Georgia game and fish [Vol. 6, no. 2 (Feb. 1971)]

GEORGIA

FEBRUARY,1971

~ fiiiiilo Bfish

February 1971

Volume VI

CONTENTS

An Education In Safety There's Good Hunting Yet! Catch 'Em With A Camera Yesterday's Traplines-Today's
World Midnight Music Sportsmen Speak Outdoor World Sportsman's Calendar

Jimmy Carter
Governor

Number 2
Aaron Pass 1 Bob Wilson 4
Ted Borg 7
Marvin Tye 11 Ted Borg 15
16 17 17

Joe D. Tanner
Director State Game & Fish Commission

COMMISSIONERS

J. B. Langford Chairman
Calhoun-7th District

James Darby Vice Chairman
Vidalia-1st District

William Z. Camp, Sec. Newnan-6th District

Rankin M. Smith Atlanta-5th District

Richard Tift Albany-2nd District

Judge Harley Langdale Valdosta-8th District

Dr. Robert A. Collins, Jr. Americus-3rd District

Clyde Dixon Cleveland-9th District

Charles L. Davidson, Jr.

Leonard Bassford

Avondale Estates-4th District Augusta-lOth District

Jimmie Williamson Darien-Coasta I District

TECHNICAL SERVICES DIVISION
Jack A. Crockford, Assistant Director Leon Kirkland, Fisheries Chief
Hubert Handy, Game Management Chief

LAW ENFORCEMENT DIVISION
Bill Cline, Major Deputy State Chief, Atlanta
J. D. Atchison, Major Deputy State Chief, Metter
David Gould, Major Supervisor of Coastal Fisheries
Brunswick

GEORGIA GAME & FISH STAFF
Dean Wohlgemuth Editor

Marvin Tye

Staff Writers Bob Wilson

Aaron Pass

Ted Borg Photo Editor

Margaret Howard Circulation Manager
Georgia Game and Fish i< the official monthly magazine of the Georgia Game and Fish Commission, published at the Commission's offices, TrinityWashington Building, 270 Washington St., Atlanta, Georgia 30334. No advertising accepted. Subscriptions ore $1 lor one year or $2.50 for three years. Printed by Stein Printing Company, Atlanta, Ga. Notification of address change MUST include both the address label from your latest magazine and the new address and ZIP code, with 30 days notice. No subscription requests will be accepted without ZIP code. Articles and photographs may be reprinted. Proper credit should be given. Contributions ore welcome, but the editors assume no responsibility or liability lor loss or damage of articles, photographs, or illustrations. Second-class postage paid at Atlanta, Ga.

Help Stamp In Better Fishing and Hunting

If you had the choice of buying a good fishing vest for

$10, or could get a better one for only $2.25, which would

you choose? Foolish question? Well, let's put it this way ... if you

could buy an annual trout fishing permit for $10 (or pay

$1 for every day you went fishing), or instead could pay only $2.25 for a trout stamp which would allow you to fish

every day of the season, which would you choose?

We of the State Game and Fish Commission think you'd choose the $2.25 annual trout stamp in preference

to the $10 permit. We hope so, because strange as it may

seem the $2.25 stamp would, we believe. provide us with

more actual income.

The reason is largely because most fishermen aren't sure

they'll go trout fishing often enough to make it more

feasible to buy the $10 permit than pay $1 per day. So

they buy the $1 daily permit instead. We take in about

$18.000 a year this way, but having a man on the gate of

each trout management area to collect your dollar has eaten

up a huge chunk of the "profits"... $15,000 worth.

We'd realize more of a margin of profit on the stamp.

and you'd be able to start fishing earlier in the morning

since you wouldn't have to stand in line at the checking

station. And the added profits would mean more money to

spend on trout management and stocking. instead of pav-

ing the salary of a man to sell permits.

You're sold on the trout stamp? Fine ... now on to the

next step. You see. the trout stamp is just part of the

package which will be necessary to provide needed extra

income for the Game and Fish Commission. to do a better

job for you. the sportsman.

Unfortunately. we can't always save you money in such

an obvious way. Yet. if your chances of success are better.

you'll spend less money on fruitless trips. so you're likely

to come out better after all.

In the lingo of the baseball writer. we have tossed up the

long. slow curve. now comes the high hard one ... the big

game stamp. Sure. it'll cost you more money to license your-

self to hunt deer. hut did you know that on the average.

one hunter in six killed a deer last year? The average

hunter spends I 7 days of hunting for each deer killed. and

he spends an average of more than $25 per day he hunts.

more than $400 per deer. Now. if his odds of getting a

deer were increased. even to just one in 16 days, he could

save $25 per deer. or much more than the stamp would cost him. (Last year's proposal was for a $5 stamp.)

The stamp would he just the instrument that would in-

crease his chances of success. because it would provide

more money for managing and protecting the existing deer

herd. and would allow for a stepped up stocking program.

Add to this the fact that there'd be enough income off

the big game stamp to help get a good turkey stocking pro-

gram rolling. The stamp would be required to hunt any big

game in Georgia. including deer. turkey and bear. The

Commission intends to begin a concentrated effort on

turkey management. similar to what has been done in re-

cent years on deer.

(Continued on Page 17)

ON THE COVER: Wildlife photography requires skill, planning, and, most of all, patience for truly outstanding results. Here Don Pfitzer utilizes some of the specialized techniques of outdoor photography explained by Ted Borg in his article "Catch 'Em With A Camera" on Page 7.
Photo by Ted Borg

ON THE BACK COVER: The brisk winds and uncrowded waters of late winter makes this an excellent time for sailing. This exhilarating sport requires warm clothing and a high tolerance to cold wind. Later as the weather warms, power boats and water skiers will join the sails as other recreationists take their turn on the water.
Photo by Aaron Pass

This close shave will probably make everyone involved a little more careful about safe boat handling. In this case, one of the operator's quick thinking in a bad spot has averted more dire consequences.



By Aaron Pass

Whether you're a rank beginner or a avoid is both an effective and forceful

person who has had considerable ex- tool to get the safety message across,

..

posure to boating, you're interested in the sport because you derive pleasure

but often from the standpoint of safety it is more important to know what to

from it. It's fun to boat. It isn't fun to do than what not to do.

learn of boating safety. That is, unless

Boating is a good example of an ac-

you have taken one of two boating tivity where doing the right thing at

courses which teach you how to get the the right time is vitall y important to

most enjoyment out of boating, and in avoiding misfortune and sometimes tra-

the process learn the safe, proper way gedy. A basic knowledge of correct boat

of handling your boat.

handling techniques is unquestionably

Most articles dealing with safety are the best safety practice on the market ; it

oriented toward what not to do for is that proverbial ounce of prevention

safety's sake. They are in effect "Don't" that helps you avoid rather than amend

lists which tell you how to avoid being a dangerous situation.

unsafe. Such an outline of hazards to

Pleasure boating has grown tremend-

Photo by Ted Borg
1

ously as an outdoor recreational pursuit in recent years. A cruise on any of the state's large reservoirs will quickly point out that you are not alone on the water these days, in fact it's usually downright crowded. Right along with the increased participati on in water sports for pleasure there has been a paralleling rise in the number of water related accident . These accidents, which cost thousands of dollars and several live each year, are caused for the most part by ignorance. Ignorance of the correct thing to do in a nasty situation, and the panic which generally leads to the wrong decision.
Three fishermen set out for a day on the water to enjoy their sport. The initial mistake of not having hea rd the weather report for the area, caused them to be caught on big water with a small boat in a sudden storm. P anic in the high waves caused the boat operator to try to turn around and head backthat was mistake number 2. A wave caught and capsized the boat, and they attempted to swim to safety. This was the third and final mistake for two of the three. Ignorance leading to panic in an ad mittedl y bad situation had tragic re ults.
Anyone who participates in any sport long enough will eventually run into a similar hairy crape. and at such times knowing what to do and the confidence that such knowledge breeds can be inva luable. There is no substitute for experience of course, but the gaining of experience can be a long and risky process. particularly for the average boater who has limited time to enjoy his sport. An excellent alternate is boating education . It does not replace expe rience, but it provides an excellent foundation on which experience can be sa fely accumulated .
One uch boating course is ably spon-
2

The U.S. Power Squadron offers an extensive boater education course called Basic Piloting. It lasts 12 weeks and covers topics which are very useful to the small boat operator.

