Dove season opens Sept. 1; hunters need plenty of ammo

Kentucky youth mentor hunts are a good way to get youngsters involved in the sport. Photo courtesy KDFWR

Upcoming is a hunting season ammunition manufacturers have to love -- dove season. It opens Sept. 1 and many times more shells will be fired than birds will be shot for dinner.

The Sept. 1 opening day for mourning doves and a number of other early migratory birds is established by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service.

While doves are a migratory bird, many don’t migrate and most of the ones available for hunting opening day will be local birds born and raised in the state. The migratory birds won’t pass through until later in the season when colder weather up north begins to push them south.

Doves sitting on a power line or scratching in a gravel road may look like easy targets, but they are just the opposite. They are very wary and can zig and zag like a plane trying to avoid a heat-seeking missile. Plenty of shells are required for a successful hunt.

Indiana’s dove season is separated into two parts. The first runs from Sept. 1 through Oct. 13. It reopens Nov. 5 and runs through Dec. 8  Also opening Sept. 1 is the season for sora rails and snipe. Early Canada goose season opens the same day and runs through Sept. 15.

While doves can be found throughout the state, their concentrations are found in agricultural areas, and their southern migration reaches northern areas first. However, most of the birds that have been seen in recent weeks are native doves from this year’s hatches in the Bluegrass state.

Opening weekend of dove season is part hunt, part social gathering, and part ritual for many. It is a time for renewing old friendships and making new ones. Its a time for camaraderie, tall tales, hunts remembered, and some lip smackin'’ outdoor cookin'’.

Dove season also is ideal for introducing young people to hunting. It’s still relatively inexpensive. September weather is ideally suited to the young hunter who isn’t ready to handle the cold of a duck blind or goose pit.

There also isn’t as much need to remain motionless and silent for long periods of time, although the less motion the better when birds are incoming.

There is plenty of time for snacks and moving around. There usually is considerable action. And it is just fun whether you down many doves or not. During hunts, there is ample time for conversation as you wait for the next flight of those gray bird versions of the Thunderbirds.

Doves are a dark meat with a flavor somewhat like liver. Some people say they don’t like the meat, but properly prepared, doves are great eating.

My favorite way to prepare them is to marinate the breasts overnight. You can make your own or buy a commercial marinade.

The next day, wrap them in in bacon like rumaki, and cook them on a charcoal grill. They make a great meal-starter, or if you have enough, a main course themselves.

Another good recipe comes from Uncle Russ Chittenden’s book, Good Ole Boys Wild Game Cookbook or How to Cook ‘Possum and Other Varmits Good.

Russ calls for a Kentucky limit of dove breasts (or whatever you can scrounge), salt and pepper to taste, two eggs (Dominecker preferred), Italian bread crumbs, 3/4 cup cookin’ oil, Ritz crackers (or something similar).

Remove the breasts with a sharp boning knife like you would those of a duck or goose. With luck, you’ll have 30. Salt and pepper to taste. Dip in beaten egg stuff, and coat with bread crumbs.

Fry in oil until brown, turning several times. Drain for a minute or two on paper towels. Serve “hot” on crackers.

CATFISH TOURNEY -- Taking first place in the Cabela’s King Kat tourney last weekend  at Veevay, IN, on the Ohior River was the team of Scott Cress of Covington and Carl Crone of Villa Hills, KY.

The pair weighed-in a two-day total of 142.95 pounds and earned $4,300. Scott and Carl, also winners of last year's Vevay event were fishing the Markland Pool in 25-50 feet of water where the fish were scattered on the bottom in the channel and on flats. The team used skipjack and mooneyes to catch their fish.

Squirrel season opens Thursday in Indiana, Saturday in Kentucky

Doyle Coultas hunts squirrels in a Perry County woods.

A year rolls around quickly. Once again squirrel season is arriving and will be kicking off hunting for the 2013-14 season.

For me, the squirrel opener in Indiana is easy to remember. It falls on my birthday, Aug. 15. Another year more mature for the old man, but the start of a new fall Hoosier hunting season.

From all indications, this fall’s season should be a good one with plenty of squirrels to hunt.

