May/June 2008 Vol. 1. Issue 5

■ River Smallmouth Pre-spawn, spawn and post-spawn tactics

■ The Wariest Gobbler Intense season 6 challenge bags big Tom

■ Whitewater & Quietwater To portage over land, time

■ Summer Perch Plastic tactics for Great Lakes jumbos

■ Cub's Corner June gills on the bed

■ Product 6-Pack Great gear for the woods, fields and waterways

■ Dog Talk Food for thought

■ Surplus Firearms Veteran of the Osterfront

■ Summer Flyfishing When, where, what

■ Cochran Cartoons Gobble giggles & angler lies Photo By Dick Ellis
Hunting, Fishing, Trapping, Travel & Outdoor Humor
2 May/June 2008 On Wisconsin Outdoors On Wisconsin Outdoors May/June 2008 3

STEVE HENSKE WHITEWATER & QUIETWATER To portage across land, across time y eyes are dancing back and Mforth, squinting at the topo- graphic river map in front of me and scanning for something uniquely different on this rocky boreal shoreline. We know it is there. Two hundred-fifty meters of mystery that will guide us around the Grade 5 falls ahead. I barely hear my wife Missy shouting over the sound of the roaring waterfall…“There it is!” An old graying slash on a stunted black spruce marks the spot. We eddy out, wave to the other two canoes in our group and paddle up to the scarred spruce. With a deep sigh we pull the packs from our Royalex expe- dition canoe and set them onto the rocks. Another portage. It is inevitable. If you plan on canoeing the Canadian bush you had better be prepared to carry your gear. It is part of the trip. Eventually you will come to the end of a lake or an obstacle in the river. The Native American Indians blazed the way with their hunting and gathering lifestyle and the northern canoe routes developed as highways for sustainability, not recre- ation. The early European explorers used these same northern trails as they “discovered” the New World, followed by the French Canadian Voyageurs, European trappers and traders and mineral prospectors. I have traversed some Canadian river portages where Tackling difficult portages is tough work, but the reward can be scenes like this. We enjoy a sunset over the Allanwater River in the exposed bedrock was literally worn NW Ontario’s Wabakimi Provincial Park. (Photo by Missy Henske) smooth and cupped from centuries of moose-hide moccasins traveling the same route. The word ‘portage’ (pronounced ‘por-TAJ’) is of French origin and means ‘to carry.’ On the “I have traversed some Canadian river portages canoe routes it refers to (a) ‘carrying where the exposed bedrock was literally worn smooth and cupped place.’ To us it means carrying all the junk packed in our canoes from here to from centuries of moose-hide moccasins traveling the same route ...” the other end, where we pack it back into our canoes, paddle a little ways, and then do it all over again—a masochist’s idea of fun. fresh fish makes up a good portion of of hi-test spirits for the evening thing is transferred from point A to Packing for a multi-week trip in our diet. Lightweight tents, sleeping “Happy Hour.” Paddlers and back- point B. Quite simple. What the the bush requires the skill of a master bags, sleeping pads and cookware are packers will make a millionaire out of onlooker would not see is people trip- puzzle solver. You must take into required. High-tech water filters are the person who invents dehydrated ping over loose packs, rocks and logs, account all those items you absolutely compact and solve our water needs. beer. the slapping and cursing at clouds of need for food and gear, make a pile of it Tiny high-performance cookstoves are An onlooker might compare our mosquitoes, rod tips being snapped off all on the garage floor, and then elimi- used when an open fire cannot be. For group’s act of portaging to that of a and frantic digging for poorly tied nate half of it. The bottom line is that it clothing, we stick with light synthetics choreographed dance. The first boat at boots in two feet of Canadian muck. all has to fit inside your canoe, while and wool, which work when wet or the take-out must empty its load on Every portage has a new set of chal- leaving a little bit of room for two dry and dry quickly. High-perform- shore and then pull the canoe out to lenges, no matter how many you have paddlers. Then consider you will have ance membrane raingear is absolutely make room for the next boat. That first done. An important part of each to carry that pile multiple times over necessary. The packs themselves are canoe is carried down the portage trail canoe’s gear is the ‘bear resistant’ food high cliffs and soggy wetland trails. waterproof, easily organized and to the far end (put-in), usually by the barrel. We use 60-liter poly barrels With experience we think we have it designed to nest in the canoes plus are stern paddler (among our group, the fitted with a portaging harness for our somewhat figured out. Almost all of comfortable to carry. Our luxury items hubby) while the bow paddler (the food and cooking utensils. The barrel is our food is dehydrated. Meals and include ultra-compact camp chairs, sweetie) grabs a pack, spare paddle and snacks are planned out to the day and some good cigars and an ample supply fishing rod. This continues until every- Continued on page 8 4 March/April 2008 On Wisconsin Outdoors

JASON GAURKEE ON WISCONSIN WATERS River smallies the epitome of freshwater fishing

Some of Jason's favorite cranks (left) include,Rapala, Bomber, Dave’s Kaboom, Smithwick and Yozuri. Choices for wacky worms (right) include Senko, Tiki, Gambler, Food Stick and a Yum. (Photo by Jason Gaurkee) Jason Gaurkee with a 6 pound prespawn river smallie about to be released. (Photo by Keith Lindner) a nest- guarding male was thought to mouth go on a feeding binge during be acceptable because they quickly this time. I have fished areas that return to their nests, sometimes within boiled with fish movement once the y guiding career began by river’s clarity. In a perfect world, you a few seconds and never longer than a bait hit the water. Mchasing salmon in Great Lake will want a normal water level and couple of minutes. Continued on page 7 tributaries and eventually progressed steadily warming water slightly off Recent studies, like those to muskies in the North country. Back color in clarity. When these conditions conducted by Dr. John Jannsen, then I spent most of my time traversing come together, expect the best small- University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, the upper Wisconsin River in search of mouth fishing of the year. have revealed that waters inhabited by ol’ Mr. Esox. In those early years I During pre-spawn, fish will round gobies are harmed by catch and would take time away from tossing usually go on the feed when water release fishing during the spawn. bucktails and Suicks, occasionally temperatures reach 47-49 degrees. When a smallmouth was captured in working bass sized top water baits or Rarely will you catch many fish below goby infested waters, the nesting area tubes for smallmouth. this temperature range. During this was absolutely saturated by literally After a short time I realized that cold-water period you will need to hundreds of these gobies and the pound for pound, there isn’t a better focus your efforts in deeper water smallmouth eggs were all but Hunting, Fishing, Trapping, Travel consumed by the time the nest- fighting freshwater fish. I became (wintering areas) adjacent to spawning and Outdoor Humor addicted. Since then, river smallies areas with small presentations fished guarding male returned. I actually have become my passion, especially in slowly. Keep in mind the fishing action witnessed this on the underwater PUBLISHER/EDITOR: spring, which means trophy time. will continue to improve as the water video taken by Dr. Jannsen’s staff. Dick Ellis [email protected] Spring river smallmouth action is the warms. With the exception of Great Lake tribu- epitome of all fresh water fishing. Pre-spawn smallmouth will make taries, most smallmouth rivers do not ADVERTISING COORDINATOR: Karen Cluppert predictable movements when water have the goby problem, yet. [email protected] TIMING temps reach the 50-55 degree range. Spawning on rivers almost always

Arguably, the best fishing for These movements are quick, direct and takes place in 58 to 65 degree water Published bi-monthly by ON WISCONSIN OUTDOORS, trophy smallmouth bass occurs in full of purpose fully motivated by which most years means mid to late LLC. Subscriptions are mailed first class. May. I say “arguably” due to the fact spawning. Males will move into May. When fishing spawning small- ©Copyright 2008 ON WISCONSIN OUTDOORS, LLC with all rights reserved. Reproduction or use without that some anglers will make the case shallow (usually two to four feet) mouth, you want to intrude on a fish’s permission, of editorial, advertising or graphic content for fall (September/October) being water void of current, usually pools, territory. You want to trespass. The in any manner is prohibited by law. eddys, or shallow gravel areas close to male specie is extremely aggressive, NOTICE TO ADVERTISERS: All advertising is subject to prime time for trophy caliber fish. My publisher's approval and acceptance without recourse. biggest smallmouth, topping seven current. Fishing these areas during almost suicidal, attacking anything Advertisers and their agencies assume responsibility for the that crosses their nesting area. Your condition of the contents of advertising printed, and agree pounds, was a fall fish. However, year the pre-spawn period will yield your to indemnify the Publishers of OWO for any and all claims after year my clients and I boat more biggest smallmouth of the year. best presentations are those which are and expenses arising there from. five-pound-plus smallmouth in May Smallmouth fishing is never easier erratic but also stay in the zone. CORPORATE OFFICES LOCATED AT: than all other months combined. than during the spawn period Post spawn is what I call the 20240 West Rustic Ridge Drive New Berlin, WI 53146 There are three spring periods; although it is a controversial practice. “catching bonanza.” This period can Phone: 262.549.5550 pre-spawn, spawn and post- spawn. In Wisconsin, the Department of last up to a month after spawning is Web site: www.onwisconsinoutdoors.com Pre-spawn fishing can be hit or miss Natural Resources has set up a catch completed and ends by the summer Postmaster: Send address changes to: 20240 West Rustic Ridge Drive due to fluctuating water levels, and release season to protect this peak or summer solstice calendar New Berlin, WI 53146 temperatures and drastic changes in a fragile fishery. Until recently, catching period. Both male and female small- On Wisconsin Outdoors NATURAL HIGHS May/June 2008 5

DICK ELLIS ON WISCONSIN OUTDOORS The second amendment, first

“Today, I want to talk to you about guns: Why we have them, why the Bill of Rights guarantees that we can have them, and why my right to have a gun is more important than your right to rail against it in the press.” “…It is time that our youth found out that the politically correct doctrine of today has mislead them. And that when they reach legal age, if they do not break our laws, they have a right to choose to own a gun to defend themselves and their loved ones or to engage in any lawful purpose they desire without apology or explanation to anyone, ever.” “This is their first freedom. The Ellis family reflects the vast majority If you say it’s outdated, then of Wisconsin and American gun owners: respectful of human life, law abiding, and safe. you haven’t read your own headlines. If you say guns create only carnage, I would answer that you know better. hey may not wear red coats, but almost willed by the deceased, a last But for now…did you know that Declining morals, disinte- Tthere is and always will be a very shot in defense of freedom, and Charlton Heston marched for Civil dangerous faction in America, the extraordinarily coincidental like the Rights with Dr. Martin Luther King in grating families, vacillation of freedom killers, who would come into passing of both John Adams and 1963? But when he told an audience political leadership, an eroding our homes…if they could… confiscate Thomas Jefferson on July 4, 1826. that white pride is just as valid as black criminal justice system and our guns and snuff out our right to From those who anointed Heston pride or red pride or anyone else’s social morals that blur right keep and bear arms. I had a fleeting a hero to those who vilified him even in pride, they called him racist. He served from wrong are more to blame- thought that it was Divine Intervention death, the airways, the Internet, and the in WWII against the axis powers. But that took Charlton Heston from us after print media are now filled and focused during a speech, when he drew an certainly more than any legally a long illness, at a very time when the on firearms, the second amendment analogy between singling out innocent owned firearm.” United States Supreme Court is and the challenges faced to keep both. Jews and singling out innocent gun “…Our constitution contemplating the 32-year old handgun The truth will set us free. Because we owners, he was called anti-Semite. And provides the doorway for your ban in the nation’s capital; debating the can never be afraid to debate if we when he asked an audience to oppose news and commentary to pass very question of whether “the right of really believe we are right, that atten- such cultural persecution, he was through free and unfettered. the people to keep and bear arms” tion from the otherwise complacent compared to Timothy McVeigh. belongs to individuals or whether it masses is very good news indeed “But I am not afraid,” he But that doorway to freedom is was instead intended to protect the If I could, I would give up this responded. “If Americans believed in framed by the muskets that power of the states to raise militias. space in a heartbeat so that you might political correctness, we’d still be King stood between a vision of liberty Since the Supreme Court last read Heston’s entire speech to the George’s boys…subjects bound to the and absolute anarchy at a place heard a gun case this important seven National Press Club. Because the British Crown.” called Concord Bridge. Our decades ago, the court’s decision on the length of that great writing does not Because he can no longer carry the D.C. challenge, either way, will rever- permit it, the speech in its entirety is torch, we will. The freedom killers revolution began when the berate across the country in “new” posted on our website at dressed in big media attire or British sent Redcoats door to precedence. That will likely be very www.onwisconsinoutdoors.com. A Hollywood glitter or riding the Fat door to confiscate the people’s good or very bad news for the second Heston speech delivered to the Cat’s chair and an obnoxious pension guns. They didn’t succeed: The American gun owner. I think that it is Harvard Law School on February 16, of our own government officials will be muskets went out the back door uncanny that Charlton Heston’s 1999 is also posted. If you consider back again in search of our guns with the owners.” passing comes when his death brings yourself a lover of your freedoms, I regardless of any Supreme Court more attention to the fact that our very promise it will be well worth your ruling. The war on freedom is already — Charlton Heston, excerpts of freedoms are in grave danger than time. If you haven’t really thought here. The means to fight it, especially if speech delivered to National even his magnificent oratory might about your freedoms, you need to go Press Club, 2-11-97 have generated in life; a time of death there faster. Continued on page 16 6 May/June 2008 On Wisconsin Outdoors Seven-On Sterling Early season musky tactics

By Dennis Radloff great factor comes into play: with is accomplished by shallow bays often hosting the first simply “cruising” weed growth in the system, there will along in a slow manner ith a long winter of cold days be plenty of forage mixed in the weeds. by use of your and record snow levels behind W bow-mounted us, it’s time to get back out on the water trolling motor and start chasing some muskies! Early SMALLER LURES while standing season musky fishing can offer some Down-sizing your presentation on the bow of great opportunities for a big fish if will increase your chance of triggering your boat and you’re willing to take advantage of these often “sluggish” muskies. First visually several factors. With the Wisconsin and foremost, the smaller lures will looking for musky season opener south of Hwy. 10 match the smaller forage most likely in muskies on the first Saturday of May, there’s no the weeds, and secondly a smaller pres- lying in the reason to wait to begin your search for entation is a productive choice when shallow the first fish of 2008. It just might be water temperatures are on the colder water on that pig that wouldn’t swim out of your end of the spectrum. Some good sand flats. head this winter. choices are six-inch minnow bait When you Slammers, Baby Shallowraiders, and locate a Shallowraiders. These lures can be SHALLOW BAYS musky in worked either with a straight retrieve Targeting shallow bays can be a the distance or twitched with either a lighter gauge great starting point since this is a stop your seven-strand or fluorocarbon leader. common location utilized by muskies motor and to spawn. While they are spawning, cast muskies do not eat much, if anything, SIGHT FISHING beyond so upon completion of this rigorous Sight fishing is a tactic you can use the fish task they are going to be looking for the when it comes to approaching “post- and easiest opportunity to feed. Another spawn” muskies in shallow bays. This Are You a Wisconsin Blood Brother? Be a Hero. Give Blood. Dennis Radloff’s client Todd Dahl with a 48-inch Wisconsin musky taken and released on opening day, 2007.

