Georgia game and fish [Vol. 6, no. 4 (Apr. 1971)]

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GEORGIA

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APRIL, 1971

April1971

Volume VI CONTENTS

Number 4

Fishing Fun for '71

Marvin Tye 1

The Gamemakers

Dean Wohlgemuth 4

Anglers' Awards

Bob Wilson 8

Better Habitat for Better Hunting Aaron Pass 12

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

James Darby
Vice Chairman Vida Iia-lst District

William Z. Camp, Sec. Newnan-6th 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. Avondale Estates-4th District

Leonard Bassford Augusta-lOth District

Jimmie Williamson Darien-Coasta I District

TECHNICAL SERVICES DIVISION
Jack A. Crockford, Assistant Director Lon 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

PUBLIC RELATIONS STAFF Phone 656-3530

Dean Wohlgemuth, Chief Editor

Bob Wilson Managing Editor

Ted Borg Photographer

Marvin Tye Special Publications

Ben Gunn Audio-Visuals

Aaron Pass Press Services

Margaret Howard Circulation

Georgia Game and Fish is 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 are Sl for one year or $2.50 for three year$. Printed by Stein Printing Company, Atlanta, Ga. Notification of address change must include both old and 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. Contribu tions are welcome, but the editors assume no responsibility or liability lor loss or damage of articles, photographs, or iflustrofions. Second-class postage paid of Atlanta, Go.

Speak Now ... Or Forever Hold Your Peace
Hunters and fishermen I am speaking to you. Not to the birdwatcher, the naturalist, the canoeist or to any other variety of outdoor recreationist, but specifically to the hunters and the fishermen who are about to lose their sport through slack-jawed indifference.
This is the era of conservation, it is right now one of the hottest issues in the marketplace, and the ball is rolling. For years conservationists, including hunters and fishermen. have beat their breasts and moaned that no one would listen. Well now everyone is listening. and someone had better start talking. Everyone is concerned, from the martini set, ever aware of an "in-topic", to the factory worker from the inner city who wants his kids to have cleaner air.
Several "authorities" have already dismissed the "ecology kick" as a fad, and considering the proven attention span of the American Public, they may well be right. So right now, while conservation is a hot issue with a ready-made audience. is the time when progress must be made.
This simple reality has already been recognized by many of the disciplines in that great generality called outdoor recreation, and they are not dragging their feet. By bringing the issues out in the open, and expressing either approval or rejection, they prove their understanding of the mt>thods which influence public opinion and determine public policy. As small but active minorities, they effect changes in a concerned nation.
Isn't all this conservation good for all outdoorsmen~ Doesn't it help everyone? Yes. but depending on who is doing the active work. it is often better for some than it is for others.
This is not meant to speak ill of any conservationist. Any dedicated person who is sincerely interested in conserving our environment is an ally and should be treated as such. However. it should he pointed out that people arc basically selfish, and are more concerned with their own area of interest than any other. particularly if no one makes them aware of any other. Oversimplified this means that the birdwatcher and the hiker are much more interested in what is good for birdwatchers and hikers than what is good for the hunter and the fisherman.
For example. at the same time the nation is gaining more and more protection for scenic and unique natural areas the hunter is losing ground. both figuratively and Jiterallv. As a result of these areas being placed under the protection of federal and state agencies which either discourage or prohibit hunting. all outdoor huffs profit, except the hunters whose license fees and Pittman-Rohertson contributions have probably done more to aid wildlife over the past two decades than the actions of any other group.
Think for a moment of all the conservation issues which have recently made big news. Of these. how manv were directly concerned with hunting or fishing per se? Even those issues which do protect wildlife habitat have often been instigated and supported by groups not directly related to hunting or fishing.
(Continued on Page 15)
ON THE COVER: Keeping plenty of game available for Georgia hunters is a continual job for game biologists such as Dick Whittington, Centra I Region game supervisor. To find out what life as a biologist is like, read Dean Wohlgemuth's article "The Gamemakers," Part II of a series on careers in conservation, on page 4. Photo by Ted Borg.
ON THE BACK COVER: It's fishing time again! For a look at what to ex pect in the way of fishing in our state this year, see "Fishing Fun for '71," by Marvin Tye on Page 1. Also, 1970 fishing conetst winners are announced on Page 8. Photo by Ted Borg.

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The hard-fighting largemouth bass is the most popular species of gamefish In the state. Lake Lanier, Walter F. George, Clark Hill, Hartwell, Sinclair, Seminole and
Allatoona are expected to produce fine bass fishing.

By Marvin Tye
Photos by Ted Borg

The Georgia angler is blessed with one of the most varied fishing selections of any Southeastern resident. He can choose from flowing mountain streams that offer fine trout fishing, large reservoirs and farm ponds that contain a variety of warm water species, a number of rivers that harbor freshwater gamesters as well as anadromous species on spawning runs or he can go to the Georgia coast for really excellent saltwater fishing.
Perhaps the most popular species to

be found in the state is the largemouth bass. The world record, a 22-pound, 4ounce specimen, was landed in Georgia waters in 1932. Since that historic day, hundreds of bass weighing up to 17 pounds have been bagged by peach state anglers. It takes a bass of at least 10 pounds to win a master angler's certificate or to stand a good chance of winning the State Game and Fish Commission's big fish contest. The smallest winner in the past three years weighed more than 13 pounds and the largest,
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This fine string of than average striper fishing. More than

bass was taken

150,000 of these fish have been stocked

from Lake Jackson. in our large reservoirs during the past

two years. Lake Sinclair received 72,000

stripers in June, 1969. At that time, the

fish were 11,12 inch fingerlings. Only

six months later fishermen began catch-

ing stripers weighing lh to % of a

pound. By now the fish have reached

the four or five-pound mark with a fe w

possibly weighing more. Sinclair pres-

ently is showing the highest population

of stripers as well as producing the

most frequent catches.

Lake Jackson received 20,000 strip-

ers ranging in size from three to nine

inches in December, 1969. An addi-

tional 22,000 were stocked in 1970. A

total of 42,000 stripers from the Walton -

Fish Hatchery were stocked in Lakes

Nottely and Blackshear in 1969. Lake

Blackshear and Lake Seminole had been

stocked with stripers at an earlier date.

All of these Jakes, as well as Lake

Burton, are expected to produce good

striper fishing in 1971. The largest t

quantity of stripers will probably come

from Lake Sinclair. Stripers up to 11

pounds have been taken this year at

both Lake Burton and Lake Seminole.

These Jakes as well as Lake Blackshear

could produce some really large striped

bass in 1971.



There is a minimum size of 15

inches on striped bass in all Georgia

reservoirs. Stripers under this size

taken from Lake Seminole, pulled the scale down almost to the 16-pound mark.
According to Fisheries Chief Leon Kirkland, a number of Georgia impoundments should produce good bass fishing. Among the best bets are Lakes Lanier, Clark Hill, Hartwell, Allatoona and Seminole. Sinclair is expected to show considerable improvement due to extensive management. Lake Walter F. George is expected to produce a high percentage of real tackle busters.
The striped bass is the major anadromous species sought by the Georgia angler. That tongue-twisting word, anadromous, means that the fish lives most of its life in the ocean and swims up freshwater rivers to spawn. Stripers of more than 60 pounds have been caught on these spawning runs, but that is not what the biggest excitement is about now.
More than 20 years ago biologists discovered that the striper could live its entire life span in fresh water Jakes and could reproduce there under ideal circumstances. Since that time, these fish have been introduced into a number of large reservoirs all over the country. The degree of success of these stockings has ranged from fantastic to just so-so. Georgia seems well on the way to becoming one of the states with better

