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‘Some people, they see horns and they gotta shoot.’ Game To catch a thief — BUDDY TURNER warden Program has public eye on poachers By Mark England heat of the moment to people with no regard for wildlife to peo- ple who are hardcore criminals Buddy Turner knows that for whom everything is about slain poachers, like the game they making a buck,” said Turner, who steal, come in many shapes and heads Operation Game Thief for Texas Parks sizes. Texas Parks and Wildlife. and Wildlife “You have everyone from folks Sometimes the people poach- Game Warden who are otherwise upstanding ing even surprise themselves. A WATCHFUL EYE: Signs along state highways remind fans of the outdoors to keep watch Justin Hurst, citizens who lose control in the See POACHING, Page 12 for poachers and call Operation Game Thief if observed. Photo by TPW. 34, of El Campo, was killed early Justin Hurst March 18 after a pursuit that involved Texas Parks and Wildlife Youth on wardens, Wharton County Sheriff Deputies and Department of Public Safety (DPS) troopers. Capital murder charges have been filed against James the hunt Freeman of Wharton County. The one-hour high-speed pursuit occurred after a Texas Youngsters don the game warden spotted Freeman and suspected him of illegally hunting from the road. When the camo for turkey time warden approached the vehicle, Freeman fled. Hurst was called By Ralph Winingham in as back-up to the first warden, and other law enforcement Full of excitement and covered in camouflage from agencies responded as well. After head to toe, the 13-year-old girl was quiet, attentive and a lengthy pursuit, Freeman’s car focused as she sat beside her father during their first youth was stopped by DPS and gunfire turkey hunt. was exchanged. She was armed that morning with a full-choked .410 Hurst was flown to Hermann shotgun – selected by Memorial hospital where he was her father because of Spring Turkey pronounced dead on arrival. her slight stature – and was softly but forcefully Season Dates Hurst was a graduate of told to “aim for the Rio Grande Turkey Conroe High School and Texas head.” A&M University. Just 17 yards away, a March 31—May 13 He is survived by his wife, strutting tom puffed up Youth Season Amanda, and their 4-month-old as big as a wash tub as March 24—25, May son, Kyle. the youngster carefully The Texas Rangers are heading touched off a shot but 19—20 up the investigation. fired at least a foot over Eastern Turkey the head of the startled turkey. April 1—30 Returning to the Check INSIDE same hunting spot that same day around noon www.tpwd.state.tx.us FISHING and toting a 20-gauge for bag limits in your shotgun, the same love- county. struck tom pranced into the same spot and the girl let loose with another blast — also a foot high. Late that afternoon, the same girl took the same shot at the same turkey called into the same spot by her guide and this time – the untouched big tom beat a hasty retreat into the brush. Sometimes the third time is not always the charm. Derek Remitz bested 107 of “She was just so excited that she couldn’t keep her head the world’s best anglers to win RIGHT ON TARGET: Bill Blount and his son Will, 10, celebrate after Will took his first turkey during last on the stock and just kept shooting over the bird,’’ said the “Battle on the Border.” year’s season at Gentry Ranch in Jack County. Photo by David J. Sams. See YOUTH, Page 21 See Page 8

HUNTING PRSRT STD Texas hunters will have the Anglers wake up fish in flats US POSTAGE opportunity to hunt alligators PAID for the first time in spring Swim baits get attention stirring surface PLANO, TX when the season opens April 1. PERMIT 210 See Page 7 By Danno Wise ending spring winds usually keep INDEX the water just cloudy enough to pre- vent consistent sight casting. Game Warden Blotter Page 10 With the arrival of spring, water When light tackle anglers plying Fishing Report Page 18 temperatures up and down the the shallow flats find themselves Product Picks Page 16 Texas coast have begun to warm. facing reduced visibility, most often Heroes Page 22 As the water temperatures rise, they look for a means to draw the Weather Page 20 speckled trout and redfish are fish to their offering. enticed to spend more time in the At times like these, utilizing a Wild in the Kitchen Page 20 shallows. ‘wake bait’ can help anglers cover Outdoor Datebook Page 15 However, the seemingly never- See WAKE, Page 12 Page 2 April 13, 2007 April 13, 2007 Page 3 Page 4 March 23, 2007 NATIONAL Impact Commission focuses on of ‘culling’ targeted female whitetail survival Mortality rate climbs Harvest vulnerability, in warm waters Bass fishing tournaments in hunter movement which participants are allowed to “cull,” or sort fish, have a minimal effect on fish survival when water among factors temperatures are low but can be a concern when water temperatures A Pennsylvania Game Commission study are warm, according to a recent resulted in some surprising findings. report on the impacts of such tour- Researchers from the Game Commission naments in Wisconsin. and Pennsylvania Cooperative Fish and Less than 1 percent of bass caught Wildlife Research Unit at Penn State during tournaments when water University recently completed the second temperatures were low died in the year of a female white-tailed deer study that live well or later after the fish was focuses on their survival, and the behavior of released, but that mortality rate deer and hunters during hunting seasons. climbed to 15.6 percent for large- “This study was designed to address needs mouth bass and 33.9 percent for in our deer management program,” said Dr. smallmouth bass when water tem- Christopher Rosenberry, Game Commission peratures were above 80 degrees. Deer Management Section supervisor. “The studies confirmed much of “Gaining a better understanding of deer what we had seen from other states survival can improve our ability to track deer and what we expected here in populations and to adjust their size through Wisconsin,” said Mike Staggs, the issuance of antlerless deer licenses.” Department of Natural Resources SURVIVAL STUDY: A Pennsylvania Game Commission study targeted the relationship between female deer Since the spring of 2005, field crews have fisheries management director. harvest vulnerability and various biological factors. Photo by David J. Sams. captured more than 250 deer in two Wildlife “The most significant result is that Management Units. accounted for most mortalities. Predators female deer being monitored in the study. regardless of the measures tourna- Researchers placed radio collars on female killed two adult female deer during the fall of “This study seeks to improve our under- ment organizers have taken to date deer to monitor their survival and move- 2006, Rosenberry said. standing of the relationship between female to keep fish alive, some bass do suf- ments. During the firearms hunting season, “The predator kills represented about one deer harvest vulnerability and various bio- fer delayed mortality particularly researchers conducted aerial surveys of percent of the animals we were tracking dur- logical factors,” Rosenberry said. “For exam- when water temperatures are high.” hunter distribution and densities. ing the fall of 2006, and less than one percent ple, establishing to what degree a deer’s age The study looked at seven events Preliminary results indicate non-hunting of all of the female deer we have followed over influences its susceptibility to harvest will including the Bassmaster Elite 50 at survival rates exceeded 80 percent in both the past two years. Clearly, predators have enhance our ability to monitor deer popula- Lake Wissota; the FLW Everstart study areas. Outside of the hunting seasons, not had a substantial impact on our radio- tions.” Event on the Mississippi River near deer-vehicle collisions and deaths that could collared female deer on either study area.” La Cross; and the FLW Stren Series not be assigned a specific cause of death In 2006, hunters harvested 17 of the 141 A Pennsylvania Game Commission report. in 2006. A Wisconsin DNR report. March 23, 2007 Page 5 CONSERVATION Coalition out to expand Farm Bill programs Agriculture and Wildlife Working Group lists priorities

The Agriculture and Wildlife •Biofuels and Renewable wetlands loss, provide migratory Working Group (AWWG) of the Energy — Research and develop- bird and fisheries habitat and Theodore Roosevelt Conservation ment funding should promote the improve water quality. Partnership, a coalition of hunt- next generation of biofuels and • Grasslands Reserve Pro- ing, fishing and conservation renewable energy technology that gram — Increase to 2 million organizations, released recom- are consistent with fish, wildlife, acres per year. mendations for the conservation soil, nutrient management and •Wildlife Habitat Incen- programs of the federal legislation water conservation goals. tive Program — Gradually commonly known as the Farm • Sodsaver or Non-Cropland increase funding from $100 mil- Bill. Conversion — Any land that lion to $300 million over the “Through two years of close does not meet the definition of course of the 2007 Farm Bill. study, we’ve found a crystal-clear cropland that is converted from “Few people realize just how rationale for expanding Farm Bill non-cropland status to cropland conservation programs,” said should be made ineligible for any much the Farm Bill matters for Dave Nomsen of Pheasants federal benefit. fish and wildlife,” said Barton Forever, a co-chair of the AWWG. • Conservation Reserve Pro- James of Ducks Unlimited, a co- “We’ve also identified a series of gram — Overall CRP acreage chair of the AWWG. “Its impor- balanced, realistic, achievable and should expand to 45 million acres. tance is huge — it’s the single necessary program improve- • Wetlands Reserve Pro- largest federal investment in con- ments.” gram — Increase America’s wet- servation on private land, which The priorities of the Agriculture lands restoration program to covers more than half of the land- and Wildlife Working Group 300,000 acres per year to improve scape in the lower 48.” include: wetlands conservation, mitigate A TRCP report. Pilot project to protect seagrass for sport fish Signs to show access lanes for boats Seagrass that grows in the shallows Pita Island will identify deep-water of coastal bays and estuaries is the lanes where boats can run while foundation of life in the Gulf of avoiding the shallow water where Mexico. But seagrass is in decline seagrass grows. along the Texas coast. Outside of the boat lanes in the Over the past 20 years, studies shallow water, boaters are asked to show that shoalgrass, for example, “lift, drift, pole and troll” to protect has decreased by 60 percent. At the seagrass: Drift into the shallows, lift same time, underwater areas that your propeller, pole to get from place lack vegetation entirely have to place or use a trolling motor to get increased by nearly 300 percent. around. The declining quantity and quali- Using the newly marked boat ty of these seagrass habitats repre- lanes in the upper Laguna Madre is sent a threat to shrimp, fish and voluntary. About 10 miles of lanes other species depending on them. will be marked, protecting about Ducks and other birds, sea turtles 5,000 acres of seagrass beds. and crabs need seagrass to thrive. Partners in the seagrass conserva- A pilot program developed by The tion project with The Nature Nature Conservancy and partners Conservancy include the U.S. Fish will protect seagrass by identifying and Wildlife Service, the Coastal preferred access lanes for recreational Conservation Association, the boating that will help reduce dam- Coastal Bend Bays and Estuaries age to seagrass from propeller scars in Program, and Texas Parks and the upper Laguna Madre. Wildlife and its Seagrass Working New navigational signs in the Group. water between the JFK Causeway and A Nature Conservancy Report. DU meets with agriculture