Mark the spot with your GPS and come twitch your lure back to you in a back in an hour or two. More often manner that presents it to the fish. than not, these fish will return to the Another alternative to using a twitch same spot which gives you another MEN BLEED bait is using a “jig & tail” combo. A one chance at trying to convert them. to two ounce jig tipped with a 6-inch Give these early season tactics a Reaper Tail works well with a slow chance this year and I’m sure you’ll get

” presentation along the bottom. a few more muskies! Good luck and I’ll O see you on the water. WO GPS & RETURN While utilizing the basic tactics described here will convert a few fish Captain Dennis Radloff owns and oper- for you this season, you may be ates Sterling Guide Service. He guides on thinking, What about the muskies that the waters of Green Bay and southeastern don’t go for this presentation and just swim Wisconsin seven days a week April away? This is where using your GPS through November. Contact him at REEL Dennis Radloff becomes valuable. If the musky you www.sterlingmusky.com, or call him at Wisconsin Fishing Guide, Oconomowoc located swims away, don’t worry. 262.443.9993. “ On Wisconsin Outdoors May/June 2008 7

GAURKEE, from page 4 the bottom but light enough to keep it road kill, pumpkin seed, motor oil, or snag free, and a circle hook is good. purple. I am really partial to the Strike My experiences have shown me Circle hooks are the key element for King bleeding series and the new coffee that once you locate a fish, you have catching and releasing spring small- ground tubes made with real coffee probably located a dozen or more. mouth. Keep in mind that circle hooks grounds. Post-spawn fish seem to school up a differ from traditional “bait holder” Jerk baits, otherwise known as little. Look for the best locations to be in type hooks when it comes to setting the minnow baits, are often overlooked in shallow, rocky areas close and usually hook. Circle hooks do not require a the spring because our mentality tells just down river from the spawning hook set. When you feel a smallmouth us that fish are not aggressive enough sites. taking your bait, simply feed them a to chase fast moving bait. Our Almost anything goes during the little line, lift the rod and start reeling. mentality is wrong. Jerks can be post spawn period but you want to No sharp jerks are required; in fact worked as slow as you like and often speed things up a little and cover lots of doing so equals lost fish. outproduce other artificial alternatives. water. Live bait still works, but keep in Next to live bait, wacky worming In fact, many of the top bass pros will mind that a bass’s metabolism is is quite possibly the best presentation start using jerk baits in water as cold as increasing at this time meaning once available as of late. Wacky worming is 45 degrees. Baits like Dave’s Kaboom, again that food is priority number one a very simple technique both in rigging Smithwick Rogues or Rapala Husky and chasing down a faster moving, and application. When rigging, you Jerks can be fished at any speed. Many Tube favorites include Strike King, larger profile target like a spinner bait, will need a worm like a Senko, Food of the new models suspend during a Venom, Yum and Bass Pro Shops. tube or jerk bait is probably more prac- Stick, Gambler or Tiki. Then you pause keeping the bait in the small- (Photo by Jason Gaurkee) tical and preferred. simply run a hook through the thickest mouth’s strike zone. portion of the worm, usually located PRESENTATION near the center. Once rigged and cast CHOICE RIVER SYSTEMS belly up. By far, your most effective presen- out, raise your rod tip and give it short Wisconsin has some of the best Smallmouth populations are tation utilizes the live bait connection, subtle twitches back to the boat river smallmouth fisheries in the extremely susceptible to over- particularly for smallmouth in the allowing the wacky rig to flutter down country. A few of my favorites are the harvesting. I have seen what over spawn mode. Smallmouth are territo- occasionally. Smallmouth will take it northern Wisconsin (Mosinee up to fishing has done to certain sections of rial and highly protective of that terri- like live bait although you will need to Tomahawk), Chippewa, St. Croix, Wolf the Wisconsin River. Sadly, once tory. When casting into likely holding set the hook a little sooner. (Fremont up to Post Lake), Menominee, anglers realized what a fantastic fishery areas with an artificial lure, anglers Tubes offer another solid option Oconto, Peshtigo, and Fox. Of these, it was, pressure increased and fish usually work baits in the right areas. for spring smallmouth and are prob- the rivers that are connected directly to populations absolutely decreased. However, smallies will often let them ably the most versatile option available. the Great Lakes and Green Bay offer Keep a trophy for the wall, perhaps, or pass right by. On the other hand, a Dead sticking a tube works well. They true trophy potential. Inland rivers better yet call your taxidermist and redtail chub, walleye sucker or garden- can be jigged, drifted in current, set trend to be quantity fisheries but do have him do a reproduction. Tight variety night crawler is often too much under a float or jerked, and excel when produce big fish. O lines. WO to resist and stays in the zone until you the water is cold or fish are holding Perhaps the most important thing move it or it is devoured. tight to cover or in a river with crayfish to keep in mind when targeting spring When using live bait in spring, I being the primary food source. smallmouth is to practice sound catch Jason Gaurkee has been guiding, writing generally fish without a float, keeping My favorite tubes are often and release ethics. In my opinion it and filming television shows on the waters my bait on the bottom. A simple split- referred to as flippin’ tubes. All this should be every angler’s responsibility of Wisconsin and beyond for over ten shot rig consisting of a sinker heavy really means is the head portion is a to use circle hooks. Poorly hooked years. He can be contacted at jmgaurkee enough to hold your presentation on little thicker. I usually choose tubes in fish, even if released, in most cases go @yahoo.com or 920.851.6655.

ROY KALMERTON ON THE PROWL WITH THE WOLF PACK Early summer Lake Michigan fishing

Looking back at what worked the same well in 2008. Expect the and what didn’t each month on call of “fish on” to be frequent. In Lake Michigan, is often invaluable April I received a call from in helping us plan future Captain Pat Kalmerton of the Wolf successes. In May of 2007, we Pack’s Addiction, working the big chased brown trout off the shores lake with a party of three. In one- of Sheboygan. One trip yielded 12 and-one-half hours of fishing the trout in just two hours. The same spot as last year, utilizing the browns continued into late May. same type of baits, the Addiction King salmon also were active limited-out with 15 fish, including earlier than usual in 2007. two lake trout and 13 fat and sassy browns. OW TACTICS O Fish were caught north of Sheboygan using red, green and Roy Kalmerton operates Wolf Pack fire-tiger Thunder Sticks on planer Adventures in Sheboygan Falls. boards at 1.5 to 1.8 mph in 11 to 40 Contact Roy at 920.918.WOLF feet of water. Because the (9653) or wolfpackadven- Here’s an example of the early catch, where John & Amanda are exercising in The Wolf Pack approach has worked year after [email protected]. For fishing reports, style, displaying the results of a double header—and counting the catch to be sure we don’t year for us, we are going back to go to www.wolfpackadventures.com. go over their limit. (Photos by Wolf Pack Adventures) 8 May/June 2008 On Wisconsin Outdoors

LEFT: Our group prepares to line the gear and canoes down the infamous "Mountain Goat Portage" of the Kopka River in NW Ontario. This vertical portage drops 75 feet and requires lines and carabiners to reach the bottom. RIGHT: We were portaging around Makaimi Falls on northern Ontario’s Berens River in July of 2005 when a tornado touched down one quarter- mile to our northeast and left a twisted mess of timber. Clean-up took us hours to get to the bottom of the portage. (Photos by Steve Henske)

HENSKE, from page 3 In our younger years the “portage usually some fantastic fishing from an fish while base camping. We also factor” did not come into play when untouched deepwater hole or a partic- intend to paddle a hundred-mile obviously heaviest at the start of a trip deciding our paddling destinations. We ular view of the land that had been section of Montana’s Yellowstone River and becomes lighter as we eat our way picked a river to tackle or a lake off the long forgotten. Nowadays since we are in four or five days and nights. The down the river. In one of my less beaten trail and accepted the overland older (we prefer to call it ‘seasoned’) we most glorious part of this trip is not the refined moments I had made an unfa- difficulties as part of the package. pay particular attention to how the beauty of the Rocky Mountains but the vorable comment to my wife, some- Although some members of our gradient lines are stacked on our topo- fact that there is not one ‘port-TAJ’ to thing about our packs not being very paddling group would argue, to me the graphic maps. If it looks like another be had! The older we get the better we heavy. Missy, being one of the “gets challenge of difficult portages was set of killer portages, other options are adapt. This trip will be a great change O mad AND gets even” types did quite rewarding. It accredited our discussed. of pace. WO manage to get mad. She then added travels to being similar to those of early The summer of 2008 sees us twenty pounds of Canadian Shield explorers and also confirmed our breaking 30 years of tradition. Instead Steve Henske is a veteran canoeist granite to the food barrel to get even. toughness and ability to adapt to what- of traveling north to Canada, our having paddled thousands of miles Not realizing, I grunted and carried the ever the trip dished out. It also guaran- Central Wisconsin group of ten barrel on the quarter-mile portage teed us true solitude and wilderness paddlers will be heading to western on the Canadian Shield, and many blaming heat, fatigue and old age for since most sane recreational paddlers Wyoming and Montana. We have more in Wisconsin. He resides in the weight on my shoulders. Estrogen will not burn up two weeks of vacation assembled a long list of mountain Stevens Point, WI, with his wife and trumps testosterone again. Men always time to do something comparable to rivers including the Snake and the paddling partner Missy, and faithful pay for having a loose tongue. military boot camp. The reward was Gallatin that we can day paddle and canoe rocking specialist Cody, a golden retriever.

Peter & Rob Deinlein Owners

Full Service Auto Repair 6136 S. 27th Street, Milwaukee 414.761.1330 On Wisconsin Outdoors May/June 2008 9 Mississippi River Country Hunting and fishing paradise

By Todd Lensing offers challenging turkey hunting including water skiing, tubing, opportunities. Now with the extra and river cruising. A popular ell folks, it’s that time of the permits available you might like to pastime for many is shoring up Wyear when the Big River try a new location and change of and spending time on one of the comes to life with countless activi- scenery to bag that bearded tom! many great sandbars and beaches ties for all walks of life. Of course you can’t forget about along the river. Early spring provides some of the chance to hunt up some tasty If being right on the water is the finest walleye fishing around. morel mushrooms this season. not your bag, perhaps you’re one We see a steady stream of boats When the water starts to of many motorcycle enthusiasts traveling Highway 35 going north warm up, the spawning bluegills, who enjoy riding the Great River and south, heading for either the crappies, and northern can provide Road (State Highway 35). There Genoa dam or the Lynxville dam. some incredibly fast action. The are also scenic tours along the These are two great places to start, shallow backwaters are a great many well-maintained paved back place to start when looking for roads throughout southwest but the wing dams further down O can be very productive as well. If some fun-to-catch fish. The local Wisconsin. WO you don’t have a boat, there is bait shops up and down the river are always good at sharing infor- convenient barge fishing below Captain Todd Lensing is a professional mation and pointing you in the Genoa (Clement’s Fishing Barge) guide and U.S. Coast Guard master right direction. The Mississippi is and below Lynxville (Hubbard’s captain who takes clients out daily also home to some of the best Fishing Float). Both offer trans- during the Wisconsin waterfowl season. large-mouth bass fishing in the portation from shore to the floats Contact Todd at Flyway Fowling Guide Midwest. as well. Service, Ferryville, Wisconsin, Summer provides incredible The Mississippi River awaits you with some of As spring progresses, the www.flywayfowling.com, 608.734.323 recreational boating opportunities, Wisconsin's best bass fishing. (Photo by Dick Mississippi River bluff country or www.grandview-motel.com. Ellis)

GEORGE W. CURTIS (Also Licensed in Florida) BETH D. OSOWSKI (Also Licensed in Minnesota)

BRIAN P. B EISENSTEIN MICHAEL J. KUBORN (Also Licensed in Arizona) FREE INITIAL 2905 Universal Street (Hwy 44 West & Universal Street) CONSULTATION Oshkosh, Wisconsin 54904 (920)233-1010
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GENERAL LITIGATION DUE TO OUR REPUTATION, not insurance companies. MOST CASES SETTLE WITHOUT A TRIAL 10 May/June 2008 On Wisconsin Outdoors Warming Trends Spring musky tactics

