Download to read offline
![SEPTEMBER - OCTOBER 2014 | SOUTHERN TRADITIONS OUTDOORS 54 SOUTHERN TRADITIONS OUTDOORS | SEPTEMBER - OCTOBER 2014
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
If you want to harvest a huge buck like this one, stealth and woodsmanship must be utilized while both scouting and hunting.
STO File Photo
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
Field Staff Editors
Owners - Eddie Anderson
Rob Somerville
Kevin Griffith
Stacey Lemons
Publisher - Eddie Anderson
Editor - Rob Somerville
Magazine Design - Kalli Lipke
Advertising Sales
Rob Somerville - Managing
Partner
Distribution
Johnathan Anderson
Mike Robinson
Southern Traditions Outdoors Magazine, LLC
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PG................... ARTICLE........................................................... AUTHOR
6...........................2014 Duck Forecast...........................................................Steve McCadams
12..........................Cat-Man-Do........................................................................Mark Boehler
20..........................Food Plots and Habitat for Wild Turkey..............................Kevin Griffith
30..........................Low Pressure Deer Scouting..............................................Paul E. Moore
38..........................Duck Call Society...............................................................Rob Hurt
44..........................Let’s Hear it for the Girls.....................................................Shawn Todd
47..........................Business Spotlight..............................................................STO
48..........................Kids’ Korner........................................................................STO
52..........................Trophy Room......................................................................STO
Fishing Fireworks with Friends on the 4th
of July in Lexington, Tennessee
Recently, my brother from another mother, John Latham,
relocated to Lexington, Tennessee. I was fascinated by his ac-
counts of the great hunting and fishing there. John seems to be
related to half the town of Lexington and all of his kinfolk are
avid hunters and fishermen. He invited us down for the 4th
of
July. On the agenda was bass fishing in the numerous ponds
his cousins owned. I was psyched up for the trip…and I was
by no means disappointed.
We stayed in his cousins, {who were vacationing in Florida}
Lynn and Teresa Pollock’s beautiful home, complete with a
built-in pool. We weren’t exactly roughing it, by any means.
As soon as we got there I broke out a rod and reel and walked
down to their awesome pond. Ten minutes later I already had
three bass, caught and released. The darkness and mosquitos
chased us inside, where John prepared a feast of delicious,
blackened bass fillets.
The next morning I rose at the crack of dawn. As I was dress-
ing, I heard a volley of two-stroke motors getting louder and
louder. I went outside and was greeted by John’s two nephews,
Clayton and Colton, sitting on an ATV and a dirt bike. They
had tackle boxes and fishing poles strapped to their handle
bars. These boys were literally “hooked” on fishing. They sim-
ply said, “You ready to catch some fish?”
The two nephews were the sons of John’s cousin Den Pol-
lock. They told me they wanted to take me to their pond and
after a five minute drive, we arrived. John hooked a nice bass
right away. I eased down the steep bank and threw my line in. Bam! The fight was on, as a five pound bass slammed
by rubber lizard. I got him in, but suddenly lost my footing, and in the pond I went. It must have looked like a
3-Stooges show; because the harder I tried to climb the steep muddy bank, the further in I went. John finally,
amongst much laughter, pulled me out with a long stick. Then the youngest nephew rowed me out to a duck house
in the middle of the pond and told me to throw my bait there. On the third cast my rod bent in two, as a monster
bass completely pulled the small boat around. I fought the fish for about four minutes until it finally straightened out
my hook. I don’t know how big that bass was, but I am guessing it was over eight pounds. I will be after it again!
On the final night, the fourth of July, Den Pollock took us to beautiful Beech Lake, where we watched an awesome
fireworks display, over the water. I want to thank John, his cousins, Den Pollock {and his two sons], Joe Parham
and of course Lynn and Teresa Pollock for all their gracious hospitality. They also have some great deer and turkey
hunting land, so look for future articles on the outdoor paradise they call Lexington, Tennessee.
See ya,
-Rob Somerville
From the Desk of the Editor](https://image.slidesharecdn.com/sto-sept-oct-lores-proof2-150119215222-conversion-gate01/85/Southern-Traditions-Outdoors-September-October-2014-3-320.jpg)
Uploaded byKalli Collective
Southern Traditions Outdoors - September - October 2014
The September-October 2014 issue of Southern Traditions Outdoors discusses a promising duck hunting season backed by record breeding populations and favorable wetland conditions. An event for waterfowl hunters is scheduled for October 11, 2014, featuring vendors and family-friendly activities. The magazine also includes various outdoor articles and emphasizes the importance of safe and ethical hunting practices.