EDITORIAL OFFICES: officials 9304 Forest Lane, Suite 114 South, U.S. Department of Agriculture Dallas, TX 75243 Secretary Mike Johanns, after a Phone: (214) 361-2276 Fax: (214) 368-0344 March 15 meeting with represen- tatives of Ducks Unlimited to dis- Publisher/Editor: CRAIG NYHUS cuss challenges faced by agricul- Design Editor: DUDLEY GREEN tural conservation programs, Associate Editor: MARK ENGLAND directed the Farm Service Agency Founder & CEO: DAV I D J. SAMS to ensure that rental rates for CRP are on a level playing field and CONTRIBUTORS reflect the current land rental MARY HELEN AGUIRRE DIANA KUNDE WES SMALLING market. ALAN CLEMONS WILBUR LUNDEEN SCOTT SOMMERLATTE “We wanted to be sure that the JOHN FELSHER PETER MATHIESEN CHUCK UZZLE Secretary and the White House knew of the science proving the BINK GRIMES BILL MILLER RALPH WININGHAM effectiveness of CRP for wildlife BRIAN HOLDEN TODD NAFE DANNO WISE and the risks to wildlife involved BOB HOOD DAV I D SIKES PETER YOUNG with the consequences of biofuels Lone Star Outdoor News, a publication of Lone driving up rural land prices,” said SUBSCRIPTION Star Outdoor News, LLC, publishes twice a Don Young, DU’s Executive Vice Order online via secure Web month. A subscription is $25 for 24 issues. site at President. “We urged the admin- Copyright 2007 with all rights reserved. www.lonestaroutdoornews.co Reproduction and/or use of any photographic istration to ensure a level playing m or call toll-free (866) 361-2276 or written material without written permission field by keeping the funds offered by the publisher is prohibited. Printed in Dallas, ADVERTISING to farmers for CRP participation TX, by Midway Press. Subscribers may send competitive with other market Call (214) 361-2276 or e-mail address changes to: factors.” advertising Lone Star Outdoor News, 9304 Forest Lane, Suite @lonestaroutdoornews.com 114 South, Dallas, TX 75243 or e-mail them to A DU report. to request a media kit. [email protected]. Page 6 March 23, 2007 HUNTING ‘The hogs don’t generally Wild hogs often take come to you. So you have to go to them.’ hunt into the thickets — JOHN MCWILLIAM When stalking hogs, look for signs, stay quiet By John N. Felsher

The guide, the hunter and his teen-aged son cautiously approached about 15 of the mean- est and most ornery critters outside of grizzly country. “Keep low and quiet,” said Shaine Nixon of World Slam Outfitters in Throckmorton. “The hogs are about 80 yards in front and quartering away from us. They don’t know we’re here.” They moved forward a few feet before the teenager squeezed off a shot. The heavy bullet smashed through the side a 150-pound sow, dropping her instantly. The others scattered. Many people consider feral hogs, wild domestic swine, among the most vicious beasts in North America. Bristling with sharp tusks, a wild boar can inflict serious injuries. With a tough coarse hide covering a thick “shield” of hard- ened flesh draped around its head and shoulders, an adult boar fears nothing. “All wild animals have the poten- tial of being dangerous, especially when wounded or cornered,” wrote Rick Taylor in “The Feral Hog in Texas,” a Texas Parks and Wildlife publication. “In a natural state, feral hogs prefer to run and escape danger. Extreme caution should be maintained when track- ing wounded animals or encoun- DANGEROUS DUTY: Hunters stalk into the wind and zigzag through available cover when stalking wild hogs. John McWilliam shows the result of a hog stalk, where he See HOGS, Page 17 crawled 100 yards on his hands and knees through thick brush to take the animal. Few and far between Spring snow goose season slow; birds here and gone

By Craig Nyhus ‘There have The Texas Light Goose been a few snows Conservation Order season was short, if at all, in most of the around, but if state. Gene Miller, regional biolo- there’s any gist with Texas Parks and Wildlife in the Panhandle, said hunting going there hasn’t been much activi- ty. “There have been a few on, we haven’t snows around, but if there’s any hunting going on, we haven’t heard about it ...’ heard about it, and we’re all big hunters.” — Gene Miller A few Panhandle hunters reported some success. “In early February, it looked real good, Brian Davenport with Fin and and then they were gone,” said Fowl Outfitters hunts the Terry Cook with Straight Line coastal prairies. “We had a few Outfitters. “A week later, either good hunts early in the they came back or some new Conservation season,” he said. birds showed up. We had one “Some groups took 35 to 40 good hunt with five hunters birds, some others 10 to 12. taking 71 birds, with a lot of Then the birds went north and birds coming to the decoys. It east.” was one of those fluke hunts Davenport said east of the that come along.” Sabine River in Louisiana was Cook, who vacationed in holding late snows. “But we Colorado in late February, said were done several weeks ago.” hunters he spoke with there Near Matagorda, the spring reported excellent hunts. season suffered. “We had guys Along the Texas coast, the ATTENTION-GETTER: A spring goose hunter flags while trying to work birds in Northeast Texas. Photo by David J. Sams. snows moved out early as well. See SNOWS, Page 17 March 23, 2007 Page 7 Gaming for ’gators Hunters set to spring into a new season

By Craig Nyhus

Texas’ first spring alligator season begins April 1. The new private-property-only season will allow one alligator per hunter only in areas outside of the traditional alligator-hunt- ing zone. The season will not take place in the 22 “core counties” where the fall alligator season takes place. “We expect most of the hunting to be in Montgomery and Fort Bend counties,” said Monique Slaughter, a biologist with Texas Parks and Wildlife. “The counties south of Victoria County — which is a core county — also have expanded popula- tions, and we expect some hunting there, as well as in the resacas in the Valley.” COMING AT YOU: For the first time, spring hunters will be able to bring in some alligator hides. Photo by David J. Sams. The American alligator was on the verge of extinction in Texas, and became a protected species in 1969. After the reptiles’ “We have 10 to 15 avid alligator hunters, but I’m not sure how Amos Cooper, a Parks and Wildlife biologist. “Most of the people comeback, it was removed from the endangered species list in many will hunt this spring.” that hunt them in the fall aren’t planning to hunt them this 1985. The spring season also relaxes the rules, and will permit spring. There’s not much of a market for the hides this time of Now, the population is expanding, as well as alligator habitat. hunters to shoot an alligator in open water, as opposed to catch- year.” “Some of these areas are developing so fast, and we are receiving ing the gator with bait, hauling it in, and then shoot it at close The hunters at Coon Creek will use the traditional method. a lot of nuisance calls,” Slaughter said. “We hope the spring sea- range. “They can free-swim shoot them,” Slaughter said. “But we “We put a bamboo pole in the sawgrass, attach metal wire and son helps curtail the nuisance calls, and it also provides addi- don’t recommend it since the retrieval success is lower. clothesline clips which hold a 800-pound wire leader,” tional hunting opportunities.” “Also, the hunters don’t need a tag before they go on the hunt, Thompson said. “We use a monster hook and rotten chicken as The spring season allows hunting during the breeding period, but would need the hide to receive their tag after the animal is bait, and hang the bait about 12 inches above the water, so the when the alligators are most active. harvested.” small ones can’t take it.” The alligator range has extended northward at least as far as Thompson agreed. “Shooting them off the water isn’t a good Thompson, who’s license plate reads “G8RMAN”, has bow- Henderson County near Athens. “We think there are between idea if you have conservation in mind,” he said. hunted gators, and has called them in as well. “You act and 600 and 800 alligators on our property,” said Jodie Thompson, Officials aren’t sure how much interest there will be in pursu- sound like a dog and splash in the water to draw them in. Gators who fishes and hunts at Coon Creek Club in Henderson County. ing the spring gators. “I haven’t heard of anyone going out,” said hate dogs — or love them — depending how you look at it.” 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 March 23, 2007 FISHING On the fly – Texas style

HOOKED ON A THRILL: Phil Shook fights with a bass on Purtis Creek Lake. Fly-fishing Texas waters takes a technique different from tackling trout, but the objective is the same — to land a beauty. Photo by David J. Sams. Lone Star anglers tout technique for hooking up with bass thrills

By Diana Kunde Southern Council. “If there’s a wet spot, I’ll The casting style for bass isn’t that different, fish it.” he said — but weight and distance require Texas is full of wet spots, and with spring some adapting. ach time she staffs a fishing-show bass season getting into full swing, the “We’re fishing to the shore,” Woodruff booth for the Federation of Fly Fishers angling opportunities for fly-fishers are said. “You’re not having to deal with the cur- E (FFF), Sheryl Knight gets this question: boundless. The thrills are at least equivalent, rent, but instead having to deal with the “Where do you fly-fish in Texas?” say veteran fly rod anglers. length of your cast. A lot don’t have highly The query comes from folks who learned The technique, though, is different — and honed accuracy as far as distance.” fly-fishing on a western trout stream. To bears getting used to if your idea of a great fly- Setting the hook is another key difference, them, fly-fishing equals trout, period — fishing experience is a four-weight rod with experts said. “When you’re talking about a maybe on a Montana vacation once a year. the lightest possible tippet on a mountain size-two hook and a bass with a bony struc- Well, get over it. You’re in Texas now, stream. tured mouth, you generally do a strip set, LURES GALORE: An assortment of popping “I always say I’m not a fish snob, said Rob Woodruff of Quitman guides fly-fishers pulling with your line hand,” said Tim bugs are popular for bass. Knight, who is president of the FFF’s on Lake Fork and on smaller East Texas lakes. See FLY-FISHING, Page 19 ‘Battle on the Border’ Rookie Remitz casts way to top after 37th-place first-day finish

Only 24 years old and a Bassmaster football jig on flats next to underwater Elite Series rookie, pro Derek Remitz bluffs. bested 107 of the world’s best anglers He said he found eight or nine pro- on March 11 by winning the ductive areas during practice and exclu- Bassmaster Elite Series “Battle on the sively fished those areas during the Border” with a four-day total of 111 competition. pounds, 7 ounces. Remitz quietly moved up the leader- Remitz won the season-opening board after finishing in 37th place on event on Lake Amistad by nearly eight the first day of competition. pounds over 2006 Bassmaster Angler of He posted three consecutive limits the Year Mike Iaconelli, who finished weighing more than 29 pounds. His second with 103 pounds, 11 ounces. final-day weight of 31 pounds, 6 Iaconelli and Remitz were two of four ounces was the heaviest. anglers to post a four-day total weight He earned $100,000 with the win, of more than 100 pounds. doubling his total BASS earnings. The For all four days of competition, rookie qualified for the 2007 Elite Series WINNING WAYS: Bassmaster Elite Series rookie pro Derek Remitz celebrates after bringing in a four-day total of 111 Remitz worked a 3/4-ounce Omega See REMITZ, Page 19 pounds, 7 ounces to claim the “Battle on the Border” championship. Photo by James Overstreet/ESPN Outdoors. March 23, 2007 Page 9 ShareLunkers WAL-MART FLW REDFISH SERIES

BROTHERLY SMILES: Wal-Mart FLW Redfish Series Western Division champs Jonathan and Kris Culpepper took home $25,000 in winnings. Photo by FLW.