By Phil Schweik In addition to working the mouth area, work up the feeder stream if uskies are creatures of habit. In possible. If the water is deep enough, Mspring and early summer, you fish will travel upstream as far as they can count on more fish searching out can go in search of forage. Work any the warmest water available. Regardless available structure and take advantage of whether your target of choice is a of fish that are passed by most anglers. lake or a river, you must find and work Work bucktails and spinnerbaits that the warmest water on that system. It’s cover a lot of area and can be worked in no secret that northern shorelines attract and around structure. heavy angling pressure in the early WARM WATER INFLOW Schweik caught and released this Wisconsin River musky downstream from season. That’s a good place to start, but but in close proximity to a warm water discharge area. expand your warm-water targets and These areas will concentrate large adjust techniques to match the environ- numbers of fish due to the constant ment and you will put more muskies in inflow of warmer water where they can water bay will also attract large game- dams in preparation for spawning. Well your boat. As the season begins, consider: be easily targeted. It’s important to remember that this is usually fast water fish. Keys to fishing backwater bays are after spawning is complete, many • Checking northern shorelines; requiring heavy baits like deep diving the color of the bottom and the available muskies will remain at these locations, • Checking warm water discharge crankbaits and large, heavy soft plastics. structure. Shallow sandy bottom sometimes throughout the entire year. and run-off areas; The key is to cast upstream and to keep without structure will usually not hold Fish taking residence around dams are • Checking fresh incoming water your line tight. A musky can strike fish. A dark-bottomed bay with stumps unique to the system and will take sources like creeks and streams; anytime, but you may not feel the strike and timber will hold all kinds of fish. A advantage of fast-incoming water. Fast • Creating aggressive fish by in the hard current. Set the hook when dark bottom will warm up the dam water may look like a terrible place attacking weedy areas; you feel any difference in line or rod. surrounding area and any stumps and for muskies to hide, but this is exactly • Quietly and carefully working You may be surprised by what’s on the timber add not only cover but addi- where the aggressive, active fish will be. shallow backwater bays; other end. tional warmth because they soak up They lie in wait of an easy meal offered • Working traditional walleye spawn- even more direct sunlight. Target these by disoriented baitfish that have been ing areas using noisy durable baits; WEED GROWTH areas with jig and reaper combinations sucked through the dam gates to be • Targeting the faster-moving water All season, any weed growth will and slow-moving topwater baits like caught up in the swirling water. Big, around dams with large heavy attract gamefish seeking predation the Zara Spook or the Doc. Topwater heavy soft plastics like bulldawgs and crankbaits and soft plastics. cover and protection. To target these baits aren’t often considered as a “go Big Joes, crankbaits like the countdown areas, it’s best to first work the outside to” bait in the spring. Try them, and Depth Raider, or a Triple D work great NORTHERN SHORELINE edge from a distance with two anglers catch more fish. in these situations. As with the warm The northernmost shoreline of any in the boat -- one casting in toward the water discharge areas where a strike is lake will receive the most direct weeds and the other casting out over SPAWNING AREAS difficult to detect, it is very important to sunlight early in the year. With the the deep open water. This picks up fish Locations known by many anglers keep a tight line when working fast water temperatures here warming that are holding tight to structure primarily for walleye fishing are often water. faster than any other part of the lake, (weeds) and fish that are feeding on hot spots for spring musky. Muskies The slower-moving sides of the these northern territories will naturally open-water suspended baitfish. follow schools of walleye as a favorite dam will also hold fish. Most often, draw fish from all other areas of the The key to finding open water bait- forage food throughout the year, these are inactive or lethargic fish that lake. Target this shoreline with shallow fish and active predator fish is simply including early spring in traditional will also migrate to faster water when running crankbaits and soft plastics like finding that warmest water. Remember spawning areas. Long after spawning is literally “moved” to feed. There are bulldawgs and jigs with reaper tails in the last time you were swimming in a complete, some muskies will remain in exceptions and you will occasionally the afternoon when the water is warmest lake and hit a warm spot? You wished these areas and can be targeted well catch fish in the calm water. But dedi- and holding the most active fish. the entire lake were that warm. Fish are into summer. cate most of your “dam” time to the fast the same. When they find a warm spot, Target the rocks that define current. FEEDER STREAMS & they hold there. spawning terrain with a lure that can Like approaches to lake and river RUN-OFF AREAS After you have worked the outside withstand the constant punishment it is angling during each of Wisconsin’s Incoming warmer water will hold edge, set up 10-15 feet inside the sure to take. The pounding noise and seasons, productive spring musky spawning fish plus minnows and outside weed edge. Set the trolling vibration sent through the water as fishing is the only option if we intend to forage that will attract larger prey fish. motor down as far as you can and your lure bangs off rocks will actually remain in business as full-time profes- The key to fishing feeder streams and travel right through the weeds. Believe attract larger gamefish and increase sional guides. This early season, run-off areas is to not restrict your me, the tactic turns normally lethargic, your odds of catching one. Good bets Hooksetters guides will be targeting the search to water immediately associated non-striking fish into aggressive include a heavy jig with a large, plastic areas highlighted above, using the same with the mouth. Incoming water does attacking fish. Disturbing the area in tail; strong crankbaits like a Bucher lures and techniques recommended to not immediately change in temperature which the muskies hold and pushing Depth Raider series; or a jerkbait with you. Past successes dictate our future to meet the temperature of the water them out of their safe zone often trig- an extra split ring attached in front as path. around it. The change is gradual. Work gers a strike when the lure is run by added protection from the bashing it Try it. You’ll like it. Good luck and O not only the immediate area where it them at a fast rate of speed. Work these will take on the rocks. safe fishing. WO meets but 200 to 400 yards downstream areas with crankbaits, bucktails and where the water from the inflowing large soft plastics. DAMS Contact Phil Schweik and Hooksetters stream continues to meld with the main BACKWATER BAYS Early in the year, fish including big Fishing Services at www.hooksetters.biz. body of water. Warm water of a shallow back- muskies will migrate upriver toward On Wisconsin Outdoors May/June 2008 11 Prime Time Flyfishing the warm-water species

By Jerry Kiesow fly rod. Time to clean and take the memory out of your line and leader; tter the words “Fly fishing” and tie on a fresh tippet; and make sure Uthoughts immediately go to trout. your fly box has some wet flies and Trout and fly rods just go together like streamers for the beginning of the bacon and eggs. One without the other season, and poppers and foam bugs is fine, but they compliment each other for the latter. so well that it is almost a sin to separate Why? As most fly fishers know. them. May and June are the best times to Well, I am going to separate them, catch panfish—crappies, bluegills and and I am going to introduce the rock bass. But it’s also prime time for unschooled to another great combina- bass, both smallmouth and large- tion: panfish (and bass) and fly rods— mouth, in shallow water. the warmwater species of the aquatic We see people casting slip family known as Pisces. bobbers with live bait into the shore- lines all over Wisconsin. What we only PRIME TIME see occasionally are fly fishers casting into these same areas. But if we do see In May and June, the fly fisher, armed Prime fly fishing time has arrived. them and pay attention, we will find with just a few flies, can end an outing We have been waiting a long time, that these fly flingers are most likely with a mixed bag of panfish. Or be especially this year, for the snows to out-fishing the live bait people. surprised by a nice smallie. (Photo by melt, the waters to warm, and the fish Why? The average fly caster can Jerry Kiesow) to become active. Oh, we may have cast to tighter places, with more accu- fished the early catch and release trout racy, and with a softer, less frightening season. That is always fun, and chal- presentation than the chunk-and-dunk tied on number 6, 2x streamer hooks. If smallie last year was 18, but in 2006 I lenging this year on snowshoes. We bobber lobber. And two, May and these do not connect with ‘ol had a 20-inch fish. All on a three also may have waded one of the tribu- June are when insects and the young Papermouth, I will try any number of weight, eight-and-a-half-foot rod with a taries of Lake Michigan, drifting forage fish are most abundant. They Woolly Worm color combinations, or a 5x tippet. I call that fun. My wife was nymphs deep for steelhead—also a become the food of choice. Flies McGinty. These I prefer tied on catching them on small minnow simu- challenge in both hooking up and imitate these. landing. number 8 wet fly/nymph hooks. I tie lators on an ultra-light spinning rod these patterns weighted, to avoid using with four pound test line. That too was WHAT IS DOING WHAT? split shot, allow them to sink, and then fun. Early in the month of May, retrieve slowly. Where I find these beauties is in depending on what part of Wisconsin As the month progresses and we the rocks and on the gravel. They aren’t you are fishing, you may find crappies get into June, my flies rise in the water spawning just yet, but they sure are either getting ready to spawn or actu- column and even go to the surface looking for places to do so. So, if you ally spawning. It all depends on water when the conditions are right… have not already done so, get your fly temperature. meaning a hatch is on. fishing gear in order. Prime time is Crappies spawn when the water O Now is the time of the popper! here! WO reaches 61 degrees and may still be Crappies and bluegills will take spawning in 68 degree H2O. Bluegills, poppers with abandon when presented (Special note: This year, if you fish on the other hand, begin their around brush or pads and stumps. bass in the northern zone, approximately spawning as the crappies are finishing, When mayflies are on the water, be north of Highway 78, you will be restricted in water temperatures reaching 67 there! to artificial lures with barbless hooks only degrees. You might still find them Another great surface pattern for during the catch and release season, which doing their thing when the temperature June and later in the summer is the is the first Saturday in May through the climbs as high as 80 degrees. foam bug, especially for bluegills. third Friday in June. Do not blame this one Once they have spawned, one of Those spunky little critters just can’t on the DNR. This was included by our the bluegill pair will be defending the resist a bug bounced off of a stump or legislature in the state budget bill.) A basic selection of May/June fly nest. They do this by attacking small eased around a lily pad. patterns for panfish and smallmouths. critters that come too close to home or Jerry lives in Grafton, WI. He fly fishes year From top right to left: Mickey Finn, drop from the sky. We create said “crit- THE BONUS FISH round, teaches fly tying and fly fishing. He Black-nosed dace, Squirrel Tail, Black ters” and call them artificial flies. One of the best times of the year to has also written a book, “Tales of The Ghost, Black Woolly Worm, McGinty, Obviously, what we need to do catch smallmouth bass on a fly is in the Peshtigo Putzer,” which includes some fly Olive Woolly Worm, foam beatle, now is find water in the mid-sixties. pre-spawn catch and release season in fishing tales as well as hunting and other popper. (Photo by Jerry Kiesow) the northern zone. If I can be at our yarns on a variety of outdoor activities. WHAT SHOULD BE IN cottage in Marinette County after YOUR BOX Get a copy at www.publishamerica.com, or Memorial Day before the catch and if you would like a personalized auto- But now, late spring/early In the beginning of May, start digest bass season opens, I will almost graphed copy, send $24 to Jerry Kiesow, summer is the time to get the boat out casting streamers for crappies. My be able to guarantee you that I will P.O. Box 203, Grafton, WI 53024. The of dry dock, if you haven’t already personal choices are Black-nosed Dace, catch smallies on streamers. And not cost covers the book, tax, packaging and done that, and limber up the arm with Mickey Finn, Black Ghost, and my own 10-inch smallmouth either. Sixteen-inch shipping. Makes a great gift. the five/six weight, eight or nine foot pattern, the Squirrel Tail. All should be fish are not uncommon. My largest 12 May/June 2008 On Wisconsin Outdoors When It Hurts So Good Raw thumbs and big bucket-mouths

By Dave Duwe

hy is my thumb raw? That is the Wquestion I ask myself every spring. The answer for me is a simple one; the largemouth bass are in the shallows and they are hungry. Anyone who has caught a large number of bass realizes that their small sandpaper teeth will make your thumb very raw, which is actually a good thing—it means you’re catching them! In May or early June when the water temperatures reach 65 to 68 degrees, the largemouth will spawn. The largemouth bass spawn on hard sandy bottoms. These locations can be off of a point or in a shallow bay. The females will lay eggs in saucer shaped nests constructed by the males. These nests are usually located in one to five feet of water. The males will then guard the nests from predators. This time of year is the easiest time to get a trophy fish. The fish are in shallow water which makes them very susceptible to the angler. You can catch them on spinner baits, plastic worms, tube baits and my personal favorite, the plastic stick baits. These baits are lures Barb Schneider, client of Dave Duwe, with a nice Lake Geneva Largemouth. like the Senko, Yum Dinger or the All- (Photo by Dave Duwe) Terrain Stik. These lures are a “do nothing” approach to fishing; the least amount of action, the better the lure will work. benefit is that you will have a more make long casts toward the saucer The equipment one needs to fish is powerful hook set. The more power in shaped circles and let the bait fall very standard. You need a medium- the hook set means more fish landed. slowly for 5-10 seconds. Then I will heavy to heavy spinning rod, like the There are two basic rigs for the twitch the bait a couple of times. Most Berkley Lightning rod and a medium stick baits. The first is the Texas rig. The of the strikes will happen on the fall. I sized spinning reel like a Cardinal 3 Texas rig runs the point of the hook will work the bait by raising the rod spooled with 20-pound-test Fireline. I one-half inch down the center of the three to four inches and jiggling it only will always use a non-stretch line when bait and brings the hook through the about half of the way back to the boat, fishing with a stick bait. It has a two- bait to hide it back into the plastic. It and then re-cast. Though I will concen- fold benefit: first it provides great makes for a completely weedless bait. trate on spawning fish, there are plenty “feel” so you can easily tell when a fish The second option is “Wacky Rigging.” of fish in pre-spawn or post-spawn picks up the bait, and the second This is also a productive method. You cruising around the area, so making basically run the multiple casts in an area can yield great hook straight success. through the center of This presentation will work almost the bait. I prefer to all of May and June. Once the water use a wide gap hook, warms, the fish will move out of the either a 2/0 or 3/0. shallows and this method become inef- In both presenta- fective. tions, I will never use Here is hoping that you too will any weight on the have a sore thumb this spring. I know I O line. Fishing weed- will have one! WO less adds to the “do nothingness” of the Dave Duwe, owner of Dave Duwe's Guide presentation. Service, has been guiding the lakes of Once equipped, Southeastern Wisconsin for 15 years, the only other factor specializing in Delavan Lake and Lake is the retrieve. I will All Terrain Stiks with a 2/0 worm hook Geneva. Go to www.fishlakegeneva.com On Wisconsin Outdoors May/June 2008 13 Jumbo Perch Plastic tactics for the Great Lakes

