FISHING Texoma Licenses Texans ﬁnish Near Lake Texoma Guides Are Waiting for the Coast Guard to Begin Enforcing Licensing Rules

A spike in sales Two Dallas companies are turning shed February 26, 2010 Texas’ Premier Outdoor Newspaper Volume 6, Issue 13 antlers into dog chew toys. Page 6 Inside High hopes for Texas trout Specks are deep, still waiting to move in shallow

By Scott Sommerlatte FOR LONE STAR OUTDOOR NEWS ❘❚ HUNTING Speckled trout anglers statewide Calorie count are optimistic about the days to come despite a wet, brutally cold winter. Theories vary on how many deer feeders to This fall the Texas coast began to get place at a ranch or near a single blind. the rain that it so desperately needed, Page 6 but once it started, it never seemed to stop. As win- When oaks fail ter approached, Oak wilt, or blight, causes heartache for INSIDE the rains con- homeowners, but wildlife will survive. ■ Trout angles: tinued to fall, Page 6 One makes and so did the coveted lures. temperatures. Another catches Not only did coveted ﬁsh. the weather Page 8 keep anglers off the water, but the frigid temperatures drove the trout deep. They are also a little late moving into the shallows, though that may be beginning to change after a run of MAKING A SPLASH: Texas speckled trout anglers are excited about ﬁshing this winter and spring. Conditions have been tough lately, See TROUT, Page 19 but many are looking forward to what’s to come. Photo by Scott Sommerlatte, for Lone Star Outdoor News.

❘❚ FISHING Texoma licenses Texans finish near Lake Texoma guides are waiting for the Coast Guard to begin enforcing licensing rules. Page 19 top at 2010 Classic Guitars gone Dozens of autographed guitars to be raffled VanDam takes for charity were stolen in Garland. Page 8 title again; 3 from ❘❚ CONTENTS Texas near top Classifieds ...... Page 26 Crossword ...... Page 22 By Alan Clemons Fishing Report ...... Page 11 FOR LONE STAR OUTDOOR NEWS For the Table ...... Page 22 Game Warden Blotter ...... Page 12 Todd Faircloth of Jasper gra- Heroes ...... Page 17 ciously accepted the well-wishes Outdoor Datebook...... Page 18 of fans after the 40th Bassmaster Outfitters and Businesses . . . . . Page 18 Classic ended Feb. 21 on Lay Lake, Products ...... Page 16 but it wasn’t exactly the ones he’d STILL EMPLOYED: Texas Parks and Wildlife would not cut any jobs under a proposed Sun, Moon and Tide data ...... Page 22 hoped to receive. plan to trim its budget. Photo by David J. Sams, Lone Star Outdoor News. Faircloth finished third in his ❘❚ LSONews.com eighth Classic with a three-day total of 44 pounds, 3 ounces. That’s nearly a 3-pound average and is pretty good on the Coosa River No jobs cut in TPW impoundment in central Alabama.

PAID Yet it wasn’t enough. PLANO, TX PRSRT STD PRSRT PERMIT 210 US POSTAGE US Kevin VanDam of Michigan won budget-cutting plan his third Classic with 51 pounds, 6 ounces, and Jeff Kriet of Oklahoma was second with 46 pounds, 6 Department identifies places it ounces. They along with Faircloth stayed at the top of the leaderboard will trim if state gives order all three days of the Feb. 19-21 tournament with only 3 ounces separat- By Mark England have a plan in place to trim their TROPHY ANGLER: Kevin VanDam hoists ing them going into the last day. LONE STAR OUTDOOR NEWS budgets. State Comptroller Susan Three guys, 3 ounces and two atti- his third Bassmaster Classic trophy Feb. Combs said budget cuts might not tudes. One guy wins and is happy. 21 in Alabama. Photo by Chris Brown, Texas Parks and Wildlife would be needed if sales tax revenues pick Everyone else tries to figure out what for Lone Star Outdoor News. not cut any jobs or close any parks up in the spring and summer. they did right or wrong to build for ers started out there on the first day, in a new contingency plan to No jobs would be terminated the future. with VanDam, Faircloth and Kriet cut 5 percent from its budget, as under TPW’s plan, which has “It’s a good finish but not where establishing their areas while the requested by Gov. Rick Perry and been submitted to the Legislative I wanted to be,” Faircloth said. others worked in different portions. the Legislature. Budget Board. But the remaining “People say that’s great ... that’s not The creek had deep water with The plan would shave almost money in a merit-pay program what I came here for.” coontail grass and other types of $25 million off TPW’s $468 mil- that rewards outstanding employ- Time Sensitive Material • Deliver ASAP Sensitive Material • Deliver Time Faircloth fished in Beeswax Creek, cover, shallow flats and some minor lion budget, which is set over two ees would be eliminated — saving one of the main mid-lake tributaries creeks flowing in. years. the agency $3,780,000. More than and a consistent performer during Slumping sales tax revenues led the Classic. At least eight contend- See CLASSIC, Page 20 state leaders to request agencies to See CUTS, Page 18 Page 2 February 26, 2010 Lone✯Star Outdoor News LSONews.com LSONews.com Lone✯Star Outdoor News February 26, 2010 Page 3 Page 4 February 26, 2010 Lone✯Star Outdoor News LSONews.com CONSERVATION Outdoor News in Brief Public mute at TPW hearing sustains wetlands and their asso- Ozarka gives to ciated species, and to support important wetlands conservation More people DU for Texas work initiatives throughout the Lone Long known for quenching the Star State.” speaking out thirst of parched drinkers, one of In Hawkins, management the country’s largest water bot- will improve wetland areas that online, state says tlers recently donated money to provide critical habitat for migra- help keep Texas ducks wet, too. tory and wintering waterfowl and By Ralph Winingham Ozarka Brand Natural Spring benefit breeding wood ducks and FOR LONE STAR OUTDOOR NEWS Water donated $30,000 to other resident waterbirds and Ducks Unlimited for wetland con- wildlife species. Ducks Unlimited When someone throws a party and servation efforts in Texas. The biologists and engineers expect no one shows up, some might call it a partnership is designed to ben- this partnership and the associ- social disaster. efit wetlands throughout Texas ated projects to continue through When Texas Parks and Wildlife offi- and around Ozarka’s facility in 2010. cials arrange a public hearing on pro- Hawkins. — Ducks Unlimited report posed changes to the state’s hunting “Ozarka fully recognizes the and fishing regulations and nobody importance of wetlands to pro- shows up, they just move on to the tecting clean water as well as Fly Fish Texas next hearing. to waterfowl and wildlife habi- “Having nobody attend the pub- tat,” Sean Stone, DU director of coming to TFFC lic hearings is happening pretty fre- HAVE YOUR SAY: Mule deer hunting is one topic Texas Parks and Wildlife is taking comments on ahead of a decision by the TPW Commission in April. Photo by USFWS. development said. “They practice Many shows bring the latest in quently, especially since more people sustainable water management, fly-fishing techniques and prod- are using the Internet,” said Robert 4, concerned the expansion of mule “The local media will usually pub- utilizing the resource respon- ucts to learned fly-anglers. But Macdonald, regulations coordinator deer hunting opportunities in the lish the notices as a public service,” he sibly while ensuring an ample Fly Fish Texas, set for March 13 for TPW. “We feel like we still need to Trans Pecos region. There, hunters in said. supply is available to support a at the Texas Freshwater Fisheries have the public hearings because we Dawson and Wheeler counties might Lightfoot said that providing the healthy wetlands environment. Center in Athens, seeks to teach don’t want to appear to be forcing peo- be allowed to hunt mule deer. opportunity for the public to make Expanding on that environmental neophytes the basics of casting ple to rely on the Internet to offer their Hearing officials in San Antonio comments at the hearings can be chal- stewardship, Ozarka’s gener- flies to fish. comments. waited 20 minutes for any member of lenging in some cases. ous grant will not only improve “Other shows cater to people “We use to arrange to have public the public to walk through the door of “From time to time, we turn out a wetlands surrounding their own who are already fly-fishers, but hearings in every county in the early the National Shooting Sports Complex crowd at the hearings and sometimes facility, but will also support wet- we try to introduce people to fly- ’90s. That took a lot of time and even Clubhouse in western Bexar County. they can get pretty hostile,” he said. land restoration efforts along the fishing,” said Walter McLendon then attendance was normally low.” When no one did, they packed their Macdonald said that if 10 to 20 peo- Texas Gulf Coast.” of Lufkin, who has organized the Depending upon the issues under equipment and left. ple attend a public hearing, that is Ozarka’s bottling facility is show since its inception. consideration, and with a goal of cov- “Unless there is a big argument considered a good turnout. located on a 2,500-acre site Fly Fish Texas emphasizes ering major population areas, a smaller about an issue, it is a lot easier and “We are pretty sensitive to hearing containing an abundance of high hands-on learning and applica- number of hearings are organized dur- more efficient for people to go online from the public because our revenue quality springs and spring-fed tion of newly acquired skills. ing the public comment period under and make their comments,” said Steve comes from the hunting and fish- forested wetlands. Speakers will detail where fish the current hearing scheduling. Lightfoot, who handles media rela- ing community,” he said. “Having “Our bottling operations in are and how to fish for them. “If there is not anything on the tions for wildlife and fisheries topics the public hearings is what we feel we Hawkins only use a small portion The program will include presen- agenda to punch anyone’s button, we for TPW. need to do to go that extra mile.” of water for bottling, leaving the tations on fly-fishing locations really don’t expect a big turnout,” he “There has been a big shift in how The TPW Commission will vote on majority to supply the wetlands such as Caddo Lake and the Hill said. we receive comments, with a lot more the proposed changes at the commis- downstream,” said David Feckley, Country. The main issue on the agenda of coming in online,” he said. sion’s April 1 public hearing in Austin. senior natural resource manager Participants will be able to fish the San Antonio hearing, held Feb. Lightfoot added that all of the hear- The Web site for comments is www. for Ozarka. “It is our goal through in the center’s waters to try out 15 as the first of 13 hearings sched- ings are well publicized, with TPW tpwd.state.tx.us, and comments will this partnership to ensure these their new skills. uled across the state through March issuing press releases to news media. be taken by phone at (800) 792-1112. waters are managed in a way that — Texas Parks and Wildlife report LSONews.com Lone✯Star Outdoor News February 26, 2010 Page 5 NATIONAL

Pheasants. The ring-necked pheasant years and have to spend 10 days, non- Bear program coordinator Myron USFWS director dies is also the state bird. consecutively, incarcerated. Means said the main reason for the “We felt the time was right to give “People like you really shouldn’t be record harvest was the low availability in Colorado on trip the franchise a new identity,” said hunters,” NewsOK quoted Judge Jerry of natural foods. Publisher/Editor Craig Nyhus The director of the U.S. Fish and Gary Weckwerth, CEO and managing Bass as telling McDaniel. “Baiting for bears is very effective Wildlife Service, Sam D. Hamilton, partner of Sioux Falls Sports, on the — Staff report where there’s not a lot of available food News & Graphics Editor Thomas Phillips died suddenly Feb. 20 in Colorado team’s Web site. “Naming the club the in their natural habitat,” Means said. Associate Editor Mark England while on a ski trip. He was 54. ‘Fighting Pheasants’ brings more iden- The 2009 ice storms destroyed most Business/Products Editor Mary Helen Aguirre The cause was reportedly heart tity to our state for obvious reasons. Average 14.19-lbs. of the mast crop in the northern parts Operations Manager Mike Hughs trouble. The Canaries have historical baseball of Arkansas, forcing bears to look for Accounting Nancy Halphen “We are all saddened by the loss value in Sioux Falls, but it really didn’t sack in Oklahoma other food sources, Means said. Web site Bruce Soileau of our dear friend and colleague Sam show an identity of our state, where the The average winning weight at Johnson and Van Buren counties National Advertising Hamilton,” said Assistant Secretary for popularity of pheasant hunting does. Oklahoma bass fishing tournaments were the two top counties for bear Accounts Manager Mike Nelson Fish and Wildlife and Parks Thomas It also keeps the baseball lore in place in 2009 was 14.19 pounds, the high- hunters. In Johnson County, 64 bears Founder & CEO David J. Sams Strickland in a press release. “A because of the Aberdeen Pheasants, est average on record according to were harvested, and 51 bears were dedicated Fish and Wildlife Service the former Baltimore Orioles minor the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife taken in Van Buren County. Archery employee for more than 30 years, Sam league affiliate. We also felt it is one of Conservation. was the favorite method for hunters Contributors Erich Schlegel Dan Armitage David Sikes brought more than just a wealth of the great sports names that didn’t exist Reports were received from 439 who harvested a bear. experience to the job, he brought cour- and something the people of Sioux — Arkansas Game and Fish Kyle Carter Brandon Shuler tournaments in 2009, which is up Bob Hood Scott Sommerlatte age and outstanding leadership.” Falls and the state of South Dakota can from the 405 submitted in 2008 but Commission report Diana Kunde Kyle Tomek Hamilton worked in Texas earlier in identify with ... plus the pheasant is still down from the average of more Kendal Larson Chuck Uzzle his career. He led the USFWS’s Austin just a lot tougher and meaner bird.” than 700 before 2005. Wilbur Lundeen Ralph Winingham office during the early 1990s, when — Staff report The all-time high average winning New blue cat record Bill Miller Alan Clemons hot issues included endangered spe- weight of 14.19 pounds for tourna- cies and preserving Barton Springs, ments in 2009 surpasses last year’s caught in Georgia according to the Austin American- Man climbs fences, Distribution Advertising record by more than a pound. Angler Earnest Timpson of Edison, Bruce Andreen, Call (214) 361-2276 Statesman. According to the 2009 report, Ga., reeled in the new state record Metrogate or e-mail editor@lone Hamilton is survived by his wife, kills penned deer the heaviest one-day, five-bass limit blue catfish from Lake Walter F. George Communications staroutdoornews.com Becky, his sons Sam Jr. and Clay, and a An Oklahoma man recently lost weighed 31.78 pounds, caught at on Feb. 2, according to the Georgia Budget Distribution to request a media kit. grandson, Davis, all of Atlanta, Ga. his hunting license forever and was Arbuckle Lake, up from last year’s Department of Natural Resources. Services — Staff report ordered to pay restitution for killing a heaviest haul of 28.73 pounds, also The fish weighed 80 pounds, 4 Victor Cantu, For home delivery South Texas subscriptions breeder buck in a pen, according to from Arbuckle. The largest bass ounces, beating the former state record Circulation www.LSONews.com NewsOK.com. reported from tournaments was 12.18 by more than 5 pounds. The previ- S.D. minor league Jeff Bulpin (214) 361-2276 Justin Ray McDaniel, a 25-year-old pounds from McGee Creek. Arbuckle, ous record weighed in at 75 pounds Paul Fletcher from Newalla, Okla., told the judge however, reported the most bass and was caught in 2008 from a pri- team trades canary he climbed fences about 3 a.m. one weighing more than 8 pounds. This vate pond near Carrollton, Ga., by Tyler Who knows why the minor league morning in November 2008 to reach south-central lake produced 15 bass Dodson. baseball team in Sioux Falls, S.D., the deer, called Pretty Boy. He shot it better than 8 pounds in tournaments “It is always exciting for anyone picked the canary to be its mascot with his bow. that sent in reports. to reel in a state record catch as it in the first place. It’s a popular bird, Pretty Boy’s owner and breeder, Mark — Oklahoma Wildlife Department report reminds us that Georgia is such a for sure, but fans could have been Kwitowski and Mike Chain, said the fantastic place for anglers because legitimately asking whether its trophy deer, could have generated from there are numerous fishing opportuni- Lone Star Outdoor News, a publication of appropriate for the area, one about $500,000 to $1.2 million Record number of ties and resources available, from big Lone Star Outdoor News, LLC, publishes twice of the most popular regions in income for them had it not rivers and reservoirs to small neighbor- a month. A mailed subscription is $30 for 24 in the country for hunting issues. Newsstand copies are free, one per been killed. The news site did bear taken in Ark. hood lakes,” said Division Fisheries person. Copyright 2010 with all rights reserved. pheasants. not give the deer’s antler score. Arkansas hunters took more bears Chief John Biagi. “The two most recent Reproduction and/or use of any photographic So the Sioux Falls A photo on the site shows the during the 2009-10 season than ever anglers to have held this blue catfish or written material without written permission by Canaries Baseball Club atypical antlers with heavy before in the state’s recent history. record also show that age is not a fac- the publisher is prohibited. recently dropped the Subscribers may send address changes to: mass and multiple points. More than 530 bears were har- tor in landing a state record — Dodson Lone Star Outdoor News, 9304 Forest Lane, yellow mascot in favor The restitution ordered to be vested, 130 more bears than the was 15 years old, and Timpson is 67.” Suite 114 South, Dallas, TX 75243 or e-mail of their ring-necked paid by McDaniel comes to $33,000. second highest total, taken during the — Georgia Department of them to [email protected]. cousins. Now the field are the Fighting He will also be on probation for 10 2007-08 season. Natural Resources report Page 6 February 26, 2010 Lone✯Star Outdoor News LSONews.com HUNTING

SALES WITH A POINT: Mike Thomas buys shed antlers from ranches and turns them into chew toys for dogs. The antlers do not splinter when chewed. Photo by Jayme Rutledge, for Lone Star Outdoor News.

