Team Fur News - Aug24
Fishing With Peengie's Best Friend's Dad
By FUR-FISH-GAME Editor, John D. Taylor
Phil Goes and his son Huck fish the pond in front of Custer State Park’s Visitor Center
Phil Goes is a frequent contributor to FUR-FISH-GAME. No doubt you’ve seen his articles, laughed along with the exploits of his young sons, Huck and Hugo (a.k.a. Peengie), and saw yourself in his trials and tribulations hunting, fishing and trapping, mostly in Wisconsin.
While emailing about an article he'd submitted, Phil shared that he and his family would be coming to the Black Hills for a week’s vacation in Custer State Park. I immediately extended an offer to go fishing, and for his family to visit the Taylor homestead for a meal.
The Goeses accepted, and their visit was much anticipated.
We – my wife, Nancy, our two English setters, two horses and me – live 15 miles north and east of Rapid City, South Dakota, near Box Elder, in a development along the edge of a huge swath of ranchland that essentially extends to the North Dakota border, even beyond that. We haven’t had many visitors since we moved late last spring. So, receiving the Goes family would be a pleasure for us.
Nancy suggested the menu include individual homemade pizzas, tailored to personal taste, cooked on the grill to beat the heat, and a big salad from the garden, along with a key lime pie and “wacky” cake desert. (Wacky cake is a Depression-era recipe from my family much like red cake.) And that set well with the Goes family.
On Saturday, July 6, a text came from Phil saying the clan just crossed the South Dakota border and were on their way to Custer State Park.
Monday evening, the Goeses arrived. Greetings and welcomes took place, introductions were made. Hugo was in his cowboy attire, sporting a red bandana, a six-gun cap pistol with a dandy holster, a camo toy rifle he’d acquired at Wall Drug, and a floppy cowboy hat – a real gunslinger. I thought that was seriously cool. Huck was dressed for the weather with Joe Cool sunglasses.
While the pizzas cooked on the grill, and the adults swapped tales of past adventures, careers and lives lived, the boys attacked the gazzlion grasshoppers that have swarmed the portions of the Taylor “ranch.” (Truth is, I’m all hat, no cattle, but I do have a couple of fine horses on our 10 acres.)
The boys caught them in blue and red butterfly nets, caught them by hand, and some were snatched ala fresco when they jumped up on them as they walked around the yard, flushing grasshoppers everywhere. All total, the boys filled two large plastic parmesan cheese containers full of hoppers. They intended to use them for fishing bait. Hugo, on Tuesday morning, would catch a nice trout from the lake using a hopper.
Despite all the grasshoppers that the boys caught – and the gallon bags of hoppers Nancy has collected and frozen, to feed to the chickens later – they didn’t put a dent in our hopper population. I’ve read how, during the Dust Bowl of the 1930s, when grasshopper-like Mormon crickets numbers got dense enough, they’d form swarms, literally morph into a biblical-type plague of locusts that ate everything growing, even the handles on brooms. Our hopper numbers seem close to that this year. We’ve lost the bok choy, kale, broccoli, and other crops in the garden already. Grasshoppers and curly cup gumweed, an invasive plant that prevents other plants from growing (particularly grass) in my pastures, are the bane of my existence this summer.
Dinner finished, we talked some more, helped the boys finish filling their grasshopper containers and laid plans to go fishing on Wednesday afternoon. It was determined that Hugo and Elizabeth, Phil’s wife, would share some quality time while Phil, Huck and I tempted the trout.
When I met Phil and Huck at the Custer State Park Visitor Center Wednesday afternoon, they pulled their rods out of the bungee cord, rod rack in their van and hit the ground running, ready to fish. They were catching fish while I rigged my tired old, 7-1/2-foot fly rod.
