Power plant lakes provide southern Illinois anglers winter bass and crappie action. Lake of Egypt is one of the best.
Even during the coldest days the artificially warmed waters offer spring like fishing conditions. The warmer water is a byproduct of the cooling of electrical generators at the north ends power plant location. The water warms as it passes over the generators before it ids returned to the lake through the discharge. The result is the warming of the surrounding waters to as much as 60 degrees.
Anglers who fish by temperature have no problem finding water in the 50-degree range or warmer. Then they find fish. Usually the water in the center channel (an old creek bed) warms first. The warm water travels from the north down the channel to the south. The warmest water is, of course, nearest the plant outlets.
On warmer days wind plays a part in just where to find the warmest water. The wind pushes the warmer water to a nearby point or a stretch of shoreline. These wind swept points are great for the bass as they follow the forage fish.
If the water is shallow on the points you might catch a fish every 15 to 20 minutes. Most of the spring time lures produce fish.
Cold fronts do not usually have an adverse effect on the power plant bite. But, the cooling effect on the surface water might drive the bass deeper. They might go down to depths of 10 foot or more.
Bass boat electronics assist fisherman to find just how deep the fish are sitting. Then it is a matter of changing baits to reach them. Lures such as Rat-L-Traps and the bottom-bouncing Little Georges are a good choice.
Lake of Egypt is about 9 miles south of Marion, Illinois, via Interstate 57 and Route 37. The 2,300-acre lake has 93 miles of shoreline. There are three full service marinas on the lake. All are on the eastern side of the lake.
It is snowing and cold outside.This is a time to find some outdoor activity that relates to fishing to keep busy. Perhaps it is time to work on a tackle system.
This system is dependent upon your planed fishing. It is simple if all of the fishing is from a single boat for one species. If wading, then organization takes some planning for weight and limited storage space. There are just so many pockets in a fishing vest.
Maybe your plan is to fish for different species in different locations under a variety of conditions. It is easier to have a number of tackle boxes. Then label the boxes by species which you anticipate finding.
A simple way to keep tackle separate is to use clear plastic tackle boxes. They come in a variety of sizes with moveable dividers. Into each box go lures for a specific species.
Check to see if any lures need hook replacement or other repair. Advance checking saves time later on the water. Why spend time sharpening hooks when there are fish out there for the catching?
In a single box, you may put a few lures that work on the surface, with some that are deep diving. Just to be on the safe side add some that work in between those areas. When it comes to soft plastics, also put several of each favorite color in zip lock bags and add to the boxes. Putting them in the plastic bags prevents the colors from bleeding into each other.
For live bait fishing all terminal tackle goes in these same boxes. There is a variety of hooks and a selection of weights and/or floats.
For wade fishing and fly fishing, small plastic boxes which fit into pockets are good idea. It is also good to include a few lures for each situation for unexpected situations.
Label each box as to species. An additional box holds, a few band aids, a knife, compass, flashlight, pliers and forceps.
When it comes time to go fishing, add the boxes you need in day pack. Add a camera and take off.
This is not the only system in the world. But, any system is better than none. Once you have a place for everything and everything in its place, you can concentrate on catching fish.
Early settlers to Illinois country found the diminutive Virginia white-tailed deer. It supplied food and the hides provided shelter. By the beginning of the twentieth century, the deer were fewer and more difficult to find. The transplanting of whitetails from other states and a wise use of the resource strengthened the deer gene pool during the 21st century.
The deer of Illinois began as an experiment in wildlife management that took place in the Shawnee National Forest. Wisconsin deer transplanted in the forest bred with the smaller Virginia subspecies. The Biologists of the then Illinois Conservation Department transferred their progeny to other areas of the state under controlled conditions.
Illinois has major river bottomland country that is typically very fertile. The silt deposits result in good soil. The rough ground along drainage is difficult to clear for agricultural purposes and thus remains good deer habitat.
Deer hunting in the Shawnee National Forest is great and the public access is extensive.
Stretching from Cave-in-Rock on the east to Grand Tower in the west, Shawnee contains parts of some ten counties. The hills of Bald Knob (elevation 1,048) and Williams Hill (elevation 1,064) cap some 277,000 acres of hardwoods and pines. In fact, the forest area is a transition zone between North and South, East and West. It consists of a variety of habitat.
Deer typically travel river bottomland corridors. The travel forces them together for a good genetic mix.
Good phosphorous content in the soil of the western part of Illinois coupled with the availably of forage in the Shawnee National Forest, affects antler growth. For deer, grasses, weeds, browse, fruits and mushrooms are as important as acorns and other nuts. Most hunters neglect weeds as food sources for deer. But, they digest easily and provide high levels of protein and phosphorus. The same is true of mushrooms a popular springtime food for deer.
In winter deer seek high carbohydrate foods such as corn and acorns. The Shawnee has a high number of oak trees combined with scattered agriculture fields often containing corn and soybeans left from agricultural practices.
All of these food sources are in abundance in the forests of southern Illinois. The additional factor of mild winters leads to a low winter kill.
The Shawnee is the largest tract of public hunting land in Illinois. Its appearance is more like the Ozark Mountains to the west than the flat agricultural fields usually associated with Illinois.
Trophy potential of the area is good and each year provides several Boone and Crockett bucks. However, the general body size of the deer is slightly less than one would find in central or northern counties. This is simply because they do not have as easy access to corn and soybeans that the deer in those agricultural areas.
Counties such as Pope in the Shawnee can be as much as 70 percent wooded with rolling grass and crop fields intermixed. The large expanse of wooded wilderness means that a hunter will have to walk as much as two or three miles before coming to a road.
Hunters do not usually experience crowded conditions after the end of the firearms season. Leasing of private ground around the forest is becoming more common. If a hunter spends time in the area knocking on doors, they might find landowners receptive to hunting. Orchard farmers take a beating from deer populations and are anxious to rid themselves of some of the animals.
