PAGE 20 - Lone Star Outdoor News
Transcription
PAGE 20 - Lone Star Outdoor News
Twice as nice Texas’ Premier Outdoor Newspaper July 27, 2007 Volume 3, Issue 23 Yelas wins FLW Angler of the Year title Page 8 w w w. l o n e s t a r o u t d o o r n e w s . c o m Croaker war on the move INSIDE HUNTING Cody May’s eastern turkey shot on April 6 near his New Boston home has been confirmed as the world record for beard length by the National Wild Turkey Federation. Page 6 FISHING Deborah Alston landed the first tagged redfish as a contestant in the CCA STAR tournament. CONSERVATION Duck populations have increased 14 percent since last year. One of the most important elements in duck breeding success is the amount of water present on the prairie breeding grounds. Page 5 CROAKER CASTING: Redfish Lodge guide George “Cupe” Adams casts a croaker while fishing at Copano Bay. Photo by David J. Sams. Popular baitfish stirs up battleground in Matagorda By Kyle Tomek Nothing divides Texas coastal fishermen more than the use of live croaker as bait. Fishing grounds first became battlegrounds in Port Mansfield when gill net surveys declared a falling trend in speckled trout populations. With growing numbers of anglers in East Matagorda Bay, it is becoming the newest platform for an intense croaker debate. Live croaker has proven to be effective in catching speckled trout. Some anglers brand the baitfish as a chirping landmine. Some believe croaker feed on the eggs of speckled trout, which naturally drive specks to attack. Others state the ideas are nothing more than hogwash. The bay itself is small and originally gained notoriety for its trophy trout potential. Matagorda guide Capt. Bill Pustejovsky promotes completely ending the use of all live croaker as bait in East and West Matagorda Bays, especially during the summer season. “Fishermen using croaker originalSee CROAKER, Page 13 HUNTING CANADA Preparation is passport to outdoors outing By Craig Nyhus NATIONAL Wintering ducks have changed habits somewhat and food is involved. Arkansas duck hunters are finding fewer birds using flooded rice fields. Page 19 INDEX Classifieds Page 18 Crossword Page 20 Game Warden Blotter Page 10 Fishing Report Page 16 Outdoor Datebook Page 15 Product Picks Page 14 Heroes Page 22 Weather Page 20 Wild in the Kitchen Page 20 BOUND FOR CANADA: Canadian outfitters prepare a float plane for traveling anglers. Outfitters recommend planning in advance to avoid border problems. A nightmare for hunters and fishermen heading to Canada for the trip of a lifetime is being delayed at customs, or even worse, being denied entry into the country. While horror stories exist, precau- Hydraulic boil churning danger By Bill Miller Fort Worth firefighters responding to a high-water rescue on July 6 knew there was trouble ahead. Dennis Ward, 26, fell beneath the rain-swollen Trinity River when his raft capsized at a low-head dam on the city’s northwest side, a typical site for the dangerous “hydraulic boil.” This powerful sucking effect results from a backwash of water that has flowed over a dam, often trapping objects in an inescapable cycle. “When the water circulates back up, you travel in that pattern,” said Steve See BOIL, Page 21 tions offered by governmental officials and outfitters will ease the stress and help make the trip uneventful. A passport is not required to enter Canada by land, but is required if traveling by air, according to the Public Affairs department of the Canadian Consulate General’s office in Dallas. See CANADA, Page 17 PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID PLANO, TX PERMIT 210 Page 2 July 27, 2007 July 27, 2007 Page 3 Page 4 July 27, 2007 July 27, 2007 Page 5 CONSERVATION Good news for duck hunters Preliminary report shows increase in breeding ducks for ’07 The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service released its preliminary report on mid-continent breeding ducks and habitats, based on surveys conducted in May. Overall, duck populations increased 14 percent since last year with an estimated 41.2 million breeding ducks on the surveyed area. As a result of winter snowfall and good precipitation, habitat conditions are similar or slightly improved compared to conditions in 2006. “The 14 percent increase in breeding numbers for the 10 surveyed species is consistent with what Ducks Unlimited’s field biologists have observed across the U.S. and Canadian breeding grounds this spring,” said Ducks Unlimited’s Executive Vice President Don Young. “Excellent brood-rearing habitat is present in many areas and brood survival is expected to be above average.” One of the most important elements in duck breeding success is the amount of water present on the prairie breeding grounds. When the survey was conducted in May, total pond counts for the United States and Canada combined showed 7 million ponds, a 15 percent increase from last year’s estimate, and 44 percent higher than the long-term average. The mallard number is 10 percent higher than last year. An estimated 8 million mallards are on the prairies this spring, compared to last year’s estimate of 7.3 million birds. Mallard numbers are 7 percent above the long-term average. Redheads, canvasbacks and Countries work to protect brown bear Laugh at the 50 pound limit. Used to be you’d take a gun case and a monstrous, heavy duffle bag when flying. Not any more, unless you want to fork over hefty overweight charges. The solution? Put your boots, sleeping bag, jacket, ammo, and your soft case (plus your rifle) in the incredibly roomy Tuffpak case. Protect your gear. And your wallet. www.hunters-hq.com Hunters Headquarters 1725 Woodhill Lane Bedford, TX 76021 817.267.3700 hunters-hq@cowtown.net The world’s most versatile rifle (or bow, or shotgun, or boot, or sleeping bag, or…) case. Scientists at Alaska’s Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge are working with north Pacific Rim countries — including Russia and Japan — to protect brown bears from illegal poaching and conserve their remaining habitat. Russian rangers will be working with U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service law enforcement officers in Anchorage on better ways to crack down on illegal poaching and international shipment of bear parts. Russia has battled illegal poaching as bear gall bladders and other parts are valued in Asia for what some believe are medicinal purposes. A U.S. Fish and Wildilfe report. 2007 Breeding Ducks By Species (in millions) Species 2006 2007 Mallard Gadwall American wigeon Green-winged teal Blue-winged teal Northern shoveler Northern pintail Redhead Canvasback Scaup 7.277 2.825 2.171 2.587 5.860 3.680 3.386 0.916 0.691 3.247 8.032 3.355 2.803 2.911 6.694 4.553 3.335 1.009 0.865 3.452 northern shovelers are at record highs, and increases were also seen in two of three species of concern. American wigeon numbers improved to 2.8 million (7 percent above the long-term average) and lesser scaup numbers improved slightly to 3.4 million. While this slight increase is a positive mark on a 20-year decline, scaup remain 33 percent below their long-term average. Pintail numbers remained similar to last year (down 2 percent) and are still 19 percent below the long-term average. However, this year’s excellent habitat conditions could benefit pintail recruitment. Nine of the 10 surveyed species increased this year. Blue-winged teal jumped 14 percent to an estimated 6.7 million birds (48 percent above their long-term average). Green-winged teal also increased 13 percent to 2.9 million birds (55 percent above the longterm average). There was an estimated 3.4 mil- % Change from % Change from 2006 Long-term Avg. +10 +7 +19 +96 +29 +7 +13 +55 +14 +48 +24 +106 -2 -19 +10 +60 +25 +53 +6 -33 lion breeding gadwall on the survey area. This boosts their population by 19 percent since last year and 96 percent above the longterm average. For the second year, redheads also increased 10 percent to 1 million birds (60 percent above the long-term average). Canvasbacks increased by 25 percent. Now an estimated 865,000 breeding birds are on the survey area, a healthy 53 percent above their long-term average. Northern shovelers are at an alltime high. With 4.6 million northern shovelers on the prairies, their numbers are 106 percent above the long-term average. Throughout May and June, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Canadian Wildlife Service survey the main waterfowl breeding habitats from the mid-continent area to Alaska. This is the 52nd consecutive year of the mid-continent survey. A Ducks Unlimited report. New & Used STORAGE CONTAINERS LARRY SINGLEY 817-992-9122 866-992-9122 TOLL FREE OCEAN FREIGHT CONTAINERS, INC. ARLINGTON, TX EDITORIAL OFFICES: 9304 Forest Lane, Suite 114 South, Dallas, TX 75243 Phone: (214) 361-2276 Fax: (214) 368-0344 Publisher/Editor: CRAIG NYHUS Design Editor: DUDLEY GREEN Associate Editor: MARK ENGLAND Founder & CEO: DAVID J. SAMS C ONTRIBUTORS MARY HELEN AGUIRRE JOHN F ELSHER BINK GRIMES BRIAN HOLDEN B OB HOOD DIANA KUNDE WILBUR LUNDEEN PETER MATHIESEN BILL MILLER TODD NAFE DAVID SIKES WES SMALLING SUBSCRIPTION Order online via secure Web site at www.lonestaroutdoornews.com or call toll-free (866) 361-2276 ADVERTISING Call (214) 361-2276 or e-mail advertising @lonestaroutdoornews.com to request a media kit. S COTT SOMMERLATTE KYLE TOMEK CHUCK UZZLE R ALPH WININGHAM DANNO WISE PETER YOUNG Lone Star Outdoor News, a publication of Lone Star Outdoor News, LLC, publishes twice a month. A subscription is $25 for 24 issues. Copyright 2007 with all rights reserved. Reproduction and/or use of any photographic or written material without written permission by the publisher is prohibited. Printed in Dallas, TX, by Midway Press. Subscribers may send address changes to: Lone Star Outdoor News, 9304 Forest Lane, Suite 114 South, Dallas, TX 75243 or e-mail them to readercare@lonestaroutdoornews.com. Page 6 July 27, 2007 HUNTING Pay the price It is official Hunters face fines in abandoning game Eastern turkey’s beard length gives Texan world record By Bill Miller Cody May’s eastern turkey shot on April 6 near his New Boston home has been confirmed as the world record for beard length by the National Wild Turkey Federation. The tom’s beard measured at 22.5 inches. The previous record for beard length was 18.125 inches, held by Robert Tremblay of King George, Va. Part of the bird’s beard broke off before a second set of measurements were taken, but photos and affidavits filed by May and an official Texas Parks and Wildlife check station led to the record. “It really wasn’t a problem,” May said, but he was happy and relieved that he received the record. “I’m having a full-body mount made to display at home,” he said. “And I’ll always have the bragging rights.” The full story, reported first by Lone Star Outdoor News in its April 13, 2007 issue, is available at http://www.lonestaroutdoornews.c om/images/stories/issues/apr1307.p df. BEARDED WONDER: Cody May holds his world record eastern turkey. The tom’s beard measured 22.5 inches for a new world mark. Photo by Cody May. The bobwhite quail you shot, but failed to fetch, may only weigh 6 ounces, but the state of Texas can fine you at least $25 for leaving it in the field. That’s according to the “waste of game” portion of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Code. It says that abandoning edible portions of a game bird, game