Dixie Deer Classic Continues The Focus on Youth

The last few years the Dixie Deer Classic has really worked to improve the offerings at the show for youth and this year was no exception. The Outdoor Lore program offered a variety of educational and fun activities throughout the Show area. A Wake County Wildlife member reports… “We had over 1200 students from local public, charter and private schools as well as home schooled children.”
On Saturday I stopped in the NWTF area and saw the kids making their own box calls. It looked like they were having a blast. In addition the NWTF held a free gun raffle for youth giving away two guns.

Then at the NCWRC booth I learned about a new mentoring program “Hats On”

PLEDGE to introduce someone new to hunting during the 2010 hunting season and you will receive a FREE Hunting Heritage Program hat and bumper sticker!
WHY
The majority of all hunters began hunting because someone (a hunting mentor) took the time to introduce them to the activity. An individual rarely begins hunting without the support and guidance of a hunting mentor. Reflect back on the person who introduced you to hunting. If hunting really matters to you, become a hunting mentor and share the tradition. There is no better way to say thanks to the person that took the time and effort to mentor you

While this program is not solely focused on youth I’m sure youth mentoring will be a big part of it. All of these activities at the show went hand in hand to encourage and recruit young people to learn, participate and enjoy the great outdoors.
A tip of the hat to Wake County Wildlife Club, NCWRC and the NWTF for their commitment to our next generation of hunters, the future of our sport depends on getting young people involved.

Take a Kid Hunting or Fishing

2010 Dixie Deer Classic Results

Another banner year for hunters across the state and by viewing the deer on display at the show there is no doubt the quality of bucks in North Carolina are improving. The video is from the North Carolina Sportsman of Andrew Kerman talking about the new state record typical bow buck scoring a whopping 166 6/8 and they have a number of other ones up on their site. The results of the show were;

• North Carolina Typical (bow) – Andrew Kerman, Guilford County, 166 6/8
• North Carolina Typical (gun) – David Boroughs, Moore County, 162
• North Carolina Non-typical (gun) – Mark Ware, Bertie County, 168 5/8
• North Carolina Typical (muzzleloader) – Ashley Honeycutt, Ashe, 160 2/8
• North Carolina Non-typical (bow) – David Schnack, Franklin County, 161 3/8
• Best North Carolina Female (bow) – Ashely Prevatte, Chatham County, 114
• Best North Carolina Female (muzzleloader) – Linda Draheim, Wake County, 136 5/8
• Best North Carolina Female (gun) – Mary Preddy, Granville County, 142 7/8
• North Carolina Youth (uzzleloader) – Ashley Honeycutt, Ashe County, 160 2/8
• Best Youth (gun) – Trey Golden, Person County, 148
• Best Non-Hunting – Travis Manuel, Forsyth County, 147 6/8
• Physically Challenged – Michael Helbert, Caswell County, 167 6/8
• Virginia Gun (typical) – Delaine Babb, Virginia, 164
• Best in Virginia – Delaine Babb, Virginia, 164
• Best Non-North Carolina – Gregory Malpass, Ohio, 190 6/8
• President’s Award – Brent Marshall, Forsyth County, 160 5/8
• President’s Award – Chris Hensley, Kentucky, 175 2/8

What a great show and some mighty impressive deer.

Break In At Dixie Deer Classic 4 Men Caught Red Handed

Early Sunday morning at the Dixie Deer Classic vendors were a buzz about the overnight break in and attempted theft of numerous items. A number of people told me that video surveillance showed the break in and security personnel observed via the cameras the crime spree as these men went throughout the exhibit floor gathering items. Police were able to quickly capture them before they left the premises. I observed authorities interviewing a Mathews Dealer and looking at the rack from where at least one of the bows had been stolen. Anyone that has been to the fairgrounds for any event can clearly see security camera’s in the buildings. I guess these numskulls figured nobody would be monitoring them after hours.

Raleigh, N.C. — Four Wake County men are accused of breaking into the Expo Center at the North Carolina State Fairgrounds in Raleigh on Saturday night.

