Outdoor Guide Magazine January-February 2020

Januar y - Februar y 2020

Outdoor ag Guide M

e n i z a

HUNTING • FISHING • CAMPING • BOATING • SHOOTING • TRAVEL

Honoring Vets....................Page 2

Dog or Killer?.....................Page 4

Ruddy Ducks......................Page 6

Mid-Winter........................Page 7 FEB 21-23

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Mountain Lions...............Page 16

A Story of Life..................Page 19

MISSOURI - ILLINOIS - AND OTHER EXCITING OUTDOOR DESTINATIONS

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Outdoor Guide

January-February 2020

Service Veterans Find Peace Outdoors Hillsboro Vets’ Events Honor Those Who Served

You see it frequently at sporting events and other activities, where the master of ceremonies or announcer will acknowledge a member of the military in attendance. A round of applause and standing ovations will be offered for the honored guest and all veterans and active-duty service members in attendance.

Americans should show their appreciation even more often for every old soldier, Marine, seaman or other service hero. We absolutely owe a debt of gratitude to those who answered the call or volunteered to serve and protect our country.

Jason Wilkerson of Hillsboro, MO, is one of those veterans. He served both the U.S. Army and the U.S. Navy with overseas deployments including Operation Iraqi Freedom, but these days he spends much of his free time thanking others for their service.

He said that when he returned from the service, he turned to the outdoors to find peace.

“It was the only thing that made sense to me,” Wilkerson said about spending time hunting and fishing. “So on an outing I thought, ‘How could I give back to my brothers and

sisters in arms?’ It just kind of clicked, so I ran with it, starting the process of getting Project Outdoors off the ground.”

STARTED IN 2014 In 2014 the organization received its 501c3 non-profit status and has been giving back to veterans ever since with no paid staff, so that all money raised is used to provide outdoor experiences to the veterans they serve.

“I have some of the best friends and staff members for Project Outdoors,” Wilkerson said. “Rob Grubbs, our financial guru, Kevin Crady, director of operations, and Michael Bundy, our event coordinator, are all completely volunteer.”

Wilkerson works as a technician at Reuther Ford in Herculaneum, MO. He said the company has been very supportive of the effort.

“I have been there since my discharge from the military,” he said. “They are a flexible employer for needing time off to do things for Project Outdoors. I could never thank them enough.”

Fishing trips may include local ponds and streams, or lakes, rivers and even an ocean excursion in Alaska for a veteran.

“The experiences range from a veteran with traumatic brain injury learning to cast and fish again, to another who just seemed so stressed, but by the end of the trip he was completely laughing and having a great time,” Wilkerson said. “It’s amazing what the outdoors can do for the mind and the body.”

VERY SPECIAL EVENTS The organization has allowed veterans to

U.S. Army veteran T.J. Reed (left) and Project Outdoors founder Jason Wilkerson with fish they caught in a local tournament where they won first place.

compete in a local fishing tournament, where the veteran and Wilkerson finished in first place and won the biggest bass award during the event. Another excursion went to Canada for a week of some of the world’s best smallmouth bass fishing.

“All these trips have zero money out of pocket for the veterans,” Wilkerson said. “It is very important to honor our active duty and veterans. They sacrifice so much for our great nation. They deserve to have a day or week all about them and their family members.”

The organization relies on donations and fundraising activities. Specifically, Wilkerson mentioned some of the local sponsors who have provided assistance, including Reuther

Ford, Dunn’s Sporting Goods and Logo Daddy, and national sponsors such as Bass Pro Shops, Cabela’s, Lew’s, and Skeeter fishing boats.

“We are always looking for donations to keep getting veterans into the outdoors,” he said. “Donations can be made through our website or Facebook. We are always looking for land locally to take local veterans hunting.”

The group’s website is www.projectoutdoors.org, and you can email the founder and president at jwilkerson@projectoutdoors.org.

John Winkelman is community engagement manager at Mercy Hospital Jefferson. If you have news for Outdoor Guide magazine, e-mail ogmjohnw@aol.com and you can follow John on Twitter at @johnjwink99.

Outdoor Guide

January-February 2020

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Outdoor Guide

Page 4

January-February 2020

Passing that Love Along

Photo and Text

By BRENT FRAZEE One of the most memorable moments of my life took place on the banks of an inner-city lake in Kansas City.

As I was helping bait hooks and untangle lines at a kids fishing derby, a teenage boy approached me with a big smile

on his face.

“Remember me?” he asked.

“You helped me catch my first fish.”

My mind raced back to a photo I took of a little guy dressed in a straw fedora, beaming as he inspected a small bluegill dangling from his fishing rod held by his mother.

Yeah, I remembered. It had

been seven or eight years, but it seemed like yesterday.

“It’s great to see you,” I said.

“Man, you’re all grown up. “ The boy smiled, then said something that will stay with me forever.

“I just want to thank you for getting me started in fishing,” he said.

GIVING BACK For a retiree like me, that was a special moment. The older I get, the more obligated I feel to give back to the pastime that has become the central part of my life.

A city boy gets his first exposure to going fishing.

I had it good. I was brought up in a fishing family. My grandpa loved to fish and so did my dad.

The best days of my youth came on lakes in Canada and Wisconsin. But as I get older, I realize that I was in the minority, being brought up to love the outdoors.

It’s not that so many children dislike fishing or hunting. It’s that they haven’t been exposed to it.

And it’s not just city kids. I remember meeting an 11-yearold girl who lived in a rural town in Kansas while I was doing a story on Kansas Outdoor Adventure Camp.

She had never fished, camped, canoed nor shot a BB gun. It wasn’t that she didn’t have good parents. It’s just that they were so busy eeking out a living to take care of their family, there was little time to spend in the outdoors.

It’s something she had always wanted to try, and she was excited to spend a week at camp participating in activities her friends had always talked about.

BONDING MOMENTS Today, I look back on those experiences and wonder how many other children would become avid fishermen if they only had the chance.

In this day and age, there is a lot more competition for children’s interests. Sports, school plays, band and choir events – the list goes on and on. Home time is usually spent on cell phones, hours on the computer or video games. There is little time for relaxing pursuits such as fishing. And that’s a shame.

For me, fishing was a great way to bond with my dad. I would like to see more children experience moments like that.

The trends are encouraging.

The latest survey by the Recreational Boating and Fishing

zine

Ma y - June 2018

OOr aga OutdG uide M

TRAVE L SHOOT ING • • BOATIN G • G • CAMPING HUNTING • FISHIN

Daylight Savings ................Page

2

White Perch ......................Page

6

Strange Seeds ..................Page

12

Albino Catfish ................Page

16

Hobo Meal .......................Page

20

Scrapes Tales ...................Page

32

Asian Carp ......................Page

46

MISSOUR I

Foundation and the Outdoor Foundation estimated that 24.2 million American kids ages 6 to 12 went fishing in 2017, the latest survey year. That adds up to 7.3 million participants.

I credit much of that to the outstanding efforts of everyone from fish and game agencies that put on special events to teach kids about fishing, to local groups that offer fishing derbies, and to tackle companies that are appealing to children as never before.

DOC DOES ITS PART But there still is work to be done. We have to teach the family leaders, the adults, about fishing before we can expect the kids to develop a passion for the outdoors. It’s one thing for a kid to attend a fishing derby and get enthused about catching a fish. It’s another to have mom or dad learn how to fish and want to pass on that passion to their boys or girls.

That’s why it is crucial that we as fishermen work on the family aspect of fishing. The Missouri Department of Conservation does an excellent job through its Discover Nature programs, teaching not only the kids but the adults as well how to get started in fishing.

Fish and game agencies also are learning the value of bringing the outdoors to the city, stocking urban lakes with everything from catfish to rainbow trout.

But ultimately, it’s up to every one of us who love the outdoors to recruit more fishermen. Sure, it’s easier to hit the water with a fishing buddy, but it’s more satisfying to take a kid fishing – or better yet, an adult who has never tried casting for bass, crappies or catfish.

Chances are, they’ll become hooked … and the traditions of the sport we are so passionate about will be carried on.

-

ILLINOIS

-

EXCITIN G AND OTHER

OUTDOO R

DESTINA TIONS

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Outdoor Guide

January-February 2020

Page 5

Coyote: Vicious Killer or Just a Dog?

By BILL KEATON

When I see a coyote, the hair on the back of my neck rises and my first thought is that I need to get rid of that vicious killer.

A few years ago, a pack of coyotes jumped my neighbor ’s 4-foot fence and mortally injured their adult golden retriever, so my conception of coyotes as vicious killers has been well-founded. National Geographic described the coyote as “the most hated animal.”

Coyotes are a species that is unique to North America.

It was discovered by Lewis and Clark along the middle Missouri River in what is now South Dakota in the early 19th century. It was not new to Native Americans because the coyote has been around for hundreds of years.

At that time, the coyote lived only in the western part of North America. Today, it populates the entire United States and thrives in urban areas as well.

EAST OR WEST? There is a significant debate in the scientific world as to whether coyotes in the eastern United States are a separate species. I have seen coyotes in the west and in the east. I live in east-central Indiana, and I have observed coyotes on several occasions that are as big as a large German shepherd dog.

The coyotes I have observed in the west (Oklahoma) are much smaller and are about the size of my boxer dog. There is genetic evidence that eastern coyotes have crossbred with wolves from southern Ontario. There are also those who believe coyotes breed with dogs, a theory that I have always debunked, believing that dogs and coyotes would fight each other, not breed.

The urban coyotes have fanned the fire in the belief that coyotes are vicious killers. Often when a small dog or cat becomes missing in an area where coyotes have been seen, the coyote is blamed for killing and eating the family pet.

THE QUESTION Now to our question.

Are coyotes really vicious killers or just another kind

of dog? The truth is that the primary diet of coyotes is rodents. Sure, they are probably one of nature’s best opportunists, so if a small dog or cat wanders into its territory, it might make a meal of the family pet.

(However, isn’t that more our fault for not keeping better track of our pets?)

Coyotes are responsible for taking some fawns every spring, but so are wandering dogs. Coyotes are a part of nature, just as the deer are.

There has always been a predator-prey balance that keeps populations of some animals in check. Coyotes have to eat to survive just as do dogs and all other species.

NOSE-TO-NOSE STANDOFF As I said in the beginning, I have always thought of coyotes as vicious killers, but recently I had an experience that made me rethink my belief. In early November 2019, my son Will and I were on a 4-wheeler checking our farm in west-central Indiana. My boxer and Will’s mixed-breed farm dog were running with us.

We have 150 acres that is about half pasture and half mature woods that adjoins a large forest on the east side.

There is a good population of coyotes, but we hear them much more than we see them.

As we approached a long, narrow pasture, we observed two deer grazing on the grass. As we got closer, the deer flagged and ran into the woods to the east. When we got to the place they had been, Will’s dog, Maggie, got the scent and ran along their scent trail into the edge of the woods.

As Maggie got to the edge of the woods, she almost ran over a coyote that was hiding in the edge. The deer would have run right past it. The coyote stood up and Maggie stopped suddenly, nose-to-nose with the coyote. I started yelling at my dog to come back to me, and Will was yelling at Maggie to come. We both expected a fight! Will quickly asked if I had my gun, but I didn’t.

Despite Will yelling and running at the two “dogs,” they just continued to stand there sniffing each other for what seemed like an eternity. As Will closed in on the

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JUST TWO DOGS When the excitement was over, we both just stood there and marveled at what we had witnessed. We saw two dogs that were strangers to one another, stand there sniffing each other in a friendly way, just getting acquainted. What I saw has made me rethink my opinion about coyotes as vicious killers and whether they might mate with dogs.

pair, the coyote turned and ran about ten yards farther into the woods, where it stopped.

Maggie was right behind it, and the two stood noseto-nose again. Finally, when Will got within about 10 yards of the pair, the coyote turned and ran out of sight.

Maggie followed a short distance but finally came to Will’s calling.

The coyote – a species unique to North America that has been hard to figure out.

- New YorkTimes photo

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Outdoor Guide

Page 6

January-February 2020

Ruddy Ducks from Somewhere Else Photos and Text

By LARRY DABLEMONT Bolt and I loaded up the boat and headed for Truman Lake the day before Thanksgiving. Bolt is my big brown Labrador, the third or fourth greatest duck dog in the world.

I call him that so all the other Lab owners who think their dog is the “best one in the world” have no reason to argue with me.

We didn’t see many ducks, but there were eight or nine back in one cove that seemed about half-tame. I slowly motored toward them; they didn’t want to fly, and I suddenly realized what they were. They are known as

ruddy ducks, and their range does not include Missouri.

This was a species of duck I had never seen before, a member of the “diver” duck group in a family all by itself known as stiff-tailed ducks.

In the spring, in breeding plumage, the drakes of this species are beautiful, displaying fantastic color and courting the female with a

This shows what they’re supposed to look like in spring.

high-spread tail something like a wild turkey tom. The flock I saw, in winter plumage, had little color.

In the Missouri Department of Conservation list of ducks in the state’s bag limit, ruddy ducks are not found. But they are legal, and if I had shot one or two, no game warden in Missouri younger than 40 would have known what it was.

According to an old waterfowl book I use for research, ruddy ducks are very plump and exceptionally good to eat.

OUT OF RANGE There are few species of waterfowl I have not seen before, and now even fewer.

To most folks, coming across

The ruddy ducks take a gander at Missouri waters for a change.

a ruddy duck wouldn’t mean much, but to me that was a day and discovery of great importance I will never forget.

I have a strange way of discovering wild creatures well outside of their ranges. When I was 19, I spent a week on the Big Piney River after Christmas, trapping ground mammals

Januar y -Februar y 2020

Outdoor agazine Guide M HUNTING • FISHING • CAMPING • BOATING • SHOOTING • TRAVEL Volume Twenty Eight, Number One • Published Six Times A Year Office: 505 S. Ewing, St. Louis, MO 63103 Office/News Department — 314-535-9786 www.outdoorguidemagazine.com e-mail: ogmbobw@aol.com COVER PHOTO: A Barred owl in winter.

Bobby Whitehead, Editor/Co-Publisher Kathy Crowe, Graphic Designer

John Winkelman, Associate Editor — ogmjohnw@aol.com Lynn Fowler, Circulation Manager Carl Green, Copy Editor

— Account Executives — Dan Braun, Marketing Director Lauren Marshall — Regional and Specialty Editors — Joel Vance Darrell Taylor Ray Eye Brent Frazee Brandon Butler

Curt Hicken Bill Cooper Thayne Smith Steve Jones Bill Seibel

John Neporadny Jr. Rick Story T. J. Mullin Ron Henry Strait

Larry Whiteley Ted Nugent Ron Bice John Sloan

for a class project at the University of Missouri. I live-trapped a small rodent known as a brush deer mouse (peromyscus boyli) that had not been found in Missouri, a large deer mouse with a hairy tuft at the end of an unusually long tail, whose northern- and eastern-most range was in Oklahoma until I found these two in the center of southern Missouri.

I sold them to the St. Louis Zoo back then, to a man creating a small mammal display. His name was Marlin Perkins. That was before he became famous on TV. SHREW ON THE MOVE Here on Lightnin’ Ridge I found a silver-colored gray shrew (Notiosorex crawfordi), also said not to exist in Missouri. I photographed him – another critter you can see on my website – and his silver pelt left no doubt what he was.

On Bull Shoals Lake one winter I photographed a flock of avocets, shore bird far from the edge of their range there on that lake.

As a boy I dug up a large ivory pendant three feet down in a cave floor, and I found out years later it was the only ivory artifact ever found in the state and perhaps the whole Midwest.

I see so much because I spend more time outdoors than hardly anyone I know.

It means as much to me nowadays to get a photo like I did that day before Thanksgiving as shooting a limit of ducks or pheasants or catching a stringer of crappie or bass or walleye.

My deer hunting and turkey hunting is now done with a camera. I’ll pack it more often than a gun and even when I am trying to get a couple of rabbits or squirrels for the grill, I will have that camera slung across my

other shoulder.

IT’S A GIFT I have always loved to explore new places in the Ozarks. No telling what I will discover next. I look at any unusual thing in my path as a treasure, and a gift from the Creator.

Much of that comes from the time decades ago when I explored wilderness areas in Arkansas’ Ouachita Mountains and Ozarks as a paid naturalist for the Arkansas Heritage Commission. The things I saw and found back then, roaming throughout the winter in beautiful mountain country, were spectacular, and the result was several areas set aside and preserved, saved from loggers and development, hopefully forever.

TRUMAN WATERSHED Today there are more than 100,000 acres of watershed on Truman Lake that are likewise preserved, at least for awhile, until the MDC loggers get a good picture of what is there and convinced the Corps of Engineers there is a better use for the money than the trees.

In that watershed are some of the biggest trees of several species I have ever seen.

If you would like to join me in exploring a little of the best of it, we take from 10 to 15 people on day-long expeditions there in February and March, complete with a shore-side fish fry at midday. Who knows, maybe we will find something that none of us have ever seen before!

More photos of the ruddy ducks and shrew can be seen on my Facebook page or my blogspot under larrydablemontoutdoors on your computer. To contact me, write to Box 22, Bolivar, Mo. 65613. Or send email to lightninridge47@gmail. com.

In Memoriam — Jared Billings • Charlie Farmer • Richard Engelke • Mark Hubbard Spence Turner • Hank Reifeiss • Bill Harmon • Barbara Perry Lawton • Danny Hicks • Ron Kruger

Scott Pauley Tim Huffman John Meacham Bob Holzhei Jeannie Farmer Kay Hively Tyler Mahoney

— Staff Writers —

Claudette Roper Brad Wiegmann Mike Roux Craig Alderman Randall Davis Jerry Pabst Ryan Miloshewski

Kenneth Kieser Gerald Scott Russell Hively Roxanne Wilson Gretchen Steele Jo Schaper Jed Nadler

Don Gasaway Terry Wilson Bill Keaton Charlie Slovensky Michael Wardlaw Larry Potterfield Tom Watson

This gray shrew wasn’t supposed to be in Missouri.

Outdoor Guide

January-February 2020

Page 7

Wildlife Wrangling and Outdoor Ramblings

A Brief Mid-Winter Tribute Photo and Text

By RANDALL P. DAVIS

As I sat at my desk, the raw winter’s morning revealed itself, and I was thankful for that marvelous mug of coffee in hand. It’s the magic elixir that braces one for a day, whether rousting raccoons or firing aging neurons to write about it. Good coffee will do that.

