Southern Traditions Outdoors - November/December 2015

1 SOUTHERN TRADITIONS OUTDOORS | NOVEMBER - DECEMBER 2015
November - December 2015
TOP DUCK GUNSTOP DUCK GUNS
www.southerntraditionsoutdoors.comwww.southerntraditionsoutdoors.com
Please tell our advertisers you saw their ad in southern traditions outdoors magazine!Please tell our advertisers you saw their ad in southern traditions outdoors magazine!
MAN VERSUS DEERMAN VERSUS DEER
PRO DOG TRAINERSPRO DOG TRAINERS
FISH FACTORYFISH FACTORY
FORMING A SUCCESSFUL HUNTING CLUBFORMING A SUCCESSFUL HUNTING CLUB
FREE
FREE

KEEPTHEGREAT
OUTDOORSWHERE ITBELONGS.
Traditional ﬁberglass insulation has inherent gaps and
degrades over time, causing your home to lose valuable
heat in winter and gain unwanted heat in summer. Terminix
Insulation Service can bring a new level of protection to
both your attic and crawl space, making your home easier
and less costly to heat and cool. Plus, our attic insulation
is specially treated to safely control many common
household pests.† More comfort for you. None for them.
To schedule a no-obligation inspection, call 1.800.TERMINIX.
Save 10%* on cold-beating, pest-killing
Terminix®
Insulation Service.

NOVEMBER - DECEMBER 2015 | SOUTHERN TRADITIONS OUTDOORS 3
©2015 Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A. Kawasaki ATVs with engines over 90cc are recommended for use only by persons 16 years of age or older. Kawasaki also
recommends that all ATV riders take a training course. For more information, see your dealer, or call the ATV Safety Institute at 1-800-887-2887. Warning: ATVs
can be hazardous to operate.
ride on public roads or pavement. Avoid excessive speeds and stunt driving.
470 US Highway 51 Bypass N.
Dyersburg, TN 38024
(731) 285-2060
Open Tuesday - Friday: 9am to 5pm
Saturday: 9am to 3pm
WWW.OUTERLIMITPOWERSPORTS.COM
WE HAVE THE ULTIMATE CHRISTMAS PRESENT FOR YOUR FAVORITE
OUTDOORSMAN AND WE HAVE OUR BEST SALES & SELECTIONS OF ALL
MODELS OF ATVS & SIDE BY SIDES EVER AT OUTERLIMIT POWERSPORTS!
The All New 2016 Kawasaki® Mule™ Ranch Edition - PRO-FXT™
5% OFF - ANY PARTS AND SERVICE
WITH THIS COUPON!
OFFER EXPIRES 12/31/15
LIMIT ONE COUPON PER CUSTOMER

Advertising Information:
Southern Traditions Outdoors | Rob Somerville
(731) 446-8052 stomag1@gmail.com
DISCLAIMER - Neither the authors nor Southern Traditions Outdoors
Magazine LLC assume any responsibility or liability for any actions
by readers who utilize any information contained within. Readers
are advised that the use of any and all information contained within
Southern Traditions Outdoors is at their own risk.
On the Cover
Southern Traditions Outdoors Magazine Mission Statement:
Southern Traditions Outdoors Magazine vows to put forth a publication to
promote the outdoors lifestyle in a positive manner. We will strive to encourage
veteran and novice outdoorsmen, women, kids, and the physically challenged
to participate in the outdoors in a safe and ethical manner. Our publication will
bring positive attention to the wondrous beauty of the world of Nature in the
mid-south.
Garry Mason
Walter Wilkerson
Terry Wilkerson
Steve McCadams
Kelley Powers
Shawn Todd
Eddie Brunswick
Larry Self
John Sloan
Richard Simms
John Meacham
Buck Gardner
Scott Marcin
Ed Lankford
Drew Brooks
John Latham
John Roberts
Paul E. Moore
Rob Hurt
Mark Buehler
Richard Fagan
Field Staff Editors
Owners - Eddie Anderson
Rob Somerville
Kevin Griffith
Stacey Lemons
Publisher - Eddie Anderson
Editor - Rob Somerville
Magazine Design -Donny Byrd
Advertising Sales
Rob Somerville - Managing
Partner
Distribution
Johnathan Anderson
Mike Robinson
Southern Traditions Outdoors Magazine, LLC
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PG .................. ARTICLE.......................................................... AUTHOR
7...........................Waterfowling's Top Gun?...................................................Steve McCadams
16..........................Forming a Successful Hunting Club ..................................Rob Somerville
22..........................Kids and Hunting ..............................................................Shawn Todd
29..........................Thanksgiving... A Time of Reminisence.............................Chad Davis
38..........................Man Versus Deer...............................................................Richard A. Fagan
41..........................Traditions Tips ..................................................................Richard A. Fagan
42..........................Professional Dog Trainers...Well Worth the Money...........Steve McCadams
45..........................Fish Factory - Part 5..........................................................Kevin Griffith
54..........................Trophy Room.....................................................................STO
These two mallards are pictured taking flight from the waters of a honey hole near Dyersburg,
Tennessee.
Photo by Rob Somerville

You know, if you think about it, we have so much to be thankful for. We live in the greatest country
in the world, we have the freedom to practice our preferred religious beliefs, and we have the right to
bear arms and hunt and fish in the wondrous world of nature that God has so graciously provided for
us. I personally am very thankful for all of the above, as well as the health and happiness of my fam-
ily and friends, my business partners, our loyal readers and our fine family of advertisers. I hope the
following poem I wrote will make you, as sportsmen, feel thankful for all of the “Kodak Moments” you
have enjoyed in the great outdoors.
Letter from the Editor
From the Editor’s Desk of Rob Somerville
Rob Somerville
Giving Thanks
By Rob Somerville
For the turkeys that gobble and for the bass which leap
high,
For the hoot of an owl in the pre-dawn sky.
For the sight of an antlered, whitetail deer,
For the explosion of a quail covey as it bursts through
the air.
For the coyote that howls on full those moon nights,
I thank you my Father, for these sounds and these
sights.
For the barking of beagles, running hot rabbit trails,
For the red-tailed hawk, that so gracefully sails.
For the bobcat, so silently stalking its prey,
For the beautiful sunrise on a frost laden day.
For the Black and Tan hound, on a coon as he bays,
For all of this Lord, it is you who I praise.
For a child’s first fish, with their face all aglow,
For the sound of my arrow as it’s leaving my bow.
For the eyes of a Lab as it’s scanning the sky,
Ready for mallards, never questioning why.
For the ancient white oak trees, two-hundred years old,
Not factory-made Lord, only you have the mold.
I thank you dear God, for all of these things,
and the precious times of enjoyment that each of them
brings.
Have a happy and safe holiday season, and may God
bless you and yours.

WATERFOWLING’S TOP GUN???
AND THE WINNER IS…..By Steve McCadams
DDuck hunters always seem
to be looking for the newest call,
better decoys or one with new mo-
tion, another spot to hunt and the
latest and greatest shotgun that’s
rough, tough, accurate and reli-
able.
We want a gun with depend-
ability under adverse conditions,
as those of us in this fraternity are
known to perform endurance tests
on our equipment every season.
Choosing shotguns is like
choosing pickup trucks; everyone
may not necessarily like the same
brand, color or model. That’s why
there are several to choose from at
any given sporting goods store or
gun shop. Glance down the rack
and there are multiple choices.
Truth is ... there is no perfect gun.
No manufacturer can boast of a
“one size fits all” model.
Price range is likely the leading
factor for most knee booters when
it comes to making that final deci-
sion. However, some waterfowlers
put great emphasis on their gun
selection, despite having an out-
board motor that may or may not
start. Reading the ads boasting of
a new duck gun’s attributes, or lis-
tening to testimonials from a fel-
Professional guide, Steve McCadams, calls at high ducks as one of his clients prepares to shoot. After decades of
sunrises, McCadams has compiled a list of waterfowlings most popular guns, while observing hundreds of hunters.
Photo by Steve McCadams