Corey Grant Eason, Danny Wade Jernigan, Brandon Lee Knott and Dylan Scott Yarbrough were charged with breaking and entering and felony larceny.

Authorities said the four men stole hunting items worth more than $4,000 from the Gun and Knife Show, being held inside the Expo Center at 1025 Blue Ridge Road.

WRAL

I’ll continue to follow this if anymore details become available.

Dixie Deer Classic Lives Up to the Grand Daddy of Outdoor Shows

This has been a great weekend, the Super Bowl of deer hunting or the Daytona 500 of deer hunting is how I would describe the 30th annual Dixie Deer Classic. I had a great time and I think most everybody I talked to reported how great the show. I’ll be shocked if attendance records were not shattered. The all star line up of Lee & Tiffany as well as Michael Waddell and the Bone Collector Crew was a huge draw. Lines for autographs were hours long and their lectures overflowed the seminar rooms. If I had any criticism about this weekend show it would be that they needed to find a better area for the headliners to speak.

I was at the show all 3 days and I know I didn’t see everything but I did my best. Friday I cruised around the main building getting the lay of the land, looking for deals, and catching up with friends. I didn’t have a lot of time because I had to scoot across the fairgrounds to attend the State NWTF Banquet. Michael Waddell spoke there so I did get a chance to hear him.

Saturday morning a group of us got together for breakfast and got an early start on the show. We were there before the gates opened and the line to get in was pretty long. Checking out the scoring area showed us how the quality of deer has improved over the past few years. There was some impressive mounts from across the state on display. I spent a fair amount of time at the NCWRC Booth talking with the biologists on a wide variety of subjects. The day was chock block full of stuff and there will be a number of posts to cover what all I saw and did.

The evening was also wide open with a gathering of about 40 of us from NC Hunt and Fish at an area restaurant. This has been an annual tradition for about ten years now. We enjoy dinner and hear all kinds of whoppers and lies about hunts and catching up with each other. While it is a very enjoyable time we remember how unpredictable life can be as we take a moment to reflect on those who’ve departed this world. Two which were at a get together in September that passed away just within the past few months. You couldn’t find a better group of guys we share our love for the outdoors but we really care for each other and try to lend a hand whenever a need arises.

It was about midnight before I got home and I was tired but I knew it wouldn’t be long before that alarm was ringing for me to get up and get going again. Sunday I only spent a few hours at the show having a bunch of other stuff to get down before the weekend was over. I left before the official scoreboard was released but I’ll get the information on what it was.

Needless to say I got a number of stories to write over the next few days. I’ll share with you a number of friends and organizations that I caught up with at the show, some new people I met and the great organizations and products they represent as well as the most unique new product I found at the show. You definitely don’t want to miss this product because not only will make hunting and the prep for hunting easier but it will also make it a heck of a lot safer.
So the 30th Dixie Deer Classic might be over but the show will continue throughout the next week as I put all these stories together.

Commissioners Approve New Rules

While we learned last year that approved rules does not always mean they’ll make the New Regulation Book I think it is pretty safe to assume that most if not all will. There seems to be less opposition this year to the proposaled rules.

Commission Approves Hunting, Fishing Regulations

RALEIGH, N.C. (March 4, 2010) – After a yearlong process of gathering input from stakeholders, the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission has approved changes to state hunting, fishing and trapping regulations.

Following review of public comments received online and at nine public hearings held across the state in January, the Commission voted on the proposed regulations changes at a March 3 meeting.

Approved was a proposal to open squirrel (red and gray) season on the Monday on or nearest to Oct. 15 and extend the season until the end of February in order to align it with other small game seasons.

The Commission voted not to remove the elk from the state’s list of Special Concern species. Commissioners also voted down a proposal to prohibit the use of dogs for hunting deer on the Brinkleyville and Embro game lands, but approved a proposal to prohibit the use of dogs for hunting deer on Brunswick County game land.

The remaining hunting and fishing proposals were approved by the Commission.

