Tuesday, January 15, 2008

Feathers and Fins

It has been a long duck season and my last day to hunt went out with a bang and a splash. Last Saturday I had to make a choice. Do I hunt the last day of muzzleloader and try to harvest a doe or do I go out for ducks one last time? One look into my dog’s eager eyes as I was preparing hunting clothes told me to go waterfowl hunting. Mother nature dealt us many forms of weather this year and plenty of inconsistencies. We can remember when November came it got very cold and stayed cold. The ground was covered in a blanket of snow. Limited to usually one day a week to hunt it seemed like it would either freeze the small water impoundments prior to Saturdays, or it would rain and flood the river banks. Thus, creating so many small flooded pockets in various fields that would change the habits of the ducks making them difficult to locate. Throughout the season a few of our late season hunting locations changed landowner hands and the new owners posted the property not making any exceptions and preventing the ability to hunt. Although I dislike when this happens I try to understand the reasons. Even though it can be upsetting and disappointing, I try to look at it positively. Perhaps it will make for better hunting in the future. By protecting the species in that area, perhaps the numbers will increase and we will be able to find them in an area we can hunt. Drake and I visited one location and found some ducks and a handful of geese. But as we tried to ambush from a distance we couldn’t get to where we needed to be without being seen. Low and behold we got busted. All we could do is watch as they lifted and flew right over where we SHOULD have been. So, nothing you can do but on to the next location.

Geese Flying Away


Geese leaving...the wrong way!



This next location we have permission from the farmer to harvest geese only. He and his wife do not want the mallards shot. So we are very thankful for the opportunity to harvest the geese and honor his request. Upon seeing the geese and ducks here, Don, Jimmy, Drake and I decided to try our luck. There were mallards mixed all through the handful of geese in the field surrounding the pond so Don and I knew we would have to pick our shots when they lifted. Not to mention refrain from the very large, beautiful mature mallard drakes swimming and sitting amongst all the Canada geese. Did I mention how big the drakes were? Yeah, ok. Well we knew we would only have one opportunity and very few shots but it was better than nothing. We stalked, more like crawled, through ditches and fields and then like jack in the boxes jumped up and in seconds the geese and ducks lifted. Don on one side me on the other side about 60 yards from him. Don dropped the first goose and they headed my way...along with all the mallards flying in between, beside, in front of and every which way, I dropped another goose. I realized it takes a good sportsman or woman to refrain from such a tempting sight as large mallard drakes flying in front of you and circling your head in the frenzy, even AFTER the geese flew off! It was like they were teasing us knowing the Farmer didn’t want them shot! But I know I would rather honor this farmer’s wishes and preserve a place for our kids to hunt in the future. Plus perhaps it allows the ducks to multiply and come back to the nearby areas for future hunts.

Family Geese Photo


Don Drake and I with our geese.



We haven’t seen the numbers of ducks or geese in the area this year as we have in the past. Very few flyaway birds to date. On the web page http://vestig.cast.uark.edu/website/waterfowl/ I am notified on mallard satellite tracking. This year the mallards that have the satellite trackers attached, have arrived in Arkansas already this year. The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission is currently conducting a research project that involves placing transmitters on mallards. These transmitters weigh only 25 grams (less than 10% of a duck's body weight), and are designed to fit as a backpack. They communicate with satellites in orbit around the earth to determine their locations. This allows AGFC to collect location data without recapturing the animal. The transmitter only becomes active for a short period of time every two to four days. During the active period it collects as many locations as possible within the pre-programmed time frame. The locations are then sent to the AGFC, where the duck's progress is mapped using Geographical Information System (GIS). You can check out the progress on their web site I have listed above, or sign up for email notification.. This mallard came from Canada and arrived in Arkansas last year in early January this year it arrived in late November. So maybe this is the case on the migration. The “fowl” weather has moved the birds earlier and preventing harvest here. God has always found ways to help the creatures in times of need. Although we were unable to harvest any ducks the last day we were fortunate to close the deal on 2 geese. After the hunting excitement and to capitalize further on the nice weather, we decided to take Jimmy out for a little fishing. Jimmy caught 4 different species of fish. Large mouth bass, crappies, trout and blue gills. His story is...he caught “About 100 fish”, well...it was more like 50 fish, but who’s counting? Spoken like a true fisherman, always more fish and bigger in size. Jimmy’s taste buds got the better of him while fishing and he decided to keep just a few fish to eat. He kept 4 crappie, 1 blue gill and a rainbow trout. One of the crappies was about 14 inches long. A nice slab! He felt bad for the trout. Half of it’s tail was missing and it had teeth marks on it’s sides. It appeared that Jimmy isn’t the only thing that felt the nice size trout would make a good meal!

Jilmmy's Big Crappie


Jimmy and his big crappie.


Geese and Fish


The day’s success.



