The TWRA commission held its final meeting of 2012 to discuss several issues. They heard concerns about boating restrictions on Cumberland River dams. TWRA presented information on tailwater management and recent public meetings on fishery resources. They also discussed banning off-road vehicles from Cummings Cove WMA and efforts to combat white nose syndrome in bats, including an artificial bat cave project. TWRA reported fall turkey and early deer hunting season numbers. Two cases of illegal wildlife possession resulted in fines and loss of hunting privileges. A reward program was also announced for information on illegal wild hog activities.

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2 SOUTHERN TRADITIONS OUTDOORS | DEC2012-JAN2013

3. TABLE OF CONTENTS From the Desk of Rob Somerville
PG..................ARTICLE.......................................................AUTHOR Happy Holidays
8 ......................... TWRA News..................................................................
11........................ Hunting Camp: Chicken Soup for the Soul ................... Rob Somerville Christmas is upon us and the New Year is quickly approaching. I want to take this time to thank God for my
family and friends, especially Eddie Anderson and his family, who have become so dear to my heart. I also want
16....................... Born and Raised: A Duck Hunter’s Story....................... John Houston to thank our other STO Magazine partner, Kevin Griffith, as well as our beautiful and creative graphic designer,
20....................... Late Season Waterfowl Hot Spots................................. Garry Mason Kalli Lipke for making this magazine successful.
22....................... Trophy Deer Hunting in Tennessee............................... Walter Wilkerson STO Magazine would not be the top rated outdoor magazine in the region without our awesome writers such
as Walter and Terry Wilkerson, Garry Mason, Eddie Brunswick, Gil Lackey, Joe King Jr. and others. Thanks,
24....................... Women in the Outdoors: Wild Cooking.......................... Terry Wilkerson my friends!
26....................... Busy as a Bee................................................................ Kevin Griffith Our entire staff wishes to express our sincere gratitude to the loyal family of advertisers that allow all of you
30....................... NWTF Celebrates 40th Anniversary reading this publication, to receive it free of charge!
The entire team at STO wants to thank our readers, for making us what we are today, as well.
32....................... Trolling for Bucks........................................................... Rob Somerville Last, but most certainly not least, I want to thank God for blessing me by putting all of you in my life.
36....................... Kids and Puppies - Who’s Training Who?..................... Garry Mason From the entire STO Magazine family to all of you … have a very merry Christmas and may God bless all
38....................... Hot Products of you in the coming year!
42....................... Trophy Room
43....................... Kid’s Korner
Rob Somerville
STO Editor
On the Cover
Chief, owned by Tom Schwartz of Dyersburg, Tennessee, retrieves a Suzie Mallard in eastern Arkansas timber.
Photo by John Houston.
Southern Traditions Outdoors Magazine, LLC
Owners - Eddie Anderson
Rob Somerville
Magazine Design - Kalli Lipke
Advertising Sales
Visit Dyer County,Tennessee
Kevin Griffith
Publisher - Eddie Anderson
Rob Somerville - Managing
Partner
A Spo rtsman’s Paradise!
Editor - Rob Somerville Distribution Located just 1/2 hour, from beautiful Reelfoot Lake, Dyer
Johnathan Anderson
County has something for everyone. From the finest motels,
Field Staff Editors
restaurants, shopping malls, and bars ... we welcome all
Garry Mason Eddie Brunswick Scott Marcin
Walter Wilkerson Larry Self Ed Lankford sportsmen that are hunting or fishing at the “Quake Lake.”
Terry Wilkerson John Sloan Drew Brooks There is nowhere else for miles that can offer
Steve McCadams Richard Simms John Latham hunting and fishing licenses, sporting goods,
Kelley Powers John Meacham John Roberts cost-efficient - yet clean and comfortable
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lodging, and a cold beer or cocktail.
Advertising Information: Our restaurants can tempt you with every-
Southern Traditions Outdoors | Rob Somerville thing from a “Black Angus” ribeye steak - to
(731) 446-8052 stomag1@gmail.com fast food. The best feature of all, which Dyer
County has to offer, is that you will always
DISCLAIMER - Neither the authors nor Southern Traditions Outdoors Magazine
LLC assume any responsibility or liability for any actions by readers who utilize
enjoy your visit with us, in a safe and
any information contained within. Readers are advised that the use of any and friendly atmosphere.
all information contained within Southern Traditions Outdoors is at their own risk.
