Outdoor Guide Magazine September-October 2021

OUTDOOR

GUIDE

September-October 2021

MAGAZINE

Thayne Smith... Pages 6 & 31

The Life Outdoors...... Page 8

Seven spurs............Page 14

Possum gang..........Page 19

Lake Michigan.........Page 30

HUNTING • FISHING • CAMPING • BOATING • SHOOTING • TRAVEL Missouri, Illinois and Other Exciting Outdoor Destinations!

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Outdoor Guide

September-October 2021

Let’s protect Missouri bobwhites

Almost every time I go to Fisher’s Barbershop Deluxe on Main Street, I learn something new. Occasionally, a bit of that acquired knowledge is actually true.

In July, Gary Fisher asked me about quail and explained that he had heard that the young bobwhites were particularly vulnerable this time of year.

He said he had been advised against mowing his hay to protect the young broods. He has seen a few coveys on his St. Francois County farm, but he knows they face real challenges.

A farmer has to mow hay when it’s ready to cut and when the weather is agreeable.

Delaying that job based on a few nestlings may not be the

best route to take, but there are things that can be done that would be beneficial for the both birds and the tractor operator.

Bobwhites need vegetative cover for food, nesting and protection from predators. The weedy edges along fields and pastures are optimal hiding spots for young birds that will mature in winter. Leaving those edges uncut or postponing mowing when possible could boost quail numbers, the Missouri Department of Conservation reports.

“Oftentimes, it is this late summer season when people start mowing odd areas, and they wipe out decent cover,” said Kyle Hedges, an MDC wildlife management biologist.

“Quail need to escape the brutal temps of midday, and they need thickets or some surrogate like edge-feathering to do that.”

NESTING, HATCHING Gary’s original question was about when quails nest and hatch. Bobwhites may raise up to three broods a year between April and October. The eggs are incubated on the ground for 23 days before hatching, and the babies are about the size of bumblebees when they are born. They begin to move from the nest the day after they are hatched, feeding themselves under the watchful eyes of both parents.

Missouri quail research has shown that more than 35 percent of all nesting success throughout the year occurs in August, and the young broods will be feeding and growing through the end of summer and early fall.

They need field edges that contain wildflowers, weeds and native grasses. Thick stands of fescue and other turf-type cover don’t provide the seeds or the spaces for the young birds to run between the stems and leaves.

“If you walk through a field and don’t have insects bouncing

off your pants, it’s probably not suitable brood-rearing habitat,” Hedges said.

While leaving weeds in the field may seem counter productive to modern farming, the quail actually eat a lot of those weed seeds, and the multitude of insects the birds consume can prevent the bugs from damaging crops.

QUAIL OR BOBWHITE? Officially in Missouri they are called northern bobwhites, dropping the genus name quail. Even though they are still considered common in the state, their numbers have been declining steadily since their peak in the 1950s, due to predation, habitat destruction and changing weather patterns.

They live in small groups of about a dozen or so, called coveys, and roost at night on the ground in a circle with all their tails pointed inward and their heads facing out.

Similar to the whippoorwills I wrote about earlier this summer, they are more often heard than seen. Their name mimics their “bob-WHITE” whistle and that song is certainly much less common these days. The

A little less work can be beneficial for northern bobwhites, so feel free to put off that late summer mowing. – MDC photo

conservation department works with landowners and through initiatives on state and federally owned properties to help restore wild populations.

HUNT SEASONS Quail hunting in Missouri includes a youth-only season on Oct. 30-31 this year and the full season from Nov. 1 through Jan. 15, 2022. While it may seem incongruous to have a hunting season while trying to restore populations, the birds are hunted successfully and ruthlessly year-round by foxes, raccoons, hawks, owls, snakes and just about everything else in the woods.

The conservation department

has many resources for those who would like to do more to help quail populations, including: private land conservationists who will evaluate property; a blog; a newsletter called the Covey Headquarters, available electronically through a free subscription; and educational tools, all through the Discover Nature Schools Program.

The barbershop may be a great place for a hair cut and story-telling, but it is probably not the best resource for wildlife land management advice.

If you have story ideas to share, e-mail ogmjohnw@aol. com, and you can follow John on Twitter at @johnjwink99.

Outdoor Guide

September-October 2021

When was the last time you connected with nature?

Maybe it was just a few years ago, or maybe it’s been a little longer.

Think back to when adventure could happen in your own backyard — where the birds chirp on a spring morning. The smell of the damp air after a thunderstorm. The sight of flowers blooming. The feel of grass between your toes.

It’s time to make that connection again, and Never Lose Touch.

For ways to reconnect with nature, visit mdc.mo.gov/NeverLoseTouch.

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Outdoor Guide

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September-October 2021

Teen breaks dad’s sunfish record – on the same lake

Robert “RJ” Audrain IV, 13, of St. Louis topped his own father’s record catch July 3 when he landed the new state record long-ear sunfish in the alternative category.

His father, Robert Audrain, caught the old record holder on the same day in 2020 and in the same place, a private pond in Franklin County.

RJ’s sunfish weighed in at

5 ounces.

“We were at the lake fishing all day and having fun,” he reported. “I was using my hand-line, and after about five minutes of trying I pulled out the fish. I’m really proud of myself and pretty competitive, so it’s cool I beat my dad’s record.”

The sunfish was weighed on a certified scale at MDC’s St. Louis Regional Office. It

was the seventh state record fish recorded in 2021.

Audrain said he expects to mount his record fish and place it next to his dad’s on the wall at home.

“We were actually joking that it would be funny if we had a new record on the wall each year that is an ounce bigger,” he said. “I think we’re definitely going to keep trying to break our records.”

State record fish are recognized in two categories, pole-and-line and alternative methods. Alternatives include throwlines, limb lines, bank lines, jug lines, spearfishing, snagging, snaring, gigging, grabbing, archery and atlatl.

For more state records, go online to mdc.mo.gov/fishing/trophies-certificates/ state.record.fish

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Black Hills Grand Canyon is protected A 10-mile stretch of critical elk and riparian habitat highlighted by Wyoming’s scenic Grand Canyon of the Black Hills is now permanently protected.

The transaction opens public access to the 4,350acre property and improves access to more than 8,000 acres of adjacent public land.

The project took a collaborative effort between landowners, the Wyoming Office of State Lands and Investments and its State Forestry, plus conservation organizations including the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation.

“This is absolutely amazing country,” said Kyle Weaver, Foundation president and CEO. “We express our recognition and appreciation to a willing landowner and the multiple agency and private partners involved in the conservation of this incredible landscape.”

A GRAND CANYON The property is bisected by the Grand Canyon of the Black Hills, a picturesque landscape with limestone cliffs, caves, ledges and a natural bridge. It lies in the western Black Hills near the Wyoming-South Dakota border and features nearly 17 miles of streams as well as springs, marshes, wetlands and riparian habitat. It provides vital winter range for elk, whitetail and mule deer, and habitat for bighorn sheep, wild turkey and a wide variety of birds and animal life.

The acquisition will knit together a continuous protected landscape extending 43 miles

across Wyoming and South Dakota. The Office of State Lands will assume ownership and management under the National Forest Legacy Program.

“It is gratifying to know that future generations will be able to enjoy the pristine beauty of this magnificent canyon,” said Mike Frey, a former landowner who helped push the conservation plan through. I’m thankful for the effort by all parties to make this happen and is a legacy that everyone should be proud of.”

FOREST LEGACY Bill Crapser, Wyoming state forester, said the Forest Legacy grant helped make the acquisition possible.

“We are glad that we were able to work with the Forest Service, the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation and our other partners to secure the Forest Legacy grant that helped make this acquisition possible,” he said. “Not only will it be a great asset for recreation, but it will ensure that traditional uses of forest management and grazing remain priorities for the property.”

The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation has now helped conserve some 7.9 million acres for elk and other wildlife. It was founded 35 years and now has a membership of about 235,000.

It works to open and improve public access, provide funding and advocacy for science-based resource management, and to ensure the future of America’s hunting heritage. For more information, go online to rmef.org.

Outdoor Guide

September-October 2021

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September-October 2021

Writer Thayne Smith was a great one River cleanup day is named for him Editor’s note: Thayne Smith was the RV writer for the Outdoor Guide from its founding until his death July 11, and his articles appeared in many other publications as well.

Kyle Stewart, executive director of the Missouri Outdoor Communicators group, wrote this tribute to Thayne.

By KYLE STEWART It never gets any easier to say goodbye to a friend.

Thayne Smith passed away at the age of 92 on Sunday, July 11, at his home in Claremore, OK. Thayne was a legend within the outdoors industry, a consummate gentleman and

great friend and mentor to many. Thayne’s storied career speaks for itself. He was an award-winning author, editor, writer, photographer and public relations professional who had a distinguished journalism career spanning more than 70 years.

In addition to being a lifetime member of Missouri Outdoor Communicators (MOC), Thayne was active in the Outdoor Writers Association of America, Association of Great Lakes Outdoor Writers, Outdoor Communicators of Kansas, the former Great Rivers Outdoor Writers, Texas Outdoor Writers Association, Southeastern Outdoor Press Association and Professional Outdoor Media Association.

Thayne also was inducted into the National Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame as a Legendary Communicator.

OUTDOOR

FIRST MEETING I find it poignant that I met Thayne 10 years ago during the 2011 MOC conference at Bennett Spring State Park.

Though Thayne had already let me know that, due to health issues, he likely would not be able to make this year’s conference even though he really wished he could, I still hoped that I might get to see him again. As a result, Thayne had been on my mind quite a bit as we were planning this conference.

During the 2011 MOC conference, Thayne had signed up to go on a float trip on the Niangua, as he had floated the river many years before and wanted to take photos for a comparison story he was working on at the time.

Marjorie Beenders, who had organized the conference, asked if I would man the stern

GUIDE

September-October, 2021

MAGAZINE

HUNTING • FISHING • CAMPING • BOATING • SHOOTING • TRAVEL Volume 29, 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 314-614-5175 — Regional and specialty editors — 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

Larry Whiteley Ted Nugent Ron Bice

– In Memoriam —

Joel Vance • Ron Henry Strait • 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

— 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 Richard Aites

so that Thayne could take photographs and notes. Somewhat reluctantly, I agreed.

I had confidence in myself as a canoeist, but I also knew the river well and knew that there were typically a couple places where things could get a little sticky. That knowledge and Thayne’s cases of expensive cameras and lenses in the bottom of the canoe made me a little nervous. Fortunately for us both, we managed to float the eight miles without Thayne or his camera equipment going overboard, nor me swamping the boat.

After our afternoon together on the Niangua, Thayne would often call or email out of the blue to check in and see how I was doing and reminisce about our day on the river. I will miss those phone calls and emails, and I will always cherish Thayne’s kindness and friendship.

