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INSIDE World-class elk in Texas? Trophy bull takedown sparks classification debate on state’s elk population By Mark England n’t record elk taken from Texas, given square miles of terrain ranging from their status as a non-game animal and rolling grassland to rocky hillsides, to lack of a hunting season. hunt antelope when he saw some Ronnie Urbanczyk of Spring But even without the official recog- impressive elk. The ranch advertises Branch shot a mammoth elk with a nition, the animal was impressive its elk hunts starting at $7,000. bow near Alpine in October — a enough to spur Internet chat and “These guys at the ranch had a ton potential world-class trophy topping guarantee the elk received celebrity of good-looking elk,” said Urbanczyk, an estimated 454 Boone and Crockett status via photos e-mailed nation- who owns Urban Concrete in San NEAR ALPINE: Ronnie Low water levels and warmer points — but don’t look for it in the wide. Antonio. “We worked out a deal. Two Urbanczyk with his elk temperatures have led record books. Urbanczyk was at the sprawling CF days later, I caught one going to a estimated at 454 B&C The Boone and Crockett Club does- Ranch, which covers more than 150 See ELK, Page 11 (green score). baitfish inland to Texas rivers as they search for comfortable conditions. That’s great news for anglers, since redfish are following the bait. Youth-only See Page 8

Two major BassFan championships in 2006 will hunts gain benefit the Children’s Medical Center of Dallas, the organization has announced. BassFan said the events will popularity continue the long charitable tradition associated with . By Mark England See Page 8 he youth-only hunting weekend Jan. 21-22 HUNTING gave Kevin Curtis and his stepson, Tyler Despite the drought conditions Deater, 13, what Curtis called a “high-five prevalent in Texas, T experience.” entries in this year’s big buck Tyler shot his first deer, a doe, on an Encinal contests are keeping ranch. pace with the entries from “It was a ‘yes’ moment,” Curtis said. “It was like previous years — with as scoring a touchdown because it dropped right there.” many as eight scoring more The football analogies come easily to Curtis, who than 200 Boone and Crockett coaches freshman football at Schertz-Clemens High points. School outside San Antonio. Finding time to go See Page 6 hunting with Tyler, though, is another matter. Come fall, football is a 7-day-a-week business. NATIONAL That’s where the Texas Parks and Wildlife’s youth- The closing of a U.S. Repeating only deer-hunting weekends — they’re held on one Arms Company plant in weekend in October and January — came to Curtis’ rescue. New Haven, Conn., this spring “It was something I came across on the Internet,” means 186 people will Curtis said. “He’s been trying for a deer the last three lose their jobs and a famous years. I was desperately trying to help him out.” Winchester deer-hunting Robert Macdonald, TPW’s regulations coordina- rifle will be discontinued. tor, said the idea of such weekends is to provide a See Page 4 “special time just for kids.” There are also youth-only weekends for hunting turkeys, squirrels and water- CONSERVATION fowl. At such times, in most Texas counties, the only people who can legally hunt are those who are 16 or A grant from the U.S. Fish and younger. Wildlife Service will “It’s a chance to focus on the kids, instead of help restore the wetlands at everything that goes on in the general season,” Galveston’s North Deer Macdonald said. “It’s also an acknowledgement of Island, the largest rookery in where our future hunters will come from.” the Galveston Bay system. Jerry Warden calls such weekends, “true family Aiding in the project will be a time.” “It’s just them: the family and nature,” said coalition of Warden, executive director of the Texas Youth conservation organizations. YOUNG HUNTERS: Youth-only weekends in the outdoors, which surfaced almost 10 years ago, are often See YOUTH, Page 10 See Page 5 a weekend for first kills. DEPARTMENTS Across the Nation Page 5 PRSRT STD Netters, drought haunt US POSTAGE Migratory Bird Report Page 7 PAID Product Picks Page 13 PLANO, TX PERMIT 210 Heroes Page 14 Falcon’s white bass fame ters — and you’ll get an earful. Crossword Puzzle Page 15 By Diana Kunde “I fish the lake pretty much every Wild in the Kitchen Page 15 weekend,” says Kike Ramerez of Largemouth bass fishing isn’t the Zapata. “They’re (white bass) not back Weather Page 15 only hot topic at Falcon International at all.” Game Warden Blotter Page 16 Reservoir these days. TPW doesn’t stock lakes with white Mention the lack of white bass — a bass, which have historically been pro- Outdoor Datebook Page 17 situation that has drawn the attention lific in Texas — and helped make Fishing Report Page 18 of officials and made anglers mad Falcon famous years ago. In a recent enough to draw their weapons on net- See FALCON, Page 11 Largest International SPORTING EXPO in the South!

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Page 4 January 27, 2006 NATIONAL U.S. Winchester maker closes End of era for Model 70 and 94 rifles U.S. Repeating Arms Company Belgium (Herstal, purchasers of US city could do to force Herstal to con- announced it will cease operations RAC in 1987) just decided we could- tinue operations of an unsuccessful March 31, ending a 140-year tradi- n’t go down that path any longer.” facility. tion of manufacturing firearms in Continuing to try and turn the The International Association of New Haven, Conn. facility around, Grange said, Machinists is almost a year into a Winchester’s brief release charac- “would have led to greater financial three-year contract in which they terized the closure as a “business heartbreak down the road.” agreed to several concessions in decision” made after exhausting “all While Winchester will continue order to keep the company in New available options.” The decision to offer their firearms manufac- Haven. Workers said that after gen- puts 186 manufacturing employees tured in Europe and Japan, the erations of families had worked at out of work, and at this time brings company says there are no plans to the facility, its shuttering “didn’t to an end the Model 70 and 94 rifles move manufacturing of the 94, 70 seem right.” A group of community and Model 1300 shotgun. or 1300 anywhere else. activists and union members have Winchester Firearms will contin- Discontinued in 1963 and re- already formed the Citizens Ad Hoc ue to offer the Select line of over and introduced in 1964, the Model 94, Committee, pushing the city to use under shotguns, the Super X3 modeled after the Model 1894, is legal options such as an injunction autoloading shotgun, their new widely regarded as the rifle that to postpone the closing, based on Super X autoloading rifle and symbolized the classic American the fact the company will fail to live Limited Edition rifles. Further, the firearms of the Old West. It still up to employment-level agree- company stated it had plans to remains as one of the most famous ments tied to abatements granted introduce “new models” in the deer-hunting rifles in American his- to the company over the past ten future, with no changes in customer tory. years. service. The Model 1300 pump shotgun New Haven Mayor John Winchester’s Scott Grange told was first introduced in 1978 and has DeStefano Jr. characterized the The Outdoor Wire the decision gone through a variety of offerings. decision as “personal,” telling the ANSWERING THE CALL: Contestants do not know the turkey call they will be “makes us ill that people lives and The future of the U.S. Repeating New Haven Register the “gun that asked to mimic until they go before the judges. jobs are impacted.” But, he contin- Arms facility in New Haven is won the West is about to be made in ued, 10 years of “trying to use all unclear. Built in 1994, it is widely the East (Asia).” options to make the facility prof- regarded as being among the most Both Connecticut and New itable” led the company’s board to modern firearms manufacturing Haven have been subsidizing decide to simply cease operations at facilities in the world. USRAC’s operations over the past 10 GIVE A YELP the New Haven facility. Union officials have called on years. New Haven has subsidized “We’ve done all we can to make it New Haven officials to “do some- $1.3 million in property taxes. work,” Grange said. “It was a purely thing” to prevent the closure, but — An Outdoor Wire report by Jim Turkey callers set to sound off, financial decision. The board in there appears little, if anything, the Shepherd, www.theoutdoorwire.com. gobble up national honors BASS revamps Federation Nation at Nashville competion This year, the Wild Turkey year's Wild Turkey Bourbon/NWTF In 2006 and beyond, BASS plans Championship. The winning team tion more affordable than ever Bourbon/National Wild Turkey Grand National Calling to grow Federation Nation member- receives a fully rigged Triton boat before. Federation Grand National Calling Championships are also eligible for at the state, national and inter- with Mercury Outboard for each “The Federation Nation will share Contest will be held at the Gaylord the competition. The Senior national levels by improving com- member, for a value of $250,000. a common bond, a common goal, a Opryland Resort and Convention Division preliminaries are slated to munication and member service, While the current BASS Federation fraternal feel and a vested interest in Center in Nashville, Tenn. begin at 9 a.m. Feb. 24. offering more funding for conserva- tournament structure will remain growing the sport,” said Don Rucks, The competition will be part of New this year is the Senior tion and more support for youth intact this year, BASS will enhance BASS vice president and general the NWTF's 30th annual Division Friction Competition. and education. BASS said the goal is the trail in 2007 by allowing all state manager. Convention and Sport Show, Feb. Competitors in this division will to create a more rewarding experi- and international Federations to Examples of what the Federation 23-26. Past winners have appeared use friction-only calls to mimic the ence for Federation Nation mem- qualify their champion for the BASS Nation also will have: on "The Tonight Show with Jay sounds of a hen turkey. The compe- bers. federation championship and will •A Conservation College Leno," "Late Night with David tition is set to begin at 2:30 p.m. In this year alone, BASS will offer pay the travel expenses for each con- Scholarship Program, awarding Letterman" and "Live with Regis Feb. 23. Federation Nation members bene- tender and his spouse. $17,000 in scholarships annually and Kelly." There will also be a Wild Turkey fits and exposure valued at nearly $4 In addition to receiving highly •A minimum of $50,000 nation- Contestants are asked to perform Bourbon/NWTF Grand National million, including television and coveted berths in the CITGO ally to state chapters for conserva- a plethora of calls — such as a hen's Gobbling Championship at 1 p.m. magazine exposure, conservation , the six federation tion efforts annually "yelp", or the "cut of an excited Feb. 25 where the contestants will and youth programs and BASS championship winners will also be •A Walt Disney World celebra- hen" — during the competition, be judged on their ability to imitate Insider, a special membership level awarded paid entry fees into their tion for the two Junior BASSmaster but have no idea which sounds the gobble of a wild turkey. The Owl not offered before. choice of either the CITGO world champions they'll be asked to mimic until they Hooting Championship will follow In 2007, new BASS Club competi- Bassmaster Northern or Southern Ehanced member service will are on stage and in front of the the gobbling championship as tions will be held between Tour. include: judges. Judges are selected by the competitors perform their best Federation Nation six-angler BASS BASS will realign the divisional •Travel assistance for Federation NWTF and are experts on wild impressions of a barred owl. Owl Club teams in each state. During tournaments into 10 regions, allow- Nation state champions and turkeys and turkey calling. calls are often used to locate wild the season, each state will send six ing every Federation Nation club spouses to the BASS Contestants receive scores based turkey toms. BASS Club teams to one of 10 the opportunity to compete at a FederationNation Championship on the accuracy of their calls. The Wild Turkey Bourbon/NWTF regional championships in the new level of competition that •Travel assistance for Junior All Senior Division contestants Grand National Team Challenge is nation. rewards club performance. Under World Championship contenders, are over age 21, and have won first scheduled for 11 a.m. Feb. 26. The The top six teams at each of the this format, 200 percent more equaling more than $100,000 place in an NWTF-sanctioned Rare Breed Champion of Champions regional championships will move anglers from each state will com- commitment to Federation Nation open, state or world division call- competition directly follows. on to the new BASS Federation pete, and they will do so in smaller families. ing contest during the previous —A National Wild Turkey Nation BASS Club World fields, making higher-level competi- — A BASS report year. The top five finalists from last Federation report Need Insurance?

EDITORIAL OFFICES: 9304 Forest Lane, Suite 114 South, Dallas, TX 75243 Phone: (214) 361-2276 Fax: (214) 368-0344 Editor: DARLENE MCCORMICK SANCHEZ Layout Artist: DUDLEY GREEN Get Associate Editor: MARK ENGLAND Associate Editor: DAVID RENFROW GOEN! Subscription Services: DEBORAH COMER Founder & CEO: DAVID J. SAMS Boats, Home, Auto, SUBSCRIPTION SERVICES: Ranch, Life and Order online via secure Web site at www.lonestaroutdoornews.com Crop Insurance or call toll-free (866) 361-2276 ADVERTISING SERVICES: GOEN & GOEN INS Call (214) 361-2276 or e-mail [email protected] to request a media kit. Lone Star Outdoor News, a publication of Lone Star Outdoor News, LLC, publishes twice a month. 800-288-2865 A subscription is $25 for 24 issues. Copyright 2005 with all rights reserved. Reproduction and/or use of any photographic or written material without written permission by the publisher is prohibited. www.goen-goen.com Printed in Dallas, TX, by Midway Press. Subscribers may send address changes to: Lone Star Outdoor News, 9304 Forest Lane, Suite 114 South, Dallas, TX 75243 or e-mail them to [email protected]. January 27, 2006 Page 5 CONSERVATION Grant targets Galveston Bay system’s North Deer Island The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service pairs of federally listed brown peli- Program and Houston Audubon. has awarded a federal grant to Texas can. National Coastal Wetlands Parks and Wildlife to fund more The North Deer Island project Conservation grants are awarded to than half of a $1.2 million project to will protect and restore over 135 states through a competitive restore wetlands on North Deer acres of fish and wildlife habitats. In process. The program is funded Island, the largest bird rookery Phase II to be funded by the federal under provisions of the 1990 island in the Galveston Bay system. grant, Texas Parks and Wildlife and Coastal Wetlands Planning, The Texas grant was part of more project partners, will protect 82 Protection and Restoration Act, than $15 million in grants to 12 acres of island habitat from erosion with money generated from excise states to help acquire, restore and and restore eight acres of estuarine taxes on fishing equipment, and protect coastal wetlands for long- marsh. motorboat and small engine fuels. term conservation benefits to The total cost of the project is “These are win-win projects,” wildlife and habitat under the $1.24 million, with $653,300 of said Dale Hall, U.S. Fish and National Coastal Wetlands that paid by the federal grant. The Wildlife Service director. “I’m very Conservation Grant Program. partners share of the project will be excited when we’re able to leverage North Deer Island in West $587,000. Project partners include the taxpayer dollar with our part- Galveston Bay is used each year by the Galveston Bay Estuary Program, ners and get a lot more value for the up to 30,000 breeding pairs of 19 Gulf of Mexico Program, USFWS money.” species of coastal-dependent birds, Coastal Program, Texas Genco’s including more than 1,000 nesting EcoCenter, Shell Marine Habitat — A Texas Parks and Wildlife report ACROSS THE NATION

Florida ask federal officials for permission to Minnesota-based outdoor writer, fish- College football player reduce wolf numbers in the Lolo zone, ing guru and instructor. This is bags state’s 10th highest where they say wolves are having an believed to be the first-ever podcast on scoring buck unacceptable effect on cow elk sur- the topic. vival. Cody Thomas of Savannah, Ga., Fish and Game biologists want to had no idea he would be harvesting reduce the number of wolves in the Oklahoma Florida’s 10th-highest-scoring deer Lolo elk zone by 75 percent. That when he accepted an offer to go hunt- Guaranteed winning saugeye waiting means up to 43 wolves would be ing with his girlfriend’s brother, but for anglers at Lake Thunderbird removed, using the current mid-point that is exactly what happened. One of the hardest parts about catch- wolf population estimate of 58. There Thomas took the trophy buck Nov. ing a state-record fish is knowing where are between 47 and 69 wolves in that 20 on private land in Leon County at to go fishing. That piece of the puzzle area. the beginning of the general gun sea- just got a whole lot easier — at least Biologists then want to maintain the son. He then anxiously awaited the when it comes to big saugeye. wolf population at 15-23 wolves for five official score of the buck’s antlers to Wildlife department biolo- years. During that time, they will mon- come back from the Florida Fish and gists recently released two saugeye, itor elk and wolf populations. After five Wildlife Conservation Commission to weighing in at more than 10 pounds years, the results of wolf removal on elk each, into Lake Thunderbird near learn how his deer would stack up population trend would be assessed. against the biggest deer ever taken in Norman. The two big fish were collected the state as listed in the Florida Buck and released during a research project Registry. The registry, established in Minnesota examining the feeding habits of saug- 1982, provides an opportunity for Got ice? Then get the download eye, bass and crappie. The current state hunters to register antler scores and For all the Apple iPods, Dell DJs, record saugeye, a 9-pound, 14-ounce other information about white-tailed Creative Zens and dozen or so other fish, was caught from Lake Thunderbird deer taken in Florida. brands of portable audio players that in 1992. were given as gifts this holiday season, According to a state biologist, the the Minnesota Department of Natural saugeye stocking program at Lake Idaho Resources has just released a “podcast” Thunderbird has been very successful. Wolves put a dent in elk herd called “ Tips.” “We first stocked saugeye in Lake The Idaho Fish and Game “A podcast is similar to a radio show Thunderbird in 1985 for two reasons: Commission, in a unanimous vote Jan. only instead of tuning it in on the radio, first, to provide an additional fishing 13, approved a department proposal to you download it from the DNR Web site opportunity and second, to help control remove up to 75 percent of the wolves to your computer and then transfer it to the over-populated crappie,” Jeff in a portion of the Clearwater Region a player. That way you can listen to it on Boxrucker said. to help stabilize the elk population. the go,” said Tim Smalley, DNR informa- Saugeye are a hybrid fish produced at Elk numbers in the Lolo elk manage- tion officer and safety specialist. “They the department’s Byron ment zone have been declining and are are called podcasts because of the popu- in northcentral Oklahoma. Hatchery below management goals. Idaho Fish larity of Apple’s Ipod, but they can be biologists collect native sauger from the and Game biologists maintain that a played on anything that will play an Arkansas River in northeast Oklahoma significant part of the cause is wolf pre- MP3 audio file.” and from Canton Lake in dation. “Ice Fishing Tips” features a 30- northwest Oklahoma and then cross Fish and Game biologists want to minute interview with Terry Tuma, the two species to produce saugeye. Page 6 January 27, 2006 HUNTING Clothes make the Huntress Designer debuts attire targeting the outdoors woman

