Outdoor Guide Magazine September-October 2020

OUTDOOR

GUIDE

September-October 2020

MAGAZINE

Bruno’s journey.......Page 25

Hot bass fishing........ Page 6

Landmark law.......... Page 8

Breaking beagle.......Page 10

30 CELEBRATING

Power of canning.....Page 12

Duck conditions.......Page 24

YEARS

HUNTING • FISHING • CAMPING • BOATING • SHOOTING • TRAVEL Missouri - Illinois - And Other Exciting Outdoor Destinations

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Outdoor Guide

September-October 2020

Big Ken made big memories

For all the things you hope to bring home from hunting camp this fall, the most important may not be venison, trophy antlers or the thrill of being outdoors. The memories you make are the true treasures, and they can last a lifetime.

Big Ken Ebert was the patriarch of our small Camden County hunting camp. Around the campfire at night, he was always quick with a joke or a slick barb for the whippersnappers surrounding him. His brother, who we all called Uncle Ray, joined occasionally to even the score, but my college buddy Steve Ebert and the rest of us “kids” still had them outnumbered.

Big didn’t just describe Ken’s physical stature. He commanded every room he entered. He had a solid gold heart and would give the shirt off his back. He was always ready to share his hunting knowledge, his best tips for sharpshooting expertise, and, as a union butcher, he could handle a boning knife better than anyone I have ever seen.

It’s been more than 20 years now since we all hunted together, but thoughts about the last time still linger in my mind. Those memories flood back strong with every visit to the big woods in the fall.

THAT MORNING Everyone was out for opening morning on the 80-acre patch we affectionately called Deersneyland. The first shot rang out just after sunrise in the bottom of the bottom, a deep gorge that paralleled the property’s northern border where Uncle Ray was stationed. Everything in that mostly dry creek bed led straight up to the food plots and the stands dotted along the ridge top.

When we convened for a late breakfast, Uncle Ray said he’d shot at and was sure he’d hit a doe, but he hadn’t found much evidence or his deer. Big Ken agreed to accompany his brother on a search and recovery mission. The two diligently tracked up and down the holler, but by the end of the day, there was still no deer hanging at the cabin.

Around the campfire that night we all shared stories about the day’s experiences and talked about prospects for the next morning’s hunt.

“I’m hoping for better luck tomorrow; the only thing I saw all day was two old men stumbling through the woods,” Steve said with just enough salt in his tone and a big smile as he hit the target with the best shot of the evening.

TWO BIG LOSSES Later that winter, a quick and bitter battle with cancer called Big Ken home at 64 years old. That summer, Uncle Ray had a heart attack and joined his brother. The close-knit family was devastated, and our hunting camp would never be the same.

Opening weekend dawned brightly the following fall.

Around 8 a.m., I was waiting quietly in the Lucky Dogwood Stand. About 50 yards away, coming up from the bottom, the biggest buck I had ever seen on the hoof was walking slowly toward the field, where Big Ken’s Treehouse sat empty.

The adrenaline hit hard and then the commander’s voice came to me, offering calm and confidence. I felt like the guide was sitting in the stand with me.

“Don’t move. Be patient.

Breathe.”

“If you can see his eyes, he can see you.”

“When he goes behind that tree, turn slowly. Raise your rifle.”

“See your shooting lane. A few more steps he’ll be broadside in that opening.”

“Breathe.”

“Just a couple more steps.

Safety off.”

“Find the spot. Aim. Let the A ready smile and wealth trigger travel, don’t jerk it.” of hunting knowledge, The gun went off and the deer Big Ken Ebert was one went down. of my mentors.

This buck may not be a trophy of record-book proportions, but the 10-pointer is a reminder of the years I got to hunt with Big Ken Ebert.

I chambered a new cartridge, slumped in my seat, put the safety back on and stared at the patch of brown lying on the ground.

Once my heart stopped racing, I was able to climb down and walk toward the deer. On close inspection, I found an almost perfectly symmetrical five-by-five rack – one point for every year I’d hunted with Big Ken on his farm.

A LIFE OF HUNTING I love deer hunting, and I have since Steve first took me under his wing and introduced me to the sport. I have had the good fortune to take several deer over the years, and few that were bigger than the first trophy I hung on my wall, but that one will always be special.

I know it was not my woodsmanship, scouting skills or anything I did other than sitting in the right place at the right time.

I had hunted in that location for 10 years, and I had seen deer travel on that ridgetop from every direction, but never had one climbed that steep hill and walked straight out of the bottom.

What made that big buck leave his sanctuary? There may be more plausible theories, but I am pretty sure that it was “two old men stumbling through the woods.”

John Winkelman is the associate editor of Outdoor Guide Magazine. If you have story ideas to share, e-mail ogmjohnw@ aol.com, and you can follow John on Twitter at @johnjwink99.

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Outdoor Guide

September-October 2020

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Outdoor Guide

Page 4

September-October 2020

Confessions of a maladroit hunter

Photo and Text

By BRENT FRAZEE One nightmare still haunts me as hunting season draws near every year.

A big flock of mallards sweeps down on our decoys, presenting the easiest shots a hunter will ever get. My

two friends hold off, politely letting me take the spotlight.

That’s never a good thing, I think to myself. That way, I can’t claim one of the birds someone had aimed at the same time I fired.

I gulp and pop to my feet and fire three rapid-fire shots. And the greenheads

fly off, unscathed and perhaps unrattled.

I could swear I hear a couple of them laugh as they fly away from what looked like a sure-thing death trap.

“I don’t think I’ve ever seen that before,” one of my friends says, shaking his head.

“You were flock shooting,” the other says. “Pick out a bird and concentrate on that one.”

“Are you sure your shells were OK?” asks another observer, almost intimating that I was using blanks.

JUST A FAILURE I’d like to say that was just an off day, but I can’t lie. I am just a failure when it comes to hunting.

I fire a lot of shots, but few birds and animals die.

It’s uncanny, really.

Embarrassment follows

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Three rapid-fire shots had no noticeable effect.

me around like a dark cloud when I go hunting. I remember the day when I was hunting with a large group near the Swan Lake National Wildlife Refuge in northern Missouri. One by one, the hunters filled their limits.

That left me, shooting alone as a gallery of what seemed like 100 others looked on.

I kept firing, taking the advice of the seasoned hunters. And I kept missing.

Finally, the geese stopped flying and I was saved from further shame. I could imagine the Canadas traveling back to the refuge to tell their friends the hilarious story about the worst hunter they had ever seen.

Then there was the time I went turkey hunting with a friend and climbed into a camouflaged blind. My friend had scouted the birds for days and even knew what time they would arrive.

When they didn’t show, my eyelids got droopy and I fell asleep. I was awakened by a loud boom and got a scolding from my hunting partner.

“I kept trying to wake you,” he snarled. “Those jakes were coming in on a string and they were on your side.”

Then came the punch line.

“You were snoring so loud, they came right in,” he said. “I didn’t even have to call.”

True story.

TOO QUICK I recall another day when my off-tone duck calling flared a big flock of greenheads circling to land in a cut cornfield. And another time when I knocked down a turkey and committed a turkey hunter’s most unpardonable sin: I rushed out to retrieve it without my gun.

As I neared, the fallen turkey’s eyes opened, and it was hard to tell which creature – the bird or me – was more startled. The turkey hopped to its feet and

raced into the woods with a speed that would make any roadrunner proud.

I could tell you dozens of other stories, but you get the picture. I’m just not very good at hunting.

Sure, I’ve taken a few limits of ducks and geese before. I’ve even taken several turkeys and quail. But my shot-to-success ratio is tiny. I am an ammunition manufacturer’s best friend.

So what is the problem? I have many excuses.

First, I am a year-round fisherman. When hunters go to the trap and skeet range to prepare for fall, I am in a boat someplace.

Second, the patience I display in a fishing boat doesn’t carry over to a hunting blind. I don’t know how many times I have spooked ducks or turkeys when I have moved at inopportune times.

Third, I am too lazy to chase a turkey heard three ridges over. My response often is, “Can’t we call him to us instead of us going to him?”

THE THRILLS Fourth, my collection of hunting guns pales compared to my arsenal of fishing rods. I often go to the field with a shotgun that is too heavy to lug around all day and I tire out.

But here’s the kicker. I am PETA’s worst nightmare.

The animal-rights group likes to paint hunters as bloodthirsty killers, but I am living proof that there is more to the sport than just the kill.

I relish watching the sun rise over a waterfowl marsh, wading into a frost-covered CRP field in hopes of flushing pheasants or feeling chills run down my back when a tom turkey gobbles off the roost.

Yeah, I always get excited when hunting season approaches. Now if I could just shoot something…

September-October 2020

Outdoor Guide

Page 5

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Kayak on Truman Lake or the Osage

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Outdoor Guide

Page 6

Photos and Text

By KENNETH L. KIESER

Bass fishing in hot weather

Many believe that most fish feed from dusk till dawn during the hot days of summer. While this is true, night fishing is not the only answer for hot-water anglers.

Bass feed throughout the day. The trick is discovering how to catch bass on the hottest days. Bass are opportunists, feeding when food is handy. They are fully active and in fact, aggressive when conditions are right.

Discovering thermocline is important for overall hotweather fishing success.

Lakes go through seasonal water temperature changes.

This creates different levels of water temperatures. The water becomes uncomfortably warm on the surface for bass this time of year and brighter than they can tolerate.

Some oxygen content is maintained on the surface in spite of direct sunlight, an important factor for bass comfort and in fact survival, explaining why bass can be caught on topwater during evening hours when the water surface is still warm but not hot.

Several feet below the surface, temperatures are cooler with a good oxygen content.

This thermocline is a comfort

zone for bass and other fish.

During hot weather there is little oxygen content below the thermocline. Most bass are caught at this essential level and so are walleye and other species.

Those with graphs can find underwater cover. Those without can visibly look for bluffs or rocky points.

WHERE TO LOOK Find points or rock bluffs, start about 20 feet from shore and drop a Roadrunner head tipped with a nightcrawler down to bottom. Current or wind will start your drift.

Keep an eye on that rod tip and line. Some bites are light and some solid. What you will catch is anybody’s guess.

During this drift, you will feel your jig hitting rocks and brush. That’s perfect. The key is keeping the worm and jig head dragging across the bottom. In the past week, we have caught walleye, largemouth bass, crappie and several big bluegill – no small ones. Keep in mind we are fishing in big fish territory where smaller fish are eaten by big fish.

Next try tipping your Roadrunner head with live minnows. This is a good example of bigger baits catching bigger fish. My wife, Cathy, recently caught a four-pound bass using this technique.

OUTDOOR

Kieser reminds us that bass feed throughout the day in summer. Bass can be found several feet below the surface on hot days.

A TIP FOR FISHING WITH GRAPHS Want to sleep in and fish during the hottest times of day? Try humping it. This is a technique I learned 30 years ago in Louisiana and it works very well in Midwestern lakes.

Find 20-plus foot-deep flats, drop-offs and humps.

Drop your lures or baits where the fish are suspended. Your

GUIDE

September/October 2020

MAGAZINE

HUNTING • FISHING • CAMPING • BOATING • SHOOTING • TRAVEL Volume 28, No. 5 • Published six times a year Office: 505 S. Ewing, St. Louis, MO 63103 News department — 618-972-3744

www.outdoorguidemagazine.com e-mail: news@outdoor-guide.com COVER created by Kathy Crowe, graphic designer.

Carl Green, editor – carl@labortribune.com John Winkelman, associate editor — ogmjohnw@aol.com Bob Whitehead, editor emer. – ogmbobw@aol.com Lynn Fowler, circulation manager Kathy Crowe, graphic designer — Account executives — Dan Braun, marketing director 314-256-4136 Lauren Marshall 314-256-4141 — 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

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– In Memoriam —

Jared Billings • Charlie Farmer • Richard Engelke • Mark Hubbard • Spence Turner • Hank Reifeiss Kay Hively • Bill Harmon • Barbara Perry Lawton • Danny Hicks • Ron Kruger • TJ Stallings • John Sloan

Scott Pauley Tim Huffman John Meacham Bob Holzhei Jeannie Farmer Jerry Pabst Ryan Miloshewski

September-October 2020

— Staff writers —

Claudette Roper Brad Wiegmann Mike Roux Craig Alderman Randall Davis Jo Schaper Jed Nadler

Kenneth Kieser Gerald Scott Russell Hively Roxanne Wilson Gretchen Steele Larry Potterfield Tom Watson

Don Gasaway Terry Wilson Bill Keaton Charlie Slovensky Michael Wardlaw Tyler Mahoney

screen may show black blips all over the right secluded areas, some deep as 20 feet.

We recently found fish on a hump at 23 feet. The fish were stacked and the different sizes made me think a big school of bass.

The crystal-clear monitor showed a connected series of black blips slipping up from the bottom. We turned the boat into position and cast across

the hump. I quickly had a hit and missed. Then another hit and soon seven good bass had been caught and released.

This is an excellent area to vertical jig Little George weighted lures or spoons.

But the tipped Roadrunner heads with nightcrawlers or minnows worked very well here. We didn’t drop plastic worms, but I am sure they would be worth a try for suspended bass.

HOT-WEATHER SPOTS Rocky points are special to bass fishermen during extremely hot or cold weather periods. Points may be small or long and large. Warmer water moves schools of shad up into shallow water, and bass wait and then pounce.

Crawfish around rocky areas seal the deal.

Shad or crawfish colored crankbaits are extremely effective. Some experts live and die by Tennessee shad colored lures. Most fish along rocks with deep diving crankbaits.

Grass points are excellent ambush areas. Bass hide inside the grass line and wait for an unsuspecting baitfish to pass by, creating crankbait or topwater opportunities.

Timber lines from three to 15-foot depths of water hold bass throughout warm weather. Try crankbaits and spinnerbaits around trees.

Plastic worms, too, are extremely good. You would be surprised how many bass have been caught from narrow shadows cast by trees on sunny, hot days on slowly fished plastic worms.

Make sure you bump the rocks and occasional stumps.

Hits often come after the bump. Try topwater and spinnerbaits around rocks just after sunrise or just before sunset You will likely not find a lot of visible structure on mud or sand points. But chances are there will be submerged logs or rocks. This is another good case for fishing buzz baits or topwater lures, especially late at night or early in the morning.