Forget the fat, Ranch managers have different strategies for placing feeders. Some use several on their spreads, sometimes more than COME AND GET IT: chew on these one at the same blind, while others opt for a few. Photo by David J. Sams, Lone Star Outdoor News. Texas makers turn shed antlers into long-lasting dog chews Too many feeders?

By Jayme Rutledge Formulas for how many per acre vary from ranch to ranch FOR LONE STAR OUTDOOR NEWS By Ralph Winingham Hunting ranches in some areas have deer feeders that Mike Thomas was at a buddy’s house watching football and FOR LONE STAR OUTDOOR NEWS sprout up like weeds along every fence row and sendero or enjoying a beer a few years back when he was hit by a bullet of spread out like the spokes of a wheel from deer blinds. Putting on the feed bag for white-tailed deer in Texas, inspiration. He watched, fascinated, as his buddy’s Labrador These corn dispensers are meant to attract deer within particularly when using feeders ﬁlled with corn, has some retriever chewed on a discarded deer antler. shooting or viewing range, but they are instead provid- wildlife biologists worried about hunters offering deer too “I just kinda went, ‘holy moly!’” said Thomas, 48, who co- much of a bad thing. owns QT Dogs, one of two pet supply businesses in Dallas that See FEEDERS, Page 24 package and sell antlers as dog chews. Thomas began hunting down sources of antlers for what soon developed into Antlerz, the company’s most popular product, which is sold wholesale to distributors and retailers nationwide. Another Dallas-based brand, Lucky Buck Antler Chews and Oak wilt not the end for wildlife Wafers, was launched at Odyssey Pets, a pet boutique in North

Dallas owned by the Redwine family — Sherry, JoAnn and Bill — and Mike Doan, 47. Trees may suffer, The chews are naturally shed antlers from white-tailed deer and elk. They are gathered on ranches all over the U.S., includ- but game animals ing Texas. Texas hunters know,, that antlers are hard bone and designed find other food for self-defense and chal- lenging other bucks during By Bill Miller Your toy poodle may the autumn mating sea- FOR LONE STAR OUTDOOR NEWS not go for it, but your son. Hormonal changes in dachshunds and late winter prompt bucks The official climatologist of Texas to shed their antlers once a has declared the state’s drought is offi- Labs love ’em. year and begin regrowing a cially over, giving hunters the hope — Sherry Redwine, new rack. of seeing lush landscapes when they co-owner ,,of Lucky Buck But hunters might not start filling their feeders this summer. Antler Chews know the racks don’t go to But if among the green canopies waste in the wild. Beavers, they notice leaves with dull yellows mice, nutria and other woodland creatures often gobble up and browns more suited for the fall of them up, absorbing the calcium, phosphorous, protein and the year, they’ll be looking at a fatal vitamins stored inside. The dense bone also helps groom teeth. disease. The attraction is the same for dogs. Oak wilt is a scourge that afflicts “They smell something we don’t,” said 26-year-old Sherry various species of oak, including live WITHERING: Lighter-colored leaves at right indicate a red oak suffering from oak wilt, or Redwine. oak, from North Central Texas to the blight, a fungus causing problems in Texas. Photo by the Texas Forest Service. That smell triggers an instinctual reaction, Thomas said. Hill Country. Cases have also been “Antler has been in the canine culinary palate in the past,” confirmed in Southeast Texas, West means less cover for wildlife such as Thomas said. “But it hasn’t been there for so long that when Texas and the Panhandle. white-tailed deer, Burks said. they smell it, and they lick it, they taste it, I think it unlocks Infected trees lose their leaves and But there is more at stake than aes- something primal in the back of their little brains.” die in about one to six months, vic- thetics when oak wilt strikes, said But a few breeds prefer to gnaw on a tried-and-true soft toy. tims of a fungus that clogs the xylem, Mike Miller, a Texas Parks and Wildlife “I’d say 80 percent of dogs get into the antlers,” Doan said. which conducts water throughout a biologist in Stephenville. Redwine agreed. tree. “I’ve been on some properties that “Your toy poodle may not go for it, but your dachshunds “If water doesn’t get to her leaves, have been devastated by oak wilt, and and Labs love ’em,” she said. she starves to death,” said Renee Burks the landowners were pretty distraught The chews don’t break or splinter, and dogs whittle them of Meridian, a staff forester for the about it,” Miller said. “You’re losing, down over time. Texas Forest Service. mainly, your mast crop production — “It’s a great pacifier,” Thomas said. “It has been here,” she added, the acorns that deer rely on.” Lucky Buck chews are craft-grade, the same high-quality “since God knows when — way before antlers used to make chandeliers, furniture, handgun grips the turn of the last century — but it Replacements and knife handles. They are shipped pre-cut and cleaned from has been more active in Central Texas It is not the end of the world if trees the Northwest. Antlerz are weathered and have a more “desic- over the last 20 years.” are lost to oak wilt. Texas counties with confirmed cases of Rampant oak wilt can put a dent in oak wilt are shown in gray. Source: U.S. Forest Service. See ANTLERS, Page 20 property values, and fewer trees also See OAK WILT, Page 24 LSONews.com Lone✯Star Outdoor News February 26, 2010 Page 7

Outdoor News in Brief Dallas archery club’s property lease revoked The Texins Archery Club in Dallas is losing its shooting range property. The club, which began as a program for employees of Texas Instruments, will have to relocate from its 8-acre site, which is owned by the electronics manufacturer, according to a letter to members from club president Bob Barnette. “This was a total, complete surprise,” Barnette wrote. “I had no inkling whatsoever that this was coming.” Barnette said in his letter that a TI represen- HOME WANTED: The Texins Archery Club is set to vacate its range site in Dallas by March 17. The property’s tative did not say why the company wants the owner, Texas Instruments, which leased the property to property back. The company declined to com- the club for free, told TAC it must leave and has not an- ment because the appropriate representative was nounced its plans for the site. Photo by LSON. not available. The wooded site, which the club has used provide access to the great outdoors for anyone,” rent-free since the 1960s, sits near the company according to a press release from the organiza- headquarters at the intersection of the Interstate tion. 635 and U.S. 75 freeways in northern Dallas. The Red River Longbeards Chapter of “I spoke several times today with TI’s Manager Burkburnett and the Pease River Chapter of of North American Real Estate (who sent the Crowell received the Best Special Event Award notice),” Barnette wrote. “She explained that TI at NWTF’s 34th annual National Convention is re-evaluating all of its real estate holdings and and Sport Show for their work with the group’s how they are used.” Wheelin’ Sportsmen NWTF program. It is bound on one side by train tracks of a “We’ve been involved with Wheelin’ Sportsmen Dallas Area Rapid Transit light rail line, by the NWTF for about five years,” said Gibby Gibson, I-635 freeway on another and a cemetery on volunteer with the Red River Longbeards Chapter. another. “We have a passion for helping disabled military “I asked about extending the lease, paying veterans, and this year we were able to host nine higher rent, buying the land from them, basically at our event.” is anything possible to allow us to stay,” Barnette Kimberly Foster, volunteer with the Pease River wrote. “Didn’t get anywhere — their decision is Chapter, added, “Winning the award was kind final and not reversible.” of overwhelming for me; I’m not sure it’s really The club’s deadline for leaving the property is sunk in. The award is great, but the time we got March 17. Barnette indicated the club, which has to spend outdoors with the disabled veterans was 250 members, will look for a new home. just awesome.” “Hopefully we can make a new arrangement Wheelin’ Sportsmen helps people with dis- quickly such that we minimize the club’s ‘down abilities spend time outdoors. In 2009, Wheelin’ time’,” he wrote. “Who knows, maybe we will end Sportsmen hosted 378 events nationwide that up with an even better setup.” helped more than 8,000 participants enjoy a day — Thomas Phillips of fun in the outdoors. “Wheelin’ Sportsmen NWTF emphasizes all the abilities that our members possess, not Texas chapters receive their disabilities,” said Illana Burkhart, Wheelin’ Sportsmen NWTF program coordinator. “The Red national NWTF award River Longbeards and Pease River chapters have Two of the National Wild Turkey Federation’s taken the lead in their area for helping outdoor Texas chapters recently received an award from enthusiasts with disabilities enjoy being outside.” the national office “for going the extra mile to — National Wild Turkey Federation report Page 8 February 26, 2010 Lone✯Star Outdoor News LSONews.com FISHING Still stolen Guitars that were stolen from the Any given Thursday — is trout day Friends of Purtis Creek that have not been recovered carry some big formed some notions about what’s happening in names in entertainment: Doctor takes one day a his favorite fishery. ■ Willie Nelson “There have been certain years that I would ■ David Allan Coe week for fish medicine consider banner years; 1996 was one of those,” ■ Buddy Guy he said. “You could literally get into large groups ■ Dan Aykroyd By Aaron Reed of fish, and many of them would be 28 (inches ■ Jim Belushi FOR LONE STAR OUTDOOR NEWS long) or better. We’ve had years that weren’t that ■ Trace Adkins too.” ■ Randy Travis Any given Thursday, Corpus Christi physi- Weather, bait, the number of fish in those ■ Tony Stewart cian Bill Albarado trades in his doctor’s coat and year classes ... weigh that against salinity, red stethoscope for wading boots and a handmade, tide, brown tide, how well forage species such as basswood plug. It’s a schedule he’s kept more shrimp or mullet or menhaden are doing; a lot of than half his life, since 1978. factors go into the making of a “banner year.” The odd Sunday, too, will find him stalking Albarado is one of about 30 anglers who claim trout on the shores of the fabled King Ranch membership in something called the Ananias Guitars along the Upper Laguna Madre. Clear water, Trout and Redfish Club. Named after a Biblical abundant sea grass and scattered potholes often teller of tall tales, the association of sightcast- add up to multiple shots at what Albarado calls ing enthusiasts got its start in 1946, when artifi- “the big girls.” cial lures were still an oddity on the Texas coast. stolen Ask him about his experiences chasing trout Because there were so few offered then, many on the middle Texas coast over the last three members made their own — a tradition that per- decades, and the 63-year-old doctor’s voice sists to this day. warms noticeably. “We’ve got people like Mike Blackwood, who, from fish “You never know what you’re going to come FISHING DOCTOR: Bill Albarado, a physician, loves to regardless of what we try to catch, he’s going to up on,” he said. “There’s always the thought that catch speckled trout on the Texas Coast. make the lure to catch it,” Albarado said with a you’re going to come across one that’s going to laugh. “Mike makes a fly that he uses as a fly but make 35-plus inches. then adds that he’s catching fish up to 28 inches. he casts on a regular baitcasting rod. It’s specifi- friends “Its just neat to see that big fish either sunning “It’s beginning to improve,” he said. “The fish cally for drum.” itself on top of the water or laying down there are beginning to move up to the shallows.” With emeritus members now in their eighth in that grass bed. It’s always fun to see how she He averages a couple of trout 30 inches or bet- decade and still wade fishing, the Ananias Club Instruments responds to that lure. And I do like to eat fish.” ter most years; a 30-inch spotted seatrout is con- — and members like Albarado — pack a lot of On a Sunday in late February, a fishing Sunday, sidered a fish of a lifetime for most Texas anglers. raffled to raise Albarado said, he caught “a fair number of trout,” And with all that time on the water, he’s See TROUT DOC, Page 25 funds for nonprofit

By Thomas Phillips LONE STAR OUTDOOR NEWS

Brian Hughes has been sing- ing the blues a cappella-style since Christmas. Hot, handmade trout lures The radio host and outdoorsman had 87 guitars stolen Christmas Eve from a Garland storage facility. The Corpus Christi man guitars were not part of his personal collection. Sixty-nine of them were makes lures he loves autographed by famous guitarists, and they were raffled to raise money By Thomas Phillips for the Friends of Purtis Creek. LONE STAR OUTDOOR NEWS The nonprofit uses the money — $1,000 per guitar — to help intro- It’s the hottest lure in Corpus Christi duce people to fishing. that nobody fishes. “It was a one-stop shop for the Ernie Butler, a one-time outlaw com- guys who broke in,” Hughes said. mercial fisherman — by his own admis- Stolen guitars that have not been sion — makes a speckled trout lure so recovered had notable signatures prized by folks who know him that many on them: Willie Nelson and David never touch the water. Allan Coe signed one together, as “Everybody I give one, they hoard did the Blues Brothers, Jim Belushi them, and (they’re) hanging them up in and Dan Aykroyd, and individual their house,” said Butler, 56, who owns guitars were signed by Randy Travis, Snoopy’s Pier, a landmark restaurant in Buddy Guy, Trace Adkins and Tony Corpus Christi. Stewart, among others. Maybe people are reluctant to fish “Still haven’t seen those; probably them because they are hard to come by. won’t,” Hughes said. Maybe it’s because they’re a beautiful One man has been arrested. throwback to the days before mass pro- Another is still at large. duction. Jason Bruce, 31, of Dallas was Mass produced Butler’s lures are not. arrested during a traffic stop Feb. Each one takes about a week or a week 3 and charged with burglary of a and a half of work. Butler can make two building, failure to identify as a fugi- or three of the twitch baits in a couple of tive and for warrants from Dallas weeks, he said. police. Butler’s lures, named Ol’ Madre Lures, Police are still searching for Robert though they are not for sale commer- Allison Davis. cially, are similar to the Vamp lures made Garland police have recovered by Heddon. 66 guitars. Three or four more gui- Ol’ Madres are handmade of maple, tars were turned in after news broke each turned on a lathe by Butler. about the burglary. Apparently After the lathe, he carves the eye sock- some were given away as Christmas ets and nose and countersinks a lead gifts, and some recipients might not weight. know they are in possession of sto- Balancing the lure was one of the hard- len property. est parts of lure making to learn. “We really thought that we were The weight must properly balanced for very lucky to get that many recov- the lure to swim correctly. ered like we did,” said Joe Harn, a After that comes the painting: six coats spokesman for the Garland Police of primer and six coats of color, usually Department. white and stoplight metallic red. Hughes said 69 of the stolen gui- Then he hangs the hooks, sets the eyes tars had autographs, collected by and attaches any other hardware. Hughes when the musicians visited “It’s a tedious, tedious process,” Butler the Dallas-Fort Worth area. said. Artists who have signed guitars At that point the lure is assembled, for him include Brad Paisley, Al Di but, like any other production facility Meola and Dave Mason. — which in Butler’s case is a small shop The autographs were collected on the Intracoastal Waterway — the lure one at a time over the last five years. must pass inspection. To obtain them, Hughes starts with For Butler, that means casting it in for a concert schedule to see what musi- a test run. cians are coming to town. “I get to tank test them right here on Some sign gladly. the Intracoastal,” he said. “You can tell they genuinely want CRAFTED COLLECTION: Ernie Butler gives away many of the twitch baits he carves for catching speckled trout. Photo by See LURES, Page 21 David Sikes, for Lone Star Outdoor News. See GUITARS, Page 21 LSONews.com Lone✯Star Outdoor News February 26, 2010 Page 9

For the records

CATFISH AND TILAPIA: Texas anglers recently landed two new state records.

Above, Colton Austin, a seventh-grader from Hutto, landed the junior state catch and release record blue catﬁsh Jan. 29 at Lake Tawakoni. The ﬁsh bottomed out a 50-pound scale, and its length was recorded at 48.375 inches. Photo by Ray Austin.