low waterfowler, makes your old
smoke pole look and sound a bit
obsolete.
Even if their truck tires are bald
as a bowling ball and the boat and
chest waders leak, a duck hunt-
er will find some way to come
up with the money for a hand-
some, state of the art, camouflage
shotgun once season draws near.
Those new camo patterns contin-
ue to evolve and entice.
I know a few who struggle to pay
the rent, yet they find some way to
search the details for case prices
on duck loads and the final “take
it out the door” price for water-
fowling’s latest automatic or pump
shotgun that just hit the gun racks.
Priorities sometimes get mixed up
when our feathered friends take to
the air!
My first duck hunt occurred on
a bone chilling morning back in
1962. Duck numbers were down
and there was a year or two when
seasons got cut to a mere 30 days,
with the limit was one mallard.
Times were tough compared to
today’s era of long seasons and lib-
eral bag limits.
And, my first duck gun? It was
a Daisy, long, pump BB gun. I was
a mere 8 years-old, so dad figured
I needed to start out safe. I gradu-
ated the next year to a family heir-
loom in the form of a double bar-
reled .410-gauge shotgun. There
wasn’t even a brand name on the
barrel, but my dad had it as a kid
and squirrel hunted with it.
When you’re a kid you always
want a bigger gun. Whatever your
dad had, or the other grown-ups
shot, was always in your sights
come Christmas, even if you were
too young to really tote it or shoul-
der it properly.
Fast forward to today and I’ve
seen several sunrises come and go.
My last 40 years or so have been
spent in the duck blind as a pro-
fessional guide and while several
interesting observations come to
mind, monitoring the particular
brand, model and gauge of shot-
guns from the legions of hunters
who passed through the door has
been one of my hobbies.
YESTERYEAR’S TOP MODELS
Most of the popular duck guns
of yesteryear now sleep silently
in the gun cabinets of grandsons,
who continue to pass their grand-
father’s old workhorses down to
another generation, instead of
taking them to the blind.
Today’s gun are cosmetically
more attractive with their impres-
sive camouflage patterns. Guns of
yesteryear had wooden stocks and
forearms, and a dark blue shiny
barrel was the norm. Sometimes,
fancy grades of wood made a gun
stand out above the rest, but ba-
sically, the old dudes were heavy
and somewhat drab in their ap-
pearance.
Recoil was part of the shoot-
ing experience back then too. Al-
though that’s still a factor today, it
pales in comparison to the shoul-
der stompers of days gone by.
Browning’s Belgium A-5 was
part of the elite list decades ago
and a few still are in the blinds
when called upon today. Most
are considered collector’s items.
Sharing the list of old time favor-
ites had to be Winchester’s Mod-
el-12 pump. It was indeed a heavy
workhorse.
Joining John Browning’s auto
loader and Winchester’s Model
-12 was Ithaca’s Model-37 pump,
which also came in a featherlight
model. Handsome engraving on
the receiver targeted the water-
fowler with a marsh scene of cat-
tails and flushing ducks.
Ithaca’s Model-37 pump was
Young waterfowler, Carson Han-
cock, poses with two big, Canada
geese taken with his Remington
1187 automatic. Low recoil, gas
operated guns are popular among
the ranks, but must be kept clean to
avoid jamming.
Photo courtesy of Casey Hancock.
Continued on page 10

Securities offered through Raymond James Financial Services. Member FINRA/SIPC.
731-285-0097
575 Mall Blvd, Suite C,
Dyersburg, TN 38024
www.DavisWealthServices.com
Our advisors can help get
Your Finances On Target.
Investment Management - Financial Planning
Emily W. Billingsley, CFP®
Financial Advisor, RJFS
CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™
R. Chad Davis, CFP®
Branch Manager, RJFS
R. Chad Davis, CFP®
Branch Manager, RJFS
FLY’S
TAXIDERMY
WEST TENNESSEE’S 24/7 TAXIDERMY SHOP!
EXPERIENCE - QUALITY - CRAFTSMANSHIP
MAKING
MEMORIES
LAST!
OWNER: JONATHAN FLY
51 PAUL PRICE RD.
HUMBOLDT, TN - 38343
731-414-5211
DOWN HOME
HOMEMADE
COUNTRY
COOKING
AT ITS
BEST!
MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY: 5 AM TO 2 PM
SATURDAY: 5 AM TO 12 PM
1218 ST. JOHN AVE.
DYERSBURG, TN.
731-287-0506
BEST DINER FOR SPORTSMEN & FARMERS ON THE GO!
PLATE
LUNCH

the forerunner of today’s Brown-
ing Pump Shotgun (BPS) that
featured bottom ejection of spent
hulls. All the top waterfowl guns
were 12-gauges, as even the old
days of lethal lead shot use com-
manded a long range gun shoot-
ing the heaviest load available,
which back then would likely
have been a 1 7/8-ounce load in a
3-inch shell.
Although modern day water-
fowlers tend to favor the 3 ½-inch
gun and shells, many of the de-
pendable guns of yesteryear had
a 2 ¾-inch chamber that was le-
thal and shot through mostly full
choke barrels.
There were several 10-gauges
back then as well, for goose hunt-
ers. Most were single or double
barrel guns with high recoil. The
real oldies sported hammers. Lat-
er on Ithaca pioneered the gas op-
erated 10-gauge automatic (Mag
10) that quickly gained populari-
ty among the ranks, only to die a
slow death once steel shot entered
the picture in the 1980’s, giving
birth to the 3 ½-inch, 12 gauge
that tops the popularity list today.
Remington’s reliable Wingmas-
ter 12-gauge pump was - and still
is - one of waterfowling’s most
popular choices. It was affordable
and dependable. Hunters loved it
because it was simple and reliable.
A few years later would see
Remington introduce the first gas
operated automatic that revolu-
tionized how shooters dealt with
unwanted recoil. The Model 1100
hit the market and the company
sold thousands.
Remington had an automatic
already on the market but it was
the Model 11
humpback made
on the Browning
A-5 pattern and it
kicked like a mule
when duck hunt-
ers shot heavy
loads. With the
introduction of
the Model 1100
Remington au-
toloader and its
Model 870 pump
already proven
the manufacturer
had two of water-
fowling’s top guns
to call its own
during the 1960’s
and 1970’s era.
TODAY’S TOP GUNS
I’m no gun expert, so let’s get
that clear right up front. I’ve shot
most of today’s top guns and man-
aged to miss consistently with all
of them at times.
Still, I enjoy monitoring the
blind and observe what my cus-
BAR & GRILL
Where Singles Mingle in West Tennessee!
HOURS:
FRIDAY, SATURDAY, & SUNDAY
6:00 PM TO 3:00 AM
• POOL TABLES
• DANCE FLOOR
• GREAT FOOD
• MIXED DRINKS
• COLDEST BEER IN TOWN
• AVAILABLE FOR PRIVATE
PARTIES - MON. - THURS.
• COMP LIMO AVAILABLE
ATTENTION DUCK HUNTERS:
WANT TO ENJOY A GREAT MEAL,
PARTY AWAY AT THE AREAS TOP HOT SPOT
AND DON’T WANT TO DRIVE?
CALL ABOUT OUR FREE LIMO SERVICE!
110 S. MAIN ST. - DYERSBURG, TN
731-285-2310
STEAKS
SHRIMP
HOT WINGS
AND
MUCH MORE!
Benelli Super Black Eagle
Winchester Super X

421 W. COURT ST.
DYERSBURG, TENNESSEE
731-285-5767
We are proud to welcome
Sam Bradshaw to our company!
Contact him at:
tomers pull out of the case, just
before daylight draws near. So, if
I haven’t mentioned your favorite
brand or model, don’t be offended.
I’m just passing on what appears
to be trends in the waterfowler’s
world from my little corner of the
duck blind.
Again it’s quite interesting as I’ve
logged several hundred gun ob-
servations over the decades.
Modern day hunters have a gro-
cery list of great guns that contin-
ue to evolve, as to performance
and appearance. Today’s camou-
flage patterns are quite amazing,
with full flat finishes that don’t
glare from the duck blind. They
double as a nice turkey gun too
and can even perform well in the
dove field.
Meanwhile, the evolution of
steel shot changed waterfowling.
Screw-in chokes allowed quick
changes on patterns and hunters
went to bigger shells in hopes of
recouping some of their losses,
when range diminished, as steel
was and is different from the by-
gone era of lead shot.
Today’s top guns goes some-
thing like this: Benelli’s Super
Black Eagle, Winchester’s Super-X
series, Beretta’s AL391 and A400
Extreme series, Browning’s Maxus
- along with its Gold and Silver
series and a few Browning Pump
Shotguns (BPS), Remington’s Ver-
sa Max, along with the old standby
Model 870 pump and Model 1187
automatic.
Several Mossbergs enter the
blind such as the Model 835 Ulti-
Mag pump, which is affordable
but kicks like a left jab from Mo-
hammed Ali at the height of his
boxing career. Mossberg’s Model
500 auto and Stoeger’s Model 2000
occasionally surface, as do a few
old Remington 1100’s.
Today’s popular automatics
sometimes jam in cold weather or
when dirt and grit slow the action,
so keeping one clean is impera-
tive, if you want it to cycle three
shots when the opportunity pres-
ents itself.
Having seen a
lot of guns mal-
function at inap-
propriate times,
such as when a
nice bunch of
mallards finally
descend over the
decoys from the
high heavens, or a
goose works perfect and falls into
range like a meteor; I can tell you
it’s a somber moment when guns
jam or won’t shoot.
DUCK HUNTING’S ALL TIME
MOST POPULAR GUN
There are no instant replay but-
tons in waterfowling.
Having said that, the gun with
the best reputation for performing
day in and day out in all conditions
- wet, cold, muddy - has been the
Remington Model 870 pump.
Some of us have had to use it for
boat paddles or prize poles! The
manufacturer doesn’t necessarily
recommend that, but out in the
muck and mud of the waterfowl-
er’s world strange things happen.
The model 870 is affordable and
comes in several grades, such as
the infamous Wingmaster or low-
er grade Express. The magnum al-
lows you to shoot 2 ¾-inch shells
or up to 3 ½-inch if you can with-
stand the price of shells and the
recoil that comes with them.
Two words best sum up water-
fowling’s top gun, “It works”!
Editor’s note: Steve McCadams is
a professional hunting and fishing
guide from Paris, Tennessee. He
can be reached at stevemc@charter.
net.
Remington 870 Express

Fyrne Lake - 2500 Acre Private Natural Park
Lake Pavilion
Fishing Memberships
Weddings - Special Events
Corporate Meetings - Retreats
www.fyrnelake.com
Retreat Lodge

CHECK US OUT ON FACEBOOK FOR
SPECIAL SALES BY TYPING IN
APPLIANCE PLUS DYERSBURG.
WE DO CALL-OUT SERVICE ON
ALL APPLIANCES!
NEW & REFURBISHED ITEMS AT 50% COST!
FULL LINE OF
NEW BRAND NAME
APPLIANCES
1101 FORREST ST. - DYERSBURG, TN
731-589-1662
OPEN MON- FRI - 9AM TO 5PM
SATURDAY - 10AM TO 2PM
APPLIANCE
PLUS
NEW LOCATION!
1101 FORREST ST.
DYERSBURG, TN!
JUST IN TIME
FOR DUCK SEASON!
RECONDITIONED,
FULL-SIZED,
GAS/PROPANE
COOK STOVES!
STARTING AT
$99.99!