Photo by Aaron Pass

sored by the U.S. Power Squadrons, an organization originally dedicated to the principle of promoting boating as a sport by teaching the fundamental principles of the art. The Power Squadron has turned today to promoting safety through teaching the same basic fundamentals of seamanship.
The course is called Basic Piloting, and both it and the course material are provided free. Lasting 12 weeks, the course is intended to help the novice boat operator get safely off on the right foot and to gain more enjoyment from his boat. The course is de igned to make the inexperienced boater aware of the many responsibilities and things he needs to know before venturing on the water. It also serves as a guide to make the learning process quicker and more
Of course you don't see any life jackets, they were left behind to make room for more people. This staged picture illustrates a point in boating safety but such an overloaded boat is not an unusual sight on any of our major reservoirs.
Photo by Ted Borg

beneficial to him.
The classes stress both safety and seamanship, covering a broad range of subjects the small boat operator will find useful and interesting. The safety afloat lesson, for in tance, is practical in nature. It covers safeguardi ng against fire, handling of fuel , use of radios, and under tanding weather reports and conditions. Covering both how to stay out of trouble, and what to do if trouble arises, this lesson is very important to both beginners and veterans alike.
The seamanship and small boat handling lessons are also very valuable since they cover the basic fundamentals of small craft operation. Everyone who use a boat, regardless of experience, is bound to learn something useful from these egments. Use of the anchor, maneuvering the boat, docking and mooring, and knots and rope care are covered in the seamanship lesson . The small boat section goes into detail about the type of boat commonly used as pleasure craft, emphasizing outboard motors and their maintenance, limitations of small boats, and handling the small boat in rough water. The material outlined in the e two lessons form the ba is for correct and safe boating.
To keep you boating on safe legal water the course includes lessons on government regulations and rules of the road. The regulations sect ion covers required equipment , documenting, licensing. and reports. Rule of the road explains right of way, signals between boats, and lights . This section gives practical instruction on situations involving other boats which are very necessary on today's crowded waters.
Getting lost in a boat on inland waters i usually little more than embarrassing, but it can spell serious trou-

The small boat operator needs to know many things about his craft and its proper use, one important bit of knowledge is "Rules of the Road". The Coast Guard Auxiliary Basic Seamanship Course covers this aspect thoroughly; here the
instructor explains aids to navigation.

Photo by Aaron Pass

ble in fou l weather. The charts and piloting cia s, and the mariner's compa s class are quite an aid to charting the correct course. These lessons cover chart interpretation, using the tools and charting a course. The compass class deal with u e of the compass, installation, and how to care for it.
The successful completion of this 12 week course will make one a reasonable competent sai lor with sufficient knowledge to handle most situations one would normally encounter. To find out where and when the next course starts in your area call the U.S. Power Squadron at 1-800-243-6000 toll free and ask for the phone number of the local district office. Georgia has Power Squadron courses in Atlanta, Rome, Gainesvi lle, and Columbus in the 17th district, and in Augusta and Savannah in the 28th district.
Another organization which presents boating education courses is the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary. This organization i made up entirely of volunteers, and though it i affiliated with the Coast Guard it is non-military. Created by an act of Congress, the Auxiliary promotes afety, effects rescues, and promotes better compliance with laws regarding boats and boating. The Auxiliary is best known for its Courtesy Motorboat Exam in ation, and for rendering aid to di. tressed boaters, but it conducts several educational programs also.
One of these is the Outboard Motorboat Handling class which lasts only two hours. In this very compact class e ion the ba ics of seamanship, rules of the road, and water safety are brought out in a way to provide maximum benefit for those taking the cour e. An interesting variation of this cour e is called the Hunter-Fisherman

boating course which is directed specifically toward the sportsman who has occasion to use a boat while hunting and fishing. These courses are the raw basics and they are short enough for there to be little excuse for not taking them.
Safe Boating is a somewhat longer course than the outboard motorboat class, lasting for three 2 hour lessons. It covers basic seamanship, aids to navigation and rules of the road. This course is also very basic, but it does go into greater detail than the shorter ones. More time is allotted for the discussion of each of the topics covered , and it is an excellent choice for the boatman
Good equipment is the mark of a
good yachtsman; this safety
equipment is all useful in safe small
boat operation
and some of it is
required by Jaw. An educated boater knows the value of
safety equipment and how to use it.

with limited time. This course is also used for the introduction to longer Basic Seamanship course.
The Basic Seamanship course is the Auxiliary's main instructional tool and goes into the fundamentals of boating in some depth. Seamanship, aids to navigation , and rules of the road are all covered at greater length, and the course also goes into maneuvering, and chart and compass instruction. This course is designed to be valuable to all boatmen with the emphasis on the novice, and through its application make the waters safer for everyone.
All of these courses are provided free by the Coast Guard Auxiliary as a public service, as a part of their overall program to promote safe boating. Anyone interested in attending these courses should write the 7th Coast Guard District, 51 S.W. First Avenue, Miami , Florida, 33130, and inquire about the nearest flotilla.
These courses dealing with proper boat handling are one of the best methods available to stem the rising number of waterborne accidents. The increasing volume of water traffic these days makes trial-and-error learning a risky proposition for the beginner and for those around him . Boati ng education cannot replace yea rs of experience but it can and does give one a tremendous headstart. Having learned the fundamentals of boat handling the average water sportsman is not only safer, his pleasure is greatly enhanced by his increased understanding of his sport. He is also secure in the knowledge that he can deal with an emergency if it does
arise.

3

THERE'S
GOOD
HUNTING
YETI
By Bob Wilson
Photos by Ted Borg
February is bound to be almost no sportsman's favorite month. Deer season is over, and it's still too cold and miserable to work up much enthusiasm over fishing. But that's a poor attitude! There's a lot of just plain good hunting left yet.
There are actually more game species that can be hunted now than game species on which the season is closed. Somewhere in the state you can hunt quail, grouse, snipe, rabbit, squirrel, raccoon, and opossum during at least a portion of this month. While most seasons will close on February 27, open seasons on turkey will be spotted throughout March and April in various areas around the state. Even in late April, hunters will be able to seek out the wily wild turkey in one portion of the state. Raccoon season never closes down in south Georgia!
Some hunters will be crunching through dead leaves, perhaps some snow, up in north Georgia in hopes of flushing an occasional ruffed grouse. Almost any hunter that has been startled by one of these birds exploding into flight almost underfoot will tell you that hunting these birds is well worth the effort, especially if he has been successful in downing the bird with a snap shot in thick woods.
Down in south Georgia, hunters will follow dogs or sweep through fields to drive up some of that area's numerous cottontails. Cottontail rabbits are so thick in many areas of south Georgia that farmers consider them to be pests and welcome hunters.
4

f{unters who enjoy following the yelps large bodies of water. Hunting cleared be released on Sapelo Island. On Sapelo,

of their coon dogs have looked forward land adjacent to these bodies of water the birds will be free from most natural

to the end of deer season. There are is most productive. These birds will not enemies, enjoy a very favorable habitat

hunters throughout the state who are hold for a dog, and hunters who insist offering an excellent food supply, and

dedicated to this particular type of on using a dog will have a number of should show a rapid increase in number.

hunting.

birds flush out of range.

