Tips for an All Day Stand Sit Bill Cooper10/28 Deer hunters are a fidgety lot. Most realize that sitting on a stand all day long maximizes their chances of scoring on a big buck. However, few can successfully complete a an all day sit on a regular basis. These tips will help you master the day long deer stand sit. Comfort is paramount to long days hunting. Being uncomfortable in a stand is one of the key factors why deer hunters give up. Stands that are too small and roughly built are key elements that will shorten your sit time. Invest in the best, most comfortable stand you can afford.  Stands with padded seats and backrests are so comfortable you can easily nap in them. Make sure all harnesses and straps are secure.
 Confidence in your stand placement is paramount to sticking with that stand all day long. Spending long hours in a stand without seeing game gets old in a hurry. Stand placement should be based on hard evidence that deer are, in fact, utilizing the area. Travel lanes, corridors, pinch points, food sources and bedding areas are all areas which should be thoroughly scouted before the season opener. Trail cameras are tops for investigating these sites. Keeping annual records of what animals are seen in which locations and recording kills as well will increase your odds fro continued success. Let the info tell you where you place your stands. Your confidence level will soar and so will your tolerable sit time in a deer stand.
 Keeping yourself nourished and hydrated is simple common sense. Attention spans wane in direct proportion to hunger levels. Choices abound for pre-packaged foods and liquids that can easily be carried in a day pack. Carbohydrates are important for energy and warmth. Granola bars are great and compact. Trail mixes, nuts and jerkies are superb foods. Meals prepared by chemical heat are fabulous. Military MRE's (meals ready to eat) contain an entire course. You may not need everything included, so it is a good idea to break into the package ahead of time and only take along what you need. 
 Nature calls are inevitable. The need to relieve oneself is a daily function. Human urine contains ammonia just like deer urine. However, deer do not seem to fear human urine. Many hunters often urinate in buck scrapes to freshen them up, track through the  scrape and then enjoy the benefits of having a buck track them right to their stand location. The thought is repulsive to some hunters. It is best not to urinate by your stand. The strong scent may cause deer to pinpoint you in your stand. Move away from your stand to relieve yourself. Other wastes should be buried and covered far away from your stand.
 Boredom is a definite detriment to any deer hunt. If you are short on patience, spend practice sessions before the season begins. Take a book or magazine along to help pass the time. Many carry cell phones or tablets to their stand so they can read or play games. Noise tones must remain off, however. Regardless, provide yourself some type of distraction to prevent boredom. However, break up the usage of boredom relievers, so that you don't miss an opportunity to take that big buck after sitting on stand all day long.

Return of the Meramec River Brown Trout Bill Cooper

Avid St. James, Missouri angler Lyle Staab began my love affair with brown trout over 40 years ago. In the mid-1970’s Staab’s photograph appeared on the front cover of an outdoor magazine. He held a brown trout that weighed almost 15 pounds. Staab caught the behemoth brown from the Meramec River in the Missouri Ozarks.. I have been searching the cold, free-flowing Meramec for a brown trout of those proportions ever since. I’m still searching. The Meramec River became Missouri’s first Trophy Trout area in 1974, shortly after I became superintendent of Maramec Spring Park. Maramec (note spelling) Spring is the first major tributary to flow into the Meramec River, doubling its size and lowering the temperature by several degrees. The brown trout fishery was a new and exciting idea. However, Missouri fisheries biologiosts still had much to be learn about managing brown trout. Regulations allowed for the use of live bait for those early browns. Most disappeared quickly because the fish swallowed live baits causing release mortality to be high. As evidenced by Staab’s colossal catch in the mid-1970’s, a few browns from the original stocking did survive to a ripe old age. The Missouri Department of Conservation instituted a Red Ribbon Trout Area on the Meramec River in the 1980’s, with more restrictive regulations. Only lures and artificial flies could be used, increasing the number of fish which survived after being caught and released. The Missouri Department of Conservation continued releasing brown trout from 8-to-12-inches once a year in the fall. Most fly fishermen regarded the browns as being rather finicky. Regardless, anglers knowledgable about brown trout continued to catch them over the years. But, none the size of Staab’s 1970’s catch were ever reported. During the summer of 2014, brown trout fishing in the Meramec River took a turn for the better. A one time supply of browns up to 15 inches were stocked in the river as a result on an experimental program at Maramec Spring Hatchery. Brown trout were used to help control parasitic crustaceans called copepods, which attached themselves to rainbow trout. Brown trout were placed at the heads of raceways and acted as bio-filters. The copepods attached themselves to the brown trout, but could not complete their life cycle on brown trout, like they did on rainbows. The result was fewer parasites to attack the rainbows. The brown trout were held in the pools longer than normal and as a result grew larger than the normal 8-to-12-inches used for stocking. They were subsequently stocked in the Meramec River in the summer of 2014. “The experiments were a success,” said biologist Jen Girondo. “Now, with Maramec Spring Hatchery supplying a limited number of brown trout, fish will be stocked in smaller increments, but at multiple times in the fall. This will be done to maintain the appropriate number of brown trout needed in the hatchery raceways to keep parasites in check.” Upon learning about the releases of browns into the Meramec River, I began my in-the-field research, with my fly rod in hand. I knew browns do not like intense light, so I picked a dark, blustery day to fish in late November. The results were astounding. I located a long deep hole and cast a weighted sculpin pattern on a sinking line into the cold, clear waters. A jolt reverberated up my rod on my very first cast. A broad fish rolled to the surface and the sound of my 5X tapered tippet snapping echoed down the gravel bar. I was on to something. With a very good feeling, which only a lone angler on a stream full of feeding browns can feel, I tied on a heavier tippet and methodically began catching one brown trout after another. The fish were on a feeding spree and it didn’t seem to matter what pattern I used as long as it presented a big profile I could get down deep. Sculpins, crayfish, mohair leeches and big streamers accounted for the majority of the browns I caught from two deep holes over a three hour period. On more than one occasion a second brown trailed the first, attempting to rob it of its prized meal. I landed well over three dozen browns before the feeding frenzy waned. Too, I enjoyed another dozen or so hookups and three more break-offs. The fish struck with a vengeance as if they were ravenously hungry. The brightly colored fish averaged about 15-inches, with only two falling under 14-inches. Several broad, fat 17-inch males fell to my offerings and I am confident the break-offs involved larger fish. Obviously, a few browns larger than 15 inches had been released. Perhaps a few of them will survive to the double digits weight class. I will keep hunting. The Red Ribbon Trout Area on the Meramec River extends for 9 miles from the Highway 8 MDC Access, south of St. James, to the Scott’s Ford MDC Access, off of Hwy 8, just west of Steelville. The 9-mile stretch contains a variety of aquatic habitats, with long pools, riffles, drops, turns, jams, rock rubble and deep pools. Most of the bank side is in heavy vegetation with an abundance of logs and undercut banks. The Meramec River may also be accessed through the James Foundation’s Maramec Spring Park, when it is open. Anglers need to be aware of the separate regulations for fishing in the park and on the Meramec River. For further information about fishing the Red Ribbon Trout Area of the Meramec River log on to: www.mdc.mo.gov .