By Dave Sura the drop. How fast or slow you ike the first Saturday in May, move your bait LJune 16, the other fishing depends of the opener, attracts hundreds of activity level of anglers to the shores of Lake the fish. More Michigan. Although the limit is five active perch may fish per day, the chance of catching want a snap- perch over 15 inches is more than jigging approach enough to entice fishermen and and less active women to wake up before the sun may want a very does. Catching these fish is gener- subtle one. Work ally not difficult, but there are ways your jig different to improve not only how many you ways until you catch, but also the quality. find what the perch want. TIMING AND LOCATION I prefer using As the water warms into the Dave Sura has been a student of Lake Michigan shore fishing for decades. His techniques mean more and light or ultra- mid-50s, alewives congregate in bigger fish and jumbo perch fishing is no exception. A five-perch limit on Lake Michigan is more than light action rods harbors along the coast of Lake enough when the angler adopts the jumbo tactics refined by the author. when jig fishing. Michigan. This begins first in I personally use Kenosha and works its way north. seven-foot St. Perch follow. Like all fish, post- Croix’s. Using spawn perch want to eat. And they early and late. Start prior to sun-up. ranging from 1/32 to 1/8-ounce jig rods over six feet long increases do. Perch gorge themselves on There have been many times I’ve heads. Smaller heads work well in casting distance; this is especially alewives just as salmon do. This, caught my limit before 5:00 a.m. As shallow, slow moving water or important when fishing from shore. along with a stop in commercial the saying goes, the early bird gets when fish are finicky. Larger heads, Rods made of quality graphite are fishing, has allowed the perch to the worm, or in this case, the perch. in turn, work better when fishing also important. They give you the grow large. deepwater or in heavy current. Try sensitivity needed to “feel” the jig to use jig heads with gold hooks. There are several key locations PRESENTATIONS AND while fishing. Reels should match For whatever reason, perch prefer to look for when searching for EQUIPMENT the rod. Choose one with a good jumbos. Early in the season, when them to bronze. Live bait. Although it works drag and at least three ball bear- the water is cold, start inside the When jig fishing, I always use 4 well, day in and day out you can ings. A smooth retrieve is necessary harbor itself. The water here is to 6-pound hi-vis lines with a fluo- catch more and larger fish using to work a jig properly. considerably warmer than the rocarbon leader. Lime green, pink, artificial baits, namely plastics. Another way I’ve fished for surrounding lake. Look for areas or yellow, the color doesn’t matter. When looking for the right plastic, perch is drop shotting. This tech- with current. These areas funnel What does matter is being able to first think size. What sizes are the nique has worked well when baitfish by waiting perch. line watch. Watching your line fishing vertically over warm water Rocks. Perch use these areas alewives that are being eaten by allows you see strikes before you perch? From my experience, bait- discharges or “bubbles.” Rig it the too. Not only can they ambush feel them. Doing this will increase same as you would when drop prey there, but can escape preda- fish range in size from two to four your catch rate as it has mine. This shotting for bass. Tie a hook to the tors as well. Other good early inches long. Perch eat all sizes of is the single most important trick season locations are warm water alewives, so choose baits to match. line 12 to 18 inches above a 1/4 to I’ve learned to help me fill my 3/8-ounce weight. Hook the discharges. Like the inside of a Straight tailed or split tailed baits basket. Fluorocarbon leaders help harbor, power plants and bubbles minnow grub through the nose of work better than curly tailed ones, as well. I started fishing perch in (water treatment plant discharges) so start with those. Baits, such as the plastic, drop it to the bottom are areas of current and warm the seventies and Lake Michigan is and jig it. the 2.5-inch Zoom Tiny Fluke, the much clearer now than it was then. water. As the season progresses two to three-inch Berkeley Power Whether you’ve fished for and the water warms into the 60’s, Jig fishing is an art form. Although minnows, and the three-inch Gulp perch or not, hopefully you’ve perch move out of the harbor and it is an easy technique to master, it minnow are good choices to start added something to your arsenal into the lake. Again, look for areas will take time getting the “feel” of that will help you jig more jumbos of current and rock. Finding these with. Jumbo perch will have no it. The basic way to fish a jig for in the bag. OW areas shouldn’t be difficult. Spend trouble taking these offerings. perch is simple. First, cast it out. O some time scouting the harbors Colors. I’ve tried most of them. Second, let the jig sink to the prior to the opener with a good Natural colors work the best. Be bottom. Be sure to watch the line as Dave Sura has fished Wisconsin waters for pair of polarized glasses to locate sure to carry an assortment, but it sinks. Many times fish will strike quality water. over 25 years. He specializes in shore and start with white, pearl, or green. the jig on the way down. Third, lift Low light equals action. As tributary angling for perch, steelhead and Other hot colors include water- the rod upward and then drop the the water has become clearer from salmon on Lake Michigan. He can be melon, baitfish, motor oil, and pink. rod down. Again, watch the line on contacted at 262.930.8260 or mussel infestations, perch feed Match these baits with jig heads the fall as fish almost always hit on [email protected]. 14 May/June 2008 On Wisconsin Outdoors

RAY HOWELL KICKING BEAR Devin’s double “pinch”

evin Landers, 12, aka the of their dreams steps into view. With first adult deer that stepped into the The tracking was very easy. The buck D“Firecracker,” is one of the most his shooting ability, Devin’s real chal- feeding area within his comfortable had expired in the woods within 75 fun and competitive kids I’ve ever lenge would be controlling his shooting range. At 2:30 p.m. he whis- yards. We found ourselves grinning known. At the 2007 Kicking Bear event emotions and waiting for the right shot. pered, “There’s a buck.” I could see from ear to ear—high fiving—and in La Crosse, WI, hosted in conjunction We also discussed the importance there was no joking with this. Devin’s acting like a couple of people who had with the Blackhawk Archers and the La of not letting the deer detect movement eyes told the whole story! I turned my just won the lottery. Crosse Sheriff’s Department, a kickball or smell. Using a product like Wildlife head to look that direction and sure After Devin had his first “hands game broke out on Friday evening that Research Scent Killer is perfect for enough, a buck was feeding about 110 on” lesson on how to field dress a deer, lasted until the wee hours of the sitting in ground blinds, especially for yards from us. This is incredible, I a story in itself, and dragging the deer morning. There were about 80 adults youth. No matter what you did wrong thought. We’re going to get an opportu- back to the edge of the tree line, the and youth involved, including Devin, in not being scent-free, simply stepping nity. whole experience carried me back to while the rest of the crowd stood from the vehicle and spraying yourself Devin slowly lifted his gun and the first time I harvested a whitetail. around watching and rooting for their down allows you to become “invisible” rested it on a large branch. The buck The feelings were exactly the same. favorite team. It’s incredible to see the to a whitetail’s uncanny sense of smell. was quartering severely away from us. With plenty of daylight left and a parents and mentors having that doe tag to fill, I asked Devin if he much fun to the point that several wanted to try for a double “pinch.” times I saw grown men and That big grin provided the answer, women leaping and diving to get and we were soon back in the blind their hands on the ball! Needless to where it was even tougher to keep say there were a lot of people who quiet. We were whispering about showed up stiff as boards at break- all the things that had unfolded fast the next morning. from the moment he first saw the Greg Symons, alias “Sarge,” buck. I asked him where he has been a part of the Kicking Bear thought the next deer was going to events since 2000. At the end of appear from and he pointed to a games including a 3-D archery well-used trail at the west end of shoot on Saturday, Sarge informed the food plot; not my personal all the youth that he would be choice, so the bet was on. leading a gun hunter safety course A half hour later, a single, free to all kids involved with large adult doe walked into the Kicking Bear. An organized youth food plot about 80 yards from us. I hunt would follow in the fall for couldn’t believe it. I had just lost any interested program graduates. the bet. Again, Devin slowly got his Later that summer, Sarge coordi- gun into position and waited for nated the classes that taught the right shot opportunity. Before firearms and tree stand safety while the sound of the shot had left the stressing all-around good ethics in valley, the doe hit the ground and the outdoors. lay motionless. Another well- Just prior to the hunting placed shot! Before my optics were season, Devin and I got together. I Given the opportunity by Ray Howell and Kicking Bear, Devin Landers made shots that ended even off my eyes, I uncontrollably wanted to make sure his shooting it quickly for two Wisconsin whitetails. yelled, “Great shot Devin—you skills were proficient for the type of pinched again!” hunting we were going to do and There we were again, grinning made and set a cardboard silhou- from ear to ear, only this time I ette of a whitetail deer at 100 yards. volunteered to do the field We talked about how to follow the back We talked about the importance of It would have been tough for even an dressing. We were having so much fun of the front leg line up to the center of stealth while hunting. When they can’t expert to make the shot. I asked Devin I forgot that we had to physically drag the silhouette and squeeze a shot off see, hear, or smell you, they’re at a to wait until the deer had turned both deer back to the logging road with good follow-through. Devin distinct disadvantage. perfectly broadside. I couldn’t believe which was quite a jaunt. But I’ll tell you proved to be an incredible shot. I The following weekend found us the patience this young boy had. The what—with all the laughing, joking couldn’t believe how well-placed his together sitting in a brush blind near a minutes went by like hours and I was and swatting each other on the back I shots were and how calm and confi- food plot in Wisconsin where I had almost sure Devin was going to hear really don’t remember all the physical dent he was in his shooting abilities. been watching several deer feeding in my heart pounding. Finally the buck work involved. A double pinch? Devin and I discussed some of the the evenings. It was an extremely quiet gave Devin the opportunity. I Not even on my best day. Acts O experiences of my first hunts; how afternoon; I knew any mistake made reminded him to follow the leg line and 10:13 WO things change when you’re no longer with movement or noise and the hunt a second later the shot rang out and the shooting at paper but the real thing. I would be over instantly. I don’t know buck ran off the field. Through my Recently honored by Outdoor Life, Ray get excited every time I see a whitetail what it is about trying to be quiet espe- Nikon optics, I saw that the bullet had Howell is founder of Kicking Bear, a national in the woods, especially when I have cially when you’re having a good time. hit perfectly. I couldn’t have placed the organization dedicated to enriching the lives the opportunity to hunt them. I told Several times we broke out laughing shot any better myself. I looked right at of troubled and at-risk young people Devin, as it was with me, that many and I had a real difficult time trying to Devin. “You pinched!” I said. through outdoor experiences. Connect with great seasoned whitetail hunters will keep the sound muffled. We waited for twenty minutes and www.kickingbear.org. completely fall apart when the trophy Devin was going to harvest the then walked over to the point of hit. On Wisconsin Outdoors May/June 2008 15 The Best Bet Bite Northern Wisconsin crappies and gills

By Dick Henske However, each lake has its own charac- teristics. I fish in Vilas and Iron fter decades of fishing the lakes Counties and find it easier to Aand streams of northern catch crappies in the dark- Wisconsin as a resident of Manitowish stained water lakes. Waters, I’ve learned that crappies in But you need to May are a “best bet” bite. They come in begin by targeting to spawn and move to feed, but remain lakes known to in or near the warm, shallow, weedy hold crappies. water for an extended period of good If you’re not fishing. The odds are good that you can sure, ask at hit the jackpot. the local One effective presentation is a baitshop. weighted bobber over a mini jig tipped Use with long, soft plastics. Use plastics the twitch with long, slender tails, but they must and jerk be flexible. This system works on our method northern lakes, depending on weather, with the from the walleye opener until the end bobber; try to of May. I look for shallow weed beds keep it and move until I start to catch a few moving. fish; then I "work" the area. Crappies Sometimes just can be congregated in areas no bigger the wave action on than a volleyball court. Warm, low- the bobber is enough wind days in a stable weather pattern to move the tail and are the most productive. On windy trigger a strike. Cutting the days crappies suspend in deep water plastics paper-thin to initiate even just off the weed edges. the slightest movement often will do I use an ultra-light rod and line, the trick. Colors vary, but white, Alone on the shoreline of a walk-in access only lake in Vilas County, Dick Henske of which allows me to cast a long way purple, green and black work for me. Manitowish Waters works beyond the cover of a downed tree for staging bluegills in with the weighted bobber to locate fish. Carry a lot of rigs; northern and musky pre-spawn. English setter Maggie waits for the next hit too. (Photos by Dick Ellis) will rip off your baits. You really don't need live bait, but if you feel you must, put a wax worm on the and it’s great to be out soaking up sun, when on the beds. hook tip. This will usually get catching those gills! Finally, I will use a light, 12-foot you a perch or one or two Consider two methods. I use a fly aluminum Jon Boat that fits in the back bluegills. I leave about three rod with black mini-poppers once the of my pickup for some of those back-in feet of line between the fish are in the shallows for a dynamite lakes with poor shorelines to walk. An bobber and jig. Experiment! limit of pure fun. You need a lot of old electric motor helps move us Big bluegills can be hard poppers because the trees get you on around. Don't forget your Polaroid to come by in northern back casts and the fish can be tough on glasses to help you spot those Wisconsin. Scout out good those little poppers. Buy a whole card spawning beds. lakes and learn to fish them, full. A big bonus is the amount of bass Close and wonderful encounters knowing that characteristics that you will catch and release. with bear, deer, fishers, wolves, and often differ and so too must My other method is similar to lots of loons and migratory birds will your approach. I actually start crappie fishing, utilizing an ultra-light be part of your Wisconsin early catching suspended pre- rig with the same jigs but different plas- summer experience. Just remember this spawn gills in mid-April tics. The most effective is a small mini- phrase…. staging in deep water off the black worm. You may need a wax "Always leave the area you fish or spawning beds. I have the worm to find a school or to catch reluc- hunt cleaner than when you came." best luck on clear lakes where tant fish. The plastics I use vary in color Even in pristine northern some gills spawn at 8 to 20 and shape. Store-bought ones work Wisconsin, even in the back country, foot depths. well. Let your bait sink to various the shame is that you will not have to We have experienced depths and slowly retrieve. A piece of look long to find another person’s drought for three years and night crawler will work too, but when trash. O most lakes and flowages are I'm fishing all I need is a snuff box of See you on the water! WO Although the bluegill fishing on a small walk-in extremely low. The old jigs and plastics and a snuff box of wax only lake in Vilas County is virtually non-stop May hunting dog and I can walk worms. That's it! Retired principal Dick Henske of 20, the fish reaching eight inches or more like this the sandy shores looking for Use a creel if you want to keep a Manitowish Waters hunts and fishes one held by Dick Henske are few and far between. spawning beds with the best meal. My wife, Mariel and I love Wisconsin, Canada and the western Two very large gills reaching more than nine fishing often found on the bluegills and I take eight or 10 for a fish states. Rarely does he miss a day in the inches were among the catch taken by Henske on more remote walk-in lakes. I fry. But never over-fish this wonderful field. another walk-in lake the day before. seldom see any fishermen resource of ours. Fish are vulnerable 16 May/June 2008

The second amendment, first EDITOR, from page 5

our gun ownership someday trans- our peaceful resistance, know that we lates into “felon” with the stroke of our won’t go out the back door. The right to lawmaker’s pen, is already here too. stand in our own front doors unafraid, “The answer’s been here all along,” even with our guns locked away in the Heston wrote. “You simply…disobey. cabinet, is uniquely American and Peaceably, yes. Respectfully, of course. earned by better people before us. But Nonviolently, absolutely. But when told earned too by our own law-abiding use how to think or what to say or how to of firearms and respect for the sanctity of behave, we don’t. We disobey social human life. protocol that stifles and stigmatizes We understand, freedom killers, personal freedom. I learned the that under the wrong governing climate awesome power of disobedience from you can probably legislate us, the Dr. King…who learned it from Gandhi, American gun owner…We the People… and Thoreau and Jesus, and every other into wearing the label of criminal. But great man who led those in the right you understand, that even if that ever against those with might.” happens, you still can’t have our guns. O As Heston said, when the Redcoats Ever. WO came door to door to confiscate the guns, they didn’t succeed. The muskets went out the back door with their owners. In On Wisconsin Outdoors May/June 2008 17

