FISHING Utes of Coaching the Bass to the Boat, Interlaced with Moans of Excitement and Talk of a “Hawg,” He Pulled the 8-Pound, 13-Ounce Prize Into the Boat

Sea quest

Similar, yet quite different January 25, 2008 Texas’ Premier Outdoor Newspaper Volume 4, Issue 11 Page 12 www.lonestaroutdoornews.com

INSIDE HUNTING Stretching the spawning truth Fish eggs get a line on weighty talk

Many hunting accidents have BY KYLE CARTER been caused by a dog stepping on the gun’s safety Ben Matsubu, a BASS Elite Series angler from and trigger. Safety experts say Hemphill, entered the last day of the last tourna- the accidents are preventable. ment of the season trailing by a mere pound. Page 6 It wasn’t long after he left the dock on Lake Toho in Kissimmee, Fla., on a mild September morning that he hooked up with a monster. After five min- FISHING utes of coaching the bass to the boat, interlaced with moans of excitement and talk of a “hawg,” he pulled the 8-pound, 13-ounce prize into the boat. Then came what could be construed as insanity by definition. “That’s a 13-pound bass,” he said, smiling as he held a bass he knew didn’t weight more than 10 pounds. Insanity? Maybe. But he’s certainly not the first angler to make such a claim. Fishermen are renowned exaggerators, but when an angler drops the biology hammer on his claim, it’s harder to refute. Biological fact: A pregnant female is what every trophy bass angler should be looking for. She’s fat, she’s hungry and she’s full of eggs. That’s one rea- son why fisheries like Toho, Lake Fork, Sam Rayburn or Lake Amistad will produce bigger weights in the A voluntary accreditation spring while the females are spawning than it does program for fishing guides in the fall after they have laid their eggs. may soon be established in Fisherman’s fact: The difference between a preg- Texas. nant female and a female that has laid her eggs can Page 8 be whatever weight feels sufficient. In Matsubu’s case, four pounds sounded about right. CONSERVATION Unfortunately, a report published by the biologists of the Southern Regional Aquaculture Center The Texas Organization of has put a number to the weight of the eggs. Wildlife Management “Usually at spawning the weight of eggs in Associations is planning females will be 10 percent or more of her body meetings to urge landowners weight,” the report stated. “Larger fish tend to to cooperate on water and have larger eggs and therefore larger fry but fewer EXTRA BAGGAGE: The eggs in a female largemouth may increase the fish’s weight by 10 to 20 percent. wildlife management. See EGGS, Page 22 This fish might have up to two pounds of roe. Photo by David J. Sams. Page 5 NATIONAL This buck is a doe! Antlered female deer shot in McCulloch County

BY BILL MILLER An antlered doe is rare, state biologists said, because they are equipped with female The “Frankenstein Deer” is what Cliff reproductive organs and, yes, a set of horns. Colorado wildlife officials are Smallwood now calls the McCulloch Smallwood said he didn’t plan to shoot a feeding the largest mule deer County whitetail he shot in late November. deer on the day he encountered the strange herd in the state due to That’s because the unusual deer has doe, but he had his .270 along for hogs. extremely deep snow grown into a sensation for whitetail fans Accompanying him was a very credible eyewitness — his hunting partner, Jeff Cox, conditions. across the nation, courtesy of the Internet. But maybe Smallwood, a Longview busi- who is a Texas game warden assigned to Page 4 nessman, should start calling it the “Bride of McCulloch County. Frankenstein Deer,” because this seven- “Jeff spotted the deer and was pointing at SOMETHING AMISS: Cliff Smallwood shot this antlered doe, a See DOE, Page 23 INDEX phenomenon that occurs a few times each year in Texas. pointer was actually a doe. Classifieds Page 19

Crossword Page 16 PRSRT STD Galveston project stirs Time Sensitive Material US POSTAGE Game Warden Blotter Page 10 Deliver ASAP PAID PLANO, TX Fishing Report Page 18 fishing quality issues PERMIT 210 Heroes Page 21 BY MARK ENGLAND Sommerlatte, a Port O’Connor- Hunting Season Dates Page 7 area fishing guide. “Then they’re going to muddy the beachfront Outdoor Datebook Page 19 A $13.5 million proposal to rebuild the beaches at Galveston from the Brazos to the Sabine. It Products Page 17 is spurring debate on whether a will kill the fishing for those who reduction in the quality of fishing like to surf fish.” Weather Page 16 will be part of the cost. Guide Jimmy Bankston, who “They’re going to destroy habi- primarily fishes Galveston Bay, Wild in the Kitchen Page 16 tat by covering it up,” said Scott See GALVESTON, Page 20 Page 2 January 25, 2008 January 25, 2008 Page 3 Page 4 January 25, 2008 NATIONAL Massive effort launched to feed mule deer herd

Colorado wildlife officials are mobiles and Sno-cats. launching a massive effort to feed More than 50 potential feeding the largest mule deer herd in the sites will be spread out over 60 state. Biologists say the herd faces a miles in all directions. DOW per- massive die-off because of sonnel are packing down snow extremely deep snow and cold with Sno-cats and snowmobiles. temperatures in the Gunnison Some limited feeding has start- Basin. ed, but is being done mainly as a Division of Wildlife biologists way to begin getting animals predict that unless the agency accustomed to human activity and feeds the 21,000 deer, 30 percent of to the feed. the adult female deer will die and The department’s request for as a direct result, 70 percent of the help was answered by more than fawns born in 2007 will die. The 250 volunteers, meeting the need. effects would also result in 50 per- The work is expected to continue cent of the bucks dying. for at least a month. MORSELS FOR MULEYS: Deep snow has necessitated the feeding of Colorado’s largest mule deer herd. Photo by Colorado DOW. The DOW believes it can reach about 8,000 of the deer on snow- — Staff reports. Paid hunting license holders up slightly The National Hunting License Report released from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service shows a slight increase in the number of paid hunting license holders, from 14.57 million in 2005 to 14.62 million in 2006. Seven states that passed youth- and apprentice-friendly hunting laws between 2004 and 2006 saw increases — Kansas, Minnesota, Florida, Kentucky, Michigan, Tennessee and Utah. The report also shows a 4.1-percent increase in gross dollars reported for the purchase of hunting licenses, tags, permits and stamps, from $723.71 million in 2005 to $753.57 million in 2006.

— National Shooting Sports Foundation report. Kids All-American Fishing program makes its last cast Hooked On Fishing Interna- tional, best known for its Kids All- American Fishing programs, announced it is ceasing operation after 20 years of service. HOFI president Daniel Johnson said the decision to close was a difficult one. “Any time you have to do something that impacts our country’s youth and the next gen- eration of anglers, it’s not an easy thing,” he said. “But due to chang- ing corporate priorities and market conditions, our program’s key partners have chosen to devote their resources elsewhere, and we weren’t successful in securing new alliances in time for us to continue into 2008.” HOFI was founded in 1987 to introduce and promote the recre- ation of fishing to young people and their families. Through the support of corporate partners, the organization provided KAAF fishing derby support kits and other planning and promotional resources to communities nation- wide for the purpose of hosting on- water fishing events. In its first year, HOFI supported 60 fishing derbies in 28 states. Twenty years later, nearly 2,000 events were held across the country. Over the history of the program, KAAF and its network of volunteers helped put rods and reels in the hands of more than 8 million youngsters.

— Hooked on Fishing International report. January 25, 2008 Page 5 CONSERVATION Paddling trail opens on Guadalupe Construction of the Victoria- Garden can take out at the new Cooperative stewardship Riverside Park Paddling Trail on the ramp near the old water plant after Guadalupe River is complete, and a a 4.25-mile paddle on the river. dedication ceremony was held Jan. The trail will be designated as an 23. official “Texas Paddling Trail” — the The new ramp is located next to fifth inland paddling trail and 12th is focus of conference the old water plant near the Stayton trail overall — recognized by Texas Street entrance to Riverside Park. Parks and Wildlife. Paddlers entering the Guadalupe Across Texas, a shift in land dees become better stewards of lands. Other speakers include River at the boat ramp near the Rose —Texas Parks and Wildlife report. ownership is transforming the natural resources. A common Matt Wagner, Ph.D., TPWD landscape. Bigger ranches are theme is the advantages of man- Wildlife Diversity program giving way to ranchettes, result- aging resources cooperatively director; Doug Mason, Oakridge ing in loss of open range and the and what landowners can Ranch Wildlife Management fragmentation of wildlife habi- accomplish by working togeth- Association predator control tat. One solution is landowners er. manager and co-founder of Publisher/Editor: CRAIG NYHUS banding together for common Carter Smith, newly appoint- TEAM HOGS hunger relief pro- Design Editor: DUDLEY GREEN benefits, the focus of the Texas ed executive director of Texas gram; and Jenny Sanders, Texas Associate Editor: MARK ENGLAND Organization of Wildlife Parks and Wildlife, will lead off Wildlife Association conserva- Management Associations the program. Keynote speaker tion programs coordinator. Business/Products Editor: MARY HELEN AGUIRRE

annual conference Feb. 1-2 in state Sen. Glenn Hegar, a mem- Reservations are required. For Advertising Sales: BOB COLE Kyle. ber of the Senate Committee on information, call Larry Jones at The meeting offers presenta- Natural Resources, will discuss (361) 362-0430. LEE GRESHAM tions on land management legislation affecting water and Accounting: NANCY HALPHEN practices and tools to help atten- wildlife management on private — Texas Parks and Wildlife report. Web site: BRUCE SOILEAU

