Offshore’s Best

Boat Buyer’s Guide February 9, 2007 Texas’ Premier Outdoor Newspaper Volume 3, Issue 12 Page 18 www.lonestaroutdoornews.com

INSIDE FISHING ‘I miss him to death’

Winter blasts may slow the beginning of bass spawning by two weeks, but since the spawning period usually runs through late March or April, officials say the cold temperatures shouldn’t make too much difference. See Page 8 ROCKHARD HUNTING Breeder’s favorite ‘Rock’ among deer killed by dogs

By Bill Miller

Kevin Morgan thought his Henderson County deer Predictions from across the breeding ranch was a small operation, but it dwindled Lone Star State have ranged quickly when predators attacked in late December. from fair to good for the Morgan, a building contractor from Mesquite, start- upcoming turkey season. ed raising white-tailed deer as a sideline and devel- Wildlife officials have oped a small herd of 30 head, including his prized indicated there will be more breeder buck, Rockhard, or just “Rock’’ for short. mature, wiser birds in the “I was delivering cabinets,’’ Morgan recalled, “and my ranch hand called and said, ‘We got dogs in the field this year. pen.’ I said, ‘Get out a gun and start shooting.’ He said, See Page 6 ‘Two of them got collars.’’’ NATIONAL A BREEDER’S NIGHTMARE: Kevin Morgan, co-owner of Hardhorn Whitetails LP, shows the antlers of his Two of the dogs were shot right away, but the ones breeder buck, Rockhard, at the gate to his pen where pit bull dogs bit through the fence and killed the with collars were herded into a trailer until their own- A Georgia hunter said deer. Photo by David J. Sams. See ROCK, Page 21 bringing down a 9-foot-long, 1,100-pound hog in Fayette County wasn’t much of a hunting story. Regionalization luring activity See Page 4 CONSERVATION Ducks Unlimited is Wildlife officials propose 5-fish celebrating 70 years of service. Since 1937, DU’s limit for Lower Laguna Madre membership has grown from 6,720 members to a current By Brandon Shuler speckled trout spawning biomass pop- total of 750,000 throughout ulations in the lower Laguna Madre, North America. the only question was how low the See Page 5 After Larry McKinney, Texas Parks daily bag limit would go. and Wildlife’s head of Coastal McKinney suggested there was com- Fisheries, made his official recommen- pelling biological evidence to decrease DECLINING NUMBERS: The decrease in speckled trout spawning INDEX dation to the TPW board of commis- bags to three or four fish to generate biomass populations in the lower Laguna Madre have prompted sioners concerning the decrease in See LIMIT, Page 21 TPW officials to prodose reducing the bag limit to five fish. Boat Buyer’s Guide Page 18

PRSRT STD Game Warden Blotter Page 10 Coal plant proposals US POSTAGE PAID Fishing Report Page 19 PLANO, TX PERMIT 210 Product Picks Page 16 fire up opposition

Heroes Page 17 By Mark England indicating they plan to spend as much as $20 million to lobby legis- lators. And critics announced plans Weather Page 20 With the legislature back in ses- to meet in Austin on Feb. 12 for a sion, both sides in the dispute over “Lobby Day.” Wild in the Kitchen Page 20 building at least 17 additional coal- TXU officials argue its 11 pro- fired electricity plants in Texas are posed plants are critical to Texas’ Outdoor Datebook Page 22 busy. future. Energy companies filed papers See PLANTS, Page 15 Page 2 February 9, 2007

Yamaha New February 9, 2007 Page 3 Page 4 February 9, 2007 NATIONAL 1,100 pounds of hog Nine-foot-long, 1/2-ton-plus-pig may rank as world record

When a 9-foot-long, 1,100-lb. hog was “The man who owns the property said, “There was a lot of history of the hog killed in Fayette County by Bill Coursey “If y’all want to shoot this thing, shoot around here,” he said. “Several people of Fayetteville, Ga., it became a story that it,” Coursey said. told me they had seen the hog, and three spread like wildfire. “When we came around the corner, it others nearly the same size, in the area. CNN, Fox-5 News, the local papers, just about blew me away when I saw the Apparently it was running a three- or radio stations from Seattle and Los hog,” said Coursey, a life-long hunter. “It four-mile radius in south Fayette County Angeles to Jacksonville, and the was huge. When we drove up, the hog near Brooks, and it had been seen for Discovery Channel contacted Coursey, just looked at me. It was like the deer years. I had one guy come up and thank and even the me for shooting it. British He said he had Broadcasting ‘UNFORTUNATELY, I DON’T HAVE A GREAT HUNTING STORY’ built a new house Corp. (BBC) — BILL COURSEY and all four hogs called from had come in and London to get the rooted up all his details on a hog being touted as a new around here, if you walk out in the yard sod.” world record. they will just look at you as long as you The bucket on a back-hoe was required “Unfortunately, I don’t have a great don’t get too close.” to load the hog into a truck. The only hunting story,” said Coursey, who shot From 30 or 40 yards away, Bill shot the scales Bill could find that would handle the hog in a neighbor’s yard. hog behind the ear with a ballistic-tipped the weight were truck scales at a Fayette On Jan. 4, at about 3:30 p.m. round, and the mammoth hog crashed County waste-management transfer sta- Coursey’s wife and son were driving on the spot.“After I shot it, it was like a tion. The truck was weighed with the hog home in rural Fayette County when they circus around here,” he said. “I had the in the bed, then the hog was removed saw the huge black hog standing in a hog hung in a tree, and everybody was and the truck was weighed again. Bill neighbor’s yard. The hog had come out coming up with a camera. CNN called, obtained a video statement from the HUMONGOUS HOG: Bill Coursey, of Georgia, stands aside the 9- of a field, crossed the road and was and the New York Times. People I didn’t scale operator and a printout of the foot hog he shot. The bucket on a back-hoe was required to munching on water-oak acorns. They even know were coming up to take pic- weight: 1,100 pounds. load the hog into a truck. Photo by Georgia Outdoor News. pulled into the driveway for a closer look. tures of it. A Georgia Outdoor News report. NEW HOME Fish habitat comes from unlikely sources Most people are familiar with the practice of recycling tion sites, new retail stores that are being built in the state. Christmas trees as fish habitat, but fish structures also They build their foundations and clear their sites, and they come from less well-known sources. usually have these big boulders that are hard to get rid of. In the case of a recent habitat restoration project on “And they’re glad to see us come because we haul that Arkansas’ Bull Shoals tailwaters, structures came from a cat- stuff off and it saves the contractor a lot of money and we’re fish restaurant, a highway project and a new Wal-Mart able to put it to good use. It also saves us a lot of expense store. that would go toward buying materials.” The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission aquatic habi- AGFC acquired boulders from the excavation of a tat program recently completed work to restore habitat on Bellafonte site that will become the Cadron Catfish House. HABITAT HAVEN: Using a unique barge brought to Arkansas by an Iowa the White River between Roundhouse Shoals and Redbud Other boulders came from a new Wal-Mart store in Flippin. construction company, the habitat program placed more than 25,000 Shoals, using leftover materials from construction sites for Large trees with root structures were recovered from the combined tons of rock and wood into a two-mile stretch of the White River. fish habitat. construction area for the U.S. 62/412 bypass around “We’re kind of like scroungers when we go after this Flippin. improves the quality of the fishery for our anglers, it stuff,” said Larry Rider, AGFC habitat coordinator. “The “Instead of just piling it up and burning it and watching reduces erosion, and it improves water quality. It makes a great thing is that it doesn’t cost anything to get these it go up in smoke, we put it back into the environment,” big difference.” materials. We get them from a lot of sources — construc- Rider said, referring to the trees. “When you do that, it An Arkansas Game and Fish Commission report. Briefs INVESTIGATORS: TRAP-ROBBING constructive possession of more than case of trap theft ever to impact the wolves from the list. Resolution No. 42, which was CASE MAY BE WORST EVER three licensed saltwater fisheries traps, stone crab industry.” The two separate actions are being recently endorsed at the Liberal After an extensive investigation, the and 24 counts of unlawfully molesting taken in recognition of the success of Party’s convention in Montreal, was Florida Fish and Wildlife a stone crab trap, line or buoy, without WESTERN GREAT LAKES WOLVES gray wolf recovery efforts under the removed after sporting and industry Conservation Commission (FWC) has the permission of the license holder. OFF ENDANGERED SPECIES LIST Endangered Species Act. groups from across Canada objected charged the former boat captain of a Both are third-degree felonies. to language contained in the resolu- Deputy Secretary of the Interior Collier County seafood restaurant “This is a reprehensible crime tion. Lynn Scarlett announced that the U.S. CANADA’S LIBERAL PARTY with stealing more than 1,000 stone against commercial fishermen, who Sportsmen objected to the resolu- crab traps from dozens of commercial were already suffering from a colossal Fish and Wildlife Service is removing WITHDRAWS RESOLUTION TO BAN tion’s claim that, “because automat- fishermen in Collier and Monroe blow dealt by hurricanes. And it is a the western Great Lakes population of SEMI-AUTOMATIC FIREARMS ic and semi-automatic weapons are counties. crime against the community itself, gray wolves from the federal list of A resolution to ban the personal illegal for hunting” and “do not sup- The former employee of a seafood which benefits from a thriving stone threatened and endangered species use of semi-automatic firearms in port the hunting culture ... of restaurant in Everglades City, was crab trap industry,” FWC Capt. Jayson and proposing to remove the northern Canada has been withdrawn by Canada,” the party would “support charged with one count of unlawful Horadam said. “This may be the worst Rocky Mountain population of gray Canada’s Liberal Party. legislation to eliminate their use.”

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Publisher/Editor: CRAIG NYHUS Design Editor: DUDLEY GREEN Associate Editor: MARK ENGLAND Founder & CEO: DAV I D J. SAMS CONTRIBUTORS MARY HELEN AGUIRRE DIANA KUNDE WES SMALLING ALAN CLEMONS WILBUR LUNDEEN SCOTT SOMMERLATTE JOHN FELSHER PETER MATHIESEN CHUCK UZZLE BINK GRIMES BILL MILLER RALPH WININGHAM BRIAN HOLDEN TODD NAFE DANNO WISE BOB HOOD DAV I D SIKES PETER YOUNG Lone Star Outdoor News, a publication of Lone SUBSCRIPTION Star Outdoor News, LLC, publishes twice a Order online via secure Web site at month. A subscription is $25 for 24 issues. www.lonestaroutdoornews.com Copyright 2007 with all rights reserved. or call toll-free (866) 361-2276 Reproduction and/or use of any photographic or written material without written permission ADVERTISING by the publisher is prohibited. Printed in Dallas, Call (214) 361-2276 or e-mail TX, by Midway Press. Subscribers may send advertising address changes to: Lone Star Outdoor News, 9304 Forest Lane, Suite @lonestaroutdoornews.com 114 South, Dallas, TX 75243 or e-mail them to to request a media kit. [email protected]. Febraury 9, 2007 Page 5 CONSERVATION DU celebrates 70 years 355 new chapters established in past year Ducks Unlimited has continued generously give of their time, talent Canada. During the past year, more its efforts through wars, recessions, and wealth to organize fund-raising than 4,600 DU events were held, and periods of continental events in support of DU’s conserva- and 355 new chapters were estab- drought, and remains focused on tion mission,” said Don Young, lished. its single mission: to conserve DU’s executive vice president. DU said its success also has been North America’s waterfowl popula- Since 1937, DU’s membership achieved through countless part- tions and the habitats they depend has grown from 6,720 members to nerships with private landowners, upon. a current total of 750,000 through- government agencies, corpora- “Much of our success can be out North America. DU has more tions, foundations and numerous attributed to a remarkable assem- than 60,000 volunteers and 3,665 conservation organizations. blage of dedicated volunteers, who chapters in the United States and A Ducks Unlimited report. Wild turkey federation teams up with Trees, Inc. Wildlife habitat throughout the routine right of way clearance to Energy for Wildlife was created by United States will improve because emergency storm services. the NWTF in response to the utility of a partnership between the Energy for Wildlife is a member- industry’s need for assistance in National Wild Turkey Federation ship-based certification program managing millions of acres that and one of the nation’s leading veg- for all energy companies and associ- could provide ideal habitat for etation management companies. ated industries. The program’s pri- many wildlife species. Houston-based Trees, Inc. has mary goal is to enhance wildlife The program’ s 25 members man- become a sponsor of the NWTF’s habitat on lands managed, owned age more than 1.5 million acres of Energy for Wildlife conservation or influenced by the companies. wildlife habitat. Managing open- program. These lands often include power ings can provide beneficial habitat Trees, Inc. is one of the largest tree line and gas rights of ways, plant for many plant and wildlife species, service companies in the nation sites, forestlands or other proper- including wild turkeys. and provides services ranging from ties. A NWTF report.