By Mary Helen Aguirre

helah Zmigrosky, CEO of Frisco-based Foxy Huntress LLC, wants female hunters Sto feel they’re dressed to kill in more ways than one. At a launch party in Dallas Jan. 13, the designer debuted her Foxy Huntress line, a collection of styl- ish hunting attire designed to fit the natural curves and body types of all women. “Women hunters want to be comfortable while they hunt. They want clothes that fit their female form, clothes that don’t sag or interfere with shooting their weapons,” said Zmigrosky, who said there are more than 6 million women in the U.S. involved in shooting and outdoor sports. What Zmigrosky wanted was great-looking clothing that can go from the field to the hunting lodge. But she emphasized that she hasn’t sacrificed function for style. Her version of the ubiquitous oversized orange hunting vest, for example, is a bright orange quilted vest lined with an exotic animal print that subtly skims the curves of a woman’s body. Some of Zmigrosky’s pieces fea- ture an exclusive signature camou- flage pattern she designed espe- cially for her new line. “I just wanted something a little more feminine,” she said. Among her favorite items: OPENING IN FASHION: A runway model shows off some of the fashions for the new line of women’s hunting apparel by Foxy Huntress at the Crescent Court Hotel in Dallas. •An upland bird-hunting Photo by David J. Sams. ensemble made from soft-brushed cotton that features a sage and took a trip to Africa and I wish I’d attire. But the clothing she found well and provided great comfort. also working with her fabric man- brown vest ($98) and matching had some of those pieces.” targeted toward women were cut Zmigrosky said she’d love to ufacturer to design an even more pants ($95) paired with a camou- Keasler, who had the chance to down from men’s sizes and didn’t bring back the good old days durable 100-percent cotton cam- flage shirt ($100). try on some of the attire, also take into account a woman’s when people didn’t wear jeans to ouflage fabric. •A sand-colored quilted jacket appreciated the fit and comfort of curves. What she did find, she had hunt. To view her collection, visit with a leopard-print lining and the clothing. to get tailored to better fit her. But you don’t have to hunt to be www.foxyhuntress.com. brown leather trim ($195) paired It was the scarcity of well-fitting Zmigrosky has a medical back- a Foxy Huntress, said Zmigrosky. Mary Helen Aguirre is a native with classic riding pants ($105). hunting gear that inspired ground and had never designed a She said her line targets women Texan with almost 15 years of Monica Keasler, store manager Zmigrosky to start designing. clothing line before Foxy who appreciate the look and atti- experience editing and writing for of the Dallas Orvis, was at Friday’s The novice hunter said that Huntress. She just went with her tude of the collection. launch party. when she planned her first African instincts and what she liked. She For the future, she’s working on newspapers, including the Atlanta “I liked it a lot,” she said of the safari a couple of years ago, she aimed for great-looking and hard- adding accessories, such as jewel- Journal-Constitution. She is a Foxy Huntress line. “I recently went on the hunt for suitable working pieces that functioned ry, belts and leather goods. She’s free-lancer in New Mexico. Hanging with the big bucks You’ve got to beat 200 B&C points to stay in this hunt

By Wes Smalling and Deer Contest in Pearsall. “It is surprising for the type of drought we’ve had. We’ve had ranches Larry Wilkey’s triple-beam buck, which Marty Griffith on the Peeler Ranch Jack Brittingham of Athens killed his With drought conditions afflict- down there in the south that he shot on a rifle hunt on a ranch in south of San Antonio. Griffith’s big 229 2/8 B&C-point deer on the Briar ing much of the Texas Brush haven’t had any rain since April — Zavala County, scored 238 B&C points. buck scored 222 7/8 B&C points. Lakes Ranch in Anderson County. Country, you might assume that not a drop. I can’t describe it. the entries in this year’s big buck We’ve sure had a bunch (of big The deer was an estimated 8 1/2 had passed on it thinking it might The second-highest scoring low- contests are a bit on the puny side. deer). I thought we’d have noth- years old. Though small-bodied at be too young. He shot a video of it fence buck and the fourth highest Think again. ing but it’s been surprisingly about 130 pounds field-dressed, its instead. After watching the video, score overall of any deer contests As entry deadlines draw near, good.” rack has an astounding 28 antler he decided it was definitely an in the state — was taken by Marty most of the contests are on pace to Los Cazadores’ current leader in points. older buck. Griffith at the Macho Creek Lodge finish with as many entries as in the low-fence category is Larry “We joked around and said it “I didn’t see him for two or three on the Peeler Ranch south of San previous years and with just as Wilkey of Baytown, whose unusu- looks like he had a bad hair day. He days, but the next foggy day he Antonio in October. Griffith’s big many 200-plus Boone and ally racked whitetail would be the had points every place,” Wilkey reappeared in that same area and buck scored 222 7/8 B&C points. It Crocket-point bucks. overall leader in any contest in the said. that’s when I shot him.” Wilkey field-dressed at about 160 pounds “We’ve got seven or eight deer state so far. Wilkey’s triple-beam Wilkey had watched the deer said. and has 17 antler points. over 200 total (B&C points),” said buck, which he shot on a rifle through a spotting scope on a “I knew it was an unusual deer Griffith had seen the same buck Stephen Mabery, owner of Los hunt on a ranch in Zavala County, foggy morning a few days earlier but I didn’t have any idea it would the season before and had passed Cazadores Hunting Headquarters scored 238 B&C points. but, because of its smallish body, score like that.” See BIG BUCKS, Page 10 January 27, 2006 Page 7 Targeting turkey Judging distance key to hunting success this spring

By Bob Hood

Chad Miller knows what it is like to miss a turkey, but he also says he knows how to remedy the chances of it happening again. Miller, who has hunted on the same Comanche County ranch for the past eight years, says he never will forget pulling the trig- ger on a big gobbler that was only 15 yards away five years ago only to see the big bird jump sideways and then turn and run away. “I thought he was more like 20 or 25 yards away, and I guess my pattern was so tight that I just shot over him,” Miller said. Now on most mornings when Miller goes turkey hunting, he uses a decoy. He finds a place where he is going to sit and then steps off 20 yards and places his decoy at that distance. Next, he finds two sticks and places them 10 yards behind the decoy, one to the right and the other to the left. He also places another stick A VIEW TO A KILL: Hunters should practice judging distance just as they would patterning their shotgun prior to the season. or rock 20 yards behind him. “That way I am covered distance just as they would pat- with at home or in the field hunting partner to join you. light will help improve range esti- whether the turkey comes in terning their shotgun prior to the before the opening of the season, Two hunting partners can have mation dramatically. straight ahead or to the left or season. not the first time out when hunt- fun and sharpen their skills by Regardless how you go about it, right or behind me Miller said. It Although some hunters, such ing, for example. using a turkey decoy to estimate judging distances will help give me a 20- to 30-yard zone and as those who hunt extensively Trees, rocks, stumps and fence distance. One hunter can sit on ensure a clean kill. Just remember I’ll know if he is inside either with archery equipment, are posts can be checked with the the ground while the other as Miller does, when you are in yardage or further away.” skilled at determining distances, range finder for their distances, hunter places the decoy at an the woods a few yards can make a Of all the reasons for missed the methods used by Miller and but you should make several unknown distance and then the big difference. shots, the hunter’s failure to others could help less skilled practice sessions so you are com- two can take turns estimating the Bob Hood is an outdoor writer for judge the distance to the target hunters judge distances more fortable looking through the range before actually stepping it the Fort Worth Star Telegram and a likely is the most common, accurately. range finder under various light off. frequent contributor to Lone Star according to Bob Keck of the Range finders are handy and conditions. Placing the decoy behind Outdoor News. Information from National Wild Turkey Federation. very accurate for determining dis- If you want to have fun while brush, up or down a slight grade, the National Wild Turkey Hunters should practice judging tances but should be practiced improving your range skills, ask a in deep shadows and bright sun- Federation contributed to this report. Migratory Bird Hunting Report HIGH PLAINS MALLARD MANAGEMENT UNIT / PANHANDLE: The region still needs rain. Most geese are roosting on Lake Etter near Dumas. Decoying action slowed this week; however, those willing to stay late in the field did scratch out limits of dark geese and a few light geese. Duck hunting for mallards continued steady for those able to access wet playas. Duck hunting has been better in Haskell County. Duck season ends at sunset Jan.29. Goose season continues through Feb.7. The Light Goose Conservation Order season begins Feb.8. With lots of juvenile snows on the ground, the season should be prosperous. Prospects are good.

NORTH ZONE WATERFOWL: Sunday, Jan.29 draws to a close what many are con- sidering the driest waterfowl season in years for North Texas. Sloughs and timber ponds have been dry throughout the season and most waterfowlers have had to resort to hunting big water on lakes and reservoirs. The region did receive rain over the weekend which will provide some water for established ponds for the last week of the season. Leveed ponds near Interstate 10 received rain over the weekend to help sustain hunting for another week. Those ponds might prove prosperous when the Light Goose Conservation Order begins Jan.30. Prospects are fair.

SOUTH ZONE WATERFOWL: A bit of a surprise to many duck hunters this week was the influx of blue-winged teal that moved across the coastal prairie and coastal marsh. The bonus is most of the drakes are in their cobalt-headed spring plumage, perfect for a mount. Waterfowlers have expressed delight in the later closer of the season. Normally, the second weekend of January is the traditional closure of duck season. Mallards continue to be the highlight of duck hunts on the prairie. Another shot of rain this week helped ponds sustain water for the last week of duck season, which ends at sunset Jan.29. Pintails are very good in Rockport and Port O’Connor. Some canvasbacks have been showing in the fresh- water marsh near Copano Bay. Bluebills and gadwalls have been showing on Trinity Bay straps. Green-winged teal are good in the Anahuac and High Island marsh. Snow geese continue to feed on green forbs in fallow fields or winter wheat fields. The Canada geese that were on the prairie in early January have relocated. The Light Goose Conservaton Order begins Jan.30. With many juveniles in the light goose flock, prospects are good for the liberal season. Open season DUCK Zone B: Nov .26-Feb. 5 High Plains Mallard Management Unit: Oct. Zone C: Dec. 24- Jan. 29 28- Jan. 29 QUAIL North and South Zones: Dec. 10- Jan. 29 Statewide: Oct. 29- Feb. 26 Pintail and Canvasback (All Zones) WHITE-TAILED DEER Dec. 22- Jan. 29 South Texas: Late antlerless and spiked Jan. GOOSE 16- 29 West Zone: Light and Dark Geese, Nov. 5- Edwards Plateau: Late antlerless and spiked Feb. 7 Jan. 16- 29 Light geese conservation order, Feb. 8- RIO GRANDE TURKEY March 26. Willacy, Brooks, Kenedy & Kleberg counties: East Zone: Light Geese, Nov. 5- Jan. 29 Nov. 5- Feb. 26 Canada Goose Nov. 5- Jan. 29 PHEASANT Light geese conservation order, Jan. 30- Chambers, Jefferson and Liberty counties: March 6. Oct. 29- Feb. 26 SANDHILL CRANE JAVELINA Zone A: Nov. 5- Feb. 5 Oct. 1- Feb. 26 Page 8 January 27, 2006 FISHING Redfish action hot along the upper Texas rivers