But on this morning it inspired some verse: A January Morning Chilled grey morning, Warm, dark coffee, Wind is getting up.

Bare limbs sway, Birds gorge, clutching the feeder’s tray, I might have another cup.

Thirty seven degrees now the day’s high hero.

Forty eight hours more, it’ll be near zero.

My routine slowed by weather bestowed, plans are disrupt.

January.

Missouri.

Enough said.

Yes, I WILL have another cup.

KEURIG EMERGENCY Just then, there was a serious malfunction in the kitchen. Feelings of panic, anxiety and vague notions of hopelessness started to ooze over me. You see, my buddy Mr. Keurig failed to deliver that second cup of coffee.

In the past, I’ve executed one of these marvelous coffee machines by a mere touch of my finger and a wicked bolt of static electricity. But this time the decline has been much slower ... roughly two weeks.

Recently, when would I drop the device’s lever on a K-cup, there was this mushy, soft feeling; not the authoritative punch like that of a stationary nutcracker masticating the iron-like shell of a black walnut. Finally, the machine simply would not deliver any coffee.

I launched an investigation and found that the small, stainless steel pin that pierces the K-cup’s bottom had broken from its plastic mooring. Naturally, I leaped upon my ever-hardy soapbox and delivered a rousing speech about how could anyone engineer something so vital to the pure essence of a new day with little regard for habitual pressure and force against such a tiny wisp of plastic. Likely the geniuses designed it to break.

I stewed for a awhile.

Daughter Sarah said if she had the serial number she

would order another part.

Ugh! That takes time ... and money. I want coffee now.

FARM-BOY FIX So, like many times in the past, I turned to my rural upbringing and found perfect satisfaction.

Thus this day, I announce to the world – and the folks at Keurig International – Farm-Boy Fix No. 231, as follows: In case of Keurig cup holder failure, hone one 6-penny finishing nail, position tip at bottom edge of inverted K-cup, then whack nail with side of pliers (a small hammer will work if available).

Remove nail, return K-cup to holder, and proceed with coffee-making exercises.

It’s not exactly wrangling wildlife, but a beast was tamed just the same. Besides, the resourcefulness made the morning’s coffee much more flavorful.

The java did its job.

Calmed the nerves. Soothed the psyche. It allowed a mood for reflection. You see, recently I went through a rough day and I’m still not over it. I had to say a final goodbye to several old friends.

It’s never easy. But if one lives long enough, it’s a task everyone must endure ... eventually.

A WINTER PARTING I gave pause in the afternoon’s waning daylight and reflected on this group and what it meant to know them.

At least one – if not two – of these friends had been with me nearly every day for more years than I can remember, lending support when I needed it, comfort when I simply had to have it, and at times, muchappreciated protection. And nary a one complained.

Sure they had aged, but so have I. Certainly they weren’t the vibrant, dynamic entities as when I first met them ... but now, neither am I. And no, they don’t have the strength and endurance of their youth, but I don’t either.

Typically, at times like these, when it’s too late to really say thank you, one wonders if a little more couldn’t have been done just for them. Maybe pay a bit more attention to them at the end of the day. Or perhaps care for them in a timely manner, not just when it becomes obviously necessary.

The ordeal is a simple life’s lesson reaffirmed: Treat those closest to you as precious gifts, because one day they will be gone.

IT’S ABOUT TIME! Be that as it may, the time had come to officially let go.

I spoke softly to each one, muttering heartfelt words of appreciation and thanks.

How they truly made a difference, wrapping themselves and their existence around me. They will never be forgotten.

Then it was time.

And just as the weak winter’s sun slipped below the

ridge, I dropped all of my old winter underwear into the fire and walked away.

Some say I was a brave man. Others offer that they are gone but will always hold a warm place in my heart.

Indeed they would, at least if I had chucked them into the fireplace instead. Guess you could say I’d get a few BTUs from my BVDs. See, good coffee does this to a person.

The new year found the author saluting a triumph and paying tribute to passing old friends.

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Outdoor Guide

Page 8

Bill Could Restore Our National Parks

By U.S. SEN. LAMAR ALEXANDER R-Tennessee The Senate Energy and Natural Resources committee I am a member of took an important step toward passing the Restore Our Parks Act – bipartisan legislation I introduced that would be the single most important thing to happen to our National Parks, including the Great Smoky Mountains, in a half-century.

One of America’s greatest storytellers, Ken Burns, has called our country’s national parks “America’s best idea.” But today, America’s “best idea” is in trouble.

Our national park system has a $12 billion deferred maintenance backlog. This means that the park system doesn’t have the money needed to maintain park roads, bridges and campgrounds.

For example, in the Smokies, Look Rock Campground has been closed for five years because of the water treatment facility. That means the 5,000 families a year who used Look Rock Campground can’t go anymore.

That is why it is crucial the Restore Our Parks Act becomes law – so we can get rid of half of our parks’ deferred maintenance backlog in the next five years so Americans can enjoy them.

Here’s how our bill will do this: the legislation will use revenues from energy production on federal lands to provide mandatory funding for the maintenance backlog.

This is a well-established conservation principle: taking some of the money created by an environmental burden and using it for an environmental benefit.

SMOKIES MEMORIES I grew up in Maryville, right next to the Smokies, and some of my best memories are related to the Smokies.

When I was 15, my dad dropped me off at Newfound Gap the day after Christmas.

I was with two other boys in three feet of snow and my dad said, “I’ll pick you up in Gatlinburg,” which was 15 miles away.

And he did, later that afternoon.

Then, later that same year, we were in Spence Field, and we made an error in judgment.

At about three in the morning, I looked over and I thought one of my bunkmates was moving around. But it was a bear.

We had left breakfast in our packs inside the tent, which is something you should never do, and a mistake I didn’t make again.

Guest Editorial

MORE IMPORTANT THAN EVER In this age of iPads, iPhones, Alexa and Netflix, our national parks are more, not less, important.

They preserve beauty for everyone to share. Parents bring children out of their digital diet to feast on a world of natural splendor. We learn our history in a place where history comes alive – not just the history of the world, but the history of east Tennessee, the history of Wyoming, the history of Maine and the history of Montana.

We must all work together to restore our national treasures so future generations have the same opportunity to enjoy them as we have. That is why I’m glad the Restore Our Parks Act was approved by the Energy and Natural Resources committee, and I hope the full Senate passes the legislation quickly so President Trump can sign it into law.

LETTER FROM A PARKS USER (Matt Steinrueck of Minneapolis submitted this to the MinnPost website.)

As an avid user of our national parks, I am encouraged by a bipartisan proposal in Congress to address crumbling infrastructure within these special places.

Right now, because of years of unreliable funding, record visitation and aging infrastructure, our national parks need an astounding $12 billion in deferred maintenance repairs.

The Restore Our Parks Act would set aside $6.5 billion over the next five years to fix dilapidated trails, buildings, roads, bridges, monuments and historic markers in our parks.

Amazingly, 330 members of the House of Representatives and 43 U.S. senators – from both parties – are co-sponsoring this effort.

The popularity of fixing our parks is rooted in nationwide support. In a recent poll, the Pew Charitable Trusts found that 82 percent of Americans support legislation to address the deferred maintenance in our parks. Folks want to see these national treasures protected and maintained.

With all this support, you would think this would be an easy thing for Congress to get done. You’d be mistaken. Despite all the support for national parks, Congress still hasn’t found the will to push this popular legislation over the finish line. And by not acting, it’s only making the problem more expensive to fix.

There is still time, though, to get the job done. Passage would deliver a win that fixes our parks, supports job creation and invests needed money into infrastructure. It’s what the American people want and what our national parks deserve.

A scene of disrepair at Look Rock Campground in the Smokies.

January-February 2020

— Random Shots — Stalking Big Pike in Saskatchewan

By JOEL M. VANCE It either was a submarine that somehow had strayed seriously off course or the biggest damn northern pike this side of a mounted plastic fish on the wall of a northwoods roadhouse.

Every fisher person has an indelible memory of the biggest fish he or she ever caught but also has an equally indelible memory of the one that got away.

Come with me to the far north, beyond the road where the only access is by boat or bush airplane. It was several years back, and I will never forget it …

BATTLE WITH A TROPHY PIKE I was on the bow of a 16-foot fishing boat at Camp Grayling, in northern Saskatchewan. It was 70 degrees, sunny, and the water had only a slight ripple that made the image of the big fish shimmer but not disappear.

“Cast there!” ordered Greg Disain, the Dene native guide. He’s the acknowledged best guide at the lodge, and his specialty is putting fly anglers onto big pike.

We were in a shallow bay in huge Black Lake, which sprawls over the granite landscape, draining the Fond du Lac River and feeding the even more huge Lake Athabaska.

It’s a land of hard-bitten firs and windscoured rock … and hundreds, thousands of lakes and rivers, many never fished. Black Lake is the exclusive playground of anglers at Camp Grayling, and if you see another angler in a day’s fishing, it’s pre-arranged, not accidental.

I hauled as I lifted the line, released and felt the tug as the weight of the line behind me straightened, then I came forward and saw the crawfish imitation fly land a few feet in front of the pike.

As crystalline as the water was, that aggressive cast would have spooked any salmonid, but we were stalking northern pike, and it takes more than the muted plop of a No. 4 fly to booger them. The fish turned instantly, its large, high-set eyes locked on what appeared to be an appetizer. No matter that it never had seen a crawfish. Food is food and to a pike, everything is food.

THE NEW LEADER I saw the fish’s gill covers flare as it inhaled the fly and lifted the rod hard. “Hit ‘em hard!” Greg demanded, and I hauled back on the rod again. I had tied on a brand new leader that morning, advertised as ideal for pike – even had a picture of a pike on the label. It ended in a 20-pound-test tippet.

The fish felt the sting of the hook and went into instant overdrive, ripping off 20 yards of line. The rim of the reel burned the heel of my hand as I braked it. And then I stumbled back as the leader popped – cut by

the fish’s teeth or gill cover. I reeled in and regarded the sad half-curl of broken leader.

“There he is,” Greg said. The pike had circled back, my fly sticking from its mouth. I didn’t bother to stalk it again – the phrase, “Fool me once, shame on you; fool me twice, shame on me!” ran through my mind.

In two heavy days of fishing, that was the only pike I lost, but of course it was the biggest one. They always are. There are more uncaught trophies wearing piscatorial costume jewelry than there are in the bag.

HEART-HEALTHY CUISINE Camp Grayling is one of a handful of first-class fishing lodges in northern Saskatchewan. In common with all of them, it’s catch-and-release, save for the fish needed to fill a shore lunch.

The first pike I caught had taken the fly so deep it ripped a gill and the fish was bleeding, a sure sign it would die if released. So it became our shore lunch.

Greg is as good at camp cookery as he is at guiding, and he expertly filleted the pike, avoiding the Y-bones that baffle many anglers. The result was a boneless filet, battered and fried along with potatoes and onions in a couple of decrepit iron fry pans º a quintessential shore lunch except that Grayling cooks use healthy oil rather than bulk lard. Heart-healthy cuisine has made it to the bush.

I found a soft rock and lay my head back on it while Greg started a campfire and prepared the noon meal. The Dene is a Chippewayan tribe of about 5,000, endemic to northern Saskatchewan. In the summer, he guides dudes from much farther south than he ever has been or ever wanted to go.

In winter he and his brother hunt timber wolves for their pelts (they once killed 400 in a season). It’s a harsh life, but one they wouldn’t trade, and a culture that, so far, has been little touched by the softness of civilization.

DROWN THE MOOSE One guide spied a swimming bull moose and pursued it while his apprehensive client, a friend of mine, became increasingly jittery.

See RANDOM SHOTS page 10

This angler landed a prize pike fishing from Camp Grayling.

– MyCanadafishingtrip.com

January-February 2020

Outdoor Guide

Page 9

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January-February 2020

Rural Ramblings

Listen to the Special Sounds of Winter

By RUSSELL HIVELY

Winter is when an outdoorsman can enjoy the quiet and even the starkness of the woods on a cold morning. Or how about stumping through a frosty field of wildgrass prairie?

The woods are usually quiet in the January and February.

But the special sounds that footsteps make in woodland mast (nuts on the ground) or in the grasses of a pasture are different, almost muted.

*** Did you realize an adult possum consumes about 5,000 wood ticks each year? *** Each year Missouri’s George O. White State Forest Nursery processes more than 10,000 orders and ships three million seedlings. *** The Osage is the largest river in the Missouri Ozarks.

*** Why is it that sounds can be so special? For example, how does a person ever forget the sound of a bumblebee flitting from blossom to blossom? Or how about the barking howls of a coyote on a hilltop in the far distance. *** Why was “Fox” a common name for movie theaters? ***

Small-town people can achieve great things. Dewey Short, who was born and raised in Galena, Mo., is given credit for Missouri having Table Rock Lake. *** Negotiations for the purchase of Ha Ha Tonka State Park go back to 1909, but it was not bought by the Missouri Department of Natural Resources until 1978. An estimated half-million visitors

visit Ha Ha Tonka each year. *** Using a bow for hunting is quite popular today. Osage Indians once were the prominent inhabitants in the early Ozarks.

They were so prolific at making bows from Osage orange (bodark) trees that a good bow was worth a horse and blanket in trade. *** Hawks flying over runways can cause difficulties for airplanes. In some places, the “pest” hawks are trapped

and turned loose in vineyards where they scare off birds, such as starlings, that destroy or eat the grapes. *** Why do bats always turn left when flying out of a cave? *** January and February are the winter months in Missouri.

They are times of quiet walks in the woods or fields, scouting for game trails and enjoying the quiet and coolness of winter.

Anyway, that’s what the Rural Rambler thinks.

• Random Shots “Wha…what are you going to do?” asked my friend.

“I’m gonna drown him,” the guide said. “Lasso him and drag him until he drowns. Lotta food there.”

“The moose was finding shallow spots and walking as much as it was swimming,” my friend told me. “I could just see it rising up when we got close and dumping us over.”

The guide finally gave up and let the moose go, and my friend still isn’t sure whether his guide was putting him on or really did intend to rodeo a bull moose.

BIG LURES, BIG PIKE While pike aren’t finicky about what they eat, some flies work better than others. And it’s an axiom that big lures take big pike. My friend Chris Hunt, who works for Trout Unlimited, fished both days with me and out-caught me by using large red-and-white streamer flies that he had tied on a 3/0 hook. One large pike he caught coughed up an eightinch whitefish, a good indication that the fish appreciated a hearty meal.

Chris also caught the largest pike of the two days, a 41-inch fish that probably topped 20 pounds. My crawfish imitation was the biggest fly I had, and after the submarine or whatever it was snapped it loose, I only had one left.

The pioneer of fly-fishing for pike is Larry Dahlberg, who has immortalized the Dahlberg Diver, a hair-bodied creation that I had in my fly box – but not in a big enough size and not to Greg’s liking. “That a topwater?” he asked.

“Well, sort of,” I said. The Diver actually floats, but dips as you retrieve it with sharp jerks.

“Don’t catch no pike on topwater,” Greg said – which isn’t true, but rather than act the know-it-all, I stuck with the sinking crawfish.

We didn’t spend long at any location. Given a lake the size of Black Lake, there are plenty of shallow bays that hold pike and, given years of experience at finding them, Greg cherry picks the fishing. If we went

from page 8

a half-dozen casts without action or if he didn’t see fish swimming, he’d say, “Pull up!” and we were off to another location.

I saw a dark shape easing along the weed bed and cast my fly a few feet in front of it.

I saw its gills flare and set the hook. As trophies go, it was small, only a 5-pounder.

STORM CLOUDS, OUT OF GAS Off in the distance we saw dark clouds gathering, harbingers of a coming storm. Greg said, “Storm – we better get out of here.”

“One more cast, just one more cast,” pleaded Chris. What’s a little tornado when there’s the possibility of 40 inch pike?

“We’ve got to go now,” said Greg worriedly.

Lightning split the distant sky and thunder rumbled. We almost had to wrestle Chris to the deck to get him to quit fishing.

An anxious Greg put the pedal to the metal, and we got up on the step and headed for home. And then about 35 miles from home, the 60-horsepower engine quit. I was contemplating the idea of a 35-mile swim in icy water when Greg’s reliable brother hove on the horizon with a spare can of gas.

Back at the lodge, mosquitoes and black flies were their usual furious cloud as opposed to the clear, insect-free open water. Inside there was cold Canadian beer and more fish stories then you usually hear in a month, some of them possibly even true.

I’d been reading about catching pike on the fly for years, and now I had actually done it, but it’s like once having had a date with the prom queen, you want to do it again.

So I’m ready for the prom once again, and all it takes is many hundreds of dollars, somehow getting past Canadian customs (which has grown increasingly unfriendly in recent years), good weather, and if the red gods are really smiling, the absence of black flies and mosquitoes.

And lots of Canadian beer.

Outdoor Guide

January-February 2020

Page 11

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January-February 2020

Jeannie’s Journey

Old Man Winter Is Here – Be Ready Photos and Text

By JEANNIE FARMER Old Man Winter has arrived. As he roars and blows his wicked, icy breath across the stark and frigid earth, the naked and bare branches of trees nervously shiver and shake from the bitter cold winter winds.

To escape the plunging temperatures and swollen gray clouds, most water-

fowl, many birds and those lucky RV enthusiasts called “snowbirds” have journeyed and migrated to warmer climates. Hibernating animals are nestled quietly asleep in their burrows and dens.

So now that the natural world preparations are complete, it’s a good time to organize and get ready for freezing rain, snow, sleet and ice, and everything that comes with them.

Cynthia Ewer, author of the book, Cut the Clutter: A Simple Organization Plan for a Clean and Tidy Home, has many fine suggestions for winter outdoor enthusiasts.

Since freezing rain, snow and ice can cause sidewalks, trails and driveways to become slippery and dangerous, items such as snow shovels, de-icing compounds and waterproof floor mats are essential.

In case of a power outage, emergency supplies such as foods and beverages that don’t require heating or refrigeration are absolutely necessary.

These include canned meats, soups and stews; cereal and power bars; and paper goods consisting of plates, cups, paper towels, facial and toilet tissues and plastic utensils. Also needed are a sufficient supply of bottled water, flashlight and batteries, battery-powered

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The author’s three children – Sarah (left), Allison (top) and Stephen – ­ dressed well for a 1985 winter outdoor adventure.

radio and a cell phone.