Briefs FEDS ANNOUNCE $140M and research, protect and FOR OCEAN RESEARCH restore sensitive marine and The Bush Administration coastal areas, ensure sustain- announced budget increases able use of ocean resources totaling more than $140 mil- and enhance domestic lion to support coastal and seafood supply through an marine conservation efforts in environmentally sustainable Fiscal Year 2008, and released offshore aquaculture indus- the administration’s Ocean try. Research Priorities Plan and Implementation Strategy. “Whether for fishing, LOUISIANA RECEIVES DONATION tourism, recreation or trade, FOR WHITE LAKE WETLANDS oceans are a treasured part of The Louisiana Department America’s life and economy, of Wildlife and Fisheries U.S. Commerce Secretary (LDWF) received a $250,000 Carlos M. Gutierrez said. donation this month from BP “With these additional America Production to be resources and the new Ocean used to offset operational Research Priorities Plan, costs of the White Lake NOAA will be able to expand Wetlands Conservation Area. its research and implement In 2002, BP donated the plans to better protect our oceans, fish and ecosystems.” 71,000 acres of wetlands and The President’s Fiscal Year marshland near Gueydan, La. 2008 Budget requests more to the state. LDWF assumed than $140 million more than management control in July the 2007 budget request level 2005. The donation is the for high priority projects that fifth annual payment of this will advance ocean science size committed to by BP. Page 6 February 9, 2007 HUNTING ALL IN THE FAMILY Father, mother, son rack up big scores in buck bonanza By Bill Miller drop tines, but this year he grew “It had been so dry, and I was two more, earning him the new scared,’’ he said “I didn’t think nickname, “Quadzilla.’’ our deer would do so well, but we anny Janecka II liked The deer was known to lose his all killed the best deer of our lives. the idea of filling his lower tines after the rut fighting “It was the best season we’ve closet with awards jack- got under way in early December, ever had.’’ D ets from various big so Janecka was relieved to bag the Janecka is president of buck contests around the state. trophy on the Monday that fol- Waelder-based J Bar B Foods, The Flatonia businessman’s lowed opening weekend. which handles several brands of hopes were heightened in The buck has scored 198 to 200 smoked sausage, including the November as he got ready to Boone and Crockett in various recipe of former Houston Oilers hunt a monster white-tailed buck contests, Janecka said. running back Earl Campbell. he had been watching for three But he wasn’t the only Janecka Janecka stays busy, so the time he years on his Maverick County to score big this season. spends with his family is especial- lease. His wife, Audra, shot a 10- ly important to him. Janecka and his hunting bud- pointer that scored 168, and their Lane has two siblings: sister Ali, dies called the deer “Double 9-year-old son, Lane, got one that 3; and brother Cale, who is 1. THE HUNTING JANECKAS: Danny Janecka II with wife, Audra, and children, Lane, Drop’’ because he sported two scored 162. Audra said the younger kids 9, Ali, 3, and Cale, 1. See JANECKAS, Page 22 ‘Turkey Day’ on hunters’ calendars

TURKEY TIME: A hunter places decoys in a field near Haskel. Photos by David J. Sams. TPW official also advises don’t forget ‘second gobbling peak’

By Craig Nyhus MARCH have a moderate spring, with cool mornings and warming during the day, it should help Approximately 65,000 hope- Saturday with the success rate,” ful turkey hunters will set out in DeMaso said. “When it starts pursuit of toms beginning warming up, the birds will March 31 in most of Texas. 31 break away from the large Prospects are generally good flocks into smaller groups. and hunter anticipation is They will then head to display high. Reports indicate most of PENING AY grounds where the gobbling the state has either fair or O D will pick up, and the hens will good numbers of birds, select their breeding part- although young birds are ners.” more scarce. hunters will not see as many DeMaso recommends hunt- “We didn’t have a very good jakes this year, but there ers keep trying later in the sea- hatch because of the should be an abundance of son, after these hens are on drought,” said Steve DeMaso, two- to three-year-old birds. the nest. program director with Texas The older birds may be a little “After the display period, Parks and Wildlife. “However, wiser, though.” there are hens that didn’t get the hatch in the last two years The weather will play a large bred, and plenty of lonesome was very good. I expect role in hunters’ success. “If we See GOBBLERS, Page 14 Barnes named Southeastern’s wildlife officer of 2006 Game Warden Gary Barnes, of Fritch, Richland Creek and Chambers Creek During Operation Broadhead in East In 2004 and 2005, Barnes volun- has been named the “Texas Officer of for deer poaching activity before it Texas, he helped stop the illegal running teered to work undercover with the the Year” for 2006 by the Southeastern became one of the states major water of deer with dogs. Recently, he was a Texas Game Warden Special Operations Association of Fish and Wildlife reservoirs called Richland-Chambers part of special border operations to stop Unit. During Operation Headhunter, Agencies. Reservoir. illegal commercial fishing, including Barnes was able to infiltrate an illegal Barnes graduated from the 36th From 1984 to the present, Barnes has Operation Pescador in the Zapata and deer-poaching ring. Texas Game Warden Academy on May worked in Hutchinson County. During Laredo areas and Operation Del Rio. He and the undercover unit were suc- 21, 1982. his tenure he worked on the controver- He has worked with Homeland cessful in obtaining numerous convic- His first duty station was in Corsicana sial Canadian River land dispute Security and was a member of the Texas tions, which ultimately placed one in Navarro County, where he worked between the river bottom hunters and Game Warden Hurricane Katrina res- hunter in prison. GARY BARNES the bottoms of the Trinity River, landowners. cue team. A TPW report. February 9, 2007 Page 7 Rabbit hunters let dogs out for winter fun Howling beagles scent furry speedsters

By John N. Felsher When a rabbit rockets from cover, “I just like to come out here to lis- the shooters must react fast and ten to the dogs howl,” said J.W. throw a lot of lead in the direction of Bolton, an avid rabbit hunter. “If “That sounds like old Molly,” said the bounding furball. someone has been doing this long Shawn Knapp, who regularly pur- Many rabbit hunters prefer a fast, enough, he can tell which dog is sues cottontail and swamp rabbits light 20-gauge short-barreled pump howling and why. We can tell when with his trained beagles. “She’s on a or semi-automatic shotgun with an a dog is on a hot trail or just search- hot rabbit trail.” ing. I don’t care if I shoot a rabbit at The hunters attempted to follow all. It’s exciting just to hear the Molly and the other beagles through dogs.” heavy underbrush. ‘In training Kevin Alexander of Ledbetter Thorny vines, perfect rabbit habi- breeds, trains, field trials, and hunts tat, barred their way, even though beagles. “Naturally, they are rabbit they wore “brush buster” pants with beagles, the hounds,” he said. “In training bea- heavy canvas padding. Still, some gles, the bloodlines are important, as members of the group continued to bloodlines are well as starting them young — follow the dogs through the thicket preferably in training pens so they while the rest took up positions won’t get on the trail of a deer or along an old firebreak that offered important, as other animal. But once they get on a more visibility. These hunters scent, they will decipher that on watched for high-speed brown blurs well as starting their own.” to burst from cover and cross the In Central and East Texas, sports- trail. men mostly hunt cottontails and “They’re getting closer, guys,” one them young.’ swamp rabbits. “The cottontails gen- REGAL BEAGLES: Most rabbit hunters pick winter when frost kills off some underbrush of the hunters said. “Listen to the erally prefer thickets, briar patches, and dogs can more easily sniff scent on cold mornings. Photo by John N. Felsher. dogs howl. Be alert because a rabbit — KEVIN ALEXANDER anything with thick underbrush,” might come running out of this Alexander said. “The swamp rabbits them in winter when frost kills off veer off his course to get in some thicket at any minute.” like bottomlands where they can some underbrush and dogs can water — then wait before crossing to Just beyond the green vegetation open choke and loaded with num- jump into the water to escape preda- more easily sniff scent on cold dry land,” Alexander said. barrier, howling dogs pressed their ber 6, 7.5 or 8 lead shot. tors. mornings. Cottontails often circle back on noses to the frosty ground. “Open the pattern as much as “The cottontails will always circle Good dogs don’t necessarily mean their own trails or jump into the Only yards away, the hunters could possible because most shots are at back very close to their home, but a rabbit in the hand, though. A smart thickest possible briar patch where catch glimpses of the beagles rustling running rabbits less than 25 yards swamp rabbits may run over 100 swamp rabbit might jump into a even beagles cannot follow. “Their through impenetrable underbrush, away,” Knapp said. “It doesn’t take yards before making their first turn.” creek, exposing just the tip of its best defense is to go into the thick and heard their companions crashing much to bring down a rabbit if peo- Texas hunters may pursue rabbits nose, to escape dogs. “I’ve seen a stuff and dive in a hole to lose the along behind them. ple can hit one.” all year long, but most people hunt swamp rabbit go into a creek bed — dogs,” Alexander said.

East Texas West Texas 903.692.2725 325.659.1555

www.badboybuggiesoftexas.com Brush CountryCALL FOR A DEALER NEARDFW YOU — 817-723-1463 Hill Country Houston Texoma 1.888.631.6789CALL FOR A DEALER817.528.8002 NEAR YOU — 817-723-1463830.214.0144 281.392.4609 469.693.5412 Page 8 February 9, 2007 FISHING Coastal fishing takes a hit from Old Man Winter

Brrrrr!area as the month ended. on blacks and reds on the south end of By Diana Kunde “If we can get four, five days of good the land cut, “ Daemmrich said. “We weather, the fishing can be fabulous, purposely fish there because we think The cold fronts that swept through and it was up until the middle of they come out of the Intercoastal Texas in January put a damper on January,” Harris said. After that, “Oh, (Waterway) and come in and feed. coastal fishing. man, I’m telling you — wind and rain!” We’ve gone out there sometimes and Winter fishing for red and black Austin angler Bob Daemmrich fishes caught 25 in four hours.” drum can be great in the bays and flats frequently with his children along the The next week it was colder and “we that line the Texas coast. Or not. “You Land Cut near the family’s house in caught three all day.” just have to play the fronts,” says Capt. Port Mansfield. They had great luck Captain Jerry Lindsey, of Hook Line David Harris, a fishing guide out of during the Christmas holidays fishing & Sinker guide service in the Rockport Galveston. for drum with dead shrimp and a dou- area said January’s cold weather chased A BREAK IN THE CLOUDS: Partly cloudy days with the sun peaking through have The trouble in January was that Texas ble-drop bottom rig along the east side the red drum into deeper water. been few and far between the past few weeks. When the sun shows, anglers had more than its share of winter. And of the cut. “Right now, they’re feeling cold. have been catching fish. another cold front was lambasting the “We just happened to have good luck See WINTER, Page 12 Spawning rituals slow arriving Mercury’s ‘magic number’ — 62 degrees — taking its time