So, what are you waiting for?
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Southern Traditions Outdoors Magazine vows to put forth a publication to promote You can’t score higher than Dyer!
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4 SOUTHERN TRADITIONS OUTDOORS | DEC2012-JAN2013 DEC2012-JAN2013 | SOUTHERN TRADITIONS OUTDOORS 5

4. SEASON’S GREETINGS FROM AREA BUSINESSES! BUCKETS
Paul’s NEIGHBORHOOD PUB & GRUB
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Wine & Spirits Engines Code Blue Pizza washed down with a cold draught beer. Or dig in
to a mound of our Super Cajun Nachos, enough to feed you and
2450 Lake Road - Suite H 1995 Upper Finley Road !
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Dyersburg, TN - 38024 Y REM D
your favorite sauce, salads, seafood, juicy strip steak, tasty half
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DECOYS, SHELLS, ETC. Buckets Neighborhood Pub and Grub is a locally owned, family
THE PERFECT CHOICE FOR CHRISTMAS SHOPPING Karoake with Chris oriented sports pub where the regulars are greeted by name and Every Tuesday
FOR ALL OUTDOOR LOVERS! Chaos on Thursdays jerseys representing local and state teams adorn the walls. The acoustic music by
HOURS: MON, TUES, THURS, FRI: 9:00 AM TO 6:00 PM 8 p.m.-11 p.m. Bucket’s servers bop around to the beat of 70’s and 80’s rock as Tyler Thornton
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6 SOUTHERN TRADITIONS OUTDOORS | DEC2012-JAN2013 DEC2012-JAN2013 | SOUTHERN TRADITIONS OUTDOORS 7

5. TWRA NEWS From the Tennessee Wildlife Resource Agency •
Licensed General Contractors
Value Engineering / Constructability Analysis
Over 30 years experience - since 1981
• Scope Includes
• New Construction (Home or
COMMISSION HOLDS FINAL MEETING OF is located on Aetna Mountain, in Hamilton and Marion coun- • Additions/Garages/Attic and Basement Build
CALENDAR YEAR ties. The area has been heavily used by Off-Road Vehicles, • Outs/Sunrooms
• Renovations (partial or full-house makeovers)
which are causing environmental concerns.
• Kitchens
The Tennessee Fish and Wildlife Commission held its fi- During the last year, TWRA has participated in a pub- • Bathrooms
nal meeting of 2012 in a special one day gathering on Fri- lic meeting, to answer the public’s questions on why Cum- • Construction Management
day, Nov. 30th. mings Cove WMA has regulations that prohibit ORV use. The • Maintenance Contracts
The commission heard from Mike TWRA also solicited public comments over a 76-day period, • Repairs/Improvements
• Disaster Recovery
Patterson, a Middle Tennessee sportsman, voic- from March 1st, 2012 to May 15th, 2012, in an ef- fines and court costs. • Insurance Claim Specialists
ing concerns about planned restrictions by fort to determine what the public expected in Timothy Chapman, of Mt. Pleasant pled guilty to seven • Repair – Rebuild - Total Restoration
the U.S. Corps of Engineers allowing the way of recreational opportunities on the counts of illegal possession of wildlife. He received fines and • HVAC
boating access below dams along WMA. In addition, TWRA conducted courts costs totaling $1,654.00 and loss of his hunting and • Electrical
the Cumberland River. Specifics several site visits to Cummings Cove trapping privileges for one year. • Interior Trim (crown molding, tile, cabinets, etc…)
• Painting (Interior and Exterior)
of the restrictions are not known WMA with various state and feder- The cases involved a joint effort by the Tennessee Wild- • Energy Improvements
at this time. al agencies, including TDEC and life Resources Agency special investigation unit, wildlife of-
Frank Fiss, TWRA Assistant USDA Forest Legacy. ficers from TWRA Region II & III, Moore County District delivers projects on-time and within budget, then work with
Chief of the Fisheries Divi- The commission viewed a Attorney, Lewis County District Attorney and the Tennessee Renovation Plus Construction. - Rob Somerville
sion, gave an update on tail recently aired video of a CBS Department of Agriculture. 6401 Hwy 51 Bypass E. - Dyersburg, TN - 38024
water management along the evening News segment that The Smith case was settled Aug. 7th, while the Chapman 731.445.3722 www.rpcconstruction.com
Watauga, South Holston and was filmed in Montgomery plea agreement was made Sept. 17th. The announcement
Caney Fork rivers. He pre- County on White Nose Syn- comes as a reward program that has now been established
sented a summary of recent drome (WNS). Bill Reeves, for information leading to a conviction of persons dealing in
public meetings that were TWRA Chief of Biodiversity, the sale, illegal transportation and/or stocking of wild hogs.
