Outdoors \t) geor&ia March, 1973 jimmy Carter Governor Joe D. Tanner Commissioner Department of Natural Resources George T. Bagby Deputy Commissioner for Public Affairs STATE GAME AND FISH COMMISSION James Darby Chairman Vidalia-lst 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 Wade H. Coleman Valdosta-8th District Clyde Dixon Cleveland-9th District Leonard Bassford Augusta-IOth District Jimmie Williamson Darien-- Coastal District EARTH AND WATER DIVISION Sam M. Pickering, Jr., Director ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DIVISION R. S. Howard, Jr., Director GAME AND FISH DIVISION Jack Crockford, Director PAi D RECREATION DIVISION D Struble, Director OFFICE PLANNING AND RESEARCH Ch'-rk Parrish, Director OFFICE OF ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES James H. Pittman, Director PUBLIC RELATIONS AND INFORMATION SECTION H. E. (Bud) Van Orden, Chief 1 FEATURES Tents and Bags T. Craig Martin 2 Ty Cobb Memorial Allen D. Coggins Donald C. Pendergrast 7 Terrariums T. Craig Martin 1 Wildlife Profiles: Crappie Aaron Pass 14 Georgia's Geologic Showplaces . . . Dick Davis 16 Turkey Forecast Aaron Pass 20 DEPARTMENTS Book Review 23 Outdoor World 24 Sportsman's Calendar 25 Front Cover: by Jim Couch Back Cover: by T. Craig Martin Outdoors ii? georgia March, 1973 Volume 2 Number 3 Outdoors in Georgia is the official monthly magazine of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, published at the Department's offices, Trinity-Washington Building, 270 Washington St., Atlanta, Georgia 30334. No advertising accepted. Subscriptions are $3 for one year or $6 for three years. Printed by Williams 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, photographs, or illustrations, Second-class postage paid at Atlanta, Ga. Staff Writers Dick Davis Aaron Pass T. Craig Martin MAGAZINE STAFF Phone 656-3530 H. E. (Bud) Van Orden Editor-in-Chief Bob Wilson Editor Art Director Liz Carmichael Jones Staff Photographers Jim Couch Bob Busby Linda Wayne Circulation Manager EDITORIAL Silhouettes at Eventide Softly rippling waves gently rocked the little fishing boat where for the best part of the day I had shared the space with what appeared in the water now as the silhouettes of two small boys, peering eagerly into the water. My own shadow on the water looked restful and peaceful as I sat with feet propped up on the seat in front of me and my cap pulled down in the front over my eyes shading me from the remnants of the last rays of the sun before it disappeared behind the horizon. The two small silhouettes never stayed long enough in one spot to reminisce upon because they belonged to two boys on a fishing trip with their dad. They moved about on the water as fast as the little rascals did in the boat. They moved excitedly when we landed a big one and questioned me relentlessly when we threw back some small ones, and I explained why. I baited hooks, cast lines, reeled in, baited hooks, added sinkers, put on lures, baited hooks, and unbaited one small finger off a number six sproat and I loved every minute of it. For 1 was sharing some unforgettable moments with my sons while at the same time teaching them about how to enjoy and get the most out of fishing while practicing a little conservation and good sportsmanship. And so we learned a little more ubout each other this day. Expressing respect for our natural resources helped us gain more respect for each other. This little trip with my two favorite fishing buddies reminds me of some favorite thoughts of another great fishing partner, not only of mine, but of fishermen throughout the state, George T. Bagby. When I told him about my weekend trip with my boys, he reached into his hip pocket and pulled a slip of paper from his wallet and read these words of an unknown author: My son when you have older grown I'll take you to a lake I've known At midnite, noontime, dusk or dawn. -- I want to show you where I've gone To find my freedom and want to be In the boat with you and have you see And learn from me, oh! son of mine, How to cast a fishing line. -- For I've been young too well I know The rocky road your feet must go. But I know, too, a path that clings To a wooded hill where the PeeWee sings. Where dogwood grows, and oak and pine, A nd all I ask, oh! son of mine, is to row The boat for you some day A long that shore where the willows sway To be with you when first you feel A leaping fish unwind your reel. My son will sleep as I have slept Beneath the heavens reach, star swept. I want the dawn's first gleaming dim To waken something deep in him. I want my boy to learn to take His troubles to that shining lake -- And lose them there. And so I wish, Oh! son of mine, that you may fish For my boy's sake, I ask it God, Teach him to love a casting rod. i^^6^Ut/ Tents & Bags By T. Craig Martin Photos by the Author V n ->-. ./ - <' >' g, ..\ *vi^,,, y - - ^ #"JT -f*t^~ Many an amorous fling with back- packing has suffered its demise in the grasp of a chilly night. Others of these ephemeral affairs have died in the clammy cold of a rainy 3 a.m. But rain and cold and dark of night should not be allowed to interfere with out- doors pleasures, particularly when sleeping bags and snug tents are readi- ly available. Modern equipment to keep warm in and rain out is available in profusion, but only a small portion of this gear will serve backpackers, and an A even smaller portion serve well. good sleeping bag or tent is a major investment; together their cost can test the commitment of all but the rich. But to buy a cheap bag or tent is to invite trouble, while a fine version of either one will provide comfort and pleasure for many years. And, of course, the cost is relative: a backpacker can superbly equip himself and his family for a great deal less than the cost of the motor on an average base boat . . . A tent's duties seem fairly simple: provide a barrier against rain, cold, wind, and unwanted critters. To pro- vide this protection against the out- side and furnish a livable space on the inside in a portable package, however, -- requires ingenious and usually ex-- pensive design and materials. The requirement that it be portable eliminates almost all tents not specifically designed for backpacking, and a few that are. Most good tents for two weigh less than seven pounds, including poles and pegs. They need not weigh even that much: Stephenson's astonishing "Warmlite" tent weighs 3 pounds in its two-man version! The requirement that it exclude wind and inquisitive creatures eliminates most tarps and tube-tents, although either will dampen the wind's howl if properly