By Alan Clemons

other Nature’s wicked winter punch won’t affect the upcoming bass spawn in the state, other than to possibly knock it back a few weeks if conditions keep water temperatures cool. M“It’s been a little colder than normal,” said Todd Driscoll, a Texas Parks and Wildlife fisheries biologist in Jasper, whose district includes Sam ‘As the days get Rayburn and Toledo Bend reservoirs. “We’re really far longer, the fish enough south that we haven’t been hit get more into with weather in the teens or anything, but we have had the idea of more than our fair share of freezing spawning.’ weather.” Driscoll said the spawning period in — CHARLES MUNGER his district typically has “about a two- month variability. The earliest is about the third or fourth week of February if we have unusually warm weather. Sometimes it’s late March or April.” In the Panhandle and Rolling Plains, with elevations LET THE SUN SHINE IN: Recent cold fronts may change many anglers’ expectations of an early spawn this season. Bass Pro Scott Rook battles a winter See SPAWN, Page 12 bass on Toledo Bend Reservoir. Photo by David J. Sams. Need for scales weighs big when fishing Certified ‘hand-helds’ would open up the records program, official says

By Diana Kunde be limited to scales used for com- But the scale wasn’t certified, he mercial purposes. said. Marinas at popular trophy fishing “I took it (the bass) to a scale in a Joedy Gray wants to see more venues like Lake Fork have certified grocery store. It kept coming up Texas anglers carrying portable, cer- scales; there’s a partial list on TPW’s with different weights. The plat- tified scales. And he isn’t a scale Web site. form wasn’t big enough for the fish salesman. Others may not. Anglers may be to be on,” he said. Gray is records program leader for able to find certified scales at feed So, Choate drove the 100 miles Texas Parks and Wildlife, and he stores, bait stores or fertilizer plants, back to his Mineral Wells home, knows there are state fishing records TPW advises. But sometimes that housed the big bass in a friend’s out there waiting to broken. isn’t easy. minnow tank overnight and then “If everyone had their own hand- Consider, for instance, Richard took it Mineral Wells State Park for held, it would open the program Choate, who caught a Share-Lunker an official weigh-in. up,” he said. If more marinas had largemouth from Lake Cisco on Jan. The bass, 13.2 pounds, 26.25 certified scales, that would help too, 27. Choate kept his catch in the live inches long and 19.5 inches in girth, he said. Once upon a time, the well of his bass boat. “I kept the is ShareLunker No. 427, and Gray Texas Department of Agriculture water re-circulating,” he said. He expects an application for a water tested and certified scales in mari- did have a handheld scale along, body record. PULLING ITS WEIGHT: Anglers wanting to find out if their catch may be a record may have a hard nas. But about 10 years ago, the and as it turns out, it gave him an How is a scale certified? Gray has time finding certified scales to get their names in the record books. department decided its role should accurate reading above 13 pounds. See SCALES, Page 9 February 9, 2007 Page 9 Mercury dodges coastal angling ban Freezes in ’80s killed millions of fish Texas Parks and Wildlife freezes. There were three major Department Coastal Fisheries freezes during the 1980s, includ- biologists and game wardens ing one in 1989 when the tem- took preparations for a possible perature at Brownsville dropped saltwater freeze event fishing to 16 degrees and an estimated ban the week of Feb. 3. 11 million fish were killed, Weather forecasts were evalu- McKinney said. ated on Feb. 2 and it was deter- Historically, freezes along the mined the ban was not neces- Texas coast have occurred about sary. Had the ban been imple- every 15 years. “We’re getting mented, a notification would ready for a worst-case scenario,” have been posted on the TPW McKinney said before the Feb. 2 Web site, local media and news- decision. papers notified and signs at In addition to killing game boat ramps and around deep fish in shallow bay waters, a water refuges would have been hard freeze can also cause sur- posted. The TPW Web site also viving fish to congregate in a provides a complete list of few deeper areas where they coastal areas closed to fishing become sluggish and prone to during freeze conditions. capture. Predictions of a potential The high mortality that a extended freeze event on the freeze can cause may deplete fish Texas Gulf coast sometime stocks for years, according to between Feb. 4 and Feb. 11 led McKinney. Protection of the sur- to the consideration of the ban. viving fish during the few days In January of 2005, The TPW when they are especially vulner- Commission approved a rule able to capture would likely allowing the department to shorten the time period for over- make 21 easily accessible, deep- all recovery of coastal species, water refuges off-limits to especially spotted sea trout. anglers during freeze events. Anglers and coastal residents According to Larry McKinney, are urged to report any fish kills TPW coastal fisheries division or large numbers of sluggish or director, Texas has about two cold-stunned fish to 1-800-792- million acres of bays and estuar- 1112 . 1980 FREEZES: There were three major freezes during the 1980s, including one in 1989 when the temperature at ies that are susceptible to A TPW report. Brownsville dropped to 16 degrees and killed an estimated 11 million fish. Photo by Kyle Spiller. TPW wants to simplify license process In an effort to simplify the state’s only senior citizens to fish in freshwa- allows all saltwater anglers to obtain a hunting and fishing license system, ter and saltwater in this state at a fee of second tag authorizing the harvest of Texas Parks and Wildlife has proposed $6. Second, create a new “Special a second oversize red drum. Allow several changes for the 2007-2008 sea- Resident Fishing License,” which will only one Bonus Red Drum Tag to be son, none of which reflect bottom- be available only to individuals who issued to any individual per license line increases in fees. are legally blind and assess a fee of $6, year. The proposed licensing changes authorizing those individuals to fish •Special Resident Hunting License: include: in the freshwater and saltwater of this Separate the authorized activities of •Resident and Nonresident state. this license into two separate licenses. Freshwater Fishing Guide Licenses: •Resident July-August Fishing Name one as a “Resident Senior Create one Freshwater Fishing License Packages (Freshwater; Hunting License,” which will allow Guide License and retain the fee of Saltwater; and All Water): Repeal these only resident senior citizens to hunt $125 for the new license. These licenses. in this state. Then create a new “Youth licenses are currently required for •Resident Day Plus Fishing Package Hunting License,” which will allow individuals who operate a boat for and Resident Day Plus Fishing resident and nonresident youth anything of value in transporting or Package Repurchase (Freshwater; under 17 years of age to hunt in Texas. accompanying anyone who is fish- Saltwater; and All Water): Rename this Each license will have a fee of $6. ing in freshwater. The price of each license as “Resident One-Day All •One-Day Fishing License Red current license is $125. Water Fishing License” and assess a fee Drum Tag: Create a separate One-Day •Resident and Nonresident of $10. Fishing License Red Drum Tag for a Saltwater Fishing Guide Licenses: •Nonresident Day Plus Fishing Resident One-Day All Water Fishing Rename the licenses as Resident and Package and Nonresident Day Plus License and a Nonresident One-Day Nonresident All-Water Fishing Guide Fishing Package Repurchase All Water Fishing License holder. If Licenses, respectively. (Freshwater; Saltwater; and All Water: the angler desires a second tag, he •Special Resident Fishing License Rename this license as “Nonresident must purchase a Bonus Red Drum Tag. Package: Separate the authorized One-Day All Water Fishing License” For a complete listing of the pro- activities of this license into two sepa- and assess a fee of $15. posed changes and public comment rate licenses. First, rename the current •Bonus Red Drum Tag: Establish opportunities, visit www.tpwd.state. license as a “Resident Senior Fishing the Bonus Red Drum Tag as a stand- tx.us. License Package,” which will allow alone sales item for a fee of $3; this A TPW report. Scales Continued from Page 8 made sure there’s a certified scale in every inland fisheries division office. The International Game Fish Association will test and certify your scale if you join the association ($40 for a regular membership) and pay a relatively small fee — $30 — plus postage to Florida and back. Or you can find an independent scale company and ask them to test and certi- fy the accuracy of your scale. That’s what SHARELUNKER NO. 427: Richard Choate’s catch at Lake Cisco on Jan. 27 was the sales coach and longtime tournament lake’s first ShareLunker. He had a scale, but it was not certified. • BASS Club World Championship bass angler Chuck Bauer of Carrollton Regional Tournament – Jan. 31 – Feb. 1, 2007 did. Bauer said via e-mail that he still car- ries a Berkley scale and a larger Boga Grip scale that weighs up to 50 pounds to the There’s also a state length record for • Women’s Bassmaster Tour – Feb. 8 – 10, 2007 whenever he goes fishing. Boga Grip, from $119 up, depending on catch and release, if you don’t have the • Team of Champions – Feb. 16-19, 2007 IGFA recommends anglers looking for poundage. weight, Gray said. • ESPN “Battle on the Border” – March 8-11, 2007 portability and accuracy go for a spring Many anglers don’t know that TPW “I just enjoy seeing people get • Texas B.A.S.S. Federation – March 11-16, 2007 scale. Choose one in the range of the fish will allow you 30 days to get your scale records,” he said. you’re likely to go after, because you’ll certified after you’ve caught that big fish. Choate, who caught the ShareLunker, FLW Stren Series – March 21-24, 2007 want to weigh to the nearest ounce on Get a witness to the weight. said he didn’t know he could get his smaller fish. Measure length and girth, and photo- hand-held scale certified. “I’m going to Scales range in price from a $15 spring graph the fish next to the tape measure. have to look into that,” he said. Page 10 February 9, 2007 GAME WARDEN BLOTTER HUSH MONEY LANDS ual about the case. Contact was DEER HUNTER IN TROUBLE made with the father of one of •Parker County Game Warden the boys targeted. Johnson Randall Hayes and Denton A DAY ON THE JOB GOES TO POT advised the father to contact him County Game Warden Chip when his son got home so he Daigle conducted a follow-up •District 3 Wardens John U.S. Customs agent. A Customs Schwartz responded with their could be interviewed. Approx- interview with a resident in Palacios, Jesse Garcia, Bubba helicopter had spotted three riverboat. While the operators imately two hours later, the Denton County who had shot a Shelton, Brad Meloni, Ramiro boats full of drugs on the U.S. of the third drug boat watched father of the other boy in ques- deer from the roadway on New Coronado, Brent Whitus and side of the river near Salineno in from across the river, the two tion contacted Johnson and Year’s Eve in Parker County. Wayne Schwartz were patrolling Starr County. One of the boats abandoned boats were brought advised him he had two kids Daigle was able to locate the man overnight at Falcon Lake. At day- absconded to the Mexican side to the landing and loaded on there who wanted to talk. Two after an extensive search due to light, they apprehended six of the river, and the other two Customs trailers. There were juveniles were contacted with partial information obtained by a commercial fishermen and three were abandoned on the U.S. Border Patrol, sheriff’s deputies, parents present. Johnson asked witness on the day of the inci- Mexican commercial fishing side. Customs needed trained DPS patrolmen and Customs the two boys what they wanted dent. The parties involved an boats containing a total of 6,000 boat handlers to bring a river- agents providing cover for the to talk to him about, and they adult female with her husband feet of gill net and six hoop nets. boat down to the local landing game wardens while they did confessed to killing a doe deer While wardens were delivering and retrieve the loaded boats their work. The end result was and three children. According to from the road. They showed the evidence and prisoners, before someone came back for 4,932 pounds of confiscated the witness, the man offered to Johnson on a map where they Schwartz received a call from a them. Coronado, Meloni and marijuana. pay him $200 not to contact had shot the deer, which was not local law enforcement. The wit- even related to the original case ness was the chief jail administra- NIGHT HUNTERS RECEIVE Two hours later the hunter shot. He and his clients were hunting a that he was investigating. After tor for Wise County. EARLY WAKE-UP CALL Contact was made when the decoy spread when a vehicle interviewing the subjects about •Comanche County Game hunter returned to his vehicle. stopped on a county road close to the original case, it was deter- WARDENS HAUL IN Warden Michael Alexander Initially the hunter claimed he their spread and opened fire with mined the two were not involved EARLY-MORNING CATCHES received a call from a landowner had shot a coyote and had per- rifles toward the decoys and since the mother of one said they •Jim Hogg County Game Warden at 4:45 a.m., saying he heard four mission to hunt from a friend hunters. The decoys were were at home at the time the Brad Meloni and McMullen shots behind his house. He could whose father had a cattle lease on “stuffers,” mounted cranes and other case occurred. Both sub- County Game Warden Emmett see lights and hear an ATV. The the property. The hunter had were very lifelike. Collins was jects received citations for hunt- Shelton were patrolling Falcon man lives near Gorman, 35 miles shot a young white-tailed spike able to locate the vehicle, and ing deer during closed season Lake for illegal activity at away. Alexander met with the deer. After further investigation, after a short chase discovered it from public roadway. approximately 3 a.m. when they man, and he pointed out a hunt- it was found the friend’s cattle was one of three vehicles that INVESTIGATION TURNS observed a commercial fishing ing camp where the ATV lease had terminated and even were hunting together. The hunt- INTO A HOWL OF A NIGHT vessel from Mexico attempting returned. Alexander drove up to then it was for cattle rights alone, ing guide identified the vehicle to fish illegally in Texas waters. the camp at 5:30 a.m. and found no hunting was permissible. The and charges were filed. • Rains County Game Warden They apprehended two com- two men trying to hide a freshly hunter was arrested for hunting Roland Fuentes was monitoring a road at night when he noticed a mercial fishermen and seized a killed yearling doe. Both men without landowner consent, and GOOSE HUNTERS RUN AFOUL boat and motor, approximately nearby resident exit his trailer were arrested and charged with illegally killing big game. State OF THE LAW 1,500 feet of gill net and three and get into a pickup. The resi- hunting deer at night. jail felony charges pending. •Lubbock County Game Warden hoop nets. Approximately 15 dent left home and drove slowly minutes later, the wardens Quentin Terrel received a call down the county road. He began PEPPERING SPICES UP A STUCK THROTTLE SENDS observed a second commercial from neighbors complaining a spotlighting the pasture across DAY OF CITATIONS TOURNEY ANGLER AIRBORNE fishing vessel from Mexico in waterfowl outfitter had been the road and a few seconds later Texas waters. Two more com- •Gonzales County Game Warden •Zapata County Game Wardens dumping his hunt remains in the fired a round from his 12-gauge mercial fishermen were appre- Jason Davis received a call con- Jesse Garcia and Fernando neighborhood dumpsters filling off the road. Fuentes made con- hended, along with a boat and cerning some dove hunters who Cervantes worked a boat accident them to capacity. Upon arriving tact with a 30-year-old man who motor, approximately 2,500 feet were shooting too close to a that occurred on Falcon Lake. An at the outfitters location, Terrel told the warden, “My mom want- of gill net and three more hoop house. When Davis arrived, he individual participating in a bass found 45 Canada geese piled on a ed me to scare off the coyotes nets. made contact with the home- tournament was returning to the picnic table without documenta- because they wouldn’t let her owner and as they talked, the public ramp at a high rate of tion. Terrel called Lubbock Game sleep.” Cases pending. IGNORING WARNING BACKFIRES hunters shot and peppered them speed when the throttle became Warden Don Taylor and USFWS ON HUNTER YEAR LATER and the house. When Davis made stuck. While the operator was Agent Russell Carter to help with SHARE AND SHARE ALIKE •During a recent hunting camp contact with the three hunters, attempting to correct the prob- the investigation. The wardens — NO THANKS check, Bandera County Game many citations were issued, lem, the boat hit the shoreline, waited for the hunters to return •Montgomery County Game Warden Rod Chalmers found an including the discharge of a causing it to become airborne. from the evening hunt. The Wardens Alan Biggerstaff, Dean individual with a quartered and firearm across a property line and The boat hit a vehicle parked on hunters arrived at 7 p.m. with Fitzpatrick, Brannon Mein- iced antlerless deer with an exceeding the daily bag limit. the shoreline causing minor another supply of undocument- kowsky and Ernie Garcia con- improperly filled out tag and no damage and narrowly missed a ed waterfowl from their hunt. ducted an enforcement opera- white-tailed deer log entry. HUNTING IN THE WRONG PLACE subject standing near the vehicle. Approximately 18-20 citations tion at Carl Barton Park in Thinking the hunter had no rea- AT THE WRONG TIME The boat finally landed approxi- were written by both agencies on Conroe where trout had been son to save tags so late in the sea- •Caldwell County Game Warden mately 58 feet from the water’s 15 hunters. stocked. Fitzpatrick and son, Chalmers started to issue a Joann Garza-Mayberry arrested a edge. The accident is still under Meinkowsky posed as fishermen, warning ticket. But, feeling that hunter after receiving a landown- investigation. ONE CASE LEADS TO ANOTHER witnessing several subjects he’s seen this person before, he er complaint of someone placing •Taylor County Game Warden exceed the daily bag limit on ran a check for priors, only to corn in his feeder and hunting ROADSIDE HUNTERS SHOOTING Roy Johnson conducted an inves- trout. One subject left with 10 find that the hunter had been from his blind. On her second AT DECOYS LAND REAL CITATIONS tigation on a road hunting case trout then returned a short time warned about the same viola- surveillance, the hunter was •Hale County Game Warden that occurred Christmas Day in later to continue fishing. These tion 369 days prior — by observed coming in through the Mark Collins received a call from Fisher County, after receiving two subjects caught another 10 Chalmers. front gate and entering the blind. a sandhill crane hunting guide. information from a local individ- trout. Cases pending. SUBSCRIBE TODAY!

