Georgia game and fish [Vol. 6, no. 3 (Mar. 1971)]

GEORGIA

MARCH, 1971

~ Oiiio ofish

MARCH 1971

Volume VI

Number 3

CONTENTS

The Call of Spring

Aaron Pass 1

"Wish I Had Your Job"

Dean Wohlgemuth 4

Let's Go Fishing ... Now Dean Wohlgemuth 8

A Look At The License Proposal Bob Wilson 11

Fast Shooting- No Limit

Bob Wilson 12

Sportsman's Friend

. Marvin Tye 14

Outdoor World

15

Sportsmen Speak

16

Sportsman's Calendar

17

Jimmy Carter
Governor

Joe D. Tanner
Director State Game & Fish Commission

COMMISSIONERS

J. B. Langford Chairman
Calhoun-7th District
William z. Camp, Sec.
Newnan-6th District

James Darby Vice Chairman Vidalia-1st District
Rankin M. Smith Atlanta-5th District

Leo T. Barber, Jr. Moultrie-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-Coastal 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

Bob Wilson Managing Editor

Staff Writers

Marvin Tye

Aaron Pass

Ted Borg Photo Editor

Margaret Howard Circulation Manager

Georgia Game and Fish ;.. 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 adver-
tising accepted. Subscriptions are $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 for loss or damage of articles, photographs, or illustrations. Second-class postage paid at Atlanta, Ga.

Conservation-A Career For You?
In just a few months, schools- both high schools and colleges- across the country will present diplomas to thousands upon thousands of youngsters. Some of these young people will begin the search for a job. Others will continue their education. And. of course. most probabh. many will have to enter the Armed Services. But by the same token some of these young veterans will be completing their enlistments and begin looking toward a career.
The questions in the minds of these young folk, to whom we must entrust the future, are many. Some know where they are going. career-wise. A great many do not. Some, just beginning college, still have ample opportunity to choose ... if they could just be sure what choice is the right one.
We do not propose that everyone should choose a career in wildlife conservation. However. there are probably thousands of youngsters who would like to enter this field, if they were more aware of the opportunities and requirements.
Good, qualified youngsters can be, indeed, hard to come by for conservation agencies. Most state and federal agencies would welcome more qualified candidates for positions they have open.
Therefore, Georgia Game & Fish Magazine has decided. with this issue. to begin a series of articles, which will answer most if not all of the questions in the minds of those sincerely interested in the field.
It is very probable that the answers may also guide someone already out of school, currently in an unsatisfying and unrewarding position, who wants to get into conservation work.
We know that many persons envy those of us who do work in conservation. That is why we came up with the title. "Wish I Had Your Job," written by your editor. for the first of this series. There probably isn't an employe of a conservation department anywhere who hasn't been told this thousands of times. This is especially true of the game wardens (we call them wildlife rangers in Georgia). So we chose law enforcement as the first subject. In fact, many people don't stop to realize that there are jobs other than wildlife rangers and wardens with the Game and Fish Commission.
There are several other positions, excellent ones, in our department and with other similar agencies. Not everyone could be suited to any one kind of position offered by conservation agencies. Perhaps. however, you may, upon reading this series, find a position that will interest you.
Articles will appear in succeeding months on these topics: game biology, fisheries biology, biological aides. and public relations. The articles will describe what it's like to spend your life in these fields. and will advise you how much and what kind of education you need to prepare yourself for each field.
If you do find your heart's desire, maybe you'll be guided in selecting your career and the proper course of study so
(continued on page 15)
ON THE COVER: The Wildlife Ranger is not simply the man who gives you a citation for breaking the law; he's much more than that Georgia's Ranger of the Year, Ed Friend takes time to help a youngster catch a fish. Read about him in "Sportsman's Friend," Page 14, by Marvin Tye. Also, you'll learn more about a ranger's life if you'll read the first in a series about finding a career in wildlife conservation, "Wish I Had Your Job" by Dean Wohlgemuth, Page 4. Cover photo by Ted Borg.
ON THE BACK COVER: Is there any need to try to put into words the feeling of this hunter? He's just bagged the king of game birds, the most elusive of all Georgia game, the wild turkey. You'll learn more about how you can collect your trophy gobbler by reading "The Call of Spring," by Aaron Pass, Page 1. Photo by Gene Pollack.

This fortunate hunter has succeeded in calling in a fine gobbler, and he has a good
,. open shot. He had better take it fast, before the turkey gets suspicious and makes his escape.
The Call of Spring

Photo by Jim Morrison

By Aaron Pass

The yelps of a hen turkey drifted through the swamp, and in immediate response came the rushing gobble of a tom. There was also a rustle in the

leaves as the gobbler strutted with his wingtips dragging the ground and his tail fanned, to draw the female to him. This time he was being mislead, for the

(Please turn page)

object of his attention was not a turkey hen but a camouflaged hunter expertly imitating the sound of a fe male. The reason for the deception was, of course, to bring the turkey close enough for a shot, since it is around the mating instinct of the birds that the sport of spring gobbler hunting developed.
Now don't get the idea that all one has to do is strike a couple of discordant notes on a turkey call and take cover from the stampede of lust-crazed gobblers . . . it isn't like that at all. The wild turkey gobbler is one of the most suspicious and intelligent game animals in the world, and even when the mating urge is on him he is no pushover.
It is these very qualities of extreme caution and intelligence which make the wild turkey gobbler one of the most admired trophies in the east. There are other qualities about the turkey which, coupled with his caution, make him a tough and challenging target. Not only does he have an excellent sense of hearing, but his vision is second to nothing else in the woods, including the hawk. His sight is roughl y comparable to that of a man with 8X field glasses, demanding near perfection in the hunter's camouflage and blind . A veteran turkey hunter was once heard to comment that, "lf those darn toms could smell as well as they can see and hear, nobody would ever kill one."
There is one chink in the wild turkey's seemingly invincible armor, however; he will , in the spring, seek a hen . Actually, he much prefers that the hens seek him out, but if necessary he will go to them. The courting display of gobblin g and strutting is designed to attract the hens to him , and call it masculine vanity or whatever, the male is hestitant about going to a hen . This is another factor the successful turkey hunter must overcome by expert calling and "turkey sense".
Turkey sense means essentiall y thinking like a turkey, and it is acquired
I

Photo By Aaron Pass
only after much experience. Basically it is a blend of woodscraft, hunting ability, and an intimate knowledge of turkey habits. After it ha been developed, the hunter has an almost instinctive knowledge of which call to u e, how much to call and what looks to be a good stand. He may not be able to say why he made any given decision , he just knows it is right. This quality is possessed by all consistently successful turkey hunters, who can not only think like their quarry, but can almost converse with him in his own language.
Rudimentary calling is not hard to master with the help of a good call and a demonstration record. A beginner can. with conscientious practice, do a fairly credible job in a relatively short time. Reall y good calling is quite another matter, with the truly expert caller havi ng spent years developing and refin ing his ability. It is a true art, best learned by matching wits and skill

Photo By Aaron Pass
Good camouflage is essential to turkey hunting. The use of trees or brush as a blind in addition to camouflage clothing is recommended. The se hunters have selected stands using trees as blinds to conceal them from their sharp-eyed quarry.
2

'
,.
In particularly dense cover two hunters often sit back to back to cover all directions. The turkey, on the other hand, can see within an arc of almost 360 degrees, and can watch his own back quite well.
with a wild gobbler, the most critical of all judges of calli ng technique. An y mistake in tone or rhythm is a major one, and this wil y bird isn't prone to giving hunters a second ch ance.
Turkey calling, like most other forms (,. of wild animal calling, was originally practiced by the Indi ans. The calls themelves have taken many forms over the years, from human vocal cords , through turkey wingbones to modern calls. There are many form s and variations, but the mo t popular types are the mouth ~ di aphragm , and the cedar box.
The mouth type utilizes a principle originall y used by the Indians, who blew on certain leaves held between the thumbs to make artificial turkey noise. The modern va riety substitutes latex for leave , and it is held entirely in the 1 mouth , freeing both hands. More popular with beginners are the friction type calls which can be more easily mastered.
The cedar box is a friction call , and is perhaps the most widely used type. In expert hands it can produce almost any sound a turkey can. It consists of a smal l holl ow box with a moveable lid, which is drawn across the top edges, producing resonant clucks and yelps. Although these two types of calls are the most popular, there is an almost infi nite variety of other types whi ch include pipestems and hollow reeds. In fact , there are sti ll a few old masters around who quite effectively use the original turkey call , the human voice.
The spring gobbler hunt usuall y begins on a stand near an area where turkeys are known to be roosting. The

object is to wait for the toms to begin

their morning calling to attract hens.