Well another duck season under our belt. All in all we had a decent year. Although our harvest numbers were down, we reflect back on the good times each trip out. The first ever banded duck in our group of guys, wood ducks, mallards, green wing teals, a few other flyaway birds and yes even the birds that we missed. I smile thinking of the scenery we were able to take in, learning from the quarry we were pursuing, Drake growing as a hunter and watching him retrieve so effortlessly. Not to mention all the laughs we shared with family and friends. I will anxiously await next season with the past season in mind.

Drake Bird Dog


Above, Drake listening and watching on a hunt


Bird Dog


Drake after a retrieve on duck hunt.



I hope all of you enjoyed your trips afield and remember, if we work together in an effort to maintain our sport we will preserve our sport. Honor the Landowner’s wishes and leave it better than you found it! Until next time! Teresa

Tuesday, January 1, 2008

The CLAM 5600 Ice Fishing Shelter

Product Review by Mike Bell , PSP Field Staff
Clam 5600 Ice Shelter

Cost
379.95 Online.  This item may be better bought at a local sporting goods store as the weight greatly increases shipping costs

Product features
2 extra wide doors with two way zippers
4 clear vinyl windows with covers
2 mesh side vent windows
2 large storage pockets
4 holes in floor with covers (cutouts for 2 double holes and 2 single holes)
4 2”X6” corner safety reflectors

Specs include
5’X6’ floor size
6’6” center height
Pack size 60”X 32”X9”
76 lbs
Designed to fit 2-3 people
Clam 5600 Ice Fishing Shelter

Personal Assessment of product
I started ice fishing when I was in high school (1992).  My equipment included a pair of hunting coveralls, half of a 2 piece fishing pole, a hand auger, a collection of small jigs and molded ants, and a ladle from our kitchen.  After the first couple of trips on the ice, I decided if I wanted to enjoy doing this, I needed an ice fishing shelter, and a way to keep warm and out of the wind.  My first shanty came the following winter, and I was amazed at the setup and how warm I was when inside out of the wind.  This was a two man shelter; but was quite small for me and whoever I was going fishing with at the time.  Though it was a definite upgrade, and came in useful for several years, I decided my knees couldn’t take anymore sitting crouched up on a bucket for hours on end.  I am 6’3” and have the “bigger is better” mentality when it comes to comfort.  After looking at many ice fishing shelters, I decided I would purchase the Clam 5600.  This shelter is amazing to fish out of.  I use two fold up camp style chairs and have plenty of leg and arm room when fishing with a buddy.  The set up is fast and easy using a tubular frame (I can set up mine in less than 2 minutes).  The positives of this shanty are the room, the quality construction, collapsible for easy storage, the easy setup, and the double insulated floor which I believe keeps the inside warmer and more wind tight.  When going out, I usually stuff all my equipment including a hand auger, collapsible lantern, small tackle carrier, folding chairs, ice scoop, and rods into the shanty.  All this leaves me to carry is a heater if I even take it out.  I love the fact that I don’t have to carry anything when heading to and from the area I’m going to fish.
Clam 5600 Ice Fishing Shelter

Product Limitations
All ice fishing shelters have pros and cons.  What is perfect for one might not be a viable option for another.  There are two major types of fishing shanties on the market:  The cabin style (Clam 5600) or the flip up style (fish trap Yukon).   The flip up shanties can be fished several different ways.  They can be fished open with seat out, ½ up (for a wind block and ease running to tip ups), or completely closed where as the cabin style 5600 can only be fished 1 way.   The largest limitation I’ve experienced with the Clam 5600 is the sled doesn’t pull particularly well.  To get into my favorite fishing spot on the ice, I have to walk down a fairly steep 100 yard gas line to reach the lake then another 200-300 yards across the ice.  Coming into that spot isn’t bad, but when heading back that sled gives me all I want to pull going up the hill.  Also, when fishing by myself, the Clam with all my equipment packed into it, can be a challenge to lift into the bed of my pickup truck.  Though I have never experienced it, the height of the 5600 can catch a strong wind and possibly blow over or be tossed around when fishing alone.  The final limitation I can think of is the cost.  Though the price tag on this product is a little on the high end, but you get what you pay for in quality and engineering.

Recommendation
My ice fishing trips usually include fishing one or two sets an outing for panfish.  For the fisherman who wants comfort, and room along with a quality long lasting build, I would definitely recommend the Clam 5600.  If you are a fisherman who fishes multiple sets, as well as tipups, there is probably a lighter more convenient design out there for you.  In my opinion, this shanty is a little much for 1 person even though I do use it when fishing alone.  My Clam 5600 has served me well for several years and will do so for many more.  If you are looking for a quality Ice fishing shanty, take a hard look at the Clam/Fish Trap shelters.  Check out both the flip up style as well as the cabin style and see which model suits your personal needs the best.