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WARM WELCOME: Anglers are hoping for warmer waters to fish for red drum.

not freshed out right now,” he said. Winter Capt. Totsy Belcher, who guides out of Port Aransas, said Continued from Page 8 that “January’s been dead — a They just want to pick up a piece of few trout and that’s all.” bait. They don’t want to move January and February are usu- around a lot,” Lindsey said. ally the slowest months for red He was using slow-moving bait drum, he said, but “we’ve had like plastic worms or cocahoe. “Or colder weather, and that makes it Spawn for live bait, we’ve been using more worse.” Water temperatures of Continued from Page 8 mullet than anything,” Lindsey over 60 are needed to rev up the said. “Cutting it up, running it drum fishing in the flats, he said. of about 3,500 feet, biologist Charles along the bottom. Just a hook and “Sixty-five degrees, along in Munger, of Canyon, said the spawn a hunk of weight and that’s it.” there, you start seeing a lot of typically occurs also in March and Capt. Gary Gray, who guides in fish. The bait comes back and April or even later. His district the Port O’Connor and Rockport that lets the fish come back too. includes lakes Alan Henry, Meredith area, said, “the water’s gotten so Right now there’s no bait there, “ and Greenbelt. cold it’s hard to find bait in the Belcher said. “With the spawn, it’s not just about bay.” Lindsey, who fishes mostly in the temperature but a combination of “We use a lot of artificial bait like Estes Flats and the bay right out the photo period and water tempera- shad-style, gold spoons,” Gray of his Palm Harbor home, said all ture,” Munger said. “You have to have said. “On the really blustery days, anglers need is a few days of sun- the right amount of daylight, too. As they’re going to be in the deep shine to make fishing for red the days get longer, the fish get more holes, and you’ll just have to fish drum in the flats a pleasure into the idea of spawning. your holes a lot slower.” again. “As the temperatures get close Because the rains have been “Sunshine warms that shallow that’s what keys them. The tempera- coastal, “salinity’s not a prob- water and the fish move up tures and photo period are very close- lem” in the estuaries, Gray said. there,” he said. “Water tempera- ly related because as the days get “If we get it upriver like San ture will vary two to three longer, you get more sunshine and Antonio, it’s a problem. We’re degrees, and that’s all it takes.” the water gets warmer.” Pre-spawn bass moving into shal- low water often will linger there if a cold front moves through quickly. They may become lethargic but unless the front is severe or pro- longed, chances are they won’t head back to deep water quickly. “It will just delay the spawn until the water temps warm back up,” Munger said. “That time of year (spring) we don’t really get prolonged days of cold weather. And since the spawning period lasts weeks, it does- n’t really affect them that much.” COZY CATCH: At top, Scott Rook tugs on a glove preparing to unhook his fish. Anglers In the Southwest on Amistad, have been bundled up the past few weeks trying to keep comfortable as the mercury Choke Canyon and Falcon reservoirs, dips. Photos by David J. Sams. anglers expecting an early spawn may from San Antonio who regularly fish- “magic number.” Daytime highs and find limited activity. es the three border reservoirs. “Bass sunshine that warm the lakes can be A recent front that blew through are adaptable and will do what they deceiving for anglers, because consis- virtually shut down San Antonio and need to do, but mostly they become tent nighttime temperatures more the highway from that city to Del Rio lethargic.” efficiently help the waterways main- with snow and ice. It also curtailed “As far as the spawn, I’ve seen them tain the warm conditions conducive any early shallow-water fishing on drop their eggs in 20 feet of water. A for spawning. Amistad. Anglers there in late January biologist may disagree with me on “Once you get a pretty good move- found air and water temperatures in that, but that’s what I’ve seen in 20 ment of fish shallow, say less than 6 the mid-40s. Some bass have been years of fishing out there. If anything, feet deep, those fish will tend to hang caught shallow, but the majority the colder weather will just delay in that general area regardless of the came from deeper water on jigs and things a little bit.” weather.” Driscoll said. “They usually crankbaits. Bass begin spawning rituals when won’t migrate to deep water again — “During a cold spell like what we’ve water temperatures climb into the 60- and will stay in the general area to had, they will get lethargic,” said 65 degree range, with about 62 wait for the water to warm up again.” Debra Hengst, a Strike King pro-staffer degrees generally considered the McCLELLAND GUN SHOP New & Used

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Texas Parks and Wildlife hunter opportunity by has proposed opening the ‘Varying the allowing hunters to take South Zone season for Rio advantage of peak gobbling Grande turkeys two weeks opening date will activity, which varies annu- earlier than in recent years ally across Texas depending and closing the North Zone allow hunters a on weather conditions. two weeks later in the 2007- longer “Since the spring Rio 08 hunting season. Grande hunting season is “Two years ago, we simpli- window of limited to only male birds fied the season by combin- opportunity to be (gobblers) there is little ing the North and South potential for harm to turkey Zones and added a week to in the field when production, given the way the overall length,” said peak gobbling landowners manage turkey Mike Berger, TPW Wildlife hunting in the spring,” Division director.” After re- occurs.’ Berger said. “Varying the evaluating this move, we’ve opening date will allow opted to move the South — MIKE BERGER hunters a longer window of Zone up to the Saturday opportunity to be in the nearest March 18 and the field when peak gobbling North Zone to open the 44-day season length.” occurs.” Saturday nearest April 7. Berger said the proposed Both zones would retain a change would increase A TPW report.