TheY do this calling before leaving the

roost, and the hunter can use it to pin-

point their location. The next step is to

trY to attract one to. your stand ~y

imitating the hen. A simple process m

theory but the extreme wariness of the

- ,. wild turkey makes it one of the tough-

est tests of anyone's hunting ability and

woodscraft.

A good stand and good camouflage

are just as important to successful

turkey hunting as is good calling. A

, good stand should have many qualities,

and one of the most important is com-

fort . Si nce the hunter has to rema in

virtually motionless in deference to the

keen eyesight of his qu arry, the comfort

facto r can be tremendously important

to the success of the hunt. A natural

. blind such as a log or a tree in front of

the stand is highly recommended as



long as it doesn't interfere with the ability to see or raise the gun. If no natural

cover is available, a few shrubs can be

cut and stuck into the ground to break

up the hunter's outline.

Camouflage clothing, as has been indicated , is almost a necessity. A face mask and camouflage gloves may sound a bi t extreme, but the eager, shining face of a novice turkey hunter or the movement of ungloved hands has been the warning signal for many a wise old _. tom . When dealing with the wild turkey gobbler on his own ground, the odds are greatly in his favor, and the wise hunter cuts them as much as he can.
As for firearms , most southern
turkey hunters use shotguns, and owing to the large size of the birds, the 12 gauge with magnum loads is preferred. Most experienced turkey hunters use number 6 or number 4 shot and aim only for the head and neck, feeling
that the small shot gives better pattern
density on the small target than larger hot, such as number 2 or BB. Body shots, even with large shot, are not recommended since they will not reliably anchor a tough old gobbler unless he is close enough to absorb virtually the whole charge.

Hunters who use rifles prefer a small caliber centerfire cartridge, often handloaded to a moderate velocity. There is orne controversy over bullet choice, with many hunters using a quick expanding bullet in the interest of quick humane kills, while others prefer tougher bullets which cut down meat loss but increase the chance of wounding. The .22 ri mfire, though legal , is definitely not a turkey gun, sadly lacking in the power necessary to insure clean kills.

The turkey is a ground dweller and he relies on his legs to carry him away from danger. Since he had rather run than fly, shooting a turkey on the

ground is not considered unsporting. turkey's needs. The draining of river

The sport in turkey hunting is derived swamps, expanding agriculture, and the

from the difficulty of outwitting this practice of eliminating hardwoods in

wary bi rd in his forest habitat.

favor of faster growing pines have all

The wild turkey is a true wilderness led to a general turkey decline. More

bird , needing extensive tracts of wood- recently however the growing southern

land interspersed with clearings for timber industry has been turning farm-

prime habitat. The clearings provide lands into forestl and and this holds the

"bugging" areas where the young potential for a possible turkey come-

turkeys, called poults, hunt for protein- back if these forests were to be man-

rich insects in the spring and sum- aged with a view toward wildlife values

mer . Later in the year the staple of the as well as timber production.

turkey's diet becomes mast and buds of The wild turkey is a magnificent

hardwoods, particularly the smaller gamebird with all the sporting qualities

acorns. The turkey has little love for of true troph y game. So intriguing is the

close association with humans and sport of hunting turkeys many of its

much prefers his hard wood forest with devotees pursue the spring gobbler,

as little human encroachment as pos- almost to the exclusion of everything

sible.

else, with the zeal of true fanatics.

The turkey has, in modern times, "Turkey Fever" it's called, and it starts

been losing ground rather steadily in in the early spring when the gobblers

his competition with what man calls begi)l calling before daylight. This is

progress. Man's land use practices have the time of the turkey hunter, and a

gone directly contrary to the wild fine time it is. ~

m,~~~~~~~~~~

...
Photo by Aaron Pass
This fine trophy is the result of patience, skill, and luck. Since the gobbler will mate with as many hens as he can attract, some males can be harvested on the spring hunts without hurting the breeding stock.

3

CONSERVATION:
A
CAREER FOR YOU?

Article 1 of a Series

Editor's Note: "Gee, I sure wish I had your job. It
must be great to be working outside all the time, with fish and wildlife. I bet you get to do a lot of hunting and fishing. I imagine you have a lot of fun in your work. How could I get such a job?" Nearly everyone who has ever worked in the field of wildlife and fish conservation has heard this many times.
There is so much feeling, from so many people, wrapped up in that paragraph that this series of articles was born in an attempt to answer the questions posed.
Students and youngsters still seeking a career will, it is hoped, find the answers to many of their questions in this series. Further, many persons already employed are interested in the possibility of changing to this field, and may be guided. Even those who know they cannot make the change, at least at present, will find this series interesting. And even those not considering conservation as a career may enjoy learning more about what their State Game and Fish Commission does, and what it's like to work for this agency.
4

The Wildlife Ranger does much more
than simply enforce laws. Much of his time is spent
helping the hunter and fishermen in various ways. For
example, here a
ranger on water safety patrol helps
a stranded
fisherman back to the landing.
By Dean Wohlgemuth Editor
Photos by Ted Borg

''Wish -I ...

Had Your Joll''

So you want to work with wildlife? What sort of position are you considering?
"Well , 'you say,' I guess I want to be a game warden. lsn't that what you call people who work for the Game and Fi h Commission?"
In Georgia, we call them wildlife rangers. Some states call them game wardens , others game protectors, still others conservation officers. It all amounts to virtually the same thing. There ARE many other types of work you can do with a conservation agency, but these positions will be described in

future succeeding articles. Right now, let's take a look at what it's like to be a Georgia wildlife ranger, and what is requ ired of such a man .
Basically, the wildlife ranger is a law enforcement man. He wears a badge and a gun , and enforces law regarding game and fish. He can make a case against you and arrest you .
To say, however, that he is a police~an is not an adeq uate description. He I much more th an that. H e is an upholder of the law, a friend of wildlife and a frien d of the hunter and fisherman .

