Public Hunting, Part 2 — Dove & Waterfowl #1 Outdoor Magazine(see page 51, #1in for Texas details) TEXAS OUTDOORSJournal $ September 2014 / 3.99 September’s “Blast & Blast” | Fishing The Shallows Small Lakes - Big Bites | Dove + Deer Preparation Coastal Changes | Jurassic Bass | Fall Specks texasoutdoorsjournal.com CAO STAL & LAKE FORECAsts | TIDE & SOLUNAR TABLES Expand your horizons TEXAS“Texas’ Most Comprehensive OUTDOORSOutdoors Publication” September 2014 Journal For Hunters . For Anglers . 8 Just Hunting Freshwater Saltwater —Nate Skinner 16 Just Fishing 12 Summer to Fall on South Texas September’s “Blast and Blast” —Brian Hughes Coast Crowds of people are thinning, 20 September Dove & Deer Small Lakes - Good Bites but schools of fish aren’t, in fact, Preparation 24 Lake Roundups they are larger and more active Dove are the primary quarry but it — Pros Forecasts than ever. — Danno Wise is also a time to prepare for the up- 24 North – Brian Hughes coming deer season. —Bob Zaiglin 26 East – Matt Williams 18 Saltwater Journal 46 Central – John Jefferson —Mark Sosin 64 South - Danno Wise The Shallows 66 West – TOJ Staff 32 Just Fishing 66 High Plains – TOJ Staff —Nate Skinner 36 Jurassic Bass Count on Reds thie Fall TPWD gives green light for stocking 35 Tackle Tips & Techniques state Operation World Record fish -Danno Wise in South Texas private lake. Variety at the Jetty —Matt Williams 40 CoastWatch – Danno Wise 40 Lower Forecast 30 Just Shooting 42 Middle Forecast —Kerry O’Day 58 Upper Forecast Get Ready for an Off-Hand Shot 61 Louisiana Forecast 44 Guns N’ Stuff 48 Top Tactics for September Specks —Harold Gunn A variety of ways to catch trout Rural Land Loans Load Up along the Texas coast, plus the added bonus of some afternoon Residential Home Loans 52 Just Hunting dove hunting awaits anglers this —Cody Koehler Farm & Ranch Loans 56 Bassology month. —Robert Sloan Texas Public Land Hunting- —Todd Driscoll Part 2: For the Birds Livestock & Equipment Loans Anglers Encouraged to Ramp Up Operating Capital 55 Field Tips Livewell Fish Care. —Danno Wise & Nate Skinner 67 Tackle Tips & Techniques We’re the answer. Bag More Dove Real Estate Appraisal Services —Danno Wise C apital Farm Credit has made agricultural production, real Agribusiness Financing Fly Fishing for Panfish & Bass estate and agribusiness loans for nearly a century. We embrace Leasing our cooperative structure and our commitment to return For Everyone . On the Cover . profits to our customers. Through our patronage program, 4 Editor’s Insight – Bill L. Olson “Cattails and Blue Wings II” we return almost 100 percent of our net earnings back to our 6 TOJ Notebook – TOJ Staff 62 Texas Offshore By artist Scot Storm courtesy of Wild customers — a distinct benefit of doing business with us. 51 Subscription Information —Mike Holmes Wings LLC, Lake City, MN. For more 68 Guides, Gear & Getaways Fall is the Offshore Angler’s Best information on this original painting or Chum 72 Outdoors Calendar other works of art by Scot Storm, visit 74 Fishing & Hunting Times Wild Wings at www.wildwings.com, or CapitalFarmCredit.com 877.944.5500 Follow us on call (800) 445-4833. TEXAS’ LARGEST RURAL LENDER SEPTEMBER 2014 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal 3 B:9.5” T:7.875” S:7” Editor’s Insight Bill L. Olson TEXAS THE MIDDLE AGE OF A YEAR OUTDOORS JOURNAL I liken the fall of each year to middle age in our lives. It has grown from its youthful beginning, sweated through some times that frustrated, but has arrived at a point where “Texas’ Most Comprehensive things should moderate and become better. Call me the eternal optimist but I look Outdoors Publication” forward to this month that can be more summerlike at its start, but also moves us ever closer to even better opportunities and results. Publisher/Editor There is not a hunter alive in the Lone Star State that doesn’t know what happens Bill L. Olson the first day of September. In the North and Central Zones, dove season opens. Those Administrative Assistant that traditionally hunt in the South Zone have to either head north, or be satisfied with Adala Ruhge a few weekends in the Special White-winged Dove Area. Just like in life, not all things Contributing Outdoors Editors are equal, not all of us are guaranteed the same things, at the same time. Some have to Todd Driscoll wait just a little longer. Harold Gunn When it comes to equal opportunity the regulations state the early teal season opens Brian Hughes Ford F-150 with EcoBoost.® A killer combination of towing and fuel economy.