VOLUME 45 ISSUE 6 JULY 2015Rosi Franke, Editor Tel: 618-396-2509 e-mail: [email protected]
Moist-soil Management forWaterfowl
Management for WaterfowlScience Meets Outreach.
Story By Joshua Stafford, Aaron Yetter, Chris Hine, Randy Smith and Michelle HorathArticle from IDNR Outdoor Illinois, March 2008 Please see Page 12 for full article!
Visit Us at:
www.mwhi.us
WHI OFFICERS 2015
PresidentBanquet ChairmanJohn Gineris618-708-8117 (cell)618-786-2596 (home)
Vice-PresidentMike Arnold618-786-2300
TreasurerShane DeSherlia618-639-0855 (home)618-946-4520 (cell)[email protected]
Membership SecretaryMike Devening618-259-6181
Correspondence SecretaryRosi [email protected]
Recording SecretaryCheri Gineris618-786-2596
MWHI DIRECTORS 2015Bob JonesIFOR Board Representative618-578-9547 (cell)
Chris Tite618-610-3513
Dave GeislerGun Raffle Chairman/Refuge Chairman618-670-1419
Eric Rhuede618-410-9853
Justin WolfeCarlyle Lake Area Projects Chairman618-377-0397
Don TaulCOE Chairman618-978-8285
Brian Arnold618-535-9979
Ron Ragus618-977-2730
Kevin Dawdy618-444-8711
Bo AdcockArea Projects Chairman618-535-6585
Dennis Millner 618-910-1420
Pat McCrae618-444-6793
John Popov (Advisor)Bob Schneider (Advisor)Scott Bryant (Advisor)
UPCOMING EVENTS
Monday, July 6, 2015MWHI BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING
at 2404 E. Broadway, Alton at 6:15 pm
July 31 - August 2, 2015
IFOR OUTDOOR YOUTH SKILLS CAMPat Pere Marquette State Park, Grafton, IL
Please call John Gineris for more information: 618-708-8117
Monday, August 3, 2015MWHI BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING
at 2404 E. Broadway, Alton at 6:15 pm
Wednesday, August 19, 2015
MWHI GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING at Alton-Wood River Sportsmen Club
in Godfrey, IL at 7:00 pm
Monday, September 14, 2015MWHI BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING
at 2404 E. Broadway, Alton at 6:15 pm
Monday, September 14, 2015MWHI BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING
at 2404 E. Broadway, Alton at 6:15 pm
The Sentry is published monthly except for December and January by Migratory Waterfowl Hunters, Inc., 2404 E. Broadway, Alton, IL, 62002. The Sentry deadline is always the second Monday of each month.
Statements and opinions expressed in the Sentry are those of the individual and do not necessarily represent the views of Migratory Waterfowl Hunters, Inc. Officers, Directors, Advisors, Members or the Editor. The appearance of an ad in this newsletter does not
necessarily constitute an endorsement of a product or service. We encourage
our members to take note of those businesses advertising in our newsletter and shop with them when they are in the market for their product or services.
Outdoor Adventure Events to be Held at Two Rivers NWR
USFWS Two Rivers National Wildlife Refuge News ReleaseCortney Solum, Visitor Services Manager, 6/11/2015
Brussels, Ill.- Two Rivers National Wildlife Refuge announces two upcoming events. The wildlife refuge will hold a Youth Canoe Adventure Wednesday, June 24 and a Bowfishing Clinic Saturday, July 18.
The third annual Youth Canoe Adventure will be held from 9 a.m.-noon Wednesday, June 24 starting at the Refuge Visitor Center. A refuge ranger will lead the group on a half-day tour of the refuge to see the backwaters of the Illinois River. Participants will learn proper paddling techniques and canoeing safety. Canoes and life jackets will be provided. Kids ages 12-16 should register for this free canoe outing. Space is limited; call the refuge by June 23 to register for the Youth Canoe Adventure.
