Sunday, December 30, 2012

COUNCIL NEWBIE

Cathy Blumig of Somerset replaces John Meseroll of Middlesex County as a member of the state Fish and Game Council. She will begin her four-year term Jan. 8. She is thoughoughly versed in outdoor issues and knowledgeable in the field of wildlife management.

IFGA WING DING

It's a ways off, but down at the Sandy bashed Shore plans are in full swing for the 16th annual IFGA New Jersey reps annual banquet and auction.
Set for Friday, April 19 at Doolan's in Spring Lake the event will feature fishing and boating related prizes during the popular raffle as well as the NJ reps to the IFGA on hand to meet and greet guests.
Last year some 175 fishing buffs attended and helped raise more than $20,000 for IFGA programs.
For more info, call Jeff Merrill at (908) 451-1110 or e-mail him at jeffmerrill2@verizon.net.

Sunday, December 23, 2012

SHOW DEALS

The annual Deer Classic will again be part of the Garden State Outdoor Sports Show at the NJ Convention and Expo Center in Edison Jan. 1013. The display has been enhanced this year and should be a major attraction.
Also, for every ticket sold online the show is donating $1.00 to Hunters Helping the Hungry (HHH) and with a show ticket there is a magazine subscription offer. Go to http://osg.ticketleap.com/gardenstate/t/HHH13/
Is that a long enough web address?
We'll have more on the show in the print column.

Sunday, December 16, 2012

SALTWATER SLOWDOWN?

Talking to a couple of anglers who have fished several times at the Shore in the past month say it's pretty much hit or miss with stripers and the fishing is probably on the wane. Guys are scoring on blackfish however, and a nine-pounder was reported out of Belmar. The egg-laden female was released.
Is it time for mackerel yet?

DID I MISS SOMETHING?

From the archives: in a column dated July 15, 1978 I reported Trout Unlimited had proposed stocking steelhead, anadramous rainbow trout, in the Delaware River. At the time I said not to get too excited about the plan as restoring the shad run was a priority in the river and anglers seeing steelhead, as well as chinook and coho, head north to Lake Ontario and the Salmon River.
So if there was ever steelhead releases in our backyard river, I missed them. Anybody know what happened to the idea?

2013 SHOW DATES

Jan. 5: Saltwater Sportsman Seminar Series, Atlantic City
Jan. 10-13: Garden State Outdoor Sportsmens Show, Edison
Feb. 6-10: Power Boat Show, Atlantic City
March 15-17: Saltwater Expo, Edison.

Saturday, December 8, 2012

SHELL OF A TIME

DEP Commish Bob Martin has reopened the shellfish beds in the Navesink and Shrewsbury rivers. The effective time and date was sunrise, Saturday, Dec. 8, 2012.
The beds had been tucked in since Oct. 29 as a precaution against Hurricane Sandy.
Beds in Sandy-Hook Raritan Bay neck of the water remain closed as does Barnegat Bay.
There has been some speculation that the Sandy Hook National Recreation Area may not be open in time for the summer crowds...that remains to be seen.

HOT OFF THE PRESS

The 2013 NJ Freshwater Fishing Digest is available online in PDF format, the print version will begin arriving soon at sport shops, license agents and division offices according to Fish & Wildlife.
Go to www.njfishandwildlife.com and look around.

LAKER NEWS

According to reports, the anual gill netting at Round Valley Reservoir resulted in a biggie, a 24 1/2-pound lake trout with most lakers caught up to 24 inches. Also reported at the recent Hackettstown Hatchery fisheries forum was that lake trout are naturally reproducing in Merrill Creek Reservoir and have been for several years.

TU MEETING DATES

Bill Hannisch sent along the dates for future meetings and events at the Ernest Schwiebert Chapter of Trout Unlimited in Pennington. They are Dec. 10, Jan. 14, Feb. 11, March 11, April 8, April 13 (Earth Day cleanup at the Musky) and May 13. The annual banquet is March 23 at the Hopewell Valley Golf Club.
For more info e-mail william.hannisch@bms.com.

