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Volume 30, Number 3 FREE August 2020
IN THIS
ISSUE...
• New
Changes for
2020-2021
Maryland
Hunting
Season
• Too much
Tech
• Bass: New
Techniques
• Big
Winners
FREE
August 2020 www.fishingandhuntingjournal.com 1
This Grizzly bear
sighting reportedly
furthest expansion
east of known grizzly
movement
GREAT FALLS, Mont. — Montana
Fish, Wildlife & Parks staff confirmed a
grizzly bear is roaming in north central
Montana.
The sighting near Big Sandy is the
furthest expansion east of known
grizzly bear movement, The Great
Falls Tribune reports.
T h e
bear has
at times
moved
m o r e
than 10
miles
per day
since
it was
spotted
l a s t
week near Conrad, which suggests
a young, wandering male, the
department said.
During that time the bear accessed
dog food and garbage and killed two
chickens on properties in the area.
Grizzly bears on the eastern side
of the Rocky Mountain Front have
expanded in numbers and dispersed
into areas where they have not existed
for decades, the department said.
Grizzly bear specialists, wardens
and other wildlife personnel are
monitoring the bear and contacting
landowners.
“We try our best to communicate
the locations of grizzly bears in areas
where people don’t expect them to be
or where they are new,” grizzly bear
conflict specialist Wesley Sarmento
said.
“However, we never know where
they will show up next,” Sarmento
said, noting the bear could be
anywhere within a 100-square-mile
area on any given day.
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2 www.fishingandhuntingjournal.com August 2020
Congress passes the Great
American Outdoors Act, a ‘once in
a generation’ conservation bill
More than 100 years ago, one of America’s best ideas was born. The
National Park Service, founded in 1916, began as a program to protect
35 established national monuments including the very first national
park: Yellowstone. Today, in 2020, the National Park Service accounts
for 84 million acres of beautiful public land at 400 different sites. From
the Cascades
to Glacier Bay
to Shenandoah,
Americans are
now able to enjoy
national parks
no matter what
cor ner of this
country they call
home.
Unfortunately,
we have allowed
our parks to fall
i n t o d i s re p a i r.
The National Park
Service deferred
maintenance
backlog now totals to approximately $12 billion worth of unfinished repairs
including trail maintenance, paving roads, and building refurbishment.
We cannot allow our parks to continue to be caught in bureaucratic red A great early morning catch for Marvin Seiset and his family out
tape. Real action is long overdue. of Rock Hall, MD.
That’s why I, Sen. Daines, helped introduce the bipartisan “Great
American Outdoors Act” and joined forces with more than 50 bipartisan
senators to pass the legislation in the Senate. For Montanans, protecting
our public lands is about protecting our Montana way of life and our
outdoor heritage. The bipartisan conservation bill addresses the deferred Fish Stocking For Your
maintenance backlog at our national parks and provides full, permanent
funding for the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF). The “Great
American Outdoors Act” finally prioritizes one of America’s best ideas. Pond Or Lake
Along with Sen. Cory Gardner of Colorado, I have worked across the We provide fish stocking, pond stocking, lake stocking,
aisle with my Senate colleagues to get this legislation to the finish line. fountains, pond care products, algae control, aerators,
In June, the legislation sailed through the Senate with 73 votes in favor, installation, and consultation services throughout the
and this week, the House did its job. Mid-Atlantic region.
Young activists like me, Benji Backer, and Americans across the country
who love the outdoors are especially passionate about this issue. Having
grown up lucky enough to visit many national parks, I am passionate
about preserving these beautiful places for future generations. Members
of organizations like the one I founded, the American Conservation
Coalition, have voiced their support of this legislation for the better
part of a year and have sent thousands of messages to their legislators
advocating for the bill. Passionate Americans have never shied away
from calling for action on crucial issues, and this has been no different.
It’s clear that national parks have united Americans of all kinds of
backgrounds, not just those who are actively involved in the political
process. In 2018, a Pew poll demonstrated that 94 percent of Americans Delivery of Live Fish and Pond Care
thought it was important to preserve historic buildings and landmarks.
That’s why this bill is so unique. Not only is it a landmark piece of Products In Your Area.
legislation, but the broad coalitions who support it are just as impressive.
Republicans and Democrats alike know that Americans want national Black Crappie Koi
parks preserved for many, many years to come. Bluegill Sunfish Largemouth Bass
It took public lands to bring a divided government together, and the Channel Catfish Rainbow Trout
“Great American Outdoors Act” is no exception. The bill will prove to Fathead Minnow Walleye
be a roadmap for future legislative collaboration, and we look forward Grass Carp Yellow Perch
to President Trump signing it into law.
1872 -- when Yellowstone National Park was established -- and 1916
are landmark years for the National Park Service. With this bill swiftly Mid-Atlantic Stocking
moving toward the president’s desk, 2020 will be a significant time for
our public lands. The unifying power of our nation’s natural wonders
607-592-1376 | midatlanticstocking.com
will provide a much needed lift of the American spirit. alex@midatlanticstocking.com
August 2020 www.fishingandhuntingjournal.com 3
In This Issue... BY INSPIRATION MINISTRIES
Much Is Required
What does God expect from us? In many ways, we can know the
answer by examining what He has given us – our skills, interests,
resources, and opportunities.
Volume 30, Number 3 July 2020 From the parable of the talents (Matthew 25:14-31), we see how
God gives each person different resources and abilities but only
FISHING holds us accountable for what we have been given.
In a similar way, Jesus taught, “much will be required” from those
Bass: New Techniques by Tim Sherman Page 6 who have been given much. God blesses us, so we might use the
gifts we have been given. This applies in every area – mind, body,
relationships, and resources.