The Bowfishing Clinic will be held at the lower Swan Lake levee area in Brussels, Ill., a half mile from Brussels Ferry from 9 a.m.-12 p.m. Saturday, July 18.
Experienced bowfishermen will teach bowfishing techniques and participants will have the opportunity to practice shooting at targets, bowfish in the Illinois River, and learn to fillet and cook their catch. Bows, arrows and fishing equipment will be provided.
This event is free and open to the public. No fishing license or pre-registration are necessary.For more information about these events, call 618-883-2524 or email [email protected].
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is committed to providing access to this event for all participants. Please direct all requests for sign language interpreting services, close captioning, or other accommodation needs to Cortney Solum at 618-883-2524 or TTY 1-800-526-0844 with your request by close of business no later than five business days before each event.
Mississippi River F &W Area - Registration and Blind Drawing InfoIDNR-MRA Site Superintendent Kim Postlewait, FRI, JUNE 12, 2015
Blind registration was conducted May 11th thru the 20th. During that time, of the 571 of the builders of the 861 possible builders re-
registered. Of the 278 registered blinds, 30 were not re-registered. 111 blind builder substitutions were filed.
Post registration blind drawing was attended by 139 people drawing for blinds. 34 blinds were issued, 9 cards were drawn that passed or the person had left the draw, and 96 cards remaining unopened.
A second drawing was held for those still wanting a blind, 15 people participated taking 8 of the 34 blinds.
A total of 34 blinds of the 61 available were issued.
67 new blind builders will be added.Service Proposes Expansion of Hunting and Fishing Opportunities on
National Wildlife RefugesUSFWS, Two Rivers National Wildlife Refuge, Cortney Solum, Visitor Services Manager6/11/2015
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Director Dan Ashe today announced as part of Great Outdoors Month the agency is proposing to expand fishing and hunting opportunities on 21 refuges throughout the National Wildlife Refuge System. The proposed rule also modifies existing refuge-specific regulations for more than 100 additional refuges and wetland management districts.
“The Service is committed to strengthening and expanding hunting and fishing opportunities,” said Ashe. “By expanding hunting and fishing programs across the Refuge System we are furthering a rich tradition of providing quality recreational opportunities to the American people. These programs support local economies, help people connect with the outdoors, and encourage people to value nature.”
National wildlife refuges provide premier outdoor recreational opportunities across the nation. There are more than 560 national wildlife refuges and 38 wetland management districts, including one within an hour's drive from most major metropolitan areas. The Service manages refuge hunting and fishing programs to ensure sustainable wildlife populations, while offering traditional wildlife-dependent recreation on public lands.Under the National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act of 1997, the Service permits hunting and fishing along with four other types of wildlife-dependent recreation when they are compatible with an individual refuge’s purpose and mission. Hunting, within specified limits, is permitted on 335 wildlife refuges. Fishing is permitted on 271 wildlife refuges.
Hunting, fishing and other outdoor activities on refuges help stimulate the economy and generate funding for wildlife conservation. The Service’s report Banking on Nature shows that refuges pump $2.4 billion into the economy and support more than 35,000 jobs. More than 47 million people visit refuges every year.Other wildlife-dependent recreation on national wildlife refuges includes wildlife photography, environmental education, wildlife observation and interpretation.
The Service also proposes expanding hunting and sport fishing on the following refuges:[For the full list of refuges, please visit www.fws.gov]IllinoisGreat River National Wildlife Refuge, IL and MO: Expand upland game hunting and big game hunting. The refuge is already open to migratory bird hunting and sport fishing.Two Rivers National Wildlife Refuge, IL and MO: Expand migratory bird hunting and big game hunting. The refuge is already open to upland game hunting and sport fishing.MissouriGreat River National Wildlife Refuge, IL and MO: Expand upland game hunting and big game hunting. The refuge is already open to migratory bird hunting and sport fishing.Mingo National Wildlife Refuge: Expand big game hunting. The refuge is already open to migratory bird hunting, upland game hunting and sport fishing.Swan Lake National Wildlife Refuge: Expand migratory bird hunting, upland game hunting, and big game hunting. The refuge is already open to sport fishing. Two Rivers National Wildlife Refuge, IL and MO: Expand migratory bird hunting and big game hunting. The refuge is already open to upland game hunting and sport fishing.