NO. 430: Nine-year-old Jesse Roberson of Goldthwaite NO. 431: Dennis Weaver of Seguin caught this 14.478- caught this 15.54-pound bass on a plastic crawfish from a pound largemouth bass from Choke Canyon Reservoir Culpepper brothers private lake in the area on March 9. The fish was 27.125 March 10. The fish was 26 inches long and 21.125 inches long and 21.5 inches in girth. Holding the fish is inches in girth. Jesse’s father, Jim Roberson. land tourney title Brothers Jonathan and Kris islands and caught their fish on Culpepper, of Houston, caught a both black and white 4-inch six-redfish total weighing 45 Berkley Gulp! Shaky Shad. pounds, 14 ounces to win the Wal- “We didn’t catch a lot of fish,” Mart FLW Redfish Series Western Kris Culpepper said. “The fish we Division event in Lafitte, La., and found in the duck ponds in clear $25,000. water were skinny, as well. So we “It took 700 miles over three abandoned that game plan and we days, but we feel like we’ve really started blind casting. accomplished something now,” This time of year you have a lot of said Kris Culpepper, who notched a unstable weather, so we wanted to win in 2006 at Port Aransas. “It’s be in a place where we felt comfort- good to be one of the few guys with able.” multiple wins.” Mike Patterson and Brett Phillips, The Culpepper brothers made a both of Rockport, finished second NO. 432: Michael Gray of Murphy landed this 15.32-pound NO. 433: Oklahoman David Reavis traveled to Lake Fork to run of 115 miles west each day to a with six redfish weighing 43 bass on a white tube jig from Lake Fork on March 10. The catch this 13.24-pound largemouth March 10. The fish spot near Morgan City, La. The pounds, 14 ounces. fish was 26.75 inches long and 22.5 inches in girth. was 24.25 inches long and 21 inches in girth. team targeted submerged marsh A FLW report.

ADVERTISEMENT Toyota Texas Bass Classic format announced A new and unique format, a first-place prize of falling within the slot limit will be weighed in the $250,000, increased spectator involvement, and boat by a certified and independent observer, entertainment from top artists. With this formula, then returned to the lake immediately. the Toyota Texas Bass Classic to be held April 13- Contestants will be allowed to keep one fish larg- 15 has attracted a top- er than 24 inches, level field of 160 pro- which will be weighed fessional anglers. at the dockside weigh- New & Used “Our goal for this in scales, then turned tournament is to create over to Texas Parks and STORAGE CONTAINERS a premier fishing event Wildlife for proper han- that will support Texas dling. Parks and Wildlife’s “Normally, tourna- youth fishing and out- ments on slot limit lakes reach programs. It is turn into large-fish LARRY SINGLEY also a tremendous way competitions because 817-992-9122 to celebrate Lake Fork’s the slot limit minimizes 25th anniversary,” said for all practical purpos- 866-992-9122 Dan Friedkin, Texas es the effect of entering TOLL FREE Parks and Wildlife com- multiple fish,” said missioner. Gene Ellison of the The concept of the PAA. “In this tourna- tournament began last Angler of the Year Mike Iaconelli will fish the Texas Toyota ment, having the inde- Bass Class in April. OCEAN FREIGHT CONTAINERS, INC. ARLINGTON, TX year when pro angler pendent certified Kelly Jordan of Mineola Friday, April 13 (FREE ADMISSION) observer on each boat fished Lake Fork with TPW Sponsor Expo & Family Fun Zone 7 AM - 5:30 PM and weighing the fish in Commissioner Donato Flight 1 Weigh-In 11:30 AM - 1 PM the boat means that each Ramos, and discussed Flight 2 Weigh-In 4 PM - 5:30 PM contestant will be able to how to hold a pro tourna- have five fish of various ment at Lake Fork with its Saturday, April 14 (FREE ADMISSION) sizes count towards their slot-limit requirements. Sponsor Expo & Family Fun Zone 7AM - 6:30 PM competitive total. We feel Ramos contacted Flight 1 Weigh-In 11:30 AM - 1 PM this is the future of how Friedkin, and the event Flight 2 Weigh-In 4 PM - 5:30 PM fish will be handled in developed. Live concerts 1:30 PM - 3:30 PM tournaments across the Live concert with Clay Walker 5:30 PM The 160 contestants, all country.” of whom are qualified Sunday, April 15 (FREE ADMISSION) The tournament’s for- members of the Sponsor Expo & Family Fun Zone 7 AM - 6:30 PM mat is designed to appeal Professional Anglers Flight 1 Weigh-In 11:30 PM - 1 PM to spectators, and includes Association, will be Flight 2 Weigh-In 4 PM - 5:30 PM kids activities, live music arranged in four-man Awards Ceremony following Weigh-In and a Jumbotron showing teams for the tourna- Live concerts 1:30 PM - 3:30 PM continuous action to the ment’s first two days on Live concert with Tracy Lawrence 5:30 PM - 7 PM audience. While half of Friday and Saturday, with the anglers are on the five of those teams qualifying for the finals on the water fishing, the other anglers will be giving tournament’s third day. The four-man teams will clinics, signing autographs and interacting with consist of two pairs of anglers, one pair fishing in the public. one boat for four hours each morning and the The Toyota Texas Bass Classic is sanctioned by other pair in the afternoon. the PAA with technical assistance and support In the Toyota Texas Bass Classic, all fish caught from TPW Inland Fisheries Division. Title sponsor above 14 inches will be weighed and the top for the event is Toyota and the City of Lindale is five caught each day credited to each angler. Fish the official host city. Page 10 March 23, 2007 GAME WARDEN BLOTTER WARDENS LOCATE MAN tions when they observed a IN A STICKY SITUATION commercial fishing vessel from •Brewster County Game COYOTE HUNTER SHOT IN FOOT Mexico in Texas waters. They Warden Ray Spears assisted the made contact with this vessel Alpine Police Department •Parker County Game roadway at night. Following charged, striking the driver in and apprehended two men search for a subject who called Warden Randall Hayes investi- the hunting excursion, the the inside heel of the left foot. from Mexico fishing illegally in 911 for help stating he was lost. gated a hunting accident passenger in the vehicle was The juveniles said they had Texas waters. One boat and He said he was intoxicated and involving two juveniles who attempting to unload a lever been hunting coyotes from motor and approximately 300 got lost when he left a local bar had been hunting from the action .30-30 rifle when it dis- the roadway. feet of illegal gill net were and decided to walk to Sul Ross University. The man decided to seized. take a shortcut back to the uni- WARDENS RING UP CHARGES outstanding warrants for failure passenger became very nerv- versity and got lost in the dark IN $50 DEER SALE to pay child support in Travis ous, and a search revealed six DEER CARCASSES DUMPED in a pasture and fell onto a cac- •Hardin County Game Warden County. The man was arrested, small bags of crystal meth WITH PERMITS ATTACHED tus. Responding officers were Mike Boone received a call from but when Guinn tried to turn inside his drink cup. Various •Live Oak County Game able to locate the man in the an informant stating a person the vehicle over to his friend, he other drug paraphernalia were Wardens Carlos Riojas and Clay dark by his screams as he lay on was attempting to sell a white- discovered the friend did not found in the truck. The passen- Pipkin discovered a pair of deer the cactus. The man was trans- tailed deer that had been killed have a valid driver’s license, so ger was also wanted on Texas with the heads cut off on a back ported by ambulance to the Big the previous night. Boone, the vehicle had to be towed. Crime Information Center war- street in George West. The per- along with Jefferson County Cases pending. rants. Multiple charges are Bend Regional Hospital in sons dumping the carcasses left Game Warden Kirk Jenkins, pending. Alpine. MLD permits attached to the responded to the man’s resi- MEN ON LAKE BANK deer. Waste of game charges AUTHORITIES RESCUE dence and noticed blood splat- LAND DRUG CHARGES HIDDEN BOAT NUMBER pending. BOATERS IN 60 MPH WINDS ter on the porch. The man •Warden Derek Iden of REVEALS THEFT •Hood County Game Warden returned to his residence and Atascosa County, while check- •Washington County Game MAN FISHING ON PRIVATE RANCH Danny Tuggle was contacted by the wardens began interview- ing fishermen at Calaveras Lake Warden Alan Lee and Waller the Hood County Sheriff’s ing him. They were able to in South Bexar County, made County Game Warden Kevin THOUGHT OWNER WOULDN’T MIND Office about a boat on Lake obtain statements that three contact with two men in a truck Glass seized a boat, motor and •Tarrant County Game Warden Granbury that was in danger of white-tailed deer had been shot at the bank of the lake. Both trailer in Washington County. Chelle Mount contacted an capsizing in nearly 60 mph over two nights and one sold for men were intoxicated, and Iden The boat had its HIN number individual fishing on a private winds. Tuggle and Brazos River $50 to a local store owner. arrested them for felony posses- removed, and the Yamaha ranch in Tarrant County. The Authority Lake Ranger Allen Several charges have been filed sion of cocaine and misde- motor had the cowling decals man said he had no idea who Greer responded by boat to with cases pending. meanor possession of marijua- stripped and replaced with owned the property, but would assist. The officers found four na. They were booked into the Suzuki decals. The hidden boat have asked permission if he teen-agers in a 12-foot Jon boat Bexar County Jail. One man number revealed the boat was knew who owned the property. ROADWAY VARMINT HUNTERS had several priors for selling with only paddles and a man stolen out of Harris County. He said he was sure if he kept CAUGHT IN THE ACT cocaine, resisting arrest, sexual and two small children in a pad- the property clean the owner •Hunt County Game Warden offenses and weapons charges. ATV DRIVERS RIDE STRAIGHT dleboat. All subjects were would not mind him fishing. returned to shore wet but safe. Dale Waters and Dallas County INTO 16 CITATIONS Mount, working with the Game Warden Gary Miller •Montgomery County Game CITATIONS FLOW IN worked a varmint hunt. They WARDEN HOOKS PAROLE Wardens Brannon Meinkowsky landowner, issued a citation for WHITE BASS RUN caught one vehicle hunting VIOLATOR and Dean Fitzpatrick patrolled fishing without landowner con- •Anderson County Game from the roadway. Three men •Galveston County Game Spring Creek near Spring on sent. Case pending. Warden Mike Pike and Leon were in the back of the pickup Warden Kevin Webb arrested ATVs for freshwater area viola- County Game Wardens Danny and the wife of one of the men two men for trespassing on tors on ATVs. During three SACKS OF OYSTERS, BUT WRONG Flores and Dwight Myers have was driving the truck. They posted property and fishing hours of patrolling, the war- PLACE — GO STRAIGHT TO JAIL issued numerous citations on would drive down the county without a license. One of the dens issued 16 citations to ATV •Chambers County Game the upper Navasota River in road, call, spotlight and move men was found to have a war- drivers for operating ATVs in Warden John Feist heard an oys- Limestone County where a on. rant issued for his arrest for a Spring Creek. A number of ter boat unloading, but was strong white bass run is in parole violation on a felony operaters were warned about unable to get to the location. He progress. ANGLERS REEL IN DUI conviction. He was placed operating in the prohibited area called Galveston County Game FISHING VIOLATIONS into custody and transported to (within the gradient boundary) Warden Robert Waggett and the Galveston County Jail. due to a “water or wet sand” WARDENS SIZE UP SITUATION •Williamson County Warden Harris County Game Warden Cases pending. rule that is in place. WITH FILINGS Brad Guinn was patrolling the Kevin Mitchell for assistance. •Galveston County Game Granger Lake area for fishing The wardens were able to locate Wardens JimBob VanDyke and violations when he observed SUSPECTED POACHER MEXICO VESSEL IN TEXAS the boat, which was oystering Antone Jackson filed on three two men fishing. When he got BAGGING CRYSTAL WATERS NETS TROUBLE individuals for being in posses- to the men, one moved away •Ellis County Game Warden •Starr County Game Warden in a restricted area. The captain sion of 28 undersize redfish, 1 from the fishing poles. When Jeff Powell recognized a pickup John Palacios, Zapata County was taken to jail and confessed undersize spotted trout, 4 Guinn made contact, the man driven by a suspected poacher Game Warden Martin Oviedo to unloading earlier oysters that undersize black drum, and 4 had no fishing license. After the with TPW warrants for deer and La Salle County Game were taken from this same undersize flounder. Cases man denied fishing, Guinn hunting violations. The driver Warden Ryan Johnson were restricted area. Fifteen sacks pending. explained he had been watch- was identified and placed in patrolling Falcon Lake for fish- were returned to the reef. Case ing them. The man also had custody for the warrants. The ing and water safety law viola- pending. SUBSCRIBE TODAY! Welcome to Lone Star Outdoor News We Want to Texas’ Premier Outdoor Newspaper Deliver Our We’re publishing twice a month so we can bring you the very best of the Texas outdoors. And hunters and anglers by the Newspaper scores are sending us their thank-yous, comments and sub- to You! scriptions. Every issue, we’ll bring you some of the state’s best outdoor photography and stories. You’ll read about big game hunting, waterfowling, upland bird hunting, freshwater fishing across 24 the state and saltwater fishing all up and down the Texas Coast. Plus, you’ll get national news … conservation updates … weather report … wild game and fish recipes … and the ISSUES latest breaking news from state and federal wildlife agencies. FOR SEND A SUBSCRIPTION TO A FRIEND

