GEORGIA
OCTOBER, 1971
h ~~ oaGEmORGBIA BII~-B
IS WATER SAFETY REALLY SERIOUS?
October 1971
Volume VI
Number 10
CONTENTS
Blackpowder Challenge Hunt the Hard Way 0 0 Women in Conservation Fall Revival Tailwater Trout ... . . The Great White Chattooga Sportsman's Calendar Outdoor World Sportsmen Speak
. Bob Wilson 1 . Marvin Tye 4 Dean Wohlgemuth 6 ... . Aaron Pass 10 Dean Wohlgemuth 13 .. . Wayne Fears 16
18 20 21
Jimmy Carter
Governor
Joe D. Tanner
Director State Game & Fish Commission
COMMISSIONERS
James Darby Chairman
Vidalia- 1st District
Rankin M. Sm ith Atlanta-5th District
William Z. Camp, Sec. Newnan- 6th District
Judge Harley Langdale Valdosta- 8th District
leo T. Barber, Jr. Moultrie- 2nd District
Clyde Dixon Cleveland- 9th District
Dr. Robert A. Collins, Jr. Americus- 3rd District
leonard Bassford Augusta-1Oth District
George P. Dillard Decatur-4th District
Jimmie Williamson Darien- Coastal District
TECHNICAL SERVICE DIVISION Jock A. Crockford, Assi sta nt Director
leon Kirkland, Fisheries Chief Hubert Handy, Game Management Chief
LAW ENFORCEMENT DIVISION
R. K. Fansler, Colonel Chief of low Enforcement
Bill Cline, Major Deputy Chief, Northern Region
J. D. Atchison, Major Deputy Chief, Southern Region
David Gould, Major Supervisor of Coastal Fisheries
PUBLIC RELATIONS STAFF Phone 656 -3530
Dean Wohlgemuth, Ch ief Editor
Bob W ilson Managing Editor
J im Couch Photographer
Morvin Tye Special Publications
Ben Gunn Audio-Visuals
Margaret Howard Circulation
Aaron Pass Press Services
Georgia G etme and Fish is the officio! monthly magazine of the Georgia
G"lme and Fish Commissic n, published at the Commissi on's <""ffices, TrinityWash ington Building, 270 Woshingtc n St., Atlanta, Georgi a 30334. No advertising accepted . Subscr iptio ns o re $1 for one year or $2.50 for three years.
Pr inted by Williams Printing Com pany, Atl a nta , Go:~ . Notification of address cho nQe must include old address label from a recent magazine, new address and ZIP code, w ith 30 days notice. No subscription requests will ~e accepted without Zl P cede. Articles and photographs may be repr inted wnen proper cred it g iven. Contribut ions ore welcome, but the editors assume no responsibility or liability for loss or damage of articles, photographs, or illustrations. Second -doss postos;e paid ot Atlanta , Go .
Let's get downright serious for a moment ... just how serious is the boating safety situation nowadays?
If you doubt that boating safety is a problem, then read these two sentences from John A. Volpe, Secretary of the U. S. Department of Transportation, which pretty " well answers the question in short order :
" More Americans die in recreational boating than in any other form of transportation except the automobile. During the past five years, 7,000 pleasure boaters died in accidents."
Can you now argue that the problem is serious?
Further, for every boating death, there are many, ,.
many more accidents resulting in injury, than there are fatal accidents. And again, many more times as many accidents involving damage to property but no physical , injury.
And Georgia's boating safety record is by no means one to brag about.
If you stiii don't believe that safe boating or the lack . ~ thereof is serious in Georgia, you should certainly spend a summer weekend in a very small boat on nearly any of our major reservoirs, particularly Allatoona, Lanier and Hartwell. All of these lakes are heavily patrolled, ' nonetheless you can see dozens of examples of dangerous, reckless operation on any summer weekend. It is obvious that a relatively small percent of the boaters ~ have any real knowledge of how to operate a boat safely, and have even less knowledge of the meaning of the Golden Rule.
No attempt is made here to point the finger at any one size, class, speed or type of boat, for ALL boats are a hazard when improperly operated. You can drown or be killed just as dead in a rowboat or sailboat as you can in a cruiser or a fast runabout, and vice versa. Safety regulations apply to all boats regardless of type.
There are more than 45 million people in this nation now participating in recreational boating. That is about one fourth of our population. Georgia ranks high among the states. The three large reservoirs previously mentioned regularly rate among the 10 most-used lakes in the nation, Lanier normally being the country's busiest lake. Atlanta is known as the largest inland marine market in the nation.
Is the boating safety situation serious? Yes . Dead serious!
-Dean Wohlgemuth
ON THE COVER: Foil colors and o trout stream . It' s hord to imagine anyth ing that works better to soothe the frayed nerves that most people seem to wind up with after on~ther hot, hectic summer. For tips on successful autu mn angl ing read "Fall Revival ," by Aaron Pass, page 10. Fishermen frustrated by closed streams should investigate year -round trout streams, one of whi ch is described in "Tailwater Trout," by Dean Woh ltemuth, page 13. Photo by Bob Wilson.
ON THE BACK COVER : Statew ide squirrel season opens on October 16, and th is wary gcme animal will not sit out on his limb posing for the hunter a s he did for photographer Ted Borg.
PRIMITIVE WEAPONS
Photo by Marvin Tye
BLACKPOWDER CHALLENGE
By Bob Wilson
The hunter was relaxed, lying back on the ground, enjoying the outdoors while waiting for a deer. It was a good location, nea r the top of a slope, and he was well concealed in some bru h on the edge of a little bluff from which he had ao excellent view of the slope down toward the lake. Fresh tracks, less than two d::.y old, indicated the slope was used frequently by several deer.
The hunter listened to the sounds of the woods. From time to time he glanced at one of the numerous squirrels feeding on the forest floor. Several times particularly bold squirrels scurried so close that he considered
shooting one while waiting for a deer. After imagining what the .58 caliber minie ball that he was using would do, he gave up on that idea.
The two deer approached so slowly, stirring the debris on the forest floor in search of succulent acorns, the hunter thought it was just another of the noisy squirrels. The thought that a deer might approach fmm the top of the ridge above and behind his hiding place had never entered his mind. When he finally rolled around to look at what he thought was an especially brave squirrel, the two doe deer were within fifteen yards.
The larger of the deer saw the movement, gave a snort of surprise, and they were off for a clump of trees. White tails waving, they covered the thirty yards to the trees without seeming to touch the ground. A very disgruntled hunter still lay on the ground mentally muttering something not printable. Then one of the white tail's character traits almost led to meat on the table.
Deer are naturally curious. Cautious yes, but curious about things they haven't seen before or that appear unusual. Having gained the security of the clump of trees and brush, the larger deer just couldn't resist having another look at whatever it was that had interrupted their browsing. After all, it didn't seem to be dangerous; at least nothing had ha,ppened so far. Truthfully, the hunter didn't feel that he represented any danger to the deer either.
His gun lay beside him, pointed in the wrong direction. The hammer was at half-cock safety. Even if he could get the gun swung in the right direction without spooking the deer, he couldn't shoot w'hile propped up on one elbow. With a slow, smooth motion, he swung the rifle across his body. The deer stamped its foot.
The hunter slowly eased into a sitting position, hardly able to believe the deer was still standing there watching him. At last! He had managed to get his gun pointed in the right direction and get into a sitting position. All that remained was to move the hammer to full-cock, and draw a bead on the deer. He already had his aiming point picked-just behind the left foreleg, and a little high to allow for the distance. Raising the rifle, he pulled the hammer back.