WINTER FIRST-AID A first-aid kit complete with prescription medicines, blankets, cold weather clothes for each family member, food, an ample supply of drinking water and a gallon jug of water for household pets should be included.

Before traveling on an extended trip, it’s wise to check the winter forecast for the possibility of inclement weather conditions. Ice, rain and snow can make navigating treacherous.

Giving cars, trucks and recreational vehicles a thorough winter inspection is vital also.

Here are some points for winterizing: check the anti-freeze, keep the gas tank near full to avoid water (condensation) freezing in the fuel line, and examine tires and spares for the required inflation.

Two Mallard drake decoys survive a beautiful snowfall on Jeannie’s back porch.

It’s also essential to have emergency supplies should roads become hazardous.

They should include a bag of sand, road salt and nonclumping cat litter. The sandbags add weight to the vehicle for better traction, and the other items can be spread under slippery tires.

Also recommended are an ice scraper, jumper cables, flares and reflective triangle sign to warn other motorists in case your vehicle suffers a breakdown.

IF STRANDED… In case you get stranded and need to vacate your car, fill an easy-to-carry backpack with emergency items and bring jackets, ear-covering caps, gloves and insulated boots for each passenger, non-perishable food, bottled water, cell phone and money.

Before traveling to a specific winter destination, it’s important to be vigilant and aware of challenging winter weather events that may occur. For an enjoyable outing, make specific plans, tell friends and neighbors your dates for the trip and return.

Planned right, winter travel can provide you and your family members the adventure of a lifetime.

Not Amused by ‘Dogs in Motels’ Column (Editor’s note: This is a response to Joel Vance’s column, “Motel Adventures with Hunting Dogs,” that ran in the September-October 2019 Outdoor Guide).

266 Fort Zumwalt Square, O’Fallon, MO •

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Located 1/4 mile west of K on Veterans Memorial Parkway

I am sure that some individuals find your scatological and messy “humor” kneeslapping hilarious. Others do not and view it as inconsiderate of others and an abuse of privilege. Your supporters might write to you about their crude “adventures.” Weird.

The descriptions about ice cube scoopers used for excrement in a motel room was disgusting and not amus-

ing, nor conscious of health regulations. A cheap joke.

There are those who would laugh out loud in low-brow, knuckle-dragging, troglodyte manner at your descriptions.

Indeed, they seem compatible in a country that raises animals to near idolatry and winks at abortion.

I leave my camps as if I had never been there and my brief motel stays about the same, and mindful of the next person.

Civilized accommodations require civilized respect.

If you cannot do that, stay outdoors.

Tony Ord

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RV Sales Dip, But Remain at High Level RV Industry Association

Recreational vehicle wholesale shipments were expected to surpass 400,000 units by the end of 2019 and then see a minimal drop in 2020, according to RV RoadSigns, the quarterly forecast commissioned by the RV Industry Association and authored by industry analyst Richard Curtin, director of Surveys of Consumers at the University of Michigan.

Shipments were projected to total 402,100 units by the

end of the year, off 16.9 percent from the 2018 total of 483,700.

Looking ahead to 2020, the double-digit percentage declines seen throughout 2019 will ease substantially as RV shipments are expected to dip 3.9 percent to 386,400 units in the most likely scenario (60 percent probability) of Curtin’s forecast.

The aggressive outlook of the forecast shows a slight rise in 2020 shipments to 404,600 units. The lower end of the range based on a conservative

forecast sets an annual total of 359,600.

UPWARD TRENDS Curtin sees the slight decline in RV shipments being moderated by continued favorable trends in wages, jobs, inflation and interest rates. The positive factors will be clouded by consumer uncertainty about economic prospects due to policy issues such as tariffs and regulations, as well as political concerns that include the impeachment

and a presidential election.

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and lower inflation could push wholesale shipments toward the top of the forecast range while economic growth below 2 percent and sliding consumer confidence could lead to shipments in the lower end of the range.

Towable RV shipments were expected to reach 355,600 units in 2019 and 344,400 units in 2020. Motor home shipments were projected to finish at 46,500 units in 2019 and 42,000 units in 2020.

2017 THE PEAK Although shipments are below an all-time comparable record high of 504,600 units in 2017, the RV market remains healthy and robust in historical context. The projected yearend totals of 402,100 units in 2019 and 386,400 units in 2020 would respectively rank as the fourth and sixth best years for the industry and easily exceed the 30year (294,676 units), 20-year (331,206 units) and 10-year (332,210 units) industry averages for wholesale shipments.

The 2018 RV Industry reported a record-year of 504,600 units in 2017 slipping to 483,700 units in 2018, still a remarkable total that is second-highest on record. It marked the first time since 2009 that the RV market declined year-over-year. In that span, the RV industry saw its longest period of sustained growth, climbing from 165,700 units in 2009 to 504,600 nine years later, an incredible increase of 204.5%.

In examining the record of RV wholesale shipments back to 1980, the annual totals rise to peaks for several years then fall briefly to valleys before beginning the next climb. But over this 38-year historical record, the trend line is persistently ascending.

DYNAMIC FACTORS With shorter cycles between highs and lows, RV consumers and their purchasing decisions are being impacted by many

dynamics – the stage of their life, personal financial situations and outside economic factors, such as wages, interest rates, employment, and a host of other influences.

When viewed in total, the continuous climb to higher wholesale shipment totals over the long term is evidence of the deeply held, aspirational preference consumers have for RV travel and camping.

RV ownership provides consumers with the ability to travel when and where they want, to spend time outdoors pursuing their favorite activities and most importantly, to connect deeply with family and friends. It is this strong preference consumers have for RV travel and camping that bodes well for the industry in the future.

The RV industry will also be boosted by a diverse market of consumers that includes Baby Boomers, Generation Xers and Millennials reaching ages that traditionally have the highest rates of RV ownership.

Baby Boomers have driven the RV industry expansion since the 1990s. In coming years, sales will continue to benefit from this generation as well as Millennials. Those two groups represent a substantial amount of potential customers.

The number of consumers between the ages of 55 and 74 will total 79 million by 2025, 15 percent higher than in 2015, and the number between age 30 and 45 will total 72 million by 2025, 13 percent higher than in 2015.

The impact of younger buyers on the RV market is already being seen as they helped drive the most recent expansion of the RV market.

Data from Statistical Surveys, Inc. collected on RV retail registrations found that from 2015-2018, the share of RV ownership by age range increased in the younger age brackets while rates remained level or decreased somewhat in older age ranges.

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Camping Gear & Gadgets Backpacker Chair Goes Where You Go The Wilderness Backpacker from GCI is a four-position, powdercoated aluminum/steel chair that is perfect for the great outdoors and beyond.

With a mesh backrest, adjustable head pillow and wooden armrests, you’ll always stay cool and comfortable.

The Wilderness Backpacker comes with backpack straps to keep your hands free for wrangling little ones, carrying a cooler or other outdoor adventure musts.

It also includes a beverage holder, a large storage pocket, and holds up to 250 lbs. It weighs 8.6 lbs.

Wilderness Backpacker is available for $60 along with other models at gcioutdoor.com/camping-chairs. It’s also offered by other retailers.

RoadTrip Grill Is Quick to Set Up, Full of Features The Coleman RoadTrip 285 Portable Stand-Up Propane Grill features sturdy quick-fold legs and two wheels for hasslefree setup, takedown and transport so that taking your grill camping or to a tailgate is easy.

Push the Instastart ignition button for matchless lighting, then select your heat with the three independently adjustable burners. A thermometer is included.

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The grill can be stored upright until the next cookout.

Uses a 1-pound propane cylinder (sold separately).

The RoadTrip 285 is available from numerous retailers for prices as low as $232.

Seventy2 Pro an Emergency Kit Whether you’ve broken down after a short hike or are trying to survive a massive earthquake in a remote campsite, the Seventy2 Pro by Uncharted Supply is a two-person emergency kit to keep in your RV or vehicle, designed to keep you alive for three days.

The bag carries all the necessary tools – thermal tent, water filter and bottle, multi-tool survival knife, radio with a manual crank, phone charger, stormproof matches, air masks, food supplies, a shovel that becomes a pick or saw and many others, all labeled in the pockets they ride in.

It comes in a waterproof, airtight backpack that can also be used as a flotation device. The total weight is 11 lbs. and measures 25” by 16” by 8”.

Seventy2Pro sells for $349.95 at unchartedsupplyco.com.

Powerpack Is a Quiet Alternative

Rapid Raft Holds It All But Packs Down to Bottle Size

XPower Powerpack 1500 by Xantrax is a portable power system that can supply up to 1,500 watts of household electricity, enough to run almost any electronic product or appliance.

Powerpack 1500 consists of a battery pack that stores electrical energy, state-of-the-art electronics that convert 12 volts from the battery pack to household power, an AC power panel that contains two standard outlets, and a DC power panel that can run 12-volt products.

It makes for an alternative to generators, with no noise, fumes, fuel or moving parts. It can quickly be recharged from an outlet, vehicle or solar panel.

XPower Powerpack 1500 is available from retailers including Amazon, which was charging $507 for it, and farleyoutdoors.com was offering free shipping.

Rapid Raft from Uncharted Supply is an innovative and affordable pack raft that can hold up to 400 lbs – you and a friend and your gear, perhaps.

And yet the Rapid Raft packs down to the size of a large water bottle and weighs only 3 lbs., making it handy for backpackers, families, bikers, lake loungers and extreme survivalists.

It started as a military design but has been adopted by hunters, fishermen and hikers. It is made of nylon Oxford TPU laminate with a durable floor designed to withstand scraping on river bottom, rocks and debris.

It inflates and deflates in a matter of second.

Rapid Raft sells for $399.99 at unchartedsupplyco.com.

Pop Up Cot Tent Sets Up Quick, Keeps Two Covered

Kickback Rocker Uses Spring-Action System, Sets Up in a Flash

Dark Room Tent Blocks Most Sunlight to Help Campers Sleep

The Pop Up Elevated Cot Tent by Outsunny is an all-in-one sleeping zone with a cot, air mattress, pump and bedspread, with easy transport and storage. Sheets and pillow are included.

The cot and zip-door tent can be separated when needed. The mattress inflates quickly. It’s made of tough taffeta and canvas materials with POVC coating. The cot holds up to 330 lbs. The tent weighs 45 lbs.

The dark green tent is meant for dry weather use.

On a rainy day, it needs a ground cover and rainfly. A carrying bag is included.

The Outsunny Pop Up Elevated Cot Tent is being offered for $159.99 at aosom.com.

The new Kickback rocker is a versatile outdoor rocker made with GCI’s patented spring-action rocking technology that allows for a smooth, relaxing motion when rocking.

The Kickback will be handy for camping, RV life, tailgating, fishing or any other outdoor activity.

It features a built-in carry strap, a bagless design for quick set-up, a cell phone pocket and the everimportant beverage holder.

IOt sits slightly lower than regular chairs but holds up to 250 lbs. with a powder-coated steel frame.

Kickback rocker is available for $49.95 at Dick’s Sporting Goods and is offered by other retailers as well.

New “dark room” technology blocks 90 percent of sunlight so families can put the kids to bed early or festival-goers can sleep in all morning in Coleman’s new Dark Room Sundome tent for four people.

The system also holds down temperatures in the tent on warm nights. The tent’s WeatherTec system uses a tub floor with corner welds and protected seams to keep water out. The door awning and rainfly provide more protection from the weather, and the tent has been tested to withstand 35 mph winds. Two windows increase air circulation. It holds a queen-size mattress with floor space to spare.

The Dark Room Sundown four-person tent is offered by various retailers for as low as $45.

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EXPERIENCE ELLINGTON &explore

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~ Only 2 Hours South of St. Louis ~

Clearwater Lake and Webb Creek Recreation Area - Hwy H

–Spring, summer and early fall is when a cracklin’ campfire feels the best. Bring the family to camp, boat, fish, and unwind on crystal clear Clearwater Lake. This area of the lake is formed where Webb Creek and Logan Creek empty into Clearwater Lake.

Water Family Fun It is known for its crappie, catfish and bass fishing with fun for the entire family.

Camping is available at Webb Creek Recreation Park; plus a full service marina with boat/wave runner rentals on site.

Webb Creek Park features over 40 campsites, swim beach, playground, showers, picnic pavilions, boat launch, and more.

Call Webb Creek Marina at 573-461-2344 for marina, boat rental and campsite information or visit www.recreation.gov to make reservations. If you are interested in all the conveniences of home call Webb Creek Cabins for cabin rentals, 573-461-2244.

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Black River and K Bridge Recreation Area- K Hwy –

Float, canoe, fish and explore the beautiful Black River this fall. Enjoy swimming, camping and picnicking right on the banks of the Black River. K Bridge Recreation Area and Campground offers playground, showers, electric and comfort station, visit www.recreation.gov to make reservations. Floats (raft or canoe) can be Black River arranged on site by calling Jeff’s Canoe Rental at 573-598-4555. A small general store is also available on site.

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Current River -Hwy 106 to HH Highway- Fish, swim,

camp and relax on majestic Current River. Great place to explore Current River. Rough camping is available at Log Yard Landing (known to the locals as Cardareva Gravel Bar) and the School Yard. These are available on a first come basis, electric is not available. Bring your tubes, rafts and kayaks; a perfect day float….put in at Powder Mill and float to Log Yard.

4

Blue Spring- Hwy 106- This

Current River

spring is the 6th largest spring in Missouri and known for its deep blue color. It has been said that this spring is so deep, if submerged the Statue of Liberty’s torch would not be seen above the water and actually the bottom has never been found. Take your camera!

Blue Spring can be accessed by boat, kayak, or a short .25 mile walk from Blue Spring parking area. The spring may also be accessed by an easy hike along the river from Powder Mill Recreation Area, Blue Spring hike approx. 2.2 miles round trip.

5 Rocky Falls

- NN Hwy- A cascading crystal Rocky Creek drops from the Ozark Mountains into a lazy pool which eventually winds through the Ozarks to Current River. A must see if you are in the area and fun for all ages. Wear non-slip shoes and use caution when climbing on the falls. Picnic tables provided.

6 Current River Conservation Area

–Consists of 28,000 acres of state land. Deer, turkey, eagles, elk and a multitude of wildlife can be seen. UTV’s, ATV’s and vehicle traffic are welcome on miles of gravel roads and trails that wind through some 60+ food plots. Buford Pond, Missouri’s first fire tower, a 1926 log cabin and an earthen Fort Barnesville can all be found here. Buford Pond provides fishing and picnicking and is a favorite location of all. For hunting enthusiasts an unstaffed rifle and archery range are provided.

Current River Conservation Area is home to the Missouri Ozark Ecosystem Project, the world’s most comprehensive forest management study. This 100 year project spans over 9,000 acres.

Main park entrance located on South Road in Ellington, other entrances located off Hwy 106 and HH highway. Primitive camping is available. Elk viewing and maps of the area are available at the main park entrance.

7

Local Flavor – While in town you won’t want to miss the Reynolds County Museum while visiting Ellington. This museum is filled with relicts from days gone by and the rich history of the Ozarks. Volunteers staff the establishment and are happy to answer questions; Open Mar-Nov, T-F 10-4. Call 573-663-3233 for Reynolds Co Museum more information.

Need a spot for the kids to play, then visit Brawley Park located on South Road. This park features a playground, basketball courts, picnic pavilions and short hiking trail.

Want some nostalgia from a couple decades back; how about a drive in movie? One of only a few drive-ins left in the Midwest is located just south of Ellington on Highway 21., call 573-945-2121 for info.

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Blair Creek- Hwy 106 – This area is a favorite of the local’s spring, summer and fall. For the person who is looking for the unknown, adventure into the wild Ozark hills for the beautiful views, caves, swimming, picnicking. Here riding the back roads in ATV’s, UTV’s and 4-wheel drives is exciting and Blair Creek fun. Entrance located North of Hwy 106 across from Blue Spring entrance.

10 Ozark Trail

- Hwy 106- Blair Creek & Current River section; Hwy 106 – Whether you are looking for a one day hike or want to make a few days of it; hiking these sections of the Ozark Trail is rewarding and adventurous. Such splendid locations as Rocky Falls, Klepzig Mill and Buzzard Mountain Shut-Ins are Klepzig Mill located right on the trail. For the adventurous visitor this is a must!

11 Peck Ranch

- H Highway, Shannon County- Listen for the bugle this fall! Elk are now roaming the hills of the Ozarks and can be seen in Peck Ranch, Current River Conservation Area and the surrounding region. Thanks to the Missouri Department of Conservation’s recent Elk Restoration Program elk were released into the elk zone beginning in the summer of 2011. With the third release the summer of 2013 the elk herd is nearing 200 bulls, cows and calves. Peck Ranch is open from sunrise/sunset daily and offers a driving tour. Bugling occurs in the fall, Sept-Nov. Check the Missouri Dept of Conservation website for Elk park closing details. Maps are available at park entrance.

2

Scenic Highway 106- This 26 mile drive between

Ellington and Eminence is known state wide for its scenic views and beauty, and is especially a favorite in the fall. This section of highway is also home to the Trans-America Trail and sees many bicycle travelers from April-October.

Bicycle enthusiasts say it’s one of the “toughest sections on the trail” and known for the steep hills & hollers.

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TransAmerica Trail

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How to Catch a Big Crappie Photos and Text

By TIM HUFFMAN Every crappie fisherman wants to catch a big, wallhanger slab. Sometimes it just happens, but usually it’s because a fisherman was in the right spot using the right technique.

Guide Barry Morrow shared these steps for improving your chances of catching a big slab this year.

• Go to big fish lakes. Go to lakes with the size fish you want to catch. That may be a three pounder at Grenada or a two-pound fish on your home water.

• Go to the right area. Morrow, a Truman Lake guide and tournament fisherman (660-723-2667) said, “It’s important to fish fertile areas of a lake. When I go to a new lake, I start at the opposite end of the lake from the dam.

Big-fish country is usually in the upper end. River systems are different because of water flow, so big fish might be up or down stream.”

• Fish the right season.

“Fishermen know that prespawn and spawn are great for catching big females. That’s a good time for a weekend fishermen to catch a big one,” Morrow said. “I’m looking for big fish in nine to 12 feet of water because the females are staging before going in to spawn.

“However, my favorite

Morrow hauls in a big crappie.

time is fall. I’ll catch a lot of fish and a few big ones, too. The crappie are feeding actively before winter.”