A smallmouth guru tells all Photo and Text

By BRANDON BUTLER If you don’t recognize the name Tim Holschlag, he is a professional smallmouth bass fisherman. I know that may sound like an oxymoron, “professional smallmouth bass fisherman,” but he makes his living fishing for and communicating about smallmouth bass.

After fishing one of my favorite smallmouth waters with Holschlag, it was easy to see why he is considered one of the best in the business.

Holschlag is the author of the books River Smallmouth Fishing and Smallmouth Fly Fishing. He’s published hundreds of magazine articles on the subject, has produced a DVD entitled Stream Smallmouth Fishing, commercially ties smallmouth flies, hosts on-stream smallmouth fishing schools and guides smallmouth fishing trips.

Upon my invitation, I learned Holschlag had fished this secret little creek before, many years ago. I was pleased when he said looked forward to returning and further professed admiration of the creek’s scenery and fishing.

Fishing with an authority of any species is an incredible opportunity. Tactics you thought were correct can be improved, and new lessons are sure to be learned. Methods that somewhat work for you are proven trivial by an expert.

Tim Holschlag travels the world in search of bronzebacks.

TAKE IT SLOW “Go ahead and take that off,” Holschlag said, pointing at my Clouser Minnow. “Slow, slow, slow. That’s how we have to fish them today. If we’re going to catch fish today, we have to be on the bottom of the deepest holes to float a fly right in front of their faces.”

With that, I was introduced to the Holschlag “Float-andFly” method. In his book, Smallmouth Fly Fishing, Tim describes the technique this way: “Its essence is simply suspending a fly below a strike indicator buoyant enough to support the fly, and moving the fly extremely slow.”

He rigged me up and we got to it. I laid a cast out next to a large boulder at the head of a long eddy and started to strip it back in.

“No, no, no,” Tim said. “Just

let it float. If you do any more than occasionally twitch the fly, you’re going to pull it off the bottom, out of the strike zone.”

FLOAT-AND-FLY Again from his book, “Precise depth control and the ability to work the fly extremely slowly are the key components of the float-and-fly concept. When the fish are suspended at specific depths, when they are sluggish and holding tight to the bottom or even when you want to fish subsurface in very shallow water, being able to keep your fly at an exact depth comes in mighty handy.”

I’ll admit the float-and-fly method wasn’t too exciting.

It reminded me of jigging for walleyes with my grandpa in Minnesota years ago. I prefer action, ripping streamers and hopping poppers, but you can’t argue with positive results. Tim caught fish during a time when most might not.

During our outing, Tim pointed out spots along the creek that would be prime to target at different times of the year. He pointed out seams, boulders, back channels and bluffs like a kid pointing out a wish list in a toy aisle – left side, right side, down a ways, behind us. In spending only a day with Tim Holschlag, it was apparent he not only understands smallmouth bass, but truly loves the species and the waters in which they swim.

Outdoor Guide

September-October 2020

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EXPERIENCE ELLINGTON &explore

the

missouri

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e l l i n g ton mo . com

Hike the ozark trail

1

~ Only 2 Hours South of St. Louis ~

Clearwater Lake & Webb Creek Park- Hwy H –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. The lake is Webb Creek Ma rina known for its crappie, catfish and bass fishing. 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. Services are limited after mid-September but camping is still permitted. 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.

2

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 way K Camping station, visit www.recreation.gov to make High reservations. Floats (raft or canoe) can be arranged on site by calling Jeff’s Canoe Rental at 573-598-4555. A small general store is also available on site.

3

Current River & Log Yard Gravel Bar -Hwy 106

to HH Highway- Fish, swim, camp and relax on majestic Current River. Great place to explore Current River. This area is often referred to as Cardareva by locals and is a favorite summer hangout. Primitive camping is available right on the river bank, camping is also available at the nearby School Yard with picnic tables, lantern hooks and fire pits. These sites are available on a first come basis. Bring your canoes, rafts and kayaks; a perfect day float….Powder Mill Camp Current River to Log Yard. Boat launch available.

4

Current River, Blue Spring & Powder Mill Recreation Area – Hwy 106 near Current River bridge

Powder Mill reopened summer 2020. Camping is available with views of the river, picnic tables, fire pit and lantern hook. Reservations are not available. Powder Mill is a perfect camp base for day trips to area attractions like Blue Spring, Rocky Falls, Peck Ranch, Johnson Shut-Ins, Elephant Rocks and more. Wild horses are often seen in the fields near the bridge. The Ozarks offers countless options for family adventure.

Blue Spring

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. 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 March-November, Tues-Fri, 10-4 or by appointment. Call 573-663-3233 for more information.

Reynolds Co Museum 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. 21 Drive-In opens in May with summer family favorites and offers movie events into the fall including Halloween and Christmas.

Wild Horses

8

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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 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 located right on the trail. For the advenKlepzig Mill turous 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 park closing details.

Maps are available at park entrance.

Elk

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.

9

8

10 4

7 6 1

3

5 TransAmerica Trail

Blair Creek

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Ellington Chamber of Commerce | www.ellingtonmo.com | Find us

Page 8

Outdoor Guide

Congress passes public lands landmark law Photo and Text

By BRANDON BUTLER In a rare show of bipartisanship, Congress has passed the GreatAmerican OutdoorsAct. This legislation is huge for public lands and waters and has far-reaching support from sportsmen and non-consumptive outdoor enthusiasts across the country.

Any of us alive today would be lucky to ever see another moment as big as this for public lands and waters.

According to the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation (CSF), the legislation will provide $9.5 billion over five years to address the crumbling infrastructure on America’s public lands and waters.

While the National Park Service will receive $6.5 billion in funding, the CSF led a successful effort to secure the inclusion of $3 billion to repair and maintain public land infrastructure overseen by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), and U.S. Forest Service (USFS), which provides critically important recreational opportunities for America’s sportsmen and women.

BLUNT WORDS In the Senate, the votes came in at 73 ayes, two absent, and 25 nays. The group Backcountry Hunters andAnglers has a list of the votes on their website. Here in Missouri, our senators were split on the issue. Sen. Roy Blunt was a leading advocate for the Great American Outdoors Act and deserves to be thanked by all sportsmen and women.

Blunt gave a powerful floor speech, in which he said, “I think it’s fair to say that this is one of the most important packages of conservation legislation we’ve seen in a long time. It might be fair to say that it’s the most important piece of legislation since President Theodore Roosevelt dramatically made additions to the National Park System just a little more than 100 years ago.

“The bill essentially combines two important provisions – the Restore Our Parks Act and the Land and Water Conservation Full Funding Act. I’m a co-sponsor of both of those. We have been trying to do the things that those two bills both do for a long time, and here we are. I look forward to seeing this bill have the impact that it absolutely will have, and has to have, on the important resources that we need to make the right kind of investment in.”

HAWLEY VOTES NO Sen. Josh Hawley voted against the bill. I emailed his office politely asking for an explanation, but I have not received a response.

Noted public lands advocate and conservation writer Hal Herring commented, “Twenty-five senators clearly demonstrated

Guest Editorial

their opposition to making a nation that works better for us all. They had to lay their cards face up on the table, for once.

Interesting that Mitt Romney of Utah would vote against funding for the National Parks and public lands that are the backbone of his state’s economy. It is a surprise that he has abandoned his pretense of ‘anti-Trump moderation’ and tipped his hand to his only real loyalties.

“Someday, America will need to have a serious talk with Utah. But first, let’s vote out these other ideologically moribund pillars of negativity, and replace them with men and women of vision.”

Illinois’senators, Dick Durbin and Tammy Duckworth, both Democrats, voted for the bill.

The House passed a version of the bill in April and then voted 310-107 on July 22 to approve the Senate version. Missouri’s all-Republican slate voted 4-2 against, with Ann Wagner and Billy Long for it and Blaine Luetkemeyer, Vicky Hartzler, Sam Graves and Jason Smith voting against it. Illinois’ delegation voted 13-5 for it, with all 13 Democrats in favor and Republicans split, 3-2 against. Those voting against it were downstate Republicans John Shimkus, Mike Bost and Darin Lahood.

LET’S BE HONEST Funding is critical to outdoor enjoyment.

The old phrase, “money makes the world go round” certainly applies to our outdoor world. Those of us who love all the incredible resources we have here in Missouri and like to brag about how our state is one of, if not the best, conservation states in the country, have to be honest in admitting that our dedicated funding from the Conservation Sales Tax has a lot to do with why we’re so great.

Most states have excellent people full of passion working on behalf of forest, fish and wildlife. Here in Missouri, our excellent people are backed up by money to make their visions reality. Now, with the passage of this critical bill, we will have a lot more resources at our disposal on the national level to make vast improvements to public lands and waters across the country.

CSF President Jeff Crane issued this statement: “The Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation applauds Senate passage of the Great American Outdoors Act. Today’s vote demonstrates the bipartisan support for advancing conservation and increasing access for hunters and anglers. When signed into law, this bill will provide much needed support for public lands and waters and boost the already formidable outdoor economy.

CSF extends our sincere thanks to the Senate Congressional Sportsmen’s Caucus members that voted to support these priorities.”

This act further ensures access to lands and waters, providing important hunting, fishing and recreational shooting opportunities.

See GUEST EDITORIAL page 10

With more dedicated funding, our nation’s wildlife and wild lands have a greater chance for a bright future.

September-October 2020

— Random Shots — A gift of solitude on an average mountain

By JOEL VANCE I am sitting on of top of a mountain watching the sun come up. OK, it’s a Midwestern mountain, more like a hill, but it seemed like a mountain when I climbed it at sunrise. There’s not a whole lot to do while I wait for turkeys to indulge in their morning rituals.

Trappers and other seasonal hermits make pets of cockroaches and mice. I look with some favor upon a particularly appealing rock, a rock that speaks to me like a whimpering puppy in a pet shop cage. But I leave the rock where it is. This is a national forest so the rock belongs to everyone.

Besides, lovely as it is, it is overweight.

Nearly every exposed rock in this old forest has patches of lichens on it. If the world ever does go, I’m willing to bet the protruding rocks will hardly have cooled before they start to show a blush of green or gray. The lichens once again will be reaffirming the durability of life.

They call lichens one of life’s simplest forms. I think that I would like to be reincarnated as a lichen, preferably on a rock on this mountain. I would feel the misty kiss of the morning dew, the hot insistence of midday sun, the cool promise of last light. And I would know that there would be a tomorrow for me. In some form.

Knowing that when the last idiot statesman proved his point by pressing his red launch button, I would be cleansed of the fallout by a sweet rain, then would begin again to coat the rocks with my quiet presence.

Life eternal. Could Heaven be a rock garden where the souls are chunks of granite and limestone nestled in beds of spring wildflowers? You’re wandering again, Vance.

CHERISHED SOLITUDE The moments spent really alone are sparse and infinitely cherished. I don’t often long for sheer solitude, being a normal social animal, but every now and then the yammer of man’s ever-widening circle gets to be too much, and I have to go into the woods and communicate with the inside of my head. Most of what is there buzzes around like a hive of teased bees, but the massive presence of the mountain has a calming effect, and gradually the essential me unclenches, the claws retract.

He who is a connoisseur of lethargy will find a true home in the spring turkey woods.

Sure, there are those who pursue turkeys with unceasing vigor, bounding from ridgetop to ridgetop like the unfettered Clark Kent, but there are those, like me, who seek out a sun-dappled bed on the springy moss and laze away the hours, bones turning to soup.

My frequent naps are filled with the sweet,

uncluttered and un-terrorized dreams of a nursery schooler.

A tiny stream trundles past, intent on gravity’s eternal mindless errand. There is more sensual pleasure in rubbing my head unwashed for a couple of days. It is as pleasing as the bone cracking stretch that follows.

I think, morbidly perhaps, that it would be fulfillment of destiny for my ashes to be broadcast over the thick forest from 50,000 feet so the swirling winds of their descent would scatter a dusty microfilm of me over the entire area.

I would like to know there is some of me in the spring breeze that tickles the dogtooth violet, in the cup of the old brown leaf from last year that lies at my foot, in the somber feathering of the distant crow whose strident complaint drifts down from the far ridge. On reflection I decide that is not such a morbid thought after all – maybe my eddying ashes will fertilize a spring beauty to soothe the ache of some other stressed woodland refugee.

HUNGER’S POWER The day drifts past as soundlessly as the ghost of a long freight train. I munch a breakfast bar and spend the next hour sucking the shreds out of my teeth. I improve my blind, housekeeping more elementary than decorating caves with petroglyphs. Finally, hunger and the urge to communicate with those of my species combined to force me to my feet.

Dropping off the mountain in the shadowed light of late afternoon is a sweet and sad experience. Sweet because I know there are tacos hot enough to cook themselves waiting for me back in camp, and my stomach is thundering gastric imperatives; sad because each step downhill is one step closer to what I climbed to escape.

The trees are silent now, resting from their daylong conversation with the wind. The day creatures are quiet, looking for a spot to spend the night, safe from fang and claw; the night shift, armed with fang and claw, is standing by.

I cross a tiny wet-weather spring exposed by the trail construction. It is no moss-dappled spot of beauty, just one of nature’s pores seeping the stuff of life, exposed by the trail construction.

THAT GOOD FEELING It takes the emotional catharsis of a day on a mountain to make one realize just how painfully backlashed you have become. All the petty grievances, the nagging worries, the subtle stresses peel away like dead skin off a fading sunburn, and what is left is clean and fresh and new.

Sure it doesn’t last. Life wouldn’t be life if it were nothing but mindless peace. But the feeling of well-being is so momentarily exhilarating that I smile. No, I grin. As I slowly take the last bend, I spot my car – the quintessential trapping of civilization.

Days’ end…

September-October 2020

Outdoor Guide

Peck Ranch Conservation area

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Outdoor Guide

Page 10

September-October 2020

Breaking in a new beagle a rare treat

By GERALD J. SCOTT

If this column isn’t as organized – to say nothing of coherent – as you’re used to reading, there’s a reason. I’m finding it almost impossible to concentrate the day’s duties, because a beagle named Jill and I will be taking the first steps toward forming a partnership tomorrow.