The faint click that the sear made as the hammer reached full-cock was too much for the deer. Ears flicked back and head lowered, the deer whirled behind the brush, and the two deer bounded away. The hunter muttered and wondered if such things had happened to frontiersmen in days gone by. They probably had, he decided, but it was a good thing that he wasn't out to get enough meat to feed the settlement.
During the years in which the tradition of the American hunter developed, hunting was done more for subsistence than for sport. Our ancestors depended upon the success of the hunt for a major source of food. Hides and furs were important for clothing or as a source of additional income. Hunters were quick to adopt improvements in equipment and techniques that would produce results.
The metallic cartridge, smokeless powder, and the repeater added dependability and increased the hunter's chances of success. Tight chokes, three-inch magnum shells, auto-loaders, and telescopic sights are all available to give the modem hunter that extra margin for success. But does today's hunter really need it?
Nowdays we hunt more for sport than for meat for
the table. Oh sure, a mess of honey-gold quail is food
fit for a king, and venison steaks, wood duck, wild tur-
key, rabbit, or squirrel stew can make a delicious meal
that will be long remembered. But if the hunter has food
for the table as his chief purpose, he would be much
better off doing his hunting in the local butcher shop,
saving himself a lot of money, time and effort.
How to add to the sport and enjoyment of the hunt?
More and more sportsmen are turning to the muzzle-
loader. Proven effective hunting weapons by generations
of frontiersmen and market hunters, the old charcoal-
burner will make you a better hunter. Hunting skills
develop to overcome the limitations of the muzzle-
loader.
The hunter using a muzzle-loader rifle normally has
only one shot. He has to make it good! He learns to wait
patiently until he has a clear shot, and can hit a vital
area. Fifty yards is a good range for a muzzle-loading
rifle, so the hunter must learn the ways of his game, and
develop his woods skills so that he can get within range.
The hunter using a muzzle-loader has the satisfaction
of bagging his game on a more nearly even footing, of
meeting the challenge of self-imposed limitations, and
of equaling the feats of hunters in days gone by. He
will also get a jump on hunters using modem firearms
due to the special "Primitive Weapons" hunts and sea-
sons. Getting first crack at the Wildlife Management
Area hunts at the start of the season is reason enough
to take up blackpowder shooting in itself.
The hunter looking for challenge and sport can use
muzzle-loaders for hunting small game as well as deer.
Squirrels are traditional targets for the sharpshooters
using small caliber longrifles. The real traditionalists
insist on using flintlock longrifles, usually .36 or .38
caliber.
Squirrels, rabbits, and slow flying preserve quail
provide fine sport for the gunner using a muzzle-loading
shotgun. Since the shooter is hand loading for each shot,
he can make changes in the shot size or powder charge
to suit the situation. Almost all muzzle-loading shotguns
are cylinder bored and are best suited for close-range
shooting. Recess chokes can improve the pateming of
some such guns, and the use of plastic shot protectors
adds about one degree of choke.
Even ducks can be effectively hunted using a muzzle-
loading shotgun. This calls for long barrels and equally
long patience for the hunter to wait until the birds are
called into range. As few ducks as we get in Georgia, it
takes a dedicated sportsman to stack the odds against
himself this way; but if the market hunters of the past
could fill their gamebag this way, the modem hunter can
do likewise if he really wants to.
Muzzle-loaders used to hunt deer in Georgia must be
.40 caliber or above for rifles, or 20 gauge shotguns or
larger loaded with slugs or buckshot. The most popular
calibers are .45 and .58. The .58 caliber using the
minie ball is probably the best choice for the beginner
as it has tremendous impact energy and has enough
weight to buck through light brush if necessary.
For a real challenge in hunting, one that pays off in
great personal satisfaction and improved hunting skills,
give the muzzle-loaders a try. It's one heck of a lot
cl~!
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Photo by Ted Borg
E ven if muzz le-loading is not for you, you'll have to admit tir at a flin tlock longrifle such as this one can be a tir ing of beauty. 8/ackpowder purists insist on sucir weapons fo r squirrel hunting in th e fa shion of tir e early American frontiersman .
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HUnT THE
HARD WAY
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By Marvin Tye
Photos by the Author
If any hunter ever went out with the odds stacked .,. against him, it was a bowhunter. Only the man who masters the use of his tackle and learns the habits of the animals he hunts has any chance of consistent success.
For each opportunity that would insure success for the man with a rifle or shotgun, there may be 50 or more that the archer must tum down. He cannot shoot at long ranges. Brush that would not be in the path of a bullet will be in the path of the arrow on its arching trajectory and wiii deflect the shaft, causing it to miss the mark. The archer must make considerably more movement to shoot his weapon and thus runs a bigger risk of alarming his game.
Many people cannct understand why a person would want to hunt with a bow and arrow when it is so much easier, comparatively speaking, to bag deer and other game with firearms. The difficulty or challenge is the primary reason for bowhunting's growing popularity. Consistent accuracy with a bow and arrow takes much more practice than comparable skill with firearms. In addition, a certain degree of muscular coordination is required. The archer much also be able to judge distance and know how much his arrow will drop at 40 or 50 yards. He may have to aim several inches above his intended target in order to hit it while the rifleman will be able to aim dead on at a much greater distance.
When the archer has achieved a high degree of competence with his weapon, he has just completed the first step in becoming a bowhunter. He must learn where the deer are most likely to be found and know at what times of the day they will be moving from one spot to another. In order to get within 30 yards or less of a deer, the hunter must be able to move silently through the woods or have the patience to stand motionless on a tree stand for long periods of time. Hunting from a tree stand is the most productive method for the archer. He will see less deer from this elevated perch, but if it is selected with care he will be well within range of those he sees and will probably be able to get a shot at the animal , before it sees him.
The bowhunter should wait until he has the best possible chance to hit a vital area before shooting. He should not shoot when the animal is behind a bush or shielded by tree branches. This material will deflect the arrow and cause it to miss.
The best possible shot for an archer is the quartering away shot in which the animal has passed the hunter and is looking straight ahead. If the arrow hits in the vicinity of the last rib, it will angle forward into the lungs, heart or other vital areas and kill the deer quickly. In addition, there is less chance that the deer will see the archer drawing his arrow and run before the man can shoot.
Many a hunter on the ground has had that problem.
It is fairly easy to spot a buck coming from a distance
and raise your shotgun or rifle to shooting position and
hold it there until the buck comes within range then
squeeze the trigger. This takes very little movement at
the critical moment. The archer can raise his bow arm,
but he cannot hold a heavy bunting bow at full draw for
a long period of time. He must move when the deer is
within rock-tossing range and not spook it.
In addition, the bowhunter must be sure that there is
enough room to draw his bow and that the limbs will not
hit obstructing brush when he releases the arrow. The
gunman can simply shove his weapon through a hole in
the brush and shoot without fear of such things.
The bowhunter who must confine his activities to the
ground relies on camouflage clothing and scented mate-
rials to enable him to get close to his game. Georgia law
requires the use of a bow with a minimum draw weight
of 40 pounds. Those hunting the state's wildlife man-
agement areas must use broadhead arrows 7/8 inch
wide or wider. The wise bowhunter keeps his broad-
heads sharp enough to shave the hair from his arms.
Each bowhunter must have an archery license and a
big game license to hunt deer in Georgia. The archery
license costs $3.25 for residents. Non-residents may buy
a 10-day archery license for $12.50 or a season archery
license for $25.25. Big game licenses cost $3.25 for the
resident and $10.25 for the non-resident.
What does the bowhunter get for this price? Certainly
it is not a lot of game meat. He will have his share of
success and put meat on the table, but he would bag a
lot more game with firearms. The reward goes much
deeper than that. Bowhunters spend a lot of time in the
field. They really work for their game. Success figures
are low. Even on an extremely good area such as Clark
Hill the success ratio for 1969-70 was 9.4 percent with
255 hunters taking only 24 deer. The bowhunter enjoys
the thrill and challenge of the hunt and a tremendous
feeling of accomplishment when he finally bags a big
buck the hard way.