For more information about the Shawnee National Forest and the hunting regulations of the State of Illinois, contact Illinois Department of Natural Resources, One Natural Resources Way, Springfield, Illinois 62702-1271. For information about the forest contact the United States Forest Service Office, Harrisburg, Illinois 62946 or 800-699-6637.
Because we late season waterfowlers are dependent upon a migrating flock for the most part, we should not count out our ducks and geese until the season is over. It means we need to reserve places at commercial clubs and state sponsored hunting areas for those late season hunting dates.
Maybe we need to be a little frugal too. This is especially the case for early season days when the return on investment might be a little skimpy.
Most of our birds are born up north and things have been tough in recent years. Most of the ducks migrating into Illinois follow the Mississippi River and stop off on the Illinois River early. They move on to southern Illinois as the weather up north begins to deteriorate. Another factor is the lack of grain fields in many areas of the north. Summer drought can keep farmers out of the fields until a point where they figure their crop is a write-off.
What does this mean for us? It is time to do a “snow dance”. Seriously, it means that we need to find hunting locations more to the far southern part of the Illinois or near the Ohio River. Private hunting clubs take up many of these areas but there are public hunting areas available.
Because we are hunting late in the year, pressure from other hunters is lower. The ducks and geese respond more to smaller spreads of decoys than to the large fields of dekes often employed early in the season.
The frugal hunter can get by with a few decoys strategically placed on small bodies of water. This means less spent on decoys. He often can buy the unused shotgun shells of early season hunters for a reduced cost. Sporting goods dealers often have end of the season sales of gear and ammo providing an additional savings.
Need a place to hunt, check with local landowners who now have their crops harvested and might let you hunt for free.
The Union County State Fish and Wildlife Area and Horseshoe Lake State Fish and Wildlife Areas require a purchased permit. Those under 16 can hunt for free. This is an example of some of the inexpensive hunting available. Even those areas where permits are for the year can have cheap hunting on weekdays.
An example might be a location with blinds allocated and the person assigned to that blind might not be able to hunt every day. On those days when the assigned person is not using the blind others can use it on a first come first served basis. Check with the site superintendent to get the details that apply to the area you wish to hunt.
Williamson County Bureau of Tourism (1-800-GEESE-99) has a free brochure on waterfowl hunting opportunities in that area. It contains names and addresses of hunting clubs in the area as well as information on hunting the Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge 618-997-3344) near Marion. Additional information about the refuge hunting opportunities is available from the Refuge Visitors Center, 8588 S. Illinois Route 148, Marion, IL 62959.
Frugal duck and goose hunters can still enjoy their sport at minimal cost if they just do a little research and are willing to hunt on weekdays in public hunting areas. Check it out.
Flocks of ducks and lines of geese crossing the winter skies provide a reassurance of winter being on the way to southern Illinois. A little behind the northern part of the state, and perhaps milder, winter still means waterfowl hunting aplenty.
Skilled and novices hunter attempt to lure birds from the flock into gun range of their hiding places in the fields and watery areas. Daily the birds lift off from the protection of the refuges in search of food in far distant grain fields. Most return each evening to spend the night. This is winter in this part of the state. The birds will repeat the cycle again tomorrow.
With commercial hunting clubs that cater to the needs of waterfowl hunters on a daily basis, southern Illinois also has public access areas for the freelancer with a boat and dozen decoys. Hunters, who check with local Chambers of Commerce and tourism bureaus, can still find low cost waterfowling.
The public access areas of the Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge consist of two types: Public Hunting and Controlled Hunting Area.
Those wishing to use the Public Hunting areas are required to possess a Recreational User Permit ($2 per day) which can be purchased at the Visitors Center on Route 148 about two miles south of Illinois Route 13 on Route 148. Only temporary blinds can be used in these areas. They must be removed at the end of each days hunt. Both water and ground blinds must be at least 200 yards apart and can contain up to five hunters. Generally speaking, the open hunting area lies at the west end of the refuge property.
The Controlled Hunting area is located just south of Route 13, between the open and closed areas of the refuge. It consists of 14 water and 15 land blinds. There are also 2 handicap accessible blinds which are available on a reservation basis. Physically challenged hunters with a Class II Disability Card can reserve one of the two blinds for up to 5 days per month. For details contact the Refuge at 618-997-3344.
All hunters, regardless of the area in which they hunt, are required to have an Illinois General Hunting License, Federal Waterfowl Stamp and Illinois Waterfowl Stamp. Local sporting goods, bait shops, and other venders in the area have an ample supply of all of these. Licenses are also available on line at the Illinois Department of Natural Resources website.
Free information about the Refuge and hunting programs can be obtained from the Visitors Center at the phone number listed above. A free color brochure on hunting in Williamson County is available from Williamson County Tourism Bureau, 1602 Sioux Drive, Marion, Illinois, 62959. Their phone number is 1-800-GEESE-99. Information is also available on line at: or by email to: info@visitsi.com.
Are you looking for reel screeching runs from a big brawny fish that is sure to break tackle? The striper is hard to beat. For anglers in a number of Illinois lakes these transplants pay big dividends in fishing action.
The striper is a saltwater relative of the white bass. It resembles the white, but is more elongated and less compressed with a nearly straight back. The color of the striper is a dark greenish to bluish on top with sometimes a brassy tinge that becomes lighter on the sides. The underside is silvery. Most prominent are the seven to eight narrow stripes along the sides going lengthwise giving rise to their name. Weights vary, but generally they reach about 5 pounds by their third year. Anglers are now catching fish in the 20 plus range.
Originally a salt water fish that returned to freshwater only to spawn, the striper became popular with freshwater biologists in the 1940’s. When Santee Cooper Lake in South Carolina became an impoundment it trapped some stripers that had gone up the river to spawn. The fish thrived in this freshwater environment as they gobbled up the numerous shad of the lake.