A Deer Hunter’s Psyche - What Makes Them Tick Bill Cooper for 8-12-30 The annual Missouri bowhunting season is less than 45 days away, and the rifle season only two months after that. Once again tens of thousands of Missouri deer hunters will be taking to the woods. And the attacks of anti-hunters against law abiding hunters will refresh as well. As deer hunters we are very much misunderstood in todays world. What really makes us tick? About 98 percent of Americans eat meat. Our ancestors have been meat eaters since the dawn of time. Additionally, even in our modern society, roughly 80 percent of Americans approve of legal, ethical hunting. So why do we hear so much from so few claiming that hunters’ psyches are those of demented, sadistic killers? Anti-hunters often oppose hunting because they say it is cruel to animals, therefore, hunters must be mentally disturbed sadists. The truth of the matter is that sadists would not want to kill an animal quickly, as ethical hunters desire to do. Sadists want animals to suffer. Anyone who says that hunters are mentally ill is talking psychology. Everyone is entitled to an opinion, but few are trained psychologists. Very few published articles that claim hunters are sadistic, or psychopathic, are written by behavioral scientists who study humans. Too, very few hunters are mentally ill. Most are screened out of the mix via background checks prior to purchasing a gun, while others are sorted out by hunter education instructors. Most states now require individuals to pass a hunter education course before buying a hunting license. Those who are deemed unstable do not receive hunter certification training. The majority of psychologists of the 20th century agreed that hunting is motivated by a natural instinct, and that participation in hunting is beneficial to mental health. In his studies of human aggression, psychologist Erich Fromm said: “In the act of hunting, the hunter returns to their natural state, becomes one with the animals, and is freed from the burden of his existential split: to be part of nature and to transcend it by virtue of his consciousness. In stalking the animal he and the animal become equals, even though man eventually shows his superiority by use of weapons.” Others, including Dr. Steven Kellers, of Yale, and Amherst College professor Jan Dizard found the reasons why people hunt are to: experience nature as a participant; to feel an intimate, serous connection to place; to take responsibility for one’s food; and to acknowledge kinship with wildlife. One of the few studies that portrays hunters in a negative light, published in the 2003 Journal of Visual Studies, claimed that photos of hunters with trophies in 14 popular hunting magazines indicated that, “instead of love and respect for nature and wildlife, we found extreme objectification and marginalization of animal bodies.” That so called research, is only about the authors subjective personal opinions of art. Anyone else who had done the same study would have concluded that the hunters were simply proud and wanted to show off their harvests. It’s an established fact in the United States that when hunting license sales go up, violent crime goes down. Another study out of Emory University established that denial of the hunting instinct can lead to psychopathology. The research team stated: “Our “hunting instinct’ has gone awry in ‘civilized’ society, where the thrill of the chase and the kill are no longer part of our experience and there are no clear avenues of expression except, perhaps to our peril, in the streets and subways of today’s urban jungles.” Interestingly enough, Dr. Hal Herzog, of Western Carolina University reported in 2014 that 84 percent of vegetarians and 70 percent of vegans return to eating at least some meat. Thirty-five percent of the vegetarians said they did so for declining health reasons. Of course, as hunters we have always recognized that we have incisors for a reason. A German study found that vegetarians displayed elevated prevalence rates for depressive disorders, anxiety disorders and somatoform disorders. A similar study in Australia found vegetarians were 18 percent more likely to report depression and 28 percent more likely to suffer panic attacks and anxiety. Hunters have long been in the forefront of protecting wildlife and providing funding for the protection and propagation of such. Billions have been spent on fish and wildlife habitat, research and education. Non-hunters and anti-hunters alike have benefited from these appropriations through the purchasing of wild lands and refuges which everyone is allowed to enjoy. Hopefully, before this article goes to print, President Trump will have signed into law the greatest piece of conservation legislation in the history of mankind. The Great American Outdoors Act will provide funding for the increased expansion of outdoor recreation opportunities including hunting, fishing, boating, camping, hiking, and more. The bill includes permanent funding for the tremendously successful Land and Water Conservation Fund to the tune of $900 million per year. The LWCA has completed projects in every county in the U.S. The GAOA is expected to provide $12.5 billion dollars over the next five years. Hunters played a tremendous role in the establishment of the GAOA, clearly demonstrating their continued love and support for wildlife, wild places, and access to both for all citizens. The next time you are approached by anti-hunters, quote these facts and ask them what they are doing to reduce the horrible condition of humanity in our urban jungles. Our very participation in deer hunting makes us tick, makes us better people, and certainly makes our world a bette place for everyone. Cutline: Deer hunters are far better people than than the demented psychopaths, they are accused of being by those who oppose hunting. deer camp 2 drury mincy b.jpg

Food Plots Produce Bill Cooper for 10-29-20 Food plots have become a mania among deer hunters. It seems that everyone who deer hunts and has access to land, owned or leased, is into planting food plots to both feed and hold deer on their property. The latest craze has been the increase in pint-sized food plots. Often referred to as poor man’s plots, these micro-plots are the fastest growing trend in deer hunting. The one factor of deer behavior on which you can consistently depend is the that they are going to eat every day. The better the quality of the food and availability, the more deer will use it. If left undisturbed, deer will soon develop the habit of dropping in often to munch on tender vegetation in a food plot. I’ve planted small food plots on my place for well over 30 years. Deer love them. I began by planting only clover and winter wheat, but know plant at least a half dozen plant varieties, including wheat, clover, oats, turnips, radishes, sunflowers, soybeans, and chickory. Biologists tell us that deer may take 2-3 seasons to fully adjust to a new plant variety. It takes time for old does to teach their offspring to feed on a particular plant. So, it may take a couple of generations for deer in your area to fully utilize a new food source. Micro-plots are especially effective for bow hunting for several reasons. First they are small enough, from tennis court sized plots to a half acre, that when deer feed in them, they are within effective bow range. Bigger plots can create a lot of frustration for bow hunters, because deer can easily be out of range. The usual occurrence is a game of cat and mouse as hunters move stands around a large plot trying to get close enough for a shot. Secondly, micro-plots can easily be planted close to bedding areas, reducing the travel distance for your herd from bed to breakfast. With plots nearby, deer often can’t resist feeding in the plots during daylight hours as well. Many times these small plots are the last thing a deer visits before bedding in the morning and the first place they visit upon leaving their bed in the afternoon. It’s like humans running from the couch to the fridge for a quick snack. Micro-plots easily become the focus of deer activity, especially during the rut. Almost every buck in a given area will swing past a micro-plot at some point in the day to check for estrous does. At that point the plot becomes the center of the deer wheel, with spokes, or deer trails, leading to it from different directions. Bucks tend to make plenty of scrapes near micro-plots as well adding to the deer holding potential of these magic micro-plots. They essentially become a regular meeting place for deer in the area. Third, deer feel far safer in micro-plots than larger openings, because they are only a bound or two away from the safety of thick cover. Plots surrounded by thick woods or undergrowth also tend to attract and hold deer throughout the daylight hours. For bowhunting purposes, narrow plots are better than wide ones. When a buck enters a narrow food plot, it will often walk the entire length of the plot, both checking scrapes and checking for hot does. Placement of micro-plots is very important. Take a good inventory of your property before you plant. Micro-plots should be placed within 150 yards of deer bedding areas. If planned further away, it become difficult to pull deer into your plot in daylight hours. Deer will get up from their beds several times a day to feed. Good food sources that are nearby will get utilized far more than distant sources. Creating funnels to direct deer to your micro-plots is another tool you can use to improve your deer hunting success. Small trails though your property is one such funnel you can easily create. I cut wood on my property each year, and have created a network of trail than I can easily travel with my pickup truck, or tractor. I utilize some of these trails as micro-plots as well. However, I do not plant these min-plots as thick as I do my main plot. I utilize them as a teaser to pull deer in the direction I want them to travel. I maintain three of these trails, which lead directly to my main mini-plot of 3/4 of an acre, surrounded by woods. The vast majority of deer that enter this food plot follow the established trails through the woods. I generally plant my mini-plots in early August. Often it is very dry, but I’ve had tremendous good fortune over the last 30 years. Only twice have I had to replant, because of dry conditions. This year rains came steadily during August and early September. The wheat, sunflowers, turnips, hickory and radishes I planted quickly grew into a thick, healthy stand. It didn’t take long for deer to discover the new food source. An added bonus to my food plot this year is the fact that it is surrounded by white oaks and they produced heavily this year. Deer have been hanging in the white oak stands in the afternoons to gorge themselves on acorns, and then drift into my food plots to enjoy the succulent plants found there. It’s the best combination of food sources I’ve ever had on my place. An added bonus is the fact that once the greenery in the food plots are decorated by deer and mother nature, there will still be plenty of radish and turnip bulbs for the deer, as well as an abundance of acorns in the woods just a few steps away.