• Fish a pattern, not just spots. “I believe there are

fish that live in shallow-water year-round and fish that live deep. They don’t make radical moves from 30 feet up to three feet. Shallow-water fish probably spend most of their life in water three to 15 feet in stained-water lakes. Fish may move into a little channel coming into a creek or cove area, but that’s still relatively shallow. A fisherman can usually figure out these little migrations the fish make.”

• Equipment condition .

“Having everything in good shape is important,” Morrow said. “For example, a weekend fisherman should

Barry Morrow believes catching a big fish requires being in the right place, having gear in peak condition and being mentally ready for a big bite.

put on fresh line every year.

If he doesn’t, the first good fish will pop the line when pressure is applied. When I buy line and while it’s on the spool, I tie a hook on it and pull. If the knot or line pops, I do it a couple more times.

If it keeps breaking, I return it to the store.”

• Stealth. “Being quiet and careful is important when trying to catch a big fish,” he said. “A boat shadow, wrong approach or noise will spook big fish but you’ll still catch smaller ones.”

• Be mentally prepared .

Morrow says a fisherman should be expecting a big fish bite at any time. “A fisherman must set the hook immediately with a jig. A minnow is different but should still have the hook set as soon as the line or float starts moving away.”

• Good hookset and pressure. “Set the hook hard,”

he said. “A big crappie has a tough, bony upper lip. The key to landing most fish is to never allow slack in the line.

I jig fish a lot and swing fish into the boat. I use a stiff pole and 15-pound braid. So when the fish gets to the surface, I put more pressure on to swing it into the boat. It happens fast, within a second or two.

There’s no time for a net. But with a limber rod and light line, there is more time, and it’s important to use a net.”

• Good luck! “Everything has to go your way to catch a big fish,” Morrow said. “Good luck is often created by making good decisions and being prepared. Bad luck usually happens when a person isn’t focused, prepared or the bite is unexpected.”

“Sometimes it just isn’t meant to be,” he added.

“Chad Maupin and I lost a Crappie Masters Missouri State Championship, a three-lake series, in the last five minutes of the final tournament. I set the hook on a fish, swung him into the boat and it came off. It landed right in front of the center console, landed on its tail and went over the side of the boat. We lost the tournament by 1/100 of a pound. I can still see that fish coming in, coming off and landing in the boat.”

• Mounting. “When a fisherman catches a fish to mount, it’s important to take good care of it and keep it alive,” he said. “At home, wrap it in a damp cloth, and plastic bag, and put it into the freezer until time to take it to the taxidermist.”

Tim Huffman has two new crappie fishing books, Limiting Out for Crappie, and 300+ Crappie Fishing Tips, available at Grizzly Jig Co. or Amazon.com

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Handy Smaller RVs Outsell Them All

Photos and Text

By THAYNE SMITH

Known by many names, it’s America’s most popular recreation vehicle.

Industry officials and manufacturers call it the folding camping trailer, but it’s best known by shorter names, since the official handle is too long for magazine editors and headline writers and too dull for promotion.

As a result, it’s served by such monikers as fold-down, pop-up, camping trailer, tent-trailer, tent camper and “tent on wheels.”

Regardless, its acceptance can be traced to many factors.

It’s versatile, fitting well the “do everything and ready to go about anywhere” mode.

It’s economical to purchase, maintain and operate.

Of the seven types and styles of RVs, it ranks lowest in initial cost. Towed by a small truck, SUV or mid-size or large automobile, it has little effect on the vehicle’s gas mileage, generally cutting it only by a couple of miles per gallon.

Compared to others, it fits most pocketbooks well.

Prices for a quality unit extend from $5,000 to $15,000, depending on size, weight, features and options. As a result, it attracts more buyers each year than all other types combined.

TENT ON WHEELS – OR MORE In today’s high-tech world, these RVs run the gamut from a simple “tent on wheels” to a completely self-contained unit boasting all the comforts of home.

In theory, they’re small, with popular sizes ranging from eight to 18 feet, mea-

Viking offers folding camping trailers in three styles – fiberglass hardside, traditional fold-out canvas, and folding top – all appealing to various likes of RV enthusiasts.

suring 85 inches wide (the maximum is 102 inches) with a traveling height of only five to six feet at most.

They’re stoutly constructed but light in weight and easy to tow. Almost any auto or light pickup can be used to pull a full-sized unit to favorite, even remote, spots.

In use, they’re large, comfortable, convenient and capable of packing a heavy payload of camping gear and living necessities.

Even basic units are worthy of praise. For example, a tiny eight-footer has a foldout length of more than 17 feet. It sleeps six, with two pull-out double beds and a converted dinette.

Most boast such standard items such as ice boxes, propane-powered cooking stoves, 12-volt lights, 110-volt converters and receptacles, stabilizer jacks, welded-steel bumpers, spare tires and wheels, stainless sinks and faucets, large water tanks and much more.

Modern units are lightweight but stout, serving

Starcraft offers a camping trailer with a front-end deck that serves for resting while in camp, surveying vistas and scouting during hunting season, bird watching, hauling big loads of gear or transporting large items.

well on the toughest of roads and in the tightest of camping spots. Most have heavy-duty aluminum and wood or fiberglass bodies with long-lasting acrylic canvas and clear heavy-duty zippered vinyl windows.

They are waterproof and breathable and will not crack, dry rot or mildew.

They have weather-resistant vinyl-covered floors, reversible 4-inch cushions on beds and dinettes for excellent sleeping and sitting comfort, city water and campground hookups, 12-to-16-inch tires

and wheels (depending on size and weight) tubularsteel frames and stainless lifter arms with multiple cables, for added strength and durability.

TAKE A BATH Top-of-the-line units have a full bath, with toilet, shower, large holding tank, hot water heater and a big water supply; plus canopies, screen rooms and awnings for kids; combo electric and propane refrigerators, gas furnaces and 110-volt See SMALLER RV page 11

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Branson in Winter – Don’t Forget Fishing

By BRANDON BUTLER

Branson is a year-round tourist destination made famous by music shows, but right now, the brown trout fishing may be the city’s greatest draw. The Missouri state record for brown trout changed hands twice this year, with the new record being a behemoth 40-pound, 6-ounce fish that fell just shy of the world record by less than two pounds.

There are many activities to experience in Branson.

A trip to this quaint Ozarks destination wouldn’t be complete without taking in a show or two, but a winter fishing trip for monster brown trout is certainly a good excuse for a visit.

THE FISHING GUIDE Being in Branson, Lake Taneycomo receives a lot of interest from tourists.

People travel to the Ozarks in search of entertainment

while also looking to soak up the surrounding natural splendor. A guided fishing trip on Lake Taneycomo allows visitors to achieve both at once. Duane Doty guides out of Lilleys’ Landing Resort.

“I know the most productive areas to fish,” Doty said.

“We usually don’t have to go far before wetting the lines.

I talk to my guests about what has been the best way to present the lure we will be fishing, how to retrieve the lure and what to expect as far as the bite.

“As the guests are fishing, I watch their lines, indicators and rods, letting them know when they are getting bites that they may not be detecting. It usually does not take long before they catch on and start catching fish.”

The Missouri Department of Conservation stocks approximately 750,000 trout in Taneycomo each year.

These stocked fish allow for Taneycomo to actively

serve trout anglers who want to keep their fish for eating.

A lot of wild trout fishing is heavily catch-and-release, but because of the aggressive stocking program, anglers regularly keep fish, but not all of them are caught and kept early on. Some Taneycomo trout grow to impressive size.

Both brown trout and rainbow trout are in Taneycomo.

The daily limit per angler is four trout. Of your four, only one may be a brown, and it

must have a minimum length of 20 inches.

THE TROPHY ZONE In the “trophy zone,” which runs from below Table Rock Dam to the mouth of Fall Creek, there is a slot limit on rainbows. You must release any fish between 12 and 20 inches. Also in the zone, you can only use flies and artificial lures.

To fish anywhere between Table Rock Dam and the

Highway 65 bridge, you must have a trout permit, as well as a fishing license.

Regulations like these can be tricky for newcomers. A guide will keep you straight on the rules.

I have fished Taneycomo using a number of different tactics. If you’re after numbers of fish, it’s hard to beat jigs. White and brown are popular colors. For a real challenge, fly-fishing is the way to go.

But if you want to focus on catching a “pig,” one of the monster browns that help make Taneycomo famous, then throwing stick baits is the way to go. One of my personal favorites is the Rebel Tracdown Minnow, because it is slow sinking and easy to control in moving water.

Overcast days with enough wind to put a slight chop on the water should be your most productive for throwing stick baits.

Bill Babler (left) holds the new state-record brown trout with his friend Ryan Titus. The fish was caught Sept. 4 at Lake Taneycomo, weighing in at 40 lbs., 6 ounces – MDC photo

• Small RV

air conditioners. Evaporative coolers, utilizing water pumped in front of 12-volt fans, are also available.

For active outdoors individuals or families, the units can be equipped with boat or bike racks (easily installed on the roof) and skid bars in the rear for safety when towing over rocky and rough terrain to primitive and backwoods country.

There’s ample storage room, accessible from inside and out, and for bedrolls, food and clothing, a small outboard, batteries and trolling motors and other necessities. Most units also have space for a 110-volt portable generator and gasoline containers, should the owner want complete comfort in isolated areas.

In addition, most of the

from page RV 10 modern units have lockable storage areas that are long and slim, making them suitable for the carrying of guns and ammo for hunting trips, and long rods and tackle for fishing excursions.

HOME AND OFFICE What more could you ask at a spring turkey hunting camp or camping-to-fish area on a remote lake, pond, quiet backcountry stream or coastal beach?

I’m privileged to spend most of my “work” time hunting, fishing and camping while writing about my adventures and the equipment I use. Whatever unit I’m using generally doubles as home and office.

It’s a good way to travel and relax, in any season. And the price is right.

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Where Have All the Birds Gone?

By GERALD J. SCOTT

I could spend an entire column just listing the reasons I like early season bow-hunting so much, but today I’ll limit myself to just one – bird watching.

OK, so I’m not a true bird watcher. I don’t know the common, let alone the taxonomic names of most of the small birds I see from my tree stands. I just know how much I enjoy watching them flitting through the understory and – occasionally – pausing for a few moments on a twig within touching distance.

Admittedly, it doesn’t say much for my powers of observation, but it wasn’t until this year it dawned on me that the multi-species flocks of migrating neo-tropical songbirds that had once provided nonstop entertainment had become a rarity. Was I observing an anomaly or a routine example of some new reality?

I learned that separate studies conducted by dozens of universities, state and federal wildlife agencies and private organizations like the Smithsonian and National Geographic have mutually concluded that there are approximately 2.9 billion fewer birds in the Continental United States than there were in 1970. (For the benefit of literature majors like myself, that figure is obtained by taking the number of birds alive at the beginning of 1970, adding all of the birds hatched since that date, minus the number of birds that have died in the interim.)

CLIMATE? HABITAT? In the refreshing, if politically incorrect opinion of the head of one of the university studies, “Laying the blame for this at the door of climate change is a stretch.”

Habitat, on the other hand, is always among the usual suspects. Are manmade or natural habitat changes among the most serious culprits?

Many grassland birds, including much-beloved species like the meadowlark and the bobwhite quail, are among the most seriously depleted, and overall losses suffered by grassland birds account for 53 percent of the total. In 2014, the United States lost more acres of grassland than the Amazon lost rainforest.

On the flip side of the coin, as both National Geographic and the Smithsonian graciously noted, the huge amounts of money hunters contribute to improve wetlands is the reason waterfowl populations are steadily increasing. Ironically, population declines among the bird species that inhabit the shores of these same wetlands account for 37 percent of the total decrease since 1974.

Relatively speaking, my beloved forest birds have suffered the least, losing “only” 22 percent of their population since 1970. The wood thrush

The beloved wood thrush has suffered some of the greatest losses.

– National Audubon Society photo

and the Baltimore oriole have been the hardest hit.

CITIZENS’ VOICE On a macro scale, citizens need to voice their collective support for adequate funding to fully implement the North American Wetlands Conservation Act, the Neotropical Migratory Bird Act and the Conservation Title of the Farm Bill. In addition, insisting on the establishment of a No-Net-Loss Grasslands Policy would benefit humans every bit as much as it would birds.

There’s also a vital role for you and me to play as individuals. Human-caused habitat manipulation aside, human action or inaction is responsible for an average of 3.3 billion bird deaths per year. According to figures provided by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 845 million of these are the result of collisions with everything from vehicles to wind turbines, six million birds are electrocuted, 72 million are poisoned and 750,000 die in oil pits.

NOXIOUS INVADER You no doubt noticed that those stats fall far short of accounting for 3.3 billion birds.

I’ve already filed my annual protest against Sedalia’s Trap/ Neuter/Release program for feral cats, so I’ll let the USFWS report that domestic and feral cats kill more than 2.4 billion birds per year in the continental United States stand on its own merits.

No I won’t. Feral cats are a noxious invasive species just as are feral hogs. Can anyone tell me why the Missouri Department of Conservation is spending who knows how much money in a probably futile attempt to eradicate the latter, while it stands idly by while admittedly good-hearted, wellmeaning people are introducing the former into what is, for the cats, a target-rich environment?

For the record, I thoroughly enjoy getting emails cheering or jeering the opinions I express in this column. But before you bother to send one calling me a “cat hater,” let me assure such is not the case.

I’ll even admit that my last cat was the only one that never left the house. The next one will be the second.

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Camping Supply List

By LAUREN MARSHALL

“Be Prepared” is not just the Boy Scout Motto – it should be the motto of every camper. Having the necessary supplies and equipment can make or break your camping trip, so proper preparation is essential.

Checklists can help with your organization. Of course, your camping list will vary according to the type of camping and activities you have planned, the places you are going, the time of year and the length of your trip.

Add or remove items to suit your individual needs. Print a copy of your checklist and go over it before each trip. Nothing is worse than getting to a campsite and realizing you used up all the toilet paper on the last trip or had taken the blankets out to be washed and forgotten to put them back.

CAMPSITE • Tent • Ground cloth/tarp • Extra stakes • Shade tarp/poles/rope/stakes • Axe or hammer • Mat for tent entrance • Dust pan/brush • Hose for water hook-up • Extension cord for electrical hook-up BEDDING • Sleeping bag • Sheets/blankets • Pillow • Air mattress/sleeping pad/cot/tarp • Air pump • Repair kit for air mattress • Utility bags for storage COOKING • Large water jug & water bucket • Coolers/ice • Thermos • Stove with fuel/propane • Matches/lighter • Charcoal/firewood/buddy burner • Dutch oven/tin can stove/box oven/etc • Campfire grill/BBQ grill • Fire starters/newspaper • Tablecloth/thumb tacks/clips • Plates & bowls/paper plates & bowls • Silverware/plastic silverware • Measuring cups • Heavy-duty aluminum foil • Paper towels • Trash bags • Dish soap • Clothes pins • Cooking oil/Pam spray • Containers for food storage • Potholders/oven mitts • Pots and frying pans with lids • Soap for outside of pots and pans • Cook utensils-spatula, knife, spoon • Tongs • Skewers/grill forks • Can opener/bottle opener • Folding table • Pie irons • Mugs/paper cups • Mixing bowl • Cutting board • Ziplock bags • Napkins • Dish pan • Dish rags/towels • Scrub pad/steel wool pad • Seasonings/sugar/condiments • Potato peeler • Coffee pot CLOTHES • Shoes/boots • Jeans/pants/belt • Shorts • T-shirts • Socks/extra socks • Hat • Bandana • Sweatshirt/jacket • Underwear • Sleep clothes • Rain gear • Swimsuit/towel

It is easier to have a “better to have it and not need it” approach when RV camping, as storage is usually more plentiful, but plastic storage totes make it very convenient to carry all the necessary items.

SAFETY FIRST! An emergency can arise on even the best planned camping trips, so tell someone of your plans. Give details of where you are going and when you expect to return, give directions and possible alternative roads that you may take, provide cell phone numbers, vehicle description and license plate numbers and provide local authority phone numbers (state police, game and fish commission, sheriff’s department, etc.) for the county or area that you will be in.

Be prepared – be safe, but most of all, have fun.

• Laundry bag • Pair of heavy work gloves PERSONAL • Shower shoes/flip flops • Towels/washcloth • Soap in plastic case/shampoo • Toothbrush/toothpaste • Deodorant • Comb/brush • Razor • Feminine products • Toilet paper • Shower bag or 5 gallon bucket • Camping shower/shower pump • Other personal items • Personal medications – take extra MISCELLANEOUS • Sunscreen/chapstick • Lantern with fuel/mantles • Extra batteries/bulbs • Compass/GPS • Bug repellant/candles • Whistle • Water filters/purification/treatment • Camera/battery/film • Books/magazines • Candles • Maps/directions • Misc. tools • Backpack/fanny pack • Fishing gear/license/bait • Radio • Musical instruments/song books • Camp chairs • Sunglasses • Hammock • First aid kit • Tissues • Saw/axe • Park map/guidebooks/trail maps • Lantern pole or hanger • Collapsible drying rack • Popcorn • Marshmallows, graham crackers, Hershey bars (Smores) • Flashlight/batteries • Pocket knife • Plastic grocery bags • Binoculars • Rope/clothes line • Canteen/water bottle • Bungi cords/straps • Cards/games/toys/golf • Duct tape/electrical tape • Notepad/pen • Reservations info./confirmation • Cell phone/charger & 2-way radios/ walkie-talkies • Small shovel • Safety pins • Money/ID/credit card/quarters • Bikes/helmets • Travel alarm clock • Tiki torch and oil • Umbrella • Hand wipes •

Drinks/snacks • Small sewing kit • Fire extinguisher • Hot chocolate/tea bags/coffee • Scissors • Watch • Pet food and leashes/leads FIRST AID KIT • Personal medications • Roll bandages • Adhesive tape • Antiseptic wipes • Sterile gauze pads • Cotton swabs • Tweezers • Safety pins • Scissors • Bee sting kit • Sinus medications • Tissues • Bug repellent • Sunscreen • Notepad/pen • Sterile compresses • Splinting materials • Personal information/contact person • Feminine products • Ipecac • Razor blades • Plastic bags • Small bottle of water • Blanket • Other personal needs • Small mirror • Triangular bandages • Misc. Band-Aids/bandages • Antacids (Tums, Rolaids) • Antibiotic cream • Aspirin/Ibuprofen/Tylenol/Naproxin • Hydrogen Peroxide • Ace bandages • Sunburn lotion • Burn ointment • Snake bit kit • Eye drops • Poison ivy cream/cleansers • Heat/cold packs • Small flashlight • Latex gloves • Antibacterial soap • Thermometer • Coins for emergency phone calls • Antibiotic soap • Butterfly bandages • Twine • Mole skin for blisters • Road flares • First aid manual • Nail clippers

St. Louis RV Vacation &Travel Show Program

RV Page 15

Memorable Moments from RV Life

By THAYNE SMITH

Building a treasure chest of memories comes easy when your career involves the use, promotion and writing of articles and books about recreation vehicles.