More Related Content
Southern Traditions Outdoors - September - October 2014
- 1. Complimentary Copy September- October 2014 2014 DUCK FORECAST IMPROVING TURKEY HABITAT LET’S HEAR IT FOR THE GIRLS! CAT-MAN-DO - PICKWICK GIANT BLUE CATS SECRET SOCIETY OF DUCK CALL COLLECTORS www.southerntraditionsoutdoors.com Please tell our advertisers you saw their ad in southern traditions outdoors magazine! LOW PRESSURE WHITETAILS
- 2. SEPTEMBER - OCTOBER2014 | SOUTHERN TRADITIONS OUTDOORS 32 SOUTHERN TRADITIONS OUTDOORS | SEPTEMBER - OCTOBER 2014 ATTENTION WATERFOWL HUNTERS! YOU MUST ATTEND THIS EVENT! DATE: OCT. 11TH, 2014 TIME: 8:00 AM TO 5:00 PM PLACE: EAGLES NEST RESORT SAMBURG, TN AT REELFOOT LAKE FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO SET UP A FREE VENDORS BOOTH CONTACT ROB HURT 731-445-8516 DOZENS OF VENDORS! MAJOR PRODUCT REPS! CALL MAKING DEMOS! FOOD & DRINKS! FUN FOR THE ENTIRE FAMILY! FREE BOOTH SPACES! ANTIQUES! COLLECTIBLES! EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO GET READY FOR DUCK SEASON! ©2014 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. For your safety: Always wear a helmet, eye protection, and protective clothing. Never carry a passenger. Never ride under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Never ride on public roads or pavement. Avoid excessive speeds and stunt driving. Be extra careful on difficult terrain. 470 US Highway 51 Bypass N. Dyersburg, TN 38024 (731) 285-2060 Open Tuesday - Friday: 9am to 5pm and Saturday: 9am to 3pm WWW.OUTERLIMITPOWERSPORTS.COM WORK HARD... PLAY HARDER! HUNTING SEASON IS RIGHT AROUND THE CORNER! AND WE HAVE OUR BEST SALES & SELECTIONS OF ALL MODELS OF ATVS & SIDE BY SIDES EVER AT OUTERLIMIT POWERSPORTS! Converts from a 3 seater to a 6 seater and vice versa in less than one minute! The All New 2015 Kawasaki® Mule™ PRO-FXT™ 46 MPH top speed, tilt bed and “best in class” ride, handling and ground clearence etc...... This is not your old “Grandpa’s Mule”
- 3. SEPTEMBER - OCTOBER2014 | SOUTHERN TRADITIONS OUTDOORS 54 SOUTHERN TRADITIONS OUTDOORS | SEPTEMBER - OCTOBER 2014 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 If you want to harvest a huge buck like this one, stealth and woodsmanship must be utilized while both scouting and hunting. STO File Photo 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 Field Staff Editors Owners - Eddie Anderson Rob Somerville Kevin Griffith Stacey Lemons Publisher - Eddie Anderson Editor - Rob Somerville Magazine Design - Kalli Lipke Advertising Sales Rob Somerville - Managing Partner Distribution Johnathan Anderson Mike Robinson Southern Traditions Outdoors Magazine, LLC TABLE OF CONTENTS PG................... ARTICLE........................................................... AUTHOR 6...........................2014 Duck Forecast...........................................................Steve McCadams 12..........................Cat-Man-Do........................................................................Mark Boehler 20..........................Food Plots and Habitat for Wild Turkey..............................Kevin Griffith 30..........................Low Pressure Deer Scouting..............................................Paul E. Moore 38..........................Duck Call Society...............................................................Rob Hurt 44..........................Let’s Hear it for the Girls.....................................................Shawn Todd 47..........................Business Spotlight..............................................................STO 48..........................Kids’ Korner........................................................................STO 52..........................Trophy Room......................................................................STO Fishing Fireworks with Friends on the 4th of July in Lexington, Tennessee Recently, my brother from another mother, John Latham, relocated to Lexington, Tennessee. I was fascinated by his ac- counts of the great hunting and fishing there. John seems to be related to half the town of Lexington and all of his kinfolk are avid hunters and fishermen. He invited us down for the 4th of July. On the agenda was bass fishing in the numerous ponds his cousins owned. I was psyched up for the trip…and I was by no means disappointed. We stayed in his cousins, {who were vacationing in Florida} Lynn and Teresa Pollock’s beautiful home, complete with a built-in pool. We weren’t exactly roughing it, by any means. As soon as we got there I broke out a rod and reel and walked down to their awesome pond. Ten minutes later I already had three bass, caught and released. The darkness and mosquitos chased us inside, where John prepared a feast of delicious, blackened bass fillets. The next morning I rose at the crack of dawn. As I was dress- ing, I heard a volley of two-stroke motors getting louder and louder. I went outside and was greeted by John’s two nephews, Clayton and Colton, sitting on an ATV and a dirt bike. They had tackle boxes and fishing poles strapped to their handle bars. These boys were literally “hooked” on fishing. They sim- ply said, “You ready to catch some fish?” The two nephews were the sons of John’s cousin Den Pol- lock. They told me they wanted to take me to their pond and after a five minute drive, we arrived. John hooked a nice bass right away. I eased down the steep bank and threw my line in. Bam! The fight was on, as a five pound bass slammed by