Creek Fishing by Mark Galasso Page 9
Based on the evidence, some believers don’t take this warning
seriously. They see souls who need salvation and people who need
help. They see ungodly forces attack Christians.
And God watches. What will they do? Will they just focus on their
HUNTING own interests? Or will they get involved? Will they reach out to
those in need? Will they stand up for their faith? Will they pray?
TOO MUCH TECH!!! by Grant Soukup Page 17
Think about what God has given you. What have you done with
REGULARS these gifts and talents? How are you investing your time and
Coastal Report by Capt. Mark Sampson Page 18 resources? Remember, “From everyone who has been given much,
much will be required.”
The Last Word by Steve Huettner Page 20
Remember, you are to be the “light of the world.” Be ready to
Sportsman’s Classifieds Page 22 “let your light shine” (Matthew 5:14-16). Never be afraid to be a
witness for the Gospel. Always ready to use the gifts God has given
Cover
you.
Matthew Hargrove owner of Total
Home Performance with his daughter
River.
CREDITS
Editor & Publisher:
Capt. Lee B. Buckel 410-708-1616
Contributing Editors:
Steve Huettner, Chuck Prahl,
Tim Campbell, Capt.Mark Sampson,
Tim Sherman, Jim Gronaw,
Grant Soukup, Captain Mark Galasso
Regional Sales Representatives:
Patrick Buckel 410-739-7433
Marc Van Pelt - Creative Director
Advertising Information: driftrock@verizon.net
(410)-708-0376
Fishing & Hunting Journal
P. O. Box 975 • Stevensville, MD 21666
www.fishingandhuntingjournal.com
Fishing & Hunting Journal Name and Logo are Registered Trademarks
wholly owned and operated by Fishing & Hunting Journal c/o Lee Buckel,
All rights reserved.© 2020, Fishing & Hunting Journal.
Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission
of the publisher is strictly prohibited.
Trent M Baylor with his topwater Rockfish.
4 www.fishingandhuntingjournal.com August 2020
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of the day was a 30+ incher. Half of these fish came on the 7'4 St.
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Silverado.
August 2020 www.fishingandhuntingjournal.com 5
the end of your line. Our reels were to the boat.
spooled with 6 or 8-pund-test copo- I got a call from Captain (re-
“Tackle Box Tim” lymer line. Sure, this is light line in
rocky cover; but it’s a risk factor well
tired) Dan Kardash for an outing on
Conowingo Reservoir. Some folks
worth taking. refer to the lake as the dead sea. True,
Bass: New Techniques This is one of the truest forms of it can be a hard place to figure out. Yet,
finesse tactics in bass fishing. Randy when you get the call from an angler
explains that the best way to fish the with a resume the likes of Dan’s, you
dropshot is to act as if you don’t care jump at the change. He has devel-
if you get a bite. Sure, you lightly lift oped a scheme with soft swimbaits
and shake the lure; but that is more to for bass – simple but effective. I’ve
check for a bite than to give the bait seen how productive these lures can
action. By learning to use the drop- be for bass, having watched tourna-
So far this year, my fishing ventures football head rig otherwise known as shot rig, I was able to contribute to ment footage on television. They are
have been geared more toward bass the Biffle head. He threads a freaky the catch of smallies from 12 inches a staple of mine when striper fishing.
than the bay. Some of these trips have crawfish imitator on the hook and to 3 ½ pounds. Yet, watching the smallmouth bite
entailed targeting smallmouth bass fishes it unconventionally. He lets it The focus changed to largemouth unfold before me was an eye opener.
rather than largemouths. No mat- hit bottom and winds it slowly along bass in late spring into the beginning Much like in my striper fishing,
ter which species I sparred against, the bottom contours. Wouldn’t you of summer. Submerged grass had Dan merely threaded the swimbait
techniques varied on how we caught know it, Susqy smallies fall for the formed into sporadic clumps by mid- on a ¼-ounce minnow-style jig head.
them. Most were tactics that, while technique, too. May. The Susquehanna River and Although the bite was tough, Dan
not new to the fishing world, were My dilemma with the rig was not Flats have been flowing fairly clear all showed how prolific the technique is.
new or seldom used by me. to jig or swim it along, but to watch year. On low tides the clumps could Instead of jigging like I do in summer
Early on, Randy Yarnall and I and learn Randy’s approach. Another be picked apart. And while the clumps for stripers, he cast it out and wound it
targeted smallmouth bass in the factor is the weight of the Biffle head. were ripe for picking, there was a in over grass beds. His rate of retrieve
Susquehanna River north of Havre You want one that is not too heavy need to make long casts away from was such that the light jig head was
de Grace. We’d caught them there to snag in the contours and crevices the boat in the clean water. Randy and above or just ticking the top of the
in years past, but this time we were of the rocks. Even though the head I use a tactic I call bombing Senkos. vegetation. I thought the open hook
focused on developing patterns is wide, there are still issues with I’ve used this technique before, but approach would be a detriment, yet
for them. Randy’s boat was armed hanging heavy heads on the bottom. a refresher was sorely needed. Dan put several smallies in the boat.
with new electronics and we could A ¼-ounce head is all you need in 10 We cast the stick worms to the Learning something is a goal of
pinpoint the sweet spots better than feet or less of water. farthest clump, and popped it through. mine every time I go fishing. My bass
before. Several lures came into play At times, we would have to gear If there is any resistance more than trips this year have helped me pick
and at several depths. The rattle trap down even further. The slower the the vegetation yields, we set the hook. up new techniques. The best way to
was the search bait. The bites on the technique, the tougher it is for me You can work the bait through several get in tune with new methods is to
fancast approach helped in finding to adapt. The dropshot rig came into clumps on the way back to the boat. dedicate yourself to them. Your first
areas initially. From there, the new play for several of the smallmouth we The technique is difficult to use on few bites on the rig or lure will give
fish finding gear showed the structure caught. The drop shot rig is akin to a windy days. Accurate casts are tough you the feel and confidence in it. This
from which the smallies came. bottom fishing rig, with two excep- to make and bites are hard to detect year, more than ever, has taught me
The rattle trap was the bait for tions: the hook and weight are tied on the bowed line. Under these con- that you CAN teach and old fisher-
locating active smallies. However, into your line and you use a finesse ditions, we can target clumps closer man new tricks.
we needed to focus on the sweet plastic worm or minnow rather than
spots using slower presentations.