By Scott Sommerlatte

ith several weeks of winter still ahead, Texas coastal anglers W should look no further than the rivers of the upper Texas coast for some hot trout and redfish action. Since Thanksgiving, anglers have been reporting tremendous catches of both trout and redfish from the Brazos, San Bernard and Colorado rivers. And, while many anglers enjoy consistent success fishing the rivers from year to year, this year has proven to be better than most. VICTORY: Brent Chapman celebrates win at the Top “Despite it not getting that cold this Gun tournament. Photo by BassFan. winter, fishing in the river has been extremely good,” said Capt. Bill Pustejovsky of fishing in the Colorado River. “The low tides and drought condi- tions have made conditions right and the Top bass trout and reds are thick.” The low tides are actually low-water lev- els created by the consistent westerly direction of the winds this winter. These anglers low-water levels have caused a lot of fish to leave the bays in favor of the deeper waters of the rivers. Once in the rivers, the fish start following the bait as it migrates up river in search of fresh water. hook up However, because of the drought that Texas is experiencing right now, the bait- fish are having to travel great distances up river to find comfortable conditions, for charity which is drawing the trout and reds as far as 15 and 20 miles inland. Money from BassFan’s 2006 Top Gun Championship The key to locating the fish, which and 2006 Skeeter BassFan Army Weekend Warrior move around daily, is to locate the bait. Championship will benefit Children’s Medical Center of Baitfish may be found on the shallow Dallas, BassFan announced this month. edges of the warming riverbank over oys- BassFan added that the fundraiser will be the largest ter or gravel one day, and the next, they UP THE RIVER: Anglers are reporting tremendous catches of redfish and trout from the Brazos, charity event in championship bass fishing history. might be around structures such as barna- San Bernard and Colorado rivers. Launched last year, Top Gun features the top-ranked cle- and oyster-covered docks or bridge professional bass fishermen in the world, and Weekend pilings. Another possibility is that they to enjoy the warming conditions. throughout the water column at different Warrior features the top-performing weekend bass fish- could be balled on the surface in the mid- Once the bait is located, anglers should speeds and depths to find what works and ermen from North America’s best regional trails. Both dle of the river with fish underneath. On use a motor to cover the area with establish a pattern. Once a pattern is championships join the Stampede Season lineup of the warmer days, it is also possible to occa- plastic bait-tails rigged on 1/4 oz. jig detected and established, move from dif- charitable events, which includes: the Interstate sionally locate birds working over fish. heads, deep-water plugs such as the ferent groups of bait, apply the same tech- Batteries Texas Stampede rodeo and concert weekend; The fish and birds are feeding on white Mirro-lure 52MR series, or crank baits. niques and experience a great catch for Texas State Championship Bar-B-Que Cook-off and shrimp that have come up out of the mud The lures should be worked thoroughly yourself. Texas Music Festival; La Riata Gala and Texas Hold ’Em Poker Tournament; Children’s Medical Center Christmas Stampede; and the Pace Picante Cattle Drive. Carp groups bringing Challenge to Texas “BassFan feels strongly about continuing the charita- ble tradition that has long been an integral part of bass fishing,” said Scot Laney, BassFan’s chief operating offi- By Todd Nafe cer. “Bass anglers and tournament organizations at all levels are supporting good causes throughout the U.S., Canada and Europe, and we certainly want to do our It’s hard to understand a lot of people when part. they talk about because their “Partnering with Texas Stampede to produce an annu- tongues are planted so deeply in their cheeks al event to benefit Children’s Medical Center is a perfect that their speech is almost unintelligible. fit because Texas Stampede has a long history of doing But there’s a growing movement that hails good work in support of children in north Texas.” the hearty carp as a tournament-worthy fish, Joel T. Williams III, president of Texas Stampede, said, and that movement is making its way to Texas “We’re excited about this partnership. We wanted to add this spring. a bass component to Stampede The American Carp Society and the Carp Season and are thrilled that it ended up being not one, Anglers Group are hosting the Texas Carp but two of the major championships in the sport. Challenge in Austin March 26-31. This first- “BassFan shares our mission to raise substantial funds time event will offer a chance for a $250,000 annually for Children’s Medical Center, and is commit- cash prize should the Texas state record for carp ted to building a signature event in North Texas.” be broken during the tournament. The tourna- In order to be a part of the fall Stampede Season, the ment will be held on Town Lake, which yielded Skeeter Weekend Warrior Championship will take place the current state record carp at 41.5 pounds, Sept. 15-18, followed by the Top Gun Championship according to Texas Parks and Wildlife. CARP CATCH: Sean Manning and Wayne Boon show two carp they caught on Town Lake in Sept. 19-23. BassFan has not yet released lake locations That kind of money is no joke. There’s also Austin. They are directors of the American Carp Society. Photo by Sean Manning. for the 2006 tournaments. the “Big Four” bonus cash prize of $25,000 that other parts of the world, carp are valued for Tournament, said his bait consisted of Big Red Texas Stampede is a nonprofit organization that seeks could be awarded to the contestant who brings their strength and treated as sportfish. soda, bran flakes, dissolved range cubes and an to raise substantial funds for Children’s Medical Center, in the four largest fish with a total weigh greater Villanova sees signs that Americans are gaining extra twist of vanilla. one of the top 25 pediatric hospitals in the nation as rec- than 130 pounds combined during the event. an appreciation for the fish, too. “Carp fishing The Texas Carp Challenge entry fee is $250 ognized by U.S.News & World Report, by organizing and The Austin Team Championship, which will in the U.S. is exploding,” he said. “I compare it per angler until Feb. 28. After that, it’s $275 and conducting a variety of unique family events that are be held the week before the Texas Carp to the first bass anglers to compete in tourna- the deadline to enter is March 20. part of Stampede Season each fall in Dallas. Since its Challenge, will offer anglers a chance to get the ments. They had no idea what they were start- Entry fee for the Austin Team inception in 2001, the organization has contributed competitive juices flowing as well as to gain ing, but we have a better idea from watching Championship is $120 per two-person team, more than $2.5 million for pediatric programs associat- familiarity with the carp bite on Town Lake. bass fishing mature into a competitive sport.” and the registration deadline is March 15. The ed with Children’s Medical Center. For more informa- The tournaments are likely to attract national Carp fishing sponsorships are emerging and tournament is limited to only. tion on Texas Stampede, visit www.texasstampede.org. and international competitors. even carp fishing video games are beginning to Entrants will receive commemorative pins and BassFan, the leading global bass fishing news source, is According to Carp Anglers Group member show up on the market. But most carp anglers, Bank Buddy rod holders in addition to the a media company that owns several bass fishing media Mark Villanova, Town Lake is the Mecca of carp Villanova says, aren’t in it for the money. chance at pocketing the top prize money. properties (BassFan.com, BassFanArmy.com, BassFan fishing. Rather, do what they do for the thrill of catch- For rules and more information on the tour- Radio, BassFan MAG magazine, BassFan TV), a member- “It’s one of the only lakes in the United ing these powerful fish. naments, visit www.americancarpsociety. com ship program (the Skeeter BassFan Army) and two events States to consistently produce 40-pound fish,” While there are some commercial carp baits or www.carpanglersgroup.com. (the Top Gun Championship and the Skeeter BassFan he said. on the market, the majority of carp fishermen Army Weekend Warrior Championship). Among the goals of the Carp Anglers Group prefer their own dough bait recipes. Mark Todd Nafe is the outdoor writer for the Waco is promoting acceptance of the carp as an excit- Terry, who co-captained the championship Tribune-Herald and can be reached at www.centex- — A BassFan report, wwwbassfan.com ing and challenging sportfish. In Europe and team in last summer’s Lake Waco Carp outdoors.com. January 27, 2006 Page 9 Redfish Cup top pro staff award Flat Out event offers goes to Texas Tackle Factory teams tips to coastal anglers Texas Parks and Wildlife will 2002. The votes are in and the Redfish Nation has spo- offer a daylong event for Coastal Flat Out Fishing begins with a ken: The Texas Tackle Factory staff has won the Bend anglers eager to sharpen boating safety presentation and 2005 Cuppy Award for Pro Staff of the Year. their fishing skills. continues through 5 p.m. with The staff comprises three teams: Charlie Barton The third annual Flat Out the conclusion of “Lefty Ray” from Port Lavaca, Texas, and Jack Barton from Fishing event kicks off 8 a.m. Jan. Chapa’s photography seminar. Laguna Vista, Texas; Sam Arcure Jr. from Ft. Myers, 28 at Texas A&M University- Participants will be eligible for Fla., and Keith Rainwater from Victoria, Texas; Corpus Christi. The event will be door prizes and “goody bags.” and Brandon Jenewein and Mike Condit from Bay held at the university’s Science and The cost is $20 per person or City, Texas. Technology Building in room 104. $30 per couple, payable by cash, “Winning a Cuppy is huge. This really gives us The event includes seminars and check or money order at the door. some credibility and provides us with some presentations from noted guides Registration fees are tax- momentum going into 2006,” exclaims Keith and experts and covers everything deductible. Children under 17 Rainwater, president and owner of the Texas from the life histories of popular may attend free. Tackle Factory. “To be nominated was an honor, sport fish to fishing the flats and Seating is limited to the first 100 and to win the Cuppy is very humbling and feels landing trophy trout. participants. To register, contact great.” “Flat Out Fishing offers anyone Art Morris at (361) 825-3356 or by The Texas Tackle Factory pro staff was new to from beginning to experienced e-mail at [email protected]. the Oh Boy! Oberto Redfish Cup in 2006 and only fishermen a variety of opportuni- tx.us. three of the staff’s anglers had competed in previ- ties to increase their knowledge of Anheuser-Busch, Coastal Con- ous Cup tournaments. the sport,” said TPW Coastal servation Association Texas, the This year’s Redfish Cup’s first two stops will be Fisheries Outreach Specialist Art Corpus Christi Convention & in Florida at Clearwater, April 6-8 and Punta Morris. Morris added that the Visitors Bureau, Daiichi, Saltwater Gorda, May 11-13. Then the Cup tackles the Lone event benefits the Texas Parks and Conservation Association Texas Star State with events in Kemah, June 8-10 and Wildlife Foundation’s abandoned and the Coastal Bend Bays and Port Aransas, Aug. 17-19. The wrap-up will be held CUPPY WINNERS: The staff of Texas Tackle Factory, which removal program fund. Estuaries Program sponsor flat in Cajun Country in New Orleans, Aug. 31-Sept. 1. consists of three teams made of six anglers, were named top pros That program has removed more Out Fishing. of the year by Redfish Nation. Photo by David J. Sams. — A Redfish Nation report than 18,000 abandoned crab traps from coastal waters since — A Texas Parks and Wildlife report Nominations sought for Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame Individuals or organizations that have made a lasting contribu- tion to freshwater fishing in Texas may be nominated through Feb. Offshore – 8 to 12 hours for up to 6 people. 25 for induction into the Texas Prices start at $900.00 Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame. Nominees may be anglers, fish- Bay – Half-day trips starting at $350.00 eries professionals or organiza- Full-day trips starting at $450.00 tions. The nominee must be a Texan or Texas organization. All-inclusive trips available; please call for details Individuals may be either living or Other packages available: deceased. One nominee will be Whitetail, Mule Deer and Spring Turkey. Hunting packages include chosen by an independent selec- all meals, lodging, guides, care of game and airport pickup tion committee and formally (if applicable; please call for details) inducted during the annual Hall of Fame banquet May 27 at the For more information, please contact Bucky and Leesa Bonner at Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center P.O. Box 460 Port Aransas, TX 78373 in Athens. Prior inductees include Floyd B&B OUTFITTERS - 800.460.1843 Mabry, Jackie Hewlett, R.D. Hull, WWW.BBOUTFITTERS.COM Bob Kemp, Nick Crème, Charlie Inman, Sugar Ferris, Leonard Ranne, Earl Golding, Kathy Magers, the Sabine River Lake Amistad — Authority, Skeeter Boats, Michael (“Shorty”) Powers and Ray Murski. fished by the best Nomination forms and instruc- tions are available on Texas Parks . . . and the best and Wildlife’s Web site at http://www.tpwd.state. will be fishing. tx.us/spdest/visitorcenters/tffc/vi sit/virtualtour/halloffame/nomi- Make Plans To Come Support Your Favorite nate.phtml or by calling (903) at one of the upcoming tournaments 670-2228. — A Texas Parks and Wildlife report on Lake Amistad. 2006 Academy Sports & Outdoors presents the 2006 Bass Champs — January 20-22 Texas Tournament Trails — February 3-5 FLW Stern Series — February 22-25 Texas Federation of B.A.S.S. — February 26 - March 3 ESPN - Battle on the Border — March 9-12

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When they arrived at the Storm shoot anything,” Diane said. “In Ranch in the Hill Country, after a 5- the city, it’s hard to get out. Youth hour drive, the Ganters were told Whether you’re hog hunting or Continued from Page 1 that Diane could not hunt white- deer hunting, watching wildlife is tails. She’s 17. The Ganters didn’t fun — but it’s a little more exciting Hunting Program, a joint venture of realize the age limit, and hunt to shoot.” TPW and the Texas Wildlife organizers failed to note Diane’s The experience of Curtis and Association. “The bonding people age, despite her previous involve- Tyler was more what organizers talk about really does take place in envisioned when they created the woods.” Youth-only hunting youth-only hunting weekends. To had its critics, however, when it start- ‘I want to get like Curtis, such a program is invalu- ed in Texas almost 10 years ago. able. Tyler has Asperger’s Macdonald said most criticism relat- an 8- to 10-point Syndrome, a milder form of Autism. ed to the early season hunt. buck. Because that “Part of the weekend was to help “Some people complained that it socialize him, let him be around would stir up deer prior to the way I can mount it on other kids,” Curtis said. “See how beginning of the open season,” he they act, how they interact. It was a said. “Others said that daddy would the wall, like my great time, a wonderful experience get a jump on everyone. Take junior for him.” out and daddy shoots the big buck. I dad’s deer.’ Here’s how Tyler puts it. don‘t think that’s turned out to be a “I like it when people my age are big problem.” — TYLER DEATER out there,” he said. “It’s more fun. The program’s most recent week- After the hunt, you get to tell your end also produced a few new critics. ment in youth-only hunts. A 17- stories, what you experienced, what Diane Ganter of Garland, like year-old boy also was not allowed to you saw and all that.” Tyler, hoped to shoot her first deer. hunt deer. He’s already looking forward to She had gone to two previous “The communication was terri- his next youth-only hunt, Tyler youth-only weekends. On the first ble,” Diane said. “I know they have said. one, she shot a hog. The second volunteers, but if they don’t get “I want to get like an 8- to 10- time, Diane had the misfortune to things straight, they screw up not point buck,” he said. “Because that go hunting when temperatures were only the kid’s weekend, but, also, way I can mount it on the wall, like in the 80s. their parents’.” my dad’s deer. I want one on the “We didn’t see anything,” said her Still, she recalls her first two wall, too.” father, Paul. “It was too bad, but it youth-only hunting weekends YOUTHFUL WEEKEND: Youth-only deer-hunting weekends are held on one weekend in wasn’t anybody’s fault. This was fondly. Mark England is associate editor of October and January. going to be her last shot.” “It was great even when I didn’t Lone Star Outdoor News. Big bucks

Continued from Page 6 on it, estimating it to be about 170 B&C points at the time. “Then we found its sheds in the spring and it turned out to be 190 (B&C) points,” Griffith said from his home in Houston. “I probably would’ve shot him last year. You usu- ally don’t let a 190 get away. He ended up a 223. That’s about a 16- percent increase in a year. That’s pretty good.” Griffith shot the buck from a tree stand as it came in to a feeder. Griffith’s low-fence buck is cur- rently the overall leader in the Exotic Wildlife Association Big Buck Contest and in the state-run Texas

‘You usually don’t let a 190 get away. He ended up a 223. That’s about a 16-percent increase in a year.’

— MARTY GRIFFITH

Big Game Awards. The second- and third-highest scoring bucks overall are the two cur- rent high-fence leaders in the Los Cazadores Deer Contest. Jack Brittingham of Athens killed his 229 2/8 B&C-point deer on the Briar Lakes Ranch in Anderson County. Just behind Brittingham is Mark Gray of Houston, whose deer scored 227 5/8 B&C points. Gray bagged his big buck on the Bear Branch Ranch in Callahan County. Another high-fence leader in sev- eral contests is Bill Glendening of Horseshoe Bay. Among the different scorers of the four contests Glendening’s deer is entered in, his big buck tallied between 214 4/8 and 217 4/8 B&C points. Glendening shot the 20- point buck on the Shiner Ranch in Frio County. He currently leads Laredo’s Cola Blanca Big Buck Contest, the Los Cuernos de Tejas Big Game Contest in Carrizo Springs, Dilley’s El Monstruo del Monte Big Buck Contest and the Texas Gulf Coast Deer Contest. Final results for most of this year’s big buck contests will be released by the end of January. The Texas Big Game Awards has an entry deadline of March 15.

Wes Smalling is the former outdoors editor for the Santa Fe New Mexican and has more than a decade of experience as a writer and reporter. January 27, 2006 Page 11

how people get emotional about fishing, but I the mountain states. Not many know these don’t see dying over it.” free-ranging elk even exist in Texas.” Falcon On the supply side, Myers plans a sur- Elk But the hunt exposed an uncertainty relat- Continued from Page 1 vey on Falcon, starting Jan. 28-29, interviewing Continued from Page 1 ed to the evolving management of game. returning anglers about their catch. “We’ll be How do you classify an animal born behind a effort, TPW recruited local fishermen to catch sitting at one of two boat ramps (the state park water trough on top of the mountain. He was high fence and then released onto a range? whites in Choke Canyon and use those breed- and Zapata County ramps) 20 times, for six 26 yards away. I shot him with a bow. I had to David King, who publishes Hunting ers to restock Falcon. hours each.” He plans a March net survey for chase him and shoot him three more times. Illustrated and tracks trophy animals, said he That effort hasn’t yet had a visible impact on white bass and crappie as well. He was a big animal. When we got through had doubts the giant elk was a true free-range the white bass population — and some people From that data, he will develop a manage- quartering him and backpacked him out, it elk because of its size. blame illegal netting. ment plan for the Falcon and present it was about one in the morning. It was a chal- “You just don’t see many free-ranging elk What anglers and Texas wildlife officials to the TPW Commission. “At that time, we can lenge. He was a tremendous bull.” of that stature,” King said. agree on is that the combination of a decade- recommend stocking, harvest regulation The decision by Boone and Crockett offi- King said he talked to guide Chris long drought and gill netting decimated the changes, whatever is in our power to recom- cials surprised him, Urbanczyk said. Chopelas, who led Urbanczyk’s hunt. population of white bass that were once a mend through this office,” he said. “I kinda thought they Chopelas told him that a prime attraction for winter residents — or In the meantime, local residents like Zapata would accept it,” he said. hole was found in the “snowbirds” — who benefited the lakeshore Chamber of Commerce Executive Director “They should. We have a elk’s ear where a tag economy. Peggy Umphres-Moffett aren’t standing still. bunch of free-ranging elk would go. He also said CF What they don’t always agree on is what to “Our goal is to revive the lake back to where in Texas. We just don’t ‘We have a bunch Ranch had released some have a season on them.” do about the problem, which is intensified by it’s always been,” she said. “White bass was one ranch bulls some seven A Boone and Crockett the fact that jurisdiction of the 83,654-acre lake of the best things about Falcon. We’re working of free-ranging years before, King said. records official said is shared between Texas and Mexico. with our state rep and TPW to start some Chopelas did not allowing the recording of The last time white bass showed up on Texas restocking efforts.” elk in Texas. We return phone calls seek- elk from Texas isn’t in Park and Wildlife surveys of the lake was in “White bass can recover very quickly when ing comment by dead- keeping with the organi- 1995, also the first drought year, said Randy conditions are right,” said Phil Durocher, just don’t have line. zation’s philosophy. He Myers, fisheries biologist with TPW in San inland fisheries division director for TPW. Classifying such a kill is Antonio. The drought ended about late 2003. added that an elk born “And the conditions right now should be pret- a season difficult, King said. Local lore says that gill-netters made big inside a high-fence area ty favorable.” Groups such as Boone hauls when the lake levels first went down, and released would not Umphres-Moffett wants more. “We’d like to on them.’ and Crockett only record Myers said. Whites, or sandies, are particularly qualify for a Boone and propose that we have a farm here for white trophy animals they vulnerable to nets because they travel in Crockett record anyway, bass,” she said. “What better solution?” deem shot under fair- schools, unlike the predatory largemouth bass. according to the official. — RONNIE URBANCZYK Her Falcon Lake Development Committee is chase conditions. Illegal netting remains a problem. “You The largest typical elk “It’s a unique situation: actually can run into them (nets) in your boat. also contacting federal officials, including U.S. recorded by the organiza- Rep Henry Cuellar, in an effort to help restore releasing a high-fence They get tangled up in your lower unit,” tion was taken in 1968 in bull on a free range and Ramerez said. the lake. “We’re working with our legislators Arizona’s White Moun- and our friends across the border so that we can seven years later it’s shot,” King said. “What He added that there’s money to be made tains at a score of 442 5/8 points. do you do?” get something moving,” she said. through illegal netting because the fish can be Boone and Crockett’s rejection of what For his part, King questions recording such Within the last month, she started talks sold at markets. would have been the biggest elk on record kills. with the mayor of Guerrero, Mexico. ”They’re Texas game wardens put several commercial disturbs some Texans. “What it comes down to is it’s not even a excited to work with us, and I really think we’ll fishermen from Mexico in jail, seized a couple “What hurts is that so many are behind a generation removed from the farm,” King make great strides,” she said. of boats and “between 15,000 and 20,000 feet high fence in Texas,” said Walt Isenhour, the said. Robert Amaya, fishing guide and owner of of net” in the month that started in mid- Texas state chairman for the Rocky Urbanczyk, though, sees the kill as legiti- Robert’s Fish & Tackle in Zapata, said the fish- December, said Wayne Schwartz, a game war- Mountain Elk Foundation. “Boone and mate. den stationed in Stark County. ing is great for largemouth. With time and Crockett must think that they’re all behind a “A lot of people are raising whitetails and Zapata County — which had lost its three- some stocking, the whites could follow, he high fence.” turning them loose, introducing new genet- warden allocation due to attrition and injury said. Isenhour, on a hunting trip of his own, ics into the species,” he said. “It’s hard for me — will get two new wardens this month, “I’m beginning to see some seagulls acting actually ran into Urbanczyk while he was to see that it’s OK on one side and not OK on Schwartz said. A third, recovering from a gun- like white bass have been here, but I haven’t hauling the giant elk home. the other side. The introduction of new shot wound, will return by April, he said. heard any reports,” he said. “I think they’ll “I’ve been around the elk foundation the genetics is everywhere. I don’t think that’s a Schwartz said he’s concerned about reports come back — but it’ll take three or four years.” last 16 years,” Isenhour said. “I go to Missoula good argument.” that anglers have drawn weapons on suspected (Mont.) quite often. I don‘t know of a typical illegal netters. “Leave law enforcement to the Diana Kunde is a free-lancer based in Rocky Mountain elk that outscores it. These Mark England is associate editor of Lone Star law enforcement agencies,” he said. “I realize Arlington, dikunde@sbcglobal. net. elk aren’t hunted with intensity they are in Outdoor News. Page 12 January 27, 2006 QUEST FOR QUAIL