Surplus birds from this flock will then

There is a vast range of types of Snipe have an erratic flight, which be trapped for release in selected areas

hunting available right now for the make them challenging game for the up- throughout the state. It will certainly

portsman. Let's take a look at the game land bird hunter. These birds flush take time before the results of this pro-

species that may be hunted and get rid close, generally IS to 25 yards, which gram will be seen but the future for

of that "end of the season" attitude this calls for a gun with a fairly open choke turkey hunting in Georgia seems bright.

early in the year!

and number eight or nine shot.

Georgia hunters really need no intro-

Quail will be fair game statewide The only other game bird on which duction to rabbit hunting. Cottontails

through February 27. On hunting pre- the season remains open is the wily are traditional game, and have been

erves scattered throughout the state, turkey. If there is an aristocracy of hunted by generations of rural residents

the season will remain open even wood land game birds , the turkey is and city dwellers alike. Whether the

longer, until the end of March. The clearly king. A hunter who manages to hunter likes to hunt behind a good rab-

daily bag limit of 12 quail will provide take one of these birds can justly be bit dog, or kick 'em up by walking the

a good day's hunting, even for those proud of his accomplishment. Extreme edges of cleared areas, cottontails are

hunters with dogs. While quail hunting natural caution , a keen sense of sight, fine sport and can be equally fine eating.

i best with a good dog, in good quail and surprising speed when alarmed, all Wherever there is suitable habitat and

cou ntry it is possible for two or three combine to make our wild turkey one of an adequate food supply, usuall y

hunters spread out in a line to walk up the most challenging of all game species. wooded and brushy areas bordering cul-



a covey often enough to keep things interesting.

Spring turkey seasons will be announced through the news media as

tivated fields , there are rabbits. South Georgi a is famous for rabbit hunting on

Down in south Georgia, plantation soon as they have been set by the Com- a grand scale, and rightly so. It is not

quai l hunts are often done on horse- missioners. Seasops vary widely in dif- at all unusual for a dozen hunters

back or with transportation provided by ferent sections of the state, but there are around a south Georgia field to take

wagons or jeeps. In the northern portion seasons open each yea r in some coun- their limit of I 0 daily. Rabbit season ,

of the state, hunters often walk up quail ties in each section of the state.

already closed in north Georgia, will

without the assistance of a dog. Which- The Game and Fish Commission is run through February 27 in south Georever way you may hunt, the sports re- currently instituting a program of turkey gia.

"

mains the same. When a covey of quail come up with a roar of wings, and your

management that is designed to increase Georgia's wild turkey population , and

Squirrels like rabbits need no introduction to Georgia sportsmen. Squirrel

heart thu mps, and everything seems to introduce the bird into areas that do not hunting is a southern tradition , and

move in slow-motion except the quail , presently have a huntable population. Georgia is no exception. Squirrel hunt-

you kno w you've got hunting.

Under this program , a turkey flock will ers are about evenly divided over the

Ruffed grouse hunting is a north be obtained through trapping and will question of suitable weapons, one group

Georgia sport. It calls for a lot of walk-
ing over some of the state's most rugged Bird hunting to many Georgia sportsmen means quail, and justly so. Georgia is widely
terrain. Shots are infrequent, and thick known as the quail capitol, and many out of state hunters visit our state to hunt this
.. cover favored by these birds calls for bird "Georgia style". fast shooting. Why bother to hunt them then, if it's all that difficult to get a

bagful? In a word it's the challenge.

When you get to feeling comfortable in

"

your position as a great bird hunter and regularly get two quail per covey rise,

go after grouse. They will bring you back to reality and put you back in your place.

Ruffed grouse seem to be on the increase in the Georgia mountains. Habi-

tat conditions are generally good, with an adequate food supply to support good numbers of grouse. However,

grouse are one of the most difficult game ani mals for game biologists to count or estimate their numbers. We can't really say with certainty that there are more or less ruffed grouse, we can

only say that there seem to be more of

them. Georgia hunters should have a good grouse season this year, but with

grouse nothing is guaranteed . The sea-

on will run through February 27, with a daily bag limit of three.

eason on Wilson's snipe will be open ~hr~ugh February 13, and the daily limit 1 e1ght. The e game birds are frequently found nea r lakes, ponds, and other

5

The rabbit population in south Georgia, with adequate food supplies and temperate weather is able to stand the hunting pressure of a long season and high bag limits.
Georgia squirrels are making a strong comeback this year after depletion brought on by a mast failure . With a good nut crop this year, the squirrels are back in the woods as thick as ever.

opting for .22s with scope sights and

the others sticking to their hotgu ns.

Another, and steadily growing group is

returning to the muzzle-loaders of old;

but then they are divided over the flin t-

lock vs. percussion question.

The squirrel population in Georgia

has made a quick comeback from the

recent mast failure and mass migration.

Where there are stands of mature hard-

woods located near a water supply, the

squirrel popul ation is usuall y good. The

statewide season is open through Febru-

ary 27, and it will take considerable kill for a hunter to take his daily b~g

limit of I 0 of these quick animals.

Raccoon hunters never have to wor-

ry about a season on raccoon in south

Georgia a the season is open year round

there, and there is no bag limit. In

north Georgi a the season will be open

through February 27, and the bag limi t

is one per night per person.

The biggest sport in coon hunting is

following the dogs and listening to the

sound of the pack. Coon hunting means

dog to the dedicated coon hunter, and

he puts in time, effort , and money to

make hi s dog or dogs the best in the

pack. A hunter has to participate in thi

type of hunting to fully understand, but

those who do won't trade it for any

other.

Opossum sea on will run through Feb-

ruary 27 with the exception of Coweta

County where it has already closed.

There is no bag limit on this animal ,

but few hunters seek them.

Hunters who put up their guns after

deer sea on. or after duck season, are

missing out on a lot of hunting. Seasons

remain open on some of the most excit-

ing and just plain fun game species.

Hunting season isn't over, and the

Georgia sportsman can enjoy the out of

doors while his ya nkee counterpart is

either clo ed up indoors or outside and

miserably cold.

~

6

CATCH 'EIYI

WITH A

By Ted Borg
Photos by the Author

CAMERA

Imagine walking down a backwoods

road on a nice spring morning and sud-

denly, a cottontail rabbit hops out on

the road just a few yards in front of

you. Slowly you raise your "weapon",

aim, and CLICK! Beautiful shot!

. Also think about sitting on a tree stand over a well used deer trail and


\

right below you walks a doe and her fawn. CLICK, another nice shot.
When you use a camera for your

Camouflage clothing is a good idea for wildlife photography. In this case, the d_eer
has just noticed the photographer, but not before he got his picture. Sometimes it
may be best to use a tree stand, just as if you were hunting.

hunting you don't have to worry about

,- season, sex, or bag limit. For wildlife

enthusiasts and lovers of the outdoors,

it is a very satisfying sport.

Hunters and fishermen should carry a camera along on their trips. Even if



the camera is an inexpensive model, it might give you an invaluable picture

that will be cherished forever. That

.. beautiful eight point buck, or the ten pound bass that didn't get away this

time will be worth remembering and

having a picture made right on the

spot. How many times have you said

"I sure wish I had a camera right

now"? There may be many good photo-

graphic opportunities on a trip even if

you did not make a kill or land a fish .
.. Good pictures don't necessarily come only from high priced cameras. They

are a product of attention to detail in

operating the camera, following instruc-

tions enclosed with the camera and with

the film , and using good common sense.

