Pheasant December 9, 2005 Texas’ Premier Outdoor Newspaper Volume 2, Issue 8 season booming See Page 7 www.lonestaroutdoornews.com

INSIDE ADVENTURE Masters of rattling Hunters raise a ruckus with antlers to bring in the deer By Wes Smalling Dubbed the “catch-and- Fishing is year-round at release” of deer hunting, Matagorda and the crowds few. two-person teams compete Guides at the Full Stringer As a young boy, Jim for prizes to capture the Lodge can help you find and Carpenter had heard sto- most bucks on video that land tripletails, which can give ries about rattling — the have been fooled by rat- any angler all the fight he tactic of attracting a buck tling. could want. by rattling antlers to imi- You can put your skills to tate the sound of two clash- the test at the next See Page 9 ing males dueling over ter- Rattlemasters tournament, ritory or a doe. He had Dec. 17-18, in South Texas. FISHING wondered if those stories Or submit your footage in The Packery Channel in were actually true. the group’s annual video Corpus Christi isn’t officially Then one day his dad contest from now until the made a believer out of him end of deer season. open for business yet. But if when he rattled in the boy’s “There are some great anglers are watchful of con- first whitetail buck before deer contests out there, but struction, authorities are allow- his astonished eyes. most of them are harvest ing them to enter the channel. Carpenter has been hooked contests,” Carpenter said. on rattling ever since. “I wanted something that See Page 8 The 52-year-old South everybody can compete in Texas resident is the that isn’t based on the HUNTING founder of Rattlemasters of biggest buck. We call it Two Texas hunters died in New Texas, a tournament series ‘catch-and-release’ Mexico last month due to car- and annual video contest, (because the deer are not MUSIC TO THEIR EARS: Big bucks can be fooled by the sound of hunters rattling antlers. The tactic bon monoxide poisoning, now in its sixth year. See RATTLING, Page 11 attracts deer by imitating the sound of bucks fighting during the rut. according to authorities. See Page 6 Bass catch may A 13-year-old Garland girl was chosen to go hunting in North Carolina as part of a Quality Deer Management Association be record breaker program to encourage youth hunting. National surveys show more females are hunting. 13.63 POUNDS 24.25 INCHES LONG 21 INCHES GIRTH

See Page 6 Catching a lake record largemouth bass from Lake NATIONAL Lewisville appears to be easy A Shreveport angler comes for- — it’s been done four times ward with his story of how he since June 1. discovered a fellow Bassmaster Holding on to that record contestant was cheating. is harder. The latest record — pending until accepted — is See Page 4 also the first fish entered into SUCCESS ON THE HIGH PLAINS: Geese have been filling the Panhandle skies. the Budweiser ShareLunker program ever recorded from CONSERVATION Lewisville. Private landowners willing to Jon Babich of Lewisville develop habitat to preserve Panhandle hunters caught the 13.63-pound imperiled species are eligible largemouth while fishing for REELING IN THE BIG ONE: Jon Babich of for $6.5 million in grants. crappie on the Lewisville Lewisville caught the 13.63-pound Fishing Barge. The fish was lake record largemouth while fishing See Page 5 get their goose 24.25 inches long and 21 for crappie on the Lewisville Fishing See BIG BASS, Page 10 Barge. DEPARTMENTS Estacado, high flat land that covers By Bink Grimes an area larger than all of New PRSRT STD Migratory Bird Report Page 7 England. This year, biologists esti- US POSTAGE mate less than 10 percent of playa Outdoor Datebook Page 12 PAID Word is fast getting around Texas lakes are wet. Less water means PLANO, TX Product Picks Page 13 that the Panhandle is flying high more birds piled on limited roost- PERMIT 210 for goose hunters this year. ing sources, which bodes well in Outdoor Heroes Page 14 If you’re in the area, listen for the patterning goose movement, but is Crossword Puzzle Page 15 reports and the whoops. If not, lis- stressful for goose habitat. ten to Bruce Town of High Flying “We need the rain to help spread Wild in the Kitchen Page 15 Outfitters in Dumas. some of these birds out,” said Town. Weather Page 15 “We have been slamming them,” “Few playas have water, but those Town said. “We are getting our lim- that do are roosting thousands of Game Warden Blotter Page 16 its on Canadas and shooting quite geese.” Bordering States Page 17 a few snow geese, too.” Decoying action for Canada geese has been good through the Fishing Report Page 18 Dry conditions continue to plague watering holes on the Llano See GEESE, Page 10

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Page 4 December 9, 2005 NATIONAL Angler helps authorities catch suspect The angler whose discovery of a that the fish was hooked to, so I went and was instructed not to tell anyone His arrest has led some to question and 11 ounces and was fifth at this tethered fish led to the arrest of Paul over to get my crankbait back and else about the fish. his previous angling success. year’s Lake of the Ozarks Central Tormanen, 39, of Lee’s Summit, Mo., unhook the fish.” “It was real hard to keep my mouth Tormanen has been a big-time EverStart. last month at the Red River His first thought was that the fish shut all week,” Huckabee said. winner in Heartland Tournament BassFan.com unsuccessfully tried Bassmaster Central Open has stepped had broken the line of another angler, Capt. Peter Oliver of LDWF Region Association Pro-Ams over the past to contact Tormanen for comment. forward to tell his story. perhaps by wrapping it around one of III said officers took two fin clippings two years. He’s won four events, net- Messages left at his work and on his Sam Huckabee told BassFan.com the stumps. from the fish that Huckabee found ting about $57,700. cell phone were not returned. that his report of finding tethered fish “Then I realized there wasn’t any tied to the stump. A small piece was In nine such tournaments over the Huckabee, who finished 52nd in began the series of events that wound hook — the fish was tied to the stump removed from the top of the dorsal past 14 months, he’s finished no the Red River Open with two limits up with Tormanen’s arrest for contest with 4 to 5 feet of braided line fin, and a hole was punched through worse than 9th. that weighed a combined 14 pounds fraud. Tormanen was disqualified attached through its lower jaw,” he the tail. Heartland Tournament Association and 12 ounces, said he gave LDWF from the tournament and banned said. “I immediately called Bassmaster On Nov. 10, Tormanen brought the owner Ralph Haggard said his attor- wardens a written statement. The fin from BASS competition for life. headquarters because I knew some- marked fish to the scales at the Grand ney advised him not to say anything samples collected by the agency will The episode began accidentally. body was cheating. I didn’t know if it Ecore boat launch and had them offi- about Tormanen. However, Haggard be used as DNA evidence in the case Three days before the tournament, was from our tournament or not and I cially weighed in to count toward the acknowledged meeting with against Tormanen, according to the Huckabee, of Shreveport, was search- was really hoping it wasn’t, but (the total weight of his catch. Even so, Tormanen. He declined to divulge LDWF’s Oliver. ing for a secluded fishing spot as he fish) was in real good shape and you Tormanen, with a five-limit catch of 8 details of the meeting. The episode marked the first time practiced for the Red River Open. He could tell it hadn’t been there long. I pounds, was in 46th place after the “I definitely have concerns,” he had encountered an incidence of probed a backwater area near the kept fishing in that area to see if I first day. LDWF agents later ques- Haggard said. “He’s won a lot more alleged cheating, Huckabee said. Coushatta launch in Pool 4. He threw could find some more, but I never tioned him, and he admitted to money with us than with any of the “I’d heard of people cheating by his crankbait near a stump and, after a did.” catching several bass before the tour- other tours. We need to get to the doing something like that, but it was couple of turns on the reel, hooked Huckabee said the tethered fish nament and tying them to stumps in bottom of this and get it taken care of a shock to me,” Huckabee said. “I up with a fish. weighed about 3 pounds. order to weigh them in during the because I represent 3,000 people, not hope they throw the book at the son “I was just covering water, looking BASS officials alerted agents with tournament. one person. I just don’t want to see an of a gun. This gives the sport a black for some fish in abnormal places that the Louisiana Department of Wildlife Tormanen was arrested and innocent person convicted or one eye. It’s hard enough to win money not everybody would find,” Huckabee and Fisheries. Agents secretly marked booked into the Natchitoches Parish who’s guilty walking free.” in these things without somebody said. “There’s five or six stumps out in the fish and returned them to the Detention Center for contest fraud. Tormanen has also made a mark in cheating. But it does make me feel the middle of a little lake across from stumps where they were found. He was released after posting a FLW Outdoors events, but not to the good that they caught the guy and Coushatta, and when I threw up by Huckabee told BassFan.com he got $5,000 bond. The penalty for contest same extent. In 17 tournaments since I’m part of the reason.” one of them I hooked a fish. Well, a call from an LDWF officer who fraud is a fine up to $3,000 and 2002, he’s pocketed $14,537. He won then I figured out that I hadn’t asked for the location of the fish. He imprisonment with or without hard the 2004 Ozark BFL at Truman Lake — Compiled from BassFan.com and hooked the fish, but rather the line gave the officer directions to the spot labor for up to one year or both. in Missouri by a margin of 4 pounds LDWF reports Canadian province Legislation introduced to launches program protect waterfowl habitat Ducks Unlimited applauded legis- al duck stamp revenues. The U.S. Fish duck-habitat areas) along with infla- to help duck habitat lation introduced last month that and Wildlife Service would use funds tion. The past 15 years have seen no would protect critical waterfowl generated by the act to purchase price increase in the federal duck habitat nationwide. lands for National Wildlife Refuges stamp – the longest period without a The government of Canada The initial pilot project will be The Wetlands Loan Act would bor- and to assist landowners in protect- price increase in the stamp’s 71-year and the province of Manitoba in the rural municipality of row against projected revenue from ing existing wetlands and surround- history. have announced the launch of a Blanshard in the heart of the pot- the sale of federal duck stamps and ing duck production habitat in An analysis shows that if critical three-year pilot project for a con- hole region in Manitoba. The promote partnerships to protect and essential breeding grounds and other waterfowl breeding habitat is not servation program that could local government has committed conserve wetlands for future genera- areas across the United States. revitalize sagging duck produc- $40,000 (Canadian) for each of tions. “Similar to what was done in the secured now, the financial cost to tion in prairie Canada. the next three years for the ALUS “Waterfowlers and other conser- 1960s and ’70s, we believe borrowing hunter-conservationists to assure the Known in the United States as pilot. U.S. sportsmen also sup- vationists have a 71-year history of against projected revenue from the future of our sport will be several Alternate Land Use Services, the port ALUS: The Mississippi supporting conservation through sale of federal duck stamps is a practi- times what it is today. program is designed to support Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks the purchase of federal duck cal solution that will ensure the most “While no one is anxious to farmers in their efforts to deliver Commission has pledged stamps,” said DU Executive Vice valuable habitat for waterfowl and increase the cost of hunting, even in ecological goods and services, $60,000 (Canadian) annually, President Don Young. other migratory birds is not lost for- this relatively small way when com- including waterfowl habitat. and the Tennessee Wildlife But Young says more is needed. ever,” said DU President Jim Hulbert. pared with other costs associated “This is great news for ducks Resources Commission has com- “We continue to lose high-quality “Many landowners want to protect with the sport, it’s important that and duck hunters,” says Delta mitted $25,000 (Canadian) a wetlands and associated nesting their lands for waterfowl and other waterfowlers maintain our tradition Waterfowl President Rob Olson. year. Individual duck hunters habitat to development at an alarm- wildlife, but there’s not enough of leadership on behalf of habitat “The Canadian duck factory is have also provided support. ing rate despite the successes of the money in existing programs to get it conservation,” said Scott broken, and ALUS appears to be Total funding for the duck stamp program to date,” Young done. This legislation would make Sutherland, director of DU’s our best hope for fixing it.” Blanshard pilot project is expect- explained. “We’ve got to act now to this money available now and pro- Governmental Affairs office. Olson says duck production on ed to be $1.8 million over three protect land vital to duck production tect these essential habitats.” the Canadian prairies has fallen years. and migration.” To help repay the loan, the “Waterfowlers have always led dramatically from historical lev- “This is truly a new direction The Wetlands Loan Act, sponsored Wetlands Loan Act calls for an incre- efforts for habitat conservation,” els, and lack of waterfowl habitat for agriculture and conservation by Rep. Mark Kennedy, R-Minn., is mental increase in the price of the Sutherland continued. “And this is a major reason for the decline. in Manitoba,” said Wishart. modeled after legislation first federal duck stamp over the next money would be entirely used to per- “Despite all the efforts of the “For the first time habitat incen- authorized in 1961. The new legisla- decade. Since the last price increase manently protect waterfowl habi- North American Waterfowl tives will be delivered as part of tion mirrors the original by seeking 14 years ago, land values have sky- tat.” Management Plan, we continue mainstream farm policy in a way to borrow funds against future feder- rocketed (up 266 percent in some — A Ducks Unlimited report to lose wetland habitat in the that truly engages the landown- prairie provinces of Manitoba, er.” Saskatchewan and Alberta,” Olson praised three Delta staff Olson says. “As a result, Canada is members for their tireless efforts Need attracting far fewer nesting ducks in promoting ALUS over the past than it did in the 1950s and 1970s, five years: Executive Vice Insurance? and the ducks that do settle there President Jonathan Scarth, Vice aren’t nesting as successfully. President of Policy for Canada Dr. EDITORIAL OFFICES: “Because most of the Prairie Robert Bailey and Vice President 9304 Forest Lane, Suite 114 South, Dallas, TX 75243 Pothole Region lies in Canada, of Policy for Prairie Canada Phone: (214) 361-2276 Fax: (214) 368-0344 securing waterfowl habitat there Robert Sopuck. Editor: DARLENE MCCORMICK SANCHEZ is critical to the future of ducks Sopuck said work is already Layout Artist: DUDLEY GREEN and duck hunting,” says Olson. underway to secure pilot projects Get Associate Editor: MARK ENGLAND “Up to now, the burden for con- in Alberta and Saskatchewan. Associate Editor: DAV I D RENFROW servation has fallen mostly on Bailey said an Ontario pilot proj- Subscription Services: DEBORAH COMER farmers struggling to make a liv- ect has been launched, a new GOEN! ing. ALUS will reward farmers for pilot project is being planned for Founder & CEO: DAV I D J. SAMS protecting the habitat necessary Prince Edward Island and discus- Boats, Home, Auto, to produce ducks.” sions are underway for ALUS Ranch, Life and SUBSCRIPTION SERVICES: Olson says the program is projects in other eastern Order online via secure Web site at www.lonestaroutdoornews.com being called “the farmer’s conser- provinces. Crop Insurance or call toll-free (866) 361-2276 vation plan” because it has been Cost-shared funding for ALUS ADVERTISING SERVICES: endorsed by farm groups across will be provided through the Call (214) 361-2276 or e-mail [email protected] the country. The architect of environment chapter of the GOEN & GOEN INS to request a media kit. ALUS, Ian Wishart of Keystone Agricultural Policy Framework Lone Star Outdoor News, a publication of Lone Star Outdoor News, LLC, publishes twice a month. Agricultural Producers, has (APF) and by the Manitoba Rural 800-288-2865 A subscription is $25 for 24 issues. Copyright 2005 with all rights reserved. Reproduction and/or use of worked closely with Delta in Adaptation Council. any photographic or written material without written permission by the publisher is prohibited. www.goen-goen.com Printed in Dallas, TX, by Midway Press. Subscribers may send address changes to: developing and promoting the Lone Star Outdoor News, 9304 Forest Lane, Suite 114 South, Dallas, TX 75243 or e-mail them to ALUS concept across Canada. — A Delta Waterfowl report December 9, 2005 Page 5 CONSERVATION Federal funds to help manage natural resources along Gulf EVERYBODY’S The Texas General Land Office and handrails of the Port Lavaca bulkhead panel joints along the announced the awarding of $1.75 Causeway fishing pier — $60,000. Rockport Harbor Seawall overlook- million in grants to 38 programs • Develop a wave prediction and ing Aransas Bay — $60,000. COMFORTABLE. by the agency’s Texas Coastal forecast system for the Texas coast • Upgrade the Washington Park Coordination Council. It adminis- by researchers at Texas A&M fishing pier. The Galveston ters the Texas Coastal Manage- University at Galveston — County Parks Department will ment Program, which disperses $58,989. address access to the fishing pier at federal funds to manage natural • Conduct a biological erosion Washington Park by installing EXCEPT THE resources along the Gulf. control experiment. The Texas walkways, putting up interpreta- “This money funds projects pro- Agricultural Experiment Station tive signs and repairing the pier — posed by local communities, will conduct side-by-side compar- $51,717. allowing these relatively modest isons of different plant species to A complete listing of the proj- grants to have a real impact where see which is most effective at min- ects that received funding can be they’re needed most,” said Jerry imizing the effects of wave- viewed on the Land Office’s Web COMPETITION. Patterson, commissioner of the induced erosion — $48,592. site www.glo.state.tx.us by click- Land Office. • Improve the bayfront at ing on its news and information Among other things, the awards Rockport Harbor. The Aransas section. will go to: Navigation District No. 1 will use GMC Sierra 1500 Crew Cab SLT • Repair sections of the decking its funds to repair the concrete — A Texas General Land Office report Private stewardship grants available The U.S. Fish and Wildlife imperiled species such as federally than $6.5 million to individuals Service announced today it is seek- listed endangered or threatened and groups to undertake conser- ing proposals for conservation species as well as proposed, candi- vation projects for endangered, projects on private lands through date and other at-risk species. threatened, and other at-risk its Private Stewardship Grants Landowners and their partners species on private lands in 38 Program. may submit proposals directly to states and one territory. For fiscal year 2006, about $6.5 the Service for funding to support For more information regard- million is available through this those efforts. ing this grant opportunity and on grant program to support on-the- Applicants in Arizona, New how and where to submit propos- THE ground conservation efforts on Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas als, please visit the Service’s GMC SIERRA TOYOTA TUNDRA FORD F-150 DODGE RAM 1500 CREW private lands. Proposals must be should submit proposals to the Private Stewardship Grants Web SIERRA DOUBLE CAB SUPERCREW 1500 QUAD CAB SLT 4x4 LIMITED 4x4 4x4 submitted by Jan. 23, 2006. USFWS, Attn: David Frederick, site at http://endangered. ADVANTAGE XLT CAB SLT 4x4 This program provides federal 500 Gold SW (P.O. Box 1306), fws.gov/grants/private_steward- grants on a competitive basis to Albuquerque, NM 87102, 505- ship.html. ENGINE 5.3 L V8 4.7 L V8 4.6 L V8 4.7 L V8 individuals and groups engaged 248-6587. CAPACITY in voluntary conservation efforts In September, the Service — A U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service on private lands that benefit awarded 72 grants totaling more report STANDARD 295 HP 282 HP 231 HP 235 HP HORSEPOWER