asing along the rolling hills of Fisher County, atop a Tennessee walking horse while hunt- ing bobwhite quail is well, let’s just say, E “Doing it in style!” Taz, Pro, Banjo and Joker carry their riders over the prickly pear, briars and red sandy soil, following the English setters: Patch and Dakota. The dogs zigzag out front, sniffing for their prey. The horses lumber on as the dogs run and run, then Patch slams on the brakes and turns his head upwind — looking directly into a clump of buffalo grass. Two hunters dismount and move quickly to the point. The others hold their horses’ reins. “No way,” says one of the hunters. “That is way too small (a clump of grass) to hold anything.” The shooters approach and a bird busts out. Two shots are fired. The shooter misses both. “I cannot believe there was a bird in there,” the shooter says. But Patch could! That is why he stopped. “No kidding. Look there,” another hunter says. About 70 yards upwind, the rest of the covey busts. They land in a big prickly pear patch, and the dogs are hot on their trail. The hunters remount, and everyone runs their horses the quarter-mile or so up the hill. “This time we got ’em,” one shouts. As the lathered-up horses guard one side, the dogs keep hard on point. The hunters are ready and the birds just can’t take it any longer. They start flushing in three’s and four’s. Shotguns blast: bam, bam. “Reload, reload!” Bam, bam. Birds hit the ground, dogs shake, the horses paw and the hunters smile. The horses carry the men to many more flushes. The dogs keep on hunting and finding coveys. The shooting is great. As the day wears on, the leather of the saddles squeaks to a rhythm and sweat soaks through your pants. Finally, it’s time for a break. The dogs need a rest, too, and find a comfortable place at the feet of their owners. Story and photography by David J. Sams January 27, 2006 Page 13 PRODUCT PICKS

PRESIDENTIAL APPEAL: The Henry Repeating Arms Company is releasing a deluxe limited edition of the Golden Boy rifle. It is modeled after one in the Smithsonian, which was presented to President Lincoln. The company’s award-winning Golden Boy rifle features period-style engraving, American walnut gunstock and an octagon barrel. An oval shape on both sides of the receiver has been left blank to allow for personal inscription. It sells for about $1,200. It is available in calibers: .22LR, .22 Magnum, .17HMR. For dealers or to request a free catalog, visit www. henry-guns.com or call (718) 499-5600.

GET THE DOUBT OUT: The Potable Aqua Traveller Water Purification System combines the company’s popular tablets with a filter for added protection against waterborne cysts and bacteria. Each Traveller kit includes a one- liter water bottle and a 50-count container of Potable Aqua purification tablets and a filter, which can be used for as many as 350 times. The company says its product not only kills potentially harmful cysts and bacteria, but also eliminates unpleasant taste, color and odor from water. It costs about $40. For more information, visit HYBRID TECHNOLOGY: The GMC Sierra Hybrid, which delivers the www.potableaqua.com performance and capability expected of a full-size pickup, offers a little bit more. It promises up to 10 or call (800) 558-6614. percent improvement in fuel economy. The battery is connected to a motor generator that provides auto stop and start. It also powers four electrical outlets in the back seat and cargo area. So in addition to the towing capability, copious cargo space and other qualities outdoorsmen have come to appreciate in their Sierras, now FROM FIELD TO FEAST: Wild they can also use them to in their coffee makers before heading out to the field. The Sierra Hybrid Harvest’s new “Wild Game Field ranges from about $27,000 to $33,000 depending on options. The 4WD models gets 17 miles per gallon in Care and Cooking” DVD includes the city, 19 on the highway. For specifications, visit www.gm.com. 225 minutes of recipes, cooking demonstrations and information compiled from three of its BRAWNY BROADHEAD: For videos: “BIG GAME Butchering bowhunters who prefer a heavier Field to Table,” “VENISON broadhead, Muzzy has designed the Cooking Healthy & Tasty” and Phantom SS. The new broadhead features “VENISON Aging, Smoking & a stainless steel ferrule. It weighs 200 Sausage Making.” The indexed grains without the bleeder blade and 220 DVD features step-by- grains with it. The company says the step instruction by Milos Phantom SS works well on large, Cihelka, a certified dangerous game, such as the African cape master chef and buffalo, but it works even better on white-tailed deer. It costs sportsman. It costs about $20, about $26. To order, visit www.muzzy.com or call (866) 387-9307. plus shipping, and can be ordered from www.wild harvestvideos.com or by CHEW ON IT: Gum-O-Flage is a chewing gum designed to eliminate bad breath, reduce body calling (800) 819-3799. odors and mask breath. According to Hunting Science, up to 80 percent of human odors escape the body from the chin up. This gum is formulated with such ingredients as anti- microbials, pine oil and chlorophyll. Available in original pine or alfalfa-honey flavors, it costs LUMINESCENT TRAIL: about $5 for a pack containing 12 pieces of gum. For retailers or to order, visit BlueStar, a blood- www.huntingscience. com or call (715) 627-7117. revealing reagent, allows hunters to track wounded game in the dark. Mix the BlueStar tablets with water, then spray on the ground and bushes where the game was last spotted. Any traces of blood will turn a fluorescent blue in darkness, even after it has rained. Monaco-based Roc Imports describes its product as safe for hunters and the environment. The BlueStar Hunting Kit costs $20, plus shipping. It comes with four tablets and a sprayer bottle that holds about 8 ounces. To purchase, call FLIP OUT: Plano Tackle Systems FlipSider line (877) 948-7827; for more information, visit www.roc- features the durability of a box coupled with import.com/home.php. the convenience of a bag. The molded section of the system houses 14 FlipSider compartments with depths KILLING ZONE: Hips Targets’ freestanding Hips Vitals target features a prime-zone ranging from 2.5 inches to 4 outline approximately the same shape, size and position of a deer’ s vital organs. inches to hold a variety of lures. This is for serious bowhunters The hybrid box/bag has a who want to fine-tune their large center compartment accuracy for clean kills. The containing three Pro-Latch Hips Vitals target can be shot utility boxes and three with field points, fixed or roomy exterior pockets. The expandable burnt orange and gray broadheads. The FlipSider measures 20.5 company says this inches by 13.5 inches target will stop arrows traveling by 10.25 inches. It in excess of 300 fps. The costs about $75. For versatile target can be shot retailers, visit www.plano from all six sides and measures molding.com or call (800) 226-9868. 18 by 13 by 13 inches. It costs about $53. To purchase, visit www.hipstargets.com. For more information, call (800) 979-0915. Page 14 January 27, 2006 HEROES

Lucas Shelley Talash, 9, of Balch Springs shows the 10-point deer he took down at Cherokee. He was hunting with his uncle, Frankie Russell.

Scott Watson, holds a 18-pound flathead catfish and Mike Stefanek holds a 27-pounder they caught while fishing for white bass on Richland Chambers. Share an adventure Want to share your great hunting or fishing adventure Jay Vaughn, 8, shows his first deer harvested in December during with the Lone Star Outdoor News family? a spike/doe hunt at the James River Ranch near Harper. Jay was E-mail your photo, phone and caption information to hunting with a 7.08 rifle he borrowed from his godfather. editor@lonestaroutdoornews. com, or mail to: Heroes, The next morning he shot the turkey, below, from 100 yards with Lone Star Outdoor News, 9304 Forest Lane, Suite 114 South, the same rifle. Dallas, TX, 75243.

Kimberly Hall of Wills Point shows a deer she took down at Fort McKavett.

Kike Ramerez caught this 8-pound largemouth bass at Falcon Lake near Ramireno on New Year's Day. He used a watermelon red lizard Brownsville resident E.T. Hockaday shows a snook he caught at while fishing from the bank. Bethany Berg, 13, of Dallas took this 170-class buck in Bosque County. Boca Chica Beach east of Brownsville. MADE IN TEXAS Decade of work puts Gobbler Guillotine in flight By Mary Helen Aguirre Now, entering its fourth year, Matthew and Cindy Futture’s home-based business is steadily growing, and the Gobbler Guillotine is sold in stores across the United States and in Mexico, Matthew Futture of Liberty Hill is a lifelong bowhunter whose Canada, Sweden, New Zealand and Africa. prey of choice is the wild turkey. In addition to the Gobbler Guillotine, which is also available in a He describes himself as just a transplant smaller 2-inch by 2-inch width, the company sells quivers and car- from Vermont who said, “I don’t like the way OBBLER bon arrows that are longer and designed to provide more resistance we’re killing birds,” and set out to change it. G in the back. His quest to achieve a more humane kill and GUILLOTINE Last year, he started selling the Atom, which is designed for use complete pass-through inspired him to design on game such as deer, hogs and antelope. the Gobbler Guillotine. Futture describes the Some items, like the arrows, are made completely in-house, but razor-sharp, four-bladed, 4-inch by 4-inch the broadheads’ machine components are farmed out, then quali- broadhead as the fastest-killing broadhead in ty-checked, assembled and shipped out from Liberty Hill. the world. The bowhunter aims the Gobbler Futture said he is a self-taught engineer, and it took him about a Guillotine at the bird’s neck or head and if it decade to design the Gobbler Guillotine. Matthew Futture makes contact, usually completely and quickly “It took me seven years just to figure out the aerodynamic issue,” severs its head. said Futture. The tricky flight issues were resolved by covering the blades with an aerodynam- Futture unveiled the broadhead in January of 2003 at the Archery Trade Show in Indiana. ic sheath that provides stability. Upon impact, the blade slices through the plastic sheath. “We had a huge resistance because it was so wild looking,” said Futture, owner of Futture is happy to tout the benefits of his Gobbler Guillotine. He said it increases the kill- Arrowdynamic Solutions, a family business based in Liberty Hill. zone target area and provides a greater margin of error in shot placement. It decreases track- But people in the field tried it and generated a positive buzz through word of mouth. ing time and bird loss. Cory Skalak of Becker, Minn., tried the Gobbler Guillotine in the Spring of 2004. “I was “Our recovery distance is measured in inches, “ he said. kind of skeptical about it. I wasn’t sure it was going to fly.” It virtually eliminates shaft loss and saves meat because hunters aim for the neck and head, But Skalak said the first time he shot the broadhead, it delivered a flawless performance. he said. But, what Futture seems to be most proud of is that he’s engineered a product that “I was actually impressed with it. I’ve had great success with it,” he said, adding that he’s gives archers the means to kill an animal fast. found it to be accurate up to 25 yards. “You either miss the turkey or you kill it instantly,” “I’m in it to promote the sport of archery and to promote an ethical sport,” he says. Skalak said. For more information, visit www.arrow-dynamic-solutions.com. January 27, 2006 Page 15 WEATHER