rigged. And the re- quirement that it protect against rain (not showers, but a heavy and pro- longed rain, which is, after all, when you want a tent) eliminates most of the canvas and other "water repellent" models. Once this process of elimination has been carried out, some refinements should be checked: a good tent should have a sewn-in waterproof floor, preferably of a heavy material that continues 8-10 inches up the side wall; it should have good ventilation, even when closed against a storm; there should be some means of keeping out bugs while letting air in, and it should be easy to pitch under the worst possible conditions. These standards are met by all the major outdoors manufacturers, in- cluding, among others, Gerry, Camp Trails, Ski Hut, Sierra Designs, Holubar, Recreational Equipment, Alp Sport, and North Face. Choosing among their products is difficult, and usually depends on personal taste rather than differences in overall quality. Prices in this group run about $50 to $70 or more for two man tents. Stiff? Yes, but beware of cheaper tents or "special buys." Always keep the weight in mind, for an extra pound or two will mean a lot during the hot trek over a mountain. And that tent that is "guaranteed waterproof" because of its rubber-coated nylon body may well rain on you due to interior condensation: the tent must "breathe" out accumulated moisture or it will condense on the sides and top, then rain back on you in the cool morning. Most good tents utilize a more or less porous body with a separate waterproof fly to stop the rain; the tent body then passes interior moisture out of the tent. The tent should be large enough to allow comfortable movement inside, and, preferably, room to store gear out or the rain. Different designs accomplish this in different days, but the old "A"-line pup tent style remains popular. The poles should be sturdy and easy to assemble and disassemble. If not, you may be in for a wet night. The best tents now include poles connected by elastic shock cord: the sections can't be lost, and about all you have to do to assemble them is toss one end in the air. Make sure there's good ventilation. A well-ventilated tent is less subject to condensation problems, and certainly is more comfortable to live in. There are horror tales of men suffocating in tents during snow storms: if you plan to be out in such weather, make doubly sure the tent has good air vents. Before buying any kind of tent, it probably is best to rent one and use it a few times. You may decide to buy that style, or you may not; but at least you'll have some ideas of features you like or dislike. The same goes for sleeping bags, although the choice seems simpler. All top rate bags are made of ripstop nylon, all are filled with high grade goose down, all incorporate "differen- tial cut" and down baffles; the only problem in choosing one is to find a shape that suits you. Or is it? Good bags are filled with down be- cause it is the most efficient insulator yet discovered for this use. It expands to trap air in tiny dead spaces, thereby separating the warm air near your body from the cold outside. It also compresses to an easily portable size, which is important to backpackers. The "differential cut" design allows the down to reach its maximum ex- rth Face tent provided by American Adventurers, 370 Northside Parkway, Atlanta. Water vapor escapes as air circulates Waterproof rainfly Breathable tentwall The tent must breathe so that water vapor does not condense inside to rain back on occupants. The waterproof fly protects against rain. pansion or "loft" by combining two entirely separate bags, an outer shell and a smaller inner shell next to your body, with the down trapped between the shells. The inner shell constricts your movements enough to prevent your accidently compressing the down against the outer wall, which would ruin the down's effectiveness. The system of internal baffles keeps the down in place and assures even loft throughout the bag. Various de- signs are used, but all baffles are sewn to the outer and inner shells (never buy a bag with sewn-through seams if you have any intention of using it to stay warm). Whatever the design, the intention is the prevent the cold spots that develop when down drifts' away from one portion of the bag. Ripstop nylon is the universal choice because it is "down-proof" (down can't escape through the e), quite strong, and very light. But bit chilly next to the skin, so thi a continuing search for a more co able inner bag material. Good t: igs also use nylon zippers, mainly because they seem to be less troublesome (particularly in extreme cold) than the old metal style. The zipper always is backed by a down flap that cuts off any cold air that leaks through the zipper or its stitch- ing. All these common features, however, don't help very much in selecting the right bag for your $80-$ 120 investment. The most important ques- -- tions remain: what style mummy, modified mummy, barrel-cut, or square-cut; and what weight of down -- Wi fill the range varies between and 5 pounds. A mummy pure style is the lightest and warmest bag available. But for most people, it also is the most un- comfortable because it provides the least room for movement. Unless you plan to be out under arctic conditions, or are comfortable sleeping like King Tut, you probably should avoid a pure mummy bag. It will almost cer- tainly be too hot for all but the coldest winter months in Georgia's moun- tains, or too cold if you get a very light fill for summer use. The modified mummy, on the other hand, probably is a good all-round choice for Georgians. This style pro- vides a moderate amount of room, but still is light enough to carry comfortably. It can be drawn tight for winter use, or opened up (generally, the zipper runs from the shoulder to the foot of the bag, and can be opened from either end) in the spring and summer. It will be slightly heavier than a mummy bag, and will sleep slightly cooler for the same amount of down fill. But it is more versatile. The barrel-cut and square-cut bags weigh more than is ideal for backpackers, and they cannot be closed tight enough to be suitable for cold weather camping. They are more comfortable in warm weather, since they can be completely opened and used like blankets, and they provide more sleeping room than the other styles. These summer advantages, however, are definite drawbacks in cold weather: that extra room must be warmed, which drains badly needed heat from your body; and the wide cut leaves more room at the shoulders for cold air to leak in. These are