Right, Michael Sample of Humble caught a 7-pound, 12-ounce blue tilapia Jan. 31 at Lake Houston to take the record for the species. The previous record weighed 6 pounds, 4 ounces. Sample caught the record ﬁsh using a pink and chartreuse jig. Photo by Donna Sample. Page 10 February 26, 2010 Lone✯Star Outdoor News LSONews.com The other Classic ﬁshing tournament One Bass Pro store hosts a tournament to go with annual event

By Thomas Phillips LONE STAR OUTDOOR NEWS

If any competitor forgets a certain lure, line, rod or reel at the bass tournament March 13 on Lake Ray Hubbard, all is not lost. He or she can check with the host — and probably score a good deal. The “host” in this case will be Bass Pro Shops in Garland, which is located on the water at Ray Hubbard. The store is organizing the tournament to cap its Spring Fishing Classic annual sale and celebration. “Bass Pro Shops in Garland is very excited FISH FINDERS: Attendees watch a demonstration at a this year not only for the Spring Fishing Classic Bass Pro Shops store. The outdoor retailer will offer that we have every year, but this will also be the similar demonstrations during its Spring Fishing Clas- first year we are having a bass tournament dur- sic, which begins Feb. 26. Photo by Bass Pro Shops. ing the event,” said Bill Megelich, the store’s manager. “What makes the tournament so Bass Pro Shops store around the country, special and sets (it) aside from our other stores is though the Garland store will be the only one that we are located on top of Lake Ray Hubbard hosting a fishing tournament. In addition to in Garland and will be the only Bass Pro having sale prices on merchandise, each store hosts this event during their Classic.” seminars and demonstrations. The tournament is open to anyone in indi- BASS will host Bassmaster University vidual and team categories in two divisions — seminars, with instruction by pro anglers. prizes and cash. Schedules vary by store, but some anglers set to Five prize packages will be awarded, including appear in Texas include Takahiro Omori, Brent one for the biggest bass of the day. The top five Chapman, Tommy Martin, Gary Klein and anglers in the cash division will receive checks. Cheryl Bowden. To enter the prize division, anglers must Topics include flipping and pitching, fishing bring a Bass Pro Shops receipt totaling a min- around the spawn, how to rig soft plastics and imum of $50 dated from Feb. 26 through fishing heavy cover. March 12 to the reel counter in the fishing Fly anglers will also find something at the department. To enter the cash payout division, Classic. anglers must pay $100 at the reel counter in the Demonstrations will be given in the stores’ fishing department. aquariums. The deadline for registration is March 12. This year’s Classic dates are Feb. 26 through The Spring Fishing Classic is held at every March 14. LSONews.com Lone✯Star Outdoor News February 26, 2010 Page 11 TEXAS FISHING REPORT Sponsored by ALAN HENRY: Water lightly stained; 45 Walleye are slow on live bait. Catfish are degrees; 1.35’ low. Black bass are fair slow on live bait. on live bait and black/blue jigs and soft MONTICELLO: Water fairly clear; 51-85 high. Black bass are slow. Striped bass slow on live bait. Smallmouth bass are plastics suspended in trees. Crappie are degrees; 0.62’ high. Black bass are HOT BITES are slow. White bass are slow. Crappie slow on live bait. Walleye are slow on SALTWATER fair on minnows and jigs. Catfish are fair fair to good on Rat-L-Traps, flukes and are fair on minnows and red tube jigs. live bait. Catfish are slow on live and on live bait. crankbaits. Crappie are fair to good on Channel and blue catfish are fair on prepared bait. AMISTAD: Water clear; 51 degrees; minnows and jigs. Catfish are fair on perch, stinkbait and frozen shrimp in 18- SCENE LARGEMOUTH 1.76’ low. Black bass are good on jigs, HOUSTON COUNTY: Water stained; 50 prepared bait. 25 feet. Yellow catfish are fair on trotlines degrees; 0.90’ high. Black bass to 4 crankbaits, jigging spoons and soft O.H. IVIE: Water lightly stained; 51 de- NORTH SABINE: Trout and redfish are fair baited with live perch in 18-25 feet. pounds are good on watermelon French ASS plastics. Catfish are good on shrimp, grees; 21.78’ low. Black bass are fair on while drifting mud and shell. Waders have B COLORADO CITY: Water clear; 53 degrees; Fries near the dam in 8 feet. Crappie nightcrawlers and cheesebait over baited slow-rolled white/blue spinnerbaits and taken better 11.89’ low. Black bass are slow. Crappie are fair on live minnows near the dam. holes in 80-130 feet. live bait worked along channels. Crappie are slow. White bass are slow. Catfish Bream are slow. Channel and blue trout on the ARROWHEAD: Water lightly stained; 45 are fair on minnows and jigs. White bass are slow. catfish are fair on stinkbait. Louisiana degrees; 6.03’ low. Black bass are slow are fair on live bait. Smallmouth bass are shoreline on on crankbaits or black/blue jigs off rocky CONROE: Water fairly clear; 0.49’ high. HUBBARD CREEK: Water lightly stained; fair on live bait. Channel catfish are good slow-sink- points. Crappie are fair on black and Black bass are fair on watermelon red 51 degrees; 7.48’ low. Black bass are fair on live and cut bait. ing plugs. and dark red soft plastics, crankbaits on live bait and black/blue jigs worked green tube jigs off the derricks in 20-30 POSSUM KINGDOM: Water stained; 51 BASTROP: Good on red/white and spinnerbaits. Striped bass are fair along grass lines and timber. Crappie SOUTH SABINE: Redfish are fair on feet. White bass are fair in shallows degrees; 5.37’ low. Black bass are fair spinnerbaits, crankbaits and Rat-L-Traps. on minnows and chartreuse striper jigs. are fair on jigs and minnows. White bass the edge of the channel on mullet. — watch for birds. Blue catfish are on watermelon red soft plastics and COLEMAN: Good on watermelon red soft Crappie are fair on minnows and blue are fair on live bait. Catfish are fair on Sheepshead and black drum are good at fair on cheese bait while drift fishing or shad-colored crankbaits off points in the tube jigs. Catfish are fair on stinkbait, live live bait. plastics, spinnerbaits and crankbaits and anchored in 8-10 feet depth. Long Hollow and Caddo areas. Crappie the jetty on live shrimp. minnows and frozen shrimp. on chartreuse Rat-L-Traps. BASTROP: Water stained. Crappie are JOE POOL: Water off-color; 41-44 are slow on minnows and jigs. Catfish BOLIVAR: Trout are fair to good on the LIVINGSTON: Good on crankbaits in the fair on minnows and green tube jigs over COOPER: Water off-color; 40-44 degrees; degrees; 2.58’ high. Black bass are fair are good on live shad on points. south shoreline on slow-sinking plugs. 3.19’ high. Black bass are fair on Texas on drop-shot-rigged finesse worms, creeks. brush piles. Channel and blue catfish PROCTOR: Water murky; 50 degrees; Black drum and redfish are good at rigs, crankbaits and shaky head rigs. crankbaits and Rat-L-Traps. Crappie WHITNEY: Good on watermelon red and are good on stinkbait, liver, shrimp and 3.30’ low. Black bass are slow. Striped Rollover Pass. minnows. Crappie are fair on jigs and minnows. are fair on minnows and jigs. White redbug soft plastics, spinnerbaits and bass are slow. White bass are slow. Crap- EAST GALVESTON BAY: Trout are fair to crankbaits. BELTON: Water stained; 49 degrees; pie are fair on minnows in 15-18 feet. good on the south shoreline. Whiting and 10.62’ high. Black bass are good on Channel and blue catfish to 11 pounds sand trout are good on the edge of the minnows, spinnerbaits and Rat-L-Traps. HOT SPOT are fair on juglines baited with shad. Intracoastal on fresh shrimp. Hybrid striper are slow. White bass are RAY HUBBARD: Water fairly clear; 42-45 WEST GALVESTON BAY: Waders have taken WHITE, good on light blue jigs. Channel and blue degrees; 0.08’ high. Black bass are slow catfish are good on nightcrawlers and on red Rattle Baits and Yum lizards. No trout in the mud and shell. Sheepshead, hot dogs. reports on crappie. White bass are good redfish and black drum are good at the HYBRID, BOB SANDLIN: Water stained; 42-45 on slabs and CC Jigging Spoons. No jetty on shrimp and crabs. degrees; 0.05’ high. Black bass are fair reports on catfish. TEXAS CITY: Sheepshead are fair around STRIPER on Texas rigs and Rat-L-Traps. Crappie RAY ROBERTS: Water muddy; 38-41 rock groins on live shrimp. Mangrove are fair on live minnows and jigs. White degrees; 2.38’ high. Black bass are slow. snapper and whiting are fair from the bass are fair on slabs and jigging spoons. No report on crappie. White bass are piers. Catfish are fair on prepared bait. slow. Catfish are slow. Buck Creek ramp FREEPORT: Sand trout and sheepshead BRAUNIG: Water clear; 53 degrees. Black closed due to high water. are good on live shrimp on the reefs. bass are good on crankbaits and dark RICHLAND CHAMBERS: Water off-color; Redfish are fair to good at San Luis pass soft plastic worms in the reeds and near 42-46 degrees; 0.83’ high. Black bass on cracked blue crabs. the jetty and dam. Striped bass are good are slow. White bass are fair to good on CEDAR CREEK: White bass are good on on liver and shad at Dead Tree Point and slabs. Hybrid striper are fair on slabs and EAST MATAGORDA BAY: Trout are fair for slabs. near the pier and down-rigging silver live shad. Crappie are fair on minnows drifters on live shrimp and gold spoons and marble spinners and jigs. Catfish are fair on nightcrawlers. over humps and FORT PHANTOM HILL: White bass are near the jetty and dam. Redfish are scattered shell. Water stained; 52 good on live bait and shad-colored slow. Blue catfish are good on cut bait in SAM RAYBURN: Redfish are fair to degrees; 0.56’ low. Black bass are fair crankbaits. 15-20 feet. good on the edge POSSUM KINGDOM: White bass are good on tequila sunrise and pumpkinseed BROWNWOOD: Water stained; 50 soft plastics. White bass are fair on live of the Intracoastal on silver jigging spoons and live bait. degrees; 6.75’ low. Black bass are good minnows and watermelon spinnerbaits. on crabs and mullet. Stripers are good on silver spoons and on chartreuse jigs and watermelon soft Crappie are fair on minnows and green WEST MATAGORDA BAY: Redfish are fair shad-colored crankbaits along southern plastics. Hybrid striper are slow. White tube jigs. Bream are fair on worms. to good on the south shoreline in the guts lake points. bass are slow. Crappie are good on Li’l Catfish are fair on frozen shrimp, live Fishies and minnows over brush piles in TRINITY BAY and bayous. Trout are fair on shell on soft AMISTAD: Striped bass are good on Trout are good for drifters working pods of shad and mullet on Bass Assassins, Trout minnows and stinkbait. 10-25 feet. plastics. slabs, white grubs and jigging spoons up Killers and Sand Eels. Redfish are good at the spillway on crabs and mullet. TAWAKONI: Water fairly clear; 41-45 Trout and redfish are fair the Rio Grande. White bass are good on BUCHANAN: Water murky; 51 degrees; PORT O’CONNOR: degrees; 0.21’ high. Black bass are fair on Corkies over soft mud in waist-deep slabs, white grubs and jigging spoons up 15.65’ low. Black bass are fair suspend- White bass are fair to good on slabs. bass are fair to good on minnows and on Texas rigs and Rat-L-Traps. Crappie water in San Antonio Bay. Redfish are fair the Rio Grande. ing Rattlin’ Rogues, Carolina-rigged black are fair on minnows and jigs. White bass Hybrid striper are fair on slabs, live shad slabs. Catfish are fair on cheese bait and to good at the mouths of drains on soft lizards and black/chartreuse hair jigs are fair on slabs. Striped bass and hybrid along ledges in 12-20 feet. Striped bass and Sassy Shad. Catfish are fair on nightcrawlers. plastics and slow-sinking plugs. nightcrawlers and prepared bait. striper are fair on live shad and slabs. are fair. White bass are slow. Crappie are LBJ: Water stained; 51 degrees; 0.50’ Catfish are fair on stink bait. ROCKPORT: Trout are fair on the edge of good on minnows. Channel catfish are FALCON: Water clear; 54 degrees. Black low. Black bass are very good on 1/8 oz. the ICW on glow DOA Shrimp. Redfish CATFISH slow. Yellow and blue catfish are slow. bass are good on jigs, small soft plastics buzz baits, Bleeding Shad Rat-L-Traps TEXOMA: Water off-color; 40-44 degrees; 3.06’ low. Black bass are fair on Rat- are fair to good CADDO: Water murky; 40-45 degrees; and slow rolling spinnerbaits off ledges in and wacky-rigged green pumpkin 17-25 feet and in pockets in 7-10 feet. Whacky Sticks in 2-6 feet. White bass L-Traps, drop shot rigs and crankbaits. on the Estes 2.23’ high. Black bass are fair on Texas Crappie are fair on minnows and jigs. Flats and in rigs and jigs. White bass are fair on Road Striped bass are slow. Crappie are slow. are fair vertically jigging artificial minnows under birds. Crappie are good on Striped bass are fair to good live shad California Hole Runners and minnows. Yellow bass are FAYETTE: Water stained; 50 degrees. and large Road Runners. Catfish are fair on mullet and fair on jigs and shrimp. Catfish are fair to crappie jigs and live minnows over brush Black bass are fair on watermelon red, on cut and live shad. shrimp. good on nightcrawlers and prepared bait. green pumpkin and redbug Carolina- piles in 12-15 feet. Channel catfish are fair on minnows under crappie docks. BRAUNIG: Channel catfish are excellent on rigged soft plastics off deep points. Chan- TOLEDO BEND: Water stained; 50 PORT ARANSAS: Redfish are fair to good CALAVERAS: Water clear; 53 degrees. degrees; 1.59’ low. Black bass are fair on liver, shrimp, cheesebait and cut bait near Black bass are good on dark soft plastic nel and blue catfish are fair on juglines LAKE O’ THE PINES: Water stained; 41-45 on the East Flats on Gulps and mullet. baited with shad. degrees; 3.92’ high. Black bass are watermelon and June bug soft plastics Sand trout are good on shrimp in the the spillway and the discharge. worms, spinnerbaits and crankbaits and on watermelon spinnerbaits and around reed beds and near the dam. FORK: Water stained; 41-44 degrees; fair on Texas-rigged soft plastics and channel. CALAVERAS: Channel and blue catfish are Rat-L-Traps. Crappie are fair on min- crankbaits. Striped bass are slow. White excellent on liver, shrimp and cheesebait Striped bass are good on spoons and 0.15’ high. Black bass are fair on Rat- bass are slow. Crappie are fair on min- CORPUS CHRISTI: Redfish are good in jigs near the crappie wall and the dam. L-Traps, crankbaits, Carolina rigs and nows and jigs. Catfish are fair on stink near the railroad trestle and 181 Cove. bait and chartreuse (use Worm-Glo) nows and chartreuse tube jigs. Bream the Humble Channel on crabs and table Redfish are slow. Crappie are slow. heavy jigs. Crappie are fair on minnows shrimp. Trout are best on the edge of the FALCON: Channel and blue catfish are ex- nightcrawlers. are fair on worms. Channel and blue CANYON LAKE: Water murky; 49 degrees; and jigs. Catfish are fair on nightcrawlers catfish are fair on live minnows, frozen flats on live shrimp and DOA Shrimp. cellent on shrimp, nightcrawlers, stinkbait, and stinkbait. LAVON: Water stained; 40-45 degrees; 0.54’ low. Black bass are fair on 1/8 oz. shrimp, liver and stinkbait. BAFFIN BAY: Trout are fair to good in mud liver and cut bait under cormorant roosts. Water clear; 53 4.36’ high. Black bass are fair to good on black/chartreuse hair jigs in 15-25 feet FORT PHANTOM HILL: TRAVIS: Water murky; 52 degrees; 6.88’ and grass on Corkies and Catch 2000s. BROWNWOOD: Channel catfish are very and Texas-rigged black worms on shaky degrees; 5.31’ low. Black bass are slow. crankbaits, Texas rigs and drop-shot rigs. Crappie are fair to good on minnows and low. Black bass are fair on green pump- Trout are fair to good in the guts along the good on stinkbait, minnows and frozen jigheads along break lines and ledges. Crappie are fair on minnows and jigs. kin worms and crawfish crankbaits in shrimp. Striped bass are fair. White bass fair. Catfish are fair on live bait. jigs. Catfish are fair on prepared bait. King Ranch shoreline. Redfish are fair to 12-30 feet. Striped bass are slow. White good in the Land Cut on natural baits. GRANBURY: Catfish are good on frozen Crappie are fair. Channel catfish are GRANBURY: Water clear; 0.30’ low. Black LEWISVILLE: Water stained; 41-45 bass are fair on minnows and chrome/ degrees; 1.9’ high. Black bass are fair on shrimp, liver and stinkbait. slow. Yellow and blue catfish are slow. bass are fair on watermelon and pump- white jigging spoons in 28-40 feet. Crap- PORT MANSFIELD: Redfish are fair to good kinseed soft plastics and on chartreuse Rat-L-Traps, medium diving crankbaits on DOA LEWISVILLE: Catfish are good on prepared CEDAR CREEK: Water stained; 41-45 pie are fair on minnows and blue/white degrees; 0.49’ high. Black bass are fair Rat-L-Traps. Striped bass are slow. White and Texas rigs. Crappie are fair on tube jigs in 22-38 feet. Channel and blue Shrimp bait and chartreuse (use Worm-Glo) on crankbaits, jigs and Texas rigs. Hybrid bass are slow. Crappie are fair on min- minnows and jigs. White bass are fair to catfish are fair on nightcrawlers and cut under a pop- nightcrawlers. striper are fair on live bait, Sassy Shad nows and green tube jigs. good on slabs. Hybrid striper are fair on shad in 35-48 feet. ping cork slabs and Sassy Shad. and slabs. Crappie are fair on minnows GRAPEVINE: Water stained; 42-45 WALTER E. LONG: Water stained; 51 around grass Water murky; 50 degrees; and jigs. Catfish are fair on prepared degrees; 5.59’ high. Black bass are LIVINGSTON: degrees. Black bass are fair on minnows holes. Trout are fair to good on mud along 1.50’ high. Striped bass are slow. White bait and chartreuse nightcrawlers (use slow to fair on crankbaits, Rat-L-Traps and chartreuse soft plastics. Hybrid the edge of the ICW. Muddy bottoms with RAPPIE bass are fair on Rat-L-Traps and spec C Worm-Glo). and drop-shot rigs. Crappie are fair on striper are fair on minnows and cut bait. grass has been best for trout. rigs upriver and in the north end of the CHOKE CANYON: Water stained; 51 minnows and jigs. White bass are fair to White bass are slow. Crappie are fair lake. Crappie are good on minnows in SOUTH PADRE: Trout and redfish are fair degrees; 8.61’ low. Black bass are fair good on slabs. Catfish are fair on stink on minnows. Channel and blue catfish the creeks. Blue catfish are good on to good on the edge of the Intracoastal on on soft plastic worms and lizards. White bait and chartreuse (use Worm-Glo) are slow. DOA Shrimp. Redfish, black drum and nightcrawlers. shad. bass are slow. Crappie are slow. Drum WHITNEY: Water murky; 0.38’ high. mangrove snapper are fair to good in the MACKENZIE: Water lightly stained; 32 are slow. Channel and blue catfish are GREENBELT: Water stained; 31 degrees; Striped bass are fair on minnows and degrees; 79.42’ low. Black bass are slow. channel on shrimp. BELTON: Excellent on minnows under fair on stinkbait in 5-10 feet. Yellow 33.01’ low. Black bass are slow on white striper jigs. White bass are fair on Crappie are fair on minnows and jigs. lights at night. catfish are fair on live perch. Carolina-rigged green pumpkin soft minnows and white striper jigs. Crappie PORT ISABEL: Snook and mangrove White bass and striped bass are slow SWEETWATER: Good on minnows and jigs. COLETO CREEK: Water stained; 52 plastics and live bait. Crappie are slow are good on minnows. Catfish are fair on snapper are fair in the channel on shrimp. on live bait. Smallmouth bass are slow. degrees (71 degrees at discharge); 0.06’ on jigs and minnows. White bass are frozen shrimp and stinkbait. Trout are fair on the edge of the flats. Page 12 February 26, 2010 Lone✯Star Outdoor News LSONews.com GAME WARDEN BLOTTER