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†Maximum payload capacity includes weight of vehicle, passengers, cargo and equipment. ††Trailer ratings are calculated assuming a properly equipped base vehicle plus driver. See the GMC Trailering Guide for details. †††When properly equipped, includes weight of vehicle, passengers, cargo and equipment. *Call 1-888-4ONSTAR (1-888-466-7827) or visit onstar.com for system limitations and details. **Available in the 48 contiguous states. Basic service fees apply. Visit gm.xmradio.com for details. © 2005 OnStar Corp. All rights reserved. OnStar and the OnStar emblem are registered trademarks of OnStar Corporation. © 2005 XM Satellite Radio Inc. All rights reserved. The XM name and related logos are registered trademarks of XM Satellite Radio Inc. ©2005 Bose Corp. All rights reserved. ©2005 General Motors Corp. All rights reserved. Sierra, GMC and the GMC logo are registered trademarks of General Motors Corporation. Page 6 December 9, 2005 HUNTING On the hunt Females of all ages head to the outdoors

By Mary Helen Aguirre were randomly chosen and two slots were awarded to Hunt of a Lifetime, which helps many terminally ill children hunt. The young- It was warm and sunny that Friday afternoon, sters were outfitted and taken on deer and bird much like the benevolent fall weather she was hunts. used to in Texas. But in North Carolina, fall But QDMA wants to go beyond promoting blazes with color. JoAnn Davis took the time to youth hunting. The five girls and five boys notice how pretty the trees looked wearing their attended educational and hunter safety classes brilliant reds, oranges and yellows. But, mostly as well. Tim Lilley, QDMA’s director of public the 13-year-old was focused on the three bird relations, said the more young people learn dogs as she walked through thick brush that about what’s going on, the more open they are came to eye level. to issues such as conservation and wildlife man- Each time one of the dogs would get on point, agement. QDMA hopes to encourage youth ready to flush out the quail, pheasant or chukar, hunting on the local level as well as their pro- the Garland teen, and fellow hunter 11-year-old gram expands. Cody Patterson, would switch off shooting. On “We will certainly encourage young women a turn toward the end of the hunt, she raised her to get involved,” he said. shotgun, aimed and shot a quail. Davis got a head start on some of the lucky “I was very excited. It was my first time to go trip winners. She was 10 when she went on her bird hunting,” says Davis. first deer hunt with her dad, Brian Davis. At 11, Davis is an example of a growing number of during a hunt in Henrietta, she harvested her girls who are growing up to become hunters. first two does. In addition to tracking the number of young “I shot one in the morning, and one in the women who participate in trap, skeet and clay afternoon on the next day,” she said. shooting, the National Shooting Sports Young females are making a strong showing Foundation also has noted a growth in the in shooting sports as well — often a crossover to number of women who hunt. hunting. Nationwide, over a third of all female In 2004, 2,426,000 women of all ages hunted, participants in shotgun sports today are under up more than 20 percent compared to 2,018,000 24, according to the NSSF. in 1997, according to a NSSF release. And, it’s possible that as the growing number Davis’ opportunity to hunt in North Carolina of female hunters hit the outdoors, they’ll be Nov. 10-13 was part of a new national program drawing more young women into the sport. to encourage youth hunting and interest in the Julie Davenport of Dallas, a family friend who outdoors put on by the Quality Deer accompanied Davis on the North Carolina out- JO ANN DAVIS, a 13-year-old hunter from Garland, poses with her rifle. Photo by David J. Sams. Management Association. QDMA is a non-prof- ing, said she enjoyed being a mentor to the it group dedicated to ensuring a high-quality young hunter. door recreation, Mark Duda, executive director hunt and being accepted as hunters. and sustainable future for white-tailed deer and “I have such a love for nature, and when I was and researcher at the company, said women “There are so many issues,” he said. white-tailed deer hunting. younger, I didn’t have the opportunity to get who hunt are more likely to think about involv- The Texas teen was one of 10 youngsters from out,” said Davenport, who started hunting two ing their daughters. Mary Helen Aguirre is a native Texan with across the nation chosen to participate in the years ago. Duda said the largest psychological barrier for almost 15 years of experience editing and writing all-expense paid hunting trip to the 1,200-acre At Responsive Management, a company spe- female hunters is the lack of female role models for newspapers, including the Atlanta Journal- Fork Farm in Norwood, N.C. Eight of the youths cializing in research related to wildlife and out- — and all that entails, such as being invited to a Constitution. She is a freelancer in New Mexico. Group targets Texas hunters die of carbon ‘worrisome’ quail monoxide