Biologists taking note of the situation began to stock them in other large freshwater lakes in the eastern U.S. The successful stocking efforts created a new fishing opportunity for open-water anglers on large reservoirs.
Stripers do not usually reproduce naturally in fresh water and require restocking by local state fishery departments. Myths about stripers depleting populations of other game fish are false. Biological study or surveys have established this fact.
Feeding on gizzard shad, they provide a service to the other populations of game fish in that they are the only predator feeding on the larger shad which are too big for other predators. Adult stripers eat primarily shad and do not eat spiny fish like black bass, white bass, or crappie.
One key to locating stripers seems to be stable water levels. In the early days, local anglers caught some of the stripers, but not consistently. The marauding schools moved up and down the lakes.
Although stripers spend most of the year roaming deep open water in pursuit of shad, they seem to be fond of the dam tailwaters. Anglers move in and cast both lures and live bait into the fast moving waters.
Heavy bass gear will work for these fish. A medium or heavy rod and bait‑cast reel with 15 plus pound monofilament line will work well. A 7 foot rod with a flexible tip is a good choice. The flexible tip allows the fish to grab the bait without meeting with a lot of resistance before they are safely hooked.
The fish’s voracious eating habits allow it to gobble up the bait before the angler is even aware of the strike. They hook themselves. The bait on a 2/0 to 4/0 circle style hooks seem to be the most popular.
Some stripers will take topwater lures such as the Cordell Redfins trolled in the early morning hours. Later, one can move up close to dams and locks to cast large jigging spoons and Sassy Shad. One ounce jigs with plastic bodies in pearl or white seem to work well.
Electronics locate the large schools of fish as they chase the shad. Once a school is located, anglers either jig or trolls lure or live bait on downriggers. The jigging is more exciting and productive.
Downstream from dams or locks rip rap banks attract stripers. The gizzard and threadfin shad are attracted to the plankton and algae in the rocks. The stripers follow them in and feast on the shad.
Basically, the striper will go anywhere that there is a current break and a good food supply.
Fishing for stripers is an exciting sport and if you decide to keep a couple, they are excellent eating.
On the third Saturday of September for the past 13 years I have sponsored the youth goose calling contest at the Southern Celebration of National Hunting & Fishing Day on the campus of John A Logan College, Carterville, Illinois.
I do not sponsor it for any personal gain other than a chance to see youngsters have fun carrying on the calling traditions of their parents. The judges for the contest donate their time and pay their own travel expenses. The judges are sequestered behind a curtain on the stage. They cannot see the participants and the callers must not talk while competing. This year’s judges were Michael Ritter, David Renfro, Zach McCurdy, Gabe Evrard and Cory Niccum. All are national known winners of calling contest around the country.
Contestants are divided into two age categories named juniors and Intermediates. They participate under the same rules as adults in similar calling contest nationwide. Each judge scores the participants presentation. The highest and lowest scores are thrown-out and the three in the middle become the callers score. The youngsters draw numbers from a hat to select the order in which they participate. The drawing is held again for the second round. The contestants call twice as a minimum. If there are any ties a call off it presented.
This year’s winners in the Junior category are Payton Wottowa (1st), Hunter Chapman (2nd) and Audrey Ham (3rd.) The winners in the Intermediate category were Ty Draper (1st), Caleb Ham (2nd) and Alex Webb 3rd.) They all received a huge amount of waterfowl related merchandise and the first place in each category also received a shotgun.
Each October, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources stocks rainbow trout into lakes around the state. While they refer to this program as the catchable trout program, to some the term catchable does not apply.
While some anglers will quickly catch their limit, others will fish all day for a fish or two, perhaps none. The highest percentage of fish taken comes on opening day. All too soon anglers catch the most stupid fish. Catching then becomes more challenging.
Trout taken early are the more aggressive feeders that have learned to muscle out the other guys. They seem to take just about any bait presented leaving the more shy fish.
Trout react to temperature of their surroundings. They move to locations within the lake that are most comfortable for them. It could be a particular depth or a cove where the water temperature is ideal.
They prefer a temperature range of 56 to 61 degrees Fahrenheit. When water temperature reaches the 80 degree or higher level, fish die. Trout also prefer water with a pH in the range of 5.8 to 9.5 which is a range between acid and alkaline. Most southern Illinois lakes have a pH of 7.5.
Catchable trout are hatchery reared fish. They grow up on a diet of trout pellets. When released into a lake or pond they continue those hatchery feeding habits for a few days. These adaptable little fish soon adopt the wild trout feeding habits and maintain them until caught by an angler.
This adaptability means that the angler must also adapt his patterns to continue to catch the fish.
Early on the trout will take spinners and marshmallows. Even Velveeta cheese spread placed on a very small hook suspended about 18 inches beneath a small float.
After a few days, anglers must switch to live bait. It is at this point that worm dunking becomes popular. Rainbow trout have about 2,500 taste buds. That compares with about 9,000 in humans. Trout are one of least selective feeders. However, they soon turn to only baits that contain tastes commonly found in living tissue. They seek out live baits such as mealworms, red worms, maggots, minnows and nightcrawlers.
Pieces of nightcrawler on a number 10 hook are very effective. About one third of a nightcrawler can be skewered onto the hook making the bait last longer.
Fresh from the hatchery fish tend to feed within the top foot or two from the surface. Late season fish become bottom huggers. Slip sinker rigs tipped with nightcrawler seem to be most productive.
In the late fall weather can also be an indication of fish location. On a windy day, it is advisable to fish with the wind in your face. Most of the catchable trout locations are lakes with relatively featureless bottoms. Structure such as drop offs and points become the only thing to which the fish can relate.
On opening morning, these catchable lakes often have anglers standing elbow to elbow. However, if you can wait a day or two, the lake you may find a more normal trout fishing opportunity.