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TOM CARPENTER BADGER BIRDS Northern Oriole he oriole loves summer, returning Look for a stunning bird with tangle the birds) for the orioles to Tto Wisconsin in late spring from blaze-orange chest, belly and back, use. tropical wintering grounds in Central and black head and wings. Females Attract orioles with orange halves and South America. A male oriole are a drabber blend of grayish-orange impaled fruit-side-up on a deck rail or creates a spectacular sight in his feath- and olive-yellow. tree trunk. Set out a tray of grape jelly. ered finery of fiery-orange and jet- Listen for the oriole’s beautiful, Feed sugar water in an oriole feeder. black. Insects and fruit are the culinary flute-like hoo-li song of four to eight Did you know that the Baltimore attractions now, and June is the perfect notes. oriole (East) and Bullock’s oriole month to observe orioles whether Search with binoculars for an (West) were once considered distinct you’re fishing, camping, hiking or just oriole nest—a woven basket of plant species? But they readily interbreed out in the yard. Orioles do fine in fibers and bark strands suspended where their ranges overlap along rural, suburban and even urban from the tip of a branch high in a tree. prairie river corridors, and are now settings, as long as there are mature Leave out pieces of string and yarn known simply as the northern O trees around. (under eight inches long, so they don’t oriole. WO

TOM CARPENTER CUB’S CORNER June gills on the bed

une is not too late to take a young quality, eight-pound test monofilament. Jangler out on the water to experience Bobber fishing is best. Who doesn’t love great sunfishing action. Whether you watching a bobber go down? I’ve seen it have a first-time angler in tow, a young a million times, and I still get excited. outdoorsperson looking for some Every time. Kids do too. success, or an adolescent who needs Use light, thin pencil-style floats some time outside with Dad and/or that offer little resistance to fish. Tie on a Mom, bluegills are the perfect answer light-wire, size 6 or 8 hook; light-wire is and June is the perfect time. good because it will easily straighten With the sun at its zenith for the out and you won’t lose your entire rig if year, water temperatures warm up your young angler gets tangled up in a beyond that magical 70-degree range lily pad stalk, brush or other snag. Big gills keep novice anglers of all ages happy—and busy—in June. (Photo by that really pulls bluegills into the shal- Long-shanked models are best because Dick Ellis) lows to make their dinnerplate-sized they make hook removal much easier; spawning nests in the sand or gravel. these fish are hungry for a meal and orange-bellied males from the yellow- you will ever experience—better than The fish—especially those pole-bending aggressive at defending their nests, and chested females. Note the beautiful blue even, dare I say, the vaunted walleye. sunnies that generate whoops and they will do their best to swallow your markings on the jaws and lower gills Filleting a bluegill can be difficult: hollers from anglers of all ages—will offering. (hence the name bluegill), the hand- Most fish are a third to half a pound never be as accessible as they are now. A smallish garden worm, threaded some black ear flap, the purples and and only six to seven or maybe eight So get out on the water. Cruise the lightly on the hook, works great. So yellows flecked on the fishes’ sides. inches long. A better plan is to scale the shallows, looking for spawning beds. does a nightcrawler half. Waxworms Take some breaks. Even if the fish (get the young angler to help with By the time you spot them, the fish will attract June bluegills too (stick to a fishing is grand, your little fisherperson this step), lop off the head and tail, pull have fled to deeper water. Just anchor smaller hook, or use a tiny teardrop ice- may decide they need a change of out the innards, then make cuts along up and wait; the bluegills will be back fishing jig.) My favorite June bluegill activity or scenery for awhile. Bring both sides of the dorsal and anal fins, soon. If you’re shore fishing, poke along baits, through, are small crappie along plenty of snacks and juice drinks and pull those fins out with a pliers. and look for spawning beds; the nests minnows. Minnows seem to discourage for just such a purpose. Soda pop and Roll the fish in cornmeal, cracker are easy to spot. It’s funny, but boat the smaller sunfish from biting, while granola bars do the trick for my adoles- crumbs or a commercial mix (I love Fry anglers are always trying to get their attracting the real slabs. cents. Magic), and cook in hot oil. The sides baits as close to shore as possible, while There will be plenty of action, so Go chase frogs on shore together. will curl up. “Fillet” the fish with a shorebound anglers want to cast out as use the opportunity as a learning expe- Take a hike. Watch birds. Play in the butter knife right on the plate and be far as they can! rience. Let the young angler cast out shallows and investigate bugs, crayfish prepared for mass consumption. While you’re waiting for the fish to and set his or her own hook. If you miss and other natural wonders that you Unlike other anglers, I am in no return, rig up. Use light spin-cast tackle a few fish, no big deal; there will be find. (And they are all wonders to rush to finish my family’s panfishing for your youngest anglers, generally more to come. Take fish off the hook young imaginations.) season. In fact—for bluegills, June is the yourself, though. You don’t want a O those under the age of 13 or 14. Don’t Most kids love to save some fish— best month of all! WO burden the littlest kids with a cheap bluegill spine cutting your trip short to show off at home, to prove their cartoon-character outfit. Instead, get and souring the experience. skills, to commemorate the trip. Be open Native son Tom Carpenter watches birds something decent and reliable. You Take some time to study the beau- to the idea, and eat those bluegills, for across the country and writes about the should be spooled up with good- tiful fish you catch. Differentiate the they will provide the finest fish dining avian world for many publications. 20 May/June 2008 On Wisconsin Outdoors

2007

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www.honda.com *Monthly payments and 4.99% Fixed APR Financing are for 60 Months to approved credit with 20% down cash *Freight, prep, tax and fees extra. *Monthly payments and 6.99% Fixed APR Financing are for 60 Months to approved credit with 20% down cash or trade. Pictures are or trade. BE A RESPONSIBLE RIDER. REMEMBER, ATVS CAN BE HAZARDOUS TO OPERATE. FOR YOUR SAFETY, ALWAYS WEAR A HELMET, for representation only. Please ride safely. Read your owner’s Suzuki QuadRunner® ATVs may be used only by those aged 16 and older. Suzuki highly recommends EYE PROTECTION AND PROTECTIVE CLOTHING, AND NEVER RIDE ON PAVED SURFACES OR PUBLIC ROADS. KEEP IN MIND THAT RIDING DOESN’T MIX WITH DRUGS OR ALCOHOL. ALWAYS WEAR A HELMET, EYE PROTECTION AND PROTECTIVE CLOTHING AND PLEASE RESPECT that all ATV riders take a training course. We’ll even pay for it. For safety and training course information, see your dealer or call the SVIA at 1-800-852-5344. ATVs THE ENVIRONMENT. OBEY THE LAW AND READ YOUR OWNER’S MANUAL THOROUGHLY. Honda recommends that all ATV riders take a training course and read their owner’s manual thoroughly. can be hazardous to operate. For your safety, always wear a helmet, eye protection and protective clothing. Always avoid paved surfaces. Never ride on public roads. For rider training information or to locate a rider training course near you, call the ATV Safety Institute at 1-800-887-2887. TRX is a trademark of Honda Motor Co., Ltd. TRX is a trademark of Never carry passengers or engage in stunt riding. Never ride under the influence of alcohol or other drugs. Avoid excessive speeds. Be extra careful on difficult terrain. Honda Motor Co., Ltd. Pictures are for representation only. Tax, title, license and service fee additional Freight, setup, tax, title and registration extra. Excludes prior sales. While Supply Lasts. On Wisconsin Outdoors May/June 2008 21

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By Gary Engberg with a slip float, a 1/16 ounce orange Second Point, Slo-Poke jig, and a fat and lively leech. Governors he Madison Chain of Lakes all I’d put the slip-float rod in a holder Island, and off Thave good fishing with each lake while casting with another rod. Fan Maple Bluff. having its own “special” species. The cast with a 1/8 ounce Slo-Poke • Work the largest lake in the “Chain” is 9,842 acre Weedmaster jig and a leech or half of a rock bars and the Lake Mendota, which besides having nightcrawler. If you don’t like humps north of trophy walleye and northern pike, anchoring, try working slowly off the Brearly Street holds big smallmouth bass. your bow mount trolling motor. I Bar on the east Anyone who fishes Lake suggest using a 7 to 7 ½ foot rod side of the lake. Mendota should have a quality map because the longer rod allows for a Here, there are and good electronics in order to find longer cast which won’t spook the rocks and weeds and fish the abundant mid-lake struc- smallmouth. and numerous ture (rock bars and humps), sharp Another key is to concentrate inside and breaking drop-offs, and the many on the lake’s rock bars and humps that outside turns points which are all prime smallmouth are located in the main basin and off with some open locations throughout the summer. the numerous points. Smallmouth in pockets to cast. Study a lake map before going fishing Lake Mendota like rock, gravel, and • Dunn’s on Lake Mendota for success. The best the hard bottoms that attract their Bar, out from maps are made by Mapping favorite food, the crayfish. Governor’s Specialists (866)-525-2298. Their maps A live bait rig is good for Island, is another are very accurate with a GPS coordi- fishing outside the weeds and up and prime location. nate grid that will help you in finding down the lake’s deeper structure. Put Cast slip-floats the prime underwater structure that a bullet or slip sinker (1/4 ounce) and leeches up to Lake Mendota possesses. The above a barrel swivel, tie on 3 to 4 feet the rocks, weeds, minimum size for smallmouth on of fluorocarbon line, and then use a and bar edges. Mendota is 18 inches, but there are colored hook or a floating jig head Also, drag jigs up many larger fish. baited with a leech or a piece of night- and down the Spawning is completed on Lake crawler. This rig can be slowly steep breaks for Mendota by the end of May. The first dragged up and down breaks, up and smallmouth. key to fish Lake Mendota smallmouth over rocks, and along the lake bottom. • There’s is to work the deep weed edges Here are some prime smallmouth structure north of Bob Zownir of Madison with a smallie. around the lake that range from 12 to areas to fish on Lake Mendota: Second Point, 20 feet deep. Try anchoring outside • Try fishing the deep weed where the depths the deep weeds and make long casts edges on both sides of Picnic Point, and contours

change rapidly from 20 to 40 feet. Try fishing the sharp contours with a jig or a rig. • West of Second Point is the Commodore Bar which tops off at 15 feet and drops down to 60 feet. Use your electronics to see if fish are present on the bar and again either jig or rig the fish. Spinner baits, buzz baits, and in- line spinners will work when burned across the weed tops. The noise, flash, and vibration attracts bass that are buried in the weeds or cruising the edges. White and black spinners with gold and silver blades are my favorites O for Lake Mendota. WO Contact D and S Bait and Tackle at (608) 241-4225, ask for Gene. Guides: Tony Puccio (608) 212-6464, Wally Banfi (608) 644-9823, Gary Engberg (608) 795- 4208, and Ron Barefield (608)-838-8756.

Contact Gary Engberg Outdoors at 608. 795.4208 or [email protected]. Or visit www.garyengbergoutdoors.com. 24 May/June 2008 On Wisconsin Outdoors Solitary Woman Wardens police outdoors with little help

By Terry Bitz Unfortunately, she can’t partake in outdoor activities as much as she’d like, was having a telephone conversation especially in fall when she works long Iwith DNR Warden Jennifer Niemeyer, days. Niemeyer does fish occasionally working out details of me riding with her and finds time to hunt deer and water- while she went out on a patrol. Part of the fowl. conversation went something like this: On the morning I rode along with Niemeyer: “I will need to you sign her, we checked anglers in Kenosha a waiver. If we get into a gunfight or harbors. I promised not to reveal any of something, we need to make sure you her secrets, but I can say that she often don’t sue the department if something scopes out the activities of people from bad happens.” a distance before checking them out in Me: “Is there anything in the person. waiver that assures me I can’t be used a “People are not going to violate in human shield if there is a gunfight?” front of a warden,” she said as she Niemeyer: “No.” picked up a pair of binoculars. Me: “Can I turn on a siren if there Our first encounter was with a is a high-speed chase?” gentleman ice fishing for trout in the Niemeyer: “No.” Southport Marina. He had finished for Me: “Can I handcuff someone if the morning when we pulled up. you have to take them down?” Niemeyer stepped out of the truck, Conservation warden JenniferNiemeyer checks Kenosha fishermen for licenses. Niemeyer: “No and you need to announced who she was, asked him (Photo by Terry Bitz) quit watching so many episodes of some questions about his activities, and Cops.” become a recognized and respected face training. One year of training with the then requested to see his fishing license. Me: “Hmmm, well okay. I need a among the local outdoors community. DNR followed before she was assigned He responded that he had lost it and story so I’ll sign it.” Ten years, according to Niemeyer, is the to Kenosha County. had not gotten a replacement. That is a Niemeyer is one of the game longest any warden has served in this Typical of others in the field, it was problem and it turns out to be a wardens that serve in the Kenosha area. county. She’s not far away from her love for the outdoors that caused common violation. Actually, one warden position is reaching that mark. her, a self-described tomboy, to decide Of the anglers she checked on this currently unfilled, so at this time, she is Niemeyer earned her four-year to become a warden. “I grew up fishing morning, both violations involved the only warden for Kenosha County. degree from UW-Platteville before with my dad on the Mississippi. I loved people having purchased licenses, but Serving here since 1999, she has entering certified law enforcement fishing. I loved the outdoors,” she said. Continued on page 26 Outdoor Criss Cross

