be electronically registered within 30 days of the close of season.
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OHIO VALLEY OUTDOOR TIMES
A Mandatory Pheasant Permit is the New Norm in PA OV Outdoor Times
Truth be told, I start very few of my hunting stories, either verbal or written, with the words, “I remember when…” As a lifelong Pennsylvania hunter, there is one clear exception, By Col.(Ret.)Grey D. Berrier II and that is pheasant. FIN Pro Staff I started hunting in 1975 at 12 years of age and back then a wild, self-sustaining pheasant population existed in much of PA. In fact, they were fairly common where we lived and hunted in eastern PA at the time. Now for anyone under 45-years-old, you may find this hard to believe, but when I was a young hunter, we encountered pheasants on a regular basis and seeing a single wild turkey was a rarity. Today, the tables have completely turned and I see wild turkeys on almost a daily basis, while it has become a big deal when I observe a solitary pheasant, outside of
recently stocked birds foolishly walking along the road. If you ask me how I feel about pheasants, the emotion it elicits would probably best be described as bittersweet, since it simultaneously makes me both happy and sad. Pheasants bring back thoughts of good times afield with my dad, grandfather, uncles, and cousins each fall. One of my fondest hunting memories of my maternal grandfather, Sherman Kline, was watching him down two fast-flying ring-necked cockbirds as we drove a patch of head-high goldenrod toward him and eight pheasants suddenly erupted heading his way. Though I was over 100 yards away, I could hear his Sears Ted Williams 16-gauge pump shotgun bark twice in rapid succession as the two beautiful birds suddenly folded in mid-flight and tumbled to the ground. That experience, near Pleasant Corners in Lehigh County, PA, still runs through my mind on a regular basis and Turn To Pheasant Page 13
October 2017
Ohio Valley Outdoors–Photo by Larry Claypool
A PA pheasant permit is now required for all adult and senior hunters, including senior lifetime license holders, for the upcoming PA Pheasant seasons, which opens October 21. This file photo of Gregg Ludwig and his dogs was taken at Four Seasons Game Bird Farm in Valencia, PA.
OHIO VALLEY OUTDOOR TIMES
October 2017
Pheasant From Page 12
epitomizes what pheasant hunting used to be like. On the other side of the emotional coin, I can remember heading down a country road only 400 yards from my parents’ home when I was 16 and stopping to count a flock of wild pheasants foraging in a harvested cornfield after a recent February snowfall. The fact we counted 43 cocks and hens in that large, wild, winter flock is burned in my memory and solicits sadness when I think back and realize I’ll probably never see another flock of wild pheasants like that again in my lifetime, not in PA. The fact is, that former cornfield has been a housing subdivision for the past 25 years and with the ongoing suburban sprawl in Lehigh Valley, most of the places we used to hunt pheasants are now housing plans, strip malls, or industrial parks. Yes, pheasants bring back bittersweet memories for me. From frequent conversations with many senior hunters, I’ve learned that pheasant hunting was also much better in western PA and Ohio back in “the good old days”. I’ve heard stories of quality pheasant hunting around Austintown, Ohio where ongoing development
has pretty much choked out any possibility of that ever happening again. The reasons for the alarming decline of wild pheasant populations in both Pennsylvania and Ohio are multi-fold. Near the top of the list is the ongoing loss of available, suitable habitat. Couple that with an evolution in farming practices: clearer fields (less stubble), improved harvesting equipment (less waste grain), earlier harvesting of hay crops (potentially destroying pheasant nests), increased use of herbicides (less weed-choked areas), and fewer hedgerows, along with an increase in four-legged (lower prices = fewer trappers) and winged predators; to make wild, self-sustaining pheasant populations a rarity in only a few isolated pockets. Much like trout fishing in the vast majority of PA, pheasant hunting has become a “put-and-take” resource in the Commonwealth dependent upon the stocking of hatchery-raised birds. While these birds do not have the long tail feathers of native birds and lack the savviness and hardiness of their wildraised relatives, they still provide opportunities for thousands of PA resident and nonresident hunters to experience the thrill of pheasant hunting. There’s al-
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John Forbes Jr. 11-pt., compound bow Morgan County, PA
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Dexter May, age 8 23lb, 9.5 in. beard Columbiana County, OH
