GEORGIA JUNE, 1972 Jimmy Carter Governor Joe D. Tanner Commissioner Department of Natural Resources STATE GAME AND FISH COMMISSION James Darby Chairman Vidalia-1st District William Z. Camp, Sec. Newnan-6th District Leo T Barber, Jr. Moultrie-2nd District Dr. Robert A. Collins, Jr. Americus-3rd District George P. Dillard Decatur-4th District Rankin M. Smith Atlanta-5th District Leonard E. Foote Marietta-7th District Clyde Dixon Cleveland- 9th District Leonard Bassford Augusta-1Oth District Jimmie Williamson Darien-Coastal District TECHNICAL SEIYICE DIVISION Jack A. Crockford, Anlstant Director Lean Kirkland, Fisheries Chief Hubert Handy, Game Manage ment Chief LAW ENFORCEMENT DIVISION R. K. Fansler, Colonel Chief of Law Enforcement Bill Cline, MaJor Deputy Chief, Northam Region Calhoun (.404) 629-8675 J. D. Atchison, MaJor Deputy Chief, Southern Region Metter (912) 685-21 -45 David Gould, MaJor Supervisor of Coastal Fisheries Brunswick (912) 265-1552 FEATURES A Night in the Eagle's Nest Georgia's Poisonous Snakes . Snakebite!. Go Natural for Bass Index: Georgia GAME & FISH October 1966-June 1972 J. Hall 2 Aaron Pass 6 Aaron Pass 10 Marvin Tye 12 18 DEPARTMENTS Outdoor World . 17 Sportsman's Calendar 21 ON THE COVERS ON THE COVER: Fog -shrouded mountains of noth Georgia, photographed by Bob Busby from Georgia's highest state park, Black Rock Mountain, near Clayton. ON THE BACK COVER: Photographed by Ron Odum, this fawn is trying hard to believe it is completely invisible. The protective reaction of young wildlife is usuall y to remain still and quiet, and generally danger passes them by undiscovered. iiiia 1fish June 1972 Volume VII Number 6 Georgia Game and Fish is the official monthly magazine of the Georgia Game and Fish Department, published at the Department's offices, Trinity-Washington Building, 270 Washington St., Atlanta, Georgia 30334. No advertising accepted. Subscriptions are $1 for one year or $2.50 for three years. Printed by William s Printing Company, Atlanta, Ga . Notification of address change must include old address label from a recent magazine, new address and ZIP code, with 30 days notice. No subscription requests will be accepted without ZIP code. Articles and photographs may be reprinted when proper credit given. Contributions are welcome, but the editors assume no responsibility or liability for loss or damage of articles, photog~phs, or illustrations. Second-class postage paid at Atlanta, Ga . Jim Couch Photographer Ben Gunn Audio-Visuals PUBLIC RELATIONS STAFF Phone 656-3530 H. E. (Bud) Van Orden Editor-in-Chief Bob Wilson Editor Aaron Pass Special Publications Linda Wayne Circulation EDITORIAL Leave The Animals Alone It never fails. About this time each year, any number of people trouping through the woods stumble across the young of wild animals. Fawns, beautifuiiy dotted, lay calm and apparently unafraid; baby rabbits, raccoons, squirrels, foxes, various birds and even young alligators are discovered each year. One of the most typical responses is, "Oh, the poor thing. Wonder where the mother is. Do you think it may have been abandoned?" The answer is almost always no! The mother is not to be seen, because humans are in the area of her young. The best defense of the wild youngsters is to remain quiet and motionless in the hopes that the danger will pass by. A mother may even leave the area of the young at the first sign of approaching danger in an attempt to divert the potential danger, and prevent discovery of her young. If the young are not molested and the nest area is not disturbed, the mother will return to her young. Chances are good that she has been nearby but out of sight the whole time. OK, so they aren't abandoned; but aren't they cuddly, and wouldn't it be neat to have one as a pet? The answer again is no! Wild animals should not be handled due to the risk of infection from a simple scratch or even from the bite of a parasite on the animal. Another way in which one runs a risk of injury in the case of some species is the reaction of the mother if she feels her offspring are in severe danger. The alligator is a prime example of this, and many a young 'gator has been hastily dropped to the ground as an unwise tourist beat a hasty retreat brought on by the belligerant rush of an obviously infuriated mother alligator. The potential dangers to humans in handling the young of wild animals are surpassed by the dangers to the animals in such handling. Wild animals live a precarious existence at best. and a seemingly insignificant contact may easily tip the scaks against them. For every one disease we may catch from them. it seems that they can catch two from us. Handling young wild animals may indeed result in their being abandoned by their mothers, and they have a very poor survival rate as pets. Sensing human presence in the vicinity of their nest or young due to lingering odors caused by handling, mothers may cease to identify their young, and leave them to almost certain