Also approved were fishing proposals, including adding Wildcat Lake and almost two miles of Elk Hollow Branch in Avery County and a two-mile portion of the Yadkin River in Caldwell County as designated Public Mountain Trout Waters. Another approved proposal designed to simplify muskellunge regulations will establish a 42-inch minimum size limit and one-fish-daily creel limit for muskellunge for the entire state. In addition, the Commission approved a reduction in the minimum length of largemouth bass caught in Jordan and Falls of the Neuse reservoirs.

Dixie Deer Classic This Week!!!

Hard to believe that it is already that time for the Dixie Deer Classic. This promises to be a great show with Michael Waddell… Lee & Tiffany… expanded turkey hunting topics…. Youth Day…. etc… It just looks like it will be a great weekend out at the fairgrounds. I plan to be there a lot so I hope to see ya out there.

North Carolina State Fairground
1025 Blue Ridge Blvd.
Raleigh, NC 27607

March 5, 6, 7, 2010
Show Hours:
Friday 11am – 9pm
Saturday 9am – 7pm
Sunday 9am – 5pm

Admission:
Three-Day Tickets $10.00
Kids 12 and under FREE
Friday only Youth tickets $5 (13yr to 18yr)
Tickets Available ONLY at the Gate

Hunting Inside The Fence

Now that I’m back from my travels I’m catching up on my reading. Die Hard Hunter has a great thought provoking article on High Fence Hunting on the Outdoor Smorgasbord blog.

Well, taking on this subject in the world of hunting is a touchy one to say the least. Nearly everyone has an opinion – and at that – usually a strong one. As most of you know, I’m doing my doctorate research at Auburn University on a piece of private property that also happens to be enclosed with a deer-proof high fence. At the generosity of the landowner, I was also allowed to participate in this year’s hunting activities. The entire property is archery only – which you also know suits me just fine.
So, after a year of interacting with a high fence property in the framework of several different perspectives, what do I think about high fences? Let me first tell you what my preconceived notions were coming into 2009 having had no previous experience with high fences for hunting inside them.

While I’ve never hunted inside a high fence area I can’t say I’m totally turned off by the idea. I realize the public perception is for the most one a negative one driven by anti hunting groups, false assumptions, and even many prestigious hunting groups. I think like is pointed out in the article the specifics of the individual place is what makes it a legitimate hunt or not.
This is one of those ageless debates among sportsmen and one I’m sure will never be settled. I think no matter where you come down on the topic we need to avoid fighting amongst ourselves. Just because we would never do it I don’t believe we should deny others the right. I guess I’m more concerned with us standing together to support hunting rather than us breaking up into fractions and assisting those who want to eliminate hunting altogether.

Meeting an Old Friend

I’ve had few opportunities to meet other outdoor bloggers but yesterday Rick Kratzke of Whitetail Woods and I met up at the Cabela’s in East Hartford Connecticut. We have both been blogging for a number of years and talked on line but have never met face to face. My route home from my New England trip took me right by the Cabela’s and the opportunity for us to finally meet.

We had a great time walking around the store looking at stuff with many of the objects prompting one of us to tell a story or two. The time passed to quick and I had to get back on the road and headed home. Pretty amazing that a couple of deer hunters meet up on the internet a number of years ago and become friends. Technology is great.
The Cabela’s in East Hartford is a bit tricky to find, especially if your brand new GPS dies on the trip (future story), because it seems to be in an odd place and not visible from the highway. Once you find it you won’t be disappointed. There is some spectacular displays in there…. My favorite was the two bull moose fighting.
If you’ve never checked out Whitetail Woods blog you should go over and checked it out. Rick has some great info and stories over there as well as some great recipes.

I had a great trip and have some more photos and stories to share with you but right now I got to get some rest because Monday morning will be here before we know.

Update on Mecklenburg County Hog Problem

In January it was reported that hogs were on the outskirts of Charlotte in Cowans Ford Wildlife Refuge believed to be from an illegal release. Authorities there are now reporting that all but one boar have been captured.