held to identify any resourc- said an artificial bat cave was A reward of $3,500 is now in effect and made possible by Lankford Taxidermy
es issues. built by the Nature Conservan- contributions from TWRA, the Tennessee Department of 3070 Thompson School Rd.
Chuck Yoest, TWRA Wild- cy on TWRA land in Montgom- Agriculture, the Tennessee Farm Bureau Federation and the Huntingdon, Tennessee - 38344
life Division Big Game Coordi- ery County to combat WNS. WNS Tennessee Ornithological Society. Phone (731) 986-3351
nator, gave a report on the recently is a fungus infection threatening the Wild hogs cause extensive damage to farm crops, wildlife
completed fall turkey season and the populations of bats that live in caves habitat, contribute to extreme erosion and stream pollution, Specializing in
fast start to this year’s deer hunting sea- in North American. The artificial bat cave and carry diseases harmful to livestock or other animals as Fish Mountings and Birds
son. About 2,700 birds were harvested dur- project is designed to attract bats and hope- well as humans.
ing the turkey season, which ran from Oct. 13th fully be used in a study to evaluate ways to treat
- 50 Years Experience -
A primary reason for wild hogs rapid spread is illegal
-26th. The figures were almost identical to the 2011 fall totals. and prevent WNS. movement by those who wish to establish hog populations
The deer hunting season, which began with the archery The TFWC set its next meeting for Jan. 17th – 18th, 2013. for hunting in areas that may have little or no wild hog pop-
segment in late September, has seen an increase in harvest The first meeting of the New Year will be held Thursday ulations. Illegal transport and release is the leading contrib-
numbers. As of early on Nov. 30TH, about 117,000 deer were and Friday. uting factor in the spread of wild hogs.
harvested, an increase from the 110,000 through the same The TWRA is among the more than 20 entities, from both
time period last year. Gun season for deer began on Nov. GUILTY PLEAS REACHED IN CASES private sector organizations and state government agencies
17th and will continue through Jan. 6th, 2013. INVOLVING WILD HOGS that have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)
Yoest presented an agency recommendation that adds the agreeing to work cooperatively in regard to wild hogs. The
Pennsylvania counties of Adam and York to the Chronic Two guilty pleas have been made in cases involving nu- partnership between the private sector and state agencies is
Wasting Disease (CWD) restrictive zones. He also asked to merous charges involving wild hogs, in Moore and Lewis working jointly to create and implement outreach tools to ef-
remove the statewide restriction on New York and decrease counties in Middle Tennessee. fectively disseminate information to the public, defining the
the restriction to only include Madison and Oneida counties. Dr. Stacy Smith, of Lynchburg, pled guilty to 16 counts problems associated with wild hogs in Tennessee and how the
The commission approved the recommendations. of illegal possession of wildlife. He also pled guilty to fail- parties are working cooperatively to help landowners combat
A status report on the Cummings Cove Wildlife Management ure to use an approved source, failure to maintain records the problems associated with wild hogs.