Two Texas hunters died in New Mexico of carbon monox- population ide poisoning over the Thanksgiving holiday. By Mark England “And it’s not just quail. Where you Danny Davis, 56, and Mark lose upland habitat, you lose all types Jackson, 38, both of Tennessee of animals. You lose an entire ecosys- Colony, were found by the oth- A hunting trip more than 30 years tem.” ers in their hunting party on ago persuaded Steve Sumrow of the Texas Parks and Wildlife’s Steve the morning of Nov. 25, said DWINDLING NUMBERS: Texas’ quail population has declined 70 percent in the last current need to start a Dallas chapter DeMaso calls the quail population Capt. Norbert Sanchez of the 25 years. of Quail Forever, the second Texas “worrisome,” though areas like South Otero County Sheriff’s chapter of an national organization Texas and the Panhandle still have about what we’re trying to do and why pick our spots, pick our fights if we Department. less than four months old. strong quail populations. Urban it’s important.” hope to win the war.” They were sleeping inside a “My father was raised around sprawl, intensified farming and the Robert Perez, a TPW quail biologist, DeMaso said Quail Forever could gooseneck trailer, using a Celeste,” said Sumrow. “He took me planting of exotic grasses in pastures said Ducks Unlimited is proof of the have an impact. Coleman propane heater. hunting there when I was about 10 or are a few of the reasons Texas quail power of educating the public about “They can work on acquiring land, “It was one of those 11. He told me stories of when he was a have declined, he said. wildlife. ensuring that patches of quail habitat Coleman bottles with a small kid, and the quail were everywhere. “Look at East Texas,” said DeMaso, “Every sixth-grader knows what wet- stay connected; fund a whole variety of heater on it,” Sanchez said. We went traipsing all over the coun- upland game bird program leader. lands are and their importance,” Perez research; and work on the legislative “You’re supposed to ventilate if tryside, though, and didn’t find any.” “What was small farms went to being said. “Ask them what a savanna is and side of things,” he said. “Pheasants you use them. It takes up the Things haven’t gotten a lot better industrial forests. It went from a savan- why it’s important, though, and they’re Forever, for example, has been active oxygen in the air.” since. na habitat to places having 600 to 700 not going to tell you. They don’t know. on the national level to make sure that The hunters were in the Texas is considered one of the best pine trees an acre planted on them. We’ve done a poor job of educating peo- conservation provisions in farm bills Sacramento Mountains, the quail hunting states — though its Dead pine needles are not suitable ple.” stay there.” southern branch of the Rocky quail population has declined 70 per- nesting material for quail.” Quail Forever nationally has set a Sumrow sees this as a pivotal Mountains, east of Cloudcroft, cent in the last 25 years. Nationwide, the population of bob- goal of forming 50 chapters and recruit- moment in conserving quail and their N.M., to hunt elk. As one of its first projects, the Dallas white quail declined from 59 million ing 12,000 members. It hopes to acquire habitat. Temperatures had dropped chapter of Quail Forever is considering to a little more than 20 million from some of the clout of its parent organiza- “The rest of the country may think below freezing on the morning pitching a proposal to work with fed- 1980-1990. Those kinds of numbers tion, Pheasants Forever, whose efforts the quail hunting here is great, but tell they died. eral officials on improving quail habi- led to the launch of Quail Forever on have reaped some 2 million acres of new that to the guy in East Texas who hasn’t “Come wintertime, it’s not tat in refuges such as the Caddo Aug. 10, with the first chapter formed range land for pheasants. seen one in 10 years,” he said. “There’s unusual to have four or five National Grasslands northeast of in St. Louis. The organization has 21 For now, Quail Forever must marshal no reason to believe the decline of their people around here die from Dallas. chapters. Dallas came onboard on its resources wisely, Sumrow said. range is going to stop.” carbon monoxide poisoning, “That is the type of situation where Nov. 15. “It wouldn’t be smart to do an For more information about Quail though usually they’re resi- there’s a chance you could see a hunt- “A big part of what we need to do upland project on the edge of Plano, Forever, contact Sumrow at (214) 727- dents,” Sanchez said. “People able population in the next few years,” involves education,” said Sumrow, the for example,” he said. “But, maybe, far- 7911 or sdsumrow@ev1. net. just don’t realize the danger. Sumrow said. chapter’s first president. “We’ve got to ther north toward Bonham. I don’t Basically, you go into a coma- Major portions of Texas’ quail range educate the public, the landowners think Dallas will grow all the way to Mark England is associate editor of Lone tose state and die.” have been lost, Sumrow said. and our state and national leaders Bonham any time soon. We’ve got to Star Outdoor News. December 9, 2005 Page 7 TBGA names Pheasant season November early entry called best in years By Darlene McCormick Sanchez Pheasant watchers expected this season to be a good one — but it appears to be exceed- winners ing everyone’s expectations. In a recent edi- Longtime hunter Brett “Maverick” Parker tion of Texas Parks and Wildlife’s magazine, The Texas Big Game Awards has named a summed up the opening of pheasant season Danny Swepston, TPW’s district biologist in hunter and landowner as the November in the Panhandle with two words: “It’s cool!” Canyon, said that last year the pheasant winners of the contest’s early entry pro- And he’s not the only one crowing over the population was better than expected, and a gram. hunting. good carryover of Marty Griffith of Houston will receive a “It’s the greatest pheasant Panhandle birds was gift from a TBGA Texas regional sponsor for season in 25 years,” declared expected this season. mailing in his entry form early through the Mel Phillips, a hunter and Pheasants Forever fore- TBGA’s Early Entry Special Program. Macho well-known Panhandle out- casters also predicted Creek Lodge, the ranch/ landowner where door radio host at Amarillo’s higher than normal the whitetail was taken, will also receive a KGNC 710 AM radio every pheasant numbers for the gift. The Griffith non-typical buck was Saturday morning. Texas Panhandle. The con- taken in Atascosa County with a gross scor- EARLY HUNTER GETS THE PRIZE: Marty Griffith The excitement in Parker’s servation group’s forecast ing of 223. took this non-typical buck in Atascosa County. voice at seeing 6,7,8 …10 said a hot and dry early This year the TBGA has again continued roosters together — many of spring gave way to a wetter the Early Entry Special Program that allows can mail in their photos with their entry them standing along the summer and things were hunters and landowners who mail in their forms. roadside of his Castro greener than normal this completed entry form early and include a There will be one winner chosen for each County hunting spot south year with plenty of chicks photo for promotional purposes with the of the three months. For the Early Entry of Hart — was unmistakable. spotted near wheat, milo TBGA and statewide media to be automati- Grand Prize, everyone who has their com- In normal years, Parker said and corn fields during the cally entered in a drawing for some great pleted entry form in by Jan. 30, including he’ll see only a couple of survey. First Harvest and Youth Division entries, birds alongside the road. Phillips said the area’s prizes. PHEASANT FRENZY: Panhandle hunters will be eligible for a Texas Lifetime Hunting For those hunters who harvest Scored But on Dec. 4, he and a are staying busy this season. rainfall total is below Entry qualifying animals and have their License. Photos for this drawing are not buddy limited in time for normal, but the rains completed entry form in by the 30th of required but encouraged. Smith’s Abrasives lunch. earlier this year must have come at exactly each month from November through and Hunter’s Specialties proudly sponsor “I got out there early, and I have never in all the right time, allowing chicks to get plenty February, some great prizes will be offered the license reward. the years I’ve been hunting — 30 years — of food. On opening day in Dimmitt, in the monthly drawings. Prizes such as a For more information on the Texas Big seen so many pheasants. It’s just unbeliev- Phillips was in a group of 23 hunters who Gerber Legendary Blades Big Game Kit, Game Awards, entry information, or for a able,” Parker said. worked a field of weeds next to a cornfield to Michael’s of Oregon hunting items, Gander local certified TBGA scorer, please visit The 37 counties of the Panhandle region flush 100 roosters or better. He limited there Mountain Gift Cards, or other great rewards www. TexasBigGameAwards.com or call where Parker and Phillips hunted reigns as and then, he said. will be awarded. Entries must include a (800) 839-9453, ext. 114 for more informa- the state’s prime pheasant territory. This “Birds were falling out of the sky,” he said. quality field photo of the hunter and their tion. The final deadline to enter the Texas year’s season in the Panhandle opened Dec. “This is the most pheasants we’ve ever seen.” trophy and entry forms must be complete. Big Game Awards for the 2005-2006 season 3 and runs through Jan. 1, though pheasant Preferably, photos should be e-mailed to is March 15, 2006. hunting is open in the counties of Darlene McCormick Sanchez is editor of Lone Star [email protected] or hunters — A Texas Big Game Awards report Chambers, Jefferson and Liberty until Feb. Outdoor News. 26. Migratory Bird OPEN SEASON DUCK TRANS-PECOS HIGH PLAINS MALLARD Nov. 26 — Dec. 11 Hunting Report MANAGEMENT UNIT: Oct. 28 - Jan. 29 NORTH AND SOUTH ZONES: Dec. 10 RIO GRANDE TURKEY — Jan. 29 HIGH PLAINS MALLARD second split of duck season begins 30 raise water levels in ponds. More mal- Pintail and Canvasback (All Zones) NORTH TEXAS MANAGEMENT UNIT: Outfitters claim minutes before sunset Dec. 10. The first lards have found the region during the Dec. 22 — Jan. 29 Nov. 5 — Jan. 1 they have enjoyed some of the best split of duck season was fair to good in split, and expect more on ponds with SOUTH TEXAS decoying action for geese in years. the region. Those on area lakes and forecasted cold fronts this week. GOOSE Nov. 5 — Jan. 15 Normally, decoying action slows a bit as reservoirs saw good action for mallards, Gadwalls, wigeons, teal and shovelers WEST ZONE: Light and Dark Geese, WILLACY, BROOKS, KENEDY & December approaches; however, as gadwalls, teal, divers and shovelers. have been the mainstays on ponds and Nov. 5 — Feb. 7 KLEBERG COUNTIES many guides have attested, a young Lack of rainfall remains a factor. in hunters’ bags during the first split. In EAST ZONE: Light Geese, Nov. 5 — Nov. 5 — Feb. 26 bird count is keeping many Canadas on Backwater sloughs and bayous remain the coastal marsh, stiff north winds Jan. 29 the deck. Easy limits have been had dry. The recent front deposited new along with the upcoming solstice tide White-fronted Goose, Nov. 5 — Jan. 15 near Dumas, Etter and Spearman. birds to the region. Mallards, gadwalls, have dropped water levels several feet Canada Goose LESSER PRAIRIE CHICKEN PHEASANT Goose hunters are taking two to three wigeons and teal are holding on Toledo below normal. Access to shallow, tidal Nov. 5 — Jan. 29 CHAMBERS, JEFFERSON AND snows per man, too. Lots of young Bend, Sam Rayburn, Cooper Lake, ponds may be tough this weekend. LIBERTY COUNTIES Ross’ geese have readily decoyed. Lake O’ the Pines, Caddo Lake, Lake Rockport, Seadrift, Matagorda, SANDHILL CRANE Oct. 29 — Feb. 26 Haskell County continues strong for Tawakoni and Lake Fork. Along the Galveston Bay, Trinity Bay and the ZONE A: Nov. 5 — Feb. 5 PANHANDLE Canadas. Specklebellies and snow coastal prairies portion of the North Sabine Lake marsh look promising for ZONE B: Nov .26 — Feb. 5 geese are scattered in the mix. The Zone, recent rains recharged leveed the second-split opener. Goose hunting ZONE C: Dec. 24 — Jan. 29 Dec. 3 — Jan. 1 recent front deposited more mallards to ponds. The second-split opener should has been average at best. A high ceiling the area. Any playa with water is hold- see plenty of action. Prospects are has done hunters no favors. QUAIL JAVELINA ing ducks. As a side note, outfitters good. Specklebellies are getting tougher to Oct. 29 — Feb. 26 Oct. 1 — Feb. 26 claim the pheasant hunting is as good decoy. More Canada geese have as they have seen. Limits are the norm SOUTH ZONE WATERFOWL: The sec- moved into the region and hunters have WHITE—TAILED DEER For more information on bag limits and NORTH TEXAS and not the exception. Prospects are ond split of duck season begins 30 min- been happily taking the bonus dark other open game species, check the good. utes before sunset Dec.10. Coastal geese. Pintails and canvasbacks are Nov. 5 — Jan. 1 TPW Outdoor Annual or prairie ponds enjoyed as much as 3 legal to harvest Dec. 22. Prospects are SOUTH TEXAS NORTH ZONE WATERFOWL: The inches of rain last week, which helped good. Nov.5 — Jan. 15 http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/huntwild/hun MULE DEER t/season/2006/animal_listing/.

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By Diana Kunde they will troll some spoons, but a lot of the shad largely because of heavy rains in the springs of imitation crank baits have been taking fish.” 2004 and this year, said Rafe Brock, fisheries “This far south, we’ll see the beginning of the biologist for TPW in Fort Worth. ust when the white bass season is cooling off white bass run in mid-December, then the “If you have good water in the spring, you get in North Texas, it’s about to heat up down- height of it the end of January, first part of a good recruiting class to sustain even into the J state. February,” Findeisen said. next spring,” he said. That means white bass Choke Canyon Reservoir, Lake Corpus Christi Fishing for white, or sand, bass will be active populations should be good in spring of 2006, and smaller Coleto Creek Reservoir should see well into December as far north as Richland when the spawning run begins farther north, he the white bass spawning run start as soon as Chambers Lake near Corsicana, said fishing said. mid- to late December, said John Findeisen, fish- guide Bob Holmes of Red Oak. Along the Texas-Mexico border at Amistad eries biologist with Texas Parks and Wildlife in Holmes was catching daily limits of “sandies” Reservoir, now is the time for white bass fishing, Mathis. as late as Nov. 29, when his party of four brought said Ray Hanselman Jr., a fishing guide based in Fishing should be better this winter than last, in 100 bass. Del Rio. because lake levels are higher, he said. “Choke “We’re still on a good bite. Even though it The fish are coming to the top right now, he Canyon had been 23 feet down, now it’s three does cool down in December, your fish are still said, and will typically start their spawn in early feet low,” he said. The greater lake and river there. You look for them a little deeper and fish February. Hanselman uses white slabs “under depth should make for a better spawning envi- a little slower, but you’re catching quality fish,” the birds” when the bass are near the surface ronment, he said. Holmes said. feeding. “They will run until they find the shallow He’s been using a 1-ounce silver minnow slab, “Amistad is full of whites. You can catch lim- gravel shoals and start the spawn. The egg . . . or on windy days, a 1 3/4-ounce chartreuse slab, its pretty easily,” he said. “Most of the guides needs a current to keep it from suffocating in the and going down anywhere from 17 to 36 feet. fish for whites in the wintertime. Once they sediment.” “I like to start at first light, seven o’clock,” he start in December, it’s pretty solid until the first Anglers at Corpus Christi frequently put in at said. “This time of year they’re sometimes on part of March.” WINTRY WAYS: Fishing guide Bob the Nueces River where U.S. Highway 59 crosses top. In about 30 minutes, they start settling to Diana Kunde has 30 years of experience writing and Holmes says even though it does cool it, then follow the running fish, he said. “On the the bottom.” editing for newspapers that include the Dallas Morning down in December, fish are still there. Nueces, they use shad imitations as well as road North Texas had a good summer and fall for News. She is a freelancer based in Arlington, reachable Anglers just have to fish in a different runner jigs,” Findeisen said. “In the main lake, catching white bass feeding near the surface — at [email protected]. way. Packery expected to be fishing boon By ROBERT CADWALLADER “The first time I went out on it, we caught two trout and five snook on top water, which is the most snook I’ve ever The Army Corps of Engineers has caught in one day,’’ said Bird, who has a decided to allow small boats in the yet-to- Saturday fishing show on KKTX radio. “I be-completed Packery Channel in was walking on Cloud Nine.’’ Corpus Christi. The Army Corps of Engineers, though, For many anglers, the decision won’t wants anglers to come back down to make any difference since they have been earth and understand construction risks fishing the off-limit areas anyway to are real. The project, four months behind catch snook, speckled trout and redfish. schedule, will open a convenient boating But officials are warning anglers to use pass through Padre Island and is expect- caution in the channel, and they’re say- ed to officially open in January or ing the area remains closed to bank fish- February. Construction began in October ing. 2003. Recent hurricanes halted the Army “They will not be forcing people off the Corps of Engineers dredging work on the channel, but we ask that when the Packery Channel. The storms proved aus- dredge comes back, to be very careful,’’ picious to anglers because they drove said Corps spokeswoman Marilyn Gulf waters over a thin strip of beach Uhrich. blocking access to the channel, said But that doesn’t mean it’s safe for shore OFFICIAL OPENING ON THE WAY: Packery Channel is expected to open in January or February. Construction began on Doug Bird, a veteran fishing guide of 35 fishermen. the Corpus Christi project in October 2003. years. See PACKERY, Page 11

bowfishing for catfish, and the TPW Commission is ISH considering the idea as a way to offer more recre- F I ational opportunities to Texas anglers, said Ken W N Kurzawski of TPW’s Inland Fisheries Division. O G Officials anticipate that if the proposed changes are State studies approved, the new law would allow the use of bow- B legalizing blue, fishing equipment as a legal means to harvest catfish. All existing regulations, like length and bag limits, channel catfish would also apply to bowfishing. But the proposal is meeting with some resistance. By Todd Nafe According to Kurzawski, public comment has been overwhelmingly against the change, with numbers currently running 75 percent against to 25 percent in Anglers who enjoy bowfishing for carp, gar and other favor. “rough fish” could soon have a new target in their sights Opponents argue that permitting the harvest of — catfish. catfish by bow and arrow could not only be the first Texas Parks and Wildlife is considering a policy step in opening up bowfishing to other game fish, change that would add blue and channel catfish to but it could result in additional methods being legal- the list of legal species that can be taken by bow and ized that might jeopardize fish populations. arrow in the Lone Star State. “If they’re going to let people shoot catfish with a GAME TARGET: Bowfishing groups, led by the Texas Bowfishing Association, Bowfishing groups, led by the Texas Bowfishing bow and arrow, then why Association, have been pushing the idea of legalizing See BOWFISHING, Page 11 have been pushing the idea of legalizing bowfishing for catfish. December 9, 2005 Page 9 ADVENTURE Stringer full of bounty Lodge on the Matagorda second home to many outdoorsmen