Farm Credit Mid-America offers loans, leases and crop insurance designed
to help rural residents build, farms grow and businesses expand.
FARMERS
CREDIT.
We give

The success of a hunting club will depend not only on the habitat and wildlife, but even more importantly on the
quality of its members. STO File Photo
Forming a Successful Hunting Club
By Rob Somerville
IIn this modern day era, walk-
ing up to a landowner’s door and
politely asking for and receiving
permission to hunt is becoming a
rarity. With more and more urban
sprawl, and land values at an all-
time high, land has become too
expensive a luxury for the aver-
age blue-collar hunter to purchase
for their recreational activities of
hunting sports. Farmers are now,
more than ever, implementing
programs to lease out large tracts
of land for hunting leases. They are
literally “farming wildlife.” These
farmers have learned that they
can supplement their crop income
with money generated from hunt-
ing. Due to the difficulty in easi-
ly accessing hunting permission
on private ground for free, public
hunting areas are overcrowded.
Because of all of these factors,
many outdoor oriented men and
women have learned an alterna-
tive solution; that being the pool-
ing of their money and resources
with other like-minded hunters to
form a hunting club.
The Good, the Bad,
and the Ugly
Though this sub-topic sounds
more like a Clint Eastwood film
than an article in a major outdoor
publication, it aptly describes
what hunters may encounter
when forming a hunting club. Let
me explain. I have learned many
things from the experiences of be-
ing the lease foreman over a doz-

en hunting clubs in the past thirty
years. These tracts of land encom-
passed over 12,000 acres in all. I
have made mistakes and learned
from them, and have helped many
clubs get started through my ex-
perience.
The benefits of a hunting club
include pooling your money, ex-
perience and labor in a group
effort for the enjoyment of all.
Sounds easy, right? It can be if you
don’t make common mistakes that
many fledgling clubs make. I have
seen friends and brothers literally
fighting mad over differences in
opinion of a hunting club and its
unclear regulations. I have even
seen landowners tell members to,
“Never set foot on my land again.”
I have also seen clubs literally kill
out all desirable game on a leased
property, through poor manage-
ment and over harvesting. Today,
I will share with you the keys to
forming and maintaining a suc-
cessful hunting club, a “Blueprint
for Success” – if you will.
It takes quality people to have a
quality club
The first step I recommend in
forming a hunting club is to part-
ner with someone who you are
good friends with, and who is
a safe and ethical hunter. Share
your goals and visions of where
and what type of area and wild-
life you would both like to hunt,
how much you are each willing to
spend, how many acres you would
like to lease, and how many mem-
bers you need to meet expendi-
tures without dipping into the
family grocery money. The two of
you will share the duties of lease
foremen.
Your next step is to fill the quo-
ta of membership you decided on
with GOOD, QUALITY people.
They must be safe, ethical, and
good natured and have similar
philosophies about game manage-
ment, harvest size and quotas as
the two of you. A very important
factor is the fact that they must be
financially able to pay their part.
Get a verbal agreement of mem-
bership from all recruited mem-
bers before looking for an area to
lease.
Land Ho!
When you are all in agreement
on all of the subjects in the para-
graph above, begin looking for
land. Do not wait until a month
before hunting season. If you do,
most of the quality land will be
taken, and if it is not, it will have
a premium price tag. A good
place to start is with friends, fam-
ily members, church and business
acquaintances, and in newspapers
and magazine want ads. Once you
locate some land to look at, ask
some locals about it. An excellent
source of wildlife sightings is rural
mail carriers. When you are confi-
dent that the land meets the needs
of the game you wish to pursue,
contact the landowner by phone,
or better yet, in person. Ask them
if they could find time in their
busy schedule to meet with you
and your partner to discuss the
possibility of leasing their land for
a hunting club.
Prior to your meeting, put togeth-
er a formal presentation including
what type of game you wish to
hunt, a proper management plan,
how many people will be in your
club, and any type of food plots
you would like to plant to enhance
the wildlife on his land. The most
important part of this presenta-
tion is the set of club rules.
Club Rules – The building
blocks of success
A wise man once said, “Society
without rules wreaks utter chaos.”
The same can be said about hunt-
ing clubs. Rules that are printed
out and signed, by each club mem-
ber and the landowner, protect all
parties involved. When the laws
are laid down at the beginning of
the endeavor, and all parties agree
to them, it will prevent feelings
from getting hurt and tempers
from flaring up in the future. The
following is a list of generic rules I
recommend for any hunting club.
Ten Commandments of
Hunting Clubs:
1. The cost of the lease, with
equal cost shared by each mem-
ber, and an exact date for when
the money is due.
2. A listing of all members
names, phone numbers, email,
type and color of vehicle they
drive, license plate number, and
type and color of ATV. {The ve-
hicle and ATV information is to
Food plots are a great way to
attract and enhance the quality of
wildlife on your club’s lease, but
the work and expense of these food
plots must be shared equally among
your members.

be able to discern member’s ve-
hicles from trespassers}.
3. Each member, without excep-
tion, must follow all game and
fish rules, quotas and seasons set
by the state agency.
4. All members will treat the
landowner, his property, his
equipment and any livestock on
the land with the utmost respect.
5. Club harvest and quota limits.
{Example - on my leases we are
only allowed to take one buck
per season, and it must have a
minimum 16-inch antler spread.
Each hunter can take two mature
gobblers, and no jakes. There is
a $500.00 penalty for a deer har-
vested under the antler require-
ment, and a $100.00 fine if a
button buck is taken. This mon-
ey goes towards the next year’s
least and is split equally amongst
members. We encourage the har-
vest of does to enhance our buck
to doe ratio. These restrictions
are not enforced when dealing
with juvenile or physically chal-
lenged hunters. The reason for
these rules is to establish and
maintain a quality game man-
agement plan}.
6. A guest policy must be set.
When this policy is not put in
writing, it causes a lot of prob-
lems. {We allow a guest on any
day, but opening day of any type
of deer season. No guests are
allowed during turkey season}.
It also needs to state that each
member is completely responsi-
ble for the conduct of their guest.
7. All expenses and work voted
on by club must be shared equal-
ly.
8. Designate parking and ATV
parking and travel areas, with
prior approval of landowner.
9. No rutting of roads, riding
ATV’s through planted fields, or
driving nails in to trees.
10. Address any and all safety is-
sues that you think may come up
and stress safety as Priority # 1.
The Meeting
When you meet with the land-
owner, be respectful and honest.
They have probably had domes-
tic animals or equipment shot,
been trespassed on, had garbage
dumped on their property, or had
crops or roads rutted. It is a good
idea to have written character ref-
erences, complete with contact
names and phone numbers. It is
a big plus if you have a letter of
reference from a landowner you
have hunted on previously. If the
landowner seems agreeable to the
proposition of leasing his land, it
is time for you to make like Monty
Hall and “Let’s Make a Deal”.
If you plan on implementing a
game management plan, plant
food plots, and grow trophy ani-
mals you need to try to secure a
five year lease at the minimum.
This serves two purposes. It lets
the land owner see the sincerity of
your club and gives them the con-
fidence of a set income coming in
for the agreed upon time period.
For your club, it gives incentive to
put work and money into the lease
towards years of enjoyment. Al-
though it doesn’t happen often, I
have seen hunting clubs do a lot of
work at no minimal expense, only
to get booted out after one year
when another group of hunters
comes up with an offer of a little
more money and reaps the fruits
of all your labors. The respect you
give the landowner, the conduct
of your members, and the trust he
builds in your group as a club, are
also key factors in him giving you
first right of refusal at the end of
the lease contract.
If the lease is agreed upon, and
the deal is sealed by a handshake,
get it typed out and signed by each
lease member and the landown-
er. Spell out each detail, and get it
notarized along with a copy of the
club rules signed by each member.
All members should then get a
signed permission slip from land-
owner and a club sticker or placard
for their vehicle. Even before you
start scouting the land, have the
landowner show you the bound-
aries, and clearly mark them with
“No Trespassing signs.”
Summary:
One of the most overlooked ad-
vantages of a hunting club is the
camaraderie formed while scout-
ing, planting food plots and hunt-
ing. Many of my best friends have
become so through my association
with them as fellow members of
hunting leases I am on. Planning,
Turkey will gravitate to many of the
same food plots as deer {example:
clover}. But, if you are targeting
turkey speciﬁcally, you may want to
look into planting chufa.