When Mark Ackmann (who thanks to a mutual love of beagles has become one of my best friends) and I finish hunting, Jill will jump into my

dog box instead of his for the ride home. There’s no way she could know, but the kennel she’ll occupy was her mother Happy’s home until about a year before this writing.

Jill and I will write our own chapters, of course. Meanwhile, I can’t help but reminisce about some of the other beagles I’ve shared rabbit hunts with over the past 40 years.

My first beagle was a gift from my mother-in-law. I named her Queen, after my grandfather’s favorite English setter. I knew less than noth-

ing about beagles, and the only combo house and hunting dog I’d ever owned was housebroken when I got him.

To be sure, some of the less pleasant aspects of learning to live inside a house were left to Amber, Aaron, Susan and me to teach, but our cat Nieman took it upon himself to teach Queen manners.

IN THE CAT’S FACE The then 10-week-old pup – who had pulled the same stunt with Amber a week or so earlier –decided it would be

fun to get within a few inches of the cat’s face and then start barking. I was watching when Nieman lashed out with both front feet and sunk his claws behind Queen’s jaws. He then proceeded to chew on the instantly repentant pup’s nose.

Not only did Queen learn to leave cats alone, but she never again barked in the house.

Queen was a natural rabbit trailer. I have no idea how many rabbits my son, my daughter and I shot in front of her, but it was a bunch. We would have shot a lot more were it not for

Beagles like this one have excelled on rabbit hunts with the author.

a jerk who – deliberately, according to my daughter – ran over her in the road in front of our house.

I bought Grace from a man who raised beagles. He knew I was an outdoor writer and was reluctant to sell her to me, because he thought she was “too shy to be showy.” But there was some intangible something about her that attracted her to me, and after she proved herself to my satisfaction in his training pen, I brought her home.

ONE SPECIAL DOG Even today, I’m not sure I fully appreciate how exceptional Grace was. The first season I had her, I shot 54 cottontails in front of her, and various hunting partners shot about that many more. She hunted for the gun like an excellent bird dog does, and I swear she could find rabbits where there were no rabbits.

In the off season, she liked to go bank fishing for catfish with me and was always up for a day in the timber, working on deer stands. When day was done, she divided her time between her official bed in a corner of the living room and my office.

I don’t always pick winners, of course. Grace was followed

by Amy. The best thing I can say about Amy is that she introduced me to Mark Ackmann, who was training beagles professionally at the time.

Mark turned her into a good rabbit hunter, but Amy was one of those dogs whose bad habits

made her very hard to like. To be honest, I was glad when I was rid of her.

Of course, the fact that Mark sent Happy home with me when I picked Amy up at the end of her training made going back to being a one-beagle man easier. Many of Happy’s puppies had gone on to win fame on the field trial circuit, but she was 10 years old, and Mark felt that she had earned the right to retire. He rightly believed that I would give her a good home for the rest of her life.

HAPPY’S LAST HUNT Happy was aptly named.

In fact, she was the most laidback beagle I’ve ever seen.

But that didn’t mean that she didn’t give her all when she jumped a rabbit, because she most certainly did.

Happy and I had three good hunting seasons together, before age slowed her and a pinched nerve in my lower back all but stopped me. Even so, that January, she went along on three trips to work on a deer stand for Susan that under ordinary circumstances I would have finished in less than one.

In retrospect, I think she acted unexplainably odd that last day. She wandered off to explore like she always did, but when I was ready to quit, she didn’t come when I called.

I found her dead, curled up at the base of a tree. I wouldn’t mind leaving this world like that myself.

• Guest Editorial Americans use public lands and waters – a lot. According to CSF, America’s BLM, USFWS, and USFS public lands annually support more than 25 million hunting days and nearly 45 million fishing days.

This highlights the importance of these lands for America’s sportsmen and women as well as the outdoor economy.

Addressing the maintenance backlog, as this act allows for, is going to be a great economic stimulus, with an anticipated 100,000 new employment opportunities.

UP TO THE HOUSE “Years of bipartisan work have led to this moment and this historic opportunity for conservation,” CSC member

from page 8

Sen. Cory Gardner, R-Col., said after the Senate vote.

“Today the Senate passed not only the single greatest conservation achievement in generations, but also a lifeline to mountain towns and recreation communities hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic. I call on the House of Representatives to pass this bill without delay in order to provide jobs to the American people, economic stimulus to communities in need, and protections for the great American outdoors for future generations of Americans to cherish.”

For more Driftwood Outdoors, check out the podcast on www.driftwoodoutdoors. com or wherever podcasts are streamed.

September-October 2020

Outdoor Guide

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September-October 2020

Claudette’s Kitchen

Don’t overlook the power of canning

By CLAUDETTE ROPER

rather weary of hearing about some “new normal.” MerriamWebster online defines “normal” in a number of ways. The first one says, “conforming to a type, standard, or regular pattern” and “according with, constituting, or not deviating from a norm, rule, or principle.”Asecond definition given says, “occurring naturally.”

One thing we know for sure is that this situation we are in did not occur naturally. Another thing we can say is fairly certain – that we all long for normal, not a “new normal.” Regarding that, what does it look like? I’d like to think that it means, “More people will take less for granted and be better prepared.”

PRECIOUS CANNING LIDS Just recently a derecho hit Iowa. Unlike typical hurricanes, where people have many days to prepare, stock up, put plywood

We’re beginning the last quarter of the year and my wish expressed in the last article – “Hopefully this will be behind us by the time you read this” – still has not occurred.

Those of us in Missouri may be considerably better off (both in numbers and leadership) than many other places, but let’s face it – it’s not over!

Quite frankly, I’m getting

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on windows, etc., this struck without such opportunities, and many people were caught unprepared to feed families and be without power for a long time.

Shelves of canned goods preserve garden produce through the next season and provide a safety blanket during rough times. Many who haven’t had gardens are starting them. Others are taking advantage of farmers’ markets in areas where they are still allowed.

A sign that people are more interested in preserving food again is a shortage of canning lids (aka flats). Yes, there really is a shortage! This happened before, during the economic recession in the mid-1970s. Ball Corp. testified that sales in the first quarter of 1973 were $166,000 but by the first quarter of 1974 had exploded to $5.75 million.

You might think, “It’s late in the year – who’s still canning?”

Well, me for one…until my lids run out. There are late apples (I’ll probably dehydrate those to save on lids) and the last of the tomatoes (green salsa), to mention a few. With turkey season coming up, there should be some broth getting canned as well.

Having shelves of canned goods, whether home-canned or store-bought, certainly all serve the same function – preparedness. However, your mindset plays an important role, too. Are you willing to try new things? Are you willing to substitute what you have for what you want?

NOT HUNGRY ENOUGH When I turned my nose up at something, Mum would say, “Obviously you’re not hungry enough.” It seems my children have heard those words a few times, too. The principle is not outdated.

When grocery stores are far away, as in our case, it’s practical to stock up and it’s also practical to “make do.” Store-bought, already-prepared food and condiments frequently are made with some form of corn (think corn starch, high fructose corn syrup, etc.) and may well jump in price with over 10 million acres of corn down in Iowa.

The following recipe for lime vinaigrette is easy to make.

It is also tasty when substituting lemon juice for lime juice.

Don’t limit yourself to using it on garden salads. Chop up onions and tomatoes, add black beans and corn, then sprinkle with salt, pepper, chopped cilantro and lime salad dressing.

For a balsamic vinaigrette, replace the scant cup of lime juice with balsamic vinegar and the teaspoon of vinegar with a teaspoon of lemon or lime juice. Try it on some chopped tomatoes and onions, sprinkled with basil or parsley, salt and pepper.

This doesn’t necessarily save money, but it does provide you with a high-quality product that does not contain any soy products, high-fructose corn syrup or preservatives.

LIME VINAIGRETTE 1 cup olive oil (a little less) 1 cup lime juice (a little more) 2 teaspoons garlic powder 2 teaspoons dried Italian spice mix (recipe follows) 1 teaspoon onion powder 1.5 teaspoons sea salt 1 teaspoon pepper 1 teaspoon vinegar Pour all ingredients into a jar and shake well. Shake again before each use. Without all the commercial added ingredients, it will continue to separate. Remove from refrigerator long enough for the olive oil to become liquid again before using.

ITALIAN SPICE MIX 2 tablespoons dried oregano 1.5 tablespoons each dried marjoram and basil 1 tablespoon each dried thyme, rosemary and sage Combine and store in an air-tight glass jar.

The Italian spice mix is also convenient to have on hand for meat, pizza, spaghetti sauce or roasted veggies. Store in a cool, dark place. In lieu of a dark place, use dark jars.

Enjoy the wonderful season coming up!

Outdoor Guide

September-October 2020

Page 13

Better bass fishing in muddied waters

Photos and Text

By TERRY & ROXANNE WILSON

For permanently darkened water, the presentation solution for catching bass is the creation of sound. Topwater, mid-depth, or bottom bouncer lures must be selected to create vibrations that enable bass to utilize their lateral lines, which functions a bit like a sonar unit to locate the imitation.

For clearer waters that have been muddied, the visually oriented population must be approached very differently.

Many years ago, we regularly fished a 37-acre watersupply lake that was loaded with largemouth bass. Although clouded by suspended nutrients, its waters were usually clear enough for visibility to a depth of four feet. Near the dam, the water depth exceeded 30 feet, and it grew progressively shallow toward the creek that had been dammed to create it.

The stream drained agricultural croplands, and tiny, intermittent rivulets that emanated from pasturelands fed

two coves. Rains affected the water clarity quickly and sometimes for several weeks.

We avoided fishing after rains until a long-planned trip by a visiting fisherman forced us to deal with the muddy conditions. That weekend we caught more than 30 bass. Two were 4 pounds, and one tipped our hand-held scales at 6½ pounds.

SIX GOOD STEPS It was an eye-opening experience that was instrumental in the formation of our stainwater strategies. Eventually, we were able to identify six steps that tilt the odds in our favor when the water looks unfishable. Here’s our six-step system: • ONE –– Avoid fishing the area of the pond or lake that is most affected by siltation. The main source of the silt influx is the inlet creek that brings water from rains and runoff into the pond. The bottom content of these areas is soft mud that has been brought in from previous rain events. Structure in silted areas, such as humps, depressions or creek channels, has largely been covered by the

Anglers can catch bass even when their favorite clear waters have been muddied. Fishing with dark-colored lures can lead to success in muddied waters.

soft mud, and this portion of the pond or lake has become a virtual “fishbowl.”

This is not an altogether bad thing because with the underwater structure covered, what you see is what you get. The visible weedline, deadfalls, rocks and others are the only structure available to the bass.

• TWO –– Check the visibility in the water by slowly lowering a brightly colored lure – fluorescent chartreuse, for example – into the water to determine the maximum depth at which it is visible.

Repeat this process in various locations to determine where the highest visibility occurs and concentrate fishing efforts there. Often this will be the inside edge of the main lake or pond points and deeper sections of bluff areas in the main lake basin.

• THREE –– Target wood structure with short, accurate casts using weedless lures.

Bass that are disturbed by unusual conditions or feel threatened instinctively seek the protection of overhead cover. A dock or deadfall

provides great security as well as a place where moss clings to the wood, which attracts insect larva, minnows, and crustaceans on which the bass can feed.

• FOUR –– Use bulkier lures capable of creating a more visible silhouette as well as displacing more water, thereby creating more vibrations that enable feeding bass to locate them more easily. If the lure has built-in sound producers like rattles or spinner blades, so much the better.

• FIVE ––Fish dark-colored lures, such as black or purple, so that the silhouette is contrasted sharply as the bass view it against the sky’s lighter background. A bass’s eyes are located on the top of its head, which makes it much easier to ambush its meal from below.

Ablack popper is easily seen by the bass from the stained water below, even on the darkest overcast days, but it may be difficult for the fisherman to see against the dark water.

Painting the top of your dark surface lures with a visible color solves that problem.

• SIX –– When sunlight is in-

tense, cast fluorescent-colored or highly reflective floater/ diver lures in the shallows.

Sunlight accentuates the lure’s visibility, and as the lure is pulled under, then floats back to the surface, it creates an attention-grabbing commotion. If the darkened water conditions have existed for several days, it is entirely possible that the bass have had little to eat during that time.

NO NEED TO CANCEL Rain and the resulting runoff is the necessary lifeblood of our lakes and ponds with siltation as the unfortunate byproduct.

Too often, the condition causes the cancellation of fishing trips.

But there is no need to cancel your trip or use it as an excuse.

Moving away from the darkest water near the inlet creek and toward the down-lake clearer waters to target wood structure with short, accurate casts will locate catchable bass.

Temporarily muddied waters may provide outstanding bass fishing if you use weedless, dark-colored lures on dark days and fluorescent or reflective lures in bright sunlight.

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Outdoor Guide

September-October 2020

RV pleasures helped in oil crisis Photos and Text

By THAYNE SMITH

COVID-19, mixed with other health and political issues, has triggered memories of an earlier national crisis that struck at the heart of outdoor recreation enthusiasts.

Some of the same solutions for overcoming and enjoying the trying times it produced are similar for those with a desire to go outdoors but escape the chaos.

Campers, hikers, bikers and especially RV users, anglers and firearms shooters who enjoy good health can use the time the chaos has caused to good advantage, with a little advance planning.

Like the current event, the oil embargo of 1973-74 provided more than a lot of problems for outdoor pursuits and chaos to the nation and most of its inhabitants. It developed when members of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) imposed an embargo on oil sales and shipments to the United States in retaliation for U.S. support of the Israeli military in the 1973 Arab-Israel War. Oil prices soared from $2.90 to $11.65 a barrel. Pump prices were raised from lows of 45 to 88 cents nationally, depending on location, then to $2.90 and $4.90 a gallon. Many stations closed for lack of supply. Tengallon restrictions were often imposed, even when gas was available, and around-theblock vehicle waiting lines were not uncommon.

To initiate savings, Congress suggested the states lower speed limits to 55 miles per hour. Most complied.

Sales of large motor vehicles dropped drastically, along with those of boats and motors.

Truckers used every trick in the book to cut gas consumption. Some leading carriers were forced out of business.

