Rory Aiken’s Fishing Report
by Desert RatMay 31, 2009
What a Memorial Day weekend – the fishing was great. Plus on Saturday, the expected rain kept the hordes away and the temperatures wonderfully mild. The parking lot at Lake Pleasant’s 10-lane was half empty Saturday morning. What a deal!
From the angler reports I have received so far, the long-awaited great post-spawn bite finally made its visit to many lakes this past weekend. Bartlett, Roosevelt, Alamo, Havasu, Canyon, Apache and Saguaro all seemed to be providing lots of action, especially when the rains blessed our parched soils with welcome relief (dove and quail seasons should be awesome).
Plus, a lot of the mountain lakes also provided bountiful fishing thrills during the holiday weekend. Anglers at Upper Lake Mary near Flagstaff had a northern pike bonanza using everything from black-and-silver Rapalas to inline spinners.
Lower Lake Mary seemed to do okay as well, but this is a very shallow, ephemeral lake. Even though it has hordes of trout, the water quality will slowly erode as we move into summer. So go catch the trout now. They are fat footballs (we mostly stocked them in late winter).
One of my favorite fishing lakes (it is a little scenically challenged compared to most other mountain lakes), Kinnickinick, once again produced a nice brown trout – at night. Those who love catching big browns will want to note this fishing strategy. Voracious browns (and other large predatory trout) will likely be feeding at night (quite often on other but smaller trout). So night fishing in some of the high country lakes might just get you that speckled monster salmonid.
By the way, occasional thunderstorms and sprinkles are expected the rest of the week in the mountains, so if you have a chance to get up there, go. The fishing is great, the weather is near perfect, and the holiday crowds should be a fading memory, so the wildlife should come back out from hiding.
As expected, Powell was on fire for 1- to 2-pound smallmouth bass and delectable walleye, with lots of striper action thrown into between wind gusts to keep anglers enthralled. By the way, the water is rising four feet per week right now, with lots of banks sloughing into the water being combined with vast acres of newly flooded vegetation – I have just described walleye heaven.
Another spot that broke loose during the holiday weekend was Lees Ferry. On a scale of 1-to10, one angler rated it as a 9. Can you imagine catching-and-releasing 100 wild, tail-dancing rainbows in a single day at one of the most picturesque tail-water fisheries on this planet? It was one of my tips for escaping the crowds last weekend, and it sounds like anglers hit a bonanza there. The crazy crystal ball sometimes works so well it scares me at times.
I haven’t heard much yet from the White Mountains, but I have little doubt anglers who went there will be replaying sweet catching moments in their dreams for months to come as the triple-digit fidgets visit the deserts.
I did have a pair of anglers leave a phone message (no names) to say the trout they caught (and ate) from both the West Fork and East Fork of the Black River had lots of grasshoppers in their bellies. Kids and adults – match the hatch, even if you are fishing with spinning gear or old cane poles (or alder branches for that matter). Live grasshoppers wiggling on the surface can really get the trout (and youngsters) excited.
We have a waxing moon with the first quarter on May 30 and a full moon on June 7. The brighter the moon, the more active the fish are at night. However on the flip side, the brighter the moon, the less effective are the submersible fishing lights. If you do fish on moon-bright nights, use dark lures. Sounds counterintuitive, but the dark lures make a better silhouette the fish can see from below. Noisy lures can work great. Black buzzbaits at night can get exciting at times. If you can’t find black lures in the stores, take your old banged up ones and zap them with some glossy black enamel spray paint. I did a chrome Rat-L-Trap with black tiger stripes to keep the flash while creating a bolder silhouette.
So go catch some great night fishing memories. Maybe I’ll see you out there.
Kids can take their parents fishing for free on June 6 and 13
Hey kids, if your parents didn’t get a fishing license yet this year, you can still take them fishing for free during the first two Saturdays of June, advises Arizona Game and Fish Department officials.
Arizona’s Free Fishing Days celebrating National Fishing and Boating Week are on two consecutive Saturdays, June 6 and 13.