putting up deer stands, brushing
duck blinds, and sitting around
the camp fire all help form a bond
filled with memories that will last
a lifetime. I have been in clubs
where four generations of hunt-
ers sat around the lodge, swap-
ping stories and laughing. To put
it simply, a hunting club’s quality
will be decided upon by who the
members are and what efforts they
put into it. An unwritten code of
ethics should also be discussed.
This includes never leaving the
property until all hunters are at
the designated parking space and
accounted for, and never acting
disrespectful to another member.
Last year, on the evening before
the opening of the Juvenile deer
hunt, I looked around the camp-
fire. I saw smiles and looks of con-
tentment on all of the adults, and
excitement and awe in the eyes of
the kids. I remember saying a si-
lent prayer of thanks to the Father
of all things wild, and whispering
to myself, “It just doesn’t get any
better than this.”
I hope that your hunting club
venture will be a success.
If you have any questions, or
would like to discuss hunting
clubs in more detail, you can email
me at stomag1@gmail.com.
One way to measure how much the wildlife on your lease has browsed
down your food plots is to fence a small circle of each food plot with rabbit
wire. The difference between the fenced in area and the surrounding area
will show you how much the wildlife has browsed. Photo by Rob Somerville
Chufa is a root plant, similar to peanuts, and turkeys love it! Photo by Rob Somerville

City Liquor
Wine & Spirits
2450 Lake Road - Suite H
Dyersburg, TN 38024
Dyersburg Square Shopping Center
731-285-1761
HOURS
MON. - THURS. 9AM - 9PM
FRI. & SAT. 9AM - 11PM
WE NOW CARRY ALL YOUR PARTY NEEDS INCLUDING:
ICE COLD BEER
WINE
LIQUOR
CHAMPAGNE

KKiiddss&&
HuntingHunting
By Shawn Todd
HHow do you introduce kids
to hunting? That is an excellent
question. This was asked to me by
a reader earlier this year and here
is what I believe. To introduce a
kid to hunting one must have pa-
tience, knowledge and the desire
to help a kid in a safe and ethi-
cal manner. I believe that taking
them to the woods at a young age
is the way to answer this question.
Here are two examples of kids
getting introduced to the woods
at a young age. A friend of mine -
Lloyd Stewart - asked if we could
take his grandson Amarius (Ol-
iver) Parr hunting one night and
I said sure, bring him on. Oliver,
as I call him, is four years-old and
is your typical all American boy;
full of energy and questions. Oli-
ver has been yo-yoing for catfish
many times with us and caught
several fish, but this was his first
time to go hunting with us.
On a nice, October night I meet
them at Lloyd’s house and off we
went. After about fifteen minutes
Heidi and Whiskey River struck
and treed a coon in a large oak
tree. We checked out the tree and
finally saw the coon. It was a nice
The priorities in teaching kids about hunting should be stressed in the fol-
lowing order - safety, ethics, camaraderie and fun!
STO File Photo

boar {male} coon - about 12 lbs. in
weight. Oliver was like a kid in a
candy factory. We let the hounds
go again and they repeated the
same process. This time, the dogs
went deeper; about four hundred
yards in. Oliver looked at me ex-
citedly and said, “Shawn Todd, we
have got to hurry up and walk to
the dogs.” I looked at Lloyd and
said, “If we could only bottle that
energy up and sell it.” We laughed
at that and went to the dogs. A
pecan tree was the hiding spot of
choice this time for the coon and
again we met our goal. Overall, it
was a very successful night.
Another example of introducing
young kids to the woods is Cody
Rodriquez and his nephew, Aidan
Pruitt, who is ten tears-old. Cody
has been taking Aidan squirrel
hunting for a few years, as well as
fishing, but never coon hunting.
One day I saw Cody and we got a
plan together to go cooning. On
this October night it was warm
and dry. We met at Cody’s house
and away we went. We arrived at
a good location Cody has per-
mission to hunt and released the
hounds. Thirty minutes passed by
and I heard Heidi and Whiskey
open up with barks about a thou-
sand yards away. As luck would
have it we were able to drive to
the dogs and had another success
hunt. We let Aidan shoot the coon
and now he is hooked. He, like
Oliver, was as excited as a kid on
Christmas morning.
These are just two examples of
how to introduce kids to hunt-
ing. There are several ways to in-
troduce them to our heritage of
the great outdoors, but any safe
and ethical way you do it is great.
This was just a couple of meth-
ods of two caring men introduc-
ing young kids to the woods. So,
if any of you older hunters get a
chance, take a kid hunting. You
and the child will definitely enjoy
it and hey, you never know, they
may hunt for years and teach oth-
er young kids the sport of hunting.
Hope all you great readers fill your
game bags this hunting season.
Until next time, see you at the tree.
When everything comes together and a young hunter is successful on a
hunt, it forms a bond that lasts forever. As the old saying goes, “If you hunt
with your kids at an early age, you won’t have to hunt for them later in
life!” STO File Photo

Thanksgiving … A Time of Reminiscence
By R. Chad Davis
or my final article of 2015in
STO Magazine … I found myself
reminiscing. It’s common for me
to do this at the end of each year,
but not in the way you probably
think. Sure, I think about busi-
ness, learning from my mistakes,
building upon my successes and
planning for the next year. But, as
I grow older, I find myself under-
standing and appreciating those
that came before me, more and
more. I study how these influen-
tial people in my life molded me,
changed me and made me a bet-
ter person. From my family, my
friends, my church leaders, school
teachers, Sunday school teachers,
coaches, scout leaders, employers,
etc… they all had a small and large
hand in my growth and matura-
tion. Always trying to be better, I
ponder this and think about how I
can do the same for my family, my
employees and my community.
One such person of great in-
fluence was my grandfather, on
my mother’s side. Before I tell
you about him, let me clarify one
thing. His name is Bill Deere, but
he was affectionately known as
My Grandfather “Pot” is pictured here with a wild-haired image of me. In
the background of the photo, in the distance, you see the old barn that I
played in as a kid, Pot’s garden, and the plow share that my great grand-
father used to plow the garden with before they got a tractor (far left side).
That plow is now the logo for my company and a symbol of hard work, a
different time and simpler ways. Continued on page 29
F

THE MID-SOUTH’S EXPERTS IN THE MOST MODERN
AND AFFORDABLE SECURITY MONITORING SYSTEMS!
PROTECT YOUR HOME, PROPERTY, FARM OR BUSINESS!
WEST TENNESSEE COMMUNICATIONS
1295 HWY 51 S BYPASS - DYERSBURG, TN - 38024
731-286-6275
WWW.WETEC.COM

Reach over 45,000 middle to
upper-middle class income earners
by advertising with us now.
Contact Rob Somerville for more information.
731-446-8052
stomag1@gmail.com
731-285-1154 2100 Pioneer Road
Forcum Lannom Materials
Here yesterday, today and tomorrow.

“Pot”.
I am sure you are either scratch-
ing your head or laughing right
now, but let me explain. As a child,
I could not say “Pop.”
“Pot” is what came out and well…
it stuck. Everyone seemed to like
it, including Pot, and it is one of
the benefits of being the first born
grandchild. With the recent le-
galization of marijuana in some
states, I don’t know if he would ac-
cept the name today or not, but in
the seventies it was OK. In telling a
family member that I was writing
an article about “Pot” for Southern
Traditions Outdoors Magazine,
a bystander asked incredulously,
“You are doing WHAT?”
Pot owned B&E Auto in down-
town Dyersburg, was a gentleman
farmer and general all-around
gardener. Serving in WWII and
fighting the Japanese, he was very
proud of his service, but did not
like to talk about it much. He had
a contagious laugh and loved his
wife, Janie, more than anything
in the world. He was heavily in-
volved in the First United Meth-
odist Church of Finley, as well as
a member of the Finley school
board. He loved the hit TV show,
“Hee-Haw” that was on Saturday
nights and I remember turning my
hands purple with him shelling
peas, as we laughed at Roy Clarke
and Buck Owens. Pot loved both
his family and his community. As
a child, on Saturdays, there was a
good chance that I was going to
be dropped off in Finley where I
would help with the garden, pick
up bottles in the neighborhood
and then head over to Rubbles
Grocery Store to turn them in for
a Pepsi (in a real glass bottle) or a
Nu-grape, if I was lucky. Pot had
a garden that was at least an acre
and a couple of acres of purple
hull peas across Mimosa Street.
Pot and his wife, Janie, had two
daughters and two sons. They all
married and at that time, there
were three grandchildren with
two more coming in the near fu-
ture. On Sunday’s we all came to-
gether for lunch, board games and
if the weather was right, a com-
petitive game of 21 or H-O-R-S-E
{basketball}.
In the picture accompanying this
article, you see “Pot” with a wild-
haired image of me. What was
really interesting to me is in the
background of the photo. In the
distance, you see the old barn that
I played in as a kid, Pot’s garden,
and the plow share that my great
grandfather used to plow the gar-
den with before they got a tractor
(far left side). That plow is now the
logo for my company and a sym-
bol of hard work, a different time
and simpler ways.
I thought I would share with you
some of what I learned from Pot
and if you know me then well, you
know I live my life by “sayings.”
This trait came from Pot, because
he would answer questions with
little sayings, often citing country
logic rather than books, unless of
course it was the bible. Here are a
few of his memorable quotes.
“You get what you deserve”
“What goes around comes
around”
“Mathew 7:12 – So, what-
ever you wish that others
would do to you, do also to
them, for this is the law and
the Prophets” – AKA The
Golden Rule
All three of these quotes are all
very similar and related at least.
Pot lived his life being a blessing to
others. He grew up in the great de-
pression as a child and knew what
hard times really were. He realized
that in the end, all we really have is
each other and that treating oth-
ers with kindness, empathy and
respect would get him further in
life than not. I watched him give
away two thirds of his garden ev-
ery year, while either consuming
or putting up the rest for the fami-
ly. I never saw him receive a dollar
for his produce. It was his blessing
to his neighbors. Whether you
subscribe to “The Golden Rule”
or believe in “Karma”… be nice to
others and it will generally pay off
in the end. Be ugly to others and
it won’t. That is what Pot truly be-
lieved!
“Hard work pays off”
Pot was a tireless worker that did
not expect a hand out or some-
thing for free. If he ever saw me
slacking with my garden chores,
even as a very young child, he’d
mention work and a wage and I’d
get to stepping.
“I’d rather be lucky as good
any day”
Pot rarely played board games on
Sunday afternoons with the fami-
ly, but if he did, he was lucky. The
first time I heard this popular say-
ing was from Pot, as he rolled dou-
bles to get all of the money in the
middle of the Monopoly Board.
“Be careful what you ask
for… You just might get it”