FELINE MYSTERY SOLVED truck around because he was hauling IN WARDEN’S NEIGHBORHOOD a boat and trailer. He asked the fed- A caller in Brazoria County Game Two shooters: one lethal, one not eral refuge officer to pull over a third Warden Joe Goff’s rural neighborhood Tom Green County Game Warden out of the tree it was sitting in. The and after a short interview received vehicle because the driver failed to reported a possible mountain lion Jason Huebner received a call from caller also had good descriptions a written statement concerning dim his headlamps within 500 feet sighting. Region IV game wardens an individual who reported that of the suspects and their vehicle, the offense. Appropriate charges of the oncoming warden’s vehicle. have recently been involved in two he was photographing a red-tailed including its license plate num- and restitution were filed on the When Waddell arrived at the stop, he big cat sightings and incidents, one hawk when someone shot the hawk ber. Huebner located the suspect, shooter. immediately noticed a strong odor of involving a possible cougar or tiger alcohol emanating from the driver. killing some exotic wildlife in Harris He conducted a field sobriety test County, which turned out to be the Game Warden Ronnie Yates investi- hit some standing water by the deer. number for the name given. After and determined that the driver was work of coyotes and a bobcat. The gated the incident. Cases pending. Goff and Richers located the three talking with the individual, Woodall extremely intoxicated. Waddell noti- others were unconfirmed sightings of individuals (two adults and a child), learned the man never called OGT fied the Department of Public Safety, a tiger near Oyster Creek in Brazoria PERPS ARE EYE who were trespassing on the WMA and had no idea of what was going which dispatched a trooper, who County. When Warden Goff went by WITNESSES, TOO and admitted to shooting at a doe on and said someone must have used arrested the driver. the location to investigate, the resi- Jasper County Game Warden “just to scare her off.” The wardens his name. With the assistance of the dent had pictures she had taken of Morgan Inman received a call about explained the dangers of not being Martin County sheriff and the voice DEAL IS A BUST WHEN the “cougar.” The pictures confirmed an individual hunting deer during aware of what’s behind your target recordings of the call, the sheriff gave LAW INTERVENES that Morris the Cat (from TV commer- closed season. The caller said he was and wandering into a densely wooded Woodall a name of whom he thought Two antlerless deer were found cial fame) is now residing in Brazoria working on his roof and saw a man area containing over 20 groups of it might be. Woodall and the sheriff near where a man was charged with County. The resident was relieved shoot at a deer, and the deer had run hog hunters, who were all, and were found the individual and discussed hunting deer at night and hunting that it was only a large house cat, through his yard and into the woods. expecting each other to be, wearing the call. The man confessed to mak- deer from a public roadway. Hardin and thanked Goff for his assistance. Inman and Game Warden Chris Fried hunter orange. One of the adults ing up the whole story and that he County Game Wardens Mike Boone both responded to the call. Upon and the youngster were dressed was just bored and did not think and Roy Eddins interviewed the man SPOTLIGHTER FLEES arrival, they made contact with two entirely in black and dark brown. he would get caught. He found an and learned he had a buyer lined up FOR A LITTLE WHILE men, who said they had also heard a After ensuring that the violators were old sign in a shop that had the OGT for the deer. The poacher was charged Ward County Game Warden Chris shot and were looking for its source. safely off the WMA, the wardens number on it and thought it would with two Class A misdemeanors. Sanchez attempted to stop a possible Both men were interviewed, and one issued citations for hunting without be a good joke. His false OGT call spotlighter. The vehicle in ques- of them confessed to shooting at a an Annual Public Hunting Permit turned into a false report to a peace NEWS TRAVELS tion successfully fled after smashing deer and then hiding the gun at the and hunting without a valid hunting officer. Case pending. FAST AT THE LAKE through a locked gate and multiple other man’s house under his bed. license. Word came around that crap- fences. During the following days’ DOVE TAKEN BY ILLEGAL MEANS, BY pie were biting on Lake Leon, and investigation by Sanchez and Ward DARKLY DRESSED PIG POACHERS COULD HAVE MADE UP POACHERS, AT WRONG TIME OF YEAR Eastland County Game Warden Zach County sheriff’s officers, the vehicle UPSET LEGAL HUNTERS A BETTER STORY Travis County Game Warden Havens went to see how it was going. and a suspect were located. Evading Members of the Texas Parks and A caller to Texas Parks and Braxton Harris was patrolling around A quick check at a fishing dock veri- arrest and other charges are pending. Wildlife’s Wildlife Division staff called Wildlife’s Operation Game Thief hot- Walter E. Long Lake for fishermen fied the fish were biting and resulted Brazoria County Game Wardens Joe line reported seeing five individuals when he saw a car parked near a in five fishermen being landed by SHOOTER INJURED BY Goff and Jason Richers to assist (three men and one child and one girl heavily wooded area. While walking Havens. Three possessed undersized NEARBY SOURCE with a situation on the Nannie or someone with long hair) with two through the brush looking for people fish, and two did not have a fishing An investigation of illegal hunting Stringfellow Wildlife Management deer hung in the back of two differ- fishing on a remote part of the lake, license. activities in Erath County recently Area near Brazoria. TPW was con- ent trucks being field dressed about he came across three men with pel- concluded. Five individuals in one ducting a drawn public hunt for feral 2 a.m. two days before the call. The let guns shooting dove out of cedar DRUG ABUSE, DOG ABUSE INTER- vehicle traveled the northern por- hogs on the WMA, and one of the caller said he told his boss and that trees. They had no hunting licenses TWINED IN HARDEMAN COUNTY CASE tion of Erath County shooting at permitted hunters reported seeing his boss told him he would notify the or hunter education. Cases pending. A resident called Hardeman varmints. The last shot did not end people shooting at a doe white-tailed local sheriff’s office. Howard County County Game Warden Matt well. As the front passenger threw out deer. The reporting hunter was not Game Warden Matt Woodall con- OFFICERS CONVERGE ON Thompson and said he was watching a beer bottle, the individual directly only concerned with the obvious tacted Martin County Sheriff’s Office SUSPECTED DRUNKEN ROAD HUNTER someone shoot at a dog with a pel- behind his seat fired a 12-gauge violation but also with the fact that and found no report was made. Upon A report of road hunting near the let gun. Upon arrival a the shooter’s shotgun. The individual throwing the the deer had been in a direct line further investigation, the number the national wildlife refuge in north- home, Thompson determined the bottle suffered an extensive injury. between his blind and the violators caller gave was not a working num- eastern Cameron County came in to man had abused the dog and was in Somervell County Game Warden Joni when they allegedly shot. He said he ber. Woodall with the help of a local Game Warden Dan Waddell, but he possession of drug paraphernalia and Kuykendall and Hamilton County was close enough to observe the shot police officer found a cell phone was unable to immediately turn his several baggies of narcotics. LSONews.com Lone✯Star Outdoor News February 26, 2010 Page 13 Page 14 February 26, 2010 Lone✯Star Outdoor News LSONews.com NO ONE BEATS OUR DEALS, NOT NOW, NOT EVER! FREE DELIVERY FREE FREE LOANERS ON WARRANTY SERVICE WARRANTY ON LOANERS FREE 100 YEARS OF SERVICE OF YEARS 100 LSONews.com Lone✯Star Outdoor News February 26, 2010 Page 15 NO ONE BEATS OUR DEALS, NOT NOW, NOT EVER! FREE DELIVERY FREE FREE LOANERS ON WARRANTY SERVICE WARRANTY ON LOANERS FREE 100 YEARS OF SERVICE OF YEARS 100 Page 16 February 26, 2010 Lone✯Star Outdoor News LSONews.com PRODUCTS PIOPOD >> Fishpond’s Piopod is a small receptacle designed for anglers. The 3.2-inch-high container has an elastomeric cap with gripper teeth to readily accept small bits of trash such as monofilament or spent flies. It clips on to waders, vests or backpacks and is a handy little accessory that helps anglers keep their favorite outdoor spots pristine. A MAGIC SWIMMER >> four-pack sells for about $13. Sebile’s popular hard-bodied Magic Swimmer is also available in a (866) 347-4766 soft-bodied model. The lure, a 2009 ICAST Show category www.fishpondusa.com winner, can be fished weedless. Anglers also can adjust the tungsten weights on the hook to redistribute some weight if they TROUT RODS >> want to vary the bait’s action. The specially designed joints allow for Redington’s Classic Trout rods a naturally free-swimming motion and its sound chamber emits a are designed to be versatile discrete chatter that will trigger strikes. The soft lure comes enough to handle small 3 1/2-, 5-, 6 1/2 - and 9-inch-long models and six different hues. creek or big river fishing A three-pack starts at about $15. conditions. The medium (325) 437-8103 action rods come in various www.sebileusa.com lengths and feature such details as a machined aluminum reel seat with wood insert, alignment dots, line and weight designations at each ferrule, and titanium oxide stripping guides. The rods sell for about $160. (800) 253-2538 www.redington.com

I-KAM XTREME EYEWEAR These sunglasses by Revolutionary>> Outdoor Products will protect your eyes while recording the action of a hunt. The lightweight

ZIP VAC FOOD STORAGE >> sunglasses have a 3MP pinhole video camera that will record up Keep that venison or trout fresh longer with this portable food to three hours of clear audio and video footage. The video cam- storage system. The cordless, rechargeable pump sucks out era is powered by a Li-polymer battery embedded in the sunglass air through a valve in the zippered plastic bag so that food frames. The video sunglasses, which offer four interchangeable inside is ready for the freezer. The Zip Vac, available in hunter lenses, sell for under $200. green or blaze orange, sells for about $40 for a starter set that www.revolutionaryoutdoorproducts.com includes various sizes of the bags. Additional ﬁllet bags or jumbo bags that can hold large cuts of meat also are available. (866) 382-1707 www.zip-vac.com LSONews.com Lone✯Star Outdoor News February 26, 2010 Page 17 HEROES

TINA MARIE HINOJOSA, 8, of Alice harvested her ﬁrst buck with a .222 while hunting with her father in South Texas. A month earlier, she also shot her ﬁrst doe. Both shots were taken from more than 100 yards.

TREY RIGBY harvested this American bison at a ranch in Wise County using a bow.

Two brothers from Lucas harvested their ﬁrst bucks on the same ranch this year. COLEMAN MCKINNEY, 18, top photo, and JACK MCKINNEY, 7, were hunting in Stonewall County in November.

GARRETT HICKS, 7, took his ﬁrst buck, which had eight points, near Llano on Thanksgiving night.

Share an adventure SETH WILLIAMS, 8, of Lavernia harvested his ﬁrst hog Want to share hunting and ﬁshing photos with other Lone Star Outdoor News BRADEN FUNDERBURG, 11, of Justin harvested at 70 yards using his new .17 HMR. this 10-point buck on his family ranch near readers? Send them to us with contact and caption information. Rockwood. [email protected] Heroes, Lone Star Outdoor News, 9304 Forest Lane, Suite 114 South, Dallas, TX, 75243

Congratulations, Austin! You can claim your Nikon 10x42 Trailblazer ATB binoculars at the Nikon Sport Optics dealer nearest you: Johnny’s True Value Hardware Store 914 West Tyler Avenue Harlingen, TX 78550-6159 (956) 428-4011

AUSTIN WHITE, 9, of South Padre Island shot his ﬁrst deer, a 12-point buck, with a .243 at a ranch in southern Jim Hogg County one day before the season closed. Page 18 February 26, 2010 Lone✯Star Outdoor News LSONews.com