Bicycle purchases were at all-time levels. Car-pooling to work became popular.

EVEN IN KANSAS I remember the start of the embargo well, as its details hit Kansas. I was toiling at the time in a good public relations job with the Coleman Co. in Wichita. Word of the higher gas prices and lower speed limits spread quickly.

“You’d better fill ‘er up, then bring your car over,” my friendly neighbor and nearby service station owner told me.

I was driving an International Scout, getting good gas mileage for that time, while the family car was in the “gas guzzler” class.

“The price of gas, when available, will likely soar next week,” he said. He was right.

It was 44.9 cents that day and it jumped to more than $2 per gallon.

This angler only had to go as far as Bennett Springs to find peace, quiet and action.

My work for Coleman entailed the production of news releases and promotions for its “outing products” division, including many popular camping items – lanterns, propane and gas camp and backpack stoves, catalytic heaters, tents and sleeping bags, backpacks and more. I also handled the public relations of the Coleman Camping Trailer (fold down), made in Somerset, PA, and had the privilege of using one. The Scout pulled it with ease. Sales of all the products soared, while other company divisions declined.

I produced a number of press releases about the ways and joys of using the products, pursuing the benefits and finding many “new” endeavors in camping, RV use, angling, hunting, hiking and other outings that individuals, couples, friends and families could enjoy – and defeat the negatives of the crises.

I wrote a number of articles on the myriad benefits of “staying close to home,” most of which are applicable to the chaos caused by the present virus. Schools were open then, but our family took advantage of weekends to travel only a few miles, often visiting attractions that we had passed up previously to indulge in longer trips.

WHAT A PLACE! We had a lease on a farm less than an hour away, sporting

a clear creek, several ponds with good populations of bass, sunfish, catfish and more, a wonderful trickling spring providing drinkable water, nice spots to park our fold-out camper and trails to jog or hike.

It also provided pheasant, quail and waterfowl hunting in the fall and winter months and turkey hunting in spring.

We had plenty of room to set up targets to sight-in firearms, do some plinking or toss some targets for shotgun practice.

We toured nearby museums and various streams in the famous Kansas Flinthills, visited campgrounds, tourist attractions, nature trails and historic places that were nearby but not previously on our “bucket list.”

I recommend the same today for those who enjoy good health. For most, surviving the hard knocks of COVID-19 is just a matter of using common sense and following the guidelines handed down by the nation’s top health care professionals.

I’ve been in the “stay at home” mode for several months, prompted by a heart attack last November and then the threats of the virus. It’s not the best life for an old scribe, but it has its perks. My memory is good, and telephone visits are most welcome.

Meanwhile, it’s a good time to recall the many pleasures the great outdoors and RVing have provided.

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Outdoor Guide

September-October 2020

Page 15

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Outdoor Guide

Page 18

September-October 2020

His first RV was his best decision

Photo and Text

By BRANDON BUTLER

My greatest purchase of all time was a 1972 Scotty Sportsman 16-foot travel trailer. My cousin and I picked it up out of a farmer’s yard for $500. We were in college at the time, and this sweet piece of Americana became our hunting camp. We called her Delilah Jones.

I don’t remember life without a camper. In fact, a story my parents tell – which I have no recollection of – is how when I was just three years old, a neighbor kid and I hid in my

parents’ small camper.

While the adults frantically looked for us, we kept quiet, causing the sort of emotional stir I can now only imagine as a parent myself.

As long as I can remember, we were campers, and we always had an RV, increasing in size and comfort with time. The Indiana State Parks system was the extent of our travel. Potato Creek, Raccoon Lake, Tippecanoe, Pokagon, the Dunes and Turkey Run were our top choices. It was in these parks where my love and dedication for wildlife and wild

places was forged.

Having comfortable beds and private toilet didn’t keep me from developing a desire to explore and seek solitude deep in wilderness areas. I have taken solo trips in the Rockies and spent many nights in tents far from civilization. But I still love camping in RVs in parks where others have gathered to celebrate being outdoors, even if they still have internet and satellite television.

DON’T OVERTHINK IT People tell me regularly that they wish they spent more

time outside but don’t have the skills necessary to participate, to which I always reply: “You’re overthinking this. You don’t have to be Daniel Boone to go to the woods. You can bring your food in a refrigerator. You just need an RV. If you can hook a truck to a trailer and back the trailer into a spot, you can go camping with air conditioning.”

When we would arrive at the parks, Dad would have to stop at the gatehouse to check in. That’s when my brother and I, and friends if they were with us, would drag our bikes out of the camper and take off. We’d

Camping in a recreation vehicle is a great way to enjoy the outdoors.

wave bye to Mom and find the campsite later, sometimes hours later. It was an incredible sense of freedom for us boys to be off on what felt like a grand adventure, even if it was really a tightly controlled environment of less than a couple of thousand acres.

Thor Industries is the parent company of many leading RV brands, including Airstream, Dutchmen, Jayco, Keystone and Starcraft. They are a major player in the recreational vehicle market. The company recently released its 2020 RV consumer survey report, including responses from owners of all types of RVs, as well as prospective owners, across Canada and the US. RV VACATION PLANS A couple of interesting takeaways from the report were that 94 percent of consumers surveyed were still planning to vacation in 2020, and 50 percent

of those with vacation plans said a vacation will occur in October.

This potentially extends the traditional camping season.

“Our research supports that consumers understand that the RV lifestyle is a great way to social distance, create unforgettable family experiences, and get away and recharge,” said Bob Martin, Thor president and CEO. “We believe the best way to get outside for some enjoyment and adventure in a safe way is in an RV. The data shows that consumers agree.”

Spending time outdoors doesn’t have to be a wilderness survival trip. You can take all the comforts of home with you in an RV. They range in size from small pop-ups that can be towed by a car to much larger rigs with bedrooms and bathtubs. You can buy new or take advantage of a fairly robust used market. Even with the luxuries of an RV, you’re still exposed to nature.

Missourians surprised by tropical Booby on the river Debbie Prance-Orosz and her family were enjoying a day on the Current River recently when she saw an odd-looking bird, took its picture and posted it to Facebook.

Turned out it was a Brown Booby, a large, long-winged seabird seen in places like south Florida, Central America and South America – just not Ripley County in Missouri.

It was the first recorded sight of a Brown Booby in the state.

Missouri Department of Conservation forester Steve Paes, an avid birder, led an effort to find the bird.

“We didn’t know where it was, other than somewhere on the Current River,” he said.

“After asking around, I got a tip on its location. I set out on the river with Cindy Bridges of the Missouri Birding Society, and we eventually found it perched on a dead tree.”

State Ornithologist Sarah Kendrick said recent storms in the Gulf Coast could have blown the bird off course or caused it to get lost, leading to its pit-stop in Missouri.

“It’s just an anomaly,” Kendrick said. “To spot this

The Brown Booby that has been visiting Missouri along the Current River surveys its new home.

– Debbie Prance-Orosz photo

tropical seabird in the Ozarks is as awesome as it is bizarre!

It can be difficult for birds to escape severe weather, and some can be blown hundreds of miles off course, but this is extreme.”

GONE FISHING Paes said the bird seems oblivious to curious people.

“The bird is just unfazed,” he said. “The few times I’ve seen it, it’s been perched on a dead tree and doesn’t seem to mind being close to people. It looks healthy and very active, too. It doesn’t seem to have trouble feeding and catching fish.”

Outdoor Guide

September-October 2020

Page 19

Sportsmen are right – it’s time to fish

By KAY HIVELY

American sportsmen have proven that the sporting life has turned out to be a good thing as the world deals with coronavirus. Encouraged by this magazine and other sources to do what comes naturally to sportsmen and women, hunting, fishing, hiking and other outdoor activities have been important factors in keeping safe.

Not only have sportsmen and women taken to fresh air and isolation, they have shown themselves as good examples to others.

According to reports from the Midwest, fishing in particular has exploded as families and individuals look for healthy and enjoyable outings. Angling has blossomed as a great outlet to fill in spare time.

Many people who have fished in the past are returning to the water and bringing along a friend or relative. In early 2020, Missouri waived the requirements for fishing licenses to encourage more people to be outdoors. But the fishing division saw a jump in sales of fishing and hunting licenses that were issued by May 2020. The increase was 5,000 compared to the same date in 2019.

BRAND SPANKING NEW There has also been an increase in tackle sales as people get new rods and reels to replace dusty ones that have sat in the garage for 10 or more years.

Other people are choosing “brand spanking new” rods and reels as they take up the fishing fun for the first time. Also, sales of camping equipment and RV sales increased.

Television ads were flush with scenes of RVs on the road, in campgrounds, beside lakes and woods. The idea of traveling and getting into the outdoors, while being in a fresh, healthy and friendly environment, is catching on inAmerica.

Oklahoma saw a rise in fishing permits of almost 50 percent over 2019. Kansas experienced a jump in sales of fishing licenses from over 63,000 to almost 100,000 from March to May 2020.

The virus caused many sporting, church, school and other common meeting events to be canceled or postponed, leaving fun events out of the picture.

And then fishing became one of the favorite choices for people seeking an enjoyable, outdoor alternative.

IT’S NOT WHAT YOU CATCH The future of the coronavirus is as uncertain as when that big old catfish will bite. But remember, the joy of fishing is not always what you catch.

Sometimes it’s the good feeling of being with a friend, smelling those summer flowers, feeling the sun on your back, breathing fresh air and knowing that one day all will be right in our world.

Sportsmen hope the silver lining in this horrific event will be a change in society. There is a wish that young people will find pleasure in the outdoors and not rely on things that mostly think for them.

Let’s hope they learn to match wits with a fish. Let’s hope they learn to enjoy the moon and the stars, the wildlife and the forest. But until that time comes, there’s always fishing.

New record longear sunfish just 4 ounces Robert Audrain III of St. Louis caught the new state record longear sunfish, all of 4 ounces, while fishing from a private pond in Franklin County on July 3.

“I was fishing off my fatherin-law’s dock at a private lake a little south of Eureka,” Audrain told the Department of Conservation. “I was with my 12-year-old son, and we knew there was some good-sized sunfish in the lake. I was using my handline, and it was the first line I threw in when we caught the fish.”

The sunfish was weighed on a certified scale at MDC St. Louis Office. It was the eighth state-record fish recorded for 2020.

“It’s funny because most of my friends thought it was a joke,” Audrain said. “Because of the fish’s size, they really didn’t think that it was a record.”

The previous record was a 3-ounce fish caught in 1993 in Lick Log Creek.

Audrain said he plans to

Kay Hively turns in her last column EDITOR’S NOTE: This timely and lovely column was the last one turned in by Kay Hively before she passed away at home with her family on July 27 in Neosho, MO. She was 76.

She was born Rita Kathalene James, the youngest of ten children, and she grew up on a cotton farm and then as a grocer’s daughter in Rush Springs, OK. She married Russell Hively in Oklahoma City in 1963, and they had a son, Russell. They lived in Minnesota and then moved to Neosho in 1973, where she was an active citizen and frequent writer.

Her many stories for the Outdoor Guide were smart, well written and researched, educational and a pleasure to read. “Kay was a writer to the end. She was working on her next article,” said Russell. In grade school, she wrote plays for her friends to perform, and she wrote for the Neosho Daily News for about 40 years.

Admirers may send contributions to Friends of the Neosho National Fish Hatchery, c/o Clark Funeral Home, P.O. Box 66, Neosho MO 64850. Several condolences can be seen at www.clarkfuneralhomes.com.

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“My buddy’s father is a taxidermist, and I think I’m going to have him mount it,” he said.

“But I think my son and I are going to try for another record.

We’re pretty sure there’s a bigger fish in that lake. I think it’d be cool for him to beat my record!”

Missouri state-record fish are recognized in two categories: pole-and-line and alternative methods, which include trotlines, throwlines, limblines, banklines, juglines, spearfishing, snagging, snaring, gigging, grabbing, archery and atlatl.

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Outdoor Guide

Page 20

By JOHN NEPORADNY JR. Guide Barry Morrow knew he was in for a challenging guide trip on an October day when Fort Gibson Lake in Oklahoma was being drawn down and the weather was turning colder.

When his clients caught only a few small crappie suspended in the standing timber, Morrow believed the weather and water conditions had caused the bigger crappie to hold tight to the bottom. “Once we got our lures down to the bottom, we started

September-October 2020

Heavier jigs for crappie

finding bigger fish,” Morrow recalled.

In order to keep his client’s lures tight to the bottom, Morrow replaced the 1/8-ounce jigs they were using earlier with 1/4-ounce models. The switch to the heavier jig paid off that day as Morrow’s clients were able to keep their lines vertical and detect strikes easier.

They finished the day with 25 crappies ranging from 1 1/2 to 2 pounds.

While many crappie anglers think small when jig fishing, Morrow and other pros believe in the big bait-big fish theory.

“We don’t even own a 1/16-ounce jig,” said Kevin Rogers, who competes on the Crappiemasters tournament trail with his dad, Charlie Rogers. A 1/8-ounce jig is the smallest bait the Rogers team uses during tournaments.

CRAPPIE MOUTHS Although small baitfish and insects are staple meals for crappie, these predators have mouths large enough to inhale bigger prey.

“A lot of people think a crappie won’t hit a large bait,” said Morrow, who guides on

Truman Lake. “When I pull crankbaits, I know they will hit them, and when I am bass fishing, I catch crappie, so I know they will eat big baits.”

Since he only needs a tournament limit of seven crappie, Rogers relies on a larger and heavier jig that eliminates smaller bites and hooks bigger fish. He favors 3/16-ounce Bobby Garland Mo’ Glo jigheads and 1/4- or 1/2-ounce Northland Tackle Gum-Ball Jigs attached to 3-inch Bobby Garland Slab Slay’R soft plastics for most of his tournament tactics.

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Barry Morrow switched the jigs from 1/8-ounce to ¼ ounce.

THIRTY WINNERS The fast fall of heavyweight jigs has helped Rogers win more than 30 tournaments throughout his pro career.