OTHER TRIBUTES Thayne will be missed by many, as evidenced by the outpouring of remembrances on social media by these writers and outdoorsmen: • Dennis Whiteside, fishing guide – “As fine a man as I’ve known. I will miss Thayne and our regular conversations.”

• Brent Frazee, outdoors writer – “Thayne was a great friend. He urged me to join AGLOW and SEOPA after I retired from the Kansas City Star, and he always had encouraging words for me. We talked regularly, even when he was in bad health. I regret that we never got together for one last fishing trip. I invited him to join me at Riss Lake and stay at my house, and he always told me, “We’ll do that one day.” But we ran out of time.

Rest in peace, my friend.”

• Brandon Butler, outdoors writer – “Thayne was one of the best men I’ve ever met.”

• John Neporadny, fishing expert and writer – “One of the nicest guys I have ever met.”

• DarrellTaylor, outdoorsman and writer – “It’s never easy to lose a friend and mentor, and Thayne was extra special.

Marjorie and I will miss him terribly.”

• Jo Duncan, outdoors writer – “Thayne was an absolute joy to be around. I will always remember his gentleness and how kind he was to everyone around him. He will be greatly missed by all who were lucky enough to know him.”

• Kenny Kieser, outdoors

Thayne Smith in 2014 at Connor’s Cave at Rock Bridge State Park with friend and fellow outdoor writer Jeannie Farmer, at left, and park naturalist Roxie Campbell. – MOC photo

writer – “I was blessed to know Thayne my entire 40-plusyear career and enjoyed many fishing trips with him. All outdoor writers loved and respected the man. I know that we will fish again someday on the other side.”

THAYNE SMITH SERVICE DAY The inaugural Thayne Smith Service Day will be held the morning of Friday, Oct. 1 as the kickoff to the Missouri Outdoor Communicators’ annual conference, to be held at Bennett Spring State Park.

From 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. approximately, the writers will use rafts from One-Eyed Willy’s Campground and Canoe Outfitter to float a five-mile stretch of the Niangua River picking up litter, debris and others items that detract from the natural beauty and habitat of the river.

Afterwards, the group will have lunch and register for the conference, with additional adventures planned.

The group’s president, Zach Smith, named the event in honor of Thayne Smith and said the effort will continue at future conferences.

“Every year, MOC gives back to our host communities, not only in the form of good ink but also through the Toyota Community Generosity Award, which assists a local nonprofit in continuing its

outdoor mission,” he said.

“The inaugural Thayne Smith Service Day is another way for the MOC membership to personally give back to the places that give us so much to talk about, experience and enjoy.

“As MOC members, it’s in our blood to spread the good word about the outdoors. After every conference, attendees walk away with stories to tell about the resources and recreation opportunities available in our host area. And what better way to introduce our audiences to a new locale than by leaving it better than how we found it?

“One of the many Ozark streams that feed the Lake of the Ozarks and the Osage and Missouri rivers, the Niangua is 125 miles of stream not to be missed. Take your pick of Missouri’s iconic species – trout, bass, sunfish, suckers – the Niangua has them all. The real angling showstoppers, particularly for locals, are the smallmouth and goggle-eye.

“The river is one of Missouri’s many jewels, providing plenty of access to the kind of fishing and floating you’ll only find in our neck of the woods.

With a little TLC from MOC, it will stay that way for future generations.”

More about Thayne Smith in Gone Fishin’ column, Page 31.

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Outdoor Guide

September-October 2021

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Outdoor Guide

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Will trail cameras be taken away?

By RON BICE Trail cameras – wow! What can you say?

Simply awesome. They’ve totally changed the way many hunters hunt today. It’s a tool that has changed the way we scout, and scouting is a major key to success. Cameras increase the odds considerably.

Trail cameras are now under fire in a number of states. The claim is that we are not dealing in the fair chase environment.

Arizona recently outlawed them for hunting starting in the fall of 2022. That’s a big move. Nevada and Utah are on that track. Others are thinking it through before they act one way or another.

Back in the day, you had to scout mostly on foot, interpreting visual signs. The groundwork is greatly reduced with cameras. Put one in your favorite spot, or several for that matter, sit by the cozy fire at home or in the cabin, and wait for the pictures to come flying in, right to your cell phone. Sweet!

You’ve got to be kidding me, but no. That’s what it’s come to.

TRAIL TIMERS WERE FIRST The concept started with trail timers. These were a small device that had a little watch on one end with thread that you would stretch across a deer trail and attach to a sapling or whatever. When the thread was broken by a deer walking on the trail, the clock would record the time and date.

The direction of the thread would share the direction of travel. This was good stuff. They sold a bunch of them back in the day but the industry wasn’t finished. Trail cameras hit the market.

The first cameras used 35mm film with 24 -36 exposures per outing before you ran out of film. They would trigger when it sensed a slight change in temperature using infrared technology.

The next level was digital cameras that can take thousands of images onto an SD card.

You’d physically check the camera and change out the cards. When you got home you could witness what the magical world you hunted looked like when no one was there. Another leap for sure.

CELL CAMS A GREAT LEAP Now we have cell cams. These transmit photos straight from the field to your cell phone with very little intrusion to the hunting area and the great asset of going undetected by the animals. You don’t need to go to the field and disturb the area. You can pattern an animal that has no idea he is under constant surveillance.

Having been quite successful over my 40 years as a bowhunter, I’d learned a lot about how to increase my odds and bring home some pretty good bucks. Trail cameras became a large part Spypoint solar of my arsenal. The last good

Editorial

buck I shot, I had over 2,000 pictures of him.

I had 12 cameras in the field and I got intel on his daily movements. I’d check the cameras every two weeks and by the time the season hit, I had gained a big advantage.

When the opener finally arrived, I had factored in all the intel and was ready to capitalize.

Wind was suspect the first morning so I decided not to go for it. I didn’t want to jeopardize a perfect scenario. But on the second morning I had a SE wind. Thirty minutes before first light I slipped comfortably into the “Apple Tree” stand. I was confident he would be there.

PREPARATION PAYS OFF Just after daybreak, deer started filtering through, 10 total, and they slowly disappeared into the timber. Thirty minutes later, my buck showed up as I had predicted from camera intel. He presented a 16-yard broadside shot that ended the most interesting year of my bowhunting life. He was dead, and my tag was filled. Cameras and my understanding of whitetail behavior were critical factors in my success.

The following is what I believed to be this buck’s daily habits that led to this fateful day based on camera intel. I was confident he’d spent the night on an adjacent soybean field. I knew he would jump a fence exiting that field just before daylight and work his way through a 20-acre wooded parcel that would hold hunters when the season started. He would jump the fence on the east side of that property while it was still dark. He was then on the land I hunt.

He’d feed on white oak acorns until about 7 a.m. This appeared to be his current routine based on intel I gained from the pics. He’d continue his way to a ravine that split two properties and head to the south, working his way to the apple trees where I had my stand. I also knew, from years of experience, that this pattern would change soon. Pre-rut would be starting, and that changes everything. It literally was now or never with this buck.

I was there waiting when it all came together and I still can’t believe it. Never in my life have I patterned a buck to this degree.

DO WE WANT TRAIL CAMS? I sometimes wonder about trail cams and the advantage they bring, but I love them. They’re awesome. But now they’re under fire and we all need to decide how we feel about what they bring to the table.

Modern bowhunters started hunting with guns, most likely, then took up bowhunting to increase the challenge. With the evolution of available advancements, we went from long bows to recurves, to sights, then to compounds, release aides, scent elimination, tree stands, calls, scents, the best camouflage, and the list goes on and on.

I’ve used them all. But now we have cell cameras. The issue is coming to all states sooner or later. We might want to think it through before it does.

Ron Bice of Eagan, Minn., is an information specialist in the outdoor world and a frequent contributor to Outdoor Guide Moultrie X series Magazine.

September-October 2021

The Life Outdoors Lessons from a youth deer hunt in Missouri

By RICHARD AITES

OPENING MORNING It was a brisk, late October morning in 2016 when my 14-year-old son Chance and I made our way through the woods and to our blind.

The ground blind, located in southern Lincoln County, was a chest-high wall of rotting logs stacked between two ancient oak trees that stood 10 feet apart.

Piles of small limbs and brush concealed our flanks. The blind sat atop a small ridge that overlooked a creek bottom. The soggy bottom was a good travel corridor for deer moving to and from a common bedding area among some cedars to the west.

Before stepping into the blind, I sprayed some doe urine onto a couple of scent wicks that were hanging from some nearby saplings.

Once seated, a subtle but chilly breeze brushed up against our faces as we peered into the shadowy forest below.

Shortly, squirrels were crawling out of their leafy nests and scurrying along the crimson and gold-colored tree-tops, while a couple of rambunctious woodpeckers hammered away at the surrounding timber. An hour later, the sun cleared the horizon, and the glowing warmth against our backs was very welcome.

It was around 9 a.m. when I thought I heard the whiffing and wheezing of a deer in the distance. Chance heard it, too. Not long afterwards, we spotted a lone whitetail crossing the creek bed. Like a ghost, it quickly disappeared into some thick brush before reappearing in a small clearing about 50 yards away.

As Chance raised his rifle, the deer, with its nose close to the ground, continued toward the blind. When it stopped and raised its head to scan the surrounding woods, I could see that it was a buck, and a nice one at that. The buck then trotted within 20 yards of us, where it presented my son with a broadside shot.

TAKING THE SHOT With the crack of the 7mm-08 round, the chocolate-racked 10-point buckled and stumbled before it recovered and high-tailed it toward the creek below.

While Chance racked another round into the chamber of the rifle, I watched the deer disappear into a wall of brush and briars on the far side of the creek. Moments later, I thought I heard it crash. My son, excited for a quick recovery, pressed me to find his buck.

Initially we found no hair or blood, so we walked through the woods to where I last spotted the deer. As we pushed through the brush and stepped into the shallow creek bed, there was a ruckus of dried leaves before I caught a glimpse of the deer bounding through the forest ahead.

Then it disappeared again.

I became a little concerned, because we were hunting on a 20-acre parcel, and I didn’t want to push the deer onto someone else’s property. But once we climbed over the muddy embankment, we began finding blood. Soon, the buck was leaving a good blood trail and, to my surprise, was heading back toward the ridge. We followed

‘We followed the trail up and over the ridge.’

– North Carolina Wildlife photo

the blood another 50 yards when I suggested that we stay put for a while, hoping the deer might lie down and succumb to his wound.

While we sat on the forest floor, I could see the disappointment in my young son’s face.

He was worried that he’d rushed the shot, and he expressed his concern for the deer, saying, “What if he just runs off somewhere and dies, and we never find him? It’s a waste, and I hope he’s not suffering.”