It might not have been his first cast, but it certainly wasn’t more than three, before Phil hooked a decent-sized rainbow trout in the pond in front of the Visitor’s Center on one of his nymph patterns. Huck, tossing spinners like a pro angler, got focused on a pike in the pond for a little while, but soon he was tied into a trout, too. Several fish were rising in the pond, so I threw my deer hair grasshopper pattern at them and had several follows, but no takes.
Few would have thought about fishing that small corral-sized pond, but Phil did. He and the boys caught trout there on Tuesday. I think any water draws Phil’s passion to see – and catch – the fish in it. He’s simply amazing in his fishing prowess.
Huck had some follows from a big trout on his spinner in the step-across creek flowing out of the pond. But after several casts with no hit, we decided to move upstream. There, in a dual hole formed by two culverts under a bridge, Huck nailed a dandy trout on his spinner.
We continued fishing upstream. I caught a small, but colorful and apparently wild brook trout from a nice hole bordered by a boulder, while Phil and Huck cast in a few other spots.
Huck and his fish.
The little creek had been kind to us, but about 3:30 p.m., when I suggested trying Rapid Creek, the water that gives Rapid City its name, Phil and Huck were game to give it a go.
About 45 minutes later, we were driving over the top of Pactola Reservoir’s dam breast, looking for the gravel road that led down over the hill to the creek. Phil and Huck were impressed with the elevation and the scenery. Phil was no stranger to the Black Hills, having visited several times in the past. But he’d not seen this end of the national forest before.
Rapid Creek is about a two-lane road wide in most places, clear and in places deep. Below the dam, the water is catch-and-release, artificial lures only. So, Huck was okay tossing spinners. Phil grabbed his fly rod and a spinning rig. I fly fished.
The water below the dam is released from the bottom of the reservoir, assuring that even during a July heat wave, it remains trout-worthy. I’d fished Rapid Creek a few times before and figured it would be a good place to try on a hot day, if nothing more than wading in the cool water.
Pulling into the parking lot just below the dam and seeing the creek, Phil and Huck grew animated. Huck asked the one other angler, a fly fisherman, who was fishing the creek if he’d had any luck. He suggested we try a deep hole upstream, where a known lunker trout hid out, when the sun set behind the hills in the west.
We explored a couple of access points cut through the thick streamside willows. Phil and Huck grew even more excited seeing one section of plunging riffles with a deep pool below. Both thought there should be some nice trout hanging out there.
The other angler hiked downstream and began fishing well below us, where a bridge spanning the Centennial Trail, a horse, bicycle and hiking path that runs the length of the Black Hills, crossed the creek. I elected to hike further downstream, below him, to give him his solitude, while Phil and Huck explored the big riffle pool.
When I finally found an opening in the willows where I could access the creek, I slipped into the water, wading wet in long pants – they shed thistles – and using my rubber-bottomed wading boots. South Dakota, like most states now, outlawed felt wading boots because the felt can transmit invasive aquatic species like Didymo ("rock snot"), a microscopic algae that produces mats on hard surfaces like rocks in a creek. The mats look and feel like white or tan wet wool and easily snag flies. Rapid Creek has a didymo. Phil and Huck were in shorts and wading sandals, but I couldn’t imagine that even bull thistles would keep them away from trout water.
Phil Goes with a trout he caught in the pond near the Custer State Park Visitor Center.
At first, the cool water felt good. Rapid City weather predicted a 90-degree day, but it was cooler than that in the forested hills. Yet it wasn’t long before I couldn’t feel my feet, even with heavy wool socks on. I guessed the water was 50 degrees, maybe less, a half-mile below the dam. That changed my presentation from a topwater grasshopper to nymphs dredged deep.
A big trout, maybe 16 to 18 inches, busted by my careless wading, flashed upstream. I cast into his next likely lie but received no interest.
I continued to fish upstream, slipping in and out of the water as breaks in the willows allowed. One glance at my watch said 7 p.m. I’d work another section of stream, and it was 7:30 p.m. My aim was to eventually connect with Huck and Phil before dark.