fine for summer and fall work, and great for use in tents or camper trailers. Backpackers may want to avoid them. Within any given style of bag, the general rule is "more down, more warmth." Thus a mummy bag with 2 Vi -pounds of goose down will be warmer than the same bag with 2pounds of fill. But this rule does not hold true between styles: a barrel-cut bag will need much more fill to be as warm as a mummy or modified mum- -- -- In mild weather where there are few or no critters to contend with a tarp provides ideal protection against sun, light showers, and unwanted breezes. Tarps can be rigged in almost infinitely varying forms, depending on weather and the rigger's creativity. my bag. Loft generally is taken to be the key indicator of the bag's temper- ature range (more down can expand -- int omore area) since most tests suggest that it is the thickness not -- the amount or material of insulation that counts. Tests with "average" people indi- cate that a 5-inch loft will be sufficient down to about 0 F, with each additional inch extending the range down 20 F and each inch less reducing the range by the same amount. But some people "sleep hot" and some "sleep cold," so these guidelines may not fit your individual case. The range of any bag (except the pure mummy) can be extended up- ward by unzipping it a little at a time until it becomes comfortable. Extending the range downward is a bit more complicated, but several techniques may help: 1 Wear more clothes (but only dry clothes, not those you wore on the trail); 2) make sure your head and shoulders stay covered (a tremendous amount radiant heat pours out through your head, so snuggle down into the bag or wear a knit cap of some kind); 3) Don't exhaust yourself on the trail (the bag does not provide warmth; it only preserves the heat your body generates, so if you are exhausted and cannot produce body heat, you'll stay cold); 4) Eat something sweet just before you go to bed (the sugar will move into your bloodstream and pro- vide extra calories of heat). All down bags must be insulated from the ground, for your body compresses the down beneath you, and A you lose that insulation. foam pad is best for backpackers, since it is light and compact; even better, although less comfortable, is the compressed foam known as Ensolite: %-inch of it yill leave you comfortable even on ice. An air mattress provides almost sy- baritic luxury, but they're heavy to carry. If you do use one, don't fill it too full, add just enough air to keep your body off the ground. Air mattresses should be avoided in cold weather because they leave too much circulation space for cold air. Your down bag shouldn't be al- lowed to get wet, or it won't insulate. But a good tent will keep you dry, and a good bag will keep you warm, so there is no reason to be afraid of discomfort in the outdoors, even in midwinter. Free loft in a sleeping bag: shake the bag out, then lay it on the ground. Measure from the ground to the top of the bag, somewhere near the middle. Various types of sleeping bag construction. Sewn-through is terrible, the others are all fine for backpackers, although the laminated style probably is too heavy for most Georgia uses. Slant Tube Box Overlapping Tube Laminated Sewn Through % ffinbb Hkmonal rI i By Allen D. Coggins and Donald C. Pendergrast Many Georgians will undoubtedly remember the famed Georgia-born Ty Cobb, a colossal figure in baseball. A memorial and museum to Cobb is now being developed by the Parks and Recreation Division at Royston, Georgia. This museum will be operated as part of Victoria Bryant State Park. There are many baseball enthusiasts in this country and this facility, strategically located near 1-85 will be a great asset to the state as well TYR.US RAYMOND COBB xn?n?orr-pHTLA,OTLPHiAi mst , -toos - i&m LED AMERICAN LEAGUE IN BATTIN6 TWELVE TIMES AND CREATED OR EQUALLED MORE MAJOR LEAGUE RECORDS THAW AWT OTHER RLATER, RETfREB WTTH 4fftl MAJOR LEAtfUE HTTS, as a valuable addition to the State Park system. The first phase of development should be com- pleted by the Spring of 1973. In 1962, the Georgia General Assembly passed a bill which provided for an appropria- tion of $200,000 to establish this shrine. The building, located across the street from Roys- ton's Cobb Memorial Hospital, was completed late last year. Exhibits are now being established which will depict both Cobb's life and the evolu- tion of the game of baseball. Tyrus Raymond Cobb, the famed "Georgia Peach," was born on December 18, 1886, at Narrows, Georgia. Soon afterward his family moved to Royston, Georgia, where Ty grew to maturity. Young Cobb had medical school as- itions, although his father wanted him to go school. Both were forsaken for the young man"; : burning desire, baseball. TV went to Augusta, at his own ex- pense, t ay in the Sally League. He lasted only a week. Undaunted, he moved to Anniston, Alabama, v here he gained further experience in the then rouj i and sometimes downright dirty game of baseball. He later returned to Augusta, The first poll of the Baseball Writers' Association of America in January, 1936 elected five players to the Hall of Fame. These were Ty Cobb, who was named on 222 of the 222 ballots cast; Babe Ruth and Honus Wagner received 215 votes; Christy Mathewson, 205 votes; and Walter Johnson, 189. This plaque, commemorating his election, hangs in the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum in Cooperstown, New York. A replica was presented to Cobb by Mr. Earl Mann and fellow Georgians on Ty Cobb Day during ceremonies at the Ponce de Leon Ball Park. The plaque was displayed there until it was given to the Ty Cobb Memorial Shrine in Royston, Georgia. and after a successful season was bought by the Detroit Tigers for $750. During his first season in Detroit (1905) Cobb played only 41 games and batted .240. That was his first and last mediocre year. From then on he never batted below .300, and he won his first of twelve American League batting championships in 1907. In eight seasons he collected more than 200 hits, and in 1911 he batted .420. Driven by his passion to excel, Cobb prac- ticed endlessly and developed his potential until he became one of the finest and probably the most competitive player baseball has ever known. To him a ball game was a relentless fight. He went into every game full of fury, filled with a deep and burning desire to win. And win he did. Cobb became the dominant character in baseball during his stay with Detroit. He played 16 years and managed and played another six before a conflict between Cobb and the owner of the club