,_
Fully half th e enjoyment of archery hunts is th e
companionship of good friends around the fire
and stories of impossible shots or th e big one that got away. The other half of th e enjoyment of such
a hunt is th e solitude of a tree stand.
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D ENin
CONSERVATION :
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- Photo by Ted Borg
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By Dean Wohlgemuth
EDITOR's NOTE: Women are reaching out in all directions th ese da ys to find new freedoms. Many of these freedoms involve ways to make a living. And for some time, quite a few young girls have been intrigued by outdoor recreation and conservation, and wondered whether they could ever break into this apparently strictly man's world. They're doing more than wondering now. They are in it. This article, as a supplement to the recent series, "Conservation: A Career For You?" which GAME & FISH ran in the March through July issues, tells of the possibilities in this field for women.
Call it women's lib if you choose, but there's no doubt that girls are now seeking more freedom in their careers, looking for positions that only a few short years ago, even they themselves wouldn't have dared dream about.
And those dreams are now beginning to encompass the field of conservation. A surprising number of girl students have expressed interest in employment in conservation work. GAME & FISH Magazine has, in recent months, taken a long look at conservation employment in its series, "Conservation, A Career For You?" The series gave a thorough look at all phases of the field. The question arises now, just which of these jobs might be open to a girl inclined toward
This class of wildlife technology students includes Hilda .Hoskins, who looks for ward to a career in conservation.
Photo by Ted Borg
Beverly Clement, a Fisheries Biologist with th e Georgia Gam e and Fish Department, carries out a water sample analysis.
being a professional conservationist? The answer? According to one young
lady-who is in her chosen field of conservation-any field she chooses!
She is in a position to say this; she is a fisheries biologist for the Georgia Game and Fish Commission. Miss Beverly Clement is unique in this, to be sure, being the first and only girl biologist ever hired by Georgia. In fact, she may be the first girl ever hired anywhere, for a strictly field work position in fisheries . At least two other states have hired girl biologists, largely for laboratory work inside. One of these was hired before Beverly joined the Georgia Commission two years ago.
As is the case in any field formerly considered strictly a "man's world,"
Beverly found her career to present a lot of challenges. After two years in her position, she feels she has proven that a woman can handle a field position in a conservation agency.
Admittedly, some of these fields might present far more difficult challenges and hurdles than others do, but she remains convinced a woman can do the job.
"Of course," she adds, "it all depends on the woman. She must make up her mind she wants not only to be treated as an equal, but to be equal ... that is, to handle her share of the load. She must not expect or accept any favors.
"When I first joined the Commission, I felt there was a tendency on the part of the men with whom I worked, to sort of overprotect me. That is, they wanted
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Photo by Ben Gunn
Checking the progress of catfish in a rearing basket in the hot summer sun may not be everyone's idea of fun, but it's work that must be done.
Just standing and watching? Yes, Beverly has already done her share of work on this cold, wet population study.
to lighten the work for me as much as possible. I felt that if I was going to achieve my goals, I couldn't let this happen. For one thing, after a time the men might feel that it would always be necessary to make concessions for me, and because of this there could be resentment building up within them. Therefore I've always tried to do all of my own work, and to carry my share of the load . I think it is absolutely necessary that any girl in the field share this attitude."
Beverly also pointed out that there are several attitudes that are absolute "musts" for a girl in conservation work .
First, she must be looking for a career, .,
not just a job. She has to really want to be a conservationist and to dedicate herself to the field , and place it ahead of other goals. It must be a permanent career for her, not a short term employment.
She must realize that while she has some physical limitations, so do all other people; and therefore she must admit these limitations and ask for help when necessary. " If I have to lift something too heavy for me, I'm not afraid to ask for help. If a man were to be lifting something that was more than he could handle, he's ask for help. Why shouldn't I?"
How does a girl become interested in a conservation career? "Just the same as anyone else," Beverly says. In her own case, it was her biology class that brought out her interest.
She admits she received very little in the way of encouragement toward her dream , rather she met with a lot of discouragement. This was mostly after completing graduate work, when she went looking for a job. Many states where she applied told her simply and
.. flatly that they felt a woman could not
handle the position. Once she was employed, however, dis-
couragements diminished. "Sure, I've taken a lot of kidding, I've had to adroit some physical limitations and met with physical handicaps, but I feel that by now I've achieved, at least partially, tme of my goals. That is, to be recognited, not as 'that woman biologist,' but as 'just another fisheries biologist,' or more or less, just one of the boys."
Beverly's advice to a girl seeking a position in conservation is simple. First, check into what education requirements there are for the position in which you're interested. She added that this of course, is essential for everyone, not just girls.
Further, she feels that to enter such a field takes a girl that knows her own mind and knows exactly what she wants and is willing to work to get it. She em-
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phasized the "willing to work." As a sort of a pioneer in this field, she feels that every girl receiving such a job is obligated to prove that women can do the job and do it well.
A girl who wants a field position must also take into account that as, for example, a fisheries biologi t she'll find times she must wade in water and mud to her waist. She has to be certain she wants to do this type of work. She can't be squeamish, but then, "after doing all the things you have to do to get a degree in the various fields of biology needed , you're past being squeamish."
She must also realize that plans of marriage must be considered. A girl who chooses to remain single would have no problem, but a girl who plans to marry must take several things into account. "She'd have to find a man who would accept the fact that she might arrive home from work four or five hours later of an evening than he does, and that she might be covered with mud and fish slime," Beverly said. She added that a career woman might find it most desirable to not have children. Doing so J might well hinder her career and might discourage prospective employers who would not be overjoyed in giving extended leaves of absence when children are born.
She must also realize that her work will have unpleasant duties and situations, and she must not shirk from them. For example, it may be necessary to do some netting in very cold water in chilly weather. You may not relish it, but
nonetheless, in the overall pursuit of
your career you will enjoy it, Beverly assures.
Not all positions are as rugged as that of a game or fisheries biologist, though Beverly sees no reason a girl can't handle one of these positions, or that of a biological aide or even a game warden. Again it depends mostly on the girl, her physical capabilities and her mental attitudes.
Most young girls seeking work in the field of conservation consider the public information line. This, of course, does not depend on physical prowess nearly as much since the work is largely mental.
A girl with a background and education in journalism, and a genuine knowledge and love for the outdoors would find a much easier time gaining acceptance in that line.
Of course, those girls who are not inclined along these fields, but who have an interest in conservation, may find some consolation in being a secretary, typist or clerk for a conservation agency. Many such positions exist in all agencies, and though not by any means could they be called professional con-
servation positions, they allow a woman to be close to the field . In some areas, such as public information , a secretary or receptionist may find herself nearly as deepl y involved in public information and public relations work as the information officers.
Further, there are opportunities for a woman to aid in conservation even though he cannot make a career of it. If she is trul y interested and wants to help in the conservation cause, she can , as Beverly suggests, do these things:
-Write articles on conservation for newspapers and magazines.
-Vote for legislation and legislators in the best interests of conservation, and campaign in behalf of good laws and legislators.
- As a hobby or part-time avocation, become a wildlife and conservation photographer.
-Take an active part in as many con-
servation organizations as possible.
-As a mother, she can bring up her
children to know and love the outdoors,
outdoor sports and wildlife. She can en-
courage them to be interested in conser-
vation , and if not on a professional level ,
become good citizens to support conser-
vation cause .