Opening day and the early part of squirrel season in Indiana is generally a hot weather time of the year. It opens during those lazy hazy “dog” days of August. That brings problems with dehydration and insects as well as finding the bushytails in the thick, dense canopy of leaves. 

Hunting during the early days of the season requires different tactics than late in the season when the weather has cooled and leaves have fallen from the trees.

Die-hard squirrel hunters take to the woods opening day, but ticks and heat keep many southern hunters out of the field the first few weeks, while their counterparts further north in Indiana get an earlier start. Some hunters prefer to wait until leaves begin to fall from the trees, while others enjoy sitting under an umbrella of leaves. It’s a matter of choice.

Across the river in Kentucky, state biologists recently completed a study that shows most of the state’s squirrel hunting takes place in August, September and October.

One of the advantages of early season squirrel hunting, is chances are better for shooting young squirrels. That equates to tender squirrels, which are better for frying. And, that’s what I happen to prefer.

During the early  hot days of the season, squirrels seem to be most active the first hour or so of daylight, and late evening, especially in hot weather. They also seem to prefer days when the wind is calm.

Squirrels are active in the fall as they scurry to store nuts for the winter. Often they are found on the forest floor looking for nuts, but at the first sign of danger they head for the nearest den tree.

Nut rich woods are good hunting sites in late summer and fall. Squirrels seem to particularly like shagbark and other hickories, white and black oaks, beeches and black walnut trees.

The best gun for squirrel hunting again is a matter of personal preference. Most hunters use either a .22-caliber rifle or a shotgun, and many use one or the other depending on the situation.

If you use dogs and tree squirrels, a rifle is a good choice. If you stalk squirrels, then many of them may be running on the ground and a shotgun is a good selection.

Most hunters first started hunting for squirrels. It is one of the best ways to get young hunters involved in the sport.

During early squirrel season, the weather usually is good and doesn’t discourage youngsters. There also usually is plenty of action.

And the skills (safety, patience, scouting, shooting accurately, etc.) learned while squirrel hunting, apply to other forms of hunting.

Squirrel, fried crispy brown is mighty tasty, and there is nothing better than squirrel gravy made with the skillet leavings. Fried squirrel, and the gravy over mashed potatoes make a great meal, unless you are on a serious diet.

Kentucky offers Becoming an Outdoor WomanMo workshop in September

More and more women are choosing to get involved in outdoor sports.

Many outdoor sports, including archery, hunting, fishing, and others were consider “guy” sports. However today, more and more women are getting involved.

The female participation comes from a variety of reasons and they are as varied as the ladies and range from wanting to be active with their spouses to single moms wanting to involve their children, to those who just want to enjoy the great outdoors.

        A number of programs have been developed to help women learn and get involved in many outdoor sports and one of the best is the Becoming an Outdoors-Woman (BOW) program. The origin of BOW workshops dates back to 1990 in Wisconsin, and they now are offered in many states.

Registration for the annual Kentucky Becoming an Outdoors-Woman (BOW) workshop in September is now open. The weekend program is designed for women 18 and older who want to learn more about the outdoors and develop skills related to the hunting, fishing and boating pastimes.

The event is being held Sept. 20-22 at the 4-H Leadership Center on Lake Cumberland in Jabez, Ky. BOW is sponsored by the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources.

The workshop introduces women to many activities that are traditionally thought more of as male-oriented. More than 3,000 women have attended workshops since the program began.

"Our goal is simple," said Beth Spivey-Minch, volunteer coordinator of the BOW program. "We encourage women through fun, informative and hands-on education about outdoor skills and increase their comfort level and abilities in shooting, fishing, boating and numerous other wildlife-related activities."

The BOW program motto is "Learn Something New, Make a New Friend, and Have Fun."

Class choices include learning how to use a bow, rifle, pistol or shotgun. Participants can also learn basic fishing, canoeing, kayaking and motor boating skills. 

    Land-based courses cover hunting, survival, hiking, wildlife identification and game processing. There are 30 different opportunities in all.

For more information and to obtain a registration form, contact Kentucky Fish and Wildlife at 1-800-858-1549 from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (Eastern time) on weekdays. Registration forms and additional information are available online on the BOW page. Due to their nature, many classes are limited in size and are offered on a first-come, first-served basis.