forced him to leave. Every team in baseball offered Cobb phenomenal contracts, but he held out. By this time he was already wealthy due to his private holdings. Finally Connie Mack, president of the Philadelphia Ath- letics, persuaded Cobb to play for him. After two seasons with the Athletics, Ty Cobb retired, having spent 24 years in the majors. The "Genius in Spikes" left behind a record of 3,033 games played, 4,191 hits, 892 stolen bases, and a lifetime batting average of .367. Little wonder Ty Cobb was the first player voted into the Baseball Hall of Fame, and little wonder that his home state should wish to memorial- ize him. Initial development of the Cobb Memorial Museum will involve construction of a carpeted scale-model baseball diamond within a thirty- five by thirty-two foot exhibit hall. Large threesided display boards will be placed on the field at the various positions, and life-size action pho- tographs of Cobb will cover one side of each dis- A play. second side of each board will exhibit records, score cards, and historic sketches, while the third side will display a large collage of news clippings and small photographs. Display cases will be placed along the walls within what would be foul territory on a real field. These will contain uniform parts and some of Cobb's personal articles. The history of baseball during its "golden age" will also be depicted. The overall plan includes exhibits showing the evolution of baseballs, bats and other equipment from their con- ception to the present. An authentic film of a Detroit Tiger game, showing Cobb in action, will be shown by the museum curator several times daily. This film will be shown at no charge to visitors in a projection room adjacent to the exhibit hall. The museum will be open daily from 10:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. Special group tours may be arranged by writing: Superintendent, Victoria Bryant State Park, Royston, Georgia 30662, or by calling (404) 245-6270. No admission will be charged. The Parks and Recreation Division has been working with the Baseball Hall of Fame, the Detroit Tigers and the Detroit Public Library to obtain information, news articles, records and photographs concerning Cobb's life and career. These agencies have been of great assistance in the search for artifacts and additional informa- tion. Ken Smith, Director of the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum, Inc., has taken a personal interest in this memorial to his late friend, Ty Cobb. Unfortunately Cobb artifacts, which include personal items, equipment, clothing, family pictures and such are rare and the Parks and Recreation Division has had little luck obtaining au- thentic materials. The funds actually allocated for physical development of the museum and purchase of display items were small and are practically exhausted. The success of the project will therefore depend upon the willingness of the people of Georgia to donate, not money, but Photo by Don C. Pendergrost R |Al *E* artifacts. Naturally, Ty Cobb memorabilia is needed. This would include photographs of his early life, his career, and his outside interests. There is also a need for old baseball equipment ( gloves, bats, shoes, uniforms and so forth) , and news clippings or photographs concerning important local and world events during Cobb's career. Donations of any items will be greatly appreciated and credit will be given to donors directly on items chosen for exhibition. If you would like to donate, please contact Allen Coggins or Donald Pendergrast, Parks and Recreation Division, 270 Washington Street, S.W., Atlanta, Georgia 30334. Ty Cobb is an inspiration for all who aspire to greatness in athletics. He was born in a small Georgia town and struggled along a hard road to world fame. Disliked by many, loved and truly understood by few, but respected by all as one of the greatest and most competitive base- ball players that ever lived, Cobb's memory will endure in this memorial. 10 Terrariums By T. Craig Martin Photos by the Author A simple terrarium can help you enjoy the outdoors in the year-round comfort of your home. The container may be as elaborate as a 30-inch plexiglass oval, or as simple as a mason jar, while the plants and mosses can include exotic varieties from greenhouses, or mundane All the materials for a fine terrarium. Kathy Henderson suggests that you gather everything before beginning work so that it all will be handy when you need it. Materials here were supplied by the Fernbank Science Center. domestic plants collected during any trip to the outdoors. Horticulturist Kathleen Henderson of the DeKalb County School System's Fernbank Science Center suggests several steps that will help make your terrarium a success: 1) If you collect wild plants, be sure to collect as much of the root system as you can. Dig up plenty of soil around the roots; it won't hurt, and can be removed after you make sure the roots are safe. Never take all the members of any .pedes. 2) r ? plants, dirt and all, in a box for the tri| >me. Try to transplant them within a day or so, but in any case water them and store them in a cool place until you're ready to transplant. 12 3) Fill the terrarium in the following order: a) Put about 1/2 inch of large pebbles in the bottom. b) Add an inch or two of soil (a mixture of 1/2 Michigan peat and 1/2 sand with a small amount of commercial grade charcoal mixed in). c) Place individual plants, beginning with the smaller ones, covering the roots of each. d) Put the mosses in last. e) Add water until you see it draining into the bottom. f) Leave the cover off for about three days, then put it on. Condensation should occur about twice each day. If water condenses all the time, leave the top off for a while so that the excess can evaporate. g) If a plant begins to mold, or dies, re- move it immediately. Native plants should last about three or four months or slightly longer, Mrs. Henderson says, but domestic plants from greenhouses will last until they outgrow the terrarium. She suggests the following plants for home terrariums: Group I (may be used in open or closed terrariums) Dwarf Wandering Jew Species Dwarf Climbing Fig Small Leaf Peperomias Piggy Back Plant Baby's Tears Small Ferns (Maidenhair) Podocarpus Prayer Plant Grape Ivy Fittonia Venus Fly Trap Selaginella Airplane Plant Strawberry Begonias (Saxifraga) Aluminum Plant Neanthe Bella Palm Chinese Evergreen Dracaena Species Group II (require careful watering) African Violet Sinningia Kohleria Episcia Begonias Group III (prefer an open top terrarium) Aloe All Cactus Air Plant Succulents (Sedums, Haworthias, Crassula, etc.) Euphorbias Cryptanthus Cyperus (sedges) Group IV (Native plants which thrive in a terrarium) Venus Fly Trap All kinds of mosses Pipsisewa (Striped Wintergreen) Rattlesnake Plantain Hepatica Partridge Berry Selaginella (Club Moss) Ebony Spleenwart Ferns (and other small ferns) Wild Ginger Start with the pebbles, then add a bit of dirt. It's best to start with small plants first, unless you have one you especially want to emphasize. Terrariums come in all shapes and sizes, filled with a bewildering variety of plants. They need not be expensive. 