Georgia's mountain trout streams offer a setting for every taste. There are easily accessible fishing areas and remote streams where you might see more wildlife than fellow fishermen You'll have a good chance of finding action at either type location
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dlust be returned to the water un-
bardled. An angler may take no more than five stripers in any one day's
fishing. The striper's freshwater cousin, the
white bass is well established in almost all of Georgia's reservoirs. Kirkland particularly recommends Lakes Lanier, Allatoona, Sinclair, Hartwell, Clark Hill , Walter F . George, Blackshear, Seminole, Bartletts Ferry and Goat ' Rock. The limit on white bass is 30 fish per day per angler. Limit catches are not difficult to achieve when these fish begin their spawning runs up tributary streams each spring. Such activity is ' probably going on somewhere in Georgia right now. The hardest part of this - sport is to find the fish. When yo u do, it's not too difficult to entice them to strike a weighted fly or any of a number of other lures. It's a bit difficult to bring a fighting white bass in when it's doing it's best to swim the other way, but that's the kind of work that no confirm ed angler minds doing.
Lakes Blue Ridge and Chatuge are ingled out by Kirkland as being the two top spots for smallmouth bass fishing. The state record smallmouth weighed six pounds five ounces and was taken from Lake Blue Ridge on December 11 , 1969 by Jackie R. Suits.
Lakes Blackshear and Seminole are expected to provide outstanding bream fishing this year. Good bream fishing can also be had at Lake Chatuge, Lake Blue Ridge and Lake Burton. Excellent water conditions and resulting good fishing have occurred for the past two years on the Altamaha, Satilla and

Ogeechee Rivers. Kirkland says that this trend should continue again this year. A brochure being printed by the State G ame and Fish Commission will provide information on the various fishing camps, and other facilities available at all major reservoirs and rivers in the state. To obtain your copy just write the Commission and ask for their fresh water fishing brochure.
Trout season begins April 1. The outlook for the various members of the trout family-brook, brown and rainbow-found in Georgia is good, with larger fish being stocked in the streams this year than were stocked last year. Lakes Lanier and Burton and a number of other smaller North Georgia impoundments should produce some fine catches for the angler seeking trout. The Chattahoochee River directly below Buford Dam continues to be the top spot in the state for producing large trout. These waters are managed for trout fishing with a closed season to prevent excessive fishing pressures. The tailwaters below Hartwell Dam also offers fine trout fishing.
Due to the terrific demand for trout fi shing, certain of the most easily acce sible trout streams are likely to be crowded . This is especially true on weekends and holidays. If you like to catch trout and don't mind some company you should have a good time on any of the managed trout streams. If you like solitude with your fishing, a trip to Noontootley Creek or some other remote stream deep within the Chattahoochee National Forest may be just what you need.

The trout fishing season for all streams except those on managed areas runs from April 1 through October 2. Management area streams are open only on scheduled days from May 1 through Labor Day, September 6.
Georgia's fine salt water fishing is often overlooked by the state's anglers. Spanish mackerel, sea trout, tarpon, king mackerel and other game species are usually abundant during the summer. It is possible to literally load the boat with mackerel at certain times.
In addition, the recently discovered reef or live bottom off Sapelo Island provides suitable habitat for a great variety of sea life preyed upon by large game fish . You're likely to find black sea bass, sailfish, king mackerel, cobia , amberjack, bluefish, barracuda and a number of other species living on or above the reef. It is located about 16 miles due east of Cabretta Inlet on Sapello Island and marked by four spar buoys. A map showing the location of the reef is contained in a brochure on the reef produced by the State Game and Fi h Commission.
A good way to break into saltwater fishing is to hire a guide or charter a boat at any one of a number of camps along the coast. Fish camps, facilities, and other information helpful to the saltwater angler will be included in the saltwater brochure being prepared by the State Game and Fish Commission.
Fresh water or salt, the Georgia angIer has one of the widest varieties of angling to be found anywhere in the country. And the prospects for this year could best be described as bright. ~

A site such as this is likely to produce
action with any number of warm-
water gamefish. Georgia's many small lakes and farm ponds should not be overlooked
by the angler.
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CONSERVATION: A CAREER FOR YOU?

The biologist Isn't a whlteco/lar worker.
He finds most of his work outdoors, and he can't mind gettlns his feet wet
or his hands dirty. Doing research on
duck migrations Involves trapping
waterfowl for banding and other
studies.

Article II of a Series 4

By Dean Wohlgemuth Editor
Photos by Ted Borg
Perhaps at times you've wondered how the State Game and Fish Commission came to set hunting seasons at a particular time or length, and why bag limits were set as they are. Whose job is it to decide?
Regulations are actually set by the board of Commissioners, appointed by the governor as a governing body over the department. These Commissioners are not professionally engaged in this field , however, and must draw the facts they need for setting regulations from professionals whose business it is to find these facts.
This is a large part of the job of the game biologist. He is a scientist. His studies of how many there are of various species of wildlife, how much hunting pressure an area can withstand and actually needs, how much hunting pressure that area is likely to receive and how successful hunters are likely to be, are all part of the facts gathered by the biologist. He compiles these facts, then makes recommendations to the Corn-

missioners on what the seasons should be. It is then the duty of the Commissioners to weigh these facts, coupled with the needs of the public, and come up with the final decisions on what will be the resulting regulations.
Regulations must change from year to year. There are many reasons for this. Perhaps the spring was particularly rainy, and reproduction of a certain species was very poor because of high mortality of the offspring. It may therefore be necessary to reduce season length or bag limits to assure that enough of the species remains for good reproduction in the following years.
On the other hand , perhaps there was abundant reproduction one spring because of ideal conditions, yet a Joss of food for that species because of a late frost or other weather factors , such as flood. This may mean a large amount of game available, but many of that species are doomed to die during the winter because of a great scarcity of food. Let us say too, that this particular species is one that is able to rebound well in reproduction , from even very small numbers of remaining survivors. In this case, the advisable thing

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to do is have a larger harvest of the species, through longer seasons or in-
..... creased bag limits.
- . Many of the changes may depend

heavily on long range studies. The

. .. benefit of 10 years of experience in studying the habits of deer, for example, may show that too many bucks

., are being harvested because of heavy

hunting pressure. Yet, the deer popula-

.,

tions are high, and food is scarce. This

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-. .. -

means the advisable thing to do is to have one day at the end of the season set asidt> for hunting doe deer as well a bucks. By limiting doe hunting to one day, only a relatively small number will be harvested, just enough to bring the balance of bucks and does back in line .

Studies are made by biologists on how many deer (or other species) there are in an area, what percentage is likely to be harvested during hunting season, what the reproduction rate is likely to be in that area, what effect hunting has on reproduction, and even how much the deer move around, in and out of hunting season.

Georgia's biologists have, for example, in recent years used radio track-

ing equipment to trace the movements of game to determine the effects of hunting. In one study biologists trapped deer and attached radio transmitters to collars on the deers' neck (see "Wired for Sourid," February, 1968, GAME & FISH). In another, jungle fowl were released with transmitters attached (see "Now They're Bugging the Birds," December, 1969, GAME & FISH). The transmitters sent out signals which biologists tracked with receivers from various points, to follow movements.
The most thorough studies on various species are more easily gained on wildlife management areas, where conditions can be effectively controlled. Here, the land area, the number of hunters, the seasons, and even illegal hunting and predation is recorded quite accurately.
In addition, the actual harvest can be measured very accurately. Samples are sometimes taken from these species. Deer are checked for weight and age, in order to determine growth rate and reproduction ability. The age of deer may be checked through examining jaw bones.
In cooperation with other states and

with federal agencies, studies are made of migratory game birds, such as doves. Dove ages may be checked by studying wing feathers. Surveys are conducted in all cooperating states to determine hunting pressure, dove populations, reproduction and hunter success.
Similar studies were made in Georgia on rabbit populations (see "Rabbit Riddle," December, 1968, GAME & FISH). A report is planned for future issues on the results of this study. This research was intended to determine what has happened to rabbit populations. It took into account the reproduction rate, the food availability, food quality, hunting pressure, cover (protection) availability, the effects of predators and many other factors governing the numbers of rabbits.
Such studies on these and other species are necessary for the setting of hunting regulations. They also help to provide more and better hunting.
It may be discovered, for example, that in one section of the state there is too much illegal hunting. Stronger law enforcement efforts may be necessary. In another area, it may be predation from wild or stray dogs. It may be that

5

tained for public hunting areas is a big

part of the job of the game manage-

ment division . When a new area is

opened, it must be studied for game

present, along with factors which con-

trol game populations. Game may be

stocked, then carefully protected un til

natural reproduction has brought the

numbers of the game species high

enough to support hunting. Then the

area is opened, and hunts are controlled

so as to maintain the best possible popu-

lation levels.