When using your camera, be sure you

have studied the instruction booklet and

have practiced enough so you can oper-

ate it easily. Being able to use your

camera without having to study it int~nsely each time you shoot will some-

t~mes mean the difference between get-

ling a picture or not. In the common

ense category, consider the fact that

a pictu re will appear fuzzy , whether ~ocused sharp or not, when the camera

s not held rock steady. Moving in as

close to your subject as possible for a

7

larger image size is always a good idea. If you don't have an exposure meter, you should follow the data sheet supplied with the film . Proper exposure should be easy if you follow instructions given by the film manufacturer. Keeping all of these things in mind while shooting is necessary for good pictures in an y situ ation. But after shooting a good bit, and becoming used to your equipment, this will become almost instinctive.
You 'll find it much eas ier, though , if you have a camera with a built-in ex posure meter. Particularl y with a single len reflex ca mera, a behind-the-lens ex posure control is very beneficial in getting correct exposures. This allows exact light measurement with any lens used and takes away the worry of wrong exposures.
Actu al photograph y of wild game in their natural habitat can be ea y or ha rd. The action de cribed in the first paragraph can reall y happen. In the sprin g when the ra bbits a re mating, the y will come out of the brush right in front of you. They sometimes eem half tame. Usuall y another rabbit will be nea rb y. The easiest way to photograph them is to have a 35mm camera with a telephoto len at read y while walking through the brush or down a road. A 135mm telephoto lens is a good all around lens for thi s, but a 200 or 300mm may give better result on these and smaller animals. But don't be afraid to try it with any kind of shutter box no matter how inexpensive it is.
Most sm all game in th e spring should be easy targets for photographers with a little perseverance. Quail will also be
8

Spring is a great time tor wildlife photography. This scene was taken with

It is almost impossible to get a decent shot of a deer hunter shooting his

a 35mm single lens reflex camera

quarry, unless you forget about hunting

using a 135mm telephoto lens. There was

and position yourself in a stand over-

time for two shots before the rabbit crossed the road.

looking a friend and the area where the deer is most likely to appear.

Fishing! Ah! That's where the action

is ! When bass, bream , or crappie fishing

with a friend , position yourselves as far

apa rt in the boat a possible. Most of

the time a normal lens wi ll be ufficient,

When hunting or fishing, a harness such as t . of Sport Fisheries and Wildlife is very handy.

0 s

by Don Ptitzer of the Bureau the camera against yol!r body

while walking, shooting, or any type of stre c ity, instead of bouncmg and

banging against everything. The camera is a a handy position to bnng up to

the eye for a quick photo. For an example of e f hunting action pictures pos-

sible while quail hunting, see "Quail For You" i onth's Game & Fish.

but a wide-angle lens will provide a better ch a nce of showing the fish in the water and the fi herman in the same picture. Be sure to have you camera right at hand or hanging from your neck. Get that action as the fisherman nets his fish or picks it up with one

ha nd while holding his rod in the other.

A medium telephoto lens such as a

I 05 or 135mm is good for clo e-ups of

jumping fi sh and to hoot the action in

another boat nearby. Try to stay away

from the overused "dead fish" picture

when possible. When showing the ca tch

of the day in a shot, tr y different an-

gles. Maybe a picture of one m an ha nd-

ing the string of fi sh f rom the boat to

another angler on the dock, or the fi sh-

erman straining at the weight of the big

walking the dirt roads through the woods, and be feeding. Look for them in the field s. As for squirrels, tame ones in parks may not be everyone's idea of wildlife, but they do allow good opportunities for shots. Alwa ys be ure to try to shoot where it looks woodsy.
Telephoto lenses are best for wildlife photography, but don't let the lack of them stop you . U ing long lenses requires tripods, gunstocks, or very teady hands. A 135 or 200mm lens can be

tring of bas or bream (Oh happy thoughts ) . Try tying the string of fish to a pole or something with the man holding the other end, now shoot with the camera closer to the end of the string. This adds perspective to the picture.
An underwater camera or a real cheapie i what you need for pictures of trout fishing if you get out in the water yourself. When shooting another fi sherma n, tr y to get in front of him , but

hand-held fa irl y easil y with a little con-

centration . A 300mm will be a good

deal trickier, but with determination

a nd practice, sha rp pictures are still

poss ible.

Action-fill ed hunting pictures a re bet-

ter than the shot of a man holding up a

dead animal. Qu a il , dove, duck, and

crow hunting are good for pix . When

hunting them with friends , position

yourself so you can cover one of the

hunters as he hoots at his ta rget. For

qu a il , stay to the rea r of the other hunt-

ers. This will allow you to cover the

hunter as well as the covey ri se. A nor-

mal lens on an inexpensive camera is

perfect for this. Even drop-in cartridge

126 cameras are usable. Most of the e

cameras have a shutter speed of around

I / 90 econds and can be used very

effecti vel y with a little care.

Squirrel and rabbit hunting action

is harder to accomplish because it is

difficult to get the hunter and the game in the arne picture. In a lot of cases you 'll have to be satisfied with a running rabbit shot or the hunter firing

This is where a telephoto lens comes in
handy while fishing near another boat. The distance was 50 to 75 feet and
the 135mm lens used gave a good

his gun. Don't forget the dog action on

image size. When you think the fish is

a rabbit hunt if the beagles are on the

coming up tor a jump, be ready to

job.

shoot just as it breaks the water.

not in his way. At the sign of a strike, forget your line and cover that action as he fights and la nds his fi sh. From the banks of trout treams a lot of nice pictures are possible, but don 't be afraid to step out in sha ll ow water to get a better angle . Being across a small stream from a fi sherman is alwa ys good if there is not much brush on the banks.
Don't forget the beautiful scenery you often encounter on hunting and fi shing trips. Look for ways to " frame" a scene such as looking out over a lake in the fall and shooting with a red or yellow leafed tree in one corner or may be both. A fi shing boat in this lake would make it a perfect hot.
ln " fr aming" a picture, you position yourself so th at tree limbs or leaves, long grass stems, po t or simil a r objects a re much closer to the camera th a n the ma in ubject. These framing objects are on the very edge, on either the side or top or both, of the actual picture. This adds a feeling of depth to the picture.
E ver tr y baiting birds in your back ya rd ? Use corn , peanuts, etc., and position yourself in a blind or window of your house. Al so ma ny nice bird shots ca n be made in the field s or woods. The problem here i th at birds are so small that a long telephoto lens is necessary to get a good im age size.
The type of film you shoot is dependent on wha t your uses for the pictures will be. If you wa nt to just how off the ga me you bagged or the fi h you caught. then you need a negative color or bl ack a nd white film th at provides prints when they are processed. On color slide film a medium to hi gh speed
9

film rating will allow for faster action

and / or lower light levels.

So far nothing but 35mm cameras

have been mentioned. It is the experi-

ence of the author that 35's are best

suited for outdoor and wildlife pho-

tography. There are other types and

sizes such as 2 \14 square reflex cameras,

large format box cameras and others.

For most amateur , it is felt that 35's

are more easily used and al o afford the

use of the widest range of lenses and ac-

cessories for a lesser price.

For the person who is seriously inter-

ested in wildlife photography and even

other type , Eastman Kodak Company

has available several Photo Information

Books for the beginner and the ad-

vanced amateur. Some of them cover

general aspects of photography and

some such as the "Here's How" series

deal with the specific how-to articles.

These cover techniques used for many

different individual situations, includ-

ing outdoor scenery, wildlife, flowers,

birds, and many others.

Whether you are a hunter, fisherman ,

birdwatcher, or just an all around

portsman , photography can be an inter-

esting and rewarding pastime. Even the

This fisherman has just caught a nice bass; note the camera hanging around the angler's neck. As his fishing buddy hauls the trophy in, the fisherman/ ph.otogr~pher drops his rod and reel, grabs his camera and takes a memorable shot. Th1s senes of pictures illustrates the importance of being prepared by taking a camera along on all
of your fishing and hunting trips.

guy that takes the film out of his camera every Christmas and vacation can record memorable times while outdoors.
The author believes that good pictures of wildlife in the field or a good hunting or fishing action shot is more

important and more satisfying than car-

rying home fish or game. But, of

This shot illustrates the points of a good scenic photograph. There is someone doing course, that is his job, and he's awfully

something in the scene, and the leaves in the foreground give it a feeling of depth. . glad.