Answers on page 32 On Wisconsin Outdoors May/June 2008 25

S.WILKERSON SURPLUS FIREARMS Veteran of the Osterfront

o nation suffered more during the Ncourse of World War II or contributed more to the victory over Nazi Germany than the Soviet Union. While the exact number will never be known, conservative estimates are that more than 20 million Soviet soldiers and citizens perished. By way of comparison, the United States lost approximately 600,000 soldiers in all theaters of the war. Russian captured Model 98Ks are among the hottest rifles on today’s surplus scene. Prices have escalated in the past several years By the time the western allies and rumor has it that there may be no more to be imported. (Photos by Dick Ellis) landed at Normandy in June of 1944, the Soviet Union had already turned the tide of the war. The Osterfront had become a mass grave - 80 % of all their former foes. While the western ammunition. German casualties occurred fighting allies destroyed captured German Although far from pristine, this Hitler’s war for “Lebensraum (Living arms, the Russians collected and refur- rifle is probably in better shape than Space)” in the east. Well before British bished them in preparation for the next most ordered from the major and American bombers had a decisive war. importers. In fact, it was hand-picked. effect on German industry, the This month’s feature is one such Expecting an RC 98 with glistening Wehrmacht had been bled white at the weapon, a rebuilt Model 98K manufac- metal, mirror-like bores, and fine wood gates of Moscow, in the streets of tured by Mauser in 1944 and captured stocks from a luck-of-the draw mail Stalingrad, on the steppes of Kursk, or surrendered somewhere on the order (or anywhere else) would be a and in countless other Osterfront Eastern Front. From there, it, and mistake. (Eastern Front) battles. perhaps millions of others, were What can be assured is a historical Germany launched its attack on returned to Mother Russia where they Intake Swastika proof marks increase the relic that will work and may look good Russia in June of 1941with the First were disassembled, refinished, rebuilt value of Russian captured 98Ks. after the nasty red shellac is removed. World War’s best rifle, the Mauser and stored. Some were later used to Be warned, however, that while Model 98. Slightly modified in 1935, it arm communist insurgents in Korea, hideous in appearance, many collectors became the 98K, still a five-shot, bolt Vietnam and China. Others were put consider the shellac to be part of the action repeater, firing 8 mm cartridges away in armories throughout the the rebuilding process. Quite a number gun’s history. That being the case, they and weighing over eight pounds. It was former Soviet Union where they would of RC 98s, however, do have their believe that it should be preserved. I a relic compared to the semi-automatic languish for decades, covered in grease swastikas intact, and these command a say hooey. The shellac was put on as a M1 Garand rifle fielded by the United and shellac, later to be sold to collectors premium. A rifle with its receiver temporary wood preservative for the States. of the capitalist west. stamped with a deaths head or single same reason cosmoline was put on its Poorly prepared and led, the result So-called “serious” collectors are rune “S” denotes that it had been metal parts. Any amount of use will of the officer corp purges of the 1930s not much interested in Russian repaired by its Nazi owners in an SS cause the shellac to flake off, so what’s and Stalin’s stupidity, Russian soldiers Captured 98s (RC 98s). There is virtu- armory, quite possibly one located in a the point of making an effort to died and surrendered by the millions in ally nothing “original” about them, concentration camp. preserve it? the first year of the German invasion. except their battle scars, and serious With the exception of those on the Even the rare find with an excel- In this environment, the 98K was good collectors crave originality. An unfired, stock, this month’s featured version lent bore, however, may not produce enough. Soon, it would not be. matching numbers, 98K brought back had intact swastikas buried under a tack-driving accuracy. Barreled Blinded by early conquests, Hitler and by a U.S. veteran in a duffle bag at the thick coat of authentic Cold War-era, receivers were rarely returned to their his generals made numerous strategic end of hostilities is worth far more than Eastern Bloc goop. Copious amounts original stocks by Soviet armorers and tactical errors, not the least of a conglomeration of unmatched, re- of denatured alcohol applied to wood resulting in sloppy wood-to-metal fit which were the atrocities committed blued parts with an Eastern Front and metal revealed them, a very nice not conducive to bulls eyes. against Soviet citizens and soldiers, provenance. laminated wood stock, and a mid-gloss Rarely costing more than $300, RC many of whom had originally Obviously, Russian armorers blue finish on the metal. 98s are an inexpensive way to start an welcomed them as liberators from weren’t considering the needs of Closer examination displayed light interesting gun collection. The number Stalin’s tyranny. As the Red Army advanced American gun collectors pitting on the exterior of the bolt and of variations are immense and prices went on the offensive, the 98K would when they thoughtlessly and totally above the wood line of barrel. Pitting have nearly doubled in the past several prove woefully inadequate in the face disassembled captured 98s, threw the wasn’t so light under the woodline, years. There are few better bets on the of Russian hordes armed with subma- parts into bins without any pretense of rather it was moderate to severe, surplus market and only one other chine guns and ready to reap bloody sorting rare versions from the common- although not enough to affect the soaked with as much history - the 98's vengeance. as-dirt kind and - horrors!! - obliterated integrity of the steel or the safety of the Soviet counterpart, the Russian 91/30. At the onset of the war, the Red every swastika proof mark they could shooter. It was enough to be disap- In fact, every gun collector should Army was so ill-prepared that its find. pointing, just like the bore, which, own both and can for less than $400. O soldiers sometimes went to battle Having suffered under the while it had very strong lands and WO without rifles and ammunition. If there swastika, those toiling away in Soviet grooves and did shine some, was armories after the war weren’t much pitted. One should probably expect was to be another war, that would S. Wilkerson is an award-winning interested in preserving any remnants that of a rifle that was fired in battle, never happen again. Soviet citizens Wisconsin journalist, firearms expert and of the Nazi occupation. Rather, they under horrific conditions, who knows and soldiers would be armed, and student of the second amendment. many of them with the weapons of defaced them with punches as part of how many times, with corrosive 26 May/June 2008 On Wisconsin Outdoors

KEVIN MICHALOWSKI DOG TALK Food for thought

uring a recent visit to the vet for Knowing I was about to increase people, extra weight does nothing good special privileges by mentioning them. Dsome puppy shots, the vet said the pup’s feed anyway, I opted not to for the body. Joints deteriorate faster, But I have found the Purina website Cocoa, our new yellow Lab, was start an argument and just agreed to other medical problems appear earlier (www.purina.com) to be an looking great, but warned me, “Let’s keep Cocoa on the appropriate feeding in life and, as a rule, life expectancy is outstanding resource for information see that she doesn’t weigh more than 25 schedule. shortened. concerning all aspects of dog care. pounds at the next visit.” In this case, I disagree with the vet. The solution to all of these prob- True, this is a promotional website with It seems the American penchant You can overfeed a puppy. And in lems is education and following a vested interest in getting people to for obesity also extends to our pets, and doing so you are not only endangering through with a proper feeding use Purina products, but beyond that it this can be particularly troublesome for the puppy’s health now, you are estab- program. I’ll state clearly that I am not is helpful, insightful and easy to use. young dogs, especially large breeds. lishing a pattern that will likely lead to in the employ of the Purina Company, Here is my favorite entry on the Puppies that grow too quickly have a an obese adult dog. With dogs, as with nor do I receive any discounts or Purina website concerning feeding much greater chance of developing hip puppies: The amount of food offered to trouble than do dogs that are kept at a puppy will vary depending upon its their proper weight. This is common size, activity, metabolism, and environ- knowledge among reputable breeders ment. For the best results, develop a and trainers, but the average dog regular feeding schedule, such as three owner seems to love a chubby puppy. small meals a day for younger pups. Couple that with the average puppy’s You can gradually reduce to one desire to dive into a food bowl as if the feeding in the morning and one in the food offered is the first seen in days, it’s evening as your puppy ages. An over- easy to see why many people overfeed weight puppy not only presents a poor young dogs. appearance, but the excess weight can But, of course, there are differences cause bone abnormalities. Anytime of opinion. And one came up when I owners have questions or concerns took Cocoa to her very next appoint- about their animal's body condition, ment. She weighed in at 22.6 pounds they should consult their own veteri- and the vet promptly told me, “She narian. looks a little thin.” Proper feeding instructions are I reminded my vet that she had included on each bag of Puppy Chow told me just three weeks earlier to keep and should be followed unless your Cocoa under 25 pounds by the next veterinarian gives you other instruc- check-up. Adding that I had been care- tions. If you do that, you will insure fully following the feeding directions that you are properly feeding your new O stated on the Purina Puppy Chow (for Much like people who watch what they eat, properly feeding your new best friend best friend. WO large breeds) bag, I countered that will allow him to lead a healthier life, and very likely keep him around longer. Cocoa appears to be doing very well in Kevin Michalowski is author of “15 all aspects of her puppyhood, with the Minutes to a Great Dog” and “15 Minutes possible exception that she can’s sit still “An overweight puppy not only presents a poor to a Great Puppy” (Krause Publications, when anyone under 10 years of age $12.95 each) and has been training dogs wanders too near. appearance, but the excess weight can cause for 10 years. If you have questions or Still, the vet told me to increase bone abnormalities ...” comments on dog care, email him at Cocoa’s feed a bit and said, “It’s pretty [email protected]. hard to overfeed a puppy.”

BITZ, from page 24 not having that license on them. I asked her if she’s ever been in much of her work occurs out in the “The more we are outside, the “We see more people are not situations she would consider county. more paperwork we have to do,” she carrying their licenses,” she said. dangerous. “I should write a book someday. said. “I don’t have my own secretary.” Niemeyer noted that people who “Absolutely. The same people the Some of these people come up with “So besides being outdoors, what lose or forget their license often ask if police encounter, we encounter too,” crazy ideas,” she said. is another benefit of the job?” I asked. the warden can look up the license in she said. “You can never become She and another warden, for “We get a lot of cool toys,” the system. The warden can, but the complacent. The nice guy could hurt example, came upon a person who was Niemeyer said, laughing. Words from violation is the same whether the you.” using his fishing license as bait on the a lone Kenosha warden...playing a O angler never purchased a license or She has been in a couple of fights Pike River. When she asked him for his very important game. WO forgot it at home. while on the job and occasionally license, he reeled in his fishing line and Over the years, Niemeyer has people get into arguments with her or showed them his pink-colored license Terry Bitz is a freelance writer who resides gotten to know many of the local try to run away. Niemeyer depends on hanging on the hook. in Pleasant Prairie, WI. He can be outdoors people, even those who have local law enforcement to back her up Besides doing her work, she contacted at [email protected]. His website occasionally violated the regulations. since there are only a handful of spends time talking to various groups is www.outdoorconvergence.com. “Some of these guys I have been wardens in the region. She says she has about outdoor issues and safety. She chasing for years. It’s a cat and mouse developed a close working relationship also spends a lot of time doing follow- game,” she said. with the sheriff’s department, since up and paperwork for her job. On Wisconsin Outdoors May/June 2008 27

DICK ELLIS ON WISCONSIN OUTDOORS The wariest gobbler wo hours into a “last chance” like a little boy. Would he ultimately Tspring turkey hunt, the gobbler gobble 200 times? 300? I do not know, answered the hen call deep from but his verbal enthusiasm was without within a wooded hollow in the rolling rival. farm country of Grant County. Maybe, At times, I would angrily scream with a lot of patience and a little luck without interruption for 30 seconds for this Tom, him to already a come to survivor of me, as he the first five simultane- of ously Wisconsin’s "The agony of a blown opportunity gobbled six split was about to give way to the non-stop seasons for me to would now ecstacy of the most memorable hunt come to be without him. The the of a lifetime." conversa- companion- tion was ship of hens so intense and vulner- that I able. Then guessed it again, with declining success rates would draw in another bachelor Tom. correlating with each split season as Soon, it did. A big gobbler moved the heavily-hunted birds become in full strut silently across a plowed streetwise to hunter calling and field to me. Given the opportunity I decoys, maybe not. would tag either bird. When the In the wee hours, I had taken the intruder first gobbled at 60 yards, I had long ride from Waukesha County to high hopes of my “hollow” gobbler Wisconsin’s southwest and zone 11 in showing himself to the competition. Dick Ellis hunted one very verbal gobbler for eight hours over hill and valley in season driving rain for a final crack at success. Instead he moved quickly toward six in late May before tagging the big Tom at 10 yards in extremely thick cover. The Fresh in my mind was the April the field, his dominant gobbling inten- bird weighed 26 pounds and carried an 11-inch beard. encounter with a gobbler that had sifying. The intruder tucked and liter- fallen for the enticements of my mouth ally ran. My boisterous Tom retreated calls to flirt with a decoy at 30 yards. I again to his lair, leaving us in our stale- had missed the perfect shot. mate and me to wonder if I was By luck of the draw I had pulled a hunting a special bird. Tom did return, I would have just choke load of number 5 shot found second permit and a second opportu- When the noon whistle of eight yards in the rolling field to locate only head and neck. nity to fill a tag. Thunderstorms gave Fennimore sounded, I had hunted one and kill him. Behind me, the forest I was physically exhausted and way to a billion stars just 20 miles east Tom for five hours. I had not yet seen where he had disappeared was a thick even mentally tired. Like each of my of Fennimore. The agony of a blown him. An hour later and one-half mile mass of thorns and undergrowth. I rare duels with trophy animals, true opportunity was about to give way to from his introductory gobble, my eyes rested my gun toward the field and satisfaction mingled with a bit of the ecstasy of the most memorable finally were fixed on a still white spot silently waited. remorse as I fastened a tag. For the first hunt of a lifetime, more challenging at 150 yards in a tall grass field. “That’s At 15 minutes, a bit panicked time in years a worthy Tom would not and rewarding than any hunt of any him,” I thought, and watched the head myself, I risked a whispered “hello.” I be on a roost as the sun slipped in the kind in an outdoor reporter’s life in the shake and turn red as he gobbled in had guessed wrong. The gobble was west. It had been at eight hours from field. answer to my now familiar sweet talk. shattering from the vegetation behind first gobble; the longest hunt. I had a Sitting, moving and calling from He assumed the full strut position, but me, less than 40 yards. I spun around mile walk out under a burning sun the field edges with the diaphragm call remained “hung-up” and in no hurry the tree on elbow and shoulder, came with a very large bird on my back. from first light into the first two hours to jeopardize his own safety for again to the shooter’s position and On the butcher’s scale at Bender’s of a new day brought no response another feather in the harem hat. waited. A tense 10 minutes later, I Foods in Fennimore, Manger Gill from any gobblers. From deep in the Still stalemated, he exited the field manipulated the mouth call to extend a Pierick would weigh the Wisconsin hollow as I beckoned from a long thin demanding that this “hen” follow. I near non-audible greeting. His return gobbler at 26 pounds. The beard would wooded finger connecting woodlots countered by moving 200 yards just solo told me he was in my lap. Still, I stretch the tape to 11 inches. Many and surrounded by rolling fields of inside the woodline bordering the field could not find Tom. special hunts in a lifetime are antici- greens and browns, Tom finally to take a stand where I had watched The minutes passed. Tom’s pated; the hunter works to know an answered. him strut. I would not call. If I “knew” bobbing red head appeared through a animal’s terrain and habits and then Our conversation would continue Tom at all from this chess game, he wall of thorns. When the shotgun works to tag him. As many, I think, are virtually non-stop throughout the day. would panic in the silence and return barrel slowly found that place, the bird stumbled into, unexpected, and only When we did occasionally cease our to the field and my new ambush. had disappeared to another. When the wear the label of “special” when the banter, it was only as we jockeyed for I settled in against a tree, relieved bright red target reappeared in the hunter looks back, and remembers. position. My 47-year-old body was again at completing a move without jungle, it required a seemingly time- Planned or accidental, patience is becoming ripped up in thorns, wet and detection. This new, low visibility lair eternal swing of four feet to place the the hunter’s most valuable possession. muddy as I was again able to use the was no different than the haunt of a big bead of the barrel where it had to be I will remember a Fennimore Tom, and O excuse of hunting to play in the dirt buck that has learned to survive. If for a quick kill. At just 10 yards, a full the longest hunt, forever. WO 28 May/June 2008 On Wisconsin Outdoors The Bigger They Are Little buck fought from the heart