Cu ts DATEBOOK Continued from Page 1 P o s s i b l e c u t s Te x a s P a r k s a n d W i l d l i f e m i g h t h a v e t o Feb. 26-March 14 March 5 $ 7 m i l l i o n h a s a l r e a d y b e e n s p e n t o n t h e p r o- c u t i t s b u d g e t i f G o v . R i c k P e r r y g i v e s t h e Bass Pro Shops Caesar Kleberg Wildlife Research Institute g r a m , d e s i g n e d t o p u t e m p l o y e e s a l a r i e s o n w o r d . U n d e r T P W ’ s p l a n , a c o u p l e c a t e g o r i e s 2010 Spring Fishing Classic Deer Associates Meeting a p a r w i t h t h o s e o f w i l d l i f e a g e n c i e s i n o t h e r w o u l d b e c u t t h e m o s t . Free seminars and activities Hyatt Regency Hill Country, San Antonio s t a t e s , s a i d G e n e M c C a rt y, d e p u t y e x e c u t i v e All stores www.ckwri.tamuk.edu d i r e c t o r f o r a d m i n i s t r a t i o n . www.basspro.com T P W ’ s b i g g e s t c u t , h o w e v e r , w o u l d c o m e Hunt County Ducks Unlimited i n t h e C a p i t a l C o n s t ru c t i o n F u n d . T P W u s e s $ 8 , 3 9 9 , 9 0 2 Feb. 26 Fundraiser t h e f u n d t o b u i l d a n d r e p a i r f a c i l i t i e s s u c h a s C a pi t a l C o n s t r u c t i o n F u n d YMCA Texas National Guard Armory, Greenville l a w e n f o r c e m e n t o f fi c e s a n d f a c i l i t i e s a t w i l d- P a y s f o r : c o n s t r u c t i o n a n d r e p a i r a t T P W Sporting clays fundraiser (903) 455-1631 l i f e m a n a g e m e n t a r e a s a n d fi s h h a t c h e r i e s . f a c i l i t i e s , s u c h a s l a w e n f o r c e m e n t o f fi c e s . Dallas Gun Club [email protected] M c C a rt y s a i d $ 8 , 3 9 9 , 9 0 2 , o r 9 5 p e r c e n t o f (972) 393-5121, ext. 207 t h e f u n d , w o u l d b e a x e d i f t h e p l a n i s p u t i n t o March 6 e f f e c t . Franklin County Beard Busters Arlington Ducks Unlimited “ K e e p i n g p e o p l e l i k e g a m e w a r d e n s a n d National Wild Turkey Federation Casino Night fundraiser $ 3 , 7 8 0 , 0 0 0 w i l d l i f e b i o l o g i s t s i n t h e fi e l d a n d m e e t i n g Fundraiser Celebrations o u r m a n a g e m e n t r e s p o n s i b i l i t i e s i s o u r p r i - M e r i t - p a y p r o g r a m Purley Gates Retreat (817) 368-1070 o r i t y, ” M c C a rt y s a i d . “ W e w i l l m a k e t h e c u t s P a y s f o r : e x t r a c o m p e n s a t i o n f o r e m p l o y e e s . (903) 588-4355 or (817) 832-8078 i f n e e d e d a n d h o p e f u l l y g e t t h e m r e s t o r e d a t [email protected] a l a t e r d a t e . ” w o u l d s e e a r e d u c t i o n i n a v a i l a b l e f u n d s r a i s e d March 11 A n o u t d o o r s a d v o c a t e c a l l e d t h e c u t s t h r o u g h t h e s a l e o f s p e c i a l t y l i c e n s e p l a t e s . F o r Sherman-Denison Ducks Unlimited Park Cities Quail “ d e e p , ” b u t h e s a i d t h e y w o n ’ t a f f e c t c o n - e x a m p l e , t w o D u c k s U n l i m i t e d l i c e n s e p l a t e s Couples Raffle Night Fundraiser s t ru c t i o n o f t h e J o h n D . P a r k e r E a s t Te x a s ( B l u e H e r o n a n d C l a s s i c ) a r e s o l d f o r $ 3 0 , w i t h Sherman Municipal Building Frontiers of Flight Museum, Dallas F i s h H a t c h e ry b e l o w S a m R a y b u r n R e s e rv o i r . $ 2 2 g o i n g t h r o u g h T P W t o s u p p o r t t h e g r o u p ’ s (903) 271-3299 www.parkcitiesquail.org T h e h a t c h e ry, w h i c h r e p l a c e s t h e J a s p e r F i s h e f f o r t s t o c o n s e r v e a n d r e s t o r e w e t l a n d s . [email protected] H a t c h e ry, i s s c h e d u l e d t o o p e n t h i s y e a r a n d U n d e r t h e p l a n n e d c u t s , t h o u g h , $ 15 , 0 0 0 Lake Lavon Ducks Unlimited p r o v i d e 4 5 a c r e s o f fi s h p r o d u c t i o n p o n d s w o u l d b e w i t h h e l d f r o m D u c k s U n l i m i t e d March 3-7 Fundraiser c a p a b l e o f d e l i v e r i n g u p t o 4 . 5 m i l l i o n fi s h — a s p a rt o f a p r o p o s e d s a v i n g s t o T P W o f Houston Fishing Show Swingin’ D Ranch, Parker a n n u a l l y f o r s t o c k i n g i n Te x a s ’ w a t e r s . $ 131 , 0 0 0 . George R. Brown Convention Center (214) 207-9325 or (972) 922-8665 O t h e r p r o j e c t s , t h o u g h , w i l l f e e l t h e i m p a c t , A D u c k s U n l i m i t e d s p o k e s m a n s a i d T P W (281) 350-2741 [email protected] s a i d K i r b y B r o w n , v i c e p r e s i d e n t o f p u b l i c w a s m e r e l y c u t t i n g t h e f u n d i n g a u t h o r i t y www.houstonfishingshow.com March 13 p o l i c y f o r t h e Te x a s W i l d l i f e A s s o c i a t i o n . f o r D U ’ s l i c e n s e p l a t e f u n d f r o m $ 6 8 , 0 0 0 t o “ Te x a s P a r k s a n d W i l d l i f e h a d t h e a u t h o r- $ 5 3 , 0 0 0 . T h e m o v e w o n ’ t a f f e c t D U p r o j e c t s March 3 Texas Parks and Wildlife i t y t o d o s o m e t h i n g s , p a rt i c u l a r l y i n v o l v i n g s i n c e t h e g r o u p o n l y t a k e s a b o u t $ 2 5 , 0 0 0 Houston Safari Club Fly Fish Texas c o m b a t i n g g o l d e n a l g a e , ” B r o w n s a i d . “ W e ’ l l a n n u a l l y f r o m t h e f u n d . Monthly meeting Introduction to fly-fishing j u s t h a v e t o s e e w h a t h a p p e n s o v e r t h e n e x t “ I t ’ s n o t b u i l t u p t o t h e e x t e n t t h a t i t c a n featuring Butch King Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center, Athens c o u p l e o f y e a r s . ” c a r ry a p r o j e c t , ” s a i d To d d M e r e n d i n o , m a n- HESS Club (903) 676-2277 A l t h o u g h n o p a r k s w o u l d c l o s e u n d e r a g e r o f c o n s e rv a t i o n p r o g r a m s f o r Te x a s (713) 623-8844 March 19-21 T P W ’ s p r o p o s e d b u d g e t c u t s , a n a u t h o r i z e d D u c k s U n l i m i t e d . “ B u t i f a b i d c o m e s i n a t a d March 4 North Texas Chapter o f f - r o a d p a r k i n t h e P a n h a n d l e a l o n g t h e h i g h , s a y f o r a w a t e r c o n t r o l p r o j e c t , i t ’ s n i c e Alamo Chapter National Wild Turkey Federation Safari Club International C a n a d i a n R i v e r w o u l d b i t e t h e d u s t . t o b e a b l e t o d r a w i n t o t h e s t a t e l i c e n s e p l a t e Fundraiser Outdoor Expo T h e m o v e w o u l d s a v e T P W $ 4 9 5 , 7 13 . f u n d t o g e t u s o v e r t h e h u m p . ” Alzafar Shrine, San Antonio Bass Pro Shops, Grapevine “ W h y o p e n a n e w p a r k i f y o u ’ r e n o t g o i n g D i c k D a v i s , e x e c u t i v e d i r e c t o r o f t h e Te x a s (210) 213-5339 or (210) 838-7585 (940) 612-1928 t o h a v e t h e f u n d s t o m a i n t a i n a n d o p e r a t e P a r k s a n d W i l d l i f e F o u n d a t i o n , s a i d h i s n o n- [email protected] i t ? ” M c C a rt y a s k e d . p r o fi t o r g a n i z a t i o n d o e s n ’ t p l a n t o “ m a k e March 5-6 B r o w n s u p p o rt s t h e c u t , s a y i n g t h e o f f - r o a d u p ” a n y T P W c u t s . Texas Deer Association March 27-28 p a r k a m o u n t s t o a n u n f u n d e d m a n d a t e . “ T h e d e p a rt m e n t f a c e s c u t s o n a n a l m o s t Spring Gala Banquet and Bowhunter education “ T h a t p r o j e c t w a s n o t c o m p l e t e l y f u n d e d a n n u a l b a s i s , ” D a v i s s a i d . “ I f w e w e r e t o t ry Superior Genetics Deer Auction Farmersville b y t h e L e g i s l a t u r e , ” B r o w n s a i d . “ I t w o u l d b e t o a d d r e s s i t t h i s y e a r , w e ’ d j u s t h a v e t o r e p e a t Embassy Suites Outdoor World, Pre-registration required a d r a i n o n t h e a g e n c y. I t n e e d s t o c o m e o f f o u r e f f o rt s n e x t y e a r . I d o n ’ t t h i n k w e c o u l d Grapevine (214) 358-0174 t h e p r o j e c t s l i s t . ” r a i s e $ 2 5 m i l l i o n i n 1 2 m o n t h s a n y w a y. I t (940) 390-9723 I n T P W ’ s c o n t i n g e n c y p l a n , n o n p r o fi t c o n- t o o k u s a l m o s t t h r e e y e a r s t o r a i s e $ 1 0 m i l l i o n www.texasdeerassociation.com s e r v a t i o n g r o u p s w o r k i n g w i t h t h e a g e n c y f o r t h e n e w g a m e w a r d e n c e n t e r . ” �� OUTFITTERS and BUSINESSES ��

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Book more, sell more S e nd a b u s i n e s s c a r d o r i n f o r m a t i o n a b o u t y o u r s e r v i c e , a n d s e e i t a s a n a d i n L o n e S t a r O u t d o o r N e w s . $ 1 0 0 p e r m o n t h ( b o t h i s s u e s ) . >> S e n d ch e c k o r c r e d i t c a r d i n f o r m a t i o n t o L o n e S t a r O u t d o o r N e w s , 9 3 0 4 F o r e s t L a n e , S u i t e 1 1 4 S o u t h , D a l l a s , T X 7 5 2 4 3 . O r c o n t a c t M i k e H u g h s a t ( 2 1 4 ) 3 6 1 - 2 2 7 6 o r �� m h u g h s @ l o n e s t a r o u t d o o r n e w s . c o m . LSONews.com Lone✯Star Outdoor News February 26, 2010 Page 19

Trout Continued from Page 1 Trout reports NORTH SABINE: Fair while drifting mud Texoma fishing guides in nice weather recently. and shell. Waders have taken better “This is prime time for me,” said trout on the Louisiana shoreline on upper coast angler Allen Williams. slow-sinking plugs. “If you want to catch the bigger BOLIVAR: Fair to good on the south limbo over license regulation shoreline on slow-sinking plugs. spawning females, you better be willing to brave the elements.” TRINITY BAY: Good for drifters working Coast Guard still And braving the elements is pods of shad and mullet. exactly what Williams has done as EAST GALVESTON BAY: Fair to good on of late, fishing waters that are still the south shoreline on Corkies and allowing guides to MirrOlures. in the 40s and low 50s. Despite the WEST GALVESTON BAY: Waders have voluntarily comply cold, he has been catching good taken trout in the mud and shell on numbers of fish but reporting no MirrOlures and Corkies. By Shannon Drawe real size as of yet. He said bigger fish EAST MATAGORDA BAY: Fair for drifters FOR LONE STAR OUTDOOR NEWS might start biting with a couple on live shrimp over humps and scat- more days of pleasant weather. tered shell. Many Lake Texoma fishing guides Williams said, “I would nor- WEST MATAGORDA BAY: Fair on shell on are adrift over when the Coast Guard mally be spending a lot of time in soft plastics. will begin enforcing new regulations West Galveston and in Christmas PORT O’CONNOR: Fair on Corkies over on the lake. (bays) this time of year, but the run- soft mud in waist-deep water in San Texoma came under scrutiny after off is way too bad this year so I am Antonio Bay. a death there in early 2009. The Coast spending quite a bit of time in East ROCKPORT: Fair on the edge of the Intracoastal Waterway on glow DOA Guard discovered after the incident Matagorda. Don’t get me wrong, Shrimp. that “some commercial vessels were HOLDING PATTERN: Fishing guides at Lake Texoma are waiting for the Coast Guard to I’m not complaining. We needed begin widespread enforcement of license rules. Photo by Lone Star Outdoor News. CORPUS CHRISTI: Best on the edge not inspected as required by U.S. law,” the rain in the worst way, and I am of the flats on live shrimp and DOA according to the Coast Guard. Bryant said. “We don’t want to upset but I don’t like it. The basic attitude of really hoping it is going to help set Shrimp. They immediately began a program their lifestyle or their income, but it’s the majority of guides here is wait and us up for a great summer.” BAFFIN BAY: Fair to good in mud and to voluntarily bring fishing guides a federally regulated waterway, and see. For those of us who have gone to Like Williams, many are hoping grass on Corkies and Catch 2000s. into compliance. Guides and other there are certain things we’re obli- the trouble to get all the necessary cer- that the soggy winter is going to PORT MANSFIELD: Fair to good on mud commercial boat operators could stay gated to do.” tifications, we’ll be upset if the Coast help bring bays and estuaries back along the edge of the ICW on Corkies on the water as long as they weren’t “For those of us who have gone to Guard does nothing to enforce these into balance and allow bait, both and MirrOlures. Muddy bottoms with considered extremely substandard. all the trouble to get into compliance, standards, and the guides who are finfish and crustaceans, to begin to grass has been best for trout. But the Coast Guard has not begun we want to see enforcement,” said waiting to see will be upset when they replenish after severe drought con- SOUTH PADRE: Fair to good on the edge widespread enforcement of the regu- Texoma guide James Allen. “If the do start writing tickets.” ditions seemed to have had dra- of the Intracoastal on DOA Shrimp. lations. The agency initially said it Coast Guard stopped 50 or 60 peo- About mid-year, U.S. Reps. Dan matic effects on production. PORT ISABEL: Fair on the edge of the flats on Corkies, Catch 5s and Catch would have a grace period until the ple the first holiday weekend, I think Boren and Tom Cole and Sens. Mid-coast angler Brett Blanchard 2000s. end of 2009 and begin more strict that would show they are serious Jim Inhofe and Tom Coburn, all of is sharing the same optimism as enforcement in early 2010. about enforcement on Texoma, and Oklahoma, began discussions with many other anglers after reporting “The pattern is about a month “We’re still going through the edu- the word would get out quickly — to the Coast Guard over licensing and the a slower than normal year last year. late this year because the water is cation portion because there’s so those who are waiting to see.” best way to implement regulations. “The rains should help,” he still way too cold, and it is hard to many people out there who need to To be in compliance, a guide Allen said he received three phone said. “We just need the weather find the bait,” said Jimmy Burns, come into compliance,” said Chief must have a Merchant Mariner calls from weekend guides who are to straighten up so we can get out a lower coast angler and owner of Warrant Officer Lionel Bryant in Credential, a Transportation Workers selling their gear and calling it quits. there and find out.” Waterloo Rod Co. “We are catch- Houston. Identification Credential, Operator of “I think it ended up costing me The hopes of all Texas trout ing a few solid fish in Baffin right The Coast Guard does not have a Uninspected Passenger Vessels Coast $1,000, so the cost really isn’t too anglers seem universal. That refrain now, but when that water starts to date set for when aggressive enforce- Guard License and have passed the bad for a full-time guide,” he said. has been echoed up and down the warm and the baitfish start moving, ment will begin. Rumors of enforce- Oklahoma Boating Safety Exam. “The biggest problem for some of the coast. But even more optimism is things are going to come alive.” ment beginning this spring are not Some of the requirements for these guides is the physical. Some of the being displayed by some lower coast Burns said, “I think this year true, Bryant said. credentials include drug testing, CPR older guys have high blood pressure, anglers in regards to the effects that is going to be good. The drought When heightened enforcement and first-aid training, a physical and may be color blind or can’t hear well the reduction in the trout limit from seems to be over, and the five-fish begins, Bryant said, the Coast Guard state fishing licenses for both Texas enough, so they’re out. And I know 10 to five in the Lower Laguna Madre limit has been around for a while will notify guides. and Oklahoma. the drug testing will knock a few out a couple of years back will have on now, which I think is going to boost “We don’t want to stop commerce,” Allen sums it up this way: “I’m legal, as well.” the fishing in the months to come. the fish population.” Page 20 February 26, 2010 Lone✯Star Outdoor News LSONews.com