In freshwater smallmouth fisheries,
Randy has used the swinging hook,
natural bait. Drop shot weights are
designed with an eye that will cinch
down on an overhand knot tied into
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6 www.fishingandhuntingjournal.com August 2020
JUST ONE MORE won $103,050.00 for their catch at the Huk Big Fish Classic in Ocean City, MD. Whiskey Kilo wins $79,020.00 at the Classic. The Chaser wins $119,385.00 with an impressive Wahoo and White Marlin. Julie Scholz Tomasik with a very nice Rockfish. August 2020 www.fishingandhuntingjournal.com 7
Going Deer Hunting – 7 Most
Important Things You Must Have
Introduction
Deer hunting can be a tricky experience, especially for an amateur hunter.
This is because there are numerous hunting equipment and techniques that
are important for a successful Deer hunting experience. Some of the impor-
tant things needed to go Deer hunting are either expensive, difficult to use or
cumbersome. Subsequently, I have listed some of the important hunting gears
needed to make one a successful deer hunter.
Seven important things to go Deer hunting
Identify your preferred weapon
To be a successful Deer hunter, you must choose your weapon carefully.
Such weapons may include various types of guns and bows. However, you
must obtain a valid license based on the stipulated Deer-hunting laws within
your State to avoid unnecessary legal complications. In establishing your best
weapon for the Deer-hunting expedition, you must take into consideration the
following:
Some gun caliber sizes are illegal in certain states. Every hunting season
has specified types of guns (rifle, shotguns among others). Some states do not
permit the use of high-powered rifles during Deer-hunting. Each state has its
own laws to govern the use of bows in hunting Whitetail Deer.
Obtain a valid license to kill from your state
You must legally seek a deer hunting license from relevant authorities in your
respective states. Every deer hunter requires such legal authority for deer hunt-
ing during every season. In some states, hunters are subjected to compulsory
hunting safety training programs. You must, therefore, be ready to engage
relevant authorities whose primary objective is to make deer hunting a safe
exercise. Similarly, such education programs will make you be more informed
about various wildlife conservation processes. Therefore, you should confirm
with your state how the training programs are conducted and ensure that you
are given a certification card upon completion.
Dress for the occasion
After obtaining your weapon of choice and a license to go deer hunting,
you must dress to suit the occasion. The type of dress will, however, depend
heavily on the time of the year, and can either be lightweight or cold weather
gears. Before settling on the best hunting clothing, you must:
Accurately verify from the local weather forecast during your specified
hunting hours. Ensure that the gears are thoroughly washed with a scent free
Check out E-line Store - soap to eliminate external odors. Ensure that your camouflage pattern matches
the terrain you will be conducting your deer-hunting expedition. Make sure
www.theshoresportsman.com that you wear gloves and a mask to enable you to blend in and take effective
control of your scent. Based on the weather forecast, carry some rain gear.
Guns Choose hunting boots that are comfortable based on the terrain.
Ammunition Appropriate hunting optics
You will heavily depend on the hunting optics to spot whitetails in the dis-
Archery tance during the expedition. Therefore, you must bring along some binoculars
Tackle to help you in scanning the terrain to establish whether a deer is a possible
shooter or not. The binoculars will also help you to recover a deer after suc-
Bait cessfully shooting further explaining why it’s extremely necessary.
Gun Repairs Establish your distance
You will have to bring along relevant rangefinders when you go deer hunt-
Sports Gear ing. Rangefinders will help you to precisely determine how far a deer is before
taking a shot. As a successful deer hunter, your primary objective should be
Sporting Licenses ensuring that you make an ethical kill. With an appropriate rangefinder, you
will not have to move around more than you need to make a perfect shot.
Know the language relevant to whitetail hunting
Have you ever heard of the deer grunt call? Well, you will have to speak
the language to be a successful deer hunter. A deer grunt call is a language
Shore Sportsman is conveniently located on spoken by deer hunters. Knowing the language will help you coordinate your
Route 50/Ocean Gateway in Easton, Maryland. activities in the field.
Shore Sportsman has been proudly serving
Develop love for darkness
hunters and anglers on the Mid-Shore for more As much as this may appear strange, as a deer hunter, don’t ever be afraid
than 25 years. Shore Sportsman offers hunt- of the dark. Most successful whitetails are conducted under the cover of
ing and fishing licenses, guns, scopes, hunting darkness. Therefore, a flashlight or a headlamp are extremely necessary to
clothes and boots, repair services, bows, fishing increase your chances of sneaking in undetected in the darkness.
equipment, live bait, and much, much more. Conclusion
The expert employees at Shore Sportsman bring Essentially, the above are some of the most important things you should
a wealth of knowledge to their customers. consider to increase your chances of being a successful deer hunter. Above
everything, you will only have to carry necessary items to go deer hunting. The
All of the employees have at least five years of experience each. stipulated 7 points will increase your chances of being a successful deer hunter.