Yet, while being almost a "kissing cousin" of the sportsman, he must know when to stand firm. He must know when to make a case and he must know, through more or less a sixth sense, when justice would best be served by giving a stern lecture. He must not play favorites with friends or relatives or persons in high places. He must be totally impartial .
A ranger's day might begin with a radio call from district headquarters to talk to a landowner about trespassers hunting on his land. Before that assignment is complete, he may be sent to

another landowner's property to give advice on game management or on how to solve a weed problem in a farm pond, or whether the pond should be restocked. Actu ally, this is out of the ranger's field .. . he can do little except advise the man to have a biologist pay a visit. But stiiJ , to assure the man the Commission is sincerely interested, he takes time for a personal visit, then makes the arrangement for the biologist to make the investigation.
On hi s way from thi s call , the ranger notices some fishermen on a river bank. Routinel y, he checks to see if all have

5

The dai/y routine of a ranger is, basically, that of law enforcement. During hunting
seasons, he keeps busy making sure that hunters have their licenses, and that their firearms are legal, and in the case of shotguns, that the gun is plugged so that it will contain no more than three shells.

their fishing licenses and are within the legal limits on their stringers. While doing this, he answers a question as to where the best catfishing is on this river. Another angler, obviously a novice, gets personal advice on how to
rig his Hne. At noon, the ranger attends a local
civic club meeting, showing a wildlife film and answering questions . . . or perhaps it was the meeting of a sportsman's dub at night . . . or a school class thllt needs a lecture on either hunting safety or water safety.
If the ranger lives near a lake, he may spend most of his day patrolling that lake, checking licenses and limits, and at the same time assuring t:hat every boat, whether registered or not, whether a fishing boat or pleasure boat, has proper legal safety equipment aboard. He may have to chase down a speedbo~tt that is operating recklessly, and write a citation. And, among the more di~agreeable of his tasks, is that of helping to find a drowning victim.
In hunting season, he may have to check a dove field or a duck pond to

see if it is illegally baited. Then later, he'll have to return to see if shotguns are properly plugged, and whether the hunters abided by the bag limits.
In deer season, he may have to leave his home for a full week or more at a time, to assist in operating a managed hunt. Here, he'll sell permits each morning, check kills as they come in during the day, then ride around the area later in the day to be certain all kills are checked in, and that hunters' guns are unloaded at all times except when hunting.
Should a hunter be lost in the woods, the ranger will have to join the search party, and may be on the job for hours, perhaps all night long, or even for several days.
In the case of a hunting accident, he must thoroughly investigate the incident, writing a full report, and seeing to it that charges are made if necessary.
He may spend a day assisting a fisheries biologist doing research work on a farm pond , or stocking trout in a stream. He may help to do some work in planting a food plot for deer or

Boating Safety Patrol duty is varied. Th,
at least one approved life preserver for e
safety equipment and boat registratio'l:

turkeys on a management area. Maybe

he's helping conduct a population study

on a large reservoir, or in a game

management area.

When the day is done ... in his case,

usually well after dark . .. he may receive a phone call that someone is

~-

shooting deer at night, and out of sea-

son. With other rangers, he may have

to lie in wait for hours on a cold night,

in hopes of apprehending the offend-

ers.

This kind of work may not make the

position of wildlife ranger seem as won-

derful as you thought. If not, then you

needn't consider such a job ... it isn't

for you. To many, however, this might

be just what they're looking for.

There are, to be sure, pleasant as-

pects of the work, perhaps more obvious

than any indicated by these duties. The

ranger is out of doors nearly ali the

time. He meets people, and makes

friends. If he can ever find time, he

knows where the best hunting and fish-

ing in his area can be found.

... The ranger mostly is self responsible
in his job. While he works under the

The Coastal Patrol has the duty of checking commercial fishermen and shrimpers as well as sport fishing .
6

biggest job is to ensure that boats carry -person on board. They also check other

In checking fishermen , the ranger not only makes certain his "customer" abides by safety regulations, but checks to see if he has a fishing license, and that his catch is within the legal limits.

direction of his district chief, most of

"I would ask a man what type of increased to $515.50 per month after

the time he is on his own.

work he has done, and what interests a six-month working test. Top salary is

It may appear by now that a man for he has that made him inquire into the $648.50. Opportunities for advance-

such a job must have many qualifica- position," Cline said.

ment include possible promotion to

tions. He needs to be something of a "The man must be interested in the sergeant, lieutenant, captain and major.

lawyer, policeman, public relations outdoors and in conservation. He must To be a ranger, he must pass a written

man, public servant, minister, friend want to make hunting and fishing in merit exam, physical, and agility test,

and so forth.

-

Georgia better, from a conservation and pass a police investigation. During

These are, to be sure, part of the job. standpoint.

his first two years, he may not work in

But these qualifications can't actually

"A ranger is not altogether a police- his home county or an adjacent county.

come from formal education. They are man . . . he has to have deeper inter- Weekends and holidays find rangers

the type of requirements that must ests," Cline said . "He must be willing working when other people are having

- largely come from a man's personality, to be a public servant."

fun. Forty-hour weeks are not the rang-

enhanced by on-the-job training, and While he has to be something of a ers' lot. He might work as many as 80

years of experience.

mother, brother or friend , he still has hours, and perhaps at times 24 hours

The basic requirements for a person to be firm when dealing with everyone. or more at a time.

seeki ng a job are: he must be a high He can't play favorites when making

The life of a ranger is not an easy

school graduate, five-feet eight-inches cases. He has to have an open mind , one. It can be pleasant, at times, and it

tall or more, and at least 140 pounds. however, and be willing to understand can be difficult. It can, to be sure, at

He must be between the ages of 21 and each situation . "He must have .impartial times be dangerous. Nonetheless, there

40, with no police record and of course, feelings toward each individual," Cline is usually a long waiting list of people

a U.S. citizen.

said .

wanting the job. This is because the job

There are other things that are "If you're just looking for a job is a rewarding one .. . offering rewards

needed, that are difficult to describe. where you'll make money, you need to that are not easily described. They must
Bill Cline, Wildlife Major, described the go somewhere else," Cline said. Rang- be felt. If you have ilie personality to

qualities he looked for in a man when ers' pay will never make you wealthy. have these feelings , perhaps you, too,

hiring a new ranger.

Starting salary is $492.50 per month, can be a wildlife ranger. ..-

The Ranger may sometimes be called upon to help a lost sportsman find his way back to camp.
After his regular day's work is done, he may teach a class in school, scout troup or local civic club, on the finer points of gun safety and conservation . '"""=--~
7

~()W!

By Dean Wohlgemuth Editor

Sure it's early in the year, and the air is brisk ... but it isn't too early for the fish to bite. This party, camped in South Georgia

in early March, found the bass biting well enough to provide camp meat.

Photo by Dean Wohlgemuth

When does the fishing season begin of course, heavily dependent upon the rather cold. Minnows, minnow-like

in Georgia? Actually, there is no be- weather. At this time of year, rains may lures and jigs are good for these two

ginning and no end to "fishing season" be warm enough to hasten the warming species. When the water is still rather

in our state ... you can fish, and quite of lake water, especially if followed by cold, walleyes will probably be at less

successfully, all year long except per- days as warm as they sometimes can be depth than bass, but as the temperature

haps for occasional bad weather in now. Even March wind can sometimes rises, so do the bass while the walleyes

winter.

help to warm waters more quickly.

go deeper. Walleyes might also be found

- You have to begin a year somewhere, Walter F. George Reservoir south of on upstream spawning runs out of however, and though the calendar peo- Columbus will be hot on the heels of lakes, both above and below Lake Bur-

ple chose January, for the Georgia fish- Seminole in reaching spring. This lake ton, and above Lake Hartwell. By late

erman a more logical month would prob- should again be among the state's very March, Chatuge and Blue Ridge will

ably be March. This is the month that finest fishing spots. Moving northward, produce smallmouth bass.

temperatures, both air and water, may largemouth bass will be close to shore- Trout fishermen who love to ply the

.. climb to a point that stirs the restless- lines late in March in Clark Hill, Hart- streams for their quarry, and find it difness in every angler's soul, and make well, Sinclair, Lanier, Allatoona, Jack- ficult to wait for the regular trout seahim take his fishing rod from its winter son and other mid-Georgia reservoirs. son opening, which will be about the

resting place.