Founder & CEO: DAVID J. SAMS

Big Game Awards CONTRIBUTORS HAL BROWN DIANA KUNDE SCOTT SOMMERLATTE scholarships set KYLE CARTER WILBUR LUNDEEN KYLE TOMEK Applications for the 8th Annual JOHN FELSHER PETER MATHIESEN CHUCK UZZLE Texas Big Game Awards $20,000 BINK GRIMES BILL MILLER RALPH WININGHAM Wildlife Conservation College BOB HOOD DAVID SIKES DANNO WISE Scholarship Program are now available. Thirty $500 scholarships sponsored by DISTRIBUTION Carter’s Country Outdoor Stores will be BRUCE ANDREEN AMBER WASKA available for the 2008-2009 school year. METROGATE COMMUNICATIONS AUTUMN WASKA Any entering college freshman (gradu- VICTOR CANTU SOUTHERN BELLES INC. ating high school senior), or entering SOUTH TEXAS CIRCULATION JEFF BULPIN college sophomore or junior pursuing any field of study is eligible to apply. ADVERTISING Lone Star Outdoor News, a publication of Lone In order to receive a TBGA scholar- Call (214) 361-2276 or e-mail Star Outdoor News, LLC, publishes twice a ship, recipients must attend the advertising month. A mailed subscription is $25 for 24 issues. Newsstand copies are free, one per per- Regional TBGA Banquet in their home @lonestaroutdoornews.com to request a media kit. son. Copyright 2008 with all rights reserved. region. Applications will be available Reproduction and/or use of any photographic through certain college agriculture and SUBSCRIPTION or written material without written permission wildlife departments, and high school Order online at by the publisher is prohibited. Subscribers may Ag departments. All applications must www.lonestaroutdoornews.com send address changes to: be postmarked by March 1. or call toll-free (866) 361-2276 Lone Star Outdoor News, 9304 Forest Lane, Suite Visit www.lonestaroutdoornews.com OFFICE 114 South, Dallas, TX 75243 or e-mail them to —Texas Wildlife Association report. Phone: (214) 361-2276 [email protected]. SUBSCRIBE TODAY! www.lonestaroutdoornews.com

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(866) 361-2276 or visit CC# EXP. www.lonestaroutdoornews.com You won’t want to miss SIGNATURE 012508 a single issue Page 6 January 25, 2008 HUNTING Have dogs, will travel Quail farm owner, guide offers hunters special service BY RALPH WININGHAM

The shout of “Hunt ’em up, Hank!” is punctuated by a whirl of wings and a popping of shotgun blasts time after time across the brushy fields of a South Texas ranch as quail hunting guide Tito Killian plies his skills. “This is the way to do it,’’ said Mike Steel of San Antonio, one of the four hunters taking advan- tage of Killian’s “have dogs, will travel” service that provides nearly everything but shooting ability for hunters looking for a prime-time quail hunting experience. “I’ve had my own dogs in the past and worked with them, but these (Killian’s) dogs are profes- sionals. They work all the time and really know what they are doing,’’ Steel said. “Most people just don’t have the time to train their own dogs to work this well,’’ he added. Killian is the owner and opera- tor of Outdoor Accents Quail Farm in Devine, where he provides 35,000 to 40,000 pen- raised quail each year to hunting operations across the country. For the past eight years, he has also been conducting hunts for wild or pen-raised birds utilizing his kennel of English pointers and Boykin flushing dogs. As Steel and his brother, Mark, who were both participating in a January hunt, can attest, Killian’s service is ideal for those hunters who don’t have the time or WE COME TO YOU: Tito Killian will bring his English pointers and Boykin flushing dogs to landowners without dogs to hunt wild or pen-raised quail. Photo by Ralph patience to train and work their Winningham. own dogs. Killian travels with his dogs to such a boom or bust situation. chaos, but as long as the hunters dogs to range close to them,’’ he larly with wild birds, for both the hunt wild quail where the One year you might have quail listen to me, we work out fine.’’ said, explaining that he focuses hunters and the dogs. I don’t landowners or leaseholders don’t everywhere and the next year Killian is a good judge of on that concept in training both like to work either of them too have dogs. And he also will bring you can’t find any. More and shooting ability, having earned his pointers and flushing dogs. hard,’’ he said. quail to guarantee shooting. more people are discovering that numerous national and world Killian said he likes to keep his “Most people don’t like to Having learned his quail hunt- you can always have shooting titles in the 1970s and 1980s as a hunting groups limited to about walk all day to kill four or five ing tactics from hands-on experi- with pen-raised birds. member of Trinity University’s three to five shooters and will wild birds. That is why the pen- ence since he was 8 years old “On a lot of my hunts, I am highly touted “Cosmic work about 50 acres at a time. He raised birds are so popular. You hunting with his father, Killian working with people who have Cowboys” collegiate skeet team. normally brings about 10 dogs can get a bunch of shooting and said he would have never guessed never even picked up a shotgun “What I have learned in the with him for each hunt, swap- a bunch of birds — as long as you even 20 years ago that quail or with young kids, but we also past few years is that hunting is ping out the pointers and can hit them.” hunting would become such a deal with a lot of experienced going smaller. People want to retrievers when they tire from Killian can be reached at the viable business. hunters,’’ Killian said. hunt smaller areas, without so busting through the brush. Outdoor Accents Quail Farm by “Hunting wild quail is always “Sometimes it is like controlled much walking, and want the “It is hard walking, particu- calling (210) 827-3834. Dogs hit trigger, cause hunting accidents Safety experts: Stepping on loaded gun all too possible

BY BILL MILLER drove him to get more help. But, the AP reported, Price died Man’s best friend in the field can “at a hospital from severe blood loss be the source of his worst night- from his femoral artery shortly after mare. the freak accident.” A wire service reported a “freak” The potential for a dog stepping hunting accident recently claimed on a loaded gun, however, is all too the life of a Baytown teacher, but possible to be considered a freak safety experts warn that the circum- accident, safety experts say. stances surrounding the death can In fact, this fall an Iowa pheasant become dangerously common. hunter, Janes Harris, set his gun on The Associated Press reported that the ground before crossing a fence Perry Alvin Price III, 46, was fatally to retrieve a downed bird. While wounded Jan. 5 while goose hunt- climbing the fence, he was shot in ing near Stowell in Chambers the calf after his dog stepped on the County, about 60 miles east of gun, causing it to discharge. Houston. “It’s not something new,” said Sheriff’s investigators said paw Tami Moore, a hunter safety instruc- prints from Price’s chocolate tor in Spicewood. “It’s something Labrador retriever were found on a actually that is used in our safety shotgun in the bed of his pickup. video. The shot struck Price in the leg, “Think about it: A dog’s body according to the AP. The high weight can easily push the safety on OUNCE OF PREVENTION: Saftey instructors say keeping the gun unloaded until the hunter is in position to fire can prevent school math teacher was given first a gun to ‘off.’ And dogs have toenails hunting accidents caused by dogs stepping on the trigger. aid by a hunting partner who also See TRIGGER, Page 23 January 25, 2008 Page 7

LONE STAR OUTDOOR NEWS Texas’ Premier Outdoor Newspaper 2007-08 TEXAS HUNTING SEASONS WHITE-TAILED DEER Owners unique style carves General YOUTH SEASON CLOSED NORTH TEXAS (200 counties) CLOSED PANHANDLE (6 counties) CLOSED niche in dog-training industry SOUTH TEXAS (30 counties) CLOSED Late Antlerless and Spike EDWARDS PLATEAU (39 counties) CLOSED BY CRAIG NYHUS SOUTH TEXAS (30 counties) Jan. 21-Feb. 3 Muzzleloader (23 counties) Roger Conant has trained more Antlerless and Spike Only CLOSED than 3,000 retrievers over the past Rio Grande Turkey 20 years using his unique training Fall Season methods that he calls “training YOUTH SEASON CLOSED through the eyes of the retriever.” NORTH TEXAS (122 counties) CLOSED “I started in the hotel business, SOUTH TEXAS (26 counties) CLOSED but got burned out with that,” he Brooks, Kenedy, Kleberg said. In 1988, Conant began work- and Willacy counties Nov. 3-Feb. 24 ing at Mad River Kennels and Quail refined his training philosophy, Statewide Oct. 27-Feb. 24 and started Landmark Retrievers in Bag limit: 15 birds per day, 45 in possession. 1990 with the support of his late Duck wife, Leslie. High Plains Mallard Management Unit From training in city parks and REGULAR Oct. 26-Jan. 27 in his backyard to his current 90- North Zone acre Ennis facility with 54 REGULAR Dec. 8-Jan. 27 indoor/outdoor runs and three South Zone tanks, his methods have taken REGULAR GUN Dec. 8-Jan. 27 hold, and Landmark Retrievers has Duck Bag Limit: carved a niche in the dog-training The daily bag limit shall be 5 ducks with the following species and sex restrictions — scaup, red industry. “We are a non-competi- head and wood duck — 2 ducks; only 1 from the following aggregate bag: 1 hen mallard, or 1 tive camp,” he said. “We train pintail, or 1 canvasback, or 1 "dusky duck" (includes mottled duck, Mexican-like duck, black pet/hunting dogs and control the duck, and their hybrids); all other ducks not listed — 5 ducks. expectations of myself and the Possession limit: Twice the daily bag limit. client. It is strictly up to the dog to Goose perform at its best.” West While obedience training comes Light and Dark Geese Nov. 3-Feb. 5 first, Conant evaluates the dog Bag Limit: even before obedience training Light Geese — 20 in the aggregate; Dark Geese — 4 Canada and 1 white-fronted goose. begins. “We analyze the dog’s nat- CONSERVATION ORDER Feb. 6-March 30 ural ability first, including intro- East ducing the dog to a bird — called LIGHT GEESE Nov. 3-Jan. 27 the ‘happy bird,’” he said. “From WHITE-FRONTED GEESE CLOSED there, the program is designed CANADA GEESE Nov. 3-Jan. 27 based on the dog’s abilities and Bag Limit: desire — we bring our training to Light Geese — 20 in the aggregate; the dog’s natural ability to Dark Geese — 3 Canada and 2 white-fronted. retrieve.” Possession Limit: Twice the daily bag limit for dark geese, no possession limit for light geese. Conant described the basics of CONSERVATION ORDER Jan. 28-March 30 the program. “There are three Sandhill Crane things the dog must do,” he said. Zone A: Nov. 3-Feb. 3 Seasons on other species may be found on “Swim, like birds, and it can’t be Zone B: Nov. 23-Feb. 3 the TPW Web-site — twpd.state.tx.us/) SPECIAL ATTENTION: Dog trainer Roger Conant poses with Comanche 8 in between a gun-shy (although he said gun-shy Zone C: Dec. 22-Jan. 27 training session at Landmark Kennnels in Ennis. Photo by David J. Sams. See CONANT, Page 14 East EastTexas Texas Central Texas WestWest Texas Texas 903.692.2725903.692.2725254.296.2628 325.659.1555325.659.1555

www.badboybuggiesoftexas.com Brush Country DFW Hill Country Houston Texoma DFWCALL FOR A DEALER NEAR YOUHill — 817-723-1463 Country Houston Texoma 1.888.631.6789817.528.8002CALL FOR A DEALER817.528.8002 NEAR YOU830.214.0144 — 830.214.0144 281.392.4609281.392.4609 469.693.5412469.693.5412 Page 8 January 25, 2008 FISHING Guide accreditation program proposed Public meetings being met with enthusiasm