animal or fish is a Class C misdemeanor, which carries a penalty ranging from $25-$500. A judge can also assess civil restitution to compensate Texas for the wasted game. That bobwhite, the state says, is worth $26. The fines get stiffer for bigger animals, said Bill Robinson, one of the chiefs over law enforcement at Texas Parks and Wildlife. “The law specifically says that if someone kills or wounds a desert bighorn, a pronghorn, whitetail deer or mule deer, and they knowingly fail to make a reasonable effort to recover the resource, that’s a Class A misdemeanor,” he said. Those fines range from $500 to $4,000. And restitution on buck deer, for example, starts at $881; it gets even higher if the antlers score big on the Boone & Crockett scale. The code also includes Class A felonies if an offender has been convicted of wasting game in the past, Robinson said. Those fines start at $1,500 and can go as high as $10,000. Robinson, who oversees fisheries enforcement, said some waste occurs around fishing tournaments that preclude “catch and release” if they involve techniques that kill the fish, like the archery competitions for gar, carp or big catfish. Sometimes, those catches end up in dumpsters and the odor causes a public nuisance, Robinson said. “We’re not going to stand around your house to see what you do with your catch,” Robinson said. “But if we get a call from a member of the public about an odor, we’ll be out to have a look.” Exotic animals, including wild hogs, aren’t considered game animals, and are not governed by the waste of game regulations, Robinson said. Game wardens say the laws are printed each year in TPW’s Outdoor Annual. Still, violations occur, they say, because people don’t remember what they read, never read the regulations at all, or just don’t care. “Some people hunt doves in areas that might not be conducive to finding birds,” said Game Warden Capt. Kevin McDonald of Corpus Christi. “When they start hitting in tall grass or brush, they might only recover one out of five or six. “If that’s the case, you need to get into a different area because you’re not helping anything by what you’re doing.” But hunters or anglers can avoid trouble if they heed the “reasonable effort” language in the code. A warden might not write a ticket if a person can show they at least tried to recover their game. For example, Game Warden Lt. Tracy Davis of Brownwood said there is some edible meat in a deer’s rib cage, but a warden might agree that there isn’t enough to salvage. “There are some gray areas,” Davis said. “But it wouldn’t be reasonable to leave two front shoulders just because a person believes they have too many tendons. “That’s chili meat.” ‘Little League of shooting sports’ Students aim for scholarships at nationals By Ralph Winingham Teamwork and a lot of practice paid off for the young top guns who earned national skeet and sporting clays championship titles during the 2007 Scholastic Clay Target Program tournament held in San Antonio July 14-15. More than 380 student competitors from 15 states participated in the event, which has been deemed the “Little League of shooting sports,” that pits threemember teams vying for up to $1,000 in scholarships. “This is our largest turnout for the national championship,’’ said David Miles of the National Shooting Sports Foundation, Inc., which launched the program six years ago. “Our goal has been to create an opportunity for youngsters to get involved in the shooting sports and give them some direction.’’ Originally focused on trap competitions, the program was expanded to sporting clays and skeet four years ago. Since the creation of SCTP, more than 10,000 youngsters from more than 40 states have become involved in the program. “Each member of the top teams receives a $1,000 scholarship,” Miles said, explaining secondplace team members each receive a $250 scholarship and each third-place team member receives a $100 scholarship. Participants compete in four categories — Rookie, for fifth grade students and under; Intermediate, for sixth through eighth graders; and Junior Varsity and Varsity for grades nine through 12. Typical of the top guns at the event was Caitlin Connor, 16, who helped the LA Claywings Mallards team from Winfield, La., take top place in the Senior Varsity sporting clays competition. Connor shot a score of 174 out of 200, the same score as teammate Joseph Dulaney, 16; and Ethan Hall, 17, shot 186 out of 200 to give the team a first-place score of 534 — seven targets ahead of second place. “We were practicing pretty hard during the past three weeks and I have some great teammates,” Connor said. “We also had a great coach in Brian Brewton.” She said she started her competitive shooting career about three years ago as part of a 4H program and enjoys both clays and hunting game. “One of the good things about this program is that we have a pretty level playing field and there is no team that has dominated the competition,’’ Miles said. Other first place teams in the sporting clays competition included: Junior Varsity – Tom Larsen, Rob Billiam and Nick Dull of the Sarasota, (Florida) Trap, Skeet and Clays Hawks, with a score of 517 and coached by Larry McIntire; Intermediate — Austin Mogy, Richmond Wilhoit and Nicholas Long of the TKA (South Carolina) Lions Squad 1, with a score of 504 and coached by Matt Terrio; and Rookie — Paysen Unger, Dylan Karvanek and Casey Coleman of the Ben Avery (Arizona) Clays Crushers, with a score of 349 and coached by Michael Bonner. First-place skeet teams were: Senior Varsity — Brian Foley, Talia Boag and Cole Rommel of the Ink Ballers (California) with a score of 589 and coached by Shawn Rommel; Junior Varsity — Brisden Eaton, Brielle Eaton and Scott Usry of the Senior Hot Shots (Arizona) with a score of 578 and coached by Charlie Cornett; Intermediate — Troy Crisp, Rob Horton and Clay Porter of the Lake Oconee TEAM VICTORY: Each winning a $1,000 scholarship for their first place finish in the Senior Varsity sporting clays championship were Winfield, La., teammates, from left, Joseph Dulaney, Caitlin Connor and Ethan Hall. Photo by Ralph Winningham. (Georgia) Shotgun Team, with a score of 568 and coached by Sammy McFaddin; and Rookie — Archer Price, Steven Allen and T. Ross Harwell of Target Terminators (North Carolina) with a score of 491 and coached by R.M. Harwell. In addition to NSSF, the program is supported by the Amateur Trapshooting Association, the National Skeet Shooting Association and the National Sporting Clays Association. July 27, 2007 Page 7 Changes in store for safari hunters Black rhino, leopard quotas top convention issues By Mary Helen Aguire International hunters will have increased opportunities to hunt leopards and can expect black rhino trophy quotas to stand. At the Convention on International Trade of Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna (CITES) held June 3-15, participants voted to maintain black rhino trophy quotas and to increase leopard trophy quotas. CITES is an international treaty of 172 members designed to regulate international trade in certain plant and animal species — including hunting trophies — that are now or potentially may become threatened with extinction. Rick Parsons, director of Governmental Affairs for Safari Club International, attended the conference held in The Hague, Netherlands. According to Parsons, one of the more important issues at the 14th meeting of CITES was the overwhelming vote to let the black rhino trophy quotas of five in Namibia and five in South Africa stand. Kenya’s proposal to revoke those quotas granted at the 2004 CITES meeting was defeated by 82 percent of votes. Parsons, who also is the SCI’s Director of Conservation, said that on pure principal it was an important vote because it confirms that hunting under controls is a positive element of conservation. In the organization’s “In The Crosshairs,” past president John Monson, who headed SCI’s delega- tion, said this move by Kenya was inspired by the animal rights groups that have dominated that country’s wildlife policies for years. The publication adds that black rhino populations declined rapidly in the last part of the 20th century. But, careful husbandry of the species in Namibia and South Africa have brought their numbers back. The rhinos that are taken are post-reproductive males that have become problematic. And, the money paid by the hunters benefits the rhino conservation programs. Another proposal concerned the leopard trophy export quotas. Per a request from Mozambique, that quota will be doubled from 60 to 120 in that country. And, for the first time, a leopard trophy export quota of 50 was approved in Uganda. International travelers might also be interested in China possibly reopening the country to foreign hunters. Parsons said the Chinese government closed the country to hunters about nine months ago after internal discussions. He said Jia Zhibang, minister of forestry, is considering different approaches to the management of hunting and during the CITES conference asked for the SCI’s views and assistance. “They’re actively considering the issue, says Parsons, “but we don’t know for sure when China will be reopened.” There also was some informal discussion about the U.S. regulations pertaining to the importation of hunting trophies. Because for some Tanzania hunting costs increase An issue of growing concern to international hunters is the escalating levies in Tanzania, a favorite destination for many Texas hunters. Safari organizations became aware of dramatically increasing trophy and concession fees on July 13. Periodically the Tanzanian government has increased the trophy fee and concession fee rates unannounced,” said Gray Thornton, executive director of Dallas Safari Club. “The industry has worked with the government to request at least eight months notice to allow for proper quotation to prospective clients at the various hunting conventions like the Dallas Safari Club event held in January. “While the increase may be a fair representation of the value of the animals,” Thornton said. “DSC is concerned that there was not ample notice and we have been in communication with our contacts in Tanzania to advocate a delay in the proposed increase. We are even more concerned that the trophy fee monies raised from the increase are slated to go into the Tanzanian general fund and not for wildlife. species, the U.S. standards are stricter than those of CITES’s export standards, it can sometimes result in a problem for hunters. “Last year DSC contributed more than $250,000 directly to Tanzania for wildlife conservation. We feel any increase in trophy fees should benefit wildlife and wildlife conservation — not non-wildlife related government expenditures.” Safari Club International officials sent a letter to Tanzania’s Minister of Natural Resources and Tourism requesting he investigate the increases and consider changes. Rick Parsons of SCI said a trophy fee schedule he received from one outfitter cited the following changes: Lions — from $4,000 to $13,500; Elephants — from $8,000 to $17,500; Leopards — from $4,000 to $13,500; Buffalo — from $1,200 to $1,950. The trophy fees are assessed by the government as are the concession levies that allow outfitters to guide hunters into different areas. Travelers who have planned a hunting safari to Tanzania should check with their outfitters about the fee