Before then, spring lizards and large first of April, can ease the pains of

Though some folks fish all winter minnows fished deep wil! be productive. waiting in year-round trout streams. A

long, the majority of the angling clan Minnow and jig fishermen will begin list of these waters is in your last year's

prefer to wait for this dawning of spring. finding crappie in submerged brushpiles trout fishing regulation pamphlet, pub-

Of course, the farther south you go not far from shore.

lished by the State Game and Fish

in Georgia, the sooner the weather and As buds and leaves begin to appear Commission. Spinners and natural baits

water will bring out the inclination to in trees and bushes bordering the water, will catch trout now.

seek a fish. In fact, good weather may fishing will continue to improve, and Late in March, Jargemouths can be

have drawn fishermen out in February. the white bass will begin to feel the found on shorelines, with the best bets

Okay, the weather's good and you're ready to go. Where, you ask, to begin and what kind of fishing should you try?
Let's begin in south Georgia and work northward as the warmer weather moves that way.
First signs of warm weather can make the largemouth bass restless in southern waters. Lake Seminole's most famous fi bing is during this season, for real Junker bass. If it hasn't been very warm, or hasn't been warm long, it may pay

urge to move up out of the Jakes into the streams for their annual spawning pilgrimage.
Rivers running into Lake Sinclair usually provide some of the first white bass spawning, along with perhaps Clark Hill , then Lanier, Allatoona and Lake Weiss.
Mountain Jakes, including Burton, Blue Ridge and Chatuge, will probably yield walleyes first, and likely some trout, especially while the water is still

being points of land extending out into the lakes. These points indicate shallow water out from the bank for some distance, usually accompanied by dropoffs to each side. Those points with brush or rocks to provide cover, are best. Anchor a long cast from land, casting toward shore. Deep running lures won't work here, unless they're very weedless. Plastic worms again are among the top baits, but so are shallow running lures. Some of the vibrating lures, meant to be

to start with deep running lures in deeper water. Because of the heavy cover in Big Sem, one of the better

Waders and a spinning rod, and shoal water are the ingredients tor catching fish in many places in Georgia. It might be tor white bass or walleyes, or it might even be on a year-round trout stream.

choices is the plastic worm with a weed-

less hook. The worm is usually a top

fish-getter in Georgia almost any sea-

son. Also, various types of jigs-and-

spinners and similar rigs are good.

Both are fished right down on the bottom with short jerks, though a jig may be reeled in steadily by some anglers. Generally a jig would be fished faster than a worm. Whichever you use, cast out into a bole, allowing plenty of time for the lure to sink to the bottom. Tighten your line, then move the lure along the bottom with your rod tip. After sweeping the line in the length of your rod, allow the lure to sink as you point the rod tip toward it, and take up slack line ... then repeat the process.

Should the sun warm things sufficiently, shallow or topwater lures can be qu ite effective, particularly in the southem end of the state.

Crappie fishing usually is at its best by mid-March as the water temperature
, rises. By this time of the month, lakes in the middle section will begin to awaken t? spring, with crappie being the likely f1rst adversary, followed soon by bass late in the month .

Each year's spring fishing season is,

9

fished quite fast, can be the most effective type for early fishing on the points. This writer has caught good stringers of sizeable bass in mid and late March fishing vibrating plugs off the points. It's one of my favorite methods and seasons for bass fishing.
Warm clothing may be necessary to keep you interested in fishing, particularly in early morning. If the weather is quite nippy, there's probably little need to be on the water at the crack of dawn. Frequently, the bass begin hitting as late as 9 or 10 a.m., moving about mostly in the warmer part of the day. Later in the year, even perhaps in late March, the middle of the day would be better spent fishing deeper holes.
Personally, in late March when the temperature can sometimes ease up to the 70's or even 80's, I like to begin the day fishing the points for bass. When the bass fishing slackens, I may dabble a minnow for crappie from late morning into mid-afternoon, grabbing a sandwich while watching the bobber. Then, by perhaps 3 p.m. , switch back to the points and work out the rest of the day going for bass. This provides a change of pace and rest from tossing a plug all day long, and keeps you sharper for bass fishing.
River waters will usually be high and muddy most of March, and not particularly warm, until late in the month when the white bass spawning begins. About this same time, in rivers near the coast, sea-run striped bass, saltwater cousins of the white bass, should begin <their spawning trek into freshwater rivers. Also, saltwater shad should be running well .in low country rivers.
This year could well be the beginning of a new era, in earnest, for Georgia fishermen. Commission fisheries biologists believe that landlocked striped bass will be taken with some regularity in several lakes around the state.
Already, stripers (rockfish) of two or three pounds were occasionally being taken by anglers in late fall and winter in Lake Sinclair, where stocking efforts were concentrated. Also, Lake

When the temperature begins to rise, largemouth bass may be found with some

regularity along shorelines, particularly off points. Shallow running lures may be just

the trick.

Photo by Ted Borg

Jackson should produce some good fishing for these species this year or next. Lake Blackshear, one of the first lakes to receive stripers, is yielding a few, and once in awhile Seminole produces one.
The biggest surprise, where rockfish are concerned, is Lake Burton. Rearing ponds along the edge of Burton were used by biologists to raise tiny fry to fingerling size, for stocking elsewhere. The dregs of these ponds, mostly tadpoles, contained just a few stripers that eluded biologists when the bulk of the fingerlings were removed for stocking purposes. The ponds were flushed into Burton, and those few remaining stripers have flourished ... almost once a month, reports have come in of catches of rockfish up to I 0 or 11 pounds!
Chain pickerel will be among the first species caught in south Georgia waters this month. The Okefenokee Swamp, Seminole, Lake Worth near Albany, Walter F. George and even some farther north waters will give up some jackfish to anglers, especially those who work spoons, spinners and jigs-andspinners in these waters.
The walleye is usually hard to find during hot weather, except in deep water.

The jackfish, one of two species for
which Georgia holds the world record (9 pounds, 6 ounces) is a scrappie rascal that seldom is found over a couple of pounds in size, but is fine eating once you overcome numerous bones.
Georgia's coveted record could have been boosted to perhaps 10 pounds had some lucky angler been able to collect a prize found by fisheries biologists this winter. Biologist Mike Gennings reports finding a chain pickerel on Lake Worth, which apparently died of natural causes, that was 33.2 inches long and though dead for perhaps 24 hours, still weighed 9 pounds 8 ounces. He felt the fish may have weighed 10 pounds or more at the time of death.
Other records are within striking distance of Georgia fishermen this year. For the last several years, a number of white bass have been caught in Georgia that were within ounces of the world record of 5 pounds 4 ounces. Georgia's largemouth bass record of 22 pounds 4 ounces is one that seems unattainable, but who knows? Maybe this is the year the Peach State will produce an even greater fish for the most enviable of all freshwater records! And March is the month that could very well be the time for any of these records to be broken.
Whether you set a record or not, chances are excellent for you to catch the biggest you've ever taken of your favorite species, and surely you'll find very fine fishing in aur state this month.
With opportunities like these available, there's no need for you to wait any longer . .. the crowds will not yet be at the lakes, just a few fishermen. And the fishing will be just what you've been waiting for all winter! ..-