ing opportunities.” Parsons the locations and inquire expects the East Texas turkey about availaibility,” he said. Gobblers season to be good, “but I Lerich used to work at a Continued from Page 6 wouldn’t say excellent.” WMA. “For turkey hunting gobblers,” he said. “There is Scott Lerich, the NWTF especially, we almost a second gobbling peak, biologist for West Texas, always had some standby and the hunting is usually expects numbers to be con- positions available.” better during this period.” sistent with last year. “There Prospects for next season Michael Thornton of will be some fluctuations may be even better. While Longview is an avid turkey based on the drought condi- the 2006 hatch was below hunter and is a regional tions,” he said. average, prospects are very director with the National Wild Turkey Federation. “The (Eastern turkey) popu- lations in Red River, Fannin, ‘The National Forest lands have and Lamar counties are good,” he said. “The undergone prescribed burnings and Angelina National Forest have some good turkey habitat. has a fair number of birds, but they are difficult to These should provide some good hunt.” Thornton felt a good turkey hunting opportunities.’ choice for public hunting would be the LBJ Grasslands in Fannin County. “It does- — SCOTT PARSONS n’t receive a lot of pressure during the week, and there are huntable numbers of birds,” he said. The Panhandle still has good for the 2007 hatch. Scott Parsons is a NWTF fair populations, Thornton “There’s plenty of moisture biologist, and former TPW said, “but the drought and in most areas,” Thornton biologist, and heads up fires had some affect on the said. “It looks real good for turkey restoration projects in birds.” the hatch this year.” East Texas through a cooper- The best West Texas pub- Success for Texas turkey ative arrangement between lic areas? The Gene Howe hunters averaged about 45 NWTF, TPW and the U.S. and Matador WMA’s to 50 percent in 2006. Forest Service. should be good, along with Expectations are for similar “The National Forest San Angelo State Park,” he results this spring. “It has lands have undergone pre- said, but reminded hunters been pretty consistent over scribed burnings and have these hunts were awarded the past several years,” some good turkey habitat,” by draws, but standby DeMaso said. “And the he said. “These should pro- hunts may be available. numbers of birds are vide some good turkey hunt- “Hunters should contact there.” February 9, 2007 Page 15

Chapter of the Sierra Club, howev- will compromise on its energy er, argues that if all the proposed plan — and still get some of what it Plants coal plants in Texas were built, wants. Continued from Page 1 4,500 additional pounds of mercu- “The wave of opposition and “Texas will fall below reliable ry still would be released annually. subsequent bad publicity will (energy) levels by 2008,” said “A study done in Wisconsin cause the company to re-think its spokesman Tom Kleckner. “In the found it only took a single gram of position,” said Ken Silverstein, edi- interim, Texas is running very mercury to contaminate a lake,” tor-in-chief of EnergyBiz Insider. “I close to the limits of reliability said Neil Carman. “4,500 pounds would add that in my view the during peak periods.” may not sound like a lot, but given company tried to lay out its ‘best A member of its opposition is that one pound converts to 453.6 case’ upfront and had a Plan B the Greater Caddo Lake grams, you’re talking about mil- from day one.” lions of grams.” Association. Texas’ only natural There are still some places where Both sides are lining up support- lake is a gothic blend of swamp, the uproar has barely caused a rip- ers. twisting flues and scores of bald ple. At Lake Bob Sandlin, you can TXU has a string of endorse- cypress. It’s also one of 12 lakes see the stacks from TXU’s lignite- ments from commissioners courts carrying an advisory that its fish powered plant at Monticello. The and school districts near its pro- contain methyl-mercury, a neu- company has proposed adding a posed plants as well as the Texas rotoxin. Coal plants are its pri- pulverized coal-fired plant at the Association of Business, which mary source. location. bills itself as Texas’ leading Fishing guide Allen Ballard ami- TXU is proposing to build two employer organization. additional coal-powered plants ably said he tries to keep out of pol- Critics, though, have built a sur- itics and swears he can see both near Caddo Lake. prisingly broad base of opposition. sides. “We just don’t buy what TXU is Besides the expected environmen- “I know there are people con- selling,” said Jack Canson, a tal groups, there’s one of the gover- cerned about jobs and whatnot,” GCLA board member. “There are nor’s chief campaign contributors, Ballard said. “My main concern other ways to meet our energy Albert Huddleston, outdoor would be the water.” needs without providing TXU a groups such as Texas Black Bass 30-year ticket to cover the state Unlimited and a business coalition An ongoing drought worries with emissions spewed by old, calling itself Texas Business for him, he said. unclean technology.” Clean Air — made up of promi- “This last year, Sandlin got down Gov. Rick Perry recently pledged nent business people such as to one ramp,” Ballard said. “If they $20 million to Texas’ effort to land Dallas developer Trammell S. have to use more of the water for the FutureGen project, a federal Crow. another plant, I may not be able to research program aimed at produc- Also, TXU’s efforts come at a put in eventually. That’s a con- ing near-zero emissions from coal- time when other states are crack- cern.” fired power plants. TXU, however, ing down on energy plant emis- TXU’s Kleckner, however, said argues that such advancements are sions. In California, for example, the energy company recycles much years from fruition. Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger of the lake water it uses. Plus, new TXU pledged that its new plants wants to ban the use of electricity coal-fired plants would have cool- would reduce key pollutants 20 from coal-fired plants to combat ing towers built to further reduce percent by using the best technol- global warming. water usage. ogy currently available. “There are some pretty serious Robert Banks, co-owner of It would “voluntarily remove 1.7 heavy hitters who have pulled Barefoot Bay Marina at Lake Bob pounds of mercury from existing together on this,” Canson said. Sandlin, said no anglers have tried plants for every one pound of mer- “I’m optimistic. We’ve never been baiting him into a discussion on cury from the new coal units,” in a losing fight. There have been the proposed plant. Kleckner said. “This will provide a close calls, yes, but we’ve always “I think they know about it,” CRITICS STACKING UP: Condensation from the TU Electric coal-powered plant stacks on Lake 20-percent mercury reduction followed the facts and it’s worked he said. “It’s in the papers. When Monticello have some anglers worrying the plant is decreasing Lake Bob Sandlin’s water from current levels.” for us.” they come here, though, all they level. Photo by David J. Sams. A spokesman for the Lone Star An energy analyst predicts TXU want to do is fish.”

Where George R. Brown Convention Center, 32ND HOUSTON FISHING SHOW “A”, 1001 Avenida De Las Americas (Located in downtown Houston) The world When ANNUAL Starts Wednesday, Feb. 28 and lasts 5 days through Sunday, of fishing fully explored March 4 Hours Wednesday through Friday noon to 9 p.m. Saturday 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Admission Adults - $8 Children (6-12) - $2

Exhibits Fishing: The latest in all types of fishing equipment from manufacturers around the world. Visit the Lone Equipment: Displayed and demonstrated. Star Outdoor Boats: Boats from all over the South com- News booth. pletely rigged with all the electronic gear Renew or and equipment. Blue water rigs equipped to tackle the Gulf and Bay boat rigs will be sign up for a on display. FREE trial Guides: Guides for both freshwater and subscription saltwater will be present in large numbers from all over the world. and get a Vacation: National and regional resort FREE lure. areas, marinas and fishing camps. Experts are available to help the fisherman plan a vacation Seminars: Fishing seminars will be con- ducted. The “clinics” will be staffed with freshwater and saltwater experts. www.houstonfishingshow.com Page 16 February 9, 2007 PRODUCTS

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SPREAD YOUR WINGS: The Freedom Hawk Kayak is stable enough for anglers to comfortable and safely stand up while fishing. The back of the kayak splits into two “fins,” which give FOLDING DECOY: When this small boat its the TransFan by stability. The 4-foot Hunter’s outriggers are removable Edge is for transport or storage. spinning The kayak, which is 13- in the feet, 10 inches long breeze, it (with outriggers) weighs replicates 85 pounds. Its maximum a gobbler weight capacity is 400 in full pounds. The Freedom 14 strut. Standard Model sells for The $1,925; the Expedition Trans- Model costs $1,995. The Fan, kayak is available in Blue, which Olive, Yellow and Sand. To weighs less order, visit www.freedom than one pound hawkkayaks.com. (with stakes), folds compactly into a vest pocket. It costs $27.95 at www.hunters- edge.com.

ACTION!: The Rifle Cam, a camera TARGET PRACTICE: Cabela’s mount ArrowHawk layered Foam designed Targets will take shots to work from arrows ranging with any from wood shafts with standard target points to rifescope, carbon arrows allows tipped with outdoorsmen broadheads. to record their Layers of “self- hunts. The Rifle Cam healing” foam works with “handycam” grab and stop the style film or DVD recorders fast-moving arrow from such manufacturers as Sony, shafts, which can Panasonic, JVC and more. Invented by then be easily big game hunter Larry Holmberg, the device removed. The 20- by allows the video camera to be attached to the 16- by 11-inch target side of a scope so that hunters can line up their shots costs $39.99; the 20- unencumbered. It also can also be used to mount laser by 20- by 14-inch rangefinders to the riflescope. The camera mount sells for about model costs $59.99. To $50. For more information, visit www.theriflecam.com or call (800) 416- order or for store locator, 5285. visit www.cabelas.com.

ICAST WINNER: The Avenger rod-and-reel combo — named best in its category at the 2006 ICAST Show — by the Okuma Fishing Tackle Corporation is for anglers looking for a combo that can be used in a variety of saltwater applications. Its features include multi-disk felt drag washers on spinning reels (multi-disk composite washers on conventional reels), durable E- glass blank construction, double-footed aluminum oxide guides, foam grips and machined aluminum spools. There are three spinning and two levelwind models available, ranging in price from about $70 to $80. For dealers, visit www.okumafishingteam.com or call (800) 466-5862. 20- GAUGE LOAD: Winchester Ammunition has introduced its Supreme Elite Xtended Range turkey loads in 20-gauge. The new 3-inch load uses 1 1/8 ounces of the No. 5 shot favored by many POWERFUL BEAUTY: CAESAR turkey hunters. The round uniformly formed hi-density GUERINI USA has introduced a new line of premium trap guns, available as unsingles, pellets deliver consistent dense turkey taking patterns over/unders and combo sets in three distinctively elegant models: the Summit Trap, the with every shot. The new 20-gauge load has a muzzle Magnus Trap Limited (shown) and the Maxum Trap. Among the guns’ features is the company’s velocity of 1,225 feet per second and delivers the energy “Dynamic Tuning System” that allows shooters to custom tune and adjust the guns to individual requirements for and pellet penetration needed to take the longest range maximum performance and accuracy. A factory-installed release trigger is optional. The guns, available in 30- boss gobblers. The MSRP for a box of 10 rounds is inch, 32-inch and 34-inch barrels, boast Turkish walnut with a natural oil finish. They range in price from about $38.64. For retailers, visit www.winchester.com. $4,495 to $6,550, depending on the model. For dealers, visit www.gueriniusa.com or call (410) 901-1131. February 9, 2007 Page 17 HEROES

ROBIN DAEMMRICH poses with a 24-inch redfish he caught at the south end of the Land Cut during the holiday break. MICHAEL SHORE shows a 20-pound peacock bass he caught in Brazil. The fish was caught on dead shrimp fishing on the bottom in about two feet of water.

MARK FREIS with CHARLES BRADFORD, along with JIM EDWARDSON, took Braford’s twin 4-year-olds, BLAKE and CADE, on their first duck hunt.