For a list of waters open for the taking of catchable trout, contact the Illinois Department of Natural Resources regional office near you or the site superintendent of a park listed in the Illinois Fishing Information booklet published by the IDNR. The booklet is available wherever fishing licenses are available and on line at http://www.il.gov.us.
Most hunters are familiar with the fact that Ringneck Pheasants came to North American through efforts by. But, there was another exotic introduced a few years later in l893 that has not received as much notoriety. They are the Chukar Partridge or Chukars which came to at least 4l states and six Canadian provinces. The stockings began with just five pairs but now include millions of birds that are available in the wild in l0 western states as well as on hundreds of shooting preserves throughout the country.
In the wild, these imports from India are not difficult to hunt, but the areas they choose for habitat are difficult to negotiate. They love hilly areas and run uphill and flying downhill when flushed. They do not hold well for a dog because they are a nervous bird that likes to keep moving. Because of its choice of habitat it does not displace any of native birds and it provides a gamebird in areas where none existed previously.
Chukars do not do well in all areas due to their particular dietary requirements. They are members of the Phasianidae family which includes domestic chickens, wild fowl such as Francolins, guinea fowl, partridges, peafowl, pheasants and snowcocks. These birds feed primarily on the ground even though they will take food from shrubs and low tree limbs. The young feed on insects while the older birds tend to feed on what is available. They prefer such things as buds, fruit, roots, and seeds but will eat insects, snails, worms and other small animals. It is this eating of worms, slugs and snails that is their downfall in most of the country. This food supply is often the host of disease organisms that kill the Chukar. They eat grubs and worms where they are available and as a result tend to die out in such areas.
Early attempts to establish huntable populations of Chukar in the eastern states met with failure due to the bird’s inability to avoid eating grubs and worms. Shooting preserves met with moderate success raising them on wire. Flight pens with mesh floors kept the birds off the ground where they could not get access to worms and grubs. But, the birds became too accustomed to the presence of humans. As a result, they seemed to lose much of their wildness. This made the birds less suitable for hunting preserves. Breeders overcame the problem by the raising of the birds in isolation. They do not have human contact and thus retain the wildness that makes them flush when approached. The end result is a very good game bird for the shooting preserve.
Chukars are about the size of a ruffed grouse with a striking appearance. The back and breast are a subdued olive-gray tone set off by the deep crimson of the bill, feet, and legs. The white throat and cheeks separate from the breast by a jet-black necklace which loops upward to form a mask across the eyes. The sides are buff colored and barred with dark black and chestnut vertical stripes. The tail is a rust-brown color.
In the wild, the chukar is as much a covey bird as the bobwhite quail. On a shooting preserve they are often in groups of 3 or four. When flushed they burst into the air, their short, broad, cupped wings enable them to attain a speed of 35 to 40 miles per hour in just a few seconds. As soon as they reach top speed the chukar glide. Upon landing, they tend to run uphill and hide in the nearest cover. Once the hunter is out of sight, chukars will reassemble the covey.
Flushing dogs are the ticket to hunting these little uphill racers. Pointing dogs will often point to a spot where the birds were as they race away through the cover. The flushing dog will charge through the birds sending them scattering into the air. After they have been scattered, chukars will often hold tight in the tallest grasses or in clumps of grass and brush.
As for what gun and ammo to use, the best gun will have an improved cylinder and modified choke. A lightweight, fast handling shotgun is best. 12 or 20 gauge with 26 inch barrels is a good choice. No. 7 1/2 shot is ideal.
If you would like to take the challenge of the chukar contact any shooting clubs. Many of them will offer chukar shooting in addition to the pheasant and quail shooting.
An estimated 30,000 people will flood onto the campus of John A. Logan College, Carterville, Illinois over September 23 and 24. Southern Illinois Hunting & Fishing Days is a southern Illinois tradition for the past 30 years. The purpose of the event since its inception has been to introduce the public to the outdoor experience and ethics.
The huge crowds mean the two hundred plus vendors will present everything from food to hunting and fishing equipment for sale. Each year the vendor space expands due to increased demand.
Fishing activities include weigh-ins for both the popular King Catfish Contest and the High School Team Fishing tournaments. Fishing experts on a variety of species will present seminars for anglers from all levels of expertise. The 5,000 gallon Bass tub contains a variety of Illinois fish.
A myriad of dog demonstrations include retrievers, foxhounds, coon dogs and pointing dogs. Other dogs include search and rescue dogs, agility dogs, and dock dogs.
The “dock dogs” display is one of the most interesting to visitors. There is a competition by the “pros” for the longest distance covered by a jumping dog and in between contests other dog-handlers can train their dogs in the sport.
Popular activities in the Kids Village sponsored by McDonald’s restaurants of southern Illinois include such things as fishing and nature seminars, BB gun shooting, and archery shooting. Children fish for stocked fish in the campus pond and win prizes such as bicycles.
Another popular activity at Southern Illinois Hunting & Fishing Days is a variety of waterfowl calling contests. Held each year they attract callers from across the nation to compete with the best of the best.
Waterfowlers compete in the popular waterfowl calling contests each day beginning with the youth contests and winding up with the World Open contest on Sunday afternoon. Contestants compete for pride, money and merchandise.
Archers can shoot in a field archery course set up on the campus. A smaller target range is available in the Archery Tent. Dick’s Sporting Goods, sponsor of the tent, will have free drawings every hour.
In the Deer Tent the “Tucker Buck”, the largest non-typical buck ever harvested in North America is on display. Also the Tennessee state record typical buck is on display. Inside the college the Illinois state record Hybrid Black Crappie, caught at Kinkaid Lake this year will be on display.
Artists, taxidermists, and other artisans display their work in the campus gym. Food venders are available across the campus. Recreational vehicle (RV) and boat dealers will also be displaying their products.