)<~;>.

Without these, the picture would not have been as interesting.

10


..



This is the scene to be found on a late winter's night at W. L. Smith's store near Newnan . Smith and Terry Story have taken as many as 630 beavers in a single season.

Yesterda~'s 'rraplines'roda~'s World

By Marvin Tye
Photos by Ted Borg

In the earl y days of this country there was a hard y breed of men who opened many trails into the frontier. They carved out roads and established settlements th at were later populated by those with less adventurous spirits.
These men were the fur trappers who moved west in search of beavers and other animals whose pelts were market-

able. It would seem to most Georgia residents especially those who live in cities such as Atl anta, Macon , or Columbus-th at the day of the fur trapper was long past. This is onl y partially true. We do not have great tracts of wi lderness in our state. Nor do we have the great demand for beaver pelts and other furs that was evident in the fron-

11

tier days. Nevertheless, there are some residents of Georgia who make a large portion of their incomes from this pioneer-type profession.
One such man is W. L. Smith, a truck farmer, who operates a combination grocery and antique (Junque as he calls it) store on the Carrollton-Newnan highway. When the trapping season opens in the fall, you are more likely to find him in the woods than in the store. He has traps spread over an area that covers parts of 10 counties. When you do find him in the store, chances are he and his trapping assistant, Terry Story, will be in a back room skinning beaver, raccoon or some other furbearer. At times, the room can contain as many as 100 or more pelts of animals of various species.
Smith claims that he uses up to 600 traps . He says that he receives so many calls from farmers and other landowners requesting his aid in trapping bothersome beavers, that he cannot handle them all. He does not have permanent locations for all of his traps , but moves them around according to the abundance of game and the demand for his services. He may concentrate on one particular area for a week of two, then move on.
In their most productive year of beaver trapping, Smith and Story bagged
12

Terry Story, Smith's assistant, Jugs two beavers
back to the road. Skinning is usually done back
at the store.

W. L. Smith sets a large beaver trap that will dispatch the animal humanely. Smith puts out 600 traps over a 10-county area, and comments that as many as 250 of his traps are stolen each year by vandals.

630 of the large rodents . Smith's estimated total bag for this year is projected at 400. On an average, he says that he takes 900 to 1,000 raccoons per year and 200 to 300 foxes in an area where they are over-abundant.
Many Georgians are not aware that the state harbors a substantial mink population. Smith traps about 400 of these animals in a good year. He also takes 40 to 50 otters, 1600 to 1700 muskrats and as many as 100 bobcats.
Smith is the first to admit that trapping is not the method most likely to bring one great riches or even a substantial income. To a man who enjoys being outdoors and observing nature, the profession is one that brings a certain amount of satisfaction. Smith says that it's more enjoyable than a lot of other things he could be doing.
Trapping is not all entertainment, however. Smith must leave his house about 7 a.m. each day and begin making his rounds. The weather is usually cold and sometimes it will be raining. After a hard cold day in the field , the trapper must stay up until 11 or 12 skinning his catch.
How much does he get for his efforts? A good mink might bring $5 . Beavers bring from 75 to $12 per pelt. Smith usually sells them in a bulk package or "nose count" for $5 each. The decline of the stock market in recent months has adversely affected the price of furs. Story has taken a job in a local

Skinning the beaver is a chore that often keeps the trapper up until11 or 12
o'clock at night. Trappers put in a lot of long hours and have a number of
expenses to cover before they begin to show a profit.


All the flesh must be cut away from the
side so that the hide will not spoil.
This work demands skill and patience as a slip of the knife here can ruin a fine pelt.

manufacturing plant and does not devote nearl y as much time to trapping as he did before.
In addition to these problems, there is the theft of traps that makes Smith have to replace about 250 of these expensive items each year. He says that these are taken by people whenever they a re found.
The trapper loses very few days to bad weather. Heavy rains do not affect the water level in a beaver pond, but it does make mink trapping more difficult.
When GAME & FISH photographer Ted Borg and 1 visited the two trappers not long ago, Story showed us a heavy steel trap that closed with such force that it would kill a beaver instantly. Such a humane device is to be valued by those who appreciate these animals.
Due to protection in the past, the beaver has made an amazing comeback in Georgia and other states. Beavers are so abundant in man y areas , they are considered a nuisance. They are now off the protected list, but of course, may be trapped only during the trapping season, which began in November 20 and continues through February 27. Like other game or fur bearing animals, they will be protected by limited seasons or closed season if they are threatened with extinction in the future. Raccoons may not be trapped in certain sections of the state because of their low numbers.
Oppossum , muskrat, otter, mink, and skunk are protected by limited trapping seasons that generally run from late November to the Ia t week of February.
A summ ary of the current state laws and regulations on Trapping follows:
13

$"GEORGIA
TRAPPING REGULATIONS

any wildlife in this State unless it is the
kind and species designated in the rules a~d regulations of the commission: ProVIded, that it shall be lawful for any person
to .set steel traps within 200 yards of the res1dence or dwelling of any such person for the protection of livestock, poultry, or
other fowl or domesticated animals from any vermin or predatory animal, bird or fowl. (Acts 1955, pp. 483, 521.)

shall be liable for all damages done by them. (Acts 1955, pp. 483, 522.)
45-608. Penalty for violation of trapping laws.-Ar_ty violation of the provisions of the trappmg laws, including the rules and re~ulatJons of the commission, shall be a m1sdemeanor and punished as provided by law. (Acts 1955, pp. 483, 523.)

2602-.45 Trapping. (1) Raccoons may not be trapped in Carroll, Fulton, DeKalb, Gwinnett, Barrow, Jackson, Madison, and Elbert counties or any county lying north of these counties. There shall be no closed season for the trapping of raccoon in any of the counties south of the above listed counties. The trapping season for oppossurn muskrat, otter, mink and skunk shall 'be November 20, 1970, through February 27, 1971. There shall be no closed season on th~ trapping of fox, bobcat, or beaver in th1s .s.tate. No other wi ldlife except those ~pec1~1ed may be trapped at any time withm th1s State. (2) The use of traps on any wildlife man~gement area by any person not authorIZed by the Game and Fish Commission is hereby prohibited.
~7\r.orily Ga. L. 1955, p. 483 . Effective April II,
260-2-.46 Fur, Hide and Pelt Reports. Within ten (10) days after the close of trapping season, all trappers must report the number of furs, hides, or pelts whic h have been taken during the open season and the person, firm , or corporation to whom sold. Such reports must be made to: State Game and Fish Commission 270 Washingt<;>n. Street, Trinity-Washin'gton Street BUJ!dmg, Atlanta, Georgia 30334.
~7\r.only Ga. L. 1955, p. 483 . Effective April 11,
260-2-.47 Exportation of Furs, Hides or Pelts. Any person, firm, or corporation who shall ship, transport or otherwise conve}:' any. f~rs, ~ides, or pelts from any p_omt ~1thm th1s State to any point outSide th1s State shall file with the Commission a :eport of the number and type of furs, h1des, or pelts exported from this State and name and address of the person, firm, or corporation to whom such furs, hides, or pelts were shipped . Such reports mus~ be submitt<:d immediately after any sh1pment and failure to submit such a report will result in revocation of tlircaennsspeo.~tAedny. of~uros,thhei.rdwesis,e orcopnevletsyesdhipfpreod~ any . pomt . ms1de th1s State to any point o.uts1de th1s. State contrary to any proviSIOns of th1s regulation shall be declared cont~aband and seized a nd disposed of as prov1ded by law.
~'7\r.orily Ga. L. 1955, p. 483. Effective April II,
TRAPPING LAWS
CHAPTER 45-6. TRAPPJNG. 45-601. Rules and regulations governing trapping; specification of wildlife that may ~e trapped; trapping out of season; exception as to traps set near residences.-The commission shall, by the promuleation of rules and regulations, designate the kinds and species of wildlife that can be lawfully trapped during trapping seasons. It shall be u~lawful for any person, firm or corporatiOn to trap out of season, or to trap

45-602. Traps to be stamped with own
er's name; confiscation of traps not so
stamped.-AII traps set or used for the p~;~rpose of taking wildlife shall be stamped
w1th the owner's name in such a manner that the same shall be legible at all times.
Any trap or traps found th at are not s~amped as required above may be con~lscated. and destroyed by the commission,
1ts officers, and wildlife rangers. (Acts I 955, pp. 483 , 522.)