10

LOOK
.. AT THE
CE SE
PROPOSAL

By Bob Wilson

Recognizing the need for an improved effort in wildlife conservation, a bill to increase Georgia hunting and fishing license fees has been introduced into the Georgia House of Representatives by Representative Howard Rainey of Cordele, chairman of the House Game and Fish Committee. Passage of the bill would result in hunting and fishing license fees being increased by $1 each. Pas age of the bill would also add a $2 mountain trout stamp and a $3 big game stamp.
The $3 big game stamp would have to be purchased in addition to the hunting license only to those hunters who seek to bag deer or wild turkey. The $2 mountain trout stamp would be required only of fishermen after rainbow, brook, and brown trout. The mountain trout stamp would eliminate management area fees for trout, but would not affect management stream schedules. In some areas of Georgia bass are referred to as trout or green trout, but the proposed bill would require nothing other than the regular fishing license for fishing for this species.
Mountain trout and big game management are currently major programs of the Commission. Funds necessary for the expansion of these programs would come chiefly from the sale of the mountain trout and big game stamps. Fishermen who fish for largemouth bass, crappie, bream or other species, but never for mountain trout would no longer have much of their license fee monies spent on management programs for mountain trout. Similarly, the sportsman who hunts only small game would not have to purchase any stamp in addition to his hunting license, and would no longer have to bear the burden of paying for a huge portion of the deer management program.
Chairman of the Game and Fish Commission, J. B. Langford , of Calhoun , reported that there is a great need for expanded services carried out by the

Photo by Ted Borg
Sportsmen had their say regarding the proposal to increase hunting and fishing licenses, and the majority strongly favored paying more for better conservation. Tommie Holliman, president of the Georgia Sportsmen's Federation, tells the House Game and Fish Committee at their public hearing, that the Federation endorses the proposal.

Commission. Commissioner Langford explained that all revenues received by the Commission are turned over to the state's general fund, and added that the General Assembly will be requested to appropriate the additional revenue from the license increase and special stamps to the Game and Fish Commission in order to provide improved and expanded services. Representative Daniel Grahl, a member of the House Appropriations Committee, has indicated that the General Assembly is required by law to appropriate an amoupt at least equal to that revenue taken in by the Commission back to the Commission, and bas appropriated a greater amount for the past several years.
The new Director of the Game and Fish Commission, Joe D. Tanner, has outlined the major needs of the Commission, explaining bow the added revenue would be used. The funds would allow expansion of the fisheries program on warmwater streams, reservoirs, ponds, mountain trout streams, and in saltwater. Further, the increased funds would provide for more intensive management of game on national forest lands, and enable the Commission to begin a statewide program of small game management in cooperation with landowners. A program designed to open new public hunting areas would a! o be included.
The law enforcement division of the Game and Fish Commission would be bolstered. Plans call for the addition of I 3 new wildlife rangers, 8 to be assigned to counties which currently have no resident ranger, and 5 to be assigned to the saltwater patrol on Georgia's coast. Director Tanner feels there is a critical need for a training program for

rangers, and that such a program would receive a high priority in allocations of increased revenue. The boating safety program is also slated for improvement.
Tanner also has plans to initiate two new programs within the Commission, one to be an environmental evaluation study on continuing basis and the other to be a planning program within the Commission in order that all operations in the field of wildlife conservation will be well coordinated not only inside the Commission, but also with other state and federal agencies. The planning program would enable the Commission to utilize the additional funds in the most efficient manner possible.
Georgia's hunting and fishing license fees are among the very lowest in the nation, and will remain so even if the increase is approved. Also, the state one of a very small number with abundant deer hunting and trout fishing that have no additional charges for these sports. The proposed increase would bring the resident fishing license from $2.25 to $3.25, the resident bunting license (which would be limited to small game) from $3.25 to $4.25, the combination resident fishing and hunting license from $5.25 to $7.25, and would add a $2 mountain trout stamp and a $3 big game stamp.
At a public hearing held at the state capitol on Feb. 9, private citizens and representatives of sportsman and conservation groups spoke overwhelmingly in favor of the proposal. The measure has also received support from editorial comment from various news media. individual sportsmen should let their legislator and Representative Rainey know their feelings on the proposed legislation . ..-

11

PAST

SHOOTII

10

LIMIT

.....

-'

The common crow can make for some uncommonly fine shooting, but good results take effort and skill. Don Huie, who runs the Triple H Gun Club near Locust Grove, sets out some decoys, getting ready to try to call in some crows spotted feeding in a nearby pasture.

This time of the year might well be called the hunting season slump. Game seasons are almost all closed and it's too early for many outdoorsmen to work up a great deal of excitement over fishing. Target shooting or a round or two of skeet or trap may help for a while, but the challenge of the real thing is somehow missing.
If you want a challenging quarry to shoot this time of the year, look around cornfields and other cultivated lands for large black birds which scream raucous calls. The common crow can make for some uncommonly fine shooting. Crows are some of the most intelligent of all winged species; but despite high intelligence, keen eyesight, and natural wariness, crows can be caught unaware by the cautious hunter or called to a blind in flocks.
Crows are one of the few bird species that are not protected in any way by law. With no season restrictions and no bag limit, the when, where, and how many is entirely up to the individual hunter's determination and skill. Shooting crows has the beneficial side effect of creating good hunter-landowner relations. The farmer welcomes the reduction of these noisy crop destroyers and will probably be more likely to welcome the hunter when the game seasons open again next fall.
Crow shooters may approach the sport from either of two methods of shooting. Some hunters, with highvelocity rifles equipped with highpowered scopes, attempt to slip up on the wary crow, sometimes shooting
12

from great distances. Other hunters em-

By Bob Wilson

ploy duck-hunting techniques and try

to lure flocks of the birds into scat-

Photos By The Author

tergun range by using calls, blinds and

decoys. Whatever method the shooter

uses, crow shooting requires as much

skill, patience, and effort as hunting al-

most any game animal we have.

Additional equipment helpful in stalk-

ing crows would be a good set of bin-

oculars, camouflage clothing, and a de-

tailed relief map if the shooter is un-

familiar with the terrain. The crow's

natural wariness and extremely keen

eyesight combined with a high degree of

social organization which includes the

designation of sentries, make the crow

a challenging quarry to stalk. Only by

planning a concealed approach and

exercising all the expertise he would in

stalking the most wary game animal will

the crow shooter be able to get into

position to make a clean kill on the sen-

try bird and get a couple more of the

pests in the resulting confusion.

Scattergunners who want to bust a

few crows will need different equip-

ment. Shotguns of 20 gauge and larger

are adequate, but should be modified or

full choke. Experienced crow shooters

tend to use 71/2 or 8 shot, but number

6 shot can be an efficient "de-crower"

also. The shotgunner will also need a

crow call and camouflage or subdued clothing.
Additional equipment which would be helpful includes camouflage materials for constructing a blind, and decoys. The decoys would consist, as one would

Brush covered with honeysuckle vine will make an excellent natural blind if enough space is cleared in the middle to permit easy gun swing. Wearing camouflage clothing, the shooter, at lower left, blends in with the blind materials. Look close-

imagine, of imitation crows, but might yes, there is a hunter in there.