The future, Beverly feels, will offer
more and more opportunities for women
in conservation, though the field will
most probably continue to be dominated
by men. onetheless, every woman who
gains such a position can, through dedi-
cation and hard work, open the field
even more for others who eventually
wish to enter it. Agencies who have had
good experiences with women in conser-
vation, will be much more likely to ac-
cept the idea of hiring more women in
the future.
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Can a career in conservation be a rewarding one for a woman? Beverly says it is, and we'll have to admit it certainly looks like she enjoys it.
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FALL '
" - By Aaro'oss
On the fourth attempt the fly finally slipped under the overhanging alders and dropped almost against the riverbank. It would have only about four feet of free float in the gentle bankside run before the stronger mid-channel current would catch the fly line and draw the fly under water. After a drift of only about two feet, the fly was engulfed by a small, but enthusiastic brown trout, and after a brief struggle the "frying-size" brownie was added to the creel.
The fish measured only about ten inches, certainly not a remarkable size, but there was another factor about his capture which made him unusual. He was taken on one of the most popular streams in the state, in early September, and there was not another angler in sight to rush over to share the spot. After the Labor Day weekend, the number of fishermen on the streams drops noticeably, and the angler can have the stream pretty much to himself. This is quite a contrast to the elbowto-elbow, standing three deep situation common earlier in the season ... and quite a bit more enjoyable.
The fall angling picture is generally good as the fish become more active and fishing begins to pick up again after the long summer slump. The trout angler can also expect some excellent action provided he makes allowances for the changed living and feeding habits of his quarry at this time of year. The problems of low, clear water and spooky trout are still almost as bothersome as they were earlier in the summer. The techniques used in summer trout fishing will still be productive in the early fall , with lures representing land insects and small fish being the top baits. The trout will still be wary from the summer onslaught so caution and stealth will be rewarded .
Later in the fall , as water temperature begins to drop, the trout will begin to move back into their favored haunts deserted earlier in the summer. The cooler tern-
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Fishing to th e fi sh is always a good idea, and in this case th e angler is casting to a run under overhanging bank vegetation. This approach takes fish but be prepared to snag a lot of lures in the brush.
Photo by Bob Wi Ison
peratures will also induce more feeding activity, and the fi sh will become less suspicious as the hordes of summer anglers are forgotten . The real key to successful fall trouting, however, is to know what to fish and where to place it for best results.
The trout moved to the deep holes and under the undercut stream banks earlier in the summer seeking cooler water and protective cover from the overhanging bank vegetation. They will remain in such spots through the early fall months because, normally the water will still be somewhat low and warm , and there is easily available food as well. This food is in the form of terresti a l insects and small fish to be found in these spots. Later in the fall , the fish will again scatter throughout the stream when the water temperature drops, then nymphs and small fish replace the land insects as favored food items.
There is no problem of the fly fisherman "matching the hatch" in the fall months, as there is no hatch to match . The major hatches of aquatic insects are over at this time, and the trout are living on whatever comes their way. Land insects, or terrestials as they are called, make up a large portion of trout food at this time. Flies imitating gras hoppers , inch worms, or any of a multitude of bugs which inadvertently fall into the water at this time of the year are al l good bets. These should be fished close to the bank, right up under the streamside cover, if they are going to reach the fish. If you are not lo ing a lot of flies while doing this type of fishing then you are either an expert fly caster or you're not getting close enough to get the fishes ' attention.
Spinners and spoons meant to imitate small baitfish should likewise be fished close to the bank cover. These lures can a lso be drifted through the deeper holes and " warn ' through th e back eddies of fast water with good results. As at any time a bit of finesse with the tackle wi ll pay off most handsomely ; splashing lures and lines will only dri ve the wary trout deeper into seclusion, as will the noise of careless wading. Any fi sh who made it through the normal fishing season is too wise to fall for
any morsel of food that acts unnaturally or is accom-
, ,. panied by a lot of disturbance. The wariest of all the trout is probably the brown,
who is well known for his ability to outsmart anglers. It
is also the brown which is the king of fall trout fishing,
and browns taken at this time of year will exhibit the
brassy gold coloring with scattered red spots which de-
note the spawning season. The brown is an avid insect
feeder and for that reason he is very popular with fly-
casters, but will readily strike any lure which looks like
food if it is well presented. The caution of the wild brown
is one of the reasons that he is able to withstand the high
angling pressures of summer to provide good fall fish-
ing. The brook trout is native to the east coast and also an autumn spawner. A male brook trout taken in the
...
fall will be almost pure black with red and blue spots,
possibly the prettiest fish ever to grace an angler's net.
The rainbow trout does not spawn in the fall but the
cooler water temperature will put rainbows on the move
again, actively seeking food.
In short the autumn holds some excellent fishing op-
portunities for those who pursue it. The leaves along
the mountain trout streams are at their best, changing to
the brilliant hues of fall, and the streams themselves
offer a high degree of quiet wild beauty. The fish are
actively feeding once again after their long summer
fast, and even the stocked fish will have been in the
stream long enough to make a good account of them-
selves on the end of the line. The crowds of summer
have gone leaving only the natural sights and sounds; it
is an excellent time to be in the woods.
Although Georgia's Management Area streams close
early in September, there is still plenty of good fishing
available on the general open streams until early Octo- ,.
ber. After this the several "year-round" trout streams
still remain for the fisherman who wishes to try some
late fall and early winter fishing . The fall trips are an
excellent excuse to go deer scouting, squirrel hunting or
simply get out in the woods at this exhilarating time of
year.
12
TAIL
By Dean Wohlgemuth
Photos by the Author
The second time the trout rose, Marty Fishburn was within casting range. He had taken a bearing on the first rise, and cautiously waded within range bent over low to be less visible.
With infinite care, he made three false ca ts, and dropped his fly in the center of where the rings on the water had begun.
The fly floated past, and he cast again. And again. Nothing.
Then, on the fourth cast, the trout took it. Marty snapped his rod back, setting the hook, then the slender 6\12 foot bamboo took a deep bow as the fish took line off the reel.
The trout raced downstream, and seesawed back and forth for several minutes, leaping three times. But now, it could no longer clear the water, only mc:ke a surface splash as Marty expertly steered it close enough to land it.
Marty lifted the fish for me to see. I breathed in the fresh air, cool for midAugust, and cast a glance up and down the river. The three fishermen we had seen, a quarter of a mile away, were gone. Now, the only anglers in sight were the two that had come with us, Jack Olden and Bill Kurtz, more than a half mile away. You could see more than a mile of stream in this flat , straight stretch.
Everyone has their own ideas about what good fishing water should be like. When it comes.to trout water, this writer likes a stream wide enough to cast a fly or a spinner without getting tangled in shoreline trees and brush every third or fourth cast, if possible. More important, there should be a substantial distance between fishermen.
That can be difficult to find in Georgia. Though there are some 1,000 miles of trout water in our state, most of the streams are tin y ... but crowded with < anglers. It's hard to find a pool or a run or a riffle that hasn't been fished at least five times by different fishermen by I 0 in the morning.
Pushed into a corner by various types of strea m alterations these days, fisheries management personnel have had to look
Th e Savannah River imm ediately below Lake Hart well may not offer th e rugged scenic beauty of a classic m ountain trout stream, but it certainly has th e trout in it , and it offers year-round fishin g.
into new ways to produce stream fishing for such species as trout. One of the best answers to this problem, in recent years, is to u e the cold waters drawn from the bottom of large reservoirs, in the tailraces. These waters are cold enough to support trout even in warm, "flatland" climates. And they"re usuall y big, wide streams.
Such a place is the Savannah River below Lake Hartwell. Here, the river bed is some !50 yards or more wide, though most of the actual water is not that wide, when the generators aren't running. It's pretty well scattered around large areas of rock at these times, and these are the times that you can fish.