Kayaking Stockton’s Water Trail Bill Cooper Kayaking, along with many other outdoor pursuits, has grown in popularity since the advent of the COVID 19 pandemic. Several of Missouri’s State Parks offer water trails for paddling enthusiasts. Stockton State Park north of Springfield offers visitors a well laid out trail complete with mile markers and interpretive signs. Missouri Tourism’s Outdoor Ambassador Scott Pauley says that interest in kayaking has exploded across the Show Me State. “It is difficult to find a kayak right now,”he said. “They literally flew off of retail store shelves as more people were being forced to stay home because of the virus. Those people quickly began to look for ways to get outdoors. Fortunately we are blessed with an abundance of outdoor resources in Missouri, including water. Most people in Missouri don’t have to travel far to find a water resource where they can paddle a canoe or kayak.” Scott Pauley and I both attended a Fish ’n Fun Media Event recently which was organized by the Missouri Outdoor Communicators and sponsored by a variety of organizations with ties to the outdoors, including: Tandem Fly Outfitters, Orleans Trail Resort and Restaurant, The City of Stockton, Hammons Black Walnuts, Missouri State Parks, Missouri Conservation Heritage Foundation, Conservation Federation of Missouri, and Toyota Motors USA. Fishing for walleye and white bass were the main focus of the event and drew outdoor writers from across the state including, Kenny Kieser and Tyler Mahoney from the Independence and Kansas City areas, Scott Pauley and Kyle Stewart from Jefferson City, Zach Smith from Columbia, Bill Cooper from St. James and Brad Wiegmann from Arkansas. Other activities were also scheduled including a guided tour of the Stockton State Park Aquatic Trail. The 6.5 mile Stockton Lake Water Trail offers two entry points. One is located at the Stockton State Park Marina, where paddlers can launch their canoes or kayaks from a provided ramp or a floating dock. The second access point is located just across the peninsula at Hartley Cove. Both trailheads have bathrooms, and the State Park Marina offers a store where paddlers can buy supplies of grab something to eat before or after their paddling trip. “Paddling on a lake is quite different than paddling on a river where there is a current to help move you along,” said park superintendent Kenny Neal.. “However, the lake trip is a good way get people out on the lake paddling, with an easy shuttle that has trail heads only a mile apart.” Blue skies and a slight chop greeted our paddling party as we began our trip out of Hartley Cove. A majestic Bald Eagle flew high overhead, soaring on the air currents and obviously experiencing a bird’s eye view of the lake and surrounding countryside. Justin Adams, Deputy Regional Director, Missouri State Parks/Ozarks Region and Park Superintendent Kenny Neal provided high quality kayaks and life jackets for the paddle trip. I chose a sit on top model, a first for me. I quickly discovered that the molded plastic kayak provided a comfortable seat with high back support. Adams and Neal gave our party a quick overview of the water trail as we boarded our kayaks and all headed across the lake together. It felt good to be on theater again. I hadn’t paddled all summer due to an accident earlier in the year. I felt perhaps the heavy exercise would stretch sore muscles. The wind picked up a little forcing us to keep paddling. Should we pause, we would loose ground we had gained. As we moved forward our party discussed the pros and cons of each variety of kayak we were paddling. A couple were sit on top fishing kayaks, which offered a bit more stability, while the longer, more slender boats cut though waves and water a bit better. The Stockton Lake Water Trail offers a public swimming beach with restrooms about half way through the trip. The 6.5 mile trial loop takes from 2-to-6 hours depending on how fast one paddles and current wind conditions. Paying attention to wind forecasts is important when planning a paddling trip on Stockton Lake. It is a big, deep lake, and its two arms are oriented in a manner that allows the typical south-southwest winds to blow up the lake. The winds are great for sailors, and Stockton Lake is known as one of the best lakes to sail in the Midwest. High winds, however, may be treacherous for canoes and kayaks. Water trail signs at each entry point caution paddlers to wear PFDs and to stay aware that water and wind conditions can change rapidly. Always check the weather forecast before you get on the water. Adams pointed out that it is usually at least a little windy on one side of the peninsula, while the other side is a little more protected. “If you stay close to shore, its not too bad,” he said. “If the wind picks up, you can always turn around and paddle back to your starting point.” Fishermen can enjoy the paddle trip, too, as the lake is well stocked with bass, catfish, crappie, and walleye. As we made the turn around the point, we were met with white caps and fierce waves. I paddled to the tops of waves only to have my sit on top kayak spun side ways and dropped into the hole. Then it was a repeat. Time was running short and it became obvious we could not complete the entire trip. Neal called a park employee and had him pick us up at an accessible cove. What a fantastic paella trip. To check out paddling the water trail at Stockton, simply Google Stockton Lake Water trail.

How to Avoid Four Common Duck Hunting Mistakes Bill Cooper With duck populations at the peak of long term averages, expectations for every hunt are always high. The reality is, however that every hunt does not produce the highest quality hunt. But, what if a majority of hunts fall short of expectations? There may be some common denominator problems, which can be easily fixed and increase harvests. Movement in the blind - It sounds silly. Every duck hunter knows you have to keep movement to a minimum in the hunting blind. “Unnecessary movement is one of the biggest problems I have with duck hunting clients,” stated Perry May, owner of IYF Outfitters of Southeast Missouri. “Even though we are in a well camouflaged blind, ducks are above us and they have sight many times more powerful than humans. The shine of uncovered faces looking up is a dead giveaway. Use head nets and face paints. If you are constantly moving in the blind and kill few ducks, cut down on the movement and your kill ratio will improve immediately.” Poor camouflage - “I don’t care how good your blind looks, you can never have enough camouflage,” May continued. “If ducks flare or I have difficulty finishing them, one of the first things I look for is holes in the camouflage. It may not be much. I walk all the way around my blinds looking carefully for small holes and openings. Often shooters push clumps of grass or camo material to the side when they stand to shoot. Those spots need to be rearranged before the next flight arrives. Blend in to your surroundings - “You can have all the camo in the world, but if it doesn’t blend in with your surroundings, ducks are going to notice it,” May said.” If you get a lot of ducks flaring from your blind, your materials are not making your blind disappear into the landscape. The result is far fewer shot opportunities.” Bass Pro carries a full line of camo materials and supplies which will help you and your blind vanish into the surroundings. Calling tactics - “Every duck hunter likes to blow his duck call,” May stated. “Blowing a call and watching ducks react to it, is one of the most enjoyable facets of duck hunting. However, if ducks are reacting negatively, or taking a long time to commit, you might want to analyze your calling techniques.” Some say experience is the best teacher. May added, “There are lots of learning aids out there these days to help an individual learn to blow a duck call. Duck hunting videos are plentiful, as are TV shows. However, you still have to practice...a lot. Then there is the issue of knowing when to call, what call to use at a given time and when to quit. One of the most difficult times in the duck blind is when a client is calling and flaring ducks. I let it go, until they become frustrated. Then I politely ask them if they want to kill ducks. Of course they do. At that point, I ask them to allow me to teach them how to call.Then we kill ducks and everyone is happy.” “No duck hunter is so good he can’t improve,” May concluded. “I see hunters make the same mistakes over and over. Force of habitat often works against them. Be flexible and analyze your setup constantly. If you aren’t killing ducks that are present, stop and ask yourself why. Your problems most likely fall into the categories mentioned. Make changes and score.”