death. Activity around a nest or den may attract natural predators who will be quick to act once the humans are gone. Wild animals taken as pets frequently weaken and die. apparently due to malnutrition brought on by an unfamiliar diet. Such animals kept as pets are very susceptible to diseases to which domesticated pets may be immune, but still carry. Constant attention and handling such as may be expected with any new pet, often causes wild animals to withdraw into nervous shock, generaiiy resulting in death. Apparently healthy and well-adjusted animals may revert to "wildness" upon reaching maturity, but would be unable to fend for themselves if returned to the wilds. One of the strongest reasons for not keeping wildlife as pets is that it is illegal to hold wildlife without a special permit. The Game and Fish Division of the Department of Natural Resources is the sole issuing authority for such permits, and the Division has established the policy that no new permits be issued. The moral is clear: if you should be fortunate enough to discover young wildlife, take a good look, take a picture or two, then go on your way so that nature can go its way without interference from mankind and our valuable natural resources will not be wasted. A Night by J. Hall in the Eagle's Nest "Welcome to Black Rock Mountain State Park!" The highest of Georgia's state parks, Black Rock Mountain offers spectacular scenery, excellent facilities and the opportunity to enjoy to the fullest some of the most interesting and beautiful country in the state. Photo by J. Hall I drove into Clayton from Lake Burton, swung north on Highway 23-441, and immediately my attention was captured by a towering mountain peak which commanded the vista ahead. I stopped and studied the view for several moments. Black Rock Mountain, though not the tallest peak in Rabun County, is nontheless an impressive sight. Rising steeply above the valley, its tree-clad slopes were mottled with the dark colors of evergreens, interspersed with the lighter shades of hardwoods laced with tender new leaves. Scattered like a million snowflakes through the awakening forest were the joyously blossoming limbs of thousands of dogwoods heralding the new Spring. High up on the mountain , a rocky brow of dark granite presents a sudden aspect of sternness which contrasts sharply with the softness of the slopes, and the viewer may experience an eerie feeling of unexpectedly confronting an ageless and massive sentinel keeping timeless watch over the valley below. Atop the peak, perched almost precariously upon the granite outcrop, stands the Visitors Center of Black Rock Mountain State Park. The twostory rock structure with its outthrust observation platform appears insignificant and almost fly-like at that distance, and I was suddenly struck with its resemblance to an aerie, or eagle's nest, high upon the mountain. Leaving Clayton, I drove north to Mountain City, then turned off on the Herman Talmadge Trail to the top of Black Rock Mountain. About halfway up, there's a gravel road that leads to the home of James Bond (not of motion picture fame). Jimmy and his family are mighty fine folks , and he's obviously proud of being the Resident Superintendent of what he terms "the best park in the state." While I registered for a cabin, Bond told me a little about the park. There are two camping areas near the top of the mountain, with 50 campsites, most of which have hook-ups for water and electricity. At the comfort stations, there are also laundry facilities with washers and dryers, a mighty handy convenience for an active family of campers. There are 10 cabins located at the top of the mountain. We chatted awhile and I got acquainted with "Swamp," Jim's big white bulldog, and then I set out for the top. I hadn't gone far before I realized something which probably is worth passi ng along to you. If you're traveling with a large camper (anything over 20 feet), you may want to think twice before deciding on Black Rock Mountain. Although there are some mighty sharp curves, these probably won't give you much trouble, and just make the drive more interesting. The biggest problem will be the climb, and this is a good place to point out that Black Rock Mountain is the highest state park in Georgia. Its Photo Th e view from th e crest of Black Rock Mountain is breathtaking. Rolling m ountains stretch a succession of peaks and ridges outward to th e horizon like blue-green waves upon a restless sea. Far below, as though seen in miniature, th e village of Clayton nestles in the valley sheltered by Black Rock Mountain . Photo by J. Hall 3,600 foot altitude towers over its nearest competitor for that distinction, Amicalola Falls State Park, by a full thousand feet. Plenty of folks bring trailers and motor homes to the top , and I feel sure that most anything up to and including 20 feet in length won't have any real trouble. Over that, you may be putting a real strain on your engine or cooling system , especially as the summer advances. Later on, if proposed plans materialize, there'll be another camping area further down the mountain with an almost level road leading to it, and when it's constructed, many of these sites will be available for larger campers. But that's sometime in the future. It's a beautiful drive up the mountain, around hairpin curves and through park-like glens filled with violets and other wild flowers. Later in June and July, laurel, rhododendron and wild azaleas will present a riot of color. Squirrels scamper through the leaves looking for acorns, and an occasional "whistle pig," or ground hog, pokes his head inquisitively from his hole to inspect you as you go by. Beyond the road leading to the camping areas , the first thing that impresses you is the number of picnic areas and tables scattered on the tree shaded slopes. Picnickers and "day use" visitors are welcome, and last year, more than 100,000 of them made the trip to the top of the mountain. There is a small amphitheatre The Boss. "Swamp," a big white bulldog, is the owner of Jimm y Bond, superintendent of Black Rock Mountain State Park. Jimmy says Swamp is a pretty good guy to work for, as long as he keeps things running smoothly. A /though S wamp doesn't say much, he keeps everyone on their toes. Sometimes he even lets Jimmy drive the truck. Photo by J. Hall Photo by J. Hall whe~ occasional church services are held, a comfort station, a small playground for children and an enclosed observation shelter for those who may wish to rest and take in the view. The Visitors Center, which is open in June, July and August, is the predominating feature at the top of the mountain. Built of native rock, it has a concession and an observation deck which affords a somewhat better viewpoint. But whether the visitor uses that, the shelter, or simply stands at the chain-guarded brow of the mountain , the panorama below is spectacular. The most obvious landmark is the town of Clayton. To the left is Screamer Mountain, and down the valley, the landscape is dotted with farms and green pastures nestled among the hills. Above and beyond tower a roiling series of mountains that stretch as far as the eye can see, almost like waves breaking on a beach. While the children may be more impressed with the ant-like size of cars moving along the streets of Clayton (as mine were), the adult imagination will find a soothing restfulness in the quiet distant beauty, and one leaves the scene with reluctance. Beyond the Visitors Center, a gravel road extends to the cabins, and I expect I should point out right now that it's probably an injustice to call them that. Perhaps "cottages" would be more appropriate, for the name The Visitors Center at Black Rock Mountain perches like an aerie, or eagle's nest, atop th e peak. Open in Juue , July and August, the Center has an observation deck and a concession for refreshments and souvenirs. "cabin" calls to mind something r ustic or even primitive, and these are far from being either. The last cottages were constructed at Black R ock Mountain in 1967 at a cost of some $18 ,000. They'd range in the mid twenties now. Though not especially impressive from the outside, inside they are lovely, with paneled walls, beamed cathedral ceilings and big stone fireplaces or Franklin stoves just waiting for a roaring fire (which at that altitude often feels good even in the summertime). Doors from the bedrooms and the big living room open into a porch where you can sit and enjoy the magnificent view. The cottages are totally electric, with central radiant heat in addition to the fireplace. They are attractively furnished , and for the visitor, everything is provided including bedding, linens, dishes, silverware and pots and pans. All you 'll need to bring is food, but be sure to stock an ample supply of that, for a little hiking in that clear mountain air is almost certain to produce some healthy appetites. The cost? Well, this is one of the attractive features of Black R ock Mountain, and in fact , at all of Georgia's state parks, for it's hard to find anywhere the same facilities at a comparable price. Cottages rent fo r $12 4 per night, $72 per week for two person , 2 per day for each additional per on, and one dollar per day for children under 12. Campsites are $2 .50 per night. The next day I rode with Jimmy Bond around the park, and he was bubbling with enthusiasm as he told me about its features and the plans fo r the future. They've been working on designs for a lake for some time now, and he hopes to see more progre s on that in the near future. There'll be additional campsites and picnic areas around the 30 acre lake, a bath house and concession, comfort stations and another Visitors Center. Also proposed are some additional cottages near the lake, and soon to get underway is a residence for Bond's ass istant park Ranger. Bond has cleared sites for a number of additional picnic areas, opened up a trail to Look Off Mountain, which