I tried to reassure him that it was a good shot, because I had witnessed the deer buckle and nearly fall. Then I explained that it wasn’t uncommon for a deer to cover a lot of ground before collapsing from a fatal hit. I also reminded him that nothing goes to waste in nature. If we didn’t recover the deer, the animal’s carcass would provide nourishment for predators and scavengers alike. Secretly though, I hoped for a recovery because I could sense that my words weren’t easing his concern for the animal.

SEARCH AND RECOVERY After 45 minutes, we got up from the ground and resumed looking for blood. We followed the trail up and over the ridge, through a couple of acres of cedar trees, and to our delight, found the buck lying at the very edge of my landowner’s property.

Chance was both happy and relieved. I was just grateful that we found his buck. The deer had covered approximately 200 yards before it expired. The shot was a little far back and, while gutting the deer, I discovered the 140-grain soft-point bullet had severed the liver.

Since the deer was in a slow trot during the shot, I believe this led to the bullet impact being a little off the mark. Fortunately for us, it was a fatal shot and the deer was recovered relatively quickly.

LESSONS LEARNED I think we both may have learned lessons that day. Mine was to be a little more patient when attempting to recover a wounded animal, and my son’s was to assure better shot placement in the future.

By the way, he recently qualified EXPERT with his M4 carbine during Army Basic Training at Fort Benning, GA, so at least one of us learned something from that day, nearly five years ago.

Outdoor Guide

September-October 2021

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September-October 2021

Claudette’s Cottage

Pasta is with us the year around

By CLAUDETTE ROPER

Occasionally, when one of my articles receives feedback, you’ll hear about it here. This time, it was regarding my opinion against peeling asparagus.

Big Guy, a dear friend of ours, who is a retired professional chef, wrote: “I have prepped thousands of cases and peeled a lot of it. The only reason we peeled it is the chef thought it was tough, and for presentation.”

I’m so thankful for the feedback, because now I can keep doing what I’ve been doing and not feel guilty. Sorry mum, you lose.

When Big Guy started coming up here to deer hunt, Mountain Man thoroughly enjoyed the company. I probably would have too, if I hadn’t been thinking about cooking to feed a professional chef. Turns

out that he’s glad just to be fed.

In our conversations and from his feedback on preparing asparagus, I confirmed that not everything is set in concrete.

Also, I was reminded of my article that said it’s more important to make memories than have your presentation look like something on the cover of a magazine. That’s a paraphrase – I guess one can paraphrase oneself?

PASTA IN WINTER So where am I going with this? To pasta salad, but not quite yet. My brother-in-law insists that chili is a suitable meal for a 95-degree day. An elderly lady we shop for was surprised that it was challenging to find instant hot chocolate this summer. What serious coffee drinker stops drinking coffee when it’s hot?

OK, hang in there … we’re almost there. Who says pasta salad is only for summer picnics and barbecues? As we prepare to go into these late fall and winter months, don’t forget

about pasta salad.

Admittedly, this has never been one of my favorites. There was always that little something off that I couldn’t put my finger on. Most every kind shared with me has been made with mayonnaise or Miracle Whip, and most were dry.

Here’s a hint – if you don’t like the dressing, you won’t like the salad. Try using a salad dressing that you like and enough of it that the salad isn’t dry. Too simplistic? Yep, that’s me. If it’s not logical, it usually won’t compute in my pea brain.

A few more comments on ingredients: If you don’t like the cheese in the recipe, use another cheese. Hello? Do you really think adding ingredients you don’t like will produce a product that you do like? Pepper jack is a great alternative – you decide. Enough said.

Additionally, I’m not big on running out and shopping specifically for one recipe. If you don’t have a red pepper and a green bell pepper, use what you have or leave it out. There’s

probably someone who will be thankful if you leave it out.

NOT COMPLICATED If you don’t have a green onion, finely chop a small amount of onion. If you have chives, chop a few and throw them in.

The taste from them will be good, and you’ll get your green for visual appeal. This doesn’t have to be complicated.

Cherry or grape tomatoes are ideal for this salad. Grape tomatoes can be left whole. In a pinch, you can cut up some of those last tomatoes from the garden. Consider letting them drain well and not adding them until the last minute.

Regarding the pasta – if you have small shells instead of spiral pasta, use them. For some families, the texture of spiral pasta will send one of the kids into orbit. Plan accordingly.

If you are using gluten-free pasta, be very careful to stop the cooking process on time and quickly or the noodles will fall apart. In this case, I prefer to mix all the ingredients and

Here’s one version of Pizza Pasta Salad – Taste of Home photo

then add the pasta, to limit the amount of stirring.

There are times when using your favorite salad dressing may not be ideal. Our favorite is homemade balsamic vinaigrette. When using it just for us, it works. Mountain Man doesn’t worry too much about appearance. On the other hand, the dark brown dressing does little for presentation, so we substitute with a zesty Italian.

PIZZA PASTA SALAD • 8 oz uncooked spiral pasta • 1/2 tsp salt • 1/2 tsp garlic powder • 1/8 tsp pepper • 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

• 1/2 cup of diced red and green peppers • 1 small can sliced black olives • 1 cup cheddar cheese, cubed • 1 cup mozzarella cheese, cubed • 1/2 cup sliced green onions • 1/2 cup sliced pepperoni • Your favorite Italian dressing

Cook the pasta until al dente. Drain and rinse. In a bowl, combine all the ingredients.

Before serving, stir and check to see if you need a little more dressing, salt and pepper.

Serve with grated parmesan cheese on the side.

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Outdoor Guide

September-October 2021

Page 11

Bow hunting helps prepare for deer

Photo and Text

By DON GASAWAY

Nothing beats the heart-skipping rush one feels as a pheasant flushes, or the shock of a rabbit exploding from beneath your feet. Bow hunting for small game is a great sport that is challenging, exciting and difficult.

Pursuing small game early in the season also helps condition the bowhunter for later stalking of deer by getting him out in the field to walk miles over uneven ground. This foot-toughening exercise strengthens all the muscles that one uses later in stalking that big buck.

Small-game hunters have a variety of species from which to choose. Most popular are rabbit and pheasant, but it is also possible to hunt squirrel, grouse, woodcock, ducks, geese and quail.

In choosing equipment for upland bow hunting, the field is wide open. There are perhaps 50 different bowyers turning out thousands of bows. The bows come in at least six basic types – the longbow, recurve, round wheel compound, cam bow, the compound with overdraw and, more recently, the crossbow – in a variety

of configurations. Each has its supporters and detractors, just as each has advantages and disadvantages when put to a particular use.

There is no “right bow” for upland hunting. Each works in this style of hunting.

Perhaps the beginning bowhunter should use the same bow for upland hunting that he plans to later use for deer hunting.

CHOOSING ARROWS Arrows should be the same type that one plans to use later, but the head is different. Arrows can be of wood, aluminum, carbon fiber or fiberglass shafting material. If one is going to hunt small game, it is important to use small-game heads that are usually blunt for more shock power. Big-game heads have sharp cutting edges for penetration, but with small-game hunting, shock power is more desirable than penetration.

With small game, it is important to deliver a stunning, shocking blow in order to achieve a clean, humane kill. One popular way to develop a good, small head is to mount a metal washer just behind the head. The washer delivers the shock needed.

Blunt tips are the popular

head in small-game hunting.

The fletching of the smallgame arrow depends on the type of game you’re hunting. If it is a running, ground-dwelling animal, the fletching should be the standard hunting vane mounted in the helical manner. It is the same type of fletching that one would use in hunting deer. If the quarry is a bird or a tree squirrel, it is advisable to use a flu-flu type of fletching.

FLU-FLU SHOTS Flu-flus are usually oversized vanes made from turkey feathers. Such arrows release from the bow with the same initial speed as the helical mounted vane, but tend to slow dramatically after traveling a short distance. Thus, many missed shots do not mean looking for arrows over a vast area.

When released, the fletching flattens back against the shaft. As the arrow slows, the

fletching spreads out, causing wind resistance. That, in turn, slows the arrow speed even more. A flu-flu shot into the air after a bird will often return to earth sticking straight up out of the ground, making recovery even easier.

When upland hunting, it is not necessary to have full camouflage. Most upland hunters wear what is comfortable as they venture forth in the grain fields and edge habitat. The idea is to flush

the quarry from the cover and then to shoot at them.

Flushing happens with a group of hunters or as an individual. It can be with or without a dog. Hunting with a dog is an advantage in recovering birds in heavy cover.

Hunting upland game with bow and arrow is yet another of the many challenges facing the hunting archer with the desire for challenging quarry.

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Outdoor Guide

Page 12

September-October 2021

Rural Ramblings

Fall, wondrous time for hunting

By RUSSELL HIVELY

September and October are hunting months. Usually, hunters like to “warm up” their shooting arms and eyes with Sept. 1 dove hunts. Sometimes these hunts can be discouraging, as the average hunter uses a box of shells per “dodge and duck” dove harvested. *** If a person selects the right places to hunt each fall, he or she can also have a pleasant outing by collecting pecans, black walnuts or persimmons for the family waiting back home. Sometimes a stray apple or pear tree has been found with a few late fruits. *** In many ways, Missourians are blessed with abundant wooded areas. It is estimated

that one third of the state is covered with trees. *** For some unknown reason, much wild meat is converted into chili. Venison or quail chili is hard to beat in a hunting camp or at home for Sunday dinner. *** Is it true that the most fun at barbecues is the chance to gather with neighbors, friends and relatives? *** Meat producers estimate that one hog can feed 525 people. *** The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation was formed in 1984. In the past 37 years, the Foundation has helped conserve 8.1 million acres for

An Illinois dove hunter takes aim during the fall season.

– Illinois Department of Natural Resources photo

elk. They also helped restore the elk in Missouri. *** Bees – or the lack of bees – has made the news lately.

Did you realize that a typical hive has 50,000 bees and one queen?

*** Vance Randolph collected Ozarks words, songs and stories for 60 years. He lived part of this time in Pineville, in McDonald County, and he was a beekeeper. ***

Fall gives us many days when we are able to open our windows at night. How often have you heard a bird sing or owl hoot in the darkness of night? In rural areas, it is not unusual to hear a coyote howl, off in the distance. Or a bobcat scream. Or what about the smell of damp, decaying leaves coming through the window screen? *** No one has to wonder why people call fall “the blackbird time of year.” Flocks sometimes fill the sky. *** Did you hear the joke about the hunter who gave all his dogs that same name? When questioned, he said, “When I call, I want ALL of them to come.”

*** Did you realize that about one in six hunters gets a wild turkey each year? *** Age changes a person’s outlook on life. An old man may never buy green bananas and always eats his dessert first. *** Sumac bushes are many times the first indicators of fall. The seed heads turn brown and then the leaves turn to a beautiful crimson. *** Other indicators of fall are autumn mists, the first gust of sharp cold air, and some cool drops in temperature. These indicate fall is upon us – a time of hunts, deer camp, and outdoor fun. Anyway that is what the rural rambler thinks.

