SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2019 FOUR DOLLARS Inside: Protecting Virginia Snappers! SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2019 Contents New Regulations To Protect Virginia’s Snapping Turtles 5 By Jo Ann Abell Declining snapping turtle populations called for protective measures. In Pursuit of the Mystery Marsh Bird 11 By John Shtogren A kayak can offer a stealthy option when hunting for the elusive rail. 18 Virginia’s “New” Smith River By Bruce Ingram Trophy trout abound in these productive tailwaters. 22 Fox Squirrels on the Rebound By Ken Perrotte Expanding populations of fox squirrels offer new hunting opportunities around the state. 2020 Trout Program Maps 28 By Jay Kapalczynski Fisheries biologists share the latest trout fishing locations. 34 Window on the Marsh By B.I. Bell A thoughtful gift awakens memories of cherished times. DEPARTMENTS 36 Out & About • 40 Working Together • 42 Off the Leash 43 A Walk in the Woods • 44 Photo Tips 45 Let’s Grow Native • 46 Fare Game Cover: J.D. Kleopfer poses with a common snapping turtle. Page 5. © Meghan Marchetti Left: Fall is a great time to angle for trout, such as these native brookies. Page 28. © Sean Landsman/Engbretson Underwater Photography Back Cover: Clapper rails offer an exciting challenge to hunters. Page 11. © Bob Schamerhorn Virginia Wildlife magazine is ONLY $12.95 a year! To subscribe go online at www.dgif.virginia.gov/virginia-wildlife. Commonwealth of Virginia Ralph S. Northam, Governor HUNTING & FISHING LICENSE FEES Subsidized this publication s the recently named Executive Director of the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries Secretary of Natural Resources A Matthew J. Strickler New (DGIF), I would like to take the time to introduce myself to the loyal readers of Virginia Wildlife magazine who have Department of Game and Inland Fisheries helped to support this fine publication over time. Having Ryan J. Brown grown up on a family farm in central Virginia, I have his- Executive Director RegulatioNs torically spent my free time in the great outdoors and, along To Protect the way, Virginia Wildlife has been a valuable guide to some Members of the Board incredible hunting and fishing memories. Mamie A. Parker, Ph.D., Chair, Dulles Much like DGIF’s mission of conserving, connecting, John W. Daniel II, Vice­Chair, Richmond Virginia’s Snapping Turtles Ryan J. Brown Leon Boyd, Vansant Executive Director and protecting Virginia’s wildlife resources, my passion and Nicole S. Butterworth, Vinton career goals have always focused on conservation. The op- H.S. Caudill, North Tazewell portunity to rejoin the dedicated professionals of DGIF and Catherine H. Claiborne, Richmond Douglas Dear, Syria to help fulfill that mission is a dream come true. Hunting, fishing, and other wildlife-based Karen Terwilliger, Locustville recreation are not simply hobbies, but my way of life, and I look forward to working with our Brian Vincent, Farmville talented staff in conserving our resources and promoting recreational opportunities for all G.K. Washington, Dillwyn of our constituents. The face of Virginia has dramatically changed since I first stepped foot in the woods Magazine Staff with my father many years ago. With a rapidly growing population, constant pressure to Interim Editor: Lee Walker Contributing Editors: Ron Messina, Paige Pearson develop our wild places, and the expanding diversity of backgrounds and experiences of Art Director: Lynda Richardson our citizens, emphasizing the importance of education and outreach to all audiences will be Production Manager: Carol Kushlak critical to our future success. Public education needs concerning wildlife are greater than Staff Contributors: B.I. Bell, Marika Byrd, Carol Heiser, Jay Kapalczynski, J.D. Kleopfer, Meghan ever, and public support for future funding needs will depend upon helping each and every Marchetti, Alex McCrickard, George Palmer, Virginian develop a connection with wildlife and the recreational opportunities that DGIF Marc Puckett provides. Printing by Progress Printing Plus, Lynchburg, VA Managing our wildlife resources and meeting the demand for increased services will always be top priorities for the agency. Whether working on habitat preservation and Copyright 2019 by the Virginia Department of Game and restoration, increasing public opportunities for both traditional and newer audiences, or Inland Fisheries. All rights reserved. confronting disease and invasive species issues that threaten our wildlife, our success will Virginia Wildlife (ISSN 0042 6792) is published bimonthly by the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries. depend on the support and assistance of our constituents, promoted through enhancing the Send all subscription orders and address changes to Virginia relationships that we already enjoy and forming new ones along the way. Wildlife, P. O. Box 37832, Boone, Iowa 50037. Address all other communications concerning this