“With most of our lakes full for a second year in a row thanks to excellent winter rains and snow pack, this is a phenomenal time to take your parent’s out fishing,” said Rory Aikens, the department’s fishing report editor. “It’s up to you kids to make sure your parents don’t suffer from an outdoor recreation deficiency.”
Check out the latest fishing report below so you can best plan your fishing outing. The department’s Web site also lists the latest fishing clinics in case your parents need some basic tutelage on the angling arts.
“Remember kids, at any time of year you can sign your parents up for any of our fishing clinics even if they don’t have a fishing license. Those who are registered for a fishing clinic don’t need a license during the hours and location of the clinic,” Aikens advised.
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Bear Hunting Part 3:
by dukkillrMay 31, 2009
The morning of the fourth day started with a search for the “big bear” that The Old Man stuck the night before. They didn’t find much blood that night but the stick looked good on video. That site requires a 20 minute boat ride followed by a back wrenching 40 minute 4-wheeler ride, so they headed out early. For a while they saw no sign of the bear but eventually some blood was stumbled upon and the bear was found a few minutes later. He’d gone 50 yards from the stand but it’s amazing how easy it is for a bear to disappear in that thick bush. The night before they had apparently passed within yards of it without knowing. The Old Man was true to his claim; it was a big bear. It measured better than 20 inches and seemed to weigh twice what the P&Y sized (18 inch) bears did.
With The Old Man tagged out he decided to run video for me over the next three days. It was fun to have someone to talk to but he developed a habit of antagonizing the bears. The fourth day was cold and rainy and we didn’t see much for the first couple of hours. Eventually we see some smaller bears and shoot some video but nothing of size materializes.
When we got back to camp there were dead bears everywhere. One of the guys had bumped into a nice black boar while walking to the stand. The bear had no interest in giving up his site and made several show charges at him and the guide (who had a rifle). He’d back off and come back at them from a different angle, trying to drive them back to the river. After several minutes of this he turned broadside and the rest was history. Unfortunately this was one of the few kills during the week that wasn’t on camera.
His friend also shot two bears from the stand that night. The bigger of the two actually turned out to be a P&Y sized dry sow. He was disappointed that it was a sow but apparently it’s hard even for the experts to tell the difference when they get big. After all the bears I saw during the week I still considered it a coin flip proposition to tell.
After missing when his cam smacked the stand Rick also got on the board with a good black boar. Great shot, saw it fall, all on video. I’ll post it when I get a copy but it wasn’t on my camera.
Now we’ve got 4 hunters done and only 2 without a bear. Everyone is seeing multiple bears at each sitting but with just two days left time is starting get tight.
It’s never too hot to dream about hunting
by Desert RatMay 31, 2009
From my friend Doug Burt, AZGFD PIO
It’s never too hot to dream about hunting
The temperatures have hit 100 degrees and summer is finally here. While temperatures like these might have some folks running indoors for the air-conditioning,personally I’m glad the heat is on.
After 20-plus years in Arizona, I’ve learned to appreciate the dry summer heat and all the great outdoor activities it brings. The skies are blue nearly every day, and trips to the lake or to the mid desert offer great treks along trickling creek bottoms.
Another thing the heat of June marks is the fall draw deadline on Tuesday, June 9, and the dreaming begins about going hunting after that elusive whitetail or monster mule deer. And, let’s not forget the promise of Arizona’s extensive small game season for dove, quail, rabbits, squirrel and waterfowl - I can see the covey rise now.
Right now, the two-year hunt guidelines are being revised, and the department wants to hear your thoughts. The guidelines are used to formulate the hunt recommendations, which translate to the hunting seasons that you participate in. The focus for the revision is for standardization, simplification, and to increase hunter participation. Comments can be sent by e-mail or mail through the end of May, and a series of public meetings will follow in June.