BIRD RELEASES

We can determine no truth to the rumor that all pheasant and quail to be stocked on WMAs after Dec. 21 will be moved up to prior dates due to the end of the world set for that Friday.
Thus, now that the sid-day deer hunt is over, look for pheasant and quail to be released on Dec. 11, 15, 18, 20, 22, 27 and 29. Not all areas will be stocked on those days, but Assunpink will as well as all northern areas except the DWGNRA. Colliers Mills and Assunpink are the only central region areas that will be stocked on ALL the above dates and in the southern region all areas except Mad Horse, Winslow and Heilerville will get pheasants on all the above dates. Peaslee and Greenwood will get quail on all dates mentioned.

Friday, November 30, 2012

A DIM BULB

There was a story in the local weekly up in northeastern Pa. that tells of a guy trying to haul a 600-pound dead bear out of the woods, by himself. Worried that he didn't show up at home at a normal time they sent some searchers and found him, and his recently dispatched bruin.
A little investigating found the reason he wanted to go solo...his hunting site was baited with old pastries discarded by a local store. That's agin' the law in those parts so he was busted.

DEER EXAMS

Some sports hunting in Pennsylvania this season are required to take their tagged whitetail to a check station...sounds like the New Jersey system up to last year.
But it's not for recording numbers or deer age, but the incidious chronic wasting disease and the area is a 600-square-mile disease management area surrounding a farm that raised two infected animals.
"We're thrilled by the level of compliance from our hunters, they've been very friendly and cooperative," said an officer of the Pennsylvania Game Commission.

Saturday, November 17, 2012

MEDHADEN ALERT

Medhaden Defenders.org is a group dedicated to limiting commercial harvesting of the popular baitfish, aka bunker.
The organization says "...the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission has never implemented regulations to protect spawning medhaden from the industrial Chesapeake Bay-based company known as Omega Protein, which turns the fish into meal and oil, shipping most of it overseas.
"The medhaden population is in trouble," says the group.
For information check out YouTube.com/medhadendefenders or call Capt. Paul Eidman at (732) 614-3373 or go to paulyfish@reeltherapy.com.

Sunday, November 11, 2012

STORM DAMAGED BOATS, MARINAS

A friend e-mailed to say he had his boat, docked in Sea Bright, out of the water and up on blocks before the storm....it went missing anyhow and was later found by the Coast Guard, washed ashore some distance away on the Navesink River.
There's a survey you can fill out if you had boat, recreational or commercial, or marina, etc. damaged by Sandy. Go to the New Jersey Outdoor Alliance website for information.

STILL SOME BUGS

Just when I thought things were all hunky dory as the power finally came back on at 3:30 p.m. Saturday, 13 days after Sandy hit, the main computer crashed and I got that dreaded blue screen....thus back to setting up the downstairs laptop and having a hell of a time trying to get into this blog....what next, a swarm of locusts?
Anyway, will try to get a few items on here this morning.
hope all have power back or asap.
rick

Sunday, October 14, 2012

TOURNEY TOPPERS

Local and area anglers were winners and among the 550 surf fishermen and women at the 21st annual Governor's Cup Surf Fishing Tournament at Island Beach State Park on Oct. 7.
Rain was in the forecast, but held off for the festivities where more than 130 fish were caught.
New Jersey DEP Commissioner Bob Martin and Lt. Governor Kim Guadango were there to greet the sports and take part in the awards ceremony.
Overall winner was Bill Sheppard of Seaside Park with a 20 3/8" bluefish. He won two rod and reel combos, an Orvis gift card and will has his name engraved on the Governor's Cup, on display at the park.
Locally, Tyler Contento of Ewing took first (teen, male) place in the Kingfish category with a first place fish of 13 6/8".
Justin Subramanian of Pennington copped first (teen, male) in the Blackfish category with a 16 5/8" fish.
Zoltan Egyed was a second place winner (adult, male) with a 18 2/8" blackfish. An identical size fish was also entered, but Egyed caught his fish nearly three hours earlier.
In the male child bluefish category, first place went to Jaden Ferry of Hamilton with a 17 7/8" blue.
The teen male first place winner was Tyler Contendo of Ewing with an 18-inch bluefish, his second top catch of the day.
Shore area winners included Dylan Schloles of Toms River, Taylor Warwick also of Toms River, Joshua Leeds of Oceanview and Nicole Kruysman of Forked River.
More than $130,000 has been raised in the tournament for conservation, improved beach access and education projects.
The event is run by the Division of Fish & Wildlife, Parks & Forestry, NJ Federation of Sportsmen's Clubs, The Jersey Coast Anglers Association and the NJ Beach Buggy Association.

