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 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.

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!

Jimmy and his big crappie.

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.

Above, Drake listening and watching on a hunt

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

The CLAM 5600 Ice Fishing Shelter

Product Review by Mike Bell , PSP Field Staff

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

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.

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.

Rifle Season Wrap-Up

Having filled my buck tag with a bow in October, the ’07 rifle season found me toting my cameras and putting on a few deer drives for my friends and family. Although most of my time deer hunting is typically spent in a treestand, it was nice to get out a cover some new ground. Several nice bucks had been spotted prior to the season, so everyone’s hopes on opening day were high.

A couple of trail camera photos of legal bucks captured during rifle season

But like it was throughout the state, the weather in our neck of the woods for the beginning of the season was pretty dismal. Driving rain and high winds kept deer movement to a minimum. The only person to tag a buck during that first day in our hunting party was my cousin Samantha. She snuck up on her buck while it was feeding on acorns with a group of deer. Her stalking ability impressed us all and we congratulated her on a job well done.

Samantha Schwabenbauer with a hard-earned buck on a very wet and foggy opening day; Samantha’s support crew included me, Vince Hoover, Bruce McHenry, and Buck Weaver (not pictured).

Colt O’Neil with his first buck, which was harvested in Clarion County; Mike Caun with a late season buck taken in management unit 2F.

As the season wore on, temperatures dropped and the rain turned to sleet and then snow. After the storms had passed, we were treated to 4-6 inches of fresh tracking snow. With new-found enthusiasm, we set out to find the deer that had been eluding us since the season began. One of our primary goals was to provide some shot opportunities for the young hunters in our group. And as luck would have it, we managed to do just that!

Morgan Johnson with her first deer; AJ was extremely proud!

The first youngster to score was AJ’s daughter, Morgan. She harvested her first whitetail with a well-placed shot from a 7mm-08. Seeing someone harvest their first deer is always a thrill, but it was great to witness Morgan’s success after several deer sightings earlier in the season didn’t present her with good shot opportunities. The other drivers and I were very glad we finally moved some deer her way. It was an awesome moment for everyone involved, and I felt fortunate to have been a part of it.

A well-hidden deer bed under a blanket of fresh snow; A black cherry rifle rest during one our field-dressing sessions

Since the deer still weren’t moving much on their own, we formulated a plan for another deer drive. This time, we focused on a thick swamp bordered by old clear-cuts. The result was another filled tag for Sara Weaver, who took a large doe with her 300 Savage. This deer was Sara’s third, and she has already displayed the shooting skills of a seasoned veteran.

Sara Weaver with a very nice Clarion County doe; Sara and her dad, Chuck, enjoy the morning’s success.

Despite the season’s foul weather early on, many hunters fared well during the second week. Here are a few more successful hunters from northwest PA.

Cliff Wingard, Kirk Tharan, and Jess Stewart all harvested these bucks in Clarion County.

John Meier with a heavy-racked 10-point taken in eastern Clarion County; Kyle Ritner with a nice Gamelands buck from Venango County

As in year’s past, this rifle season was filled with memorable moments and quality time shared with friends and family members. It was inspiring to see some of the younger generation get involved and be so excited about our great sport. I hope all of our readers were able to enjoy some time outdoors this season. Good luck to all of the hearty souls who are heading out for the late archery and muzzleloader season!

Thoughts From Our Recent TripTo Erie

So many times, we as outdoorsmen and women get so caught up with the size and quality of the targeted trophy, we tend to forget about the real meaning of what makes the outdoors special.  When I hunt or fish, my goal is to achieve what I set out to do… see animals and catch fish!  The last couple of years my desire to be successful hasn’t diminished, but time spent outdoors has taken on a different meaning to me.  A great example of this change of philosophy can be shown in this trip to Erie steelhead fishing.

Jason Taking Time To Pose While Landing a Steelhead and Shawn in the Background

The wheels were set in motion to go steelhead fishing by my brother Shawn and my Cousin Jason.  They were talking about going to Erie on Monday and decided to move it back a day to include me because of my work conflicts on Monday.  Both Jason and Shawn called me last week and we planned on going up on Tuesday Dec 18th.  If I were reading this, I would probably be thinking big deal, so they moved the trip back a day to include me.  Well to me it was a big deal because they both had to work the day following the trip.  Jason had a 4 hour trip and my brother had a 3.5 hour trip to make it back to work the following morning.  As I was setting at home that evening, I was thinking how lucky I was to have these and many other great people to share outdoor pursuits with.

I know Jason already wrote a journal on this trip so I just wanted to touch on the high points that weren’t mentioned in his article.  First, before even touching the bank of the creek we had to wade through an icy beaver pond (not an easy task).  A 250 lb fat boy isn’t exactly a picture of grace in neoprene waders, so of course I ended up on my hands and knees, not once, but twice going through that pond (look at the sleeves in my pictures).  The soft bottom and the thin layer of ice didn’t help things, and of course I didn’t bring an extra pair of gloves.  Luckily, Jason had an extra pair and possibly saved my fishing trip (it was 21-29 degrees that day).  Thanks for the gloves Jason!