8 www.fishingandhuntingjournal.com August 2020
We had always caught White Perch like low tide, early morning, low light
“Tuna The Tide” and Rock as well as a few Bluefish
at the mouth but I was surprised at
conditions. Small Mepps Spinners
as well as the new Mini spins from
some of the other species we saw. Bustem Baits work great. I try and
Creek Fishing Large Mouth Bass and Bluegills can cast into structure like fallen trees
be found in some of the same areas of and the like. Toward the mouth of the
the Creek that Spot and Speckled Trout Creek in the fall a few keeper Rock
were found. From the headwaters and Speckled Trout can be found. Due
about a mile down the Creek small to boat traffic I usually hit these spots
Chain Pickerel were plentiful. Crabs first thing in the morning or just before
were plentiful dark. If there is a lot of underwater
anywhere in grass the Trout as well as a few Puppy
the Creek that Drum are there. If not more Blues and
supported Rock. I like to throw small topwater
By Captain Mark Galasso underwater poppers or walkers. Crocodile spoons
Grasses. And now also work especially on the Trout and
Everyone who has spent any amount the Snakeheads Drum.
of time boating the Chesapeake Bay is have arrived. They The major issue with fishing these
familiar with the many Rivers that flow seem to like areas small, shallow, tight areas is stealth.
into it. Rivers like the Susquehanna that support frogs Kayakers have a definite advantage.
that empties into the head of the Bay and other easy Sometime you just need to drop an
or the Potomac that joins the Bay targets. Grass beds anchor and let things settle down.
two thirds of the way down from as well as small Any Creek fishing you might do also
the Western Shore. Rivers like the ponds that empty requires a little research on the tides.
Choptank and the Wye or the South into the Creek We find that an outgoing almost too
and Severn all contribute to the water seem to attract the dead low is best. I think fish realize that
flow into the Chesapeake. And like the Snakeheads. things are coming off the protective
Chesapeake itself they have their own Creeks often go shoreline and grass beds and are
distinct ecosystems that make up their unnoticed when it vulnerable.
various personalities. it’s mouth is almost seawater. By comes to actually So if things in the open water get
contrast Morganac Creek that flows
Like the rivers that flow into the fishing an area, and Greenwood Creek tough, as they often do. Don’t overlook
into the upper Chester River is nearly
Chesapeake each river receives it’s is no exception. From about half way the Creeks. There is never one to far
all fresh water from it’s mouth to it’s
input from the many Creeks that feed up the Creek to the headwater large away from anywhere on the Bay. Do
headwaters at Urieville Lake. And
the river. And those creeks are far White Perch as well as a few small a little research first and you might be
less known and traveled. Some onlythese salinity changes dictate the flora Rock and Yellow Perch thrive in the pleasantly suprised
and fauna that survive and thrive there.
meander a mile or so while others can hot summer temperatures but they
flow for many miles. And what makes And over time the conditions
change. Some of these changes are
them all unique is the salinity gradients
from the mouths to the headwaters.seasonal while others happen over
Take for example Onnancock Creek many years. Take for example some
of the Creeks that empty into the
on the Eastern Shore of Virginia. At it’s
Pocomoke River between the town
headwaters it is nearly fresh but where
of Pocomoke and Crisfield. Many of
it empties into the lower Chesapeake
the little backwaters were
typically fresh water and
OUTPOST 544
supported large fields of
wild celery and Cattails.
This in turn created food
and cover for various
Rt. #544 & 290 Crossroads species of waterfowl like
Teal and Wood Ducks.
Crumton, MD 21628 Over time many of these
410-778-4200 Creeks have seen a large
influx of salt water. This
One Stop Store for all Your Daily in turn has killed off the
Needs! fresh water vegetation
which has been replaced
Open Early by salt grasses and low
growing plants. These in
Every Morning! turn don’t support species
that depended on the
Celery and cattails for
Very Fresh food and cover.
With this in mind let’s
look at the Creek I’m most
Hot familiar with, Greenwood
Creek where I’ve lived the
Morning Coffee! last 45 years. Greenwood
Creek actually empties into
the Eastern Bay. So the
Hot & Cold Foods headwaters are fresh and
a little marshy the mouth
Beer, Wine & Liquor salinity fluctuates between
Groceries & Cigarettes 4 and 8 ppt. For reference
Gasoline, Diesel & Kerosene seawater is around 32ppt.
Greenwood Creek is
Bill Payment, Check Cashing fairly well developed and
Dump Tickets, runs parallel to the larger
Wye River creating a
QA Co. Ramp Stickers long peninsula, Bennet’s
Race Trax, Lottery, Point. As an undergrad at
Keno, ATM, University of Maryland I
once did a seine net survey
Fishing Bait, Air Pumps of the fish that live in our
Prepaid Cell Phone Cards Creek. (Figured I’d impress Frank Hubert Jr with a Upper Bay Snakehead.
the teacher for an easy A!)
August 2020 www.fishingandhuntingjournal.com 9
Team Seacurity won $285,922.50 with this 384 lb. Blue Marlin
In The Huk Big Fish Classic. Captain Jake Farley and his 255 lb. Swordfish caught aboard the
‘Roll Grove’ out of Ocean City, Md. won $91,385.00 in the The Huk
Big Fish Classic.
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Kyle Breitzke with his nice Yellowfin Tuna out of Ocean City Md.
10 www.fishingandhuntingjournal.com August 2020Wittman Wharf is in the heart of the
Bay Hundred area.
Monster Red Stag finished up this week . Customer wanted a roaring pedestal mount with
rocks and snow . It all came together nicely. Photo Courtesy of Shore Taxidermy.
Centrally located in the Chesapeake Bay region,
Tilghman Island & Wittman, MD can trace its
commercial fishing roots back to the 1800’s.
Life on Tilghman Island & Wittman during that
time centered largely on the water and the land.