At about 8:15 p.m., while casting to what I believed was the fish in that big hole the other angler talked about, I heard Huck and Phil talking. They were on the bridge just below the dam and had fished the water from the deep riffle pool up to the bridge intensively.
Both caught some really nice trout, Phil a whopper brown pushing 20 inches. Phil and Huck were beaming, and I was happy I could show them some Black Hills treasures.
Phil’s email handle references him being hooked to a trout. He is. A more passionate trout fisherman I’ve never seen, and young Huck is following in his father’s footsteps. If ever there was an angler who could be called a trout master, Phil earned that title in my estimation. When you read his articles in FUR-FISH-GAME, know that he’s the real deal. Follow his direction and he’ll get you hooked into a trout, too.
The Goeses finished their Black Hills vacation Sunday evening with an 1880 Train ride in Hill City. That train just happened to be “robbed” by a bunch of desperado gunslingers from the Single Action Shooting Society (SASS)-affiliated Black Hills Shootist Society. The robbery was thwarted by sheriff’s deputies from the same outfit during a gunfight in which there were many shots fired (all blanks), many desperados and deputies gunned down. Huck and Hugo enjoyed the Wild West show. What kid wouldn’t? They even recognized the old editor guy in his cowboy get-up who had helped them catch some grasshoppers a few days before.
“Perfect end to the trip,” Phil texted.
I thought so, too.
Ohio Residents Asked to Report Turkey, Grouse Sightings
ODNR is asking residents to report turkey and grouse sightings this summer
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The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife is asking the public to report sightings of wild turkeys and ruffed grouse through August this summer for its annual population surveys. These observations should be submitted on the Wildlife Reporting System webpage at wildohio.gov or on the HuntFish OH mobile app. Wildlife biologists use the sighting reports to estimate population statuses and reproductive success. Wild turkey observers are asked to report the number of gobblers, hens and poults seen. Information collected about ruffed grouse should include the number of adults and young viewed. Record the date and county where the observation occurred and include as many details as possible with each report. Information submitted to Ohio’s surveys help predict future population changes, estimate brood success and guide management decisions.
Mountain lion removed from Scottsbluff subdivision
A mountain lion was euthanized in Scottsbluff, Nebraska, recently. Photo: Zach Key/Unsplash
A mountain lion was killed by a member of the Scotts Bluff County Sheriff’s Office on June 19 at a subdivision just north of Scottsbluff. The mountain lion, twice spotted Wednesday in the Scotts Bluff Country Club subdivision that surrounds a golf course, was shot because it was an immediate threat to the public. Sam Wilson, carnivore and furbearer program manager for the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, said the mountain lion was a 1-1/2-year-old male, ear-tagged as part of the state’s research efforts. Wilson said young males of this age begin dispersing from their mothers to find their own territory and potential mates. The mountain lion first was seen and reported by a resident about 1:50 p.m. Scotts Bluff County law enforcement and Game and Parks conservation officers and wildlife biologists searched but were unable to find the animal. Another resident, southwest from the original sighting, reported seeing the mountain lion at about 7 p.m. Officers responded, removing the animal for the safety of the public. This mountain lion was part of the Wildcat Hills population, one of three established populations in Nebraska. Visit OutdoorNebraska.gov and search “Mountain Lion Management” to learn more about Nebraska cats.