BY BRANDON SHULER The potential curriculum mirrors the tenets most popular guides fol- With a simple Coast Guard low; however, the education compo- approved weekend course, $265 for a nent will be a primer for even the Texas Guide License, a boat, a couple saltiest guides. of rods if he or she is willing to pro- Currently, participants would vide them, an ice-filled box, and $75 receive education on habitat issues, to place a business-size ad in the back biology and identification of marine of a magazine, anyone in Texas can animals and plants, fisheries man- call themselves a guide. agement issues, boating safety, eti- The back pages of Texas coastal quette, ethics and the history and publications include a litany of new culture of the Texas Gulf coast. names looking to claim a portion of During the first round of public the market served by the more than meetings, the program was met with 900 registered guides operating on overwhelming enthusiasm and sup- Texas’ bay systems. port. How do customers determine a Guides present at the meetings competent guide from one less quali- fied? Texas Parks and Wildlife is host- stressed how they believe the pro- ing public meetings aimed at devel- gram should be structured. oping a voluntary program to pro- Many guides expressed an interest mote well-educated guides trained in in required minimum commercial- conservation methods and proper for-hire insurance liabilities, mini- boating etiquette. mum time requirements as a licensed The genesis of the guiding pro- Texas saltwater guide, minimal Coast gram is not a new one. “Guides have Guard certification standards, no approached us before to create a drug- or alcohol-related charges more stringent certification pro- while a licensed guide and required gram,” said Perry Trial of TPW. participation in one of numerous TPW has not determined whether outreach events across the state. the program will require regulatory Only one Texas guide voiced any action or not. opposition in the five public meet- The mission for the Guides ings, feeling the program was anoth- Accreditation Program is “to educate er way for TPW to get money from and train fishing guides through a the guides. voluntary program in the areas of “I’ve guided 20 years on the Texas marine resource conservation, safety, coast from Galveston to South Bay, and ethical angling so they more said trophy trout guide Teddy Spring. effectively serve as leaders in conser- “It is about time we old-timers can vation in the Texas sportfishing com- get involved with a program that rec- munity.” ognizes our achievements.” The current vision proposed by Trial is to require mandatory partici- The next step is to build a profes- pation in a TPW-sponsored training sional work group of guides to build a program and require participating generally accepted program and cur- guides to sign an agreement to follow riculum. The program will create a the program’s adopted conservation well-recognized fleet of professional methods, safety proponents and best and educated guides and take some ethical practices. of the guesswork out of picking the The current proposal does not yet best guide for a fisherman’s next require a continuing education com- angling adventure. ponent; however, the possibility has For further information, call (800) KNOWING THE WATERS: A guide accreditation program is in the works to assist anglers in choosing guides for their fishing not been ruled out. 792-1112. excursions. Photo by David J. Sams. GIVING BACK THROUGH BOB BRISTER CCA contributes $40,000 to help create memorial scholarship

BY KYLE CARTER University of Texas at Austin. nature and/or the environment. “Simply put, CCA Texas would “The goal is to provide mean- Bob Brister was the outdoors not be the organization it is today ingful work experiences for aspir- editor of the Houston Chronicle without the support of men like ing outdoor journalists.” from 1954 to 1993. When he Bob Brister,” said Luke Giles, Giles said the Brister family passed away from cancer in the director of communications for came up with the scholarship summer of 2005, the Chronicle CCA Texas. “CCA Texas is hon- concept for UT, and the school ran a 400-word synopsis of his ored to be a part of this effort to presented it to the CCA Texas life. further his legacy of conserving board of directors for donations. Squeezed between a brief men- Texas’ outdoor heritage.” The board approved funding for tion of his Pulitzer Prize nomina- The scholarship, which will be 40 percent of the $100,000 tion and the incredible strides he given to a different student each planned for the scholarship, with made in the world of shotguns year, is worth $5,000. An out- the other $60,000 to come from was a 42-word description of his doors-savvy UT junior, senior or multiple sources. conservation efforts. graduate student may apply. The “The more outdoor writers The story put it like this: student chosen gets a grant there are and the more the con- “Brister played a key role more toward an unpaid, outdoors-writ- servation message can get out, the than 25 years ago in forming the ing internship. The first $4,000 is easier it is for CCA to succeed in Gulf Coast Conservation to help cover living expenses asso- what we’re doing,” Giles said. Association, now the Coastal ciated with the 10-week summer “Our hope is that we are able to Conservation Association, which internship. create future Bob Bristers who can started in a Houston tackle shop After the satisfactory comple- create an awareness and an appre- and has grown into one of the tion of the internship (including ciation for our resources.” nation’s most powerful marine at least one publishable article), Donations will be used to fund conservation organizations.” the recipient student will receive a this permanently endowed schol- Two years removed from the $1,000 scholarship for the fall arship. For questions, applica- loss of what it considers to be its semester. tions or further information, con- greatest voice, CCA Texas is giving With Brister’s legacy in mind, tact Richard Graw, director of back in Brister’s honor. the scholarship application says it development, College of The organization recently con- “seeks to encourage students with Communication, The University tributed $40,000 to assist in the an interest in writing about the of Texas at Austin, 512-475-9165 CONSERVATION LEGEND: Bob Brister is shown casting for bass in East Texas in creation of the Bob Brister outdoors and related activities, or [email protected]. 1995. Photo by David J. Sams. Memorial Scholarship at the conservation and preservation, edu. January 25, 2008 Page 9 Records fall at Falcon Lake in Stren tourney Louisiana angler captures crown Falcon Lake may be the hottest Outdoors history. bass fishery in the country. Starting the day in fifth place, the After catching 27 pounds, 13 Del Rio angler caught a five-bass ounces on the final day, Jeremy limit weighing 33 pounds. His fish Guidry of Opelousas, La., finished were so large they wouldn’t all fit in the event with the heaviest four-day the underwater aquarium. Instead, cumulative tournament weight in his 9-pound, 8-ounce kicker had to the history of both the Stren Series be weighed separately. and FLW Outdoors as a whole, at 110 “Wow is right,” Reneau said. “I POUNDS OF VICTORY: Louisiana angler Jeremy Guidry holds up one of the bass that helped him set the record at Falcon Lake for pounds, 2 ounces. had found a whole bunch of fish the heaviest four-day cumulative tournament weight in the history of both the Stren Series and FLW Outdoors. Photo by FLW. Guidry’s catch shattered the pre- deep in practice. I was averaging vious record of 105 pounds, 8 around 30 pounds a day.” ounces set by David Mauldin of The Amistad expert used a 3/4- Tomball during the 2006 Stren ounce Oldham jig with a Strike King Series tournament on Lake Amistad. Rage craw trailer on 80-pound braid. In fact, the top three finishers on Fishing in the first pro event of his Falcon all surpassed the previous career, Nicky McNeely lost his grip record. on the lead after catching only 20 Guidry started each day by throw- pounds, 11 ounces on day four and ing a ChatterBait around huisache finished third. trees. He tipped the ChatterBait Charles Haralson of Laredo fin- with a Lake Fork Live Magic Shad ished fourth with a four-day total of swimbait. Guidry said the lure had 102 pounds, 12 ounces. Haralson the versatility of a spinnerbait but guides on the lake, has won numer- did a better job of mimicking tilapia, ous local events and was among a the primary bass forage in Falcon. handful of favorites coming into the Later in the day, he switched to flip- tournament. ping a V&M Super High Tail creature David Truax of Beaumont fin- bait. ished fifth with a combined total of Guidry fished two locations. His 98 pounds, 1 ounce. primary spot was in a small creek on “The stories are true,” he said. the Mexico side of the lake approxi- “You’ve got to be on 30 pounds to mately four miles south of the win here.” Beacon Lodge. His secondary area Bill Rogers won the co-angler divi- was in a larger creek on the Mexico sion with 20 bass over four days that side due west of the marina. weighed 96 pounds, 8 ounces — also Second-place finisher Tim Reneau both a Stren Series and FLW caught the heaviest day-four weight Outdoors record. in both Stren Series and FLW — FLW report. Page 10 January 25, 2008 GAME WARDEN BLOTTER HUNTER CAUGHT SHOOTING DEER was returning home when he DURING CLOSED SEASON observed a motorcycle traveling •Tom Green County Game HUNTERS: WHAT ‘NO DUMPING’ SIGN? southbound in the northbound Warden Cynde Aguilar cited a lanes of US 81/287. Dowdy hunter for hunting deer in closed •Tarrant County Game truck traveling slowly past the said he did not see a sign that attempted to make contact when season. The hunter shot a 9- Warden Clint Borchardt area. Contact was made, and said that they could not dump the cyclist fled into a residential point buck on the side of a road received a call from a Tarrant Borchardt determined that there. Across the road there area. Dowdy followed, and the Regional Water District police the occupants had dumped was a two-foot by three-foot and had to track it. Aguilar driver finally wrecked. Upon officer concerning ducks that the ducks, three of which had sign that said, "No dumping, arrived and waited for the making the arrest, Dowdy deter- had been dumped on the side not been cleaned. When All violators will be prosecut- hunter’s return. Four hours later mined the cyclist was in posses- after dark, the hunter attempted of the road. At the scene, asked why they dumped the ed." Appropriate charges were Borchardt noticed a pickup ducks on the road, one man filed. sion of marijuana and a stolen to make it back to his truck. motorcycle. While identifying Aguilar picked up the movement the man, it was determined he with her night vision and made up investigation led to a research which were undersized, and entering the house as he pulled had been arrested earlier this year contact. Restitution is pending and development helicopter their license with no tags miss- up. Borchardt also noticed two inside a ranch where he was on the 117 B&C buck. The hunter owned by the U.S. Army. A ing. The wardens filed 23 class C, deer carcasses hanging in a tree found in possession of a stolen admitted he had seen the game phone call resolved the incident. 6 class A, 3 felonies, and 8 warn- in the backyard. Further investi- four-wheeler. Cases pending. warden truck and tried to wait ings. Restitution is pending. gation revealed two untagged the warden out. SEARCH WARRANT LEADS deer, an improperly tagged deer, MAN STEALING HOUSE SIDING TELLS TO FINDING 23 VIOLATIONS CHARGES PILE UP AGAINST MEN no proof of sex and illegal dump- WARDEN HE WAS “JUST VISITING” CHARGES FILED IN WASTE •Bowie County Game Warden HUNTING WATERFOWL ing (deer parts from stolen deer •Newton County Game Warden OF GAME CASE Shawn Hervey and Lamar •Sabine County Game Warden dumped on a county road). Jason Campbell, stopped a man •Pecos County Game Warden County Game Warden Darla Barr Randy Button checked four Cases pending and deer returned coming out from behind the Lance Lindley received a call went to a residence where Hervey hunters’ waterfowl on Toledo to rightful owner. Toledo Bend Dam with no lights from neighboring Game Warden had secured a search warrant. Bend Reservoir. Charges were on. During questioning, the man Dan Waddell about a possible They knocked on the door and filed for unplugged shotgun, HUNTER SHOOTING SNOW GEESE said he was “just visiting.” waste of game case. A trapper had were invited in. The resident drug paraphernalia, no hunting WELL AFTER HOURS However, the houses he was visit- found a spike deer in a trash pit admitted to shooting deer out of license, no hunter education, •Jefferson County Game Warden ing were not occupied and he close to a deer camp. Upon season and at night from the and one hunter for felon in pos- Kirk Jenkins and Hardin County was helping himself to the siding Lindley’s arrival, the hunters had roadway. The resident then session of firearm. Cases pend- Game Warden Mike Bone on the houses. Cases pending already left to go home. Two showed the wardens the deer ing. received information of shots more deer were found in the and other siding burglaries and an owl he had shot. He then being fired from a public road in cleared up. trash pit. A youth’s tag was left took the wardens to his brother STOLEN DEER RETURNED an area where an abundance of on the first spike. Lindley geese had been seen. Arriving at and friend’s house. Once there, TO RIGHTFUL OWNER MEN BAIL FROM VESSEL AFTER obtained the hunter’s address the warden made contact with •Tarrant County Game Warden the location, they saw a man ATTEMPTED ARREST through Law Enforcement the two and they confessed to Clint Borchardt assisted Parker coming out of the field with nine •Zapata County Game Wardens Communications and called shooting deer from the roadway County Game Warden Randy snow geese. The man had his 15- Game Warden James Brown. and also at night. The men Hayes with a report of a stolen year-old brother drop him off Jesse Garcia and Stevan Ramos Brown went to the hunter’s resi- signed a statement to the killing deer. The caller said he had shot while he crawled out into the were patrolling Falcon Lake at 1 dence to obtain statements. The of at least eight deer from the a doe and went to get his truck so field and shot geese past shoot- a.m. At 3:10 a.m., a vessel with father admitted to throwing the roadway and at night, all that he could load the deer, but ing hours. The man did not have no navigation lights entered Las deer in the trash pit. Three waste untagged, one undersized buck, when he returned, the deer had a current hunting license, had an Palmas Cove. The wardens of game and civil restitution six does without permits and vanished. The man followed a unplugged shotgun, and was in attempted to make contact with cases were filed. described the weapons used. The blood trail back to the edge of the possession of lead shot. Jenkins the vessel. The two occupants wardens had both trucks with woods where he discovered a gut went back into the field with the bailed out as the wardens HELICOPTER DISTURBING DUCK several ice chests full of deer, pile. He was able to get a license man and found six additional attempted to arrest them. Zapata HUNTERS RESOLVED rifles and a portable spotlight. plate number from the vehicle of downed birds. Cases and restitu- County Warden Fernando •Parker County Game Warden They also received info on two two men wearing camouflage tion filed. Cervantes assisted in the search Randall Hayes investigated an other men who had killed and who claimed to be hunting in of the area resulting in the incident involving a helicopter not tagged their bucks. When the same area. Borchardt tracked WARDEN NABS MOTORCYCLIST seizure of a 17-foot vessel, a 55 hp that was disturbing duck hunters contact was made, the two the vehicle back to a residence GOING WRONG WAY ON HIGHWAY Mariner, and 5,600 feet of along the Brazos River. A follow- showed the wardens the antlers, where a man in camouflage was •Game Warden Chris Dowdy monofilament gill net. January 25, 2008 Page 11 Page 12 January 25, 2008