Five Planning Tips for a Better Waterfowl Season Bill Cooper Waterfowl hunters are a passionate group of people. Passion levels can generally be measured by the amount of time an individual waterfowler spends preparing for the upcoming season. If you want to increase your passion for waterfowl hunting and improve your success rate at the same time, follow these preparation tips. Basics Count - “Every waterfowl hunter needs to remember the basics, especially on opening day,” said JD Driskill, owner of Dirty Rice Outfitters in Gobler, Missouri. “Too often hunters allow opening day to sneak up on them. That is a recipe for failure. Guns need to be checked, including chokes. Showing up with a wrong choke can ruin your shooting effectiveness. Decoys need cleaned and lines repaired. A tangled mess is not what a duck or goose hunter wants to deal with when the sun is coming up on opening day.” Prep Machines - “Machines are an important part of waterfowl hunting,” said long time duck hunter Russ Nanni of Paducah, Kentucky. “Boats, motors, ATV’s, UTV’s, motorized decoys and pumps that provide water for hunting spots are all key factors in the success of hunts. To neglect them is to guarantee that you will have problems. They are all pieces of mechanical equipment and they will break at some point in time. Regular maintenance is good insurance, but checking them all out before opening day is absolutely necessary to the quality of the hunt.” Scout Early - “Knowing where the birds are is just plain smart,” stated retired school teacher Orville Tharp, of Cuba, Missouri. “Duck hunting days are limited and I don’t like to waste them searching for birds.” Visiting public hunting areas in mid to late summer allows Tharp to see first hand what crops area managers have planted to attract migrating waterfowl. Too, he talks with area managers to find out what they have planned for the upcoming season. “Pools can be closed down, pumps can break, storms can cause damage. Every one of those items will have an effect on your season. Knowing what is going on at your favorite spot is important. Conceal Blinds - “Ducks have great eyesight,” said Diamond Dunn, a 16-year-old guide from Corning Arkansas. “All duck hunters, and goose hunters, too, should take a close look a there blinds before the season starts. All holes should be filled. New vegetation should be added to give the blind some depth and relief. Matching the blind to the cover you hunt in is important, too. If you hunt in corn, add corn stalks to your blind.” Practice on Five - “Competition calling is not necessary in the duck blind,” explained waterfowl calling expert Perry May of Dexter, Missouri. “I like to blow a call as much as the next guy, but come opening day, I use the five note greeting call a lot. It is one of the first calls beginning duck hunters learn and it can be blown on any mallard call. Ducks, particularly young ducks coming down the flyways are very familiar with the greeting call. Practice the greeting call well before the season and come opening day, your odds for success will soar.”

Rules for Deer Camp - Who Needs Them? Deer camps are special places, many or which have been in existence for decades. Deer camp rules have always been a staple of the annual gatherings, but are they still needed and accepted in today’s society? 
 I’ve attended a number of deer camps over the last five decades. They shared a common denominator. They all have been superb. The primary reason behind the success of those camps is the fact that each had an excellent camp boss. The term “boss” carries a negative sentiment for some these days. The continuing breakdown of societal rules flows into every area of our lives. Change is constant, and we as hunters face the consequences of change everyday. Camp bosses come with a wide variety of personalities, leadership types, and camp goals. Becoming well acquainted with the camp boss, and as many attendees before committing to a camp is the best rule to follow. Almost all have rules of some sort. Make sure you understand them and can follow them to a “T.” Deer camps are something which hordes of hunters look forward to each fall. Hunting buddies long to see their friends again, swap stories, catch up, compare gear, share good food, and have fun while there. For those who have attended camps for decades, many changes have come along over the years in hunting equipment and attitudes of hunters. Bringing younger hunters to deer camp has always served as a “right of passage,” and continues to serve the same purpose yet today. However, more than one quarrel has arisen at hunting camp over attendees bringing in new technology and attitudes toward wildlife management and ethics. If you have gained permission to bring a new person to deer camp, it is your responsibility to make sure that the new individual is ethical and safe. Make a concerted effort, too, to learn the individual’s stance on game laws, outdoor ethics, and landowner relationships. Firearms have seen a dramatic change with the advent of Black Rifles. Many old-timers balked at the introduction of these firearms to deer hunting camps, because of their similarity to military weapons. Old habits die hard, and older generations hold onto values engrained like a fine walnut stock on their favorite hunting rifle. And there may be deeper sentiments. Many older hunters have been to war, and weapons that hold a likeness to military weapons may stir emotions and bad memories. But, not all veterans think that way. I took a pause when I saw my first Black Gun. I didn’t like the idea of someone bringing them into deer camp, but held my tongue. First, I made the effort to get to know the young man who carried the weapon. He was solid, knowledgable, and respectful of everyone in camp. I learned from him and now have no problem with military style weapons being used for deer hunting. Every deer camp has it’s own set of rules. Everyone should follow them, and everyone should carry their own weight. Of course the young guys do more physical labor than the older guys. They did the same when they were younger.

Cold Weather and Your Dog Bill Cooper It’s true. A dog is mans best friend. Ever since dogs were domesticated, they have been making great sacrifices for their owners. Dogs will go to great lengths to please their owners including subjecting themselves to extreme weather conditions. When does cold become dangerous to a dog’s well being? First realize that all dogs are not created equal. Temperature that feel balmy to one dog may send other to seek shelter. Several variables may affect how dogs respond to cold. Coat type is an important factor to consider. Dogs with thick, double-layered coats, like Huskies, Labs and Newfoundlands, will be the most cold-tolerant. Most cold tolerant breeds were developed in Northern climates, and may have other physical and psychological traits that allow them to thrive in frigid temperatures. On the flip Sid of the coin, dogs with thin coats, like, Greyhounds and chihuahuas, will suffer most during cold weather. Coat color also affects a dog’s tolerance of colder weather. During clear days, dogs with darker coats will absorb significantly more heat than dogs with light colored coats. Other factors affecting tolerance of cold conditions include size, weight, conditioning, age and health. Small dogs have larger surface to volume ratios. The smaller the dog the more skin they have in relation to their insides through which they loose heat. The bottom line ism that small dogs generally get cold quicker than big dogs. Body fat is a great insulator. Hefty dogs stay warmer than skinny dogs. However, the health risks of being overweight far outweigh warmth benefits. So do not fatten your dog up for winter, so to speak. Conditioning and acclimatization play an important role in how dogs handle the cold, too. Being healthy and in good physical shape is an advantage when cold weather strikes. Gradual increases in colder temperatures gives dogs the opportunity to acclimatize as well. Forty degrees in October is less tolerable than 40 degrees in April. Very young, very old, and sick dogs are not as capable to regulate their body temperatures as healthy dogs in their prime. It reasons then that need more protection from the cold. Temperature as shown on a thermometer is not the only environmental factor that affects how dogs feel the cold. Wind chill is a major concern as to how dogs handle cold. A brisk breeze can cut right though a dog’s coat and quickly decrease its ability to insulate and protect itself against the cold. Dampness in the form of rain, snow, sleet, heavy fog, or going for a swim, soaks through the fur can quickly chill a dog even if the air temperature is not particularly cold. Cloudy days block the sun and keep dogs from soaking up the warmth. Watch for sings of chilling. If a dog is quite active while outside, it may very well generate enough heat to keep warm, in spite of cold temperatures. Generally, people tend to think dogs are tougher than they really are. This is especially true of owners of hunting breeds. Temperatures usually do not become a problem until they drop below 45 degrees. Cold averse dogs will begin to suffer at this point. At 32 degrees owners of small dogs, dogs with thin coats, and young, old, or sick dogs should pay close attention to their well being. Temperatures below 20 degrees should raise red flags. Dog owners need to be aware that their dogs could develop cold weather health problems like hypothermia or frostbite. One of the best ways to monitor your dogs when it is cold is to keep a sharp eye on their behavior. If you see your dog shivering, acting nervous or anxious, whining, slowing activity, searching for a warm spot, or holding its paws up, it is definitely time to take them inside. Above all don’t forget that your dog is your best friend. It gives you its best every day of its life. You should do the same for it. It takes a commitment to continually pay attention to your dog’s well being. Establishing routines for feeding, watering and medicating as soon as you bring a dog home will ensure your continued attention to detail. The rewards will be a healthy and happy dog and a long and rewarding relationship. Take extra precautions with hunting breeds during cold weather. They are expected to be out in harsh conditions. Keeping them warm will keep them functional. Invest in a good dog vest for cold temperatures. Most will help with floatation, too, which helps dogs retrieving in cold water to conserve energy and stay warmer. Once your dog returns from a water retrieve watch it closely. Vests are good, but make sure the dog has protection from the wind via a box, or protected area in the boat or blind. In extreme temperatures, taking along towels to dry your dog quickly is good insurance. A wool blanket is a prize and could be important to both of you in an emergency situation. I have two Labs, BJ and Hooper, that spend most of their time outdoors. However, they have learned that when temperatures drop they are welcome inside. Should I become lax with my judgment, they scratch at the door as a reminder. As I write, BJ and Hooper are piled up on a blanket in front of the fireplace. They do take advantage. Remember, never spoil your huntin’ dog.