You can see my wet sleeves and this photo was at the end of the day!

Another part of the trip conveniently left out was the scenery pictures from the top of a train tressel.  Neither Shawn or Jason are especially fond of heights and my decision to take pictures didn’t go over well.  I was in the lead so neither Jason or Shawn could get around me.  I don’t believe they wanted me to stop and take pictures, but I took my time and enjoyed the moment of their sheer panic, and got some very nice photos to boot.   Please don’t think I’m evil as I probably get more than I give when I’m around those two.

Shawn Crossing the Bridge.  He isn't to fond of heights.

Jason Was Claiming That He Was Getting Sick From The Height???

Even though I have caught many more fish on the tribs, I can’t remember a more enjoyable time on those waters.  Overall, this trip was a great success and I hope it is the first of many for us.  We have fished together many times, but never in Erie, and never for steelhead.  I learned a great deal from fishing with these two on this trip including how to tie and fish a dropper fly, and different presentations used in different holes.  I am a novice fly fisherman and enjoy watching others and hopefully learn to become a better fisherman overall.  Thank you guys for allowing me to be a part of this trip and I hope to meet you on the tribs again soon.

I would like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.  Good luck on your outdoor adventures and be safe.

Mike

Why Do I (We) Hunt?

My son and I were sitting at home one evening watching a hunting show on television and he looked at me and said, "Mom...why do you hunt?”

This is the question that I feel every person who is new to the sport, or is a seasoned veteran, must continually ask himself or herself. Every person will probably respond in a different way to this question. The answer however, must come from down deep inside of the individual and at times will probably conjure up a passionate response.

MY personal response to my son went something like this; I hunt because I truly enjoy the sport. I love being in the woods well before dawn and watch the woods come to life all around me when the sun rises. I sit and admire the other animals I share the woods with on any given day.

The annoying cackle of the crows. The sound of geese circling their favorite feeding grounds or in travel is always a welcomed sound. The squirrels and chipmunks that scamper around looking for food. It’s as if they are keeping me company or entertaining me while I await my quarry. Also, the sudden thunder of a “Boss” turkey in the spring can get the blood pumping in even the hardiest seasoned hunter. I like hearing and seeing two bucks sparring for dominance. Hearing the whistling wings of ducks flying by at Mach 10. Watching my dog in the field that is truly passionate about the outdoors himself. Or seeing the many beautiful sunsets or sunrises.

But one of the greatest things to me, as a hunter is in the fall. Hearing the distant footsteps growing closer and closer or the sudden appearance of a buck approaching my stand. It’s at this time I feel truly alive! My heart starts pounding I believe the deer themselves must hear it. I have to calm myself down....confirm the target...pick a spot and make a quick, clean humane shot. Then the moment of truth. Everything is perfect, the wind, the shot, I am in control and I have to ask myself the question.......Do I shoot? If I shoot my season is over. If I don’t this buck, provided he makes it through the seasons, may be larger next year. So, I decide to pass on the shot and remain in the stand for the rest of the day.

I then realize that this deer passed within my shooting range that I did everything right to get the shot. I choose not to shoot and enjoy the wildlife that pass my way the remainder of the day. I keep reminding myself that tomorrow is another day and the story starts again. This is why I hunt!

As hunters, no, as true sportsman and woman we all have similar stories to share. But one thing we can say is a constant. We aren’t in it for the “kill”. We are in it for the true enjoyment of the sport. Being a part of the great outdoors. The excitement of trying to harvest animals that are so well adapt to eluding us. Making memories with family and friends.

To be a TRUE sportsman and woman we need to enjoy every trip afield. Take care of the animals we pursue. Help improve the habitat of the animals we hunt. Only take what we can use or are lawfully permitted. Help defend and positively promote the sport. Cherish the time in the field and hope to conserve it for our children. Teach them this and hopefully they will want to continue on these ways. After all the future of our sport depends on the children. So the best thing we can do as hunters is try and pass on our good ethics and traditions to the youth.

This is my personal code of ethics. This is why I hunt.

After a minute or two I asked Jimmy, “So why do you hunt?” His response, “I like being with you and Pap and Don, and my Uncles and friends, and DIDO what you said Mom.” I have enjoyed most, watching my son conduct himself in such a way this past hunting season with the Mentor Youth program, that does not make me doubt for a moment his ethics and passion for the sport.

I hope all of you have a passion deep down in you that helps to promote our sport positively. Our kids need the example. Our children need to realize the sport isn’t easy. And you don’t have to bag your quarry to be successful. You just have to have a passion and an appreciation for the outdoors. That itself is a success. Teresa

I have included some pictures of my trips afield.