There is still an open invitation to sportsmen’s groups, rod and gun clubs and conservation organizations to join the department’s Hunter Heritage Workgroup meeting June 20 at Vincent Ranch on the Mogollon Rim east of Payson. The department received a financial grant from the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) to start a sportsmen’s group based mentor and hunter recruitment game camp program, and this should be a key topic of discussion. For details, contact Craig McMullen at cmcmullen@azgfd.gov.
Now is a great time to start taking note of wildlife activities when you’re out at the lake or doing some desert exploring. I’ve been seeing a lot of dove activity and it looks like we should have another great dove opener in September. The quail are still calling and the babies are starting to show up - let’s keep our quail fingers crossed that they survive this drying trend and make it to the opener in October. If you want to keep your shooting and hunting skills sharp, rabbit season runs year round, and despite the old tale, healthy rabbits harvested in the summer are fine to eat. Hunting the washes in mid-desert elevations can prove to be very productive at first light.
Until next time - enjoy the heat, happy hunting and be safe.
Doug Burt is the department’s public information officer for hunting and shooting sports. He’s also involved in the Hunter Heritage Workgroup, which is focused on increasing public awareness, acceptance and participation in hunting. He has been an avid small game, upland and waterfowl hunter since moving to Arizona in 1986, from Michigan.
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NC Wildlife Cuts Hours At Outer Banks Center For Wildlife Education
by MooseMay 31, 2009
Starting today the Outer Banks Center for Wildlife Education will be closed on Sundays to reduce expenses. The Centers Hours will now be Monday through Saturday 9 to 5.
The Outer Banks Center for Wildlife Education features exhibits and programs that interpret coastal North Carolina’s wildlife and habitats, natural history and cultural heritage, with daily showings of an award-winning documentary, and a calendar of events and educational courses. Admission to the center is free, as are the educational programs offered. Located in Currituck Heritage Park on Highway 12, the center is next to Currituck Beach Lighthouse and the Whalehead Club. For more information, call (252) 453-0221.
I guess with the problems with the State budget this is not surprising. Although one has to wonder how much money comes from the general fund as opposed to license fees.
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I Should Be at A Hockey Game
by MooseMay 31, 2009
Tonight should have been game 6 for the Canes Pens series but as Gabe over at The Outdoor Smorgasbord posted last week the Canes got swept. Ouch Gabe Kick A Guy When He is down Ha Ha. I really had hoped to see it go a bit longer than it did so I could be sitting in an arena watching a game rather than sitting in my Lazy Boy watching a game on TV. As a season ticket holder for the Canes back in December there was little hope that come May they would still be playing when I began planning my trip out west. The Canes turned it on beating both NJ & Boston to get the match up with the penguins. We had ample inquires on keeping our seats warm at game 3 & 4 while we were out west. I really thought the hockey gods were with us when game 6 was scheduled for a mere 16 hours or so after we returned from our western trip. But that was not to be, the Canes had a heck of a season and now the Penguins face Detroit for the Cup. I hope they beat Detroit but looking at what is happening right now late in game 2 ( 3-1 Detroit) I think Gabe better keep that broom handy.
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NC Wildlife Issues Tips To Deal With Foxes
by MooseMay 31, 2009
More and more foxes are being seen in suburbia each year and attacks on people while rare are not unheard of. NCWRC wants to caution people about interacting with foxes or any wild animal and to actually discourage them from your property.
“Scaring the foxes away once may not always work,” said Joe Folta, a biologist with the commission. “The best time to scare them away is the first time they are seen. Many animals are cute and fun to watch, but when any animal enters your yard, try to think if you want this animal to keep coming back or return with relatives.”
If the fox makes a den for pups, do not disturb them. Do not approach, touch or feed the fox or its pups.
Some guidelines NCWRC recommends people to follow when keeping wild animals from their yards.
• Don’t feed wild animals – they can lose their fear of people.
• Make sure you are not indirectly feeding wildlife by cleaning up pet food, securing trash in an animal-proof container, keeping barbecue grills clean and removing bird feeders.
• Establish protective barriers to keep wildlife from entering basements, crawl spaces, attics and underneath decks, where they might build nests or dens.