. 45-603. Emergency trapping; permits; no
hcense necessary.-Tn times of emergency, ~here the ~ealth a~d welfare of the people ll_l a locah.ty are m danger, the commisSIOn m~y 1ssue permits allowing trapping
by des1gnated persons in certain defined
local.ities for the purpose of protecting the
pubhc health and welfare. Such designated persons shall not be required to have a
trappers license to carry out such emergency trapping. (Acts 1955, pp. 483 , 522.)

45-604. Trapping upon lands of another

without consent of owner prohibited.-lt

shall be unl awful for any person to set or

place any tra~, or bait the same upon the

lands of, or m the waters adjoining the

lan~s of any .person, for the purpose of

takmg, captunng or killing any wildlife

upon the lands of another except during

the open seasons on such wildlife, and then

only after such persons have obtained the

written consent of the which written consent

owner shall

of be

tuhpeonlantdhs~

person who may be using or setting said

device. (Acts 1955, pp. 483 , 522.)

45-605. Confisc:ation of trapping equip

ment illeg.all~ used.- Tt shall be the duty

of the wlldhfe nangers to confiscate all

traps, pitfalls, deadfalls, scaffold, catch

snare, net, salt lickc, blind or other simi lar devices

pig, used

bianitevdiolhaotoiok~'

of the w!ldlife laws, rules a nd regulations,

and to d1 pose of :same as may be directed

by the commissiom. (Acts 1955 pp 0 483

522.)

'

'

45-606. Traps 1to be inspected within each 36 hours.-Ail traps shall be inspected within each 36 hours and anything ca ught therein shall be removed. (Acts 1955, pp. 483, 522~ .)

45-607. Reports1 to landowner of livestock or domestic animals caught; liability of trapper for damages.-Persons trapping
upon the lands olf another shall at once make the owner olf the lands a full written report <;>f the head of stock, fowl, or dog caught m the trap or other trapping device set by such persom, giving the date such stock, fowl , or dog was caught with full desrription thereoff.
(a) When dammge is done to any person's stock. fow.ls., dogs or like property, by reason of .bemm caught by said device, the one settmg <Or placing said devices

45-609. Killing mink or otter with firearms prohibited; sale or possession of pelts of animals so killed; exceptioos.-It shall be a misdemeanor to use any kind of firearm to kill or injure mink or otter or to possess or offer for sale any mink or otter pelts killed by any kind of firearm: Provided, that nothing herein shall prevent a person from killing any of said animals while they are destroying or damaging, or
about to destr<?Y or damage, such person's crops, domestic fowl or other personal property. (Acts 1955, pp. 483 , 523 .)

45-610. Penalty for violation of section

4?.609.- Any . person violating the pro-

VISion.s .of sect1o.n 45-609, which prohibits

the and

kt1hlehnpgososef smsiomnkoof rpeoltttserofwsiuthchfiarenairmmasl ~

so killed, shall be guilty of a misdemeano r

and punished as provided by law. (Acts

1955, pp. 483, 523J

45-611. Killing, taking or possessing

non-game birds prohibited; nests or eggs

of s.uch bir~s; exceptions.-Except as oth-

erwise prov1ded by the wildlife Jaws rules

and regulations, any person who shah kill,

take or capture or have in his possession

any wild non-game bird, or take or destroy

the nest or eggs of any non-game bird or

haye the sam~ in his possession, shall be

gUilty of a m1sdemeanor and punished as

prov1ded b}:' l~w: P~ovided , that any per-

son may sh1p mto th1s State birds mounted

for millinery purposes. (Acts 1955 pp 483

0

523.)

'

'

. 45-612. ~rapping. rabbits on own prem-

1ses.-Notw1thstandmg a ny provision of

trhei~su!aCthioanptetor

tohr~

Ca?n~ytraortyh,erit

Jaw shah

rule or be per-

miSS_Ible for an md1v1dual, members of his

f~mlly and te!lants to trap rabbits upon

h1s o~n prem1ses by employing a device "

or dev1ces common ly called "rabbit boxes."

No permit nor license shall be required

before engaging in such activities: Provided

that nothing contained herein shall be con-

strue_<) to author ize a person to trap a

rabb1t ou.t of the season provided by law

for huntmg rabbits in this State. (Acts

1964, p. 193.)

45-613. Removing wildlife from trap of

another.-No remove from

apneyrsloengaslhlyallsettakter~ppoasnsyesJsawor-



f~lly trapped wildlife without the permis-

SIOn of the owner of such trap. (Acts 1968.

pp. 497, 523.)

45-614. Penalty for removing wildlife !rom trap of another.-Any person violatmg a ny provision of section 45-613. which relates to removing wildlife from the trap of anoth.er, shall, upon conviction , be guil ty of a m1sdemeanor a nd punished as provided by law . (Acts 1968, pp.497,523.) )-Q

14

By Ted Borg
Photos by the Author

_. Take a clear fall night just cool enough for a jacket, with the stars shin-
.; ing and the air clean-smelling, then add the deep-throated bellow of a coon hound ringing in the distance, and you have the stuff dreams are made of for
the coon-hound man. H e'll be standing by his pickup truck,
fl ashlight ready and ears alert to single ,. out his dog from the pack by the dis-
tincti ve wa y he bellows. It's hard to "' imagine what it sounds like until you
have experienced it. By identifying the ba rk of each hound , hunters can tell which dog picks up the scent of a rac-
coon first , which is hottest on the trail and the one that trees the quarry first.
This is the contest. This is what keeps a coon hunter up until the early morn-
ing hours. A coon hound man loves his "' sport just as other sportsmen love their
particular kind of activity. He will raise his own dogs, be given one by a friend , ... trade with other hunters, and pay high prices for good registered dogs. Eight - or nine hundred dollars for a coon dog i not at all unusual. It gets higher, of ~ course, for truly outstanding hounds, but few are in this class.
Some coon dogs are registered with the United Kennel Clubs. These include both show dogs and hunting dogs. At a UKC field trial such as the BuUard Coon Club puts on twice a year, these dogs will be judged as best of breed, be t of show and other categories. The

Midnight Music jjj

real stars of coon dog circles are the

actual hunters, however. UKC regis-

tered and nonregistered (grade) dogs

are run in the hunts, although the regis-

tered dogs are the only ones that are

officially recognized.

The coon dog field trial is really an

excuse to get together with other hunt-

ers, to argue and brag a little and to see

which dog can trail and tree a raccoon

best. These trials are usually a social

gathering of a certain breed of men.

They are fanatics about dog work ami

they take their sport very seriously.

They work with and train their dogs to

make a good showing not only for the

trials but also for their own sport and

enjoyment.

You may wonder why a man would

love coon hunting so much. His wife

probabl y wonders too, as she goes to

bed at night while her husband is out

in the woods li stening for the bellowing

of his coon dogs. All that can be said

is that you have to try it to even begin

to understand. The sound of the pack

in full throat, the mounting tension as

the dogs run a hot trail , and the climax

signified by the tree bark are some of

the answers.