Commercial Fishing and
farming were the two main ways of life and has
continued as such for many years.
Wittman Wharf Seafood is now in the old Ray
Jones seafood processing plant. Also, Dogwood
Harbor on Tilghman Island is home to the last
operational Skipjack fleet in North America.
410-310-1821
8768 Howeth Road
Wittman, MD
Ernest Hemingway
“Somebody behind you while you are fishing is as bad as someone looking over
your shoulder while you write a letter to your girl.”
August 2020 www.fishingandhuntingjournal.com 11used to slow the increase completed by 11:59 p.m. Aug.
Maryland 2020 of Maryland’s black bear 31 and must be accompanied
Black Bear population and limit expansion
of Maryland bears into the
by a $15 nonrefundable
application fee. Only one
Hunt Lottery eastern suburbs and cities. application per person will
“ M a r y l a n d ’s c l o s e l y be accepted; submitting
Now Open regulated, sustainable duplicates can result in
black bear hunt is now in disqualification and forfeiture.
The Maryland Department its 17th year,” Wildlife and The drawing will be held Sept.
of Natural Resources is now Heritage Service Director 3 and winners will be notified
accepting applications for Paul Peditto said. “This hunt shortly thereafter.
the 2020 black bear hunt has been helping us achieve The Black Bear Damage
lottery. Successful applicants our management goal of Reimbursement Fund is open
will receive a permit valid for limiting the growth of our bear for voluntary contributions
the five-day hunting season, population, while ensuring a by hunters when they apply
which will take place Oct. secure and sustainable future for their permits. This fund
26-30 in Allegany, Frederick, for this remarkable species.” directly reimburses Maryland
Garrett, and Washington Hunters may apply for the farmers who have suffered
counties. The department will lottery online or at one of more agricultural damage caused
issue 950 hunting permits this than 250 hunting and fishing by black bears. Since the fund
year, an increase of 150 from license agents across the was started over 20 years ago,
the previous season. state. Hunters need a valid it has paid more than $130,000
The annual bear hunt is an DNR ID number to participate. in eligible claims.
important management tool All entries must be
Terry Davis and his better half with some
nice Snakeheads for dinner.
U.S. moves forward with plan
to end wild bird protections
BILLINGS, Mont. — The Trump administration
moved forward last month with plans to scale back
a century-old law protecting most American wild bird
species despite warnings that billions of birds could
die as a result.
Officials said in a draft study of the proposal that
it could result in more deaths of birds that land in oil
pits or collide with power lines or other structures. The
study did not put a number on how many more birds
could die but said the effects could be significant.
The proposal would end the government’s decades-
long practice of treating accidental bird deaths caused
by industry as potential criminal violations under the
Migratory Bird Treaty Act. More than 1,000 species
are covered under the law.
Former U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Director
Dan Ashe and independent scientists have said the
change could could cause a huge spike in bird deaths
– potentially billions of birds in coming decades – at
a time when species across North America already
are in steep decline.
Industry sources kill an estimated 450 million to
1.1 billion birds annually, out of an overall 7.2 billion
birds in North America, according to the U.S. Fish
and Wildlife Service and recent studies.
The Trump administration says those deaths should
be treated as accidents not subject to prosecution. A
final decision is expected in coming months.
12 www.fishingandhuntingjournal.com August 2020Friends Martin
Scanlan, 16, of As-
pen, Colorado, Grif-
fin Buckwalter, 16,
of Scarborough, and
Thompson Safe Company
Wyatt Morse, 17, of Protect Your Investment
Auburn, caught a
700-pound bluefin
Residential and Commercial Safes
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The whole struggle Mike Thompson
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camera. www.thompsonsafes.com
It took the trio seven We Deliver to MD • VA • WV • PA
hours to catch the
massive fish.
“The thing popped
out of the water and
I was completely Councell Charters
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“It just blew my BookSeason!
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mind when it came
out of the water and We Follow the FISH!
it was just amaz- Captain
ing," said Scanlan.
A seafood distribution company in Portland bought the tuna from the
Brian Councell
teens for $2,000. www.councellcharters.com
brian@councellcharters.com
Smyrna Sporting Goods
Deer Hunting WATERFRONT HOME FOR SALE
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August 2020 www.fishingandhuntingjournal.com 13Tim White with two nice Spanish Mackeral caught down near the traget
ship.
A Barracuda and a nice 36 inch King Mackerel caught
aboard ‘The Morning Star’ out of Ocean City, Md.
Wendy and her nice Snapper down in the Gulf of Mexi-
co.
14 www.fishingandhuntingjournal.com August 2020DNR In-Person Safety Education and
Certification Classes Will Resume Wink’s Sporting Goods
Beginning in August and September, the Maryland Natural Resources
Police will resume in-person safety education and certification classes.
For all classes, face coverings and social distancing will be required to
prevent the spread of COVID-19 and assure the safety of students and
instructors. Online hunting and boating classes will remain a regular
option.
Effective Aug. 1, traditional classroom instruction for Maryland’s basic
boating safety courses will resume being scheduled. Class listings can
be found on the department website. Online classes will remain an option
Also on Aug. 1, trapper education test-out sessions will resume.
Anyone who previously completed the trapper education self-study
manual and workbook and still require a test-out course should con-
tact the Safety Education and Outreach Unit office at 410-643-8502 to
schedule an appointment.
Effective Aug. 15, field day workshops for hunter education students
410-621-0400 - Princess Anne, MD - gwink222@aol.com
who previously completed Maryland’s approved internet-based course
Remember folks, fish are like relatives.
will resume. Class listings can be found on the department’s website.