If hunting pressure is too low, food

supplies may diminish, and leave the

game herd faced with possible starva- ,.
tion and disease. This can be as serious

a problem as overhunting.

A biologist may be assigned, for sev-

eral years, to conduct extensive studies

on just one species of wildlife in a cer-

tain section of the state. While a great

deal of his time may be spent in field

work, he must also spend some time,

occasionally, doing laboratory studies

on disease or on food quality. He will

have to spend a big percentage of his

time writing reports on his work, and

compiling the results of his research, so

Deer management plays a major role in the work of Georgia game biologists. Deer are trapped for several different types of research projects, as well as for transporting deer for stocking in new areas. Deer must be trapped and tagged for population studies, and, in radio tracking work to determine deer movements, outfitted with tiny transmitters.

that decisions may be derived from his studies.
These reports are necessary for futu re plannning of regulations and management techniques by him and other biologists. Also, they are necessary for ac-

Working in cooperation with other state

quiring federal aid for management

and federal agencies, game biologists

projects.

take part in studies of doves. The biologist may take part in dove "wing bees" as he is here, checking dove wings sent in by hunters as part of a survey, or he may station himself for several mornings in a particular spot to listen to dove calls to get an accurate estimate of dove popula-
tions.

the best method of providing better wildlife populations would be to eliminate these starving, vicious, wild dogs.
In another instance, and perhaps with another species, biologists might find there is too little food available. The public may be asked to cooperate in providing small patches of the proper kinds of food. In most cases, certain weeds and plants that provide food for small game also provide cover ... protection from natural enemies. Providing these things may be all that is necessary to bring back good numbers of this game.
In some instances, nature has left a gap. There may not be enough of any kind of game to provide good hunting. Game native to the state may not find the area suited enough to their needs to provide them a good enough living for them to be plentiful. Research may suggest that a game bird or animal from another continent could thrive here. Experimental stockings are made, and if successful, further stockings follow , and eventually, perhaps there may be a new game species available for the sportsman.

While he can spend a great deal of his time outdoors and in enjoyable work, there are problems that face the biologist. He may be frustrated that he is not able to solve a problem , or that it may take years of research .. . or that years of research may seem to reveal little or nothing.
Even if he reaches a solution, he may have difficulty selling that solution to the public. Without the support of sportsmen, he may not be able to put the solution to work. It is difficult at times to convince others of the meanings of his findings . . . why things must be done a particular way.
In order to become a game biologist, he must have at least a bachelor's degree in wildlife management. There is a wide range of subjects he should study. Courses he studies probably will include most of the following: elementary zoology and botany; chemistry (organic, inorganic, and biochemistry); mathematics (algebra through calculus) ; basic physics ; entomology (insect study) ; English composition; geology ; economics; special botany courses, including plant physiology and plant classification , toxicology ; histology, physiology, comparative anatomy, zoogeography (distribution of animals); forestry, plant

Finding new areas which may be ob- and animal ecology; embryology, para-

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sitology, mamrpalogy; ornithology; her-

petology (in order, the studies of cell
development, parasites, mammals, birds

. and reptiles and amphibians) ; inverte-

brate zoology; ichthyology (study of

fishes); statistics; wildlife conservation;

wildlife and fisheries management; lim-

.~ nology (study of waters); animal taxo-

nomy (classification); and scientific

Russian or German.

(EDITOR's NoTE: This list of courses is

quoted from "Careers in Wildlife Con-

"'

servation," published by the Conservation Department, Winchester-Western,

Olin Mathieson Chemical Corporation,

E. A [ton, Illinois, used with their per-

mission. )

Often a master's degree or even doc-

tor's degree is highly desirable to the

biologist. In some cases, these postgrad-

uate studies are necessary to obtain the . ~ position he desires. Certainly, his future

will be enhanced by having had more

studies.

The biologist is a scientist, basically.

However, he may be called upon to

serve as an administrator as well. He

may in time become a regional biol-

ogist, in charge of other field biologists

in his section of the state. He may later

become chief of game management for

~ his state. Or he may go to a federal
. agency such as the U . S. Bureau of Sport Fisheries and Wildlife, and

could eventually be the head of a

branch of this agency or perhaps a state

agency. A biologist's future is limited

only by his ambition and ability. The

,.. assistant secretary of the U. S. Depart-

ment of the Interior is a position for a

professional conservationist, usually a

wildlife biologist. While this is the top of the field , there are a great many im-

portant administrative positions all up

. the ladder.
' Despite the requirement for an ex-
'. pensive, solid educational background, pay in the field starts at a comparatively low level for a professional man,

within a government agency. A young

man , fresh from college with a B.S. in

wildlife management and no experience

begins with the Georgia Game and

Fi h Commission as a biologist I at

$648.50 per month. With a year of ex-

perience or a masters degree, he can

become a biologist II, starting at $711.50

per month.

More and more, there are increasing

opportunities for biologists with private

industry. Large forestry products indus-

tries, especially, are adding biologists to

their staffs. These industries have

learned that their vast forests are excel-

lent producers of game, and that the

public has a strong desire to avail itself

of the hunting opportunities. Foresters

learn that not only is it an important

public relations factor to open these

lands to the public, it is very compat-

Many of the state's management areas are open to the public only through the cooper-

ation of the Commission's biologists and large forest industries. They coordinate closely

with representatives of these industries to manage wildlife and open the areas to

hunting.

Though much of his time is spent

outdoors, the biologist also must spend

time at his desk, keeping reports and

research up to date.

ible with forest management. Some

companies even believe that there is

enough income from operating fee

hunting on their lands as to provide ex-

tra profit from the forests. In these

cases, they hire game biologists to man-

age wildlife populations and hunting,

in order to provide the best possible

public relations and profit. While hunt-

ing fees are usually very reasonable,

they must cover the costs of manage-

ment practices and salaries of biologists,

and , if possible, provide a margin for

some profit.

The need for good, qualified biol-

ogists is increasing daily. The future of

hunting and wildlife populations in this

country is dependent upon these dedi-

cated professionals.

It is a good life, one of pleasant but

hard work and long hours, but also one

of great rewards ... primarily that of

serving your fellow man.

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NEXT MONTH:

Fisheries Biologists

7

Stan Hodsdon shows off his home-made Yellow Jacket lure, which he used to catch a 13-pound largemouth bass, which won the Black Bass category in the 1970 Georgia Big Fish Contest. In addition to receiving a Garcia rod and Ambassador 5000 reel as his prize, Hodsdon will have his name engraved on the Black Bass trophy and will receive a Master Angler's Certificate.

Photo by Bob Wilson

By Bob Wilson

Think like a bass, a big largemouth bass! It's early spring, the end of March, and the lake is low. Got it? Now, would you believe a 3Vz-inch yellow jacket? You don't think so, eh? Well , at least one such bass did and became a contest winner because of it.
Come to think of it not many fishermen would believe a fishing lure made out of a piece of briar root, shaped and painted to resemble a yellow jacket of a giant variety. Stan Hodsdon of Commerce didn't really expect any results either. He had made the lure from a piece of briar root that be had found on Lake Nottely, intending to place it in front of a mounted barracuda that

he has. But just for fun , one memorable morning last spring. Hodsdon put the lure on his line and commented to his fishing partner, Jim Banks, that he was getting ready to catch the biggest fish in the lake. The very first cast hooked a 13-pounder that took at least ten minutes to land on six-pound test line.
When you can start a fishing day that way, it's bound to put you in good spirits. Hodsdon put the fish on the stringer, and took his "secret weapon" lure off the line and retired it. Perhaps it's best that way. Not many lures can

claim prize-winning catches on the fi rst cast, and being horne-made makes the feat even more impressive. But if fishing gets real slow sometime this year and you see a fisherman carefully dig a lure from the bottom of his tackle-box, and it flashes yellow and black as be casts it towards shore, better back off and give him room to play the fish, because it's bound to be Mr. Hodsdon out after another prize-winner.
Thirteen pounds may not seem too big for a largemouth bass, with the world record set at 22-pounds, 4-ounces by a

Georgia fish caught in 1932, but this

! 3-pou nder was big enough to win awards from Georgia GAME & FISH, SPORTS AFIELD, and FIELD AND STREAM magazines and the Garcia Corporation, distr-ibutors of sporting goods. As the winner in the black bass category in the 1970 Georgia Big Fish
... Contest, the fish has won Hodsdon an Ambassadeur 5000 reel and a Garcia rod, and he will have his name engraved on the Black Bass trophy provided by
... Garcia.
The Junker was taken in Clark Hill
Reservoir on March 30, 1970, using that home-made yellow jacket lure and

six-pound test line. Hodsdon usually waits until May to start his fishing for the season , but got an early start on last

eason, and what a way to start a sea-

on! There may seem like a lot of differ-
ence between a 13-pound largemouth bass and a 2-pound, 1lh -ounce bream, but Eugene Payne of Atlanta felt the arne sort of excitement in landing his prize-winning catch. Just to balance things out, this winner was the last fish of the day. Payne used a small pink worm for what proved to be irrestible bait for the largest bream entered in the

1970 contest.