Classic Continued from Page 1 Coontail is a main attractor for bass, along with other species of fish and baitfish. VanDam stayed in his area the entire tournament. Faircloth and Kriet were within eyesight of each other and could hear cheers from fans watching everyone whenever a fish was caught. All three used lipless crankbaits around the vegetation, ticking the grass and snatching out the bait to trigger reaction strikes. Cold temperatures the week before the tournament and water temperatures ranging from a high 30s to upper 40s during the event injured or killed shad, so FIRST LADY: Pam Martin-Wells became the first the lipless baits mimicked them perfectly. woman to make the Classic cut. Photo by BASS. VanDam caught every bass he weighed on a 1/2-ounce Strike King Red Eye Shad in plain gold along with a new color, gold Sexy Shad. Lady angler Martin-Wells Faircloth used a Sebile Flatt Shad in a natural Holy Greenie color as his primary bait. makes cut at Classic Pam Martin-Wells of Bainbridge, Ga., the Omori shifted gears 2009 Toyota Tundra Women’s Bassmaster Tour Takahiro Omori of Emory, the 2004 Classic Angler of the Year, made history Feb. 20 as the champ, finished 10th with 32 pounds, 10 first woman to make the cut into the top 25 in ounces in his best showing since 2004. Classic history. On the first day, Omori eased into Beeswax Martin-Wells, 47, weighed in a third five-fish where VanDam was fishing, worked an area for NO. 3: Todd Faircloth of Jasper had the highest finish of any Texan in this year’s Bassmaster Classic, taking limit Sunday for 25 pounds overall and a 22nd- a short time and then left. VanDam said Omori third place behind the winner, Kevin VanDam, and runner-up, Jeff Kriet. Photo by BASS. place finish. never came into the area “but had every right to bait. He fished it on a smaller hook with tung- water temperature I’ve ever fished in my career, On stage, Martin-Wells told the crowd of do so,” and then Omori told him the next morn- sten weights, trying to minimize the size for the more than 300 tournaments.” 58,478 fans that her Classic experience had ing he wouldn’t come back in there again. typically finicky spotted bass. been indescribable. “That’s the class of anglers that we have on Alabama Power had shut floodgates on the Niggemeyer rebounded “I tried to prepare myself coming into this the Elite Series, and that’s one of things that upriver Logan Martin Dam, though, so the After battling walking pneumonia the week so that I wouldn’t be overwhelmed, so I could makes it special to compete with these guys,” current was not as strong as the first day when before the tournament, James Niggemeyer of come and fish,” Martin-Wells said. “Now prob- VanDam said. Omori was fourth in the standings. Van rebounded well to make the final-day cut. ably tonight, tomorrow or the next day, I might Omori added that he thought VanDam might Omori also threw a lipless crankbait in Spring He finished 18th with 26-12. He missed two of fall to pieces — or tonight, when I watch it be working the area for a morning bite and then Creek, another significant tributary, along with the four practice days and was offered a spot to on TV, because every time I see it I get goose leave, “but after he stayed in there I didn’t go the creature bait but had little success. fish by fellow Texan Alton Jones. bumps. It has been incredible, the guys have back because I didn’t want to mess him up.” “I tried a Lucky Craft Slender Pointer 97 in “I appreciated that a lot and the quality been wonderful. There are really no words to Omori fished upriver on the Coosa River practice but it was just too muddy for that,” wasn’t there, but it gave me a few fish in the describe this whole feeling.” channel, working deeper structure and some he said. “I also tried an RC 1.5 crankbait but livewell, and we all fish better after you get one Martin-Wells will continue to compete with shallow pockets with a Texas-rigged creature couldn’t get anything on it. This was the coldest or two in the box,” Niggemeyer said. “I was start- the guys as she participates in the 2010 ing out with a Strike King finesse worm on 7- Bassmaster Southern Open and Central Open pound Sunline split-shot rig in current for spots circuits. Up next is the April 8-10 Central Open Texans’ Classic finishes in the morning, and then flipping a Strike King on Lake Amistad in Del Rio, Texas. Angler Hometown Fish Total weight Winnings Rodent in the Bama Bug color in the afternoon On Saturday, Martin-Wells was pumped 3. Todd Faircloth ...... Jasper ...... 15 ...... 44-03...... $40,000 for big bites in thick vegetation.” about making the cut. 10. Takahiro Omori...... Emory ...... 13 ...... 32-10...... $20,000 Niggemeyer said he didn’t let the illness get “I’m extremely proud of myself if for no other 18. James Niggemeyer . . . . .Van ...... 14 ...... 26-12...... $12,800 him down mentally despite its draining effect reason than it’s been tough, and I’ve been able 27. Alton Jones ...... Waco ...... 7 ...... 14-01 on him physically. to grind out a limit both days,” she said then. 30. Bryan Schmidt...... Olney ...... 5 ...... 12-10 “I couldn’t let being sick and missing practice She not only put a limit in the boat each day 32. Gary Klein ...... Weatherford . . . 4 ...... 10-07 days affect me in a tournament against the best by 8 a.m., Martin-Wells had the first limit of the 34. Byron Velvick ...... Del Rio...... 5 ...... 10-00 guys in the world, and that could have been a 51-angler field both days. 35. Kelly Jordon...... Mineola ...... 4 ...... 9-12 big deal,” he said. — BASS report

years, evolving into a multibillion-dollar Antlers industry that’s seemingly impervious to the Continued from Page 6 recession. Last year, Americans spent more cated ﬂavor,” like a salt lick, Thomas said. than $45 billion on their pets, according to He often hitches a trailer to his F-150 truck the non-proﬁt trade organization American and heads to West Texas or Oklahoma to buy Pet Products Association. That number is batches of antlers from ranchers, landowners expected to increase this year, particularly for and hunters. He declined to say how much he earth-friendly pet products. That’s welcome pays for them. news to Lucky Buck and Antlerz. The antlers are cut at QT Dog’s 10,000- “Dog spending is one of the last places peo- square-foot warehouse in South Dallas before ple will really cut back,” Thomas said. “They they are sent off to be sterilized. get so much satisfaction out of taking care of The quality of pet care has risen over the Rex, Fido (and) Spot.” Free decal Show your support for Texas’ best outdoor publication. Send a self-addressed, stamped envelope to Lone Star Outdoor News, 9304 Forest Lane, Suite 114 South, Dallas, Texas 75243 for a free Lone Star Outdoor News decal. LSONews.com Lone✯Star Outdoor News February 26, 2010 Page 21

Lures Continued from Page 8 Much of the crafting Butler learned by doing. He took no classes, but he built on his experience as a boat builder. For a while, it showed. “The first several years, they were pretty bad looking,” he said. “I mean terrible looking.” He began making lures in 1980, not long after giving up commercial fishing full time. Butler grew up fishing commer- cially on the Texas coast. He would run trotlines as a child, starting in about the first or second grade. After setting his lines in the morning, he and his friends would return to the fish house about 9 or 10 a.m. HISTORICAL REFERENCE: Ernie Butler’s lures are handmade the way they used to be and grab their fishing rods. along the Texas coast. Photo by David Sikes, for Lone Star Outdoor News. He could only afford one or two Scott Murray of Riviera Beach techniques he learned from men lures, and he said he would “cuss” a might be one of the only anglers to who were old-timers when he first 6- or 7-pound trout if he caught one use Butler’s lures. But Murray said started. because he didn’t want the big fish they catch lots of fish. Butler, too, would like to leave a to break the lure off. “It looks just like a mullet darting legacy in lure making. His daugh- Nowadays, Butler fishes when he along,” he said. “It’s amazing.” ters — one a nurse, the other a sales- can. Using one of his lures he has Part of the magic of Ol’ Madre woman, both raised on a house- caught a trout weighing 11 pounds, Lures, Murray said, is Butler’s insight boat — probably won’t pick up the 4 ounces, and a couple days before into their intended target. hobby. speaking with Lone Star Outdoor “To me what’s special about them Maybe his grandson will learn News he caught a fish weighing 7 is he developed them on site to the family business. He has talked pounds, 8 ounces. catch on-site trout,” Murray said. about recording his techniques on He did not seem worried about Butler sold his commercial fish- video or writing them down. breaking off a lure on a big fish ing licenses in 2005, ending an era Maybe all that will remain are the these days. But with a successful of his family fishing the Texas coast shiny red and white twitch lures restaurant keeping him afloat, he for pay. under glass on other anglers’ desks. can now afford to buy a new one. He keeps some history of the old “Our way of life has passed by,” Or make one. ways alive by making lures, with he said. “It’s gone.”

certain charities, Hughes said. Guitars Artists who participate are signing instruments simi- Continued from Page 8 lar to what they typically play. But instead of spending to help,” Hughes said. “You’d be surprised how many of thousands of dollars on the same model, Hughes buys them love to fish.” a similar, less expensive version for signing. Others decline to participate. The unsigned guitars that were stolen were being “There’s a small percentage that are hard to get stored for later signing. through,” Hughes said, saying some artists’ managers The Friends of Purtis Creek raffle eight to 10 of the do not allow it. instruments every year. The group is not “destitute,” “They’re just doing their job,” Hughes said. “Their Hughes said, but it is fighting back against its loss of job is to limit the number of hangers-on and grabbers income. at each event.” “In the end, we ended up losing about $20,000 on Some artists do not sign because they only work with the deal.” Page 22 February 26, 2010 Lone✯Star Outdoor News LSONews.com