This is some of what it is all about,

but not all. There is all the companion-

ship on a crisp fall night of men drawn

together by a common love-coon

hounds. T alk to a coon hunter. see what

he says about it. Maybe he'll invite you

alo ng to share his fun.

>-=o>

The treeing contest at a coon dog field trial is competition based on a dog's ability to signal that it has "treed" the quarry.

15

Letters of general interest will be used as possible. Letters must be brief and to the point. The number of letters received prevents us from using all letters. When several letters on the same subject are received the editors reserve the right to use only those which cover the subject best.
DEER POACHERS DESPICABLE I just completed your article "Deer's Public Enemy Number One" in the December issue of Georgia Game & Fish and immediately wanted to say a big thanks to you for a job well done on something that was most needed. There is nothing more despicable than hunting deer at night with a light. I am an avid deer hunter-in fact you might say I thrive on the challenge of hunting deer. Believe me, my blood boils whenever I consider real hunters taking the easy way. I commend you for your article, and also the people who helped you stage your photos. It is time the hunters, safe, legal hunters, in Georgia and other states realize the danger that night hunters are to the traditional art of hunting. In my opinion, one caught fire-hunting should be barred from the field for a long time. Nothing so unsportsman-like could be deemed a mistake. It takes complete planning and daring to set up an illegal hunt! Thanks again for a terrific story!
John Littlefield Sports Editor Americus Times-Recorder
POACHERS SICKENING I have just gone through the most sickening season of all my years as a deer hunter (8 years). I was satisfied with my personal year, but what I am talking about is the illegal things that were going on in the small section of the state where I hunt. I am one of 23 members of the Alcovy Sportsman's Club and I just do not understand why people will do anything to kill a deer. I was riding down a small dirt road leading toward Jackson Lake and spotted a deer laying on the side of the road. I stopped my truck and found a large buck that had had its antlers cut of at the skull. As I was standing there looking at him, this man walked up and said, "How do you like him? I killed him last night and just found him before dark tonight." He showed mo his antlors and it was a very nice 8 point buck. This was the night before opening day. May I say that I, and thousands of other hunters, would have loved to have killed this buck sitting in my stand freezing to death. But not this guy, he had to get this one sitting in his truck with lights on, waiting for him to cross a small field (at night). This is just one way the laws of Georgia have been broken. I have seen and he::lrd men talking about does that were illegally killed and poached. I was not able to obtain anv information that would help any Game Warden, should I have seen any, which I did not. I just wish the hunters would wake up and soe that there are times and places for their type of hunting.
Lonnie Melton, President Alcovy Sportsman's Club

Gentlemen, Your article in the December issue about
poachers, brings to mind a letter I have been wanting to write you for a long time. My concerned hunting partner and I belong to a so called "club" with leased land in Jones County near Bradley, Georgia. We are true sportsmen and hunters but there are several of the "dirty lowdown coward deer stealers" which you described, in our club. We cannot say anything about it because we do not have any voice or seniority in the club. We simply pay our dues for the land in order to have a place to hunt.
To describe what I mean, just listen. I have heard one man boast several times that 5 years ago, he and a friend killed 15 deer off this land. This same man on this past doe day, rolled up in his truck with two does-boasting that he left three more in the woods giving him a season total of seven. I know for a fact that one more man during the first week of this season killed six bucks. A lot of people are going to think that I am exaggerating, but I and lot more people know for a fact that these and a few more instance are true.
The point I am trying to make is this. I have never in three years ever seen a game warden or state vehicle on this property. My friend and I have discussed this and we cannot figure why some of these people are not caught. Is it a shortage of wardens or is the state blind to the fact that this is happening? Believe me, it is happening.
In addition to an answer to this. I am also asking for help to protect myself and all "real" hunters from being victims to these fools' stupidity.
Thank you A Georgia Sportsman
NO PLACE FOR PARKWAY Promoters of the Blue Ridge Parkway Extension are following the usual pattern of a self-serving organization out of touch with the feelings of the people, glossing over obvious defects in their plans and becoming downright hostile when they are challenged by our all too timid conservation organizations. They are presently considering the re-routing of the Parkway because of objections raised to the proposal route. The obvious fact is that there is no feasible route for a Parkway in Georgia which will not do irreparable environmental damage. Georgia is not as generously endowed with mountains as its neighbors to the north, claiming mainly a single chain in its northeastern corner. One therefore cannot compare benefits and drawbacks with those of the existing Parkway in North Carolina, where one mountain range is followed by another. We are faced with two alternatives-routing the Parkway into the already settled and developed valley on either side, a choice uninteresting to the planners for obvious reasons of lack of scenic value, or sending it like a knife through the midsection of our only significant mountain range, gutting the Appalachian Trail- Reroute it, they say. Where? into the valleys? It chops through our prized management areas, its proponents making the absurd statement that it would "enhance" hunting by "protecting wildlife". Ask any game warden in Northeast Georgia what the bigest thorn in their side is. The most frequent answer-the jacklighters on the Richard Russell Highway. This is enhancing hunting? The route follows the high ridges over most of its length-the major pathways of the few remaining black bear and wild turkey, yet this group has the colossal gall to say that they are more concerned about disturbance to fish and game than our own Game and Fish Commission.

It begins its mountain section at Winding Stair Gap. Go there now-then in your mind imagine an asphalt highway under your feet. If the thought doesn't disturb you, there isn't a shred of sensitivity left in your soul.
It crosses Woody Gap. Listen carefullyyou may hear the old Ranger turning over.
Then along the Appalachian Trail and the upper reaches of the Chestatee Management Area to Neels Gap. Here we have an interesting phenomenon. "Grade separation structures at major intersections." With the Appalachian Highway also crossing here, tourists will be treated to the novel sight of a three tiered bridge structure within the narrow confine of the Gap-far more scenic than at present!
On to the present monument to the sacred cow of Tourism, the Russell Highway. Those same assurances of care did not prevent the yearly landslides, silting and jacklighting that make that colossal blunder an affront to every outdoorsman, be he hunter, fisherman, or simply a lover of nature.
Past Brasstown, where already other progressive minded people are moving asphalt up its northern flank in an effort to bring all Georgia under surveillance from the seat of an automobile.
The Rabun County folks are caught in a dilemma. The only reasonable route is right through the Little Tennessee River Valley. This is most of their taxable real estate, but being tourist conscious, they just can't quite bring themselves to oppose the project. It will not take our enterprising engineers long to figure out an alternate route-right up the flanks of Rabun Bald! An engineer in challenge, to be sure, but nothing which can't be accomplished with enough bulldozers and taxpayers' moneys.
There you have it-the only feasible route for the Parkway Extension. But rest easy. To quote the man, "There is no agency in the United States more concerned with the environment than we are". To our everlasting shame and to the detriment of all those who will come after us, 1 fear this is true.
B. J. Jackson, M.D. Gainesville, Ga.

STREAM POLLUTION

Another major source of stream pollution is top soil.

Fifteen years ago Peachtree Creek in At-

lanta flowed clear. Now it's liquid mud.

Ther<> arP. real estate developers and build-

ers in metro Atlanta who first clear land

areas of all trees. A major offender when 1

lived in Atlanta was

Real Estate.

The poor sucker who bought a house found

it setting on a clay lot. It might take 2+

years to get the grass back and 25 to get the trees.

The highway department has long been

another major offender. As soon as the road

berm is grassed over, along comes a road

maintainer (blade) and scrapes it off. In my

county large dirt fills are left unseeded

such as the Sugar Creek Road. Fightingtown

Creek used to flow clear, now a half inch

rain causes it to flow dirt red. But then as

it flows into the once beautiful (when the

Indians had it) Oconee River it is an open

sewer for the twin cities and the copper-

mine, yet it is an interstate stream.