When the power plant goes to work, the water is too deep and too swift in the Sava nnah for the fisherman, as is the case on most such streams.
An angler working tailraces for trout, even if he's several miles downstream from the dam, must always keep his eye on the waterline. If he notices any rise at all in the water level, he'd better head for hore as quickly as he possibl y can. The high water rolling downstream is dangerous while generators are operating. You can be left stranded, surrounded by water too deep and too wift to wade.
Since the Savan nah is the border between Georgia and South Carolina, both states manage the fishing. They take turns stocking trout at regular intervals. Also, as a border-forming stream, there is no closed season on this river. It may be fished any of the 365 days each year.
It struck me as ironic, that here at the headwaters of the Savannah, we were catching fat trout, while several miles
13
downstream anyone fishing would have to release their entire catch because of mercury pollution. Here, between Lake Hartwell and Clark Hill Reservoir, the water was safe, and the fish good to eat.
Before we had entered the stream about 8 a.m. that day, Marty had called the office at the dam and ascertained that a generation was scheduled for 11 :30 a.m. It would be about an hour later that the high water would reach us.
After Marty landed the 12-incher al- ,... ready described, he took two or three more nice trout while I spent most of my time following him at a good distance with a camera.
When his fishing slowed and I noticed a rise near me, I began working my ultralight with a spinner. Four or five casts later I was hooked into a trout that turned out to be a 10-incher. This whetted my appetite and I began working the rod in earnest.
We had started out by walking downstream several hundred yards, fishing back up to the bridge. We were near the bridge a little before noon, when I caught my trout.
I shot a glance downstream. Wow! A leaping trout soared high above the surface of the water. What a fish! I'd have sworn it was in the 20-inch class!
The fish was more than 200 yards away, in a large, long pool. It hadn't been easy to determine exactly where in the pool the fish had been. Reaching the head of the pool, I found a nice run and made a few casts. Spotting a small rise down about two casts, I worked into position and went after the fish, not sure it was the monster, but hoping.
Just then , the big rascal came out of the water again, still a good 50 yards below me! Again, I worked closer, closer, closer, ever so cautiously, trying not to
14
disturb a single stone more than neces- noon , not to that spot. We ate lunch leave. My aching legs found new
sary.
while the generators ran, then came strength to make the trip, knowing they
I was where I thought I would be able back as the water began to fall. But this were headed home.
to reach him with a long cast. Again, he time it was Jack and Bill's time to go Comparing notes, we had kept seven
came out of the water! I needed to be downstream, while Marty and I went up . trout. I had two 10-inchers, the smallest
about 20 feet closer ... if I could only Actually, in a way I'm glad I did , even we had kept. Marty and Bill had five
reach that last rock jutting above the though I didn't get another shot at the keepers between them ... both had re-
surface, right next to the deep water. lunker. I'll save him for another day. I leased smaller fish. Those they kept were
Just as I worked my way to it and did get to see more of the river.
up to about 14 inches. Jack was mutter-
prepared to cast, I heard Marty shout. I can't say the Savannah has the same ing something about yellow perch on his
The words weren't too audible, yet I rare beauty as a mountain stream, but I line so much the trout didn't have a
knew what he was trying to tell me. I did admire its ruggedness, its wildness. chance to hit.
looked at my watch and confirmed my The water was clearer now, after the The Savannah offers a challenge and
guess ... it was time for the high water generation, and there were many good a promise to the trout fisherman who
to reach us. And I had just reached that looking riffles, shoals, runs and pools. wants wide open spaces and good sized
fish!
Still working the camera more than trout. All three of my companions were
The temptation was too much. I the rod, I went fishless until late in the amazed at eeing a total of about six
looked around , and could see no change afternoon ... that is, I went troutless till anglers on the river, other than our-
in the water level yet, so I cast perhaps then. The Savannah has an abundance selves. They assured me they seldom
a half dozen times carefully. Then I of yellow perch, and I must have caught ever see anyone during a day's fishing.
lost my nerve. I'd been in tailwaters be- and released two dozen. And once I It's tough wading over the slick rocks,
fore and found myself surrounded by landed a nice bream!
and Marty told me that he and Bill both
swift water too deep for my waders. I My shoulders were aching under the have had to put their rods between their
got out, disappointed that I hadn't time weight of the camera straps and wader teeth and swim out in dangerously swift
to work longer on that big trout. But you suspenders, and I'd worked a blister on water, when an unscheduled generation
can bet I marked his location carefully my heel by the time Marty said "We'd caught them unaware.
before I left.
better head back, if we're going to make Still, to all of us, the Savannah is well
'
I didn't get to come back that after- the road before dark." I was glad to worth the effort it demands.
,._
Marty Fishburn, 011 the left, a11d Bill Kurtz check over o11e of the tailwater trout take11 from the Savannah below Lake Hartwell.
the
GREAT HITE_.:CHATTOOGA
By Wayne Fears
The Chattooga River is unquestionably the most valuable white water river in the southeast and one of the finest in the nation .
The Chattooga starts its way southward from where its headwaters form on the crest of the Blue Ridge in mountainous North Carolina, near the eastern side of Whiteside Mountain. The first 10 miles is in North Carolina, then it becomes the boundary, for 40 miles, between the states of South Carolina and Georgia. In this 50 mile rush of water, the river drops from 3360 feet to 891 feet for an average fall of 49 feet per mile.
The Chattooga River is one of the longest and largest free-flowing mountain streams in the southeast remaining in a relatively undeveloped condition. Roads cross the river at only five places and for most of its length it is hemmed in by forest of white pine, hemlock, and various hardwoods, without fields , farms or other signs of civilization. Due to the foresight of the U.S.D.A. Forest Service and the Georgia Power Company, the principal landowners, there has been a minimum of timbering within the river's corridor. The river is a part of three national forests , the Nantahala of North Carolina, the Sumter of South Carolina, and the Chattahoochee of Georgia.
Trout fishing on the Chattooga is an all year affair since it is one of the few southern trout streams where fishing is allowed year 'round. Many camping canoeists, fishing for supper, have gone into camp with a mixed creel of brown, brook, and rainbow trout. Also, many of the feeder streams, such as Warwoman, West Fork, Whetstone, and East Fork offer the fisherman an opportunity of solitude and excellent trout fishing in a wilderness setting.
Trips down the Chattooga River must
be planned depending upon the watercraft to be used, white water expertise, and purpose and length of the trip. Since there are no guides or rental equipment available for the river, careful planning is a must for a safe trip . Planning is best carried out by considering each section of the river that is between the road crossings. As was stated earlier the river has five road crossings-Bull Pen Road (Forest Service Road near Cashiers, North Carolina), Burrell's Ford (Forest Service Road off Georgia Highway 28), Russell 's Bridge (Georgia Highway 28), Earl's Ford (Forest Service Road near Clayton, Georgia), and U.S. Highway 76.
The entire section from Bull Pen Road to Burrell's Ford is in a completely natural state. It includes some beautiful but hazardous white water. This six mile section of the river should be floated only in rubber rafts. On this section is the point where North Carolina, South Carolina and Georgia boundaries come together. At this point is a rock in the river with the point and survey date carved in it by the surveyor. The rock is named for him-Ellicott's Rock. The Forest Service maintains trails in this area for backpackers. The trails start at Walhalla National Fish Hatchery on South Carolina Highway 107. This first section ends at a Forest Service campground at Burrell's Ford Bridge. This is an excellent campground for both auto camping and float trip camping.
The second section of the Chattooga starts at the campground and runs 10 miles to Russell Bridge on Georgia Highway 28. This stretch of river includes exciting but treacherous white water and is recommended for skilled white water canoeists.