Catching Winter Walleye

Catching Winter Walleye Bill Cooper Interest in walleye fishing has been growing at a steady rate over the last several decades in the mid-south, and rightfully so. The largest walleye in the nation are caught here. And, the biggest walleye are caught in the cold weather months. Here’s how to catch them. No one knows walleye fishing better than Buster Loving, of Rockaway Beach. He’s been chasing the tasty fish for over 30 years. A teacher-coach by training, loving chased his dream and became fishing guide. He spends over 300 days a year guiding clients for bass, crappie, trout, and walleye during the winter. Bull Shoals Lake, a 43,000 acre Corps of Engineers lake on the Missouri-Arkansas line, is the focus of Loving’s winter time walleye fishing trips. It is a trophy walleye fishery, according to Loving. “It’s world class,” he said. The Missouri state record walleye came from Bull Shoals. It weighed 21lbs.1oz. “My best walleye weighed 17lbs,” Loving said. “Ten pound walleye aren’t that uncommon. We’ve caught several over 10lbs. this winter. Knowing exactly where to fish eliminates a lot of water and search efforts. Of the 700 miles of shoreline on Bull Shoals, Loving concentrates his efforts on 8-miles of it. “I was fortunate enough to see Bull Shoals at White River level in 1991,” he said. “All of the old ponds, creeks, drainages and terrain features were exposed. I mapped many of them, and that information has been invaluable for my walleye fishing business over the years.” “There are a lot of mud flats in the area of the lake I fish,” Loving said. “I find more walleye relating to mud flats than I do rock banks, where so many walleye fishermen spend there time.” Mud flats covered with 4-to-8-feet of water are Loving’s preferred areas to fish. “They will still hang on the flats in deeper water, but it makes them more difficult to find,” he said. “However, most of the fish will hang out right where the lip of the mudflats drop off into deeper water. I concentrate most of my efforts in those areas.” Nightcrawlers and bottom bouncers are synonymous with walleye fishing, yet Loving never uses them. “I’ve fished for walleyes for decades,” he said. “I’ve found that I can catch them just as easily on big stickbaits and Keitech swimbaits.” Walleye key in on shad, and Bull Shoals Lake harbors a great population of shad. In high water events, more shad come over the dam, often spurring feeding sprees. One only need to take a look at the dozens of photos of big walleyes on Loving’s iPhone to realize that he catches big walleyes consistently. Walleye can be caught all winter long on Bull Shoals, but when the water temperature nears 50 degrees, the spawn begins. “Walleye begin to stack up in deep holes as the spawn begins,” Loving said. “I love to see my clients catching big walleye, and the spawn is the best time to do that.” Anglers may keep four walleye, 18-inches or longer. Walleye are known for their culinary qualities. Walleye wrapped in bacon, and seasoned are one of the finest meals you will ever eat. If you’d like to book a walleye fishing trip with Buster Loving, give him a call at 417-335-0357.

Carolina Rigging for Bull Shoals Bass Bill Cooper for www.lurenet.com The Carolina rig has been around for a long time and been responsible for the undoing of untold numbers of largemouth and smallmouth bass. Mike Welch, of Theodosia Marina Resort on Bull Shoals Lake in southern Missouri, believes that the Carolina rig is as effective as ever. The Carolina rig is similar to the popular Texas rig with the bait rigged weedless, but the weight is separated from the lure with a leader and barrel swivel. “I use a 3/4-ounce egg weight and a red plastic bead between the weight and the swivel,” Welch said. “The bead helps protect the knot at the swivel, plus makes noise as you move the bait across the bottom.” The Carolina rig is Welch’s favorite way to fish for big bass. “It is my favorite bait to use all year round for big bass,” he said. “It’s good in all seasons and weather conditions, but the Carolina rig really gets hot in June. A bass’s metabolism is in full swing, and they are hungry and will eat a big plastic bait being crawled across the bottom of the lake.” Welch likes to rig his Carolina rig with a 30-inch leader. “Some guys go with leaders as short as a foot, or 36-inches, or longer,” Welch said. “The 30-inch leader works well for me. You are going to get hung up a lot on the bottom of Bull Shoals. It’s full of rocks of all sizes and you can’t help but get stuck. I often break off only a few inches of the leader. The 30-inch leader allows me to quickly re-tie and get back to fishing.” Welch says the key to catching big bass on Bull Shoals is knowing where they live. “I’ve fished Bull Shoals for decades,” he said. “My time on the water has taught me that there are places on the lake where I can catch good fish year after year. The structure and food sources are there.” Mike normally sets his boat up in 30-feet of water and casts to rock rubble, old road beds and other structure in slightly more shallow water. “Making contact with the bottom is essential,” he said. “You are putting a bait in the home of bass, and with the right tactics they are going to eat it.” Welch knows that bass will eat a variety of plastic baits, which primarily imitate crayfish. “Bass love crayfish,” he said. “The technique is to put your bait right where bass hang out, let it settle to the bottom, and then make a wide, slow sweeps with your rod. Go slow enough that the egg sinker will never come off of the bottom. It will, however, make noise as it strikes rock, wood and other debris. Too, it will stir up the bottom as you drag it.” Once Welch completes the sweep he allows the bait to settle back to the bottom, but only briefly. “I quickly begin another sweep of my rod,” he said. “As soon as I begin the sweep the bait begins to come off of the bottom, wiggling and moving as if it has come to life. Hungry bass have a tough time resisting the action.” Welch is a fan of YUM plastic baits, particularly the Bad Mamma in Green Pumpkin. “I also like to fish the YUM Wooly HawgCraw,” he said. “Green Pumpkin seems to be a universally good color. I do occasionally throw the Watermelon/Red Flake color as well.” Mike Welch owns Weekend Warrior Guide Service on Bull Shoals Lake, on the Missouri side. He may be reached at bassmaster921@gmail.com.