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ways that unexpected, emotional jolt when a cackling rooster suddenly jumps from cover and takes flight at top speed to elude a hunter. Like everything, raising pheasants takes money and raising lots of pheasants on a large-scale to stock all across the state takes lots of money. With the ever-spiraling upward costs associated with raising pheasants, the PA Game Commission was forced to make some difficult decisions for the 2017-18 hunting seasons. First, they closed two of their four existing pheasant farms. Second, they eliminated their day-old chick and egg programs that provided stock to conservation organizations with approved propagation facilities. Third, they announced that for the upcoming 2017-18 pheasant seasons, they will be stocking approximately 170,000 birds across the Commonwealth, down from the 200,000 pheasants they reared and released in 2016. Finally, they are placing the costs of future pheasant rearing and stocking on the backs of pheasant hunters with the implementation of a mandatory $26.90 PA pheasant permit. A PA pheasant permit is now required for all adult and senior hunters, including senior lifetime license holders, for the upcoming PA Pheasant seasons,
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which open on October 21. The PA pheasant season opens and closes, running: (1) October 21 through November 25; (2) December 11-23; and (3) December 26 through February 28, 2018. Consult the PA 2017-18 Hunting & Trapping digest to know which Wildlife Management Units permit the harvesting of both cocks and hens and which WMUs are restricted to taking males only. Junior hunters, ages 12 through 16, are exempt from the mandatory pheasant permit requirement. Over time, PA fishermen have grown accustomed to the requirement to purchase a separate trout-salmon permit to pursue stocked trout. Now, PA hunters will have to adjust to bearing the cost of pheasant propagation by purchasing their mandatory $26.90 pheasant permits. The last time I recently checked, less than 5% of individuals purchasing their PA 2017-18 hunting licenses purchased a pheasant permit. That number will surely rise as we get closer to the October 21st opener and hunters have had some additional time to ponder the potential return on their $26.90 investment. So far, I’ve held out on buying my pheasant permit, since it’s been alTurn To Pheasant Page 14
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OHIO VALLEY OUTDOOR TIMES
Vodrey, Winterburn Honored by ODNR
COLUMBUS, OH — The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) recently awarded its highest honor to an individual who has made outstanding contributions to the protection and enjoyment of the state’s natural resources. Jackman Vodrey was inducted into the Ohio Natural Resources Hall of Fame. Other Hall of Fame recipients this year include Jack Fishburn, owner of Cardinal Shooting Center in Marengo, and Bob and Hope Taft, former governor and first lady of Ohio. Vodrey has spent more than 40 years advocating for the conservation of lands along the Little Beaver Creek Wild and Scenic River. As owner of Beaverkettle Farms, he has placed more than 1,600 acres of conservation easements on his lands to further protect the area. Vodrey has hosted numerous hikes, canoe floats, clean-ups and other educational activities, including the annual Max Gard hike. Fishburn has turned his small shooting range into one of the largest private ranges in the world, complete with campground, retail space and the ability to host national shooting championships
here in Ohio. Fishburn has been instrumental in furthering the mission of shooting sports, promoting outdoors education and providing generations of Ohioans with a way to connect and grow in appreciation of the great outdoors. Former Ohio Gov. Bob Taft and Ohio First Lady Hope Taft have a long history of public service in Ohio, and they have spent much of their time on conservation efforts in our state to preserve natural resources for future generations. Both have led efforts specifically in the Little Miami River region, to create the Little Miami Scenic Trail, and they founded the Little Miami River Kleeners, a group who maintains the river. ODNR also presented its annual Cardinal Award for conservation achievement to Gary Winterburn, manager of Beaverkettle Farms. Jane Beathard, outdoor news reporter, the Wilds and Ducks Unlimited have also been chosen to receive this reward. Winterburn’s management of more than 4,000 acres of land surrounding Little Beaver Creek has always kept the State and Nationally Designated Wild and Scenic River in mind to reduce ero-
sion from trails and logging practices. Winterburn has planted thousands of trees, organized clean-up activities and written books on the history and importance of the area “so that future generations may enjoy the pleasures that were taken for granted by generations of the past.” Beathard is one of the state’s most prolific outdoor writers, covering topics from Ohio’s forests, parks, natural areas, wildlife and water issues. Because of her efforts over the years, more people are encouraged to get outside and to enjoy the wide range of tremendous natural assets found throughout Ohio. The Wilds is built on reclaimed coal mine land. This land has been used since the 1980s “to lead and inspire by connecting people and wildlife.” By highlighting environmental impacts to animals found in Africa and Asia, the Wilds also reminds us about environmental issues here at home. Ducks Unlimited’s efforts in Ohio span the entire state, from restoring depleted wetlands in the northwest, protecting intact wetlands in the northeast and conserving land along the vital Scioto River corridor. Through their Great Lakes Initiative, Ducks Unlimited addresses multiple habitat types and pro-