The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with others to conserve, protect and enhance fish, wildlife, plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. We are both a leader and trusted partner in fish and wildlife conservation, known for our scientific excellence, stewardship of lands and natural resources, dedicated professionals and commitment to public service. For more information on our work and the people who make it happen, visitwww.fws.gov.
Connect with our Facebook page at facebook.com/usfwsmidwest, follow our tweets at twitter.com/usfwsmidwest, watch our YouTube Channel atyoutube.com/usfws and download photos from our Flickr page at flickr.com/photos/usfwsmidwest.
LegislationJohn Popov
Freedom! What does it mean to you? A dictionary explanation can help a little. It states: “The state of or quality of being free.” It sounds good. How about this: “an exemption or liberation from the control of some other person or some arbitrary power; liberty independence exemption from arbitrary restrictions on a specified civil right; civil or political liberty.” The second Amendment comes to mind. This definition is quite lengthy. I could write this entire article on this very important word. How much freedom can we lose and still claim to be a free country? We lose it by not insisting that the people we elect to office uphold the constitution. That is why our forefathers worked so hard to produce this document. This is why I wrote in the past Sentry about agency administrative regulations and presidential executive orders-- no law required. How about Operation Choke Point!
Here are some federal bills you need to watch. HR 1454- would give BATFR the authority to
ban almost all common rile ammo. (Freedom) HR 1217- National gun registration. (Freedom) S 407- Would ban the manufacture and sale of
standard capacity magazines. (Freedom) HR 224- Would allow the Surgeon General to
promote your Second Amendment gun ownership as a public health problem.
HR 307- This bill would force you, the taxpayer, to pay for a national gun buyback scheme with your tax dollars. (Freedom)
HR 225- This bill would give the Consumer Product Safety Commission the authority to regulate and ban firearms. (Freedom)
Source of bills: NRA/LA
Be informed and don’t be afraid to contact your state or federal legislators. They are listed in the Sentry. If
they don’t hear from you, they can make a wrong vote. It only takes a phone call or email.
If it is to be, it is up to you and me.IMPORTANT CONTACTSNRA Update on Gun Bills 1-800-392-8683
Federal Senate Office 1-202-224-3121
Federal House Offices 1-202-225-3121
Illinois State Rifle Association 1-815-635-3198 www.isra.org
Illinois Senate Information 1-217-782-4517
Illinois House Information 1-217-782-8223
Sen. Wm. Sam McCann – 50th District Tel: 217-782-8206 Email: [email protected]
Sen. Kyle McCarter– 54th Districted: 217-782-5755 E-mail: [email protected]
Sen. Chapin Rose – 51st Districted: 217-558-1006
Sen. William R. Haine – 56th DistrictTel:618-465-4764 E-mail: [email protected]
Sen. James F. Clayborne – 57th DistrictTel: 618-875-1212 E-mail: [email protected]
Sen. David Luechtefeld – 58th District Tel: 618-243-9014 E-mail: [email protected]
Sen. Gary Forby - 59th DistrictTel: 217-782-5509
Rep. Dan Beiser – 111th District Tel: 217-782-5996 E-Mail: [email protected]
Rep. Natalie A. Manley – 98th DistrictTel: 217-782-3316
Rep. Adam Brown – 102nd DistrictTel: 217-782-8398Rep. John D. Cavaletto – 107th DistrictTel:618-548-9080 Rep. Dwight Kay – 112 DistrictTel: 618-307-9200Rep. Jay Hoffman – 113th DistrictTel: 217-782-0104Rep. C. D. Davidsmeyer – 100th DistrictTel: 217-243-6221Rep. Mike Bost – 115th DistrictTel: 618-457-5787 [email protected]. Dan Reitz – 116th DistrictTel: 618-443-5757 E-mail: [email protected]
Rep. Rodney Davis - 13th District Tel: 202-224-3121Rep. John Shimkus - 15th DistrictTel: 618-344-3065 E-mail: house.gov/shimkus
Sen. Richard J. Durbin Tel: 202-224-2152 E-mail: [email protected]. Mark KirkTel: 202-224-2854 Email: kirk.senate.gov
SPECIAL ALERT - 6/16/2015ISRA STATEMENT ON PROPOSED CLOSURE OF SPARTA WORLD SHOOTING COMPLEX
As many of you have heard by now, budget cuts proposed by the Rauner administration include the elimination of the World Shooting Complex located in Sparta, Illinois. Among other things, the World Shooting Complex is the home of the Amateur Trapshooting Association's(ATA) Grand American trapshooting championship. For almost a decade, the Grand American has poured better than $15 million annually into the Sparta-area economy.