14 Wildlife Profiles: Crappie by Aaron Pass Crappie fishing in Georgia is really pretty good. Each spring hundreds of fishermen gather to fish for this popular panfish during the spring spawning run. The action gets fast and furious when a school moves in and the result is usually a stringer of one of the finest tasting fish in fresh water. There are two species of crappie native to Georgia, the white (Pomoxis annularis) and the black (Pomoxis nigromaciilatus). The black is the most common, and the only sure way to dif- ferentiate is to count the spines in the dorsal fin. White crappie have six or less, black crappie have seven or more. These two species collec- tively share a whole host of local names such as calico bass, speckled perch, specs, bachelor perch, paper mouth. Whatever they are called they are certainly a favorite species in the early spring. Crappie. both black and white, spawn in the early spring in water three to eight feet deep at water temperatures between 58 and 68. The male fish guards the nest (hence the name "bachelor perch"). The eggs hatch in seven to 15 days, depending on water temperature. Crappie are carnivorous fish, feeding on smaller bait fish, crustaceans, and insects. Their preferred habitat is the larger reservoirs and rivers. Crappie are often found near debris, such as tree tops, in the water and other obstructions such as pilings and rocky ledges. Crappie are one of the larger panfishes, averaging up to 2-3 pounds. Sought as both a food and a sport fish, they can put up a respectable struggle when caught on light equipment. Light spinning tackle is made to order for crappie fishing. Minnows are preferred as bait, but artificial lures often produce just as well. Yellow and white doll flies, spoons and spinners are the usual choices. One of the best tasting of all fresh water fish, crappie are great eating. Roll the fish in flour or cornmeal, fry in cooking oil to a golden brown, and the sweet white meat will make a feast fit for a king. Since there is no shortage of suitable habitat (large reservoirs) in this state, the best conser- vation practice is fishing. Crappie are prolific breeders and can quickly overpopulate, result- ing in stunted fish. To attract crappie an old treetop or bale of hay may be sunk in an appro- priate place. Check local regulations, as on some public waters this might be construed as littering. Georgia's Geologic Showplaces In an idyllic setting of striking beauty, Coheelee Creek in southwest Georgia flows over a series of deeply notched falls composed of impure limestone. mrnzMZm sv. > . , .\ --J- m-jm ;^#, '.# <& sT*^#< - *. By Dick Davis Photos by the Author They say history is written in the stars. Perhaps so, but much of Geor- gia's history is written in the earth in the rocks and minerals and strata that make the state a 37-million-acre classroom and laboratory for study- ing geologic history. Highways and byways and foot trails from the north Georgia peaks to the Tybee sands, from the Carolina to the Florida borders, from east to west, bring the traveler or the educator or the student to numerous sites which dramatically portray the story of our state from the time of creation. Amid the classical beauty of Bear Creek Falls in Cloudland State Park, one can look back millions of years in geologic time to the Pennsylvanian period. As Bear Creek tumbles down the western slope of storied Lookout Mountain impressive falls cascade over exposed strata of shale underlying sandstone. The soft shale has been worn away under the sandstone along the rim of the canyon. At towering, magnificent, thundering Amicalola Falls in the Georgia State Park near Juno in Dawson County is the dramatic, abrupt transition from the Georgia Blue Ridge to the Piedmont Plateau. Here as the Amicalola River tumbles over the sheer edge of the Blue Ridge Front, the flashing white water cascades off the Blue Ridge escarpment. The flow and drop are over granite rocks which are highly resistant to erosion and the water has not cut back very far. Deep in the heart of Southwest Georgia the story of the geologic ages is told in such inviting, but off- the -beaten-path, heavy-boot and snake-bite-kit places as Froggybottom Creek, Towns Creek, Kolomoki Creek and Coheelee Creek, in the limerock quarries of Perry and Clinchfield, and in the colorful and towering "cathedral spires" of Providence Canyons. And along Georgia's picturesque 75-mile coastline, from the Savannah River in the north to the St. Mary's River in the South and embracing Georgia's matchless chain of coastal islands and the state's offshore areas, geologic study areas abound. Within sight of the skyscrapers of metropolitan Atlanta are such geologic storybooks as Stone Mountain and Soapstone Ridge and Panola Mountain which is being developed as a Georgia State Park. World-famous Stone Mountain in the DeKalb County suburbs of At- lanta is the largest single piece of ex- posed granite and is in itself a vast arena for exploring the geologic past and present. Soapstone Ridge just south of the city in DeKalb and Clayton Counties provides an "outdoor museum" look at a three-mile wide by seven-mile long ridge of serpentine-like rock which is not true soapstone. The rocks of Soapstone Ridge are generally dark green and weather to brown. The rocks are resistant to erosion and weather unevenly. The ridge, a prime area for preser- vation by the Georgia Heritage Trust and for the development of a park near the metropolitan Atlanta area, has not been overspread by homes or industrial buildings because of the many boulders and the steepness of the grade. The sprawling city has grown around the Ridge and has encompassed it. Travel a few miles north of Lumpkin in Stewart County in Georgia's iron ore mining area. On the north side of Froggybottom Creek the Prov- idence Sand overlies the Ripley Formation. Both were deposited in the Cretaceous era and in the Ripley gray silty clay can be found four different species of oysters and other shells 75 million years