Face coverings will be required and social distancing requirements will
be in effect, even outdoors. Anyone who previously signed up for a Field
Day Workshop will need to register for a new class. After two days, they stink.
Effective Sept. 1, traditional classroom instruction for hunter educa- Bobby Heenan
tion students will resume. Class listings can be found online. Anyone
who previously signed up for a traditional class, will need to register
for a new class.
Students will be required to provide their own face coverings and
bring them to class. Also, any student displaying signs or symptoms
of COVID-19 should refrain from attending any of the above classes.
Each student will need to complete a COVID-19 screening questionnaire
before entering. Anyone who fails to follow these guidelines or who ap-
pears to be ill will be denied access to the teaching facility.
Students should be aware that due to social distancing requirements,
there will be limits on the number of students allowed in a facility and
class times may be extended.
Online hunting and boating classes will remain a regular option.
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August 2020 www.fishingandhuntingjournal.com 15SPANNING THE GLOBE Record-setting wet conditions setting
stage for epic duck hunt in N.D.?
BISMARCK, N.D. — Record-
setting wet conditions that
hampered hunters in North
Dakota last fall might have
set the stage for prime duck
hunting this fall, wildlife officials
say,
An annual spring survey by
the North Dakota Game and
Fish Department estimates
3.98 million breeding ducks in
the state, the Bismarck Tribune
reported
“When you start getting around the 4 million range, you are talking
about very, very good duck numbers,” said Mike Szymanski, the
department’s migratory game bird supervisor.
The survey gives hunters their first glimpse of how duck numbers
might shape up for the fall hunt. The 4 million bird mark hasn’t been
reached for six years.
Breeding duck numbers are generally related to wetland conditions.
Widespread drought in 2016 led to spring breeding duck numbers
dropping below 3 million in 2017 and 2018 for only the second and
third times in nearly a quarter century.
Numbers rebounded above 3 million in spring 2019.
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16 www.fishingandhuntingjournal.com August 2020Enforcement
“Montana Grant” and management
agencies are
using drones,
electronic tags,
and advanced
technology to
locate game
herds, monitor
h u n t e r s ,
trespassers, and
poachers, and
protect public
By Grant Soukup spaces.
At what point
does ethical and
TOO MUCH TECH!!! sporting hunting,
or fishing exceed fair chase? When is to bring critters closer. Are electronic
Technology is changing hunting and that needs to be regained before they technology appropriate and when is baiting bins, calling, and heated estrus
fishing. The skills and needs of original can make a profit. Huge public lands it not? Tagging is already being done scent dispersal systems, and other
hunters and gatherers now invite or are an obstacle that technology can using drones, is adding weapons is mechanical or motorized systems
require support from drones, satellites, shrink. the next step? Does a satellite need fair? Using heat sensors, night vision,
cameras, GPS, and computers. If On an Alaska fishing trip, one group to pinpoint critters locations on your and cutting-edge technology takes the
we have a future apocalypse, where of anglers used a drone to identify cellphone? When is a fish finder more “hunt” out of hunting. At what point
technology is lost, real hunters and other anglers Secret Hot Spots! The than fair? GPS coordinates and map does skill end and technology lead to
fishermen will be hard to find. unseen drone was able to patrol their apps can save time and identify unique cheating? Hunting is about hunting.
Imagine if Custer had some drone areas and use a GPS to mark exact boat areas between private and public. There is no guarantee that you will
technology when he was hunting locations. The next day they were on Some hunters and fishermen have deep fill your tag. Technology, and money,
Sitting Bull. He could have seen the the bite and the Secret Spot was no pockets and will do whatever it takes can change that.
size of the Bighorn Indian village he longer a secret! to fill a tag or get a limit. The rest of Laws and regulations are in
was hunting and made a better plan. On another jaunt, I stopped by a tree us just want to have a fair hunt. place and need to keep up with the
to address Hunting is about “searching”. advancements in technology. Legal is
Mother Hunters use learned skills, observation, legal until its not. The great sports of
N a t u r e ’s senses, and smarts to locate and hunting and fishing are changing. We
c a l l . harvest their quarry. No one thing all need to monitor and support what
Attached is more important. It takes time and is fair sport and what is not.
to a nearby experience to complete the task. True Hunt and fish hard, hunt and fish
tree was a hunters’ roots come from a legacy harder, hunt and fish fair!
camera. It of subsistence hunting and sporting Montana Grant
was well time afield. For more Montana Grant, hunt him
hidden, Calling and using scent is a way at www.montanagrantfishing.com.
and I am
sure they
enjoyed the
S
A Maryland Eastern Shore
show. Back
A DE R’
SCHR
in the day Tradition for 35 years.
LLC
we used
time afield
U T D O OR S
Technology certainly has advantages.
to do our
scouting.
We would place strings across trails
O SporTing ClAyS
CourSE
A few years ago, I trekked up a and periodically check on them to see
Montana mountain to bow hunt elk. I if sign were fresh.
was over 9,000 feet. As I sat watching Recently a helicopter landed along
for elk, a soft buzz could be heard. A a remote Montana river to fly fish. Last
small airplane looking drone paused winter, while ice fishing, I watched a
over my spot and continued. The drone copter land at a high mountain lake
was making a patterned grid search parking lot so someone could use the
looking for elk. The next day, I had 2 potty. The wind blasted cars and trucks
groups of guided horseback hunters were all around the landing pad. I have
in my spot. also had a helicopter land on our deer
This drone sighting was several hunting island lease in the Delaware
miles from the nearest road. The owner River. They landed within 100 yards of
must have been sitting comfortably at me despite wearing florescent orange. u Waterfowl Hunting
camp or home while the real hunters Access into these remote or private our staff will make your
were sweating and really hunting. areas requires expensive solutions u Whitetail Hunting hunting experience one
Using Trail Cam era technology can like helicopters. Is this fair, legal, or u Turkey Hunting
also be accessed from homebound just for the wealthy, that can afford it. u Upland Hunting
to remember.