The next section is said to be the best stretch of the entire river for trout fishing and it is the easiest- to canoe. It is
11'\
17
eight miles long and well known feeder streams such as West Fork and War-
Sportsman's Calendar
woman make, for the trout fisherman, a
dream come true. By using a canoe the camping fisherman could spend a long weekend on this section of the river. A
DOVES: Oct. 23 through Nov. 10; Dec. 18 through Jan . 15, 1972. Daily shooting hours, 12 noon prevailing time, until sun-
closed; Effingham , Emanuel, Evans, and that portion of Echols County lying east of U.S. Highway #129 and south of Georgia
detailed brochure on this section can set. Bag limit, 12 per day, possession limit, Highway #187 ; Glynn, Jefferson, Jenkins,
be obtained from the Forest Supervi- 24. At no time shall the bunter have in his Liberty, Long, Mcintosh, Screve[\, Wayne,
sor, Sumter National Forest, Columbia, possession more than one daily bag limit Washington, Tattnall, that portion of
South Carolina.
(12) while from the shooting area to his Lanier County lying north of the Seaboard
The section between Earl's Ford and car or home.
Coastline Railroad and east of the Ala-
U.S . Highway 76 has been assessed as more difficult, requiring experience in white water canoeing. Leaving Earl's Ford, steep ridges close in on the river
RAlLS: (Marsh hens) Open Sept. 4 through Nov. 21. Daily bag limit, 15 possession limit, 30. Shooting hours, from onehalf hour before sunrise to sunset.
bama River and southeast of U.S. Highway #221 ; and also that portion of Pierce Counj ty lying south of U.S. Highway #82 east of Ga. Highway #121 , and west of Ga. Highway #32. Bag limit two (2) bucks. Hunting
)
as it drops over rapids, around boulders
DEER (l) (Archery Hunt) Oct. 1 through with dogs allowed.
and down ledges. This 12 mile stretch Oct. 30, 1971 , in any county or part there-
DEER: Either Sex: Oct. 15, 1971 through
has been called the most beautiful stretch of white water in the southeast-unexcelled for both scenery and canoeing water. Near the end of this section of the Chattooga is a 10-foot high falls known
of having a legal firearms deer season. Bag limit two (2) ducks or one (1) buck and one (I) doe. Hunting with dogs prohibited.
(2) Exception: (Archery Hunt) Oct. 1
through Oct. 14, 1971 , in those counties and / or parts thereof (see Section 30) having
Jan. 1, 1972, the islands, except Sapelo and Blackbeard, and marshes lying east of the Intracoastal Waterway in Bryan, Camden, Chatham, Glynn, Liberty, and Mcintosh counties will be open for the taking of deer of either sex. Bag limit two (2) bucks or
as Bull Sluice. Many canoeists have lost their gear at these falls as they have an
an Oct. 15 opening firearms deer season. one (I) buck and one (1) doe. Hunting with Bag limit two (2) bucks or one (1) buck and dogs allowed .
,..
easy approach through fast water and one (I) doe. Hunting with dogs prohibited.
OPOSSUM: (1) Oct. 16, 1971, through
are hidden from view until too late to escape.
The last section of the Chattooga is 10 miles in length and considered very dangerous and only suitable for the most expert canoeist. Part of this stretch flows through an impressive gorge with cliffs rising over 400 feet on each side of the river. Enormous boulders and unusual
DEER: Buck Only: Oct. 15, 1971, through Jan. 1, 1972, in the following counties except as otherwise provided in Section 3I : Brantley, Bryan, Bulloch, Burke, Candler, Chatham, Charlton, except that portion lying northwest of the Okefenokee Swamp, which is closed; Clinch County, except that portion lying in the southwest corner of the county, bordered on the north by the Seaboard Coastline
Feb. 29, 1972, in Carroll , Fulton, DeKalb, Gwinnett, Barrow, Jackson, Madison, Elbert, and all counties north of those listed. No bag limit.
(2) All counties south of the above named counties are open year round for the taking of opossum. No bag limit.
RACCOON: (1) Oct. 16, 1971, through Feb. 29. 1972, in Carroll. Fulton, DeKalb, Gwinnett, Barrow, Jackson , Madison, El-
rock formations are common. Once a floating party is launched, the continuous rapids and sheer canyon walls make it almost impossible to get out of the river.
Camping is allowed along the river provided fires are used with care, a clean campsite is left, and trees are not dam-
Railroad and on the t!ast by Suwannoochee Creek which is closed and except that portion of Clinch County lying north of Arabia Bay Wildlife Management Area and between U.S . Highway #221 and U.S. Highway #441 which is closed, and except that portion of Clinch County lying north~ west of U.S. Highway #221 , which is
bert, and all counties north of those listed . Bag limit one (1) per night per person.
(2) All counties south of the above named counties are open year round for the taking of raccoons . No bag limit.
SQUIRREL: Statewide season is Oct. 16, 1971 , through Feb . 29, 1972. Bag limit ten (10) daily.
aged.
The Chattooga has scenic values which waterfalls. The river offers to those who
The great, white Chattooga has some-
cannot be duplicated and which deserve visit the feeling experienced by ex- thing for everyone who enjoys wild, un-
protection . Its course now runs almost plorers of a new land. At the same time spoiled rivers. Miles of trout fishing in a
entirely through forest land. Many feed- it serves as a retreat from the constant wilderness setting is becoming scarce.
er streams enter the river as 50-60 foot din of civilization.
The Chattooga contains some of the best
trout fishing found in the southeast.
Such a long stretch of white water rapids
suitable for canoeing is also scarce. The
Chattooga runs through a constantly
changing series of rapids with virtually ...
nothing in the way of eddies to slow the
boaters' progress. As if planned, the
white water is divided by relative ease of
passage by the road crossings. Thus the
river affords a good training ground, as
well as long stretches that test the skills
of the expert white water enthusiasts.
Because of the unique recreational op-
portunities afforded by the river it has
been studied for inclusion in the National
Wild and Scenic Rivers System. At the
public hearings there was little opposi-
tion to the Chattooga becoming a N a-
tional Wild and Scenic River. The study
is now in Washington and trout fisher-
men , canoeists, campers, and wilderness
seekers in general await the outcome.-
SMALL GAME MANAGED HUNTS
Reg. Season
Allatoona, Brunswick Pulp & Paper Co. (Special regulations apply to each compartment on this area. See regulations.), CarrollDouglas (Whitesburg), Coosawattee
(Cartecay Tract), Grand Bay, Seminole
During waterfowl Altamaha (ButJer Island) season by permit only. Dove, Sat. only during dove season except those Saturdays when managed duck hunts are held. Rabbits (See regulations.)
Dove only on Wed. afternoon during Sept. and Oct. seasons on designated sections.
Albany Nursery
Jan. 10-15
Arabia Bay
Dove (Restricted, Baldwin State Forest see regulations.) Other small game, In season.
Dec. 27-Jan. 1 Compartments A & B only.
Berry Schools
Oct. 23-30;
Blue Ridge
Dec. 18-Jan. 8
Oct. 22, 23, 30 Blue Ridge (Raccoon only)
Dec. 8, 11, 15, 18, Bullard Creek 22, 25, 29; Jan. 1, 5, 8, 12, 15
Oct. 16-30
Cedar Creek
Dec. 8-22; Jan. 5Feb. 26 Wed., Fri., Sat.
Oct. 23-30;
Chattahoochee
Dec. 18-Jan. 8
Oct. 23-30;
Chestatee
Dec. 18-Jan. 8
Dec. 10, 11, 17, 18 Chestatee (Raccoon)
Jan. 7, 8, 21, 22 Feb. 4, 5, 18, 19 Sat. afternoon only Sept. and Oct. seasons (Dove)
Chickasawhatchee
Jan. 5-29; Wed., Sat.