This may be why I’m such as
skeptic. Many times as a child,
I’d wish for something foolish or
unreasonable and many times, if
I did get it, more problems arose
than not. To this day, I tell people
to be careful what they wish for. A
few months ago, a client of mine
was heard wishing for a correc-
tion in the markets so that “we
could get it over with.” Although,
as I write this article, we are close
to a full recovery; when recently
speaking to him, he wished he had
not said that!
This article has everything and
nothing to do with business.
Without these simple lessons, I
would not have had the success-
es that I’ve experienced. The sim-
ple words that my grandfather, as
well as others, have spoken to me
have molded me into who I am.
I remember this when I speak to
my son and know that someday,
whether good or bad, he will re-
member the words I have spoken
to him.
With that said remember that
words are powerful, influential
and can last forever. If you are a fa-
ther, mother, grandfather, grand-
mother, aunt, uncle, cousin, sib-
ling, co-worker or boss, use your
words wisely. You never know
how they may be used in the fu-
ture or how they may mold some-
one in a special way.
Editor’s note: R. Chad Davis, CFP®
is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL
PLANNER Practitioner, Finan-
cial Advisor and owner of Davis
Wealth Services located at 575
Mall Blvd. Suite C, Dyersburg, Ten-
nessee. Securities offered through
Raymond James Financial Services
Inc. member FINRA SIPC. Davis
Wealth Services is independently
owned and operated. For further
comment, Davis may be reached at
731-285-0097. This information is
not meant to be legal or tax advice.
Any opinions are those of Chad
Davis and not necessarily those of
Raymond James. The information
has been obtained from sources
considered to be reliable, but we
do not guarantee that the foregoing
material is accurate or complete.
This information is not intended as
a solicitation. Raymond James and
its advisors do not offer tax or legal
advice. You should discuss any tax
or legal matters with the appropri-
ate professional.

MOTOTRBO™ Linked Capacity Plus
If you need to communicate to a large field force across a wide area with a scalable,
easy-to-use system, then Linked Capacity Plus is your cost-effective solution.
Leveraging advanced repeater software, it is available in both single-site and
wide-area configurations.
Whether crews need to talk to each other in the field or back at the office or they
need to use data applications such as text messaging, location tracking or work
order tickets, Linked Capacity Plus makes their work safer and their work day more
productive.
WEST TENNESSEE
COMMUNICATIONS
1295 HWY 51 S BYPASS
DYERSBURG, TN - 38024
731-286-6275
WWW.WETEC.COM
PERFECT FOR:
FARMING, CONSTRUCTION,
INDUSTRIAL USE AND MORE!

MAY - JUNE 2015 | SOUTHERN TRADITIONS OUTDOORS 19
OUR EXPERIENCED STAFF IS HERE TO FILL YOUR EVERY
NEED & WE HAVE THE ROOM TO DO JUST THAT!
DYERSBURG ELEVATOR COMPANY
300 PRESSLER RD - DYERSBURG, TN - 38024
731-287-7272

Southern Silencers
Rifle and Pistol
Silencers
All brands
All calibers
* one silencer for many guns ☑
* NFA Gun Trust questions ☑
* discount from MSRP price ☑
* assist with all paperwork ☑
* expedited ATF processing ☑
www.southernsilencers.com
888-556-0477
“Powered by The Silencer Shop”
www.silencershop.com
WE BUY, SELL & TRADE FOR VINTAGE:
• DUCK CALLS
• GOOSE CALLS
• HUNTING/FISHING LICENSES
• HUNTING PINS
• DECOYS
• DUCK BANDS
• LANYARDS
• BOOKS
• SIGNAGE/ADVERTISING
• HUNTING RELATED PICTURES
FREE APPRAISALS OF YOUR
COLLECTION!
I WANT TO BUY YOUR
DUCK CALLS!!

824 Reelfoot Dr. - Dyersburg, TN 38024
731-287-0248 sleepinn.com
Dyersburg’s
Newest Hotel!
ASK ABOUT
OUR SPECIAL
HUNTERS
RATES!
PAUL’S SMALL
ENGINE REPAIR
Attention Duck Hunters:
We Service Shallow Water Motors!
1995 Upper Finley Rd.
Dyersburg, TN 38024
286-5002
We’ll get you to the ducks!

www.triplettirepros.com
270 US Hwy 51 Bypass South
Dyersburg, TN 38024
731-287-0333
Mon-Fri: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
2845 East Wood Street
Paris, TN 38242
731-642-0313
Mon-Fri: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
450 US Hwy 51 Bypass East
Dyersburg, TN 38024
731-285-8323
Mon-Fri: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Sat: 8:00 am - Noon
$6 OFF
Lube, Oil & Filter Service
With this coupon. Expires 1
6 MONTHS, NO INTEREST FINANCING AVAILABLE
Air Conditioning • Air Filters • Belts & Hoses • Brakes • Brake Pad Replacement • Car Batteries
Coolant Flushes • Diesel Engine Repair • Engine Diagnostics • Front End Repair
Fuel Injection Service • Lift Kits • Oil Changes • Shocks & Struts • Tire Repair • Tire Retreading
Transmission Repair • Wheel Balancing • Wheel Reﬁnishing • Wheel Alignment
Triple T Tire Pros - Your Authorized Yeti Dealer

THE 2015 SILVERADO LTZ CREW CAB 4 WHEEL DRIVE.
A SPORTSMAN’S DREAM!
hermanjenkins.com
731.885.2811

MAN
DEERBy Richard A. Fagan
VsVs
Want to put a deer in your
freezer? No problem. There are
plenty of deer in our area. Quota
limits have been increased in the
attempt to balance their growing
populations. Also, consider the
advancements in equipment. To-
day’s in-line muzzle loading rifles
are capable of accurately shooting
over two hundred yards. Cross-
bow technology has advanced and
offers extended hunting opportu-
nities. These and other conditions
have brought it to the point where
anyone who spends some time
and effort can bag themselves a
deer. If there is one thing that has
suffered, it is the challenge of the
hunt.
There have been years when
I would hunt with just archery
equipment, or during convention-
al gun season only use my muz-
zle loader. These were attempts to
raise the stakes and create more of
a challenge. I have been around
other hunters who have done the
same things, for the same reason.
Several years ago I started hunt-
ing in Kentucky, where you are al-
lowed only one buck a year. After
my first year, I realized you better
make sure the buck you take down
is the one you want, or your sea-
son is over. The process of becom-
ing a more selective hunter began
at that realization and I have truly
benefited from it.
One of the most enjoyable things
that happen during the season is
that every year someone decides
to hunt one particular buck. This
is where the challenge of the hunt
intensifies. To quote my friend
Mark, “Let the games begin.”
Opening mornings of gun sea-
Here is Gary’s big buck, caught on a trail camera, just days before the
season opened. Photo by author