Area was presented by David McKinney, TWRA Chief of En- for a preserve, violation of a quarantine order and criminal
vironmental Services. The 1,200 acre Cummings Cove WMA conspiracy. The veterinarian received a total of $4,944.00 in
8 SOUTHERN TRADITIONS OUTDOORS | DEC2012-JAN2013 DEC2012-JAN2013 | SOUTHERN TRADITIONS OUTDOORS 9

6. Visit Us
www.dixiegunworks.com Hunting Camp:
731-885-0700
GUN WORKS, INC.
Hwy. 51 South • 1412 W. Reelfoot Avenue • Union City, TN 38261
Information
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Chicken Soup for The Soul
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T he campfire spits a
spark, high in to the
chilled air, from the flaming
the serene calmness of the
evening. Now and then, one
of the hunters will glance up
side your circled tents around
a campfire, or nestled in com-
fortable recliners inside a ce-
ly debate, which will never
be solved, will ensue on the
topic of which is the best
oak logs that are ablaze with at the meat pole, imagining dar lodge, a hunting camp is caliber rifle for deer. It is a
fire. As the aromatic tendrils five trophy bucks, hanging in a magical place. Conversa- place where boys learn to be
of smoke curl upward in to the frosty air, with their eyes tions include the latest inno- men and men aren’t afraid to
the starlit sky, a peaceful sol- twinkling in the firelight. vations in hunting equipment, behave like boys.
itude falls over the hunting There is always one sto- the weather forecast or who Essentially, all hunting
camp. The group of hunters, ryteller in the group, and he drew cooking and clean-up camps are made up of similar
with a two-day old growth of clears his throat to speak. His duty that night. Good-na- characters. Let’s take a look
whiskers on their faces, stare tale usually begins with, “I tured bragging about woods- around an average camp and
into the multicolor flames as remember when …” manship and hunting skills see who we find. Furthest
if held in a hypnotic trance. This scene is played out abound. Friendly ribbing will from the fire is the “Gadget
There is no need for verbal yearly, in one fashion or an- generally follow, targeting Freak.”
communication here. These other, at hunting camps all someone who missed an easy This person is staying
men have hunted together for across the United States. shot, fell into the swamp or away from the smoke to keep
years and are comfortable in Whether you are sitting out- got lost in the woods. A year- his new scent-free suit from
continued on next page
10 SOUTHERN TRADITIONS OUTDOORS | DEC2012-JAN2013 DEC2012-JAN2013 | SOUTHERN TRADITIONS OUTDOORS 11

7. Hunting Camp Continued Humorous tales soon fol- Finally, the hunters will be- shanty. He rests easy, know- ics should also be discussed.
low, usually attempts to em- gin to head to their sleeping ing he is the only one who This includes never leaving
being contaminated. He has who should hunt where and some sort of combination of greedily fill their bowls with barrass a present hunter, quarters for a night of tossing will sleep like a baby tonight. the property until all hunters
read every book and maga- makes sure the important all of these character traits. helping after helping. causing these grown men to and turning; fitfully dream- Summary are at the designated parking
zine available to man on the supplies are always on hand, And somehow, as if Mother After supper, as the gang laugh insanely like school ing of a huge buck. All the One of the most overlooked space and accounted for, and
subject of deer hunting. He such as aspirin, antacids and Nature stirred the contents clasps steaming cups of children until they finally hunters will retire, except advantages of a hunting club never acting disrespectful to
has a suitcase full of deer toilet paper. Crouched down of this melting pot with her strong coffee in their gloved have to walk away to catch one. He is the most senior of is the camaraderie formed another member.