Clark Hill
Oct. 16-23; Nov. 20-27 Dec. 11-25
Cohutta
Oct. 16-30;
Coleman River
Dec. 8-Jan. 31
Oct. 16-23 Nov. 20-27 Dec. 11-25
Coosawattee
Oct. 16-Dec. 25 Coosawattee, Cohutta (Raccoon only) Sat. only
Dec. 20-Jan. 31 Lake Russell
Oct. 15, 16, 29, 30 Lake Russell (Raccoon only)
Oct. 23-30; Dec. 18-29
Lake Burton
Oct. 16-30 Wed., Sat.
Oaky Woods
Dec. 11-18 Jan. 1-Feb. 26 Sat. only
Oaky Woods
Oct. 16-30;
Ocmulgee
Dec. 11-23
Jan.1-29
Wed., Thurs., Sat.
Oct. 16-30; Dec. 8-22 Jan. 5-Feb. 26 Wed., Fri., Sat.
Piedmont Experiment Station
Oct. 16-30; Dec. 3-Jan. 1 Fri., Sat.
Pigeon Mountain
Dec. 4-Jan. 1 Sat. only
Pigeon Mountain (Raccoon only)
Jan. 3-Jan. 8
Suwannoochee, Alapaha
Oct. 16-30
Swallow Creek
Oct. 16-30; Dec. 18-Jan. 8 Feb. 3, 4, 5, 10, 11, 12
Warwoman Waycross State Forest
MANAGED DEER HUNTS SCHEDULE
(Hunts marked "QH" with a number are limited quota hunts. Number of hunters allowed is indicated. Hunters will be determined by drawings in advance of the hunt. For details on each area, consult the Management Area directory.)
Dates Nov. 1-6 Nov. 12-13 Nov. 1-5 Dec. 13-18
Nov. 15-20 Oct. 25-30
PRIMITIVE WEAPONS
Areas
Bullard Creek (Either Sex) Chickasawhatchee (Either Sex QH 300) Clark Hill (Either Sex) Piedmont Experiment Station (Either Sex) Suwannoochee (Either Sex) Warwoman (Buck Only)
ARCHERY (EITHER SEX)
Dec. 13-18
Alapaha
Oct. 25-30
Allatoona, Berry Schools
Oct. 11-16
Blue Ridge
Oct. 1-30
Brunswick Pulp & Paper Co.
(Lampa Dosia Tract)
Oct. 1-14
Brunswick Pulp & Paper Co.
(Sansavilla, Tyler, Atkinson, and
Harrington Tracts)
Oct. 4-9
Chattahoochee
Nov. 1-5
Clark Hill
Oct. 25-30
Johns Mountain,
Lake Russell
Oct. 1, 2, 6, 7, 8, 90aky Woods
Oct. 1, 2, 6, 7, 9,
13, 14, 16, 20, 21,
23, 27, 28, 30 Ocmulgee
BUCK ONLY
Dec. 27-Jan. 1 Nov. 22, 23, 24 In Season
Dec. 13-18 Nov. 29-Dec. 4 Nov. 22-27
Nov. 22-27 Dec. 1-4 Nov. 6; 8-13; 17-20; 22-27 Nov. 6-Jan. 1 Oct. 15-Jan. 1
Alapaha Allatoona (QH 500) Altamaha (Wrights, Cambers and Lewis Islands only) Grand Bay, Seminole, CarrollDouglas (Whitesburg) Arabia Bay Berry Schools (QH 500) Blue Ridge, Cedar Creek, Chattahoochee, Chestatee, Clark Hill, Coleman River, Johns Mountain, Lake Burton, Lake Russell, Oaky Woods, Ocmulgee, Piedmont Experiment Station, Pigeon Mountain, Swallow Creek, Warwoman Oaky Woods
Ocmulgee
Brunswick Pulp & Paper Co. (Special regulations apply to each tract of this area.
Nov. 29-Dec. 4 Bullard Creek
Dec. 3, 4, 17, 18 Chickasawhatchee (QH 300)
Dec. 6-10
Suwannoochee
Nov. 29-Dec. 4 Waycross State Forest
Dec. 8 Jan. 1 Dec. 11
EITHER SEX FIREARMS
Berry Schools (QH 250) Lake Burton (QH 400) Suwannoochee
Nov. 27 Dec. 27, 28 Dec. 27 Dec. 18 Dec. 29 Dec. 27, Jan. 3
ANTLERLESS ONLY FIREARMS
Allatoona (QH 250) Cedar Creek (QH 1,000) Clark Hill (QH 300) Lake Russell (QH 500) Oaky Woods (QH 500) Piedmont Experiment Station (QH 700)
QUOTA HUNTS: PUBLIC DRAWING: Permits for all quota hunts will be selected by a public drawi~g which will be held at the offices of the State Game and F1sh Commission in Atlanta on October 27, 1971. Participants will be drawn from all applications received in the Atlanta office of the State Game and Fish Commission bearing postmarks from October 4 through October 18, 1971.
No more than five (5) persons may apply on each one application and any person who makes more than one application for the same hunt will be disqualified from all hunts. Each applicant must enclose his $5 permit fee with his application. Those persons not chosen for the hunt will have their fee refunded. Those persons whose names are drawn forfeit their hunt fee, and no refunds will be made regardless of whether they participate in the hunt. No permit will be available at the checking station on quota hunts.
19
Chief of Law Enforcement Named
Col. Reginald K. Fansler of Augusta gion) will continue in their present
has been selected as chief of law en- duties.
forcement for the Georgia G ame and
The new state chief will supervise all
Fish Commission . Department Director law enforcement'for the Game and Fish
Joe D. Tanner has announced that Col. Commission, including the ranger train-
Fansler began his duties in September. ing program which was begun this sum-
He was formerly assistant commandant mer. He will be in charge of approxi-
of the U.S. Army Military Police School mately 225 wildlife rangers employed by
at Fort Gordon.
the Department.
The selection of Fansler is a major
Col. Fansler holds a B.S. degree from
step in improving the operation of the Michigan State University with a major
Game and Fish Department. Drawing in police administration and a minor in
upon Fansler's broad experience in law psychology; is a graduate of a traffic
enforcement work is a part of the over- management and safety course at North-
all effort to strengthen the professional- western University; and has graduated
i m of G ame and Fish personnel.
from several short courses in police op-
Three men are currently assigned as eration techniques, criminal law and
deputy chiefs for various areas of the police community relations under the
state. All three deputy chiefs, Maj or William Cline (northern regions) , Ma-
auspices of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and civilian police agencies.
'-
J. D. Atchison (southern region)
He was Commanding Officer of the
Major David Gould (coastal re- 4th Military Police Training Brigade at
Fort Gordon from 1963 to 1965, during
the
outdoor
which time he directed and supervised the training of 2,200 military policemen. He served as Provost Marshal in Hawaii from 1965 to 1967, and was Provost Marshal in Vietnam from 1967 to 1968.
world
In Hawaii he supervised police operations for a community of some 35,000 soldiers and civilian employees and fam-
Hunting license Requirements Ex plained
Joe D. T anner, Director of the State Bow and Arrow Hunting License
ilies. He was in charge of police opera-
.. tions for some 7,000 military personnel
in Vietnam. His duties in several of
G ame and Fi h Commission, has called
(small game only) . . . . . . . 3.25 these assignments also included adminis-
attention to Georgia s hunting license Big Game License (required in
tration and community relations. In his
requirements to help the state's hunters
addition to the regular hunt-
present position at the Military Police
avoid breaking game laws unknowingly.
ing license or the bow and ar-
School at Fort Gordon, he manages a
Some confusion has developed as to
row hunting license or both) . 3.25 school of some 700 students and staff
what licen es are required for hunting Non-resident hunting licenses are as and faculty of 600.
deer u ing various weapons.
follows:
His wife, Avis, is a resource teacher in
In order to legally hunt deer in Geor- Hunting License I 0 day trip)
the Richmond County School System,
gia, the hunter must have a regular hunt-
(small game only) . . . . . $15.25 working in special education and spe-
ing license or a bow and arrow hunting Season Hunting License (small
cial re2ding. They have three children ;
license depending on the weapons to be game only) . . . . . . . . . 25.25 Marilyn is a senior at the University of
used. ln addition, a big game license is Archery License (1 0 day trip)
Hawaii ; Susan is a sophomore at the
required this year for the fir t time for
(small game only) . .