October 2017
vides abundant resources for breeding, migrating and wintering waterfowl. Additionally, their Big Rivers Initiative focuses on the restoration, enhancement and protection of wetlands used by millions of waterfowl as they migrate between wintering and breeding grounds each year. The Ohio Natural Resources Hall of Fame was established by ODNR in 1966. The award recognizes a lifetime devoted to the preservation, protection and wise management of Ohio’s natural resources. Pheasant From Page 13
most a decade since I’ve had a bird dog and during that span I’ve seldom harvested two birds in a season. Most likely, I’ll cave soon and shell out the money for the opportunity to take a shot or two at briskly fleeing pheasants. While pheasant hunting brings back bittersweet memories, they still taste just as good on the dinner table and I still get the same high-energy excitement from hunting pheasants. Chances are you do too, so please remember to get your new mandatory PA pheasant hunting permit before you head afield to pursue a cackling ringneck.
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Lake Erie Walleye and Perch Hatches Released
COLUMBUS, OH — Early data gathered by wildlife agencies in the western basin of Lake Erie indicate that both the walleye and yellow perch hatches were near their annual average, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR). Each year in August, wildlife agencies from around the western basin of Lake Erie sample the waters using bottom trawls in search of young of the year walleye and yellow perch. Data from these bottom trawls are combined into a basin-wide index, and fisheries biologists compare the figures to previous years to estimate the success of the walleye and yellow perch hatches. Biologists from the ODNR Division of Wildlife conducted bottom trawling surveys at nearly 40 sampling locations across Ohio waters of the western basin. This information provide biologists with an estimate of how many young fish will enter the fishable population two years later. Based upon results from the August trawl surveys, the 2017 yellow perch
OHIO VALLEY OUTDOOR TIMES
hatch was successful in Ohio waters of the western basin. Initial results found 280 yellow perch per hectare compared to the 20-year average of 300 yellow perch per hectare. Five good yellow perch hatches in a row should help the perch population in the western basin continue to rebuild and lead to quality yellow perch fishing over the next several years. The 2017 walleye hatch was near the 20-year average in Ohio waters of the western basin. Average to excellent hatches from three of the past four years have resulted in an abundance of young walleye to complement the older and larger fish that make up the current Lake Erie walleye population. Results from Ohio’s surveys found 21 walleye per hectare. The average since 1998 is 22 walleye per hectare. During the upcoming months, Ohio and Ontario bottom trawl data will be combined to estimate the basin-wide hatches of walleye and yellow perch. These estimates will be used as part of the annual process to determine jurisdictional quotas. Information on the ODNR Division of Wildlife’s Lake Erie research and management programs, fisheries resources, fishing reports, and maps and links to
other Lake Erie web resources are available at wildohio.gov. ODNR ensures a balance between wise use and protection of our natural resources for the benefit of all. Visit the ODNR website at ohiodnr.gov.
WVDNR Releases 2017 Mast Survey and Hunting Outlook
ELKINS, WV — Hunters getting ready for the fall hunting seasons can now consult the 2017 Mast Survey and Hunting Outlook publication, available on the Division of Natural Resources’ website at www.wvdnr.gov. Since 1971, the Wildlife Resources Section of DNR, in cooperation with volunteers from numerous other agencies, has conducted a fall mast survey to determine the abundance of mast produced by 18 species of trees and shrubs. “The availability of fall foods has significant impacts on wildlife populations and harvests,” said Chris Ryan, supervisor of the Game Management Services of DNR’s Wildlife Resources Section. “Our biologists have used the mast survey data to demonstrate a strong correla-
October 2017
tion between mast conditions and deer, bear and turkey harvests. In addition to the impacts on harvests, the amount of food available each year can affect the reproductive success of numerous species which will affect population sizes in following years.” Production of acorns, walnuts, apples and hickory nuts is significantly higher than in 2016 and will have noticeable effects on the 2017-2018 hunting seasons. Most species produced mast well above the 46-year average. “It is very important for hunters to scout and consider the type and amount of food available in the areas they hunt,” Ryan said. “Hunters can find a wealth of facts in the Mast Survey and Hunting Outlook, and it should provide them valuable information before heading into the field.” The 2017 Mast Survey and Hunting Outlook may be found on the DNR website at www.wvdnr.gov under the Hunting section. Information analyzing mast conditions and wildlife harvests also is available on the website.