WDNR Confirms CWD In Pierce County
CWD is spreading in many states, including Wisconsin. (Photo: Mister A/Unsplash
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR) confirmed the first positive test result for chronic wasting disease (CWD) in a wild, 5-year-old whitetailed doe in Pierce County. The deer was sick and humanely dispatched in Spring Lake, within 10 miles of the Dunn and St. Croix counties borders. This detection resulted in a three-year baiting and feeding ban in Pierce County, a two-year baiting and feeding ban in St. Croix County, and a renewed baiting and feeding ban in Dunn County. State law requires WDNR to enact three-year baiting and feeding bans in counties where CWD has been detected, as well as a two-year ban in adjoining counties within 10 miles of a CWD detection. If additional CWD cases are found during the lifetime of a baiting and feeding ban, the ban will renew for an additional two or three years. Baiting or feeding encourages deer from congregating unnaturally around a shared food source, where infected deer can spread CWD through direct contact with healthy deer or by leaving infectious prions in their saliva, blood, feces and urine behind. WDNR began monitoring the state's wild whitetail population for CWD in 1999. The first positives were found in 2002. Visit https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/wildlifehabitat/cwd.
Montana Spring Deer, Elk Surveys Show Mixed Results
In Montana, deer and elk herds are showing mixed results in
spring surveys. Photo: Brian Holdsworth/Unsplash
Biologists conducting spring deer and elk surveys found some areas with improved deer and elk herds and some areas with lower recruitment due to poor habitat conditions and disease. Each spring, Montana Fish Wildlife and Park (MFWP) staff get a pulse on deer and elk numbers by conducting aerial spring trend surveys or green-up flights across the state. These flights occur in the same areas year after year so biologist can understand population trends. During the flights, staff count deer and elk and classify fawns/calves and adults to determine recruitment rates. The fawn/calf count provides a critical population measure – the ratio of young to adults. Long-term datasets for deer and elk let MFWP determine if populations are increasing, decreasing or remaining stable. Data gathered from these surveys is then used to adjust antlerless licenses prior to big game tag drawings. This spring, surveys found some increases, and areas of decline or stable numbers. As a result, some areas will get reduced antlerless B licenses so MFWP can grow herd numbers. A YouTube video about mule deer counts effort is available at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aLKZVHlk9DI.
Report Suspected Abandoned Coal Mine Land Features
Hidden among trees and obscured by ferns, this shaft opening is 7 feet by 2 feet
and more than 100-feet deep. The soils around the opening are
not stable. Photo: U.S. Department of the Interior
Across the country, thousands of abandoned coal mine sites pose a serious threat. While enjoying the great outdoors this summer, the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement (OSMRE), a division of the U.S. Department of the Interior, reminds everyone to stay out of abandoned coal mines. Abandoned coal mine sites are dangerous and contain features with the potential to be deadly. For safety, don’t explore them. Stay out and stay alive. Coal mine subsidence can create openings to underground workings that may be obscured by vegetation. Mine entries often contain dangerous gasses. Open shafts are vertical mine openings that can extend hundreds of feet to the lower level of a mine. Open shafts can be concealed by mine debris, dirt, rock, vegetation and even water. Deadly gases and lack of oxygen can be present in abandoned mines that are not ventilated. High walls and open pits are located where large areas of the surface have been disturbed to get at minerals. Open pits can be filled with water that can be highly acidic or laden with harmful chemicals. High walls can be unstable at the top and the bottom and are prone to collapse or disguised by vegetation obscuring the steep drop-off. If you find an abandoned coal mine, report it the OSMRE supervisory program specialist. In Kentucky, Tennessee and Georgia, contact Donald R. Hall, at dhall@osmre.gov. In West Virginia and Virginia, contact Philip R. Baker, at pbaker@osmre.gov. In Ohio, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Michigan and Rhode Island, c contact Douglas M. DePellegrini, at ddepellegrini@osmre.gov.