12.50 University of Georgia; and Mark, 14,
hunting deer or turkey.
Season Archery License
is at home.
A hunter wanting to hunt deer or tur-
(small game only) . .
key with firearms and bow and arrow Big Game License (season) .
25 .25
"I was born and raised a country r
10.25 boy," says Colonel Fansler, "and have
must have the regular hunting license
Resident Georgia hunting licenses are always been oriented to outdoor living.
and the archery license in addition to available in all parts of the State from I trapped and hunted all types of small
the big game licen e.
almost 2,000 license dealers including game as a youngster and I still enjoy
The big game licen e i required of all most hardware stores, sporting goods small game and deer hunting." He also
hunters after deer or turkey in addition stores, bait dealers, etc.
enjoys fly fishing for trout.
to the regular hunting license or the
Re ident archery licenses, trapping li-
"In joining the G ame and Fish D e-
archery hunting license, regardless of censes, and non-resident licenses are partment I am pursuing my two favorite
the method used. Georgia hunters are available at some license dealers or from enthusiasms, outdoor sports and Jaw
limited to two deer per season , onl y one of which may be taken on a Wildlife Management Area.
the State Game and Fish Commission, Licen e Division, Trinity-Washington Street Bui lding, 270 Washington Street,
enforcement. I find this a very congenial and homogenous grouping of personal interests," said Fansler. "I feel
,.
The cost of the various resident Georgia hunting licenses are as follows: Hunting License (small game
only) . . . . . . . . . . . . . $4.25 Hunting and Fi shing
S.W. , Atl anta, Georgia 30334. Orders by mail should include the complete description and address of the applicant, with the proper payment. All licenses purchased during the 1971-72 season expire on March 31, 1972.
that I can make a contribution to the things that are important to people in the coming years, and that of course, is conservation of our God given natural resources. "
C o mbin a tion
7.25
-Bob Wilson
-Dean Wohlgemuth
20
Gun Safety Program A Success
LICENSE CONFUSION
In the July issue of OUTDOOR LIFE on page 30, the statement is made concerning Georgia
Hunters flocked into the Triple H Public Shooting Center at Locust Grove Saturday, August 21 , for a hunter safety course. This was the second annual such
hunting licenses, " An archery only license costs $3 .25. However, the archer may use a regular license for his bow -and-arrow hunting ." This means to some of us that if we hunt both with a gu n and a bow we need only buy a gun li-
event, sponsored jointly by GAME &
cense along with the big game stamp. I would
FISH Magazine, Winchester-Western and the Triple H Shooting Center.
JUNK IN JACKSON
Sessions began at I 0 a.m. with the
We are very concerned over the increasing pollution of Jockson lake. There just isn't enough
appreciate it if you would clarify this for us. C. D. Carroll Columbus
OUTDOOR LIFE has apologiud for the error,
final one beginning at 4 p .m . All during being done to slop it on the Alcovy and South and plans to run a correction soon. During the
the day, hunters crowded the clubhouse rivers.
archery season, an archer needs both an archery
.,
where indoor classes were held, and the There is also the matter of individuals that
five skeet and trap ranges where shoot-
use the lake who could help . On Sunday morn ings there is always a truckload of beer cans-
license and a big game license. During the gun season, a gun hunter needs a regular hunting license and a big game license. Archers hunting
ing instructions were given. Si Rickman , floating in the lake. Could signs be put up to slop during the gun season must abide by bag limits
district manager for Winchester Fran- this-with stiff fines for offenders, such as the set for gun hunting, and must have an archery
chise Operations, provided classroom in- highway uses? The cans could be kept in the
struction and he and Don Huie of the
boats and carried to the dock to be disposed of with the other camp garbage. Also there are the
license and big game license. A hunter using a bow during archery season and a gun during gun season needs an archery license, a regular
Triple H club gave shooting instructions. old docks, we have seen them dragged into the license, and needs buy only one big game
-Dean Wohlgemuth Tussahaw by big boats and dropped . These license.
docks float about and catch more trash. We cut up and burned our old dock .
SAVANNAH MERCURY
Book Review
We enjoy lak e Jackson and have a cabin in
have just finished reading your orticle
th e Tussahaw section . We have been there nine " Bridging The Gop " in the July issue of the
ARCHER'S DIG EST
years and will soon be retiring age. Sometimes Georgia GAME & FISH Magazine which I look
we nearly get swamped by drunks flying by.
forward to reading every month.
Edited by Jack Lewis
If possibl e will you please let us know what
Digest Books, Inc. , Northfield, Illinois . can be done . We take the monthly Stale GAME
320 pages. $5 .95
& FISH Magazine.
Ed T. Walkers
I am an avid fisherman and did most of my fishing in the Savan nah Rive r before it was closed due to mercury pollution . (The oreo where I fish .) I wou ld like to know the results of the
This book is labeled as an encyclo-
Forest Park This is an old problem . Government agencies
pedia for archers and it comes as near to have long sought a way to prevent the public
most recent lest made by the Game and Fish Commission and also when this river might be open to the public again . Haw often are the fish
living up to that claim as any publica- from littering . A new law against littering was being tested?
tion that I have seen. It consists of 32 individual chapters covering all phases of arc hery, but slanted somewhat towards the bowhunter. There is a brief history
passed by the last Georgia General Assembly, empowering the Game and Fish Commission to enforce laws against littering. Our rangers can and will make cases against persons caught violating litter laws. Of course, we can't be every-
I would appreciate it very much if you could give me th e above information.
Bill Brannen Statesboro We are continuing regular tests on the Savan-
of archery, a discussion of basics and a number of features discussing tackle selection and design.
Such off-beat subjects as Yabusame
where and see all violations. If you see someone littering, it would be helpful if you could get boat registration numbers or auto license numbers, and report these to your local ranger. We have now posted signs on most reservoirs stat..
nah . The latest test showed that most fish still contain a dangerous amount of mercury. At such time that fish are again safe to eat we will change regulations to permit anglers to keep their catch. Tests are being run at three-month
(the Japanese sport of shooting at specialized targets from horseback), flight shooting, use of crossbows and arrow speed are discussed. Bowfishing for carp
ing the rangers now enforce litter laws. We need the support of all persons in not only making certain that you yourself don't litter, but discourage others from littering.
intervals. Actually, Georgia Game and Fish Commission permits fishing in the polluted portion but anglers may not keep their catch. This is for your own protection.
and gar is described in detail. There are
chapters on hunting small game and big game in North America, Africa and Australia, and chapters on bow hunting as practiced by women and family groups.
Diffie afish
Send ch eck or money order to : Georgia GAME & FISH Magazine 270 Washington St., S.W., Atlanta, Ga . 30334
There is an excellent chapter on the
Check one
basics of bowhunting by Doug Kittredge as well as a chapter on the fine art of varmint calling by Jim Dougherty.
The Archer's Digest is an excellent book for the beginner and offers some interesting reading for the advanced
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archer as well. The descriptions of the
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