By David Sikes Stringer to showcase all of the bounty this section of the Texas coast holds. To Cotton Johnson ockside banter at and me, this Matagorda dream Matagorda’s Full Stringer seemed complete, based on stories D Lodge was lighthearted told over a home-style meal of and lively when I joined a group grilled fish and a darned good of anglers celebrating a pause crawfish etouffee. from the everyday. Matagorda might once have Guides filleted fish while guests been considered a destination from separate parties mingled and mostly visited by lost travelers. relaxed with the sunset. Some of Not so today. The Cassadys’ hospi- them wondered aloud what their tality has combined with myriad next adventure might bring while outdoor offerings to encourage others still were trying to choose return visits. It remains remote tomorrow’s pleasure. and mostly undeveloped, but Typically, evening topics on the worth the effort to find. deck of this hunting and fishing This riverside community lodge vary considerably, reflecting resembles a south Louisiana seasonal pursuits of the region. In bayou village, with its levees, summer, conversations might locks and waterside fishing involve talk of tarpon and triple- camps. It’s situated where the tail or amberjack and ling, all Colorado River intersects with the within easy reach of this comfort- Intracoastal Waterway, providing able sportsman’s respite below an interesting and scenic boat ride Galveston. During fall, tales of to the bay and on to the Gulf of angling and hunting collide to Mexico. include ducks and geese and trout The Cassadys’ full-service roost and redfish. offers rooms enough to accom- Recent reports from the lodge modate 18 guests. They have a reveal that wingshooters are spacious suite upstairs with com- enjoying a stellar waterfowl sea- fortable seating in a commons son. Ducks have been plentiful area with satellite TV. More pri- and the variety has been wide. vate rooms behind doors grace And compared with the previous the downstairs floor, more appro- And they’re powerful fighters, fun yelled as he jammed his throttle season, goose hunters have expe- priate for families and smaller par- to catch and relatively easy to find into reverse, throwing gallons of rienced a resurgence of opportu- ties. in West Matagorda Bay, the center bay water over the boat’s stern nities for specklebellies, snows It would be an ideal retreat if of Texas tripletail fishing during and leaving a seething trail of and a growing number of you’re looking to explore this low- spring and summer. prop-fizz off the bow. Canadas. traffic stretch of coast. But my Texas has no size or bag limit for I braced against the boat’s Of course, the fishing here is tripletail, though Texas Parks and backward thrust, planting my year-round, enhanced by four fishing partner, Cotton Johnson, Wildlife officials have proposed to feet firmly on the bow deck and licensed captains for offshore trips and I were there to fish, specifical- change this by designating it a tightening my grip on my fish- and 12 licensed bay-fishing ly for the elusive tripletail. I say game fish. Matagorda anglers, ing rod. It worked and ultimately guides. They even offer flounder elusive because in Texas few including Lee Warmke, a the lesson yielded a 12-pound gigging trips. anglers target them and only in Matagorda guide who targets tripletail. And then we did it This is pretty much how lodge spring or summer. It’s a strange- PLENTY TO DO: Flounder and trout are a them regularly, impose their own again. proprietors Jody and David looking dark fish, with distinctive couple of the many target game fish at daily quota. Warmke was our Cassady pictured it. As best they broad fins, tail and profile, which Matagorda Bay’s Full Stringer Lodge. guide and instructor. David Sikes writes about the outdoors could, they wanted the Full many people misidentify as a Photo by David Sikes. member of the grouper family. “Reel, reel, reel,” Warmke for the Corpus Christi Caller-Times.

IF YOU GO Full Stringer Lodge, fullstringerlodge.com, (979) 863- lee.com, [email protected] ,(979) 924-3941. dawadefishing.com, (979) 553-4057. 1143, [email protected], Lodging fees for full service with Mike Mosley, saltwater addiction guide service, (979) 863- three meals, $100 night. 7447. Guide fee is $450 (bay trips) for three anglers; offshore Lee Warmke, half breed guide service, www.fishingwith- Bobby Gardner, south-paw guide service, www.matagor- trips start at $800 for four anglers.

Texas, Florida to host new Redfish Nation Series — registration under way

The Redfish Nation has prize of $15,000 cash. Texas and the highest finish at the RFN Redfish Cup Championship on sure, including coverage in announced the launch of the Florida will each host three RFN Series Championship will earn a ESPN2. That’s unprecedented.” Redfish Nation Magazine and new Redfish Nation Series pre- Series events, with the new coveted birth into the no-entry Unlike the Q Series in the past comprehensive online coverage sented by Academy Sports and Redfish Nation Series fee Oh Boy! Oberto Redfish Cup that required teams to fish all at the official Web site Outdoors. Championship to be held at a Championship on ESPN2 later events in their division, the RFN www.RedfishCup.com. The RFN Series will replace last yet-to-be-disclosed destination. in 2006. That event will pay Series allows teams to fish as Entry fee for the Redfish season’s Q Series providing big- The top 5 teams from each $75,000 to the top team. many events as they like. Nation Series is $500 per team ger guaranteed payouts, fantas- RFN Series event will advance to “Our Redfish Cup and RFN “Redfish tournaments are per event. tic venues and an opportunity the first ever Redfish Nation Series anglers continue to help competitive but they should also Registration for the 2006 for teams to earn a spot in the Series Championship. The win- us build better tournament cir- be fun and encourage new fans Redfish Nation Series began Dec. Oh Boy! Oberto Redfish Cup ning team from the 30-team cuits and more opportunities,” to participate,” Healy added. 5. To register, visit Championship, the sport’s most event will win a prize package said David Healy of the Redfish “This entire industry needs more www.RedfishNation. com/regis- lucrative and prestigious event. worth more than $35,000. In Nation. “More anglers now have people fishing, so that is what tration, call (888) 698-2591 or The RFN Series will be com- addition, the teams from the more chances to compete and the RFN Series is all about.” fax (409) 698-2616. prised of six two-day events that Triton Western Division and advance to the sport’s biggest The Redfish Nation Series will each guarantees a first place Mercury Eastern Division with stage, the Oh Boy! Oberto receive extensive media expo- —A Redfish Nation report LONE STAR OUTDOOR NEWS REACHES READERS GUIDED HUNTS ACROSS TEXAS. SHOW THEM YOUR CLASSIFIED AD. Call (866) 361-2276 FISHING LEASES or e-mail: [email protected] Page 10 December 9, 2005 Big bass

Continued from Page 1 inches in girth. Babich was fishing for crap- pie when he saw the big bass come up and eat a crappie he’d just thrown back. He pitched a 3 1/4-inch Lunker City Fin-S Shad into the water, and she took it. If recent events are any indication, Babich had better enjoy holding the record while he can. An even bigger fish is probably out there just waiting to be caught. Professional angler Kevin VanDam started the record- breaking big bass boom on Lewisville Lake June 1, when he caught an 11.81-pound fish during a tournament. That record stood only until July 17, when Houston Rogers SKY HIGH: The goose wintering population in the Panhandle continues to increase. hooked a 12.23-pounder. Rogers held the record just lations; these are not the same in the flock — which bodes well cover,” Cooke said. “An Amarillo two weeks. Charles Pratt snow geese that winter on the for decoying action. TV station, KAMR, shot some caught his 12.67-pounder Geese Texas coast. “We are shooting quite a few video of the guys in their suits. All July 31. The heaviest fish are typi- gray birds; there seems to be lots of you could see was their faces. It cally caught during the Continued from Page 1 young ones this year,” he said. was unbelievable.” spring spawning season, Pam Cooke of Straight Line Cooke, like Town, is ecstatic first month of the season. Most when the big females are full ‘We’ve not Outfitters, which conducts its about the geese hunting. of eggs. The current world shoots are coming from wheat or “It’s probably the best we’ve ever geese hunts in the Panhandle, con- record largemouth bass, corn fields near Spearman, Dumas gone a day had,” she said. “We’ve not gone a firms that observation. caught in Georgia in 1932, and Etter. Town said Lake Etter is day without getting the limit. It’s She related a conversation with weighed 22 pounds, 4 ounces. holding the brunt of the dark and without get- amazing. We’re done by 10:30 a.m. her husband, Terry, who started That fish was 32.5 inches light goose population. It’s the best year that we’ve ever their outfit 20 years ago. long and had a girth of 28.5 “It (Lake Etter) is incredible to ting the limit. had.” “Terry said yesterday a thousand inches. see,” he said. “Every goose in the For current goose hunting con- birds were coming in because of There may not be a new country is using that water.” It’s amazing.’ ditions in the Panhandle or any the decoys,” Cooke said. “We don’t state or world record large- The Panhandle’s light goose other waterfowl region of the state, know if it was the new birds — mouth swimming around in population has boomed over the read the Weekly Migratory Bird we’ve had the biggest hatch ever — Lewisville Lake, but it’s —Pam Cooke Hunting Report in this issue of last 10 years. Biologist suggest a or because we’re using new decoys, almost a given that a new lake Lone Star Outdoor News. shift in migration from the New windsocks and silhouettes.” record is. The only questions Mexico flyway has brought more A little subterfuge helps, too. Town, along with other outfit- are: Who will catch it, and white geese to spreads in the High “Whether you’re hunting in Bink Grimes is a freelance outdoors when? Plains. However, the shift in the ters in the area, say there are plen- corn or wheat, Terry has the exact writer. He can be contacted at — A Texas Parks and Wildlife report flyway has not affect coastal popu- ty of gray-feathered juvenile birds gillie suit to match the ground www.binkgrimesoutdoors.com.

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guish a deer’s gender, antler size men decimating catfish num- and age on the hoof.” bers. There just aren’t a whole lot Bowfishing Supporters of the change con- of people doing it and catfish tend that what they do is more aren’t easy to lure into the range Continued from Page 8 of a sport than trotlining and jug of a bow and arrow,” he said. not let us catch them by hand?” fishing, which are legal methods of catching catfish in the state. Another worry on the minds of asked catfisherman David opponents is that shallow-water Donaldson of Waco. “And McKee says that bowfishermen spawning cats would be easy what’s the difference between are an ethical group that abide using an arrow and using a big by the rules and regulations per- marks for bowfishermen and taining to bowfishing for floun- hook to snag a fish out of a could affect population numbers. der and sheepshead, and that hole?” But McKee and others say they the same would go for catfish. Opponents also cite concerns would gladly accept a bowfishing “As long as there’s no short about the nature of bowfishing. supply of these fish, I see no rea- season to avoid periods when cat- Catch and release with a bow son why we shouldn’t be allowed fish would be especially vulnerable and arrow is impossible, and off- to put some tasty fish on our to bows and arrows. target shots would likely result in tables,” McKee said. Bowfishing for catfish isn’t a wounded fish that initially swim Although he’s not a bowfisher- new idea — it’s already legal in away only to die later from their man, longtime Texoma catfish- Louisiana, South Carolina, Illinois, injuries. But Texas Bowfishing erman Loren Lookingbill agrees. Arkansas and Alabama. But should Association Associate Director “These guys are out there shoot- it be permitted in Texas? To voice Tim McKee says it’s simply a ing gar and carp and other rough matter of ethics and judgment. fish. Why not let them shoot an opinion e-mail TPW at “All hunters and fishermen are something they can eat?” He [email protected] endowed with the responsibility added that the number of catfish or call (512) 389-4591. of selective harvest by sight, as taken by bow would probably duck hunters must differentiate have little effect on catfish popu- Todd Nafe is the outdoor writer for the species of waterfowl on the wing lations in most lakes and Waco Tribune-Herald and can be and deer hunters have to distin- streams. “I don’t see bowfisher- reached at www.centexoutdoors.com.

had under my keel is about a foot and I have seen, and I’ve lived here all my a half,’’ Bird said. “Everybody’s aware life,’’ Sheka said. “And I’m talking, Packery that it’s not finished and that you there are 40-inch snook out there. Continued from Page 8 run it at your own risk. You have to be There is more snook out there than careful what size boat you take out on we realized, and the size is enor- “The area surrounding the chan- mous.’’ nel is still considered a construction it.’’ He believes the legal catch limit — area, i.e., a hard-hat area,’’ Uhrich After the hurricanes this summer one snook between 24 and 28 inches said. “People will not be allowed on and fall, Bird noticed a wider variety per person per day — may need to be the banks of the channel until it gets of fish in the channel, and he expects revised, he said. done.’’ fishing to get even better when the Sheka and Bird said the comple- Fishing guide Bill Sheka of Corpus jetties and dredging are complete. tion of the Packery Channel should Christi said he believes workers and “There’s going to be more shark improve fishing and boost the area’s fishermen can get along safely. “You caught, more red fish caught,’’ he economy. just give them the same courtesy you said. “It’s just going to be totally awe- “I think you’re going to see a lot of would in a no-wake zone,’’ he said. some. I’ve been waiting for this for 35 good things happen,’’ Sheka said. “Where they’re working, stay clear. years.’’ It’s just common sense.’’ The prevalence of snook on the Bird said some parts of Packery are surf side of the channel has been Robert Cadwallader is a Fort Worth only 2 to 3 feet deep, and other areas noticed elsewhere along the coast area freelancer with more than two are 7 to 8 feet deep. over the past three years, Sheka said. decades of experience as a “The least amount of water I’ve “I’ve never seen snook out there like journalist and writer.