Outdoor Criminals Get Caught
A Washington state man who illegally killed four elk, four black bears and five black-tailed deer
was recently fined and sentenced for his illegal activity. Photo: Mathew Schwartz/Unsplash
Outdoor criminals felt the long arm of the law recently in Indiana and Washington state. In King County, Washington, for example, Jason Smith, 29, was sentenced $8,000 in fines and required to perform 80 hours of community service for big game poaching and trespass. Smith was convicted of two felony counts of first-degree unlawful big game hunting, 27 gross misdemeanor charges of unlawful big game hunting, unlawful black bear baiting and unlawful waste of wildlife; and three misdemeanors of unlawful hunting or retrieving wildlife from private property. He illegally killed four elk, four black bears, and five black-tailed deer in western Washington, according to the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW). WDFW began investigating Smith when he posted social media photos of his exploits and told friends about his tracking and killing prowess, suggesting he should be featured on extreme outdoor TV shows. Officers suspected he’d illegally killed multiple elk in the North Bend area. Search warrants gathered evidence revealing Smith’s poaching and baiting deer, elk and black bears, and trespassing onto private property to poach or retrieve illegally killed animals. In one case, he left an elk carcass to waste after another person found the poached elk before he could retrieve it. In the end, officers served a search warrant at Smith’s residence and seized some of the wildlife parts, including meat. Other animals were seized from a taxidermist.
In Indiana, a man was cited for allegedly cheating in an Illinois bass fishing tournament. Illinois Conservation Police cited David Moore, 49, of St. John’s, Indiana, for allegedly cheating in a Chicago bass tournament. Charges included attempting to commit theft, possession over the daily limit of three smallmouth bass, failure to immediately release smallmouth bass unharmed, taking and possessing smallmouth bass resulting in wanton waste, throwing fishing wire on the bank waters, and importing Viral Hemorrhagic Speticemia (VHS)-susceptible species into Illinois without a permit.
The day before a May bass tournament, conservation police were tipped off that Moore was hiding fish on a stringer in the Calumet River for the tournament the following morning, against tournament rules. The following morning, conservation police observed Moore retrieve four smallmouth bass from the stringer. He allegedly put them in his boat’s live well before throwing the stringer on shore and driving away. Moore was registered with the Cal-Sag Bass Anglers tournament. Conservation police waited for Moore to return to the tournament weigh-in. The limit was five bass with a minimum length of 12 inches. Moore’s total fish weighed 19.5 pounds and would have won the tournament’s first-place prize of $1,300. However, investigation showed Moore caught four of the smallmouths in Lake Michigan near Hammond, Indiana, and imported the fish into Illinois without a VHS permit. Moore has been charged with two Class A misdemeanors, four Class B misdemeanors, and one petty offense. A court date was set in Cook County. The defendant is presumed innocent unless proved guilty. To report poaching and other illegal activity, in Illinois call 877-2DNRLAW.
Game Wardens Euthanize Aggressive Black Bear in Vermont
Vermont game wardens had to euthanize an aggressive black bear
in Underhill in May. Photo: Michael Anfang/Unsplash
The Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department (VFWD) responded to a 6:30 a.m. aggressive black bear complaint in Underhill in late May. The bear’s behavior was judged a risk to public safety, and the bear was euthanized after a period of observation. Considering this incident, VFWD reminds Vermonters to proactively prevent bear conflicts. Secure all food sources that attract bears to yards and neighborhoods including garbage, recycling and backyard chickens and bees. To be most effective, whole neighborhoods and towns need to be consistent in keeping bear attractants secure. The euthanized bear was attracted into a resident’s yard by recycling left outside the front door. The bear repeatedly returned to the homeowner’s yard after initially being scared away, despite the fact that the homeowner removed the recycling and no other unsecured food sources were present on their property. After returning, the bear showed no fear of people and acted aggressively. A game warden responded to the homeowner’s call and confirmed that the bear’s behavior was aggressive. The bear adopted a predatory stance with its head lowered and began to approach and circle the game warden. “No one wants bear conflicts to escalate to the point that killing the bear is necessary to protect public safety,” said Game Warden Lt. Robert Currier. “Vermonters have a responsibility to stop these kinds of conflicts before they escalate. Proactive conflict prevention is the safest thing for the bears, and for people.” The bear weighed about 100 pounds and had been reported for aggressive behavior by multiple landowners in the area several weeks before. Visit vtfishandwildlife.com/learn-more/living-with-wildlife/living-with-black-bears for information on preventing conflicts with bears.