increases for the animal they plan to hunt prior to their “It wasn’t resolved,” Parsons said of that concern. “But it was discussed.” For more information: departure, Parsons advised. Meanwhile, hunters who are traveling to Zimbabwe should be aware that in mid-July the U.S. State Department issued a warning about the growing incidents of violent outbreaks in large cities. The State Department advises American citizens to minimize travel within that country and to avoid public places and large gatherings. The State Department warns that the government frequently uses road blocks to enforce order: “Road blocks can be particularly dangerous, and extreme caution should be used when approaching them. Travelers should comply with instructions from police or other security officials to stop at road blocks.” Travelers to Zimbabwe should check the State Department’s Web site at http://travel.state. gov for updates. They also can e-mail consularharare@state.gov or call (888) 407-4747. Also, Parsons suggested, hunters can check with their outfitters about the safety of the area they’re visiting. “They’re in the best position to know what’s going on.” • To check what hunting trophies can be imported into the United States, visit the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Web site at www.fws.gov. TexasTexas East East TexasTexas Central Texas WestWest 903.692.2725254.296.2628325.659.1555 903.692.2725 325.659.1555 www.badboybuggiesoftexas.com DFW Hill Country Country Brush Country Hill CALLFOR FORAADEALER DEALER NEAR NEAR YOU — — 817-723-1463 CALL YOU 817-723-1463 1.888.631.6789 817.528.8002 830.214.0144 Houston 281.392.4609 Texoma 469.693.5412 Page 8 July 27, 2007 FISHING Twice as nice Yelas captures second FLW Angler of the Year title Jay Yelas of Tyler captured the Land O’Lakes Angler of the Year at the Wal-Mart FLW Tour’s final 2007 qualifier, the Chevy Open on the Detroit River. This is the second Angler of the Year win for Yelas, His first title, in 2002, came when he upset points leader Kevin VanDam during the final event of the season. “It’s quite an honor,” said Yelas, who has amassed more than $1.75 million in career winnings and 62 top-10 finishes in FLW Tour and BASS competition, including winning the 2002 Bassmaster Classic at Alabama’s Lay Lake. “These guys are the best fishermen in the world,” Yelas said. “When you do the math, I have to realize I won by just a small margin. “If one of the fish I’d caught during the year would have weighed half a pound less, I might not have won.” Yelas, 41, earned the title by fending off Shinichi Fukae of Mineola. Fukae briefly took the lead on the opening day of the Chevy Open, but fell back to finish the season in second place. Along with the Angler of the Year title, Yelas earned $65,000, including a new Ranger boat powered by Yamaha and $25,000 cash. Yelas join’s Clark Wendlandt of Leander as the FLW Tour’s only other two-time FLW Angler of the Year. Wendlandt earned his titles in CROWNING MOMENTS: At right, Jay Yelas lands a largemouth bass from Lake Fork. Photo by David J. Sams. Above, Yelas celebrates his Angler of the Year championship. Photo by FLW. 1997 and 2000. Yelas began his professional bassfishing career in 1988. He won the Wal-Mart Bass Fishing League Colorado River Division points title and the league’s Tournament of Champions in Hawaii. In 1990, Yelas qualified for the BFL All-American in Buffalo, N.Y., and finished sixth. He also claimed two BASS victories in the early ’90s and made a run at the BASS Angler of the Year title in 1994 and 1995. He joined the FLW Tour in 1997. A FLW report. Angling in the backwoods of Colorado By Diana Kunde NARROW OPENING: Chris Hunt, Trout Unlimited, casts upstream in pursuit of a rare native cutthroat trout on tiny Trapper Creek. Photo by Diana Kunde. Corey Fisher of Trout Unlimited lobbed a cast under a willow branch and let it drift. Seconds later came the familiar lunge of a trout. A Colorado River cutthroat had taken a shine to Fisher’s yellow humpy dry fly. After admiring and photographing the rare 11-inch native trout, Fisher gently moved it back and forth in the water to ease its breathing, then released it to swim upstream. We were at Trapper Creek in the Roan Plateau wilderness, near Rifle, Colo. Our group of nine included friends, TU representatives and a guide — local outfitter Keith Goddard. The group had hiked about a mile and a half from the end of the steep dirt road we’d driven up the Roan. We’d crossed the creek a few times, dodged willow branches and hiked diagonally over the slippery shale sides of the small canyon. Eventually, we were A COLORADO RIVER CUTTHROAT rewarded by the sight of pools containing trout fry as well as nice, 1112 inch adult cutthroats. Goddard and his guides take hunting parties through this area for elk and mule deer during hunting season. In spring and summer, he guides the occasional angler. “I’m a backwoods angler,” Goddard said. “I like to go where there’s nobody else.” Most of the small group opted to photograph rather than fish. One fly-fisher was unsuccessful with a bead-head Prince nymph, but pulled in a couple of good-sized cuts in a half-hour when he switched to a small caddis dry fly, cast out, then stripped it toward him a little under water. Smaller fry were eager and aggressive, but you had to be careful in your approach to the cast or they’d spook. Two to three weight trail rods worked best. Native Colorado River cutthroats are an increasingly rare treat, now swimming in only about 5 percent or less of their historic territory. Over-fishing and competition from other introduced trout, plus disappearing or spoiled habitat were all culprits in its decline. “The Rainbows hybridize with them, the Brookies out-compete them and the Browns eat them,” said retired geologist John Trammell of Grand Junction, a local TU member. IF YOU GO Contact Keith Goddard at Magnum Outfitters (970) 876-2225 Lodging in Rifle: La Quinta Inn & Suites – (970) 625-2676 Red River Inn – (970) 625-3050 Rusty Cannon – (970) 625-2676 A CALL FOR THE WILD Native cutthroat anglers, natural gas industry face off for public land By Diana Kunde Start driving up JQS Road near Rifle, Colo., to the top of the Roan Plateau and you’re in an arid sagebrush environment. Keep climbing, though, and desert gives way first to brush oak, choke cherry and serviceberry — prime habitat for sharptail grouse and the rare sage grouse. Near the 9,500-foot crest where outfitter Keith Goddard holds his elk and mule deer hunting camps, there are evergreen forests and stands of aspen rimmed with wildflowers. Four bull elk gaze from a forest edge, and then ease into the tree cover. This is the public land Goddard wants to preserve from drilling by the giant natural gas rigs that dot much of the surrounding landscape. It’s also the land industry officials say could yield enough gas to heat every home in Colorado for a quarter century. The battle lines are drawn. “I’ve got a stake in this,” says Goddard, “but it’s not just the Roan, it’s all our public lands.” Joining him are a number of conservation organizations including Trout Unlimited, as well as local cities. Drilling on publicly owned land has been stepped up sharply. According to the Washington, D.C.based Wilderness Society, 669 new leases were approved by the Bureau of Land Management in Colorado during 2001, compared with 26 leas- es in 1991. In June of this year, the BLM announced its intention to lease drilling sites on the top of the plateau, some 34,758 acres, while delaying on some of the most environmentally sensitive areas within that acreage. Drilling opponents are trying to delay the leasing and allow more input. In mid-July, Colorado Sen. Ken Salazar put a hold on Jim Caswell’s nomination to be the new head of BLM, seeking a tradeoff 120- day delay so that Gov. Bill Ritter can negotiate with federal officials about the issue. “This moratorium is nothing more than an attempt to stop it completely, so let’s be candid,” said Greg Schnacke, executive vice president of the Colorado Oil and Gas Association. “Schnacke called the resource management plan developed by BLM for drilling on the Roan both comprehensive and restrictive. It’s “restricSee DRILLING, Page 13 July 27, 2007 Page 9 Crystal Beach angler lands a STAR tag July 7, 2007 proved to be the luckiest day of the year for Crystal Beach resident Deborah Alston, who caught the first tagged redfish as a CCA STAR participant. She has the good fortune to live on a canal and can fish at my home, Alston said, and she does 95 percent of her fishing from home. On that Saturday morning, she fished for a few hours and then went in to clean house and do other chores. Later, she decided to fish just a few more minutes. After baiting her hook with live shrimp and casting the line, her daughter Jessica called. Alston had her rod in one hand and the phone in the other when the fish hit. “Jess, I have a big fish, I have to let you go,” she said. The fish made several good runs and rolled a couple times so she knew it was a redfish, Alston said. She then began calling to her neighbor for help landing the fish. As the fish got close to the bulkhead, it turned on its side and revealed a red tag, she said. She then saw her neighbor, Mike Didio, across the street. She told him, “Mike, hurry, I have a tagged redfish.” Didio helped with the net, and the fish was landed. The fish was taken to Stingaree Marina in Crystal Beach and the algae-covered tag was removed and the CCA tag for this year was revealed. STARTING THINGS OFF: Deborah Alston landed the first tagged redfish as a contestant in the CCA STAR tournament. “Then, I really did jump up and down,” Alston said. “I am still floating around in disbelief.” Five tagged redfish were caught prior to Alston’s, but unfortunately the anglers weren’t STAR participants. The regretful anglers contacted preferred not to be identified, but at least two of them have signed up since their catch. Alston will receive a 2007 Ford F-150 “Texas Edition” truck with a 22-foot Blue Wave 220 Super Tunnel boat at the STAR Awards Ceremony on Oct. 4. July 9 turned out to be the lucky day for Orlando Perez of La Porte. He also caught a tagged redfish and will receive the truck/boat package. Fifty-three tagged redfish remain in coastal waters, and the next three winners will receive the truck/boat package. Should more tagged redfish be landed, five boat packages will remain available, giving hope to the next lucky anglers. Compiled from staff reports. Page 10 July 27, 2007 WARDEN RESCUES MAN CLINGING TO JET SKI •While patrolling Imperial Reservoir, Pecos County Game Warden Lance Lindley noticed a Jet Ski pulling away from the bank. Alongside the ski, Lindley observed someone bobbing up and down. He headed towards the direction of the ski and asked the victim if he was OK. Lindley noticed the victim was nearly drowned and unable to reply. After resting for about five minutes, the victim was able to grab hold of the side of the boat. WARDENS TEE OFF ON FISHERMEN •Tarrant County Game Wardens Chelle Mount and David Solis, while working below the dam at Grapevine Lake checking fishermen cast netters, made contact with two persons who came running around a corner, then quickly turned around and dropped something. After dropping the items, they turned around and began walking back toward Mount. They were ordered to stop, and upon further