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MAIL TO: Lone Star Outdoor EMAIL News, CITY ST. ZIP 9304 Forest Lane, Ste. 114 PHONE South, Dallas, TX 75243 PLEASE RENEW MY SUBSCRIPTION 032307 FAX TO: (214) 368-0344 MASTER CARD VISA AMERICAN EXPRESS or For Fastest Service, Call Toll-Free at CC# EXP. You won’t want to miss (866) 361-2276 or visit www.lonestaroutdoornews.com SIGNATURE a single issue 032307 March 23, 2007 Page 11 Page 12 March 23, 2007

CASTING THE FLATS: When the waters are cloudy, anglers turn to ‘wake baits’ to attract fish. Photo by David J. Sams.

the blade to make it do different niche. fishermen know, soft-plastics surface, the wake makes it look just things,” said lure designer Lonnie “One of my favorite lures for red- account for more fish than any like a finger mullet swimming Wake Stanley of Stanley Lures. “If you fish is a Cordell broken-back other type of artificial lure. And through the water. And, the vibra- bend it forward just a bit, it will (Redfin),” said mid-coast guide and there is absolutely no reason soft- tion helps fish find it when the Continued from Page 1 come up and run about 2 inches tournament angler Capt. Jimmie plastic aficionados can’t ‘wake’ their water’s not that clear.” plenty of water and get the atten- under the surface. When it does Dooms. “But what I do is remove favorite baits as well. Whether it’s a traditional spoon, tion of any nearby fish. that, not only does it wobble from the broken-back section and place “I like using big, paddle-tail soft- new-breed blade bait, favorite plug In years past, some of the more side to side, like a spoon, but it cre- the hook onto the eye where the tail plastics like the 5-inch Wedgetail or a super-sized soft-plastic, virtual- successful ‘old salts’ knew how to ates a big V-wake on the surface. was. Minnow,” said Baffin Bay guide ly any lure with a swimming motion seductively wobble a gold or silver “Plus, you’ve got the swimming “It makes the bait shorter and also Capt. Jim Onderdonk. “You can can be used to cause a surface distur- spoon just below the water’s surface. action of the trailer. We’ve had peo- causes it to really move from side to really use that bait on a straight bance in shallow water. While spoons will still accom- ple from Texas to Florida just tearing side when you bring it in. I’ve seen retrieve. And, the thing is, that big And, when the spring winds plish the task, there are a variety of up redfish running that swim bait redfish come with their eyeballs out tail actually causes it to swim up. So, blow, coastal anglers are well modern baits that are even more just under the surface.” of the water to climb on top of that you can work it really slow in shal- advised to try a new technique and effective for this type of fishing. Other anglers have taken to mod- plug.” low water. ‘wake up’ the fish. “With our swim jig, you can bend ifying existing plugs to fit this Of course, as most Texas coastal “When it is moving just under the

tive director. “Poachers steal from cally still try to get rich illegally. Poaching all of us, whether it’s someone Turner recalled breaking up a ring popping a deer over a fence, a ring working at Lake Texoma. It hired Continued from Page 1 in South Texas taking huge deer anglers, including undercover out of the gene pool or a guy on game wardens, to catch stripers Turner recalled when a decoy the coast netting redfish stock. that pooled near the dam there deer was set out in the program’s Poachers give hunting and fishing when the flood gates were opened early years on a road near a bad name.” and baitfish poured through. Interstate 45 in Houston. Operation Game Thief was More than 900 cases were “I was afraid there would be too much traffic for anyone to chance started to help trap thieves trying made, including the snagging of a shooting it,” he said. “Between 9 to “commercialize” game fish Dallas market. in the morning and the next along the Texas coast, Turner said. “A thousand pounds of stripers evening, the decoy was shot 76 The program gave sportsmen a were delivered to the market on times. One of the poachers was a mechanism to aid law enforce- Saturday afternoon,” Turner said. lawyer on his way to Houston. He ment. “We went back Sunday morning stopped his Mercedes, got a gun “It immediately became the so we could get the sellers and the out of the trunk and shot it. Some vital link between the recreating buyers and all the store had left people, they see horns and they public and our game wardens,” was fish heads. It was an eye- gotta shoot.” Turner said. “And it’s evolved into opener for me to see that level of And for 26 years, Operation a stronger partnership every year.” trafficking.” Game Thief has been around to Calls to the program’s hotline Although rewards are offered, help capture many of them. go through TPW’s law enforce- many callers aren’t after money. More than 28,000 calls have ment division, then to individual “What’s interesting to me is been made to the program’s 24- game wardens. More than tips are that while about half the people hour hotline (1-800-792-GAME). supplied, though. Money from its who call in ask for a reward, of the Almost $200,000 has been paid to fundraisers also ensure game war- people who give us enough infor- tipsters, who can remain anony- dens are properly equipped. mation to make a case, less than mous and claim a reward of up to “It not only gets the public half ask for a reward,” Turner said. $1,000, and the state’s assessed involved in apprehending viola- “They tell us they just want to see nearly $1.2 million in fines against tors, it purchases equipment we the dirty so-and-sos caught. guilty parties. wouldn’t be able to get other- Typically, they’re more emphatic Operation Game Thief’s early wise,” said Col. Pete Flores. than that.” years, however, were a struggle. “Thanks to it, we have side-scan Sometimes callers simply want Three organizations — the sonars. revenge against a poacher, Turner Dallas Safari Club, the Houston “It’s a sophisticated piece of said. Safari Club and the Port Aransas equipment that not only helps us The most unique motive, Rod and Reel Club — stepped up locate illegal fishing devices, but though, goes to a woman who financially to help the program, also the bodies of people who have used Operation Game Thief to which receives no state funding, drowned. We greatly appreciate stage an intervention of sorts and get off the ground. the program’s support.” turned in her husband. “The Dallas Safari Club has Operation Game Thief largely “She said, ‘I can’t go on like this always supported their mission,” ended so-called market hunting. — maybe this will help turn him said Gray Thornton, DSC’s execu- However, fish thieves periodi- around,’” Turner recalled.