ANTLERS AWAY: Hunters can put their rattling skills to the test at the next Rattlemasters tournament, Dec. 17-18, in South Texas.

ruckus. If you’ve ever seen two deer fighting, they’re not play- Rattling ing around. “It’s a fight to the finish Continued from Page 1 sometimes for some of them. They’re running over trees, harvested), but don’t misunder- brush and cactus. It’s kind of stand that. I don’t have any- hard for some folks to under- thing against harvesting. I’ve stand because they’ve been been a hunter all my life.” taught to be quiet and real still. To Carpenter and other rat- But we break limbs, shake trees, tle-minded hunters, the tech- nique is an art form and the beat the ground.” most thrilling way to hunt deer. In addition to the most bucks Just ask Lee Bevly of Skidmore award, hunters compete in sev- who has competed in eral categories including funni- Rattlemasters of Texas contests est video, oldest rattlemaster for four years and has been rat- and youngest rattlemaster. An tling for more than 30 years. important goal of the contests, “To me it’s a natural way of Carpenter said, is to get young hunting. I don’t like just sitting people involved so the skill of and watching the deer feeder rattling bucks is passed on. The and waiting for something to contests have several youth cat- come in,” Bevly said. “I’ve had egories. them as close as five yards from One of Carpenter’s favorite me. When you get them that hunting memories is rattling in close and they don’t know his son’s first buck back in 1989 you’re there, it’s a rush.” — a buck that came bounding And capturing a hoodwinked down a hillside and leapt into a buck on video can be tougher creek right in front of them. than shooting one with a rifle, “I was able to do for my son he added. “I’ve missed more what my dad had done for me. deer with a camera than a gun.” That’s a very special memory Two rattlers who rarely miss a for me,” Carpenter said. rattling photo op are Kenneth To learn more about rattling, and Patricia Wallek of Beeville. and the group’s tournaments The husband-and-wife duo and video contest, visit have won the Rattlemasters www.rattlemasters. com or call Team of the Year Award the last (361) 362-2620. two years. At one tournament last season, the Walleks rattled Wes Smalling is the former up 18 different bucks on video. outdoors editor for the Santa Fe The secret to successful rat- New Mexican and has more tling, Carpenter said, is to not be afraid to make a heck of a than a decade of experience as a writer and reporter. Page 12 December 9, 2005 OUTDOOR DATEBOOK

only antlerless deer hunt. Youth on the Rio Grande. Valid Texas Shops, Grapevine. 1 p.m. Learn basic HAVE AN EVENT TO PUBLICIZE? must be accompanied by adult, but fishing license and an annual hunting techniques to fly-casting. Stop by the only youth may hunt, by special or limited public use permit required White River Fly Shop for more E-mail it to drawn permit only. Standby for visitors ages 17 and older. information. applicants must be present by 10 Twenty-three campsites available [email protected] a.m., first day of hunt. No fee is along the river. For more information, DEC. 17: Lake Livingston SP, fishing Events must be open to the public charged; call (830) 676-3413. call (432) 376-2216 or (432) 837- with a ranger program. Bring your 3251. rods and reels for some fishing fun. DEC. 12: Waterfowl footwear demo, Topics include fishing regulations, Cabela’s, Fort Worth, at 1 p.m. and DEC.12-26: Black Gap WMA quail ethics, basic tackle assembly and 3 p.m. hunting. Call (432) 376-2216 or DEC. 10: Basic fly-fishing at Bass and reels will be available. Bait and more. 7-10 a.m.; reservations (432) 837-3251. Pro Shops, Grapevine, at 1 p.m. refresh-ments provided. Call for DEC. 14: Dallas Safari Club holiday required. Call (956) 365-2201 ext. Learn basic techniques to fly- times and more information; (940) party at Renaissance Dallas Hotel, DEC. 16: Concealed handgun seminar, 11 or (936) 365-2201. casting. Stop by the White River Fly 567-3506. $55 per person, RSVP at (972) renewal only, Cabela’s, Fort Worth. Shop for more information. 980-9800. From 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. For more DEC. 22: Muzzleloading course, Bass DEC. 10: Christian Anglers Bass Pro Shops, Grapevine. Introduction to DEC. 10: Fort Richardson SP&HS information, call (817) 337-2400. Association Open Team Tournament, DEC. 14: Fly-tying class, Bass Pro muzzleloading firearms. Class covers and Lost Creek Reservoir State Lake Bob Sandlin (Titus County Shops, Grapevine, 7 p.m.-9 p.m. DEC. 16–18: Matagorda Island Trailway Kid's Fishing Day. Come loading, safety, cleaning, black Public Ramp), $120. Call (214) Learn techniques of tying flies, SP&WMA Scheduled Hunts. Call powder and substitute powders, and fish for rainbow trout on the 801-9944. freshwater to saltwater. (361) 983-2215 for details. banks of Quarry Lake. Prizes bullets and accessories. No shooting awarded. A limited number of rod DEC. 10–11: Chaparral WMA youth- DEC. 12–26: Black Gap WMA fishing DEC. 17: Basic fly-fishing, Bass Pro is involved. Call (972) 724-2018. December 9, 2005 Page 13 PRODUCT PICKS

LIGHTHEADED KAYAK IN A CRUNCH: The LOOKER: The Yakka 80 by Bic Sport was Cat’s Eyes designed for those with limited Quick!Light storage space. Folded, the kayak attaches to a measures 59 by 30 inches and cap to offer a can fit in the trunk of a car or in hands-free light the back of an SUV. To set up, source. unfold the rigid hull sections, The 1.24- secure the center support and ounce cap inflate the sides. The 44-pound light features Yakka is maneuverable three LED bulbs enough for most that provide experienced sea and lake ultra bright kayakers and can be used on white light. It is lower-rated rivers, but is not powered by recommended for whitewater lithium coin cell use. The Yakka 80 supports batteries riders up to 176 pounds; the offering 24-48 Yakka 120, available in hours of December, has a 265-pound continuous use capacity. The kayaks cost about and costs about $600. For retailers, visit $17. For retailers, www.bicsportkayaks.com or call visit www.universalmerchandisers.com or call (501) 374-1930. (508) 291-2770.

GOOD VIBRATIONS: Lucky Craft has launched Live LVR, a live- action version of its LVR series of lipless crankbaits. This new 2 3/4-inch-long crankbait has a slightly wider surface near the front, which provides more water dis- placement across the body as well as more vibration and rattle than the cur- rent LVR series, accord- ing to professional A CUT ABOVE: The AccuSharp Camouflage Knife Sharpener has all the features angler Marty Stone. It of the original AccuSharp plus a camouflage design. Its maker promises that it costs about $20 and can sharpen knives, axes and other cutting tools in about 10 seconds. The comes in five colors, includ- ergonomic handle fits either hand securely while a full-length finger guard pro- ing Bleeding Aurora Black and tects fingers. The sharpener has diamond-honed tungsten carbide sharpening Bleeding Chartreuse Shad. Each has a red spot under the blades and can be cleaned in the dishwasher. It costs about $20. For retailers, body and two No. 4 red treble hooks; the rear hook comes standard as a visit www.accusharp.com. feather treble. To visit the company’s Web site, go to www.luckycraft.com; for retailers, call (800) 270-3117.

BOTTLED HEAT: The MegaBottle from EXPLORE NEW DOUBLE FEATURE: Greenhead Gear was made for WATERS: Thales Wenger’s G-3 those chilly, all-day hunting has introduced Navigator trips. It can hold up to 44 18 detailed Compass ounces of liquid and marine charts Watch comes with a drink cup pre-loaded on will and soup bowl. The secure help double-walled stain- digital show you less steel bottle’s memory the way outer shell is avail- cards for use with and the able in two cam- Magellan GPS time. The ouflage patterns. handheld watch features It features a receivers such as a nylon strap carry handle the Magellan with leather plus a eXplorist XL. The accenting and a removable Magellan white or black shoulder MapSend Blue dial. A swing-out strap and a Nav XLS North case houses a screw-in America delivers fully functional stopper to cartography on rotating compass. help keep tides, currents, The watch has contents depth contours and more for saltwater and major navigable Swiss quartz hot. The inland waterways. The SD memory cards cost about $200 movement and is bottle sells for each and are available for 18 regions, including the Gulf and water resistant to 165 feet. It costs about $200. about $35. For retailers, call (800) 333-5119 or e-mail the Atlantic coasts. For retailers or to order, go to For retailers, visit www.wengerna.com or call company through its Web site at www.greenheadgear.com. www.magellanGPS.com or call (866) 339-0488. (800) 431-2996.

RAPID FIRE: Camp Chef’s Campfire SHARP SHOOTER: Battenfeld In A Can is for those who don’t want Technologies’ Caldwell Muley-Pod to waste much time building their gives shooters added stability when campfire. This campfire kit allows paired with a bipod or front rest. The outdoors enthusiasts to device attaches to the rear sling swiv- have a contained raging el of the rifle and features fire in minutes. To clean up, just collapse it. one-hand fingertip eleva- Made for use with wood or tion adjustments to help pressed logs, the kit features shooters stay on target. a steel base, a two-piece The unit features sturdy black porcelain-coated aluminum construction and a non-slip burning cage and an rubber pad on the bottom of the foot. aluminum canister The 5- to 7-inch model for prone top. It sells for bipods costs about $37; the 7- to about $80. An 11-inch model for sitting bipods optional grill is costs about $40. For retailers, about $10. For visit www.battenfeldtechnolo- retailers, visit gies.com or call (573) 446- www.campchef.com or call (800) 650-2433. 3857. Page 14 December 9, 2005 HEROES

Seven-year-old Kent Breedlove has been going to the deer stand since age 2 with his Patrick Powers bagged this 22-point whitetail on his grandfather, Mike, and father, David. Kent killed his first deer, a 10-point buck, on Steve Fogle holds a 5.5-pound striped bass he caught at property in western Oklahoma. Thanksgiving Day while hunting on the family lease near Pontotoc. Lake Texoma.

Share an adventure Want to share your great hunting or fishing adven- ture with the Lone Star Outdoor News family? E-mail your photo, phone and caption information to editor@lonestarout- doornews. com, or mail to: Heroes, Lone Star Outdoor News, 9304 Forest Lane, Suite 114 South, Dallas, TX, 75243. Diana Swanson took down this whitetail buck on the Covert Ranch in LaSalle Leret Hemphill of Mason bagged his first buck during a youth-only weekend this year. County. The buck posted a 195 4/8 gross Boone & Crockett score. MADE IN TEXAS Microbiologists aglow with success of products

By Mary Helen Aguirre reaching the retailers and finally the fisher- man. Gergely said the baitfish become stressed in captivity. That can result in the loss of elec- Earthworms are positively glowing thanks trolytes and can affect the natural slime coat to Tony and Lane Gergely. Fishermen are a lit- that helps shield them against bacteria, fun- tle brighter, too. gus and viruses. Through Seguin-based Legend Laboratories, Better-Bait replaces those electrolytes and it this husband-wife microbiologist team has stimulates the fish’s slime cells. It also developed Worm-Glo. It not only provides removes chlorine and chelates heavy metals essential nutrients that keep worms nour- from the water. ished for up to six months, but it also con- Since Tony Gergely started Sure-Life, the tains a non-toxic biological stain that turns company’s product line has grown from six to them a fluorescent chartreuse. Plus, it gives about 75 products sold nationally and in the fattened-up worms a little more wiggle. Canada. The different products have been It’s a combination that predatory fish find formulated to work in different regions and irresistible, according to Tony Gergely, whose on specific species. For example, Please sales of the Worm-Glo have been snow- Release Me and Walleye-Saver are for bass and balling, largely through word of mouth. walleye fishermen who like to catch and “They catch the heck out of fish,” he said of release. The Fungus-Aid and Ick-Off target fish the bright green worms. “They really squirm diseases; the Foam-Off retards foam growth on the hook because the food is such an ener- on the water’s surface so oxygen can better gizer.” Also, the chartreuse, he explained, is reach the fish. one of the few colors that can be seen all the Sure-Life’s newest product is Redfish-Saver. way to the bottom of the water. “The Redfish-Saver calms the fish so they Before the Gergelys started Legend Labs in stop fighting their new environment,” said 2001, they were bettering other bait through Tony Gergely, who serves as company presi- Sure-Life Laboratories. The company, also TEAMING UP: Lane and Tony Gergely put their minds together to help fishermen. The dent. “Saltwater fish, especially game fish, based in Seguin, specializes in fish-care prod- microbiologist team has developed such products as Worm-Glo and Redfish-Saver. have a harder time with ammonia so we ucts for the fishing industry. Customers range devised a way to remove the ammonia from from the small fisherman to bait farmers. the water.” Tony Gergely, who launched Sure-Life in 1991, started experimenting on formu- At Lake Texoma, where shad is a favorite bait, Sure-Life’s Shad-Keeper is one of las designed to keep fish in captivity alive after graduating from the University of Dave Parkey’s best sellers. Florida in 1981. Back then, he said, most of the products on the market were “It’s like pulling teeth to keep shad alive and his Shad-Keeper does a super job water conditioners for aquariums. A lifelong fisherman, Gergely was interested in for us,” said Parkey, owner of Dave’s Ski & Tackle in Denison, near the Texas- developing products for the fishing industry. Oklahoma border. Better-Bait, a life extender for minnows, was his first product. “Most of the bait “We sell the heck out of his products,” he adds. is raised in Arkansas and Mississippi in massive bait farms.” he said. For more information on the two companies, visit www.sure-life.com or The minnows go from the farm’s bait tanks to trucks to wholesalers before www.legend-labs.com. December 9, 2005 Page 15 WEATHER

TEXAS TIDBITS TEXAS WORD TREASURES WILD IN THE KITCHEN

Across 12 Venison Elizabeth 1. These large fish spawn in the surf during the fall 34 From time to time and occasion- 2 cups fresh ripe strawberries, 5. Type of oak tree ally on a commission basis, I create quartered 7. Proper name for a catfish's special recipes for special companies whiskers and extraordinary people. Elizabeth Season venison with salt and pep- 9. Shot made from something 56“Libbie” McLain is one of those spe- per. Heat oil in a large skillet over other than lead cial people. She was instrumental in medium-high heat and sear venison 10. Blue quail are also known as the production and evenly until ______78design of the first browned, but not 12. Wildlife Management Area The Sporting Chef cooked beyond rare. (Initials) Web site. Libbie is Add beef broth to 13. Breeding period for deer an extremely cre- the pan and stir to 14. Must keep a fully feathered 9 ative and entertain- loosen bits. Add red wing on these types of birds ing friend, but I wine and cook for until you arrive home 10 11 12 think she’d rather 30 seconds. Remove 16. Nickname for anglers who eat a cheeseburger venison from pan. 13 spend lots of time fishing than Venison Add vinegar, garlic Elizabeth. She’s not and rosemary and piers extending into the gulf 14 15 19. The interior tube of a gun too adventurous reduce liquid by barrel when it comes to about two-thirds. food. Return venison to Down 16 17 18 pan to warm. Add strawberries and 1. Sam Houston's nickname 4 servings cook about 1 minute. To serve, slice 2. Lead sinker sporting copper venison into medallions and top 2 pounds venison loin; all fat, with strawberries and sauce. "legs" 19 3. Collared peccary gristle and silver skin removed 4. Game bird; highest concen- 1/4 teaspoon coarse salt — Chef Scott Leysath trations found in the 1 teaspoon cracked black peppercorns Visit SportingChef.com for more Panhandle great fish and game recipes and 6. Taking of game with birds of 2 tablespoons olive oil where to catch Leysath’s TV Show, prey Copyright 2004 Texas Word Treasures, Greg Berlocher. All Rights Reserved. 1/4 cup beef broth or game stock 7. Largest of the Atlantic mar- 15. Shotguns may hold no more 18. The amount of anchor rope 1/2 cup dry red wine HuntFishCook. Leysath is the official lins. Hint: Makaira nigricans than ____ shells when hunt- that is deployed is known as 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar chef for Realtree and Ducks 8. Border lake near Del Rio ing migratory birds ______2 garlic cloves, minced Unlimited. He also appears weekly 11. Teamed with Daniel Boone to 17. This type of trail can lead you 1 tablespoon fresh on Ducks Unlimited TV on OLN and form famous hunting club to downed game See SOLUTIONS, Page 17 rosemary, minced The Sportsman Channel. Page 16 December 9, 2005 GAME WARDEN BLOTTER