The ISRA along with other organizations worked hard to get the World Shooting Complex constructed and even harder convincing the ATA that Sparta was the place to bring the Grand American. Certainly, the closing of Sparta complex would be a serious blow to the shooting sports and to the economy of Southern Illinois.
Of course, there are some people who are salivating over the prospect of Sparta "going away." The gun-grabbing contingent of Chicago and suburban legislators are busily pushing for the closing of Sparta so that their patronage-laden follies will be spared any cuts.
September 1, 2015 has been designated as the day that the World Shooting Complex will close. Between now and then, the ISRA will keep you informed as to the status of the complex and what you can do to preserve and protect this valuable asset to the shooting sports.
Illinois Sportsmen Urge Gov. to Sign Bobcat Hunting BillU.S. Sportsmen's Alliance June 5, 2015
Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner has an important decision to make – one that will determine whether scientific management of wildlife and the efforts of sportsmen are appreciated under his administration.All that is standing between Illinois sportsmen and a bobcat season is the Governor’s signature of HB 352. And if anyone deserves a bobcat season, it’s Illinois’ hunters and trappers, who haven’t been able to legally pursue the species since 1972.
Why? Because they are the reason bobcat populations are booming across the state today.Just like many other conservation efforts, hunters and trappers pay for the bulk of reintroduction efforts and habitat improvements through license fees, stamps and special taxes. In fact, Southern Illinois University conducted an 8-year research project on the state’s bobcat population with funding from the Pittman-Robertson Act, which is funded through an excise tax on firearms, ammunition, bows and other archery equipment.
“This is just another example of the effectiveness of these restoration programs,” said USSA’s VP of Government Affairs, Evan Heusinkveld. “Wildlife in this country is thriving today because of monies contributed to wildlife programs through hunting licenses, tags, permits and excise taxes. Sportsmen and women in Illinois should call Governor Rauner today and urge him to quickly sign this success story into law!”
In addition to financial contributions, hunters and trappers committed thousands of man hours to the bobcat study in Illinois. Experienced trappers assisted biologists in live-trapping bobcats and recording data, while some 2,000 hunters recorded their time spent in the woods and the various types of wildlife, including bobcats, they spotted. All this transfers into reliable data that state’s wildlife biologists then use in determining population health and size.
The bobcat population in the state is currently estimated at around 5,000 cats, with confirmed sightings in 99 of the 102 counties in Illinois and a population growth rate of 4 to 9 percent per year.Thanks to collaboration between the state’s wildlife biologists, and hunters and trappers, bobcat populations have rebounded and are growing at a significant rate. Sportsmen should be proud of their collective efforts and take pride in calling the Governor’s office to voice their desire to once again play an active role in the scientific management of the species.
Understanding the importance of moist soil plants to waterfowl was one of the life goals of Frank C. Bellrose. Biologists continue his work today.