Sunday, October 7, 2012

SHOWING UP PAYS OFF

We've always said one of the strong suits of the anti-hunting crowd is that they are vocal and attend meetings where agendas may threaten their viewpoint.
Sportsmen often take a "sit back and see what happens" approach to threats, and often the worst does happen.
Not so in a recent proposal by Marlboro officials to limit hunting in the municipality with some pretty severe restrictions.
Some 75 sportsmen, alerted by the NJOA and social media, flocked to the meeting and spoke in opposition to the plan.
Marlboro's proposed ordinance was withdrawn.
Good work and thanks to all who took the time and effort to attend.

Sunday, September 30, 2012

TUNE UP FOR BIRD SEASON

One of the side trips during a recent travel writers' conference in Bethlehem, Pa. was a visit to Lehigh Valley Sporting Clays. Naturally I signed up and toted my favorite .20 gauge and 100 rounds of No. 8's.
Alas, it was only a "fam" visit, meaning about a half dozen writers who were unfamiliar with the game got to shoot a half dozen shells at one stand. I was not happy, but invited back to shoot the full 17 stations anytime.
Lehigh Valley has 120 acres over an abandoned limestone quarry. It's a neat place to shoot and I've been there three times. Go to www.lvsclays.com for details or call (610) 261-9616.
If you want to save some money, you can shoot for free at selected wildlife management areas in New Jersey. Five of us had a great time recently at the Black River WMA outside of Chester. We brought two ground machines and two hand throwers, several boxes of birds and ammo and shot for free for about two hours.
Now's the time to shoot, before the general bird seasons open in November.
Have fun.

Sunday, September 23, 2012

DATES TO REMEMBER

Sept. 29 marks the opening of the squirrel and rabbit season and the end of the early Canada goose season. Sept. 30 is the deadline to claim fall turkey permits and on Tuesday, Oct. 9 fall trout stocking begins in Monmouth and Ocean county waters. Go to www.njfishandwildlife.com for details of releases and dates.

HHH NEEDS YOUR HELP

We know several diehard deer hunters who tag more venison than they can possibly use and generously donate meat to family, friends, churches, etc.
You may have heard of Hunters Helping the Hungry, a non-profit group that works with regional food banks to donate venison to those in need.
HHH has relied on private donations since the last grant was received in 2003.
To learn how you can donate, for a nominal butchering fee, go to www.huntershelpingthehungry.org or call the Division of Fish & Wildlife at (609) 292-6686.

Sunday, September 16, 2012

THIS JUST IN

I wish clubs and organizations would realize that they need to get any word out related to their activities or anything of interest to sportsmen well in advance of an event date or deadline if they expect tomely mention in a print column or even here.
Supposedly the state is proposing to ban RVs from Island Beach State Park. a major move if true.
We didn't get this in time to check it out with the state...It was sent by a friend who got the word from the NJ Beach Buggy Association.
If you know more, contact me at rikwrite@aol.com.
We'll have something for the next print edition column in The Trentonian.

OPENING SET BACK

For all those sports who look forward to a road trip up to the Salmon River to hit the Lower Fly Fishing Area this time of year, the usual opening of Sept. 15 has been postponed until Oct. 31 says the NYDEC.
This is due to low water conditions. This is the area right below the Altmar hatchery. The DEC needs to be sure enough salmon enter the hatchery to provide eggs for future stocking.
You can keep updated on the situation at www.fwfishlo@gw.dec.state.ny.us

Sunday, September 9, 2012

HUNTING BOOKLET OUT

The 2012-13 NJ hunting regs summary is out at most sports shops, some owners a tad miffed that there is now an automated check in system for deer via phone or computer. The sports shops that served as check stations generally liked the process since it put more people in their stores, much the same as the local deli has a lottery machine - serves the same purpose.
With the hunting rules booklet, get a copy of the new waterfowl regs also.