September-October 2021

Current eel blasts away old record

Carlin Allison of Doniphan, Mo. was catfishing on the Current River July 26 when he reeled in a 6-pound, 15-ounce eel with his fishing pole, setting a new state record, the ninth one this year at the time – and beating the old record by more than two pounds.

“I was using skipjack bait, and originally thought I was pulling in a catfish,” Allison said. “My buddy and I were out at about 3 that morning, so it was dark and I couldn’t see that well, but it put up one heck of a fight!”

Allison was about to cut the line after finding the eel at the end.

“I didn’t know what to do with it, but my buddy stopped me and said, ‘Hey, that’s a big eel, hold on!’ Sure enough, we looked it up online and it was obvious it was bigger than what was listed,” he said.

The eel was weighed on a certified scale in Doniphan.

The previous record was a 4-pound, 8-ounce eel caught on the Meramec River in 1993.

The American eel is listed as a Species of Conservation Concern in Missouri and is an uncommon catch, but probably occurs occasionally in every large stream in the state. American eels control aquatic insects, crayfish and other fish, and they

serve as prey to other predators. American eel is defined as “other fish” and their harvest is regulated under the Wildlife Code of Missouri.

All eels in Missouri are female. Male eels spend their adult lives in estuaries along the coast.

Only females migrate to inland waters. Most of the female’s adult life occurs in freshwater.

Eels then migrate to breed in the Atlantic Ocean south of Bermuda. It is assumed that adult eels breed once, then die.

Missouri’s eel population lives mainly in deep pools around cover, such as logs and boulders, in moderate-to-large Missouri streams and rivers. The population has been reduced by large dams, which restrict its ability to migrate.

“I knew we had eel in Missouri, but never that big,” Allison said. “I really don’t know how to feel about holding this state record. I guess I’ve got bragging rights!”

Missouri state record fish are recognized in two categories: pole-and-line and alternative methods. Alternative methods include throwlines, limb lines, bank lines, jug lines, spearfishing, snagging, snaring, gigging, grabbing, archery and atlatl. For more information, go online to http://bit. ly/2efq1v1.

Carlin Allison of Doniphan was in for a surprise when he reeled in a 6-pound, 15-ounce eel on the Current River.

Outdoor Guide

Page 13

The osprey is making a comeback in Illinois After almost disappearing from Illinois, the osprey is making a comeback because of a decades-long effort to eliminate harmful pesticides and provide safe places for the large, slender hawks to nest.

The raptors remain a threatened species in Illinois, but 14 nesting pairs have settled in platforms on top of tall poles in the Cook County Forest Preserve District, the Chicago Tribune reported. They were placed to resemble the birds’ preferred treetop nesting habitat. There are now 20 such sites

in the county, and the Illinois Department of Natural Resources is erecting other such poles across the state.

Three of the 14 nests were lost to tornados earlier this summer, but there has been a slow and steady increase of occupied platforms elsewhere.

Experts say it’s because of the removal of toxins such as DDT, which thinned the shells of the raptors’ eggs.

“It can take a bird that’s basically everywhere and does really great under most circumstances and take it to

A mating pair of ospreys

the bring,” Field Museum ecologist Doug Stotz said.

“And it shows we can change that – that we’ve turned things round for ospreys to a tremen-

dous degree.

Ospreys have wingspans reach five feet with pads to grip their prey, making them skilled at fishing.

Page 14

Outdoor Guide

September-October 2021

Patient hunter gets a ‘seven-spur’ gobbler Photo and Text

By BRANDON BUTLER

Montie Halteman made history with an interesting Pennsylvania turkey. After chasing this bird for three seasons, he finally put a plan together that led to his cousin, Kenton Halteman, wrapping a tag on the wise old gobbler. To their surprise, each leg hosted multiple spurs, and it sported a double beard.

“I say it’s a seven-spur turkey,” Monte said. “There’s four on the right leg and three on the left. Four of the spurs are real obvious. The rest compare to jake spurs. You can’t argue about six of them. The seventh is there, but not as distinct.”

After examining the photos, I think it may be a little stretch to call some of the bumps on the back of this turkey’s legs spurs, but they are certainly a little strange. Whether or not you count the spurs, this is one heck of a bird.

“The gobbler sported a 10.5 inch main beard and a six inch second beard,” Monte said.

“The main beard is real thick.

The second one is about as big around as a regular wood pencil.”

A PATIENT PLAY Monte roosted the gobbler on a Friday night, but when Saturday morning arrived, the

The unique spurs of a special Pennsylvania gobbler.

old bird didn’t give them a single gobble from the roost. He was patient, though, and was rewarded for his experienced play.

“Even though he wouldn’t gobble, I told Kenton he had to be there. Finally, we heard a hen yelp, so we knew turkeys were around. Then I heard him fly down. We’d set up about 80 yards from his roost,” Monte said.

Once the birds were on the ground, the duo moved up 30 yards to see the gobbler and three hens in a field. Monte said they used extreme caution

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as they slowly moved through the timber. This was an experienced bird, and they knew the slightest movement would send him over the next ridge in a hurry. When Monte finally made it to a safe place to peer out into the field, he liked what he saw. The gobbler was in full strut. Monte and Kenton looped around about 125 yards and set up on the opposite field edge.

“Last year, he was out in the same field in full strut,” Monte recalled. “His head was brilliant, full of color. I yelped at him and he broke out of strut, his head lost all its color and he sprinted in the opposite direction. This year, I just let him come. At 35 yards, I called once. He broke out of strut and Kenton put him down.”

Having history with an animal or fish can add to the excitement of finally finding success. Many a fly fisherman has watched the same big trout lurking near the bottom of a deep pool for years before finally hooking it.

And deer hunters, nowadays, too often name deer and watch them grow for seasons before taking them, in my opinion.

Turkeys are a little different, though. There aren’t too many multi-year stories like this one, which culminated in a great hunt over numerous seasons.

The hunt took place near Newville, Pennsylvania. The seven-spur bird is being fullbody mounted.

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

Outdoor Guide

September-October 2021

Page 15

Record carp also sets world record

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Matt Neuling of Perryville took this 125-pound carp at Perry Lake July 24, not only setting a new state record but also qualifying for the world record.

Matt Neuling didn’t just set a new state record by landing a massive 125-pound bighead carp on July 24, he set a new world record as well.

Neuling, of Perryville, MO, shot the bighead bowfishing with a friend at Lake Perry.

“I was out with my buddy early that morning when we both shot what we thought was a 30-pound grass carp,” Neuling said. “My buddy’s arrow pulled out, but mine shot straight through and stayed in there.”

Neuling said his friend was eventually able to shoot another arrow into the fish, but they were shocked at just how massive their fish turned out to be.

“We just couldn’t believe it,” he said. “We knew what type of fish it was, but we had never seen one that

size. This thing is a straightup monster. A five-gallon bucket could easily fit in its mouth. If my buddy wasn’t with me, there was no way I could have pulled it out of the water.”

The carp was weighed at 125 pounds, 5 ounces on a certified scale in Perry County. It was the eighth state record fish recorded in 2021. The catch also beat the old bowfishing world record of 104 pounds, 15 ounces.

“It’s just crazy,” Neuling said. “You know, I set that goal of breaking a record every time I go out to fish, but I never would have thought I’d be breaking a record with this fish.”

GOOD FOR CATFISH BAIT Missouri Department of Conservation staff took the head of the fish to determine

its age, while Neuling used other parts of the fish for catfish bait.

“When fish get this size, we estimate it to be at least 10 years old,” MDC Fisheries Program Specialist Andrew Branson said. “Bighead carp are an invasive fish from Asia. This particular fish is an example of just how well an invasive species can thrive if given the opportunity. We encourage people to harvest these fish to help remove them from our waters.”

Missouri state record fish are recognized in two categories: pole-and-line and alternative methods.

Alternative methods include: throwlines, limb lines, bank lines, jug lines, spearfishing, snagging, snaring, gigging, grabbing, archery, and atlatl.

For more information on state record fish, go online to http://bit.ly/2efqlvl.

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Outdoor Guide

September-October 2021

Here’s to a river, good friends and trotlines

Setting trotlines on the Lamine River can really pay off.

By GERALD J. SCOTT

Visit Our Website at www.outdoorguidemagazine.com

I’d been leaning precariously over the bow of a jon boat, stretching the main line of a trotline (originally known as a tautline) across the Lamine River, and had just tied it off when Captain Rick – he whose hand is on the tiller is, by definition, the captain – commented, “I’m sure glad most people don’t like to do this.”

Despite having known each other for only a little more than 30 years, Rick and I are cut from the same cloth, so I knew his use of the word “this” covered a lot of ground. All I had to do was straighten up and look around to see – and to agree with – part of what he meant.

Don’t misunderstand.

There’s nothing “wrong” with reservoirs and lakes.

Truth be told, I spend most of my fishing time on flat water, so it’s no surprise that I catch most of my fish there. But there’s something magically special about a river like the Lamine.

Take solitude for example. Unlike the summertime situation on the clear, semi-developed streams on the Ozark Plateau, it was highly unlikely that there was another boat within a dozen river miles of where we were fishing on the “muddy” and “sluggish” Lamine.

JUST A FEW ACRES Ironically, Rick and I had come to that same conclusion independently. A decade or

so ago, Rick bought a few acres of land on the north bank of the river. Although its location was nothing more than a very happy coincidence, this spring I bought some land on the opposite bank that extended beyond Rick’s, both upstream and downstream.

Due to the strange reality of living on a river, it’s 10 miles from Rick’s cabin to my campsite by road. The spots where we keep our boats are a long quarter-mile apart. A mountain goat that could swim could get from Rick’s his place to mine without covering 300 yards.

But back to Rick and I on the river. Various types of setlines have been in use for thousands of years. Rick’s partial to trotlines, which he rigs the same way I would in a river like the Lamine.

After stretching a main line from one bank to the other, a heavy weight is attached the appropriate distance from each end of the line to hold it at the desired depth. Rick uses 12-inch stagings, and I prefer stagings 24 inches long, but in either case, a staging has a hook on one end and a metal clip with which to attach it to the main line on the other.

Asian carp cut bait is the simplest way to bait trotlines on any river that’s a direct tributary of either the Missouri or the Mississippi rivers. It’s impossible to run a boat with a gasoline motor very far without an Asian See SCOTT page 27

Outdoor Guide

September-October 2021

Page 19

Wildlife Wrangling and Outdoor Ramblings

It’s not always peace in the valley

Chasing the possum gang at 2 a.m

Photo and Text

By RANDALL P. DAVIS

With the summertime workload of calls for consultation, management, and/or removal of nuisance wildlife, the days seem to meld into periods of labor, eating and sleeping.