In the ChesapeakeSea Bay region off the eastern shore questof Maryland, hunters take aim at surf scoters from Wayne Radcliffe’s layout boat. Similar, yet quite different

An area resembling Texas’ Laguna Madre exits oldsquaw decoys are set in long lines along the off Maryland’s eastern shore. The ducks and outside edge. hunting methods, though, are quite different. “The shooting is tough in here,” said Radcliffe. Avery Territory Manager Wayne Radcliffe and “It’s hard to swing.” The first pair of surf scoters Pro-Staffer George Zahradka used layout boats buzzing by only heard the shots, as the pellets and old-time decoys to pursue surf scoters and flew harmlessly behind them. oldsquaw, ducks never seen by most Texans. The shooting improved with later groups of The layout boat — looking something like a the low-flying birds, but the wind picked up flying saucer with a hole on its top — was slid causing two-foot-plus waves that occasionally into the water and anchored by Zahradka. Two splashed into the layout boat’s opening. The hunters climbed into the boat as the decoys were hunters usually adjusted to the bobbing and placed, while the rest, including friends Mario weaving, but not always. Lopez and Lonnie Price, stayed in Radcliffe’s ten- “I shot a wave,” Price said after a group of scot- der boat — a 23-footer with the center console ers passed by in the bumpy seas. moved back to transport the layout boat on top The hunters switched in and out of the layout — to tell stories and retrieve downed birds. boat until each had his four-bird limit of surf The surf scoter decoys were set on V-boards, scoters by early afternoon, along with a few old- configured with three homemade wooden sil- squaw. houettes that unfold to 90-degree angles, much After a night’s rest in a real bed, they would be like those used by hunters a century ago. The back on the water ready to go. Two drake oldsquaw were picked up by hunters waiting in the tender boat.

George Zahradka prepares to toss a V-board with homemade scoter silhouettes into the bay. Left, there’s time for a nap in the tender boat. Photography by David J. Sams • Story by Craig Nyhus January 25, 2008 Page 13 Page 14 January 25, 2008 Deer business Conant conference set Continued from Page 7 Purina and the Texas Deer dogs can be successfully finished if they Association will host a conference on have the desire to retrieve).” Feb. 8 titled “The Business of the Deer For gun-dog training, Conant starts Business: Evaluating Choices in Deer with evaluation. “We evaluate the dog Breeding and Hunting Operations and its personality, and we develop two with Today’s Start-up Costs,” at the foundations: Obedience, meaning sit, San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo. heel and here; and mouth behavior, Dick Cain, a former animal and meaning fetch, hold and drop.” poultry science professor at Texas Conant standardizes the techniques A&M, deer breeder at Trophy Ridge for the more difficult work, such as Ranch in Montague County, and lia- force-breaking and water work, to the son with A&M’s 2007 economic dog’s personality. “You have to evaluate impact study, will be the featured the dog’s ability to handle different pres- speaker. sure styles,” he said. “Each dog is treated For information on the conference as an individual.” and Premium White-tailed Deer The dog owner can have a positive or Auction, call Damon Thorpe at (210) negative effect on the dog’s perform- 767-8300. ance. “We encourage owner participation,” Conant said. “Most of our owners come to the facility at least once a week.” Conant has developed his unique style into a 90-minute DVD called: “Training through the Eyes of the Retriever,” offering step-by-step instruc- tions. The dogs and dog owners have shown the results of Conant’s training methods. “The retriever is designed for hunting all birds,” he said. “The dogs we train go to South Dakota to hunt pheasants as much as they go to Stuttgart to hunt ducks.” One of Conant’s most famous clients is this year’s second-place finisher at the Bob Hope Classic and former British Open champion, pro golfer Justin Leonard. “Our lab Sunday is the most well-mannered dog I know,” Leonard wrote. “Thanks to Landmark Retrievers, Sunday is not only a great bird dog, but more importantly, best friend to our two little girls.” Conant was dealt a blow last March when Leslie, his wife of 18 years, died unexpectedly, but he is back in full swing and averaging 47 dogs per day at the facility. “She was the inspiration behind the entire operation,” he said. “We spent 25 wonderful years together.” Landmark Retrievers may be contact- ed at landmarkretrievers.com or (972) [email protected] PEG’S HUNT: Roger Conant was training 6-week-old Peg when this photo was taken. It was used on a 1995 cover of Ducks Unlimited magazine. To this day, it remains one of the magazine’s most popular covers. Photo by David J. Sams. 878-2600. January 25, 2008 Page 15

880000..771166..55440022 Page 16 January 25, 2008 WEATHER

OUTDOOR PUZZLER WILD IN THE KITCHEN For crossword puzzle solution, see Page 21 ACROSS Shellcracker Poppers