urine, scent blockers and on his aching knees, and usu- magic wand, the end result is hands, more to keep their their breath and wipe the the group, the grizzled vet- while scouting, planting food Last year, on the evening
cover scents. If an article ally found spitting chewing a happy and cohesive group hands warm than for the caf- tears from their eyes. It eran of many a deer camp plots and hunting. All of my before the opening of the
of clothing can be made in tobacco into the fire sits “The of hunters. feine high, stories of past doesn’t matter how many and he remains alone at the best friends have become Juvenile deer hunt, I looked
camo, he owns it. He may Complainer.” Stress disappears as soon as hunts begin to flow from times the stories are told; smoldering fire. He pokes a so, through my association around the campfire. I saw
never harvest a deer, but he He is happiest when grip- the hunters pull in to camp. their mouths. they always draw a fascinat- stick through the embers as with them as fellow mem- smiles and looks of content-
looks good. Next to him is ing about the weather, the Expectancy levels are high There always seems to be ed and amused crowd. And if in search of something. bers of hunting leases I am ment on all of the adults, and
the “Rookie.” moon phases, his job or and each member looks for- talk of a legendary and phan- who cares that if with each As we edge of the shadows on. Planning, putting up excitement and awe in the
The rookie is clothed in life in general. Immediately ward to the bond of fellow- tom-like buck in the area. It telling, some more details of a nearby large oak tree. deer stands, brushing duck eyes of the kids. I remem-
hand-me-down camo. He has to his right, and serving to ship and camaraderie they is usually a monster 12 or 14 are added to make the story We can hear him sigh, and blinds and sitting around the ber saying a silent prayer of
borrowed a gun and ammo counter-balance the griper, is share together. The aromas pointer, weighing in at well more amusing. Maybe a time see him hoist himself up, on camp fire all help form a thanks to the Father of all
for this trip and hasn’t even the “Court Jester.” from the cook’s fire are a over 250 lbs. The buck usu- of reminiscence will follow, creaky arthritic knees. He has bond filled with memories things wild, and whispering
bothered to sight it in. He This individual doesn’t wonder in itself. Homemade ally has a nickname like “The where a hunting companion a smile on his face. He looks that will last a lifetime. I to myself, “It just doesn’t get
doesn’t own a deer stand and necessarily care if he takes a deer chili, simmering in a Gray Ghost,” “Bullwinkle,” who has passed on to a bet- up in to the heavens and rais- have been in clubs where any better than this.”
often even gets lost trying deer or not, he is there pure- cauldron above an open fire, or “The Hat Rack.” ter place is remembered and ing a gnarled hand to the sky four generations of hunters I hope that your hunt-
to find the bathroom in the ly for entertaining the troops. makes the crew salivate like This giant deer may or paid tribute to. he mutters softly, “Thank you sat around the lodge swap- ing club venture will be a
dark in his own house, let He is funny enough to have a pack of hungry wolves. may not exist, but it builds up Eventually the talk will Lord for this little piece of ping stories and laughing. success.
alone a deer stand in the deep his own sitcom, and uses Even though the spicy chili the anticipation and excite- turn to who will hunt where Heaven on earth.” To put it simply, a hunting
woods. He will be put in the gestures and voice imperson- burns their gut with prom- ment level of the hunters un- in the morning. These spots Pouring the remaining cof- club’s quality will be decid-
furthest deer stand, far from ations to perfection. All hunt- ises of an early morning trip til they reach a fevered pitch will change dozens of times fee on the fire to extinguish ed upon by who the members
the most serious hunters in ing camps I have been privi- to the frozen toilet seat of the similar to ancient African as indecisions and hunches the glowing embers, he am- are and what they put in to
camp, so as not to spook deer leged to be a part of have had outhouse, the camp members war tribes just prior to battle. are the general rule of thumb. bles off, towards the sleeping it. An unwritten code of eth-
off of others, and
for some reason,
he is usually the
RICK HILL NISSAN
one to bag the big
buck on opening
day. Sitting across
from the rookie
is the “Grizzled
Veteran.”
He doesn’t say
much, but when
he talks the oth-
ers have learned
from experience
to listen. He has 2012 NISSAN TITAN S CREW CAB 4 X 4
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ganizer. He plans www.rickhillnissan.com
menus, decides
12 SOUTHERN TRADITIONS OUTDOORS | DEC2012-JAN2013 DEC2012-JAN2013 | SOUTHERN TRADITIONS OUTDOORS 13

8. LEMON’S
MACHINERY
&
LEMON’S
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EMAIL: staceylemons@att.net
ORIGINATING WEST TENNESSEE’S GRAIN SINCE 2002
DYERSBURG ELEVATOR COMPANY
300 PRESSLER RD. - DYERSBURG, TN. - 38024
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14 SOUTHERN TRADITIONS OUTDOORS | DEC2012-JAN2013 DEC2012-JAN2013 | SOUTHERN TRADITIONS OUTDOORS 15

9. Born and Raised:
were in town that weekend to a break by the time we were different fields that our club the ducks will be flying.