son we always meet at our friend
Mark’s home. We gather around
the picnic table and discuss our
plans. Gary and his wife, Kim,
always come down from Penn-
sylvania to hunt opening week
with us. Last year, thanks to one
of the trail cameras, Gary got a
look at a massive ten-point buck.
This deer was seen several times,
within a half mile of where they
hunt. “That’s a nice one,” he de-
clared as he glanced at the camera.
It was obvious to everyone that
Gary was going to be after this
buck. The morning was unusually
warm, the wind was gusting out of
the southwest, and several shots
were heard being fired from the
distant surrounding farms. But,
we heard only one from our farm.
It was Gary. He won the “one on
one” on the first day of the season.
Sometimes it happens that fast,
but most of the time it’s a season
long battle, and one that the big
buck often wins.
Stepping up your game
Going one-on-one with a big
buck requires a hunter to dig
deeper into the basics of hunt-
ing and woodsmanship. The first
thing you must do is to locate
your deer. Continual scouting is
the key. Aerial maps help when
looking for bottlenecks, creek
crossings and natural funnels.
These are good places to start your
quest. Low swags and water ways
in crop fields offer hiding places
where deer tend to graze. These
areas need to be watched from a
safe distance. Remember to keep
the wind in your favor.
Watch the does, during late after-
noon feedings. They are often the
first ones in the herd to move out
into the fields. They keep a wary
eye out for any dangers, which
includes any bucks that might be
waiting in a staging area, until it’s
safe to make an appearance. These
staging areas are where I like to
hunt. I try to position myself
where I can also watch fields.
Knowing your hunting area and
the deer movement in that area
are the first steps you should take
in your search for the right buck.
This also lets you evaluate the
quality of the herd. Scouting is an
important factor in having a suc-
cessful hunting season, and is es-
pecially crucial when hunting one
particular animal.
Be realistic about what you find
when looking for a buck. Some
places in West Tennessee and
the surrounding areas don’t have
monster bucks running around.
Keep in mind that deer patterns
will change as they go from pre-
rut, to rut, to post-rut. Scout for
the best deer you can find and stay
after him.
I asked my friend, Tommy Stew-
art, to share his method for locat-
ing bucks. He uses trail cameras,
which have proven to be useful
tools in patterning deer. One ben-
efit of cameras is that they moni-
tor the property around the clock.
Tommy also stated that looking
for sheds in the spring is a good
indicator of the size of a buck,
and that he survived the previous
hunting season. Just to be sure, he
increases his options by scouting
for two good bucks, then picking
one to go after.
Reading the signs
When searching for the right
buck, it is important to pay close
attention to all the deer sign in
the area. There are several things
to look for that can help you pin-
point the right deer. It has often
been said that a big buck won’t
rub a small tree but sometimes a
“broke horn” smaller buck may
rub a larger tree. I have seen this
and agree with it. When I find a
larger diameter tree that has a
fresh rub I begin looking for more
evidence of the size of the deer
that made it. I try to be careful not
to leave any scent when studying
rubs and scrapes.
Tracks are obvious indicators of
a deer size but most people just
look at how large they are or how
deep they are. If you are tracking a
deer, in a wet or snowy area, look
at the front tracks. A larger buck
will carry his head lower when he
walks. This causes his front tracks
to leave forward drag marks from
the tips of his hooves as he steps.
Be mobile
Big bucks did not get big by be-
ing seen a lot. As hunting pres-
sure increases these deer become
almost ghost-like and will shift to
an almost fully nocturnal pattern.
The ability to move your hunting
position is an advantage you will
Here is the end result of Gary’s “one
on one” quest for his buck, which
he took on opening day. Photo by
author

need when hunting one deer, as he
changes his pattern through the
season. It is a good idea to have
a quiet and high quality climb-
ing stand at the ready, so you can
move with the deer’s ever chang-
ing patterns. You should also an-
ticipate where you could possibly
be hunting and prepare trees, by
trimming limbs and clearing the
leaves from the trees base, before
you hunt it.
No pressure
Big bucks like heavy cover, and
they do not like having to travel
too far from that heavy cover to
their food source. When you lo-
cate the deer you plan on hunting,
take extra care not to invade his
bedding area. Give him a safe buf-
fer zone and be patient. The slow-
er you take things, the better the
chances you won’t spook him off.
The End Result
To take up the challenge of going
one-on-one with a mature white-
tail buck, requires you to let small-
er bucks walk and stay focused
on your goal. You may hunt after
your prey all season and end up
not getting a shot at all. What you
will get, is a better edge on your
hunting skills, just like sharpening
a knife.
While bow hunting this year, I
had a shot at a nice, wide racked
eight-pointer, but chose not to
take it. Instead, I added a twist to
the game. My friend’s father hunts
the same area. After letting this
buck walk, I told him there was a
buck waiting on him. I guess you
could say I picked him a one-on-
one. I will pass along the outcome
as it unfolds.
Hunt safely!
Tommy Stewart proudly displays
a nice, ten-point buck he took as
a result of hard scouting and even
harder hunting. Note the previous
year’s shed he has in the picture.
Photo by author

TRADITIONS TIPS - with Richard A. Fagan
1. If you hunt in an area where black walnut trees are found, step
on the green hulls. The odor from these hulls makes a good nat-
ural, masking cover scent.
2. To make a great visual aid to your key ring, you can attach a
strip of florescent orange material. Also, to keep your keys off the
bottom of the lake, use a brightly colored floating key chain. You
should consider reducing the weight of your keys by taking only
the keys you will need.
3. Use an upland type,florescent orange hunting vest instead of the
big game coverage vest. This type of vest offers more pockets and a
game pouch in the rear so you can carry extra clothes and gear. It
also makes a safe place to carry rattling horns.
4. Keep some “Chap Stick” handy in your day pack; along with the
intended use it has many other practical applications from sealing
small cuts to rubbing it on a squeaky stand as a lubricant.
5. Glue a mat or towel to a piece of plastic tarp that can be rolled
up and stored in your vehicle. Use this to make changing in and
out of boots a dryer experience. A small saddle blanket also works
great.
Editor’s note: all photos and graphics are provided by the author. If you wish to
submit a “TIP” send emails to rafagan59@hotmail.com.

PROFESSIONAL DOG TRAINERS…
WELL WORTH THE MONEY
By Steve McCadams
RRetrievers are amazing crea-
tures and hunting companions.
In the hands of the right person
they’re an athlete capable of per-
forming magical feats, not to
mention finding lost or cripple
ducks, geese, pheasants and doves
that would otherwise never make
it to your game bag.
Yet, there are legions of dog
owners, who possess a beautiful
canine companion, with hand-
some features and high doses of
desire that never allow their four-
legged friend to live up to his
breeding reputation. Often times,
the responsibilities of dog owner-
ship overwhelm them.
Wanting a good hunting dog
to perform once season opens re-
quires more than just the “want
to.” In some cases, folks get too
busy to tend to the chores and
establish a weekly workout rou-
tine throughout the year, which is
pretty much what it takes, if you
really want a polished dog that
impresses you and your hunting
buddies.
Honing the dog’s natural, God
given ability takes a lot of time
and effort. Those dedicated to the
routine of repetition are the ones
reaping the benefits of an impres-
sive dog in the field and one that
adds another dimension to the
hunt.
Truth is ... some folks don’t know
how to properly train retrievers.
They lack the experience, or make
fundamental mistakes early in the
process, with a young pup.
Another scenario … and un-
fortunately it’s one that’s common
across the country … has a won-
derful dog with a high pedigree
and that unique drive left wasting
away in the pen. No attention giv-
en. No time spent bonding and
sharing life’s great moments in the
short phase of its youth.
A cute, affectionate retriever
pup with teenager metabolism is a
sight for sore eyes and should not
go unnoticed.
You’ve no doubt heard it time
and again when someone asks
about their dog, “Oh, he could be
a good hunting dog if someone
fooled with him. I just haven’t had
the time!”
Professional retriever trainer - Robert Jeter of Gleason, Tennessee pauses
with a young black Labrador named Daisy, after returning with a dummy
on a morning workout. Sending your dog to a trainer is money well spent.