affords a wonderful view of the picturesque valley beyond Black Rock and cleared for a Pioneer Camp ground which is used by Scouts and other organized groups. After driving around the nearly 1,900 acre park, I left Jimmy to do a little exploring on my own, mainly to find out what other attractions the area bas to offer. It didn't take me long to discover there is plenty to do. In the park itself, you can ramble the woods to your heart's content, or you can hike the two nature trails, Ada-Hi Falls or Tennessee Rock. The falls are below the camping area and are mighty pretty, but they often dry up in the late summer. From Tennessee Rock, you can see the Little Tennessee River, North Carolina, and on a clear day, the state of Tennessee itself. I soon realized why Jimmy Bond was so enthusiastic about his park, and George T. Bagby, recent State Parks Director, was equally outspoken. "J," he told me, "Black Rock Mountain is one of our finest parks, and it's going to be a Jot better. When we get the lake and the new facilities there , it'll be one of our largest. With the riew ski lodge nearby and all the other attractions in Rabun and the urrounding counties, it will definitely be one of Georgia's most popular state parks." Bagby also urged that I stress the importance of making reservations before going to the park. There's already a big demand for the facilities there, and during the summer, with so many people traveling to the mountains, it will be even greater. For reservations, just write to Black Rock Mountain State Park, Mountain City, Georgia, or call Park Superintendent Jimmy Bond. A deposit is required to reserve a cottage; camp sites cannot be reserved . As I left Black Rock Mountain, descending the twisting curves of the Talmadge Trail, I knew I'd be back as soon as possible. At the foot of the mountain , outside of Clayton, I stopped once more to look back. Getting out of my truck, I reached impulsively for the battered case of my binoculars, and as I swung them up to scan the crest, an object high above caught my eye. Quickly I twirled the knob, bringing it into focus. A large bird with a tremendous wingspread hung motionless on an updraft above the mountain. A buzzard? Definitely not. I studied it for several long moments. Maybe it couldn't have been, - but I'd like to think it was an eagle. 5 Georgia's POISONOUS SNAKES By Aaron Pass SNAKE!! There is probably no other word in the English language that can frighten more people more thoroughly than this sudden pronouncement of the presence of a common reptile. The reaction snakes produce among people may vary from mild fear to abject terror, but abject terror is generally the rule. Some people have such an intense fear of snakes that they feel nausea, suffocating panic and may even faint, a totally phobic response, at the mere sight of one. The feeling seems to be mutual and the snakes don't seem to be overjoyed by the presence of humans either. The snake usually tries to make a graceful exit before someone finds a club to turn him into a "good snake." The animosity that exists between snake and human kind is of long standing. The Biblical injunction in Genesis cursing the serpent and saying, "I (God) will put enmity between you (the serpent) and the woman, and between your seed and her seed," was more than enough to get the relationship off to a bad start. Through the ages this initial misunderstanding has steadily deepened due to fear, superstition and general lack of knowledge about snakes and their habits. The fear of snakes is not inborn in babies, but it is conditioned or learned as a child grows older by seeing the terrified reactions of his elders in the presence of a snake. To a child it must seem that something so fearsome to an adult must surely be terrible. Dire "snake stories" usually support these learned fears and the child grows into an adult who fears and loathes snakes. Where there is fear there is also fascination and snake stories have always made excellent conversational fare. Since exaggeration is the spice of a good story, most snake stories start out liberally seasoned. No story ever growing worse in repetition, myth has piled upon myth to the point that snakes are often reported to have magical powers and are capable of all sorts of unlikely feats. Snakes are claimed to milk cows, hypnotize their prey, and travel by grasping their tail in their mouth and rolling down the road like a hoop. Of a more sinister nature are the tall tales about snakes that chase and whip people, or that will seek vengeance for the killing of a mate. Such stories are the products of lively imaginations with no foundation in fact but they have convinced several generations of people that snakes - all snakes - are treacherous, dangerous beasts that deserve only immediate death. Actually most snakes are shy and retiring, poisonous varieties included, and much prefer to be left alone. If given a choice a snake will always seek to escape rather than attack, but