Couple that with the fact we run a fair-size kennel – Brittany spaniels and Irish setters – and one can see it’s like trying to keep numerous fine China dinner plates spinning atop fiberglass fly rods.

Thus, when both businesses are functioning at full capacity, there’s little time to “manage” the nuisance critters that visit around the house. And it doesn’t help when we live at the head of a fairly peaceful valley, near deep woods, meandering creeks, huge hollow trees, and several outbuildings with easy access underneath.

The place’s subtle ambience is a natural wildlife invitation.

Such an irresistible invite was accepted early one morning. WAY early. Two A.M. early!

THE PLACE ERUPTS I awoke to the kennel dogs’ tremendous ruckus. Nothing really new. Any time a deer, rabbit, coyote or even a salamander crosses the yard, the whole place erupts. But soon

they settle down and I can go back to sleep.

But this time, the dogs just kept it up. Then I thought I heard a thump-bump-bump in the house. Coming fully awake, I tried to listen more intently ... or as best a tone-deaf human can. And considering all the current events in the world and some local trouble with rural thievery, I snatched up the Ruger Single-Six from its holstered mooring on the bedpost and slowly stepped from the bedroom.

The living room and kitchen lights were muted, yet sufficient illumination came from the phone chargers, kitchen appliance indicators and a crusty turtle-tank bulb to allow me to pass somewhat safely around throw pillows and TV trays with 64-year-old stealth. (Actually it was more like the gait of an aging primate with hip dysplasia ... clutching a handgun.)

Now, if you’ve read earlier columns, this sounds familiar to the raccoon incident on the front porch culminating with a quick – and missed – snapshot to the departing ring-tailed intruder while boldly standing in my tighty-whitey skivvies.

ANOTHER THUMP As I passed through the room there was another thump, and I cocked my head side-to-side, like a bat-eared fox trying to pinpoint the sounds. (Like I really could do this, being plagued by tinnitus).

But then a substantial thud

came through the darkness, followed by the scraping of patio chairs on the back deck.

I quietly two-stepped to the sliding patio door and peered through the blinds. Nothing. I stood there for a moment, then heard another faint scrape of a chair leg.

I gripped the Ruger tight in my now sweat-slick fist, raised it to shoulder height and pressed the muzzle against the

door glass. I eased my left hand under my right arm to touch the switch for the patio light, swallowed hard, and flipped it on.

The demure 100-watt bulb washed yellow light over the deck. I blinked twice.

Nothing appeared. No gang of marauding pillagers. No drug-stoked thugs. No zombies nor werewolves. I shifted my eyes from left to right and still no menacing threat presented

itself. Then the patio chairs rattled again.

A BLAST OF AIR Looking down through the thinly slatted window blinds, I saw the inspiration of my heart’s palpitation. Two sizeable possums were either in the initial throes of marsupial procreation or using those patio chairs as the arena for a significant cage-fighting match.

No wonder all the dogs were going nuts.

Not wanting to create a mess I would have to clean up in the morning, I laid the revolver on the counter and picked up the air horn.

Now we keep an air horn close to the patio door for various reasons. First is to quiet the dogs during those early morning bark-a-thons for See DAVIS page 27

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September-October 2021

Wild Wine Life

Venison makes for great chili

Photo and Text

By RAY MAXWELL Chili is a dish that many people love, and many chili fans have their own versions of it. If you are seeking a healthy and simple version for chili, we believe that you will enjoy this dish year-round. Yet it will really provide that extra warmth at home or camp during the cold days ahead.

VENISON CHILI Ingredients

• 2 cups or 5 large jalapeño peppers (diced & deseeded) • 1 1/2 cups or 1 red bell pepper (diced) • 2 cups or 1 large onion

(diced)

• 3 cups or 4-5 celery sticks

(diced)

• 2 pounds ground venison

(I prefer pure venison with no

pork added)

• 16-ounce can of red beans

(drained)

• 6-ounce can of tomato paste • 2 28-ounce cans of tomatoes (you can use already diced

tomatoes or cut them yourself)

• 10 ounces of water • 4 beef bullion cubes • 3 tablespoons worcester sauce • 3 1/4 tablespoons soy sauce • 1 teaspoon red wine vinegar

• 1 teaspoon sugar • 1 teaspoon black pepper • 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper • 1/2 teaspoon cumin • 1/4 teaspoon chili powder • 1 1/2 teaspoon minced garlic

Start by cooking your venison first. You can smoke it or cook it in a large pan. The cast-iron skillet has been my preference. I also add some of my favorite venison rub in the meat. Once you have browned

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Vega Median Cava Rose, Adam Puchta Hunter’s Red, or Cappone Chianti Classico can go with this Venison Chili recipe.

the meat, remove the meat and let it drain.

Using a large pot, add all the vegetables, but not the beans or tomatoes. Brown the vegetables with some olive oil until they are soft but firm.

When you finish browning the vegetables, add everything except the beans and simmer on low heat for 30 minutes, periodically stirring.

Last step – add the beans and simmer on low heat for another 20 minutes, periodically stirring.

THREE WINE CHOICES There are three wines that I truly enjoy with this dish. For those who want a cold beverage with their chili, then consider sparkling wine such as the Vega Median Cava Rose. The wonderful cherry and strawberry flavors, with a clean, dry finish, will have you wanting both more chili and cava.

Remember that sparkling wine pairs with everything, and you do not need a special occasion to drink bubbles. You can find this for under $12 a bottle.

Next,Adam Puchta Hunter’s Red offers aromas of floral notes mixed with berries. The wine has great mouth feel and is a wonderful lighter red that is not overpowered by the chili.

The spectrum of berries and cherries brings a lot of fun to the dish, and you will find it works well with other wild game and tomato based dishes. You can find this wine for under $17 a bottle.

Finally, you will find Cappone Chianti Classico 2017 DOCG to be a wonderful and versatile wine that not only pairs with your chili but also many wild game dishes and Italian meals made from 100 percent Sangiovese. The cranberry and cherry flavors are present on the palate with a soft mouth feel.

The wine is great at neutralizing the high acid in tomato-based dishes. You will not be let down, and you can find this wine for under $20 a bottle.

Subscribe to Wild Wine Life on YouTube or “like” Wild Wine Life on Facebook for the video version of this recipe along with other recipes and wine recommendations.

Elk Foundation makes a vital link

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A 634-acre section of crucial elk habitat in southeast Wyoming has been secured by a donor family and the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation.

The Terry Creek property lies within the Upper Laramie River Watershed and links a peninsula of the Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest to U.S. Forest Service land in the Snowy Mountains to the west.

“Not only does this property provide vital winter and year-long range for elk, but elk migration routes funnel directly through it,” said Blake Henning, chief conservation

officer for the foundation.

“Groups of 100 to 200 elk on the property are a common occurrence,” he said. “The immediate landscape also offers important range for mule deer, moose and other wildlife.”

Pronghorn antelope and mule deer also pass through the property. The owners and the foundation are completing a boundary-fence conversion to wildlife-friendly specifications to further enhance the connected and conserved landscape.

The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation can be contacted at rmef.org or call 800-225-5355.

Outdoor Guide

September-October 2021

Autumn is that special time

By LARRY WHITELEY

Autumn is a time that lingers in your heart and mind. Cooler temperatures refresh the body and soul. The landscape is awash with colors. Sunsets are coppery.

Something within you yearns to be out there soaking in its many wonders.

Some folks are called by the water of autumn. Most any water will do for an overnight on a gravel bar or campground away from the craziness of their daily lives. The woods are a kaleidoscope of colors reflecting in the water.

With the water some degrees cooler, fish life, too, takes on new vigor. They know it’s time to put on a layer of winter fat and respond accordingly to an enticingly cast lure or fly.

Some fishermen will wade and enjoy casting a fly to a rising trout. Some will be in a boat casting a lure. Some will paddle around in a canoe or kayak, fishing or not. All will take time to slow down and glory in the turn of the seasons.

NIGHT MAGIC A colorful autumn camping trip has a magic all its own. Late night, hunkered close to the campfire, holds an attraction that’s hard to match. Barred owls up and down the river talk of their plans for the evening. Stars twinkle in the dark night sky. The flames dance and flicker. Campers shift their cold sides to the fire and ponder their place in the world. Days are filled with fishing, hiking, exploring, or just relaxing.

Hikers, too, enjoy autumn.

To most, it is by far the best time to hike. The cooler air refreshes as they climb the winding trails.

When they reach the top, they are rewarded with a view, like a colorful patchwork quilt laid out on the land below them.

They take lots of photos and videos to share with others and enjoy themselves. It is one of those times you never forget.

To hunters, the autumn season is the most important

time of the year. Field and forest beckon. Dogs wiggle and squirm at the prospects of a day’s hunt. The upland hunter yearns to see a flushing pheasant or grouse. Deer hunters dream of trophy racks or roast venison. Waterfowl hunters get excited just thinking about ducks coming into their calls.

This is the season that those who love the outdoors live for.

Autumn.

Note: Larry’s new book “Seasons – Stories of Family, God and the Great Outdoors” is available on Amazon Kindle e-reader and in paperback at www.amazon.com and from other online retailers.

SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT “Delicious autumn! My very soul is wedded to it, and if I were a bird, I would fly about the earth seeking successive autumns.” – George Eliot WALLEYE IN THE FALL Walleye are often concentrated in specific areas in the fall, like sharp-breaking dropoffs and along the edges of deep underwater humps and reefs. They hang along the edges of this type of structure and wait for a potential meal to swim by. When you find walleyes in these areas, fish directly over the top of them.

BEST TIME FOR CRAPPIE The best time to go fishing in the fall for crappie is just prior to a major cold front. Crappie should be very shallow, filling up their stomachs on everything from shad to insects.

BIG RACK BUCKS Maturity, good nutrition, lack of stress and good genes determine a buck’s antler size and formation. Good nutrition is the most important factor, and there are only two possible solutions to poor nutrition. One is to put in food plots to give deer the nutrition they need.

The other is to reduce deer numbers by hunting, in order

to adjust the deer herd to the capacity of the natural habitat.

The best way to do that is take other deer besides just the big rack bucks.

HUNTING, A FAMILY TRADITION It won’t be long now until the leaves start changing and the temperatures cool. When they do, something stirs deep within the souls of our family members.

It is an uncontrollable desire that takes over our mind and body.

It’s time to go hunting again.

We love hunting. Not for the killing of the game, but for all the special moments and memories that come when we are out there in squirrel woods, dove fields, duck blinds, turkey blinds and deer stands. It is a family tradition.

Hunting has been an important part of our family. The venison, waterfowl and other game have nourished our bodies.

Time together out hunting has nourished our souls. I hope they will all remember the memories

Page 21

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.

and create their own.