Denver Proposes Fur Ban
Some Denver, Colorado, residents are seeking to place an ordinance on the November ballot to prohibit fur products in the city beginning in July of 2025. A petition is being circulated to put an ordinance on the city’s ballot that would eliminate fur products in Denver. The proposed ordinance’s “legislative intent” claims the people of Denver believe “Animals that are slaughtered for their fur endure tremendous suffering. Animals raised on fur farms typically spend their entire lives in cramped and filthy cages. Fur farmers typically use the cheapest killing methods available, including suffocation, electrocution, gas, and poison.”
It goes on to claim fur farms are “reservoirs and transmission vectors” for dangerous zoonotic diseases… that threaten public health.” And that COVID-19 “infections have been confirmed at fur farms in Europe and the United States, and scientific studies have linked mink, raccoon dogs, and foxes – the animals most commonly farmed for their fur - to a variety of coronaviruses.” Raccoon dogs? “Considering the wide array of alternatives for fashion and apparel,” the proposed ordinance claims, “the demand for fur products does not justify the unnecessary killing and cruel treatment of animals. Eliminating the sale of fur products in the City of
Denver will promote, community awareness of animal welfare and, in turn, will foster a more humane environment in the City.”
To achieve its legislative intent, the ordinance proposes that it be unlawful to “…manufacture for sale, sell, display for sale, distribute, or trade for monetary or nonmonetary consideration any Fur Product in the City.” The sale of a fur products is defined as a buyer taking possession of a fur product in Denver, or if the seller lives in the city. Also “fur” is defined as “…any animal skin or part thereof with hair, fleece or fur fibers attached thereto, either in its raw or processed state; or such hair, fleece, or fur fibers detached from any animal skin and re-attached to another material.” A fur product in Denver would include “…any product made in whole or in part of fur and processed for sale to consumers, such as any article of clothing or covering for any part of the body or fashion accessory including, but not limited to, a coat, jacket, handbag, purse, wallet, shoe, slipper, hat, earmuff, scarf, shawl, glove, jewelry or keychain, or home accessories and decor including, but not limited to, rugs, blankets, and wall hangings.” “Fur products” exempted from this definition include animal skins with the hair removed and converted into leather, cowhides with hair, lamb or sheep skins with fleece, wool or other fibers from livestock, and the pelt or skin of any animal preserved via taxidermy. Denver’s city council public input information is here: https://www.denvergov.org/Government/Agencies-Departments-Offices/Agencies-Departments-Offices-Directory/Denver-City-Council/Public-Input
FWP discovers non-native aquarium pets in Montana waters
A mystery snail. Photo: theaquariumkeeper2/Unsplash
While it might seem like a good idea at the time, dumping an aquarium pet into a lake or river is not good for native wildlife. The pet probably won’t survive, and native wildlife won’t know how to compete with the invasive species. This spring, Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks (MFWP) personnel identified two species in state waters the result of aquarium dumps. The first detection was mystery snails at Finley Point in Flathead Lake. Mystery snails are an aquarium snail found in many waters in the West. But this was the first mystery snail population identified in Montana. FWP plans to remove the snails. Near Bozeman, an angler reported catching a Dojo loach in a small pond. The East Asia native is also a popular aquarium pet. For more information on how releasing pets into the wild can negatively impact habitat, visit www.dontletitloose.com.