investigation, it was found that they had been stealing tee box markers from the Grapevine Golf Course. When asked why they had been taking the markers, they stated the markers were just sitting out there in the middle of a field. Citations are pending. ADVICE AGAINST DRINKING ENDS WITH BWI ARREST •Throckmorton Game Warden Shea Guinn contacted several persons who were standing on the bank near some beached PWCs at Hubbard Creek Lake. Guinn noticed most of the people appeared to have been drinking so he cautioned them about operating vessels after drinking. A short time later, he contacted one of the GAME WARDEN BLOTTER BOATER DOES ABOUT-FACE STRAIGHT TO JAIL •Tom Green County Game Warden Zach Havens and Irion County Warden Shane Lewis arrested a man for BWI on Lake Nasworthy. The man was stopped after he drove his PWC at a speed greater than “headway speed” at a same persons operating a PWC. After administering field sobriety tests, Guinn arrested the operator for BWI. WARDENS RESPOND TO SWIFT WATER RESCUE •Hood County Game Warden Danny Tuggle responded to a swift water rescue at Lake Granbury Harbor after a flash flood washed a minivan off of a low-water crossing. Tuggle, along with two Hood County deputies and several Hood County volunteer firemen, rescued three women and one man. ANGLER GRABS FISH, TOSSES IT ASHORE, GETS CITATION •Taylor County Warden Roy Johnson was checking two fishermen at Kirby Lake in Abilene when he noticed an undersized saugeye in a bucket. When asked who caught the fish, one of the fishermen stated he saw the fish swimming next to the shore so he waded out, grabbed the fish and threw it on the bank. The fisherman was issued a citation for possession of an undersized saugeye and educated as to the legal means and methods of taking fish in Texas. DANGEROUS ANTICS LEAD TO 50-FOOT RULE VIOLATION •Callahan County Game Warden James Brown observed a man on a PWC at Lake Clyde driving distance considerably closer than 50 feet from the wardens’ boat. During the 15-minute wait period, he warmed up for the test by doing pushups until instructed to stop by Havens. The man then performed a Marine-style walkstraight at a swimmer and then swerving at the last minute so that he could spray the swimmer. Brown cited him for violation of the 50-foot rule and warned him about his dangerous conduct. MEN GRABBLING CATFISH THOUGHT IT WAS WARDEN’S DAY OFF •Burleson County Game Warden Sophia Hiatt and Washington County Game Warden Alan Lee filed cases against two men for grabbling flathead catfish at the Lake Somerville spillway. Hiatt was observing fishermen in the area prior to sunset when she noticed four men in the water. She observed two of them catch flatheads within five minutes of each other. After calling Lee for backup, the group was apprehended climbing the stairway from the riverbed to the parking area on the dam. The two admitted to taking the fish by this method for years. The men thought the warden was on a day off, not expecting a schedule adjustment for the holiday week. Two cases filed. MARIJUANA NOT WIFE’S, HUSBAND SAYS IT’S HIS •Travis County Warden Turk Jones was leaving the Lake Travis area when he followed a vehicle that was swerving. Jones pulled the vehicle over and proceeded to administer field sobriety tests to the driver. The driver failed and and-turn test, complete with cadence calling of the numbers and an about-face. The man was transported to the Tom Green County Jail, where he refused the breath test. Cases pending for BWI and violating the 50-foot rule. was placed under arrest for DWI; prior to transport, he told Jones if anything was found in the car it was his and not his wife’s. His wife was not with him. After additional questioning, the driver said his wife was on probation for felony drug charges and that if a black notebook was found in the trunk of the vehicle it did not belong to her. Jones found a black notebook in the trunk containing marijuana. Cases pending. SHE KEPT EVERYTHING SHE CAUGHT NO MATTER WHAT SIZE •Burleson County Game Warden Sophia Hiatt was observing a woman fishing at the Lake Somerville spillway with a cast net and looking to keep everything she caught. After dark she came up the spillway stairway into the parking lot, and Hiatt found her to be in possession of numerous undersized crappie, black bass and channel catfish. Citations issued. MAN SELLING FISH GRABBLING FOR GAS MONEY •San Augustine County Game Warden Melissa Brown received a phone call informing on a man wanting to sell a flathead catfish. Brown spoke to the caller and determined that the seller wanted $10 for the fish. Brown gave the caller a marked bill and observed the proceedings. After the seller arrived, he produced a 30-inch flathead and took the money. Brown stopped the seller and recovered the marked bill. It was determined the man was catching the fish by grabbling and then selling them to pay for his gas. Two noodling poles with treble hooks and one neoprene glove were recovered from the vehicle. Charges pending. BOAT CAUGHT WITH ILLEGAL CARGO OF RED SNAPPER •Galveston County Game Wardens Kevin Webb and Fred Ruiz assisted NMFS Special Agent Richard Cook with the investigation of a commercial snapper boat. The vessel was caught by the Coast Guard in federal waters with an illegal cargo of red snapper and was escorted to the Galveston jetties, where it was released to TPW personnel. Galveston County wardens Rip Fluitt and Robert Waggett seized 2,962 pounds of red snapper, 1,875 pounds of amberjack, and 455 pounds of miscellaneous other fish. Cases pending. SHOCKING EXPERIENCE LEADS TO MAN’S ARREST •After receiving information of a person shocking fish on the Lampasas River, Bell County Game Warden Billy Champlain checked the area on several occasions. At the launch area, he noticed a vehicle and trailer that was owned by the person. After a few hours, the man returned with his boat. He had the chains he had been using for the shocking, and the shocking device was still connected to the battery. He had only caught two catfish and both were undersized. Champlain arrested the man and seized the evidence. In the interview, the man admitted to buying the shocking device off the Internet in Oklahoma. Cases pending. July 27, 2007 Page 11 Page 12 July 27, 2007 July 27, 2007 Page 13 Croaker Continued from Page 1 ly wiped out Port Mansfield and, as a result, caused limits to drop from ten to five,” he said. “East Matagorda Bay will be next if things do not change.” Pustejovsky believes the biggest detriment to future trout populations is fishing with croaker in the summer when trout are spawning. The distance a trout must travel from the Gulf to reach East Matagorda Bay is another factor, Pustejovsky said. “The majority of trout in the bay system must travel 14 miles to reach Gulf Cut — when an angler catches a fish, it is gone and will be for a long time.” Pustejovsky has started a petition on his Web site and around Matagorda to end the use of croaker. The petition asserts the cause of Port Mansfield’s depletion of the “breeding stock,” 18-24 inch speckled trout, stemmed from increased numbers of fishermen using live croaker as bait. The use of croaker is somewhat of a new trend in East Matagorda Bay. “The word is out about croaker in our area and it will not be long before the bay is devastated,” he said. “East Matagorda Bay will not withstand the pressure of croaker.” Capt. Daniel Kubecka, a Matagorda-based guide, fishes with croaker exclusively in East Matagorda Bay. “I have found croaker to be much more effective when everyone else is having a tough day,” he said. “This summer has been my best for big trout. Thus far, we have caught 37 trout over 25 inches on live croaker.” Kubecka is one who is well aware of croaker-fishing’s opposition. “I once kept all of the big ones I caught, but I’ve grown past that stage — especially when I began seeing lug nuts loosened on my truck and trailer. I now release the majority of big trout we catch using croaker and feel that there is nothing wrong with fishing with croaker unless you fail to release the big ones.” The chief reason croaker anglers are taking so much heat in Matagorda, said Kubecka, is because Matagorda is viewed as the last area on the coast to discover how effective croaker fishing is. “Every other bay system on the coast has croaker stands available like taco stands,” he said. Kubecka said he keeps within the legal limit. “Looking at fishing as a whole, all fishermen are trying to catch fish,” he said. “Why should it matter what bait is used?” Bill Balboa, the Texas Parks and Wildlife field biologist for Matagorda Bay, said it would be very tough to assess how much more effective live croaker are over other live baits. “It has been rare, in the past, for anglers to use live croaker in Matagorda Bay,” he said. According to Balboa, the amount of fishermen that actually use any live bait in East Matagorda Bay has been minute. “Recently, concern has been placed on large trout,” Balboa said. “We have already taken steps to attenuate the possibility of people retaining big numbers of trout over 25 inches (anglers are allowed one trout longer than 25 inches per day). “East Matagorda Bay has had the highest numbers of speckled trout this year since we started doing gill net surveys; overall, the quality of fishing has been good.” Drilling Continued from Page 8 tive” to the industry, he said, because it phases in drilling so gradually that it limits economies of scale. The natural gas industry, said Schnacke, “is a low-impact industry when you compare it with other energy sources.” Limit drilling and you face natural gas shortages, he said. But Corey Fisher, energy field coordinator for TU, argues that there’s plenty of land in northwestern Colorado that’s already open to drilling — and that the top of the Roan Plateau is one of those wild places that should be left alone for future generations to enjoy. “It’s not about killing the golden goose,” Fisher said. “It’s about saving this small portion of what’s left.” To retired geologist John Trammell of Grand Junction, a TU member, the Roan is impor- tant because its Trapper and Northwater Creeks contain one of the most genetically pure populations of the declining native Colorado River cutthroat trout. “It’s the only trout native to this part of the world,” says Trammell. The colorful trout now appears in less than 5 percent of the area where it once held sway. Trammell worries that silting from the road construction that accompanies drilling will destroy the fragile stream habitat. Fly over the private land currently being drilled, and you see a lattice of roads crossing summits crowned with rigs or drilling pads. The public land left on top of the plateau is a stark green contrast. Goddard, Fisher and others want to keep it that way. Goddard worries about just the visual impact of the tall, lighted rigs with their concrete pads, he said. “You’ll be losing the quality of the experience.” Official truck of the Page 14 July 27, 2007 PRODUCTS WEATHER WATCHER: The ONIX 400 from Bushnell is perfect for smaller fishing boats outfitted with consoles that won't allow for weather radar equipment. The ergonomically designed handheld GPS utilizes XM Satellite broadcasts to monitor weather developments, including animated Doppler radar to track severe storms in real time. (Users must subscribe to the XM Satellite Radio NavWeather package) Detailed