Gov. Bruce Rauner’s contact information can be found at the USSA Legislative Action Center: http://www.congressweb.com/ussa/legislators?stateId=IL
Management for WaterfowlScience Meets Outreach.
Story By Joshua Stafford, Aaron Yetter, Chris Hine, Randy Smith and Michelle HorathArticle from IDNR Outdoor Illinois, March 2008 Photos By Illinois Natural History Survey Staff
Millions of waterfowl visit Illinois each fall and spring, seeking the foods they need to fuel their stopover and migration.In the late 1930s, Illinois native Frank C. Bellrose recognized the importance of wetland plant seeds to migrating ducks and geese in the Illinois River valley and coined the term “moist-soil” to refer to this type of vegetation. Bellrose went on to contribute significantly to many aspects of waterfowl ecology and management during his distinguished career with the Illinois Natural History Survey, but his work on moist-soil plants and wetlands stimulated important research on the foraging ecology of waterfowl.
During the decades since Bellrose’s initial research, waterfowl scientists and managers have determined that moist-soil plant seeds may be particularly valuable foods to waterfowl because they are relatively high in energy and contain essential nutrients and amino acids not found in row crops, such as corn. Further study has determined that although moist-soil plants may occur naturally, their growth can be encouraged by manipulating water levels, seed banks or other vegetation in wetlands.Moist-soil management has become a popular technique to provide food for migrating waterfowl in Illinois and beyond. Because the Midwestern U.S. is a critical mid-migration region where waterfowl gain resources that may influence survival and breeding success, it is important to understand production and management of these foods in the wetlands of Illinois.
More than 70 sites are managed by the Department of Natural Resources to provide habitat for migrating or wintering waterfowl, and many practice moist-soil management to meet wetland habitat objectives. However, manipulating water levels and seed banks requires active management, and site staff may not have the resources necessary to evaluate their success. Additionally, regional conservation plans rely on Illinois wetlands to provide food for millions of waterfowl during migration, but the combined contribution of DNR lands to overall foraging carrying capacity is not known. With these needs in mind, staff of the Illinois Natural History Survey’s Forbes Biological Station and Frank C. Bellrose Waterfowl Research Center began an investigation of moist-soil plant seed abundance for waterfowl on DNR lands in fall 2005.
Ten DNR waterfowl management areas—from southern Illinois (e.g., Mermet Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area) to central Illinois (e.g., Anderson Lake SFWA) to northeastern Illinois (e.g., Des Plaines SFWA)—were selected each year for a study on seed abundance. The number of wetland units managed for moist-soil vegetation varied among sites, so two units (if available) were randomly selected at each location and 15 soil-core samples (4- inch diameter) were extracted from each wetland. Seeds were painstakingly separated from the soil in each core sample—one sample may take hours to sort and some seeds are smaller than a grain of sand—then dried and weighed. Seed-mass data were analyzed using specialized statistical software to derive estimates of moist-soil plant seed abundance that were representative of all DNR lands with moist-soil habitat.
Preliminary results indicated that moist-soil wetlands at DNR sites produced 919 pounds per acre in 2005 and 483 pounds per acre in 2006. Using energetic models, estimates suggested that, on average, one acre of moist-soil wetland provided enough food to support 119 and 63 mallard-sized ducks for 30 days in 2005 and 2006, respectively. The difference in seed yield between years wasn’t surprising given that moist-soil plant seed production may vary significantly depending on growing conditions. Specifically, a major drought occurred in 2005 that completely dewatered many wetlands in the Illinois River valley and enhanced seed production.
The overall average yield (701 pounds per acre) suggested that seed production on DNR lands during 2005–2006 was as good as or better than other published estimates from North America. DNR moist-soil wetlands were sampled again during late summer and early fall 2007 and samples will be processed during winter 2008.
These types of studies provide site managers with information to evaluate the success of their management practices and understand how their sites compare with other areas of the state. And although researchers are continued from page 12occasionally guilty of spending too much time in the lab, when managers and researchers work together to solve land management problems, both parties improve the sciences of conservation and management, thereby benefiting wetland-dependant wildlife and the citizens of Illinois.