hunt. We managed to kill our finished. I was lucky enough uses to hunt. Based on the Thus far I have managed
allotted quota of six ducks again on Sunday morning to flat eastern Arkansas land- to go duck hunting on open-
A Duck Hunter’s Story
a person on mostly teal and limit out with the group I scape, it is better to hunt ing weekend and Thanksgiv-
mallards in forty-five min- hunted with, although it took down in these pits with a ing weekend this November.
utes, so our time limitation a little bit longer to kill our view at ground level. We Opening weekend was a lot
was not a factor. The shoot- quota that morning than it did use a roll-top cover for cam- more successful for num-
By John Houston ing was fast all morning and Saturday morning. ouflage while we sit in these ber of ducks killed. Arkan-
the retrievers were ready for There are two pits in two pits, and each pit holds be- sas’s duck season had a two
tween six and eight people, week break after Thanksgiv-
along with dog boxes on each ing through the first of De-
side. This past summer some cember. I plan on heading
of our club members built an back each weekend through
above ground duck blind for the Christmas holiday, and
our newly added, wooded hopefully it will get cold
hunting area. This “timber enough to send more ducks
hole” has done well killing down from the North. As fun
ducks and has been a nice as the duck hunting is, I have
addition to our club this year. just as much fun from the ca-
Members take turns rotating maraderie amongst the men
from each duck blind morn- in the club, the time spent
ing to morning to make sure riding over from West Ten-
everyone gets equal oppor- nessee, the goofing off, the
tunities to hunt in different naps, and the other miscel-
locations. There is never a laneous activities that come
distinguished “sweet spot” from being at hunting camp.
among the duck blinds, but I look forward to another
it is a matter of luck on any great season of my favorite
given morning as to where time of year.
Gibs, owned by Jim Houston of Dyersburg, watches with anticipation as a ducks fly in. - Photo by John Houston
The inaugural year of the author’s duck hunting club, 1994.
F ive minutes. It is just
starting to get light on
decide against it because I do
not want to miss out on any
number of hours it takes to
get there we all still love to
grandfather whil growing
up. Even my sister has been
Front row (l to r): John Houston, Michael Boehmler, Sarah
Houston, Jackie Boehmler, Blake Boehmler. Back row: Jim
the morning of November action. One minute. Our talk- come. We have kept a re- raised loving to hunt, and Houston and Bill Boehmler. - Photo courtesy of John Houston
17th, 2012, and one of the ing amongst the group has cord book each season of the despite being three years
men in the duck pit has just quieted down to just pointing number of ducks and geese younger than me, she man- Surveying and
announced how much time out which direction the ducks killed, as well as who has aged to kill a deer before I Mapping Services
is left before shooting time. are flying. Anxiousness per- hunted and out of which duck did. Through the busy years Throughout
It is the opening morning of meates the pit and is so obvi- blind. As digital photography of high school and the dis- Tennessee and
duck season, and I am sitting ous that the dogs can sense it has grown, our hunts have tance of going to college in Kentucky.