The workshop runs from noon Friday, Sept. 20, through noon Sunday, Sept. 22 (Central times). Registration includes four sessions, six meals, two nights lodging and evening activities. The cost of early bird registration is approximately $200, based on class selections. Facility capacity is limited.

"Women who have always wanted to know about hunting, fishing and other outdoor activities, but haven't had the chance, or felt intimidated should attend this event," said Spivey-Minch.

"It's a unique chance to experience these activities with other women who come for the same reason," she added. "Women can learn new skills and go home with a new confidence about spending time outdoors by themselves, or with others."

Indiana DNR offers workshops for beginning waterfowlers

A good waterfowl dog adds to hunting pleasure. This dog is bringing in a decoy.

From all indications, this fall and winter’s waterfowl hunting seasons should be among the best in recent years. There should be plenty of birds to hunt.

Waterfowl hunters are truly passionate about their sport. Many brave cold early morning and the wetter the better, but they wouldn’t miss a morning of calling in ducks or geese.

Learning how to waterfowl hunt, including what equipment is needed and how to identify birds, can be intimidating for new hunters, so the Indiana Department of Natural Resources will offer three free workshops for novices and beginners at three different sites in August.

Similar material will be covered at each, so there is no need to attend more than one. Presentation topics will include waterfowl hunting regulations, goose and duck identification, equipment and techniques. There also will be a show-and-tell segment.

  Waterfowl hunting equipment, including blinds, waders, clothing, decoys and gadgets will be displayed and discussed. DNR Law Enforcement and Fish & Wildlife personnel will be available to answer questions. Lunch will be provided.

  All ages are welcome. Advance registration is required. Parents who already hunt waterfowl are welcome to bring children, but the material is tailored for beginners. Experienced waterfowl hunters are unlikely to learn much, according to a DNR official.

  Each workshop will occur at least partially outdoors and take place rain or shine. Participants should consider bringing a lawn chair and a jacket or raincoat.

  One workshop will be at Glenns Valley Conservation Club (Martinsville) on Saturday, Aug. 10, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and cover both duck and goose hunting. The address is 7115 Waverly Road, 46151. For more information, call Josh Griffin at (812) 526-8475. To register, call (765) 349-2060 or email sbarnett@morgancounty.IN.gov .

  Also on Aug. 10, a workshop focusing on Canada goose hunting will take place at Kankakee Fish & Wildlife Area in North Judson, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.   

The third will be on Saturday, Aug. 24, at Sugar Ridge Fish & Wildlife Area in Winslow in Pike County, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. This workshop will focus on Canada goose hunting. The address is 2310 E State Road 364, 47598. For more information call Phelps at (812) 334-1137. To register, call(812) 789-2724.

The workshops will be a good opportunity for people who may be interested in waterfowl hunting, to become aquatinted with the sport in an environment planned for newcomers.

Plenty of water in breeding grounds means plenty of ducks in the fall

Retrieving a downed duck can be a challenge. A good, well-trained dog can make the task easier and hunting more enjoyable.

Duck hunters can anticipate plenty of birds to hunt this fall and winter, assuming the weather continues to cooperate.

North America’s spring duck population is down slightly from record levels, but pond counts are up 24 percent over last year, according to the 2013 Waterfowl Breeding Population and Habitat. 

The survey, which has been conducted annually since 1955 by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Canadian Wildlife service, puts the breeding duck population at 45.6 million, the second-highest level ever recorded. 

“We started with high numbers of breeding ducks, and we have great water in the right places for renesting and duckling survival,” said Frank Rohwer, president of Delta Waterfowl. “Duck production should be excellent.” 

Of the 10 species cited in the survey index, only American wigeon and canvasbacks showed an increase from 2012. Wigeon breeding numbers sit at 2.64 million, up 23 percent from 2012 and two percent above the long-term average for the species. Canvasbacks showed a modest increase of four percent, with the population estimated at 787,000, well above the threshold to have an open season. 

“Wigeon, a species which had many folks concerned about a long term decline have now increased two years in a row,” said Joel Brice, vice president of conservation for Delta Waterfowl. “It is nice to see canvasbacks back to near record populations.” 