Ill
also include a replica of the crow's hated enemy, the owl. Some of these _ decoys are even constructed in such a way that the shooter can pull a string and have a decoy flap its wings.
Crows communicate to one another with a surprising number of variations of their raucous screams, and respond well to good calling. Calls operated by the shooter, either by blowing or shak-
11
ing, should be adjustable in order to provide a range of crow "voices." Just as in calling waterfowl, good crow calling technique is acquired by practice and listening to crows themselves, records or tapes, or more proficient crow callers .
Crows have a keen sense of danger and are easy to spook. Their sharp eyesight and social organization to the point of posting a sentry while the flock feeds have already been mentioned. However, crows do have certain habits and behavior traits that make them vulnerable to the shooter.
When a feeding flock has lost its sentry, confusion sometimes results, making another shot possible. If a flock is called into a set of decoys, they may work themselves into a frenzy, and return again and again in the fact of the shooter's fire. A flock may rest, flying off a hundred yards or so, and be brought in to the attack again after a pause in calling.
Crows set a pattern in roosting, feeding, and flock formation for migration. Crows migrate from north to south during the fall , say September to November, although a few birds will remain behind in any given area unless food supplies run out. Crows congregate in cen~al r~sting arflaS before beginning a mgratiOn, and a shooter who can set up near one of these roosts at a nearby feeding area is almost certain to enjoy a good shoot. Crows are slow to change a habit and continue to return to the same grouping area year after year if shooting in these areas does not becom~ too frequent.
Lkely spots for crow shooting in-

Crows respond

almost immediately

to the call,

wheeling about



overhead. The sight of dozens of these

large birds just out

of range makes the

effort involved

worthwhile,

especially when a

few make the

mistake of getting

too close.

elude fields used for grain crops bordered by woods, and areas used as garbage and trash dumps away from populous areas. Crows prefer to perch in trees to survey a feeding area, but like to feed standing on the ground. Perching in mature trees gives the birds a greater chance of seeing any danger, such as an approaching crow shooter. Crows prefer to feed while standing upright as they can leap into flight more quickl y than when hanging sideways on a corn stalk.
The crow shooter must utilize available natural cover in constructing a blind. Where natural cover is nonexistent, dedicated crow shooters construct a blind some time in advance of the day set for the shoot in order to give the birds a chance to get used to this change in the landscape. Thick brush, honeysuckle thickets, or similar cover may provide an excellent blind if space for the shooter to swing his gun is hacked out of the middle.
In good weather crows will leave their roosting area and head for various feeding grounds early in the morning, returning just before dark. On days that promise rain however, the birds will stick pretty close to the roost and make short foraging flights to nearby feeding locations and return to the roost as soon as they have finished feeding. In strong wind, crows will fly low seeking an easy route from roost to feeding ground partially protected from buffeting winds by treelines or hills. At these times crows are frequently very easy to decoy in. On the other hand, on crystal dear days when the barometer is low, crows as well as many other birds seem to enjoy soaring to great heights and just seem to be having too much fun to be troubled to respond to a shooter's calling.
Decoys and decoy techniques are as important to the crow shooter as to the duck hunter. Crow decoys are molded or cut from a number of different materials including Styrofoam, plastic, papiermache, even silhouettes cut from cardboard and painted black work.

Color and general outlines are more important than size and material used. It is important that the decoys be dull black in color, with just a touch of sheen. Decoys with a glossy finish will cause crows to flare off, usually just before they get in range.
The best decoy set would include decoys on the ground and a few in trees above the blind. If an owl decoy is used, it should be placed near the top of a small tree or atop a fence post in an exposed position. Some crow shooters prop up the first dozen or so downed birds to serve as additional decoys. Two of the downed birds may be tied together with a yard or so of dark nylon string and tossed up into a tree to serve as decoys.
All this may seem an awful lot of effort to go to in order to bag a few birds that aren't even fit to eat, but what about 25 to 50 bird kills that are not considered uncommon? A little attention to detail, preparation, and some study of crow behavior can result in some hot shooting at a challenging target! It all becomes worthwhile when 30 to 40 of these big birds are wheeling about overhead, keeping just out of range except for an occasional bird giving in to curiosity and sweeping in for a closer look, only to meet his doom.
And before anyone gets excited, white or albino crows are not considered rare! Biologists estimate that albinism may occur in one crow per thousand. Crows with white spots are also fairly common. -.-
Good equipment and preparation pays off. With no season and no limit, crows provide fine off-season shooting.
13

SPORTSMAN'S FRIEND
By Marvin Tye
Photo by Ted Borg

Ed Friend, Wildlife Ranger of the Year tor 1970, looks pensively at the West Point Dam which is now under construction. The dam will provide a large impoundment with increased recreational potential for area sportsmen and a lot more patrol work tor the ranger.

"Ed Friend is the sort of man who does all that is asked of him and then does a little more," Manchester District Chief Lewis P. Cotton said. "That is the main reason that he was named ranger of the year. Ed puts forth an extra effort and can always be depended upon to do what he is supposed to do."
A fine example of the way the 28year-old Troup County ranger gives an extra effort to his job is the manner in which he approached speaking to local civic clubs. All rangers in the State Game and Fish Commission's Manchester Law Enforcement District are expected to attend such meetings when they are requested to do so. Ed not only prepares his remarks in advance, but has studied public speaking from library books during his spare time. He is careful to avoid giving the same program or showing the same film to any organization as a repeat performance.
Ed was born at Fort Benning and was a resident of Albany before serving a four-year tour of duty with the U .S. Navy. He achieved the rank of petty officer third class before his discharge. To a degree, Ed followed in
his father's footsteps when he chose a law enforcement career. His father, Joseph Edward Friend, is now chief of police in Albany. Due to Ed's interest in the outdoors, it was only natural that he would decide to be a ranger instead of a city policeman.
Bass fishing is one of his favorite pastimes. Ed has bagged a number of largemouths in the four to five pound class but has never caught a really large specimen. The enjoyment of tangling with scrappers of that size and the possibility of landing an even larger bass bring him back to the water every time he has an opportunity. Ed will be the first to admit that his chances to enjoy such sport are far too .infrequent.
Any ranger quickly learns that the time when fishing and hunting activity

is at its peak is the time when their workload also mushrooms. During the spring and summer months, he must check the catches of sport fishermen
to be sure they do not exceed the limit and also determine whether or not they possess licenses. A large part of his time has been taken up by water safety patrol work on Lake Harding (also known as Bartlett's Ferry Lake). This sort of activity can keep a ranger on the go day and night. The State Game and Fish Commission does not have a separate water safety division as some
other states do, but this work is handled by rangers in addition to their usual duties.
Ed does not regret having to handle this additional duty on Lake Harding. This patrol work could be considered on-the-job training for the work he will be doing in a few years when West Point Dam is completed. The large impoundment that will be created on the Georgia-Alabama border in his and
adjoining counties, will provide plenty of outdoor recreation for boaters in the area. A trained officer to insure the safety of these people will be a great
asset. Another of Ed's interests is deer
hunting. Again, the duty of checking other hunters, on weekends as well as during the week, keeps him from pursuing the sport as much as he would like to. Ed commented that he had less of a problem with illegal deer hunting than many of his fellow rangers. One reason he gives for this is that there is a relatively small deer herd in his area. Another factor is the limited amount of cultivated land in which deer feed at night.
In the off-season and at other times when activity is slack, Ed looks for arrowheads and other Indian artifacts. A cabinet in his home holds his collection of arrowheads, spearpoints, bowls and other items constructed by the

earliest recorded residents of hls districts.
Ed enjoys being in the field and meeting other sportsmen. He treats violators impartially and fairly. He is willing to be lenient if the man obviously acted out of ignorance or made an honest mistake. In one case, a violator refused to show any identification . He even gave a false name. Ed suspected this, so he told the violator that he would not be released from custody until someone brought his driver's license and revealed his proper name. The judge who tried his case levied an additional fine stiffer than the one for the original violation for lying to the arresting officer.
The life of a ranger is never a dull routine. Ed recalls one time when a group of violators let the air out of his tires so that he could not pursue them. On another occasion, one man in a group of hunters ran when Ed approached. As Ed pursued this suspect, the other men in the party disappeared. He apprehended the fleeing suspect, but everything was in order. The man had a license and was not violating any law. Ed assumes that at least one of the man's companions was hunting without a license.
Ed is often called upon to prepare fair exhibits or perform other duties in cooperation with biologists and other Commi sion personnel. No matter what the task or how unpleasant it may be, he performs it to the best of his ability. According to Chief Cotton, Ed does all
that is required and then a bit more. Perhaps the most unpleasant duty of a wildlife ranger is giving aid when the body of a drowning victim must be recovered .
Ed has been employed as a wildlife ranger since July 16, 1965. He is married to the former Glenda Faye Allen of Hogansville. Ed, Glenda and
(Continued on page 15)