It seems strange to drive through the

Oconee River gorge on U.S. 64 and see

millions of huge boulders in the wide rocky

stream as clean as a billiard ball. Acid-mud

wastes from the mine and domestic and in-

dustrial waste from Copperhill and McCays-

ville sterilize the stream.

Indians in the Cherokee Reservation near-

by m11st surely feel a lot of crummy people

took their lands over.

J. A. Boyer

Blue Ridge

16

Editorial (Cont.)
Help Stamp In B~tter Fishing and Huntmg

_In_

add~'teieodns

to a

the two minimal

stamps, the Comincrease on both

mhunu,ndogn annedcesfsisahryingrelviceennusees,towmhieceht wnosmu ldg

provt e d for the overall improvement

costs a1_1 the Commission's programs. Of

needed !fnyou do not fish for trout or hunt

cbo'1\u~rfes,mw1e hoyloeu

need not buy the stamps. package was introduced i_nto

the State Legistlature last year, but fa1led

to et off the ground . Observers. say the

ge rea on was because the b1g game

ptnaRmmeppomrteetdlwy,ithmadnisyfalavrogre i1n~sdoomwe~earrseaws.ere

unhappy because they felt t unfarr to pa;Y

of ~rn

a big game stamp to property, which, they

hunt on thetr said,. had not

been stocked by the Game and F1sh Com-

miWieolnl . now,

let's

look

that

over

a

b't 1

I n

the fir t place, whether the landowners

would have to buy the stamp to hunt. on

their own property may depend on JUSt

how a new bill, which may be proposed this year, is written. Under ~urrent l ~ws,. a per on need not purchas_e ~1ther a ftsh!ng

or hunting license for f1shmg or huntmg

on hi own property: Of co~rse, ~nyoll:e

out ide of his immediate famtly usmg h1s

property must have a license. But if he doe not need a license, he ~robably

wouldn't have to buy the stamp etther .. .

depending on how a bill is written. In the econd place, while actual stocked

deer may not have been placed . on his

property there were deer stocked m every

part of ihe state, increasing the herd and

thus preading deer over the entire state.

Deer stocked in management areas are the

nucleu of the resulting deer herd for many

miles around.

Stocking isn't the only factor, by a long

hot, on how good the deer populati~n

become . Of course, there must be deer m

the first place for them to increase ... but

wit hout good game management practices

and without protection, there can be no

hope of havi ng good hunting.

And what kind of management does t~e

ommi ion provide for deer on your

land? Well , we know from our studies,

how many deer are in your area and what

kind and how much food and cover there

i , and through our knowledge and experi-

ence, we can determine the wisest dates,

length of eason and bag limits to set for

your area.

Further. we participate in the South-

ea tern Wildlife Disease Study, which pre-

vent the spread of disease from deer on

your neighbor's land to your land. We

put forth efforts to control wild dog popu-

lation in your area, to protect your herd.

And we also protect deer in your area

from illegal hunting. The last sentence was

_hort, only a few words. But you can be-

heve that the actual carrying out of that

.. task is not short or easy. Many. many

hour are spent, into the wee small hours

of the night. Many men drive many miles

and watch many hours to see that deer are ~ot taken illegally. Without that protec-

tion poachers might wipe out most of the deer on your land.

And how many turkeys are there in your

area? Perhaps, someday we may be able

to put some in your general area through

money obtained through the stamp.

W!ll a b!g game stamp improve your huntmg? Wtll it be a worthwhile expenditure for you? We firmly believe it will. We need your support in passing this measure through the legislature.

-Dean Wohlgemuth

the
outdoor world
Boating Safety Study
A House committee to study ways to improve boating safety was scheduled to meet during the first week of January. Results of that meeting were not available by press time.
Basically some of the problems to be faced here were a Jack of personnel to effectively patrol the waters of the state and a lack of funds to get it done. This job is currently being handled by Game and Fish Commission Wildlife Rangers in addition to their regular duties of patroling wildlife management areas and enforcing hunting and fishing regulations. This added burden was probably only a small one as recently as 10 years ago because of the small number of pleasure boaters in the state then.
The number of boats has increased tremendously, while the number of rangers remains the same. According to official statistics, there were 10 000,000 visits made to Lake Lanier last year. There were 56 boating accident related deaths in Georgia in 1964. During the first seven and a half months of 1970 there were 81 drownings in the state. More personnel to enforce boating regulations and more knowledge on the part of boat operators could cut this figure considerably.
-Marvin Tye
Boating Classes Begin
Both the U.S. Power Squadron and the Coast Guard Auxiliary will start their spring boating education programs this month in an effort to capitalize on the interest spurred by the ninth annual boat show. The boat show is being held at the Atlanta Civic Center Exhibition Hall and representatives of the Power Squadron and the Coast Guard Auxiliary will be on hand to explain the boating courses to spectators.
The U.S. Power Squadron Piloting Course will be given in two locations in the Atlanta area this spring. A course will be taught at Dykes High School beginning February 15, and another course will start February at Rowland Elementary School in DeKalb County.
For further information contact the Power Squadron representative at the

Boat Show or call Ed Thomas, 627-2645,
or William Gillham, 351-5797. The Coast Guard Auxiliary will pre-
sent the Basic Seamanship Course and a Basic Sailing Course two weeks after the Boat Show. A meeting place bas not been set at the time of this writing, but that information will be available from the Auxiliary representative at the show, or call George Bird, Flotilla Commander, 938-0354.
-Aaron Pass
Sportsman's
Calendar

SMALL GAME MANAGED HUNTS SCHEDULE

Dates

Areas

Reg. Season Lake Seminole, Whitesburg, Allatoona, Altamaha (except

During

Butler Island), Cohutta, Grand Bay, Brunswick Pulp and Paper Co. (except during dog deer hunts)

waterfowl season, by permit only .. Altamaha (Butler Island)

Dec. 9-Feb. 27

.. Lake Russell

Wed., Fri. & Sat.

Dec. 11-Feb. 27 Fri. & Sat.

.Coleman River

Feb. 5-6, 19-20 Feb. 12-13, 26-27

.Chesattee . . . . . Lake Burton

Dec. 9-Feb. 27 . .. Piedmont Exp. Sta.

Wed., Fri. & Sat.

Jan. 2-Feb.27 .....

. . .Cedar Creek

Wed ., Fri . & Sat. only

Feb. 5-6, 19-20 . . . . . . ... Chattahoochee

Feb. 5-6, 19-20

.. . .. Blue Ridge

Dec. 9-Feb. 27 .. .. ..... . .. Oaky Woods Wed. & Sat. only

Feb. 2-6 .. Feb. 4, 5, 6,

. ... . . ..... Warwoman

11, 12, 13 . . . . . .Waycross State Forest

HUNTING SEASONS
GROUSE: January 16 through February 27, 1971. Bag limit three (3) daily; possession limit six (6). (260-2-.30 Amended)
QUAIL: November 20, 1970, through February 27, 1971. Statewide season. Bag limit twelve (12) daily; possession limit thirty-six (36). (260-2-.32 Amended)
RABBIT: November 20, 1970 through February 27, 1971 in all counties south of Carroll, Fulton, DeKalb, Gwinnett, Barrow, Jackson, Madison, and Elbert counties. Bag limit-ten (10) daily. (260-2-.33 Amended)
RACCOON: (1) October 17, 1970, through February 27, 1971 , in Carroll, Fulton, DeKalb, Gwinnett, Barrow, Jack-
son, Madison, Elbert, 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. (2602-.34 Amended)
SQUIRREL: October 15, 1970, through February 27, 1971. Bag limit ten (10) daily. (260-2-.35 Amended)
TURKEY Season-November 20, 1970 through February 27, 1971 in Baker, Calhoun, Decatur, Dougherty, Early, Grady, Miller, Mitchell, Seminole, and Thomas counties only. Bag Limit-2 per season.

17