information is provided on a 3.5inch color screen. The lightweight and waterproof unit is capable of accessing more than 170 channels of music, sports and entertainment programming on XM Satellite Radio. The ONIX 400, which costs about $500, is powered by a rechargeable Li-Ion battery. A 128 MB micro SD card provides plenty of memory for weather data, maps, photos, saved locations and trails. Visit www.bushnellgps.com. WELL-WHEELED: Hunters can change locations quietly and easily with the Darkwoods Blind. Available in Realtree and Advantage camo patterns, this mobile, hard-sided blind sits about four inches off the ground. To move it, just grab its handle and roll it through dirt, grass, mud, snow or brush. The one-man blind’s interior is covered in bed liner material to increase warmth, reduce noise and scent, and repel mud and water. Blinds feature double sliding windows, see-through curtains, a cup holder, a gear holder, gear hooks and an interior light. Five models are available; the model pictured ranges from about $995 to $1,295, depending on accessories. For dealers, visit www.darkwoodsblind.com or call (405) 520-6754. HOT POTATO: Take along this spud-shaped portable shoe and boot dryer next time you head outdoors. The dualpowered SD-200 Shoe/Boot Dryer by Optronics makes it easy to warm or dry footwear almost anywhere because it operates on either 12volt power from a vehicle, RV, boat, etc., or traditional household current. To use, simply insert the drying units in each shoe or boot and plug in the cord. Its thermal convection drying process can be used on any type of material, even leather. The portable dryer costs about $25. For information, visit www.optronicsinc.com or call (800) 364-5483. SHOTSHELL CARRYING CASE: MTM Case-Gard introduces the Shotgun Hunter Case. Offering a strong, comfortable handle, a single, easy-open latch and a nylon shoulder strap, the case teams two outside-access lid compartments (with room for shells on one side and a game call on the other) with four molded-in shell trays that hold 25 rounds each. The tray slides onto the Hip Hanger belt clip, which attaches to a pocket or belt. Shotshells are held at a 45-degree angle for quick access. The lockable case is 15.1-inches long by 9.1-inches wide by 8.5-inches high. It is available in Wild Camo and Forest Green and costs about $28. For retailers, call (937) 890-7461 or visit www.mtmcase-gard.com. PLENTY OF POCKETS: Adventure Outfitters’ Hard Core Hunt Pack has enough pockets to accommodate all the gear needed for a backcountry hunt. The 3,500-cubic-inch expandable pack is designed with a separate frame with a load flap and removable pack. There are pockets for a knife, a flashlight, plus more; a padded pocket to protect a hunter’s spotting scope; a Camelbak compartment; and a water bottle pouch. The pack also features removable rifle-sling hooks and a built-in “shooting stick” holder. Its “Open Country Gun and Bow” rack allows a firearm or bow to rest horizontally across the top of the pack. The Hard Core Hunt Pack costs about $340. For information, call (888) 935-4868. July 27, 2007 Page 15 OUTDOOR DATEBOOK HAVE AN EVENT? E-mail it to editor@lonestaroutdoornews.com May 26-Sept. 3: The CCA Texas STAR tournament will take place along the Texas coast. Twelve divisions with $1 million in scholarships and prizes. Register online at ccatexas.org or call (800) 626-4222 for information. Aug. 2: The Allen DU banquet will be held at the Allen Hilton Garden Inn. For tickets and information, contact Brad Hempkins at (972) 396-9797 or brad@hempkins.com. Aug. 2: The Lone Star Longbeards NWTF banquet will be held at the Brazos Center in Bryan. For information, contact Timothy Akers at (979) 229-1602 or t.akers@bediasbank.com. Aug. 4: The Santa Fe DU dinner will be held at the Galveston County Fairgrounds on Highway 6. For information, contact Bud or Judy Cochran at (409) 925-4349 or santafecochran@aol.com. Aug. 4: The North Texas RMEF Chapter will hold its Big Game Banquet at Embassy Suites at BassPro Outdoor World in Grapevine. For tickets and information, contact Charlie Barnes at (214) 232-0489 or Richard Biggers at (972) 742-9101. Aug. 4: The Pecan Bayou Roost NWTF banquet will be held at the Brown County Home Economics Building in Brownwood. Contact Beverly Sullivan at (325) 938-5336 or bjsullivan@ag.tamu.edu for information. Aug. 9: The Paris Delta Waterfowl dinner will be held at the Love Civic Center. For information, call Donny Gentry at (903) 982-5470. Aug. 9: The Smith County NWTF dinner will be held at the Sharon Shrine Center in Tyler. For information, contact Erik Switzer at (903) 5355830 or eswitzer@etmc.org. Aug. 11: The Galveston DU Dinner Dance will be held at Moody Gardens. Contact Bill or Paula Glenn at (409) 765-5538 or toothiii@aol.com for information. Aug. 4-5: A hunter’s safety education course will be held at the College Station Gander Mountain Lodge. For information, contact Emily Bieniek at (979) 6936412. Aug. 11: The North Texas Chapter of Safari Club International will hold its member meeting at Embassy Suites Outdoor World in Grapevine. For information, visit www.scinorthtexas.com or call (817) 342-0018. Aug. 9: The Irving DU banquet will be held at The Studios at Las Colinas. Contact Randy Chandler at (214) 9572449 or randy@prostarair.com for information. Aug. 11: The Troutmasters Tournament Series tournament will be held in Corpus Christi. To sign up or for information, visit www.gulfcoasttroutmasters.com. Aug. 9: The Houston Delta Waterfowl dinner will be held at the Cadillac Bar and Grill at I-10 and Shepherd. For information, call Justin Teltschik at (713) 490-3865. Aug. 13-15: A hunter’s safety education class will be offered at the Corsicana Gander Mountain store. For information, call the store at (903) 874-2500 or visit www.gandermountain.com. Aug. 16: The Frisco DU banquet will be held at the Embassy Suites Conference Center in Frisco. For information, contact Ron Geels at (972) 743-5230 or ron.geels@eds.com. Aug. 17: The Mesquite Delta Waterfowl dinner will be held at the Double D Ranch. For information, call Steve Barrett at (972-475-1080. Aug. 17: The Brazos Basin Beardraggers NWTF dinner will be held at The Palladium in Waco. For information, contact James Brooks at (254) 399-7266 or jbrooks@cnbwaco.com. Aug. 17-18: Hunter’s safety education classes will be offered at the Gander Mountain stores in Houston and Beaumont. For information, contact the store or visit www.gandermountain.com. Aug. 18-26: The Fall Hunting Classic will be held at Bass Pro Shops in Katy. Visit www.basspro.com or call (281) 644-2200 for details. Aug. 18: The Longview Delta Waterfowl dinner will be held at the Maude Cobb Activity Center. Contact Billy Miller at (903) 746-5644 forinformation. Aug. 18: The Pineywoods Local NWTF dinner will be held at St. Cyprians Gym in Lufkin. Call Louie Short at (936) 4225071 for information. Aug. 18: Cabela’s in Fort Worth and Buda will host Kids Fishing Day. Fishing and other activities for the kids will be offered. For information, visit www.cabelas.com. Aug. 18: The Greater Texas Hill Country RMEF Big Game Banquet will be held. Call Pat O’Neill at (830) 997-9889 for information and location. Aug. 23-25: The Texas Deer Association Convention & Trade Show will be held at the Westin La Cantera Resort & Hotel in San Antonio. For information, visit www.texasdeerassociation.com or call (210) 767-8300. Aug. 23: The Lake Ray Hubbard DU banquet will be held at Islamorada Restaurant at Bass Pro Shops in Garland. Contact Scott Hooper at (972) 771-0222 or scott@hoopercpa.com for information. Aug. 24: The Greater Fort Worth Delta Waterfowl dinner will be held at the Colleyville Center in Colleyville. Call Darryl Cash at (817) 366-7001 for information. Aug. 25-26: Cabela’s in Buda will hold Hunting Outfitter weekend as part of its Fall Great Outdoor Days. Hunting outfitters will be on hand and conducting seminars all weekend. For information, call the store at (512) 295-1100 or visit www.cabelas.com. CCA State of Texas Angler’s Rodeo (STAR) Dorado Ben Scott of Port Arthur 43 lbs. 15 ozs. Gafftop Janette Darder of Beaumont 7 lbs. 10 ozs. STARTEENS TROUT & INSHORE DIVISIONS (AGES 11-17) Flounder Michael Danford, 15, of Clute 5 lbs. 1 oz. LEADERS AS OF: 7-23-07 Ling (Cobia) Chris Jacobs of Sweeney 75 lbs. 3 ozs. STARKIDS DIVISION (AGES 6-10) Upper Coat Speckled Trout Britney Halewyn, 17, of Alvin 7 lbs. 3 ozs. Sheepshead Jordan Ward, 15, of Santa Fe 7 lbs. 4 ozs. Middle Coast Speckled Trout Norman Frankum of Sweeney 9 lbs. Lower Coast Speckled Trout Bryan R. Tucker II of Corpus Christi 8 lbs. 14 ozs. OFFSHORE DIVISION Kingfish Rodney McWhorter of Angleton 55 lbs. 9 ozs. INSHORE DIVISION Flounder Jason Wardrup of LaMarque 7 lbs. 14 ozs. Sheepshead Jeff Nouis of Deer Park 8 lbs. 3 ozs. Flounder Sam Wittman, 7, of Houston 3 lbs. 14 ozs. Sheepshead Forrest Karl, 6, of Edna 7 lbs. 7 ozs. Gafftop Jarren Mahon, 8, of Winnie 7 lbs. 6 ozs. Middle Coast Speckled Trout Kenneth Hensley, 11, of Cypress 7 lbs. 8 ozs. Lower Coast Speckled Trout Nicholas Joiner, 17, of Robstown 8 lbs. 3 ozs. Gafftop Lance Knox, 11, of Rosenberg 7 lbs. 11 ozs. TEXAS FORD DEALERS REDFISH DIVISION Deborah Alston of Crystal Beach Orlando Perez of LaPorte Page 16 July 27, 2007 FISHING REPORT HOT BITES LARGEMOUTH BASS CHOKE CANYON: Black bass are very good on small white/chartreuse spinnerbaits, shallow running crankbaits, and pumpkin Whacky Sticks with chartreuse tails along main lake points in 2-6 feet early. RAY ROBERTS: Black bass are good on buzzbaits and Pop Rs early, midday switching to spinnerbaits and Yum Dingers. AMISTAD: Black bass are good on Senkos, crankbaits, spinnerbaits, and soft plastics. WHITE/ HYBRID/STRIPER BROWNWOOD: White bass are excellent on crankbaits off lighted docks at night. CEDAR CREEK: White bass are good on Humdingers early near the surface. TOLEDO BEND: White bass are good on spoons in the river. MEREDITH: White bass are good on live bait and inline spinners. CATFISH shad-colored crankbaits. Catfish are good on minnows. ALAN HENRY: Water lightly stained; 83 degrees. Crappie are good on minnows and jigs. HOUSTON COUNTY: Water stained; 89 degrees; 1.00' high. Crappie are very good on live minnows near the pump station. Channel and AMISTAD: Water clear; 84 degrees; 7.25' low. Catfish are good on blue catfish to 52 pounds are very good on trotlines baited with shad. stinkbait, liver, and frozen shrimp over baited holes. Yellow catfish are good on trotlines baited with live perch. HUBBARD CREEK: Water lightly stained; 84 degrees; 1' low. Black bass are good on shad-colored spinnerbaits or crankbaits, cotton ARROWHEAD: Water lightly stained; 83 degrees; normal pool. Black candy/chartreuse soft plastics and live bait. White bass and hybrid bass are good on topwaters early, later switching to spinnerbaits near striper are good on live bait. shallow vegetation and in front of the spillway. White bass are good trolling on flats near the dam with limited surface action. Catfish are LAKE O' THE PINES: Water stained; 80-84 degrees; 5.06' high. good in the upper end on punchbait or juglines baited with cut shad Catfish are fair to good on nightcrawlers. or carp. LAVON: Water murky; 79-84 degrees; 7.71' high. Crappie are fair on ATHENS: Water off color, 80-84 degrees; 0.43' high. Black bass are minnows and jigs around structure. fair to good on Texas rigged