old. Nearby, also in the Stewart iron ore district, Providence Canyons State Park offers an unequalled study in strata of Clayton red clay overlying the white, coarse Providence Sand with a lignitic clay at its base. Plant fossil fragments can be found in the lignite, which is one step in the formation of coal. Providence Canyons are there to awe the visitor because the Clayton Formation (nearly pure limestone) which forms a high plateau is highly resistant to erosion. The Canyon's growth rate is dramatized by the fact that the nearby historic church has been moved several times to escape the reach of the abysses, and by a tree which can be seen growing suspended by its roots as much as 10 feet over the canyon's edge. Towns Creek, and its high-rising side walls, is a garden spot in Early County and is one area selected for preservation by the Georgia Heritage Trust Commission. The Creek runs in chasms left by the collapse of a large cave system. The caverns were in Paleocene limestone, formed some 60 to 70 million years ago, of the Clayton Formation, and the limestone is exposed in the sheer walls of the creek. The upper reaches of the creek's walls and the approaches to the area are a botanical showplace also. The limestone walls are exposed by erosion and there are intriguing sinkholes filled with fossil trees, lignite and A sand. picturesque eight-foot water- fall adds even further to the attractions of the beauty spot. Overlying On the western slope of Lookout Mountain in Cloudland State Park in northwest Georgia, Bear Creek tumbles over picturesque falls of exposed strata of shale underlying sandstone. '"*%&-. fC&*~*r i - .... v- J the limestone is grey marl Wilcox Formation of Lower Eocene, formed about 60 million years ago, time with abundant fossil shells, corals and fish teeth. Kolomoki Creek in Clay County flows over Wilcox Formation (dark grey, silty clay) with many white water rapids. Unusual, round calcite nodules as large as automobile tires abound along the creek and there are numerous leaf and twig plant fossils. Coheelee Creek, two miles north of Hilton in Early County, is inviting enough to make you want to pitch camp and stay a week. The pictu- rescue creek flows over a series of deeply notched waterfalls of impure limestone. This Middle Eocene Lis- bon Formation, imp are limestone formed about 50 million years ago, abounds with small fossil oysters in solid rock. This outstanding area is also tabbed by the Georgia Heritage Trust Commission for preservation and recreation development. Like to make a geologic journey through parts of the state? Here are some suggested routes and points to view, starting from various cities across Georgia. For information as to exact locales of geologic interest on each trip contact the Earth and Water Division, Department of Natural Resources, 19 Hunter St., Atlanta, Ga. 30334, Tel. (404) 6563214. From Atlanta to Stone Mountain to Tate to Amicalola Falls State Park to Dahlonega. From Atlanta to Dalton and Rocky Face Mountain to Ringgold to Cloudland State Park. From Atlanta to Stone Mountain to Dahlonega to the Richard B. Russell Scenic Highway to Tallulah Gorge. From Macon to Clinchfield to Huber. From Augusta to Dan River Quarry to Dixie Mountain and to Graves Mountain at Lincoln. From Augusta to Shell Bluff to Griffins Landing to Blue Springs. From Albany to below Mucka- foonee Creek Dam to East Albany and to -Radium Springs. From Columbus to Cusseta to Lumpkin. From Valdosta to Twin Lakes to Lake Park. See limesinks at Twin Lakes. From Brunswick to Jekyll Island to Folkston to Trail Ridge to Camp Cornelia. ' Stewart Near Froggybotton Creek in County's iron ore mining area, many fossils are found in Ripley Formation on roadside bank. ' if W ^.\ ^ ' ' v* -<; /.,AV I I .- i*^ ., % vftr J m t > ** Turkey Forecast By Aaron Pass Each year, as the dogwoods bloom, a very special group of Georgia hunters takes to the field. Spring turkey hunters after a gobbler are facing one of the most challenging adversaries an eastern hunter can face. Using special equipment, special knowledge, and a large share of woodscraft, they hunt a very special game bird. "Spring gobbler hunting is where you sep- arate the real turkey hunters from all the rest," says Hubert Handy, Chief of Game Management for the Game and Fish Division, Georgia Department of Natural Resources. "The birds are no longer in flocks, and only the gobblers will be legal game. Anyone who calls and kills a mature turkey gobbler can figure that he earned his trophy," Handy added. Spring turkey hunting is usually done by using a call to imitate the turkey hen and entice the gobblers to the hunter. This makes the sport very difficult, as the hunter is dealing with the wise mature males. The spring hunts are scheduled to coincide with the latter part of the breeding season. This accomplishes two important things for the tur- key hunter. By this time most of the hens have already taken to the nest, and the gobblers will come more readily to the call. It also insures that the hens are incubating fertile eggs, and are out of the hunter's way. At this time some older gobblers can be harvested without impairing the total population. Photo by Jim Couch This season should be good for turkeys, and for turkey hunters, according to Handy. "We've had good reports on the population over the state, but a sudden cold snap or rainy weather during the gobbling season could make the hunting difficult," he said. The best area this year will probably be in the central portion of the state around Clark Hill Management Area, and the northern mountain areas will also offer good hunting. "The state's turkey population is improving slowly, and we hope to give it a boost with a large scale turkey stocking program," Handy said. Sapelo Island is used as a wild turkey rearing area, where the surplus birds can be trapped and stocked in other portions of the state. The island habitat has been improved for the turkeys, and wild birds have been trapped and stocked there. Since only the male birds are legal on the spring hunts, hunters should take care to identify their target as a gobbler before pulling the trig- ger. The gobbler has a whisker-like growth, called a beard, which dangles from the center of his chest and he is larger than the hen. The male's feathers have a metallic green-black sheen, and he appears almost black beside the dull brown colored hen. It is very important that the hens are safeguarded during the spring hunts because they represent a potential of 10 to 14 young birds at this time of year. Turkey hunting is tough, there's no doubt