SHARE AN ADVENTURE Want to share your great hunting or fishing photos with the Lone Star Outdoor News family? E-mail your photo, phone and caption information to editor@ lonestaroutdoornews. com, or mail to: RUBEN ORTEGA caught this Black Drum in Little Bay fishing Heroes, Lone Star Outdoor News, 9304 Forest Lane, Suite 114 the boat channel that runs near Key Allegro. The fish weighed BRADY BELLINGER holds up up a 28 1/2-inch, 23-pound 45 pounds, 4 ounces and was 40-inches long. South, Dallas, TX, 75243. flathead catfish he caught on a bluegill. CLASSIFIEDS BASS FISHING 1-4 — $750 EA. 5 & Up — $650 EA. 9 Ponds • Room & Board Boats & Motors Catch 50-100 Fish/Day Friday Noon - Sunday Noon BILL WHITFIELD 210-494-6421 WWW.BILLWHITFIELD.COM

AKC/UKC YELLOW AND BLACK LABS born Feb.6th ULTIMATE 4 WD EW LOOK, BETTER RESULTS HUNTING VEHICLE! N SIRE: FC COLONEL BOWIE’S REVENGE(FC-AFC WATERMARK’S THE BOSS/LAKE PARK 1982 Jeep TH Scrambler: Place your classified advertising in the Lone Star Outdoor MAGIC SR) ADVANCED TO 9 ROUND IN ’06 NATIONAL OPEN, 3 OPEN WINS, ALL 5 speed, re- News — reaching more than a quarter-million readers AGE @ AGE 2, DERBY LIST IN ’05. movable hard top, monthly — and experience the results of a new look. The DAM: HR Watermark’s Fancy To Go, SH.(FC Espirit’s Out Of The Rhino liner 2”x 2” classified will get the attention necessary to say Woods/Watermark’s Penny Lane) floors and st truck bed, power steering and brakes, air- SOLD! $30 for two editions. Puppies will have dew claws removed, wormed, 1 shots and socialized. 18 conditioning, AM/FM CD player, fog lights, Field Champions in Bloodline. PIAA lights, bed lights, front- or rear- mounted 5K# winch with quick connects. $1,000 Contact: Taylor Scharck 713-818-1126, Don’t wait. Enjoy it this hunting season. [email protected] 117K miles. Priced at $14,500. Call Call (214) 361-2276 Anthony at (214) 212-9292. Page 18 February 9, 2007 OFFSHORE’S BEST BOAT BUYER’S GUIDE 23 Express 3200 Offshore by Pro-Line by Century Boats Boats The specs: This 23-foot-long The specs: This 32-foot, 6- boat has an 8-foot, 6-inch inch offshore fishing boat has a beam. It weighs about 3,870 10-foot, 6-inch beam. It weighs pounds with a 52-square-foot about 11,000 pounds (without cockpit area. It has a maxi- engine) and has a maximum mum horsepower of 300 and horsepower of 700. Its fuel can accommodate up to six capacity is 300 gallons. adults. Anglers will like: This boat Anglers will like: The 23 boasts a 45-gallon livewell, 15 Express — built to handle the harsh, offshore marine environment — boasts ample fishable cockpit space and fea- rod holders throughout, a 248-quart insulated fish box, a forward port 67-quart insulated box. The 156-quart aft tures large fish boxes in the floor, an 18-gallon baitwell, rod storage, rod holders plus additional storage. A hatch port fish box features a bait tray and a separate rigging station includes a port side tackle center; the nearby bait provides access to all below-deck components. The cabin, which was designed to be more spacious by raising station offers a raw water sink with cutting board. The helm features a Tracy helm chair with flip-up bolster and the gunnels, comes with privacy door, head, portholes. Interior options include a cabin table, single burner butane Tracy slider plus a cushioned helm seat. The cabin includes a kitchenette with sink, refrigerator, stove and stove and stereo/CD with satellite radio upgrade. Other upgrades include a Bimini or ITS hard top, remote spot microwave; a sitting area; a head; a full-size bed with hanging closet; an interior entertainment system (LCD tele- and spreader lights, a forward-facing bench seat and more. vision with DVD, CD and AM/FM radio, gaming system). The boat's Kohler gas generator runs off of the main Bottom line, according to manufacturer: Pro-Line blends comfort and convenience with functionality to create fuel tank. a boat that suits the needs of the family boater, as well as the experienced angler. Pro-Line General Manager Bottom line, according to manufacturer: "We wanted to create a strong fishing platform. That's what an off- Johnny Walker says: "We are committed to providing small boaters more features and performance in the afford- shore anglers expects from his or her boat," says Dean Burnett, Vice President and General Manager of Century able boat market." Boat Company Inc. "But, we're giving the angler some they don't expect, by packing the 3200 Offshore with MSRP: $50,477, when equipped with a Mercury 200 HP engine. high-end luxury and comfort features, thus making time on the water as enjoyable as possible." For additional features/options or for dealers: www.prolineboats.com or call (800) 344-1281. MSRP: $231,155, with twin Yamaha F250 outboards. For additional features/options or for dealers: www.centuryboats.com or call (888) 313-2628. 264 314 CC by Walkabout Cobia Boat By Mako Company The specs: This 26-foot- The specs: This 30-foot, 11-inch long boat has a 9-foot-2- center console boat has a 9-foot, inch beam. It weighs about 10-inch beam. Its weight (without 6,500 pounds and has a engine) is about 6,500 pounds. It maximum recommended has a fuel capacity of 270 gallons horsepower of 450. Its fuel and a maximum horsepower of capacity is 174 gallons with a 600. 13-gallon freshwater system. Anglers will like: This boat fea- Anglers will like: Its fishing tures a spacious forward casting deck, a 32-gallon aerated livewell, forward insulated fish boxes with overboard drain, amenities include a 20-gallon livewell with see-through lid, four tackle storage compartments, a 36-quart rod boxes (under gunnel port and starboard), six rod holders, tackle storage center, plus ample storage and seating. removable cooler plus additional lockable storage. The fiberglass hardtop is fitted with spreader lights, electron- The forward berth comes standard with an enclosed head and a pressurized shower. ic boxes, courtesy lights and rod holders. Its cabin includes a starboard galley with countertop and sink; a two- Bottom line, according to manufacturer: With improved hull designs and external upgrades, this model represents a person island berth and a quarter berth; plus a portable head. Upgrades include an AM/FM/CD stereo, Bimini new level of offshore performance, family comfort and luxury. According to Scott Deal, president and CEO of Cobia top, additional seating, plus more. Boat Company: "The hull has been changed substantially with more deadrise at the transom and additional volume to Bottom line, according to manufacturer: This trailerable boat combines a large cabin with the muscle and float today's larger and heavier outboards. They have had complete hardware upgrades and improved fit and finish..." fishing space of a larger boat. MSRP: $116,429, with twin FT50 Yamaha outboard motors. MSRP: $83,495, when equipped with twin 150 XL OptiMax outboard engines (plus dealer prep and destina- For additional features/options or for dealers: www.cobiaboats.com or www.maverickboats.com. Or, call (772) tion charges). 460-5258. For additional features/options or for dealers: www.mako-boats.com or call (417) 873-4555. R300 CC 3070 Isle by Robalo Runner by Boats Glacier Bay The specs: This 29-foot, 2-inch Catamarans center console boat has a 10- The specs: This 32-foot-1- foot, 6-inch beam. It weighs inch long boat has a 10-foot, 8- about 7,500 pounds (without inch beam. its dry weight is engines) and has a maximum about 10,100 pounds. It has a horsepower of 600. Its fuel fuel capacity of 240 gallons and capacity is 300 gallons and its a water capacity of 40 gallons. water capacity is 30 gallons. It can accommodate eight peo- Anglers will like: Fishing ameni- ple and has a maximum horse- ties include eight rod holders, a 25-gallon lighted cooler/livewell, a 32-quart cooler under forward console seat, a power (twin) of 250. 50-gallon livewell/cooler in leaning post base, a 55-quart cooler under center casting deck, an 82.5 gallon in-floor Anglers will like: This big cruiser has a large aft deck for fishing, optional livewell, sink, tackle storage and fish cockpit fish box, cockpit tackle storage with removable Plano trays and drawers and a transom bait prep area. There lockers. The master stateroom has separate hull storage, a queen-sized berth, hanging locker and head. Other fea- also is a transom access hatch and transom seating with backrest. Console features include a head, a sink and pull- tures include a step-in galley and a salon with table and seating for four. Options include generators for air condi- out shower, storage area for tackle boxes and gear, premium sound system and more. tioning, extra berths, and more. Bottom line, according to manufacturer: For more than three decades, Robalo has been building the world's finest Bottom line, according to manufacturer: The Isle Runner boasts plenty of space and yacht-type amenities in a Sportfishing Utility Vessels with the perfect blend of construction excellence, design innovation and well-appointed trailerable boat. features. MSRP: $225,550, with twin Yamaha 250 HP engines. MSRP: $140, 214, when equipped with three twin four-stroke EFI XL 225 HP Yamaha outboard motors (plus, deliv- For additional features/options or for dealers: www.glacierbaycats.com or call (360) 794-0444. ery and dealer prep charges). For additional features/options or for dealers: www.robalo.com or call (229) 686-7481.