in the middle of a field in and start to whine and fidget. become better documented Knoxville, Tennessee, my
eastern Arkansas. Four min- A group of teal are approach- through pictures, and our passion for duck hunting per- Boundary surveys - ALTA/ACSM surveys
Hydrographic surveys - Route surveys
utes. The last straggler hur- ing fast. “It’s time,” someone hunting lodge has a desig- sisted and now I go as often
Topographic surveys - Soil mapping
ries into the pit from park- whispers. Seven shotguns go nated wall that has amassed as I can. It is a sport that has Construction layout - Subdivision plats
ing a four wheeler a little off to kickoff what is my fa- several intriguing and hilari- been a major part of three Geodetic control - Land development
ways off while the rest of us vorite time of year. ous photographs. There have quarters of my life, and the FEMA elevation certificates - Accident location
fumble around getting shot- I have been coming to Ar- also been numerous retriev- passion continues to grow GPS surveys - Lot & Tract divisions
gun shells loaded into our re- kansas to duck hunt as long ers that have come and gone as I age. Property Line adjustments
spective guns. Three minutes. as I can remember. My dad in the nearly two decades our On this aforementioned Boundary Line Agreements
Someone is pointing out that and a few of his friends start- club has existed. opening morning this past GIS
we have ducks buzzing all ed this duck hunting club Out of all the different November, my hunting group
around the pit and it is just in 1994, and this fall marks types of game I have hunted had an hour to hunt before a 100 N. Church Ave - Dyersburg, TN 38024
getting light enough to see the beginning of its nine- over the years, duck hunting second group of club mem- cbarron@tnsurveyor.com
www.tnsurveyor.com
them. Two minutes. I con- teenth season. The club has is the one I love the most. bers came to swap out in our December 2011, the author’s family tradition of duck hunting together Office: (731) 285.5263
template searching my back- members spanning all across I have been blessed to hunt pit. This rotation was due to continues every year with their duck club. - Photo couretsy of John Cell: (731) 445.9333
pack for my duck calls, but Tennessee, but no matter the alongside my father and my the fact that so many people Houston.
16 SOUTHERN TRADITIONS OUTDOORS | DEC2012-JAN2013 DEC2012-JAN2013 | SOUTHERN TRADITIONS OUTDOORS 17

10. Late Season M any waterfowl-
ers enjoy taking
a trip now and again, to get
nie Capps and Ben Parker.
All offer heated blinds and
great meals can be expected
to hunt new places in differ- while hunting with any of
Waterfowl
ent areas. I have been very these guys. Reelfoot Lake
blessed to get to hunt some of has a history of over one
America’s finest duck hunt- hundred and fifty years of
ing locations and one thing great duck and goose hunting
is for sure, the more you re- and just a trip to this pristine
Hot Spots
search and prepare, the bet- area is worth every penny
ter your hunt will be. Follow spent. The scenery is beauti-
along with me, while I tell ful and the hospitality great.
you about some of the won- There are many places to stay
derful places and great guides around Reelfoot and these
By Garry Mason
that I have been privileged to folks throw the welcome mat
share a blind with. out for hunters during duck
Stan Jones of season. While you’re in the
Mallard Lodge, area, be sure to stop by Fi-
Arkansas nal Flight Outfitters in Union
City. Kelly, Jon Ed, and Trip The author is pictured here with a brace of mallards and a
Stan’s lodge sits on over pintail. Photo courtesy of Garry Mason
eight thousand acres of flood- have put together one of the
ed rice, in the northern sec- finest stores in America for to bring your camera along. be sure and stop by Mack’s
tion of Arkansas. This is the Water fowlers. Don’t forget Scot Kerron Prairie wings and pick up
land that made duck hunting to get something for the little of Stuttgart a few of the items that you
famous. As migrating flocks lady for Christmas while you Arkansas have always dreamed of hav-
of water fowl head south, it are there. I have hunted with Scot ing. Mack’s has everything
is corn and rice that they seek Steve Kerron on several occasions that a waterfowl hunter can
to provide fuel for the flight McCadams of and both he and his guides imagine.
Kentucky Lake work really hard to make While some of the loca-
so to speak, and Stan sets a
in Paris, TN sure that you enjoy a great tions in this article offer day
huge table. What you will
Steve hunts on Kentucky hunt. Most of his places are
find when you get there is trips for hunters, and some of
Lake, just off of the Tennes-
that Stan’s lodge can accom- flooded rice and bean fields them are package hunts, two
see River. His blind is just
modate up to twenty eight and you can expect to shoot things are for sure. There is
south of the northern part of
people and his blinds are pit a variety of waterfowl while a great hunting trip available
the Tennessee National Wild-
style blinds, sitting over one there. Most of Scot’s prop- here for almost everyone’s
life Refuge, which is one of
hundred and fifty decoys, erties are adjacent to the fa- budget. All of these men are
the largest refuge systems in
plus speckle belly decoys. the state. He has over forty mous Bayou Meto Wildlife true professionals and do a
Decoys are removed after years of guiding waterfowl Management area. Scott has great job to insure that you
each days hunt. Stan also of- hunters in this area of the bird cleaning available and and your hunting buddies
fers Arkansas style, flooded reservoir and his blind sets while there I suggest staying will have a safe and enjoy-
green timber hunts. Cypress in a natural pocket, protected at Cross Heirs Retreat Center. able hunting trip.