October 2017
Seth Utt 4lb., 19-in. largemouth bass Highlandtown Lake, OH
OHIO VALLEY OUTDOOR TIMES
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PHOTO SHOWCASE SPONSORED BY
Jason Pusatari 5x5 elk, bow Meeker, CO
Josh Tingler, with brother Erik 10.36lb, 23.5”, 19.5 girth largemouth bass Wood County, WV
Adam Sutherin black bear, 2017 New Hampshire
Courtney Wilkinson largemouth bass, private pond Columbiana County, OH
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Amber Ashbaugh 10-pt., 1st buck Carroll County, OH
Andrew Karpel 17-pt., 19" spread Summit County, OH
Mike Figley 15-pt., 22" inside spread Columbiana County, OH
We’ll print your hunting, fishing or trapping photos in the next issue of OV Times or Ohio Valley Outdoors magazine. Send photos via mail, email or Facebook. Email to: ohvod@ohiovalleyoutdoors.com Mail to: Photo Showcase 210 East Fourth St., East Liverpool, OH 43920
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PA Archery Season Opens
HARRISBURG, PA — Pennsylvania’s statewide archery deer season began September 30, and its return is prompting the Pennsylvania Game Commission to issue some helpful reminders. Archers statewide can hunt for antlered or antlerless deer from Sept. 30 to Nov. 11, and during the late archery deer season, which runs from Dec. 26 to Jan. 13. At the time of the statewide opener, archery hunters in three urbanized areas of the state will have had a two-week head start to their seasons. An early season for antlered and antlerless deer in Wildlife Management Units 2B, 5C and 5D kicked off on Sept. 16 and ends Nov. 25. Properly licensed bowhunters in WMUs 2B, 5C and 5D also may take antlered and antlerless deer during an extended late archery season, which runs from Dec. 26 to Jan. 28. Archery hunters may use long, recurve or compound bows, or crossbows. Bows must have a draw weight of at least 35 pounds; crossbows must have a minimum draw weight of 125 pounds.
OHIO VALLEY OUTDOOR TIMES
The Game Commission encourages hunters to spend as much time as possible afield this fall prior to and during the hunting seasons to pattern deer movements and identify areas where fall foods are abundant. “Food availability changes year to year based on a number of factors, and in areas where food is spotty, deer will move to find it,” said Game Commission Executive Director Bryan Burhans. Bowhunters are urged to take only responsible shots at deer to ensure a quick, clean kill. Archery and crossbow hunters should take only broadside or quartering away shots at deer within their maximum effective shooting range – the farthest distance from which a hunter can consistently place arrows or bolts into a pie pan-sized target. Hunters may use illuminated nocks for arrows and bolts; they aid in tracking or locating the arrow or bolt after being launched. However, transmittertracking arrows are illegal. Treestands and climbing devices that cause damage to trees are unlawful to use or occupy unless the user has written permission from the landowner. Hunters are reminded portable hunting treestands and blinds are not permitted on state game lands until two weeks
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before the opening of the archery deer season, and they must be removed no later than two weeks after the close of the flintlock and late archery deer seasons in the WMU being hunted. Treestands placed on state game lands also must be conspicuously marked with a durable identification tag that identifies the stand owner. Tags may include the owner’s name and address, the CID number that appears on the owner’s hunting license, or a unique identification number issued by the Game Commission. Identification numbers can be obtained at The Outdoor Shop on the Game Commission’s website.