Issues regarding management of moist soil habitats include: Identifying and controlling invasive and non-desirable plant species: Many species, such as cocklebur, may be controlled by flooding, mowing, disking soils or applying herbicides. Large, woody plants, such as willow or cottonwood, may require mechanical removal. Managing water: Considerations include maintaining and repairing levees, determining when to dewater in spring and reflood vegetation in fall (flood too early and ducks may eat the food too quickly, but flood too late and ducks won’t be in the area during the early hunting season), and controlling the cost of pumping with increasing fuel prices. Integration of crops: To provide a mosaic of natural and agricultural foods and habitat for other wildlife species, managers may consider encouraging moist-soil plant growth between rows of crops. Natural variation: Despite their best efforts, conditions such as floods or drought mean that some years won’t be ideal for moist-soil plants and managers will need to adapt priorities and techniques accordingly.
Row crops vs natural vegetationCorn and other crops provide food for ducks and geese, but are generally poor habitats for other wildlife. In contrast, the diversity and structure of vegetation in moist-soil wetlands make them attractive to many species, such as song and wading birds, amphibians and small mammals. Further, crop foods are high in energy but lack important nutrients found in moist-soil plant seeds; in fact, research indicates that ducks fed only corn (or soybeans) will actually lose weight over a period of weeks. Farmers typically consider moist-soil plants as weeds that compete with row crops and reduce yields. However, food plots for waterfowl rarely are intended for harvest (except by the birds themselves) and because soils stay moist, competition may be less than in production crop fields. Managing for row crops and natural vegetation together may provide habitat for many wildlife species and a diversity of foods—high energy grains and nutritious moist-soil plant seeds—for waterfowl.
IDNR Newsbits - June 2015
Illinois Boat Owners Reminded to Check Registration: The IDNR reminds boat owners in Illinois to check their current three-year boat registration/decal and renew their registration if it expires on June 30, 2015. Renewing watercraft registration can be done online through the IDNR website at www.dnr.illinois.gov or by phone by calling 1-866-867-3542. To renew registration, have available the watercraft’s Illinois registration number, the first six characters of the watercraft’s hull ID number, the first three letters of the registered owner’s last name, and a credit card. For details on Illinois watercraft registration requirements and three-year boat registration fees, check the IDNR website at www.dnr.illinois.gov/recreation/boating.
Non-motorized watercraft, including canoes, kayaks, paddle boats, or sail boards in Illinois, are no longer required to be titled/registered in Illinois, unless the vessels have a motor or sail. Non-motorized watercraft owners are required to purchase an Illinois Water Usage Stamp for $6.00 per calendar year (for each of their first three vessels, and $3.00 each for any additional vessels). An agent fee of $0.50 is charged per vessel. The 2015 Illinois Water Usage Stamp is
valid through December 31, 2015. Water Usage Stamps are available over-the-counter from IDNR license and permit vendors. Find a vendor through the IDNR website at http://www.dnr.illinois.gov/LPR/Pages/LicensePermitVendors.aspx
Rocky Mountain ‘Hi’
Duane Hahnenkamp
No, I am not smoking that stuff even though it’s legal out here and you see the smoke shops in the larger cities. Everyone thinks of mountains and the ‘Old West’ when they think of Colorado. This part actually consist of a lot of subdivisions just east of the mountains. It is where a lot of people from the east and west coasts have moved to in the last 50 years. The locals call these people ‘the eastern slopers’ because they see their state being taken over by big city folks and outside liberal politics. Hunting and fishing are still a big part of living out here, but it is under attack by a lot of the newcomers and college kids. Does that sound familiar to you guys?