Make plans now to attend the 30th Anniversary of the Southern Illinois Hunting and Fishing Days September 23 -24, 2017. You and your children do not want to miss this one.
Fall hunting trips bring out the hunter in all of us. Just such a trip to southeastern Illinois is an excellent idea for an extended weekend or even just for a day afield.
Excellent wildlife habitats and thousands of acres of public access land, make southern Illinois a paradise for the hunter. The combination of state, federal, and county lands provide hunters with more than 400,000 acres in which to pursue game and enjoy the outdoors.
Weather and habitat conditions during the hunting season affect wildlife. Farm production schedules’ do also affect the presence of game in certain areas. If the crops have all been harvested the game may move to another area. Game is usually common in and around the agricultural fields.
Although not abundant, quail are present in larger numbers than most of the rest of the state. Quail like areas with a good mix of row crops, small grains, legumes and grassland. Land connected by wooded fencerows and forest edges is best. Turkeys also like this type of cover and they are much more numerous.
Illinois deer population owes its numbers to programs that brought back their numbers from a time when they were devastated by over hunting. The programs began in southern Illinois. Deer like grain crops but seek those fields located next to heavy edge cover and forests. They like to feed in the fields and feel more secure in the heavy cover as they rest.
Rabbits prefer the abandoned farmsteads with their mix of row crops, small grain and shrubby fencerows. Southern Illinois contains probably the largest numbers of cottontail rabbits. Old pastures and forest edges provide the right combination of open areas with an overhead canopy that protects them from flying predators.
Fall hunting trips also provide sportsmen with an opportunity to wet a line in one of the many lakes and ponds of southeastern Illinois. Such adventures are Cast & Blast trips.
For a complete listing of the public lands of southern Illinois check the IDNR Digest of Hunting and Trapping Regulations available wherever hunting licenses are available. It is also on line or from the IDNR offices around the state. The booklet lists the properties, the game available and any special site-specific regulations that apply. It is fall and time for hunters to trek to base camp in southeast Illinois.
Fall comes later to southern Illinois. But it is still a great time of the year. The trees change colors weeks after the northern part of the state. Chilly nights often give way to a hot clear sky during the day. Fall is a study of contrasts for the hunter and angler.
The fishing for crappie is terrific on Rend Lake during fall. Although the weather determines how long into the winter it continues, anglers willing to brave cooler temperatures continue throughout the fall.
Rend Lake is a reservoir located on Interstate 57 about 5 hours south of Chicago. To get to the state park boat ramps exit at Highway 154 east and proceeds to the entrance of Wayne Fitzgerrell State Park. Proceed north on the road.
The fourth quarter of the year in southern Illinois is a great combination time in the Rend Lake area. There is archery deer season beginning the first of October and yet fishing action is still great. By the third week in November the duck season begins and still the fishing continues.
Fishing into December is not unusual. But, the main focus is waterfowl hunting and the firearms deer seasons. In early November hunters enjoy rabbit and quail hunting as the Upland Game seasons open.
The quail hunting is for wild birds. Rabbit hunting is with beagles. If you have never experienced the beagle hunt is it worth doing just to see those little dogs in action. There is commotion everywhere. It is just a fun thing to do.
Fall is actually a great time of the year for the outdoorsman. He can pretty well do it all.
A fisherman need not necessary to get out on the water as early as might be the case in the late summer. In the fall one can usually have breakfast and be on the water by about 8 o’clock in the morning.
Deer hunting can be on both public and private land. The ample public land available in southern Illinois provides many deer hunting opportunities. Private land hunts are for quality deer hunting and clients enjoy some pretty spectacular results.
You have scouted the property, stalked your trophy, waited endless hours in a treestand for the right moment, and shot true for a quick, humane kill. Now you have waited to make sure he is down and it is time to see your deer up close. Your breath comes in short spurts as you move closer to the place where last you saw him. But, there is nothing there except some ground that was disturbed by his leaving the area. What now?
The first thing to do is “don’t do anything.” Look around. Wait for at least a half hour. This gives the animal time to bleed, stiffen up and to die. Is there blood on the ground? If not, it is time to reconstruct your shot. You owe it to your quarry to make every effort to recover any wounded animal.
Relive that fateful moment when you first shot. Where was the animal standing? Use makers of trees and bushes to be precise as to location. Remember that the land looks a different at ground level than it does from a treestand. That is why it is important to use marking points such as trees, rocks and shrubs to pinpoint locations. What did the animal do when you shot? When you last saw it, which way was it going? As you listened after it disappeared from sight, did you hear it crash. If so in what direction did the sound seem to come from?
As you rerun the incident in your mind, remember how the deer reacted. If it jumped straight up or fell and then ran off low to the ground with its tail tucked down, the hit was good. It will probably expire immediately and is lying close at hand. It is a good idea to wait about a half hour before following up just to be safe.
If the deer hunched its back and ran or walked away, it is probably gut shot. If left alone the deer will usually remain where it first beds down and will expire there. However, if disturbed before it expires, the deer may run off and you stand a chance of losing it. You might even have to follow it for miles. It is better that you leave it alone for several hours before following up the trail.
The third scenario is one where the deer runs a few yards and looks around. It might even continue feeding. You probably missed. If there is no blood on the ground or bushes, you missed.
Once you decide that there is blood of hair on the ground in the area where you last saw the deer, it is time to analyze the hit. Following a wounded deer is a slow and deliberative process. If it is night time, a gas lantern is best as it highlights the blood spots on the ground. Place a piece of aluminum foil on the side of the lantern toward you. It helps direct the light toward the trail and out of your eyes.
In the case of hair, it is important to decide where the hair came from on the animal. White hair usually means a chest or belly hit. Darker hair means a vital or muscle area hit.
If there is blood on the ground, examine it. If there is the unmistakable odor of feces in the blood, then you have gut shot the animal. The result is that you should wait several hours before proceeding to follow the trail.
