July 2006 Updates page 2
13 July
Fishing
The fishing usage has been pretty quiet lately, but those that were able to squeeze in a day or 2 have reported pretty good luck. We were able to do a drive by and capture a photo from a member that didn't know we were coming. Bill and his son caught as many panfish as they were willing to clean, but said they worked at it hard all day. The crappies were biting real light in in open water at 8 ft. or deeper on jigs. The bass and other panfish were biting on any type of spinner or plastic bait you could work through the weeds.
Reminder, if you clean a fish or two on our property please bring all fish remains home with you. If you see any type of litter that was left behind by someone before you, help out and pick up trash around our lakes and ponds. Our landowners greatly appreciate clean sportsmen.
12 July
Waterfowl Update - Henry County
Waterfowl area at Blairstown Lake was drained and approximately 1/2 of the lake was planted to milo and at this point in time, the stand looks real good. The bar ditches were planted to Japanese millet and the remainder has been taken over by volunteer smartweed.
We're tearing down blinds 2 and 3 and replacing them with one blind on the south side of the lake and keeping blind 1 as is.
We're planning to close the gate in September and cross our fingers for some good fall rain, which is past due.
The wade-in area at Fishers Lake was drained and a thick stand of short smartweed has taken over, which should provide good feed for the ducks this fall. Assuming the ground remains dry, we're going to mow a couple of shooting pools for wade-in hunters to hunt on their own.
Our local dozer man has been contacted to explore the possibility of reworking the levees and putting in an intake and drain pipe on the levees around the field west of blind #2. Done properly, this will be an extensive project that will require the cooperation of mother nature to complete.
This year Fogs Lake was not drained to compensate for letting the water down on the marshes we mentioned previously. Feed for the ducks greatly enhances the hunting, but without water wetlands food plots are useless.
Once again, if anyone is interested in helping with duck blind work this fall email Shaun so we can get a head count. Bruce took a new job and will only be able to work weekends, so we will definitely need a handful of volunteers.
Deer Scouting
Rob K. sent a photo of a small honey hole he stumbled on during the spring turkey season. Hopefully, the buck or bucks making the sign will return this coming fall.
His other comments of note: "John, the photo hardly does the spot justice. it is much more impressive in person."
11 July
Upland Birds
The time of year when the excitement starts and soon to be fueled by the coming upland bird forecasts.
Hi John,
It's an exciting time for us. We just welcomed a 10 week old Wirehaired Pointing Griffon into our home. Attached are a couple pictures of our new family member.
TJ (our seasoned 6 y/o Griffon) was introducing the newbie to the training table in the back yard when I caught this picture. I couldn't help giving it this caption: "Hey Rookie, don't look down."
Greetings to other members who are opening their homes and hearts to new uplandbird hunting partners this year.
It's going to be a great season in the field.
Charles