blinds, in flooded sloughs, from the northern winds that If you are going to Stuttgart,
are also a very unique ex- blow down the big lake. For
perience that Stan offers to NORTH DELTA SOIL SOLUTIONS INC.
years, this area has been a Independent Soil Fertility Specialists
his clients. Evening pheas- natural flyway for ducks and
ant hunts are the norm at geese, as they travel up and
Services Include:
Precision Soil Sampling Services.
Stan Jones Mallard Lodge, down the Tennessee River in Variable Rate Soil Fertility & Seed
so come prepared to enjoy a Prescriptions.
between the refuge system. A Yield Mapping & Analytical Services.
full day of hunting activities hearty breakfast at Renate’s
while you are there. restaurant in Big Sandy, Ten- Brennan Booker
Reelfoot Lake, nessee is always a treat be- Soil Fertility Specialist
731-487-0968
Tennessee fore the morning’s hunt. A P.O. Box 266
The three guides that I drive through the refuge is Dyersburg, TN 38025
Pictured here are Tim Hayes and Marshall Minton, with a Kentucky Lake goose. Photo by Garry Mason have hunted with at Reelfoot always a pleasant experience brenbooker@gmail.com
Lake are Billy Blakely, Ron- this time of year and be sure
18 SOUTHERN TRADITIONS OUTDOORS | DEC2012-JAN2013 DEC2012-JAN2013 | SOUTHERN TRADITIONS OUTDOORS 19

11. Trophy Deer NORTHWEST TENNESSEE GARY PERMENTER
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• BOAT family’s vacation TOO BIG
B ack when I started hunting in 1972, we had to travel to This was unheard of twenty years ago. Talk about QDM
Weakley County or Big Sandy in Tennessee, just to even see (quality deer management), our TWRA has really done an • GOLF dreams!
OR
TOO SMALL!
a deer and could only kill two bucks a year. At that time, outstanding job managing our deer herd for all of our ben- • SWIM
there were NO does allowed to be taken. efit. The meat hunters can fill their freezers with does, and
Then, around 1982, our deer herd grew so rapidly that the the trophy hunters can have their Wall Hangers.
• HIKE
TWRA started having doe hunts and raised our buck harvest Now, we still go on out of country or on other state hunts • CAMP
limit to eleven bucks a year. This sounded like a good thing, for the adventure, not so much for the trophy anymore. So,
but it really ending up hurting the quality of our herd. that means more money stays in our County and State to
• LODGING
It was like before. We would have to travel to different support our TWRA, as well as local businesses. They have • FINE FOOD
counties, or even other states, just get a chance to harvest a given us a 3 buck bag limit and its working.
Northwest Tennessee... A Great Place to Be!
nice whitetail buck. We all need to remember ‘’Beauty is in the eye of the be-
In 1994, we opened our family owned and operated, Wilk- holder.’’ It doesn’t matter if you have a 110 inch or 180 inch NORTHWEST TENNESSEE
erson’s Taxidermy business. At that time, the average deer deer. If that deer gets your heart racing, then its a trophy to
that came in to be mounted was only 1 ½ years old. By the you, whether it be a Spike or a Booner. TOURISM The name to trust in the Mid-South!
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down to 2, and then back up to 3, where it remains today. Good Luck This Season! kentuckylaketourism.com 4400 LANES FERRY RD - NEWBERN, TN.
Over the years, I could see our deer herd getting a little Walt ‘’Keeping the Tradition Alive’’ Wilkerson reelfootlakeoutdoors.com 731-589-1551
more age and
with age comes
more mature
whitetails. In
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As I write this OFFICIAL HVAC BUSINESS
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20 SOUTHERN TRADITIONS OUTDOORS | DEC2012-JAN2013 DEC2012-JAN2013 | SOUTHERN TRADITIONS OUTDOORS 21