If you find blood that is thin and pale, it probably came from a superficial or flesh wound.
Blood that is bright red with bubbles means that you have a lung hit animal. Look for tracks and stirred up leaves. Your deer is probably nearby.
As you follow the trail, mark each place where you find blood or tracks. Blaze orange surveyor’s tape or toilet paper comes in handy for marking. At some point you may lose the trail or the blood might just quit leaking out of the animal. You will be able to go back to the tape or paper trail and start again using the trail to steer you in the right general direction.
Large pools of blood on the trail usually mean that the deer stopped or even lay down at that spot before moving along. Often the animal may change directions. It is important to look in all directions from the pool of blood for a trail to follow.
Another factor that might cause the deer to change directions is a steep hill, roadway, fence line, or open field. They will usually follow where the land is flat or downhill and with cover. Often they will lie down in that cover.
If you cannot find the blood trail, try working in circles from the last spots. Begin with small circles and work into ever enlarging ones.
All of the above supposes that the weather does not change radically and snow, rain or heavy wind conditions move in to conceal the trail. Other hunters, dogs, coyotes can also stumble upon the animal and it will run off when it would otherwise lay down and die.
Animals such as crows, magpies and jays can alert the hunter to a downed animal. They are attracted to the carcass and make a lot of noise.
Making a clean humane kill is the goal of all hunters. Sometimes things go wrong and you might have to follow up on a wounded animal. It is a challenging experience but a rewarding one when you are able to find the deer and bring it out of the woods and home to your family table.
Dove hunting is a great warm up to the other small game and bird hunting coming later. Here are some tips for preseason preparation.
Decoys are vital to hunting doves. Use them creatively. The most common placement is with a few on the ground and others on fences or bare tree limbs above water holes. Another technique is to bring an artificial tree with you. It can be commercial or homemade. With your decoys already placed in the tree you can place it wherever the flight path of the birds seems to be on that day.
To make decoys more lifelike cut a small hole in the underside. Insert some BB’s and seal the hole. On the upper side attach some fishing line that goes back to a rod and reel. You can cast the decoy over a bare branch and reel it into a point where the belly of the decoy looks like it is perched in the tree. The BB’s keep the decoy upright and looking like it is perched on the branch. This allows you to place decoys higher than would normally be possible.
Doves are cautious birds. Approaching a water hole it is common for them to land on nearby power lines or the bare branches of dead trees. From there they can survey the area for danger before landing on the ground to feed or drink. The cunning hunter will place himself concealed in full camo or in a blind within range of the area. As the birds fly down they present a slower target than as they do flying past.
Wait until the birds are within 25 to 30 yards from you position. This saves on ammunition and also provides the opportunity for a second shot before a missed bird gets out of range.
Use of a retriever dog aids in fewer birds lost on the ground. The dog will follow wounded birds wherever they hide.
Instinctive shooting is better than trying to lead the bird. The birds dip, dive, and seldom present a shot for which you can set up. This is point-and-shoot hunting. Early in the season number 8 or 9 shot seems best. Later when not hunting local birds but rather migratory birds come into play you can move to number 7 shot. The latter extends the distance for an effective shot.
The less you move around the less the chance of a scaring birds away. Sometimes staying still is difficult due to the presence of mosquitos. Use effective repellants to keep away the bugs.
Two final tips are to use the latter days of the season when hunting pressure is lighter and to hunt alone with your dog. Early on with pressure from big parties of hunters the birds are flighty and the shooting difficult. Once the early pressure lessens doves tend to get careless and present some fine hunting action. Frankly late season hunting is a more pleasurable hunting experience.
It is no secret that catfish will eat almost anything. Anglers are adding the artificial lures to their arsenal of more traditional catfish baits. There are the plastics impregnated with attractants. And then there are the chemical mixtures of both natural foods and various other ingredients. Even crankbaits and other hard body lures are coming into use.
Both flathead and channel catfish will attack artificial lures. Beginning in late summer as the water temperature gets into the 80’s and low 90’s channel catfish move to the shallow water up tight against dams. The flatheads move to the deep holes. In both of these areas, catfish will take an artificial lure.
Using bass fishing techniques to catch flatheads, a fisherman begins by trolling with a trolling motor on his Jon boat. By trolling over holes modern electronics help him spot fish on the bottom. Experience says flatheads about to go on a fall feeding spree.
Look for structure in the holes. Submerged trees, rock structure or any other kind of “home habitat” that flatheads are known to frequent.
Bounce jigs right on their nose. Use a 2 ounce jig with a salt craw attached. In order for the fish to take it the jig has to be right on him. Not being a bottom feeder by nature, the flatheads eyes are located to find food slightly above it.
Late summer also means low water conditions on most rivers. Cats, be they flathead or channel, seek out deep water, fast running well oxygenated water, or both. Beneath most dams are deep holes created by the water cascading from one level to another.
Anglers have long known that casting up under the dam they can catch fish. But, few try it with a small jig. A 1/8 ounce leadhead with a dark plastic grub body will do a good job enticing channel catfish.
With care, the shore angler can catch nice cats, holding in the highly oxygenated water found below dams. One needs to exercise extreme care in this fast flowing water with all the washed out holes.
Over on the Ohio River flowage, some anglers use crankbaits to catch fall cats. They get their boats right up in the shallow water at the dam and then cast floating Rapalas. The river flow helps to provide action to the lure. The #13 and #18 are most used. Blue is the preferred color.
The use of artificial lures to catch catfish is relatively new. But we will probably hear more about them in the future.
White-tailed deer are social as well as territorial animals. A popular tool in the hunt for trophy whitetails has become the deer decoy. Do they really work? The answer is yes on occasion but they may also create a problem situation.