publication to Vir­ As I sit back and enjoy reading the latest issue of Virginia Wildlife, I am reminded of the ginia Wildlife, P. O. Box 90778, Henrico, Virginia 23228­ 0778. Subscription rates are $12.95 for one year, $23.95 for overall contributions of Virginia’s wildlife-based recreational and boating opportunities, both two years; $4.00 per each back issue, subject to availability. to the Commonwealth’s economy and to our quality of life. I am excited to see what the future e Canadian rate is $24.95 for one year and $35.95 for two years, payable in U.S. funds. No refunds for amounts holds, and with your support, look forward to addressing the many challenges before us. less than $10.00. To subscribe, call toll­free (800)710-9369. is publication is intended for general informational pur­ poses only and every effort has been made to ensure its ac­ curacy. e information contained herein does not serve as a legal representation of fish and wildlife laws or regulations. e Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries does not assume responsibility for any change in dates, regula­ tions, or information that may occur after publication. e Department of Game and Inland Fisheries shall afford to all persons an equal access to Department programs and facilities without regard to race, color, religion, disability, MISSION STATEMENT national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, political affiliation, or veteran’s status. If you believe that you Conserve and manage wildlife populations and habitat for the benefit of present and future generations. Connect have been discriminated against in any program, activity or people to Virginia’s outdoors through boating, education, fishing, hunting, trapping, wildlife viewing and other facility, please write to: Virginia Department of Game and wildlife­related activities. Protect people and property by promoting safe outdoor experiences and managing Inland Fisheries, Attn: Executive Director’s Office, P. O. Box human­wildlife conflicts. 90778, Henrico, VA 23228. www.dgif.virginia.gov SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2019 ♦ 5 VOLUME 80 NUMBER 5 Joshua Gahagan, AKM Images, Inc. AKM Images, Gahagan, Joshua Stephen David Johnson Stephen David © © The snapping turtle spends most of its time underwater only leaving to change locations, search for a mate, or lay eggs. After searching for a nesting site, this female snapping turtle lays a clutch of 25-55 eggs. By Jo Ann Abell ne day last fall, the dogs were Their bite may not be venomous like a pit the United States and in southern and 7 years of age. Female turtles lay a single were one of the few reptile groups that to be strategic to catch their next meal. To raising a ruckus in our front viper, but it can still be quite painful. eastern Canada, which is the reason clutch of 26–55 eggs annually on average. survived the impact of a six-mile-wide surprise their prey, they bury themselves o yard. Their loud, insistent My husband, standing back a healthy they also go by the moniker “common There is a high nest failure rate, with most asteroid that struck the Earth about 65 in mud and lay in wait for their next meal barking told me they had discovered distance, tapped the turtle’s beak with a snapping turtle.” Snapping turtles are of their eggs eaten by raccoons, crows, million years ago and the nuclear winter to come along, then quickly strike and something that, at least in their minds, stout stick. The snapper instantly took the found all across the Commonwealth and hawks, skunks, coyotes, dogs, foxes, triggered by the event. snatch it. Juvenile snappers eat insects, didn’t belong there. Living in a very rural bait, clamping down and latching onto it, on some barrier islands, where they live and a host of other predators. Hatchling With their sharp beak and powerful worms, snails, small fish, and aquatic part of Rockbridge County in the foothills and even when he pulled on the stick, this in a variety of aquatic habitats including survival rate is only 6 to 9 percent in jaws, stubby legs, sharp claws, and long vegetation. Adult snappers eat larger prey of the Blue Ridge, we have a lot of ven- guy wasn’t letting go. With the business ponds, lakes, streams, rivers, swamps, Virginia, but if they make it to adulthood, Stegosaurus-like tail, snapping turtles including insects, crayfish, fish, frogs, omous snakes, and my fear was they had end of the snapper occupied, we were able and brackish marshes. Areas providing the rate of survivorship is high. have not changed much since dinosaurs salamanders, tadpoles, toads, snakes, cornered a rattlesnake or copperhead, but to lift it onto a tarp, load it in a wagon, and cover in the form of stumps, muskrat walked the Earth. In other turtles, young water birds, such as as I got closer, I saw that it was a far less move it a short distance to the creek in the lodges and burrows, overhanging ledges, A Modern-Day Link to fact, the ducklings, and plant material.