Deep fishing, some 18 to 20 feet, is

recommended by Payne for fishermen after really big bream. He fishes from

shore and puts his bait out about as far as he can cast, usually using pink worms. Since he uses two or three rigs at once, it's certain that the rod and reel prize will come in handy.

Michael Gozdick checks the Thin-Fin Jure that helped him
land a prize-winning white bass. He will have his name engraved on the White Bass trophy, and will receive a Pflueger Supreme rod and reel outfit as his prize.

Photo by Ted Borg

What was the biggest white bass caught in the state during 1970? Well, we will probably never know. The largest one entered in the contest was 3pounds, 8-ounces; but it is strongly felt that a number of white bass over 4pounds must have been taken in Geor-

Charlie Hobbs, Sr., landed this trophy-sized rainbow trout in Lake Lanier, using the smallest of Mepps lures.

gia Ia t year. Michael Gozdick of Riverdale hadn't even planned to enter the

fi h in the contest, but his fishing partner, Robert Guthrie, persuaded him to

end in his entry at the last minute. That last-minute entry will win a

Pflueger rod and reel outfit for Goz-

dick, and his name will be engraved on the White Bass trophy provided by the Pfluege r people.

The winning white bass was taken on the Chattahoochee arm of Lake Lanier on April 9, 1970. Gozdick says he usually puts in at the Gainesville Marina and fishes up the Chattahoochee arm of the lake when he is after white bass. He has just ordered a new bass boat, o that Pflueger rod and reel prize will be just what he needs for this season's fi shing.

Another Pflueger rod and reel outfit will be awarded to Charlie Hobbs, Sr., of Atlanta, in recognition of his catch

9

Eugene Payne captured the grand prize in the bream category with this 2-pound llh-ounce scrapper, caught using a small pink worm.

of a rainbow trout in Lake Lanier that weighed in at 8-pounds, 5-ounces. No small catch under any circumstances, Hobbs displayed considerable angling skill in taking this fish on 8-pound test line, using a "0"-size black Mepps spinner.
This fish was also the last catch of the day, after four or five trout had been taken in the lake. The catch was made in about six feet of water right next to a 100-foot drop, not far from Balus Creek.
Lake Blue Ridge produced the 1970 contest winner in the catfish category. Leon Reavis, of Clarkston, pulled a 44pound yellow cat out of Blue Ridge on July 6, 1970, using a live minnow for bait. The north Georgia Jakes can certainly produce some huge catfish. The 1969 contest winner in the catfish category weighed in at 51-pounds, 15-ounces and was caught by Hoyt McDaniel in Lake Nottely on June 2, 1969. It is worth noting that the last two years' winners in this category were caught using minnows for bait.
Reavis used saltwater tackle with 30pound test line to land his 44-pound fish , and should be able to put to good use the Garcia rod and Ambassador

Emmett Thomas pulled this
3-pound B-ounce black crappie
from Lake Seminole just 18 days
before the end of 1970, and the end
of last year's contest. Thomas used a cane pole in making his catch, which points out that it's not what you use to catch
fish that's important, it's how
well you use it!

10

Photo by Bob Wilson

5000 reel that he will receive as his prize. This year's contest should produce a number of really big entries in the catfish category, and you can bet that the 1969 and 1970 winners hope to be among them.
To even things up a bit, the prizewinner in the crappie category came from Georgia's southernmost lake, Seminole. Emmett Thomas, of Bainbridge, waited until the contest was nearly over to catch his 3-pound, 8-ounce black crappie on December 13, 1970.
While Thomas caught his fish in good traditional style using a cane pole with a minnow for bait, he may be even more effective at catching fine fish like that one with his new Pflueger rod and reel outfit that is his prize. In addition to his prize, Thomas, along with all the other qualifying entries, will receive the "Master Angler's Award" presented by the Georgia Sportsmen's Federation and Georgia GAME & FISH magazine.
The number of entries in the 1970 contest may have been small, and it's true that no new records were set, but the entries received represented a lot of fishing enjoyment. Perhaps the fine rod and reel sets awarded to the winners in the six major categories will be just the sort of encouragement needed to get some new records set in 1971. Setting a new record, winning a fine prize, or getting nothing but an enjoyable day's relaxation, every fisherman who hopes to enter the Georgia Big Fish Contest
WIDS.

Minimum Woightfor Certificate

State Records

World's Record

5 lbs.

BASS, FLINT RIVER SMALLMOUTH

6 lbs., 8 ozs.-J. E. McCormick,

Griflin, flint River,

March 9, 1969

No Record

10 lbs.

BASS, LARGEMOUTH 22 lbs., 4 o:r:s.-George Perry, Brunswick, Moontgomery Lake, June 2, 1932. World's Record

Same

Second-17 lbs., 14 on., Nickie Rich, Marietta, Chastain's Lake. April 27, 1965

5 lbs.

BASS, SMALLMOUTH 6 lbs., 5 o:zs.-Jackie R. Suits, fry, Lake Blue Rilge, Dec. 11. 1969

5 lbs.

BASS, SPOTTED 7 lbs., 8 o:n.-Donald Palmer, Cleveland, Little Tesnatee R., Moy 20, 1969

I lbs.

20 lbs.

BASS, STRIPED 63 lbs. 0 ou.-Kelly A. Ward, Dublin, Oconee River, May 30, 1967

Same

2 lbs.

BASS, REDEYE (COOSA) 2 lbs., 10 au., John R. Cockburn, Jr., Dalton Jacks River, July 4, 1967 No Record

3 lbs.

BASS, WHITE

4 lbs., 15 ou.-William R. Harris, Jr.,

Cornelia, Lake Lanier,

March 31. 1969

S lbs., 2 ozs.

1Y. lbs.

BLUEGILL

2 lbs., 15% on.-J. Terry Cantrell,

Atlanta, Okefenokee Swamp,

August, 1965

5 lbs.

8 lbs.

BOWFIN 14 lbs., 0 ou.-Rondoll Lee Brown, Lake Pork, Okefenokee Swamp, Moy 5, 1968

20 lbs.

CARP

351bs., 6 OZI.,

Albert B. Hicks, Sr., Atlanta,

Sweetwater, Creek.

April 17, 1967

55 lbs., 5 ozs.

15 lbs.

CATFISH, CHANNEL 39 lbs., 3 ozs.-Ben Patrick, Tifton, Patrick's Lake, July 4, 1969

57 lbs.

15 lbs.

CATFISH, FLATHEAD 51 lbs., 15 o:n.-Hoyt McDaniel, Suches, Lake Nottely, June 2, 1969

3 lbs.

CRAPPIE, BLACK 4 lbs., 3 o.n., Kenneth Matthew Kirkland, Jonesboro, Lake Jodeco, April 30, 1967

5 lbs.

3 lbs.

CRAPPIE, WHITE

4 lbs., 4 ozs.-Charles McCullough,

Decatur, Lake Hartwell,

April 27, 1968

5 lbs., 3 on.

15 lbs. GAR. LONGNOSE No Official State Record 50 lbs., 3 o:u.