Mallards were at 10.37 million, down two percent, but still 36 percent higher than the long-term average. Despite the overall decline, mallards increased locally in the Eastern Dakotas, Southern Manitoba and Southern Saskatchewan. 

Gadwalls dipped seven percent to 3.35 million, but the population remains an impressive 80 percent above the long-term average of 1.86 million. 

average.

Biologist expects strong bird production due to the May pond counts, which is critical to nesting and rearing young.

May pond counts, an index of wetlands across the survey area, were tallied at 6.89 million, a significant and important 24 percent increase over 2012.

“We started with good water, and it got better with rains in May,” Rohwer said. “All research shows that renesting effort and duckling survival are tied to good water conditions.”

May ponds were up 59 percent in the Eastern Dakotas, 44 percent in Southern Manitoba, 40 percent in Southern Alberta and 6 percent in Southern Saskatchewan. 

“Southern Saskatchewan and the Eastern Dakotas are the holy grail for prairie duck production as they hold a very high number of breeding ducks,” Brice said. “This year, duck numbers and wetland conditions are excellent in both places.”

“A number of our staff were concerned in April about the late spring, delayed nesting and a poor frost seal which resulted in poorer than normal run off. However, then the rains came. These rains helped recharge and sustain the small, temporary wetlands that drive duck production. The presence of these wetlands will drive the renesting rate and significantly improve duckling survival.”

Renesting rates are important because many areas of the breeding grounds have poor hatching rates. In drier years, such as 2012, hens that lose a first nest to predators are far less likely to make a new nest and lay more eggs.

“Last year, wetland conditions eroded over the course of the breeding season which is very common, this year conditions improved markedly with spring early summer rains,” Rohwer said. 

Good production translates into a lot of young ducks.

“Young ducks are far more likely to decoy and respond to calling,” Rohwer said.

Indiana is not on a major duck flyway, however many migratory birds pass through the area, and find their way along the Wabash and Ohio Rivers. Posey County’s  Hovey Lake is a major waterfowl hunting area.

Bluegill: Midwest's most popular fish

Lawrence Taylor with a dark-colored bluegill (bream).

Picking a favorite fish is easy for many people. It’s a largemouth bass. Others would ask, “Do you mean to catch or eat”?

For most people in the Midwest, the answer would be “bluegill”.

Bluegill are regionally known as bream (Southeast), brim, sun perch, blue sunfish and copper belly. There also are many popular ”sunfish cousins” such as redear and stumpknockers. 

They are plentiful, fun to catch, and very good eating.

Bluegill probably vary more in coloration than any other sunfish, depending on the water in which they are found. The basic body color ranges from yellow to dark blue--some almost appear black. If you catch them in a relatively sterile quarry, they may look nearly transparent. The adult sides usually are distinguished with six to eight vertical, irregular stripes or bars.

They range is size depending on water and age. In Northern waters, gills grow a little over an inch a year and a three-year-old fish may be four to six inches in length, and a nine-inch fish may be eight years old. In the South, gills usually spawn more often and grow much faster. Some may reach up to four inches in one year. A half-pound bluegill is a nice fish, and anything over a pound is a lunker.

The Indiana record bluegill is three pounds, four ounces and was caught  back in 1972 by Harold Catey in a Green County farm pond.

Bluegill originally were found from Minnesota to Lake Champlain on the East coast and south to Georgia to Arkansas, however their popularity for farm pond stocking has spread them to much of the South and also further west.

Quiet, weedy waters are preferred by the fish. The smaller gills will be found in shallow water close to shore, and the larger fish like nearby deeper water in the daytime, but will move into the shallower water in the morning and evening to feed.

Bluegill first spawn when the water temperature reaches about 67 degrees, and in the spring they are active just prior to and during the spawn. Depending on the area, they will spawn several times during the summer. However, the first spawn usually is most productive for anglers.

The females lay their eggs in nests located in beds, which may contain only a few or many nests. After the female lays her eggs, she leaves and the male protects the nests for several days. Of the fish caught on nests, nearly all will be males.

A bed of spawning gils can be a delight for a fly fisherman. If the water is shallow enough, they will usually rise to hit poppers, especially in the evening. Otherwise wet fllies or ultra-light leadheads will take them on deeper beds. The females will generally be found in deeper waters nearby the nests.