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GUIDED REAL ESTATE HUNTS LONE STAR OUTDOOR NEWS REACHES A QUARTER-MILLION READERS ACROSS TEXAS. SHOW THEM YOUR CLASSIFIED AD. Call (866) 361-2276 or e-mail: [email protected] March 23, 2007 Page 13 Page 14 March 23, 2007 March 23, 2007 Page 15 OUTDOOR DATEBOOK March 24: Amateur callers April 5: The South Plains NWTF banquet will only Turkey Calling Contest be held at The Koko Place in Lubbock. Call at Cabela’s in Fort Worth Marty Sansom at (806) 789-6824 for at 2 p.m., with registration HAVE AN EVENT? information. at the store from 9 a.m. April 6-8: The Splash Dog Dock Jumping until noon. Jakes division E-mail it to Challenge will take place at Bass Pro Shops in for girls and boys under Grapevine. For times and information, visit 17, Hen division for ladies 17 or older, and [email protected] www.basspro.com or call (972) 724-2018. Gobbler division for men and women 18 or over. Great prizes! Call the store at (817) 337- April 7: The Dripping Springs Roost NWTF 2400 for more information. information, contact Raul Davila at (830) 660- Contact Curtis Molinar at (979) 332-8803 for dinner will be held at Stone Mountain in 0074 or e-mail [email protected]. information. Dripping Springs. For tickets and information, March 27: The Texoma Chapter NWTF banquet contact Heather Ruiz at (512) 787-5129 or will be held at Tanglewood March 29: The Palo Pinto County NWTF March 31: The 2 of Us Couples Tournaments [email protected]. Resort. For tickets and banquet will be held at the Palo Pinto County will hold its tournament at Lake Texoma, information, contact Tom Sheriffs Posse in Mineral Wells. Call Randy Lighthouse Marina. Entry fee is $70. Call (972) April 12: The Abilene Intercollegiate DU Akins at (903) 464-4442 Fornby at (940) 325-1542 for information. 754-2458 or visit www.fishingworld.com/ banquet will be held at Lytle Bend Ranch. For or takins@cityofdenison. TwoofUs for information. tickets and information, contact Kyle Onken at March 30, 31: The Spring Challenge com. (281) 636-2748 or e-mail [email protected]. bassfishingworld.com tournament will be held March 31: The Delta Waterfowl Symposium will March 27: The Uvalde at Sam Rayburn Reservoir. Entry fee is $80 per be held at Cabela’s in Fort April 12: The Texas A&M CCA banquet will be Guajolotes Chapter NWTF team. For information visit Worth from noon to 4:30 held at the Brazos Center. Call (800) 626-4222 dinner will be held at www.bassfishingworld.com or e-mail p.m. Five speakers, for information. including Delta Waterfowl Uvalde Country Club. Contact Brad Farr at [email protected]. (830) 592-0742 for information. President Rob Olson, will April 12: The Rio Grande Valley CCA banquet will March 30: The Mainland provide information on be held at the Pharr Convention Center. Call March 28: The West ducks, nests and duck (800) 626-4222 for information. Houston DU chapter dinner CCA Chapter banquet will production. For will be held at Chateau be held at the Nesler April 14: The Hood County Hooters NWTF information, visit Crystale at 2517 South Center in Texas City. For banquet will be held at De Cordova Bend. Call www.deltawaterfowl.org or call Matt Reitzell at Gessner in Houston. For information, call (800) Lee Overstreet at (817) 573-7700 for (817) 714-3172 or Dennis Anderson at (817) tickets and information, call 626-4222 or e-mail information. Oliver Aldrich at (713) 464- [email protected]. 291-5209. April 14: The Wichita Falls NWTF dinner will be 9111 or e-mail [email protected]. March 31: Brazos River fly-fishing guide Andy March 30: The Pampa DU dinner will be held held at the Knights of Columbus. Call Gibby Moreau will give a presentation at the Dallas March 29: The University of Texas DU banquet at the Pampa Chamber of Commerce. For Gibson at (940) 855-1885 Orvis store. For information, call (214) 265- will be held at Saengerrunde Hall in Austin. for information. tickets and information, call Brad Childress at 1600 or visit www.orvis.com. Call Dustin at (512) 470-8481 or e-mail (806) 663-9616 or e-mail [email protected]. [email protected] for information. April 3: The Hays County DU banquet will be April 14: The Dallas Safari March 30: The Hemphill DU dinner will be Club Texoma Fishing Trip March 29: The Colorado Valley CCA Chapter held at the Painted Horse Pavilion in Buda. For held at Hemphill VFW Hall. Contact Jon will take place at Lake banquet will be held at the KC Hall in La tickets or information, contact Travis Hightower Schillings at (409) 787-3102 or jschillings@ at (512) 753-9448 or super_red_tx@yahoo. Texoma. Call (972) 980- Grange. For information, call (800) 626-4222 9800 for information. or e-mail [email protected]. shelbysavingsbank.com for information. com. March 31: The Sabine DU Annual Spring Shoot April 5: The Corpus Christi CCA banquet will be April 14-15: The second March 29: The Dallas DU Chapter’s 1st Annual will be held at the Orange Gun Club. Five-man held at Bay Front Plaza. Call (800) 626-4222 annual Budweiser Duck Jam will be held at Wolf DU Raffle Night will be held at Eddie Deen’s teams or individual shooters may participate. for information. Pen Creek Amphitheatre in College Station. Ranch. For tickets and information, contact Contact Bill Mellow at (409) 313-2565 or Bands include The Randy Rogers Band and April 5: The Huellas/Cameron County Chapter Andrea Hight at (214) 402-4197. [email protected] for information or to Reckless Kelly. Tickets are $20 in advance, and NWTF dinner will be held at the Wild Horse register. proceeds benefit Ducks Unlimited wetland March 29: The Guadalupe County Longbeards Saloon in Brownsville. For tickets and projects. For information, visit NWTF banquet will be held at the Seguin March 31: The Rice Belt DU Clay Shoot will be information, contact Sam Manatt at (956) 541- www.budweiserduckjam.com or e-mail Cody Guadalupe County Coliseum. For tickets and held at 3 Amigos Sporting Range in El Campo. 5888 or [email protected]. Roberts at [email protected]. CLASSIFIEDS

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NEW LOOK, BETTER RESULTS Place your classified advertis- ing in the Lone Star Outdoor News — reaching more than a quarter-million readers monthly — and experience the results of a new look. The 2”x 2” classi- fied will get the attention nec- essary to say SOLD! $30 for two editions. Call (214) 361-2276. Page 16 March 23, 2007 PRODUCTS

NO MORE BIRDNESTS: Angler, writer and inventor Doug Hannon (known as the “Bass Professor”) has introduced the WaveCast Reel, a spinning reel designed to eliminate loops in the spool that lead to tangled line. The patented “wave” design works by A BETTER PREDATOR: Steiner allowing the line to skip from announces the new peak to peak on each wave Predator C5 Series Binocular on the spool. Loops lie line for American big harmlessly down between the game hunters. The series waves and never engage the line uses a new mirror and during the casts, eliminating lens coating technology snatchback and birdnests. that delivers higher light The WaveCast reel can be transmission and color used with mono and super- contrast. The new series, braid lines. It has a offered in a 10x42 (315 lightweight graphite body feet/1,000 yards) and a and rotor, stainless steel 12x42 (276 feet/1,000 ball bearings and a yards) model, features machined aluminum shock and waterproof handle. Its gear ratio is housing to protect against 5.0:1. For information or the elements. Their “pistol- to order, visit grip” checkered rubber www.wavecastsystem.com. surface gives them a secure comfortable grip, even when wet. The new models cost about $700- $750. For information, call (800) 257-7742 or visit www.steiner-binoculars.com. HUNTING KNIFE: Browning has added the Falcon Series knives to its collection of hunter- friendly blades. These integral locking folding knives feature 3 1/4- inch AUS-8A stainless steel blades with a FLOATING PHONE: satin finish. They are available with stag Anglers who can’t (about $70) or walnut (about $60) bear to be parted handles. Both models have pocket clips. For retailers, visit www.browning.com or from their cell call (800) 333-3288. phones while they are out on the water might appreciate the Flip-Phone Case by AquaPac. The case lets users take calls as they normally would because the EXTREME TRACTION: The new Shoat by Bite features a sound and signal rubber and felt outsole combination. Bite says pass through the its lightweight and thinner profile makes this a material while the perfect canoe/kayak fishing shoe. The Shoats, clear front and rear panels which are made from quick-drying Durahide and also allow for picture-taking. mesh, cost about $80. For retailers, visit The case features foam www.biteshoes.com or call (800) 248-3465. padding and phones will float if accidentally dropped in the water. The case, which costs $35, also keeps dust and sand out. For dealers, visit www.aquapac.net or call (866) 929-0639.

3 1/2-INCH MAGNUM SHOTGUN: Remington describes its new Super Magnum Max Gobbler (Model 870) as a masterpiece of long-range precision and shooting comfort. The shotgun features a Knoxx SpecOps pistol-grip stock with an adjustable length-of-pull and state-of-the-art recoil- dampening technology. Its 23-inch barrel is fitted with a William Fire Sights fiber-optic sight system. Available in Realtree APG HD camo, the shotgun costs about $800. For dealers, visit www.remington.com or call (800) 243-9700.

TAKES THE HEAT: Yamaha Marine Group has STEALTH BOOT: Cabela’s Silent Stalk added a new warm-weather formula to Sneaker boasts a Gore-Tex, its Yamalube line of engine oils, Scent-Lok membrane for Yamalube 4-M 20W-40 FC-W. This oil’s waterproof and scent-blocking heavier weight was formulated performance. This hunting to deliver improved start-up boot also features an updated protection and oil stability in sole design that offers warmer climates plus superior better traction and engine protection and wear resistance dampens sound as wearers in high-load, high-heat conditions. It stalk their prey. Made from is certified for 4-stroke engine 900-denier nylon and technology. Its MSRP is $58.60 for a leather uppers, the uninsulated case of 12 quarts or $71 for a case of pair of boots weighs about 2.5 four gallons. For more information, pounds. Available in Mossy Oak Break- call (800) 889-2624 or visit Up camouflage, the boots sell for $99.95 at www.yamahaoutboards.com. Cabela’s (www.cabelas.com).

SUPER JERKBAIT: The latest in the new super lure series by Yo-Zuri, the Jerk “O” boasts a patented weight transfer system for long casts: A tungsten ball rolls to the tail during the casts for added weight, which helps achieve greater distance; on the retrieve, the magnet pulls the ball back and locks it in place. The Jerk “0" has a sloping head that causes it to dart back and forth erratically and suspend in place mimicking the frantic action of an injured baitfish. It is available in six colors and sells for about $13. For dealers, visit www.yo-zuri.com or call (888) 336-9775. March 23, 2007 Page 17 Snows Continued from Page 6 here from California in early March,” said Paul McDonald of Thunderbird Hunting Club near Matagorda. “They said all the birds are gone.” McDonald said the birds acted differently all season. “Usually, once they hit the roosts, they stay if they aren’t disturbed,” he said. “This year, they would be here today, and the next day they would be gone.” SETTING THE The special season, which began Jan. 29 and ends STAGE: A spring March 25, is part a program designed to help reduce goose hunter numbers of snow geese that have destroyed much of places decoys their arctic nesting grounds. The spring season allows on a warm Texas hunting for the wily birds with electronic calls, day. unplugged shotguns and no bag limits. Generally, the snow goose migration north is well ahead of schedule, and even Kansas hunters watched as the geese flew over the entire state. According to waterfowler.com, the number of geese moving into northern Colorado, South Dakota and Iowa were so large they were visible on NEXRAD radar. “I guess the people up north will get the hunts this year,” Cook said.