computers or cell phones. Snake hunters are using drones u Dove Hunting
The first rule of elk hunting is to equipped with thermal sensors to
find the elk. A drone can cover more locate pythons in the Everglades. Their u Small Game Hunting
territory than an Old Farts legs. Elk need to save the swamps from being u Sporting Clays
can travel several miles when spooked. overrun by harmful introduced snakes u Fundraisers
A hunter may take a couple days to is important but they are also seeing u NSCA Tournaments
relocate them. A drone can do it in every other critter location, at night.
hours. Planes and helicopters also Fishermen are also using Drones to u Fishing, Cast & Blast
seem to be more common. look for schools of fish. Surf fishermen u 3D Archery
Outfitters, guides, and techies love use Drones to carry their pyramid u Lodging
to cut corners. Maybe it is just human sinkers and bait beyond the breakers
nature. Their paying clients and time where they are then released. Remote
are important for their bottom line. control boats are carrying baited rigs 16090 Oakland Road • Henderson, MD 21640
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and private access cost them money No line or rod needed. www.schradersoutdoors.com
August 2020 www.fishingandhuntingjournal.com 17Coastal Report concerned it-is-what-it-is, I’ve been seasick before record was set when a young man stepped off the
and I might be again some day - so what! dock onto my boat, took about four steps across the
So I wonder why it is that so many more folks cockpit and started “hurling” over the side!
By Capt. Mark won’t admit that they are or have been seasick. We A lot of folks will claim that seasickness is just a
Sampson once had a fellow aboard who lasted 15-minutes “mental” thing and in some cases I reckon it is, as
A while back one of my outside the inlet before he started “blowing chunks.” with the little guy who no sooner stepped aboard the
charter fishing clients (let’s It wasn’t even all that rough of a day, but his stom- boat before he was “feeding the fishes,” but I think
just call him “Joe”) was ach couldn’t handle it and he spent the entire day it’s been proven that most of the time it has to do
not doing so well. The first clue of Joe’s predica- going from laying prone on a bench-seat to hanging with the inner ear, equilibrium and such. Over the
ment was when he locked himself in the head for over the gunwale. Then, as with most victims, no counter remedies such as Dramamine and Bonine
nearly half an hour. Eventually one of his buddies sooner had we got back inside the inlet than he was work for a lot of folks but they should be taken the
knocked on the door and asked him if he was OK. up on his feet smiling and chatting with his friends. night before and then all through the day (always
“I’m fine,” Joe croaked from inside the enclosure When we got back to the slip I made the comment follow the instructions) but some don’t like to take
in a voice that sounded not like it came from the that he seemed to be doing much better now that them because they tend to make folks drowsy. But
30-something angler who stepped aboard the boat we were in calm waters. But he quickly responded then again, seasickness makes one drowsy as well,
that morning but from someone maybe three times that he “wasn’t seasick” but that he’d come down I’d say it’s much better to be a little tired and not
that age. Joe wasn’t “fine,” he was sick as a dog. But with some kind of virus that morning and it must sick than tired and “barfing bullfrogs” all day!
when I suggested that the head was the worst place have run it’s course and left him at the end of the The real savior for a lot of boaters has been the
to be if he was seasick, his pasty-pale face snapped day. RRRRIGHT! drug Scopolamine that’s administered via a little
back, “ I don’t get seasick, my stomach is just all Another fellow told round patch that’s stuck to
churned up from those damn bacon and eggs I had me about a time when he the skin behind the ear. It’s
for breakfast!” and his wife were out on by prescription only but it
I resisted the temptation to ask Joe if he always another boat on a day that seems to work quite well for
has such a violent reaction when he eats bacon and was extremely rough. He most people - but not every-
eggs in the morning or if it was just a coincidence said that the two of them one. Years ago a company
that the first time the breakfast food made him sick were shocked that they came out with some kind of
he was aboard a boat that was pitching and rolling were both sick for the entire electronic wrist band that sup-
on a choppy ocean. I figured I’d just leave it alone, voyage. When I mentioned posedly delivered a minute
poor Joe wasn’t feeling good at all and he certainly that I could understand why electric current through the
didn’t need any needling from the captain - his someone would get sick on skin that the manufacturer
fishing partners were already taking care of that. such a rough day, the fellow claimed would not only pre-
I was just glad he was headed out on deck, I was said, “no, we weren’t sea- vent but also cure seasickness.
also afraid to go down and check on the condition sick, we don’t get seasick, For a year or two they did a
of the head, but it had to be done. So as I’ve done we both had a bad batch of lot of expensive advertising
so many times before, I took a deep breath, held it pancakes at the local diner for their product but at $75 -
and stepped right in. Eeeeuck! “Hey Joe, you didn’t that morning.” I didn’t even $130 each I don’t think they
mention that you had hash browns too!” know you could have such sold too many of them and I
Joe, like so many fishermen and boaters just a thing as a “bad pancake,” haven’t seen the electronic
wouldn’t admit that he was seasick. As if succumbing what in the heck is a bad gizmos on the shelves or even
to such a condition was somehow shameful or pancake? Maybe one that’s in the magazines anymore so
would make him less than the man, the angler, or square rather than round! they might have gone out of
maybe the “tough-guy” he considered himself to be. Whatever they are I guess business. My only experience
But if it’s true that seasickness somehow defines a the couple found them that with the product was when
person’s position in the realm of outdoor activities morning and paid for it by client of mine came aboard
then I guess I’m right there with Joe because, even calling for “RAAALPH” with one on his wrist, an hour
though it’s been a while, I can still remember how all day long. No, they into the trip as he was sick
it feels to be hanging over the rail “yacking” into weren’t seasick that day - as a dog and “barking” over
the big blue bathtub! Yea - I’ve been sick before. Naaaaa! the side. At one point he did
Those of “us” who will admit to knowing what pause long enough to look at his electric wristband
Fortunately, in a couple decades of running a it feels like to be sick will tell you that it is an ab- and say, “$130 wasted and I’m still seasick!” - At
charter boat I’ve never been “throwing-up” sick solutely miserable feeling that is much worse than least he admitted it.