Any Woight

MUSKELLUNGE

38 lbs.-Rube Golden, Atlanta,

Blue Ridge lake,

June, 1957

69 lbs., 15 ozs.

5 lbs.

PICKEREL. CHAIN (JACKFISH) 9 lbs., 6 ou.-Baxley, McQuaig, Jr., Homerville, Feb., 1961, World's Record

Same

4 lbs. SAUGER No Official State Record 8 tbs., 5 on.

1Y, lbs.

SUNfiSH, REDBREAST No Official State Record

No Record

2 lbs.

SUNFISH, REDEAR (SHELLCRACKER)

2 lbs., 12Y2 o:u.,

Bill Crabb, Marietta,

Private Pond, Cobb County,

Aug. 26, 1968

41bs., 12 OZI.

15" or 2 lbs.

TROUT, BROOK

3 lbs., 12 ozs.-Barry Lowe,

Lithonia, Moccasin Creek,

April 12, 1969

14 lbs., 8 on.

18" or 5 lbs.

TROUT, BROWN 18 lbs., 3 o:u. WiHiam M. Lowery, Marietta, Rock Creek, May 6, 1967 39 lbs., 8 o:n.

24" or 6 lbs.

TROUT, RAINBOW

12 lbs., 4 ozs.-John Whitaker,

Ellijay, CoosawattH River,

May 31, 1966

371bs.

2 lbs.

PERCH, YELLOW No Official State Record 4 lbs., 3% on.

5 lbs.

WALLEYE 11 lbs.-Steven Kenny, Atlanta, Lake Burton, April 13, 1963

25lbs.

GEORGIA BIG FISH CONTEST

The Georgia Sportsmen's Federation or non-resident, may enter the contest by

and Georgia Game & Fish Magazine spon- completing the official affidavit.

sor a big fish contest for the State of 5. Fish must be caught on sporting tackle

Georgia during each calendar year.

and be hooked and landed by the entrant.

Shortly after the first of each year, rod and reel sets will be given to the angler catching the largest fish in any one of six categories: black bass, white bass, crappie, bream, mountain trout, and catfish. In addition, the angler catching the
largest black bass each year will have his name engraved on the Garcia Black Bass Trophy, and the winner in the white bass category will have his name engraved on the Pflueger White Bass Trophy.
Entries made on fish caught after December 31 will be entered in next year's contest. Entries should be made as soon as possible after the fish is caught. The deadline for entries in the contest is January 15.
How To Enter
1. Have fish weighed, measured, and entered at any official Georgia Sportsmen's Federation Weighing Station or any office of the State Game and Fish Commission. If no such station is available, have the fish weighed and measured in the pres-

6. Fish must be caught in the State of Georgia during the legal angling season for the species taken.
7. Angler can submit as many entries as he wishes. Certificates will be awarded for all fish surpassing the minimum standards in the chart regardless of the year caught, but contest prizes will be awarded only in the general black bass, white bass, crappie, bream, mountain trout, and catfish categories for fish caught this year. Awards will not be given for specific species within these categories such as the largest white crappie, black crappie, etc. due to the difficulty of exact identification of the species in these categories. In the event of a tie, duplicate awards will be given.
8. Clear sideview black and white or color photographs of the fish, preferably with the angler, must be submitted with each entry which become the property of Georgia Game & Fish Magazine.

ence of two witnesses who sign the of- 9. Affidavits should be mailed to Big Fish

ficial entry blank or a facsimile.

Contest, Georgia Game and Fish Maga-

2. Before the affidavit can be accepted, the truth of the statements must be attested before a qualified officer such as

zine, Trinity-Washington Street Building,
270 Washington Street, Atlanta, Georgia 30334.

a notary public, justice of the peace, sheriff, municipal clerk, postmaster, member of state or loca I law enforcement agency, wildlife ranger, etc.
3. There is no entry fee for the contest.

'~ l.IENG H

4. Any Georgia licensed angler, resident HOW TO MEASURE A FISH Girth: should be meas-

ured around the largest part of the body as shown in

diagram. Length: Measure along a /lilt sur/tJCe from the

extremity of the mouth to the extremity of the tail.

PRINT OR TYPE ALL INFORMATION

Kind of F i s h - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Weight___lbs.___ozs. Length___ins. Girth,_ _ _ _ins. Bait used,_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Type T a c k l e - - - - - - - - - - - -

Rod Brand------- Reel B r a n d - - - - - - - Line B r a n d - - - - - - - Test___

Where caught (Name of Lake or Stream)------------------------

Location of Lake or Stream (County or Nearest Town)------------------

Date C a u g h L - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Angler-----------------------------------Home Address;_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __

City and State_________________________________

Telephone Numbers: Business:__________

Home: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __

Fishing License Number:---------------
"1 hereby swear that the above statements are true; that in taking this fish I complied with the contest rules, fishing regulations, and that the witnesses hereto saw this fish weighed and measured. I consent to the use of my nan.e in connection with the Georgia State Fishing Contest."

(Signature of person who caught fish)
We, the undersigned, witnessed the weighing and measuring of the fish described above and verified the weight and measurements given.
1. S i g n a t u r e - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Addres9'----------------------------------2. Signature_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ ___
Address---------------------------------Sworn to and ascribed before me this,______day of_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _, 19_____
Title: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __
-----------~(~S7 ig-n-a7tu-re_o_f~a-q_u_a~li~fi~e~d~o~ff~i~c-e-r-~S~e~e~R~ule2)
Send all entries to: Georgia Game & Fish Magazine, Trinity-Washington Street Building, 270 Washington Street, Atlanta, Georgia 30334.
11

Photo by Ted Borg
By Aaron Pass
12

These hunters are after qual/ In a forest opening caused by a timber sale. Qual/ are one of the game species which have been affected by the change In land use practices over the past few years.
BIT.

UNTING

Anytime a group of veteran small game hunters gets together one fact becomes immediately obvious, hunting for birds and rabbits is not as good as it used to be. Today's hunting as compared to the sport as it was in the good old days is puny to say the least. It is said that quail hunters used to expect open shots at several coveys in the course of a day, and a rabbit hunt was always good for six or eight cottontails. But the good old days are gone, and there are few things around that seem to be as good as they once were.
There are many kinds of small game which may be hunted in the state, but the average Georgia hunter is usually after either quail, rabbit, or squirrel. These are the three most important small game species; and of the three,

quail and rabbits seem to be declining in numbers.
Many hunters seem to feel that overhunting is the reason for this decline in small game population, citing that in the past, you seldom encountered another hunter. Admittedly, hunting pressure has increased, and the stocking of gamebirds and animals is often recommended as a remedy.
Natural predators, like hawks, owls, and foxes , are thought by many to be the cause of the problems. Due to the belief that these wild hunters make serious inroads on small game, predato r control is often advocated to increase the game population.
Stocking and predator control are deceptively simple panaceas, and if these two measures were the answer to

good small game management, the job of the wildlife biologists would be a great deal simpler. Unfortunately neither approach would do much to help the problem, because neither strikes at the real root of the decline in small game -loss of habitat and changing land use. Ever increasing hunting pressure on an ever dwindling amount of good habitat is the real problem with small game these days.
Habitat is the key to effective small game management. Habitat means the natural surroundings in which a given species is normally found . Good habitat is a set of conditions which supplies all of the various needs of any form of wildlife, including food , water, cover, nesti ng areas, etc. Good habitat means a healthy game population, and conversely as this habitat diminishes so does the game.
All wildlife populations are governed , by the natural conditions of the area in
which they live. These conditions dictate both the type of wildlife and the number which can live there. Since the different species of wildlife have difrent needs, good habitat for one type may be poor for others.
Nature's laws have dictated that some creatures must prey on others to live. These are called predators, and the others are prey species. The prey species are well adapted to this by high reproductive potential which allows them to cope with the predation. The rabbit
l is famous for this trait. On the other hand, the predator acts as a check to keep the prey species from overpopulating and destroying themselves by l~r starvation or disease.
The term "carrying capacity" means that number of any species for which a given habitat can provide food and cover. When this carrying capacity is ' exceeded the surplus will either starve or succumb to disease. In addition, the extra burden the surplus has placed on the habitat usually reduces the carrying capacity for some time.
It is this surplus that man harvests by hunting, and by hunting, man himself becomes a predator. The hunter is a very efficient predator as compared to the wild variety. For this reason such artificial limits as a season and a bag limit must be placed on the game species for its protection.
The natural predators on the other - hand do not pose a serious threat to a
healthy game population in good habitat. These predators are opportunistic feeders, taking what they can catch, and they are more directly governed by natural law than is man . When conditions are good and prey is plentiful, predators are also plentiful ; but when the prey grows scarce, the predator must move to another area or starve. In this way