Sitting in a treestand overlooking a flood plot with a buck decoy standing guard is a perfect scenario. That is until out of nowhere a rutty buck springs into action. From out of the brush he charges the decoy. His antlers lowered, he smashes into the foam decoy scattering pieces in an explosion. The incident takes only minutes and the surprised deer is gone back into the concealment of the brush.
Arguably the decoy worked but not in the way the hunter planed. Planning in the placement of a decoy is still an effective tool.
Decoys that are a part of the environment and have a natural look to them certainly fool deer. The more techniques one uses in placement and blending of a decoy the better the chance it will fool a deer.
Perhaps the best time to use a decoy is during the rut. During the rut, deer are very territorial. Bucks constantly make and check their scrapes. Near a scrape is a great place to place a decoy. Be sure to place the decoy so that it is not looking at your stand. Any deer approaching will look in the direction that the “stranger” decoy is looking. You can use the decoy to divert the attention of the other deer away from a stand. It is important for the hunter to pick camo that blends into the background, not the foreground. The idea is to keep the deer focused on the decoy, not the hunter.
Placement of a decoy can maneuver the deer into a position for a shot. One can use a blowdown or other structure to move the deer as he tries to get a good look at the decoy.
A bedded doe decoy is good for this type of action. Bedded doe decoys have a calming effect on an approaching buck.
Another set up is to place a buck and doe decoy together on the edge of a corn stubble field or grass field. By placing them at the edge of the field it is possible to pull in a deer that is entering an open area. With the buck standing and the doe bedded it presents the appearance of a buck trying to get a doe to stand. During the rut, bucks breed does as long as they will stand. A dominant buck will attempt to run off the buck decoy so as to be able to take over the doe.
It is important that the decoy buck have a small rack so as not to intimidate any arriving buck.
Although decoying is basically a visual situation, scents and calls are sometimes used. It is not essential to use scents or calls. Some hunters just like to cover all the bases. If using a scent the best one is from the tarsal gland or a mild buck scent. It is important to wear rubber gloves when handling the decoy so as not to leave a human scent on the decoy.
Human scent is scary to a deer. Some hunters leave their decoy out in the elements just to reduce the chance of human scent on it.
In using a call, again the best plan is to use it as little as possible so as not to scare off an approaching buck. When a big buck comes to a call, it is expecting to see another deer. If it does not, then he becomes suspicious. The best plan is to use a doe bleat interspersed with a buck grunt. If you get a response from another deer, quit calling immediately. You don’t want to distract the deer from the decoy.
Decoying deer is another tool, not an end all, for the deer hunter. With a little common sense the results it brings is a pleasant surprise.
We often refer to the basics of fishing as a rod and reel and some terminal tackle. Yet there is nothing more “basic” than fishing with a cane pole. To many it began a fishing career and a lifetime of fond memories.
Today’s fishing poles and rods come in a seemingly endless variety of lengths, materials and shapes. Yet, they all owe their beginnings to the cane pole. Early anglers simply chopped down a bamboo or river cane stalk, tied a line to it containing a fishing hook baited with an insect or worm.
Back in the “stone age” when I was a youngster, my grandmother introduced me to the pleasures of fishing with a bamboo pole on a tailwater below the Mitchel Dam in northern Iowa. I was probably about 4 or 5 years of age. We only caught one fish that day but it was a bass of about 6 or 7 pounds. We did put it on the scale but I have forgotten just how much it weighed.
That summer I was allowed to fish with the bamboo pole at a creek on her farm and in the horse tank where she released some bullheads. It was a great summer.
Anglers can use a cane pole out of a boat, from shore, or from a dock. It works in rivers, streams, creeks, ponds and lakes. Its limber nature allows one to notice the slightest jerk from a fish.
You can keep the short line tight with a couple of sinkers and when a fish nibbles, one just jerks straight up. Jerking quickly is best. But, don’t try to rip their lips.
The angler with a cane pole has to contrive to catch fish within the limit of the poles’ reach. That reach is only the length of the pole and line, less the distance from the butt to the grip. Without a float (bobber) this distance could be as much as 20 feet. But, as the bait sinks, the distance gets less due to the bait swinging in a pendulum fashion back toward the angler.
Without a float, the angler can lower the pole until it is horizontal with the surface of the water. That will place the bait roughly 10-feet deep.
A cane pole requires an angler be stealthy when approaching fish due to the limit of their tackle. He must read shoreline water and know where to find fish. The shoreline also tells them what kind of bottom to expect. Different species of fish like different bottom structure.
Cane pole fishermen might look for short stretches of rocks and gravel. Or for largemouth he might pick the weedy shoreline in low places where black dirt and vegetation is visible and where areas off shore are over grown. The vegetation might be lily pads, coontail, cattails and rushes.
Areas below bluffs would be perpendicular and go to a depth beyond reach. It is vital to find areas of modest depth reachable by this equipment. It serves as home to forage fish upon which game fish can feed.
Use care to avoid spooking the fish in clear water situations. Shallows containing lots of emergent vegetation or weed beds provide the angler some concealment and a better chance of getting closer to fish.
The kind of bait used or strength of line varies according to the angler’s preference and species he is seeking.
For some it is fun to return occasionally to cane pole fishing and meet the challenge it presents. Such anglers experience the peace and tranquility of a type of fishing many of us grew up experiencing.
Hunters should not look to public land hunting as a last resort. As someone who does not have access to private land and not the time to manage a private lease, there has been a need to resort to making productive use of public lands. The average hunter ignores many acres of public land.
Public land located near home can be a savior of quality time spent afield. Maybe we could call them “stay hunts.” Many of us are familiar with the “staycations” that have become popular due to the present economic situation. With proper planning and care to details quality hunting opportunities are available.
Pre-season scouting is helpful. However, it is not always possible to get out to the hunting area ahead of time. No matter where it is located all hunting areas are on a map. It can be a topographical map, GPS map, highway map, county highway department map or even something published by local wildlife agencies.