I developed a love affair with RVs, and the lifestyle they offer, more than 50 years ago, when several manufacturers left the confines of California and moved eastward.

Some found Kansas towns and labor markets to their liking and provided sources of articles when I toiled, in the late 1950s, as a reporter and editor for the Salina Journal.

The affair has continued to modern days.

Slide-in pickup campers, chassis mounts and camping trailers were popular in those days.

ELDO ‘BUD’ COONS The late Eldo “Bud” Coons, founder and president of Coons Manufacturing in Oswego, KS, was a pioneer in innovative RV design and promotion.

He installed a large Dreamer pickup camper, with all the amenities of home, on a pontoon boat deck and used it to cruise (with small outboard motor) a long strip-mining lake near the Coons factory.

It made a fine fishing and scuba-diving platform and was promoted in articles and photos by many popular writers of the era. Nice fish (mostly bass and sunfish) were caught and photographed from the unit.

I had the privilege of using several Coons offerings (Dreamer, Goldline and Diamond brands) in ensuing years. In the mid-1980s, I leaned on Bud and his wife, Bev, to provide me a Diamond Class C motor home as a “press room” during a Western Bass Tournament at Lake Mead, NV. SHELDON COLEMAN The company I served as

public relations director was a sponsor of the tournament, and I needed something at lakeside with air conditioning to appeal to the media covering the July event. With the generator humming, we greeted the press in comfort, while temperatures raced to 117 degrees outside.

While I served at Coleman, the company purchased a large Class A motor home for the use of executives.

The late Sheldon Coleman (CEO) often used it to participate in his favorite hobby of fly-fishing for trout and to test new products the company developed.

I served as driver, prototype product tester, cook and bottle washer and fishing companion. On an early October trip, it first took us to trout streams in north-central Colorado, where we fixed meals, prepared fish dishes and utilized new propane stoves that later became mainstays of the company.

CHARLIE FARMER Following, we went to Wyoming, visiting a big ranch on the famous Powder River after a stop in Cheyenne, to be joined by the late Charlie Farmer, a longtime friend and prominent writerauthor, who was then with the Wyoming Game and Fish Department.

Charlie and I pitched a big prototype tent on the riverbank and crawled into experimental sleeping bags for the night while Mr. Coleman enjoyed the luxury of the motor home.

The products got favorable ratings when we awoke the next morning to find two inches of snow covering the tent, motor home and entire countryside.

ED & SHARON ROOD Not many years ago, I loaned a Jayco pickup camper to friends Ed and Sharon Rood, then of Slater, Iowa, to be used in selecting a home site on a 40-acre farm they

purchased near Cambridge.

Ed, an outstanding wildlife photographer, writer and former newspaper ownerpublisher, is semi-retired but still does extensive freelance work.

“We cleared some brush and scrub trees from a hill to give us ideas on what the surroundings would offer in views and access. Then, for several days, parked at one spot and another, using the window over the dinette as a viewing area,” he recalled.

“It took a while, but we really enjoyed it, and it paid off.”

A big, two-story log home, shaded by hardwoods and boasting a view of a nice pond below and river valley beyond, now adorns the top of the hill.

I’ve had experiences and written about other RVs being used as living quarters, display booths and even woodworking, metal and jewelry shops at craft shows and flea markets.

Today’s “toybox” units

– hauling small autos, motorcycles and other popular vehicles and big cargo – are also finding much favor among vagabond types.

At the same time, others serve as roadside stands to sell trinkets, fruits and vegetables, seafood and more, and for sneaking all sorts of things across the nation’s borders.

JUST A RETREAT And I envy some ranch folks who parked an RV on

a ledge atop a mountain, near Texanna, OK. When I asked what it was, thinking it was a deer camp, they told me: “It’s just a retreat – a place to get away from it all – and it has a spectacular view that is always inspiring.”

The view is of sprawling Lake Eufaula, Oklahoma’s largest, with many coves and tributaries scattered among the surrounding hills.

The never-ending list goes on, serving well those who experience the RV lifestyle.

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St. Louis RV Vacation &Travel Show Program

RV Page 16

Boat, Fishing Show Feb. 7-9 in Marion IL

The 13th annual Southern Illinois Boat & Fishing Show will be Feb. 7-9 in Marion; a previous show is seen here.

Southern Illinois anglers and recreational boat customers can go shopping Feb. 7-9, 2020 at the 13th annual Southern Illinois Boat & Fishing Show, presented by Black Diamond RV. Boat and tackle dealers from all over the Midwest will display their merchandise. Daily fishing seminars, live entertainment, door priz-

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• Boats with new motors, swivel seats with backs, gas and all the supplies • Lakeside dining • Daily maid service • Lakeside Cabins with A/C, large decks, full kitchens, and more • WiFi, and TV • Transportation to Lakes • Shore Lunch Daily • Certified Guides • Individual lake maps

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es and more family-friendly fun are planned. Parking and admission are free at The Pavilion convention center in Marion, IL, north of Illinois Route 13 and off of Skyline Drive.

SHOPPING FOR AND OWNING A BOAT If you are in the market for a new boat, here are some things to know about the efficiency of a boat/motor package.

• WEIGHT makes a boat work harder as it moves through the water. The heavier the boat, the slower it will move. By leaving some gear at home or in the tow vehicle, you cut down the weight of the boat/ motor package. If fishing, it is not necessary to take all the rods and terminal tackle on every trip. So plan ahead.

It also helps to keep storage areas clean and less prone to mold and mildew problems.

• MOTORS, no matter how state-of-the-art, need to be tuned from time to time. This should include an examination of the prop. A poorly tuned or damaged prop reduces engine efficiency when it comes to moving through the water. You can actually lose up to 5 mph in boat speed with a damaged prop.

If the boat travels 50 mph with a new prop and only 45 mph with a damaged or out of pitch prop, that is a loss of 10 percent performance while using the same amount of fuel.

Over a boating year, a poorly tuned motor can be costly in fuel costs and engine wear.

• THE HULL – An often missed aspect of boat maintenance is cleaning the hull. Stuff builds up over the repeated presence in a body of water. It has been described as being like a dull knife. It just does not cut through the water as well when dirty. Slime on the hull slows the boat and increases fuel consumption.

If a boat is equipped with adjustable trim tabs, as most bass and deck boats are, use them wisely. They allow the boat to move through the water more efficiently. Also, the distribution of weight in the boat will affect the efficient performance of a boat. A

boat in trim uses less fuel and subsequently costs less to use over the course of the season.

• TOWING – When towing a boat, the tow vehicle uses more fuel and costs more to operate. It also can affect the durability of the equipment. The most efficient tailored vehicle is one covered with a boat canopy that makes it more streamlined as it passes through the air. If the boat provides less wind resistance, it is less expensive to tow. The fuel mileage of the tow vehicle is greater for a covered boat.

• SEATS – Boats with pedestal seats should have the seats lowered and folded up to provide less resistance if not in use. This is true either while being towed or moving across the water. The additional wind resistance of a seat left upright causes the base of the pedestal to come loose more easily.

The pressure of the air will shorten the life of the pedestal base mount.

• PROPELLER – One less understood aspect of boat motors is the propeller. The key to selecting the right size is the engine rpm. If the motor is running at its top rpm, at full throttle with a normal load, then the prop is the right size. If it is not making it to the top, then the prop is too small. If the engine is overrevving, the prop could be too large. Make sure you load the boat as you would in normal use before trying this test.

Props come in a variety of metals and plastic. Plastic is usually reserved for temporary use in case of an emergency. Stainless steel is the most expensive and delivers the most speed. Its thin blades reduce drag and can be forged into different configurations to optimize performance. That converts into better fuel mileage.

For more information on lodging and outdoor activities in Williamson County or to receive a free “Water, Woods & Wildlife in Williamson County” guide, call 800-GEESE-99 or email to info@VisitSI.com. Information is also available online at www.VisitSI.com.

St. Louis RV Vacation &Travel Show Program

RV Page 17

RV Maker Joins Kids’ Fight Against Cancer

Photos and Text

By FOREST RIVER RV

Not all heroes wear capes.

Some come rolling down the highway in an RV, wielding the power and compassion to change the lives of children they have never met.

When we think of companies and corporate partnerships, we don’t always see the personal and sometimes heartbreaking stories that drive the decisions to support programs like Care Camps. This is one of those peeks behind the curtain that reveals the humanity that connects us all.

Industry giant Forest River RV has acknowledged the hard reality that most of their employees and customers share a bond that no one wishes on another: the heartache of dealing with cancer, whether personally or in someone you love.

Through a generous corporate partnership, Forest River has turned that shared bond of heartache into a beautiful healing gift for children struggling with cancer.

Forest River CEO Peter Liegl described his own battle with cancer, and how it has opened his eyes to the realities that children with cancer and their families face, including some on their own team.

AT THE HOSPITAL “When I was diagnosed with multiple myeloma (cancer of the blood), I spent months undergoing radiation, chemotherapy and a stem cell transplant,” Liegl said. “While I was at the hospital going through my treatments, I saw hundreds of children going through all stages of cancer.

“As an adult, it is easier to accept the reality that life is short – but seeing babies, toddlers and children battling cancer is truly agonizing.”

This experience prompted Liegl to engage the employees at Forest River to support the cause, as well as pledge $1 million as a company to help send children diagnosed with childhood cancer to specialized oncology summer camps.

“I remember going to the Houston public park during my recovery just to get away, and nature was an escape

from the day-to-day cancer pains,” he said. “Nature was satisfying and comforting to me. We want to help create that experience for everyone – especially children who may not otherwise have the opportunity.”

A LIFETIME OF MEMORIES “We know from our research that children with cancer and their families who attend camp have improved quality of life and create memories that last a lifetime,” said Karen McAndrew, executive director of Care Camps. “Healing really does happen here.”

The charity supports more than 130 specialized oncology camps throughout North America that provide a true summer camp experience to children with cancer and their siblings.

The camps are provided at no charge to the affected families, and allow kids facing cancer not only to experience the healing of nature but also to develop a support system of friends who understand their struggles.

When news of the potential partnership with Care Camps reached Forest River employees, it ignited a spark within the organization. Forest River team members across the country have been inspired to individually take action, asking to volunteer at local camps, personally donate, or even create their own fundraisers for the cause. One team member, Kevin McArt, plans to raffle off a trailer to support the kids who need Care Camps.

Together, the employee base has unified around a cause that impacts so many.

“Cancer first impacted me at age six, when my mother was diagnosed with cancer of the thyroid,” said Doug Gaeddert, general manager.

“At 26 years of age, mom was the center of our family’s universe. This was the first time that I saw my father cry, and will never forget my feelings at the time.”

A WAY TO GIVE BACK Liegl said supporting Care Camps is, “an opportunity to literally bring some sunshine into the lives of kids battling

cancer and those of the families supporting them.

“All of us have been impacted by cancer in one way, shape or form. It was a unanimous vote by our management group to significantly support Care Camps,” he said.

“At Forest River, we have employees, family members, children with this disease. By giving back to Care Camps,

we hope that every Forest River team member will be proud of this partnership.

“Corporate social responsibility is our moral obligation. We are all stewards of this earth, and giving back to people is very important in life. If we all give a little, it will go a long way in helping create positive memories for children in difficult times.”

Kids facing cancer get their lives back at Care Camps, supported by Forest River RV.

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RV Page 18

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RV Page 19

Tips, Tricks and Thoughts for the Great Outdoors

A Lifetime of Outdoor Memories

LARRY L. WHITELEY is the host of the internationally syndicated Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World Radio and nationally syndicated Outdoor World newspaper and magazine tips.

The year 2019 was one of making some great outdoor memories, and I look forward to making more memories in the coming year. When you get to be my age, you just never know how many more years you have left to make those memories.

Time spent with grandkids making outdoor memories becomes less as they get older and have their own lives to live.

It won’t be much longer and they will be making outdoor memories with their own kids.

I hope they tell them about all the memories they have of hunting and fishing with Papaw and Dad. I will make new memories in 2020. A few will be with grandkids, a few with my sons and a few with friends. This will be a year when, for most of my time outdoors, I will be by myself, like I was before kids and grandkids a long time ago. As I sit in deer stands, turkey blinds, fishing boats and around campfires, I will have a lifetime of outdoor memories to keep me company.

SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT “The only real treasure is in your head. Memories are better than diamonds, and nobody can steal them from you.”

– Rodman Philbrick LATE SEASON HUNTING If you’re still out deer hunting, look for areas that have received little disturbance since mid-season and secluded feeding areas. Areas that have had little to no hunting pressure are prime late-season deer hunting hot spots.

THE BIG BUCK CRAZE As deer season winds down, some hunters are still out there after that big buck, some have venison in the freezer and others have given up until next year. I’ve got to tell you

something that’s bothering me, though. Our deer hunting tradition seems to be somewhat overshadowed by the pursuit of monster bucks in today’s world.

The quality of the hunt, in most cases, is measured by how the rack scored. Big buck pictures are all over social media, the internet and TV. A lot of hunters feel so much pressure to take a big buck, I don’t know how they can truly enjoy the hunt.

The big buck craze has introduced more people to the grand sport of hunting and helped create new businesses, jobs and products. I just hope that in all this pursuit of monster bucks, we don’t forget to teach kids and beginners that it’s not just about a trophy rack.

Let us not forget, it’s OK to take a doe. It’s good for herd management, and they taste better than an old buck.

It’s about being out in God’s great outdoors and enjoying this special time with special people making memories, showing respect and reverence to the animal, being accountable for how we hunt and passing on this grand tradition.

NATIONAL BIRD FEEDING MONTH February is National Bird Feeding Month, and it’s a great time to start enjoying watching birds come to your feeders.

Those of us who feed birds enjoy watching them come into our feeders as we sit in our warm homes. Bird feeding is important in that it provides birds with food, water and shelter that they desperately need in winter, when the foods that help warm their bodies are in short supply in the wild.

DON’T FEED THE WILDLIFE I know it’s hard to watch wildlife struggling to find food during the winter. You want to help, but don’t. Feeding

songbirds is OK, but putting out food for wildlife can hurt more than help.

Feeding bread to ducks and geese is bad for their digestion.

They are especially vulnerable to outbreaks of botulism when artificially fed. They might decide to take up permanent residence, leaving their droppings for you to step in.

Deer fed all winter won’t leave come spring, either. They will have become accustomed

to the free meal and stay to munch on your garden of flowers and vegetables. Plus, they can bring ticks to your yard and cause vehicle accidents.

AMERICA’S FIRST CONSERVATIONISTS The environmental wisdom and spirituality of Native Americans is legendary. Animals were respected as having equal rights to humans, hunted but only for food and not sport.

They didn’t waste any part of the game, and they gave thanks to the Great Spirit when they took an animal.

February is National Native American Month and a time to better appreciate these people whose land and way of life were taken away from them.

In today’s broken world, we should all remember the wisdom of their words: “When a man moves away

from nature, his heart becomes hard.”

– Lakota “If you see no reason for giving thanks, the fault lies in yourself.”

– Minquass “White men have too many chiefs.”

– Nez Perce “Do not wrong or hate your neighbor, for it is not he that you wrong, but yourself.”

– Pima

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(314) 895-4567 • apachevillagerv.com Content provided by Outdoor Guide Magazine – outdoorguidemagazine.com

St. Louis RV Vacation &Travel Show Program

RV Page 20

Branson’s for Families, Even in Winter Branson Convention & Visitors Bureau

Families can enjoy the great outdoors on camping trips to the Branson area.

From campsites to hiking trails, here is everything you need to know to plan an unforgettable family excursion.

Fresh air, a cozy campfire, the sweet taste of s’mores – there’s no better way to enjoy a weekend getaway than camping in Branson. Add to those attributes the beautiful natural surroundings of the Ozarks and you’ve got yourself one awesome outdoor adventure.

CAMPING BRANSON One of Branson’s most popular camping destinations is Table Rock Lake, which features two campgrounds – Viney Creek Recreation Area and Table Rock Lake Campground.

Trails around Table Rock State Park provide a great environment to explore the outdoors. Trails of varying lengths are open to hiking and biking, while the popular Table Rock Lake is one of Missouri’s top fishing destinations. The marina also has plenty of options for boat and equipment rentals and nearly 800 miles of shoreline to enjoy.

Families can pack up and plan a getaway any time of the year in one of Branson’s family oriented RV parks and campgrounds. The convenience of Wi-Fi is offered at most facilities, and most are pet-friendly too. Several are Good Sam award-winners and are often featured in Trailer Life magazine.

Branson is the place to spend quality time together with the comforts of a fullservice 20/30/50-amp RV site or to unplug and reconnect with the family near one of its beautiful lakes.

Of course, there’s more to camping than just pitching a tent and stoking the fire. A great camping trip includes exploring hiking trails, a little fishing, and did we already mention s’mores?

ON THE TRAILS The Branson/Lakes Area features more than 200 miles of hiking, biking and horseback riding trails. Also, the high-tech sport of geocaching is alive and well in the Ozarks, with dozens of caches hidden throughout the terrain.

Dogwood Canyon Nature Park provides a perfect setting for activities including fishing, hiking, biking or taking a historical tram tour.

Covering 10,000 acres of pristine Ozark Mountain

Branson Zipline at Wolfe Mountain uses ziplines, sky bridges and platforms.

– Branson Zipline photo

landscape, the park has miles of crystal-clear trout streams, cascading waterfalls, ancient burial caves, unique hand-built bridges and bottomless, blue-green pools.

THRILL RIDES Branson Zipline Tours at Wolfe Mountain offers authentic eco-adventures in the Ozarks. The thrilling options include a variety of guided canopy tours with treks across ziplines, sky bridges, and platforms.

The Shepherd of the Hills Vigilante ZipRider is an exciting thrill ride launching from the open-air deck of the 230-foot Inspiration Tower.

This ride whisks guests on an adrenaline-pumping downhill adventure over The Shepherd of the Hills’ 160acre homestead. Coasting along at speeds of up to 50 mph, it’s a ride that you’ll remember for years to come.