In fortst tJrfJfJ~ WhfJ!I uf'Td, rgrowth ha b n !lmfntJttJd by 11 maturtl trtJe caMpy, ths practlc& of cletJr cutting ctJn provldM op nlngs and tJrl lnterspgts/M of covtt ne ded by wildlife, Thfl ctetJr cut should 11ot b too large, howwtr, and mast-producing tree& should h left,
Wl/dllfl bfologlst triJflk Pbtrlsh IJfld Arthur Hbrper thetk tJ food plot In tJ forest tJttJtJ, Th plantings can b (J/ac d 11/ong flr9br uks, abandoned logging rofJds, and oth r mtJ/1 cle&rlngs In wooded arMs,

13

nature prevents the overharvest of wildlife by natural predation.
Field research shows that in favorable habitat, natural predation has little effect on wildlife populations. It is in fact necessary to maintain a healthy population by removing the sick and weak individuals of any given species. Predator control is not the answer to an increased small game population.
Stocking, like predator control , is not a very good way to bolster small game populations. Because of the rapid breeding potential of this type of wildlife, they can restock themselves in adjacent areas which have the proper habitat. This means that if quail and rabbits are not already present in an area, there is a pretty good reason why they are not and stocked animals would disappear in short order, due to the same reasons.
The broad effects of changing land use patterns and their effect on game populations is one of the major reasons for the decline of quail and rabbit hunting in Georgia in the past few decades. These two species are often referred to as farm game because they thrive in the presence of agriculture, particularly "small farm" agriculture. The early years of this century saw a set of conditions which constituted a rabbit and quail paradise.
Small fields and openings, separated by brushy fencerows and fallow areas provided exactly the type of habitat that favored these two species. These were the "good old days" when Georgia was the undisputed quail capita l of the world, and all the fabulous legends were born. Modern times have seen a rural to urban shift in population, and

the remammg agriculture is big business. Large scale agriculture, utilizing the principles of clean farming, and large tracts of one crop plantings, has done away with much of the field edge habitat that rabbit and quail formerly used for cover. Other land, not utilized as cropland has been put into pasture or devoted to timber production, neither of which is beneficial to the farm game species. The timber land is, in many cases, expanding the habitat of the forest game such as deer, turkey and squirrel where it is being managed with wildlife values in mind.
Since most public land is in forest cover, farm game is pretty well restricted to private land , and it is on this private land that game production can be increased by land management practices which take wildlife needs into account.
The planting of wildlife food and cover crops improves the habitat, and is the best way to increase the numbers of game birds and animals on a piece of land. This practice improves the carrying capacity of the area, and quail and rabbits will quickly establish themselves in this new habitat.
As an example of this, last fall I had the pleasure to bag two rabbits, and see two others in an area that had formerly produced only one or two. The difference was that a half an acre had been planted in millet to attract doves and the rabbits had also developed a taste for it. I shared my hunting area with a large redtail hawk, and his competition did not bother me a bit. I seriously doubt that I made him go hungry either, since he dines mostly on field mice.
Draining of the large river swamps in the south has caused a habitat shortage for the wood duck, which nests in hollow trees. Erecting nest boxes around swampy areas and beaver ponds is a good conservation measure.
Photo by John Culler

The dove field is perhaps the best ex-

ample of improved hunting through

land management. A plot that has been

properly fertilized and sowed or planted

in brown top millet produces a good

hay harvest, and later on some good

dove shooting. This is a food plot plant-

ing, and since doves will fly a long way

from cover to food , lack of nearby

cover will not prevent use of such a

food plot by doves.

Quail however, demand their food

served in close proximity to escape

cover. For this reason a very large field

with waste grain or seed in the middle

doesn't help quail very much . F ood

plantings should be laid out in long rec-

tangle or ovals no more than 30 yards

from cover. This will allow both the ~

hunter and the quail a fair chance.

Quail are mainly seed eaters and food

plantings of the lespedezas, peas, sorgh-

um or millet will be attractive to them.

One 1,4 acre plot per 5 to 10 acres of

quail habitat is sufficient. If the plot

is in woods, one to two acres is a better

size.

Ducks like doves are migratory game

and there are Federal regulations which

pertain to baiting that should be assid-

uously observed. A harvested grain fi eld

adjacent to a flooded river swamp or

wooded pond is very attractive to water

fowl , and can furnish good shooting.

The wood duck is one of the few ducks

which nest locally and their numbers in

an area can be increased by providing

nesting boxes for them. These boxes,

placed in and around swamps, plus the

increase in beaver ponds, have contrib-

uted greatly to bringing this species back

from the edge of extinction.

Wildlife biologists from the Game

and Fish Commission are willing to

visit the landowner and offer advice on

a small game management program.

More information on small game

management on private land can be se-

cured through county agents, and the

Extension Wildlife Specialist of the Co-

operative Extension Service.

The management of land for in-

creased game production is not solely

for the benefit of the hunter. The im- -

provements in habitat help many other

forms of wildlife as well, and anyone y

who enjoys nature should give some

thought to providing for wildlife needs.

These measures usually do not cut down

the production of either agriculture or

forestry, and they do not demand any

massive labors. They do result in the

enrichment of wildlife values, and a bet-

ter environment.

It's true that the good old days are

gone, and so are the conditions that

produced them . Small game hunting,

though, is not necessarily gone if the

needs of this type of wildlife are taken

into account.

~

14

the
UTDOOR WORLD
,

~ A TROUT STAMP FOR '71

When Georgia trout fishermen open the 1971 season April 1, they may also be opening a new dimension of improved trout fishing in the state. This year, anglers fishing for mountain trout will be required to have a special trout stamp, costing $2.25, as well as a state . fishing license. The stamp is intended to meet the rising cost of the mountain trout management program, and provide additional money for needed im-
r provements to meet the growing de-
mand for trout fishing. The demand for mountain trout fish-
ing has been increasing steadily, and unless this increased pressure is met, ., the quality of trout fishing will go down. More trout are needed for stocking, but at present both trout hatcheries are at maximum production. Since further expansion at the present sites is .., impossible, a new hatchery needs to be built. The trout stamp will provide the .. needed revenue for constructing this hatchery, which will annually produce about V2 million fish. These additional 11 fish would allow the full potential of the Georgia trout fishery to be realized.
More fish will be stocked in streams which are now on the stocking list, and tacki ng could be expanded to include other streams. Fisheries biologists have determined that there are several streams in northwest Georgia which would provide put-and-take trout fishing were - there fish available. The cold tailrace waters from north Georgia impoundments, such as the Chattahoochee River below Buford Dam, would also benefit from more fish.
"We haven't been able to produce enough trout to realize the full potential of these streams while maintaining all other trout streams in the state," said Leon Kirkland, Chief of Fisheries for

the Game and Fish Commission. "The Chattahoochee River, in particular, could handle many more fish than we can now stock in it, and could provide trout fishing inside metropolitan Atlanta."
More fish are needed to fully develop trout fisheries in the cold water lakes in the state. Mountain trout are now stocked in 17 reservoirs in north Georgia, and some very large fish are taken annually. Incidentally, since there are other fish species present in these lakes, anglers are not required to buy a trout stamp unless they intend to keep any trout caught.
The trout stamp will also benefit the native trout fishery in the mountains . An effort is being made to retain as many native trout streams in a natural condition to maintain this high quality fi hing. This will be accomplished primarily by restricting the stocking efforts to the larger and more accessable streams, relieving the pressure on those streams which produce wild trout.
Many native trout streams have been abused by improper land use practices on their banks. The trout stamp will provide funds for the reclamation and renovation of these streams, and the restocking of a wild strain of brook trout wherever possible.
The idea of a special mountain trout stamp to provide funds for trout management has been tried with excellent re ults in several other states, and it became Georgia law in early March. lt is felt by The Commission that a trout stamp is the fairest and best method of providing additional revenue to improve the trout management program and expand Georgia's trout fishery.
-Aaron Pass