Professional retriever trainers
are well worth the money, if you’re
serious about your dog’s perfor-
mance once season opens. Both
you and the dog can become bet-
ter hunters and companions if you
take the time to watch, look and
listen to someone who does it on
a daily basis.
From many hours around the
ponds and fields comes valuable
experience in dealing with a va-
riety of breeds that often have
multiple personalities. Like the
people who own them, some hab-
its they’ve acquired need to be ad-
dressed and corrected.
There are right and wrong ways
to correct dogs that may have got-
ten started on the wrong foot. Vet-
eran trainers recognize early is-
sues and can quickly evaluate the
personality of a dog’s threshold for
discipline … or lack thereof.
The question is what do you
want from your dog? Do you just
want the basic meat dog to go and
fetch? Would you like to take him
or her to the next level, where the
whistle and hand signals help di-
rect the canine companion toward
the game? Such an accomplish-
ment is pretty impressive when
done correctly.
Graduating to the next level
might put elite dogs in compe-
tition, where field trials award
points based on performance and
handling. Challenging courses are
set up across the country on field
trial circuits such as the Hunting
Retriever Club, which is affiliated
with the Kalamazoo, Michigan
based United Kennel Club.
HRC maintains its common
sense, hunting realism in testing
Hunting retrievers. There are five
ability-based (not age) categories
that the dogs may enter in the
HRC Tests. They include Started,
Seasoned, Finished, Grand and
Upland. Unlike field trials, these
are not competitive 1st, 2nd and
3rd place events, but tests where
all dogs are judged pass or fail
against a "Hunting Standard."
Long before you consider jump-
ing to the upper levels of dog
training, however, it’s best you
begin your journey by sharing a
few sunrises with someone who
knows the ropes. A veteran hunter,
or professional guide with years of
dog work under his belt, can give
good advice.
By hunting with someone who
already owns an experienced dog,
you’ll marvel at the relationship
between the hunter and his canine
companion. Odds are that you’ll
have a burning desire to one day
have a dog that performs amazing
feats in the field just like it.
There’s nothing more enjoy-
able than watching a trained dog
at work, living up to his breeding
reputation, with a keen sense of
smell and sharp eyesight. There’s
also nothing like being on a hunt
with a dog that’s out of control and
doesn’t know what to do. I’ve been
on both!
Some guys start hollering at the
dog the minute they drop the tail-
gate. Others lose their temper and
punish the dog for reasons un-
known to the dog. Both are can-
didates for a course with a profes-
sional trainer.
Training, or shock collars, are
used by most of today’s profes-
sional trainers as a tool to quick-
ly bring a dog into compliance
with what they want the dog to
do and when they want him to
do it. However, “the collar,” as
most trainers refer to it, is a valu-
able tool in the hands of the right
person, but a mistake when used
by a novice who may allow their
temper to override their judgment
and inexperience.
“Every dog is different and I use
a collar to get the dog’s attention,
but rarely shock one after the ini-
tial introduction,” said veteran
trainer Robert Jeter (731)-225-
9468, owner of Middlefork Ken-
nel in Gleason, Tennessee. “I work
with them daily and hone their
skills, if the desire is there. I want
the owner to visit and watch the
dog, so both learn from the work-
outs.”
With some 19 years under his
belt, Jeter has traveled the country
on the various field trial circuits,
but is phasing back to just hunt-
Watching a trained dog at work adds
another dimension to the hunt, as
they help find lost birds and per-
form amazing feats. It takes time
and patience, plus a daily routine of
conditioning, if you want your pup to
perform when season arrives.

ing dogs starting next year. “I love
working with retrievers and plan
to quit the traveling, but continue
to help hunters get the most po-
tential out of their dogs.”
Jeter, and other trainers like him,
devote long hours to training, of-
ten rising before daylight during
warm weather to start the daily
routine. They teach the dog to not
only retrieve, but to hold the dum-
my and heel on command to the
worker’s left side, often brushing
the leg with affection and a hand-
off of the bounty.
I’ve seen several of his dogs after
graduation and it was abundant-
ly clear that both the dog and the
owner were better suited for fu-
ture enjoyment in the field.
Most trainers will charge a
monthly fee---ranging from $450
to $600 in this area, which in-
cludes feeding and flea/tick con-
trol. Some owners leave dogs for
several months, and others return
even a seasoned dog for a little pol-
ish in the summer and throughout
the fall, before duck season opens.
Both hunters and trainers know
the value of a good blood line.
Having your dog registered with
American Kennel Club is pret-
ty much imperative for breeding
purposes. And, if the dog’s parents
had an impressive pedigree with a
champion blood line, your litters
of puppies will command higher
prices.
A big, black 9-year old female
Labrador retriever by the name of
Daisy rests at my feet as this sto-
ry is formulated. I have been the
beneficiary of a variety of various
retrievers’ love for over 50 years,
with several great hunting com-
panions claiming a huge part of
my heart, some of which remained
with them as they ventured on to
the big duck blinds in the sky.
So, the question is are profes-
sional trainers really worth the
money to get your dog perform-
ing the way he was designed to
do? Do you want a good hunting
dog by your side, day in and day
out that knows the score?
Once he chases a cripple down
in the distance, or returns from
nowhere with a fat mallard in his
mouth that you thought had got-
ten away, you’ll sport a huge grin
and need a bigger hat.
Hiring a trainer is indeed money
well spent. I highly recommend it,
as his efforts will save you lots of
headaches and embarrassing mo-
ments in the marsh. You’ll soon
discover your memories and dog
are priceless!
Editor’s note: Steve McCadams is
a professional hunting and fishing
guide from Paris, Tennessee. He
can be reached at stevemc@charter.
net.
The author has hunted with Labra-
dor retrievers for almost 50 years,
and is pictured with an old friend
named Ace, holding a hefty green-
head. Good retrievers are the result
of regular workouts and bonding
with their owner, not to mention
sharing many mornings in the
marsh.

Fish FactoryPart 5Part 5
Aquatic Plants as Fish StructureBy Kevin Griffth
OK … I have to admit some-
thing. I was going to totally ignore
an early failure of mine with Fyrne
Lake in this series of articles, but
my story wouldn’t be complete if
I do!
In my last article, I steered clear
of mentioning any of my early ef-
forts at establishing plants in the
lake. I’m sure that’s because it was
a total and utter DISASTER! It
consumed an amazing amount of
time,effortandnotasmallamount
of money. You see, I thought I had
it all figured out. This successful
entrepreneur from Florida (me)
was going to outsmart these back-
woods Tennessee grass carp (actu-
ally they’re from Asia – but I didn’t
know that at the time).
It all started with my desire to
establish plant life in Fyrne Lake.
Ideally, a lake or pond ecosystem
includes aquatic plants in the
shallows, with larger natural and/
or manmade structures stretching
out into the depths. I knew I could
handle the larger structures (see
my last article). I also was aware
that establishing aquatic plants
would be a challenge, until we re-
duced the number of grass carp in
the lake. Reducing their numbers
would take time and I didn’t want
to wait! I immediately started
devising a plan to create multiple
fenced-in “carp free zones” in the
shallower areas of the lake. I re-
alized that the grass carp would
consume any plants that grew out
beyond the fence, but that was
part of my plan. I knew we would
eventually thin the grass carp out
enough that the aquatic plants’
growth would reach a critical
mass where the plants would grow
out beyond the fence more quick-
ly than they could be consumed.
Once that happened, we would be
winning the war against the grass
carp. At least, that was my plan.
Before we created these barri-
er structures, we needed to select
what plants would go in them. Se-
lecting the right mix was going to
be important and I had to avoid
ANY plants that might take over
the lake. We were lucky; most of
Fyrne Lake’s bottom exceeded 6
feet in depth, which was the maxi-
mum depth that most (but not all)
aquatic plants could survive.
I called my lake consultant, spent
hours researching on the inter-
Roland Criswell with a huge, grass carp he caught from Fyrne Lake.
Photo by author

net and contacted several aquat-
ic plant nurseries. Eventually, I
settled upon three species: Pick-
erel Weed (Pontederia cordata),
American Pondweed (Potamoge-
ton nodosus), and Fragrant Water
Lily (Nymphaea odorata).
Each plant performed a specific
function in the lake. The Picker-
el Weed would occupy the shal-
lowest zone, from the wet soil of
the shoreline to 6 inches of water
depth, with some plants creeping
out to as much as 18 inches. In
full sunlight, Pickerel Weed will
densely occupy this zone, creat-
ing a shore erosion barrier from
waves or wake. The American
Pondweed would share the shal-
low water zone of the Pickerel
Weed and beyond, stretching out
to 36 inches of water depth with
some plants surviving up to 48
inches. The dense growth of these
two aquatic plants would provide
exactly what our shoreline bait-
fish species (fathead minnows and
golden shiners) needed to survive
and multiply, thereby significantly
increasing Fyrne Lake’s food sup-
ply.
The Fragrant Water Lily (com-
monly known as lily pads) would
perform a completely different
role in my plan. Their structure
isn’t nearly as dense, consisting of
long slender steams reaching up
from the bottom and ending with
a floating leaf, 4 to 12 inches in
diameter. Their function is to pro-
vide structure for game fish to hide
in, to ambush baitfish and hope-
fully attack fishing lures! These
plants will grow in water depths
of up to 6’ completing my planned
shoreline fish habitat without tak-
ing over the areas of the lake with
greater depths.
Two of the three aquatic plants
also had an added side benefit…
beautiful blooms! Many of you are
probably familiar with the large
white floating flowers associated
with lily pads, but are you familiar
with the unique purple flowers of
the Pickerel Weed? These plants
grow from 2 to 4 foot tall, with
spikes containing multiple, small
(less than ½ inch) violet flowers
each, with two yellow spots. The
nectar attracts bees (great for our
honey production), and the seeds
are a great food source for ducks,
while their leaves are a treat for
deer and muskrats (more on that
later).
Now, it was time to create the
The fragrant Water Lily grows in
depths of up to 6 feet, creates a beau-
tiful floating bloom and provides ex-
cellent cover for game fish to ambush
prey and attack fishing lures!
Photo from Wikipedia
Pickerel Weed provides a dense,
shoreline environment that helps
prevent shoreline erosion, while
providing shelter for baitfish and
gamefish fry. Photo from Wikipedia
American Pondweed flourishes in up to 3’ depths, forming a dense mat of
surface leaves, which covers an inviting tangle of underwater stems that are
perfect for baitfish and gamefish fry to hide within. Photo from Wikipedia

continued on next page
grass carp free zones! We started
with 15 round structures, made
from 50’ rolls of 4’ tall perimeter
fencing wire. Each one would be
installed in 1 to 2 and 1/2 foot of
water, toward the shallower end of
Fyrne Lake’s coves. It took three of
us working a full week to install
and plant these structures. Would
they keep out the carp? We would
soon find out!
Soon the cages were filling up
with plants! We also discovered
an exciting side benefit. Baitfish
and gamefish fry had quickly dis-
covered the sanctuary they pro-
vided. The summer went on and
the lily pads began blooming!
They were beautiful and the cages
were working! Wow, it looked like
things were turning out amazingly
well. But, I was about to discover
that I was celebrating prematurely.
As the summer was wearing on,
we noticed a few lily pads reaching
out beyond the fence. That was a
good sign. The fact that they dis-
appeared soon after wasn’t a sur-
prise; it was expected. However,
it wasn’t long before we noticed
other plants disappearing … from
within the fencing! How could
that be?
Roland Criswell and Kevin Grifﬁth are shown here installing posts to se-
cure the upgraded plant cages. Photo by author
The answer to that question, and
the continuation of this aricle, can
be read in the next issue of STO
Magazine.