when cornered and molested they will try to defend themselves as best they can. The non-poisonous species will bluff and hiss and some of the larger types can deliver a painful (but not deadly) bite. The poisonous snakes have more effective defenses in the form of fangs and venom and for this reason they merit caution and respect. Georgia has four varieties of poisonous snakes; the copperhead, the cottonmouth, the rattlesnake group and the coral snake. There are three species of rattlesnake in the state, the eastern diamondback, timber rattler (two races) and the small pigmy rattlesnake. With the exception of the coral snake all of the snakes listed above are pit vipers, so named for a visible opening between the eye and nostril called the pit. This is connected to a heat-sensitive organ in the head which herpetologists (reptile experts) believe is used when hunting warm blooded prey. The vipers also have movable, hollow fangs through which the venom is injected. These fangs fold backward when the snake's mouth is closed and spring erect when opened. The venom of pit vipers is of the hemotoxic type. It travels through and attacks the circulatory system. This family of snakes is characterized by a small triangular head and a heavy, thickset body. The eyes of pit vipers have a 6 vertical slit for a pupil much like a eat's eye. The coral snake is not a pit viper, but is re- lated to the cobra and is very poisonous. This snake is long and thin with a round head and round pupiled eyes. Its fangs are merely enlarged teeth. They are fixed in position and the poison is injected through a groove. These snakes are recognizable by a distinctive color pattern in which the red bands touch yellow bands. There are many non-poisonous snakes with some of the characteristics of the poisonous varieties. Several species of non-poisonous water snakes are heavy bodied with triangular heads and resemble the cottonmouth. There are also several multicolored snakes which bear a superficial resemblance to the venomous coral snake, but lack the arrangement of colors with red touching yellow. The best method of learning to distinguish between poisonous and non-poisonous snakes is by the use of a competent field guide with detailed descriptions of each species. For almost every general characteristic of the poisonous varieties there is at least one exception to the rule. Learning about each individual species is the surest way to avoid confusion. Such study will also do much to dispel a lot of the unwarranted fears and phobias about snakes which seem to stem mostly from lack of knowledge. True, some snakes deserve to be treated with caution but care and caution are not the same as blind panic. The pictures and brief description of poisonous snakes accompanying this article are a start, but it is suggested that a more detailed book be studied. The following recommendations are by no means a comprehensive listing of all available literature, but they are the references used for this story: THE NEw FIELD BooK OF REPTILES AND AMPHIBIANS by Cochran and Goin, G. P. Putnam's Sons FIELD BooK OF SNAKES by Schmidt and Davis, G. P . Putnam's Sons REPTILES AND AMPHIBIANS by Zim and Smith, Golden Press GEORGIA SNAKE TRIBE by Charles Wharton, Georgia Museum of Science and Industry WoRLD OF THE SNAKE by Hal Harrison, Lippincott THE COPPERHEAD (Agkistrodon contortrix) Also known as the "highland moccasin," the copper- head is one of the most common poisonous snakes of Georgia. Widely distributed over the state, this species prefers the dry upland forest areas where it feeds on lizards, toads, mice and other small animals. Attaining a length of about 2 or 3 feet, the copperhead is richly colored in light yellowish brown with dark chestnut bands. These alternating light and dark bands provide excellent camouflage on the leaf covered forest floor. Using this camouflage to best advantage, the copperhead will lie motionless while waiting for prey or allowing danger to pass him by. The copperhead is a member of the pit viper family and is related to the cottonmouth. Although the copperhead's venom is considered to be mlider than other poisonous snakes, he is still dangerous and should be treated with respect and caution. Normally mild-mannered and inoffensive, a copperhead may become quite pugnacious when molested or cornered. They are responsible for a large percentage of poisonous snake bites each year. This is due to a high frequency of human contact as copperheads are found in the same type of woodland areas often chosen for human recreation. Due to the snake's excellent camouflage and it's habit of lying motionless when frightened, campers and hikers may step on one, provoking a strike. Fortunately the copperhead's small mouth and short fangs make it unlikely to penetrate leather. When in copperhead country wear boots and watch your step. 7 THE COTTONMOUTH (Agkistrodon pisicivorous) Often called "water moccasin," the cottonmouth is we ll known (and feared) thr