MOON PHASES SOLUNAR TABLE Major/Minor periods: For up-to-the-minute weather forecasts, please visit www.accuweather.com New First Full Last Houston Dallas San Antonio Amarillo Jan 29 Feb 5 Feb 12 Feb 21 1/25 7:23a/1:09a 4:52p/11:05p 7:29a/1:15a 4:58p/11:11p Forecasts and graphics provided by AccuWeather, Inc. ©2006 1/26 7:52p/1:38p 5:18a/11:31a 7:58p/1:44p 5:24a/11:37a 1/27 8:17a/2:01a 5:44p/11:57p 8:23a/2:07a 5:50p/—— TIDES 1/28 8:48p/2:32p 6:08a/12:22p 8:54p/2:38p 6:14a/12:03a High Low High Low High Low High Low High Low High Low 1/29 9:14a/2:58a 6:35p/—— 9:20a/3:04a 6:41p/12:28p Sabine Pass Freeport Corpus Christi 1/30 9:46p/3:30p 6:58a/12:44a 9:52p/3:36p 7:04a/12:50a 1/25 2:23 p.m. 5:38 a.m. —- —- 1/25 2:24 p.m. 5:08 a.m. —- —- 1/25 2:32 p.m. 4:46 a.m. —- —- 1/31 10:13a/3:57a 7:24p/1:11p 10:19a/4:03a 7:30p/1:17p 1/26 3:05 p.m. 6:29 a.m. —- —- 1/26 3:06 p.m. 5:59 a.m. —- —- 1/26 3:14 p.m. 5:37 a.m. —- —- 2/1 10:45p/4:29p 7:46a/1:33a 10:51p/4:35p 7:52a/1:39a 1/27 3:46 p.m. 7:21 a.m. 10:06 p.m. 7:55 p.m. 1/27 3:47 p.m. 6:51 a.m. 10:07 p.m. 7:25 p.m. 1/27 3:55 p.m. 6:29 a.m. 10:15 p.m. 7:03 p.m. 2/2 11:13a/4:58a 8:13p/1:59p 11:19a/5:04a 8:19p/2:05p 1/28 4:22 p.m. 8:14 a.m. 11:38 p.m. 8:10 p.m. 1/28 4:23 p.m. 7:44 a.m. 11:39 p.m. 7:40 p.m. 1/28 4:31 p.m. 7:22 a.m. 11:47 p.m. 7:18 p.m. 2/3 11:43p/5:28p 8:34a/2:21a 11:49p/5:34p7:18 p.m./2:27a 1/29 4:51 p.m. 9:05 a.m. —- 8:53 p.m. 1/29 4:52 p.m. 8:35 a.m. —- 8:23 p.m. 1/29 5:00 p.m. 8:13 a.m. —- 8:01 p.m. 2/4 12:13p/5:58a 9:00p/2:47p 12:19p/6:04a 12:13p/2:53p 1/30 12:58 a.m. 9:56 a.m. 5:16 p.m. 9:50 p.m. 1/30 12:59 a.m. 9:26 a.m. 5:17 p.m. 9:20 p.m. 1/30 1:07 a.m. 9:04 a.m. 5:25 p.m. 8:58 p.m. 2/5 ——/6:27p 9:20a/3:07a ——/6:33p ——/3:13a 1/31 2:20 a.m. 10:46 a.m. 5:36 p.m. 10:56 p.m. 1/31 2:21 a.m. 10:16 a.m. 5:37 p.m. 10:26 p.m. 1/31 2:29 a.m. 9:54 a.m. 5:45 p.m. 10:04 p.m. 2/6 12:45a/6:58a 9:45p/3:33p 12:51a/7:04a 12:45a/3:39p 2/1 3:51 a.m. 11:35 a.m. 5:54 p.m. —- 2/1 3:52 a.m. 11:05 a.m. 5:55 p.m. 11:36 p.m. 2/1 4:00 a.m. 10:43 a.m. 6:03 p.m. 11:14 p.m. 2/7 1:11p/7:25p 10:05a/3:53a 1:17p/7:31p 1:11p/3:59a 2/2 5:35 a.m. 12:06 a.m. 6:09 p.m. 12:28 p.m. 2/2 5:36 a.m. 11:58 a.m. 6:10 p.m. —- 2/2 5:44 a.m. 11:36 a.m. 6:18 p.m. —- 2/8 1:44a/7:56a 10:29p/4:17p 1:50a/8:02a 1:44a/4:23p 2/3 7:34 a.m. 1:16 a.m. 6:21 p.m. 1:29 p.m. 2/3 7:35 a.m. 12:46 a.m. 6:22 p.m. 12:59 p.m. 2/3 7:43 a.m. 12:24 a.m. 6:30 p.m. 12:37 p.m. 2/9 2:09p/8:21p 10:49a/4:38a 2:15p/8:27p 2:09p/4:44a 2/4 9:47 a.m. 2:24 a.m. 6:21 p.m. 3:25 p.m. 2/4 9:48 a.m. 1:54 a.m. 6:22 p.m. 2:55 p.m. 2/4 9:56 a.m. 1:53 a.m. 6:09 p.m. 2:33 p.m. 2/10 2:40a/8:52a 11:12p/5:01p 2:46a/8:58a 2:40a/5:07p 2/5 11:58 a.m. 3:29 a.m. —- —- 2/5 11:59 a.m. 2:59 a.m. —- —- 2/5 12:07 p.m. 2:37 a.m. —- —- 2/11 3:04p/9:17p 11:33a/5:22a 3:10p/9:23p 3:04p/5:28a 2/6 1:22 p.m. 4:30 a.m. —- —- 2/6 1:23 p.m. 4:00 a.m. —- —- 2/6 1:31 p.m. 3:38 a.m. —- —- 2/12 3:34a/9:47a ——/5:43p 3:40a/9:53a 3:34a/5:49p 2/7 2:20 p.m. 5:30 a.m. —- —- 2/7 2:21 p.m. 5:00 a.m. —- —- 2/7 2:29 p.m. 4:38 a.m. —- —- 2/13 3:59p/10:11p 12:03a/6:06a 4:05p/10:17p 3:59p/6:12a 2/8 3:09 p.m. 6:25 a.m. —- —- 2/8 3:10 p.m. 5:55 a.m. —- —- 2/8 3:18 p.m. 5:33 a.m. —- —- 2/14 4:27a/10:40a 12:16p/6:26p 4:33a/10:46a 4:27a/6:32p 2/9 3:52 p.m. 7:16 a.m. —- —- 2/9 3:53 p.m. 6:46 a.m. —- —- 2/9 4:01 p.m. 6:24 a.m. —- —- 2/10 4:23 p.m. 8:00 a.m. 11:08 p.m. 9:14 p.m. 2/10 4:24 p.m. 7:30 a.m. 11:09 p.m. 8:44 p.m. 2/10 4:32 p.m. 7:08 a.m. 11:17 p.m. 8:22 p.m. SUN AND MOON 2/11 4:36 p.m. 8:38 a.m. —- 8:37 p.m. 2/11 4:37 p.m. 8:08 a.m. —- 8:07 p.m. 2/11 4:45 p.m. 7:46 a.m. —- 7:45 p.m. 2/12 12:06 a.m. 9:10 a.m. 4:39 p.m. 8:50 p.m. 2/12 12:07 a.m. 8:40 a.m. 4:40 p.m. 8:20 p.m. 2/12 12:15 a.m. 8:18 a.m. 4:48 p.m. 7:58 p.m. Sunrise/set 2/13 1:00 a.m. 9:38 a.m. 4:45 p.m. 9:30 p.m. 2/13 1:01 a.m. 9:08 a.m. 4:46 p.m. 9:00 p.m. 2/13 1:09 a.m. 8:46 a.m. 4:33 p.m. 8:38 p.m. Houston Dallas San Antonio Amarillo 2/14 1:54 a.m. 10:04 a.m. 4:54 p.m. 10:16 p.m. 2/14 1:55 a.m. 9:34 a.m. 4:55 p.m. 9:46 p.m. 2/14 2:03 a.m. 9:12 a.m. 5:03 p.m. 9:24 p.m. 1/25 7:15a/5:52p 7:28a/5:54p 7:27a/6:06p 7:51a/6:08p Port Bolivar Pass Cavallo South Padre Island 1/26 7:15a/5:53p 7:27a/5:55p 7:27a/6:07p 7:50a/6:09p 1/25 4:38 p.m. 6:25 a.m. —- —- 1/25 3:41 p.m. 4:56 a.m. —- —- 1/25 3:17 p.m. 4:43 a.m. —- —- 1/27 7:14a/5:54p 7:26a/5:56p 7:26a/6:07p 7:50a/6:10p 1/26 5:20 p.m. 7:16 a.m. —- —- 1/26 4:23 p.m. 5:47 a.m. —- —- 1/26 4:06 p.m. 5:39 a.m. —- —- 1/28 7:14a/5:55p 7:26a/5:57p 7:26a/6:08p 7:49a/6:11p 1/27 6:01 p.m. 8:08 a.m. —- 8:42 p.m. 1/27 5:04 p.m. 6:39 a.m. 11:24 p.m. 7:13 p.m. 1/27 4:54 p.m. 6:35 a.m. —- —- 1/29 7:13a/5:56p 7:25a/5:58p 7:25a/6:09p 7:48a/6:12p 1/28 12:21 a.m. 9:01 a.m. 6:37 p.m. 8:57 p.m. 1/28 5:40 p.m. 7:32 a.m. —- 7:28 p.m. 1/28 5:36 p.m. 7:30 a.m. —- —- 1/30 7:13a/5:57p 7:25a/5:58p 7:25a/6:10p 7:48a/6:13p 1/29 1:53 a.m. 9:52 a.m. 7:06 p.m. 9:40 p.m. 1/29 12:56 a.m. 8:23 a.m. 6:09 p.m. 8:11 p.m. 1/29 6:06 p.m. 8:23 a.m. —- —- 1/31 7:12a/5:58p 7:24a/5:59p 7:24a/6:11p 7:47a/6:14p 1/30 3:13 a.m. 10:43 a.m. 7:31 p.m. 10:37 p.m. 1/30 2:16 a.m. 9:14 a.m. 6:34 p.m. 9:08 p.m. 1/30 6:18 p.m. 9:15 a.m. —- 10:43 p.m. 2/1 7:12a/5:59p 7:23a/6:00p 7:24a/6:12p 7:46a/6:15p 1/31 4:35 a.m. 11:33 a.m. 7:51 p.m. 11:43 p.m. 1/31 3:38 a.m. 10:04 a.m. 6:54 p.m. 10:14 p.m. 1/31 1:01 a.m. 10:05 a.m. 6:16 p.m. 10:57 p.m. 2/2 7:11a/5:59p 7:23a/6:01p 7:23a/6:13p 7:46a/6:16p 2/1 6:06 a.m. 12:22 p.m. 8:09 p.m. —- 2/1 5:09 a.m. 10:53 a.m. 7:12 p.m. 11:24 p.m. 2/1 3:11 a.m. 10:55 a.m. 6:04 p.m. 11:36 p.m. 2/3 7:11a/6:00p 7:22a/6:02p 7:22a/6:13p 7:45a/6:17p 2/2 7:50 a.m. 12:53 a.m. 8:24 p.m. 1:15 p.m. 2/2 6:53 a.m. 11:46 a.m. 7:27 p.m. —- 2/2 5:16 a.m. 11:45 a.m. 5:46 p.m. —- 2/4 7:10a/6:01p 7:21a/6:03p 7:22a/6:14p 7:44a/6:18p 2/3 9:49 a.m. 2:03 a.m. 8:36 p.m. 2:16 p.m. 2/3 8:52 a.m. 12:34 a.m. 7:39 p.m. 12:47 p.m. 2/3 7:36 a.m. 12:24 a.m. 5:19 p.m. 12:40 p.m. 2/5 7:09a/6:02p 7:21a/6:04p 7:21a/6:15p 7:43a/6:19p 2/4 12:02 p.m. 3:11 a.m. 8:36 p.m. 4:12 p.m. 2/4 11:05 a.m. 1:42 a.m. 7:39 p.m. 2:43 p.m. 2/4 10:25 a.m. 1:18 a.m. 4:17 p.m. 2:05 p.m. 2/6 7:09a/6:03p 7:20a/6:05p 7:20a/6:16p 7:42a/6:20p 2/5 2:13 p.m. 4:16 a.m. —- —- 2/5 1:16 p.m. 2:47 a.m. —- —- 2/5 1:02 p.m. 2:16 a.m. —- —- 2/7 7:08a/6:04p 7:19a/6:06p 7:20a/6:17p 7:41a/6:21p 2/6 3:37 p.m. 5:17 a.m. —- —- 2/6 2:40 p.m. 3:48 a.m. —- —- 2/6 2:15 p.m. 3:17 a.m. —- —- 2/8 7:07a/6:04p 7:18a/6:07p 7:19a/6:17p 7:40a/6:22p 2/7 4:35 p.m. 6:17 a.m. —- —- 2/7 3:38 p.m. 4:48 a.m. —- —- 2/7 3:08 p.m. 4:21 a.m. —- —- 2/9 7:06a/6:05p 7:17a/6:08p 7:18a/6:18p 7:39a/6:23p 2/8 5:24 p.m. 7:12 a.m. —- —- 2/8 4:27 p.m. 5:43 a.m. —- —- 2/8 3:57 p.m. 5:24 a.m. —- —- 2/10 7:06a/6:06p 7:16a/6:09p 7:18a/6:19p 7:38a/6:24p 2/9 6:07 p.m. 8:03 a.m. —- —- 2/9 5:10 p.m. 6:34 a.m. —- —- 2/9 4:40 p.m. 6:22 a.m. —- —- 2/11 7:05a/6:07p 7:16a/6:10p 7:17a/6:20p 7:38a/6:25p 2/10 6:38 p.m. 8:47 a.m. —- 10:01 p.m. 2/10 5:41 p.m. 7:18 a.m. —- 8:32 p.m. 2/10 5:18 p.m. 7:15 a.m. —- —- 2/12 7:04a/6:08p 7:15a/6:11p 7:16a/6:21p 7:37a/6:26p 2/11 1:23 a.m. 9:25 a.m. 6:51 p.m. 9:24 p.m. 2/11 12:26 a.m. 7:56 a.m. 5:54 p.m. 7:55 p.m. 2/11 5:44 p.m. 8:00 a.m. —- —- 2/13 7:03a/6:08p 7:14a/6:11p 7:15a/6:21p 7:35a/6:27p 2/12 2:21 a.m. 9:57 a.m. 6:54 p.m. 9:37 p.m. 2/12 1:24 a.m. 8:28 a.m. 5:57 p.m. 8:08 p.m. 2/12 5:57 p.m. 8:39 a.m. —- —- 2/14 7:02a/6:09p 7:13a/6:12p 7:14a/6:22p 7:34a/6:28p 2/13 3:15 a.m. 10:25 a.m. 7:00 p.m. 10:17 p.m. 2/13 2:18 a.m. 8:56 a.m. 6:03 p.m. 8:48 p.m. 2/13 5:56 p.m. 9:12 a.m. —- 10:02 p.m. 2/14 4:09 a.m. 10:51 a.m. 7:09 p.m. 11:03 p.m. 2/14 3:12 a.m. 9:22 a.m. 6:12 p.m. 9:34 p.m. 2/14 1:07 a.m. 9:42 a.m. 5:44 p.m. 10:15 p.m. Moonrise/set San Luis Pass Port O’Connor Port Isabel Houston Dallas San Antonio Amarillo 1/25 3:32 p.m. 6:07 a.m. —- —- 1/25 8:26 p.m. 8:17 a.m. —- —- 1/25 3:31 p.m. 5:17 a.m. —- —- 1/25 3:33a/1:41p 3:49a/1:39p 3:45a/1:55p 4:16a/1:51p 1/26 4:14 p.m. 6:58 a.m. —- —- 1/26 9:24 p.m. 9:17 a.m. —- —- 1/26 4:13 p.m. 6:08 a.m. —- —- 1/26 4:40a/2:39p 4:57a/2:36p 4:52a/2:54p 5:25a/2:48p 1/27 4:55 p.m. 7:50 a.m. 11:15 p.m. 8:24 p.m. 1/27 10:29 p.m. 10:13 a.m. —- —- 1/27 4:54 p.m. 7:00 a.m. 11:14 p.m. 7:34 p.m. 1/27 5:45a/3:47p 6:01a/3:44p 5:56a/4:01p 6:29a/3:56p 1/28 5:31 p.m. 8:43 a.m. —- 8:39 p.m. 1/28 11:44 p.m. 11:06 a.m. —- —- 1/28 5:30 p.m. 7:53 a.m. —- 7:49 p.m. 1/28 6:43a/5:00p 6:59a/4:59p 6:55a/5:14p 7:25a/5:12p 1/29 12:47 a.m. 9:34 a.m. 6:00 p.m. 9:22 p.m. 1/29 —- 11:55 a.m. —- —- 1/29 12:46 a.m. 8:44 a.m. 5:59 p.m. 8:32 p.m. 1/29 7:33a/6:15p 7:47a/6:16p 7:45a/6:29p 8:12a/6:31p 1/30 2:07 a.m. 10:25 a.m. 6:25 p.m. 10:19 p.m. 1/30 1:13 a.m. 12:39 p.m. —- —- 1/30 2:06 a.m. 9:35 a.m. 6:24 p.m. 9:29 p.m. 1/30 8:16a/7:29p 8:28a/7:32p 8:28a/7:42p 8:51a/7:48p 1/31 3:29 a.m. 11:15 a.m. 6:45 p.m. 11:25 p.m. 1/31 3:00 a.m. 1:17 p.m. —- —- 1/31 3:28 a.m. 10:25 a.m. 6:44 p.m. 10:35 p.m. 1/31 8:53a/8:39p 9:03a/8:44p 9:05a/8:52p 9:24a/9:02p 2/1 5:00 a.m. 12:04 p.m. 7:03 p.m. —- 2/1 4:59 a.m. 1:47 p.m. 9:18 p.m. —- 2/1 4:59 a.m. 11:14 a.m. 7:02 p.m. 11:45 p.m. 2/1 9:27a/9:46p 9:34a/9:54p 9:39a/9:59p 9:54a/10:14p 2/2 6:44 a.m. 12:35 a.m. 7:18 p.m. 12:57 p.m. 2/2 7:11 a.m. 1:25 a.m. 8:09 p.m. 2:01 p.m. 2/2 6:43 a.m. 12:07 p.m. 7:17 p.m. —- 2/2 9:59a/10:52p 10:04a/11:01p 10:12a/11:05p 10:22a/11:23p 2/3 8:43 a.m. 1:45 a.m. 7:30 p.m. 1:58 p.m. 2/3 10:20 a.m. 2:57 a.m. 7:31 p.m. 1:15 p.m. 2/3 8:42 a.m. 12:55 a.m. 7:29 p.m. 1:08 p.m. 2/3 10:31a/11:57p 10:34a/none 10:44a/none 10:51a/none 2/4 10:56 a.m. 2:53 a.m. 7:30 p.m. 3:54 p.m. 2/4 7:13 p.m. 4:12 a.m. —- —- 2/4 10:55 a.m. 2:03 a.m. 7:29 p.m. 3:04 p.m. 2/4 11:04a/none 11:06a/12:08a 11:18a/12:09a 11:21a/12:31a 2/5 1:07 p.m. 3:58 a.m. —- —- 2/5 7:16 p.m. 5:23 a.m. —- —- 2/5 1:06 p.m. 3:08 a.m. —- —- 2/5 11:42a/1:01a 11:42a/1:14a 11:55a/1:13a 11:55a/1:39a 2/6 2:31 p.m. 4:59 a.m. —- —- 2/6 7:34 p.m. 6:34 a.m. —- —- 2/6 2:30 p.m. 4:09 a.m. —- —- 2/6 12:23p/2:05a 12:22p/2:20a 12:37p/2:17a 12:34p/2:46a 2/7 3:29 p.m. 5:59 a.m. —- —- 2/7 8:03 p.m. 7:45 a.m. —- —- 2/7 3:28 p.m. 5:09 a.m. —- —- 2/7 1:10p/3:07a 1:08p/3:23a 1:24p/3:19a 1:19p/3:50a 2/8 4:18 p.m. 6:54 a.m. —- —- 2/8 8:40 p.m. 8:54 a.m. —- —- 2/8 4:17 p.m. 6:04 a.m. —- —- 2/8 2:02p/4:05a 1:59p/4:22a 2:16p/4:17a 2:10p/4:50a 2/9 5:01 p.m. 7:45 a.m. —- —- 2/9 9:22 p.m. 9:56 a.m. —- —- 2/9 5:00 p.m. 6:55 a.m. —- —- 2/9 2:58p/4:58a 2:56p/5:15a 3:12p/5:10a 3:07p/5:42a 2/10 5:32 p.m. 8:29 a.m. —- 9:43 p.m. 2/10 10:09 p.m. 10:51 a.m. —- —- 2/10 5:31 p.m. 7:39 a.m. —- 8:53 p.m. 2/10 3:56p/5:45a 3:54p/6:00a 4:10p/5:56a 4:07p/6:27a 2/11 12:17 a.m. 9:07 a.m. 5:45 p.m. 9:06 p.m. 2/11 11:04 p.m. 11:39 a.m. —- —- 2/11 12:16 a.m. 8:17 a.m. 5:44 p.m. 8:16 p.m. 2/11 4:54p/6:25a 4:54p/6:39a 5:08p/6:37a 5:07p/7:05a 2/12 1:15 a.m. 9:39 a.m. 5:48 p.m. 9:19 p.m. 2/12 —- 12:20 p.m. —- —- 2/12 1:14 a.m. 8:49 a.m. 5:47 p.m. 8:29 p.m. 2/12 5:50p/7:00a 5:52p/7:12a 6:04p/7:12a 6:07p/7:37a 2/13 2:09 a.m. 10:07 a.m. 5:54 p.m. 9:59 p.m. 2/13 12:30 a.m. 12:56 p.m. —- —- 2/13 2:08 a.m. 9:17 a.m. 5:53 p.m. 9:09 p.m. 2/13 10:31a/11:57p 10:34a/none 10:44a/none 10:51a/none 2/14 3:03 a.m. 10:33 a.m. 6:03 p.m. 10:45 p.m. 2/14 3:05 a.m. 1:28 p.m. —- —- 2/14 3:02 a.m. 9:43 a.m. 6:02 p.m. 9:55 p.m. 2/14 7:39p/7:58a 7:44p/8:07a 7:52p/8:10a 8:02p/8:28a TEXAS TIDBITS TEXAS WORD TREASURES WILD IN THE KITCHEN