DYERSBURG’S BEST VALUE FOR COLD BEER AND ALL TOBACCO PRODUCTS!
AND NOW AT OUR NEW LOCATION - ELECTRONIC CIGARETTES & FULL ACCESSORIES!
THE TOBACCO DOCK VAPE-N-SMOKE
190 HWY 51 BYPASS SOUTH
DYERSBURG, TN
731-286-1008
1755 ST. JOHN AVE.
DYERSBURG, TN
731-478-6233
LARGE
SELECTION OF
HUMIDOR
CIGARS!
E-CIGS,
VAPOR,
FLAVORS
AND MORE!
Sales - Service - Parts - Accessories
FOR ALL YOUR OUTDOOR
RECREATIONAL RIDING NEEDS!
470 US HWY 51 BYPASS NORTH - DYERSBURG, TN - 38024
731-285-2060
www.outerlimitpowersports.com

SERVICES TO LOOK FORWARD TO!!
Have you been wondering how to join the C&C family?
Ginger
CPhT
Chasity
CPhT
Katie
Sales Associate
Crystal - Pharmacy
Tech / DME
LISA
CPhT
RaiAnn
Pharm Tech/
Sales Assoc
Kalli-Rae
Sales Associate
Brandy
Pharmacy Tech
Tyrenia
CPhT
Dana - Pharm Tech/
Sales Assoc
Carolyn
Sales Associate
Hillary
CPhT
Krissie
CPhT
• FAST FRIENDLY ONE-ON-ONE SERVICE
FROM LOCAL PHARMACISTS
(being locally owned means we support Dyer County not a BIG pharmacy chain)
• ACCEPTANCE OF OVER 3,000 PRESCRIPTION
PLANS
(including the new State Employee Prescription Plan-Caremark)
(your co-payment will stay the same)
• LOW PRICES ON ALL PHARMACY NEEDS
(we will match all competitors generic plans or programs)
• MOST CONVENIENT LOCATION IN TOWN
(with drive-thru and handicap accessibility)
• FREE DELIVERY ANYWHERE IN
CITY LIMITS
(delivery also available countywide for small fee)
• MEDICARE BILLING
(for all your diabetic & durable medical equipment needs)
• IMMUNIZATIONS
(flu, shingles, school, job & travel vaccinations)
• PROFESSIONAL COMPOUNDING
PRESCRIPTION SERVICES
(for more information, visit dyersburgfyi.com/candc)
Here are two simple ways of telling us what
you need and we will take care of the rest.
1. Call us at 285-0844.
2. Come by and see us at our new location
at 2490 Parr Ave., Lewis Creek Place.
2490 Parr Ave.
LEWIS CREEK PLACE
Curtis Colbert
PHARMACIST/OWNER
Kevin Cook
PHARMACIST/OWNER
Mark Davis
Pharmacist
710 HWY 51 BYPASS
DYERSBURG, TN 38024
GREEN VILLAGE SHOPPING
CENTER IN THE
FIRST CITIZENS NATIONAL BANK
Phone: (731)285-7474
Email: store5973@theupsstore.com
www.theupsstorelocal.com/5973
If it can be shipped, mailed or copied ...
We can get the job dome!
If it can be shipped, mailed, or copied...
we can get the job done!
SEE US
FOR ALL YOUR
HOLIDAY
SHIPPING
NEEDS!

ACRED’S SHOES
“In Business Since 1955”
OWNER: BILL ACRED
OPEN TUES - SAT: 9AM TO 5PM
100 COMMUNITY PARK RD - DYERSBURG, TN
731-285-3624
QUALITY MEATS & CUSTOM DEER PROCESSING
ALL MEAT IS VACUUM PACKED!
OPEN: MON-FRI: 8AM TO 5PM & SAT: 8AM TO 12 PM.
We are open 24/7 to drop deer off and welcome donated
deer as well. Plus we accept debit and credit cards. We also
offer fresh cuts of beef, pork, and chicken.
Manager: Dustin Terrell
2258 OLD DIXIE RD - TROY, TN - 38260
731-538-2771
WE ARE A CASE KNIFE PLATINUM DEALER
WITH THE LARGEST SELECTION IN OUR AREA!
622 E, CEDAR - DYERSBURG, TN.
731-676-7712 OR 731-676-4520
PHILLIP’S DEER
PROCESSING
DYERSBURG, TN.
EXPERIENCED
RESPECTED
CLEAN
PROCESSOR
SIMMONS
DEER
PROCESSING
VACUUM PACKED!
TRADITIONAL BONELESS OR BONE-IN CUTS!
WE ALSO MAKE
BOLOGNA, SUMMER SAUSAGE, JERKY,
SNACK STICKS, BRATWURST.
176 HALLIBURTON RD - TRENTON, TN.
731-885-9400
CELL: 731-487-2062

Warren Seed & Agronomy Service
208 S Thompson Street
Union City, TN 38261
Phone: 731-234-2921
WEST TENNESSEE’S EXPERTS
ON AGRICULTURAL SEED!
TOP QUALITY CORN, MILO, SOYBEAN,
WINTER WHEAT SEEDS!

54 SOUTHERN TRADITIONS OUTDOORS | NOVEMBER - DECEMBER 2015545444 SSSSSOOUOUOUOUTHTHTHTHERERERERNNNN TRTRTRTRADADADADITITITIT OIOIOIOIO SNSNSNSNS OOOOOUTUTUTUT ODODODODOOORORORORSSSSS |||| ONONONONOVEVEVEVEMBMBMBMBERERERER - DDDD CECECECECEMEMEMEMBEBEBEBERRRR 2222010101015555
Robert “Doc” Jackson reeled
in this nice, Pickwick Lake
largemouth bass in September,
2015.
Pictured here is Sheila Watson,
showing off a nice bream she
caught while fishing Fyrne Lake
with Danny Watson on August
8th of this year. Photo courtesy
of Fyrne Lake
Steve Austin caught this 6 lb., 7 oz. bass on a
bladed jig/chatter bait, while fishing on Fyrne
Lake on May 31st, of this year. Photo courtesy
of Fyrne Lake
Chase Sawyers and Andrew James got up just a
little too early on the recent Juvenile Youth Deer
Hunt, but are shown here with a great nap they
CAUGHT that day! Photo submitted by Thomas
Sawyers
While fishing at Fyrne Lake,
Scott Rumer caught this 15 lb.
catfish on Saturday, October
10th, 2015.
Photo courtesy of Fyrne Lake

NOVEMBER - DECEMBER 2015 | SOUTHERN TRADITIONS OUTDOORS 55NOVEMBER - DECEMBER 2015 | SOUTHERN TRADITIONS OUTDOORS 55ONONONONOVEVEVEVEMBMBMBMBERERERER - DDDD CECECECECEMEMEMEMBEBEBEBERRRR 2222010101015555 |||| SOSOSOSOSOUTUTUTUTHEHEHEHERNRNRNRN TTTTRARARARADIDIDIDITITITITIOONONONONSSSSS OOUOUOUOUTDTDTDTDOOOOOOOOOO SRSRSRSRS 55555555
Chanie Jackson {8 years-old} shot her first deer
ever (field dressed at 130 lbs.) during the juve-
nile hunt with her daddy, Hunter Jackson, on
Sunday, Nov 1st, 2015 in Dyer County,
Eddie Brimm caught these two huge bass weighing around eight and five pounds in the Blue Hole, near
Moss Island. Photo submitted by Mike Robinson
Jonathan and Bradley Brooks won the Fishin’ for a
Mission tournament held on Fyrne Lake August 29th,
2015. Proceeds from the tournament went to benefit
The Community Mission Blitz that will be held in May
of 2016. Photo courtesy of Fyrne Lake

731.285.4410
www.FirstCNB.com
Wishing You an Unbelievably GOOD Holiday
Season From Our Family to Yours!

Southern Traditions Outdoors - November/December 2015

Recommended

Recommended

More Related Content

What's hot

What's hot (20)

Viewers also liked

Viewers also liked (10)

Similar to Southern Traditions Outdoors - November/December 2015

Similar to Southern Traditions Outdoors - November/December 2015 (20)

Recently uploaded

Recently uploaded (20)

Southern Traditions Outdoors - November/December 2015