finesse baits, spinnerbaits and chatterLBJ: Water murky; 82 degrees; 0.42' low. Striped bass are good on baits, and at night on black spinnerbaits. Crappie are good on live Creme Lure's 2" Spoiler Shads and Little Fishies at night. White bass minnows over brush piles. are fair to good on Li'l Fishies at night. Yellow and blue catfish are BELTON: Water stained; 81 degrees; 35.61' high. Channel and blue very good on trotlines baited with goldfish and perch. catfish are good on nightcrawlers. LEWISVILLE: Water stained; 75-83 degrees; 11.63' high. Catfish are BOB SANDLIN: Water stained; 79-83 degrees; 0.78' low. Catfish are good on prepared bait over baited holes. Hybrid and white bass are good good on prepared bait and nightcrawlers. on topwater. BRAUNIG: Water stained; 86 LIVINGSTON: Water murky; 76 degrees. Striped bass are good on degrees; 1.83' high. White bass are liver and shad off points near the good on pet spoons, Charlie slabs, pier, and down rigging silver and and hellbenders. Blue catfish are gold spoons near the jetty and dam. good on shad. Redfish are excellent on perch, MACKENZIE: Water lightly stained; tilapia, shad, and silver spoons, and 80 degrees; .82' low. Black bass downrigging near the jetty and dam. are good on shad-colored BRIDGEPORT: Water off color; 80crankbaits, spinnerbaits and live 83 degrees; 0.37' high. Black bass baits. White bass and striped bass are fair to good on spinnerbaits and are good on live bait. Walleye are Texas rigs. Crappie are good on jigs good on live bait. Catfish are good and minnows under docks and on live baits. around bridge columns. MEREDITH: Water lightly stained; BROWNWOOD: Water stained; 83 81 degrees; 31.62' low. Crappie degrees; 0.05' high. Black bass to are good on jigs and minnows. are good on spinnerbaits near the Walleye are good on shad-colored docks, and on redbug Grande Bass crankbaits and soft plastic grubs worms and watermelon red Berkley around rocky points. Channel catsaber tails around docks and brush fish are good on live baits. piles in 12-15 feet. Hybrid striper NASWORTHY: Water lightly stained; are good trolling or drifting shad in 82 degrees. Crappie are good on Hybrid Alley and around docks at minnows and jigs. Catfish are good night. Crappie are good on minnows on worms. and Li'l Fishies in 10-18 feet. PALESTINE: Water stained; 79-84 Channel catfish are good on trotdegrees; 1.61' high. White bass are lines baited with cut bait and fair to good on Humdingers. Catfish chicken livers in 12-20 feet. Yellow are fair to good on nightcrawlers catfish to 12 pounds are good on and cheese bait. trotlines baited with cut bait and chicken livers. PALO DURO: Water lightly stained; 79 degrees; 25.65' low. Black bass BUCHANAN: Water: murky to clear; are good on spinnerbaits and live 80 degrees; 2.33' low. Black bass bait. Crappie are good on jigs and are fair to good on flukes, white minnows. Channel catfish are good buzzbaits, and Texas rigged 5" on live bait. watermelon/candy Whacky Sticks in Morgan and Silver Creeks in 2-8 POSSUM KINGDOM: Water lightly feet at first light. Striped bass are stained; 84 degrees; 0.5' low. good on Rat-L-Traps in Silver Creek Black bass are good shallow near below the bridge, and on plastic Rock Creek and in the back of swim baits around Lighthouse Point Caddo Creek cove on Texas rigged Water lightly stained; 81 degrees; 12.65' low. Black bass are good at daylight. Channel catfish are 6" watermelon/pepper fleck soft on topwaters at dawn and dusk, and fair during the day on shadgood on liver, minnows, and dip plastic lizards. White bass are good colored spinnerbaits and watermelon/chartreuse soft jerk baits bait. Yellow and blue catfish are just off the river channel north of along brush and timber. Crappie are good on minnows and jigs. very good on goldfish and perch Costello Island jigging with silver White bass are good on live bait and topwaters. Smallmouth bass upriver. slabs. are good on crankbaits. Channel catfish are good on cut shad. CADDO: Water stained; 79-84 RAY HUBBARD: Water stained; 79degrees; 2.1' high. Black bass are 85 degrees; normal pool. Black good on crankbaits in the current breaks and creek intersections. bass are fair to good on spinnerbaits, soft plastic frogs and buzzbaits. Crappie are good on shiners around main lake oil rigs. White bass are White bass are good on Humdingers and chrome topwaters. good on the main lake on chrome Rat-L-Traps. RAY ROBERTS: Water clear; 84-86 degrees; 7.74' high. All boat CALAVERAS: Water stained; 86 degrees. Striped bass are good on ramps remain closed. spoons and striper jigs between the dam and the crappie wall in 15 RICHLAND CHAMBERS: Water off color; 79-86 degrees; 0.25' high. 20 feet, and on chicken livers and shad along the shoreline. Redfish White bass and hybrid striper are fair to good on Humdingers, topwaare excellent down rigging silver and gold spoons and live bait along ters and live shad. Catfish are good cut shad and prepared baits. the crappie wall and the dam in 10-20 feet, on live perch and tilapia SAM RAYBURN: Water stained; 75 degrees; 1.24' high. Black bass along the shoreline, and on live bait along the crappie wall. are fair on minnows and watermelon soft plastic worms. Catfish are CANYON LAKE: Water clear; 83 degrees; 1.07' high. Striped bass are good on trotlines baited with live bait, cut bait, and liver. fair trolling Gizz 4 crankbaits over and around humps and jigging 1 STILLHOUSE: Water murky; 88 degrees; 42.01' high. Black bass are oz. Pirk Minnows at daylight. Yellow and blue catfish are good on good on soft plastics, Rat-L-Traps, and minnows along the shorelines goldfish and perch upriver. among trees. CEDAR CREEK: Water stained; 79-84 degrees; 0.05' high. Hybrid TAWAKONI: Water stained; 80-86 degrees; 1.42' high. White bass striper are fair on Sassy Shad. Catfish are good on cut shad drifted are fair to good on topwaters and Little George's. Catfish are good on over points. nightcrawlers and prepared baits. CHOKE CANYON: Water murky; 84 degrees; 0.01' low. Channel catTEXOMA: Water off color; 78-86 degrees; 22.57' high. No boat fish are very good on live bait in 4-15 feet. Yellow and blue catfish ramps open. Fishing has been reported as excellent, but getting on are very good on live bait upriver. the lake is difficult. COLEMAN: Water clear; 77 degrees; 0.11' low. Channel and blue catTOLEDO BEND: Water lightly stained; 85 degrees; 0.27' high. Bream fish are good on trotlines baited with live perch and liver. are good on crickets and nightcrawlers. Channel and blue catfish are CONROE: Water lightly stained; 0.22' high. Catfish are good on good on trotlines baited with live bait, stinkbait, livers, and hearts in stinkbait, chicken livers, and shrimp. 30 feet. COOPER: Water stained; 79-84 degrees; 1.47' high. Boaters are TRAVIS: Water clear; 80 degrees; 4.01' high. Crappie are fair on minadvised to use caution. The rapid influx of water has left debris all nows. Channel and blue catfish are fair on frozen shrimp and over the lake. stinkbait. FALCON: Water clear from Marker 8 south, stained north; 85 degrees. WEATHERFORD: Water muddy; 79-85 0degrees; 0.14' low. Black Black bass are fair on crankbaits and spinnerbaits in the grass in 6-8 bass are good on soft plastics around docks and on rocky points. feet. Channel catfish are good on worms, liver and dough bait in the fishFAYETTE: Water clear; 93 degrees. Channel and blue catfish are good ing barge. White bass are good all over the lake on small shad imitaon Black Salty baitfish and cut shad over baited holes in the trees. tion lures. Bream are good on worms. FORK: Water off color; 79-84 degrees; 0.65' high. Black bass are fair WHITE RIVER: Water lightly stained; 81 degrees; 26' low. Black bass to good on Scum Frogs, spinnerbaits and Senkos. are good on black/blue soft plastics and shad-colored spinnerbaits GRANBURY: Water murky; 0.60' low. Catfish are good on stinkbait, along brush, timber and reeds. Crappie are good on jigs and minnows. chicken livers, and frozen shrimp. WICHITA: Water turbid; 84 degrees; normal pool. White bass and GREENBELT: Water lightly stained; 82 degrees; 19' low. Black bass hybrid striper are good on minnows and live shad in front of the spillway. Channel catfish are good drift fishing. are good on small buzzbaits early, later switching to shad-colored spinnerbaits, soft plastics and crankbaits. Crappie are good on jigs WRIGHT PATMAN: Water off color; 79-86 degrees; 12.66' high. and minnows. White bass are good on live bait and shallow running White bass are fair to good on Humdingers and topwaters. HOT SPOT O.H. Ivie BRAUNIG: Channel and blue catfish are excellent on liver, shrimp, cut bait, and cheesebait. CALAVERAS: Channel catfish are excellent on liver, cheesebait, shrimp, and shad. Blue catfish are excellent on liver and cheesebait. LBJ: Channel catfish are very good on nightcrawlers, liver, and dip bait. WHITNEY: Catfish are good on shrimp and minnows. FALCON: Channel and blue catfish are excellent on frozen shrimp and frozen shad. CRAPPIE MACKENZIE: Crappie are good on minnows and jigs. RAY ROBERTS: Crappie are excellent on minnows and jigs over Corps of Engineers brush piles. RICHLAND CHAMBERS: Crappie are good on minnows and jigs over brush piles. BREAM HOUSTON COUNTY: Bream are good on live worms over grass beds. SUBSCRIBE TODAY 24 issues for $25 NAME ADDRESS CITY ST. ZIP EMAIL PHONE MASTER CARD CC# VISA SALTWATER SCENE NORTH SABINE: Trout and redfish are fair to good in the middle of the lake under birds in the afternoon on soft plastics. SOUTH SABINE: Trout and redfish are good on and topwaters around the jetty. Redfish are fair to good on shrimp and shad around Blue Buck Point. BOLIVAR: Trout, sand trout and flounder are fair to good at Rollover Pass on live shrimp under a popping cork. Trout are good on topwaters on the shoreline. TRINITY BAY: Runoff from the Trinity River has made most of the bay fresh. Some trout coming on soft plastics around the channel. EAST GALVESTON BAY: Trout and redfish are good on the south shoreline on pearl/chartreuse Bass Assassins, Sand Eels, Trout Killers and Corkies. The topwater bite has been solid. WEST GALVESTON BAY: Trout, redfish, sand trout, croaker, gafftop and sheepshead are fair to good at the causeway and railroad bridge on live shrimp under a popping cork. Trout and redfish are fair to good over deep reefs on live shrimp. TEXAS CITY: Trout and sand trout are good on live shrimp under a popping cork and DOA Shrimp at the end of the Dike at night under the lights. Trout and flounder are good at Dollar and April Fool's Reefs on live shrimp and croaker. FREEPORT: Trout and redfish are fair to good at San Luis Pass and in the surf on live shrimp, finger mullet and MirrOlures. EAST MATAGORDA: Trout are fair on live shrimp while drifting deeper shell reefs. Water has been off-color. MATAGORDA: Trout are fair on the grass beds on the south shoreline on topwaters and red shad, black and pepper/chartreuse plastics. Runoff has freshened most of the bay. PORT O'CONNOR: Trout and redfish are fair to good on the south shoreline of Espiritu Santo Bay on croaker and topwaters. Trout are good on croaker around the Cedars. ROCKPORT: Trout are fair to good around Long Reef on croaker and piggy perch. Trout are good at Mud Island on croaker, live shrimp, plastics and topwaters. PORT ARANSAS: Trout, sheepshead, sand trout and redfish are fair to good on the North