A Day on Current River with Billy Smith

A Day on Current River with Billy Smith Bill Cooper for 9-17-20 Billy Smith is the owner and operator of Scenic Rivers Guide Service and Tours based in Eminence. A local legend, Billy spent his working life with the National Park Service. However, the Current and Jacks Fork Rivers have been Billy’s lifelong passion. I’ve been on the rivers with Smith numerous times, but a recent day I spent with him on Current River shall remain one of my favorites. I met Billy at Shady Lanes Cabins in Eminence as we have done for a decade. He greeted me with his usual broad-faced smile and laughter. If I never caught a fish with Billy, I would always enjoy his company. He is one of the most jovial people I’ve ever met. Positive and upbeat, I always part company with Billy feeling uplifted and positive. Billy and I were out to catch smallmouth bass and get a little work done, too. Billy and I both are acquainted with Gayle Julian, the owner of Jewel Bait Co. in Midway, Arkansas. Scott Pauley, of the Missouri Division of Tourism, introduced us to Julian at different times. Jewel Bait Co. is a great American success story. An innovator and a highly motivated individual, Julian has done well in the fishing industry and brought many superb products to market, which has upped many anglers fishing game. As Billy and I headed out of Eminence towards Log Yard access, southeast of Eminence, on Current River, he kept a steady monologue going about the surrounding area. He pointed out several areas of interest where he had recently seen the wild horse herds and elk. Too, he noted a field near Powder Mill, where a black bear had been sighted recently. It’s always fun to be in the truck with Billy. He is a virtual encyclopedia of information. Billy began rigging several fishing rods before we put the boat in the water. I worked on filming an episode for Outside Again Adventures, featuring the Current River and Jewel Bait Co. lures. Billy proved to be the perfect spokesman by first showing how to rig specific lures, and then demonstrating later how to fish them. Billy first tied on a Jewel Ned Head jig and rigged a TRD peanut butter and jelly Ned worm, one of his favorite smallmouth baits for Current River. The second jig he tied on included a Gem Shad 2.0 jig head coupled with a Ki-Tech swim-bait. Next he demonstrated how to rig a Texas-rigged bait with a Jewell Rock-Crawler weight. It is flat on one side and flips over in the water, making it easy to slide across the river bottom. After rigging a half dozen rods, Billy headed the boat upstream through spectacular scenery along Current River. Billy knows the river like the back of his hand and soon stopped at one of his favorite fishing holes. True to Billy’s form, he hooked the first smallmouth of the day on his second cast on a Jewel Gem Blade 2.0 Spinnerbait. “This bait is great,” Billy said. “It’s more streamlined than most spinnerbaits and glides through the water with ease. Billy had guided Gayle Julian and Scott Pauley on the river a few weeks prior and was thoroughly impressed with their casting abilities. “I thought I was an accurate caster,” Billy said. “But those two guys could consistently put a bait on a dime. They were incredibly accurate.” As anglers we continually eyeball one another. Billy was obviously taken with the casting abilities of Julian and Pauley. In turn, I am equally impressed with Billy’s abilities. I suppose if I fished as much as those guys, I’d be fairly accurate, too. Billy steadily caught fish at a variety of his favorite spots on the river. He often uses YUM Dingers, and I brought him a bag full of the popular plastic worms in a variety of colors. He broke out a Jewel Squirrel Head jig and I suggested he use a Mardi Gras colored Dinger with it. I’d had great success with it over the summer. Billy caught a nice small mouth within his first few casts. “That Mardi Gras is a good color fro the river,” he said. When we discussed the trip over the phone, Billy indicated that he might cook me a shore lunch. I watched in amazement as we beached and Billy quickly went to work setting up a new portable stove, which Dave Murphy had sent to him after a fishing trip. I’ve been known as THE GRAVEL BAR GOURMET on Ozark streams for a couple of decades, and have cooked untold numbers of meals for others on float, camp, and fish trips. I’ve got nothing on Billy Smith. He sat in a comfortable camp chair while organizing his cooking gear and food. I watch closely as he dropped walleye filets into bubbling hot oil. Billy soon handed me a palate of deep fried potatoes and onions, golden walleye filets, with a dill pickle and tangy peppers. It was one of the most beautifully plated meals I had ever seen prepared on a riverbank. I quickly dubbed Billy my Gravel Bar Gourmet Brother. Billy and I relaxed, enjoyed our meal together, and once again voiced our opinions and thanks for the lifestyles we are able to live in the Ozarks. And we pondered the future, wondering aloud what our grandchildren will inherit from us. Billy and I both have been heavily involved in protecting the Ozarks. Yet, we wonder if we did enough. Billy recently toured Sarah Parker Pauley, the direct of the Missouri Department of Conservation, and an accompanying fisheries biologist, down Current River for a few hours. They listened intently as Billy expressed his concerns about the health of the river and the future of the smallmouth fishery. I’m certain Billy tossed in a few stories about area history, Ozark culture and big fish of the past. No doubt they were entertained as well as educated. That’s what Billy Smith does. Cutline: Billy Smith cooked walleye and all the fixings for Gravel Bar Gourmet Bill Cooper on Current River. Call 573-225-3390 to book a trip.

Grandson Catches Trophy Gasconade River Smallmouth Bill Cooper for 7-29-20

I’ll never forget taking my 9-year-old grandson, Ronnie Cooper Austin, on a recent fishing trip to the Gasconade River near Vienna, Missouri. I suspect Ronnie will long remember the trip as well. He caught a trophy size smallmouth bass that would make any veteran smallmouth bass fisherman envious. The day dawned hot and still, one of the hottest July days we’d seen thus far this month. We prepared well. A small cooler pac contained plenty of water bottles and snacks. We wore shorts and took along plenty of sunscreen and towels for those dips in the river that were sure to come as the day warmed even more. Ronnie spends the summers with me and we are on the constant lookout for a new adventure. He had never ridden in my jet boat and seemed anxious to do so. We made our plans to go to the Gasconade. We readied our fishing rods, straightened the fishing tackle and cleaned the boat. We also made sure that our life jackets were on board. I prefer to hit the water at daylight, before it gets too hot. Ronnie, on the other hand, is not so much an early riser. We compromised. I woke him up about 7:15 a.m. He had a bowl of cereal while I made our lunches and put all the necessary gear into the bait and truck. I live about 30 minutes from the popular Bell Chute access provided by the Missouri Department of Conservation. A small primitive campground is maintained underneath a grove of giant sycamore trees, which provide excellent summertime shade. Pit toilets and a grand boat ramp round out the few facilities at the access. We arrived at the Bell Chute Access at 9:30 a.m. The campground was empty and the parking lot only contained one compact car. We had the river to ourselves. It looked to be a great day on the Gasconade. After I launched the boat, Ronnie guarded it while I went to park the truck. He insisted on shoving us off, so he could get in the water and get a little wet. He commented on how good the water felt. The air temperature already hung around 90 degrees and there was not a breeze. The Gascosage BassMasters had held a tournament at the access the previous Saturday. I told Ronnie that the tournament participants had released over 120 bass at the boat ramp. We motored just a short distance downstream from the ramp before we began fishing. I picked up a bait caster rigged with a YUM Dinger 5-inch Mardi Gras colored worm. Ronnie trapped a spinning rod rigged with a Arbogast Buzz Plug. We wanted to catch his first bass on a topwater plug. I dropped to the trolling motor and headed to the shaded east side of the river. A steep bank with rock rubble sloped to the water’s edge. I flipped the worm to the edge of the water and allowed it to sink. I fully expected a trike on my first cast. Didn’t happen. Ronnie flung his topwater bait with impressive accuracy and sputtered the frog across the surface. He continued his efforts with the enthusiasm of a 9-year-old boy. Several casts later, I felt the familiar tick, tick of a bass picking up my worm. I tried to set the hook. Ronnie had switched to a rod rigged with a blue/black fleck YUM worm. A few casts later he began yelling, “Pawpa, I’ve got one. A few seconds later, he swung a chunky 13-inch smallmouth bass into the boat. “I caught the first fish, Pawpa.” he said with obvious pride. I hooked a couple of decent fish, but both got off. It quickly became obvious that tiger fish that had been released at the access earlier in the week had already dispersed. We tightened our life jackets and headed the jetboat upstream. We came to a gliding halt after a gorgeous 7-mile ride upstream. Towering bluffs, draped in bright blue skies and puffy white clouds lined the river banks. Black turkey vultures spread their wings while perched on ancient cedar trees high atop the dolomite bluffs. Once we reached our destination upstream, we grabbed our worm rods and began casting. I immediately began getting hits in the rock rubble near the shoreline. I hooked a couple of bass, but both got off. Shortly, my line began mocking off quickly. I set the hook and my 7-foot rod arched heavily. I told Ronnie I had a good fish. We wished for a net. Momentarily the fish wore down, and I slid a chunky 18-inch largemouth bass into the boat. The big fish had come off of a sand bank. I ran the boat back upstream to repeat the drift. Less than ten feet away from where I caught the big largemouth, Ronnie yelled as his riot bent over, “Pawpa, I’ve got one. It feels really big.” Ronnie handled the fish well. He soon wore it down and I lipped his 18-inch smallmouth bass and swung it into the boat. He was thrilled and we took many photos before he released the gorgeous fish. A lengthy swim break refreshed us before we returned to fishing. We managed to catch two more 17-inch bass and a host of smaller ones, but nothing under 13-inches. I hooked one more big largemouth, but we only enjoyed the show as the big bucket-mouth went airborne and flung the worm back at us. It was a marvelous day on the Gasconade for Ronnie and I, one we will not soon forget. He summed up the day when he asked, “Pawpa, do I Get bragging rights for my trophy smallmouth?” Cutline: Ronnie Cooper Austin bested his Papaw with his trophy smallmouth on the Gasconade River recently.