sive and lash out with his hooves. I genes in expected Junior to run for his life. But him. he didn’t. His To my astonishment, the fighting body was soon turned nasty. The fork horn small, but cornered Junior against an old fence already and kicked him so hard that white muscular. belly hair flew into the air. He Perhaps thinking the fight was looked over, the bigger buck turned away. I like the couldn’t believe my eyes as Junior little kid lowered his head and rammed the on the fork horn in the rump. By this time I play- was ready to grab some popcorn and ground start cheering. who you The fork horn turned quickly and just know hooked Junior, lifting him right off is going his feet. The button buck did a to turn complete flip and landed on his side. out to be The fork horn turned aside, and once the star again the button buck hit him in the athlete rump. What a little fighter! some The does had come back by this day. time, and were running around like The kids watching a fight in the school little yard. Junior walked away from the It's not always the biggest rack in the forest that shows the most heart. The author enjoyed a rare show of group of bigger buck and I thought the conflict defiance near Spooner from a nubbin buck with true grit. (Photo by Dick Ellis) deer was ended. But spinning around, munched Junior headed back toward the fork calmly on horn, nailing him squarely in the side old and sending him crashing into the By Bill Thornley This is one reason I cringe when tomato plants, standing corn and fence so hard that snow flew in all the “experts” say something along bean sprouts as the afternoon sun directions. The way he lowered his rom a distance, a fox is a fox. And the lines of “Black bears hardly ever neared the southwestern horizon. Just head on his stout little body, Junior FI’m sure that if a fox could reason, charge,” or other such blanket state- before dark the does seemed to get looked more like a goat than a deer. he would have trouble telling one ments. How would you like to meet nervous, their heads popping up to The fork horn stumbled, human from another as well. But up up with the one nasty one that will? If look into the woods. A few moments regaining his footing, and headed for close, the story changes. animals do indeed have personalities, later another buck, a fork horn, the hills. It was great! Junior had We tend to think of animals as a there is bound to be one grouch in the stepped into the garden. stood his ground and overcome a species, a basic group whose numbers population. He was by no means huge, but much bigger foe. And the foe even are all alike in every way. But the I recently met up with an animal he probably outweighed Junior by a had the advantage of having antlers. more I am around animals, the more I grouch. Or maybe he wasn’t so much good 30 pounds. His rack was small, It was one of the strangest encounters am convinced this is not the case at a grouch as he was just full of fire … but he was a mature animal. I’ve ever seen. Whitetail deer never all. I could tell he was a little white- Junior continued to munch away. fail to amaze and fascinate me. As with humans, there are small tail buck the minute he stepped out of The fork horn started to chase the Junior had all the makings of a differences in every animal. A shorter the woods. The tiny buttons on his does out of the garden, shaking his dominant buck, even at this tender snout here, a small mark there. Not head gave him away, but he also head and kicking with sharp hooves. age. If ever there was a cocky, confi- much, but just enough to identify carried himself differently from the It was cold that night, and he appar- dent animal, he’s the one. each animal, regardless of species, as does and other fawns that were ently didn’t feel like sharing his salad. I don’t think he fought the fork a unique individual. starting to come out to feed. Then he turned to Junior. horn to defend the does. I think he This brings up the matter of Weighing all of about 80 pounds, the The little guy lowered his head just didn’t like being pushed around. personalities. Anyone who has a pet little guy still had a feel of confidence as if to spar. I thought this was This is not to say he would have can tell you that animals each have about him. strange, since he had nothing but taken on a 10-pointer. No, he prob- different personalities. In a litter of I watched the deer from my back buttons for antlers. The fork horn also ably would have had the good sense puppies, for example, you’re likely to window. They come out occasionally lowered his head. The two began to run like mad. have one dominant animal, one to search for tidbits in the old garden. gentle shoving, much like bucks do in But someday he might get his coward, one runt, and so on. While That night there were about five does early fall. chance. He isn’t king of the woods they might look much the same, one and the little buck, by far the smallest Surprisingly, Junior held is own yet, but that night the little buck with of those puppies is likely to nip your in the group. I figured he was prob- against the bigger deer. the big heart was certainly an animal O hand, while another will lick it. Still ably a fawn of the year, but watching This continued for about a to admire. WO another might whimper and shy the little tough guy prance around I minute, but as the shoving went on it away at the thought of being petted, wondered what his father must have became apparent that the larger buck Bill Thornley is an outdoor writer from while his brother might love the been like. It seemed to me that Junior was losing patience with the young Spooner. feeling of a human hand. might have had some pretty impres- upstart. He started to swing his head On Wisconsin Outdoors May/June 2008 29

JJ REICH REICH ON Sweet and sour pork Spring turkey hunting in this one’s butt and start eating up the Mississippi usually provides all smorgasbord lying on the ground. Then maybe I’d get a shot and the whoopper. the excitement a hunter can But that perfect scenario never handle.Throw in a bonus hog became reality. Instead, the good-sized hunt, and the combination was 130-pounder just kept crunching away. With just 10 minutes until quitting time, sweet and sour. the hog turned and presented a shot. I released the bolt from the Barnett “Tom, I love hunting turkeys, but Revolution and it jolted the four-legged if I’m flying south this spring, I want to Russian porker. go after some wild hogs too!” With little light to navigate, deep I was talking to my Mississippi swamps, and thick pines, I was a bit friend Tom Wiley, brand manager and nervous about the task of tracking inventor of Flextone Game Calls, blood. Hogs are tough and can run off a owned by Wildgame Innovations. ways before they collapse. It didn’t help Wiley had just invited me to chase some when Tom looked at the blood trail spring gobblers with him. leading into the swamp, and hissed, “Well, I’m happy to hear that,” “Do you have snake boots on? It’s the Tom answered. “I love hunting hogs thick sh… shtuff in there!” and the meat is delicious. Besides, the I clenched my teeth and smiled. turkeys aren’t cooperating for me much Yes indeed, I did have my knee-high this year. They will be tough.” snake boots on! I absolutely hate snakes. When I arrived, Tom told me he We eventually found our prize and had some new Barnes crossbows we celebrated. We ended the hunt without needed to try out. We couldn’t use them JJ Reich found tough turkey hunting in Mississippi but did find success hunting wild a wild turkey, which left a sour taste in for turkeys, but since we had some pigs that most landowners consider a nuisance. Permission to hunt is not a problem. my mouth. But when the freezer is depredation permits for a local filled with plenty of pork sausage, life is landowner, we could use the crossbows sweet. With the help of a good friend, I to take down some hogs. got the taste of southern-fried hog I was excited. The plan was set: “However while walking to his treestand, hunting. And to top it off, it was my shotgun for turkeys in the mornings first crossbow kill. I hope that more of and crossbow for hogs in the Tom did see a giant 350-pounder. both will follow in my years ahead. evenings—a perfect combination. If you are a Wisconsin-born hunter, Noxubee County, Mississippi has a The boar was so big that Tom had to do a few like me, and you’re after a southern- reputation for lots of hogs, especially double-takes to convince himself the black blob in state hunting experience, Mississippi is along the hardwood bottomland your ticket. The state has a bounty of around Yellow Creek. Tom easily lined front of him was a wild pig...” public and private land hunts with high up a hunt for wild Russian boars on a population of deer, wild turkey and 2,000-acre ranch that was managed for waterfowl. But while you’re at it, ask whitetails and wild turkeys. The ranch the guide, outfitter, or landowner about owner was eager for us to kill the the ground around the feeders. to convince himself the black blob in a bonus hog hunt. Most landowners do porker pests. The hogs were ripping up I liked the idea of getting into a front of him was a wild pig. But Tom not like hogs on their property, and deer bedding areas and food sources, treestand during the green months of never had a shot at the beast. The pig permission to hunt them is fairly easy to which was booting off some of his spring. A 20-foot-high seat would never turned broadside, and Tom come by. Hog hunting is definitely an whitetail population. command a great springtime view. But, didn’t want to take a risky shot with a exciting adventure, plus removing Landowners who have the goal of Hogs have great snouts and can easily crossbow while standing on the ground destructive hogs helps in the never- greatly reducing their wild hog popula- smell danger. It’s definitely not a sure less than 20 yards away. Skewered ending task of wildlife management tion prefer that you hunt them over thing that hogs show up every day, or porkers can get ornery. But soon the and conservation. feeders and you shoot as many as will let their guard down long enough monster winded him and bolted down Learn more about hunting Mississippi possible. So in the days prior to the to present a good shot. the gully. at www.visitmississippi.org.and check out hunt, Tom had set up some ladder We only had two days to hunt, and On the second afternoon, Tom products from Wildgame Innovations at O stands and loaded some feeders with we hit it hard. The fist day proved that gave me the spot where he saw the www.wildgameinnovations.com. WO corn that was enhanced with Wildgame the turkey hunting was indeed difficult. heavy-duty pig. With just an hour left of Innovations’ Intensi-Fire, a feeder addi- We hit the woods from sun-up until shooting light, a decent hog appeared JJ Reich is an outdoor writer who con - tive attractant to jump-start the use of 1:00 p.m. both days, but saw and heard from the thick pine trees. This pig tributes product-related articles to several the feeders. The feeders were set to go very little action. immediately sank its snout into a pile of national magazines and websites. He is off every 30 minutes from 5:30 until The first afternoon hog hunting corn soaked in Pig Lickor. But it was also the author of Kampp Tales Outdoor dark. Additionally, Tom piled up was also uneventful for me. I just stared nervously looking back in the woods, Adventures hunting books for kids. Learn Wildgame Innovation’s “Hog Heaven” at a spouting feeder. However while like it was stealing his big brother’s more at: www.kampptales.com. granular scent attractant and poured walking to his treestand, Tom did see a dinner and didn’t want to get caught. sweet-and-soured corn-flavored “Pig giant 350-pounder. The boar was so big My hopes were that the giant boar from Lickor,” which is a liquid attractant, on that Tom had to do a few double-takes the day before would come out to kick 30 May/June 2008 On Wisconsin Outdoors

DARRELL PENDERGRASS OUT THERE One man’s dream is another man’s ...

elieve it or not my seven-year-old My wife will sic that dog on me from and his humor column to the This cold shiver went down my back. I’ve Bson Jack has a paid subscription to time to time when I get out of range. Happened To Me features of real life been bit by that beast before. Outdoor Life magazine, his name is on I love Outdoor Life. In the barn, animal attacks and woodland-mishaps. Outdoor Life editor-in-chief Todd the cover and everything. That being seeing the ‘Best Places To Live! Top 200 From where I sat on a hay bale I Smith summed up what they were said, it was no surprise when the recent Town for Hunters & Anglers’ headline could see the bug-eyed Boston terrier looking for in his journal. “We wanted April edition showed up in the on the cover actually made me smile, looking at me through the boards in the to find slower-paced places where mailbox. and led me to wondering if there were barn. It gave a low growl. It kept people put greater value on sunsets However, it was a big surprise that really places where men can still hide circling the door. and clear streams than on McMansions I got to read it before the boy gunked it and BMWs. A place where families up with candy-bar chocolate and come first, housing is reasonable, crime sugary gum from looking at the rates are low and folks don’t shoot you pictures of big deer and massive bears. funny looks if you walk into the local “How come you never get anything “I’ll get to what it is you’re all wondering. bank dressed in camo. like that, Dad?” It was also a surprise The No. 1 place “To those lucky enough to be the magazine didn’t get mixed into the living in one of the towns we selected, gazillion horse-equipment catalogs and to live for outdoorsmen? ...” congratulations. We hope you’re living brochures my wife receives daily. the dream.” “I thought I cancelled that Two thoughts come to mind. I live subscription,” Queenie said about virtually in one of the top 58 places for Jack’s magazine. “Hand it over.” an outdoorsman to live in all of the I tucked it under my arm and ran from their girlfriends and wives; where I did notice this issue has a dispro- United States, selected over thousands up the driveway and off toward the outdoor dreams don’t simply die on portionate amount of ‘male enhance- and thousands and thousands of other barn, looking back over my shoulder. lengthy lists of chores. I would like to ment’ snake oil advertisements and outdoor places, and I neither catch On Queenie’s command, her Boston live in one of those places. Most every- ‘discreet home video’ bedroom lesson many fish, nor shoot any deer. terrier Rosie chased after me, but I thing about Outdoor Life makes me proposals—which makes me wonder Obviously the magazine ranking is not managed to escape without getting bit. smile though, from Patrick McManus what other things Jack is getting to based on my success. But I can imagine know about when he’s studying how lean my limited success would be raccoon trapping techniques. Outdoor if I lived in—say—the 150th greatest magazines seem like a bad place to place. Better stay here, where I’m at. advertise such gimmicks. Speaking for As for living the dream? Busting myself, if I’ve got a hundred dollars to from the barn and heading for the spend it’s going to be on a new fishing house, I middle-age sprinted across the OF NEW BERLIN reel, not to spice up things in the yard with the magazine rolled inside boudoir. Besides, I don’t need my engine my jacket and a growling maniac 17200 W. Cleveland Ave to be revving for an entire 24-hour day. Boston terrier at my heels. In reading I noted the ‘Best Places’ Dream? UNDER NEW OWNERSHIP O article. Quote: “Through Exhaustive I’m living a nightmare. WO Research OL Reveals America’s Top 200 Towns For Hunters And Fishermen “Out There: Twenty years of family, Import & Domestic To Call Home.” Alright. Seems the fishing, farming and a life afield,” a collec- writers visited communities all over the tion of stories by Darrell Pendergrass, can country—from sea to shining sea— be purchased for $15 at The Daily Press Auto Repair looking for the place with the perfect in Ashland, Chequamegon Books & Coffee combination of fishing and hunting ASE Certified Master Tech. in Washburn, Grand View Food Mart and opportunities; to public land proximity; Redbery Books in Cable. Or send $15 and to livable gun laws. Outdoor Life is pro $3 for shipping and handling to Darrell gun—but not obscenely so. Pendergrass, 52405 Otto Olson Road, I’ll get to what it is you’re all Grand View, WI 54839. Service Hours wondering. The No. 1 place to live for outdoorsmen? Mountain Home, Monday-Friday Arkansas. Which doesn’t matter to us 7:30am-6:00pm here in the Northland all that much. It’s Share OWO a long ways away from here, and we’d Saturday probably get sunburned if we visited. Do you know anyone else 7:30am-2:00pm But No. 58—well, No. 58 out of the that may enjoy reading On entire United States, out of all of the Wisconsin Outdoors Call for an places in the nation to wet a line or ? Next hang a deer stand—is Ashland, time you’re picking up a copy appointment Wisconsin. Right here. Queenie’s little dog started for yourself, grab a couple (262) 860-0030 digging viciously at the door, pausing extras for colleagues, family every so often to snarl and drool. Then Walk-ins Welcome the dirt would begin flying again. A and friends. On Wisconsin Outdoors May/June 2008 31 On Wisconsin Outdoors Board of Directors