PA. SHOOTING PROBE

Pennsylvania Conservation Officers are investigating a shooting incident in Perry County. It seems a 26-year-old man was sitting along a footpath on State Game Land 170, had his back to a tree facing a stream when he felt something hit his left foot after a gunshot. He turned to look and saw a guy running toward the parking area and then a car drive out of the lot. The PGC says it was a "hunting related" accident. It happened Sept. 6. I wonder what the shooter was allegedly hunting? Not doves, which were open, with a small caliber rifle as determined by the foot wound. Only other species open were coyotes, groundhogs and porcupines.

PERMIT REMINDERS

NJ deer special permits went on sale Monday, Sept. 10. The bear hunting tag application process began Sept. 14.
While we mentioned that fall archery season is already open in most zones it will open statewide Sept. 29.

JOINT POWWOW

There will be a combo meeting of the NJ Fish & Game Council and the Nongame Species Advisotry Committee at 10 a.m. Sept. 26 at the Assunpink WMA.

Saturday, September 1, 2012

ARCHERS AFIELD

Summer is not officially over until Sept. 23, but the fall archery season is on in 29 zones and there's a little more than six months of opportunity to put venison in your freezer as the seasons go into mid-February 2013.
New Jersey hunters tagged 50,404 deer last season and bowhunters dropped 49 percent of them.
Remember that the automated deer check system is in place for all seasons now.

Thursday, August 23, 2012

DOVES AND DOES

Like New Jersey, Pennsy also has an early Canada goose season starting Sept. 1. But unlike the Garden State the mourning dove is considered a game bird across the river and there's a triple-header of seasons for those sports who want to get in on some fast wing shooting early in the year long before the pheasant and quail seasons begin.
Dove season, bring plenty of shotshells, runs from Sept. 1-29; Oct. 27-Nov 24 and Dec. 26-Jan. 5 in the Keystone State.
Meanwhile, doe permits are going fast with 13 management units already sold out. You can find the status of each zone by going to the Pennsylvania Game Commission's website. Google it.
If you have a spot to hunt in Bucks County, there are heaps of permits left in certain zones.

SCUTTLEBUTT FOR BOATERS

If I was a real boater I would have bought the nifty T-shirt I saw down in a marina shop on the Suwanee River in Florida.
It read, "Talk Nautical to Me, Baby!"
The only nautical terms I know were the ones learned in the Marine Corps..."port, starboard, head," etc.
For the serious boater the state has launched an interactive website with all kinds of scoop from rules and regs to where to find pump-out stations.
Go to www.njboating.org and take a look.

Sunday, August 19, 2012

SCAM ALERT

My colleague from New York State, outdoor writer Dick Nelson, was the target of an internet scam attempt. This was not the usual e-mail purportedly from a friend or relative locked up overseas and needs your money to get out of jail or the ones from Prince Kazbah from Lunaticovia claiming to be sitting on a half zillion dollars, but needs you wampum to "free up" the jackpot in which you'll share of course.
This con job involved the sale of an ATV, one that Dick was ready to buy until the deal began to smell fishy.
You can read Dick's account in his column by going to www.registerstar.com/columnists/outdoors/

HISSING MATCH?

The New Jersey Outdoor Alliance and the Recreational Fishing  Alliance have an interesting and entertaining tiff going on about which outfit better serves the sporting public. It's been a blog war of words between Anthony P. Mauro Sr.,  honcho of the NJOA, and Jim Hutchinson, Jr. of the RFA. The issue, in this case, how to handle the "pots off the reefs" situation when it comes to commercial fishing.
Neither of the two men are at a loss for words. There's enough verbiage between the two to fill half the sports section. But you can find the point-counterpoint arguments by going to www.anthonypmaurosr.webs.com/apps/blog/ for his side of the story and comments from Hutchinson at www.ammoland.com. Search around under "conservation" on the toolbar.
You can get the NJOA position by scrolling down the blog to "Summary: Turmoil, the Devil is in the Details."