Moon Phases Solunar | Sun times | Moon times Full New Legend: Major=2 hours. Minor=1 hour. Times centered on the major-minor | | March 11 March 26 window. F=Full Moon, N=New Moon, Q=Quarter > = Peak Activity. For Sun Moon Tides First Last other locations, subtract 1 minute per 12 miles east of a location, and add 1 Texas Coast Tides March 4 March 18 minute per 12 miles west of a location. Houston Sabine Pass, jetty Port O’Connor 2010 A.M. P.M. SUN MOON Date Time Height Time Height Time Height Time Height Date Time Height Time Height Time Height Time Height Feb-Mar Minor Major Minor Major Rises Sets Rises Sets Feb 26 6:37 a.m. -1.1 L 2:31 p.m. 2.0 H 6:38 p.m. 1.4 L Feb 26 10:22 a.m. -0.5 L 11:55 p.m. 0.6 H 26 Fri 2:53 9:07 3:22 9:36 6:50 6:18 4:24p 5:12a Feb 27 12:01 a.m. 2.1 H 7:31 a.m. -0.9 L 2:50 p.m. 1.8 H 7:28 p.m. 1.1 L Feb 27 11:12 a.m. -0.4 L 27 Sat > 3:45 9:59 4:13 10:26 6:49 6:18 5:34p 5:54a Feb 28 1:22 a.m. 2.1 H 8:23 a.m. -0.5 L 3:09 p.m. 1.8 H 8:19 p.m. 0.5 L Feb 28 2:57 a.m. 0.5 H 11:55 a.m. -0.2 L 7:35 p.m. 0.2 H 10:31 p.m. 0.1 L 28 Sun > 4:37 10:50 5:04 11:17 6:48 6:19 6:43p 6:32a Mar 1 2:41 a.m. 2.1 H 9:13 a.m. 0.0 L 3:28 p.m. 1.6 H 9:10 p.m. 0.2 L Mar 1 5:07 a.m. 0.5 H 12:33 p.m. 0.0 L 6:17 p.m. 0.2 H 11:51 p.m. 0.0 L 01 Mon F 5:30 11:43 5:56 ----- 6:47 6:20 7:50p 7:08a Mar 2 3:59 a.m. 2.1 H 10:04 a.m. 0.5 L 3:47 p.m. 1.6 H 10:02 p.m. -0.2 L Mar 2 7:00 a.m. 0.4 H 1:00 p.m. 0.2 L 5:39 p.m. 0.3 H 02 Tue > 6:26 12:13 6:51 12:38 6:45 6:20 8:57p 7:44a Mar 3 5:20 a.m. 2.1 H 10:58 a.m. 1.1 L 4:04 p.m. 1.6 H 10:56 p.m. -0.5 L Mar 3 12:52 a.m. -0.1 L 09:00 a.m. 0.4 H 1:04 p.m. 0.3 L 5:19 p.m. 0.4 H 03 Wed > 7:23 1:10 7:49 1:36 6:44 6:21 10:03p 8:22a Mar 4 6:45 a.m. 2.1 H 12:01 p.m. 1.4 L 4:16 p.m. 1.8 H 11:53 p.m. -0.5 L Mar 4 1:50 a.m. -0.3 L 5:17 p.m. 0.6 H 04 Thu 8:22 2:09 8:48 2:35 6:43 6:22 11:08p 9:01a Mar 5 08:19 a.m. 2.1 H 1:51 p.m. 1.6 L 4:07 p.m. 1.8 H Mar 5 2:48 a.m. -0.3 L 5:30 p.m. 0.7 H 05 Fri 9:21 3:07 9:48 3:34 6:42 6:22 NoMoon 9:45a Mar 6 12:55 a.m. -0.5 L 10:11 a.m. 2.1 H Mar 6 3:52 a.m. -0.3 L 5:55 p.m. 0.7 H 06 Sat 10:18 4:05 10:45 4:32 6:41 6:23 12:11a 10:32a Mar 7 2:05 a.m. -0.5 L 12:10 p.m. 2.1 H Mar 7 5:05 a.m. -0.3 L 6:26 p.m. 0.7 H 07 Sun Q 11:13 5:00 11:40 5:26 6:40 6:24 1:09a 11:23a Mar 8 3:19 a.m. -0.4 L 1:23 p.m. 2.1 H Mar 8 6:28 a.m. -0.3 L 7:00 p.m. 0.7 H 08 Mon Q ----- 5:52 12:05 6:17 6:39 6:24 2:01a 12:16p Mar 9 4:31 a.m. -0.4 L 2:07 p.m. 2.1 H Mar 9 7:52 a.m. -0.2 L 7:34 p.m. 0.7 H 09 Tue 12:28 6:40 12:52 7:05 6:38 6:25 2:48a 1:11p Mar 10 5:31 a.m. -0.2 L 2:26 p.m. 2.0 H 7:22 p.m. 1.6 L 9:57 p.m. 1.8 H Mar 10 09:04 a.m. -0.2 L 08:07 p.m. 0.7 H 10 Wed 1:13 7:24 1:36 7:48 6:36 6:26 3:30a 2:06p Mar 11 6:19 a.m. -0.2 L 2:25 p.m. 2.0 H 7:14 p.m. 1.6 L 11:13 p.m. 2.0 H Mar 11 10:04 a.m. -0.2 L 08:36 p.m. 0.6 H 11 Thu 1:54 8:06 2:17 8:28 6:35 6:26 4:07a 3:02p Mar 12 6:57 a.m. 0.0 L 2:22 p.m. 1.8 H 7:16 p.m. 1.4 L Mar 12 10:54 a.m. -0.1 L 08:51 p.m. 0.5 H 11:26 p.m. 0.4 L 12 Fri 2:34 8:45 2:55 9:06 6:34 6:27 4:41a 3:56p 13 Sat > 3:12 9:22 3:33 9:43 6:33 6:27 5:11a 4:50p Galveston Bay entrance, south jetty Rockport 14 Sun > 4:50 11:00 5:10 11:20 7:32 7:28 6:40a 6:43p Date Time Height Time Height Time Height Time Height Date Time Height Time Height Time Height Time Height 15 Mon N 5:29 11:39 5:49 11:59 7:31 7:29 7:08a 7:36p Feb 26 7:03 a.m. -0.9 L 3:18 p.m. 1.6 H 7:04 p.m. 1.1 L Feb 26 12:34 a.m. 0.04 H 11:09 a.m. -0.35 L 16 Tue > 6:10 12:00 6:31 12:20 7:29 7:29 7:37a 8:30p Feb 27 12:48 a.m. 1.7 H 7:57 a.m. -0.7 L 3:37 p.m. 1.4 H 7:54 p.m. 0.9 L Feb 27 1:42 a.m. 0.02 H 11:55 a.m. -0.30 L 17 Wed > 6:54 12:44 7:16 1:05 7:28 7:30 8:07a 9:26p Feb 28 2:09 a.m. 1.7 H 8:49 a.m. -0.4 L 3:56 p.m. 1.4 H 8:45 p.m. 0.4 L Feb 28 3:04 a.m. -0.01 H 12:30 p.m. -0.23 L Mar 1 3:28 a.m. 1.7 H 9:39 a.m. 0.0 L 4:15 p.m. 1.3 H 9:36 p.m. 0.1 L Mar 1 5:01 a.m. -0.06 H 12:43 p.m. -0.15 L 5:49 p.m. -0.12 H 11:58 p.m. -0.17 L Mar 2 4:46 a.m. 1.7 H 10:30 a.m. 0.4 L 4:34 p.m. 1.3 H 10:28 p.m. -0.1 L Mar 2 8:15 a.m. -0.08 H 11:50 a.m. -0.09 L 4:57 p.m. -0.06 H Dallas Mar 3 6:07 a.m. 1.7 H 11:24 a.m. 0.9 L 4:51 p.m. 1.3 H 11:22 p.m. -0.4 L Mar 3 1:41 a.m. -0.22 L 5:01 p.m. -0.00 H 2010 A.M. P.M. SUN MOON Mar 4 7:32 a.m. 1.7 H 12:27 p.m. 1.1 L 5:03 p.m. 1.4 H Mar 4 2:53 a.m. -0.25 L 5:36 p.m. 0.04 H Feb-Mar Minor Major Minor Major Rises Sets Rises Sets Mar 5 12:19 a.m. -0.4 L 09:06 a.m. 1.7 H 2:17 p.m. 1.3 L 4:54 p.m. 1.4 H Mar 5 3:55 a.m. -0.26 L 6:29 p.m. 0.07 H 26 Fri 2:58 9:13 3:27 9:42 6:58 6:20 4:25p 5:23a Mar 6 1:21 a.m. -0.4 L 10:58 a.m. 1.7 H Mar 6 4:56 a.m. -0.26 L 7:36 p.m. 0.09 H 27 Sat > 3:51 10:04 4:18 10:32 6:57 6:21 5:37p 6:03a Mar 7 2:31 a.m. -0.4 L 12:57 p.m. 1.7 H Mar 7 6:02 a.m. -0.24 L 8:51 p.m. 0.10 H 28 Sun > 4:43 10:56 5:09 11:22 6:56 6:22 6:48p 6:39a Mar 8 3:45 a.m. -0.3 L 2:10 p.m. 1.7 H Mar 8 7:11 a.m. -0.22 L 10:07 p.m. 0.11 H 01 Mon F 5:36 11:49 6:02 ----- 6:54 6:23 7:57p 7:14a Mar 9 4:57 a.m. -0.3 L 2:54 p.m. 1.7 H Mar 9 8:22 a.m. -0.20 L 11:16 p.m. 0.12 H 02 Tue > 6:31 12:18 6:57 12:44 6:53 6:24 9:06p 7:48a Mar 10 5:57 a.m. -0.1 L 3:13 p.m. 1.6 H 7:48 p.m. 1.3 L 10:44 p.m. 1.4 H Mar 10 9:26 a.m. -0.18 L 03 Wed > 7:28 1:15 7:55 1:41 6:52 6:24 10:14p 8:23a Mar 11 6:45 a.m. -0.1 L 3:12 p.m. 1.6 H 7:40 p.m. 1.3 L Mar 11 12:18 a.m. 0.12 H 10:18 a.m. -0.16 L 04 Thu 8:27 2:14 8:54 2:41 6:51 6:25 11:21p 9:01a Mar 12 12:00 a.m. 1.6 H 7:23 a.m. 0.0 L 3:09 p.m. 1.4 H 7:42 p.m. 1.1 L Mar 12 1:14 a.m. 0.12 H 10:56 a.m. -0.13 L 05 Fri 9:26 3:13 9:53 3:40 6:50 6:26 NoMoon 9:43a 06 Sat 10:24 4:10 10:51 4:37 6:48 6:27 12:25a 10:29a San Luis Pass Port Aransas, H. Caldwell Pier 07 Sun Q 11:19 5:06 11:45 5:32 6:47 6:28 1:23a 11:19a Date Time Height Time Height Time Height Time Height Date Time Height Time Height Time Height Time Height 08 Mon Q ----- 5:57 12:10 6:23 6:46 6:28 2:16a 12:13p Feb 26 7:59 a.m. -0.5 L 3:48 p.m. 0.9 H 8:00 p.m. 0.7 L Feb 26 6:42 a.m. -0.5 L 3:11 p.m. 1.3 H 6:43 p.m. 0.6 L 09 Tue 12:33 6:45 12:58 7:10 6:45 6:29 3:02a 1:09p Feb 27 1:18 a.m. 1.0 H 8:53 a.m. -0.4 L 4:07 p.m. 0.9 H 8:50 p.m. 0.5 L Feb 27 12:41 a.m. 1.4 H 7:36 a.m. -0.4 L 3:30 p.m. 1.1 H 7:33 p.m. 0.5 L 10 Wed 1:18 7:30 1:42 7:53 6:43 6:30 3:43a 2:05p Feb 28 2:39 a.m. 1.0 H 9:45 a.m. -0.3 L 4:26 p.m. 0.9 H 9:41 p.m. 0.3 L Feb 28 2:02 a.m. 1.4 H 8:28 a.m. -0.2 L 3:49 p.m. 1.1 H 8:24 p.m. 0.2 L 11 Thu 2:00 8:11 2:22 8:34 6:42 6:31 4:19a 3:02p Mar 1 3:58 a.m. 1.0 H 10:35 a.m. 0.0 L 4:45 p.m. 0.8 H 10:32 p.m. 0.1 L Mar 1 3:21 a.m. 1.4 H 9:18 a.m. 0.0 L 4:08 p.m. 1.0 H 9:15 p.m. 0.1 L 12 Fri 2:40 8:50 3:01 9:12 6:41 6:31 4:51a 3:58p Mar 2 5:16 a.m. 1.0 H 11:26 a.m. 0.3 L 5:04 p.m. 0.8 H 11:24 p.m. -0.1 L Mar 2 4:39 a.m. 1.4 H 10:09 a.m. 0.2 L 4:27 p.m. 1.0 H 10:07 p.m. -0.1 L 13 Sat > 3:18 9:28 3:38 9:49 6:39 6:32 5:20a 4:53p Mar 3 6:37 a.m. 1.0 H 12:20 p.m. 0.5 L 5:21 p.m. 0.8 H Mar 3 6:00 a.m. 1.4 H 11:03 a.m. 0.5 L 4:44 p.m. 1.0 H 11:01 p.m. -0.2 L 14 Sun > 4:55 11:06 5:16 11:26 7:38 7:33 6:47a 6:48p Mar 4 12:18 a.m. -0.3 L 08:02 a.m. 1.0 H 1:23 p.m. 0.7 L 5:33 p.m. 0.9 H Mar 4 7:25 a.m. 1.4 H 12:06 p.m. 0.6 L 4:56 p.m. 1.1 H 11:58 p.m. -0.2 L 15 Mon N 5:34 11:44 5:55 12:05 7:37 7:33 7:14a 7:42p Mar 5 1:15 a.m. -0.3 L 09:36 a.m. 1.0 H 3:13 p.m. 0.8 L 5:24 p.m. 0.9 H Mar 5 08:59 a.m. 1.4 H 1:56 p.m. 0.7 L 4:47 p.m. 1.1 H 16 Tue > 6:15 12:05 6:36 12:26 7:36 7:34 7:41a 8:38p Mar 6 2:17 a.m. -0.3 L 11:28 a.m. 1.0 H Mar 6 1:00 a.m. -0.2 L 10:51 a.m. 1.4 H 17 Wed > 7:00 12:49 7:22 1:11 7:34 7:35 8:09a 9:36p Mar 7 3:27 a.m. -0.3 L 1:27 p.m. 1.0 H Mar 7 2:10 a.m. -0.2 L 12:50 p.m. 1.4 H Mar 8 4:41 a.m. -0.2 L 2:40 p.m. 1.0 H Mar 8 3:24 a.m. -0.2 L 2:03 p.m. 1.4 H Mar 9 5:53 a.m. -0.2 L 3:24 p.m. 1.0 H Mar 9 4:36 a.m. -0.2 L 2:47 p.m. 1.4 H San Antonio Mar 10 6:53 a.m. -0.1 L 3:43 p.m. 0.9 H 8:44 p.m. 0.8 L 11:14 p.m. 0.9 H Mar 10 5:36 a.m. -0.1 L 3:06 p.m. 1.3 H 7:27 p.m. 0.7 L 10:37 p.m. 1.1 H 2010 A.M. P.M. SUN MOON Mar 11 7:41 a.m. -0.1 L 3:42 p.m. 0.9 H 8:36 p.m. 0.8 L Mar 11 6:24 a.m. -0.1 L 3:05 p.m. 1.3 H 7:19 p.m. 0.7 L 11:53 p.m. 1.3 H Feb-Mar Minor Major Minor Major Rises Sets Rises Sets Mar 12 12:30 a.m. 0.9 H 8:19 a.m. 0.0 L 3:39 p.m. 0.9 H 8:38 p.m. 0.7 L Mar 12 7:02 a.m. 0.0 L 3:02 p.m. 1.1 H 7:21 p.m. 0.6 L 26 Fri 3:05 9:20 3:34 9:49 7:02 6:30 4:37p 5:24a 27 Sat > 3:58 10:11 4:25 10:39 7:01 6:31 5:48p 6:06a Freeport Harbor South Padre Island 28 Sun > 4:50 11:03 5:16 11:29 7:00 6:32 6:56p 6:45a Date Time Height Time Height Time Height Time Height Date Time Height Time Height Time Height Time Height 01 Mon F 5:43 11:56 6:09 ----- 6:59 6:32 8:03p 7:21a Feb 26 7:00 a.m. -0.5 L 2:40 p.m. 1.4 H 7:01 p.m. 0.7 L Feb 26 6:46 a.m. -0.6 L 3:38 p.m. 1.4 H 7:59 p.m. 1.2 L 11:05 p.m. 1.3 H 02 Tue > 6:38 12:25 7:04 12:51 6:58 6:33 9:09p 7:57a Feb 27 12:10 a.m. 1.5 H 7:54 a.m. -0.5 L 2:59 p.m. 1.2 H 7:51 p.m. 0.5 L Feb 27 7:44 a.m. -0.4 L 3:41 p.m. 1.2 H 8:07 p.m. 0.9 L 03 Wed > 7:35 1:22 8:02 1:48 6:57 6:34 10:16p 8:35a Feb 28 1:31 a.m. 1.5 H 8:46 a.m. -0.3 L 3:18 p.m. 1.2 H 8:42 p.m. 0.3 L Feb 28 1:00 a.m. 1.2 H 8:39 a.m. -0.2 L 3:38 p.m. 1.0 H 8:38 p.m. 0.6 L 04 Thu 8:34 2:21 9:01 2:48 6:56 6:34 11:21p 9:15a Mar 1 2:50 a.m. 1.5 H 9:36 a.m. 0.0 L 3:37 p.m. 1.1 H 9:33 p.m. 0.1 L Mar 1 2:37 a.m. 1.2 H 9:34 a.m. 0.1 L 3:31 p.m. 0.8 H 9:19 p.m. 0.2 L 05 Fri 9:33 3:20 10:00 3:47 6:54 6:35 NoMoon 9:58a Mar 2 4:08 a.m. 1.5 H 10:27 a.m. 0.3 L 3:56 p.m. 1.1 H 10:25 p.m. -0.1 L Mar 2 4:08 a.m. 1.2 H 10:29 a.m. 0.4 L 3:21 p.m. 0.8 H 10:04 p.m. -0.1 L 06 Sat 10:31 4:17 10:58 4:44 6:53 6:36 12:23a 10:46a Mar 3 5:29 a.m. 1.5 H 11:21 a.m. 0.5 L 4:13 p.m. 1.1 H 11:19 p.m. -0.3 L Mar 3 5:41 a.m. 1.2 H 11:28 a.m. 0.7 L 3:06 p.m. 0.9 H 10:53 p.m. -0.4 L 07 Sun Q 11:26 5:13 11:52 5:39 6:52 6:36 1:21a 11:37a Mar 4 6:54 a.m. 1.5 H 12:24 p.m. 0.7 L 4:25 p.m. 1.2 H Mar 4 7:23 a.m. 1.2 H 11:48 p.m. -0.5 L 08 Mon Q ----- 6:04 12:17 6:30 6:51 6:37 2:13a 12:30p Mar 5 12:16 a.m. -0.3 L 08:28 a.m. 1.5 H 2:14 p.m. 0.8 L 4:16 p.m. 1.2 H Mar 5 09:22 a.m. 1.2 H 09 Tue 12:40 6:52 1:05 7:17 6:50 6:38 3:00a 1:25p Mar 6 1:18 a.m. -0.3 L 10:20 a.m. 1.5 H Mar 6 12:48 a.m. -0.5 L 11:33 a.m. 1.3 H 10 Wed 1:25 7:37 1:49 8:00 6:49 6:38 3:42a 2:20p Mar 7 2:28 a.m. -0.3 L 12:19 p.m. 1.5 H Mar 7 1:55 a.m. -0.5 L 1:03 p.m. 1.4 H 11 Thu 2:07 8:18 2:29 8:41 6:48 6:39 4:20a 3:15p Mar 8 3:42 a.m. -0.2 L 1:32 p.m. 1.5 H Mar 8 3:07 a.m. -0.4 L 1:58 p.m. 1.4 H 12 Fri 2:47 8:57 3:08 9:19 6:47 6:39 4:53a 4:09p Mar 9 4:54 a.m. -0.2 L 2:16 p.m. 1.5 H Mar 9 4:19 a.m. -0.3 L 2:35 p.m. 1.4 H 13 Sat > 3:25 9:35 3:45 9:56 6:45 6:40 5:24a 5:03p Mar 10 5:54 a.m. -0.1 L 2:35 p.m. 1.4 H 7:45 p.m. 0.8 L 10:06 p.m. 1.2 H Mar 10 5:24 a.m. -0.1 L 3:00 p.m. 1.4 H 14 Sun > 5:02 11:13 5:23 11:33 7:44 7:41 6:53a 6:56p Mar 11 6:42 a.m. -0.1 L 2:34 p.m. 1.4 H 7:37 p.m. 0.8 L 11:22 p.m. 1.4 H Mar 11 6:19 a.m. 0.0 L 3:13 p.m. 1.3 H 7:50 p.m. 1.1 L 10:18 p.m. 1.2 H 15 Mon N 5:41 11:51 6:02 12:12 7:43 7:41 7:21a 7:49p Mar 12 7:20 a.m. 0.0 L 2:31 p.m. 1.2 H 7:39 p.m. 0.7 L Mar 12 7:06 a.m. 0.1 L 3:16 p.m. 1.3 H 7:45 p.m. 1.1 L 11:56 p.m. 1.2 H 16 Tue > 6:22 12:12 6:43 12:33 7:42 7:42 7:50a 8:43p 17 Wed > 7:07 12:56 7:29 1:18 7:41 7:42 8:20a 9:39p Amarillo 2010 A.M. P.M. 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OUTDOOR PUZZLER | By Wilbur “Wib” Lundeen Solution on Page 24 FOR THE TABLE ACROSS German Venison Sausage 1. A bowmaker 5 pounds lean ground venison mix thoroughly. Grind several 4. A brand of bowsight 9. A part of a whitetail’s rack 3 tablespoons salt times through the fi ne blade of 10. Takes a well-placed arrow to down 1 tablespoon pepper a grinder. Form patties or little him 2 tablespoons thyme balls for hors d’euvres. Can also 12. Color to wear for hunter’s safety 1 tablespoon tarragon be cased as links. When cooking, 13. A type of arrow point 5 pounds ground pork (40%) saute in bacon fat or boil in wa- 15. Excuses a game from being shot at 3 tablespoons sugar ter. Frozen, this recipe will keep 17. Whitetail resting spot 19. Garbage is a good bait for this quarry well up to 6 months. 20. Estimating how old game tracks are Combine all ingredients and — wildgamerecipes.org 21. Name for whitetail of the north 23. A female deer 25. A female gobbler 28. A lure to bring game to the hunter 30. ____ hunts are best for whitetails Fried Squirrel or Rabbit 31. The whitetail male 2 squirrels or rabbits cooking oil at 350 degrees. Old 33. Whitetails are creatures of this Salt to taste squirrels should be parboiled 34. To fi eld dress a game Black pepper to taste before fl ouring and frying. Serves 36. Antlers do this annually Cooking oil two people. 37. A wood used for arrow shafts 39. Another wood for arrow making Self-rising fl our Variation: Make your favorite 41. A game trail gravy and simmer the squirrel or 42. A game bird Cut squirrel or rabbit into rabbit in the gravy for 45 min- manageable pieces. Salt and utes. Serve with rice and fresh DOWN pepper pieces to taste. Roll baked biscuits. 1. A brush ____ keeps bow free of brush pieces in fl our and fry in large — Alabama Department of 2. A trait of the whitetail 3. A female bighorn skillet containing half an inch of Conservation and Natural Resources 4. Wood used for arrow shafts 17. These tines grow best on whitetails 27. Deer can run up to _____ mph 5. Hound trained to hunt deer 18. A species of wild sheep 29. A game runway 6. Arrowmaking wood 19. To place string in bow nocks 32. A side of the bow 7. Beginner in art of bowhunting 21. Wounded whitetails seek this 34. A deer can to cross a river 8. A brand of camo 22. Wind blowing toward game 35. A buck’s feeding time Have a fl avorful wild game recipe? 11. The Pope and _____ Club 24. A bowhunter’s quarry in Hawaii 38. Causes bowstring to fray and break Send it to For the Table at [email protected]. 14. Platform for still hunting 25. A game behavior pattern 39. A loop in a bowstring 16. Brand of quiver, Golden _____ 26. The bowstring fi ts in here 40. Hunter’s aid in unfamiliar areas LSONews.com Lone✯Star Outdoor News February 26, 2010 Page 23 Page 24 February 26, 2010 Lone✯Star Outdoor News LSONews.com