about it. It presents quite a challenge to one's ability and woodscraft. The wild turkey has been called the wildest form of wildlife, and any turkey hunter will tell you that there are few animals smarter or more wary than a long-bearded old torn. This fine game animal is considered trophy game, and a successful turkey hunter can be proud of his accomplishment. This year's outlook is pretty good over the state and the turkey hunters have a pick of several good bets. Keep in mind that turkey A populations are isolated and widely scattered. "good" rating would not apply to a region as a whole but only to those areas which favor tur- keys. Increasing urbanization, excessive timber- ing, and various forms of outdoor recreation can quickly push turkeys on to more favorable habitat. North Georgia reports an "improved" turkey situation. Established flocks evidenced good reproduction and there is reason to hope that the stocking program is working out on some new areas. All in all, the turkey hunter should have a fair chance over most of the northern section of the state. Blue Ridge, Chattahoochee, Cohut- ta, and John's Mountain Wildlife Management Areas will all hold spring turkey hunts. For specific seasons, in both county and WMA please see Sportsman's Calendar in this issue. Hunters should remember that turkey hunting requires a big game license in addition to a regular hunting license. All 1972-73 licenses will expire on 31 March 1973 and the hunter will need a 1973-74 license on 1 April. 22 Review THE COMPLETE WALKER By Colin Fletcher, Alfred A. Knopf, 350 pages. THE HIKERS AND BACKPACKERS HANDBOOK ARCO By Bill Merrill, Publishing Co., 305 pages, $2.95 (paperbound). PLEASURE PACKING By Robert S. Wood, Candor Books, 215 pages, $3.95 (paperbound). As backpacking grows more popular, books to help, guide, counsel, en- courage, or protect the novice hiker spew forth in mind-boggling profu- sion. Anyone, it seems, who has set foot on more than one trail, or on the same trail more than once, is quali- fied to belabor the rest of us with his "thoughts" on the subject. Now some thoughts are more thoughtful than others, and some among this gaggle of books are more useful than the others. These three should help anyone interested in hiking and backpacking, although they certainly will appeal to different tastes. The subtitles reveal their differences: Fletcher's book is about "The joys and techniques of hiking and backpacking;" Merrill's claims to include "Practical advice for every kind -- and length of trip planning, com- plete equipment, major trail maps, menus, safety, and first aid;" while Wood's explains "How to backpack in comfort." Merrill's effort can be discussed quickly: he tries to do too much too quickly, and succeeds only in compiling a set of useful lists. Although he probably would be a great friend and fine teacher on the trail, Merrill's long years as a federal Park Ranger have dulled his style and made him more aware of the tribulations that face novice backpackers than of the joys that beckon them into the woods. Like the parent that tries too hard to protect his child from learning through error, Merrill tends to warn rather than encourage, belabor rather than suggest, compile rather than evoke. But compilations occasionally have their uses, and his brief discussions of trails, wilderness areas, suppliers, and his set of checklists could be very useful in planning a trip. His desire to be encyclopedic, however, hinders him from providing enough information on any single subject. Wood admirably fills these gaps in his PLEASURE PACKING. Care- fully detailed chapters explain the intricacies of pack, boot, tent and sleep- ing bag from the perspective of a skilled and interested observer/par- ticipant. The first paragraph sets his tone: I see backpackers staggering toward the wilderness loaded down with suitcases, duffel bags, gunny sacks, satchels, baskets, boxes, laundry bags, ice chests and hampers. I have seen Boy Scouts carrying stretchers heaped with gear, families pushing wheelbarrows, even ladies dragging shopping carts. No man who starts his book that way can fall into the grim recitations that burden Merrill's effort. Wood's translation of backpacking esoterica is straightforward and easily understood; he never lapses into the jargon that seems to clutter any endeavor these days. He lucidly explains why fats and carbohydrates may be more important to the hiker than protein, why an im- poverished walker will want to invest in a good frame before worrying about a top rate pack bag, how to distin- guish quality products from their in- feriors, and how to do a little prior conditioning to ease the agony of the first few days of any trail. And much more . . . While Wood suggests hiking tech- niques and provides tips on setting up and living in camp, I found his earlier chapters on gear more interesting. Buying equipment is a major chore -- and investment for both new and old backpackers because the state of the art is in tcrrifix flux; but Wood's ideas promise to be good for at least a few years. And these ideas make the book a necessity for serious back- packers. My odds on favorite among these -- books and among all walking books --is Colin Fletcher's THE COMPLETE WALKER. It was the first book I ever read on the subject, and it is the one I always return to for refreshment. I followed Fletcher's footsteps to his hillside over San Francisco and traced a tiny portion of his path in the Sierra Nevadas, always finding that, as he promised, walking "is an alto- gether delectable addiction." And, although I've disagreed with him, I've never yet proven any statement of his flatly wrong. Although crammed with information on "what to" and "how to" and "where to," this book is, indeed, about the joys of hiking and backpacking, for Fletcher always fights the tyranny of equipment that faces us all: The important thing, then, about running your tight little door economy is that it must run you. You must learn to i the practical details so effk itly that they become second nature. Then, after the unavoidable shakedown period, you leave yourself free to get on with the important thingswatching cloud shadows race across a mountainside or passing the time of day with a humming- bird or discovering that a grasshopper eats grass like spaghetti or sitting on a peak and thinking of nothing at all except perhaps that it is a wonderful thing to sit on a peak and think of nothing at all. He understands, then, (as does Wood, in a less explicit way) that equipment and technique are only means to an end, not an end in them- selves. And