* statewide on September 13. However, Mother Nature somehow has a hand in the haves, Mike Holmes John Jefferson Cuz great gas mileage alone ain’t gettin’ the job done. and have-nots. Some will have more birds than others. Cody Koehler Then fishing is considered. Hot days continue to linger, but at times there is a hint Kerry O’Day of changes on the way. Early and late become longer periods of action on area lakes Billy Olson and coastal bays. Nate Skinner Black bass may frustrate some anglers as they tend to suspend with their first move Robert Sloan Mark Sosin of the month. Usually that first move is vertical as they leave summer depths. However, Matt Williams there are other species that will increase their activity and keep lines tight. Danno Wise Coastal anglers look forward to tangling with schools of migrating redfish. Even the Whitetail Deer Editor B:11.5” T:10.5” “glamour fish,” speckled trout tend to take a back seat to the pursuit of copper colored Bob Zaiglin S:9.5” – spot tails. Offshore mild conditions and warm waters provide the perfect setting to troll or drift Art/Production Editor over Gulf structure. Offshore fans know this is the time pelagics are at their closest to Sunni Gonzales shore. Advertising Sales As the days of the ninth month slip by there is a renewed sense of optimism. Much 713/957-3997, 713/957-3996 (fax) like the middle age of our lives we have learned and armed with that knowledge we are Subscription Information more prepared. It is a time when we relax and know things outdoors are good, and probably are Call 1-800-222-4TOJ (4865); In Houston, 713/957-3997 to charge your subscription by going to be that way for a few weeks, maybe even months. There are lots of options and phone. Subscription prices: one year $18.95, opportunities to spend time with those we are closest. Maybe it is the time to spend two years $29.95, three years $39.95. Mail that first time afield or on the water with kids or grandkids. inquiries/changes of address to: It seems like it is an unpressured time. We know in life we are not guaranteed TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal tomorrow, but those thoughts are far removed as we savor today. As we have reached 1706 West Sam Houston Parkway North this point in the year there have been days when we wasted an opportunity, or were Houston, Texas 77043 simply blown out. However, now the stage is set and any chance to be outdoors that is TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal (ISSN 1082-5940) is a pub- not taken advantage is truly a loss of our own doings. lication of Texas Outdoors Journal, Inc. Editorial and That is not to say that other life events are not important, but we are wiser and we can advertising offices are located at 1706 West Sam Houston Parkway North, Houston TX 77043. Phone (713) 957-3997. plan. Even if a Friday night is given up for high school football plans can be adjusted to Fax (713) 957-3996. take one of those “opportunity days” from work to be outdoors. A new week will just E-MAIL ADDRESS: [email protected] have to start without you. TOJ On-Line: www.texasoutdoorsjournal.com TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal is published monthly. Photo- Finally, we know in time these good days will become older, grayer, and colder. We graphs and manuscripts for publication consideration are welcomed, but the publisher assumes no responsibility still may do, but the primetime of the year will have slipped from our consciousness to for such material while in transit or in the office of the our memory. Take advantage of what we as Texans are so blessed to enjoy. publication. THE 2014 Until next month: Pursue all of your outdoor activities in a safe and ethical manner. Copyright 2014 with all rights reserved. Reproduction or use of editorial or graphic content in any manner without permission is prohibited. Views expressed by TEXAS OUT- FORD F-150 DOORS Journal contributors do not necessarily express CAUTION: All technical data in this publication, especially for handloading, reflect the limited experience of individuals using specific FORD.COM the views of Texas Outdoors Journal, Inc. Publication of tools, products, equipment and components under specific conditions and circumstances not necessarily reported in the article and advertising in TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal does not con- over which Texas Outdoors Journal has no control. The data have not otherwise been tested or verified by Texas Outdoors Journal. Texas stitute endorsement of products or services advertised. Outdoors Journal, its agents, officers and employees accept no responsibility for the results obtained by persons using such data and disclaim all liability for any consequential injuries or damages. Volume 23, Number 9 *When properp ly equippped. Baased on max. towing, EPA-estimamatedt raating of 16 city/222 hwy/188c combined mpg, 33.5L V66 4x24x . Actual mileage will vary. 4 TEXAS OUTDOORS Journal SEPTEMBER 2014 FTRK01861_FMFS8438000A_CPg_R05.indd 1 12/6/13 11:49 AM Ford F150 File: FTRK01861_FMFS8438000A_CPg_R05.indd Date: 12-6-2013 11:49 AM Rev: 5 Galley: 1 F 150 new pg Inks: Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black Client: Ford Division Engraver: Park PrePress Fonts: ITC Franklin Gothic Std (Book Compressed, Links: Park_QC Steps.eps (100%), 2014_F150_Mstr_PPK.psd (CMYK; 300 Ad #: FMFS8438000A Doc Scale: 100% Heavy, Book) ppi; 100%), 2014_F150_EcoPower_PPK.psd (CMYK; 300 ppi; 100%), FTRK_ Agency #: FD TBS 1078059 Output Size: 100% BFT1in_4C_Ht_R01_PPK.psd (CMYK; 300 ppi; 100%) Park #: FTRK-01861 Media/Type: Magazine Live: 7” x 9.5” Trim: 7.875” x 10.5” Bleed: 9.5” x 11.5” Note: This document utilizes the Pantone + color library Park ADD: S.