Four Electronic Devices Approved for Hunting in PA
HARRISBURG, PA — The Pennsylvania Board of Game Commissioners recently gave final approval to a measure that makes four additional electronic devices lawful to use while hunting. It will take approximately six to eight weeks for the changes to become official. But once they do, hunters will be able to use electronic decoys in hunting
October 2017
waterfowl; electronic dove decoys used solely for hunting doves; electronically heated scent or lure dispensers; and electronic devices that distribute ozone gas for scent-control purposes. Electronic devices generally are prohibited for hunting use in Pennsylvania, but the Game Commission over the years has received requests to review several specific electronic devices, and has approved some of them for hunting use. Other electronic devices that are permitted for use while hunting or trapping in Pennsylvania are: · Firearms that use an electronic impulse to initiate discharge of their ammunition. · Electronic sound-amplification devices incorporated into hearing protection devices and completely contained within a hunter’s ear. · Electronic devices used for locating dogs while training and hunting. · Electronic illuminating devices affixed to the aft end of a bolt or arrow and used solely for locating or tracking a bolt or arrow after it is launched. · Electronic crow decoys used solely for hunting crows. · Electronic rangefinders, including handheld devices.
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October 2017
WV’s Archery and Crossbow Seasons Open
SOUTH CHARLESTON, WV — West Virginia’s 2017 archery and crossbow seasons for white-tailed deer, black bear and wild boar opened September 30. The archery and crossbow deer and boar seasons run through Dec. 31. The bear archery and crossbow season is a split season (Sept. 30 - Nov. 18 and Dec. 4 - Dec. 31) with the exception of Logan, McDowell, Mingo and Wyoming counties, in which the season will be open Sept. 30 - Dec. 31. Black bear Bear hunters must buy a Bear Damage Stamp (Class DS) in addition to a base license (nonresidents need a Class EE Bear Hunting License). Two bear may be taken per year, provided at least one bear is taken in Boone, Fayette, Kanawha, Logan, McDowell, Mingo, Nicholas, Raleigh or Wyoming counties. Other than the Class DS stamp, no additional stamps are needed to harvest bears during the archery and crossbow season, except for nonresidents hunting on the National Forest (Class I). The
OHIO VALLEY OUTDOOR TIMES
daily bag limit for bear remains one bear per day. Deer Hunters must purchase stamps if they wish to harvest additional deer during the archery season. One or two additional archery deer, depending on the county, may be taken with Class RB (resident) or Class RRB (nonresident) stamps (one per stamp). Underage residents are required to purchase a Class RB stamp to take additional archery deer, but resident landowners hunting on their own property and Class DT (Life-threatening Conditions) license holders are not required to purchase any additional archery stamps. Hunters should take note that in 23 counties or portions thereof, they must take an antlerless archery deer before harvesting a second antlered deer. Additional archery stamps must be purchased before the start of the deer archery season. Individuals may take up to two deer in one day during the archery or crossbow season. The first deer does not have to be electronically checked before harvesting the second deer in the same day. However, only one antlered deer may be
taken in the same day during any season. Special regulations exist for the four archery-only counties (Logan, McDowell, Mingo and Wyoming). In these counties, only two archery deer may be taken, one of which must be antlerless. In these counties, crossbows can only be used by holders of Class Y/YY permits. Wild boar The wild boar archery and crossbow seasons are open in Boone, Logan, Raleigh and Wyoming counties. The season bag limit is one boar. For more information on hunting regulations, hunters should consult the 2017-2018 West Virginia Hunting and Trapping Regulations Summary available at any WVDNR office, license agent or at the WVDNR website, www.wvdnr.gov.
Hunting Ethics and Getting Land Owner Permission in WV
SOUTH CHARLESTON, WV — As the days of summer wind down, the Wildlife Resources Section of the Division of Natural Resources asks hunters to refresh themselves on hunting ethics
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before the season approaches. “Hunting ethically and legally preserves our image as sportsmen and women and promotes good stewardship of resources,” said Gary Foster, DNR’s assistant chief in charge of game management. Finding somewhere to hunt is critical in planning your hunting season. While private land ownership makes up 90 percent of West Virginia, there is still more than 1.5 million acres of public land open to hunting. Hunters have a variety of locations to hunt in West Virginia, including wildlife management areas, state forests and national forests. The DNR reminds hunters to always obtain written landowner permission before entering private property. Taking the time to get written permission also gives hunters a chance to build relationships with landowners. Whether hunting on public or private land, hunting ethics should be kept in mind. Take the time to review hunting regulations now, focus on the counties or areas you’ll be hunting and make sure you understand them. Be respectful of other hunters while in the field. Don’t hunt areas where someone else is already hunting.