1. A young turkey 18 Fresh jalapeno or small 6. Very good bait for muskie sweet peppers fishing 1 Cup cooked bluegill, 9. 1 down is classified as this broken into pieces 11. A species of squirrel 2 Green onions, minced 12. Term for an in-hole fireplace 2 Tablespoons fresh basil, 14. Code for a type bullet chopped 15. Act of carrying canoe or kayak 1 Garlic clove, minced overland 1 Teaspoon lime zest, 16. A small game minced 18. Wingshooting is ____shooting 1 Cup shredded jack cheese 19. Describes gun barrels, ____ by 4 Ounces cream cheese, ____ room temperature 21. A species of duck 1/4 Cup seasoned bread 22. Name for the chinook salmon crumbs Directions: Split peppers 24. A species of squirrel In a bowl, combine remaining lengthwise and place on a baking 26. Code for a type bullet ingredients. Stuff into peppers. sheet and bake in a preheated 400- 28. He hunts with arrows Peppers may be broiled or degree oven for 8-10 minutes or 30. Gun system that activates the grilled until stuffing is warm. shell until peppers soften. Remove Recipe from Scott Leysath, The Sporting 31. To stalk a game’s trail from oven and allow to cool. Chef, www.huntfishcook.com. 32. Code for a bullet Carefully scrape out seeds. 34. Good time to hunt whitetails 35. A shot that misses the target Savory Pineapple-Baked Quail 38. To pull the bowstring 39. A species of quail 3. The fur seeker’s equipment turkey Ingredients pineapple juice, Worcestershire 42. A game or wildfowl behavior 4. A very good breed of gundog 27. A group of pheasants 8 Whole quail, skin on sauce, mustard, rosemary and corn- pattern 5. Another wood used for arrow 29. Wildfowl haven for rearing young 1 Can (20 ounces) sliced pineapple, starch. Pour pineapple-juice mix- 43. A type bait good for shafts 32. Act of fish to migrate to lay eggs drained, juice reserved ture over quail. Bake, uncovered, for smallmouth 7. A device in a gun receiver 33. A duck species 2 Teaspoons Worcestershire sauce 20 minutes. Turn quail breast-side 46. A game’s pathway 8. A darting bait, jigging _____ 36. A marsh and swamp species of 2 Teaspoons Dijon-style mustard up; arrange pineapple and lemon 47. Said to be most populated elk 10. A trail bait, scent ____ this 1 Teaspoon dried rosemary leaves slices over quail. Baste with sauce. state 37. Brings a big catch into the boat 1 Tablespoon cornstarch 13. A species of deer Bake until quail are tender and 48. A species of duck 39. A duck hunter’s lure 1 Small lemon, thinly sliced 17. Throwing this out can spook juices run clear, 15 to 30 minutes 49. A reticle in a gun scope 40. A type of icefishing auger Salt and pepper 50. A wood used for arrow shafts fish 41. A shooter’s practice area longer. Arrange quail and pineapple 19. A type of sport fishing 43. A leading commercial fish Directions: Heat oven to 400 slices on platter. Strain sauce if DOWN 20. Act of preparing a fly lure 44. Rings on striper’s tail reveal this degrees. Arrange quail, breast-side desired; salt and pepper to taste. 23. This removes a fired case 45. A name for the sea bass down, in 10-inch-square baking Serve over quail. 1. A tasty pan fish 24. A type of hunting blind dish or 3-quart casserole and set Outdoor Puzzler, 2. Shotgun model, over and _____ 25. A sound made by the wild Wilbur "Wib" Lundeen aside. In small mixing bowl, blend Recipe from Cabela’s staff. January 25, 2008 Page 17 PRODUCTS

A BLIND THAT EXCELS: Cabela’s Outfitter Series Hunting Blind boasts WADING BOOT: The Bitterroot a 60- by 60-inch door that unzips Wading Boot by the Allen and flips up to make loading and Company has a tough PVC unloading gear quick and easy. and mesh upper, a molded Other features include a five- rubber midsole and a one- hub design that maximizes piece felt sole. It’s built on a interior space to wide last for stability plus accommodate two hunters; a offers a padded ankle and window configuration that tongue for comfort. The allows shooting in any wading boots cost direction; a polyurethane- about $65. Visit coated fabric with a black www.allen interior to conceal movement company.net or and a Skyline Excel-camo call (800) 876- pattern exterior to blend with 8600 for surroundings; plus two interior information. gear bags and a removable bow hook to store equipment. The blind costs about $230 at www.cabelas.com.

CUSHY SIT-IN: Hunt Comfort has introduced its special- edition Climb-Lite Elite Hunt Comfort. The Elite model features the company’s ultra-soft and super-strong Omni-Stretch Comfort-Tex fabric that conforms to the body for comfort on those long waits. Its ToughTek bottom offers extra slip-resistance while its L-Core cushioning offers support. The waterproof cushions are available for about $39. For information, call (888) 757-3232.

KEYLESS ENTRY: A.R.E. has introduced the SolARay solar-powered entry system, which allows drivers to remotely lock or unlock the LSX or LSII fiberglass tonneau covers on their truck beds. The system works by mounting a waterproof solar panel measuring about one- THE “X” FACTOR: Vortex Optic’s Viper 10x42 binoculars deliver low tenth of an inch above the tonneau cover's lock light performance with bright, crisp images and exceptional color and attaching a battery pack to the inside transmission at extreme distances. For that, credit the extra-low center of the cover. The solar panel holds up dispersion (XD) glass objective lens elements with the XR to 60 lock/unlock uses, so it will stay powered coatings. The waterproof, fog-proof and dustproof binoculars even in the dark. SolARay is available factory have metal-reinforced eyecups that offer comfortable, full-field installed with the purchase of an A.R.E. tonneau viewing even with eyeglasses; ribbed rubber armor for a solid cover (about $1,240 for the LSX or $1,150 for grip; and are a compact 23.4 ounces. They cost about $610. the LSll) or it can be purchased separately Visit www.vortexoptics.com for retailers. (about $250). For dealers or information, call (800) 649-4273.

FAMILY FISHING BOAT: The Mako 234 Express is a family-friendly 23-foot boat made for fishing and cruising. In addition to such on-board ALL THE RAGE: Strike conveniences as a large galley with sink and King Lure Company has six-gallon freshwater system, it also introduced its Rage offers anglers such features as a Chunk, one of several non-skid level cockpit, rod soft plastic baits in holders on the its Rage Tail line. It’s deck, ample the tail that gives these tackle storage, baits the splash dual fish boxes, and the action a 20-gallon baitwell, a fish follow. The bait prep station and Rage Chunk is more. The boat’s molded designed as a jig console features trim tab trailer for swimming jigs, controls, digital flipping jigs, casting jigs instrumentation and a and football head jigs. It is stainless steel steering available in six colors and wheel. The 234 can be sells for about $4.85 for a powered with up to twin 150s for package of four. For retailers, maximum horsepower and has a fuel visit www.strikeking.com. capacity of 143 gallons. The boat starts at about $58,995 (when equipped with a 225 XXL OptiMax engine). To view all of its features and options, call (888) 434- 7487 for a free brochure.