San Felipe Fly Fishing for Tarpon Bill Cooper for 5-19

I stepped off of the plane in Merida, Mexico into 93-degree temperatures. The memories of ice and snow in Missouri melted away. I would be enjoying big city cuisine prior to heading to the tarpon rich waters of San Felipe and then to the jungles of southern Campeche State to hunt ocellated turkeys. I’m the guest of Jordi Gene, the owner of TanKab Outfitters. Jordi is passionate about the outdoors and a key figure in the outdoor industry in Mexico. We began planning my expedition while Jordi was a guest in the CnR Outfitters deer hunting camp, for which I worked in the fall of 2018. Jordi’s plans for the Yucatan sounded to good to be true. Upon my arrival in Merida, Jordi picked me up and delivered me to Casa De Camposampiero Hotel Boutique, near his home. The entire several block area once served as a working hacienda complex with many small homes and parcels of land. The charming area has now been swallowed up by a growing Merida, but retains its quiet neighborhood and peaceful surroundings. The comforts of Casa De Campsampiero lulled me into a tranquil sleep, while the cooing of pigeons and doves woke me early the next morning. I stepped out the door of my room onto a veranda, next to the pool. Morning doves drank at the pool. Within minutes coffee was served, followed by a delightfully delicious breakfast. Jordi and I spent the following day working at his office on a proposal for mangrove restoration and outdoor education for children. We paused often to talk about past hunts we had shared and those we were soon to enjoy. The following day Jordi’s driver transported me two hours to San Felipe, on the tip of the Yucatan coast, not far from where the Gulf of Mexico collides with the Caribbean. San Felipe is a small fishing village, well off the beaten path. Most residents are dependent on the sea for their living, working steadily with commercial nets ad pangas. San Felipe Fly Fishing guides Fito Avila and Pedro Figueroa met me at the BandB San Felipe. Dedicated fly fisherman, the talented pair of guides chattered rapidly, explaining to me the tremendous tarpon fly fishery which existed at San Felipe. After a late dinner at a local cafe, Fito and I agreed that we would pick me up at the motel at 6 a.m. the next morning. The morning came early, but I was up and ready to go. Excited is an understatement of my demeanor. A nervous energy pervaded our morning meeting. Fito tales in broken English, a bit concerned about me understanding him. We shared coffee and fruit before meeting up with Pedro at the marina, a mere 100 yards away. Pedro is a big fellow with a grin and handshake to match. We laughed and joked as we loaded the panga with our fly fishing gear, my camera gear, and a cooler with drinks for our morning expedition. I dreamed of my first hook up with a San Felipe tarpon as the small motor chugged to smoky life and slowly pushed the boat form the crowd of colorful pangas, which lined the docks, and into open water. Wind on the face felt so good in the 90 degree temperatures. Within in view of the village, Pedro shut the motor down and picked up a mangrove pole from the bottom of the boat. Shoreline mangroves stretched as far as the eye could see. We rounded a point and Pedro turned the long panga to enter a small freshwater river entering the ocean. I immediately spotted tarpon rolling under the beaches of mangroves overhanging the water less than 50 yards away. With the stealth of the jaguar, Pedro silently poled the panga towards the unsuspecting fish, as Fito readied his fly rod and tensed for action. Fito glanced at me with a nervous grin and began stripping line. I swallowed hard, trying to keep my cool and maintain a steady camera while Fito made his first false casts. The fly landed perfectly. Several baby tarpon swirled, but none ate the fly. A tarpon swirled 25-yards out. Like a cat hunkering to pounce on mouse, Fito lowered his profile and delivered a perfect cast, just fee ion front of the cruising tarpon. Strip, strip. The water exploded as the tarpon hit warp speed and inhaled the fly while simultaneously going airborne. Fito broke into what I later dubbed the tarpon two step. The 12-pound tarpon few towards the sky once again, and raced toward Fito at break neck speed as soon as it gained the water. Fito could not gain line quick enough to catch up. The fly fell from the tarpon’s bony mouth, a common occurrence when fly fishing for tarpon. Deflated Fito caught his breath, while Pedro poled around the bend and up the river. As my sight line cleared the overhanging mangroves, rolling tarpon dimpled the waters surface just ahead. A few cast later, Fito hooked up again and water splashed to the skies as the tarpon struggled gin freedom. In two mornings with San Felipe Fly Fishing, I caught and saw hundreds of tarpon, far more than I’ve seen on all of my previous expeditions elsewhere combined. To book a trip with San Felipe Fly Fishing, Google TanKab Outfitters.