“On a tournament day we only have eight hours, so we are trying to fish as fast as we can and let that jig fall in front of that crappie’s nose as fast as possible to get a reaction bite,” the Missouri pro said. “It allows us to fish faster, too. The jig gets down to the bottom faster so we can get it up faster and go on to the next spot. So it gives us more drops throughout the day than with a lighter jighead.”

Since he guided for several years, mainly on Oklahoma’s Lake Eufaula, which is known for its slab-sized crappie and large forage, Morrow fished most of the time with a 1/4-ounce Lindy Jig, and on extremely windy fall days he opted for a 3/8-ounce jighead.

He matched the heavyweight jigs with a Lindy Watsit Grub.

IN DIRTY WATERS Both Rogers and Morrow prefer plying heavy jigs in dirty

waters where crappie tend to stay in the shallows and are easier to catch. “I am looking at 12 inches or less of visibility when I am using those bigger baits,” Morrow said.

Sensitivity is another reason Rogers and Morrow rely on bigger jigs, especially since they use line as heavy at 10- to 15-pound test. “The big jighead lets you feel the lure a lot better,” Rogers said. “You can keep in contact with that heavier jig a lot more than you can with a 1/32-ounce jig.”

The larger jigs Rogers and Morrow use are equipped with bigger hooks (1/0 or 2/0), which improves their hook-setting chances. “There is no way crappie can get that big hook out of their mouth,” Morrow said. “They will inhale it, but when they try to spit it out it just stays there. It also goes in the roof of their mouth – the bony part of the mouth – and not in the cheek of the crappie.”

When crappie start to make the move to deeper water this autumn, try heavier jigs to catch more slab-sized fish.

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The group Magnificent Missouri is inviting bike riders to the Country Store Corridor Experience, a special adventure on 3.5 miles of the Katy Trail between the historic railroad towns of Peers and Treloar on Sept. 17 and again on Oct. 15.

The bike ride is a half-day, docent-led tour through Warren County, an hour from St. Louis.

Riders will enjoy a box lunch on the porch at the historic store in Peers plus presentations highlighting the German heritage of the region.

The history of the MKT Railroad and its conversion to the Katy Trail will be covered, and a documentary, “Rivertowns: 100 Miles, 200 Years, Countless Stories,” will be shown.

After lunch, guests can roam the native prairie across the street, taking photos and learning about native wildflowers.

Participants can bring their bikes or ride a shuttle.

Magnificent Missouri’s mission is to conserve and increase appreciation of the Katy Trail, now in its 30th year, and of the last 100 miles of the Missouri River Valley.

VIRUS-FREE The event will follow current Warren County masking and distance guidelines.

“The Katy Trail spans over 240 miles, providing the ideal opportunity to spread out and practice good social distancing,” said Ralph Pfremmer, executive director of Magnificent Missouri, who will also discuss, “The Case for Conservation.”

Up to 12 riders will be accommodated at each event, with kids allowed but not pets.

The cost is $33. The first event was held on Aug. 20, with the next two on Sept. 17 and Oct. 15, all Thursdays.

The store at Peers has a four-acre prairie and butterfly pollinator plot, plus live local music from the porch.

Participants should arrive by 11:45 a.m. and check-out is by 5 p.m. Also available will be the book, Growing Up with the River; Nine Generations on the Missouri, for $21.95 and bottles of the Bethlehem Valley 2014 Norton wine for $38.50. The T-shirt will be $22. To sign up, go online to venku.com.

Outdoor Guide

September-October 2020

Page 21

Keeping the child within alive

By TED NUGENT Growing up in Detroit in the roaring ‘50s, every Thursday was trash day, and me and the boys would search for the Holy Grail of recyclable garbage.

We would mount our stump-jumper Huffy and Schwinn bikes early in the morning and race from one driveway to the next, probing everybody’s junk pile for something we could use.

Sometimes we would find heavy-duty cardboard and wooden cigar boxes still in darn good shape, sometimes with tools, nuts, bolts, coins, bullets and assorted interesting paraphernalia and occasionally usable stuff.

The treasure of treasures was the highly desirable collection of marbles, which just so happened to be the ultimate accurate ammo for our homemade slingshots.

These crude slingshots were whittled ever so carefully with our Boy Scout pocket knives from sturdy forked hickory limbs of just the right size and shape.

TUBE PROPULSION From the discarded inner tubes we salvaged, we cut strips of rubber to propel

our projectiles, each band tied tightly to the limbs with lengths of old bootlaces we scrounged.

The ammo pouch was meticulously constructed from rectangular patches cut from jeans or tossed canvas tent material remnants, also secured with pieces of bootlace.

I am here to tell you, these slingshots were cherished weapons of mass construction, teaching us the importance of creativity, ingenuity, adventure, improvisational adaptability and ultimately the aim-small, miss-small discipline that would serve us well in all of life’s meaningful pursuits.

My trash day collections included a full set of wooden golf clubs that would probably be worth a fortune today if I only had known then what I had.

And, rarely, we would come upon an old longbow, wooden arrows and even a leather back quiver that were cherished beyond words.

Most of our early archery fascination and fun were also a result of homemade bows and arrows crafted from sapling staves and reed shafts fletched with discovered bird feathers along the Rouge River woodlands of

Nugent with his bow in a very early hunting video.

our neighborhood.

THE RED RYDER Some of the kids were lucky beyond belief early on, having a Daisy Red Ryder BB gun or Crossman pellet rifle.

My dad eventually got a Red Ryder to cull the pesky sparrows and starlings that would crap all over our Ford station wagon, and it was near impossible to get me out of my little blind in the garage, where I waylaid the winged vermin with much

aplomb.

But it was that first real bow and arrow that set me on my life’s course to become one with the mystical flight of the arrow, and from about the age of two, I haven’t put my bow and arrows down and I continue to revel in that Samurai Zen spirit of projectile management.

So here I am excitedly gearing up for fall hunting season 2020, approaching my 72nd birthday, and that little whippersnapper from

Detroit is still alive and well and kicking, about to go nuts with anticipation for stalking wild grounds and arrowing critters of every imaginable shape, size and species.

Not having missed a single season since birth, I have certainly learned a thing or two along the way, but the passion and happiness I feel right now actually eclipses that of young Ted. Though I meticulously strategize each deer hunt every morning and afternoon, there is no way I will pass up a shot at a turkey, squirrel, groundhog, coon, possum, skunk, fox, coyote, pheasant, quail, duck, goose, crane, dove, blue jay, crow, beaver, muskrat, mink or any other legal critter during the legal season thereof.

THE HAPPINESS FACTOR I do hunt for the perfect fun, sport and meat, trophy elements of every hunt, but my happiness factor pivots on good arrows going where I want them to, and with the amazing quietness of my Mathews bows, it is not unheard of for me to arrow a small game critter and still kill a deer shortly thereafter.

To my way of thinking,

accurate arrows are the ultimate indicator of how much fun I can have on every outing, and the memories of those always difficult and challenging bow hunts of yore come flooding back every time I’m about to loose an arrow even today.

Young Ted sure had the time of his life learning all the incredible demands of hunting with the bow and arrow, and old Ted has never lost touch with that youthful spirit, thank God! Go afield with a pureness of heart. Practice like hell for that happy, clean kill. Never lose sight of our amazing role in God’s miraculous creation and remember how free and unencumbered we felt as kids.

Fan those pure flames every day this season, and have a heaping serving of happy with each and every hunt. Backstrap like you mean it.

And don’t forget to be a positive force to reckon with as a registered voter for God, family, country, freedom and our precious hunting lifestyle. Get everyone you know to be sure to make the pledge at HuntTheVote.org.

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Outdoor Guide

Page 22

September-October 2020

Wildlife Wrangling and Outdoor Ramblings Photo and Text

By RANDALL P. DAVIS In the business of nuisance wildlife removal, touchy relationships are just part of the game.

Not only is there the dance between clients, the wildlife involved and securing positive solutions, but also the relationships between me and tools.

Many times I must use devices capable of boring, cutting, ripping and slicing to construct

My red badge of courage

trap sites or repair damage the animals have caused.

And this is where it gets personal, You see, I have a perpetual intimacy with power tools – drills, No. 2 Phillips head bits – and various areas of my anatomy, to be exact.

And this delicate relationship always seems to leave me with torn flesh and seeping precious body fluid.

It seems I just get one wound healed and, despite my very best intentions, I manifest a

fresh one. I suppose I have this deep, subconscious compulsion to have a bandaged digit at all times. Maybe it’s Freudian.

Maybe it’s a mysteriously cerebral something that modern medicine has not yet identified.

Or maybe I just think I need a trophy, or badge of merit – maybe stained with a little blood – to display that I work with my hands, when in fact, I spend most of my time – or my wife does, anyway – working ON my hands.

And it seems to be getting worse. These “industrial accidents,” as I call them, pop up often, no matter how hard I try not to get wounded.

Not only does it happen in the field, but I often carry my work home with me and display a genuine knack for domestic duress.

THE DOGS KNOW The latest was in an attempt to secure a large dog feeder to the corrugated metal wall of

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the Brittney’s kennel via deck screws and fender washers.

Now to accomplish this seemingly simple feat, one must hold the feeder in place with a knee jammed within the opening so as to pin it tight against the wall. Then, take the screw/washer combo and position it just right within the feeder, inside the corresponding hanger hole. THEN, snake the drill inside the feeder and manipulate that deadly No. 2 Phillips head into the screw head (which you really can’t see because it’s tucked up under the feeder lip) and hit the go button.

From past experiences – and enough blood loss to warrant a transfusion – I engage the variable speed drill very S-LO-W-L-Y until the screw gets a bite into the metal wall. Then I proceed to give it more gas and sink home the fastener.

But this time the deceptive device faked a positive bite.

When I put the heave-ho to it, the spirit of Murphy’s Law smiled wide as the No. 2 slipped off and twisted deep in the bulb of my opposable digit.

The nearby brace of bird dogs, patiently sitting on their haunches, waiting for a little affection, immediately knew what had happened (previous experience, you know) and bolted to the backs of their doghouses.

The following commentary had more vitriolic language than a saloon patron denied access during the pandemic.

The feeder fell. The drill fell inside the feeder. Blood was gushing. I was livid, flaying around like a rabid leprechaun drunk on bad moonshine. And the dogs? Nary spoke a yip.

PARTICIPATION BADGE It was a ways to the house and medical attention, but I wanted to finish. Finally, after I acknowledged I did indeed irrigate my jeans, I regained somewhat of a composed state.

The author and No. 2 Phillips bits have a perpetual intimacy.

I then snatched the drill from the feeder, made an adrenaline-fueled thrust with the drill bit into the metal as if I were spearing a woolly mammoth, to create a pilot hole (which I should have done in the VERY beginning) and proceeded to complete this normally mundane task.

When I left the pen, blood was smeared over the feeder, drill, floor, pen gate, and one brave Brittney’s forehead. It looked like the climax to a cheap slasher movie. Most of the dogs were relieved when I left.

The upside, I finished the job. My wife, Lola, patched me up, as she always does, giving me that slow headshake which silently states, “You never learn, do you?” And I got my fresh “trophy red badge” for participation. That should impress everyone.

The down side is I have another a fair-sized kennel job coming up. It’s concrete. Requires much drilling ... into the concrete ... with powerful drills and sharp bits.

Hmmm… I wonder if they sell designer bandages by the case for courageous guys like me?

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One of the St. Louis area’s prominent dove hunting destinations, Marais Temps Clair Conservation Area, will handle the 2020 dove season differently due to COVID-19 considerations.

The 2020 Dove hunting season in Missouri opens on Sept. 1. The Missouri Department of Conservation said this year, no daily draw will be held for dove hunting on Marais Temps Clair, located in northern St. Charles County. Dove hunting will take place exclusively through hunter self-check.

Hunters must fill out a daily tag and return it immediately after the hunt. Information about the area and where to check in will be posted on

area bulletin boards.

These measures were put in place for public safety, and to reduce hunter contact and lessen the health risks associated with large gatherings.

Hunters may call (573) 898-5905 ext. 1892 if they have questions regarding dove hunting on the area.

DOC reminded hunters to be safe, observe social distancing guidelines when in the field, and adhere to COVID-19 guidelines and requirements.

To reach Marais Temps Clair Conservation Area, go north on Highway 94 in St. Charles to Route H. From there, head northeast to Island Road and then north on Island Road.

Outdoor Guide

September-October 2020

Page 23

Chasing big crappie in the fall

Photos and Text

By TIM HUFFMAN

Crappie are often cooperative biters in the fall as they enjoy cooling water temperatures.

Cooler waters and shorter days trigger binge feeding that a fisherman can exploit.

Comfortable days, fall colors and active crappie make this a great season to be chasing slabs.

David Cox likes fishing his home lake – Truman Lake in Missouri. He and his wife Kim also fish other lakes in the country while competing in the Crappie Masters Tournament Trail events. He is an expert slow troller but also good at one-pole jigging.

Cox says spring is his favorite time of year but September and October fishing can be good, too. His technique depends upon the lake, season and if he is fun-fishing or tournament fishing. He is most comfortable with multiple poles and slow trolling but will do whatever is necessary to catch fish.

“Some fall fishing might include slow trolling with 16-foot rods, double-rigging minnows or maybe some jig/minnow combos,” he said. “Minnows are often best when fishing with poles in the holders, but tipping a jig can be a good choice, too.

When they want jigs, I like to give them a variety of different

colors, especially some of my homemade colors that they don’t see in the store-bought jigs. Sometimes a little difference can be a big advantage.”

USING LIVESCOPE Having multiple baits in the water with slow trolling can be an advantage but can also be a problem if it’s windy. Cox believes in doing whatever it takes to keep the baits still and where they need to be.

Anyone can slow-troll in calm or moderate wind, but it takes the right boat, a good trolling motor and experience to do it in the wind.

“LiveScope has been huge for vertical jigging, and we’ll see more fishermen using it because it’s a big deal,” he said.

“For slow trolling, LiveScope lets us know we are in the fish and exactly what depth they are in. LiveScope is not as important to me when slow trolling because by the time we lock in on a fish, it’s already past our baits on the 16-foot poles. I’m usually moving when slow trolling and don’t try to stop just because we see a fish. Single poling is totally different because we can go after the fish.”

Cox added, “LiveScope has changed how we vertical jig.