• Secure pets or keep them indoors. Dogs can disturb dens, prompting aggressive behavior from the foxes.
• Clear overhanging tree limbs or other means of access that wildlife use to enter a structure.
• Clear fallen fruit from around trees.
• Encourage neighbors to follow these same methods.
While I don’t have small children living in my house I see no reason to discourage wild animals from traveling through my yard and occasionally stopping for a meal. I’m rather pleased to see visitors like the fox I recently photographed in my yard. Of course it is somewhat selfish on my part but it does cut down on the neighbors’ cats hanging out in my yard. If you have any question about a animal that is acting sick or strangely you should contact your local animal control people for advice on what to do.
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Gear For The Gals – Rocky Introduces Women’s Apparel Line
by Mike BellMay 31, 2009
NELSONVILLE, OH - More and more, women are taking to the woods for hunting season, and Rocky recognizes they need to be dressed for it.
“Just because women have moved into what has traditionally been a men’s sport doesn’t mean they have to dress in men’s clothes,” says Rocky apparel Vice President John Maser.
Indeed, Rocky’s new women’s line is designed to fit a woman’s body. The line has classic women’s clothing features like a slim, tailored fit, smaller collar lines, and shorter hems and inseams in the sleeves, legs, and shirt bottoms.
“We wanted to make sure we got it right,” said Maser of Rocky’s foray into women’s apparel. “Our fit experts performed hundreds of measurements and fittings on women of all sizes, from fit models to our employees and their family members!”
The women’s line is available in Rocky’s new SilentHunter, which is an updated version of its extremely popular line with Scent IQ (SIQ) technology. The ultra comfortable SilentHunter boasts a multitude of sport-ready features that are already hunter favorites.
Rocky’s soft, micro suede Silent Hunter material not only provides superior comfort, but also provides extreme stealth for stalking game. SIQ Atomic helps control human odor on a microbial level, providing scent-invisibility to the wearer while the moisture-wicking lining provides dryness and perspiration control. Features like scores of conveniently located silent-zip pockets for holding the necessities, double knee and seat patches for kneeling and sitting, and adjustable leg openings for blocking cold and debris will only add to the Rocky woman’s hunting experience.
Women’s SilentHunter is available in sizes small to extra large, and features Mossy Oak Break-Up camouflage. Styles include a half-zip, long-sleeve shirt and cargo pants, ranging in price from $44.99 to $69.99.
Founded in 1932, Rocky manufactures and markets rugged outdoor, duty, work and western footwear, apparel and accessories. The company’s products are available in nearly 3,000 retail and catalog outlets. It is a division of Rocky Brands, a publicly traded company on NASDAQ® under the symbol: RCKY. More information can be found at www.rockyboots.com.
Need help making jerky?
by help4huntersMay 31, 2009
From selecting the cuts of meat, to proper slicing and dicing, to accurate measuring and seasoning, the videos provide instruction from the industry experts. Hans Hummel, owner of Hi Mountain Seasonings, hosts one of the videos, and outdoor writer and videographer Andy Lightbody hosts the second with Camp Chef’s marketing director, Steve McGrath.
If you want to create savory, premium-quality homemade jerky with exceptional spices and flavors, Hi Mountain Seasonings will exceed the needs of even the most demanding palate. Easy to make at home with either store-bought or wild-game meats, you can now learn the techniques of the pros. Just visit www.himtnjerky.com to view the free videos.
Hi Mountain’s entire line of products, cooking tips and recipes are available conveniently online at www.himtnjerky.com and can be found at high-end sporting-goods stores such as Bass Pro Shops, Cabela’s, Academy Sports, Scheels All Sports, Dunham’s, Gander Mountain, and Sportsman’s Warehouse as well as farm and ranch stores including Blain’s, Theisen’s, Atwood’s, and L&M Supply and at your local grocery store chain.