I have no doubt that our grandkids all will pass their love of hunting on to their kids.

Their kids’ proud grandpas will

be out there with them, too, just like I was. The family tradition of hunting will continue, and I will look down from heaven and smile.

Outdoor Guide

Page 22

September-October 2021

Your Guide to

GREAT GEAR

Bote brings quality inflatable fishing boats

Can an inflatable kayak be a real fishing boat? The Bote line of inflatables wants you to think so, such as the Zeppelin Aero, which can be set up for one or two people.

The Aero kayak comes with a custom travel bag to pack it down into small spaces and features bungee straps, cooler tie-downs, Velcro paddle straps, accessory mounting points and stash nets.

It has a self-draining hull and removable floor chamber.

It’s 12 feet, 6 inches long, and also comes with a 10” center fin, repair kit and hand pump.

The Zeppelin Aero and other Bote inflatable kayaks can be seen online at www.boteboard.com. The Aero lists for $1,099.

Emperor coolers are made extra tough for trucks and boats Some of the most rugged and versatile coolers on the market are the Pure Outdoor by Monoprice Emperor coolers, built with extra-thick walls using pressure-injected, commercial grade polyurethane that can handle riding in trucks and boats.

They have side slots for tie-down straps, steel-reinforced corners, extra-thick rubber seals – and handy bottle openers. Padlock holes are provided so they can be easily made bear-proof.

They come in three sizes – 50 liters (13.2 gallons), 80 liters (21 gallons) and 25 liters (6.6 gallons.

The Pure Outdoor Emperor coolers are priced at $150 for 50 liters, $170 for 80 liters and $100 for 25 liters. See them at monoprice.com.

REI Explorer hat is made for hot day adventuring When you’re out on a warm-weather adventure, why not wear a hat specially designed for hot days such as the Vented Explorer hat from REI? The hat shields your face and neck from the sun while letting breezes blow through the crown. It’s especially good for paddling or hiking. It comes in the Beachwood color shown or the darker Rockwall.

Made of durable and breathable organic cotton, the fabric provides UPF 50+ sun protection.

The brim is 3” wide to provide plenty of coverage and has snaps on each side. The adjustable chinstrap keeps the hat on when it’s windy. There’s a handy stash pocket inside the top of the crown.

The unisex Vented Explorer Hat comes in small, medium, large and extra-large sizes and sells for $39.95. See it at rei. com or REI stores.

GeoPress purifies water anywhere and quickly, too

GeoPress water purifier by Grayl takes a serious approach to making water useable. In 8 seconds, it can make 24 ounces of safe, clean drinking water, anywhere, from sketchy spigots, hotel sinks and murky rivers, wells or lakes.

It removes waterborne pathogens and filters out pesticides, chemicals, heavy metals and microplastics.

Geopress is simple to use, 10 inches high and weighs 16 ounces with non-slip surfaces. The SimpleVent cap vents air while purifying, protects against cross-contamination, grime and dirt and allows one-handed hydration.

The GeoPress water purifier sells for $89.95. See it online at grayl.com or at REI stores.

RV air conditioner by RecPro offers high quality, quiet Modern RVs are high-quality, high-performance machines, so why not get a high-quality rooftop air conditioning unit?

The RecPro RVAir 15 built tough, quiet and efficient and comes with a remote control and heat pump for dehumidifying. The remote controls the temperature and settings from your couch, and it has a wall carrier so you can always find it.

Its temperature monitoring system sense the temperature of the surrounding air and adjusts to your settings to keep you comfortable all night. The AC electrical use is designed to be low so you can use other appliances, too.

The noise level is controlled, too, better than in other RV units, at 59.1 decibels on high. Only the return air filter needs regular maintenance.

The RecPro is 27” wide by 39” long and about 14” high on the outside of your RV. It weighs 80 pounds and was designed to replace a 14” by 14” fan.

RecPro RVAir lists for $1,049.95. You can see it online at recpro.com.

Knee-length, stretchy women’s shorts handle all outdoors adventures Women looking for shorts that do it all – hiking, camping, sports and biking – might want to check out the Baleaf Quick-Dry Stretch Hiking Camping Shorts made of 88 percent nylon.

These knee-length shorts are lightweight and stretchy and have five pockets – two in front, two in back with Velcro, and one zippered side security pocket big enough to stash a cellphone.

Sizes run from extra small to 3XL. The nylon dries quickly, and its water repellent fends off light rain and spills. The kneelength shorts provide protection on summer trails.

The Baleaf women’s outdoor shorts are available in six colors from amazon.com for $35.99/.

Plano updates its highly organized tackle box systems

Plano invented the molded plastic tackle box in 1952, and it has been named “best of the best” by the Chicago Tribune. Now it’s offering the Guide Series as its latest update.

Guide Series Tackle Bag 1 has a non-skid base and comes in khaki with brown and black trim. It comes in hard-back Denierfabric material to hold up well. Its integrated rod holders and back-pack straps can be hidden out of the way. It also has a Dropzone magnetic top for quick access to tools and lures that stay locked in place.

Features include 10 stows to organize the tackle, a waterproof cell phone holder with carabiner, and oversized zippers for durability.

The Tribune says, “Much more than just a box, this is a really well-thought-out tackle organizing system.”

The Guide Series lists for $149.99 but has been offered for about $130 by outdoor retailers. The popular 7771 box sells for about $80.

Winchester SX4 Waterfowl Hunter a super duck gun Winchester’s SX4 Waterfowl Hunter shotgun was designed to be a superb duck gun in all conditions, using the subtle but effective True Timber Prairie camo.

One of the two versions has a 3½-inch chamber that handles any waterfowl shells, from 3½” shells down to 2¾” bismuth loads. The other version has a 3” chamber, costs less and still handles most popular loads.

The chrome-plated chamber and bore are impervious to corrosion and stay lubricated. The Inflex 1 recoil pad softens and slows the transfer of recoil. The SX4 also has an oversized charging handle and bolt release and a reversible safety button, while an alloy receiver and trigger guard assembly keeps the weight down, and the barrel lengths are 26 and 28 inches.

List prices run from $940 to $1,070. See more at winchesterguns.com.

Frog & Co. offers ‘best mess kit’ for solo travelers From the world of innovative survival gear comes the Lifeshield 1-Person Mess Kit, made

by Frog & Co., described as “the best mess kit for the solo traveler.”

It includes a P-38 can opener, 40 waterproof matches, a stainless steel drinking cup for cooking, measuring and serving, plus the Survival Frog Pocket Stove with fuel tablets.

Its spork survival tool serves as spoon, fork, bottle opener and screwdriver plus three sizes of wrenches. It comes in a handy drawstring bag and the whole thing weighs only 8.7 ounces.

The Lifeshield 1-Person Mess Kit sells for $29.97. See it online at survivalfrog.com.

Outdoor Guide

September-October 2021

Page 23

Prepper’s Guide

Stock up food – and plenty of it

By DAVID HOSKING

Editor’s note: This is the seventh article in a series offering advice about preparing for emergencies, catastrophes and disasters. The last article focused on the importance of having clean, potable water during an emergency. This article focuses on having sufficient access to food during an emergency.

Most of us expect state and federal government agencies and organizations like the Red Cross and Salvation Army to come to our rescue after a natural or man-made disaster.

However, if the disaster is extensive, it may be a long time before relief arrives.

There is a popular saying, “There are nine meals between civilized society and anarchy.”

This means that after three days into a widespread catastrophe, when basic necessities such as food and water become scarce, many law-abiding people will take desperate measures to feed themselves and their families.

Today, almost 50 million

Americans currently lack access to adequate food because of poverty, so food shortages caused by a disaster will only compound hunger for many people.

STOCKPILING A prudent person should prepare a stockpile of non-perishable foods to ward off hunger during a prolonged emergency.

Quantities will depend on the size of your family and, of course, your ability to afford a stockpile of food to last several weeks.

Under normal circumstances, each adult requires about 2,000 calories a day, with about 1,800 for children, although people can survive on fewer calories during an emergency.

Rationing of food to civilians was implemented in England during World War II. The following was a typical weekly food ration for a British adult: • Bacon and ham, 4 ounces • Other meat, equivalent to two chops • Butter, 4 ounces • Margarine, 4 ounces

FISHING

A single serving of red beans and rice can provide 840 calories.

– Allrecipes photo • Cheese, 2 ounces • Milk, 3 pints • Cooking fat, 4 ounces • Sugar, 8 ounces • Preserves, 1 pound every

two months • Tea, 2 ounces • Eggs, 1 fresh egg plus allowance of dried egg • Sweets, 12 ounces every four weeks Not only did the British survive on these sparse ration, they were able to win the war against Nazi Germany.

LOW-COST SUPPLY If you stockpile your food

old saying, “Hunger makes for the best spice.”

Plain boiled beans, peas or lentils will be nutritious but not very tasty, so you’ll need to stockpile dried spices and herbs, salt, pepper, and sugar. Louisiana-style red beans and rice is a favorite recipe and is very nutritious. You’ll need some smoked Andouille sausage for the recipe, as it will last 6 weeks or longer without refrigeration.

A single serving of 2.5 cups of red beans and rice will provide about 840 calories.

Clarified butter called Ghee is high in fat and can last for several months without refrigeration – it is great for eating and frying. A jar or two of instant coffee, as well as some tea, will be a welcome addition to your diet.

STORING IT ALL All of these foods are best stored in 5-gallon plastic pails with a tight-fitting lid, like those found at Walmart for a few bucks. Keep them in your basement or in a closet where See PREPPER GUIDE page 27

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A less costly approach is to buy canned vegetables, stews and spaghetti sauce, along with dried soups, fruits and nuts, when they are on sale.

Canned vegetables, such as corn, are often inexpensive

when purchased toward the end of the summer growing season. Be sure to rotate your canned goods according to their expiration dates.

Some of the least costly yet nutritious foods are dried beans, lentils, peas, pasta noodles, brown rice and even instant potatoes. These will last for years if they are protected from moisture, heat and cold. Dried beans are rich in important nutrients, including potassium, magnesium, folate, iron and zinc, and they are also an excellent source of protein.

HUNGER AND SPICE GO TOGETHER Brown rice is an excellent source of vitamins, protein, fiber, and is a great source of slow-release energy. During an emergency, a steady diet of beans, rice and pasta will likely become boring over time, but adding some canned meat, such as Spam, corned beef, chicken or tuna to your diet will be a welcome change, even if it’s something you normally wouldn’t eat. Remember the

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Outdoor Guide

Page 24

September-October 2021

Outdoor Gallery

HANNAH’S HAUL – Hannah Fetter came all the way from Virginia to haul in this nice crappie on a private lake near Waterloo IL.