ON THE WATER The Branson/Lakes Area has three pristine lakes – Table Rock, Taneycomo and Bull Shoals – with hundreds of miles of natural shoreline. The lakes’ waters never freeze, welcoming activities year-round. Water sports enthusiasts can swim, water ski, wakeboard, tube, boat, sail, scuba dive, Jet Ski, parasail, kayak and fish.

Kayaking, hydro-biking and stand-up paddleboarding are amazing ways to get out on the water. Options can be found with Kayak Branson, White River Kayaking, 38 Paddle Co. and Main Street Marina on Lake Taneycomo.

Table Rock Lake is accessible from multiple public and privately owned locations just west of Branson.

Many enjoy this lake through activity options including boat rentals, wave runner rentals, the Spirit of America catamaran cruise for up to 50 people, as well as lunch

OK, it’s not summer, but Table Rock Lake is a great place to go swimming.

– Missouri State Parks photo Content provided by Outdoor Guide Magazine – outdoorguidemagazine.com

A big rig at Viney Creek Recreation Area

and dinner cruises aboard the Showboat Branson Belle.

Lake Taneycomo’s water comes from the bottom of Table Rock Lake, making it a cold-water lake. The pristine, clear water is stocked annually with approximately 750,000 rainbow trout, making it a world-class trout fishery. This lake is also perfect for kayaking.

ULTIMATE RV PARKING Whether you’re on a cross-country road trip or headed for the Ozarks, Branson and its surrounding area are the perfect place to park your tent or RV. Enjoy the waterfront beauty and water activities at Bull Shoals Lake and Table Rock Lake. Or stay in the quiet woodlands of nearby state parks. With 50-amp service and campfire rings, along with the proximity of so many great shows and attractions, there is little wonder Branson is one of America’s favorite camping destinations.

– MiltonTravels.Blogspot.com photo

Waterfalls are a common sight at Dogwood Canyon.

–OutdoorGuidephoto

Trout fishing is a special treat at Dogwood Canyon Nature Park.

– Dogwood Canyon photo

St. Louis RV Vacation &Travel Show Program

RV Page 21

Claudette’s Kitchen

A New Year Means Celebrating

By CLAUDETTE ROPER

So we finally got to ring in the new year, 2020! Did you ever wonder where the expression “ring in” comes from?

My assumption is that it is church bell-related – something Americans don’t hear like they do in Europe.

Like Europe and just about every other country around the globe, however, we all have our traditional activities for celebrating the new year. Let’s look at a few examples of New Year’s traditions around the world.

On New Year’s Eve, eat 12 grapes, one at each stroke of the clock; throw old plates and glasses against the doors of family and friends; jump off chairs; wear red underwear; hang an onion on the front door; cast tin; give gifts of marzipan pigs; make bonfires of Christmas trees (there’s a way to make sure the tree is down before New Year’s Day); and set off fireworks and celebratory gunfire.

What do all these have in common? Good luck. Now this old gal doesn’t believe in good luck, but I do believe in being blessed. I’m not willing to wait until New Year’s Eve, nor am I willing to depend on luck.

So, why have I cast tin and enjoyed participating in shooting the anvil, shotguns or better yet, Tannerite? Because it’s fun. Sometimes that’s all the reason we need.

TOO MUCH EGGNOG? Iceland is said to have traditions that take place on New Year’s Eve, such as cows talking and seals taking on human form. I think that may have more to do with the amount of eggnog consumed than the specific holiday.

In Hungary, Budapest’s Time Wheel (one of the world’s largest hourglasses) runs out. It is then mechanically rotated so that the sand can run through it for another year. When our hourglass runs out, nobody can rotate it, so you can celebrate on New Year’s Eve. Call me weird, but I was sad to read that they have ended the 24-year-old “possum drop” tradition. In 2018, Brasstown, NC, ended the ritual of slowly lowering a marsupial in a box to usher in the new year. Sometimes I shouldn’t look up the facts – guess I was just picturing something more like the yearly pumpkin drop at St. Charles Flying Service!

Of course, it wouldn’t do to fail to mention the Times Square New Year ball drop, a tradition since 1907. Somehow it just pales in comparison to some of our midwestern traditions.

It seems that most food traditions focus on the day after, but even New Year’s Day has a few special traditions, such as the Rose Parade in Pasadena, CA, and the Polar Bear Swim in Canada. Now Mountain Man is even more convinced that Canucks are crazy.

BEST OF LUCK Just like New Year’s Eve traditions are steeped in good luck, so are the foods served on January 1. Some “lucky” foods to eat include pork, fish, rice, cabbage, tamales, extralong noodles, ring-shaped cakes, black-eyed peas and greens.

Depending on the part of the world, the country or even the state, those foods are prepared differently. Pork is a great example. Did you know that in Italy they serve “zampone,” a deboned pig trotter stuffed with sausage meat?

Now wouldn’t you know that the idea of eating a stuffed pig trotter sent me to Google? For those of you who know what that is – high five. The rest of you will have to Google it like I did. Personally, I’ll stick to our traditional pickled herring.

Depending on how hard and how late you party when you celebrate New Year’s Eve, you may want to consider making that New Year’s Day meal something that requires little more than turning on the crockpot before you go to bed in the morning.

With that in mind, I’m sharing my favorite black-eyed peas recipe. You can do this ahead and warm it in the crockpot.

BLACK-EYED PEAS

• 2 cans black-eyed peas with liquid • ½ cup uncooked jasmine rice • 4 (or more) strips bacon, diced • 1 medium onion, chopped • 1 cup boiling water

• Salt and pepper to taste Fry bacon lightly, then add onion to the pan. When the onion is glassy looking, add the remaining ingredients and simmer until rice is done.

An additional cabbage option to add a twist (and another “lucky” ingredient) is adding some sauerkraut toward the end of cooking. Just remember, if you don’t like sauerkraut, the black-eyed peas won’t make you like it any better – leave it out. You can also finely slice about half a cup of cabbage and add it when you add the onions.

Bake some corn bread and flash-fry some fresh greens (our kale has survived the freezes so far). Then you’ll be all set for a southern New Year’s meal. May you be blessed in 2020.

Onion and bacon make this a special version of blackeyed peas.

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Outdoor Guide

January-February 2020

Page 13

Winter Is Time to Hunt Squirrels

Photo and Text

By BRANDON BUTLER

Missouri’s squirrel season runs until Feb. 15. Hunters are allowed to harvest 10 squirrels daily and may possess up to 20. Squirrels may be taken with a shotgun, rifle or bow. A Small Game Hunting Permit is required to hunt squirrels.

The forests and woodlands of Missouri are open now, and squirrels are easier to locate than during the leafy time of year. There are lots of other hunters in the woods to share time and space with, so it may be best to see if anyone else is hunting the area you plan to hunt, if you’re on private land, before heading out after bushytails.

On public land, the best you can do is be on the lookout for other hunters and then try to make the most of the situation.

There are many ways to squirrel hunt in winter. Walking cleared trails and logging roads affords you easy passage through the brush.

Walking a little way and then sitting down to silently wait is the classic method of hunting squirrels. My favorite way to hunt squirrels is to float hunt on a peaceful stream from the comforts of a canoe.

Silently paddling around a lake or down a river through public land with a .22 rifle close at hand, a hunter can easily glide within shooting distance of squirrels. Spot a squirrel up in the branches, make the shot, retrieve your quarry and paddle on down river until you find another.

FROM THE BOAT You can easily float hunt squirrels alone, but it works even better with a partner.

Have the shooter in the bow

of the boat, so the paddler in the rear can hold the boat steady in the right place for the shooter.

When you arrive at an area that looks like great squirrel habitat, beach your canoe and take a hike. By accessing public land from the river, you are likely to have it all to yourself. You can also make squirrel camp on a gravel bar.

I know more than one woodsman who lives for fresh fried squirrel served riverside.

If you’re new to squirrel hunting, don’t worry. Cleaning and cooking squirrels is a snap. First, make a slice under the base of the tail. Then break the tailbone and skin up the back about an inch. Next, slice down along the top of each back leg. This gives you a nice flap.

Step on it and pull the squirrel up from its back legs.

This will skin out the front of

Squirrels are easier to spot in leafless trees.

the squirrel. Now just grab the flap and pull it over the back legs. With your squirrel skinned, cut off the meat you plan to eat, bread it, drop it in the frying pan and you’re ready to go.

SQUIRREL HOURS Squirrels are active from sunrise to sunset, foraging for food, such as nuts, berries

Trout Season Runs March 1 to Oct. 31 March 1 marks the annual opening of catch-and-keep trout fishing in Missouri at the state’s four trout parks: Bennett Spring State Park near Lebanon, Montauk State Park near Licking, Roaring River State Park near Cassville, and Maramec Spring Park near St. James. The catch-and-keep season runs through Oct. 31.

The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) operates trout hatcheries at all four parks and stocks rainbow trout daily throughout the season.

Trout anglers need a daily trout tag to fish in Missouri’s trout parks. Daily trout tags can be purchased only at each of the four trout parks. Missouri residents 16 through 64 and nonresidents 16 and older also need a fishing permit in addition to the daily tag.

The cost of a daily trout tag to fish at three of Missouri’s four trout parks – Bennett Spring State Park, Montauk State Park, and Roaring River State Park – is $4 for adults and $3 for those 15 years of age and younger. A daily fishing permits for Missouri residents is $7 and $8 for nonresidents. The daily limit is four trout.

A young angler goes trout fishing at Bennett Spring State Park.

HIGHER LIMITS AT MARAMEC MDC is conducting a pilot program at Maramec Spring Park where the daily limit will be raised from four to five trout and the cost of a daily trout tag for adults will go from $3 to $5 and from $2 to $3 for anglers 15 years of age and younger.

MDC has received public comments requesting the daily-limit return to five trout.

Prior to 2004, the daily limit

MDC operates trout hatcheries at the state’s four trout parks and stocks rainbow trout daily throughout the catch-andkeep season.

– MDC photo

at the four parks was five fish measuring an average of about 10.5 inches. Today, the limit is four fish averaging about 12.5 inches.

As a part of the Maramec Spring Pilot, the department will maintain the current stocking size and daily stocking allotment. The statewide possession limit has been raised at Maramec Spring and will be 10.

Trout hatcheries are just one way conservation pays in Missouri. MDC staff stock more than 800,000 trout annually at the four trout parks and approximately 1.5 million trout annually statewide.

Trout anglers spend more than $100 million each year in the Show-Me State, which generates more than $180 million in business activity, supports more than 2,300 jobs, and creates more than $70 million dollars in wages.

About 30 percent of Missouri trout anglers come from other states, so a substantial portion of trout fishing expenditures is “new money” for the state’s economy.

– MDC photo

Missouri also offers excellent trout fishing throughout the state on rivers and streams that support naturally reproducing trout. For more information on trout fishing in Missouri, go online to huntfish.mdc.mo.gov/fishing/where-fish/trout-areas.

Missouri fishing permits are available from vendors around the state, online at mdc.mo.gov/buypermits or through MDC’s free mobile apps, MO Hunting and MO Fishing, available through Google Play for Android devices or the App Store for Apple devices.

PROHIBITED SHOES To prevent the spread of the invasive alga called didymo or “rock snot,” the use of shoes, boots or waders with porous soles of felt, matted or woven fibrous material is prohibited at all trout parks, trout streams, Lake Taneycomo and buffer areas. Get more information at huntfish.mdc.mo.gov/fishing/protect-missouri-fishing/ don’t-spread-didymo.

and seeds. Hunters who move slowly typically do well. It behooves a hunter to sit a spell in one place and wait for the movement of a squirrel to give away its location. Once you find and shoot a squirrel, don’t give up on the spot. You are quite likely to take two or more squirrels from the place.

There are two species of

squirrels in Missouri, fox squirrels and eastern gray squirrels. Fox squirrels are also commonly referred to as “red squirrels.” They are bigger than gray squirrels and often inhabit edge areas.

Gray squirrels are commonly found in larger tracts of forest but it is common to find both reds and grays living together.

Applications Open for Illinois Turkey Hunting Youth and adult hunters can apply now for 2020 spring turkey hunting sites through the Illinois Recreational Access Program (IRAP), the Illinois Department of Natural Resources announced.

The department has leased more than 16,000 acres of private land for the turkey season through IRAP, creating 470 public access turkey hunting sites on those properties in 40 counties.

Sites are available free of charge to successful applicants during the spring youth turkey hunt and during the third and fourth segments of the spring turkey season.

To participate as a youth hunter (age 17 and under), hunters and their supervisors must fill out an IRAP application and send it in by Feb. 22 to be eligible for the IRAP youth drawing. A total of 180 sites are available in 38 counties for the twoweekend youth season (March 28-29 and April 4-5).

More IRAP sites are available for spring turkey season segments 3 and 4 to youth and adult turkey hunters.

These sites are open on a first-come, first-served basis.

Turkey hunting on IRAP-leased property is available during three spring turkey seasons: • Youth Season: March 28- 29 (statewide) April 4 - 5 (statewide) • Third Season: April 17 - 22 (south zone); April 24 - April 29 (north zone) • Fourth Season: April 23 - April 29 (south zone); April 30 - May 6 (north).

To be eligible, a hunter must first apply for a spring turkey permit through the lottery for an IRAP-eligible county.

Once hunters receive spring turkey permits, they may apply for an IRAP turkey site in the county for which they received their turkey permit. Preference is given to youth hunters and first-time adult hunters. For more information, go online to www.dnr.illinois.gov/hunting/Pages/TurkeyHunting. aspx.

Outdoor Guide

Page 14

January-February 2020

Wild Wine Life

Smoked Venison a Special Dish

Photo and Text

By RAY MAXWELL Many people love smoked meats and venison roast as wonderful comfort food. So one of our favorite comfort foods is smoked venison roast.

Smoked venison roast is an easy and tasty treat for home and at camp. I have found that boneless roast works best for this dish.

First, trim any remaining

silver skin off the meat, but leave what little fat is still on the roast. Then rub some olive oil onto the roast and work into the meat your favorite venison rub.

Pre-heat a cast-iron skillet with some olive oil in the skillet. Once your venison roast has the rub on all sides and the skillet is hot, place the roast into the skillet. You are only browning the sides. Rotate the roast until all the sides have a nice light brown color – you

are not trying to cook the roast in the skillet.

With your smoker running between 275 and 325 degrees, place the roast onto the smoker. Check the fuel and turn the roast about every 45 minutes for 2½ to 3 hours. You can use a meat thermometer and take the roast off at 160-degree internal temperature or visually check by cutting. You do not want to overcook the roast, so medium-rare to medium is about as far as you want to go.

After you feel it is done, wrap it in foil and let the roast rest about 15-20 minutes before cutting it.

TWO NICE WINES Two wines that pair very well with this dish are Les Bourgeois Vineyards Norton and Auerelia Visinescu Artisan Feteasca Neagra, both of which can be purchased for under $20 a bottle.

Les Bourgeois Vineyards shows you how Missouri can produce wonderful wine, and Norton is a great wine with many dishes. The wine holds up to the venison, and bright red fruit flavors come out with each sip.

Auerelia Visinescu Artisan Feteasca Neagra is for those who enjoy an eclectic wine.

The grape will appeal to Cabernet Franc drinkers. The heavy tannins, with their soft mouth feel, red fruit flavors and hints of vanilla, will allow your to appreciate all the work you went through to harvest the deer and cook the venison.

Please like Wild Wine Life on Facebook or Youtube and catch the video version of this recipe and other things.

Don’t overcook the smoked venison roast.

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Outdoor Guide

January-February 2020

Page 15

Your Guide to

GREAT GEAR

New Backpacks Inspired by the City Are Also Great in the Country

Solo NY offers three new backpacks designed for either urban or outdoors use, inspired by the hustle and bustle of New York City.

Unbound Backpack has a TSA checkpoint-friendly laptop and tablet pocket, a back panel that slips over the luggage handle, and three organizer sections.

Region Backpack is durable, versatile and sleek with a padded back panel and shoulder strap, a weight of only 1.65 lbs. and multiple pockets.

All-Star Backpack Duffel (pictured) is a hybrid for anything from work commutes to backpacking trips, with a shoe pocket, laundry compartment and internal organizer, plus hide-away and removable straps to switch between backpack and duffel bag.

Unbound lists fors $86.99, Region $64.99 and All-Star $86.99, available at solo-ny.com/collections/backpacks.

Best Buy also has a selection online.

Ramble Down Blanket Is Roomy, Warm and Stays Dry

Bring the comfort of home wherever you roam with the Ramble Down Blanket, made by Therm-A-Rest. This down blanket is large enough for two campers and roughly as big as a queen-size comforter.

The blanket is packed with powerful Nikwax Hydrophobic down, so it repels the morning dew and other moisture and keeps you sleeping soundly.

Wherever you roam, the Ramble Down Blanket combines the packability and warmth of down with a spacious cut and soft-touch fabrics to help your camp feel like home.

Therm-A-Rest’s Ramble Down Blanket sells for $259.95 at numerous suppliers online.

Great Western II Has a New Californian Model

Pietta USA and EMF (Early Modern Firearms) offers the next generation of their popular Great Western Californian single-action series of six-shooters. The Great Western II “Grande Californian,” available in both .357 magnum and .45LC, elevates the classic beauty of the original Californian to a new level.

The Grande is elegantly engraved with a combination of Victorian scrollwork and sunbursts on the blued barrel, with a deep-rich-color, case-hardened frame and a one-piece, diamond-checkered grip. It is manufactured and engraved in Italy by Pietta.

True to the original, a floating firing pin is in the hammer, and barrels are forged steel and highly polished.

Either version of Grande Californian lists for $665 at the Pietta website, piettausa.com or at the EMF site, emfcompany.com.

Clenzoil Bore Stix Come Pre-Saturated

Clenzoil’s Field & Range Bore Stix are a new and innovative line of saturated gun cleaning swabs that reduce the need for cotton bore patches while providing superior bore cleaning performance in a fraction of the time, without the hassle and mess.

The Bore Stix expand deep into rifling grooves to break down and clean out fouling and leave behind a light coating for rust protection. The strong and flexible bamboo handles allow for cleaning of pistol barrels without complete disassembly of the firearm, marking barrel maintenance onthe-go quick and easy.

Bore Stix can be used to clean receivers, slides, chambers, magazine housings, breeches, and more. The swabs fit 22, 40 and 45 caliber plus 9mm.

