Where Is The Advisory Boards Heart?

I hope that personal gain doesn't cloud good judgement as the Conservation Advisory Board considers changes in the deer season. Is it right that a person that stands to gain financially from the passage of this bill is directly involved with the recomendation? I am personally shocked the chairman hasn't stepped down or resigned his position. At minimum I would publically abstain from the vote even if it was just a show. I fear however, the Advisory Board knows no bounds and is feeling a bit like supermen. I could go deep into politics at this point but I don't have the digital space to write what I think is going on. Let me just say this, what once was our biggest asset, The CAB, has now become our biggest liability. What do we do? My opinion is that they have to be replaced with those who will represent us. Outdoorsmen, Fishermen, Conservationist, and Hunters need representation. This isn't a business deal for us. It is our lives and our futures.

Fighting For Future Generations

Don't know about you but I remember the day I was 10 years old, fumbling through the woods. I didn't know it then but those were the days. As I lead this band of wild Indians down a trail, they chop, whittle, and swing on every available object. I love it. I want to work hard so they will always have a place to do this and quite honestly, so I will to. The Public Wildlife Commission is working diligently to build and organization based on the ideas of common sense and conservation. We believe in good, practical use of the land but we also realize a 100 year old oak tree cannot be replaced, at least in my lifetime. The more I push conservation issues, the more I find out that our legislatures for the most part are in the dark on them and do not share our love and understanding of the outdoors. If a big industry wants to push an issue, well, they're big....and they're industry. That must be good for us and we must do what is best for the state! Or so is the mentality. We, the Public Wildlife Commission, say what is best for the state is not always silver and gold. We believe what is best for the state, is a place children can grow up in the woods, hunt, fish, camp, trap, and generally breath fresh air. A place you can see God and His creation. Find a wild flower or listen to the birds. We will continue to push and fight for a place these boys can walk, whittle and chop. We will never forget what it is like to find your place in the woods.

Heron Out Fishes Tournament Anglers

I took this picture on Lake Guntersville last year while fishing a tournament. This bird was very beautiful and an expert fisherman. He had patience, he put himself where the fish were, and he never gave up. This Heron was rewarded for his expertise. Myself on the other hand did not receive a reward. I did not have the same championship qualities as this bird. Seems my partner and I couldn't compare as we struggled to keep up. Nice job Mr. Heron!!

Nesting Birds Begin Their Search

Now is the time of year to start getting those bird houses out. Cavity nesting birds and creatures are beginning their search for spring nesting sites. Providing these sites is both fun and rewarding. Old bird boxes should be repaired and cleaned. You may want to make a chart to follow the progress of the birds and identify your best boxes. Placing boxes where they can be viewed from your home for instance, out a window, will allow easy observation of the box but I also like to place a few out in private areas where disturbance is at a minimum. Good Luck with your birds!

Sheep Head In The Intercoastal Waterway

Catching a big, hard fighting Sheephead during the month of February is definitely a test of an anglers ability to land a fish under some of the worse conditions possible. These fish fill the inter coastal waterways down in Gulf Shores Alabama and lock down on barnacle laden, rock reefs and pier pilings. Fish ranging from 5 - 8 pounds commonly strike your unsuspecting shrimp as it crawls along the bottom. Last February I took a little trip and while still in sight of Lulu's Restaurant began landing mega Sheephead. The weather was brutal cold and the wind cut me in half but the big fish kept me casting all day. As an added bonus a giant school of dauphins came up within feet of my 17ft. boat. It was a little bit scary but also...awesome! I had some fish on I would loved to have seen but they shredded my line fighting hard on the rough structure below. I loved the test and I got my share. Lord willing I will return in February 2011 to settle those scores. Catch a good day and it is a great place to take a kid. All the laws you normally go by on your local lake are the same laws that apply down here except for size and creel limits. On sheep head, catch them all. There are no size or creel limits. Stop in at a local bait shop and while you are picking up shrimp, get a free chart with pictures of fish and the laws regarding them. Need more tips, drop me a line. Good Luck and go get em.

15 Years and Counting

Roger Johnson, my deer hunting dad, gets his picture made with a seven point killed on the Oconee Nat'l Forest, Cedar Creek WMA in Georgia. It was killed on a ridge we call "13 Ridge". 13 Ridge has produced a buck every year, for the last 15 years. Not a bad place ehh. In 15 years of hunting this ridge, I have never seen another hunter that wasn't in my group. It is not a unique spot though. Every time I go to the check station a group of Asians are there to check in. This year they checked in a monster 10 point among the others they had. Can't understand a word they're saying. I have never laid eyes on the Asian's spot but it is a good one. Don't think I haven't looked for their vehicle on the side of the road because I have. They may be looking for mine, I don't know but the point to be made is this. Inside these WMA's and Nat'l Forest areas await some very good hunting. Since 1992 on this WMA our club has never failed to kill a deer. Lord willing next year we will do it again, and the next and the next. By the way, we call this 13 Ridge because years ago a nice 13 point was dropped, not far from where this picture was taken. It had three drop tines. You will not be able to find the name 13 Ridge on any map unless of course it is the map displayed on our hunting club wall. It is a tremendous deer area and I can't wait to get back to it. These spots are out there, Good Luck!!!