NICE CATCH – Daxton Rhymer of Nashville, IL, soon to be 3 years old, was fishing at Rend Lake with his mom and dad, Janessa and Dustin, when he caught this 1.3-pound crappie. Way to go, Daxton!

WADE AND WADE – Oransby Wade caught this 22-pound flathead catfish at Lake of the Ozarks while fishing with Rich Wade of Licking, MO.

Do you have a great catch or hunting photo that you would like to share?

KANSAS CAT – David Hosking of St. Peters, Mo., catches a lake channel cat on Cheney Lake near Wichita, Kansas. It was a hot July day with no wind, but there was a beautiful red sun in the morning.

HALF MOON HALIBUT – Al Gonzales of Half Moon Bay near San Francisco caught this 10-pound halibut in early August. He has a Peruvian restaurant there.

Let us help you brag about it!

Send in your favorite outdoor photo to news@outdoor-guide.com or mail to Outdoor Guide Magazine Gallery – 505 S. Ewing, St. Louis, MO 63103

Outdoor Guide

September-October 2021

Better fishing at Reelfoot Lake

Photos and Text

By TIM HUFFMAN

Reelfoot Lake had faced a few down years of fishing but 2021 has seen the best crappie fishing in years. Fishermen have enjoyed a good year and can expect this fall and winter to be exceptional.

FALL PATTERNS Fall is the opposite of spring fishing, tournament expert and Reelfoot fisherman Tim Blackley said in a lengthy interview.

“The fish are in deep water around baitfish,” he said.

“Crappie and baitfish have struggled here at Reelfoot for the past couple of years.

I believe we have a lot of baitfish this year – the crappie have been eating well – so that’s why we have good fishing now.

“I like looking for baitfish in the fall. I’ll start in six feet of water and move out, going up to 16 feet. That’s during the hot water. As water cools off, I’ll move on deeper.

“I grew up spider rigging, and it’s a great way to catch fish,” Blackley added. “I fought it as long as I could, but to compete in tournaments, I had to go to LiveScope fishing. It works great on Reelfoot and most places I fish. When LiveScoping at Reelfoot, I’ll see a lot of fish suspended up in the water column in the fall. I believe fish like to be comfortable and be around food, so those things determine their depth.

Cool nights and warm days seem to be a time when they move up and down in the column a lot.”

16-FOOT TROLLING POLE Blackley uses a BnM 16foot Pro Staff Trolling Pole to get the bait as far away as possible from the boat. He says crappie are spooky, so a long pole is an advantage.

He drops baits straight down when fish are close but pitches the jig out when fish are further than the pole length. He says a pitch, followed by holding the bait on the fish, is a great presentation approach.

His line is 6-pound-test mono or 15-pound braid. His go-to jig is a 1/8-ounce Strike King Jokers in orange-chartreuse. However, when fish are finicky, he’ll go as small as 1/64-ounce with a weight above to control it. He recommends a fisherman start with his favorite jig and adjust from there.

“So our fall timeline is fish starting out being sluggish in hot water in September,” he said. “As water starts to cool, they gradually become more active. As it continues to cool, the fish get really active feeding up for winter. They’ll be finding shad and actively feeding. If you get a situation of several cool nights and then a warm day, the fish really get active. It’s a good, comfortable time for fishermen, too.

“We get a few weather fronts in the fall. It’s nothing unusual. It can make fish roam around. Structure is good, but also look around for fish suspended up in more open water, not far from the structure.

When the water is still hot, a cold front can come through and turn them on. It makes them get active and feed. So water temperatures play a big

LiveScope fishing, but make no mistake that spider rigging is still a very good method that will work at Reelfoot Lake.

We did it for years and it still works.”

How about wind? “It’s a problem on any open lake like Reelfoot,” he said. “You can usually find some places to fish. A fisherman can use chains to help slow or stop the boat. I’ve gone to a trolling motor on the back of my boat that I can control with a remote, so when we see a fish, I can stop the boat, back it up, turn it around or whatever I need to do. Boat control has come a long way due to competitive fishing, but the weekend fishermen can still be successful sticking to the basics.”

RAIN OR SUN? “Fish will be in more open water when it’s cloudy,” Blackley said. “With sun and light penetration, they get in the shade of the stumps.

“Three things are good at Reelfoot. One is no current to deal with. Two is very little fishing pressure in the fall.

Three is that fish are concentrated into a really small area, the deep water.

“Fishermen coming here in the fall should get some

Page 25

BnM double-hook minnow rigs, get out to the deep water and use their instincts. Just go fishing. Try mid-depths and if that doesn’t work, go deeper.

Look for baitfish.

“I highly recommend that a weekend fisherman coming to the lake hire a guide for the first day and let them show you how to fish and the areas to fish, then go out on your own the rest of the time you’re here.

If you’re spending the money for a three- or four-day trip to the lake, the investment is worth the reward and experience. The fishing is good this year and it’s a great time to get to the lake.”

WHERE TO STAY Reelfoot has several options for lodging. One good place is Blue Bank Resort, which offers rooms, cabins, restaurant, bait & tackle and full guide service. There’s also bank fishing, a ramp and place to pull your boat up on the bank. Call (877) 2583226 or go online to www. bluebankresort.com.

Tim Huffman’s latest books, Limiting Out for Crappie and 300+ Crappie Fishing Tips, are available from Grizzly Jig Company, (800) 305-9866, or Amazon. com.

Tennessean Tony Dolle had a good visit to Reelfoot Lake with lots of action that included these two beautiful crappie.

part and it’s not always easy to predict.

SLING ‘EM IN “Using a single pole, I like to sling fish into the boat, just like I’ve always done single-pole fishing. That’s where

the braided line is important.

If a fish is 1.5-pounds or less, I just swing him in. Set the hook, get the fish coming to the top and just let his momentum bring him into the boat,” Blackley said.

“Note that I’ve been talking

Tim Blackley shows a crappie taken during a morning trip at Reelfoot. An outdoor writer at Blue Bank Resort revealed how the lake has exploded with crappie and bluegill in 2021.

Tim Blackley says crappie fishing at Reelfoot has gone from a few down years to exploding in 2021. The trend should continue with good fall fishing.

Outdoor Guide

Page 26

September-October 2021

Preventing boat trailer breakdowns

Photo and Text

By BoatUS To a boater, it’s a cringeworthy sight – a boat sitting on a disabled trailer unattended on the side of the road, typically because the boat’s owner has gone to seek help.

While it’s likely many of these incidents go unnoticed by the public, Boat Owners Association of the United States (BoatUS) 24-hour dispatch centers reported 6,635 requests for roadside trailer assistance service in 2020.

The national advocacy, services and safety group looked into the top five reasons boat trailers break down. Surprisingly, just two preventive measures could eliminate nearly two-thirds of all potential breakdowns.

TIRE TROUBLE The No. 1 reason (44 percent) that members requested roadside assistance was for trailer tire troubles, including owners failing to carry a spare tire. Low tire pressure was the leading cause of a trailer tire’s

Checking trailer tire inflation frequently can help prevent the most common cause of boat trailer breakdowns. – BoatUS photos

early demise, so check the pressure often and never leave home without a serviceable spare. Don’t forget to check the pressure in the spare, too.

Wheel bearings (21 percent) were the second largest cause of roadside assistance requests. If your hubs are submerged, bearing protectors are critical to prevent water intrusion and resulting bearing failure.

At a minimum, bearings need to be inspected and repacked once a year.

While focusing on these two items alone can potentially prevent 65 percent of all trailer mishaps, boat owners should also be aware that the No. 3 reason to for requesting roadside service was trailer axle issues (11 percent), followed by trailer failure (6 percent) and tow-vehicle failure (5 percent). Periodic inspections and routine maintenance are the best ways to reduce the chances for these types of breakdowns.

TOWING SERVICE Added to a $25 basic Boa-

BoatUS says proper tire inflation and maintaining the wheel bearings can prevent most problems with boat trailers.

tUS membership, for another $15, BoatUS Trailer Assist will tow your towing vehicle and boat trailer to the nearest repair facility or safe location up to 100 miles from the location of the breakdown. Boat launch ramp winching, fuel drop-off and lock-out services are included.

Described as the boat owners’ auto club, BoatUS Trailer Assist also provides coverage to the tow vehicle while towing. BoatUS also offers a video safety checklist to prevent boat trailer breakdowns.

For more information, go online to BoatUS.com/TrailerAssist.

Boat Owners Association of the United States (BoatUS) is celebrating 50 years as the nation’s largest organization of recreational boaters with more than 800,000 members, including boating insurance policies, lobbying and safety programs. Go online to BoatUS.com.

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Outdoor Guide

September-October 2021

• Scott

from page 18

carp jumping into the boat.

Channel cats are especially fond of cut bait, but, in the Lamine, flatheads, walleye, crappie and black bass are also possibilities.

THE THIRD MAN I prefer poles rammed into the bank, from which a line with a single hook is suspended. Historically, bank poles have been cut from willow trees, but I’ve come to prefer half-inch PVC pipe. I use live sunfish or bluegills for bait because I target flatheads. That said, any species of fish in the river is a possibility.

If you insist on being technically accurate, there’s nothing about setting lines that can’t be done by one person. On the other hand, making it a team sport adds immeasurably to the fun.

Enter Tom, the third mem-

ber of the team. Tom and Rick already knew each other when I arrived on the scene, but we’ve worked and fished together ever since.

Tom joined us (or I joined them) the following morning to run the two trotlines Rick and I had set out the night before. Rick sat in the stern and ran the motor, I sat in the bow and pulled the boat from staging to staging, and Tom sat in the middle and netted the fish. I then unhooked the staging, so Tom could bring the fish into the boat. Then one of them would hand me a staging with a baited hook, which I clipped back onto the line. It’s every bit as efficient as it sounds, and all three of us got to be part of the action.

We caught four channel cats that weighed a total of 16 pounds, one long-nose gar and one 3-pound alligator gar, who was a long way from where he was supposed

to live. The alligator gar was released unharmed. The other fish didn’t fare so well.

COMMON SENSE RULE By the way, the Missouri Department of Conservation’s regulations regarding setlines are a model of common sense. With the exception of MDC impoundments and a few other similar bodies of water, an angler can use up to 33 hooks at one time (a treble counts as one hook.) All unattended hooks and all attended hooks in excess of three rods must be labeled with the user’s name and address or Conservation ID number.

Those 33 hooks can be divided up any way the angler chooses. I use a maximum of 30 hooks total on my setlines, so I can use up to three rods and reels for conventional fishing.

• Davis

Page 27

from page 19

which we have no idea how they start. Second is to be a communication device to alert everyone working outside that supper is ready. Third is to give me a quick blast when I fall asleep, snoring in my recliner, and everyone else is trying to watch TV. It’s also a wonderful tool to educate wildlife that the space they are currently occupying is a restricted zone and to quickly move along.