Clenzoil Field & Range Bore Stix were selling for $12.99 at Amazon.com.

Mammoth Cruiser 30 Is the Choice for Daily Use

Warmer temperatures will be coming soon, a perfect time for a new cooler. Mammoth Coolers keeps coming out with new and innovative coolers and accessories in an array of colors and guaranteed for life.

The Mammoth Cruiser 30 (30-quart) is an everyday carry cooler with maximum capacity and mobility, perfect for times when you need lots of food and beverages for a group of people, and great for fishing, camping, tailgating or a long day at the beach.

It’s large enough to double stack 12-ounce cans to maximize can capacity and tall enough to hold bottles standing up. You’ll be able to take what you want without the hassle of a bulky cooler to transport.

Ice retention is up to six days with its premium insulation.

The cooler is made using the rotational molded (roto-mold) process, so it can take a beating. If you keep it in a cold place before using it, the ice will last longer. A rubber gasket seal on the lid keeps outside air out.

Mammoth Cruiser 30 was selling for $157 at Wal-Mart.

For more information, go online to mammothcooler.com.

Winder Spooler Lets You Load the Spool Quickly and Easily

Fishernomics has come up with something new, a quick and handy way to load the spool called the Winder Spooler.

Fishermen don’t have to resort to using pencils anymore.

The gadget lets the reel and spool rotate simultaneously to prevent tangling and looseness keeps the line steady and firm.

It’s also compact, lightweight and portable, with a highstrength graphite frame and two extra bushings for differentdiameter line spools. It weighs just 8.8 ounces and easily disassembles.

Winder Spooler is available for $29.99 at Fishernomics. com/products.

ABKT Latest: Sowbelly Stockman

American Buffalo Knife & Tool (ABKT), known for traditional and quality western knives, introduces the all-new Sowbelly Stockman pocketknife as part of the company’s Roper Series of knives.

It’s a smart everyday carry, whether in the field or in the office. True to tradition, the Sowbelly handles are made of attractive, smooth bone, with ringed and pinched nickel silver bolsters and large, small and spey blades made of 1065 carbon steel.

Length is 3.75” closed, with a satin finish. It comes boxed with shipping weight of 1 pound.

The Roper Sowbelly Stockman has been available for $22.26 at Wal-Mart.

Motorola T800 Walkie-Talkies Connect to Smart Phones

Motorola introduces the Talkabout T800 walkie-talkies, which let you not only talk to travel or sports companions, but also to share and track locations with them and send group messages, using your iPhone or Android phones over Bluetooth.

The range is up to 35 miles in mountain-to-valley communications, two miles in urban settings or six on open water. Maps can be downloaded in advance. And it has IPX4 waterproofing plus 11 weather channels, a built-in flashlight and a belt clip.

The Talkabout app does not require cell service. It provides VibraCall, NOAA weather and low battery level alerts. The NiMH battery packs lasts up to 14 hours on a charge from a wall outlet or AA batteries keep it going up to 25 hours.

Talkabout T800 is available from retailers including B&H Photo-Video and Audio, Amazon or Home Depot for prices starting at $92.99 for a pair.

DuraTek 5mm Neo Chest Wader Is Tough, Ready for Cold Days

Compass 360, a leader in rain and wade wear, introduces the DuraTek 5mm Neoprene Chest Wader, with maximum comfort and durability and ready for the cold.

These waders are constructed with rugged 5mm neoprene, 1600 gm Thinsulate boots, reinforced & oversized knee pads and patterned in either Mossy Oak’s classic Bottomland or Realtree’s Max5.

The waders come with front waist storage pockets, a flip-out inside security pocket and an expandable chest call pocket. They also come standard with a deep chest hand-warmer pocket with neoprene shell loops.

Seams are triple sealed, the adjustable suspenders have quick release buckles, and the web wading belt is adjustable and sturdy with a D-Ring attachment.

The DuraTek 5mm Neo Chest Wader lists for $249.95 at compass360gear.com, along with several other wader models.

Outdoor Guide

Page 16

January-February 2020

Does Missouri Have Mountain Lions?

By JOEL M. VANCE Back in the 1970s there was a report of a mountain lion roaming the wilds of Current River country in the Missouri Ozarks. Mike Milonski and Alan Brohn, both of whom would become assistant directors of the Missouri Conservation Department, mounted an expedition to prove or disprove the existence of the cat.

They didn’t have a visual sighting of the animal but did find a paw print and made a plaster cast of it. Department wildlife biologists agreed that it certainly looked like a mountain lion track.

But, echoing the prevailing philosophy of the day, they agreed that Missouri did not have wild mountain lions and if there was a cat present, it probably had been released there by someone possibly disenchanted with it as a pet.

The prevailing philosophy for years was that if mountain lions existed in the Missouri wild, one would have been shot by a hunter or, at the very least, captured on a trail-cam.

More than 30 years later, a motorist (perhaps driving a Mercury Cougar?) killed a male mountain lion on Highway 54 between Jefferson City and Fulton, to the north. Blood tests proved the cat indeed was a wild, not pet, animal, most likely having originated far to the west – perhaps in the Black Hills of South Dakota.

No explanation as to how it came to be in Missouri, but young male animals, looking for territory of their own, often travel long distances to establish their own identity.

SECOND AND THIRD LIONS Evidence that Missouri could and would play host to visiting mountain lions was reinforced when a second lion fell victim to one of Detroit’s finest on a highway in North Kansas City, and when a third lion recently succumbed to automotive “caticide” after being hit by a car on Interstate 44.

These are widely divergent geographic locations, which would indicate that mountain lions, being reclusive by

nature and while not widely exposed to public view, are indeed statewide residents.

At least one female lion has been among the 76 confirmed mountain lion reports since 1994 – and one female, among all those randy male lions, certainly raises the possibility of young ones.

But there have been hundreds, if not thousands, of reported mountain lion sightings, and it seems as if every other person who has spent any time in the outdoors claims to have seen a mountain lion – or at least knows someone who has. But what you see is not necessarily what you get. Over the years there have been many supposed sightings of black panthers, which, I feel confident in saying, do not exist in the Missouri wild – and I further suspect that the family black Labrador retriever on walkabout has been responsible for most of them.

Some reports include having heard a lion screaming in the night. Not to discount them, but raccoons squalling, as they often do, could easily become the wail of a mountain lion to the ears of a listener.

Mountain lions, like wolves, spark an immediate and primal fear in people.

Both are apex predators (kind of like people). Wolves have been the stuff of legend for hundreds of years, not to mention fairytales like the Big Bad Wolf (or in the case of Archie Campbell’s Spoonerized version of the three terrorized piggies, the “Pee Little Thrigs”).

LION FEARS Every one of the very rare attacks by a mountain lion breeds immediate fear of being assaulted by a ravenous big cat in legions of outdoor enthusiasts. Statistically, any wilderness traveler stands a far better chance of being killed by lightning than he or she does being killed by either a timber wolf or a mountain lion.

A mama grizzly bear with cubs is another story entirely, but Missouri so far has avoided being invaded by grizzlies. Black bears could be a threat, especially with

This mountain lion was photographed in 2013 at the state’s Peck Ranch Conservation Area in southeastern Missouri.

cubs, but again, watch out for the lightning.

The ubiquitous presence of trail cameras nowadays is behind almost all the confirmed sightings – it’s hard to argue with a sharp photograph. It’s equally impossible to deny the evidence of a lion carcass, one of which is mounted in the Department of Conservation’s Runge Nature Center in Jefferson City.

Recently an alleged mountain lion sighting in the heart of Jefferson City dominated discussion on Facebook where the wilder the allegation, the more discussion, often heated and outlandish, proliferates. The sighting was atop a cliff face at the Menard’s store. A woman posted a video of an obvious cat of some sort walking along the top of the cliff, somewhat obscured by grass. She said it was a mountain lion.

The Conservation Department stationed someone at the top of the cliff with a cutout of a cat and a mountain lion.

It was, the Department said, a feral cat (and feral cats are responsible for hundreds of thousands of bird deaths every year).

There was an immediate firestorm of comments on Facebook from those who, mostly, claimed to have seen mountain lions and accused the Department of some sort of cover-up.

Many claim that the Department has lied about the existence of mountain lions in the wild for years, although there is ample discussion about the animal on the Department’s website, and the prevailing view is that yes, there are mountain lions in the Missouri wild, but no evidence of a breeding population.

CONFIRMED SIGHTINGS There have been 76 confirmed sightings of mountain lions in Missouri since 1994 amid thousands of reported sightings, unconfirmed. Although the confirmed sightings are fewer than 1 percent of the total reported, the

Conservation Department takes mountain lion sightings seriously enough to have formed a mountain lion response team in 1996 more than 20 years ago.

And, the Department takes the presence of mountain lions in the state seriously enough to post instructions on its website about what to do if you encounter a mountain lion.

Statistically, your chances of encountering a mountain lion, and definitely your chance of being attacked by one, are less than your chance of being struck by lightning or savaged by an angry dog.

According to the Department, fatal mountain lion attacks have averaged one in every seven years since 1980 in the United States, compared to lightning strikes that kill more than 80 people annually.

Yet the Facebook comments on the alleged sighting in Jefferson City range from casual to hysterical. One posited that the Conservation Department for reasons unknown is stocking mountain lions.

Some years back one of the western-state conservation agencies suffered allegations that it was parachuting mountain lions into the wild immediately before elk season to drive the game animals deep into the back country so they would be unavailable to hunters.

Why the department would do this, considering that elk permits are a substantial contribution to the department budget, is beyond reason – but then reason rarely stands in the forefront of those who endorse and pass along outlandish rumor.

A DEMOCRATS’ PLOT? In the case of the alleged Jefferson City mountain lion, the most outlandish accusation was that (given that Missouri is a solidly red Republican state) the lion was part of a stocking plot by the Democrats. No explanation given, but I assume that the rumormonger believed the lions are programmed to eat

Republicans.

The local newspaper, resolutely conservative, has not reported the loss of any of its most ardent readers, some of whom regularly write letters to the editor endorsing whatever the current right-wing conspiracy theory happens to be.

As an aside, some years back in a location not far from Menard’s, a black bear was treed at a time when Missouri conservationists believed that few if any black bears existed in the state.

Black bears actually are featured on the official state symbol, and there now is what appears to be a fairly thriving population of the animals, especially in the Ozarks. They probably are the progeny of bears stocked in northern Arkansas that disrespected the border between the two states.

Similarly, mountain lions have no geographical know how and can leap across a state line with one mighty bound.

OTHER BIG CATS? By the time Charles and Elizabeth Schwartz produced their landmark, “Wild Mammals of Missouri” book, the mountain lion was considered an extirpated species in Missouri.

“By 1850, most had disappeared, although during the next 75 years occasional individuals were reported in the southern part of the state,” they wrote. “The last one

definitely recorded in Missouri was killed in 1927 in the Mississippi Low Land.”

The two authors presciently predicted, “Pumas are primarily predators of deer, and since the deer population has increased greatly in Missouri in recent years, pumas may come back too.”

Charlie and Libby said, “An adult puma can easily be distinguished from the bobcat.” Although, apparently not from the feral house cat. Bobcats, although larger than a house cat, are certainly smaller than the mountain lion (puma) and are bobtailed, rather than featuring the readily identifiable long tail of a puma, panther et al.

And, bobcats are considered the major predator of wild turkeys in north Missouri – but not white-tailed deer, livestock or house pets.

And none of the three cats are notorious for dining on human beings, although anyone who ever tried to stuff a cat inside a small carrier for a trip to the vet might disagree.

Perhaps it is significant that three of the 15 bronze sculptures created by Charlie Schwarz after his retirement from the Department feature mountain lions. It’s possible that Charlie never saw one of the big cats in person in the Missouri wild, but there is no doubt he considered them a valuable subject of his wildlife art.

Charlie shared with me an affinity for the unloved of Critterdom. I cherish number one of an edition of 25 of a Charlie Schwartz sculpture featuring a disdainful coyote casually peeing on a sprung leghold trap.

THE ANSWERS Do I believe the Jefferson City woman saw a mountain lion? Almost certainly not. Do I believe there are mountain lions in Missouri?

Indisputably. Do I believe there is a breeding population? Possibly. What there is indisputably is a thriving population of people willing to believe the most bizarre rumors and post them on Facebook.

No mountain lions were harmed in the production of this column.

Outdoor Guide

January-February 2020

Page 17

Missouri is a Good Place for Walleye

Photos and Text

By TYLER MAHONEY

When Midwestern anglers think about catching walleye, many believe they need to head north to Minnesota, Wisconsin or even Canada.

However, I have some great news. You don’t have to travel that far to find excellent walleye fishing. You can find it right here in Missouri.

Stockton Lake, located just two and a half hours south of Kansas City, is a premiere walleye fishing destination.

At the end of last March, I was fortunate to experience the “walleye spawn bite” on Stockton with Tandem Fly Outfitters, which is owned by Kris Nelson. The knowledge

gained from the trip immediately made me a better walleye angler.

HIGH HOPES Going into it, I had high hopes. Over the previous two years, I fished the spawn bite in some Kansas City area lakes to no avail. I thought I was doing everything right, but after a short period of time in the boat with Nelson’s fellow guide, Cole Boyd, I learned there were some subtle tricks to up your odds.

First, targeting the right time is key. While length of day plays a major role in the walleye spawning process, you can use water temperature to determine the optimum time to fish.

Tyler Mahoney shows a couple of walleye caught at Stockton Lake.

“Specifically, here on Stockton, the first of March through the first of April is your best bet to catch spawning walleyes on jerkbaits,” Nelson said.

In general, you’re looking for that 45-50 degree water temperature for things to really get good.

USING JERKBAITS Once you’ve determined the conditions are right, finding the best bait is key. Jerkbaits are commonly known to cause a territorial fish to strike.

You will increase your hookups by using 110mm jerkbaits with three treble hooks.

Additionally, suspending jerkbaits are best. They sit in the way of walleyes, eventually irritating them enough to trigger a strike. Essentially, the bite comes from a natural instinct to defend the spawning area rather than from feeding activity.

One neat trick I learned from Cole Boyd is to take some small lead wire for fly tying and wrap it around either the front or middle treble hook. The trick is to add just enough to get the bait to suspend perfectly in the water without sinking or falling. If you plan to tune your jerkbait in a bathtub or pool, be sure to use similar water temperatures to the current conditions of the lake you plan to fish.

COLOR PATTERNS The importance of lure color is up for debate, but there are some best bets.

“If I had to pick only one color pattern to throw, it’d be Clown,” Nelson said without hesitation. “White or French Pearl are good, too, especially if it’s sunny.”

A good rule of thumb on color selection is the lighter the day, the lighter colored the bait and the darker the day, the darker colored the bait.

Fishing high percentage times of the day is also important to increase your success rate.

“I typically don’t start putting a line in the water until 6:30 p.m.,” Boyd said.

“There’s a big push of fish that come in at dusk. It’s like a light switch goes off, and they’ll

Crappie are laid out on the table at Stockton Lake.

come in waves throughout the evening.”

The dam area on Stockton is popular for both boaters and bank fisherman, but don’t be afraid to explore. Many folks get caught up chasing boats instead of fish. When scouting an area on your graph, look for bigger rock and gradually sloping banks.

As you begin making your casts, pull the rod tip in a sweeping motion to get your bait down initially. The goal is to be at least six feet deep.

Ten-pound braid will get you down deeper and is more sensitive, but has zero stretch. As a result, sometimes folks pull the hooks out of the mouths of the walleye from horsing it in, so it’s vital to reel in slow.

LINE WON’T BE CUT Either 8- or 10-pound fluorocarbon line will work just as well. And don’t worry, the walleyes won’t cut the line, either, which is a common misconception considering their sharp teeth. You absolutely do not need a steel leader for walleye fishing.

The retrieve cadence should consist of 4-6 seconds between each jerk of the rod. The bait really needs to sit there to make them mad and trigger a strike.

Using those tactics allowed us to catch several nice walleye during my time at Stockton. I knew it was the real deal when I used the same strategies to catch

more walleye in the Kansas City area immediately after the trip.

Nelson’s final piece of advice is perhaps the most important.

“Don’t get discouraged if

you don’t catch them your first time out,” he said. “It takes a while to learn what the bite is like. Put in the time and you’ll reap the rewards.”

If you want my advice, just call Tandem Fly Outfitters.

Mahoney caught this nice smallie at Stockton Lake.

Wildlife Hotline Planning Faster Response Times Bi-State Wildlife Hotline of St. Louis reports it will be able to provide faster response times when rescuing animals and added convenience for callers.

The Hotline, based in Black Jack, has added licensed rehabilitators and rescue staff in Springfield, north St. Louis, Florissant, south St. Louis County, Wildwood and Farmington in Missouri, plus Centralia and Benton in Illi-

nois, Hotline President Angel Wintrode said.

“This area is home to a plethora of urban wildlife, and our center is trying to take a step toward solving wildlife conflicts humanely in a previously underserved community,” she said.

More than half of the calls are about urban wildlife conflicts.

“We offer callers simple, effective, humane solutions to

solve conflicts without having to hire anyone to trap, kill or relocate animals,” Wintrode said. “We are also happy to be able to offer a more centrally located option for residents who find sick, injured and orphaned wildlife in need of help.”

Sometimes the best option is to do nothing right away, she said.

“Often these wild babies do not need human intervention

at all,” she said. “We strive to make sure that callers get answers immediately, before any harm can be done. If an animal is determined to need assistance, we are here to help.”

A NON-PROFIT GROUP Educating the public about wildlife encounters, conflicts and peaceful co-existence is a key component in helping homeowners learn to better understand the important role

of urban wildlife in our environment, and children learn to engage in the natural world without fear.

The Hotline is a non-profit organization founded in 2011 that runs on the support of private donations, without federal or state funding.

“We are 100 percent volunteer staffed by veterinary technicians, veterinarians, animal care workers, wildlife professionals, and other animal

lovers of all kinds,” Wintrode said.

VOLUNTEER TRAINING The annual training for new volunteers will be from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Monday, March 30, at Humane Society of Missouri on Uthe Lane in Black Jack. To volunteer or for more information, call the hotline at 1-855-945-3435 or (636) 492-1610, or go online to www.wildlifehoteline.com.

Outdoor Guide

Page 18

January-February 2020

Older, Slower, Wiser and Happier

By TED NUGENT

If you think slowing down and getting into the primal predator mode of the hunt is difficult for you, imagine the overwhelming challenge I face when attempting to go from Mr. Bouncing-offthe-walls MotorCity Madman back to the dangerous, stealthy, cunning, slow-motion bow hunter backstrapmando!