SCRAPBOOKING FOR ANGLERS: “Tales of the Rise” is a 100-plus page journal for the fly- fisherman. Now, you can write QUACK RACK: Maximize the space in down those fish tales on the your garage or storage area with Pacific heavy pages of this journal Outdoor’s Flock Locker, a lightweight and preserve the aluminum rack made specifically accompanying photos in the to store decoys. The rack, which is insert pages. The beautifully easily mounted, is available in two designed cover makes the sizes to accommodate different journal pretty enough to display sized decoys. The smaller sells for on your coffee table. It costs about $30; the larger for about $40 about $25 at (decoys not included). For information, www.streamworks.com. call (800) 242-6110. Page 18 January 25, 2008 FISHINGFISHING REPORTREPORT ALAN HENRY: Water lightly stained; 56 degrees; 0.95' low. Black bass are HOUSTON COUNTY: Water clear; 56 degrees; 0.32' high. Crappie are slow on dark jigs suspended in timber and along rocky drop-offs. Crappie good on live minnows near brush in 16-20 feet. Channel and blue cat- are fair on minnows and jigs. fish are good on trotlines baited with cut shad. HOT BITES AMISTAD: Water clear; 64 degrees; 7.31' low. Striped bass are fair on sil- JOE POOL: Water off color; 45-50 degrees; 1.15' low. Black bass are fair SALTWATER ver slabs and large redfins. White bass are good on silver slabs and small on crankbaits, Rat-L-Traps and Texas rigs. Crappie are fair on minnows and crankbaits. Catfish are good on cheesebait, shrimp, and liver. jigs. White bass are good on slabs. Catfish are fair on prepared baits and ARROWHEAD: Water lightly stained; 57 degrees; 2.30' low. Black bass are nightcrawlers. SCENE LARGEMOUTH fair on chatter baits at backs of coves and crankbaits off rocky areas. LAKE O' THE PINES: Water lightly stained; 48-52 degrees; 0.68' high. Crappie are good on minnows. Blue Catfish are good on cheese punchbait Black bass are fair on Rat-L-Traps, jigs and Carolina rigs. Crappie are fair around flooded brush in the mid-lake. on minnows and jigs in 15-25 feet. Catfish are good on prepared bait and NORTH SABINE: Trout are fair while ASS chartreuse (use Worm-Glo) nightcrawlers. wading the spoil banks on Trout Killers, B ATHENS: Water lightly stained, 45-50 degrees; 0.20' high. Black bass are Sand Eels and Bass Assassins. Redfish slow to fair on jigs, drop shot rigs and crankbaits. Catfish are fair on cut LAVON: Water lightly stained; 45-51 degrees; 3.29' low. Black bass are fair are fair to good while drifting shrimp and and prepared bait. to good on jerkbaits, Carolina rigs, crankbaits and drop shot rigs. Catfish mullet. are fair to good on nightcrawlers and prepared bait. BASTROP: Water clear. Black bass are good on Rat-L-Traps and chartreuse SOUTH SABINE: Trout and redfish are jigs. Crappie are good on minnows over brush piles in 15-20 feet. Channel LBJ: Water stained; 58 degrees; 4.88' low. The lake is being drawn down fair to good around the Causeway Bridge and blue catfish are fair on stinkbait and liver. five feet to allow homeowners to clean up damage and debris from the on shrimp and limetreuse and glow Bass BELTON: Water fairly clear; 52 degrees; 0.40' high. Black bass are good on flood of July 2007. It will be refilled beginning Feb. 25. Assassins, Trout Killers, Sand Eels and Rat-L-Traps and yellow/blue jigs. Hybrid striper are fair trolling Rat-L-Traps. LEWISVILLE: Water off color; 44-49 degrees; 0.73' low. Black bass are fair Shrimp. Redfish and black drum are fair AMISTAD: Black bass are good on Crappie are good on minnows under lights at night in 20 feet. Channel and on Rat-L-Traps, Carolina rigs, drop shot rigs and shad pattern crankbaits. to good on crabs and mullet. pumpkinseed crankbaits and spinner- blue catfish are good on hot Crappie are fair to good on BOLIVAR: Trout are fair in three to five baits, and tequila sunrise soft plastics. dogs. Yellow catfish are good minnows and jigs. White bass feet of water over scattered shell on red HOUSTON COUNTY: Black bass are on trotlines and juglines bait- are fair to good on slabs. shad Bass Assassins, Trout Killers and very good on perch colored Rat-L-Traps, ed with live perch. Hybrid striper are fair on Sand Eels. Redfish, black drum and chartreuse spinnerbaits, and worms in BOB SANDLIN: Water clear; HOT SPOT slabs and Sassy Shad. whiting are fair to good in the surf on 10-16 feet. 46-51 degrees; 0.74' low. LIVINGSTON: Water fairly shrimp and mullet. CHOKE CANYON: Black bass are good Black bass are fair on drop clear; 58 degrees; 0.09' TRINITY on heavy jigs and large soft plastic shot rigs, Texas rigs and jigs. high. Black bass are fair on BAY: Trout lizards in the grass, and fair on Crappie are fair to good on crankbaits and spinnerbaits. are fair to crankbaits. live minnows and jigs. White Crappie are good on min- good while WHITNEY: Black bass are good on bass are fair on slabs and jig- nows. Blue catfish are good drifting watermelon soft plastics, spinnerbaits, ging spoons. on shad. shell on red/white and fire tiger Trout and crankbaits. BRIDGEPORT: Water lightly MACKENZIE: Water lightly Killers, Bass Assassins and Sand Eels. stained; 44-50 degrees; 3.7' stained; 44 degrees; 73.27' Redfish are fair to good on peeled low. Black bass are fair on low. Black bass are slow. shrimp. Carolina rigs, crankbaits and Crappie are fair on minnows EAST GALVESTON BAY: Trout are fair on jigs. Crappie are fair to good and jigs. White bass and protected reefs on free-lined shrimp and WHITE/ on minnows and jigs around striped bass are fair on min- pumpkinseed and red shad Bass ledges and drop-offs. White nows. Assassins, Sand Eels and Trout Killers. HYBRID/STRIPER bass are fair on slabs. MEREDITH: Water lightly Trout and redfish are fair on the shore- BROWNWOOD: Water clear to stained; 42 degrees; 72.75' lines on Corkies. stained; 60 degrees; 1.88' low. Black bass are slow on WEST GALVESTON BAY: Trout are fair on low. Black bass are good on crankbaits and Carolina-rigs the shell near Confederate and chartreuse jigs, crankbaits, off secondary points. Crappie Carancuhua Reefs on red shad, plum and and watermelon/gold 4" worms are fair on jigs and minnows. glow/chartreuse Bass Assassins, Trout in 10-25 feet. Crappie are Smallmouth bass are fair on Killers and Sand Eels. good on Li'l Fishies and min- live baits and shad-colored nows over brush piles in 10- crankbaits. TEXAS CITY: Black drum, whiting, sand 25 feet. trout and sheepshead are fair on fresh O.H. IVIE: Water lightly dead shrimp from the dike. Redfish are CEDAR CREEK: White bass are good on BUCHANAN: Water clear; 57 stained; 55 degrees; 10.50' fair to good in the holes at the entrance slabs. degrees; 2.12' low. Black bass low. Black bass are fair on of Moses Lake on mullet and shrimp. MEREDITH: White bass are good on live are fair to good on Carolina Braunig shad-colored crankbaits on FREEPORT Trout are fair to good while bait and shad-colored crankbaits during rigged black/blue lizards, 1/8 secondary points. Crappie are Water stained; 62 degrees. Black bass are good on crankbaits and dark soft plastic wading the shell and mud in Christmas mid-afternoon. oz. black/chartreuse jigs with fair on minnows and jigs. worms in the reeds and near the jetty and dam. Hybrid bass are excellent on liver Bay. RAY ROBERTS: White bass are good to smoke/gold flake trailers, and and shad at Dead Tree Point, and down rigging silver and gold spoons and marble White bass are fair on live EAST MATAGORDA: Trout are fair over excellent on jigging spoons in 30-45 blue flake Whacky Sticks on spinners near the dam. Channel catfish are excellent on liver, shrimp, cheesebait, baits. shell and mud on Corkies and fire tiger, feet. jigheads along ledges in 12- and cut bait near the spillway and the intake. Blue catfish are good on cut bait. PALESTINE: Water lightly 20 feet. glow, black and red shad plastics. WALTER E. LONG: Hybrid striper are stained; 45-51 degrees; CADDO: Water stained; 45-51 0.23' high. Black bass are Redfish are fair in the guts along the very good on minnows in the cove and shorelines on gold spoons. at the hot water outlet. White bass are degrees; 0.31' high. Black bass are fair on tubes, Texas rigs and jigs. White fair on crankbaits, Rat-L-Traps, Carolina rigs and jigs. Crappie are fair to MATAGORDA: Redfish are fair to good in very good on minnows. bass are fair on slabs and minnows. Catfish are fair to good on night- good on minnows and jigs. Hybrid striper are fair on slabs, Sassy Shad and crawlers and prepared bait. live shad. the channels and holes on shrimp and CALAVERAS: Water stained; 62 degrees. Black bass are good on dark soft POSSUM KINGDOM: Water stained; 50 degrees; 1.55' low. Black bass are mullet. Redfish are fair to good at the plastic worms, spinnerbaits, and crankbaits around reed beds and near the slow. White bass are fair on silver slabs suspended 23-30 feet near jetty on live shrimp and finger mullet. CATFISH dam. Costello Island. Catfish are good on set lines baited with shad along the PORT O'CONNOR: Trout and flounder are CANYON LAKE: Water clear; 58 degrees; 0.20' high. Black bass are fair on river channel. fair to good while wading mud and shell Carolina rigged lizards in 15-25 feet, and on 1/8 oz. pumpkin/chartreuse PROCTOR: Water clear; 47 degrees; 0.31' low. Crappie are fair on min- on bone and plum Bass Assassins, Trout hair jigs with trailers, and Texas rigged blue flake worms on shaky jigheads nows. Channel and blue catfish are good on cut shad. Killers, Sand Eels and Corkies. Redfish along break lines and ledges. Striped bass are fair to good trolling white are good in the guts and holes on soft RAY HUBBARD: Water lightly stained; 45-50 degrees; 0.01' low. Black plastics and gold spoons. striper jigs and vertically jigging Pirk Minnows and Spoiler Shads. bass are fair to good on white or chrome crankbaits, Carolina rigs and drop CEDAR CREEK: Water lightly stained; 46-51 degrees; 1.07' low. Black shot rigs. Crappie are fair on minnows and jigs. White bass are good on ROCKPORT: Trout and redfish are fair on bass are fair on crankbaits, jigs and Texas rigs. Hybrid striper are fair on slabs. Hybrid striper are fair to good on slabs and dead-sticking Sassy fire tiger, glow, red shad, plum and lime- BROWNWOOD: Channel catfish are live bait, Sassy Shad and slabs. Crappie are fair on minnows and jigs. Shad. treuse Trout Killers, Bass Assassins and good on stinkbait, minnows and frozen Catfish are fair on prepared bait and chartreuse nightcrawlers (use Worm- Sand Eels on the deep reefs in Copano RAY ROBERTS: Water stained; 46-49 degrees; 0.49' low. Black bass are Bay and San Antonio Bay. shrimp in 10-20 feet. Glo). fair on jigs with a trailer and shad pattern crankbaits off points and rocks. CALAVERAS: Channel and blue catfish CHOKE CANYON: Water lightly stained; 59 degrees; 0.83' low. White bass PORT ARANSAS: Black drum are fair RICHLAND CHAMBERS: Water off color; 45-50 degrees; 1.62' low. Black from the piers on crabs and peeled are excellent on liver, shrimp, and are fair on minnows upriver. Channel and blue catfish are good on punch- bass are fair to good on Rat-L-Traps, crankbaits and jigs. White bass are cheesebait. bait in 2-7 feet. shrimp. Redfish are fair at the jetty on fair to good on slabs and live minnows. Hybrid striper are fair on slabs and crabs, shrimp and mullet. RAY ROBERTS: Catfish are good on live COLEMAN: Water clear; 60 degrees. Black bass are fair on watermelon and live shad. Crappie are fair to good on minnows and jigs. CORPUS CHRISTI: Trout are fair to good and prepared bait under cormorant dark red soft plastics, Rat-L-Traps, and crankbaits. Channel and blue cat- SAM RAYBURN: Water stained; 62 degrees; 5.49' low. Black bass are fair roosts. fish are good on stinkbait, liver, and frozen shrimp. while wading and drifting scattered shell on watermelon soft plastics, crankbaits, and spinnerbaits. White bass are and mud in Nueces Bay on red shad and TOLEDO BEND: Channel and blue cat- COLETO CREEK: Water clear; 64 degrees (76 degrees at discharge); 0.49' fair on live minnows and white tube jigs. Crappie are fair on minnows and plum Bass Assassins, Trout Killers and fish are good on liver, frozen shrimp, low. Channel and blue catfish are good on live perch and stinkbait in 12- white tube jigs. Catfish are good on frozen shrimp and nightcrawlers. Sand Eels. and stinkbait. 20 feet. Yellow catfish are good on trotlines baited with live perch in 12-20 STILLHOUSE: Water clear; 59 degrees; 0.28' high. Black bass are fair on BAFFIN BAY: Trout are fair on the ledges LEWISVILLE: Catfish are good on pre- feet. minnows. White bass are fair on minnows and slabs in 10-15 feet. Crappie of the Intracoastal on red/white, black, pared bait and chartreuse (use Worm- CONROE: Water clear; 0.67' low. Black bass are fair on tequila sunrise and are good on worms and minnows. Channel and blue catfish are good on hot plum and glow plastics. Redfish and Glo) nightcrawlers. pumpkinseed soft plastics, crankbaits, and spinnerbaits in 15-25 feet. dogs and chicken livers. black drum are fair in the holes and guts Striped bass are fair on minnows. Crappie are fair on minnows. TAWAKONI: Water lightly stained; 45-51 degrees; 1.87' low. Black bass are of Humble Channel. COOPER: Water lightly stained; 45-50 degrees; 0.23' high. Black bass are fair on Carolina and Texas rigs. White bass are fair on slabs. Striped bass PORT MANSFIELD: Trout and redfish are CRAPPIE fair on medium diving shad pattern crankbaits, Texas and jigs. White bass and hybrid striper are fair on live shad and slabs. Catfish are good on night- fair to good over are good on slabs. crawlers and prepared bait. grass beds and FALCON: Water stained; 60 degrees. Channel and blue catfish are good on TEXOMA: Water stained to clear on the north end; 45-53 degrees; 0.96' sand holes on frozen shrimp and cut bait. low. Black bass are fair on Carolina rigs, Rat-L-Traps, drop shot rigs and bone and fire FORK: Water fairly clear; 45-50 degrees; 0.3' low. Black bass are fair to chrome/red jerkbaits. Crappie are fair on minnows and jigs. Striped bass are tiger Trout good on Rat-L-Traps, Carolina rigs, jerkbaits and heavy jigs, fishing around fair on Sassy Shad, slabs and live shad. Catfish are fair on prepared baits. Killers, Bass Assassins and Sand Eels. hydrilla and in deeper water around structure. Crappie are fair to good on TOLEDO BEND: Water clear; 61 degrees; 3.63' low. Black bass are fair on SOUTH PADRE: Redfish are fair on gold live minnows and jigs. Catfish are fair on live and prepared bait. watermelon red soft plastics, spinnerbaits, and crankbaits. Crappie are fair spoons and Red Killers, Bass Assassins GIBBONS CREEK: Water clear. Catfish are good on frozen shrimp and liver. on minnows over brush piles. and Trout Killers in the holes and deep guts. Trout, redfish and black drum are COLEMAN: Crappie are good on min- GRANBURY: Water clear; 1.41' low. Black bass are good on chartreuse soft TRAVIS: Water clear; 60 degrees; 1.49' high. Black bass are good on fair to good on shrimp in the Ship nows and white tube jigs. plastics, spinnerbaits, crankbaits, and Rat-L-Traps. Catfish are good on watermelon worms, brown jigs, and smoke grubs in 18-38 feet. Striped are Channel. LAVON: Crappie are good on minnows frozen shrimp and stinkbait. fair on minnows and spoons in 30-48 feet. White bass are fair on minnows, and jigs. GRANGER: Water murky; 50 degrees; 0.32' high. White bass are fair on white grubs, and silver jigging spoons in 28-52 feet. PORT ISABEL: Trout and redfish are fair at Airport Cove and Un-Necessary Island WALTER E. LONG: Crappie are good on white twister tail jigs in deep holes upriver. WALTER E. LONG: Water clear; 63 degrees. Channel and blue catfish are on black, plum and red shad Sand Eels, red wigglers. good on nightcrawlers. GRAPEVINE: Water fairly clear; 45-50 degrees; 1.44' low. Black bass are Corkies, Bass Assassins and Trout Killers. WHITNEY: Crappie are good on min- fair to good on crankbaits, Texas and shaky head rigs. White bass are good WHITNEY: Water lightly stained; 6.09' low. Striped bass are fair on min- Trout, black drum, sheepshead and red- nows. on slabs. Crappie are fair to good on minnows and jigs. Catfish are fair on nows and white striper jigs. White bass are fair on minnows. Catfish are fish are fair on shrimp, squid and mullet prepared bait and chartreuse (use Worm-Glo) nightcrawlers. good on frozen shrimp, liver, and stinkbait. at the jetty. SUBSCRIBE TODAY