Rarely will you find or catch a single bluegill. Where you find one, there will be more.

Bluegill have small mouths and small hooks are needed--like Tru-Turn 6 or 8 Aberdeen hooks. Thin wire hooks are the choice for live bait because the bait will live longer and be more attractive to the fish as it squirms. Hooks with long shanks are easier to remove from the small mouths, especially if it swallows the hook.

Bluegill are good eating. They have white, firm flesh. Most fillets aren’t large, but battered and deep fried they are delicious. However my parents never filleted the fish. They simply cut off the head, gutted the fish, and took off the scales. The whole fish was fried and the meat was taken from the fish with a fork. Of course, you had to be careful and watch for stray bones.

Hush puppies, cole slaw and baked beans will top off a meal.

Fourth of July busy for boaters

Fourth of July weekend is the busiest boating time of the year, and caution is important to insure safety. Life jackets are a must for youngsters.

Traditionally, the Fourth of July holiday is the busiest boating weekend. It can be a lot of fun. It can be dangerous.

Boaters will take to the water for relaxation, including fishing, cruising, skiing, swimming, and watching fireworks. It’s a time to reflect on our independence and the freedoms we enjoy, including celebrating in the great outdoors. Many locations have over-the-water fireworks displays, and the exploding shells are beautiful from a boat.

However, congested waterways can be hazardous, and common sense, planning and cautions can make for an fun Fourth, and not a tragic holiday.

 The BoatU.S. Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water says that making a few extra preparations ahead of time will go a long way towards increasing your family's and friend's safety and fun on the water.

Here are eight tips that will help you stay safe this July Fourth holiday:

Planning is an import element of a good weekend, yet it often is overlooked.

Kids need life jackets and correct size jackets. Everyone wants to be on the boat this holiday weekend, but do you have the right-sized life jacket aboard for any visiting kids?  An adult needs an adult jacket and children need jackets that fit them, and not slip over their heads.

 July Fourth is the one time a year many fair-weather boaters - who may rarely navigate in the dark - venture out after the sun goes down. They stay out to see the fireworks.  The most reported type of boating accident is a collision with another vessel so it's a good idea to keep your speed down, post an extra lookout, and ensure all your navigation lights work.  A spotlight is a must, and ensure all safety gear is readily available and life jackets are worn.  Be extra vigilant about not running over anchor lines in crowded fireworks viewing areas, and don't take shortcuts in the dark. Be especially careful, if you are on the Ohio river. Current can be a problem as well as push boat barges.

Wear life jackets. Many people think they are a nuisance. Wrong. I personally like the self-inflating type that are light weight and not hot. Almost three-quarters of all fatal boating accident victims drowned, and of those, 87 percent were not wearing a life jacket. Accidents can happen very quickly, sometimes leaving no time to don a life jacket. 

Don’t overload your boat. Resist the urge to invite more friends or family to the fireworks show than what your boat was designed to carry.  Heavily loaded small boats, and those with little freeboard such as bass boats, are more susceptible to swamping from weather or wake action associated with heavy July Fourth boating traffic.

It’s one of the longest days of the year, and a great one to enjoy. If you are going to have an alcoholic drink, make sure you have a designated driver, who knows how to properly drive the boat. A full day in the sun will increase alcohol's effects on the body, so it's better to wait until you're safely back at the dock or home before breaking out the libations. (Kentucky law prohibits boat operators or passengers from drinking alcohol on the water.} 

Also bring lots of water, and check the weather reports to avoid storms. The long-range forecast at this writing does forecast possible thunderstorms.

Know how to get back into the boat. A fall overboard can turn into a life-threatening situation pretty quickly, especially for small boats without built-in boarding ladders. 

Don’t run the engine with swimmers in the water. Raft-ups, or groups of boats tied together in a protected anchorage, is a great way to spend the holiday with fellow boating friends, especially at today’s gasoline prices. 

However boaters should never run an engine, or a generator for that matter, with swimmers in the water near exhaust ports or props. 

Whether you boat or just enjoy a picnic and fireworks, the weekend should be a fond memory, not an unhappy one. Be safe.