HE THOUGHT HE HEARD A RUSTLER ice chest, one of the hunters told • A complaint of an individual the wardens that his cousin had shooting deer and not retrieving BAD INTELLIGENCE LEADS CAPTAIN ASTRAY killed the deer and left to go back to them led Goliad County Game Houston. After questioning another After receiving a report of shots fired, Bell County and get you a deer. The landowner didn’t press Wardens Jesse Garcia and Kevin hunter, Davis found out there were Game Warden Shawn Moore drove to a subdivision charges for trespassing feeling that anyone that Fagg to check the brush on a actually two deer in two separate ice in Harker Heights. He found a man in blaze orange naive couldn’t be a poacher. However, the captain landowner’s property. The brush chests, one a doe without MLD per- dragging a deer out of the brush. The man was an also failed to tag his deer. Moore contacted a friend was thick and hard to see through. mits. Steward walked behind the Garcia and Fagg found a deer’s car- Army captain from Fort Hood who was from out of at Fort Hood and made sure the major got correct state. He told Moore that his major said that it was information on hunting in Texas. The case is pend- camp in search of the doe head and cass and were about to examine it instead found a fourth hunter hid- when a shot rang out from behind open territory in Texas, and you could just go out ing. ing in the grass. He and the hunter them. A man about 50 yards out- returned to the camp, where the side the brush had fired a shot in THE GOOD NEWS IS THAT THE parking lot drinking alcohol. After scored 158 Boone and Crockett hunter admitted to shooting the their direction from a 30.06 rifle. HUNTING WAS EXCELLENT inspecting the man’s boat, Moses points. The game farm owner had The bullet fragmented. A small por- doe with a .22-caliber rifle. Another • The Pecos County Sheriff’s issued him a citation for having an purchased the deer six months ear- tion of the bullet struck Garcia in hunter admitted to shooting the Department called Ward County unregistered boat. lier for $5,880. The hunter was the knee and unknown debris untagged buck. One hunter was a Game Warden Robert French about charged with a felony and several struck Fagg in the side of the face. probation officer who cooperated a man duck hunting on the Pecos THE HUNTING WAS BETTER ON The shooter said he didn’t see any- misdemeanors. and told the truth. The hunter hid- THE OTHER SIDE OF THE FENCE thing, but he had heard a “rustling River. French responded and locat- ing in the grass was a chaplain’s • A MILD CHILI COOK-OFF noise.” The man was charged with ed the hunter, who had cut a fence Nacogdoches County Game assistant in the military. deadly conduct and taken to the to gain access to the river. The Warden Doug Spivey filed state jail • Brewster County Game Warden Goliad County Jail. The game war- hunter was over the bag limit on felony charges on a 30-year-old De Ray Spears and Reeves County YOU MEAN WE DON’T GET dens were shaken up but otherwise redhead ducks, hunting waterfowl Soto man for taking a 2-year-old Game Warden Jared Self assisted the TO GRADE OURSELVES? OK. with lead shot, hunting without a buck from a scientific breeder’s pen. Brewster County Sheriff’s • Two men who had stopped at a federal waterfowl duck stamp and The man had a hunting lease adja- Department with law enforcement voluntary check station with two failed to produce a valid hunting POACHERS ZAPPED cent to the property. A larger buck at the popular Terlingua Chili Cook- deer prompted a call to Fayette license. Appropriate charges were also was killed, and the investiga- Off. The wardens report this year’s • Bill Magee, a retired game war- County Game Warden Erik Nygren. filed, and the investigation contin- tion continues on that deer. cook-off was rather “tame” with few den, called Grimes County Game Their deer did not meet the local ues on the trespass charge. arrests being made. Warden Jonathan Heaton about antler regulations. After talking to two men suspected of hunting BIG-GAME BUCK PROVES BACK FOR MORE COSTLY FOR HUNTER SHOULD HAVE KNOWN BETTER the men, both from Houston, about from the road. On arrival, Heaton antler restrictions, Nygren deter- found that Magee had stopped the • After a boat accident on Lake • A local locker plant called Cass • Arriving at a hunting camp just Texoma, Grayson County Game County Game Warden Dan Hill before dark, Gonzales County mined they were aware of the regu- vehicle and separated the two men. lation. However, the men thought Brazos County Game Warden Chad Warden Dale Moses interviewed the about an unusually large deer left Game Warden Jason Davis and no one would know about the vio- Jones then arrived. During the boat operator — who had been for processing. The deer weighed Bastrop County Game Warden lation if they filled out the data game wardens’ investigation, both detained by the marina’s security 245 pounds and had holes in both Roger Steward found it empty. Davis sheet themselves. Both deer were men confessed to hunting and officer. The man appeared to be ears that appeared to have had tags noticed an ice chest with blood on shooting from the road. A search of intoxicated, but cooperative. Moses in them. From the hunting license it and found a quartered deer car- seized and citations were issued. their truck — and an aluminum arrested him for BWI and transport- tag on the deer and the location of cass inside. Steward located a buck’s boat in the bed of the truck — ed him to the Grayson County Jail the kill, Hill knew a big-game farm head and a hide in a shed behind THEY HIT THE TRIFECTA turned up a “zapper.” The men where he refused to take a breath was nearby. The farm’s owner was the deer camp. The wardens waited • Wise County Game Warden admitted they had been on the test. The next day, Moses was back notified. He and Hill found an area until three hunters arrived and Christopher Dowdy caught three Navasota River earlier and used the at the marina getting witness state- along the game-proof fence where a asked if they had any luck. The men for numerous waterfowl hunt- zapper to shock fish. The driver was ments and taking pictures of the hole had been dug under it, then hunters replied, “No,” then Davis ing violations, including possession also a convicted felon. Both men damaged vessels when he came covered with leaves. Confronted, asked to see their hunting licenses of lead shot, no migratory bird were arrested. Multiple charges are upon the man arrested the night the hunter who had left the deer for and noticed no tags were missing. stamp and exceeding the daily bag pending. before. The man was sitting in the processing confessed. The buck When asked about the deer in the limit.

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SIGNATURE 112505 CITY ST. ZIP December 9, 2005 Page 17 BORDERING TEXAS ARKANSAS in $40,000 for materials and another $32,000 Operation Game Thief Inc. wolf’s death. for the asphalt road into the area. New Mexico Caddo River access dedicated OKLAHOMA Anglers and canoeists who favor the Caddo LOUISIANA Endangered animals’ deaths probed River have another way to access their hobbies. Hunters offered waterfowl report Alligator hunter sentenced A bald eagle and a Mexican gray wolf were The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission ded- found dead in the Gila region in southwest With relatively warm temperatures and dry icated a new access to the river in Glenwood Kip Lastrapes, 44, of Breaux Bridge entered conditions across most of the state, waterfowl into a one-count plea agreement in U.S. New Mexico last month, according to the U.S. last month. hunters may need all the help they can get in District Court for the Western District in Fish and Wildlife Service. Both the bald eagle More than 60 people attended the dedica- pinpointing where the ducks are this year. By tion ceremony, including many of the partners Lafayette, La., for taking alligators in violation and the wolf are federally listed under the logging on to the Oklahoma Department of who helped fund and construct the public of the Endangered Species Act. Endangered Species Act. access. The city of Glenwood donated $7,000 United States Magistrate Michael Hill sen- The wolf has been identified as the Ring Pack Wildlife Conservation’s Web site towards the access and landscaped the area. tenced Lastrapes to 180 days of home confine- Alpha Female #799. http://www.wildlifedepartment.com/water- The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, ment and ordered him to pay the cost of elec- A reward of up to $10,000 is offered for infor- fowl.htm, however, they can add another with funds from the Marine Fuel Tax Program tronic monitoring, a $25 assessment fee and to mation leading to the apprehension of the scouting tool to their belt. There they’ll find and the Sportfish Restoration Program, pitched make a $10,000 donation to Louisiana individual or individuals responsible for the statewide waterfowl reports.

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ADVERTISEMENT Circle H ‘spread out far’ Circle H Outfitters’ acreage is vast. freshwater marsh ranches from Rockport of high-fenced South Texas ranches in Outfitter Capt. Scott Hickman’s business to Refugio. Bracketville, Laredo and Refugio. All the is “spread out far — from Devers to Alvin The outfitter operates two lodges over- hunts are guided and include lodging and to Rockport.” looking Copano Bay. Sleeping accomoda- first-class blinds. There’s 10,000 acres in South Texas for tions for 10, 2 full baths and a fully- Looking for the chance to bring in that deer and turkey hunting. Plus 40,000 equipped kitchen provide a comfortable trophy trout? The action is aplenty. acres for duck, goose and dove hunting. place to relax before and after the hunt. “Trout fishing has really started to heat Circle H also offers offshore and bay “Duck hunting has been awesome on up at the lodges in Rockport,” Hickman fishing, operating a 31-foot Stamos and a our freshwater marshes near Rockport,” said, adding, “the soft plastic bite has been 21-foot Shallowsport for bay fishing. Hickman said. “Plenty of gadwall, wid- producing limits.” The business is nearing 19 years of geon, teal, redheads and ringnecks and Whatever game is your favorite, Circle service to the outdoorsman. “I started very good numbers of greenheads.” H Outfitters has it. doing it when I was in college and just Big numbers of snow and specklebellies For your next outdoors adventure, call kept right on doing it,” Hickman said. showed up both near Devers and Alvin.” Capt. Scott Hickman at (281) 535-1930. Hickman is excited about what’s ahead And for the deer hunter “we still have For more information, check the Web site for hunters and anglers. “On Dec. 10 some great deals on remaining hunts on — www.circleh.org. Shannon, Lauren, Allison and Scott Hickman in Brackettville duck hunting cranks back up,” he said. our Bracketville ranches for this season.” The action is starting to heat up — don’t for Easter and opening weekend of turkey season 2004. There are thousands of acres of big Trophy Deer Hunting is on 24,000 acres miss out. Alberta Native Guide Services Ltd. Hunt the BIG Bucks Alberta Whitetail 10 day Only $5,000 of South Te x a s . Including Food, Lodging and Airfair from Texas 9000 acre Nueces River Ranch Two hunts still available for late November w w w. g h o s t a p a c h e r a n c h . c o m Phone: (780) 478-1988 Fax: (780) 478-1918 214-929-0823 email: [email protected] Ken Steinhauer, Proprietor