I got your hyper dynamo juxtaposition right here, pilgrim!

Chuck Berry and Little Richard on one side, Fred Bear and Ishi on the other!

Whoa!

But alas, I would improvise, adapt, overcome and figure it out, for the most part way back in my most manic, high-energy teenage youth, for the bow and arrow was as driving an inspirational force to me as my fire-breathing Gibson guitars and primal scream rock-n-roll.

It was rather obvious in those early years of experimental bowhunting adventure

that I was not naturally cut out for this slow and easy stealth and patience bowhunting stuff GET A CHICKEN And of course, without genuine predator stealth and patience, I would be one frustrated bowhunter, destined to buy chicken instead of dining on hard-earned backstraps!

I stumbled and failed hunt after hunt, year after year, skunk after skunk, frustration after heart-rending frustration, but thank God I had the wherewithal to stick it out and

Logan Rowe posted this successful result after three years of training and learning.

Ma y - June 2019

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• TRAVEL • SHOOTING G • BOATING ING • CAMPIN HUNTING • FISH

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OutdOOr Guide

HUNTING • FISHING • CAMPING • BOATING • SHOOTING • TRAVEL

azine

Mag

HUNTING • FISH ING • CAMPIN G • BOATING • SHOOTING • TRAVEL

Claudette’s Kitchen ........Page 10

Marquette Mustang s .........Pag

e2

Walleye ............................Page 18

....Page 4

Spring Fishing ...............

Bass.......................

.............Page 4

De-Stress Your Dog .........Page 24

.Page 8

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Catfish..............................

.Page 6

Squirrels ..........................Page 25

Crappie Tactics ...............

Page 12

Squirrels ...............

...........Page 10

Catfish..............................Page 28

Lovable Leeches ..............

Page 15

Reelfoot Crappies..............

RV Travelers ....................Page 29

Page 18

...Page 22

Phantom Drone ...............

The Lake

Stockton Lake ...............

..Page 27

Bear Hunt .......................Page 30

Stories in Snow ...............

MISSOURI

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not give up.

Over time, I learned slow is better, silence is essential, and a higher level of tunedin ultra-predator awareness would be the do-or-die recipe for my Spirit of the Wild venison dreams.

We just celebrated my 71st birthday on Dec. 13, 2019, and after more than 65 years of bowhunting, I must remind myself each day that bowhunting the mighty whitetail deer demands precision focus – what I call “Samurai woodsmanship.”

Those baptismal bowhunting years, from the 1940s well into the 1960s, were 100 percent trial and error, heavy on the errors. There were naturals like Fred Bear, Ed Bilderback, Bob Munger, Roy Case, Doug Walker, Dick Mauch, Jim Daugherty, Ron Chamberlain, Glenn St. Charles, Ben Pearson, Howard Hill, John Swineheart, Bill Negley and a select handful of masters.

But most of us didn’t have a clue what it would take to kill a deer with a bow and arrow.

I sure loved those early years and am so extremely glad I was born in 1948 to be a part of the unexplored threshold of the return to this phenomenally challenging lifestyle sport.

I remember every nervewracking encounter where I never got off a shot. I recall every painful yet teaching miss. And I remember vividly every arrow that I pulled off and brought home the sacred straps.

I don’t know the current success rates of American bowhunters these days, but I have learned enough over the years that I have been able to bowkill numerous deer every year for more than 50 years.

The fact that I get to hunt more than 150 days each deer season certainly has a lot to do with my good luck, but I attribute my venison rewards more to my well-honed stealth rituals than anything else.

THE MOST SPOOOKY I don’t believe there is a more spooky, alert, evasive animal on Planet Earth, more difficult to bowkill than a Michigan whitetail deer.

These maniacs live on pins and needles 24/7/365,

constantly on the lookout for dangerous people with sharp sticks, especially uppity guitar players in trees!

Fred Bear said it best when he declared that if a hunter can kill a whitetail with the bow and arrow, he can successfully hunt any game in the world.

I believe he was correct.

When in my tree stand, I discipline myself to either not move at all or make the most cautious, minimal movements possible at such an ultra-slow pace, ultimately in conjunction with the rhythm of the vegetation that I am in, that any unseen critter will likely not pick me out.

Certainly, year-round scouting is the key ingredient for creating good luck, but putting all that scouting data to work ultimately happens once we climb aboard our best guess, “right place-right time” ambush setup.

• Older represents a long life of learning the lessons of the wild.

• Slower represents the need for backing down our modern-world hectic metabolism in order to return to the primal scream of reasoning, stealthy predatorship.

• Wiser represents the upgrade to intelligent decisionmaking based on the older and wiser accumulated knowledge.

• Happier represents the fruits of our dedicated efforts to be one with the Great Spirit of the Wild and all God’s magnificent critters and wildgrounds as a natural hands-on participant in his miraculous creation.

Make no mistake, even with the plethora of amazing technology and killerefficient equipment, amazing compound bows, trail cameras, satellite maps, moon phase predictions, scent management products and the like, our success rate will always pivot on the timeless adage right place right time, and that my friends is the roll of the dice to end all rolls of the dice.

Give it your best shot and may the Great Spirit be forever at your side to help guide you back to our spiritual origins as an asset with the pulse of nature.

May your backstrap dreams come true – often.

Outdoor Guide

January-February 2020

Page 19

Just a Single Drop of Dew A Story of Life Photos and Text

By JOHN SLOAN

The frost was heavy that morning. The grass field shone silver in the threequarter moon. He thought, “That’s probably how my hair and beard look – shot through with frosty silver.”

Everything was still in black and white.

He watched him come, slowly and quietly slipping through the frost-brittle grass. Still far enough away

as to not cause alarm. But worth watching. It was still a monochrome morning, better for smelling than seeing.

He tasted the wind, again.

To the east, just touching the edge of the sky, dawn was coming. It reminded him of a bowl of golden oatmeal, tilted just so the oatmeal reached the rim of the bowl.

It was cold and the frost was heavy on the remaining leaves of the white oak, just a few yards in front of him. Once again, he tested his safety harness and rope.

He lay quietly, watching

The shafts of sun began to penetrate the leaves, turning the drops of dew into diamonds.

and tasting the air. There was a light layer of frost on his back. His antlers blended with the tree behind him. It was cold in the leaves where he lay. He watched the man.

His bones ached.

The sun came slowly, shifting through the trees, spotlighting branches and slowly beginning to melt the frost, turning it into sparkling diamonds of dew.

A drop, one single drop, slowly made its way to the edge of a white oak leaf.

There it hung.

“Like my life,” thought the man. “Like that single drop of dew, I hang in limbo. Too old to go back, just waiting to drop. As the sun warms the leaf, just as it warms my bones, the dew will fall. As the clock ticks by, so will I fall?”

He leaned back against the tree, not really hunting.

Not searching for a tell-tale flick of an ear or tail. Just thinking.

He is not alert. He is not hunting as he has done in past days. I could slip behind him, easy. For some time, he and I have played this game.

But today, much as it is with me, he is just waiting.

The dew moved. Not much. Another quarter-inch and it would fall. Just a single drop of dew. “How

Out in the field, near the dew-laden tree, a young, lone buck tasted a single drop of dew.

close it is,” he thought. “Not far to go. Maybe, much as it is with me. Not far to go. But what a journey it has been.”

He lightly touched the long scar on his chest, flexed his back and smiled.

He slowly turned his head and licked the long scar on his side. It had been close.

He lowered his head, resting his chin on the leaves. A drop of dew fell near his nose. He swiveled an ear and tasted the wind. Once again, he looked at the man.

A light breeze moved through the trees. Still, the one drop of dew held on. The man tasted the wind, just

touching his face, ruffling his beard. Somewhere a murder of crows was tormenting an owl. A raccoon with three young ones shuffled by on the way home from a night of raccoonery. Still, the single drop of dew held fast.

Crazy ‘coon, he thought.

Should have been in the hollow tree an hour ago. The man saw the raccoons. Saw the drop of dew, too. Maybe he saw me…I doubt it. The three of us. From frost to dew, simply lying on a leaf.

Is that what it is all about?

And now, the sun began to top the trees. It warmed his face and then his toes. “I

could have shot,” he thought.

“I know he knows I am here, just as I know he is here. But why shoot? Soon enough, the dew will drop and the journey will be over for the three of us.”

A man, a deer and a single drop of dew. The story of life.

Once again, he lowered his head to the leaves … and closed his eyes. He heard it fall… the single drop of dew.

The man dozed in the sun.

Ground fog began to rise, and out in the field, near a single dew-laden tree, a young, lone buck, accompanied by two turkeys, tasted a single drop of dew.

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Outdoor Guide

Page 20

January-February 2020

The Big Three of Learning to Shoot

By LEN PATTEN Shotgun Instructor

There are three things that one needs to understand about shotgun shooting if one wants to be a better shot.

These are realizing the role of the dominant eye, developing sound shooting fundamentals and understanding the importance of muscle memory.

I start all of my classes with the same question: “Which is your dominant eye?” Some common answers are, ”I’m right handed so I must be right-eyed,” or “I have no idea.” In either case I take the time to confirm which eye is dominant.

The dominant eye is a major player in shotgun

shooting. It is the rear sight on a shotgun and controls the shot pattern. The eye locks down on the comb of the gun and we see our target.

There are times when the gun does not fit the shooter, and some modifications need to be made on the stock and sometimes on the butt plate.

When these adjustments are made, the shooter will usually improve. This is more common for women than for men since most guns are designed to fit men.

FUNDAMENTALS Good coaches put a lot of importance on developing sound fundamentals for their sports. Teams that have sound fundamentals usually

play better. This is true for shooters also. In shooting, these fundamentals start with foot placement. There is no set rule on foot placement, but it is vital that the shooter is able to move the upper body and be capable of reaching all targets with ease and without the hips locking.

Gun mounting is more than just putting the gun up to the shoulder. A good mount enables the shooter to lock the stock firmly against the cheek and under the cheekbone. Many shooters allow the gun to drift off of the cheek, which then lets the eye move and the dominant eye go wandering for the target. I encourage my students to practice high

A shooter demonstrates correct shouldering – Survival Life photo

mounting like we usually use on a range, but also a low mount that is necessary for hunting. It is important to practice these mounts while wearing the shirt or jacket one would normally wear for that activity.

MUSCLE MEMORY Muscle memory has everything to do with shotgun shooting. All of the wing shooting sports require one to react to a fast-moving object.

When one practices shooting moving targets, the muscles

begin to learn what is expected of them and the whole process becomes more automatic.

Muscles will remember poor shooting fundamentals as well as good ones. I encourage you to find a qualified shooting instructor to watch you to make sure you are practicing good fundamentals.

To simplify how these conditions work together to make more successful shotgun shooters, think of it this way – the dominant eye enables us to pick up the target in our vision and focus on it; sound shooting fundamentals give us the ability to move our body and place the firearm in a good shooting position; and muscle memory tells us when to pull the trigger.

Morel fans can find treasures in southern Illinois

Southernmost Illinois Tourism Bureau

Morel guidebooks are available at the Giant City State Park visitor center.

Have you ever wondered where morel mushrooms grow? Morels grow throughout North America, and there is some fantastic hunting in southern Illinois.

They can be found around dead elms, poplar trees, old ash and apple trees and in other places. They love rain and cool nights followed by warmer temperatures.

In the gourmet world, mo-

FISHING

rels are considered a delicacy.

The morel comes in several different varieties. The most common seems to be the yellow, followed by the gray morel. These mushrooms can appear as early as February and have been spotted as late as June, but April is generally the best month.

They can appear overnight, so a good site can produce morels over and over again during a season.

Morels should never be eaten raw because of a natu-

HUNTING

ral toxin they produce. They have evil cousins called false morels, which can be toxic and poisonous. On your first hunt, make sure to go with an experienced morel hunter and carry a good morel identification book, available in the Giant City State Park visitor center. If you are uncertain whether it is a morel or not, leave it be.

TRY A MOREL WALK Got your calendar handy?

Giant City State Park will present “The Mysterious Morel Mushroom” from 1 to 2:30 p.m. on Monday, April 11, 2020, with photographer Gretchen Steele, with a presentation and a hike to learn about mushroom habitat. If interested, call (618) 4574836 to register or for more information.

The nearby Timber Ridge Resort offers a three-hour guided mushroom hunt for $150 for two people and $35 each for additional people.

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Outdoor Guide

January-February 2020

Page 21

Casey Ashley’s tips on hook selection

By JOHN NEPORADNY JR.

Successful anglers on the tournament trail are usually good matchmakers.

Count Casey Ashley among those successful pros who know how to match the right size and style hook with his lures to catch more bass.

“Hooks are one of the most important things in fishing because if you have the right bait with the wrong hook in it, you are going to miss fish by not getting a good hookset,” Ashley said.

“Picking the right hook for the right bait is a big thing. You can’t put a 3/0 hook in a Zoom Magnum Trick Worm because the worm is so thick that you won’t ever get a hookset. You may get bit, but you won’t get that fish in.”

Hook manufacturers offer a wide variety of hook sizes, styles and metal gauges, thus confounding novice anglers in their efforts to match the right hooks with their baits. Ashley discloses his hook selection process for the following styles and metal gauges.

HOOK STYLES The former Bassmaster Classic champion favors Gamakatsu hooks for most of his fishing applications.

“They make a really good

offset round bend hook for Texas rigging and trick worms,” he said.

Ashley uses a wide range of sizes for the offset round bend hook ranging from 1/0 for finesse worms all the way up to 6/0 for 12-inch plastic worms or Zoom Ol’ Monster worms.

The South Carolina pro prefers an Owner straight shank round bend hook for flipping Zoom Trick Worms or finesse worms on waters receiving heavy fishing pressure.

He also uses the straight shank hook for his floating worm tactics in open water. “You are going to get a better hook set with a straight shank than an offset any day,” he said.

ZOOM FLUKES A Gamakatsu round bend worm hook is Ashley’s choice for working Zoom Flukes. He prefers a 5/0 model for throwing the Fluke around cover.

“The hook is a little oversized but it is big enough to keep the bait weedless yet it will penetrate the bait easier,” he said.

For fishing in open water, Ashley matches the Fluke with a 4/0 hook which he believes fits the lure better.

Ashley admits he is “not big” on wide gap hooks but he will use extra-wide gap (EWG) models for fishing Zoom Horny Toads. He believes

5/0 or 6/0 EWG hooks are best for Horny Toads because those models are the right fit for the toad.

When rigged properly, the hook should run through the crease in the toad’s throat and exit between the lure’s legs where it can be skin-hooked over the toad’s back.

“You also want to use a super line hook (with the toad) because it is heavy gauge and you are throwing that lure on braid,” Ashley said.

During early spring, Ashley chooses weighted hooks for his Flukes to catch suspended bass. While some anglers prefer rigging Flukes on a jighead, Ashley opts for a hook with the weight positioned on the shaft of the hook to give the fish a different look.

“That weighted hook has a lot slower rate of fall, and it falls differently (than the jighead and Fluke combo),” Ashley said. “The Fluke kind of glides instead of going head down.”

HARD PLASTIC Before he fishes hard plastic lures such as crankbaits, stickbaits and topwater plugs, Ashley frequently changes the treble hooks over the factoryinstalled trebles. “I always like to go one size bigger but some baits don’t allow you to do that,” he said.

Casey Ashley wins a bass contest on Lake Murray in South Carolina.

His favorite replacement trebles for crankbaits are the Mustad Kevin VanDam Elite Triple Grip Treble Hooks. “It’s a short hook and it’s strong,” he said. “It’s a heavy gauge hook, but it is not too heavy.”

For topwater baits, Ashley usually upgrades his treble hooks to one or two sizes bigger than the lure’s original trebles. Ashley also changes the front hook to a red treble, because he believes bass hone in on the red hook and hit the front of the lure, giving him a better chance for a hookup.

The four-time BASS winner favors Gamakatsu round bend treble hooks for his topwater poppers and replaces the back

treble with a feathered hook.

Since he frequently fishes walking topwater baits on braided line, Ashley switches the lure’s original trebles with the Eagle Claw treble hook, which he thinks has a good barb he likens to a fish gaff. Ashley claims his catch rate increases to about 90 percent when he uses braided line and the Eagle Claw trebles for his walking surface plugs.

METAL GAUGES The tactic and type of line he is using determines whether Ashley uses a light wire gauge or heavy wire gauge hook. He relies on light wire hooks such as 1/0 offset worm hooks for

– Zoombait.com photo

throwing soft plastics on light fluorocarbon line.

Ashley also favors 4/0 or 5/0 light wire Gamakatsu Finesse Flipping Hooks for making long-distance pitches on 15-pound fluorocarbon with Texas-rigged magnum-size plastic worms. He believes the lighter wire hook provides a better hook set than a heavier gauge hook when the bait is farther away from him.

A heavier gauge flipping hook is needed for pitching soft plastics into thick bushes or any other heavy cover at close range. Ashley also recommends using heavy gauge “super line” hooks when flipping or pitching with braid.

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Outdoor Gallery Send in your favorite outdoor photo to ogmbobw@aol.com and be featured in the Outdoor Gallery of Outdoor Guide Magazine.

PERFECT CASTING – John Vanderhoof of Overland Park, KA, gets out onto the Little Niangua River for an October fly fishing trip with float fishing guide Dennis Whiteside.

BASS MASTERS – Cal Eisterhold of St. Louis shows one of several bass he caught recently at Lake of the Ozarks while fishing with Big Ed Franko, of Bass & Baskets Bed and Breakfast.

A NICE FALL – Steve Pokorny had a great fall hunting season. At left, he has taken an 11-point in Macon County, MO, while hunting with his son and daughter on Nov. 17. At right, Steve is with a nice mule deer taken on the fourth day of a five-day hunt in southwest Colorado on Oct. 22.

HER TURN NOW – Tim Sheahan reports that he and his wife Carol Sheahan sat in the woods together during spring turkey season and that she “put the smack down” on this 24-lb., double-bearded, 1½” spurred gobbler. “She is a hunter for life,” he said.

22 POINTS – Dan Clark of Collinsville had a fantastic November, taking two 11-point bucks, one (at left) with a bow and the other with a muzzle-loader. He found both of them in Massac County, at the southern tip of Illinois.

Page 24

Outdoor Guide

January-February 2020