Sunday, August 12, 2012

THE RIGHT STUFF

Fish & Wildlife says it published the wrong dates for the deadline to claim awarded permits and for the sale of leftover tags.
The correct dates are: Sunday, Sept. 30 for the close of the application period and the sale of leftover permits begins at 10 a.m. Oct. 2.

COUNCIL NEWBIES

Governor Chris Christie has filed two nominations for appointment to the state Fish & Game Council to replace outgoing members.
They are  Cathy Lynn Blumig of Somerset County and Joseph G. DeMartino of Ocean County.
These nominations are routinely rubber stamped by the legislature unless there are objections.

BIG BUCKS TOURNAMENT

More than $1.5 million was paid out in last year's Mid-Atlantic $500,000, called "boat for boat, the richest marlin & tuna tournament in the world."
The half a million payout is based on a field of 125 boats. Last year 117 were entered so the base prize was less, $468,000. The rest of the wampum came from the side bets, Calcuttas, and a $380,750 white marlin pro jackpot.
The Canyon Club Resort in Cape May is the host marina and for those who run out of Ocean City, Md. it will be the Sunset Marina.
All boats must fish within 125 miles of the Cape May sea buoy but there is no limit to the number of anglers, lines or teasers.
The event kicks off with  registration and a welcome cocktail party August 19 at both marinas. From Monday, Aug. 20 through Friday, Aug. 24 entrants will pick three fishing days from the five available.
For more info and how to sign up, call (609) 884-2400 or go to the official website at www.ma500.com.

WHY GO FISH?

A story on "The Fishing Wire" had a good quote in what was basically a plug for "catch and release."
It seems a golfer said to an angler that fishing in ponds on the course made no sense since he released every fish he caught.
The fisherman said he'd yet to see a golfer eat a golf ball, though "many certainly appear to try killing them with a number of instruments clearly conceived for murder."

Saturday, August 4, 2012

CRABBING NO-NO

Why anyone would want to eat blue claw crabs taken from the Lower Passaic River or Newark Bay is beyond me, but obviously some folks believe they have iron stomachs.
However the DEP says harvesting blue claws from those areas is dangerous and prohibited.
Studies have shown high levels of PCBs and other contaminants, including mercury, in the waters.
"There is no way to prepare crabs from these waters to make them safe for consumption," said Health Commissioner Mary E. O'Dowd.
That's good enough for me.

NEVER ON SUNDAY?

The issue of Sunday hunting has been going on for what seems eons in Pennsylvania with predictable for and against sides.
Now there's a new group, Hunters United for Sunday Hunting (HUSH) that was formed to challenge the legality of the ban on Sunday hunting in Pennsy according to a report in The Pocono Record.
It's odd that the group would pick "HUSH" as its buzzword since once of the objections to hunting on Sundays is to allow for a day of peace and quiet in rural areas.
But Pennsylvania still adheres to the old "Blue Laws" system in some areas. Just recently some state liquor stores opened for Sunday sales on a limited basis.

Sunday, July 29, 2012

NEWS & NOTES

That 47-foot sculpture of a horsehoe crab that was supposed to be sunk last week as part of the NJ artificial reef program? Didn't happen. The drop was postponed and will be sunk at a future date according to Fish & Wildlife.

Archers are advised to start their backyard target practicing. Bowhunting opens in nearly 30 zones on Sept. 8.

Wednesday, Aug. 1 is the beginning of the application process for the fall turkey season and  tomorrow, July 30, is the first day non-residents can mail in their Pennsylvania antlerless permit applications.

Registration is now open for the Governor's Surf Fishing Tournament Oct. 7 at Island Beach State Park.
Early registrants save $5 on the entry fee which is $15 for adults, 18 and up. It's $20 the day of the tourney.
Anglers 13-17 pay $5 and registration is free for ages 12 and under.

Go to www.njfishandwildlife.com for more info.