Editorial (continued)
SPEAK NOW ...
This is not a blanket indictment of all hunters and fishermen, because there are many organized groups which are doing their best to protect your interests, and they need your support. Trout Unlimited, Ducks Unlimited, The Izaak Walton League, and many individual sportsmen's clubs are actively involved in the conservation issue, but are outnumbered and outdone by other groups with better publicity.
It is time now, past time in fact, for the hunter and the fisherman to make his stand and say his piece, or he's going to get crowded off the conservation bandwagon and be lost in the shuffle. Wildlife is the easiest resource to lose "in the shuffle" and it is on wildlife that the hunter and fisherman depend. All the canoeist needs is water, and all the hiker needs is a forest trail, wildlife is nice to have around but not totally necessary. So the man who needs wildlife had best get into the fray and do his part, for no one who shuns the fight has any right to share the spoils.
-Aaron Pass

}
MOVING?

PLEASE NOTIFY US

30 DAYS IN ADVANCE

Miss Mrs.
Mr.

Name

(please print)

Address (new if for change of address)

City
To subscribe to GEORGIA GAME &FISH

State .----=-"Z-ip---,

check rate below and fill in your name and address above.

0 1 year I $1.00 0 3 year I $2.50

Mail to:
Public Relations State Game and Fish Commission 270 Washington St., S.W. .___ ______, Atlanta, Georgia 30334

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 .revera/ letters on the same subject are received the editors reserve the right to use only those which cover the subject best. Letters should be signed; however, names will be withheld upon reque~t.
SMALL GAME LACKING I am a trophy deer hunter although I have never killed one but I enjoy it and keep going back every year. I enjoy other small game too, but we don't have enough rabbit, quail, and grouse in north Georgia to hunt. I believe part of the money should go for stocking rabbit, quail, grouse, turkey and squirrel as well as deer. The fox in north Georgia is one of the reasons rabbits are so few. One of my friends and I were hunting last year when we had 3 or 4 inches of snow and every set of rabbit tracks we found, a fox was tracking the rabbits also. I believe a bounty should be placed on the fox to lower him in number. I believe the fox destroys 3 times the rabbits that man does. I also believe just a little attention should be taken from deer and put on small game. I like to hunt deer, but some people don't, btu do enjoy hunting small game.
Rayburn Smith Ellijay, Georgia
We concur that there is a definite need for more and better small game hunting in the state. The key to increasing small game populations is to increase and maintain good small game habitat, see "Better Habitat for Better Hunting," this issue). Research has shown that stocking and predator control in areas with poor habitat is wasted effort, and in areas with good habitat these measures are generally not necessary.
CRABS AND TURTLES After having read the letter from Mr. J. H. Edwards concerning the dead turtles at St. Simons and your ridiculous answer, I could not help but comment on an incident I was involved in. My outboard motors stopped while in the sound near Brunswick and I was towed in by a shrimp boat which was in the process of emptying their nets. The deckhand with a mallet was needlessly killing all of the crabs in the net and throwing them overboard. When asked about this he said everyone did it and I assume that the trurtles are handled similarly. I suggest that the State Game and Fish Commission take steps to put an end to this needless destruction of wildlife.
Jerry Wright, Jr. Atlanta, Ga.
If we could find a way to stop all law breakers, we'd have done it long ago, and so would have every other law enforcement agency in the world. We do the best we can, and will strive to continually improve our efforts.

MORE BOATING CLASSES I have just read the article "An Education in Safety" by Aaron Pass, in the February issue. I believe your magazine should be commended for this fine and timely article. After reading this article I thought your office and your readers might like to know of the existence of the "Flint River Power Squadron" located in Albany, Georgia and a member of 22nd District, U.S.P.S. Our present piloting class consists of 30 students. Information on future classes may be obtained from P/C Ben Dowling, Phone 4358937.
G. C. Bonham Albany, Ga.
DEER SEASON In my opinion your magazine is the most informative of all the publications I subscribe to, it has the most information concerning hunting and fishing of any of them. I am writing to see if it is possible, for you to tell me the opening dates of the 1971 deer seasons, I would also like to see the success of the management areas after this past season. I believe a story concerning each management area individually would be informative and appreciated. I have lived in Georgia all my life and believe it to be the greatest deer hunting state in the south, this success has to be given to your magazine and the fine staff of the Game and Fish Commission. Best wishes for your continued success.
Tony Simpson Smyrna, Georgia
The fall hunting seasons will be set in a few weeks. We hope to have the new hunt ing and fishing regulation booklets published sometime in April. We have done articles on a few of the management areas, and plan to do more in the future. There are enough management areas to keep us in story ideas for quite some time!
DEER POACHERS In the February issue of Georgia GAME & FISH, letters in Sportsmen Speak referred to deer poachers, and to the true Georgia sportsman. If this illegal killing of deer is not stopped, soon the true sportsman will not be able to enjoy this sport with abundant game much longer. I would like to suggest that concerned hunters get to know their game rangers' number and report all illegal kills to the game law enforcement officers immediately, you will find the offi cer to be grateful for your help. I hunt deer in my state of South Carolina and love the sport, believe me I will report anyone night shooting, violating bag limits or killing does during buck season to my conservation officer.
Clem T. Matthews Simpsonville, S.C.
STREAMS NOT RUINED In reply to the article "Streams Ruined" I would like to say there are specifications one has to go by before allowing any type of drainage to go into a stream. The pollutants of Wild Hog Creek and Canada Creek took all precautions. Every concerned state commission visited these two areas-took samples of water, had lagoons built and no stones were left unturned. As for Canada Creek no drainage goes into this one from the head of Woody's Lake. I feel that the State of Georgia will pre serve the invaluable assets it has in the mountain streams. Surely the people of Suches, Georgia would not wish anyone to stop visiting our area for stream fishing. This is not undesirable fishing; at the same token take a look at the sewage disposal of

both creeks as well as the growing out of livestock.
Mrs. Clyne E. Woody Suches, Ga.
LIKES STAMPS I agree with part of your article "Help Stamp in Better Fishing and Hunting" in the February issue. I approve of the trout and large game stamps if they will provide a way to do something about these young people and others that ride the roads at night using lights, and give us more fish for the outside streams. This is a small county, and everyone knows each other, or is related, so the grand jurymen and jury will not take ac. tion when anyone is brought in for viola tion of the game laws. Until the people realize the law is to be obeyed, we will never have the game and fish we should. You speak of a $10.00 annual and a $1.00 day permit, or instead use a $2.25 trout stamp that allows you to fish every day of the season. Does this indicate that the management area streams that are stocked will be open every day? I hope not. Increase the license fee, have the trout stamp and a big game stamp, also have it where everyone that trout fishes must have a license and trout stamp regardless of age.
Henry L. Burrell Clayton, Georgia
Management streams will still be open only on specified days. The difference is, you won't have to check in or out each day, or pay a daily tee. All it will cost you to fish on management streams or open streams, or to catch and keep mountain trout from lakes, is the $2.25 annual mountain trout stamp.
QUAIL FOR WHO? Imagine the enthusiasm engendered by Dean Wohlgemuth's open invitation to frustrated quail hunters of Georgia to join the "excellent" hunting of Oaky Woods Management Area! Here is the experience of one who responded. My hunting partner and I left Atlanta early the second Saturday after the issue arrived. 1-75 beyond Macon resembled opening day of deer season. Each vehicle, it became obvious, was being guided by Mr. Wohlgemuth's detailed directions to the hunter's dream. The directions were excellent. As far as we could tell, everyone arrived! With no small effort we found a spot where we hoped we were the first in the field. We plunged in eagerly with anticipation of birds in the air. Immediately we were attacked by bloodthirsty briars. Had not we been warned that the birds were the reward of a willingness to work the heavy cover? Indeed we had, so undaunted by the stabbing pain of thorns implanting themselves in every exposed area, we plunged ahead. We continued to plunge ahead for hours, detouring constantly around fellow brave souls and faithful dogs who were likewise being torn to shreds by the "rugged terrain." Expecting some discomfort, I had worn two pairs of jeans. That was a stroke of luck, for nudity is frowned upon in the field, and before the day's end the outer pair was scattered over the "low, rolling hills of middle Georgia." Any sacrifice is small compared to the joy of finding birds, so how about the "excellent hunting" that had brought us here in the first place? When we stopped for lunch after three gruelling hours we had seen two singles, each of which had flushed wildly out of range. Our own guns remained unfired. However, we had heard an occasional volley from the small army of hunters, so we began stopping the vehicles that were roaming the countryside to inquire of the