Across 123 Game bird appetizer um heat until it gives off big bubbles, 1. These tasty bivalves must then season with: be 3-inches long to har 45 Looking for a good appetizer to kick • Salt and fresh-ground pepper vest off your next wild-game feed? This one • 1 teaspoon coriander 6 takes a little time to prepare, but it’s 6. Purple paint on fence Place the contents in a food processor worth the effort. and pulse for just a second. You don’t posts means ____ (two Start by cutting the breast meat from words) want to turn the mixture into mush, one pheasant or ruffed grouse or two just to chop the ingredients slightly. 7. Type of catfish (synonym - 7 partridges into bite-sized chunks. Place politician) Spoon the mixture into a baked puff 8 9 the meat in a large Ziploc bag along pastry, top with a bit of grated Parmesan 10. Nickname for different with a marinade consisting of the fol- cheese and place on a Teflon cookie types of sunfish 10 lowing: sheet. 11. Odorless, colorless, dead • 2 tablespoons Grand Marnier Next, prepare the butter sauce. ly gas • 2 tablesoons Chambord Combine in a stainless steel saucepan 14. Fishing knot • 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium heat: 16. In dry years, farmers burn 11 12 • 1 teaspoons coriander seeds • 1 shallot, finely chopped off needles and feed It isn’t necessary to buy two expen- • 1/2 cup white table wine these to cattle sive bottles of liqueur in order to make • a few drops of fresh lemon juice 17. Name of the new channel 13 14 this recipe. The Grand Marnier and • 1 tablespoon of honey linking Corpus Christi Chambord can be purchased in minia- When the wine has reduced to just a Bay to Gulf 15 ture bottles. tablespoon or so, pour in half a cup of 18. Hunting for this bird is Marinate the meat for at least a cou- heavy cream. Allow the cream to reduce best in Panhandle ple hours (or overnight) in the refrigera- by half, then turn off the heat and quick- tor. To start the preparation, combine in ly whisk in: 16 Down a hot stainless steel or cast-iron skillet: • 2 sticks of cold unsalted butter, a cou- 2. TPW is considering elimi • 3 tablespoons olive oil ple pats at a time nating the red drum • 1 shallot, finely chopped When the butter is emulsified, add: _____. 17 • game bird • 2 tablespoons of Chambord When the bird is almost cooked, 3. Pistol with the largest • salt and pepper to taste 18 deglaze the pan by pouring in the left- Strain the sauce to remove the shal- number of moving parts over marinade and stirring with a wood- lots and store in a warm place. 4. Ground-dwelling rodent Copyright 2004 Texas Word Treasures, Greg Berlocher. All Rights Reserved. en spoon to incorporate the caramelized Pop the puff pastries into a 400- that lives in large bits. Next, add to the skillet: degree oven until the Parmesan melts, colonies (pl.) • 2 tablespoons fresh garlic, minced place one pastry on each plate and driz- 5. River which cuts across steal food from ice chests 12. Flying insect with a terri • 2 tablespoons of carrot, finely diced zle a little of the sauce over the top and Panhandle stored in camp is leg ble bite • 2 tablespoons of celery, finely diced around the edges. Garnish with 7. Snakes do this in the win- endary 13. Extended period without Cook for about a minute, then add: chopped parsley and serve. ter time 9. Seed pods produced by rain • 3/4 cup of heavy cream Recipe courtesy of Delta Waterfowl. For 8. This animal's ability to conifer trees 15. Austin is in this county Allow the cream to reduce over medi- more recipes visit www.deltawaterfowl.org. Page 16 January 27, 2006 GAME WARDEN BLOTTER

STEALTHY HUNTER FAKED OUT and he called for back-up. One of BY DEER AND WARDENS the men was on parole with a long •Edwards County Game Warden FOR ONE BOY, IT MEANT THE WORLD criminal record; the second also Cody Hatfield, Real County had a long criminal history; and the Warden Shane Hohman, and Val Falls County Warden Travis Allen learned that a that the young man could hunt with Allen. First, third had no history. Once the Verde County Warden Jason warden’s job has some great rewards other than just Allen took the boy to shoot a rifle so he would be trooper arrived, the three were Huebner set out a decoy deer in a catching the bad guys and protecting the resources ready to hunt. Then he took him out that day on a arrested for public intoxication. good spot in Edwards County to see of Texas. On Dec. 22, he helped an 11-year-old boy friend’s lease, and although he did not get a deer One suspect resisted arrest. The what they might attract. Shortly go on a deer hunt that probably would have never the boy enjoyed the outing. When Allen told Bell men were charges with offenses after midnight a vehicle stopped, happened under his current situation. The boy’s County Warden Ronnie Langford about the boy’s ranging from public intoxication to and the driver got out and “put the mother had died of cancer, and his father and hunting trip, they made a plan for another hunt. trespassing. Cases pending. Daniel Boone stalk on the decoy,” brother had died in a car wreck. He was living with Langford and Allen brought the boy to a lease in according to authorities. Warden his grandparents and the grandfather had agreed Killeen, and he shot his first deer, a 4-point buck. LITTLE OYSTERS MEAN Huebner teasingly wiggled the tail LOTS OF TROUBLE with the remote control and sud- HUNTER DIDN’T GIVE A HOOT a gadwall in the truck. Warden deer, and the friend was cited for •Aransas County Game Warden denly three shots rang out from a FOR THE LAW Miller explained that the duck was illegal dumping. Charles Mayer arrived at a local .357 Mag Colt Python. The decoy •Tarrant County Game Warden a pintail hen. The men then stated dock to check on loads of oysters was hit three times but will live to Michael McCall teamed up with that they had four more ducks stuck JINGLE, JINGLE ALL being brought in. Mayer found one work again. Charges filed. No resti- Wise County Game Warden Chris on the pond. Miller found that THE WAY TO JAIL pallet of sacked oysters tagged and tution. Dowdy to interview a Wise County there were three more pintails still •Briscoe County Game Warden ready for market. Mayer saw that resident about his role in an illegal on the water. After fishing out the Clint Hunt and his family were cel- the oysters were very small. The TRAPPED BY THEIR OWN TRAP hunting incident that occurred in ducks, citations were issued to each ebrating Christmas Eve when they captain of the boat that unloaded •Midland County Warden Terry Tarrant County Dec. 23. During the man for taking a pintail in a closed had three uninvited guests show up the oysters was nowhere to be Lloyd was contacted by Midland interview, officers said the person season, and civil restitution was at their home — and no it wasn’t found. Mayer contacted fellow Sheriff’s Office Constable Choc admitted to hunting during closed ordered. Santa and his elves. One person Warden Jason Bussey for assistance. Harris about a quail trap located in season, waste of game and killing knocked on the door and Hunt Mayer and Bussey counted the oys- a dumpsite. Lloyd along with protected, non-game birds. The DEER CARCASS COMES answered. Hunt was in plain clothes ters and took good photographic Wayne Armstrong of Howard wardens seized the head of a 10- BACK TO HAUNT BOYS and his patrol vehicle was in the evidence of the load and the cap- County went to the reported site. point buck and the carcasses of a •Henderson County Game Warden garage. The man at the door tain’s tags that were attached to the Two people were questioned and barred owl and a great-horned owl. Audie Hamm investigated a call requested gas and money. Hunt sacks. Just as the wardens were fin- one admitted to trapping quail. The investigation continues and about a deer carcass with the head smelled alcohol on the man’s ishing their count, the captain Cases pending. other charges are expected. cut off. Hamm located three young breath. Hunt told the man he’d be arrived and asked the wardens why suspects. After questioning, the outside in a minute with a can of his cargo needed to be looked at. TACKLE BOX CONTAINS KNOW YOUR DUCKS three admitted to shooting and gas. Hunt put on a pistol and a game Mayer obliged the captain with a UNUSUAL EQUIPMENT •Dallas County Warden Gary Miller dumping the deer. After they shot warden jacket and he and his citation for a 61-percent undersize •Tarrant County Game Warden and Rockwall County Warden it, they were scared that their par- father-in-law went outside. Once load and a trip back to the bay to Michael McCall, while checking Jenny Simpson responded to a tip ents would find out so they discard- outside, a second and third man got return the entire load. bank fishermen along the West regarding duck hunters using lead ed the deer. Cases pending. out of the vehicle. Hunt decided to Fork of the Trinity River, shot on a pond in South Dallas tell them he was a peace officer. A LOONY EXPLANATION approached two young fishermen County. The wardens parked at the DEER CARCASS DUMPED Two of the men got back into the •San Patricio County Game and found that neither had a fish- gate to the property and walked the IN SUBDIVISION vehicle, and one started the engine. Warden Sam Harris contacted a ing license. A closer inspection of half mile back to the pond. They •Polk County Game Warden Hunt told them to turn the vehicle group of duck hunters who were a their tackle box revealed a glass saw two men trying to pull decoys Suzanne Baker received a call that a off and get out. The men protested, little nervous to show him what pipe with marijuana residue. The in from the frozen pond water. The doe carcass had been dumped in telling Hunt that he couldn’t stop they had killed. Harris discovered a officer got permission to search two men climbed into their truck the middle of a subdivision. After a them. The officer told them that loon and two water turkeys in the their vehicle, where he reported and began to leave the field. lot of interviews, a 39-year-old they stopped in his yard and that no game bag. The hunters said they that more paraphernalia was Wardens Miller and Simpson female resident of the neighbor- one was going anywhere. It was were not sure what they had, but found. Citations for no fishing checked the men’s hunting licenses hood confessed but said a friend obvious to Hunt that the three were they knew it was duck season and licenses and possession of drug and one duck they had in their pos- cleaned the deer for her. She was intoxicated. Hunt had his father-in- these big black ducks flew by their paraphernalia were issued. session. The men said that they had cited for possession of untagged law retrieve his hand-held radio, duck blind. SUBSCRIBE TODAY! We Want to Welcome to Deliver Our Lone Star Outdoor News Texas’ Premier Outdoor Newspaper Newspaper We’re publishing twice a month, so we can to You! bring you the very best of the Texas outdoors from the Big Thicket to the Big Bend and from the Red River to the Rio Grande. And hunters and anglers by the score are send- ing us their thank-yous, comments and sub- 24 scriptions. Every issue, we’ll bring you some of the state’s best outdoor photography and stories. ISSUES You’ll read about big game hunting, water- fowling, upland bird hunting, freshwater fishing across the state and saltwater fishing FOR PLEASE FILL OUT PAYMENT INFORMATION BELOW all up and down the glorious Texas Coast. Plus, you’ll get national news… conservation NAME updates… weather report… wild game and fish recipes… a custom crossword puzzle, ADDRESS and the latest breaking news from state and $25 federal wildlife agencies. You won’t want to miss a single issue, so

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9800 for more information. number (903) 657-5790 or e-mail Grapevine at the Lancaster Theater, sack lunch and drink. Class size is him at rinstine@pandai. com. 300 South Main St. Doors will open limited; 9 a.m.-2 p.m.; preregistra- Jan. 28: Texas State Turkey Calling around noon, with a live broadcast tion required. Contact Dr. Rey HAVE AN EVENT Contest, Bass Pro Shops, Katy. The Feb. 3: Borger DU dinner at the at 1 p.m. The event is free and food Ramirez at Reynaldo.Ramirez winner qualifies for the Grand country club. This event is one of and beverages will be provided. @utb.edu or (956) 882-8979. TO PUBLICIZE? Nationals in Nashville for 2007. the top dinners in the Texas National prize packages will be Calling starts at 2 p.m. For more Panhandle with lots of prizes and given away. Contact Jim Lillis for Feb. 4: Coleto Creek Reservoir and information, e-mail Bob Linder at E-mail it to games. It’s a possible sellout, so more information at (903) 891- Park angler education instructor [email protected] or call him at [email protected] don’t wait to get your tickets. 9011 or [email protected]. course. Free workshop open to those (713) 621-0505. Contact Heather Darbonne at (806) 17 or older interested in teaching Events must be open Feb. 4: Texas Parks and Wildlife’s Jan. 28: Linden/Atlanta DU dinner 274-3228 or e-mail the basics of fishing. The program Basic Fishing Clinic in Beaumont. to the public at the Atlanta Country Club. DU [email protected]. provides the curriculum, equipment, This clinic will give families a materials and support to help members are invited to enjoy the Feb. 4: East Texas Nation DU chance to learn the basics of volunteers introduce youth and closing weekend of duck season. Volunteer Appreciation Day, National fishing, including knot tying, families to fishing. Time is 10 a.m.-3 JAN. 26-29: San Antonio Boat Show at Contact: John Kirkland; Brian Cave Guard Armory-Henderson, 600 , safety, regulations and p.m.; preregistration required, the Alamo Dome. The event will offer at (903) 756-3392, (903) 846- Sands Ave. at the Lake Forest Park more. Held at Gander Mountain, contact Charles Schons at cfschons@ Sky Ranch Kids fishing adventure, 2115 or e-mail [email protected]. entrance. This event is to honor all 5855 Eastex Freeway. Class size awesomenet.net or (361) 575-8600. Skeeter trailer, free seminars, bass February: Texas Freshwater Fisheries East Texas DU volunteers. Activities limited to 25; available to ages 10 aquarium and fishing demonstrations, Center Trout Harvest in Athens. will include national raffle packages and above; parents must accompany Feb. 4: Mexica DU banquet. Contact 150 exhibitors, and 14 local boat Every Tuesday through Sunday. with prizes such as a Yamaha 4- children; times are from 1-4 p.m.; Ivan Jackson, Jr. at (254) 562-7117 dealers. The weekend times are 10 Catch and keep trout from our wheeler and a War-Eagle boat and registration required; contact Mary or e-mail him at westernauto a.m.-9 p.m. fishing pond. Equipment and bait trailer. One of the packages from Davis at (409) 866-0490. @glade.net. provided, no fishing license required No. 1 to No. 87 will be given away Jan. 27-29: The Dallas Safari Club’s Feb. 4: The Texas Freshwater Feb. 4: Bastrop County DU dinner. and no size limit. Times are 9 a.m.- for our location in Henderson. You annual convention at Dallas Market Fisheries Center in Athens will host Contact David Long at (512) 303- 4 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday, 1-4 p.m. must be present to win the national Hall. The Dallas Safari Club touts its another in a series of fly-fishing 3376 or e-mail him at dlong@ Sunday; $5 fee for up to five fish prize packages. Find more annual convention as the South’s clinics from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The dwhomes.com. per person. The regular entrance information and register online at largest international adventure class is open to adults 18 and fees apply; call (903) 676-Bass. www.ducks.org. Contact Yazoo Feb. 4-5: Chaparral WMA — Youth- exposition with more than 700 older. No fly-fishing experience is Thomas at (936) 368-7263 or Only Javelina Hunt. Youth must be exhibits from Alaska to Zimbabwe. It Feb. 2: Chaparral WMA — 8th required. Equipment will be [email protected]. accompanied by adult, but only includes spectacular wildlife Annual Prescribed Burning Seminar. provided, but students may bring youth may hunt; no fee is charged. displays, celebrity guests, live Topics are geared toward private Feb. 4: South Texas National DU their own. The $50 fee includes Permits issued by drawing; standby entertainment, banquets and live landowners and include rules for Volunteer Appreciation Day at entrance to TFFC for the day of the applicants must be present by 10 and silent auctions featuring the prescribed burning in Texas, Cabela’s in Buda. Doors will open at class, lunch and a season pass to a.m. first day of hunt. Call (830) finest global adventures, art and planning a burn and conducting it 12:30 p.m. in the upstairs Whitetail TFFC so students can return for 676-3413 for more information. equipment for the sportsman and safely, the role of summer fire, Conference Room. There is no cost more fishing as often as they like. sportswoman. The event will include prescribed burning associations in to attend this event. Food and Reservations are required, and the Feb. 5-8: Kickapoo Cavern SP seminars by hunting greats such as managing invasive woody plants and beverages will be provided, courtesy class is limited to 20. To register sched-uled hunts, 10 p.m. Feb. 5 to “Mr. Whitetail” Larry Weishuhn and other topics. Weather permitting, a of Cabela’s. Our activities will call Barry St. Clair at (903) 670- 2 p.m. Feb. 8; call (830) 563-2342. big-game hunter Craig T. burn will be conducted and a tour of include national raffle packages. 2222. previous burns on the WMA and One of the packages from #11 to Feb. 9: Jasper DU dinner at the Boddington, who will speak on Feb. 4: Basic Fishing Instructor range plant identification will be #87 will be given away for our Jasper VFW. Auction to include guns, leopard hunting. Both men will give Course in Brownsville. This free given. Registration fee of $10 location at Cabela’s. You must be prints and decoys. Contact Ryan presentations on Friday and class will provide participants with includes lunch; pre-registration present to win the national prize Powell, Reagen Clotiaux at (936) Saturday during the convention. The hands-on activities, instructional required by Jan. 30. Call (830) packages. Contact Todd Willingham 671-0171or 409-384-7005. event is open to the public and materials and access to equipment 676-3413 for more information. at (830) 624-7913 or parking is free. Admission is $15 Feb. 11: Jefferson DU dinner at the [email protected]. to teach youth and adults basic per day, $25 for two days and $35 Feb. 3: Rusk Co./Henderson DU fishing skills. Held at the University FFW Hall. Contact Richard Kale at for three days. Visit dinner at the National Guard Armory. Feb. 4: North Texas National of Texas at Brownsville. Wear (903) 938-8202 or e-mail him at www.biggame.org or call (972) 980- Contact: Ronald Ellis at phone Volunteer Appreciation Day in comfortable clothing and bring a [email protected].