Sunday, July 22, 2012

DATA TO CHEW ON

Open wide - that's the best way to determine the age of a deer and the Division of Fish and Wildlife's White-tailed Deer Research Project with the help of the NJ State Federation of Sportsmen's Clubs and other interested parties have helped collect 226 deer teeth for aging during the 2010-2011 seasons. A quick look at the tables shows deer from a half year old to 13 and a half. You can find the study results at www.njfishandwildlife.com

DEER STUFF

With fall deer seasons not far off it's a good time to whet your appetite for September's archery hunting, as well as fresh venison in the freezer.
From 7 - 9 p.m. Aug. 9 state wildlife biologist Carole Stanko will explain the new automated deer check system, the effects of EHD on deer, last season's tally as well as any major changes in the deer regs for 2012-13. The seminar will be held at the Sergeantsville Firehouse.

Sunday, July 15, 2012

ATTENTION ARROWHEADS

An indoor/outdoor archery facility is being proposed and there are three potential locations:
The Black River Wildlife Management Area in Chester Township, the Berkshire Valley WMA in Roxbury Township or the South Branch WMA in Hunterdon County.
A public meeting on the proposal will be held at 7 p.m., Tuesday, August 7 at the Pequest Trout Hatchery.
You can make written suggestions on the project up to Sept. 7.
Write to:
Paul Ritter
NJDEP Division of Fish and Wildlife
26 Rt. 173 West
Hampton, NJ 08827

Sunday, July 8, 2012

BIG NORTHERN

A friend sent an e-mail with a photo of a 45-inch Northern pike recently caught out of the the Passaic River. The fish was released however and there was no info on weight, girth, etc.
The record Northern is 30 pounds 8!/2 ounces caught in 2009 from Pompton Lake.

Sunday, July 1, 2012

BEAR ATTACK

Some of the "animal rights" people are just plain loonies. a New Hampshire woman was mauled by a black bear with gouges and cuts on both of her arms requiring 25 stitches when attacked by a black bear while walking her dog.
The NH fish and game department wants to capture and kill (euthanize) the animal, but a local "bear rehabilitator" said, "it doesn't sound like a killer bear....rather than just shooting the bear it would be a good idea to take the time and make sure there's a good reason"
What, track down the sow and ask her what made her do it?
Fish and Game officials say they can't take the chance the bear will attack someone again.
That makes more sense.
Meanwhile there were bear sightings in Winslow Township, NJ, again, and in Vineland police, animal control and fish and wildlife are trying to capture as many as three bears.
On the feathered front, six wild turkey poults were rescued from a water drain in Millville.
They seemed to have gotten separated from the mother and confused, but all were fine when removed from the storm drain.

Sunday, June 24, 2012

WHAT A WHOPPER

This fluke wasn't a doormat - more like a throw rug. A 17 pounder, three feet long, was caught from shore by Phil Todd of Egg Harbor Township when fishing with his 10-year-old son according to the Press of Atlantic City. The Press "Other than Boat" contest previous record was a 16-pounder caught in 1973.

GROUP PROGRAMS AT PEQUEST

Now is the best time to schedule a summer, fall or early winter program at the Pequest hatchery and Natural Resource Education Center says Fish & Wildlife. This a year-round program f or schools and organized groups in grades pre-K to 12. For more info on these programs or to schedule one - held Monday through Friday rain or shine - go to www.njfishandwildlife.com/peqprog.htm. If that doesn't work try the search box at www.njfishandwildlife.com

BOAT INSPECTION INFO

Local Division 6 of the USCG Auxiliary inspected more than 400 boats during May - Safe Boating Month - according to Dave Kirk - PA Officer. He said 85 per cent of the initial inspections met both federal and NJ safety regs.
Records show there were eight boating fatalities in NJ and 22 in Pa. last year. Nationally there were 758 deaths with more than 230 alcohol related.
Division 6 will continue to hold inspections during the summer. Boaters should contact Dirk at dkirk820@aol.com to set up an inspection.

Saturday, June 16, 2012

BACK IN THE GAME

Grenloch Lake in Gloucester County is now open for fishing and other water-related recreation.
The popular Washington County lake had been closed since a fuel spill fouled the waters back in January. Some 26,000 gallons of diesel fuel leaked from a storage tank at a NJ Transit bus facility near the water.
Recent surveys since the cleanup showed no surface or fish analysis showed any contaminants present.
Good news for the local folks this summer season.