350CC by 3660 Blue Everglades Water by Boats ProKat Boats The specs: This 35-foot, The specs: This 37-foot 4-inch long center console catamaran has a 12-foot, 8- offshore fishing boat has a inch beam. It weighs about 10-foot, 8-inch beam. It 13,500 pounds. It has a 300- weighs about 9,250 pounds gallon fuel capacity and a 45- with a fuel capacity of 411 gallon water capacity. Its max- gallons and a water capacity imum horsepower is 650. of 35 gallons. It can accom- Anglers will like: The wide modate 14 people and has a maximum horsepower of 900. beam provides a roomy fish- Anglers will like: Large enough to accommodate plenty of fishing buddies, this boat features an aft bait freez- ing platform with plenty of storage for rain gear, tackle and reels. The console has been designed for increased er and refrigerator bait box, an eight-drawer tackle station, lockable rod storage, two livewells (35/45-gal- protection and additional stowage. The standard enclosed electric head offers convenience and privacy for lon), two fish boxes (99/65-gallon), a cooler and 23 rod holders (more are optional). There is plenty of those long offshore fishing trips. Features include two lockable rod storage compartments, multiple tackle sta- walkaround room and a bow seating area. It also is equipped with a foldaway fighting chair plus two additional tions, an oversized T-top with rod holders, a 40-gallon fresh water shower and a 5-foot storage box for over- chairs that tuck away to provide extra space. Amenities include a shock-absorbing, anti-fatigue system, a com- sized catches. Power packages include Yamaha and Suzuki 250 or 300 HP options. puterized Smart Boat electrical system and an electric security panel at the helm. The hard-top features an inte- Bottom line, according to manufacturer: This new member of the Pro Sports Prokat series of power cata- grated glass windshield and a built-in ladder. Console features include a head, a sink with pull-out shower and a maran has all of the characteristics of a much larger fishing yacht. She is all business when fighting that prize padded bunk. marlin or when running those six-foot crests. It is engineered for the driest and smoothest ride possible. Bottom line, according to manufacturer: This awe-inspiring boat boasts more than size, it also offers consid- MSRP: $148,000 (base boat), when equipped with a Suzuki 250 HP engine. erable horsepower and is teeming with innovative features. For additional options or for dealers: www.prokatboats.biz or www.prosportsboats.com or call (205) 763- MSRP: $321,538, when equipped with triple 300 HP Suzuki engines. 0231. For additional features/options or for dealers: www.evergladesboats.com or call (386) 409-2202. February 9, 2007 Page 19 FISHING REPORT AMISTAD: Water clear; 54 degrees. Crappie are slow. Channel and blue catfish on live minnows. Catfish are good on nightcrawlers and prepared baits. are fair on chicken livers, cheesebait, shrimp, and nightcrawlers in 40 - 100 feet. LAKE O' THE PINES: Water stained; 46-52 degrees; 0.77' high. Black bass are Yellow catfish are slow. ALTWATER HOT BITES fair on slabs, jigs and spinnerbaits. Crappie are fair to good on minnows and jigs S ARROWHEAD: Water lightly stained; 43 degrees; 5.4' low. Black bass to 10 (December 1st thru February 28th anglers keep their first 25 crappie regardless pounds are good near submerged timber or riprap areas with black/blue jigs and of size). LARGEMOUTH black/blue crawfish trailers. Crappie are fair on small minnows near derricks and LAVON: Water stained; 40-46 degrees; 7.88' low. Black bass are fair on red Rat- SCENE off the state park piers. Catfish are fair on shad, punch bait and juglines. L-Traps, spinnerbaits, and jerk baits. Catfish are fair to good on cut bait and NORTH SABINE: Trout are fair to good in BASS BASTROP: Water lightly stained. Black bass are fair on watermelon red Catfish Charlie. six feet of water on glow/chartreuse crankbaits and spinnerbaits. Crappie are good on minnows. Channel and blue LBJ: Water clear to stained; 50 degrees; 0.06' low. Black bass are fair to good on Norton's and Bass Assassins. Runoff from catfish are good on cutbait and frozen shrimp. blue/purple 6" Texas rigged worms, 1⁄4oz. black/blue Terminator jigs with craw flooding has freshened the north end of BELTON: Water murky; 56 degrees; 6.38' low. Crappie are fair on minnows. trailers, and Crawfish Wiggle Warts along boat docks and rocks on main lake the lake. Channel and blue catfish are fair on punchbait and frozen shrimp. points in 10 - 18 feet. White bass are good on 1⁄4oz. Pirk Minnows and Road SOUTH SABINE: Trout and redfish are fair BOB SANDLIN: Water clear; 46-51 degrees; 7.54' low. Black bass are fair on Runners in main river channels under birds. to good in the holes around the Causeway Rat-L-Traps and jigs. White bass are fair to good on slabs. LEWISVILLE: Water stained; 41-46 degrees; 5.69' low. White bass are fair on Bridge on AMISTAD: Black bass are very good on slabs and live minnows. shrimp. BRIDGEPORT: Water clear; 45-50 degrees; 17.45' low. Crappie are fair to good Flounder are spinnerbaits, crankbaits, soft plastics, on live minnows. Catfish are fair on cut shad and prepared baits. LIVINGSTON: Water murky; 61 degrees; 0.10' high.White bass are fair on small and jigs. fair to good BROWNWOOD: Water stained; 47 degrees; 6.96' low. Crappie are fair on min- white grubs, pet spoons, Rat-L-Traps, and live bait in the north end of the lake. on mud min- BROWNWOOD: Black bass are good on nows. Channel catfish are fair on stinkbait and chicken livers. Blue catfish are good on trotlines and juglines baited with shad. nows from the chartreuse/blue and chartreuse/black jigs, BUCHANAN: Water clear to murky; 49 degrees; 22.22' low. Striped bass are fair MACKENZIE: Water lightly stained; 35 degrees; 7' low. Walleye are fair on slabs piers and around the cuts and channels. and on spinnerbaits around heavy cover. to good on white Curb's striper jigs, Pirk Minnows, and drifting live bait from tipped with minnows. Catfish are fair on live baits. BOLIVAR: Redfish, black drum and whiting CALAVERAS: Black bass are good on live Shaw Island to Paradise Point in 12 - 28 feet. MEDINA: Water stained; 50 degrees; 36.21' low. Black bass to 4 pounds are fair are fair to good in the surf on shrimp and minnows and dark soft plastic worms CADDO: Water stained to murky; 40-45 degrees; 1.33' high. Catfish are good in on sour grape deep running crankbaits and chartreuse/white spinnerbaits on main cut-bait. near the dam and over reed beds. the Big Cypress Channel on cutbait. lake points early, and later on drop TRINITY BAY: Trout are fair to good while LIVINGSTON: Black bass are good on shots across main lake and secondary CALAVERAS: Water stained; 56 drifting shell on red shad and plum plas- soft plastics and spinnerbaits. points in 8 - 20 feet. White bass are degrees.Striped bass are fair on tics. Redfish and flounder are fair to good good on live minnows and trolling TRAVIS: Black bass to 4 pounds are good spoons, jigs, shad, and chicken livers HOT SPOT on shrimp in the cuts and at the Spillway. on dark worms, drop shot tubes, and brown pearl crankbaits off main lake points near the dam and the power lines. EAST GALVESTON BAY: Trout are fair to Finesse jigs in 15 - 35 feet. in 10 - 25 feet. CANYON LAKE: Water clear; 53 good on mid-bay reefs on free-lined live MEREDITH: Water lightly stained; 36 degrees; 6.25' low. White bass are shrimp and under a popping cork. Stiff degrees; 32.35' low. Crappie are fair good vertically jigging 1⁄4oz. Pirk winds have hampered fishing lately. on jigs and minnows. White bass are Minnows, and on white and chartreuse WHITE fair on live bait. Walleye are fair on WEST GALVESTON BAY: Trout are fair to rubber skirted Road Runners in 12 - slabs tipped with minnows. Channel good on the shell near Confederate and 20 feet. Smallmouth bass are good on HYBRID catfish are fair. Carancuhua Reefs on pearl/red, char- smoke tubes on jigheads and char- treuse/red, and glow/chartreuse plastics. treuse spinnerbaits on main lake O.H. IVIE: Water lightly stained; 44 Flounder are fair to good on mud minnows STRIPER points and bluff ledges in 8 - 20 feet. degrees; 21.7' low. Black bass are fair around the railroad and causeway bridges. on live baits and crankbaits along sec- CEDAR CREEK: Water lightly stained; ondary points. White bass are fair on TEXAS CITY: Whiting, sand trout and 46-50 degrees; 1.97' low. Black bass live baits and shad imitation baits. sheepshead are fair to good on fresh dead are fair on slow-rolled spinnerbaits, Smallmouth bass are fair. Channel shrimp from the dike. Rat-L-Traps and jigs. White bass are catfish are fair on cut baits and shad. FREEPORT: Redfish are fair to good at fair on slabs. Catfish are fair on San Luis Pass, Catfish Charlie and nightcrawlers. PALESTINE: Water fairly clear; 41-45 degrees; 0.36' high. Crappie are fair the mouth of CHOKE CANYON: Water lightly AMISTAD: Striped bass are good on jig- LAKE BRAUNIG on live minnows. Catfish are fair on the New River, ging spoons and slabs under birds. White stained; 52 degrees; 7.42' low. Black the Boilers, Water stained; 56 degrees. Black bass are good on trotlines with live perch. bass are good on jigging spoons and bass to 5 pounds are fair on shad and Christmas POSSUM KINGDOM: Water clear; 44 slabs under birds. deep running crankbaits on main lake crankbaits and dark soft plastic worms in the reeds and near Bay on finger mullet and shrimp. points early, and later on bluegill 5" degrees; 2.4' low. Black bass are fair ARROWHEAD: White bass to 17-inches the dam. Striped bass are good on liver and shad, and down Sheepshead and sand trout are good on Gonzo Grubs 3⁄4oz. football jigheads near boat docks and back of coves on are good on shad-imitation lures and rigging spoons near the dam and jetty. Channel and blue fresh dead around structure. Black drum over submerged structure in 15 - 25 heavy jigs or shad imitation white soft plastics off deeper points. catfish are excellent on liver, shrimp, cheesebait, are good at the jetty on crabs and sea lice. feet. Yellow catfish are good on trot- crankbaits. White bass are fair near CANYON LAKE: Striped bass are good nightcrawlers and cutbait. deeper points jigging with silver slabs EAST MATAGORDA: Trout are fair to good lines baited with hybrid bluegills in 6 - over shell. vertically jigging silver 1⁄2oz. Pirk 15 feet. with some striped bass being caught. Minnows and white Curb's striper jigs MATAGORDA: Redfish are fair to good in COLETO CREEK: Water lightly stained; 65 degrees (80 degrees at hot water dis- RAY HUBBARD: Water fairly clear; 42-46 degrees; 1.49' low. Crappie are fair on under birds in the main river channel. the channels and holes on shrimp and charge); 0.08' high. Black bass are fair on chartreuse crankbaits and white grubs minnows and jigs. White bass are fair on slabs fished very slowly. Hybrid striper WALTER E. LONG: Hybrid striper are are fair on slabs. Catfish are fair on prepared baits. mullet. Black drum, sheepshead and red- in 12 - 25 feet. Striped bass are fair on silver striper jigs. White bass are fair on fish are fair to good at the jetty on live good on minnows and shrimp. White minnows. RAY ROBERTS: Water murky; 42-46 degrees; 7' low. White bass are good on CC bass are good on minnows and pink jigs shrimp and finger mullet. COLORADO RIVER: (At Colorado Bend State Park) Water murky. White bass are jigging spoons and Bomber slabs in 25-35 feet (don't move your rod tip over 6-8 in the river. inches when working the bait). PORT O'CONNOR: Trout are fair to good on good on jigs from the boat ramp down to Spicewood Springs. the reefs in CONROE: Water stained; 0.06' high. Black bass are good on tequila sunrise spin- SAM RAYBURN: Water murky; 65 degrees; 4.33' high. Black bass are fair on San Antonio CATFISH nerbaits and Rat-L-Traps. Striped bass are fair on live bait and chartreuse striper watermelon red and white Carolina rigged soft plastics, and on live bait. Crappie Bay on jigs. Catfish are good on cutbait, liver, and shrimp. are fair on minnows and blue/white tube jigs. pearl/char- DUNLAP/MCQUEENEY: Water stained. Black bass are fair on tequila sunrise STAMFORD: Water lightly stained; 46 degrees; 3.18' low. Crappie are fair on jigs treuse and red/white plastics. Redfish are Carolina rigged soft plastics, spinnerbaits, and crankbaits. Channel catfish are and minnows. White and striped bass are fair on live baits. Catfish are fair on live fair to good in the back lakes on gold good on stinkbait and cutbait. Blue catfish are fair on live perch. baits. spoons and Corkies. FAIRFIELD: Water fairly clear; 48-62 degrees. Black bass are fair to good on STILLHOUSE: Water stained; 49 degrees; 2.38' low. Black bass are slow. White ROCKPORT: Trout and redfish are fair to CALAVERAS: Channel catfish are excel- flukes, spinnerbaits and Senkos. Hybrid striper and redfish are fair on live shad bass are slow. good at California Hole and Long Reef on lent on liver, shrimp, cheesebait, and an perch. TAWAKONI: Water stained; 44-51 degrees; 8.17' low. Crappie are fair on min- shrimp and mullet. nightcrawlers. Blue catfish are good on FAYETTE: Water lightly stained; 58 degrees. Black bass are fair on watermelon nows and jigs. White bass are fair on slabs and live minnows. Catfish are fair on PORT ARANSAS: Redfish are good at the cutbait, liver, and nightcrawlers. red Carolina rigged worms, Senko Chompers, and jigging spoons in 12 - 22 feet. punch bait. end of the jetty on crabs, shrimp and mul- CHOKE CANYON: Channel and blue cat- Channel and blue catfish are good on juglines baited with live bait and cutbait in TEXOMA: Water clear; 44-51 degrees; 1' low. Black bass are fair on Rat-L-Traps, let. Tuna, amberjack and shark are good fish are excellent on Lewis' Select catfish 8 - 12 feet. brown jigs and Hula Grubs. Striped bass are fair to good on Sassy Shad and live from the party boats. bait and cut shad in 6 - 20 feet. FORK: Water clear; 47-51 degrees; 1.94' low. Black bass are slow on black/char- shad. CORPUS CHRISTI: Redfish are good on FALCON: Channel and blue catfish are treuse jigs trimmed with a #11 black pork trailer fished around wood in the TOLEDO BEND: Water murky; 52 degrees; 0.14' low. Channel and blue catfish shrimp and mullet on the East Flats good on shad, cutbait, and frozen mouths of coves. Catfish are good on prepared baits in 23-25 feet along creeks. are fair on trotlines baited with shrimp and cutbait. around Pelican Island. Black drum, sand shrimp. FT. PHANTOM HILL: Water clear; 46 degrees; 7.4' low. Crappie are fair on min- TRAVIS: Water clear; 52 degrees; 33.70' low. White bass are fair on minnows and trout and sheepshead are good on peeled MEDINA: Catfish to 6 pounds are very nows and jigs. White bass are fair on live bait. Catfish are fair. chrome jigging spoons in 28 - 42 feet. Crappie are fair on minnows and blue and shrimp at the Oso Bridge. good on Lewis' Select catfish bait and GIBBONS CREEK: Water stained. Black bass are good on watermelon/black spin- white tube jigs in 25 - 45 feet. BAFFIN BAY: Redfish and black drum are whole shad, and on juglines baited with nerbaits and soft plastic worms. Catfish are good on cutbait, live bait, and WALTER E. LONG: Water clear; 66 degrees. Channel and blue catfish are fair on good in the holes and guts in the Humble perch in 10 - 25 feet. shrimp. punchbait and nightcrawlers. Channel and the Land Cut. GRANBURY: Water murky; 0.50' low. Striped bass are fair on chartreuse and WEATHERFORD: Water stained; 40-43 degrees; 8.92' low. Black bass are fair on PORT MANSFIELD: Trout and redfish are white striper jigs. Catfish are fair on stinkbait and shrimp. finesse worms in shad colors, jerk baits and spinner baits around docks and on rocky fair to good on shrimp in the channel. CRAPPIE Redfish and black drum are fair to good at GRANGER: Water murky; 46 degrees; 0.50' high. White bass are fair on small point. Crappie are fair to good in the crappie house and boat slips. East Cut on crabs. jigs up the river. Blue catfish are fair on shad and prepared baits. WHITE RIVER: Water lightly stained; 43 degrees; 27.34' low. Crappie are fair on jigs SOUTH PADRE: Trout are fair to good on GRAPEVINE: Water stained; 42-48 degrees; 10.88' low. Crappie are fair on live and minnows. Walleye are fair on live baits. Channel catfish are fair on live baits. the flats on live bait and gold spoons. minnows and jigs. Catfish are fair on cut and prepared baits. WHITNEY: Water stained; 7.84' low. Striped bass are fair on silver striper jigs. Redfish are fair to good on gold spoons HOUSTON COUNTY: Water stained; 55 degrees; 0.72' high.Channel and blue White bass are fair on minnows. Catfish are good on stinkbait and shrimp. and rootbeer Cocohoe Minnows, Bass PROCTOR: Crappie are good on minnows catfish to 3 pounds are good on stinkbait off piers. WICHITA: Water clearing; 42 degrees; full at spillway. White bass and hybrid Assassins and Hogies. and tube jigs near the dam early. HUBBARD CREEK: Water lightly stained; 45 degrees; 12.35' low. Black bass are striped bass are good on minnows and white twister-tails along the dam, near old PORT ISABEL: Trout and redfish are fair to WALTER E. LONG: Crappie are good on fair on shad-colored crankbaits along secondary points. Crappie are fair on jigs pier poles, and by spillway using live shad and a bobber. Channel catfish are good at Airport Cove and Unnecessary minnows. and minnows. good. New lake record 16.1-pound Channel Catfish caught on jug line. Island on red/white and red shad plastics. JOE POOL: Water fairly clear; 47-51 degrees; 0.23' high. Black bass are fair on WRIGHT PATMAN: Water fairly clear; 44-50 degrees; 8.66' high. Crappie are fair flukes and spinnerbaits. Crappie are fair on minnows and jigs. White bass are fair on minnows and jigs. Catfish are fair on prepared baits. SUBSCRIBE TODAY 24 issues for $25 Get the most current hunting NAME and fishing ADDRESS information in print, including reports, tips, features, CITY ST. ZIP product reviews and EMAIL conservation news