Now we know when a fish is there and usually how big it is. We’ll use a lot more colors

FISHING

David and Kim Cox slow-troll to get multiple baits in the right spots. David says the technique can be good in the fall, especially when fish are chasing shad in open water.

to see if we can get the fish to bite. Before LiveScope, I just stuck with colors that worked and that I had confidence in using. Being able to see the fish changes everything.

“I definitely prefer spring fishing. I like cold fronts in the spring because it drives the fish to structure even though they don’t bite as well. In the fall, we catch more fish on the bottom. I catch plenty in the fall but often struggle catching big fish. The good thing about fall fishing is crappie are usually easy to find.”

PITCHING TO LEDGES Some lakes are good, slowtrolling waters, but Truman can

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“We catch a number of crappie in the fall on ledges,” Cox said. “Fish depth is usually determined by the presence and depth of the shad. We can cast past the ledge and slowly retrieve the jig. Or simply pitch out and make it more of a vertical presentation. After finding fish, it’s not difficult to catch good numbers.”

He enjoys making many of his own jigs but says a good plastic jig, like a straight, single-tail Bobby Garland Slab Slay’R or a small Bass Assassin, will work great, too. Keeping the baits small to medium

in size is important in the fall.

“Sometimes you can pitch a jig out to the ledge and work it back really slow, but other times you may need to give it some action. Since you may be fishing more vertical than horizontal, try marking your line with a Magic Marker as soon as you hook a fish. Don’t worry about anything else until you mark the line in some way.

Repeat the presentation and you’ll know the exact depth the jig should be. And in the fall, don’t be surprised if the fish are right on bottom.”

He says there are no tricks to the system but electronics play a big role in finding ledges, seeing shad, looking at cover and finding fish. He likes Side Scanning and 360 but says Down Imaging is an important part of pinpointing crappie in the fall.

MORE FALL TIPS Consider fishing the upper part of the lake for bigger crappie. Go toward the middle of a lake for more numbers.

On Truman, his home lake, fishing trees along bluffs in 12 feet of water is a fall pattern that usually works.

Pay attention to the shad. The depth of the crappie is going to be determined by shad depth.

As winter approaches, they will chase balls of shad. David says he catches more fish near

the top of a ball of shad than he does below it. He believes the crappie prefer to feed up higher when they are chasing and feeding.

Fall crappie may roam and locate in different areas.

However, crappie will likely be tight together and in big numbers from October through the winter. A fisherman can catch a lot of fish from one bed, stump or tree.

Ledges are good fall-winter structures. Check main lake and primary creek channels. Look for the swings in the channel and look for cover along the ledge.

Vertical jigging can be a good method when crappie get tight to thick cover. The key in the fall is to get the bait to the right depth zone.

Carcass rules have changed The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) has issued new regulations for transporting deer, elk and other cervid carcasses into Missouri and within the state, and new regulations on disposal requirements, all to slow the spread of Chronic Wasting Disease.

THE NEW RULES The regulation changes apply in the designated CWD Management Zone counties.

For the 2020-21 deer season, they are: Adair, Barry, Cedar, Chariton, Christian, Clark, Crawford, Franklin, Gasconade, Hickory, Howell, Jefferson, Knox, Linn, Macon, Mercer, Oregon, Ozark, Perry, Polk, Putnam, St. Charles, St. Clair, St. Francois, Ste. Genevieve, Stone, Sullivan, Taney, Warren and Washington counties.

The changes are that: • Deer harvested in management zone counties must be telechecked before any parts of the carcass may be transported out of the county of harvest.

• Whole carcasses and heads of deer harvested in those counties may be transported out of the county only if the carcass is delivered to a licensed meat processor or taxidermist within 48 hours of leaving the county.

• The following carcass parts may be moved outside of the county of harvest or tranbsported into Missouri without restriction – meat that is cut and wrapped or that has been boned

out, quarters or other portions of meat with no part of the spinal column or head attached, hides from which all excess tissue has been removed, antlers or antlers attached to skull plates or skulls cleaned of all muscle and brain tissue, upper canine teeth and finished taxidermy products.

INCOMING RULES Regulation changes for hunters bringing deer and other cervids into Missouri from another state are that: • Hunters may no longer transport whole cervid carcasses into the state.

• Heads from cervids with the cape attached and no more than six inches of neck in place may be brought into Missouri only if they are delivered to a taxidermist within 48 hours of entering Missouri.

• Cervid carcass parts coming into the state no longer need to be reported to the MDC carcass transport hotline.

CARCASS PARTS The following carcass parts may be moved outside of the county of harvest or transported into Missouri without restriction – meat that is cut and wrapped or that has been boned out, quarters or other portions of meat with no part of the spinal column or head attached, hides from which all excess tissue has been removed, antlers or antlers attached to skull plates or skulls

cleaned of all muscle and brain tissue, upper canine teeth and finished taxidermy products.

Taxidermists and meat processors in Missouri must dispose of deer, elk and other cervid parts not returned to customers in a sanitary landfill or transfer station permitted by the Department of Natural Resources. Proof of disposal must be retained.

Most deer hunters should not be affected by the new regulations, and most meat processors and taxidermists are already properly disposing of deer carcasses.

SAMPLING, TESTING MDC will again offer statewide voluntary CWD sampling and testing of harvested deer during the entire deer season.

MDC will also conduct mandatory CWD sampling for hunters who harvest deer in counties of the CWD Management Zone Nov. 14 and 15. Any changes to mandatory sampling requirements due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic will be posted at mdc.mo.gov/cwd and be available from MDC regional offices.

For more information, see MDC’s 2020 Fall Deer and Turkey Hunting Regulations & Information booklet, available where permits are sold and online at huntfish.mdc. mo.gov/fall-deer-and-turkeyhunting-regulations-andinformation.

Outdoor Guide

Page 24

September-October 2020

Conditions right for plenty of ducks Photo and Text

By JERRY PABST Delta Waterfowl, one of the top waterfowl research organizations, forecasts a bountiful duck migration will come pouring down the Mississippi Valley Flyway this fall.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’ annual Breeding and Population Survey – which sends highly trained pilot/biologists winging across the Dakotas and central Canadian prairies to assess nesting conditions and the number of breeding pairs of all species of waterfowl – was canceled due to the Covid19 virus.

But late-winter surveys showed that, with the exception of Saskatchewan, all other breeding habitat held an average or better amount of water available for waterfowl nesting purposes.

That was good news, and better still was the fact that a North Dakota survey showed an estimated 4 million ducks in the state, an 18 percent increase over last year.

THE DELTA REPORT Delta Waterfowl states: “Based on long-term data indicating that most duck populations are well above

average (including a 2019 estimate of 38.9 million breeding ducks, 10 percent above average), and the breeding habitat conditions observed across critical regions this spring, Delta concludes that most duck species experienced good to great production. Overall, Delta estimates that spring habitat conditions were excellent in the Dakotas, very good in Manitoba, good in Alberta and poor in Saskatchewan.”

Mallards appear to have taken full advantage of the good nesting habitat, with nesting pairs increasing 18 percent over 2019. Blue wind teal had a banner year, increasing 54 percent in North Dakota. Gadwall were about the same, as were widgeon.

Northern pintail, which nest mainly in Saskatchewan, probably did not fare well, considering nesting habitat was assessed as poor.

Canvasback ducks similarly encountered these poor conditions, so their populations also should decline.

Look for a big boost in the redhead population, ring necks and lesser scaup (blue bills), but not so much for greater scaup and green wing teal, due to poor conditions over their boreal forest nest-

TURKEY

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ing grounds.

WEATHER EFFECT While Delta opines that the increase in the duck population may mean a return to the good old days for the southern states, which fell on hard times last season, I think Delta we trying to be kind to those hunters because it wasn’t a lack of birds that caused the poor hunting, it was a lack of good, old-fashioned winter weather.

Migrating waterfowl will fly only as far south as necessary to find suitable habitat, and then down they will come, and there they will stay until ice and snow push them out.

As winters warm, the birds will stay north longer, and they will not have to fly as far south to find favorable habitat. Sorry Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas, but the handwriting is on the wall.

But before the hunters in Nebraska, Iowa, Missouri and western Illinois rush out to dance in the streets, remember that birds that have remained in place for long periods quickly become “stale” and virtually unhuntable.

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Outdoor Guide

September-October 2020

Page 25

Journey of ‘Bruno’ was like nothing else Bear traveled 450 miles and may be in Arkansas

By ELIZABETH DONALD Outdoor Guide Magazine Aside from cartoons, there aren’t many bears that have 170,000 fans.

But the large black bear known as Bruno became one of the hottest news and internet stories this summer, as thousands followed his travels across the Midwest.

Bruno crossed state lines from Wisconsin into Illinois, then to Iowa, back to Illinois and south to Wentzville, MO, an estimated 450 miles.

At one point he was attempting to cross a busy highway, and law enforcement blocked traffic to allow him to cross safely. Another time, he was caught on video swimming the Mississippi River.

A Facebook group called “Keeping Bruno Safe” gained a wide following, rising to 169,462 fans in mid-August and continuing to grow.

The organizers told fans not to follow or harass the bear, which didn’t always stop them, news reports showed.

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) said people trying to catch sight of Bruno were a bigger problem than the bear itself.

“For the most part, we’ve not seen conflicts between the public and bear until recently, and unfortunately, those conflicts were caused entirely by people,” said IDNR wildlife biologist Stefanie Fitzsimons.

“It’s a novelty to see a bear in Illinois, and people want to see it for themselves, but they must remember that the outcome for this bear – whether IDNR must step in and take action to protect public safety

– is completely dependent on how the public reacts to it. If the bear is left alone, it can continue its journey safely on its own.”

Black bears aren’t common in Illinois, and it is a protected species there. Missouri has reached the point where the Missouri Department of Conservation is planning a limited black bear hunt for next fall – a proposal that was opposed by about two-thirds of 3,300 commenters to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.

THE GREAT JOURNEY Bruno was first noticed on May 10 in central Wisconsin, which is black bear territory.

He was seen moving southward, eventually reaching Illinois, which is not bear country, on about June 10. He may have been forced out by his mother, or maybe he got lost hunting for a mate and just kept going, wildlife observers speculated. He is believed to be 4 years old – mature for a black bear.

The bear was caught on video swimming the Mississippi River for a brief sojourn in Iowa before returning to Illinois and resuming his rambling southward. He crossed the river again on about July 1 at Clarksville to enter Missouri. He was seen near the town of Ellsberry, 60 miles northwest of St. Louis in Lincoln County, then kept moving southward into Wentzville in St. Charles County. On July 5, he was hemmed in by Interstate 70 and Missouri Route 61 on the east side of the city, where he was sedated by alert Department of Conservation officers who quickly hauled him to

Emergency workers tag the sedated bear at Wentzville before sending him off to an undisclosed natural area.

– MDC photo

This photo from the ‘Keeping Bruno Safe’ website catches Bruno passing through an Illinois bean field.

an undisclosed wild area for release. They decided not to weigh nor measure him in order to expedite the process.

BEAR IN A JAM “The bear found itself in a tough spot, stuck by several major roadways,” MDC biologist Laura Conlee said.

With roads in its way and heavy holiday traffic, MDC staff believed the bear had little chance of leaving the area safely on its own.

“In the interest of public safety and the bear’s safety, MDC staff made the decision to immobilize the bear and transport it to a nearby area of suitable bear habitat outside this urban corridor,” Conlee reported.

This is ordinarily a last resort, according to MDC. Bears can travel long distances, and MDC estimates there are between 500 and 840

bears in the southern half of Missouri, growing at a rate of about 9 percent per year. But the attention Bruno received may have drawn more onlookers than would be safe for either humans or bears.

Many people posted pictures of Bruno as he traveled through their areas, and approximately 120,000 people joined his Facebook fan group the week of July 4 alone, according to the organizers.

LOOKING FOR LOVE So why did the bear cross the road?

IDNR’s statements indicate it was likely the bear was looking for a mate. Illinois could not provide an appropriate habitat – only about 14 percent of the state is suitable for black bears.

Indeed, black bears had all but disappeared from Illinois by the mid-1880s, after being quite common in settler times,

IDNR said.

Research biologist Dave Garshelis told The PostDispatch that Bruno’s travels were unusual, if only for the distance. It’s not entirely clear how far he traveled as he was not tagged until Missouri conservation officers caught up with him, but he was spotted at a minimum travel distance of 450 miles.

The last reports concerning Bruno came out of the small town of Imboden in northeast Arkansas, good bear country by all accounts. On July 21, a large black bear – with tags – was seen walking through the town, at first behind Citizen’s Bank and later by Bobbie Jean Memorial Library, and then heading out of the town.

Spottings continued in the area for several days. Resident Robin Gosha got a few photos of the bear passing through, and the fire department trailed the bear down a gravel road and shot a little video, describing him as tired-looking.

Television reports claimed it was Bruno but the bear wasn’t saying.

BEAR AWARE Conservation leaders seized on Bruno’s popularity to try to educate the public about bears. The Be Bear Aware campaign is a national nonprofit dedicated to educating people about human impact on wildlife such as bears, and reminds people to maintain a distance of at least 100 to 200 yards from bears and 25 yards from bison, moose, elk or deer.

Animals may have a “fight or flight” reaction to humans getting too close or startling them with a car horn or barking dog, the campaign wrote.

Feeding human food to bears or leaving trash that has any food odor can be extremely harmful to them and to humans, they said.

As for Keeping Bruno Safe, the group organizers say they intend to keep the group going even in lieu of Bruno’s travels, continuing to share links and articles about bears and wildlife conservation – along with trail-cam photos of other bears on their own travels.

Robin Gosha photographed this bear passing through Imboden, Ark. Was it Bruno?

Bruno draws a crowd as he makes his way through Illinois.

– BradleyDarnellphoto

Outdoor Guide

Page 26

September-October 2020

Jeannie’s Journey

Flag, Pledge are great American statements

By JEANNIE FARMER The flag of the United States is a symbol of patriotic beauty, with powerful messages embedded in its stars, stripes and colors.

It speaks of the freedoms and rights handed down by the founding fathers in the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence.

They combine to shape the very lives and souls of all true Americans. You’ll find them in no other nation’s founding documents.