uncovered woodpile will allow hurt, rather than help, hunting prospects, Cote said. Oak wilt spores to rise and float toward new Feeders In addition to urging hunters to limit corn feeding, Continued from Page 6 “hosts.” Continued from Page 6 Cote also recommends that protein feeders be placed Miller said other woody species Cover woodpiles with a clear ing the nutritional equivalent of giving candy bars to in areas that are not hunted. naturally move in, and some of plastic tarp with edges anchored to children. The purpose of protein feeders is not to serve as a them are great food for deer, includ- the ground. “Our rule of thumb for protein feeders is to have deer attractant like corn, but to improve the antler ing elbow bush, green ash and red An effective yet more difficult one feeder per 400 acres, but there is no set standard growth, body weights and overall health of the deer bud. task involves digging deep trenches for corn feeders,” said Trey Moore, a manager at Los herd. Burks suggested replacing the around dying trees to keep the Cazadores Hunting Headquarters in “I recommend that protein feed- dead trees with members of the roots from sharing the fungus with Pearsall. ers be put out about every 250 acres white oak family, which are resis- healthy trees. “Corn is not really good for the deer Feeder suppliers in good habitat areas and not near tant to wilt, including post oaks Finally, a special fungicide at all, so you don’t want overkill,” he All Seasons Feeders a blind or where the deer will be and bur oaks. injected into healthy oaks can help said. “It is kind of hard to say how (800) 841-1720 hunted,” he said. Sawtooth oaks, she said, are ward off the disease, but it’s costly many feeders are too many.” www.allseasonsfeeders.com One veteran South Texas hunter, popular with turkey because their and not guaranteed to save every Biologists said corn is a poor substi- Murray Denton of San Antonio, has smaller acorns are easier to chomp, tree, Burks said. tute for quality feed for deer and other Chas-Mac been working since 1992 on develop- and they’re sweeter. wildlife. (713) 461-9163 ing the right mix of protein and corn “Diversity is the key to dealing Pathology Protein pellets contain necessary www.chas-mac.com feeders around his blind at the 9,230- with trees across the board,” Burks Species of red oaks are especially minerals and at least 15 percent pro- acre Herbert M. Oppenheimer Ranch said. “That way, not every oak will vulnerable to the fungus that causes tein — vital for antler development Dillon Manufacturing near Pearsall. get the disease; at least you’re going wilt. Its spores can be spread by sap- and maintaining body weights. But www.dillonmanuf.com Denton is among a group of about feeding beetles, Burks said. 30 to 40 hunters who hunt each week- to have a mast crop available.” deer corn contains less than 8 percent FieldPro Feeders Fungal spores also come from end of deer season from blinds at the But achieving that diversity protein. (800) 330-0017 logs, stumps or fresh-cut firewood ranch. requires patience. With the cost of quality corn feed- www.fieldprofeeders.com Burks said it takes a new oak about from diseased oaks. Relocate those ers ranging from about $400 for a He and the other regular hunters nine to 10 years to begin producing logs to your woodpile, and you basic device that will hold 300 pounds Moultrie Feeders maintain and upgrade the hunting acorns, and another four years to endanger healthy oaks nearby, to $1,500 or more for feeders that will (800) 653-3334 areas, including feeders, throughout achieve reliable crops. Burks said. hold 3,000 pounds of corn — plus www.moultriefeeders.com the year. Infections develop on open the price of the corn — wallet impact “My feeders are set up to comple- Prevention “wounds” where limbs have been is also a major factor in answering Mumme’s ment the existing trails,” Denton The disease can’t be eradicated, cut through pruning or knocked the question of “how many is too (800) 221-6398 said. Burks said. down by severe weather. These many?” www.mummesinc.com He has one protein feeder about 40 “The only way to do that is to exposed areas are where beetles like Lance Cote, wildlife specialist with yards in front of his blind and three Outback Feeders move every red oak out of the state, to get their sap. Mumme’s Inc. in Hondo, said hunt- corn feeders set up at 80, 85 and 110 800-396-6313 and that’s not going to happen,” But, Burks said, the fungus also ers should be aware of the message yards spread out in the shape of a fan. www.outbackfeeders.com she said. “(Oak wilt) has been here moves beneath the surface as the they are sending with large amounts “The deer will go from feeder to and it always will be here. roots of trees mingle. of corn on the ground. feeder, but the feral hogs are even “We’re strictly in a management You’ll know a tree has oak wilt if “You should try to put enough feed out that the worse,” he said. “They will run off from one feeder mode.” the veins on the leaves turn yellow deer will come in, clean it up and go on. that just dropped some corn to the next one when it First, don’t prune from February and then brown; also leaf edges can Then they will be interested in coming back for goes off.” through June, because that’s when appear scorched with “tip burn.” more. If you are putting out so much corn that there Denton distributes no more than 12 pounds of corn the fungus spreads best. If you peel back the bark and see is grain on the ground all the time, the deer will start per day from the three feeders and provides about 500 But, when you do get around to a mass that reeks like spoiled fruit, coming out at night when you are gone. pounds of protein feed a year from his continuously pruning, be sure to shield a wound you’re probably looking at a “fun- “Just like you want to be comfortable when you go operating protein feeder. from ranging spores by covering it gal mat” — a reliable indicator of into your kitchen to get something to eat, a deer wants The setup seems to have resulted in a winning com- with a latex paint or Elmer’s glue, oak wilt. to be comfortable when it is feeding. They prefer to bination at Denton’s hunting spot. Burks said. Fifty percent of infected trees eat when someone is not watching them or when “It is nothing for us to see 12 to 20 deer per sitting in Also, remove infected trees as “will die flat out,” Burks said. “The bullets are whizzing by their ears,” he said. “If given a normal year,” he said. “This past year was a little dif- soon as possible. other 50 percent will make it, but the opportunity, they will only come out at night.” ferent because of all the natural forage produced by late Cutting them up into firewood they may not be the ones you want Although officials at Mumme’s are happy to pro- rains. We were lucky to see one or two deer per sitting. is common, but don’t worry about in your front yard. vide an ample supply of corn and feed to landowners “I have been able to take a lot of pictures of a lot of burning the logs. Burks said that “They’re rarely picture perfect and hunters — the company is one of the largest feed good deer over the years, so my Aggie ingenuity seems won’t spread the fungus, but an after the fact.” and supply retailers in Texas — excessive feeding will to be working,” Denton added. LONE STAR MARKET

Puzzle solution from Page 22

To advertise in this section, please contact Mike Hughs at (214) 361-2276 or [email protected]. LSONews.com Lone✯Star Outdoor News February 26, 2010 Page 25

The TDA Legislative Committee will review Trout doc Outdoor News in Brief suggestions for the nonprofit’s legislative plat- Sheep group gives money Continued from Page 8 form and decide whether to pursue them. to help Mongolia animals institutional memory. TDA has listed four questions on a question- “Our fisheries have changed; Court lets ruling on Dallas’ naire sent out to supporters and available to the Mongolia recently asked for emergency aid there’s a lot more pressure on our public: for a critical winter wildlife feeding program, fisheries than there ever have been. proposed new lake stand • What are the major challenges or obstacles and the Wild Sheep Foundation responded. This time of year in the ’80s I could go The U.S. Supreme Court announced Feb. 22 you believe the deer industry faces? The foundation gave $25,000 toward the down to Baffin and be the only boat it will not hear a the lawsuit between the city of • How do you believe the challenges or obsta- effort, which aims to protect one of sheep hunt- there,” Albarado said. “Now we have Dallas and opponents of a new lake in Southeast cles could be changed or eliminated? ing’s prize species. days were there may be 20 boats in Texas, according to the Texas Conservation • Is there any legislation that you would like Mongolia is known as one of the premier wild there or 30 boats in Nine-Mile Hole. Alliance. for TDA to pursue during the 2011 legislative sheep countries in the world, and a hunt in We’re putting a lot more pressure on The court’s refusal means the city cannot build session pertaining to our industry? Mongolia has been considered the top achieve- our resources than we’ve ever had.” Fastrill Reservoir, which would have provided • How could regulations and/or laws related ment of sheep hunting for the past 55 years. The redfish these days, he said, are drinking water for the city but drowned thousands to our industry be changed in a way that could Mongolia’s wildlife is in crisis with extreme “unbelievable.” On the other hand, of acres of land. improve the way you personally do business? cold and uncharacteristically high snow levels. there seemed to be a lot more trout Instead, the land is set to become the Neches The questionnaire also has space for respon- Mongolia’s wildlife in many areas is starving in the late ’60s and early ’70s that River National Wildlife Refuge. dents to give any other suggestions for the and it appears it will get worse before it gets approached the 34-inch class. The city planned to draw about 3 percent of its committee. better, WSF said in a press release. In the years after a big freeze, the water from the lake. Issues likely to be on the front burner of the The Mongolian Hunting Association, Ministry biggest trout Ananias Club members Supporters of the refuge said the refuge could next session include water policy, property rights, of Nature and the Mongolian outfitters are work- would see would be 25 to 27 inches. grow up to 25,000 acres under long-term plans. transportation/toll roads, education and higher ing together to feed the Argali, Ibex and other It’s clear, talking to the fishing phy- — Staff report education, border violence, energy, disaster wild ungulates in the country. sician, that it’s not all about numbers. response and redistricting. Thirty-two feeding areas have been estab- Sure, his personal best trout taped at Responses may be e-mailed to Gilbert Adams, lished, though accessing them in the primitive 32.5 inches — a trophy by anyone’s TDA seeking suggestions TDA Legislative Committee chairman, at country is difficult. standard; but it’s the time on the [email protected]. With no fixed wing airplanes currently in water that really counts. for 2011 legislative goals They may be mailed to Texas Deer Association, Mongolia, camels are being loaded up with hay “I don’t know how many people The Texas Deer Association is asking for public 403 E. Ramsey, #204, San Antonio, TX 78216 and led to the wildlife feeding areas to supply have said they’ve been on the Tide input for setting its legislative priorities in 2011, or faxed to (210) 767-8401. them. Gauge bar and just seen trout after the next year when the Legislature meets. — Texas Deer Association report — Wild Sheep Foundation report trout after trout. That’s the joy of going — you see things you’d never expect to see,” he said. “It’s kind of like deer hunting. If you don’t get excited seeing a 14- or 15-point deer, it’s time for you to hang it up.” The only thing Bill Albarado is likely to hang any time soon is another big trout. Just to keep the sport going, he’ll load nieces and nephews — sometimes even his patients — on his skiff and run them over to a clear, secluded shoreline. “It’s always a thrill to watch someone who’s never seen a fish in knee- deep water see a fish and cast at it and catch it,” he said. “And if it doesn’t happen this year, there’s always next year to look forward to.” Page 26 February 26, 2010 Lone✯Star Outdoor News LSONews.com CLASSIFIEDS Safari club sets records at show Dallas group has high attendance at new location

The Dallas Safari Club’s 2010 Convention and Sporting Expo concluded with several confirmed and pending new records for expo exhibits, total attendance, gate revenue and auction proceeds — all of which translates to record funding for the DSC mission in the coming year. “We blew the doors off some previous records, most notably our fundraising totals for conserva- 100 ACRES tion and education projects world- Deer Stocking wide,” said Ben Carter, executive in EAST TEXAS director of DSC. “The economy 2009 doe fawns bred from •PLENTY OF DUCKS, DEER, HOGS, may be down, but it didn’t appear AND WOODCOCK. 180-class parents & exposed so at our convention.” •BETWEEN LUFKIN AND DIBOLL. BUTTS Expo traffic was heavy for much to trophy buck. 6 doe fawns UP TO RYAN LAKE HUNTING CLUB. 5 MILES OFF HWY 59. of the show. “People who have money are for $5,000 or 5 buck fawns $1500. PER ACRE. • still booking safaris and buying a for $5,000. Delivery available. DARRELL BEARD 936-635-2023 lot of things, which is great,” said Hans Vermaak of South Africa’s (512) 715-8511 Coenraad Vermaak Safaris, the www.threadgillranches.com longest-operating safari outfit in Africa. “It’s almost as though they’re We provide wild-caught buying even more safaris right now Trophy Hog because there are so many deals to Texas Gulf shrimp, frozen be had as a result of a decline in less at sea and chemical free. Hunting expensive package hunts.” WE SHIP! Thormahlen and Cochrane East Texas PLATFORM BOAT LIFTS Safaris’ Anso Thormahlen, also of At the push of a button, the patented South Africa, echoed that. [email protected] Food & lodging included air-lift design raises your boat completely 2230 Fishermans Place Rd out of the water. “We had a very good show after www.FullStringerRealty.com • Maintenance Free • Solar Powered traffic picked up on the first day,” Brownsville, TX 78521 • Eco-Friendly • Non-Skid Platform Thormahlen said. “We booked sev- Your Coastal Property Specialist RazorBack Hog Hunting Ranch 713-203-3860 Drive-on, push a button and walk away. eral safaris and, as always, thank Residential Acreage Commercial The Texas Boat Lift Company DSC for the opportunity to be David and Jody Cassady Owners/Broker 713-849-4200 Call Andrew: 406-600-7875 here.” (979) 863-1143 razorbackranch.com www.safehavenboatlifts.com The convention, held Jan. 7- 10, was at the Dallas Convention Center for the first time. Rio Grande Turkey Hunts “This was our first year in a big, Hog Eradication new facility that gave us room to Seven Bar Ranch grow, and I couldn’t be more pleased Archer City, Texas Hunts with the end result,” Carter said. “We’ll be at the Dallas Convention Center at least through 2015 so Two days, two toms: $350 Unlimited Hogs there’s also room to grow our event April 3 to May 16, 2010 Llano & San Saba Riverbottom experience and proficiency in our new home. I expect our show to get Accomodations included. Lodging Included better and better.” Carter added that the DSC event [email protected] 512-517-9259 will continue to be the first major (940) 574-2239 sporting expo each year, annually ThreadgillRanches.com offering hunters their first opportunity to shop and book dates with PIONEER REAL ESTATE top outfitters. Shirley Shandley, Broker DSC convention highlights: • Real Co. – 20 AC, Cabin, Hwy front $115,000 (#66) ■ $400,000 — Gain in auction pro- • 50 AC Hunting, Lg. neighbors $158,000 (#44) ceeds over 2009 (estimate, pending • 120 AC Water meter, Hwy front, Terms new record) (Owner/Assoc. Broker) (#60) ■ 300,000 — Square feet of exhibit BAFFIN BAY, TEXAS • 503 AC Axis deer, living quarters, pond space (new record) Fully Furnished Water-Front Rentals with $2500 P/AC (#75) ■ $40,000 — Top bid for an elephant • Uvalde Co. – 300 AC near Garner Park, creek, Private, Lighted Piers will divide $3950 P/AC (#55) hunt with African outfitter Coenraad Vermaak Safaris Quail, Deer & Nilgai Hunts • 1067 AC, spring, well $1395 P/AC (#28) Also, one beach-front home for sale ■ $40,000 — Top bid for an Arizona • Kinney Co. – 240 Hunting AC $1300 P/AC (#51) (361) 522-7961 commissioner’s elk tag Photos & plats on www.hillcountryrealestate.net ■ 26,000 — Attendance based on www.wildhorselodge.com or call 830-232-6422 for a “free” brochure sales of day passes (estimate, pending new record) ■ 1,100 — Show exhibits (new record) Place your classified Place a classified ad in Lone Attending celebrities: ■ Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison, Texas Star Outdoor News and ■ Actress Anne Lockhart experience the results of a new ■ NRA Executive Vice President and • Pond and Lake Management CEO Wayne LaPierre • Fish Hatchery & Stocking look. The 2”x 2” ad will get the ■ Actor Gerald McRaney • Electrofi shing Surveys ■ U.S. Rep. Pete Sessions, Texas Excellent spring turkey hunts • Aquatic Vegetation Control attention necessary to say SOLD! ■ Includes hog hunting. • Pond Design & Construction Sgt. 1st Class Greg Stube Brackettville, Texas: Surrounded by large ranches. • Dry-Land Plant Control $50 per month (two issues). Call Mike at ■ Actor Marshall Teague $550 for 2 days of hunting. Now ■ Gen. Chuck Yeager booking Your South Texas Connection (214) 361-2276 or e-mail ad to Free private lodging and DVD. trophy 361.387.7819 • 4977 CR 83, ROBSTOWN, TX 78380 ■ U.S. Rep. Don Young, Alaska www.coxcountry.net (830) 563-2658 whitetail herrmannsfi sh@herrmannsfi shfarm.com [email protected]. [email protected] hunts. herrmannsfi shfarm.com — Dallas Safari Club report LSONews.com Lone✯Star Outdoor News February 26, 2010 Page 27 Page 28 February 26, 2010 Lone✯Star Outdoor News LSONews.com