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CLASSIFIEDS $10 A MONTH FOR 3 Brazos River, income-producing and fishing, e-mail cover letter and RANCHES ranch. $785.00 Ac. www.fickes- PROPERTIES résumé to editor@lonestarout- LINES! dorety.com (817) 925-0483. doornews.com. For Sale — High-fenced exotic South Texas — Brooks, Duval, Jim 37 characters per line including game ranch — 927 acres close to South Padre Island Waterfront prop- Hogg County Ranches. Call: David spaces. Each additional Blanco, Texas. Valleys, great cover erties on the Laguna Madre and Gulf A. Lohse Real Estate, Inc. (956) of Mexico. Call: David A. Lohse Real line is $6. You can add a photo and wonderful home sites. $5,995 761-6699. per acre. Call Bill Godwin - agent - Estate, Inc. (956) 761-6699. LONE STAR OUTDOOR for an extra $20. (214) 356-5244 or Compass1 NEWS REACHES Realty (903) 712-0999. If interest- GUIDED HUNTS READERS ACROSS Call (866) 361-2276 EMPLOYMENT ed, call for a survey on DVD. TEXAS. SHOW THEM or e-mail: YOUR CLASSIFIED AD. [email protected]. For Sale — 960 Ac., Fisher Co., Dove-Deer-Quail Bobwhite & Blue- JOIN THE SALES TEAM at Lone mule/WT deer, blue/bob quail, hogs, wild only. Meals/Lodging. Call Lone Star Outdoor News. Sales profes- Classified ads must be prepaid nice home, barn, pens, bordering Star Guide Service at (361) 729- sionals with a passion for hunting by check or credit card. the Double Mountain Fork of the 3214 or visit www.fishlonestar.com. Page 18 December 9, 2005 FISHING REPORT CENTRAL TRAVIS: Water clear; 68 degrees; 16.20' low. good on cut shad. baitfish, and goldfish. Yellow catfish to 15 POSSUM KINGDOM: Water clear; 55 Black bass to 4 pounds are good on water- RAY HUBBARD: Water stained; 59-63 pounds are fair on juglines baited with perch degrees; 2.8' low. Black bass are fair in Rock melon soft plastic worms, Radar 10 crawfish, degrees; 3.28' low. Black bass are fair on and goldfish. Creek area. White bass are good in Bluff BASTROP: Water fairly clear. Black bass are and crankbaits in 4 - 18 feet. Striped bass shad pattern crankbaits, Rat-L-Traps and Creek and Neely's Slough. Striped bass are good on watermelon red and watermelon seed are slow. White bass are slow. Crappie to 12” green pumpkin flukes. Crappie are fair on SOUTHEAST fair near piers in Willow Beach area. Blue soft plastic worms, and on white and silver are fair on minnows and blue tube jigs 18 - minnows and jigs in 12-20 feet. White bass and channel catfish are fair in the upper part spinnerbaits and Rat-L-Traps. Crappie are fair 30 feet. Channel and blue catfish to 6 are fair on slabs and Humdingers. Hybrid of reservoir. on minnows and green tube jigs. Channel and pounds are fair on fresh cutbait and night- striper are slow on slabs. Catfish are fair to CONROE: Water slightly stained; 4.05' low. SPENCE: Water lightly stained; 57 degrees; blue catfish are good on shrimp, liver, and crawlers in 25 - 40 feet. Yellow catfish are good on fresh shad drifted over submerged Black bass are good on chrome/blue Rat-L- stinkbait. Yellow catfish are slow. 45.5' low. Black bass are fair. Crappie are slow. humps and points in 12-20 feet. Traps, crankbaits, and spinnerbaits. Striped slow on minnows and jigs. White bass are fair bass are good on silver spoons and striper BELTON: Water murky; 75 degrees; 1.80' WALTER E. LONG: Water clear; 69 degrees. RAY ROBERTS: Water clear; 59-62 degrees; on live bait. Striped bass and hybrid striper jigs. Crappie are fair on minnows and char- low. Black bass are slow. Hybrid striper are Black bass are good on minnows and on 2.78' low. Black bass are fair on Carolina are fair on inline spinners and minnows. treuse tube jigs. Catfish are fair on frozen slow. White bass are slow. Crappie are slow. watermelon/red soft plastics. Hybrid striper rigged soft plastics and crankbaits. Crappie Catfish are fair on prepared baits. Channel and blue catfish are slow. Yellow cat- are good on live shad and striper jigs. White shrimp, stinkbait, and nightcrawlers. are fair on minnows and jigs. White bass are STAMFORD: Water lightly stained; 60 fish are slow. bass are slow. Crappie are good on minnows. GIBBONS CREEK: Water slightly stained. fair on chartreuse slabs and white Road degrees; Black bass are fair on slow-rolled Channel and blue catfish are good on shrimp, Black bass are good on silver/blue Rat-L- BROWNWOOD: Water clear; 61 degrees; Runners. Catfish are fair on cut bait and white spinnerbaits and live bait. Crappie are nightcrawlers, frozen shad, and stinkbait. Traps, crankbaits, and topwaters. Crappie are 1.86' low. Black bass are fair on Strike Works nightcrawlers. fair on jigs and minnows. White and striped Yellow catfish are good on live bait. fair on minnows and red/white tube jigs. jigs, and crawdad and shad colored Persuader RICHLAND CHAMBERS: Water stained; 58- bass are fair on live bait. Catfish are fair. Catfish are good on liver, shrimp, night- Stealth shad crankbaits near docks and rocky WHITNEY: Water clear; 3.77' low. Black bass 64 degrees; 4' low. Black bass are fair on areas. Hybrid striper are fair under lights and are good on chrome/white Rat-L-Traps, crawlers, and stinkbait. SWEETWATER: Water lightly stained; 54 shad pattern crankbaits and wood jigs. White degrees; 31.55' low. Black bass are slow. trolling. White bass are fair on Li'l Fishies, crankbaits, and spinnerbaits in 10 - 20 feet. bass are fair to good on white or chartreuse HOUSTON COUNTY: Water stained; 68 Rat-L-Traps, and crankbaits under lights. Striped bass are fair on chartreuse/white degrees; 0.61' low. Black bass to 9 pounds Crappie are fair on minnows and jigs. White slabs. Crappie are fair on minnows and bass are fair. Catfish are fair. Crappie are fair on small tube jigs and min- striper jigs. White bass are slow. Crappie are brown/blue jigs in 12-20 feet around heavy are very good on chartreuse crankbaits and nows at the 279 Bridge and Kirkland Docks good on live minnows and green tube jigs. brush and timber. Catfish are fair good drift chartreuse/white spinnerbaits near the marina WHITE RIVER: Water lightly stained; 52 in 15 - 18 feet. Catfish are slow. Catfish are good on stinkbait, chicken livers, fishing fresh shad off points and over humps. in 6 feet. Crappie to 1 pound are good on live degrees; 22.65' low. Black bass are fair. and frozen shrimp. Crappie are fair on jigs and minnows. Walleye BUCHANAN: Water clear; 60 degrees; 6.80' TAWAKONI: Water stained; 59-62 degrees; minnows near the dam. Bream are good on are fair on minnows. Channel catfish are low. Black bass to 6 pounds are good on _oz. 6.75' low. Black bass are slow to fair on live worms off piers early and late. Catfish to slow. Bleeding Shad Rat-L-Traps, white custom NORTHEAST crankbaits and Texas rigged worms. Crappie 3 pounds are good on live worms and chicken tungsten Terminator spinnerbaits, and Texas are good on minnows and jigs. White bass are livers off piers late. WICHITA: Water muddy; 51 degrees. Crappie rigged green/pumpkin Scoundrel worms along fair to good on white or chartreuse slabs LIVINGSTON: Water fairly clear; 63 degrees; are slow. White bass and hybrid striped bass flats with stumps and laydowns in 2 - 6 feet. ATHENS: Water clear, 59-63 degrees; 3.6' fished close to the bottom in 16-22 feet. 4.12' low. Black bass are fair on crankbaits are fair on large minnows and white twister- Striped bass to 26” are good vertically jigging low. Black bass are fair on soft plastics and Striped bass and hybrid striper are slow on and spinnerbaits. Striped bass are slow. tails along dam, near spillway and trolling. _oz. Perk Minnows, white bucktails with plas- jigs in 12-20 feet around submerged brush slabs, shad and Sassy Shad. Catfish are good White bass are fair on chrome/blue Rat-L- Channel catfish are fair on bait shrimp, tic trailers, and tight lining live bait from Flag and standing timber along creek channels. on cut shad and prepared baits. Traps off sandy points. Crappie are good on punch bait or trotlines. North side public to Shaw Island in 30 feet. White bass are Crappie are fair on chartreuse/black and minnows. Channel and blue catfish are very ramp is temporarily closed for maintenance. slow. Crappie are fair to good on live minnows red/white jigs in 15-24 feet around main lake TEXOMA: Water clear; 58-64 degrees; 1.36' low. Black bass are fair on jigs, crankbaits good on cutbait and prepared bait. Yellow over brushpiles. Channel catfish are slow. brush piles. Catfish are fair on prepared baits catfish are slow. Yellow and blue catfish are slow. fished over baited holes in 18-24 feet. and soft plastics. Smallmouth bass are fair to COASTAL good on slabs and by free-lining shad around SAM RAYBURN: Water lightly stained; 64 CANYON LAKE: Water gin clear; 62 degrees; BOB SANDLIN: Water clear; 60-62 degrees; vertical rock structure. Crappie are fair on degrees; 4.82' low. Black bass are good on 1.91' low. Black bass are good on Texas 5.14' low. Black bass are fair on black/blue minnows around boathouses. Striped bass are black/gold/orange rogues and Long A's in NORTH SABINE: Trout and redfish are good rigged watermelon/red Crème Scoundrel jigs pitched close to standing timber. White fair to good on live shad fished on flats at the hydrilla in 4 - 6 feet, white and under the birds on the Louisiana shoreline on worms, 4” pumpkin Ring Worms and bass are good on jigging spoons and mouth of major creeks and rivers - the Sassy chartreuse/white spinnerbaits, and crawfish She Dogs and glow plastics. Flounder are smoke/red Snap Back tubes along boulders TailHummers around humps and points in Shad and slab bite is beginning to pick up. and bleeding shiner Rat-L-Traps over scat- good on mullet and shad around the cuts to and chunk rock inside of timber with deep 20-30 feet. Catfish are good on prepared Blue catfish are good on cut shad. tered hydrilla in 3 - 5 feet. Crappie are fair the marsh. baits in 10-15 feet along submerged creek water nearby in 3 - 10 feet. Striped bass are on live shiners and black/chartreuse jigs over SOUTH SABINE: Trout are fair to good on the fair vertically jigging Perk Minnows, weighted channels. WEATHERFORD: Water stained; 60 degrees; planted brushtops in 18 - 25 feet. Reef on topwaters and glow Bass Assassins, white Snap Back jerkbaits, and cranking or 5.7' low. Black bass are good on dark colored BRIDGEPORT: Water clear; 58-62. Black TOLEDO BEND: Water clear; 65 degrees; Trout Killers and Sand Eels. Redfish are good trolling deep diving Rogues over areas with soft plastics, crankbaits and chartreuse spin- bass are good on shad pattern medium run- 8.95' low. Black bass are good on buzzbaits at the jetty on finger mullet. Trout are fair to humps in 40 - 60 feet. White bass are slow. nerbaits. Crappie are slow on minnows and ning crankbaits and jigs. Hybrid striper are and small spinnerbaits around shallow grass good at night under the lights at the cause- Smallmouth bass are very good on smoke col- jigs. Channel catfish are slow. White bass are fair on slabs, Sassy Shad and live shad. poor. Bream are fair on worms. The repaired early and late, watermelon/red and plum way on DOA Shrimp and Little Fishies. ored 4” JDC grubs, _oz. Rat-L-Traps, and Catfish are fair on nightcrawlers and cut bait. Super Flukes and Senkos along creek chan- split shot rigged Devil's Tongues over rock boat ramps will reopen Monday, December BOLIVAR: Redfish are fair to good in the surf CADDO: Water clear; 52-56 degrees; 2.5' 5th. nel edges in 6 - 8 feet, and chartreuse/blue on mullet. Trout and flounder are fair to good piles and along bluff ledges in 3 - 10 feet. back and firetiger medium running crankbaits low. Black bass are good on shad pattern top- at Rollover Pass on mud minnows and Little Crappie are fair on minnows and crappie jigs. around timber in 8 - 10 feet. Crappie are fair waters and spinnerbaits on the edges of the Fishies. Channel catfish are fair. Yellow catfish to 10 creeks in pad stems. Crappie and yellow bass SOUTH on shiners around laydowns and brushtops pounds are fair on minnows and Black Salty are excellent on shiners and red/green jigs along creek channels in 6 - 8 feet. Catfish TRINITY BAY: Flounder are fair to good in the baitfish. along the edge of the main channel around AMISTAD: Water clear; 70 degrees. Black are fair on prepared baits in major creek cuts and channels on mud minnows and COLEMAN: Water clear; 69 degrees; 1.40' Johnson's Ranch Marina in pads in 4-5 feet. bass are very good on watermelon seed and channels. plastics. Black drum, croaker, sand trout and sheepshead are fair at the Spillway on dead low. Black bass are slow. Hybrid striper are CEDAR CREEK: Water stained; 58-63 red/red heavy jigs and drop shot rigs in 20 - slow. Crappie are fair on minnows and degrees; 3.5' low. Black bass are fair on spin- 25 feet, and fair on spinnerbaits and topwa- PANHANDLE shrimp. North winds have dropped tides well red/white tube jigs. Channel and blue catfish nerbaits and Texas rigged worms around main ters in the same colors. Striped bass are fair below normal. are slow. Yellow catfish are slow. lake and secondary points. White bass are on slabs and striper jigs in the Castle Canyon EAST GALVESTON BAY: Trout are fair to good COLORADO RIVER: (At Colorado Bend State good on slabs and jigging spoons over points area. White bass are fair on slabs and striper BAYLOR: Water lightly stained; 60 degrees. on the deep reefs in 6-8 feet of water on Park) Water clear. Black bass are slow. and humps in 20-25 feet. Hybrid striper are jigs in the Castle Canyon area. Crappie are Black bass are slow. Crappie are slow. Catfish glow and red shad plastics. Redfish are good Striped bass are slow. White bass are fair on slow to fair on slabs and live shad. Crappie slow. Channel and blue catfish are fair on are slow. on the shorelines in skinny water on gold blue/silver spinnerbaits. Crappie are fair on are fair on minnows and jigs on main lake cheesebait over baited holes in 40 - 50 feet. GREENBELT: Water lightly stained; 50 spoons, Red Killers and She Dogs. minnows. Catfish are fair on stinkbait, night- brush piles. Catfish are good drift fishing Yellow catfish are slow. degrees; 21.65' low. Black bass are slow on WEST GALVESTON BAY: Trout are fair to crawlers, shrimp, and perch. shad over points and humps. BRAUNIG: Water stained; 82 degrees. Black dark jigs and live bait fished tight to cover. good over deep shell reefs on live shrimp and DUNLAP/MCQUEENY: Water slightly stained; COOPER: Water stained; 59-63 degrees. The bass are slow. Striped bass are slow. Redfish Crappie are slow on jigs and minnows. White glow, red shad and plum Bass Assassins, 77 degrees. Black bass are fair