John McWilliam of Keller because mud helps protect their described quite a different stalk skin from bugs and sunshine, Hogs near Normangy. “We had been almost like applying insect repel- Continued from Page 6 deer hunting, and some hogs lent or sunscreen. People can usu- moved into a thick oak and briar ally find wallowings in soft mud. tering females with young. Their thicket,” he said. “We could hear People can also see “rootings,” razor sharp tusks combined with them, so we crawled on our hands where hogs plow up soil as they their lightning speed can cause and knees through some nasty search for acorns, tubers and other serious injury.” stuff. Finally, a big blonde hog morsels. They also rub against Because hogs can inflict such came into view through the trees trees like deer, often leaving hairs injuries, most Texans prefer to hunt at about 60 yards, and I was able to or other particles sticking to the them from stands near automatic get a clear shot.” objects. feeders. In open mesquite coun- For stalking, hog hunters need Hogs thrive just about anywhere try, many Lone Star sportsmen to keep wind direction in mind, that whitetails live with the high- don’t think they can successfully but hogs don’t spook as easily as est densities occurring in central, stalk game. However, on many whitetails. Hunters can often south and eastern Texas. They hunts, nothing is seen from approach fairly close to wild hogs may be hunted all year long on pri- blinds, though deer and hogs are if they move slowly and deliberate- vate property. In some places, peo- often spotted while stalking. ly without making any major sud- ple may even hunt them at night, “My favorite method of hunting den movements or loud noises. as long as they inform the local hogs is to spot and stalk them,” Stalk into the wind and zigzag game warden first. Nixon said. In cooler weather, through available cover, trying to Stalking hogs can often be the “hogs are out moving and search- keep as many trees between the ticket to a successful hunt. “The ing for food. They love the fields. herd and the hunter for as long as hogs don’t generally come to you,” In the early morning or just before possible. McWilliam said. “So you have to dark, I like to sneak along the edge Hogs leave plenty of signs they go to them. It’s a matter of moving of a wheat field until I spot some- inhabit an area. They often wal- quietly and slowly. It’s just persist- thing.” low in the mud to cool off and ence.” Page 18 March 23, 2007 FISHING REPORT ALAN HENRY: Water lightly stained; 54 degrees. Black bass are good on JOE POOL: Water fairly clear; 58-64 degrees; 0.02' high. Black bass are secondary points using crankbaits and slow-rolled white/chartreuse spin- fair on Texas rigged pumpkinseed finesse worms, jigs and spinnerbaits. nerbaits. Catfish are fair to good on nightcrawlers and cheese bait. SALTWATER HOT BITES AMISTAD: Water clear; 61-68 degrees. Black bass are good on spinner- LAKE O' THE PINES: Water stained; 57-63 degrees; 0.21' high. Black baits, crankbaits, soft plastics, and both hard and soft jerkbaits. Channel bass are fair on jigs, Texas rigged worms and jerkbaits. Crappie are fair to and blue catfish are fair on cheesebait, shrimp, and nightcrawlers. good on minnows and jigs. SCENE LARGEMOUTH ARROWHEAD: Water lightly stained; 59 degrees; 5.6' low. Black bass to LAVON: Water stained; 58-64 degrees; 7.31' low. Crappie are fair to good 10 pounds are good off rock points, and crankbaits or black/blue jigs 4-7 on minnows and jigs. Catfish are fair to good on cut bait and stinkbait. BASS feet deep near riprap. White bass to 17-inches are good on shad-imitation LBJ: Water murky; 62 degrees; 0.26' low. Black bass are good on water- NORTH SABINE: Trout are fair to lures and white soft plastics off deeper points. Catfish are good along melon/red Whacky Sticks, Texas blue/white/chartreuse spinnerbaits, and good on the Louisiana shoreline on upper west side on punchbait or juglines baited with cut shad or carp. 3/16oz. finesse jigs. White bass are fair to good trolling Shad Raps. Corkies and Catch 2000s. ATHENS: Water clear, 57-64 degrees; 0.5' low. Black bass are fair to LEWISVILLE: Water stained; 58-63 degrees; 5.86' low. Black bass are fair SOUTH SABINE: Trout are fair to good on good on Rat-L-Traps and Texas rigged 7" black/blue worms. Catfish are on black/blue jigs with a matching trailer, spinnerbaits and Carolina rigs. the Reef fair to good on nightcrawlers and cut shad. Catfish are good on cut bait on main lake points and humps. Crappie are on red BASTROP: Water stained. Black bass are fair on watermelon red and fair to good on minnows and jigs in 15-25 feet. White bass are good on shad, watermelon/white soft plastics in 10 - 20 feet. Channel and blue catfish jigging spoons in 20-26 feet. plum, HOUSTON COUNTY: Black bass to 9 are good on fresh cutbait and frozen shrimp in 20 - 40 feet. pounds are very good on watermelon LIVINGSTON: Water murky; 57-64 degrees; 0.15' high. Black bass are glow and fire tigersoft plastics. seed/chartreuse tailed worms and brush BELTON: Water murky; 60 degrees; 5.96' low. Black bass are good on good on crankbaits, spinnerbaits, and soft plastics. Crappie are good on Flounder are good on chartreuse and hogs in 2 - 6 feet, and on chartreuse white and yellow Sassy Shad and minnows. White bass are good on min- minnows. glow plastics tipped with shrimp near shallow running crankbaits along the nows at night. Crappie are good on minnows under lights at night. MACKENZIE: Water lightly stained; 43 degrees; 6.7' low. Crappie are Blue Buck Point. south shores and over grass near the BOB SANDLIN: Water clear; 58-65 degrees; 7.53' low. White bass are good on minnows and jigs. White bass and striped bass are fair on slabs BOLIVAR: Black drum and redfish are islands. good on jigging spoons in 20-24 feet. and live bait. Walleye are good on slabs tipped with minnows. good on crabs and shrimp at Rollover BOB SANDLIN: Black bass are good on BRAUNIG: Water stained; 64-78 degrees. Black bass are fair on MEDINA: Water clear; 60-64 degrees; 37.06' low. Black bass to 4 pounds Pass. Trout are a fair to good on Little jerkbaits, Rat-L-Traps and shaky-head crankbaits and watermelon red soft plastic worms over grass. Channel are fair on shad Norman crankbaits and chartreuse/white spinnerbaits on Fishies and MirrOlures in Rollover Bay rigged finesse worms. and blue catfish are good on frozen shrimp, stinkbait, and nightcrawlers. main lake points. Striped bass are good trolling trout deep diving Red and near Little Pasture Bayou. TRAVIS: Black bass are good on silver BRIDGEPORT: Water clear; 57- Fins, and drifting hybrid bluegills and TRINITY BAY: Trout are fair to good spoons, perch colored crankbaits, and 64 degrees; 17.68' low. White jumbo minnows at night. White bass while wading the east shoreline on watermelon red worms in 10 - 28 feet. bass are good on slabs. Hybrid are excellent on live minnows and glow and plumplastics. Redfish and WHITNEY: Black bass are good on char- striper are fair on live bait. trolling chrome Bomber A's along black drum are fair to good on cracked HOT SPOT river channels in 4 - 10 feet. treuse and watermelon red Rat-L-Traps Channel catfish are good on crabs at the Spillway. and spinnerbaits. nightcrawlers and cut bait. MEREDITH: Water lightly stained; 43 EAST GALVESTON BAY: Sheeps- BROWNWOOD: Water stained; degrees; 32' low. Black bass are fair head, black drum, trout and redfish are 57 degrees; 7.21' low. Black bass on chartreuse/black crankbaits, fair to good in the channel live shrimp. are good on small soft black/blue jigs and live bait. White Trout are fair to good at Yates Bayou WHITE plastics.Crappie are fair on Li'l bass are good on live bait and on Bass Assassins, Sand Eels and Fishies on the main lake over crankbaits. Trout Killers. brushpiles and under lights at O.H. IVIE: Water lightly stained; 56 WEST GALVESTON BAY: Flounder HYBRID night. degrees; 21.52' low. Black bass are and redfish are fair on the south BUCHANAN: Water clear; 59-64 good on live baits, white spinnerbaits shoreline on bright- colored jigs tipped degrees; 22.11' low. Black bass and orange crawfish colored with shrimp. Trout are fair to good at are good on white spinnerbaits crankbaits along secondary points. Confederate Reef on live shrimp under and suspending crankbaits along White bass are good on live baits a popping cork. break lines of flats in the deepest and crankbaits. Smallmouth bass are TEXAS CITY: Oversized black drum creeks in 5 - 10 feet. Striped bass good on crankbaits and live baits. are good off the dike on crab and are good on white jigs, vertically Channel catfish are good on pre- dead shrimp. Trout are fair to good for jigging Pirk Minnows, trolling Gizz pared baits. waders near the dike on topwaters CANYON LAKE: White bass are very 4 crankbaits, and drifting live bait PALESTINE: Water fairly clear; 57- and live shrimp. good trolling shad #7 Shad Raps in around Paradise Point in 15 - 30 64 degrees; 0.24' high. Black bass FREEPORT: Sheepshead, whiting and backs of creeks and excellent split-shot- feet. Crappie are fair to good on SAM RAYBURN are fair to good on jigs, brown/char- sand trout are fair at San Luis Pass. ting minnows upriver all the way to the minnows over brushpiles in 10 treuse crankbaits and Texas rigged Black drum and redfish are fair at night rapids. Water clear; 61-65 degrees; 0.22' high. Black bass are good on spinner- feet. baits, Senkos, Rat-L-Traps, soft plastic lizards, Chatterbaits, and Baby worms. Catfish are good on night- on crabs and shrimp in the Pass. CANYON LAKE: White bass are very CADDO: Water clear to stained; Brush Hogs. White bass are good on spoons in the flats. Crappie are crawlers and prepared baits. White EAST MATAGORDA: Trout are fair to good trolling pearl Fat Free Shad and 59-65 degrees; 0.47' high. Black good on minnows and tube jigs along banks in 4 feet. Catfish are good bass are fair on Humdingers. good near Hog Island and Boiler split shotting minnows upriver. bass are good on flukes and on live bait. POSSUM KINGDOM: Water clear; Bayou on topwaters and Corkies. STILLHOUSE: White bass are excellent Senkos. 61degrees; 2.4' low. Black bass are Redfish are fair to good at St. Mary's on minnows at the gravel crossing. CALAVERAS: Water stained; 64- good in lower half of reservoir (espe- on gold spoons and live shrimp. CEDAR CREEK: White bass are good 76 degrees. Black bass are fair on watermelon and pumpkinseed soft cially Neely's Slough and Scenic Point) near docks and back of coves on MATAGORDA: Trout and redfish are on slabs and minnows. Hybrid striper are plastics and crankbaits. Blue catfish are good on cutbait and liver. heavy jigs or shad imitation crankbaits. fair on the south shoreline on live fair on live shad and slabs. CANYON LAKE: Water stained in the main lake, murky upriver; 62 PROCTOR: Water lightly stained; 58-63 degrees; 8.78' low. Striped bass shrimp, Bass Assassins, Sand Eels GRAPEVINE: White bass are fair to degrees; 3.45' low. Black bass to 4 pounds are fair. Crappie are good on are good on soft plastic worms with trailers. Crappie are good on min- and Trout Killers. Redfish are good in good on slabs around humps and points. white Curb's crappie jigs tipped with live minnows around brushpiles and nows and jigs early and late. Oyster Lake and Crab Lake on live submerged trees off main lake points and upriver in 4 - 10 feet. RAY HUBBARD: Water stained; 58-63 degrees; 2.11' low. Black bass are shrimp under a popping cork. CEDAR CREEK: Water lightly stained; 57-65 degrees; 1.7' low. Black fair to good on jigs, spinnerbaits and drop-shot rigs. Crappie are good on PORT O'CONNOR: Trout and redfish CATFISH bass are fair on jigs and drop-shot rigs. Crappie are fair to good on min- minnows and jigs. are fair to good in the back lakes on nows and jigs. RAY ROBERTS: Water lightly stained; 56-65 degrees; 7.29' low. Black gold spoons and topwaters. Redfish bass are good on fork tail Yum Dingers and Houdini Shad. Crappie are and black drum are fair to good at the CHOKE CANYON: Water clear; 61 degrees; 7.62' low. Black bass to 7 jetty on mullet and crabs. pounds are good on spinnerbaits and plastics in staging areas along pri- good on minnows and jigs in the creeks. White bass movement up the ROCKPORT: Redfish are good on mary and secondary points in 5 - 15 feet. Channel and blue catfish are rivers and creeks for the spawn has begun. Catfish are good on prepared cut-mullet on good on Lewis King bait and shad gizzards in 6 - 20 feet. Yellow catfish baits. the Estes are good on trotlines baited with hybrid bluegills and comets in 6 - 15 feet. RICHLAND CHAMBERS: Water fairly clear; 57-63 degrees; 5.43' low. Flats. Trout FALCON: Water stained north, clear from Marker 11 south; 70 degrees. Black bass are good on StrikeWorks jigs, Rat-L-Traps, Texas rigs and are fair to spinnerbaits. White bass are fair to good on white or chartreuse slabs. CALAVERAS: Channel catfish are very Black bass are good on watermelon red, pumpkinseed, tequila sunrise, good on the good on frozen shrimp and doughbait. and chartreuse Carolina rigged soft plastics and crankbaits. Channel and STILLHOUSE: Water murky; 60 degrees; 1.77' low. Black bass are fair on reefs in Copano Bay on Corkies and blue catfish are good on juglines baited with cutbait. Rebel worms and minnows. Crappie are good on minnows at Long Catch 2000s. FAYETTE: Channel and blue catfish are Bridge. Channel and blue catfish are good on minnows, shrimp, and excellent on shrimp and liver. FAYETTE: Water lightly stained; 70 degrees. Black bass are good on PORT ARANSAS: Trout and redfish watermelon and watermelon/gold Carolina rigged worms and Jig & Pigs stinkbait. LIVINGSTON: Blue catfish are excellent are fair to good on the East Flats on over humps in 16 - 20 feet, and on watermelon and watermelon/gold Rat- TAWAKONI: Water stained; 57-64 degrees; 8.16' low. Black bass are fair on shad. topwaters and live shrimp under a L-Traps and Wacky Worms over grass. on spinnerbaits, jigs and watermelon candy Brush Hogs.White bass are popping cork.Trout are fair to good on WALTER E. LONG: Channel and blue FORK: Water clear; 57-64 degrees; 2.03' low. Black bass are excellent on fair to good on white or chartreuse slabs fished close to the bottom. the grass beds on topwaters and live catfish are good on shrimp, night- soft plastics fished in the shallows, drop-shot rigs, and Rat-L-Traps - many Catfish are fair to good on nightcrawlers and cut shad. shrimp. crawlers, and punchbait. fish spotted on beds. TEXOMA: Water clear; 56-63 degrees; 2.28' low. Black bass are fair on CORPUS CHRISTI: Speckled and GIBBONS CREEK: Water stained. Black bass are fair on red Rat-L-Traps, brown jigs and Texas rigged worms. Striped bass are off sand trout are fair to good around the CRAPPIE chartreuse/green Rat-L-Traps and shallow running crankbaits. Catfish are and on. Crappie are fair on minnows and jigs. Oso Bridge on live shrimp. good on stinkbait, liver, nightcrawlers, and frozen shrimp. TOLEDO BEND: Water stained; 65 degrees; 2.20' low. Black bass are BAFFIN BAY: Trout are fair to good GRANBURY: Water lightly stained; 0.68' low. Black bass are good on good on spinnerbaits, Rat-L-Traps, Brush Hogs, and soft plastic lizards. near the rocks of Kleberg Point and at watermelon red soft plastics, spinnerbaits, and jerkbaits. Catfish are good Channel and blue catfish are good on trotlines baited with live bait and Tide Gauge on live shrimp under a on stinkbait, liver, and shrimp. shrimp. Yellow catfish are fair on trotlines baited with live bait. popping cork, Corkies and topwaters. TRAVIS: Water clear; 59-65 degrees; 31.41' low. White bass are fair on Black drum are good on cut-bait and GRANGER: Water clear; 60 degrees; 4.34' high. Black bass are fair on shrimp in the Land Cut. crankbaits up the river. White bass are good at Circleville and Dickerson's white jigging spoons, shad raps, and white grubs in 10 - 25 feet. Channel CHOKE CANYON: Crappie are excellent River Bottom. Blue catfish are good on prepared bait. and blue catfish are fair on fresh cutbait and frozen shrimp in 20 - 40 feet. PORT MANSFIELD: Trout are fair to on white crappie jigs tipped with live min- good on live shrimp at the Community GRAPEVINE: Water stained; 57-63 degrees; 11.49' low. Black bass are WALTER E. LONG: Water clear; 65 degrees. Hybrid striper are good on nows over brushpiles and standing tim- Bar. Redfish are fair to good while fair on crankbaits, red Rat-L-Traps and Texas rigged watermelon candy minnows and shrimp. Crappie are good on minnows. ber in 4 - 12 feet. drifting the Saucer and Target Markers Zoom finesse worms. Crappie are fair on minnows and jigs. WEATHERFORD: Water stained; 57-63 degrees; 9.14' low. Black bass are TAWAKONI: Crappie are good on min- on topwaters. GREENBELT: Water lightly stained; 50 degrees; 28' low. Black bass are good around docks and on the rocky point. Crappie are good in the crappie nows and jigs. house and boat slips on small minnows. SOUTH PADRE: Trout are fair on top- good on firetiger or brown crawfish colored crankbaits, white spinnerbaits, waters and live shrimp at Laguna Vista HOUSTON COUNTY: Crappie to 2 dark jigs and live bait. White bass are good on live bait and crankbaits. WHITE RIVER: Water lightly stained; 57 degrees; 26.57' low. Black bass pounds are very good on live minnows. and Holly Beach. Redfish are fair to Smallmouth bass are good on firetiger crankbaits and live bait. Catfish are are good on live baits and neon soft-plastics along buck brush. Crappie are good on gold spoons and live shrimp LBJ: Crappie are good on live minnows good on cut and prepared baits. good on jigs and minnows. Channel catfish are good on live and cut baits. at Unnecessary Island and the jetty. and white Curb's crappie jigs in 1 - 3 HOUSTON COUNTY: Water stained; 64 degrees; 0.69' high. Bream are WHITNEY: Water stained; 7.75' low. Striped bass are fair on live minnows feet. PORT ISABEL: Redfish are fair to good on live worms off piers. Channel and blue catfish are good on trot- and silver/gold striper jigs. Catfish are good on live bait, stinkbait, and good on shrimp and gold spoons at O.H. IVIE: Crappie are good on minnows lines baited with cut shad, and on stinkbait off piers. shrimp. Three Island and Cullen Bay. and jigs. HUBBARD CREEK: Water lightly stained; 53 degrees; 12.26' low. WICHITA: Water clearing; 60 degrees; near full at spillway. Channel cat- Crappie are good on jigs and minnows. White bass and hybrid striper are fish are good in shallows along north side of the upper end of reservoir good on crankbaits and live baits. Catfish are good on cutbaits. using punchbait. 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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COMING ABOARD: Tom Welfelt battles with a bass on an East Texas lake. Welfelt is one of a few Texas anglers that only fly-fishes for bass. Photo by David J. Sams.