Sunday, June 3, 2012

HEAPS OF TROUT

There's still trout in them thar waters of the state, at least you have to figure all of the 620,262 stocked this spring haven't been caught. Even so, the catch-and-release factor means even more are still there. As long as water andweather conditions are favorable, you should be catching spring released trout well into the summer.
The state says 340,996 pounds of rainbows, brookies and browns were put into lakes, ponds and streams from March to Memorial Day weekend. These include broodstock up to nearly two-foot long fish. The average stocker was about 11 inches.
Go fish!

Sunday, May 20, 2012

ALL IN THE FAMILY

Dave Plichta Sr. and Dave Plichta Jr. of  Flemington took four winning trout in the recent contest at Round Valley Reservoir held by the Hunterdon Anglers.
Two of their lake trout and two browns were winners. There were no real lunkers caught however as the biggest overall laker was 3.85 pounds caught by Frank Capobianco of Dunellen. The largest brown was a 2.45-pound fish in the adult division. Jackyln Bridgeman of Keport caught a 2.45-pound brown also to win the junior division.

Sunday, May 13, 2012

FOUL CATCH

We've all snagged weeds, sticks and fishing tackle at one time or another, but a fisherman at Round Valley Reservoir won't ever forget what came in on the end of his hook. New Jersey State Police and the Hunterdon County Prosecutor's Office are investigating the discovery of "partial human remains." Law enforcement personnel will try to discover who that victim is.

BEARDED WONDER

Many turkey hunters save beards taken from gobblers, but a bowhunter in Onodaga County, NY collected a bunch in one shot. His tom had FOUR beards.

Sunday, May 6, 2012

A REAL GETAWAY

YOU MAY HAVE READ ABOUT MY RECENT TRIP TO THE BEAVERKILL IN THE TRENTONIAN PRINT EDITION OF THE OUTDOOR COLUMN AND THE PLACE WE STAYED OVERNIGHT. IF YOU WANT TO GET AWAY FROM IT ALL, THIS IS THE PLACE FOR YOU AND IT'S FOR SALE. THE CABIN, THAT WILL SLEEP SIX IN A PINCH, SITS ATOP A MOUNTAINTOP NORTH OF ROSCOE, NY OFF OLD ROUTE 17. IT'S A TWO-MILE DRIVE UP AND IT'S A ROCKY AND DIRT ROAD. A 4X4 IS MANDATORY, ESPECIALLY IN BAD WEATHER. THE PLACE IS HEATED BY A WOOD STOVE, BUT HAS WELL WATER AND A BATHROOM AND IS POWERED BY A GENERATOR AND SOLAR PANEL. THE PLACE SITS ON FIVE ACRES. DEER ABOUND. I DON'T KNOW ABOUT TURKEY. E-MAIL CATSKILLSCABINOWNER@YAHOO.COM FOR DETAILS AND PRICE.

Sunday, April 22, 2012

CLASSIC TACKLE

A lot of anglers crave old tackle, whether it be a vintage plug in original box or a four-figure bamboo fly rod with the name Leonard or Payne attached. One outfit I've dealt with over the years, with complete satisfaction, is The Jordon-Mills Rod Co. run by Carmile Lisella of New City, NY. His spring, 2012 catalog is just out and packed width "wish-list" stuff. To get on his mailing list e-mail him at clisella@aol.com. Meanwhile I've just acquired an old Heddon No. 14 bamboo fly rod, two tips, with a cloth case. If anybody is interested in buying same at a fair price (I really don't need another fly rod) e-mail me at rikwrite@aol.com.

Saturday, April 7, 2012

BE CAREFUL OUT THERE

Recent wildfires in the Pinelands have burned some 400 acres and are indicative of the high level of fire danger in our fields and woodlands. Dry conditions with little rainfall and windy days make the outdoors especially vulnerable to fires.
Trout fishermen and campers are reminded that campfire restrictions are in effect throughout the state and building a fire directly on the ground is prohibited unless in a fire ring of steel, brick, masonry or other non-combustible material.
The Forest Service says fire danger is very high in Burlington County as will as Ocean, Monmouth and Middlesex County, south of the Raritan River.
The danger is graded as "high" in Hopewell Township and most Southern counties.
The Forest Service says 99 percent of all wildfires in New Jersey are caused by humans.