14

Sportsman's Friend

(continued from page 14) their two-year old son Edward H. Friend, Jr. now live in Hogansville. Undoubtedly Ed is looking forward to the day when his son can join him on trips to observe nature, fish for bass or

1,

hunt deer. If the boy develops an interest in the

outdoors as most boys do, he will have

an excellent teacher in his father,

Georgia's ranger of the year for 19~.

the
OUTDOOR

ORLD

Editorial Conservation Career?
(Continued)
that you may prepare yourself to be- come qualified. Perhaps your life will
be one that will be of great importance to all mankind.
If this should be accomplished, this series will have accomplished a very worthwhile goal.
This is our hope. ..-Dean Wohlgemuth

Book Review

TROUT MADNESS

By Robert Traver, St. Martin's Press, New York. 178 pages. $6.50
March is best known by many sportsmen for its foul weather, and as a good time to start thinking seriously about trout fishing. Anyone finding it difficult to get into the proper frame of mind should consider reading Trout Madn~ss by Robert Traver, as it is an excellent stimulus for both the memory

Governor Jimmy Carter congratulates his new director of the State Game and Fish Commission, Joe D. Tanner, left, after swearing Tanner in to that post. His wife, Sandra, was present for the ceremony in the Capitol.

and anticipation. For those who are

having no trouble visualizing riffles, pools, and rising fish, the book can be highly recommended as sustenance for the soul until opening day.

This collection of 21 short stories by the author of Anatomy Of a Murder recaptures some of the highlights of a life spent trying to outwit and sometimes catching trout. Traver's yarns are spun in the setting of Michigan's Upper Peninsula, but they consist of experiences and emotions universal to trout fishing and trout fishermen . It is a "Just

for Fun" book which does not dwell on ;, the technical intricacies of tackle and

technique. There is a strong undercurrent of philosophy beneath the fun , how-

ever, that speaks of serenity and self ful-

fillment, and how these qualities may

be found along a trout stream.

The book is basically an assortment

of recollections and reflections on the

sport of trout fishing written by a de-

voted disciple of the sport. It is rich in

rn~rnories and nostalgia and long on

enJoyment.

-A.P.

Leo T. Barber, Jr. of Moultrie, was named to a seven-year term as second district Commissioner on the State Game and Fish Commission during ceremonies in Atlanta February 3rd. Barber replaces Richard Tift of Albany whose appointment expired this year.
Photo by Ted Borg

J. B. Langford is the new chairman of the State Game and Fish Commission. He was elected during the January meeting of the Commission, for a one-year term . The Calhoun attorney has been on the Commission since 1959. He represents the seventh district.

15

Shad Derby Dates Told
The second annual Shad Derby sponsored by the Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce will begin at 8 a.m. Friday March 12 and end at 2 p.m. March 14.
In this fishing contest, valuable merchandise prizes such as boats and motors are awarded to the anglers catching the largest shad. These fish are anadromous species. This means that they live most of their lives in the ocean and ascend fresh water streams and rivers to spawn.
The Ogeechee River near Savannah is one of the best spots in the Southeast for catching this game fish during its spawning runs. For more information on entry fees required and other aspects of the contest, contact Curtis Carter, Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce, P. 0 . Box 530, Savannah, Ga. 31402.
-Marvin Tye
G&F Manages Wildlife on
Berry College Land
Under a recent agreement between Berry College and the State Game and Fish Commission, the Commission has assumed responsibility for wildlife management on some 20,000 acres of Berry property located west of U. S. Highway 27. While much of the area is classed as a wildlife refuge, with no hunting permitted, at least one portion will be operated under the regulations for Wildlife Management Areas with specified periods for both small game and deer hunts. Maps and directions for reaching the area in which public hunting will be permitted will be published by the Commission and will be available before the next hunting season.
-Bob Wilson
Atlanta Camping Show
Hunters and fishermen often camp in conjunction with their trips afield, and a good camp can add greatly to the enjoyment derived from a hunting or fishing trip.
The newest developments in camping and outdoor equipment will be featured at the Atlanta Camping Show, being held Mar. 24-30 at the Atlanta Civic Center. The show will consist of exhibits by manufacturers showing their new lines of merchandise for 1971.
The State Game and Fish Commission will have a booth to distribute informational material on fishing and wildlife in general and other subjects related to camping.
-Aaron Pass

SOUTH RIVER STINKS
Please let me share a few thoughts for consideration. No, Sirs, the South River suds are not ours, but they come from "up there" where "they" boast about what a great state Georgia is!-and we in Henry County find it mighty embarrassing to look at, and smell, and wonder, what if 1-20 or 1-75 crossed it, and the tourists had to look at it?
It is very disturbing also, to think of the natural resources and wildlife that would be wiped out if a "proposed Airport" was DUMPED ON US! When you live down here, especially if you appreciate these good things, and have been used to them all your life, it really is upsetting to think of childhood home-places, natural resources, wildlife, places of outdoor enjoyment, among many other countless things that money can't buy being wiped out for the love of money and in exchange for filth, smoke, noise, dirt and crime, and the Lord knows what else? I know, they don't know what they are missing, and I certainly wouldn't live where they do, in spite of all their garbage being dumped on us, just pity them . But they may not know it, they are fast looking for a place out in the country to move to, most of them, and I don't guess they have thought about any of that.
We enjoy the Magazine, and appreciate your promotion of the best things in life, and your demotion of pollution.
Mrs. Wm. T. Kelley Henry County
TOO LATE?
First, I would like to say this magazine is great. The months are long until the next issue arrives. The articles are just what I personally need for information about hunting and fishing.
Second, you deserve a slap on the wrist for not printing the article "So You Bagged Your Buck" in the November issue. You need another slap on the other wrist for the fine article "How to Save Your Hide" in the December issue. These two articles should have appeared in the early fall issues so we would have had all this good information when it was needed. After 6 years of hunting deer I finally got that beautiful 8 point rack and 190 pounds of good meat. After reading your article on cleaning and dressing a deer we seem to have done several things wrong, but now we know. Since no one knew how to save the hide I just put soda and salt on it to see how it would do.
In the end my deer provided some good meat and the taxidermist was able to save my mount with another cape. Although I "lost my hide" on my first deer it was all a great experiment.
Thanks for the article on ducks in the December issue. This is my second year with the ducks and I will be able to identify them in several ways.
Keep up the good work on your fine magazine. We really have a great state and a paradise for sportsmen.
J. W. Yeargin Dallas, Georgia

DESIGNATED CAMPING

During the past few years I have participated in numerous state managed deer hunts. For this opportunity, I am most grateful. The Game & Fish Commission has done an excellent job in providing some of the best deer hunting to be found in the South-
east. While on some of these hunts, I have
had good deer stands ruined by hunters

who came in and set up camp in these hunting areas. I am not opposed to camping, I also enjoy a good deer camp, but why not designate certain areas for camping, and not have deer driven from these areas by smoke, food aromas, and by some hunters who stay up all night and then sleep

during the day. Another subject of complaint is the lack

of coverage during deer season by the At-

lanta newspapers. I can only remember a

couple of deer pictured during this past

season. Surely, someone must have killed

some good ones which could have provided

some amusing and interesting stories. It is

always interesting to read of the Hows,

Wheres, and Whens, hunters scored or lost a shirt tail. What could be done to provide

1

for more coverage in the newspapers?

Enjoy your magazine tremendously, and

hope you will continue to provide sports-

men with this means of communication with

the outdoors world.