I live just north of Greeley and about 20 miles from the mountains. I live in an old farming area that is right in the middle of the housing boom to the west and the open prairie to the east. I’m also in the middle of the oil boom out here, which is the other reason the state attracts so many people. The best part is that I live in the golden triangle for waterfowl hunting in Colorado. The nearby Platte River and the Pourder River to the south supply irrigation water for crops, which is why the geese winter between Denver and here.My first teal season out here was good but short. We had a lot of teal, but the bad part is we only have a 9-day season (virtually one week instead of two weeks like you guys). Also, I was working 6 days a week driving a truck, so only goy to hunt on Sundays. This is actually an arid area, so most huntable water is also the roosting area. Almost all hunting is limited to 3 or 4 days per week to help keep birds in the area (public and private hunting alike).
I understand all you guys back home had a record duck season last year like DU and the government predicted. That was a joke, guys! I warned you before I left to be aware of all the record duck season predictions because Illinois always seems to come out on the short end. Well, you were not the only state to miss out on a record duck season. Mt duck season opener started great but slowed fast and stayed that way till the Sunday before Veteran’s Day. Some new ducks showed up that day and I couldn’t wait to hunt the following weekend. Instead, the next morning the temperature went from 60 degrees to the 20s in two (2) hours and it started to snow with 50 miles per hour winds out of the north. By Thursday the lakes had already frozen over, so most of the ducks left Colorado for Kansas and Texas before I even got to hunt again. It was almost 2 months before some mallards started returning in January. Our duck season does end around January 25, so we did have a couple good days of shooting mallards on the ice. Let me say this, ice hunting is the craze out here and produces a lot of good hunting.
My goose hunting was a different story altogether. From my deck I could watch thousands of geese work the fields 2 miles to the north and I was able to hunt that field 3 days later on opening day. My brother and I killed out (5 honkers each) in about 3 hours. I also killed out 3 out of the first 4 days of the season, including a big group hunt when we killed 36 geese in 3 hours. I have never hunted in Canada but this had to be close. The full moon then slowed things down, but we still had some decent days off and on. When temperatures hit 35 degrees below zero on New Year’s Eve Day, most of the birds moved south and killed the hunting around here. Later in January things started to warm up and the geese plus some ducks moved back in on the ice. That’s when we started ice hunting, which some hunters even prefer over the traditional field hunting. We hid in the shore weeds, and I admit, the geese as well as mallards sucked right to the decoys 30 yards away. I have even guided a few goose hunts for an outfitter, so I got to see a lot
2015-2016 MWHI Gun Raffle Winners
One Winner Every Month - Ticket Drawn on First of Every Month - Beginning April, 2015Subject to availability at Draw Date - Pick-up at Outrageous Outdoors, Jerseyville
April 2015 Gun - S&W S&P Shield 9mm - Ray GalloMay 2015 Gun - Tristar 12 ga O/U - Matt Popov June 2015 Gun - Henry 22 lever action - Brad (Brownstown)
For more information,, please contact Gun Raffle Chairman Dave Geisler at 618-670-1419.
of geese get shot and learned where the better areas are. I personally shot over 50 honkers and was in on about 140 goose kills during the season. Not too bad for my first season in Colorado. As you probably guessed, I quit working when goose hunting was good.
I also hope to get in on some of the other hunting out here in the next few years. Within 2 hours of my house you can hunt anything from grouse to pheasant to big game like moose, elk, mule deer, whitetail and antelope. The hardest
Continued on page 15Continued from page 14part is just to get tags to hunt for these animals (most areas around are draw tags only for these game animals). Second id finding a place to hunt them on. Most open government ground is farther west and around here most land is leased out to outfitters. It breaks down to too many people and too many hunters around.
Anyway, now you know why I have decided to move to Colorado and leave my Illinois home behind. As a life member of MWHI, I still get the Sentry and will always look forward to see what is going on back home. Good luck on getting feed in your hunting areas this summer and we all hope for a decent hatch in Canada.
Enjoy your summer!
P.S. I see you are having meetings on setting your new duck season dates. Hopefully you will get some decent opening dates that are good for your area instead of some off-the-wall ideas I heard from your area – like start a month later! Look out!
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