16

hollow-eyed occupants concerning their success. Of the twelve or so groups we questioned, not one had found birds. Most responded that their dogs had simply quit. There was one common denominator: an open copy of Georgia GAME & FISH. We decided the occasional shots were simply mercy-killings. After all, what man can stand idly by while his best friends, both two and four legged, are suffering. From several remarks overheard during these conversations, if 1 were Mr. Wohlgemuth, I would be very careful to ascertain before any future ventures into the field with firearms, if any of the lot had responded to this article on Oaky Woods!
Darrel M. Wilkins Atlanta, Ga.
You can lead a quail hunter to cover, but you can't necessarily assure that he'll find the birds. True enough by late season, birds were more scarce. Some folks find them, others don't. We wish we could assure everyone a full bag everytime they go afield and we're doing our best. Hope you have better luck next time out. You weren't the only one who responded to the article. We must point out in answer to one telephone question . the only dogs allowed on Oaky Woods and most other management areas are pointing dogs for quail or grouse. No rabbit dogs are allowed.
Book Review
RECREATING THE KENTUCKY RIFLE
By William Buchele, George Shumway Publisher, R. D. 7, York, Pennsylvania 17402 189 pages. $10.00 clothbound, $6.50 paperbound.
With the current increase in primitive weapons hunting, more and more hunters are building their own rifles, or at least considering doing so. Anyone even remotely interested in building a muzzle-loading weapon should have this book. This enlarged edition brings up to date the standard reference work for the Kentucky rifle builder.
This book does not contain all the answers; it is unlikely that any single volume could adequately discuss all the facets of such a complex subject. The rank beginner will not be able to build a fine, accurate, and authentic Kentucky rifle using this book alone as a guide. However, it does give the beginner a clear enough description of the various difficulties involved in constructing such a gun, and will give him enough information for him to intelligently decide whether or not he wants to undertake such a project. Where sufficient information is not included in this book to enable the beginner to carry out some particular phase of construction, reference is given to an authoritative work which will contain the necessary information.
The illustrations are both adequate and clear enough to explain construction details. Very helpful also are fullsized patterns for both rifle and pistol.
B.W.

Sportsman's Calendar
SPRING TURKEY SEASONS

South Georgia
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.
March 22-27, 1971, Bullard Creek Management Area. Bag limit one ( 1) turkey gobbler. Permit required; available at checking station.
REGULATION CHANGES

North Georgia
April 17, 1971 through May 1, 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 gobbler.
April 26 through May 1, 1971, on Blue Ridge, Chattahoochee, Johns Mountain, and Burton Management Areas. Bag limit one (I) turkey gobbler. Permit required; available at checking station.
Middle Georgia
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 (I) turkey gobbler.
April 12-17, 1971, on the Clark Hill Management Area. Bag limit one ( 1) turkey gobbler. Permit required; available at checking station.
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.

Lake Worth-Creel limit on bream, 50; creel limit on bass, 15; minimum size limit on bass I0 inches.
Sinclair-Minimum limit on bass, 10 inches.
Tobesofkee-Minimum size limit on bass, I0 inches.
Suwanee River-Minimum size limit on chain pickerel, 15 inches.
Use of nets or traps of any type, prohibited in rivers and streams.
PUBLIC FISHING AREAS
McDuffie-March 1 through October 31, 1971.
Arrowhead-April 1 through October 31, 1971, Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays only.
TROUT SEASONS
Open season April 1 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. Bag limit: 8 per day, 8 in possession.

MANAGEMENT STREAM SCHEDULE

Management Area
BLUE RIDGE

Stream Jones Creek
(Artificial Lures)
Montgomery

May Sat., Sun.

June Sat., Sun.

July Sat.. Sun.

August Sat., Sun.

Wed., Thurs. Wed., Thurs. Wed., Thurs. Wed., Thurs.

September
(Sat., Sept. 4; Sun., Sept. 5: Mon., Sept. 6)
(Wed., Sept. l; Thurs., Sept. 2)

CHATTAHOOCHEE CHESTATEE
LAKE BURTON

Nimblewill

Sat., Sun.

Noontootley

Wed., Thurs.

(Artificial lures) Sat., Sun.

(Catch and Release)

Rock Creek

Wed., Thurs. Sat., Sun.

Chattahoochee

Sat., Sun.

Dukes Boggs Dicks

Wed., Thurs. Wed., Thurs. Sat., Sun.

Blood Mountain Waters

Closed Sat., Sun.

Dicks

Closed

Sat., Sun.
Wed., Thurs. Sat., Sun.
Wed., Thurs. Sat., Sun.
Wed., Sat., Sun. Wed., Thurs. Wed., Thurs. Sat., Sun.
Closed Sat., Sun.
Closed

Sat., Sun.
Wed., Thurs. Sat., Sun.
Wed., Thurs. Sat., Sun.
Sat., Sun.
Wed., Thurs. Wed., Thurs. Sat .. Sun.
Closed Sat., Sun.
Closed

Sat., Sun.
Wed., Thurs. Sat., Sun.
Wed., Thurs. Sat., Sun.
Sat., Sun.
Wed., Thurs. Wed., Thurs. Sat.. Sun.
Closed Sat., Sun.
Closed

(Sat., Sept. 4; Sun., Sept. 5; Mon., Sept. 6)
(Wed., Sept. 1; Thurs .. Sept. 2; Sat., Sept. 4; Sun., Sept. 5; Mon., Sept. 6)
(Wed., Sept. 1: Thurs., Sept. 2; Sat., Sept. 4: Sun., Sept. 5: Mon., Sept. 6)
(Sat., Sept. 4; Sun., Sept. 5; Mon., Sept. 6)
(Wed .. Sept. 1: Thurs., Sept. 2)
(Wed .. Sept. 1; Thurs .. Sept. 2}
(Sat .. Sept. 4; Sun., Sept. 5: Mon., Sept. 6)
Closed (Sat .. Sept. 4: Sun., Sept. 5: Mon .. Sept. 6)
Closed

LAKE RUSSELL WARWDMAN

Moccasm Wildcat Middle Broad
Finney Sarahs Walnut Fork and Hoods Creek Tuckaluge

Sat., Sun. Sat., Sun. Wed., Sat., Sun. Wea .. Thurs. Wed., Thurs. Sat., Sun. Closed

Sat., Sun. Sat., Sun. Wed., Sat., Sun. Sat.. Sun. Sat., Sun. Wed .. Thurs. Closed

sat., Sun. sat .. Sun. Wed., Sat., Sun. Wed., Thurs. Wed., Thurs. Sat., Sun. Closed

Sat., Sun. Sat.. Sun. Wed .. Sat., Sun. Sat., Sun. Sat., Sun. Wed., Thurs. Closed

(Sat., Sept. 4; Sun .. SPpt. 5 Mon .. Sept. 6)
(Sat.. Sept. 4: Sun., Sept. 5: Mon .. Sept. 6)
(Wed .. Sept. 1: Sat., Sept. 4; Sun., Sept. 5; Mon., Sept. 61 (Wed .. sePt:!~ Thurs .. Sept. 2; Mon., Sept. 6)
(Wed .. Sept. 1: Thurs., Sept. 2: Mon .. Sept. 6)
(Sat., Sept. 4; Sun .. Sept. 5; Mon. Sept. 6)
Closed

17