Another Working Deer Camp in the Books Bill Cooper for 11-22-19

I traveled to Shannon County, Missouri for deer season 2019, where I participated in the third annual Driftwood Acres deer hunting camp. Seven of us gathered at Brandon Butler’s cabin on remote cabin. A menagerie of outdoor media folks and friends arrived from as far away as California, Indiana and Tennessee. Sam Ayres, a relatively new California based hunter and social media expert, made his first trip to the Ozarks and fell in love with it. Kevin Orthman, the executive director of the Professional Outdoor Media Association hailed from Nashville, Tennessee, while “Paddle” Don Cranfill of SmallWaterJournal.fish and fireman Eric Hoskins came in from Indiana. Myself and Brandon Butler, public relations director for Roeslein Alternative Energy, and “Shags” McLeon, of the KCMQ Morning Shags Show, out of Columbia, represented Missouri. Butler had peeked everyone’s interest in joining in on the fun by sending all of us trail camera photos of three monster bucks coming in to his place, plus a very large black bear. He did, however, take the third largest buck, a beautiful 145-inch buck with his bow the week before we arrived for camp. We all met on Friday afternoon at Butler’s rustic cabin, which most of us had worked on at one time or another. The cabin is decorated with many outdoor heirlooms which have been passed down through Butler’s family. His granddaughter’s mule deer and antelope mounts hang over the fire place, as well as a wide variety of nostalgic items donated from friends. My old Big Bertha frying pan, with a 3-foot handle, hangs on the front porch. The place is a dream come true for Butler, and certainly a cabin that every outdoorsman aspires to duplicate. Every imaginable type of outdoor adventure stories flowed around the cabin on Friday evening g as we dined on homemade chicken noodle soup, my wife, Dian had prepared for us. We gravitated to a huge fire ring of rocks out in the front yard of the cabin to while away the evening telling stories about elk hunts in the Rockies, southern style duck hunts, bear hunts in Canada, tarpon in the Yucatan, and the grandeur of floating and camping on Ozark streams. The evening fire grew dim as group members made last minute preparations for the opening day of the Missouri firearms deer season the next morning. A band of coyotes howled far away. A barred owl sounded off up the creek, and as the last of us gave up the fire, someone noted the yodels of running hounds far out in the hills. Little did we know how the dogs would affect our deer hunting efforts over the next few days. Phone alarms started going off early the next morning. A jolly atmosphere formed as the excitement of our hunting party hit a crescendo. Electricity crackled in voices as everyone bade one another good luck and headed out into the chilly darkness to their respective deer stands. I hauled a crew to their stands in a CanAm Defender HD10 6x6 UTV, provided to us by Cowtown USA in Cuba, Missouri. The 6-wheeled vehicle proved remarkable in some of the roughest terrain in the Ozarks. It traversed steep hills, even deeper ravines, logs over trails, streams and muddy bottoms with ease. Group members selected hard to get to locations deep in the hardwood covered ridges and ravines of public lands near the cabin. They chose remote locations knowing I could get them there in the CanAm. “Shags” and Ayres climbed out at Shags’s favorite spot deep in the wilderness. He had taken two good bucks in as many years, and hoped to share his good luck with Sam. They hunted a half mile apart on separate ridge lines that pitched off into steep sided valleys. Paddle Don and I continued another two miles into the 75,000 acre continuous block of hardwood ridges. We began our hike into our selected spots. Don would hunt an east-west ridge, while I would hunt a north-south ridge. We had scouted our respective ridges the previous day and founds lots of rubs and scrapes and other deer sign. We had high hopes of killing a buck as we bade each other farewell and faded into the darkness. Daylight was still an hour away when I settled into next to a massive white oak tree 75 yards above a bench that traversed the face of the ridge. It appeared to be a deer highway. Two hours later nothing had materialized, so I made a move across a saddle and into another hollow. By that time, numerous shots had rang out though the hills, I silently hoped some of my buddies had scored. I caught movement and came to a stop. Two does appeared. I settled the crosshairs of my scope just behind the shoulder of the largest doe and fired. The way she ran off, I knew she had not been hit. It had been an easy 90-yard shit, but upon investigation, I discovered I had hit a sapling, which deflected the bullet. At the end of the first day, no one in camp had killed a deer. However, almost everyone reported dogs with tracking collars that were running deer. Apparently there was a well orchestrated deer dog hunting campaign going on, which is illegal. The end result was foiled deer hunts for most of us. Shags did manage to nail a very good buck on the second morning, making it three for three for his honey-hole deer hunting spot. However, no one went home empty handed. Some recorded podcasts, others wrote articles, and I landed a new job writing for one of the larger fishing tackle companies, thanks to Kevin Orthman. We deemed our camp a success and vowed to return in 2020.

High Water and Big Smallmouth Bill Cooper for 4-18-19 Recent rains have swelled area streams, but that hasn’t deterred dedicated smallmouth fishermen from hitting the rivers and streams when water levels subside to safe levels. Facebook followers have enjoyed the products of area fishermen who chase smallmouth bass on a regular basis. They have caught some big fish in the last few weeks. Tommy Bench, of Gasconade Guide Service, knows heh upper Gasconade River like the back of his hand. “Bass on the Gasconade began breaking out of their winter patterns a few weeks ago,” he said. “Bass tend to group up in deep holes during the winter months. Usually in late February they tend to disperse, often for many miles up and down the river.” Bench grew up on the Gasconade and has decades of fishing experience on the river under his belt. “Experience certainly helps me find the bass each year,” he said. “Fish tend to hang in the same areas every season, unless their has been a major change in the river, due to flooding.” Rivers do change with every major flood. Gravel bars shift, major holes fill in, and structure, such as downed trees and rock rubble get moved around by the powerful forces of flood currents. A river is a living thing, constantly in a state of change. Those fishermen who consistently catch fish, in tune with the river and the changes that occur throughout a given year. “Change in the river is a constant thing”’ Bench said. “It is amazing what the powers of nature can do to a river. And that has been especially true in the last decade or so. We have seen major floods in recent years, the likes of which I’ve never seen before.” Record floods have redesigned area rivers to the point that they often don’t seem to be the same rivers when anglers get back on them after long periods of absence. “You don’t have to go far to see the changes in the Gasconade,” Bench said. “Look at the Jerome Access . Not only is the huge concrete access gone, but the parking lot is completely destroyed. Homes which had been alongside the river for decades are gone. Whole islands disappeared and new ones formed, as did gravel bars. It’s like a whole new world out there, particularly if you haven’t been on the river in a while.” Despite the changes in the river, Bench steadily caught smallmouth bass throughout the winter months and continues to do so. “High, stained water can make fishing a little more difficult, but I’ve been at it long enough, I can find fish on a regular basis.” Being on the Gasconade River is as normal to Bench as eating is to most of us. A full time guide, he is on the river several times a week, and is great source of information about the Gasconade. He is the host of “Wild at Heart Outdoor Radio,” on ESPN 107.3 FM each Wednesday evening. You can follow the show website at www.espn1073.com, or follow Bench on his Facebook page. Not only do you get the latest fishing information about the upper Gasconade, you also have the visual pleasure of seeing the huge smallmouth bass which Bench posts on a regular basis. Anyone who loves smallmouth bass fishing owes it to themselves to follow Tommy Bench. He is a topnotch smallmouth fishing guide and tournament fishermen. His information will improve your fishing game. Further south in the Ozarks, Billy Smith has Scenic Rivers Guide Service and Tours. He guides on the Jacks Fork and Current Rivers. Smith grew up in the area and worked maintenance for the Ozark National Scenic Riverways for decades. Now retired, he devotes his time to guiding fishermen and conducting river tours. Damon Spurgeon, of Cardiac Mountain Outfitters, and I fished with Smith two weeks ago on Current River below Eminence. The river was two feet high and slightly stained. We put in at the Two Rivers access, just below where the Jacks Fork enters Current River. The river flow clipped along at a stiff pace. “The river is high enough that the park service has closed this section down to canoe traffic,” Smith said. Despite the high, murky waters Smith felt confident that the could find fish. “I’ve been chasing walleye for the last few weeks,” Smith said. “However, I caught good smallmouth all winter long. Now they have transitioned out of their winter locations and have dispersed up and down the river. They are in the pre-spawn and are staging near their intended spawning areas. Smith stopped at a shoal where he had caught lots of smallmouth over the years. He instructed Spurgeon to cast towards a visible line where the shallow water of the shoal dropped to deeper water. “There he is,” Spurgeon said. “I’ve got one, too,” Smith responded. “We’ve got a double.” And so the day went on tthe Current River with guide Bill Smith. The fishing pair caught numerous smallmouth in the 17-to-19-inch range, with the largest weighing about 3 1/2-lbs. To schedule a trip with Billy Smith look him up on facebook.com/scenicriversguideserviceandtours, or call him at 573-225-3390.