he realizes his own eccen- tricities: Naturally, your opinions on equipment and technique must fossilize into dogma But I am not altogether convinced that... when you have at last succeeded in mastering most of the busi- ness and people have begun to call you an expert and someone may even ask you to write a book on the subject-- I am not at all sure that it is then possible to avoid the sobering discovery that you have become, ex officio, a very tolerably accomplished fuddy-duddy. Fletcher is a very tolerably accomplished hiker: he's walked the length of California (THE THOUSANDMILE SUMMER) and through the Grand Canyon of the Colorado River (THE MAN WHO WALKED THROUGH TIME). But fuddy- duddy he isn't: a wry and ironic sense of humor flashes at every turn. Much of his experience finds its way into this book. There are points to quibble, arguments that can be made against a few of his choices. Few of the rest of us, for example, will want to move in solitary splendor through the wilderness. I personally find that I enjoy a trip much more when my wife is along, for we can talk about the things we see, and she fre- quently notices things that completely escape me. But this still is the book to turn to. These three books, then, all can be useful to backpackers, and the rea- sonably dedicated hiker probably should own all three. Merrill's HANDBOOK is a good source for addresses and concise "how to" information; Wood's PLEASURE PACKING is important for his chapters on equip- ment; and Fletcher's COMPLETE WALKER explains why one might want to hike in the first place. the outdoor world Wildlife Federation to Meet The Georgia Wildlife Federation (formerly Georgia Sportsmen's Federation) has announced that its 1973 Annual Convention Awards Dinner will be held March 24 and 25 and will for the first time be located in Atlanta, at the Executive Park Motor Hotel on 1-85 and North Druid Hills Road. The announcement was made by Charles Ingram, president. According to Ingram, plans call for registration to begin at 8:30 a.m. Sat- urday, March 24, with a luncheon and informational meetings during the day. Speaker for the luncheon will be 4th District Congressman Ben Black- burn. Each year the Federation, under the sponsorship of Sears Roebuck Co., conducts a program to recognize Georgians who have been particularly active or influential in the effort to conserve and protect the State's natural resources. This year the Government's Conservation Awards winners will be named at a 7:00 p.m. din- ner with Governor Jimmy Carter on hand to present awards to the recipients. The annual meeting for con- duct of business and election of officers will begin at 10 a.m. Sunday morning, March 25. The theme of the convention will be "Georgia's Wildlife and The Modern 24 Sportsman" with emphasis on the sportsman's active role in preservation -- of Georgia's natural resources. Earl Martin National Wildlife Week The week of March 18-24 has been set for the 36th annual observance of National Wildlife Week, sponsored each year by the 3'/2 million member National Wildlife Federation and its affiliates, including the Georgia Wildlife Federation (formerly Georgia Sportsmen's Federation). The theme of the 1973 Wildlife --Week is "DISCOVER WILDLIFE IT'S TOO GOOD TO MISS." Focus of week will be on the simple, yet exciting joys that can be found by Americans of all ages in the outdoor, natural world. The poster symbol for wildlife is a young wood duck shown poised on the edge of its nest. According to Thomas L. Kimball, executive vice- president of the NWF, "all that newly- hatched duck has to do to break out into the natural world is take the first step out of the nest; and it's nearly as easy for people to take that same step to break out into nature and see what beauty it has to offer." Georgia Wildlife Week Chairman Earl Martin of Tucker said that plans call for the emphasis in Georgia to be on information and education, urging that families "not only experience wildlife and the rest of the natural world through attractive magazine pictures but also get outside and really enjoy our wild resources." According to Martin, each school system superintendent in Georgia will be sent Wildlife Week materials and asked to involve one elementary class in wildlife projects during National Wildlife Week. Each of the Georgia Wildlife Federation's affiliate clubs will also be sent posters, news releases and other materials for use during Wildlife Week. Anyone wanting Wildlife Week teacher's materials for elementary school classes should contact Earl Martin, 2766 Goodfellows Rd., Tucker, Ga. 30084. He will send them without charge as long as the supply lasts. --Aaron Pass Sportsman's Calendar SPRING TURKEY SEASON Oglethorpe, Taliaferro, Warren, Wilkes, and Wilkinson. Management Areas: Clark Hill WMA--April 9-14, 1973--one (1) turkey gobbler. Piedmont Natural -- Wildlife Refuge (Federal) April 16- 21, 1973 one (1) turkey gobbler. (Permit required, application must be made in writing to Refuge Manager, Piedmont National Wildlife Refuge, Round Oak, Georgia 31080. Deadline, March 28, 1973. NORTH GEORGIA: March 24- April 28, 1973 /bag limit one (1) turkey gobbler. In the following Counties: Banks, Chattooga, Dawson, Fannin, Floyd, Franklin, Gilmer, Gordon, Habersham, Lumpkin, Murray, Rabun, Stephens, Towns, Union, Walker (east of U.S. Hwy. 27), White and Whitfield. Management Areas: Blue Bidge WMA--April 23-28, 1973--one (1) WMA-- turkey gobbler. Cohutta April 23-28, 1973--one (1) turkey gobbler (no permit required). John's Mountain WMA--March 24-April 27, 1973 one (1) turkey gobbler (no permit re- quired no check-in). EAST -CENTRAL GEORGIA: March 24-April 28, 1973/bag limit two (2) turkey gobblers. In the following counties: Columbia, Greene, Han- cock, Houston, Lincoln, McDuffie, WEST-CENTRAL GEORGIA: March 24-April 28, 1973/bag limit one (1) turkey gobbler. In the following counties: Chattahoochee, Marion, Muscogee, Talbot and Stewart. SOUTH GEORGIA: March 17- April 14, 1973/bag limit one (1) turkey gobbler. In the following counties: Ben Hill, Brantley, Camden, Coffee, Charlton, Dodge, Pierce, Telfair, Wilcox and that portion of Clinch and Echols Counties east of U.S. Highway 441 and south of Ga. Highway 94. Management Areas: Bullard Creek WMA--March 28-31, 1973 and April 4-7, 1973, (separate hunts), hunters may take one ( 1 ) turkey gobbler on each hunt. Hunting from 30 minutes before sunrise until 12 noon. No check in or out, but all turkeys killed must be reported at check sta- tion. No pre-hunt scouting allowed. 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