Based on images from motion-detecting cameras, biologists first believed one sow with piglets, possibly a second sow and a boar were in the lake area.

Late last month, they trapped a sow – weighing in at a hefty 220 pounds – with eight offspring. The animals were tranquilized and euthanized by injection.

“She was the one we worried about,” said Chris Matthews, the park department’s natural resources manager. Female hogs can start reproducing at 7 months old, giving birth to up to 12 piglets once or twice a year.

Biologists continue to set traps for the lone boar, a little smaller than the sow, that they believe is still in the area. He’s the only hog that cameras are still photographing.

Charlotte Observer

Eliminating them now before they get a foothold is the way to control them, once established hogs are a destructive creature that is nearly impossible to get rid of.

Maine Endangered Specie

Maine’s infamous Pulp Truck

Rock Fish Opens March 1st on the Roanoke

Striper fishing on the Roanoke opens next week a sure sign that spring is upon us.

2010 Striped Bass Season for Roanoke River Opens March 1

RALEIGH, N.C. (Feb. 18, 2010) – The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission will open the entire Roanoke River Management Area to striped bass harvest from March 1 through April 30. The Roanoke River Management Area includes the Roanoke River and tributaries from Roanoke Rapids Lake Dam downstream to Albemarle Sound, including the Cashie, Middle and Eastmost rivers.

The daily creel limit within the Roanoke River Management Area is two striped bass per person. The minimum length limit is 18 inches, and no striped bass between 22 and 27 inches may be possessed at any time. Only one striped bass larger than 27 inches can be included in the daily creel limit.

Anglers are required to use a single barbless hook or a lure with a single barbless hook when fishing in the upper Roanoke River from April 1 through June 30. The upper Roanoke River is defined as the main river channel and all tributaries, upstream from the U.S. Highway 258 Bridge near Scotland Neck to Roanoke Rapids Lake Dam.

While anglers can make their existing hooks barbless by crimping down the barb with pliers, the Wildlife Resources Commission, in partnership with Eagle Claw, is handing out barbless circle hooks to anglers fishing on the upper Roanoke River this spring. Informational cards with a single barbless hook attached are available from Wildlife Enforcement officers, fisheries biologists and creel clerks working in the vicinity of the river from now until the end of June.

Striped bass anglers are encouraged to use small, non-offset circle hooks, preferably ones with the least amount of distance between the hook point and shank.

Studies show that striped bass caught on small, barbless circle hooks are usually hooked in the jaw, which means they have a much greater chance of survival after being released than fish hooked in the throat or gut.

For additional info on Striped bass please check this page from the NCWRC out.

A Morning on Plum Island

Parker River National Wildlife Refuge in Massachusetts is a barrier island that I visited a number of times in my youth. I don’t recall it being called that we just knew it as Plum Island. I hadn’t been back there in close to 30 years but an encounter one wintery day back then has stuck in my mind and now calls me back. One winter day, I suspect it was a Sunday, my Dad took us for a ride down there and we saw a magnificent Snowy Owl. As a kid I recall how amazed I was looking at that large white snowy bird. Now years later as a photographer my dream is to capture some of those images that forever play in my mind when I think of Plum Island.

Having just a few hours to explore around I knew my chances were slim but I hoped to find a snowy owl. A hike down on to the beach proved productive with my first ever encounter with a wild seal in the Atlantic Ocean. The seal lying in the surf enjoying the balmy 30 degree weather seemed oblivious to the strong wind and the occasional wave that soaked him. He hung around for a few minutes so I could capture a few photos before he returned to the warm Atlantic Ocean.

As I made my way around the island it was obvious that there was a few other folks looking for the owl just like me. I hiked into a number of likely places and scanned the areas pretty good with my binoculars not really seeing much of anything out on the snowy fields and marshes. I met an older couple from New Hampshire that regularly come to the island to see the owls, they told me that it seemed that there was only one owl wintering there this year. They suggested a few other spots for me to check out but to no avail the owl was nowhere to be found.
I photographed a few other birds along the way but the quest for the snowy owl will have to wait for another day.

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