Jetty on live shrimp and finger mullet. Kingfish, dolphin, ling, amberjack and shark are good offshore. CORPUS CHRISTI: Trout, flounder, sand trout and redfish are fair to good at the Oso Bridge on live shrimp and piggy perch. Trout and redfish are fair to good on free-lined shrimp and croaker in the Humble Channel and on the Ingleside shoreline. BAFFIN BAY: Trout, redfish and flounder are fair to good in the Land Cut on live shrimp and glow Sand Eels, Trout Killers and Bass Assassins. Redfish are good while sight-casting with spoons. PORT MANSFIELD: Redfish are fair to good while wading the sand flats on finger mullet, live shrimp and She Dogs. Trout are fair to good on the grass beds on live shrimp and glow or bone Bass Assassins, Trout Killers and Sand Eels. SOUTH PADRE: Trout and snook are fair to good in the Ship Channel on live shrimp. Snook and Spanish mackerel have been taken at the jetty. PORT ISABEL: Trout and redfish are fair to good at Airport Cove on live shrimp and topwaters. Trout and redfish are fair to good at the Gas Well Flats on live bait and Berkley GULP! Get the most current hunting and fishing information in print, including reports, tips, features, product reviews and conservation news two times a month AMERICAN EXPRESS 9304 Forest Lane, Ste. 114 South • Dallas, TX. 75243 • (214) 361-2276 www.lonestaroutdoornews.com EXP. SIGNATURE 072707 July 27, 2007 Page 17 problem with the law, usually as a youngster, is really about the only problem we have had,” he said. The key is to plan in advance and do the paperwork. Continued from Page 1 Forms for traveling with permitted But outfitters recommend getting one, and remind customers the passport offices are firearms (no handguns) are at www.cfc.gc.ca. When bringing your shotgun or rifle, busy so do it early. “You can get in with just your birth certifi- Canadian officials recommend completing cate and driver’s license,” said Michael the forms prior to arriving at customs, but Holman with Saskatoon Waterfowl stress that the document not be signed until Outfitters. “But it still can be a hassle at the you are in the presence of a customs official. border, and customers have told us about Customs information may be found at being asked many questions. It’s easier to just www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca. Problems arise when the serial number on the have the passport.” gun doesn’t match the Canada’s treatment of a paperwork, or when the criminal or arrest record is ‘If a father and son serial number is illegible, much different. For Holman said. example, a DWI convicare traveling, for Dogs can be brought in tion is a felony in Canada, well, but a rabies vacciaccording to the Consuexample, the father as nation certificate is late General. Also, a conrequired from a licensed should bring a letter viction for shoplifting, veterinarian. theft, assault, unauthoOutfitters advise of from the mother rized possession of a some additional pitfalls firearm, or possession of saying he has that aren’t on the Web illegal substances places a sites, however. “If a father person in an “Inadmisspermission to and son are traveling, for ible Class” for entry. the father “If you have been conbring the child into example, should bring a letter from victed of anything conthe mother saying he has Canada.’ sidered a criminal offense permission to bring the in Canada, including — MICHAEL HOLMAN child into Canada,” driving under the influHolman said. “Several cusence of drugs or alcohol, tomers have said they you will need to get approval of rehabilitation,” wrote Johanne Fernie of the Dallas were held up at customs over this.” The Consulate General’s office said Canada Canadian Consulate General’s office in response to queries. “Or, you will need a tem- tries to help visitors plan for their trips and avoid any pitfalls. Fernie advised visitors to porary immigration permit from Canada’s Minister of Citizenship and Immigration.” contact the nearest Canadian embassy or Forms for these documents are available at consulate with any questions. The trip home has some potential snares as www.cic.gc.ca. “They will deny access if you have a DWI or well. “Your fish or game needs to be properly tagged, cleaned and frozen properly,” other felony, but there are hoops you can go Holman said. “With waterfowl, the wing through to still make the trip,” Holman said. “They are pricey, you’ll have to pay some needs to be left on and each bird must be legal fees, and you’ll need things like letters tagged. Some people like to have jerky made, from your probation officer, but you can still or don’t process their birds right. Naimain said the fish must be individually wrapped get in.” John Naimian, owner of Oak Lake Lodge, a and a piece of skin must remain on each fillet. “Violators have paid some hefty fines,” fly-in fishing lodge in Ontario, said his customers, including many Texans, haven’t had Holman said. “The meat is taken, and they many problems. “The customer who had a might not let you come back.” Canada Page 18 July 27, 2007 CLASSIFIEDS Comanche County, Kansas 720 acres +/Farm and hunting combo in south central Kansas. Big whitetails! Comanche County, Kansas 1050 acres +/Prime trophy whitetail and turkey hunting. Live water! Franklin Parish, LA 353 acres +/Borders over 100,000 acres of WMA & NWR. Good whitetail genetics! Chautauqua County, Kansas 240 acres +/Prime deer & turkey hunting w/ponds, house, & cabin. Heavily timbered. Comanche County, Kansas 1600 acres +/4 Boone & Crockett bucks in the last 5 years! http://www.brownrealtyco.com Jerry Brown, Broker 318-728-9544 http://www.brownrealtyco.com Jerry Brown, Broker 318-728-9544 http://www.brownrealtyco.com Jerry Brown, Broker 318-728-9544 http://www.brownrealtyco.com Jerry Brown, Broker 318-728-9544 http://www.brownrealtyco.com Jerry Brown, Broker 318-728-9544 Louisiana, Arkansas, Mississippi, Kansas, Oklahoma Louisiana, Arkansas, Mississippi, Kansas, Oklahoma Louisiana, Arkansas, Mississippi, Kansas, Oklahoma Louisiana, Arkansas, Mississippi, Kansas, Oklahoma Louisiana, Arkansas, Mississippi, Kansas, Oklahoma Wildlife Managed Ranch CHAMPIONSHIP LABS Condo Rental 2BR, 2 bath condo on S. Padre Island. Pool, spa, 1/2 block to beach, walk to restaurants. Rent by day week or month. (956) 832-3111 or (956) 772-1843 Pratt County, Kansas 760 acres +/Hunting with farm and mineral income. Has producing oil 1.1 ACRE WATERFRONT LOT FOR SALE Young County 433 acres 2 hours from DFW Professionally managed 5 years, 7 ponds, 2-Bdrm. cabin and storage unit, big deer, tons of turkey, hogs, dove, fishing. $2,200 per acre Bryan Moore (214) 808-5055 120’ WIDE X 440’ DEEP, RESTRICTED WATER FRONT LOT IN THE BAY POINT SUBDIVISION ON CHOCOLATE BAY IN PORT LAVACA. CUL-DE-SAC LOT WITH PAVED ROADS & UTILITIES, 13’ ABOVE SEA LEVEL & READY TO BUILD. COMMUNITY FISHING PIER & BOAT DOCK. EXCELLENT FISHING & GREAT VIEW OF BAY. 713-303-8175 Tensas Parish, LA 1292 acres +/Excellent deer & duck hunting w/camp. Morehouse Parish, LA 302 acres +/Rice Farm with excellent duck hunting. Has 3 pit blinds! Madison Parish, LA 464 acres +/Good deer & duck hunting near Tensas NWR! Due on July 11, these pups are out of Shotgun Simba and Shotgun Sassy. (The labs that Jerry Wood uses for Seminars in the Cabela Stores). These parents are not only good hunting and retrieving dogs, but also Field Trial and Handicap Service Dogs. Sassy is a Certified Intermediate Pointing Retriever. There are 47 titles in their past four generation pedigree. Visit this website for pictures and more info: www.diamondwkennels.com . $300 deposits being taken. 830-833-1291 or 210-259-1454. Richland Parish, LA 1366 acres +/World class duck hunting! Farm / hunting combo http://www.brownrealtyco.com Jerry Brown, Broker 318-728-9544 http://www.brownrealtyco.com Jerry Brown, Broker 318-728-9544 http://www.brownrealtyco.com Jerry Brown, Broker 318-728-9544 http://www.brownrealtyco.com Jerry Brown, Broker 318-728-9544 http://www.brownrealtyco.com Jerry Brown, Broker 318-728-9544 Louisiana, Arkansas, Mississippi, Kansas, Oklahoma Louisiana, Arkansas, Mississippi, Kansas, Oklahoma Louisiana, Arkansas, Mississippi, Kansas, Oklahoma Louisiana, Arkansas, Mississippi, Kansas, Oklahoma Louisiana, Arkansas, Mississippi, Kansas, Oklahoma Immaculate Intracoastal waterfront property with Nice 3/2 with 100 ft. of canal waterfrontage in awesome views of Beachfront and Gulf of Mexico!!! New construction 3/2.5 1895 sq. ft. Sargent, Texas. Sargent, Texas. Awesome access to East Matagorda Bay. Best buy on the Gulf Coast of Texas!! FullStringerRealty.com FullStringerRealty.com 979-863-1143 979-863-1143 THE FULL STRINGER LODGE IN MATAGORDA, TEXAS!! 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FullStringerRealty.com 979-863-1143 Owner/Agents 7 mm Ultra Sendero Fluted, stainless, bull barrel w/Nikon scope. $795 Bryan Moore (214) 808-5055 BASS FISHING 1-4 — $750 EA. 5 & Up — $650 EA. 9 Ponds • Room & Board Boats & Motors Catch 50-100 Fish/Day Friday Noon - Sunday Noon BILL WHITFIELD 210-494-6421 WWW .BILLWHITFIELD .COM Exotics, whitetails and Alligators www.goldmedalwildlife.com Joe Wolda GOLD MEDAL WILDLIFE Over 30 species available po box 879 hewitt, tx 76643 (254) 722-3140 sales@goldmedalwildlife.com E C FULL STRINGER REALTY, MATAGORDA COUNTY SERVING PALACIOS, MATAGORDA, SARGENT AND MOST OF THE TEXAS COAST. WE SPECIALIZE IN COASTAL PROPERTIES ESPECIALLY COMMERCIAL, DEVELOPMENT, AND RESORT PROPERTIES!!!!! FullStringerRealty.com Gorgeous Waterfront property on the Colorado River in Matagorda, Texas. 128.66 frontage and 80-foot depth. New vinyl bulkhead to be installed. FullStringerRealty.com 979-863-1143 P EACEFUL SUBDIVISION in Matagorda that has 250 feet of prime Intracoastal property. Build two spectacular homes and reclaim .4+ acres in the water. Bargain price for Intracoastal property in Matagorda!!!! Total size of tract is 1.40 acres and is the quietest subdivision in Matagorda!! FullStringerRealty.com 979-863-1143 Owner/Agents 979-863-1143 Owner/Agents FOR SALE Carta Valley, Texas 200 acres, first-time offering — deep within fourth-generation family ranch. Electricity available, 1,300-1,900 feet elevation. Exotics and whitetail. No minerals convey. Asking $1,325 per acre. Contact (936) 661-8766. Perch Traps Turtle Traps Fish Traps Hog Traps 156 SE County Road 3144 Corsicana, TX 75109 (903) 229-2342 POLK COUNTY, TEXAS Lake Livingston’s Premier Bait & Tackle Store is for sale! Kickapoo Bait & Tackle fronts on Highway 190 next to Kickapoo Bridge. 140 ft. of protected waterfront. 