24 NAME Get the most ADDRESS current hunting and issues fishing information in print, including for CITY ST. ZIP reports, tips, EMAIL features, product $25 reviews and PHONE conservation news two times a month DELIVERED TO YOUR MAILBOX MASTER CARD VISA AMERICAN EXPRESS FOR ONE YEAR 9304 Forest Lane, Ste. 114 South • CC# EXP. Dallas, TX. 75243 • (214) 361-2276 www.lonestaroutdoornews.com SIGNATURE 012508 January 25, 2008 Page 19 OUTDOOR DATEBOOK

TROUT STOCKING SCHEDULE

HAVE AN EVENT? Stocking Location City Dates Nolan Creek Belton Feb. 20 Bob Sandlin State Park Mt. Pleasant Jan. 27 E-mail it to Possum Kingdom Tailrace Graford Feb. 7, Mar. 3 [email protected] Canyon Tailrace New Braunfels Jan. 25, Feb. 8 Comanche Trails Park Odessa Feb. 17, Mar. 9 River Park Fort Worth Feb. 5 Fort Boggy State Park Centerville Jan. 29 (Clear Fork Trinity River) Fort Richardson State Park Jacksboro Feb. 20 Jan. 30: Cabela’s in Fort South Llano River State Park Junction Jan. 31 Worth will host The Alaska Lake Corpus Christi Mathis Feb. 3 Travel Experts to provide Landmark Inn State Park Castroville Jan. 27 Tyler Nature Center Tyler Call for Special Event information on visiting Lewisville Tailrace Lewisville Feb. 28 dates and times (1-903-566-1615) Alaska. Call (817) 337-2400 for information. (Elm Fork Trinity River) For more trout stockings locations and dates, visit Louise Hays Park Kerrville Feb. 13 http://www.lonestaroutdoornews.com/content/view/260/115/ Jan. 31: The River City chapter NWTF dinner will be held at the New Braunfels Civic Center. Contact Charlie Schwarz at (512) 396-7802 for information. For information, visit Feb. 9: The Full Fans on the Brazos NWTF (903) 407-2586 for information. www.toyotatexasbassclassic.com. dinner will be held at Canyon West Golf Resort Feb. 1-2: The Alamo SCI chapter will hold its in Weatherford. Contact Dottie Worthington at Feb. 16: The Hildalgo County Strutters NWTF Winter Rendezvous at the Municipal Auditorium Feb. 8: Purina and the Texas Deer Association (817) 594-0291 or [email protected] for dinner will be held at the Palmer Pavillion in and El Tropicana Riverwalk Hotel in San will hold a course at the San Antonio Stock Show information. McAllen. For information, contact Dora Antonio. Call (877) 724-4868 for information. and Rodeo on “The Business of the Deer Fankhauser at (956) 649-4571 or Business,” with speakers on the economic Feb. 13: The Dallas Safari Club valverdefanhausen@yahoo. com. Feb. 1: The Rusk County DU evaluation of a high-fence deer breeding monthly meeting will be held at Feb. 16: The Houston County NWTF dinner will dinner will be held at the operation. For information, call Damon Thorpe at Embassy Suites Outdoor World be held at La Hacienda Banquet Room in Texas National Guard Armory (210) 844-0461. in Grapevine, featuring “Craig in Henderson. Call Ronald Boddington on Elephant.” Call Cypress. Contact Steve Peters at (832) 492-1400 Ellis at (903) 657-5790 for Feb. 8: The Hill Country (972) 980-9800 or e-mail or [email protected] for information. NWTF dinner will be held at information. [email protected] for Feb. 23-24: Cabela’s in Fort Worth will host its the Gillespie County information. 2008 Spring Great Outdoor Days and Youth Feb. 2: The Mexia DU dinner will be held at Fairgrounds in Education event, including the 2nd Annual Scout Cowboy’s Club on TX 14 South. Call Ivan Fredericksburg. Contact Tony Feb. 14: The Dallas Woods and Waters Club Challenge. For information, call Stephanie Perry at Jackson at (254) 562-7117 for information. Hawley at (830) 990-2070 dinner meeting will be held at the Wyndham North Dallas Hotel, with Robert Goodwin (817) 337-2400 or visit cabelas.com. Feb. 2: A Texas Trout Series event will be held or [email protected] for speaking on wilderness fly-fishing. Call (214) at Bluff’s Landing in Corpus Christi. For information. Feb. 23: The Fowl Play chapter Delta Waterfowl 570-8700 for information. information, call (210) 385-3333 or visit dinner will be held at the Knights of Columbus Feb. 8: www.saltwaterseries.com. The South Texas RMEF Big Game Feb. 15: The Lake Proctor/Comanche DU dinner Hall in Palestine. Call Jon Graham at (903) 729- Banquet will be held in San Antonio. Call will be held at Melody Oakes Ranch in Priddy. 0380 for information. Feb. 8-10: The South Texas Sports and Outdoor Dennis Harwell at (210) 889-8332 for location Call Gayle Jones at (325) 356-5231 for Feb. 29-Mar. 16: Bass Pro Show will be held at the RMB Fairgrounds in and information. information. Corpus Christi. Call Mia Book at (361) 248- Shops in Katy will hold its 3398 for information. Feb. 9: The Texas Hill Country RMEF Big Game Feb. 16: The Lone Star chapter Spring Fishing Classic. Banquet will be held in Austin. Call Aaron Delta Waterfowl banquet will be Visit basspro.com or call Feb. 8-9: The PAA Toyota Texas Bass Classic Games at (512) 260-3003 for location and held at the Marshall Visual Arts (281) 644-2200 for Qualifier will be held at Choke Canyon Reservoir. information. Center. 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BEACH WORK AHEAD: Surf casters on Galveston Beach may have to move north or south to find fish while a 30-mile stretch of the beach is replenished.