on lake is very low. Boaters are advised to use to 14 pounds are fair on perch and shrimp. bass are fair on live bait and Chrome Rat-L- Trout Killers and Sand Eels. Flounder are fair chrome/white Rat-L-Traps, Texas rigged soft extreme caution. Channel and blue catfish are fair on liver, Traps. Smallmouth bass are fair on live bait. at Green's Cut on finger mullet and jigs Walleye are fair. Catfish are fair on stinkbait. plastic worms, and spinnerbaits in 5 - 15 FAIRFIELD: Water clear; 72-80 degrees. shrimp, and shad. Yellow catfish are slow. tipped with shrimp. feet. White bass are good on live minnows Black bass are good on flukes and Senkos CALAVERAS: Water stained; 83 degrees. MACKENZIE: Water lightly stained; 50 TEXAS CITY: Croaker, sand trout, and and chartreuse Curb's crappie jigs at night above the grass line, and Carolina-rigs off the Black bass are slow. Striped bass are slow. degrees; 66.8' low. Black bass are slow. sheepshead are fair from the pier at the end under lights in 10 - 20 feet. Crappie are good points. Hybrid striper are slow on white/char- Redfish are fair on shrimp and perch on the Crappie are fair on minnows and jigs. White of the dike on shrimp. Trout and black drum on live minnows. Channel catfish are good on treuse slabs and live shad on main lake bottom. Channel catfish are excellent on liver, bass and striped bass are slow. Smallmouth are fair at night on live bait. Flounder are fair shad, stinkbait, and shrimp. Blue catfish are points. Redfish are slow on live shad in the shrimp, and nightcrawlers. Blue and yellow bass are slow. Walleye are fair on live bait. at Sea Wolf Park on live bait. good on cut shad, dead shad, and shrimp inlet cove and around the dam. Catfish are catfish are slow. Catfish are fair. upriver in 10 - 15 feet. Yellow catfish are FREEPORT: Flounder, reds, and sheepshead fair on prepared baits and live shad. CHOKE CANYON: Water clear; 63 degrees; MEREDITH: Water lightly stained; 50 slow. are fair from the Pump Station on mullet and FORK: Water clear 59-62 degrees; 3.60' low; 2.66' low. Black bass to 10 pounds are good degrees; 24' low. Black bass are slow. FAYETTE: Water fairly clear; 70 degrees. live shrimp. Flounder are fair from the Coast Black bass are good along main lake grass on magic shad Fork Frogs, white spinner- Crappie are fair on jigs and minnows. White Guard Station. Redfish and black drum are Black bass are good on perch colored topwa- bass are fair on live bait and crankbaits near lines and creek channels where bait fish are baits, and white buzzbaits in the backs of fair to good in the surf on finger mullet. ters early and late, and on plum Carolina present. Use watermelon seed super flukes coves in 2 - 6 feet early, and later on 1oz. rocky points. Smallmouth bass are fair. EAST MATAGORDA: Trout and redfish are fair rigged soft plastic worms and watermelon red and Carolina rigged watermelon seed french Tungsten Texas rigged with cotton candy 7” Walleye are fair on bottom bouncers and live over mud bottoms on bone and red shad and watermelon seed French Fries. Channel frys (smaller bass are moving out and bigger YUM Zellamander lizards and watermelon bait. Channel catfish are fair. Trout Killers, Bass Assassins and Norton and blue catfish are fair on shrimp over bait- ones are moving in to the shallows). Crappie chartreuse Fork Creatures in grass in 10 - 20 PALO DURO: Water lightly stained; 48 ed holes. are very good on minnows in 20-24 feet. feet, and on perch Jackall lipless crankbaits degrees; 42.35' low. Black bass are slow. Sand Eels. Trout are fair on the reefs on the GRANBURY: Water slightly stained; 0.73' Catfish are good on prepared baits in 22-24 or perch Lucky Craft Flat CB-20's along grass Crappie are fair on jigs and minnows. north shoreline on fire tiger Bass Assassins low. Black bass are good on chartreuse soft feet. edges. White bass are good on live minnows Smallmouth bass are slow. Walleye are slow. and live shrimp. plastics and Rat-L-Traps, and on minnows. GRAPEVINE: Water stained; 59-62 degrees; and trolling firetiger crankbaits around main Catfish are fair. MATAGORDA: Redfish are good on the south Striped bass are slow. White bass are fair on 5.59' low. Black bass are fair on crankbaits lake points in 5 - 10 feet. Crappie are fair on shoreline from the Middle Grounds to Green's minnows and silver slabs. Crappie are good and jigs off points and vertical rocky struc- live minnows and blue Fle-Fly jigs tipped with WEST on black/chartreuse Norton Sand Eel Jr's, She on minnows and red/white tube jigs. Catfish ture. Crappie are fair on minnows in 12-20 live minnows over brushpiles and standing Dogs and spoons. Trout are fair to good on are good on frozen shrimp, live bait, and feet. White bass are fair on slabs and timber in 6 - 15 feet. Channel and blue cat- deep shell on finger mullet and live shrimp. stinkbait. TailHummers around humps and points and fish to 6 pounds are fair on Lewis King ALAN HENRY: Water lightly stained; 52 PORT O'CONNOR: Trout are fair on glow and GRANGER: Water murky; 57 degrees; 0.26' off the north end of the island. Catfish are punchbait and Black Salty baitfish in 10 - 20 degrees. Black bass are slow on dark jigs electric blue Trout Killers on the deep shell in low. Black bass are slow. White bass are good good on prepared baits and nightcrawlers. feet. fished tight to cover. Crappie are fair on min- Espiritu Santo Bay and San Antonio Bay. nows and jigs. on slab spoons up the river among shad. JOE POOL: Water stained; 58-63 degrees; 3' Yellow catfish to 20 pounds are fair on trot- Redfish are good on finger mullet in the Army Crappie are slow. Blue catfish are fair on low. Black bass are fair on crankbaits and lines and juglines baited with hybrid bluegill ARROWHEAD: Water lightly stained; 53 Hole. Redfish and black drum are fair to good shad in 10 - 20 feet. Yellow catfish are slow. spinnerbaits in 6-14 feet. Crappie are fair to and goldfish. degrees; 1.6' low. Black bass are fair on spin- at the jetty on finger mullet. Trout are good LBJ: Water clear; 61 degrees; 0.10' low. good on minnows and jigs around brush piles. COLETO CREEK: Water clear; 72 degrees (86 nerbaits in back of coves and creeks. Crappie on the mid- bay reefs of San Antonio Bay on Black bass are good in 4 - 10 feet over White bass are fair on slabs. Catfish are fair degrees at hot water discharge); 2.26' low. are good on minnows near the derricks about Corkies and Catch 5s. brushpiles, docks, and laydowns on Rat-L- to good on shad and prepared baits around Black bass are good on shallow diving 17' and at Henrietta Bridge; and fair near ROCKPORT: Redfish and black drum are fair Traps, Texas rigged green/pumpkin points and humps in 8-16 feet. crankbaits and spinnerbaits over weed beds State Park. White bass are good on shad-imi- in the holes, guts and sand pockets in tation baits east of State Park and Sailboat Scoundrel worms, and white/chartreuse/blue LAKE O' THE PINES: Water stained; 58-62 in 5 - 10 feet. Striped bass are slow. White Redfish Bay on crabs and mullet. Trout are Cove. Blue catfish are good on cut shad, pre- Terminator spinnerbaits. Striped bass are fair degrees; 3.51' low. Black bass are fair on bass are slow. Crappie are fair on live min- fair to good around Traylor Island on live pared baits and trotlines. on natural 3” Spoiler Shads, Rat-L-Traps, and Texas rigged worms and brown/chartreuse nows and blue/white tube jigs. Channel and shrimp. blue catfish are slow. Yellow catfish are slow. Terminator In-Line spinnerbaits in the shoals. jigs. Crappie are fair on minnows around COLORADO CITY: Water clear; 70 degrees. PORT ARANSAS: Redfish and black drum are White bass are good on Tiny Traps and heavy brush. White bass are slow on slabs FALCON: Water fairly clear; 70 degrees. Black bass are slow. Crappie are slow. White good in the cuts and guts leading to the back bass are slow. Redfish are slow. Catfish are Spoiler Shads early. Crappie are fair to good and jigging spoons. Channel catfish are good Black bass are good on dark soft plastic lakes on crabs and finger mullet. Trout are slow. on minnows at night. Channel catfish are fair. on cut bait. Yellow catfish are fair on live worms and Brush Hogs in 10 - 12 feet. fair to good while drifting the potholes on the Yellow and blue catfish are fair on trotlines. perch and Black Salty baitfish. Striped bass are slow. Crappie are slow. FT. PHANTOM HILL: Water clear; 62 flats on live shrimp under a popping cork. Channel and blue catfish are excellent on degrees; 4.45' low. Black bass are slow. NAVARRO MILLS: Water fairly clear; 3.41' LAVON: Water stained; 59-63 degrees; 8.78' CORPUS CHRISTI: Redfish, croakers, sand low. Black bass are good on chrome/white low. Black bass are fair on crankbaits and shad, cutbait, and frozen shrimp. Yellow cat- Crappie are fair on minnows and jigs. White fish are slow. Mexican fishing licenses and bass are fair. Catfish are fair on live bait. trout, black drum and sheepshead are fair to Rat-L-Traps, crankbaits, and spinnerbaits. soft plastics. Crappie are fair to good on min- good on live bait around the Oso Bridge. White bass are slow. Crappie are fair on min- nows and jigs. White bass are fair on boat permits are required to fish in Mexican HUBBARD CREEK: Water lightly stained; 61 waters. Everyone in the boat must have a Trout and redfish are fair on the ledges adja- nows and blue tube jigs. Channel and blue white/chartreuse slabs fished vertically on degrees; 9.65' low. Black bass are slow on cent to the Intracoastal on live shrimp. catfish are good on shrimp, stinkbait, chicken main lake points in 16 -20 feet. Catfish are Mexico Fishing License whether fishing or dark jigs and crankbaits near rocky points. livers, and nightcrawlers. Yellow catfish are fair to good drifting fresh shad off points. not. Crappie are fair on minnows and jigs. White BAFFIN BAY: Trout are fair around the rocks on live finger mullet and piggy perch. Trout slow. LEWISVILLE: Water stained; 59-64 degrees; MEDINA: Water stained; 63 degrees; 8.68' bass and hybrid striper are fair on live bait. low. Black bass to 6 pounds are good on Catfish are slow. are fair to good in the grass pockets next to PROCTOR: Water stained; 71 degrees; 4.29' 6.37' low. Black bass are fair on crankbaits the Intracoastal on pumpkinseed and glow low. Black bass are good on white spinner- white/silver spinnerbaits and white YUM buzz and Texas rigged watermelon candy worms. NASWORTHY: Water lightly stained; 60 Bass Assassins, Trout Killers and Sand Eels. baits. Striped bass are good on striper jigs, Crappie are fair to good on minnows and jigs. frogs in the backs of creeks in 2 - 8 feet degrees. Black bass are fair on shad-colored spinnerbaits, and live bait. White bass are White bass are fair to good on slabs and min- early, and later on watermelon gold flake crankbaits. Crappie are fair on jigs and min- PORT MANSFIELD: Trout and redfish are fair fair on live bait. Crappie are good on min- nows. Catfish are good drifting fresh shad Baby Ring-Fry's and killer craw Lake Fork nows. Redfish are fair. White bass and striped to good at the jetty on live finger mullet. nows. Channel and blue catfish are good on around humps and points in 20-34 feet. Flippers along main lake points in 10 - 20 bass are fair on cut shad and minnows. Trout and redfish are fair to good on the feet. White bass are fair on live minnows and ledges near the Intracoastal on live shrimp shrimp and shad. Yellow catfish are slow. MARTIN CREEK: Water clear; 71 degrees Catfish are fair on minnows. trolling baby bass crankbaits around main and bone Trout Killers and Red Killers. SOMERVILLE: Water clear; 3.13' low. Black mid-lake, 82 at hot water discharge; normal lake points in 6 - 12 feet. Smallmouth bass OAK CREEK: Water lightly stained; 58 SOUTH PADRE: Redfish are fair to good in bass are slow. Hybrid striper are slow. White pool. Black bass are fair on Carolina-rigged to 4 pounds are good on crawfish green flake degrees; 18.45' low. Black bass are slow. bass are slow. Crappie are fair slow. Channel watermelon seed worms. Crappie are fair on YUM Crawbugs and motor oil jigs along Crappie are fair on minnows and jigs. Catfish the potholes on live finger mullet. Trout are and blue catfish are slow. Yellow catfish are minnows. Catfish are fair on stinkbait. Bream ledges and rock piles in 10 - 25 feet. Crappie are slow. No boat ramps open. 4x4 vehicles staging on the drop-offs near the Intracoastal slow. are slow. are fair on live minnows and yellow Fle-Fly can unload on the dirt road near the dam. on live shrimp and DOA Shrimp under a pop- STILLHOUSE: Water clear; 70 degrees; 0.52' PALESTINE: Water clear; 59-64 degrees; jigs tipped with live minnows around brush- OH. IVIE: Water lightly stained; 61 degrees; ping cork. low. Black bass are fair on minnows and 2.63' low. Black bass are fair on dark col- piles and standing timber at night under 15.9' low. Black bass are fair on Carolina- PORT ISABEL: Trout and redfish are fair to watermelon seed soft plastic worms and ored soft plastic, jigs and crankbaits in 6-14 lights in 10 - 25 feet. Striped bass are good rigged dark soft plastics and live bait fished good in the holes and guts on live bait. lizards. White bass are slow. Smallmouth feet. Crappie are fair on minnows and jigs vertically jigging white Fle-Fly slabs in river near creek channels. Crappie are fair on min- Redfish are good on the flats in the after- bass are good on minnows and red shad. around deeper boathouses with brush. White channel and main lake points in 20 - 35 nows and jigs. White bass are fair on live noons as the water warms on topwaters and Crappie are slow. Channel and blue catfish bass are fair on Rat-L-Traps and slabs in 12- feet. Channel and blue catfish to 10 pounds bait. Smallmouth bass are fair. Channel cat- shrimptails. Black drum and redfish are good are fair on shrimp. Yellow catfish are slow. 20 feet. Hybrid striper are slow. Catfish are are fair on Lewis King punchbait, Black Salty fish are slow. at the jetty on live finger mullet and crabs.

Prices good through December 10, 2005

Like to shop at Academy? You’ll love working here. Visit Academy.com 137 47 MAVERICK 12-GA. 28-IN. SHOTGUN MADE • Synthetic stock • 28-in. barrel • Modified choke • 2 3/4 or 3-in. chamber • #31010 3-in. MAG. IN TEXAS $196 Everyday Low Price...218.86 870 EXPRESS SHOTGUN • 12 or 20-ga. pump-action shotgun • 26 or 28-in. barrel lengths • #25568, 25569, 25582, 25583, 25561 21886 835 12-GA. 28-IN. CAMO SHOTGUN • 28-in. barrel • Synthetic stock • Modified choke • 3 1/2-in. chamber • #68035 3 1/2-in. MAG. 26843*

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