Opting for the latter, I silently slid the patio door open and struck up the band.

Three denture-rattling blasts

jolted the marsupials so badly that one flipped backward and then bowled over like Black Friday shoppers at 5 a.m.

The furbearers sailed off the deck with the velocity of scalded flying squirrels and bolted for less human-populated venues.

STAND LIKE CAESAR Of course the dogs’ immediate cacophony gushed from the kennel like Roman Colosseum spectators screaming for blood. I stood on the deck like Caesar and bellowed at them to regain composure. There was

• Prepper Guide the humidity and temperature are low and constant.

You will also need to plan for how you will cook these foods when electricity is not available.Afireplace, campfire, rocket stove, gas grill, hibachi

from page 23

or Coleman stove each offer a way to cook food.

Remember to allow for proper ventilation if you intend to cook indoors, and be sure to have enough propane or Coleman fuel on hand if you choose

little regard for my authority.

In such a situation, it’s necessary to implement a more significant meaning to my commands, so I released a vigorous salvo of bottle rockets, punctuated with a round of Roman candles, to regain order. (Yes, I keep those close to the door as well!)

That did it. Silence blissfully washed back over the kennel, and peace in the valley was regained... for now, anyway.

Randall Davis is a “Professor of Wildlife Situations and Solutions” in Excelsior Springs, MO.

those means for cooking. And don’t forget utensils, pots and pans, and the matches.

Bon appétit!

Prepper’s Guide author David Hosking can be contacted at gamekeeper01@gmail.com.

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Page 28

Outdoor Guide

September-October 2021

Outdoor Guide

September-October 2021

Page 29

Boating industry in major growth mode Photo and Text

By BRANDON BUTLER Driftwood Outdoors

Outdoor recreation has experienced an explosion in the past year. People from all walks of life have ound new ways to enjoy themselves outside during the pandemic.

Now many of them are expanding into more outdoor recreation categories.

Boating is no exception.

As many first-time boaters take to the water, education and etiquette are the keys to safety and enjoyment for all.

My cousin Jamie is a perfect example. He has never been an outdoorsman. In fact, he kindly gave me a few family heirloom rifles, because he admittedly would never use them. But now he’s a boater.

Jamie and his wife Jacquelyn bought into a boat club in western Michigan. This timeshare-like operation affords them access to a small fleet of different boats in multiple harbors. So now they spend their weekends out on Lake Michigan, which is a big water to learn on.

I joined Jamie and Jacquelyn recently on a boat out of Holland, Mich. and found them to be what I expected, including competent and safe.

It was fun though, listening to them explain their evolution as new boaters. At one point, Jamie said, “We know how to use the anchor now.”

It sounds funny, but there’s more to properly anchoring than dropping it over the side of the boat. Through trial and error, they figured out how to anchor correctly at the beach.

THE NEW BOATERS Experience is a great teacher, but it shouldn’t be the only source for knowledge.

The Water Sports Foundation reports 415,000 first-time boat buyers entered the market in

the past year. These watercraft include new and used boats, personal watercraft, kayaks, paddleboards and more.

Water Sports Foundation Executive Director Jim Emmons is quick to encourage boating education.

“As an industry, we all love seeing scores of new boaters joining our ranks and are thrilled about the diverse and younger audiences coming aboard,” said Emmons.

“However, we all want to ensure that these new boaters and even those lapsed boaters who have returned, are educated and well equipped to operate safely on the nation’s waterways. There are a wealth of boating safety and educational opportunities available, including both online and live classes. We encourage our boaters to invest time to become educated.”

According to the Water Sports Foundation, NauticEd, a leading global provider of charter vacations and the first to achieve American National Standards in the sailing education segment, offers both online and one-on-one instruction. This past year, it reported a 30 percent increase in online class enrollments, and since the vaccines have become available, has noted a robust increase in vacation yacht inquiries.

‘SAILING IS ON FIRE’ “As a travel and outdoor recreational activity, sailing is on fire right now and the interest and demand is the strongest we’ve seen in a decade,” said Grant Headifen, NauticEd founder and global director of education. “The increase in online enrollment tells us there’s a fresh surge of novice sailors who are pursuing the lifestyle, while increased vacation yacht inquiries indicate sailing veterans are enthusiastically returning to

the water. It’s exciting to see NauticEd’s comprehensive e-learning platform and onthe-water instruction help increase access and training for newcomers.”

Boating is a great way to

spend time outdoors. Whether you are paddling a kayak solo or are enjoying the pleasures of a pontoon boat, knowing what you are doing is paramount.

The Water Sports Foundation has researched and

provided a sampling of boating organizations providing information about boating access plus live, virtual and hybrid boating safety educational programs and providers. You can find it on the Water Sports

OUTDOOR Ma rch - Ap ril

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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

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

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Page 24

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

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ILLINOIS Moto Mart-Rte 157 Caseys General Store Randalls Wine and Spirits Eckerts Belleville Sports Sales Town Hall Archery Rural King Rural King Moto Mart Caseys General Store Dori Marine Moto Mart Gary’s Restaurant Rural King Caseys General Store Toms Market Rural King Schneiders Market ST. LOUIS COUNTY Chesterfield Power Sports Sybergs Smokee Mo’s BBQ Top Gun Shooting Sports Clancys Irish Pub / Grill Randalls Wines Uncle Bills Balabans Daves World Famous Bar/Grill Terra inside Ace Hardware Bones French Quarter

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Boating is a great way to spend family time outdoors.

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For more of Driftwood Outdoors, check out the podcast at www.driftwoodoutdoors.com or anywhere podcasts are streamed.

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Outdoor Guide

Page 30

September-October 2021

Lake Michigan is yielding great fish

Photo and Text

By JERRY PABST Ten years ago, it looked like the Lake Michigan fishery was on the verge of collapse. Today, it is quite clear that reports of its death were premature.

Let me explain that I am not easily impressed by meat photos of the big lake’s trout and salmon. I began fishing Lake Michigan in 1971, 50 years ago, and I spent 25 of those years as a charter boat captain.

During that span of time, I have seen it all, and it takes something special to get my attention. And, believe me, this is something special.

From nearly day one I have been a member of an Illinois Lake Michigan fishing club, Trollers Unlimited, which requires each of its 45 members to report the results of every fishing trip they make on the big lake.

With today’s technology the reports are made via email, and photos are often attached. The membership

includes some of the best private anglers in Illinois waters and a handful of charter fishermen.

GETTING BETTER All in all, I am reading numerous fishing reports on nearly a daily basis, and for the past five years, the catches of both sportsmen and charter captains have been increasing in both quality and quantity each season.

Lake trout, once considered a bonus catch, are now abundant, with many running

Relax!

between 10 and 20 pounds.

Rainbow trout are taken regularly. Brown trout are no longer a rarity. Coho salmon are plentiful, and Chinook – the king of salmon – continue to thrill anglers with their line-stripping runs. But let’s depart from the printed word, and take a look at one of the trophy Lake Michigan fish caught this year.

May 31 – Memorial Day – will surely be a day angler Atul Mallik (pictured) will remember. While fishing on the charter boat, Massive

Confusion, out of Chicago’s Montrose Harbor, he won his battle with a 39.2 lb. lake trout, which set a new Illinois state record. Captain Greg was the boat’s skipper.

BUCKET LIST ITEM From all the reports I have seen, fishing along the Illinois shoreline is the best on the entire lake. It is truly world class. It is an experience that should be on your bucket list.

But don’t wait too long, because, as another old adage goes, “nothing lasts forever.”

Young angler Atul Mallik landed this 39-pound lake trout in Lake Michigan on Memorial Day.

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Outdoor Guide

September-October 2021

Photo and Text

By BRENT FRAZEE I read a meme on Facebook the other day that hit home.

“The trouble is that you think you have time.”

As I cross the threshold of old age, I realize I am running out of time. I am approaching 71 years of age, and I still have dreams and goals. But the older I get, the easier it is to procrastinate.

“We can do that next year,” is my common refrain. But there are no guarantees that next year will come.

I got a reminder when my friend and fellow outdoor communicator Thayne Smith passed away recently. We talked for years about getting together for a couple days of fishing on the lake on which I live.

When Thayne was in relatively good health, we talked about how he and his long-

Time’s rule: Don’t put your dreams on hold

time partner, Jeannie Farmer, would visit my wife and me in Parkville and stay with us.

We would fish during the day, go out to dinner in the evening and tour different sites in Kansas City.

That was the plan, and it was discussed just about every time we’d talk. But we ran out of time.

TOO BUSY, REALLY? Old age caught up with Thayne, he could no longer travel and he passed away before we could get together for our long-planned fishing trip.

It brought back memories of the sad role procrastination played when I lost my dad.

My dad took me to Canada or northern Wisconsin nearly every year when I was a growing, and we had some great times.

As he got older, I decided I would take him back to Canada for one last hurrah. I would pay

the way, I would pick out the lodge, and I would pamper him every way possible.

But life kept getting in the way. Either I was too busy building a career and tending to family life or he and Mom had things planned.

Eventually, we ran out of time. My dad became ill and couldn’t travel, and our plan became just an unfulfilled dream.

That’s one of my greatest regrets in life. I’ve often wondered what it would be like to see Dad fighting an acrobatic northern pike or enjoying a shore lunch of freshly caught walleyes. But it never happened.

GRANDPA ERIC & J.D. I regret running out of time with other family members and friend, too. When I was just a grasshopper, I used to fish with my Grandpa Eric. I was an impatient little guy at the time, often skipping rocks and trying to hit the bobbers when the fish weren’t biting. But Gramps would grit his teeth and

Page 31

Missouri fishing guide Dennis Whiteside paddles on an Ozark stream with Thayne Smith one recent spring.

bare it, knowing that someday I would appreciate the solitude of being outdoors.

He was right. As I developed a passion for fishing, I wanted to get together with Gramps for one last trip. But we ran out of time.

The same could be said for some of the guides I wrote about early in my career. My favorite was always J.D. Fletcher, a self-proclaimed Ozarks hillbilly and a guide extraordinaire.

I just loved being around

J.D. He always made me laugh, and he always got me into good fishing.

I planned a reunion trip with the help of his son Jeff and his friend Johnny White as he became old and feeble. We went out on Table Rock and I’ll never forget the look of joy on J.D.’s face as he caught a bass.

“The old man’s still got it,” he sputtered.

We had such a good time that we all vowed to do it again. But it turns out that this was J.D.’s

last fishing trip. He passed away not long after that trip.

DON’T WAIT The moral to this story?

Don’t procrastinate. Follow your dreams while you can.

Get together with old fishing buddies and makes some new memories. Go on that trip you’ve always wanted to take.

Tomorrow isn’t promised.

The trouble is that you think you have time.

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Outdoor Guide

September-October 2021