OYSTERS P C A E Looking for a story or photo from a past NOTRESPASS I NG V edition of the Lone Star Outdoor News? A N O CROSSWORD HARDHEAD L R I I D P V PUZZLE A BR E AM I I E C E D A N R SOLUTION CARBONMONOX I DE H LOOK ON O N G C O O A S D PALOMAR FROM N T T R N S E R O E E THE WEB PAGE 15 CACTUSPADS F V G L I H PACKERY www.lonestaroutdoornews.com PHEASANT OUTFITTERS

Offshore and Bay fishing Duck, Goose and 30' Stamas Dove Hunting 21' Shallowsport 40,000 Acres

Capt. Scott Hickman South Texas 3218 Coral Ridge Ct. League City, TX 77573 Deer and Turkey (281) 535-1930 Hunting Fax: (281) 535-1935 10,000 Acres www.circleh.org

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PROPERTIES HUNTING SPOT – 17.5 secluded South Padre Island Waterfront Classified ads must be prepaid acres w/awesome views, varied ele- properties on the Laguna Madre South Texas — Brooks, Duval, Jim by check or credit card. For Sale — Kansas hunting tracts. vations, wildlife/trees galore, sea- and Gulf of Mexico. Call: David A. Hogg County Ranches. Call: David Brown Realty Co. 318-728-9544. sonal creek. PLUS: 3800 sq.ft. Lohse Real Estate, Inc. (956) A. Lohse Real Estate, Inc. (956) www.brownrealtyco. com steel constructed/energy efficient/ 761-6699. 761-6699. Page 18 January 27, 2006 FISHING REPORT CENTRAL jigs. Catfish are fair to good on prepared baits and very good on juglines baited with perch and goldfish. striper are fair on minnows. Catfish are fair on cut STILLHOUSE: Water clear; 56 degrees; 0.86' low. Black Salty baitfish. shad. Black bass are good on watermelon seed and pump- SOUTHEAST BASTROP: Water stained. Black bass are fair on kinseed crankbaits. White bass are slow. Smallmouth white and shallow diving crankbaits PALESTINE: Water clear; 49-54 degrees; 3.45' low. STAMFORD: Water lightly stained; 50 degrees; Black bass are slow. Crappie are fair on minnows at night. Black bass are fair on Rat-L-Traps and chartreuse spin- bass are slow. Crappie are fair on jigs and minnows. over grass. Crappie are fair on minnows and small CONROE: Water stained; 3.63' low. Black bass are fair Channel and blue catfish are fair on hot dogs, shrimp, nerbaits. Crappie are good on minnows and jigs. White and striped bass are fair. Catfish are fair on green tube jigs. Channel and blue catfish are fair on on blue/white spinnerbaits, crankbaits, and Rat-L- and minnows. Carp are good on corn. Yellow catfish Catfish are fair on prepared baits and cut shad. White chicken liver. punchbait and nightcrawlers. Yellow catfish are slow. Traps. Striped bass are fair on live bait. Crappie are are slow. bass are fair on slabs and Rat-L-Traps. Hybrid striper good on minnows and green tube jigs. Catfish are fair are fair on shad and Sassy Shad. on stinkbait and shrimp. SWEETWATER: Water lightly stained; 47 degrees; BELTON: Water murky; 69 degrees; 3.01' low. Black TRAVIS: Water clear; 57 degrees; 17.20' low. Black bass are fair on white/silver Rat-L-Traps and deep 31.7' low. Black bass are slow. Crappie are fair on min- bass to 3.5 pounds are good on green pumpkin tubes RAY HUBBARD: Water fairly clear; 49-55 degrees; diving crankbaits. Hybrid striper are slow. White bass GIBBONS CREEK: Water stained. Black bass are fair nows and jigs. White bass are fair. Catfish are fair. and chrome Radar 13 crankbaits in 12 - 30 feet. 4.34' low. Black bass are fair on chrome Rat-L-Traps, are good on minnows and watermelon red striper on watermelon seed soft plastic worms, lizards, and Striped bass are slow. White bass to 1 pound are fair spinnerbaits and Carolina-rigged black/blue worms. jigs. Crappie are good on minnows. Channel and crankbaits. Crappie are fair on minnows and blue/red on CC spoons and minnows in 22 - 35 feet. Crappie to Crappie are slow to fair on minnows and jigs in the WHITE RIVER: Water lightly stained; 46 degrees; blue catfish are fair on stinkbait and chicken livers. tube jigs. Catfish are fair on shrimp, minnows, and 12” are fair on minnows and roadrunner jigs in 14 - marinas and around bridge columns. White bass are 22.65' low. Black bass are slow. Crappie are fair on jigs Yellow catfish are slow. stinkbait. 27 feet. Channel and blue catfish are slow. Yellow cat- fair on slabs and minnows. Hybrid striper are fair on and minnows. Walleye are fair. Channel catfish are fair fish are slow. slabs over humps. Catfish are fair on prepared baits. on live bait. BROWNWOOD: Water stained; 50 degrees; 2.45' HOUSTON COUNTY: Water stained; 56 degrees; 0.14' low. Black bass to 6 pounds are good on black/blue WALTER E. LONG: Water clear; 60 degrees. Black high. Black bass are fair on sour grape Trick worms WICHITA: Water muddy; 51 degrees; .5' low. Crappie StrikeWorks jigs, white spinnerbaits, and plum apple RAY ROBERTS: Water clear; 50-55 degrees; 3.68' low. bass are good on Black Salty baitfish. Hybrid striper east of the marina in 5 - 10 feet. Crappie are fair on are slow. White bass and hybrid striped bass are fair on Zoom worms in the main lake, and 200 series Black bass are slow to fair on chrome or shad medium are slow. White bass are good on minnows and white live minnows near the spillway on the bottom in 28 Alabama Shad colored Persuader Stealth shad diving crankbaits, black/blue jigs and spinnerbaits. large minnows and white twister-tails along dam, near spinnerbaits. Crappie are good on minnows. Channel feet. Catfish are slow. crankbaits on main lake flats. Hybrid striper to 7 Crappie are good on minnows and jigs in and around spillway and trolling. Channel catfish are fair on bait and blue catfish are fair on nightcrawlers, shrimp, and pounds are excellent on 300 series Alabama shad the marina in the empty boat slips. White bass are shrimp, punch bait or . punchbait. Yellow catfish are slow. colored Persuader crankbaits under lights at dawn. good on spoons in 30 - 35 feet on main lake LIVINGSTON: Water murky; 53 degrees; 4.22' low. White bass are fair on small tube jigs and Li'l Fishies shelves close to deep water, near the points. Catfish are Black bass to 3.5 pounds are good on black/blue COASTAL at night under lights. Crappie are fair on small tube WHITNEY: Water clear; 5.97' low. Black bass are slow. slow. crankbaits and spinnerbaits. Striped bass are slow. jigs and minnows in 12 - 18 feet. Catfish are slow. Striped bass are fair on pumpkinseed and watermelon White bass are slow. Crappie are good on minnows. Channel and blue catfish are very good on cutbait and seed striper jigs and live bait. White bass are fair on RICHLAND CHAMBERS: Water stained; 49-54 NORTH SABINE: Trout are fair to good while drifting minnows and silver jigging spoons. Crappie are fair on prepared baits. Yellow catfish are slow. scattered shell in the middle of the lake on glow Sand BUCHANAN: Water clear; 51 degrees; 7.50' low. degrees; 5.33' low. Black bass are slow to fair on minnows. Catfish are good on stinkbait, minnows, and crankbaits and jigs. White bass are fair to good on Eels, Bass Assassins and Trout Killers. Redfish are Black bass are slow to fair on motor oil Devil's good around the warm water discharge on shrimp and nightcrawlers. white or chartreuse slabs and TailHummers. Crappie SAM RAYBURN: Water lightly stained; 64 degrees; Tongues on drop shot rigs, watermelon/red Carolina gold spoons. rigged Snap Back creature baits, and JDC Craws on are slow on minnows and jigs in 18-24 feet around 4.70' low. Black bass are good on watermelon red and jigheads along ledges and secondary creek points in NORTHEAST brush piles. Catfish are fair drift fishing shad in 12-20 watermelon seed spinnerbaits and soft plastic worms 12 - 25 feet. Striped bass are good trolling feet. over grass and brush. Crappie are fair on minnows and SOUTH SABINE: Trout are fair to good on the Reef on white/chartreuse striper jigs, swimming Snap Back chartreuse tube jigs. glow, plum, red shad and black Sand Eels, Bass ATHENS: Water clear, 48-52 degrees; 2.77' low. Black jerkbaits on RED Bait Jerker hooks, jigging silver Assassins and Trout Killers. Trout, croakers, sand trout bass are fair on crankbaits and red Rat-L-Traps in 8-10 TAWAKONI: Water stained; 50-54 degrees; 8.41' low. Perk Minnows, and drifting live bait along the main and black drum are fair to good at the causeway at feet. Bream are fair on live worms. Crappie are fair on Black bass are slow. Crappie are fair on jigs and min- TOLEDO BEND: Water clear; 65 degrees; 8.82' low. river channel up the lake from The Willows. White night on live shrimp and DOA Shrimp. minnows and jigs. Catfish are fair to good on prepared nows around pylons. White bass are fair to good on Black bass are good on pumpkinseed Rat-L-Traps and bass are slow to fair on 2” Spoiler Shads, jigging baits. white or chartreuse slabs fished close to bottom on crankbaits, watermelon seed soft plastic lizards, and 1/8oz. Tiny Traps, and Perk Minnows on the outside humps and ridges. Striped bass and hybrid striper are crawfish colored crankbaits over grass and in creeks. BOLIVAR: Trout, redfish and flounder are fair in the of main lake creek points in 20 - 30 feet. Crappie fair on 4” Sassy Shad and slabs. Catfish are good on Crappie are good on live minnows over brush and grass marsh cuts on mud minnows and shrimp. Redfish, are slow to fair on minnows. Channel catfish are BOB SANDLIN: Water clear; 49-52 degrees; 6.04' low. shad and prepared baits. in 15 - 20 feet. Catfish are fair on stinkbait, shrimp, black drum and whiting are fair in the surf on shrimp slow. Yellow and blue catfish are slow Black bass are fair on watermelon/red Brush Hogs and chicken livers. fished in 6-8 feet. White bass are fair on small jigging and cut mullet. spoons in the major creek channels. Crappie are good TEXOMA: Water clear; 49-54 degrees; 2.76' low. Black CANYON LAKE: Water clear; 52 degrees; 2.49' low. bass are fair on jigs and soft plastics fished around on jigs and minnows fished around man-made brush- PANHANDLE TRINITY BAY: Trout are fair to good drifting shell in 3-5 Black bass are fair on Texas rigged 6” green/pump- boat slips. Smallmouth bass are fair on crawfish pat- piles in 18 - 23 feet. Catfish are good on chicken liv- feet of water on limetreuse, plum, bone and red shad kin Scoundrel worms, pumpkin Snap Back lizards, tern crankbaits and jigging spoons around vertical rock ers fished around cormorant roost. Trout Killers, Red Killers, Bass Assassins and Sand and creature baits in submerged timber on main structure. Crappie are fair on minnows around boat- BAYLOR: Water lightly stained; 51 degrees. Black bass Eels. Redfish, black drum, croaker and flounder are fair lake points in 10 - 25 feet. Striped bass are fair on houses. Striped bass are slow to fair on live shad, slabs are slow. Crappie are slow. Catfish are slow. to good on shrimp in the cuts and at the Spillway. 3” Spoiler Shads and vertically jigging Perk Minnows CADDO: Water fairly clear; 52-58 degrees; 1.23 low. and Sassy Shad. Blue catfish are fair on cut shad and from Comal Park down the lake. White bass are fair Black bass are fair to good on black/blue jigs and prepared baits. GREENBELT: Water lightly stained; 41 degrees; 21.35' jigging Pirk Minnows, Tiny Traps, and Li'l Georges in white fished around trees in 3-5 feet. low. Black bass are fair on jigs and Carolina-rigged EAST GALVESTON BAY: Trout are fair to good on mid- 20 - 30 foot channels. Smallmouth bass are good on Crappie are good on white/pink head 1/16 oz. jigs watermelon soft plastics along main lake points in bay reefs on live shrimp and under a popping cork and 3” smoke JDC Craws and brown hair jigs with pork WEATHERFORD: Water stained; 49-52 degrees; 7' low. fished on the edges of the main channel. Catfish are afternoon. Crappie are fair on jigs and minnows. White glow and plum Hogies, Red Killers, Bass Assassins and strip trailers over rock piles and along deep-water Black bass are fair. Crappie are good in the fishing fair on limb lines with cut bait. bass are good on live bait. Smallmouth bass are fair on Sand Eels. Whiting, redfish and black drum are good ledges. Crappie are fair but mostly small on minnows barge and marina boat slips on white head/chartreuse live bait. Walleye are fair on live bait and jerkbaits. along the jetty on fresh dead shrimp. at the fishing dock. Channel catfish are slow. Yellow body/orange tail jigs and minnows. Catfish are slow. Catfish are fair on chicken liver. and blue catfish are slow. CEDAR CREEK: Water clear; 50-54 degrees; 4.75' White bass are poor. Bream are good on worms. The low. White bass are good on jigging spoons. Hybrid new boat ramp is open, but with the low water level WEST GALVESTON BAY: Trout are fair to good on glow, striper are good on Sassy Shad under the birds. Catfish boaters are advised to exercise caution. MACKENZIE: Water lightly stained; 40 degrees; 67' COLEMAN: Water clear; 49 degrees; 2.08' low. pumpkinseed and red shad Bass Assassins, Sand Eels are good on cut bait and Danny King's Punch Bait. low. Black bass are fair on live bait. Crappie are fair on Black bass are slow. Hybrid striper are slow. Crappie and Trout Killers around Meacom's and Green's Cut. minnows and jigs. White bass and striped bass are are slow. Channel and blue catfish are slow. Yellow SOUTH Trout are fair to good while wading mud bottoms on good on live bait. Smallmouth bass are fair. Walleye are catfish are slow. COOPER: Water stained; 49-52 degrees; 12.02' low. MirrOlures and Corkies. Black bass are slow on jigging spoons and black/blue good on minnows and bottom bouncers. Catfish are fair jigs. Crappie are slow on brush piles and standing tim- AMISTAD: Water fairly clear; 56 degrees. Black bass on cut shad. TEXAS CITY: Whiting, sand trout, black drum and COLORADO RIVER: (At Colorado Bend State Park) ber in 10-18 feet on minnows. White bass are slow. are good on watermelon seed red heavy jigs on drop Water murky. Black bass are slow. Striped bass are shot rigs. Striped bass are good on silver slabs and sil- sheepshead are fair to good on fresh dead shrimp from Catfish are fair to good along creek channels on pre- MEREDITH: Water lightly stained; 43 degrees; 24.5' fair on white/green spinnerbaits and Rat-L-Traps. ver/red striper jigs up the Rio Grande. White bass are the dike. Redfish and black drum are fair on crabs and pared baits. Due to the low level of the lake, boaters low. Black bass are slow. Crappie are fair on minnows White bass are good on silver and white striper jigs. good on silver slabs and silver/white striper jigs up the mullet at the jetty. are advised to use extreme caution. and jigs. White bass are fair on live bait near rocky Crappie are fair on minnows and chartreuse tube Rio Grande. Crappie are slow. Channel and blue catfish points. Smallmouth bass are fair on jerkbaits and live jigs. Catfish are slow. are slow. Yellow catfish are slow. FAIRFIELD: Water clear; 69-80 degrees. Black bass bait. Walleye are fair on bottom bouncers and live bait. FREEPORT: Redfish and black drum are fair to good at are good on white Senkos and Pop-R's fished above Channel catfish are fair. San Luis Pass, the mouth of the New River, the Boilers DUNLAP/MCQUEENY: Water murky; 58 degrees. the grass on secondary points, later switching to BRAUNIG: Water stained; 88 degrees. Black bass are and Christmas Bay on finger mullet and shrimp. Black bass are good on crawdad colored Storm slow. Striped bass are fair on chicken livers on the bot- Whiting are good in the surf on shrimp. Carolina-rigged junebug lizards fished off the edges of PALO DURO: Water lightly stained; 39 degrees; 42.75' Wiggle Warts, Fred Arbogast Mud-Bugs, Black the grass in 5 - 9 feet. Hybrid striper are slow on tom, and down rigging spoons in 15 - 25 feet. Redfish Oldham's Jigs with Reaction Innovations black mini- are fair on perch and tilapia on the bottom, and down low. Black bass are slow. Crappie are fair on jigs and white/chartreuse TailHummers and live shad on main EAST MATAGORDA: Trout are fair to good over shell skirts, Texas rigged 7.5” Red Shad Berkley Power rigging spoons in 15 - 25 feet. Channel and blue cat- minnows. Smallmouth bass are fair. Walleye are slow lake points. Redfish are slow on CP Special and along the mud shorelines on Corkies and fire tiger, Worms, and 3” Black Power Craws under docks near fish are good on liver, shrimp, and shad. Yellow catfish fair on minnows. Catfish are fair on prepared baits. TailHummers and live shad in the inlet cove and red shad and glow Bass Assassins, Red Killers, Sand the channel in 10 - 15 feet. White bass are excel- are slow. around the dam. Catfish are fair on prepared baits and Eels and Trout Killers. Redfish and black drum are fair lent on live minnows and 1/8oz. White Curb's live shad on main lake flats. WEST Crappie jigs at night under green lights in 8 - 20 to good on the reefs on live shrimp under a popping CALAVERAS: Water stained; 86 degrees. Black bass feet. Crappie are slow. Channel and blue catfish are cork. are slow. Striped bass are fair on chicken livers and sil- fair on cut shad, dead shad, and nightcrawlers in FORK: Water clear; 48-50 degrees; 4.33' low. Black ALAN HENRY: Water lightly stained; 44 degrees. Black bass are slow along the main lake grass lines on _ oz. ver spoons near the dam. Redfish are slow. Crappie are bass are fair on black/chartreuse jigs fished tight to swift water upriver at the powerhouse, and in front of MATAGORDA: Trout are fair to good while drifting deep crawdad or red with chartreuse belly Rat-L-Traps and slow. Channel catfish are good on liver, shrimp, and cover. Crappie are fair on minnows and jigs. the Ski Lodge in 10 - 15 feet. Yellow catfish are shell on fire tiger, pumpkinseed and red shad Sand firetiger spinnerbaits. Crappie are fair on minnows in nightcrawlers. Blue catfish are fair on liver and night- slow. Eels, Red Killers and Bass Assassins. Redfish are fair 24-26 feet on deeper flats. Catfish are good on pre- crawlers. Yellow catfish are slow. ARROWHEAD: Water lightly stained; 51 degrees; 1.9' to good in the Diversion Channel on shrimp and mullet. pared baits and Black Salty baitfish in 26-30 feet. FAYETTE: Water clear; 64 degrees. Black bass are low. Black bass are slow on spinnerbaits in back of Trout are fair to good at night in the Colorado River on CHOKE CANYON: Water stained; 55 degrees; 3.16' good on white and white/chartreuse spinnerbaits and coves and creeks. Crappie are fair on minnows and jigs tandem- rigged DOA Shrimp and glow beetles. low. Black bass to 9 pounds are good on white/yellow wacky worms over grass in 3 - 8 feet. Channel and GRAPEVINE: Water stained; 52-57 degrees; 6.98' low. near derricks about 17' and at Henrietta Bridge, Deer Nichols spinnerbaits with matching blades, black/blue blue catfish are very good on stinkbait and peeled Black bass are fair on shad pattern or chartreuse Creek and State Park. White bass are fair on shad-imi- flake 10" YUM Rib Worms, and green pumpkin/purple PORT O'CONNOR: Trout are fair to good on the shell shrimp dipped in attractant on ridges over baited crankbaits, gold/orange jerkbaits, drop shot rigs and tation baits east of State Park and at mouth of Sailboat and watermelon blue fleck 7" YUM Zellamander lizards reefs in San Antonio and Espiritu Santo Bay on holes in 12 - 16 feet. Rayburn red lipless crankbaits. Spotted bass are fair Cove. Blue catfish are good on cut shad, prepared baits on jerkbaits along the dam. Crappie are good on min- on Falcon weighted hooks in backs of coves, along and juglines on upper end of lake near cormorant roost glow/chartreuse and plum Trout Killers, Red Killers, nows and jigs in deep water. White bass are good on rocky ledges in the main lake, and upriver in 2 - 8 feet. sites. Bass Assassins and Sand Eels. Whiting, redfish, black GRANBURY: Water stained; 0.49' low. Black bass yellow or white slabs and tail-kickers fished under the White bass are good vertically jigging chartreuse drum and sheepshead are fair to good on shrimp at the are fair on silver and white Rat-L-Traps and spinner- birds and around the aerator. Catfish are fair on cut Berkley Blade Dancers, Bomber slabs, and white jigs jetty. COLORADO CITY: Water clear; 58 degrees. Black bass baits. Striped bass are slow. White bass are fair on bait. tipped with live minnows at night around main lake minnows and silver striper jigs. Crappie are fair on points, at the mouth of the river, and around the Hwy. are slow. Crappie are fair on minnows and jigs. White ROCKPORT: Trout and redfish are fair to good on lime- minnows and chartreuse tube jigs. Catfish are good 99 bridge in 5 - 10 feet. Crappie are fair on chartreuse bass are fair. Redfish are slow. Catfish are fair. treuse and bone Trout Killers, Bass Assassins, Norton on liver, frozen shrimp, and stinkbait. JOE POOL: Water stained; 50-54 degrees; 3.86' low. Curb's crappie jigs tipped with live minnows over Black bass are fair on watermelon/red flake and juneb- Sand Eels and shrimp around Traylor Island and Mud brushpiles and standing timber in 6 - 15 feet. Channel FT. PHANTOM HILL: Water clear; 56 degrees; 4.55' ug Carolina-rigged worms. Crappie are fair on minnows and blue catfish to 6 pounds are fair on Lewis King Island. Redfish are fair to good on the Estes Flats on GRANGER: Water murky; 52 degrees; 0.17' low. low. Black bass are slow. Crappie are fair on minnows over brushpiles and around bridge pilings in 25 feet. punchbait, large minnows, and Black Salty baitfish in shrimp and She Dogs. Black bass are slow. White bass are fair on white and jigs. White bass are fair. Catfish are fair. White bass are fair on chrome or chartreuse slabs, jig- 10 - 20 feet. Yellow catfish to 20 pounds are fair on twister tail jigs up the river among shad. Crappie are ging spoons and pearl TailHummers. Catfish are good trotlines and juglines baited with hybrid bluegills and fair on jigs in deep-water brush piles. Blue catfish PORT ARANSAS: Sheepshead and trout are good off on cut shad drifted next to creek channels. Black Salty baitfish. HUBBARD CREEK: Water lightly stained; 54 degrees; the jetty on live shrimp under a popping cork. Redfish are good on fresh shad in the Friendship Park area. 9.5' low. Black bass are slow. Crappie are fair on jigs and whiting are fair to good in the surf on peeled Yellow catfish are slow. and minnows. White bass and hybrid striper are fair. LAKE O' THE PINES: Water stained; 49-53 degrees; shrimp. COLETO CREEK: Water clear; 63 degrees (76 degrees Catfish are fair on live bait. 4.37' low. Black bass are fair on jigging spoons and at hot water discharge); 2.69' low. Black bass are LBJ: Water stained to clear; 52 degrees. Black bass Rat-L-Traps. Crappie are good on minnows and jigs in excellent on spinnerbaits, crankbaits, and soft plastics are fair on Texas rigged watermelon/red Craw Tubes, CORPUS CHRISTI: Trout are fair to good while drifting 20-25 feet (fishermen keep first 25 crappie, regardless in 8 feet. Striped bass are slow. White bass are slow. NASWORTHY: Water lightly stained; 55 degrees. Black black/blue _oz. Terminator Pro Series jigs with pork scattered shell in Nueces Bay on glow, plum, black and of size, December thru February). Yellow bass are good Crappie are slow. Channel and blue catfish are good on bass are slow. Crappie are fair on live bait. Redfish are trailers, and 5” JDC Craws over brushpiles and lay- red shad Trout Killers, Bass Assassins and Sand Eels. on minnows and jigs in 35 feet. Blue catfish are fair on trotlines baited with live perch in 12 feet. Yellow cat- fair. White bass and striped bass are good on minnows. downs in 6 - 12 feet. Striped bass are fair early on Redfish and black drum are fair on crabs and mullet in trotlines with goldfish and shiners. fish are slow. Catfish are fair on live bait and punch bait. Spoiler Shads and soft jerkbaits on RED Bait Jerker the holes. hooks along channel turns and creek points. White bass are slow. Crappie are fair on minnows under LAVON: Water stained; 49-55 degrees; 10.05' low. FALCON: Water lightly stained; 63 degrees. Black bass OAK CREEK: Water lightly stained; 52 degrees; 18.65' BAFFIN BAY: Trout and redfish are fair to good while heated/enclosed boat docks. Channel catfish are Black bass are slow to fair on Carolina rigged watermel- are good on watermelon red and red bug soft plastic low. Black bass are slow. Crappie are fair on minnows drifting the grass beds adjacent to the Intracoastal on slow. Yellow and blue catfish are slow. on candy Brush Hogs and brown/orange crankbaits. worms, and chartreuse/white spinnerbaits. Striped bass and jigs. Catfish are fair on worms and chicken liver. glow, plum and red shad Trout Killers, Bass Assassins Crappie are fair on minnows and jigs. White bass are are slow. Crappie are slow. Channel and blue catfish No boat ramps open. 4x4 vehicles can unload on the and Sand Eels. Trout are fair to good at Yarborough and fair on Road Runners and slabs. Catfish are fair on cut are excellent on cutbait, stinkbait, and frozen shrimp. dirt road near the dam. NAVARRO MILLS: Water fairly clear; 4.07' low. Rocky Slough on Corkies, MirrOlures and glow soft bait. Yellow catfish are slow. Mexican fishing licenses and Black bass are fair on yellow/white spinnerbaits and plastics. boat permits are required to fish in Mexican waters. crankbaits. White bass are slow. Crappie are fair on OH. IVIE: Water lightly stained; 55 degrees; 16.65' Everyone in the boat must have a Mexico Fishing minnows. Channel and blue catfish are good on LEWISVILLE: Water stained; 50-54 degrees; 7.58' low. low. Black bass are fair on live bait. Crappie are fair on License whether fishing or not. stinkbait and chicken livers. Yellow catfish are slow. Black bass are slow on suspending rogues, spinnerbaits minnows and jigs. White bass are fair on live bait. PORT MANSFIELD: Trout and redfish are fair to good and soft plastics. Crappie are fair on brown/blue jigs Smallmouth bass are fair on live bait. Channel catfish while drifting grass beds on bone or glow Red Killers, and minnows. Catfish are good on liver and cut shad in MEDINA: Water stained; 54 degrees; 10.86' low. Black are slow. Bass Assassins and Sand Eels. Trout are fair to good at PROCTOR: Water stained; 46 degrees; 5.24' low. the creeks along bends and humps. bass to 4 pounds are fair on drop shot rigged watermel- night in the Land Cut on DOA Shrimp and glow Bass Black bass are fair on white/pink/salmon deep diving on red flake Zoom Super Fluke Jr's, magic craw red Assassins. crankbaits and jigs. Striped bass are good deep on POSSUM KINGDOM: Water clear; 53 degrees; 3.5' low. Reaction Innovations Flirts, and crawfish jigs with white jigs with trailers. White bass are slow. Crappie MARTIN CREEK: Water clear; 57 degrees mid lake - Black bass are fair in Rock Creek area. White bass are matching trailers along main lake points in 10 - 20 are good on minnows and tube jigs. Channel and 80 degrees at the hot water discharge; 5.94' low. Black good in Bluff Creek and Neely's Slough. Striped bass SOUTH PADRE: Redfish are fair to good on gold feet. Striped bass are slow. White bass are very good blue catfish are fair on stinkbait, nightcrawlers, and bass are fair on chartreuse spinnerbaits and black neon are fair near piers in Willow Beach area. Blue and spoons over grass beds adjacent to the Intracoastal. vertically jigging chrome/blue Pirk minnows and live shad. Yellow catfish are slow. worms. Crappie are good on minnows and jigs. Catfish channel catfish are fair in the upper part of reservoir. Trout are fair on the ledges of the Intracoastal on live minnows in backs of coves, and on chrome/blue shad are fair on bloodbait. Rainbow Trout are good below the dam near Highway shrimp and DOA Shrimp. raps and gay blades upriver. Crappie are good on live 16 Bridge with another release of 2,250 on January 6. SOMERVILLE: Water murky; 3.07' low. Black bass minnows and white crappie jigs around brushpiles and are slow. Hybrid striper are slow. White bass are MONTICELLO: Water fairly clear; 50-54 degrees; 0.46' standing timber at night under lights in 10 - 25 feet. PORT ISABEL: Trout and redfish are fair to good at good on shad and silver Rat-L-Traps in 5 - 7 feet. low. Black bass are fair to good on Carolina and drop Channel and blue catfish to 6 pounds are fair on Lewis SPENCE: Water lightly stained; 53 degrees; 45.55' Unnecessary Island on plum and glow Red Killers and Crappie are slow. Channel and blue catfish are good shot rigged sour grape or watermelon/chartreuse french King punchbait, shrimp dipped in chicken blood, and low. Black bass are slow. Crappie are slow on minnows Bass Assassins. Redfish, black drum and sheepshead on stinkbait. Yellow catfish are slow. fries in 16 - 22 feet. Crappie are fair on minnows and Black Salty baitfish. Yellow catfish to 20 pounds are and jigs. White bass are fair. Striped bass and hybrid are fair to good at the jetty on shrimp and mullet. Advertisement SPORTS TECH NEWS — 2006 New lure’s catch rate may be too high for some