open a retail store in May. twitches, depending on which fly among trout aficionados. “get with one of the locals that fly Frequently, the fly-fisher angling you’re using.” “It doesn’t appear to be as subtle fishes.” If you don’t know anyone, Fly-fishing for trout will cast upstream and let “Their casts are a little bit longer as trout fishing,” he said, “but bass join a fly-fishing club. the line drift with the current. A and might have to be more accu- can be as picky and cantankerous A Lake Fork regular who bought Continued from Page 8 bass angler must concentrate on rate,” Gambill said. “Sometimes about taking a fly. Trout fishers his boat “after I got chased out of a Martin, sales manager at retrieving the fly in such a way when you’re six inches from a have it in their heads that they cove on a kickboat by a gator,” Backwoods in Fort Worth. That’s that attracts a fish in still water. stump — you’re 5.5 inches too far.” have to make a perfect presenta- Walker said he doesn’t have a opposed to the quick raise of the Brian Gambill, of G&W Guide Johnny “Red” Walker of Fort tion and imitate what the trout favorite species to catch on a fly rod tip customary in trout fishing. Service — fly-fishing mainly out of Worth, who holds the water body are eating.” rod. The retrieve is also a big part of Lake Fork — said his clients transi- record for a fly- fisher on Lake Fork “Well, bass are the same way,” “I’m not a bass snob or a trout fly-fishing for bass, said David tioning from stream fishing for (a 9.52-pound largemouth bass), Walker said. “They didn’t get that snob,” Walker said. “I like to fish Leake, founding partner of trout “are having to do a lot more calls the high quality of fly-fishing big by being dumb.” for all of them, but simply because TailWaters Fly Fishing Co. in work. They’re having to manipulate opportunities for bass in the Lone Walker’s best advice for the first- of access, yeah, bass is probably my Dallas, a travel company slated to the fly — your strips, your little Star State still “a well-kept secret” time bass fisher with a fly rod is to favorite.” A Camp to Teach Young Texans Hunting, Fishing and Outdoor Skills 2007 CAMP DATES June 3-9 June 10-16 July 15-21 July 22-28