Max Mason

As with most controversies, the issue of designated camping on Wildlife Management Areas has two sides. There is no doubt that the problems you have mentioned do occur, particularly on areas with very heavy public use. On the other hand, the designated camping area concept tends to create "Deer Camp Ghettoes", and spoil the wilderness experience many of the hunters are seeking. We feel that the best policy is to allow flexibility on campsites until the amount of use indicates more restrictive measures are necessary.
WHY VISITORS UNWELCOME
I would like to take this opportunity to commend Georgia GAME & FISH on the fine job it does keeping the Georgia sportsmen abreast of the different aspects of wildlife in our state.
Jones County, my home county, as you are aware, is well known for its excellent deer hunting. Often I am asked why so many land owners in this area resent outsiders hunting or trespassing on their land.
It is not the majority but the minority of reckless, trigger happy, so called "sportsmen" who make the majority of outside hunters unwelcome in our county.
The local Game & Fish Rangers should be commended for their efforts to enforce game laws in Jones County, and maybe within the near future all of the poachers, hog and cow hunters along with other undesirable elements will learn that Jones County welcomes the true sportsman, but not the trigger happy fool.
M. Joseph Wood, Jr.

PEOPLE ARE ANSWER
I enjoyed reading your editorial in the January issue of GAME & FISH dealing with pollution. I certainly agree with you, it is the answer to our problems. I just wish there was some really effective way to convince the people that they are responsible. You are doing a wonderful job on your magazine and all sportsmen in Georgia appreciate it.
Incidentally, the Duck Guide was a thing of beauty.
Frank Barron Rome Coca-Cola Bottling Co. P.S. I am still not sure that outlawing throwaway packages is the answer.

16

National Wildlife Week Do You Really Care?

Sportsman's Calendar

Wildlife is a part of our American heritage. Our forefathers hunted and fished as a source of meat for the table, and the skins were used for clothing; whereas, today we enjoy hunting and fishing for recreation. Stories and tales of these activities are passed from one generation to another like a treasured legacy. The endangered list. of w_ildlife species have reached an all time high of 102 in 1970---do we really care that our grand children may never be able to observe wildlife in its natural habitat?
We are now enjoying the most abundant life of any country in the world-with plenty of nutritious food, comfortable clothing for every occasion, many families now own two or more cars, wages are the highest in history with more hours for leisure, and education is surging to a higher peak-yet we live in a land of vanishing beauty, of increasing ugliness, of shrinking open space, and an over-all environment that is diminished daily by pollution and noise and blight. According to the population statistics and our present careless way of living by the turn of the century our world can no longer support life, much Jess healthy, happy people. As a young person I don't want to lose my future in this manner--or so soon! Wildlife is a sensitive yard stick by which we may measure the quality of our environment. YES, we do care about wildlife.
National Wildlife Week, sponsored by the National Wildlife Federation and Georgia Sportsman's Federation, is March 21st through 27th. The observation of this week should stimulate our thoughts of sharing our environment
IN MEMORIAM
Ranger William Lee "Billy" Bryant, 28, was killed in an accident while on duty December 23, 1970. He is survived by the widow, Mrs. Joan Bryant and two children. Ranger Bryant joined the Game and Fish Commission on June 1, 1966 and had worked as a biologic_al aide as well as a ranger. At the time of his death he was assigned to Chattooga and Floyd counties. His widow was presented $1,000 by the Peace Officers Association of Georgia because of Ranger Bryant:s membership in that organizatiOn.

with wildlife. We do not like to think of any species of wildlife endangered in an environment that also threatens the life of man. Conservation is neither a science, nor an art, but a doctrine. It includes our religious, economic and political attitudes and the practices we approve for the intelligent use of the earths natural resources.
Do you really care that our lakes and streams have poisonous mercury in them ... that pesticides and insecticides are contaminating wildlife, not to mention the ill effects on humans? We say we care but there seems to be more talk than action! It is good that we have politicians who endorse laws that help protect US from OURSELYES but I'm afraid these laws alone cannot save America. We need more individual interest and understanding. Water and air pollution are still too widely shrugged off as a mere inconvenience, whereas, they are already affecting our healthas well as wildlife.
During National Wildlife Week I challenge you to participate by improving your environment. In this way you will be helping to save wildlife and YOURSELF. In an over populated world every bit of litter piles up in a hurry-start a beautification project at home and in your community. Plant dogwood trees and shrubs that will not only add beauty to your surroundings but will also provide food, nesting areas, and protection for the birds. Instead of an Easter parade why not plan a "Nature Parade" inviting boys and girls to share this adventure with you. You'll find mother nature dressed in the most lovely shades of green, and wearing the delightful perfume of wild flowers and shrubs. Flocks of migrating birds will be lingering here and there to say "hello". Maybe you can take a day off for a picnic with your family. If you can find an unpolluted river or stream plan a fishing trip with your son or daughter-these memories will be cherished forever.
If you really care share your knowledge and interest with others-this contagious enthusiasm will save your world and wildlife, too. Our world is in trouble-thank you for coming to the rescue.
Donna Ash Youth Chairman National Wildlife Week Oliver, Ga. 30449

TROUT SEASONS
Open season April I through October 2. Streams closed to fishing: Coleman River upstream from U. S. Forest Service Bridge No. 54 (Coleman River Road); Dicks Creek (Burton Management Area), entire length inside management area; Blood Mountain Creek (Chestatee Management Area), entire length inside management area.
CHANGES IN THE FISHING
REGULATIONS
Lake Worth-Creel limit on bream, 50; creel limit on bass, 15; Minimum size limit on bass, 10 inches.
Sinclair-Minimum limit on bass, 10 inches.
Tobesofkee-Minimum size limit on bass, 10 inches.
Suwannee River-Minimum size limit on chain pickerel, 15 inches.
Use of nets or traps of any type, prohibited in rivers and streams.
SPRING TURKEY SEASONS
1971
Section 44
April 17, 1971 through May I, 1971, in the counties of Banks, Chattooga, Dawson, Fannin, Floyd, Franklin, Gilmer, Gordon, Habersham, Lumpkin, Murray, Rabun, Stephens, Towns, Union, Walker, White, and Whitfield. Bag limit one (1) turkey gobler. (260-2-.40 Amended)
Section 45
(1) (Wildlife Management Area Only Spring Season) April 26 through May 1, 1971, on Blue Ridge, Chattahoochee, Johns Mountain, and Burton. Bag limit one (1) turkey gobbler. Permit required; available at checking station. (2) April 12-17, 1971, on the Clark Hill Management Area. Bag limit one (1) turkey gobbler. Permit required; available at checking station. (3) March 22-27, 1971, Bullard Creek Management Area. Bag limit one (l) turkey gobbler. Permit required; available at checking station. (4) April 19-24, 1971, on the Piedmont National Wildlife Refuge. Bag limit one (1) turkey gobbler. Permit required (application for permit required prior to March 31, 1971); available from Refuge Manager, Piedmont National Wildlife Refuge, Round Oak, Georgia 31080. (260-2.42 Amended)
Section 46
March 27 through April 24, 1971, in Wilkes, Lincoln, Taliaferro, Warren, McDuffie, Columbia, Chattahoochee, Houston, Marion, Muscogee, Talbot, Twiggs, Wilkinson, and Stewart counties. Bag limit one (1) turkey gobbler. (260-2-.41 Amended)
Section 47
March 13, 1970-April 17, 1971, in Ben Hill, Brantley, Coffee, Charlton, Decatur, Dodge. Pierce, Telfair, Wilcox, Camden, that portion of Clinch and Echols counties lying east of U. S. Highway #441 and South of Georgia Highway #94. Bag limit two (2) turkey gobblers (260-2-.71)