too, is undecided. gone. Used to, you could have “Generally, we’re more interest- upward of 25 shots at snook while Galveston ed in the bay side of things and sight fishing during the day. Now not the beach,” Bob Stokes said. the only way to catch snook is to Continued from Page 1 “But we certainly recognize there blind cast for them. Some still uti- disagrees. is a connection between the two. I lize the near-shore environment, “The fish might leave when do think we will be looking more but not nearly as many.” they’re working on that section of into it. I know there are concerns A Texas Parks and Wildlife beach,” he said. “As soon as about habitat issues regarding spokesman believes the negative they’re gone, they’ll be back. birds, too.” impact of renourishment is short- They migrate back and forth any- If Galveston officials find the lived. “Beaches are a pretty way. It’s not like in the bay, where money to renourish the beaches, dynamic system,” said Winston one species might only hang out it would make them eligible for a Denton, a regional biologist for at an oyster reef.” 50-year federal maintenance pro- the Coastal Fisheries division. What everyone can agree on is gram. “Sand is always getting moved the so-called “renourishment” A critic of that program said around anyway. Beaches recover proposal has mushroomed. Texas anglers should be worried. relatively quickly after a distur- At first, Galveston talked about Terry Gibson, managing editor bance versus, say, a protected area restoring 4 miles of beachfront. Shallow Water Angler of , said the in a bay somewhere.” Now, it’s up to 30 miles. Texas prolonged maintenance program However, Denton noted the Land Commissioner Jerry doesn’t give beaches a chance to state has quit scraping its beaches Patterson got the ball rolling by recover. — a practice often done before promising to chip in $5 million to “One time can be damning,” renourishment. It contributes to widen the island’s beaches by 200 Gibson said. “The cumulative erosion, he said. feet. Another $6 million could impact is horrific. It leaves the come from the state Coastal coastline lifeless.” Other steps should be taken, Impact Assistance 2008 program Gibson said renourishment in too, he emphasized. funds. Florida drastically reduced the “A lot of the problem can be Galveston’s try at raising the numbers of mole crabs, used by minimized depending on where rest of the money needed failed, anglers as bait, found on beaches. they get the sand,” Denton said. however, when voters rejected a He said that affects everything “The purer the sand, the less tur- sales tax extension proposition. from prey fish to birds. bidity. The timing is important, City officials may ask voters for Renourishment also is displac- too. You want to time it where money again this fall. ing one of Florida’s most impor- you’re not doing renourishment Outdoors organizations are tant game fish, snook, pushing it during the important spawning treading water when it comes to to deeper water, Gibson said, periods.” the beach renourishment propos- pointing to south Hutchinson Gibson said finding compatible al. A CCA Texas official said, “We Island, near Pierce, as an example. sand is a problem, though, espe- don’t have a position at this “We went from near-clear water cially when renourishment is point. We meet in February, to a dirty, milky environment,” ongoing. though, and I’m sure it will be on Gibson said. “We lost most of the Denton said the process works the agenda.” corals on the beach. It’s often best if not done repeatedly. The president of the Galveston hard to catch sand fleas for bait. “One way to do that is to use a A DIFFERENT VIEW: The Galveston beachfront along the seawall could be widened by Bay Foundation said his group, Sight fishing for snook is all but lot of material at once,” he said. as much as 200 feet. OUTFITTERS

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DON KEYES of Rockwall caught this 8-pound bass while night fishing FIELD GATLIN, 6, of Boerne harvested this wild hog at the G Bar ROBBIE BATY, 15, of New Johnsonville, Tenn. with a striper he on Lake Fork. Ranch in Three Rivers with her .223 rifle. With her is dad CASE. caught on Lake Buchanan.

SHARE AN ADVENTURE Want to share your great hunting or fishing photos with the Lone Star Outdoor News family? E-mail your photo, phone and caption information to editor@ lonestaroutdoornews.com, or mail to: Heroes, Lone Star Outdoor News, 9304 Forest Lane, Suite 114 South, Dallas, TX, 75243. MARCO A. IBARRA JR., 8, of Brownsville shot his first deer, a spike, on a lease in MIKE HICKS shot this 14-point, 200-pound buck in Shackleford County. The deer Premont. scored 178 B&C.

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SOLUTION Call (866) 361-2276 or e-mail: classifieds@lones- FROM taroutdoornews.com PAGE 16

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Bring the best of the outdoors indoors. Page 22 January 25, 2008 ShareLunker No. 442 Eggs Tyler Goetzman of Willis Continued from Page 1 kicked off the 2007- 2008 ShareLunker eggs per spawn vs. program action with a pound of body post-spawn 13.06-pound largemouth weight.” weight of a bass from Lake Conroe on Jim Liner, a bass varies Jan. 13. The 15-year-old from lake to was fishing a tournament freshwater when the fish took a Rat- biologist who lake. L-Trap in six feet of water. works with “I’ve been The fish was 24 inches the founder of to a lot of long and 20.25 inches in BASS, Ray lakes where girth. Lake Conroe has Scott, said it’s you go there produced 12 “ridiculous” to pre-spawn ShareLunkers and ranks think bass where they’re fourth in the number of eggs could add fat, and go entries from public three or four back three waters, behind Lake Fork, pounds to a years later Lake Alan Henry and Sam pregnant post-spawn Rayburn Reservoir. Photo female. and they’re by David Campbell. “The differ- skinny as a ence between rail,” spawn and Matsubu post spawn is said. “There at most 20 per- are so many cent,” Liner different the- said. “There’s ories about not going to that stuff. I’ve be any 5- been fishing pound differ- with several ence. That’s a biologists fisherman’s and they all exaggeration.” have a differ- Matsubu is ent story.” not backing As for the down from his “real size” of “exaggera- the “mule” tion.” Like a that won him true fisherman $100,000 on backing a Lake Toho, story, he offers Matsubu an alternative went back to explanation. EMPTY STOMACH: Ben Matsubu believed the 8-pound, 13-ounce biology to “You should bass that helped him win the Sunshine Showdown would have complete his have seen the weighed 13 pounds had it been full of eggs. Photo by BASS. argument. head on this “There was thing,” he said, remembering even the a biologist at the weigh-in that agreed it smallest details of the catch four months was a 13-pounder,” he said. “He said it later. “It wasn’t only that it was post- was a real old fish. I’ve got a 13-pounder spawn. This thing was dying. The scales on my wall and the mouth and head of were all falling off and it was just skinny.” this fish were twice as big as I have on my Matsubu said in his experience, the wall.”

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three reports of antlered females among the approximately 430,000 deer harvested each Doe year in Texas. Such deer, however, are not hermaphrodites, Continued from Page 1 which are animals or plants having both male it,” Smallwood recalled. “I looked up and I saw and female reproductive organs. horns sticking up. Lockwood said there are hermaphrodite deer, “The deer started quartering away so I made a but they are even more rare than an antlered mew sound and it stopped.” doe. Smallwood’s shot was true. He noted another doe with antlers was As he and Cox approached the downed deer, reported in January in San Saba County. they saw it had bloody tines; if two of them had- “Apparently some folks had been watching n’t been broken, they would have brought the her for five years,” he said. “They’ve seen her total points to nine. raise fawns.” “I saw that and thought, ‘Man, this deer has Smallwood, who has ordered a shoulder been fighting hard,’’’ Smallwood said. “Then I mount made of his deer, also had Cox takes saw that the (leg) glands, which are normally some pictures, and he attached the images to red, were snow white.” two e-mails. Cox soon realized that this was a rare antlered He regrets, however, not removing his phone doe. They tagged it as a buck, however, because number from the text before clicking “send.” the definition of buck is not just a male deer. The information was instantly forwarded to It is, Cox explained, a deer with a hardened hundreds of other people, most of them antler protruding through skin. Usually that’s a strangers. male deer, but not in this case. “Within 48 hours I was getting phone calls Mitch Lockwood, a whitetail expert for Texas and e-mails and they were nonstop for weeks Parks and Wildlife, said an antlered doe proba- on end,” he said. “Half the people didn’t believe bly gets its headgear from an overload of the it, but I said, ‘Well, we have a video and my hormone testosterone. friend is the game warden, and he took pic- He explained that there are usually two to tures.’”

Always point the muzzle of a firearm in a safe direction and treat every firearm as if it’s Trigger loaded. Continued from Page 6 She also urged hunters to unload firearms and that toenail can easily hang in a trigger before putting them in a vehicle and store guard.” ammunition separately. Moore, a volunteer, teams up with her hus- Knowledge of gun safety is useless, however, band, Frank, to teach safety curriculum unless it becomes routine, Moore said. approved by Texas Parks and Wildlife. Her reg- “Research has shown most people create a ular job is administrative assistant for the TPW habit after doing something 21 times,” she boater education department. said. “So if someone has an unsafe gun han- She said the dog scenario depicted in the dling habit, you have to break it, and that can training video shows hunters loading cased be tough.” guns into a sports utility vehicle. These tenets are integral to hunter safety “Then they let a dog in back and the first programs, which are never out of season, thing it does is walk all over these cases,” Moore said. Moore said. “But dogs don’t know if a gun is “Usually throughout the year, there’s a class loaded. being offered somewhere in the state,” she “They get all excited. I have an English said. pointer, and if she thinks she’s going hunting, Classes are offered at Cabela’s, Bass Pro, she just goes crazy.” Gander Mountain, and other retailers. Moore reminded that tragedy can be avoid- To find a class in your community, go to: ed if hunters heed the 10 Commandments of www.tpwd.state.tx.us/learning/hunter_edu- Shooting Safety, especially the first two: cation/. Page 24 January 25, 2008