Outdoor Adventures Grows in Wisconsin
The Outdoors Tomorrow Foundation (OTF) recently announced 35 Wisconsin schools joined the Outdoor Adventures program thanks to a generous donation from Paul and Joyce Herlitzke and Keith and Marilyn Herlitzke, both couples unwavering devotees of the outdoors, united by their passion for hunting, fishing, trapping and a profound commitment to conservation. In a rapidly evolving world driven by technology, they have observed the dwindling access young people have to hunting, fishing, and other outdoor pursuits. They recognize that without opportunities for outdoor education, the seeds of growth remain unplanted. Determined to connect kids with the outdoors and create future generations of hunters, anglers, conservationists, and outdoor industry professionals, the Herlitzkes generously donated the Outdoor Adventures K-12 curriculum and equipment including bows, targets, camp cooking equipment and fishing gear to school districts in La Crosse, Onalaska, Holmen and Westby. The program in these schools will impact more than 3,500 students annually with a comprehensive outdoor education. The Outdoors Tomorrow Foundation developed and implemented Outdoor Adventures K-12 which is now in nearly 1,400 schools across all 50 states and Canada. Visit GoOTF.com.
Upcoming Events
West Virginia Trappers Convention - The West Virginia Trappers Association will hold their 55th Annual Trappers Convention on September 20 - 21, at the Gilmer County Recreation Center, located at 1365 Sycamore Run Road, in Glenville, West Virginia. Admission is free. Gates open at 9 a.m. Friday and 8 a.m. Saturday. For a list of vendors and more information, visit www.wvtrappers.com or contact Jeremiah Whitlatch (304) 916-3329.
Minktoberfest - Mink trappers will want to make the trek to Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, October 3 through 6, to participate in this event, which offers a “peer learning experience” for trappers. Pre-registration is required, and the cost is $325, with meals included. Attendees are responsible for their own accommodations. Hip boots or waders are recommended. For more information or to register, contact Don Powell at (814) 938-3031.
Texas Trappers and Fur Hunters Association Fall Rendezvous – The Texas Trapper and Fur Hunters Association will hold their Fall Rendezvous October 18 and 19, at the Gatesville Civic Center, 301 Veteran’s Memorial Loop, in Gatesville, Texas. The event includes demonstrations, live auction, and more. For more information, visit www.ttfha.com or call Matt Carter (830) 505-0033
What’s Coming in September
Features
Across the Breach - Bill Shaw shares a touching tribute to his son, Andrew, a modern-day mountain man and elk hunter.
Catching Foxes in Coyote Country - Mike Schoonveld looks to trap some red foxes in what, since the 1980s, has become Indiana’s coyote country. No easy feat.
Flightline Doves - After being upstaged by goose hunters, Phil Goes discovers an unexpected dove flight path and shares how to reap the rewards.
Squirrel Dogs: Then... and Now - Luke Clayton’s squirrel hunt with Donny Lynch’s rat terriers sparks memories for Clayton of his terrier, Pokey, and a look at today’s squirrel dogs.
When to Move on Whitetails - Heath Curtis says Midwestern whitetail hunters typically rely on stands. But sometimes you need to make a move. Here’s how.
Other Stories
Old Reliable – Jeffrey Miller looks at fishing lipless crankbaits for bass.
Flooded Timber for Ducks... In Wisconsin? – Sam Schank relates how he and his duck hunting partners found flooded timber shoots in Wisconsin.
Wind Advisory: Whitetails in the Wind – Jeffrey Miller tells how archery hunters can use the wind to their favor.
Hunting Scopes: Magnification, Exit Pupil Diameter and You – David Darlington examines riflescopes and helps hunters figure out how to use them better.
Butch and Sundance Head for the Border – David Hastings and a partner trap the Rio Grande River in Texas.
Magee Marsh – Scot Dahms tells the story of Magee Marsh, and how a duck hunting and muskrat trapping wetlands made a woman famous and later became a key Ohio Wildlife Management Area and birding hotspot.
Bobber Fishing for Great Lakes Salmon – Phil Goes shares how using a float rod, centerpin reel, skein baits and a bobber hooks him up with Great Lakes salmon and steelhead.
Seniority – W.D. Baker shares a funny story about how seniority, or the lack of it, influenced his deer hunting, still does.
End of the Line Photo of the Month
Lauren Sehnke, Duluth, Minnesota
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