Dear Hunter Daily, Although the downward trend seems to be slowing according to the US Fish & Wildlife Service, the hunting and fishing sports are losing more and more participants. How then can we continue to stand in the face of attacks by anti-hunters, vegetarians, and Ted Turner? —Larry McDermmot, Black Earth

Dear Larry, We need to stand together in unity and cooperation as a single body of sportsmen and women and in particular with respect for each other and we will persevere against all challenges. Look. I do it–despite working with a numbskull like Rex Rodsalotta just to the south of me– sitting there in his pretty little mirrored sunglasses, perfect flyhat and trout vest. He probably doesn’t even fish and I know getting him to buy a cold one after a board meeting is like pulling teeth. Do you know he trims his mustache every week? He was the first one in seventh grade to get one of those fruity leisurely suits. Which reminds me... continued at www.onwisconsinoutdoors.com

Hunter Daily

Dear Conibear Smith, I don’t trap and in fact spend every Sunday in front of the boob tube. But, do you think Bret Favre will stay Dear Rex Rodsalotta, retired? If it stays cold into the May inland —Mark Sankey, Waukesha season, where do we look for walleyes? Dear Mark, No way, the man just can’t do it. —Phil Rawson, Phillips Few people know that I was Brett’s backup during his first profes- Dear Phil, sional season when that consecu- You want to look shallow for tive game streak started. A few spawning fish through mid-May, on of us wore facemasks back then but hard sand and rock. Also, it’s fun not Brett. In fact, we’re pretty to examine the walleye briefly for sure he went through the season of the first signs of Spring...the ´26 in a coma after a vicious hit. milking males...the egg laden You hear about this. Another hit females. You can usually find brought him back just before these just below the spear marks. Eisenhower was elected. Brett –Rex Conibear Smith actually retired in ´36 too, but Rex Rodsalotta that might have been just coma babble. He’ll be back. —Conibear

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INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITY UPCOMING EVENT AND INTERESTING NEWS PARTNERS WANTED! Hunt Club / Retreat Wisconsin Dells Area. Looking for a limited ownership Columbus Sportsman's Association (CSA) www.columbussportsman.com group of outdoorsmen for operational expansion. Youth Trap League will be held starting May 12 for anyone 12 to 17 years of age. Contact Steve Steinbeck at 920-887-3936 for more information. Unlimited Potential $250K minimum required. See our May 3: 4th annual Introduction to Shooting Sports. Firearm & Archery Safety, Pistol, Rifle, Shotgun, Muzzleloader and Archery Shooting. Contact Paul Mayer ad, The Eagles Nest, on page 21. For info call Pat at 920-927-3445 for more information. (Rain date May 4) (414) 460-0166. May 10: Annual Flea market where we sell anything from boats, guns, ATV's, trapping supplies, etc. It all depends on what the people have to sell. Contact VEHICLES Larry Schroeder at 608-576-8894 for information May 17: Memorial Shoot (used to be the Shilling Shoot) along with our 10 gun raffle. Tickets are still available for this raffle. The shoot will be Individual or 5 man 2001 FORD EXPLORER SPORT 2/4 wheel drive, teams (Lewis - 100 bird) with additional prize money beside the registration fees. Contact Dan or Colleen at 920-326-5833 for tickets moon roof, good condition, 114,000 miles, asking May 17: Start of our 3D archery competition. Both Saturday and Sunday, continuing to the first part of September. Contact Dan Fehling at 920-927-5462. $5400 OBO. Must sell. Call (262) 894-6880. The Chippewa Valley Chapter of the Ruffed Grouse Society www.ruffedgrousesociety.org 2002 XT225 YAMAHA DUAL SPORT will hold its 26th Annual Sportsmen’s Banquet on Thursday, May 15, 2008 at the Ramada Inn Convention Center, 205 S. Barstow Street, Eau Claire, WI, MOTORCYCLE, 1900 miles, electric start, VG, great beginning with cocktails at 5:30 p.m. Dinner will be served at 7:30 p.m., live and silent auction, games, drawings and door prizes; highlighted with the finest gas mileage, asking $2200 OBO . Call (262) 844- selection of quality firearms, artwork and collectable’s. As with all RGS fundraisers, proceeds from this event will be used to restore and protect grouse and 2801. woodcock habitat. For more information and/or tickets contact Betthauser at 715-858-6604. 1998 XT 350 YAMAHA DUAL SPORT MOTOR- Mathews, Incorporated Receives Manufacturer of the Year Award CYCLE, very good condition, 3500 miles, asking Mathews, Incorporated is one of 63 Wisconsin businesses nominated for the 20th annual Wisconsin Manufacturer of the Year Awards for outstanding achieve- $1800 OBO. (262) 844-2801. ments in manufacturing. Mathews, Incorporated of Sparta was recognized as the 2007 Manufacturer of the Year in the Medium Company category. The Manufacturer 1973 SUPER BEATLE: Purple, body good, floor of the Year Awards recognize Wisconsin companies that demonstrate a commitment to business excellence which has a positive impact on the company and pans good condition, not running now, but ran in the the state, making Wisconsin a better place to live, work and play. Mathews is the largest grossing archery manufacturer in the world. The company produces past. Best offer. (262) 490-4774. archery equipment including premiere bows, traditional bows, bow accessories, bow strings and apparel. Mathews has put approximately 800,000 bows in the hands of archery enthusiasts, and as the official bow of the National Archery in the Schools Program, 2.3 million youth have shot a Mathews bow.

Send your organization’s news to: George Curtis named 2008 Conservation Communicator of the Year for “It’s Your Environment” [email protected] George Curtis, producer of the "It's Your Environment" cable television program, was named 2008 Conservation Communicator of the Year by the Wisconsin Wildlife Federation April 12 during a ceremony at the Ramada Inn in Stevens Point. Oshkosh attorney Curtis has helped educate the public about a myriad of We will do our best to post it in the On Wisconsin Outdoors conservation and environmental issues. His self-funded program generally features one or two knowledgeable guests discussing topics that often include habitat publication or on our website at preservation, hunting safety, water quality protection, and stewardship of our natural resources. Curtis started the program because he believed "there was a www.onwisconsinoutdoors.com critical need for the public to learn more about the environment."

Puzzle on page 24 On Wisconsin Outdoors May/June 2008 33

TERRILL A. KNAACK SACRED GROUND Winter Wilderness

t was a long pull of the sled and run off. Their adventures Ito the cabin. What was long truly begin where the side- ago known in the northwoods walks ends. Take a group of as the moon of broken snow- high school students and show shoes was upon us. The snow, them the difference between hard and crusted in places, lay an undisturbed native sedge deceptively deep in others. meadow, an unaltered March thaws had not yet remnant prairie, a nearby released winter’s grip from the habitat project, or a canary deep woods, though the sun grass meadow, and they will reached higher day by day. see the qualitative difference While most would have immediately. There is no child traveled south on the last days I have ever met that did not of winter, we chose an irre- delight in running down a trail sistible call to travel to a wilder- to explore a wild place, find ness site four miles from the the next rapids or see what nearest plowed road. The trail birds and flowers were over was quiet. Only the distant the next rise. Unfortunately, notes of a raven and here and most never have such a real there the tapping of a downy experience unless it is with an woodpecker. A ruffed grouse, image on the Internet or televi- rarely seen among mature sion. For those who would like maple, hemlock and pine to find out, find a place if you appeared next to the sled, then can, away from the grinding of flushed to the lowest branches highways, the high-pitch of an ancient hemlock, a defi- whines of snowmobiles and nite exception to his normal motorboats. There are a few habitat. The trail eventually left, though rare in southern crossed the faint prints of a Wisconsin. bobcat on hard snow. Where To really know what is the river rushed between there, you have to leave your islands of ice, were the tracks of cell phone behind, forget a fisher. Later in the evening about the pressures of work when the twilight shadows had for a while, and be able to grown deep blue, the moon, listen not just outwardly, but nearly full, peered over the inwardly as well. Eastern horizon. The land lay Get out there! Notice the quietly illuminated till the variety of grasses and shrubs morning sun returned. that grow there, the species of We live in a world where trees. Are there bird sounds? wild nature is experienced by a What kind of tracks can you very small percentage of find? What native plant people. Most would hardly community is it? Take children know where they could find along if you can. Those whose such places here in the inborn powers of observation Midwest. Why would normal, “A Prairie Garden” by Terrill Knaack. have not been dulled by too intelligent people head back into many electronic, attention- winter, to a land of old growth robbing devices can show you offer, even when few had yet crossed and removed. The meaning of wild- trees, to lakes without cabins and the way. There is nothing in a truly the Mississippi. Thoreau said “In ness, as a vision of order and the work homes surrounding them, and travel wild place that is not worthy of study, wilderness is the preservation of the of powerful unseen forces of which we through deep woods where few others nothing of which we are not a part and world.” He described the effect of are a part, is fading away. are met? Judging by the few such nothing that is not beautiful in its own being in a setting free of artificial There are a few places yet where areas that exist today relative to our way. If awareness and wholeness are improvements as being “subtle yet the quiet music of a clear water stream population they surely are understood our goals, we will not be disappointed. powerful.” In the 20th century, John flowing out of an undeveloped water- to have little value. College students, OW Muir, Aldo Leopold, and Sigurd Olson shed can still be heard. Does anybody O retired professionals, and everyone in to name a few that had Wisconsin really believe, as the poet Gary Synder between seem to dream of green golf roots, made their case for wild lands as wrote, that “Nature is not just a place Terrill Knaack has been painting Wisconsin courses and beach hotels. an inexhaustible resource for spiritual to visit. It is our home.” landscapes and wildlife for 30 years. He is Many of the 19th century literary renewal, the study of ecological For those of you who wonder, also a photographer and a perpetual figures saw something quite different processes and a better understanding watch the reaction of a child to butter- observer of Wisconsin's natural history. in nature. Thoreau, Emerson and of what it means to be human. In the flies in a forgotten corner of a field. To learn more about his work, see Whitman, the transcendentalists, 21st century, these voices seem distant There are a few that won’t ask for a net www. terrillknaack.com. thought wild nature had much to 34 May/June 2008 On Wisconsin Outdoors

JJ REICH PRODUCT 6-PACK Great gear for the woods, fields and waterways ere’s the rundown on six hunting FOOD PLOTS FROM A TO Z GOBBLER GUILLOTINE FLIP-FLOP FILLET BOARD Hand fishing products that you may For $10, this DVD teaches you how For $39 a three-pack, these deadly For $20, this durable fish cleaning find useful in the woods, fields and to grow productive food plots. The broadheads by Arrowdynamic board features a unique flip-flop design waterways. We did. DVD covers all related topics from Solutions are designed for accurate and that clamps the fish’s head or tail in when and where to plant, how to take a humane head and neck shots on place. The 7-inch-by-24-inch, plastic QUAKER BOY A’ BANSHEE soil test, overcoming common mistakes turkeys. The broadheads sport long, cutting board is portable, yet could be For $23, this versatile, water- and more. stainless-steel, fixed blades with a lethal attached to a cleaning table. proof box call is crafted with a walnut cutting width of up to 4" x 4" at 125 box and curved cherry lid. The new grains or 2.5" x 2.5" at 100 grains. “rapid fire” rubber-band system creates Watch the Internet videos of this fast yelps and cutts – just quickly tap product in action and you will be sold the lid with your hand. on its impressive design. But, if you see The call’s lid is curved (the long the product in live action, like I did, you will be absolutely amazed. You'll also have a wild turkey in your freezer. Yeah I know, this contraption looks goofy. The task at hand is cleaning fish, not brain surgery! However, it works slick. Just clamp the head of a fish, fillet one side then flip it over to cut the other side. Plus, the If you grow food plots in rounded grooves allow for easy clean Wisconsin, it’s a no-brainer to use prod- up of a usually slimy mess. way). This means more surface area of ucts developed and tested right here in rockhillproducts.com the lid touches and vibrates the curved the Badger state. Antler King is head- (330) 753-9500 sides of the box, creating a different quartered out of Black River Falls, and and unique sound. Also, the underside has been manufacturing premium seed, ECHIP ELECTRONIC EMITTER of the lid has a special, waterproof minerals and related food plot products over 20 years. This DVD is just another For $15 a three-pack, EChips emit treatment that needs no chalk or other great example of their high-quality a tiny electrical jolt to replicate the live maintenance. arrowds.com pulse of a distressed baitfish. EChips quakerboygamecalls.com goods. (512) 515-6299 antlerking.com can be mounted on any hook, lure or (800)544-1600 (715) 284-9547 bait, and batteries are not required. Here’s how it BUCKWING works: fish see the HUNTING SEAT flash, action and For $27, this lightweight, durable color of your lure, seat has 6 to 12-inch adjustable legs so and you can correct your sitting position to when any angle. The legs also fold flat for they easy transport and there’s a quick swim release snap on the carry strap so you close can set up fast. enough, they feel a pulse. I think the extra enticement of the pulse makes fish bite more often. EChips helped me catch a limit of salmon on Lake Michigan last summer, so I plan to try them on walleye later this year. protroll.com (925) 825-8560

Did I mention this seat has JJ Reich is an outdoor writer who con- adjustable legs? With a simple click and tributes product-related articles to several pull, you can stretch out each leg inde- national magazines and websites. He is pendently. This design helps you stay also the author of Kampp Tales Outdoor comfortable while setting up on the Adventures hunting books for kids. Learn downside or upside of any slope, on more at: www.kampptales.com. any terrain. buckwing.com (800) 555-9908 On Wisconsin Outdoors May/June 2008 35 36 10372May/June WIOutdoors_PL.ai 2008 4/15/08 2:44:18 PM On Wisconsin Outdoors

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