936-646-4478 swann@eastex.net NEW LOOK, BETTER RESULTS Place your classified advertising in the Lone Star Outdoor News — reaching more than a quarter-million readers monthly — and experience the results of a new look. The 2”x 2” classified will get the attention necessary to say SOLD! $30 for two editions. Call (214) 361-2276. Visit Web site The NEW and PATENTED split ring pliers that thousands of users say “the best EVER in split ring history”. Available at your tackle dealer, Cabela’s, Amazon.com, TackleWarehouse.com. July 27, 2007 Page 19 NATIONAL Rice farming changes affect duck patterns Arkansas waterfowlers have noticed changes in duck patterns in recent years. Thoughts on the reasons why vary greatly. One Arkansan with a long track record in ducks and hunting them is Rick Hampton, who lives in the Bayou Meto country of Arkansas County. He served a term on the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission and has been heavily involved on the ground and in the water with ducks all his life. He’s a rice and soybean farmer, and duck hunts on the Hampton property have been traditional for several generations. The wintering ducks have changed habits somewhat, he said, and food is involved. “Our ducks just don’t use the rice fields like they used to. They use the other fields, flooded corn, flooded timber and the reservoirs,” Hampton said. “For one thing, the combines we have now are a lot more efficient. They don’t leave nearly as much rice in the fields, and that is what the ducks eat. “There are new varieties of rice too, and these mature earlier. We are harvesting rice in late August and early September, and we used to harvest it in late September and October. “What that means is the rice left in the fields when they are flooded will sprout and not be there for food when the ducks get down here.” Hampton’s place is in the heart of some of Arkansas’ most renowned duck country. The first Hampton settled in the area in 1845, and Hampton Reservoir is a well-known feature of the Bayou Meto country. Hampton said, “We are seeing fewer mallards and more gadwalls in recent years. We’re getting a lot more gadwalls down here.” Hampton believes food availability dictates where the ducks will be found. “The ducks are back in the flooded timber, not out in the flooded rice fields,” Hampton said. “That’s where the food is.” An Arkansas Game and Fish Commission report. A CHANGE IN PATTERNS: Arkansas duck hunters are finding fewer birds using flooded rice fields. Louisiana Gov. Blanco signs wildlife, fisheries funding bill Gov. Kathleen Babineaux Blanco has signed House Bill 919, passed during the 2007 Legislative Session, which provides additional funding for the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Conservation Fund. The bill permanently commits mineral revenues from the Attakapas Wildlife Management Area to the Conservation Fund. In fiscal year 2008-09, when the added revenue is initially directed to the fund, the department would receive a projected $18 million. a LDWF funding comes primarily from the Conservation Fund, which contains license sales revenues and mineral revenues from department-owned properties. A Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries report. Page 20 July 27, 2007 WEATHER OUTDOOR PUZZLER For crossword puzzle solution, see Page 22 ACROSS WILD IN THE KITCHEN Mediterranean Style King Crab Salad Makes 4 servings 1. 4. 8. 9. 10. 12. 15. 19. 20. A buck’s mark on a tree trunk Preys on game Ring that controls a camp fire A source of deer food A reticle in a gun scope A species of the salmon An excellent beaver bait A bait used to trap pheasants Term for a trophy size game fish 21. A brand of ice shelter, Fish ____ 22. A method of fishing 23. The wolf 25. A type of gunsight 26. An icefishing catch 28. All of an outdoorsman’s needs 30. A species of deer 33. Shells and arrows 34. This mammal’s fur is in high demand 36. An animal resting place 38. Large member of the deer family 40. A group of decoys 41. A hunter’s cover 44. The arrow shooter’s weapon 45. A brood of pheasants 48. Name for tent tied to fit a need 50. Part of a trap that holds the bait 51. A species of duck 52. Animal is this that transmits disease 53. The duck hunter’s lures DOWN 2. A salmon 3. An artificial bait 4. An anti-hunting association 5. A game bird 6. To treat a hide 7. Period when buck seeks doe Herbed Lemon Garlic Mayonnaise King Crab Topping • 8 oz. King Crab meat, segmented into desired sized pieces • 1/4 Cup mayonnaise • 1 Tablespoon lemon juice (1/2 lemon) •1 Tablespoon sundried tomatoes, packed in oil, sliced • 1 Clove fresh garlic, minced or 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder • 1/4 teaspoon dried basil or 1 teaspoon fresh leaves • Freshly ground black pepper salad base • 2 Tablespoons red onion slivers • 1 Tablespoon sliced pimentostuffed green olives • 2 Tablespoons sliced black olives • 1 Cup baby field greens or spring mix • 1 Cup romaine, chopped garnish • 1 ea. Roasted red pepper, sliced into julienne strips 8. 10. 11. 13. 14. 16. 17. 18. 24. A fish’s maneuvering appendage Consider this when icefishing A game pathway A quick-to-erect type tent Hunter’s partner in the hunt A catch of fish Bring a catch into the boat A game bird Garbage a good bait for this big game 26. Used when cooking over an open fire 27. A lake bird 29. Very large on the muley 30. A coho 31. A type of camp fireplace 32. Term for a method of snaring skunk 35. Used to remove flesh from pelts 37. A breed of gundog 39. A top retriever 42. Male mallard 43. At times a deer does this to avoid danger 46. Fishing method requiring an auger 47. The slippery swimmer 49. A game bird, ___ white 50. A shoulder protector, recoil ___ Outdoor Puzzler, Wilbur "Wib" Lundeen • 2 ea. Plum tomatoes, quartered In a medium-sized bowl, blend all dressing ingredients together, except the crab meat. Fold in crab meat and chill one hour or until ready to serve. In a medium mixing bowl, mix all salad base ingredients together. Mound 1/2 cup salad base onto plate. Top with approx. 1/3 cup portion crab salad. Garnish each plate with julienne strips of red pepper and 2 quarters of plum tomato. Recipe from The National Fisheries Institute, www.aboutseafood.com. Fried Pheasant Recipe Ingredients: • 1 Pheasant breast with the skin removed • 6 Sliced mushrooms • 1/2 of a chopped red onion • 1 Ounce butter • 3 Ounces heavy cream • 2 Tablespoons olive oil • 1 Teaspoon soy sauce • Handful of chives Separate the pheasant breast into 3 pieces and saute in butter for about 4 minutes until cooked through. In a separate flying pan, saute mushroom slices and red onion in oil. Add soy sauce and cream, stirring continuously. Simmer for a minute, then pour over meat. Garnish with chives. Recipe from Game and Fish Recipes, www.gameandfishrecipes.com. Want to share your recipes? E-mail them to editor@lonestaroutdoornews.com July 27, 2007 Page 21 Boil Continued from Page 1 Isenburg of Fort Worth, a kayaker and past member of the U.S.A. Whitewater Slalom Team. “It will take you down with it.” Firefighters and game wardens would spend the next 10 days searching below the dam, but they could not send divers underwater near the hydraulic. And for the first few days, they couldn’t get their boats close to the furiously churning water. That would risk the first rule of search and rescue: Don’t become another victim. “Once they were told it was at that low-head dam, there was no doubt they wouldn’t be going in there,” said Lt. Kent Worley, a fire department spokesman. “Trained professionals know that’s extremely dangerous, even at normal flow.” But the hazard isn’t only in Fort Worth. Texas is a big state with hundreds of miles of rivers that are rapidly shedding water from recent rains. The Trinity, for example, was so swollen, it carried Ward’s body 40 miles downriver to Dallas, where it was discovered on July 17. To avoid tragedy, Isenburg said whitewater enthusiasts should learn how to recognize a hydraulic boil before it’s too late to get out of its way. He said a normal river channel should be visible far ahead, but the front of a hydraulic boil can obscure that view. Boaters won’t see the furious boil, which will be below their line of sight. Instead, the top of the water will look like a straight-line horizon, Isenburg said. And, he added, if boaters don’t see the trouble ahead, there’s a good chance they will hear it because the backwash creates a lot of racket. But even if someone gets sucked into the deadly cycle, there are ways to escape, Isenburg said. First, don’t forget to wear a lifejacket; it will provide an edge as the boil pushes you from the surface to the bottom and over again. “You could be under for a long time,” Isenburg said, “so get a good deep breath of air. “Hug your knees and curl into a ball; you don’t want your feet to get snagged on anything at the bottom of the river, because that’s where you’re going.” But, he added, you might also be able straighten up just enough to push off the bottom of the river and then try to swim downriver. Use the river’s energy to carry you, Isenburg added; it might help save your strength for the swim to safety. TOO BUSY WITH THE OUTDOORS TO MEET THE RIGHT WOMAN? Exceptional Introductions is the original, most upscale matchmaking agency based in Texas. The country’s most successful, eligible, bachelors trust us to introduce them to sweet, single, beautiful women. Exceptional ladies please contact us to inquire about a complimentary membership. Dallas/FW, Austin, San Antonio and Houston www.exceptionalintroductions.com 972-868-9044 LONE STAR OUTDOOR NEWS REACHES A QUARTER-MILLION READERS ACROSS TEXAS. SHOW THEM YOUR ADVERTISEMENT. Call (866) 361-2276 or e-mail: classifieds@lonestaroutdoornews.com Page 22 July 27, 2007 HEROES STEVE FARIS, left, caught this rainbow trout on a pheasant tail bead head nymph while fishing the Animas River in Colorado. Faris was guided by Chris Meyer of Animas Valley Anglers. SARA RICHARDSON, 13, of Lone Oak caught this kingfish weighing 22.7 pounds while fishing with Williams Party Boats. The kingfish is being submitted for a junior record. KEVIN WILSON, 10, of Oklahoma City, Okla. caught this 3.1-pound lane snapper while fishing with Williams Party Boats out of Galveston. The fish is being submitted for a junior record. DARRELL RIEWE holds a 59.13-pound yellow catfish caught on a trotline from a private lake in Comanche County by Riewe, CAYMON MARTIN and KIM ROBERTS. STEVE KLEPFER of Frisco caught this red drum near South Padre Island. SHARE AN ADVENTURE Want to share your great hunting or fishing photos with the Lone Star Outdoor News family? E-mail your photo, phone and caption information to editor@ lonestaroutdoornews.com, or mail to: Heroes, Lone Star Outdoor News, 9304 Forest Lane, Suite 114 South, Dallas, TX, 75243. CROSSWORD SERVING A QUARTER-MILLION READERS ENJOY AN PUZZLE SOLUTION FROM PAGE 20 ADVENTURE AT THE NEW WEB SITE www.lonestaroutdoornews.com OUTFITTERS Vinegarroon Wildlife www.texaswhitetailhunts.com vwildlife@satx.rr.com 830-313-0607-cell • 210-695-4855-office •Guided Trophy Hunts •Full-Service Hunts •Total Acres-38,000 Del Rio & Alpine, Tx. Real County NATIVE EXOTICS Fallow Whitetail Spring Turkey Aoudad Sika Mule Deer Dove & Quail Axis Mouflan Pronghorn Black Buck Others Duck, Goose and Dove Hunting 40,000 Acres Offshore and Bay fishing 30' Stamas 21' Shallowsport South Texas Deer and Turkey Hunting 10,000 Acres Capt. Scott Hickman 3218 Coral Ridge Ct. League City, TX 77573 (281) 535-1930 Fax: (281) 535-1935 www.circleh.org Pheasants Quail Deer Excellent season-long pheasant and quail JOHN GASPER 785-346-2697 hunting OSBORNE, KS 785-346-6342 You-make-the-call hunting lodge • You decide what happens when! www.gasperfarmshunting.com PROFILE YOUR BUSINESS It’s easy to advertise on this page — just send us your business card, and let us know how many weeks you want your ad to run. Purchase 12 issues of advertising and your business will be profiled with a photo in this section. Outfitter Listings: $40 each issue. Please include either a check or credit card billing information with your order. Mail to: Lone Star Outdoor News, 9304 Forest Lane, Suite 114 South, Dallas, TX 75243 or call (214) 361-2276. July 27, 2007 Page 23 Page 24 July 27, 2007