All activities taught by experienced Texas professionals

• Bass & • Deer & Bird Coastal Hunting Fishing • Rifle & MAKING OF A CHAMPION: Derek Remitz holds the trophy he was presented at the “Battle on the Border.” • Fly Fishing Archery Photo by James Overstreet/ESPN Outdoors. • Camping, Outdoor • Shotgunning up finish. Survival • Dog Training “I did the best I could do in this event,” Remitz the 2003 Bassmaster Classic champion said. • Kayaking & • Predator “I just got beat. I’m pretty satisfied with my Boating Texas Continued from Page 8 finish, though.” Hunting via his first-place points finish in the 2006 Iaconelli worked a Berkley PowerBait Bassmaster Northern Tour. Beast thrown to trees, and a swimbait A native Minnesotan, he recently moved around trees. from Hemphill, Texas to Alabama to be First-day leader Steve Kennedy of Auburn, OUTDOOR TEXAS CAMP IS LOCATED 10 MILES NORTH OF COLUMBUS, TEXAS more centrally located to travel to the 11 Ala. finished third with 101 pounds, 10 Elite Series events in 2007. ounces. Todd Faircloth of Jasper, with 100 www.outdoortexascamp.com “This is the way you want to start off the pounds, 5 ounces, finished fourth, and Elite Series,” said Remitz, who scored the Kevin VanDam of Kalamazoo, Mich. fol- Purolator Big Bass on Sunday, an 8-11 lunk- lowed in fifth with 90 pounds, 13 ounces. er. “I guess this will sink in during the next The 2006 “Battle on the Border” champi- 512-217-1587 • 830-562-3354 few days, but it hasn’t hit me yet.” on Ish Monroe of Hughson, Calif., finished Despite missing out on his sixth BASS sixth with 87 pounds, 13 ounces. win, Iaconelli was satisfied with his runner- A BASS report. Page 20 March 23, 2007 WEATHER

OUTDOOR PUZZLER WILD IN THE KITCHEN For crossword puzzle solution, see Page 22 ACROSS Chili Fried Gulf Oysters

1. A very large fish-eating • 3 Cups Chili Corn Sauce bird • Vegetable oil 5. This leech-like creature • 3 Cups Texas sweet kills many fish potatoes, julienned 8. Breed of dog good for • 3/4 Cup cornmeal or “masa pheasant hunting harina” corn flour 9. Handy item to have in a • 3/4 Cup all purpose flour hunting kit • 2 Tablespoons Creole 11. A shoot target, clay ______seafood seasoning, divided 13. Method of fishing from a boat evenly 17. A fish species • 36 Texas oysters dredge in flour mixture, and fry 18. A wildlife’s favorite area in batches of 9 oysters at a time 19. Determining how old a Chili Corn Sauce until crisp. Remove oysters and game is • 2 Tablespoons vegetable oil sprinkle with a little extra 22. Largest species of the wild • 3/4 Cup Texas onion, julienned seafood seasoning; drain on turkey • 3/4 Cup Texas poblano pepper, paper towels on a rack. Keep 23. A sea duck julienned warm. 24. A habitat weed growth fish • 3/4 Cup Texas red pepper, Ladle 1/2 cup Chili Corn Sauce hide in julienned in center of each plate. Edge 26. Name for the rarest of the • 1-1/2 Cups fresh Texas corn sauce with 6 oysters. Top the trout 28. An excellent bait for kernels sauce with a mound of fried crappies • 1/2 Cup tequila sweet potatoes. 30. Name for a stream trout • 1-1/2 Cups whipping cream Heat oil in a medium-sized 31. Term for an angler’s casting • 1 Teaspoon ground cumin skillet over medium-high heat. method • 1 Tablespoon chili powder Add onion, poblano and red pep- 32. Light birdhunting gun, • Salt and black pepper pers, and corn; sauté until vegeta- _____ piece bles are tender. Deglaze pan with Directions tequila and cook until liquid is DOWN up sounds 21. A member of the trout family Prepare Chili Corn Sauce; reduced by half. 10. Aiming devises on guns and 22. The white weasel reserve and keep warm. Add cream, cumin, chili pow- 1. Ice fishermen wear these on 25. Number of game, fish, Heat about 2 inches of oil to bows der; cook until reduced enough their shoes wildfowl to keep 325° F in a deep fat fryer. Fry 2. Very valuable fur bearer for 12. A species of goose to coat the back of a spoon. 14. Color worn by hunters for 27. A method of fishing sweet potatoes until crisp, drain trappers 29. A predator of wild turkeys on paper towels and reserve. Season with salt and pepper. 3. A buck’s mating season safety Reserve and keep warm until 15. An animal hideaway Combine cornmeal, flour and 1 4. The albacore tablespoon seafood seasoning in ready to use. 16. A species of deer 6. Otter, beaver are classed as a Outdoor Puzzler, a medium bowl. _____ 20. Wild turkey food source, Wilbur "Wib" Lundeen Season oysters with remaining Recipe from the Texas Department 7. Whitetails rotate these to pick wild _____ tablespoon of seafood seasoning, of Agriculture, www.picktexas.com. March 23, 2007 Page 21

SEEKING TOMS: Youngsters — including those taking their first venture into the turkey hunting culture — will be given an early opportunity to test their turkey hunting skills during a special Youth Season March 24- 25. Photo by David J. Sams.

Youth Continued from Page 1 Robert Warren, who helps coordinate youth hunts for the San Antonio Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation. “That is what makes this a fabulous sport. It really makes hunters out of kids and their parents because it is so intimate — a real hands-on in the wilderness,’’ he said. Will Blount missed a Texas gobbler at age 9 — shooting underneath the bird, but last year’s youth season hunt brought better results. “We called the tom for about 30 minutes, and he came close — to not much more than 10 yards,” father Bill Blount said. His son dropped the bird with his 20- gauge. Blount, a native Texas living in Cincinnati, praised the youth season and the results. “It’s the best father- son bonding experience you can get,” he said. Youngsters, including those taking their first camouflaged venture into the turkey hunting culture, will be given an early opportunity to test their turkey hunting skills this spring during a special youth season March 24-25. The regular season in 153 counties begins on March 31 and runs through May 13. In addition to the season for the more abundant Rio Grande species, Eastern turkeys may be hunted in 43 counties from April 1- 30. Texas Parks and Wildlife officials said that about 99,000 hunters bagged about 52,000 Rio Grande turkeys last season, with more than half of those birds brought in during spring hunts. Dry conditions in the fall and earli- er this year may have caused a reduc- tion in the number of young birds, but TPW biologists predict there will be good numbers of older birds avail- able for spring hunters. “Turkey hunting is often a bigger thrill than deer hunting,’’ said Charles Klein of the San Antonio chapter of NWTF. “It is not like sitting in a blind wait- ing for a feeder to go off. You have to find the birds and get them to come to you. When you have a big tom puffed up just 10 feet from you, that is a thrill,’’ he said. The difference in cost between a turkey hunt is also a factor, Klein said, pointing out that a trophy hunt for a gobbler sporting a 10-12 inch beard will carry a price tag of about $200 to $300, while the minimum for a tro- phy white-tailed deer is $1,500 to $2,000. The NWTF is a longtime promoter of putting youngsters out in turkey hunting situations and the San Antonio chapter is organizing about a half-dozen hunts for this spring. In addition, the group will conduct a one-day “Jake’s Camp” on July 14 at the YMCA Roberts Ranch near Comfort for about 100 youngsters. Further information on the hunts and camp is available at www.NWTF.org. Page 22 March 23, 2007 HEROES

BIBI FLORES shot this 8-pointer at the Loma Linda Ranch.

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: JACOB TILLEY, fishing with friends on the San Antonio Heroes, Lone Star Outdoor News, 9304 River using drop lines and live perch, pulled in a yellow Forest Lane, Suite 114 South, Dallas, TX, ARTHUR TOSCANO, of San Antonio, holds a bass he cat weighing more than 44 pounds and a blue cat at 23 75243. caught at a private ranch. pounds.

JOHNNY WAGNER shot this 14-point buck at his JIM GALLEGOS and BILL BLOUNT enjoyed a day of shooting pheasants, sister's ranch in Victoria County. chucker and quail at Joshua Creek ranch. LLOYD MATHEWS shows a Rooster fish he caught in Costa Rica.

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Offshore and Bay fishing Duck, Goose and Pheasant Quail 30' Stamas Dove Hunting Deer 21' Shallowsport 40,000 Acres

Capt. Scott Hickman South Texas 3218 Coral Ridge Ct. League City, TX 77573 Deer and Turkey (281) 535-1930 Hunting Fax: (281) 535-1935 10,000 Acres www.circleh.org

PROFILE It’s easy to advertise on this page — just send us your business card, and let us know how many weeks you want your ad to run. Purchase 12 issues of advertising and your business will be profiled with a photo in this section. Outfitter YOUR Listings: $40 each issue. Please include either a check or credit card billing information with your order. Mail to: BUSINESS Lone Star Outdoor News, 9304 Forest Lane, Suite 114 South, Dallas, TX 75243 or call (214) 361-2276. March 23, 2007 Page 23 Page 24 March 23, 2007