Briefly, they are the freedoms of religion, speech and press, and the guaranteed rights to life, liberty, the pursuit of happiness and to “peacefully” assemble. Its red, white and blue colors convey allegiance to the nation.

• Red symbolizes strength and valor.

• White projects purity and innocence.

• Blue signifies vigilance, perseverance and justice.

FROM 13 STARS TO 50 When America gained its independence from Great Britain in 1776, it had 13 colonies (later called states), including Delaware, Pennsylvania, New Jersey,

Georgia, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Maryland, South Carolina, New Hampshire, Virginia, New York, North Carolina and Rhode Island.

Shortly after the Declaration was signed, Betsy Ross sewed a flag with 13 stripes in red and white and 13 stars in a field of blue, representing the colonies.

Today, the 50 stars represent the 50 states of the United States of America.

The flag was changed many times in ensuing years, generally when one or two new states were added to the Union.

In 1912, the number of stars grew to 48 with the addition of New Mexico and Arizona. It remained stable for the next 47 years, making it the country’s longestrunning flag in history.

On Aug. 21,1959, President Eisenhower ordered the flag to be updated with 50 stars as Alaska and Hawaii were added to the list.

In 1977, the House of Representatives published a book in which it described the American flag’s stars as being a “symbol of the heavens and the divine goal to which man has aspired from time immemorial; the stripe is symbolic of the rays

of light emanating from the sun.”

COLUMBUS DAY, PLEDGE HISTORY I feel the history of our American flag and the Pledge of Allegiance should be taught to all our American children and citizens. Especially, the tender minds and hearts of children would greatly benefit from learning this story and the meaning of our American flag.

I will never turn my back on it and will always treasure all that it gives me – love, protection and patronage.

Americans have reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to

the American flag since it was first penned by a Baptist minister named Francis Bellamy in 1892, in honor of the first Columbus Day celebration.

The original Pledge was first published in “The Youth’s Companion,” a popular kids’ magazine, on Sept. 8,1892.

A patriot named James Upham organized the event to promote patriotism for schoolchildren. He had started the Schoolhouse Flag Movement four years earlier to encourage kids to learn love for their country, its founding ideals, and to carry out the principles of the US

Constitution. His primary aim was to place a flag in front of every school in the nation to inspire patriotism among future generations of Americans.

Standing, with hands over hearts, it’s given still by children in many of the nation’s schools. It’s stated in homes, churches and many other places in respect and love. It’s also said daily in Congress, at other government gatherings and by groups all over the country.

It’s short and simple but is always given in reverence.

I taught it in my early teaching career to children ranging from pre-schoolers

to sixth graders. It provides a shining coat of armor and never disrespects those who love it.

THE PLEDGE I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands, one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all Bellamy and Upham worked hard to promote the Pledge and the schoolhouse flag movement. Even President Benjamin Harrison got involved, making the Pledge the center of a proclamation for the first-ever Columbus Day! On Oct. 12, 1892, more than 12 million kids stood, saluted the flag and read the Pledge together. This was also Dedication Day at the World’s Fair in Chicago to celebrate America’s achievements as a growing world leader.

The Pledge became more popular through the years, and with some minor changes Congress officially recognized it on June 22, 1942.

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Outdoor Guide

September-October 2020

Page 27

Prepper’s Guide

Time to bug out, get home, shelter in place

Photo and Text

By DAVID HOSKING

This is the fourth article in a series published by Outdoor Guide Magazine offering advice to readers about preparing for emergencies, catastrophes, and disasters.

The previous articles described the possible threats to the safety and well-being of our population and the reasons why prepping is necessary for surviving an emergency or catastrophe. Now we need to talk about specific preparations that will help individuals and families endure difficult times.

There are three main elements to emergency preparedness – a Shelter-in-Place supply of essentials in your home, a Bug-Out Bag and a Get-Home Kit. SHELTER-IN-PLACE It is impossible to predict the duration of an emergency or a catastrophe, but for sheltering in place, a number of authorities recommend that individuals and families maintain a stockpile of provisions for each person to last a minimum of 72 hours and a maximum of 14 days.

The recommended minimum quantity of emergency potable water is 1 gallon per person per day, so for a family of five, that equates to 70 gallons. Many homes, and especially apartments, do not have the space to store such a large quantity of water, but during emergencies, additional sources for potable water can be found.

At the outset of an emergency, one should immediately fill all bathtubs for drinking and flushing toilets. Also, the water contained in toilet tanks and the hot water tanks found in most homes are viable sources for emergency drinking water.

Rainwater and water from lakes and streams can be collected and purified by vigorously boiling for at least one minute to kill pathogenic bacteria, viruses and protozoa (see photo). Water can also be rendered safe to drink by adding unscented chlorine bleach at a rate of eight drops per gallon and then allowing it to sit for at least 30 minutes.

Remember that containers may

SURVIVAL SUPPLIES • One gallon of water per person per day.

• Canned food, dry mixes, rice, beans • Flashlights, candles, matches, camp stove • Emergency cash • Secure documents in a safe place • Backup supply of medicine

need to be sterilized before use.

Electricity, gas, water and sewer services, grocery stores, and communication systems may not be operating during an emergency, so remember that your refrigerator and freezer may not maintain perishable foods beyond two days.

Therefore, canned goods, MREs, rice and beans and other non-perishable dry goods are excellent choices for providing the required 2,000 calories per person per day. Be sure you have a camp stove, fuel and matches, and have a hard-copy cookbook handy.

Condiments like salt, pepper and spices will make your meals much more palatable.

You should keep copies of all your important documents including driver’s licenses, passports, insurance papers, birth certificates, social security cards, marriage licenses, wills, and contact lists of family and friends. These should be kept in a waterproof container that can be accessed quickly.

BUG-OUT BAG A Bug-Out Bag is intended to be a portable subset of your more comprehensive Shelterin-Place supplies that can be quickly tossed into a car if you suddenly need to evacuate your home (bug-out).

Be sure to include water jugs and the means to purify water, portable camp stove and fuel, can opener, cooking utensils, and lightweight metal pots/ pans and dishes. The bug-out items should be kept in readily accessible plastic totes that can be placed in your car in just a few minutes. It is also important to keep your gas tank full and to have available a couple of 5-gallon cans of gasoline that has been stabilized for longevity.

You should also bring your important documents, prescription medicines (e.g. insulin), first-aid supplies, diapers for children, extra clothing, blankets, tent, tarps, spare eyeglasses, extra car keys, three days’ worth of cash in small bills, paper maps of your local area and destination, flashlights and spare batteries, duct tape and a batteryoperated or hand-crank radio.

GET-HOME KIT If an emergency or catastrophe occurs when you are away from home, vehicular travel may become impossible, so you may need to walk home during difficult and even dangerous circumstances. Wise preppers keep a Get-Home Kit in each family member’s car that contains basic supplies for such an unexpected journey.

Along with good walking shoes, a comfortable backpack is essential for carrying your important get-home items.

The pack should contain spare socks, hat, gloves, a jacket for wet or cold-weather conditions, and a stout walking stick

(for warding off aggressive dogs and people).

You should have at least six bottles of drinking water as well as a full canteen with a carrying strap, and water purification tablets. Your backpack should have three or four packages of dehydrated meals, some energy bars, flashlight (with fresh batteries), compass, knife, fire starters, lightweight fleece blanket, multi-tool, whistle and waterproof tarp.

A basic first-aid kit should also contain moleskin patches for foot blisters and neces-

sary prescription medicines.

Your cell phone/GPS may or may not work, so carrying a paper map of your local area is a smart thing to do.

If ATMs and credit cards are not functioning, then a stash of cash in small bills will be very useful.

Carrying a weapon is a personal choice, but if you do, then you should be competent in using it. Remember, the Get-Home Kit is only meant to serve you for a day or two, so it should be as lightweight as practicable.

Rainwater collection and filtration system at the author’s off-grid cabin.

OUTDOOR Ma rch - Ap ril

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202 0

OOr a OutdG uide M

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

GUIDE

May-June 2020

OUTDOOR

GUIDE

MAGAZINE

July/August 2020

MAGAZINE

A SPECIAL TRIBUTE to Bobby Whitehead upon his retirement, starting on Page 18

The Big Woods

........ Page 5

.Page 4

A Veteran’s Tale ...............

Beaver’s lesson

....... Page 8

She’s fishing again ... Page 4

Spring Turkey Hunt

..........Page 5

Missouri wildlife

.....Page 12

Elk hunt lottery ........ Page 5

.......Page 8

The Visiting Otter......

A Bluegill Pond ...............

Page 12

30

Spoon feeding ........Page 15

.....Page 15

Spicy Squirrel ...............

Amazing wolves ......Page 24

CELEBRATING

Coyote language

YEARS

Kayak fishing .........P

.....Page 20

30

age 21

CELEBRATING

HUNTING • FISHING • CAMPING • BOATING • SHOOTING • TRAVEL Wrangling Badgers

Missouri

..........Page 24

age 31 Fishing for Trout .............P

MISS OUR I

-

ILLIN OIS

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EXCI TING AND OTH ER

OUT DOO R

-

Illinois

-

And

Other

Exciting

Outdoor

Destinations

Devil’s Lake...........

Page 24

YEARS HUNTING • FISHING • CAM PING • BOA TING • SHO Missouri OTING • TRA Illinois VEL

DEST INAT IONS

-

The Authority on

And

Other

Exciting

Outdoor

Destinati

ons

Hunting, Fishing, Boating, Camping and Outdoor Travel is NOW available for pick-up at over 80 locations.

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Outdoor Guide

Page 28

September-October 2020

Outdoor Gallery Send in your favorite outdoor photo to news@outdoor-guide.com and you could be the winner of a $50 gift card from Kenrick’s Meats & Catering.

WINNER

from July/August 2020 HUNTER CROWE Congratulations!

OH, RHETT! – Rhett Keaton, age 7, caught a nice white bass while fishing with Grandpa Bill at Spencer, IN, using a 1/16th-ounce orange jig tipped with a Power Bait yellow twister-tail grub.

STRINGER OF CRAPPIE! – Richard Cygan with his stringer full of crappie caught at the Lake of the Ozarks.

FIRST CATCH – Young Margaret Hand and her father Garth present her first catch. Garth is with IBEW Local 1.

THAT’S RUM! – Rum Binkley of Norfork, Ark. caught the biggest striper of the year out of Lake Norfork using a Binks jigging spoon while fishing with her husband, Darrel Binkley.

HAND TIED – Adam Demoss caught this 5.89 lb. rainbow using his own hand-tied “wolly bugger” at Rockbridge MO. He is with Roofers Local 2.

Outdoor Guide

Page 29

September-October 2020

Secrets to finding a great turkey

Photo and Text

By DON GASAWAY

Turkeys spend much of their days scratching for food.

A turkey hunter who knows what his quarry likes to eat is miles ahead in the quest for a spring trophy.

In Missouri, the turkey is found across the state. However, they seem to be more prevalent in the southwestern Ozark counties.

Many of the tactics used during the spring season also work in fall. The birds are just as wary and frustrating. Hunters are quick to discover all hunting can be just as heart pounding.

Hunting season for bowhunters extends from Sept. 15 to Nov. 13 and then reopens Nov. 25 until Jan. 15, 2021.

Firearm hunting is permitted Oct. 1-31. Hunting hours for both weapons is from a halfhour before sunrise to a halfhour after sunset.

SEEING SIGNS Hunters look for signs of the bird’s presence. Tracks, droppings and strut zones are clues to a bird’s presence. Smart hunters also find areas where the birds have scratched away the leaves to find acorns and insects. These are feeding areas.

The calls – box, slate, glass and diaphragms – will work well in the fall, as they did last spring.

Turkeys still yelp, cluck, purr and gobble. The one addition is the young turkey’s “keekee.” This is the sound

made by young-of-the-year birds that are lost and looking to regroup. You can produce this high-pitched call with a diaphragm call or one of the aluminum calls.

Fall hunters begin by looking for birds where they found them last spring. The most difficult part of hunting turkeys in the fall is finding them. Food sources such as acorns, corn or soybeans lure fall birds. During dry periods, water is a major attractant. The fall birds tend to roost in the same areas they use in the spring.

Drive backroads, check harvested fields and talk with local landowners. The best times to locate turkeys are in the early morning and early evening.

Hunters who traditionally use a decoy in the spring leave it home in the fall. The turkeys usually ignore them except during the spring mating season.

Once a flock of birds, usually a family group of a hen and young-of-the-year, are found they are “rushed.” The flock scatters as each bird takes an “everyone for himself” approach.

RE-ASSEMBLY Once the action has quieted down, the birds begin to call to one another in an attempt to reassemble. These flocks are large and can contain as many as 40 birds.

There are two other types of flocks in the fall. Males group in the summer and stay together until the following

Early fall can produce great turkey hunting in the Ozarks.

There is a proliferation of jakes and hens, but patient hunters can hook up with an occasional gobbler.

spring. More rarely found are groups of barren hens. The male groups can range in size from three to 15 birds, and the hen groups are small and more difficult to find.

Once adult hens begin with their assembly yelps, the hunter takes up a position and allows the woods to calm down. He then begins calling by using yelps and keekees to let the scattered and confused birds know where to find him. As

they begin to reassemble, the hunter can pick his quarry and concentrate on getting it into the range of his shotgun.

Turkeys eat corn, oats and alfalfa. If strips of crops are grown near areas of oak or hickory trees, so much the better. Wild turkeys sleep in trees and often leave droppings on the ground below. It is a good sign for the hunter in search of birds.

Farmers complain about

Tips, Tricks and Thoughts for the Great Outdoors

Getting outdoors in September

By LARRY WHITELEY

September is usually the month to wind down from the hot days of summer and start getting ready for the fall hunting and fishing seasons.

Lakes and rivers are much quieter after Labor Day has passed. The fish are still there, though. In early September, they usually stay in their sum-

mer patterns, but by the end of September they go on feeding binges, getting ready for fall, and it’s a great time to take advantage of it.

Campgrounds start thinning out. If you don’t like crowds, September’s a great time for camping or floating a river or wetting a fly. Tell yourself to go take a hike and take the camera or smart phone along.

The Bow Spider makes it easy.