favorite lures a hook. It’s always tournaments. and shiners swimming wild and (live bait). The free. Fish can’t stand four using the KickTail caught 41 it. We’ve seen fish Out-fishes other bait 19 to fish versus 14 for the other four. In that have just eaten go 4 in one contest. one boat the KickTail won 19 to 4. for the KickTail. It’s Swims with The KickTail also caught bigger like having another its tail. Uses aerospace technology fish, which suggests it triggers potato chip. to mimic a real fish. larger, less aggressive fish to strike. You can see why the com- Increases pany needs to get it into tourna- ments. An almost 3 to 1 advantage catch ORLANDO, FL— A small compa- can mean thousands of dollars to a almost 3 to 1. ny in Connecticut has developed a fisherman, and hundreds of thou- new lure that mimics the motion of sands in sales to the company. “To make the a real fish so realistically eight pro- The KickTail’s magic comes KickTail even more fessionals couldn’t tell the differ- from a patented technology that lifelike, we gave it a ence between it and a live shad breaks the tail into five segments. natural shad color and when it “swam” As water rushes by on retrieval, a shaped it like the most toward them on little-known principle called aero- prevalent bait fish of all, retrieval. The design nautical flutter causes the tail to wag the threadfin. Game eliminates wobbling, left and right, as if the lure were pro- fish gobble up more angled swimming and pelling itself with its tail. Unlike threadfin shad than any other unnatural other hard baits, the head remains other baitfish. motions that problem stationary—only the tail wags. A “We knew the New lure swims like a real fish--nearly triples catch in other hard bait lures. It by Charlie Allen company KickTail would out- Florida contest. swims upright and spokesman fish other lures. It appears to propel told me had to. Other lures itself with its tail. this. wobble their heads Curiously, the company may “Fish and swim on an crank bait that let’s you do tricks or chocolate shad (great for over- have designed it too well. attack live angle. But 41 fish to 14? That’s like ‘walk the dog.’ Twitch it at cast days). One set costs $19.90; Tournament fishermen who have things, and huge! I tell you, in ten seconds deep levels and it gives an irre- both cost $39.80. There is also a used it said it’s possible officials they deter- anyone who has fished a day in sistible, lifelike action. Other Super-10-Pack of five floaters will not allow it in contests where mine if his life knows this little swim- lures ‘dig.’ And there’s no need and five divers that includes these live bait is prohibited. They claim something mer’s a home run. Fishermen for rattles. The five tail segments colors and three others for only it swims more realistically than is alive by reserved thousands of KickTails click together as you pull it $79.95. You save $19.55! S/h is anything they have ever seen. If watching before we produced it! Here, reel through the water, calling fish only $6.00 no matter how many so, that would hurt the company’s Inventor Scott its move- it in and watch it swim toward from a distance.” you order. promotional efforts. Winning Wilson lands a ments. you. Can you tell the difference Whether you fish for fun or To order call 1-800-873-4415 tournaments is an important part 10-pounder. Marine between it and a live fish? (I said profit, if you want a near 3 to 1 or click www.ngcsports.com of marketing a new lure. biologists no.) Neither can the fish. advantage, I would order now anytime or day or send a check or Fish would probably prefer to will tell “The flutter technology also before the KickTail becomes M.O. (or cc number and exp. see it restricted. I watched eight you that the more a lure swims like allows the KickTail to swim at the known. The company even guar- date) to NGC Sports (Dept. KX- veteran fishermen test the new lure a real fish, the more fish it will water’s surface. Other top water antees a refund, if you don’t catch 92), 60 Church Street, Yalesville, (called The KickTail®) on a lake catch. Well, the only live thing the lures must be worked to have any more fish and return the lures CT 06492. CT add sales tax. The outside Orlando FL for about four KickTail doesn’t do is breathe. It’s live action, or have a bill that within 30 days. The lures come in KickTail is four inches long and hours. Four used the KickTail and better than live bait! It lasts longer makes them dive on retrieval. Our sets of two, a floater and a diver. works in salt and fresh water. four used a combination of their and it never hangs half-dead from diver version is the only deep You can choose natural shad KX-1 © NGC Worldwide, Inc. 2006 Dept. KX-92

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