with clients aboard, but I can say that there have what one experiences when they get a cold or the
been a few very rough days when I didn’t exactly flu. The good thing about is that no matter how bad Mark Sampson
feel up to eating my lunch. Some might not consider a person feels, the symptoms miraculously clear up
that being truly seasick, but when you figure that the minute they get inside the inlet or off the boat Fish Finder Adventures LLC
ashore I always eat my lunch, I can only blame the - usually. Rough seas on the ocean are the number- Ocean City, MD
lack of appetite on the motion of the ocean! So does one culprit of causing seasickness but I’ve also seen
that make me less of a fishermen or some kind of plenty of folks “blowing grits” on days that were 410-726-7946
sissy? I guess in some eyes it does, but as far as I’m glassy calm. A few years back I think some kind of www.BigSharks.com
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August 2020 www.fishingandhuntingjournal.com 19could add a drawing for current hunters. also provides full and permanent funding
“The Last Word” Along the current lines of a special
season Maryland will now offer active
for the Land and Water Conservation
Fund (LWCF) at $900 million annually.
duty military and honorably discharged LWCF is one of the most successful
veterans two special waterfowl hunt days and influential conservation programs
to coincide with the youth waterfowl hunt in our nation’s history. As a testament to
New Changes days. For those that are currently serving the impact of LWCF, the program has
or have served, thank you. completed a conservation, recreation, or
for 2020-2021 Switching to great news from the access project in every single county in the
federal level the Senate and House both country. GAOA also ensures $15 million
Maryland passed the Great American Outdoors annually is dedicated to increase public
Act (GAOA). The GAOA, will provide access for hunting, fishing, recreational
By Steve Huettner Hunting Season $9.5 billion over 5 years to address the shooting, and other forms of outdoor
crumbling infrastructure on America’s recreation. Congrats to the Congressional
The 2020-2021 hunting season is public lands and waters. This is a once Sportsman’s Foundation and all the other
has now added a primitive Deer Season in a lifetime opportunity for funding of organizations that fought for passage of
shaping up to be one of new regulations, from February 1-3. During this three-
changesandopportunitiesforhuntersinthe the outdoors. this bill.
day season hunters may hunt deer with The Great American Outdoors Act
Maryland. We are fortunate in Maryland long bows, recurve bows, flintlocks,
to have lengthy seasons, liberal bag limits, and sidelock percussion muzzleloaders
and multiple species to hunt. Maryland’s (leave the compound bow and inline
Department of Natural Resources (DNR) muzzleloader at home). While all of these
not one to be comfortable with the status weapons could be used during the general
quo has looked to add exactment for the deer seasons, it is a great addition for a
upcoming season. few days set aside to try to hunt with old
One of the biggest changes for this school weapons. Looks like it’s time to
year involves hunting in shotgun only take the old .58 caliber sidelock out and
counties. This year, the slug gun may not spend some time on the range.
make it out of the safe. Straight walled rifle I do wonder though how much it will
cartridge rifles will be legal in counties that be utilized in February? Deer after being
are shotgun only. hunted for 5 months might be skittish,
Straight walled cartridges will have while some hunters may worry about
a case diameter that is the same across shooting next years buck that has dropped
its length. Straight walled rifle cartridges his antlers. I look forward to seeing
tend to use larger diameter bullets to utilization and harvest statistics.
compensate for the relatively slower There is a new Suburban Deer
speeds. Calibers that will allowed to use Management Zone which will be
include both handgun and rifle. For fans comprised of Anne Arundel, Baltimore,
of large caliber handguns, you will now Howard, Montgomery and Prince
be allowed to hunt deer with the hand George’s counties. The Archery Season
cannon. Legal this year will the .357, antlerless deer bag limit is unlimited in the
.41, .44, .454 casull, .460 S&W, and .500 Suburban Deer Management Zone. This
S&W. For those that like to hunt with zone existed a few years ago and then was
rifles the 38-55 Winchester, .444 Marlin, removed and is now back. With the prior
45-70, .450 Bushmaster, .50 Beowulf, and limit being ten antlerless deer, and a small
the Winchester .350 Legend. percentage of hunters ever coming close
This a huge change for Maryland’s to their limit it will be interesting to see if
hunters, firearms dealers, and the deer that there is an increased harvest in these areas.
we hunt. When I first reported about the For apprentice license holders, junior
changes several months ago I began my license holders, new hunters and hunters
research to purchase a straight walled rifle who have previously held a Maryland
for myself. I decided on a .350 legend bolt hunting license but have let it lapse DNR is
action rifle. The price was right, ammo in offering a “do it yourself” hunts for stocked
expensive and after a trip to the range it pheasants on public lands across the state.
proved to be accurate, low recoil and just This seems like a nice opportunity to recruit
fun to shoot. I looking forward to hitting and reengage “new hunters” to hunt some
the woods and putting it to the test. upland birds. With hunter numbers in
If the addition of straight walled decline, trying new ideas are worth it. In
cartridges was bad news for deer, DNR the future it would be nice to see if DNR
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20 www.fishingandhuntingjournal.com August 2020You can also read