Located in the heart of Wyoming, Hi Mountain Seasonings was founded in 1991. It is the premiere manufacturer of kits for homemade jerky and sausage. Hi Mountain Seasonings has successfully captured distinct, traditional Western flavors in its Jerky Cure & Seasonings, Western Sizzle Designer Series Seasonings, Bacon cures and other products that make up the unique line of gourmet Western seasonings. For additional information on the company, call toll-free 1-800-829-2285, visit the website at www.himtnjerky.com, or write to Hi Mountain Seasonings, 1000 College View Drive, Riverton, WY 82501.
Karen Lutto
(830) 755-4308(press office)
Karen@hunteroc.com
Kimi Herndon
Kimi@hunteroc.com
(804) 346-4309
Feral Hogs Not Tied to Swine Flu
by help4huntersMay 31, 2009
While there is no known threat of contracting swine flu from feral hogs, they do carry other potential hazards.
Due to the danger of contracting swine brucellosis, the Texas Animal Health Commission urges hunters and trappers to always wear a mask or bandana and gloves when handling feral swine during processing. Trappers or any producers who have pigs that are ill with respiratory infections should contact their veterinarian. Trappers or hunters that become ill should seek medical attention and inform their doctors they have been around pigs.
Safeguards for Hunters
* Wear gloves when dressing out hogs and dispose of gloves properly.
* No eating/drinking/smoking while doing so.
* Wear eye protection if there is risk of eye splashed with blood/other fluids.
* Wear coveralls over clothes or promptly change into fresh clothes after dressing animals.
* Wash hands and equipment thoroughly with hot, soapy water.
* Practice good handling/storage procedures with the meat.
* Properly cook the meat.
Information about Swine Flu
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security:
* People cannot get swine flu from eating pork or pork products. Most influenza viruses, including the swine flu virus, are not spread by food.
* Eating properly handled and cooked pork products is safe.
* No food safety issues have been identified, related to the flu.
* Preliminary investigations have determined that none of the people infected with the flu had contact with hogs.
* The virus is spreading by human-to-human transmission.
The CDC recommends the following measures to prevent the transmission of flu:
* Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.
* Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
* Wash your hands frequently and use alcohol-based sanitizers.
* Try not touch surfaces that may be contaminated with the flu virus.
* Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
* Try to stay in good general health.
* Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food.
Detailed information and updates on the flu outbreak may be obtained at:
Texas Department of State Health Services http://www.dshs.state.tx.us/
If you own swine, consider the following practices to enhance the biosecurity on your farm to prevent the disease from being transmitted to your herd:
* Workers should shower and change into farm-specific clothes and shoes before entering swine facilities.
* Establish, implement and enforce strict sick leave policies for workers presenting influenza-like symptoms.
* Recommend that workers with symptoms be seen by a medical provider immediately.
* Restrict the entry of people into your facility to only workers and essential service personnel.
* Prevent international visitors from entering your facilities.
* Ensure adequate ventilation in facilities to minimize re-circulation of air inside animal housing facilities.
* Vaccinate pigs against the influenza virus. Vaccination of pigs can reduce the levels of virus shed by infected animals
* Contact your swine veterinarian if swine exhibit flu-like or respiratory illness, especially if the onset or presentation of the illness is unusual.
* Notify your Texas Animal Health Commission area office or the Austin headquarters at 800-550-8242, after you have contacted your veterinarian.
The Texas Animal Health Commission is ready to assist with on-farm investigations, if pigs are present where a known human case has occurred, and to assist with epidemiological investigations with any human cases that may have links to swine in Texas.
More information for producers may be obtained at:
National Pork Producers Council http://www.nppc.org/
Texas Pork Producers Association http://www.texaspork.org/
Steve Lightfoot 512-389-4701 or steve.lightfoot@tpwd.state.tx.us
Back From The West
by MooseMay 31, 2009
Canyon Lands
I just got back from a 10 day trip out west and a spectacular trip it was. The only real hitch was I got sick so updates to the blog were limited. Check out Moosedroppings for additional information on my latest trip. I’ve tried to make up some of the posts I missed with multiple posts today so please be sure to check them all out. Also the next few weeks I’ll share a lot of the photos I took on this trip.