– Daron Whiteley photos

Those who hunt for western big game are getting ready to leave or already gone. Dove and teal hunters are out hunting. Bow hunters are practicing and ready to go climb a tree.

Upland and waterfowl hunters are working with their dogs.

So many great outdoor things to do in September. Get out there and enjoy.

IT’S NOT EASY If you’re new to dove hunting, believe me, it’s not easy but it sure is fun. You may think you have a lead on them and suddenly they’ll drop 3 feet or more. Take plenty of shells.

You’re going to need them.

WHAT A GREAT IDEA Every so often a new outdoor product comes out on the market and we say to ourselves, “What a great idea!”

If you’re a bowhunter after western big game with your bow strapped to your pack, you need this great idea! If you are a whitetail hunter and need your hands free getting to your stand, or if you’re trying to work your way through the woods stalking a big buck, you need this great idea!

What is it? It’s called the Bow

Spider. In 2015 David Merrill was on a backcountry elk hunt with a friend. His bow was strapped to his pack when they walked up on a huge bull elk.

The elk of a lifetime was gone before he could get his bow out and drawn back.

With that vision still haunting him, David went home and started creating prototypes of a product that would allow him to carry his bow, safely and securely, so that would never happen again.

The Bow Spider is a lightweight, round bow holder. You attach an aluminum arm to your bow’s riser, and that slides into a slot on the receiver. The bow is held securely in place with a gravity-locking system, but it slides out easily when you need it.

Using the belt that comes with it, you can easily attach it to your pack, hip, binocular harness, truck headrest, blind or tree. Using the bolts that come with it, you can also mount it to any sturdy flat surface for storage. It is the most innovative bow packing system I have ever seen. My grandson has one and loves it!

The Bow Spider comes in green, tan or black. The $84.95

wild turkeys raiding fields. This is an unfair assumption. Wildlife biologists have found that turkeys are often blamed for damage caused by deer, squirrels and raccoons. Turkeys will eat some grains but usually not seed corn or corn seedlings.

Biologists have found that 90 percent of all the corn and oats eaten by turkeys is waste grain.

TURKEY DAMAGE? Actual turkey damage to crops has been estimated by biologists to be about 1 percent of the total crop. They found 5 to 8 percent of the crop was damaged by farm machinery in the harvest process.

Most birds seen feeding in grain fields are actually feeding on insects. This practice can help farmers by reducing the need for insecticides. Turkeys will eat agricultural crops, but the estimates of crop damage are usually an over-estimation.

Turkeys feed on what is available at a particular time of the year. They eat virtually any food of nutritional value.

In the fall, the birds find more food than they can eat. There are all sorts of tasty morsels in the form of seeds, insects and worms, as well as acorns and other mast crops.

As weather cools, fruit and seeds left on shrubs and vines are the main source of food.

Nuts are scratched out of the leaves on the forest floor. In some moist areas, some green vegetation may even present itself.

Knowing what the birds feed on, how does one find a good hunting spot? That depends on the presence or lack of cover.

The ideal situation would be to set up on the long, narrow open place where birds must pass to get to food from their roosting area. It is important to be able to see the birds but not be seen.

If birds do not take a course right past the hunter’s position, he should be able to melt back into the cover and circle around to a more advantageous position. He may have to move several times before being in the right spot for a good clean shot at a strutting tom.

WHAT DECOYS DO In the more open situation of a field, a decoy can supplement the attractiveness of the area.

Birds leaving or headed to the roosting areas in the spring will often change course to check out the “new lady in town.” It is important that the bird be in range. Often hunters in open areas misjudge the distance between themselves and the target.

Turkeys in food plots will be there day after day. The plots provide them with seeds, grains, insects and dust for cleaning parasites from their bodies. On rainy days they will come to a field to receive water off the plants.

Staking out a food plot area may take all day, but it is often an idea that pays dividends.

Patience and persistence are as essential to turkey hunting as are food plots.

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.

price is well worth it to keep you from having bad dreams about the huge elk or monster buck you might have tagged if you could have got to your bow.

Being a veteran myself, I think it’s great they give veterans a 15 percent discount. All you have to do is call them at (307) 438-9290.

ABow Spider for crossbows is coming soon. Go to www. bowspider.com and check them out. Be sure and watch the online videos to see how easy the Bow Spider works.

BETTER GET PRACTICING When you practice your duck calling, don’t just call randomly.

Instead, make your practice sessions as realistic as possible by calling like you are working a flock of ducks.

And oh yeah, you better get busy! Duck season’s coming.

RIVERS OF OCTOBER When October arrives, with its cooler temperatures and colorful leaves, some outdoor enthusiasts are called to the

river.Any river or even a stream will do for camping overnight on a gravel bar. Some might just go for the day and wade and fish. Others might go for a few hours to just sit and relax and enjoy the fall season.

The valleys are quiet, with only the whisper of falling leaves, crows talking to each other or a kingfisher noisily flying up and down the river.

With the water some degrees cooler, the fish know it’s time to put on a layer of winter fat and feed aggressively.

Late night around a campfire is something really special.

Owls up and down the river talk of their plans for the evening.

The flames dance and flicker.

You shift your cold side to the fire and think of all the memories made in the great outdoors.

The rivers of October await you.

SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT “In the entire circle of the year, there are no days so delightful as those of a fine October.”

– Alexander Smith

Outdoor Guide

Page 30

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Outdoor Guide

Page 31

September-October 2020

Wild Wine Life

Sichuan fish, alternative to fried

Photos and Text

By RAY MAXWELL

Sichuan boiled fish is a dish that you will love if you have a taste for hot, spicy food and are looking for something other than fried.

The finished dish doesn’t taste greasy despite the use of oil. The oil is key in drawing out the aromatics of the spices.

INGREDIENTS • 1 pound-plus of catfish (or crappie, bass or bluegill).

• 7 ounces of Enoki mushrooms (needle mushrooms); cut the bottom tips off.

• 1 quart of Chinese white cabbage, cut into bite-sized strips. You can substitute with Romaine lettuce, spinach, bean sprouts or celery.

• 12 ounces of water.

• 1 green onion, chopped.

• 2 tablespoons, Sichuan chili bean paste.

• 2 ounces of fresh cilantro.

SPICES

• 10 Sichuan dried peppers;

add more for increased heat.

• 1 garlic clove, minced.

• 1 teaspoon ginger root, minced.

• 2 teaspoons Sichuan pepper (numbing balls); add more for increased heat.

• 1/2-teaspoon fennel seed.

• 3 teaspoons chili powder.

Cut the fish into bite-sized portions and at a 45 degree

angle when cutting through the fillets. Mix the fish with a tablespoon of rice wine or dry white wine and a pinch of both white pepper and salt.

Allow to marinade about 15 to 20 minutes.

Boil some water, placing the greens and mushrooms into the water once boiling, and cook for about five minutes. Strain and place contents into bowl.

In a wok or large pan, heat up some olive oil and then add the bean paste. Once the bean paste has melted and you can smell the aromatics, add the garlic, dried peppers, ginger, numbing balls and fennel.

Once you smell the aromatics, add the water, and once the water has started boiling, add the fish. The fish should not take very long to cook, and once it is cooked, pour the entire contents over the vegetables in the bowl.

Then sprinkle the chili powder over the contents.

Dress up the top with the green onions and cilantro.

Heat up four tablespoons of olive oil and once it is hot, pour the olive oil over the dish to bring out the fragrances from the spices.

Serve this with white rice; the ratio is to your preference.

TWO FINE WINES Heavenly Retreat Riesling and Augusta Winery Vignoles are two wonderful wines to enjoy with this dish. Both wines have a good amount of acidity to pair with food and offset any sweetness that you might notice in the wine, while at the same time neutralizing the heat in this or any spicy dish offering you contrast with the meal in a roller coaster of spicy and cool.

Heavenly Retreat Riesling has wonderful notes of pear, honeysuckle and spice. You will find it to be semi-sweet, and at less than $10 per bottle, it is a great value for camp

Sichuan boiled fish is hot and spicy, but it’s not fried.

or home.

Augusta Winery Vignoles provides apricot, peach and honeysuckle flavors both on the nose and palate. This wine for under $10 per bottle is a great wine for the dinner table.

For the video version of this recipe, along with other recipes and other information on wine and wild game, go online and “like” Wild Wine Life on on Facebook or Youtube.

Rural Ramblings

Appreciating the everyday wonders of fall

By RUSSELL HIVELY September and October are the heart of the fall season.

They are the months when many hunting seasons are held. Outdoorsmen and ladies are often dressed in full camouflage or blaze orange.

Although fishing rods are not put away, they are now replaced by freshly cleaned and oiled guns, or bows and arrows. *** Some people claim October is the “shift gear time of the year,” when summer turns into fall. *** Persimmons are good to eat, if they are ripe. They

Missouri Department of Conservation Five Missourians were selected at random for the state’s first elk-hunting permits in recent history, the Missouri Department of Conservation announced. The season will be in October.

The five were drawn from 19,215 applications, including 33 for one resident-landowner permit for antlered elk and 19,182 for four general permits.

The winners were: • Bill Clark of Van Buren, drawn for the resident-landowner antlered-elk permit.

• Joseph Benthall of Mount Vernon.

• Michael Buschjost of St.

begin ripening in September.

Why do wind-fallen persimmons taste the sweetest? *** One old-time hunter had his deer blind near a persimmon tree. He enjoyed the fruit as he waited for a deer. One fall he suffered with a severe stomach ache. He went to an old-time doctor who diagnosed him of having a bezoar – undigested persimmons similar to a hairball in a cat. *** Perhaps this hunter should have considered having an extra sip of apple cider, which is often sold at rural fall fruit stands. ***

Even though plastic is becoming the basis for shells and bullets, brass is still a basic material. Missouri’s first copper mine was opened in 1837 in Shannon County.

Brass is formed as an alloy of copper and tin. *** White-tailed deer are a favorite game in Missouri.

The creatures have adapted to the changes of nature over the years. On the rifle ranges on Fort Leonard Wood, it was common for deer to come out and graze among the targets when the soldiers were taking their lunch break. *** Another fall fruit is the Osage orange (hedge apple).

This large green fruit is not edible but is collected and placed in crawlspaces under homes to ward off pests. On rare occasions, the Osage orange fruit will be swallowed by cattle, choking them. *** Sometimes walking in the woods can be almost dangerous with all the acorns on the ground. Did you realize that an oak tree can produce more than 10,000 acorns in a season? Most hunters like acorns, as they are eaten by wildlife, especially turkeys and deer. *** Acorns can be a nuisance to those who have tin roofs on their houses. The rattling on

the roof from falling acorns keeps them awake at night.

Would it be worse if a black walnut tree was bent over the house? *** Sometimes just watching birds can be the joy of sitting in a deer stand. Missouri has more than 300 kinds of birds migrating through each year. *** One deer can eat 300 acorns in a day. *** How many hunters who stayed away from home too long bought a mum or single rose to appease the wife? ***

Five hunters chosen for elk permits

Thomas.

• Samuel Schultz of Win-

field.

• Eugene Guilkey of Liberty.

Each of the five may purchase an elk-hunting permit for $50 and may take one bull elk with an antler at least six inches long. They may use archery to hunt Oct. 17-25 and firearms Dec. 12-20 under the permits.

Clark may use his permit on his 80 acres east of Peck Ranch Conservation Area.

The other permits may be used within Carter, Reynolds or Shannon counties, excluding the refuge portion of Peck Ranch.

Elk are native to Missouri but were hunted to extinction in the late 1800s. This

fall’s hunt follows years of restoration efforts by the Department of Conservation, partners including the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation and supporters including communities and landowners. Learn more about elk restoration in Missouri at short.MDC. mo.gov/ZYJ. THE HUNTERS Bill Clark, 78, is a life-long hunter of deer, turkey and small game. He pursued elk in Colorado and Wyoming in the 1990s. He and his family own the 80 acres east of Peck Ranch where they conduct timber-stand improvements and plant clover and native grasses for elk and other wildlife.

Clark said he applied for the elk hunt because he supports MDC’s elk restoration efforts and wants to help the herd by thinning a bull. He often sees elk on his property and has noticed an increase in local tourism since elk first arrived in 2011, including driving tours at Peck Ranch.

Joseph Benthall, 37, has been deer hunting for 25 years and has not hunted elk before.

He said he applied because he has wanted to hunt elk but did not have the time or money for a trip out west. He will hunt with a rifle.

Michael Buschjost, 39, likes bowhunting and has hunted elk in Montana, Colorado and Wyoming, taking two bulls and a cow. He plans

to take his three kids with him to scout the area before the season opens.

“I’m really looking forward to being part of this first hunt,” he said. “A ton of work has been done on MDC’s part to make this happen.”

Samuel Schultz, 42, has been hunting for 30 years, mostly for deer and turkey.

He has hunted small game in the past, done some trapping and loves to fish as well. He hunted elk in Colorado in the early 2000s and took a 6x6 bull with his bow.

Eugene Guilkey, 59, has lived most of his life in northwest Missouri and has hunted since his youth. He plans to hunt both portions and will use a crossbow during the

Old-timers always felt that the best sign of fall was a fruit cellar full of Atlas jars full of canned fruits, meats and vegetables. *** Bow hunting is still popular, but crossbow hunters are increasing in numbers. *** Of course, fall always brings on harvest. It is a time of hunting seasons and outdoor fun. It is also a time when grandparents help their grandkids pick out the best pumpkin at the pumpkin farm.

Remember, fall is a time for molasses making, potato digging and corn picking.

Anyway that is what the Rural Rambler thinks.

archery portion, which he said will mainly be scouting for the rifle portion.

“Growing up in Missouri, I used to hunt rabbit, squirrel, quail and dove, along with deer and turkey. I have never hunted elk,” he said. “I suppose the cost of a trip like that kept me from pursuing that dream. I also battled cancer last year, and during my battle and recovery, I found an elkhunting show on television that only hunts public land.

I thought perhaps one day I could do that, and now I can.”

Guilkey said he never wins drawings. “When MDC contacted me via email, I was at work,” he recalls. “I literally jumped out of my chair screaming I had won.”

Outdoor Guide

Page 32

September-October 2020

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