Become familiar with the land regardless of species sought. Learn the location of natural structures that effect wildlife. Find food plot locations and in general find areas game is likely to prefer.
Maps also aid one in locating the most remote portions of the property often overlooked by hunters. Game is not likely to stay near parking lots and roads. Hunters quickly use those areas first. Search out the dirty, thick cover where game hides during times of hunting pressure. Cattail swamps, briars, weed fields and such are where most public land hunters will not readily enter.
It is common logic that would lead one to hunt public areas during the week. On the weekends and in the early days of any species specific season you find the heaviest hunting pressure. Toward the very end of the season you may even have the entire area to yourself.
If you cannot hunt during the week, use the hunting pressure to your advantage. Movement of other hunters often drives game. Figure where that game is most likely to move and set up your hunt accordingly. It helps to be aware of any hunting that is likely to be going on in adjoining land. Hunters there may drive game onto public land.
Know the exact boundaries of the public land to avoid trespassing fines. Trespassing can get expensive if the landowner is not understanding of your mistake. Fines are high. It is good to know the location of buildings and livestock areas.
Just because it is taxpayer land does not mean that you can do anything you want to it because your taxes paid for it. We all share the land. In most cases it is first come first serve on a hunting spot. It you are hunting an area and come across another hunter, do your best to avoid him or interfere with his hunting.
On the flip side, if you are hunting in an area and see another hunter approach, make sure he knows you are present. The best practice is to whistle or shout. Once you have his attention, wave you hand to make him aware of your location. If he is considerate, the other hunter will move off and make way for both of you to have your own areas. Do not let rude behavior, yours or his, ruin your day.
Some hunters stay away from public land hunts and that is their right. But, just because it is public land does not mean that it is not a good place to hunt. Common sense and courtesy go a long way toward you and other hunters enjoying a great day afield.
Decoy spreads for teal with blues and green-winged decoys are set out in small groups of three to five. Set them in a well-defined fly and kill zone with some 5 dozen of the groups spread out to maximum the kill zone.
An open area allows the teal to fly in and still does not intimidate them. When the decoys are properly in place the teal will drop low and fast right onto the water.
A teal call emits a very high pitched, single reed sound like a mallard hen call. Teal seem to work very quietly. Uses a few soft feeding chuckles and a few short hen quacks. Then he let the call drop on the lanyard around your neck and prepare for shooting action.
The birds on the water rise straight up in a tight group and out of range at what seems the speed of light. The report of a gun only seems to encourage their departure.
Early teal season does not attract a lot of hunters. The birds are apparently very susceptible to cold weather causing them to migrate early. They seem to prefer hot, muggy weather and mosquitoes over frost and ice.
Teal are dabbling ducks. They frequent fresh water marshes and rivers and feed by dipping or tipping. They will feed on the surface or only as far underwater as they can reach without submerging. Their diet consists of vegetable matter.
Here their menu consists of water hemp, nut grass, millet, smart weed, insects and mollusks.
Although hunters may use a teal call, most hunters should leave their calls at home. Decoys are all one needs in a way of attractant. Teal, like other ducks, are social idiots. They want to be with other ducks.
Most teal hunters use to much gun. A 20‑gauge with a modified or improved cylinder works well. The shot should be #6 steel as pattern density is more important than pellet size. The average size of a picked teal is about the same as a bar of soap. It does not take a lot of shocking power to down them.
In preparation for teal season, it is a good idea to go to a clay target range. Ask them to throw some “midis” (90mm) and some “minis” (60mm) targets. Learn to shoot fast, crossing targets. They are the kind that if you think about the shot, they will be gone.
If you do not have a trap range make one using a hand thrower. The Super Sport Hand Thrower from Champion Traps & Targets in Wisconsin (www.championtargtet.com) is a very serviceable alternative to the more cumbersome mechanical machines. They are inexpensive, portable and easy to use. The adjustable hand thrower is adjustable to throw standard, midi and mini clay targets.
Preseason scouting is a good idea a few days before hunting. Teal hunting hot spots are fairly predictable from year to year if the habitat does not change.
Teal hunting is fun and they are good on the table. This year why not get out and give them a try?
As we move into fall fishing the selection and use of a crankbait takes a little thought. Many find its use too complicated and limit their selection to just a few baits.
In the tackle stores one finds countless types and colors of this lure. The variations involve many colors and bills or varying sizes.
As far as what crankbait to run when the selection is dependent on the depth of the fish’s location in the water column. Bass might be in two feet or 22-feet of water. If fish are shallow it calls for a lure that runs shallow. If they are deep then one with a larger bill is required to the lure run deeper.
The shallow running crankbait is often preferable for fish that are not aggressive enough for a spinnerbait to be successful. The crankbait is good for these finicky fish.
Some people trim the bill of a crankbait to make it run shallower. Others just switch to one with a smaller bill. The main requirement of crankbait fishing is that the bait runs straight. It means that you are getting its maximum depth and best action.
There is one exception to this rule. One can detune a crankbait if fishing along a dock and you want the lure to run underneath it. You can detune it to run to the side. But for most situations you want the lure to run straight.
There is a physical toll on the angler when fishing with crankbaits. The deep diving crankbaits can wear one out. In an effort to counter act this physical tool anglers will use a 7-foot cranking rod for deep diving baits and a 6-foot 6-inch one for the smaller baits as well as tight conditions. A rod with a flexible tip also absorbs a lot of the pull during a retrieve. With a really stiff rod that pulls is harder on the angler.
To polish crankbait fishing skills go to a lake that has good crankbait potential. Take everything out of the boat except the bait and equipment related to crankbait fishing. It forces one to learn the techniques necessary if you do not have any alternative. It forces you to figure out how to catch fish with a crankbait.
Crankbait fishing may not be the easiest pattern to learn. But, it is a great tool that is productive once you learn how to use it.
DON GASAWAY'S BLOG 