From the Forest Floor to the Kitchen Door

Well the gun season was winding down only a few more days remained and God blessed our family with another successful hunt. It has been six years since my brother Rex has harvested a buck in PA. He attempts to allow younger bucks to walk as to both prolong his hunting season and harvest a more mature deer.

The illuminated white forest floor enabled Rex to still hunt through the tops of ridges entwined with grape vines deep in the mountain where he was the only human track. Thus, allowing his predator like senses to kick in and utilize mother nature to his advantage. Low and behold 3 miles later, the billowy snow erupts and emerges from beneath the grape vines seven silhouettes of brown. Three of which sported antlers. In a split decision Rex was able to harvest a heavy antlered 8 point. Congrats to my brother!!!!

Rex and his buck.

On the other side of the mountain we had my son Jimmy out for yet one more attempt to harvest a buck. Although unable to connect, I can say, I know he has a much greater respect for the sport. He realizes it is not as easy as 1,2,3. We trekked 5 ½ miles in 4 inches of snow with only a sighting of 2 deer. Neither of which Jimmy would be able to harvest...more does. But once he saw his Uncle Rex’s buck the smile returned to his face and hopes of knowing someday it would be his buck in the back of our vehicle. And it is that feeling that would keep him coming back for more.

Later that evening we decided to make some deer bologna . Jimmy understands from hunting this year the many hours in the field then the preparation for the kitchen table consumes a lot of time and makes for a long day. It's all part of the sport we love and hope one day he to will pass on the tradition.

Pap Ott and Toad stuffing the bologna.

Fortunately for us the many generations of hunters in the family we have been taught to respect the animals we pursue and prepare them for the table. I will pass on a good recipe that we hope you will enjoy as much as our family and friends. God Bless! Happy Hunting. Until next time!

Teresa

Bologna Recipe

40 pounds of ground deer meat
10 pounds of ground beef OR 10 pounds of ground pork (Optional)
2 ounces of mustard sed
2 ounces of garlic powder
2 ounces of black pepper
1 ounce of crushed red pepper
1 pound of Morton’s Quick Salt
1 ½ pounds of brown sugar

Mix ingredients together. Stuff then let smoke for 8 hours. Cook meat in low boiling water until it floats. Then it is done. If you do not have a smoker you can use liquid smoke to your liking. If you do not have a stuffer like Pap Ott’s, you can buy muslin cloth to wrap meat and cook in oven. If you cook in oven cook approximately 2 hours at 250 degrees. You can utilize any amount of deer meat just adjust your ingredients per pound of meat.
Enjoy!

Teresa

2007 Archery Season Wrap-Up (including videos)

I have to apologize for not writing for a while, but my work schedule around the holidays keeps me pretty busy. Being in Colorado for a week and a half didn’t help either, but as usual, the time out west was worth playing a little catch-up at the office. It was tough being away during the rut, knowing that all of my friends were experiencing some of the best hunting of the season. This year was no exception, and there was a flurry of activity during the final two weeks.

One noteworthy event that occurred during this time was AJ getting a little redemption from his botched attempt at a doe in the early season (see “Opening Week Meltdown”). I have to give him credit because, not only did he finally harvest a deer, he managed to film the shot himself without a cameraman. This feat is even more impressive when you consider that AJ had only learned how to use his new video camera a few weeks before the hunt. I’ll let the video speak for itself. Click the link below to watch AJ’s hunt.

I’m sure many of you might have noticed the somewhat small size of AJ’s deer. You can bet this fact wasn’t overlooked by any of our hunting buddies either. Even AJ finally conceded that the doe might have actually been “a mature fawn”. At any rate, the steaks should be excellent and he was happy to regain some confidence after the events of the opening evening.

The arrow was a little bit low, but still got the job done; AJ was relieved to have some meat for the freezer.

As you might expect, some nice bucks were also harvested during the season’s final weeks. Here are a few photos of some successful hunters from northwest PA:

Dana Kellogg with a nice Clarion County 8-point; Gary Henry with a very unique 12-point, also from Clarion County

Al and Andy Hogue with two dandy bucks they harvested near their homes in Clarion County

Vince Hoover with a huge Venango County 6-point; Tom Varner with a suburban 8-point from Butler County.

Finally, no archery season would be complete without a story about the one that got away. I’ve been sworn to secrecy regarding the details of this buck sighting, so I can only say that a close friend of mine pursued this whitetail for the entire season and only managed to see him once. Unfortunately, a shot never presented itself, but he was able to capture some brief footage of this elusive buck. Although it’s pretty shaky, you can see that this is a once-in-a-lifetime Pennsylvania buck. Click the link below to watch the video.

Some still shots of the heavy-beamed buck that obviously knows of a few good hiding places.

To the best of my knowledge, no one has seen this buck since early archery season. Let’s hope he survives until next year. We might even try some late-season tactics once the woodlots calm down after Christmas. I’ll keep you posted if we have anymore close encounters. Good luck to everyone during rifle season!