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OUTDOOR PUZZLER WILD IN THE KITCHEN

For crossword puzzle solution, see Page 22 Turkey Enchiladas ACROSS Ingredients tortillas in damp towel in 1. Act of removing flesh • 2 (10 3/4-ounce) cans cream of microwave or in a non-stick skillet from pelts mushroom soup over the stove. Coat a 13x9x2-inch 4. Bow protective device, • 1/2 cup sour cream baking pan with nonstick cooking arm ____ • 1/2 cup diced chilies spray. Mix cheeses, onion, turkey 6. To shoot an arrow • 12 tortillas, and 1 cup of 8. Prevents easy removal flour or corn the soup mix- of an arrow • 1 cup grated ture. Put 2 10. The outdoors lawman Monterey tablespoons of 11. A species of the perch Jack cheese chese-turkey 12. The female deer • 1 cup ched- mixture in the 14. Small N. American duck, dar cheese center of each ___ wing teal • 1/2 cup tortilla. Roll 18. A female dall chopped tortillas and 19. The bore diameter of a gun onion place in bak- 20. The _____ bass • 2 cups ing dish. Pour 21. Heavily-populated elk state cooked remaining 22. Large member of the deer cubed wild soup mixture family turkey over top. Cover, and bake at 350 24. A major food source of • Nonstick cooking spray degrees for 30 minutes. Uncover, trout • 1/2 cup sliced, ripe black olives and top with sliced, ripe black 27. Worn on shoes of (optional) olives and additional cheese, if icefishermen desired. Yield: 4 to 5 servings 30. Habitat favored by the Combine soup, sour cream and Recipe from NWTF’s Wild About Turkey cookbook, www.nwtf.org. whitetail chilies. Heat thoroughly. Warm 32. Species of eider and salmon 33. Fish migration to lay eggs Catfish with Green Tomato Salsa 34. A buck mating season Ingredients baking dish so pieces are toward 35. Largemouths often found in 1 pound catfish, cut into 4-serv- the sides of the dish. Combine ____ waters ings salsa, tomatillos, cilantro, lime 1/2 cup prepared chunky salsa juice and coriander. Spoon mixture DOWN 2 tomatillos or green tomatoes, over fish. Cover with vented plastic 1. A type of gunsight chopped (about 1/2 cup) wrap. Rotate dish midway through 2. A kind of cover used in still 13. A sea duck 26. Holds the powder charge 1 tablespoon chopped cooking, microwave on high 3-4 hunting in a gun 3. A food source of bears 15. A part on a bow fresh cilantro minutes, or just until fish flakes 27. This might be in a hunter’s kit 5. A maker of arrows 16. Newborn elk 2 teaspoons lime juice easily when tested with a fork. 28. A freshwater fish 7. Method of getting close to 17. A sight on shotguns 1/4 teaspoon ground coriander Serve on a heated tortilla garnished 29. Shooter’s aid on a bow or gun game Fresh cilantro sprigs with sprigs of cilantro. 20. A small live bait 31. Wild ones kill many deer 8. He uses arrows for ammo 23. A game bird Pat fish dry with paper towels. Recipe from The National Fisheries 9. A game rest area 25. The home of the brookie Outdoor Puzzler, Wilbur "Wib" Lundeen Arrange in an 8-inch square glass Institute, www.aboutseafood.com. February 9, 2007 Page 21

attacks, he said, can be costly. A quality breeder doe starts out Rock costing about $3,000. Continued from Page 1 Some insurance companies are just beginning to cover deer ers could be found. breeding operations, Thorpe Morgan soon learned the dogs said, but a claim on the dog had pulled away the predator wire — a wire mat that lays flat owner’s homeowner insurance on the ground along the perime- can help reimburse the deer ter of the pen’s 8-foot fence. breeder. Then they burrowed beneath Morgan said he has reached a the fence and started running settlement in his case, but the the deer to the ground. $146,000 he expects to receive Morgan said the aftermath will be far short of a complete sickened him and broke his reimbursement. heart. Nevertheless, Morgan said the Some of the deer had been woman who owned three of the gnawed on, Morgan said, but dogs — her daughter owned the others, like Rock, had head fourth one — has done all she injuries from crashing into the fence while trying to escape. could through her homeowner’s “My big buck was standing, insurance. but he was bleeding like a stuck In turn, he decided not to kill pig,’’ Morgan said. “We had the the two collared dogs and vet out, and at one point we returned them to her. thought he was doing really The woman declined to be good. But that night he just went interviewed. downhill. “I’ve got no ill feelings against “We had 30 deer. Now we’re them,’’ Morgan said of the down to 10.’’ woman and her daughter. “They Predator attacks are a concern felt horrible about this. They for licensed deer breeders in took responsibility.’’ Texas, but one industry advocate noted that wild carnivores aren’t Morgan plans to gradually necessarily the deadliest. rebuild his herd. “Town dogs are probably the He thanked fellow breeders worst,’’ said Damon Thorpe of who offered to donate does to the Texas Deer Association. “A the effort, including Jeff Jones, coyote or a bobcat will kill for Kerens; George Taliaferro, food, but it’s rare for them to get Scurry; Brian Tayne, Ennis; Chris inside a fence and decimate the McSpadden, Kerens; and Josh whole pen.’’ Newman, Bardwell. Dogs, however, seem to chase But, Morgan said he’ll never deer for sport, Thorpe said. forget Rock and how he would “It’s not a terribly pervasive eagerly trot up to him as he problem,’’ he added, “but I’ve seen maybe a dozen cases over tossed sweet potatoes into the the last several years.’’ pen. Thorpse said one way to try to “I miss him to death,’’ Morgan avoid such disasters is to ensure said, “but we still have my other fences are strong and checked bucks, like Mr. Jangles. Then often. there’s Billy Jack and I really like ENTRYWAY TO MAULINGS: Kevin Morgan, co-owner of Hardhorn Whitetails LP, shows where pit bull dogs bit through the fence The consequences of predator that deer; he’s got big potential.’’ and killed one of his favorite deer. Photo by David J. Sams. Limit A Camp to Teach Young Texans Continued from Page 1 Hunting, Fishing and Outdoor Skills ‘more bang for the buck,’ but the official rec- BAFFIN ommendation suggested lowering limits to BAY a daily bag limit of five fish within the lower 2007 Laguna Madre, beginning Sept. 1. “We’ve had lots of comments in our scop- CAMP ing meetings,” McKinney said. “Of course there are concerns over biological need, but DATES we think the data is very good and com- pelling. We’ve also had a lot of comments LAND CUT saying five fish is something we can live MARKER 21 June 3-9 with. McKinney said it should be apparent within the first two to three years whether June 10-16 PORT the proposed bag limits are having the desired effect. MANSFIELD July 15-21 The proposed boundaries are the mouths JETTY of the Boca Chica and Port Mansfield Jetties July 22-28 and Marker 21 in the Inter-coastal Waterway. Anyone caught within the out- lined borders will be in violation of the LLM bag limits. McKinney also informed the commis- All activities taught by experienced Texas professionals sioners that current spawning stock bio- BOCA mass is almost half of the population it was CHICA during the 1983 freeze. “If we encountered a JETTY freeze of its caliber, the recommendations I • Bass & • Deer & Bird am making could be academic and I could Coastal be returning with a completely different set Hunting of proposals,” he said. Fishing • Rifle & The lower Laguna Madre is the only bay • Fly Fishing system on the Texas gulf coast to experience MAP BY GOOGLEMAPS.COM Archery a 20-year decline in spawning stock bio- • Camping, Outdoor mass. In the last series of public ‘scoping’ The movement was tabled after the resig- • Shotgunning meetings, valid environmental considera- nation of Armstrong and the subsequent Survival • Dog Training tions and water quality issues were brought retirement of Osbourne and recently up, along with over-fishing and the growth revived with the efforts of former eco-sys- • Kayaking & • Predator of the lower Rio Grande Valley as possible tem leader Randy Blankinship and Boating Texas reasons for the population declines. McKinney. Hunting As a regulatory agency, TPW can only TPW’s next step is to take the recommen- manage resources by managing the health dation out for official public comment. and stability of wildlife populations. The Public comment concerning the regional- concept of regionalized management is a ization of the lower Laguna Madre issues OUTDOOR TEXAS CAMP IS LOCATED 10 MILES NORTH OF COLUMBUS, TEXAS recurrent management philosophy. and others of interest may be made to During the 2002 Spotted Sea Trout Work TPWD, Regulatory Proposals Public Com- www.outdoortexascamp.com Group, Chairperson Katherine Armstrong ment, 4200 Smith School Road, 78744, by instructed the head of Coastal Fisheries, phoning (800) 792-1112 or by visiting Hal Osbourne, to form a commission to www.tpwd.state. tx.us. To review the TPW create a team to research the possibility of LLM Spawning Stock Biomass population 512-217-1587 • 830-562-3354 implementing a regionalized approach to studies, visit www.supportregionaliza- our Texas coastal waters. tion.com. Page 22 February 9, 2007 OUTDOOR DATEBOOK HAVE AN EVENT? E-mail it to [email protected]

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