rubber lizard. I got him in, but suddenly lost my footing, and in the pond I went. It must have looked like a 3-Stooges show; because the harder I tried to climb the steep muddy bank, the further in I went. John finally, amongst much laughter, pulled me out with a long stick. Then the youngest nephew rowed me out to a duck house in the middle of the pond and told me to throw my bait there. On the third cast my rod bent in two, as a monster bass completely pulled the small boat around. I fought the fish for about four minutes until it finally straightened out my hook. I don’t know how big that bass was, but I am guessing it was over eight pounds. I will be after it again! On the final night, the fourth of July, Den Pollock took us to beautiful Beech Lake, where we watched an awesome fireworks display, over the water. I want to thank John, his cousins, Den Pollock {and his two sons], Joe Parham and of course Lynn and Teresa Pollock for all their gracious hospitality. They also have some great deer and turkey hunting land, so look for future articles on the outdoor paradise they call Lexington, Tennessee. See ya, -Rob Somerville From the Desk of the Editor
- 4. SEPTEMBER - OCTOBER2014 | SOUTHERN TRADITIONS OUTDOORS 76 SOUTHERN TRADITIONS OUTDOORS | SEPTEMBER - OCTOBER 2014 very year about this time duck hunters are sweating it out, while thinking about cold frosty mornings when season arrives. In early July each year, biologists release a fall flight forecast that sort of paves the way for the upcoming season and it appears the news is good. According to Delta Waterfowl, North America’s spring duck population is at a record level and the birds returned to find a high number of ponds on the breeding grounds, according to the 2014 Wa- terfowl Breeding Population and Habitat Survey released last week. The annual spring survey, which has been con- ducted jointly by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Ser- vice and Canadian Wildlife Service since 1955, puts the breeding duck population at 49.2 million, surpassing the previous high set in 2012 and 8 per- cent ahead of the 2013 estimate. “It looks like another good waterfowl breed- ing year for a good portion of the prairies and the boreal forest,” said Ducks Unlimited’s Dale Hall. “Precipitation in the form of snow and rain has provided sufficient water to fill important wet- lands in key breeding habitats. We hope this will result in good production and another great flight of birds migrating in the fall. DU and its partners continue to work hard to protect and restore habi- tat to provide for the needs of these birds and so much more. While we still have much work to do in delivering habitat and securing key conserva- tion policies for sustaining these populations, we are heartened by the good results we have seen in the past few years.” In addition to record breeding duck numbers, more good news lies in continued wet conditions. Most of the Prairie Pothole Region, which encom- passes much of Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, the Dakotas and Eastern Montana, was very wet. The May pond count, which registered a soaking- 2014 DUCK FORECAST Fall Flight Looks good - Duck Numbers Up By Steve McCadams E Tennessee duck hunters will see another 60-day season and 6-duck daily bag limit, thanks to a great year on the breeding grounds. Weather is always a factor, but the fall flight forecast is a good one. Photo by Steve McCadams. wet 7.18 million, was 40 percent above the long-term average. Bet- ter still, many prime duck pro- duction areas were even wetter in mid-July than when the survey was conducted. That’s unusual. Most years, the temporary sea- sonal wetlands begin drying out by June. The one notable dry spot was eastern South Dakota. “Exceptional water this year will lead to high duck produc- tion,” said Dr. Frank Rohwer, president of Delta Waterfowl. “When the prairies are really wet, ducks settle in the best quality habitat. Hens will nest and re-nest vigorously, and duckling survival will be high.” A BREAKDOWN OF POPULAR SPECIES Breeding mallards (10.9 mil- lion) and gadwalls (3.81 million) are at the second-highest levels in the history of the survey. Green- winged teal (3.44 million) and blue-winged teal (8.54 million) came in at the third-highest tallies since 1955, while shovelers (5.28 million) and redheads (1.28 mil- lion) are at record-high breeding population levels. Wigeon increased 18 percent to 3.11 million, while scaup added 11 percent to 4.6 million. Wigeon are now 20 percent above the long-term average, which is nota- ble, given concerns over a declin- ing population trend in the 1990s and 2000s. Of the ten key survey species, only pintails and canvasbacks de- clined. Pintails dropped by 3 per- cent to 3.22 million, while can- vasbacks were down 13 percent, registering at 685,000. SEASON OUTLOOK Strong breeding duck numbers and very good water conditions should translate to more ducks in the fall flight, but it’s still not a guarantee of more birds flying over every duck hunter’s decoys this season. Local conditions dur- ing duck season always have a huge impact on hunting success. “We know that when breed- ing duck numbers are high and duck production is strong, hunters shoot more ducks,” Rohwer said. “However, three other factors are probably as important as the breeding duck count. Weather is most critical, because that drives duck migrations. The site condi- tions such as food and available AT BEAUTIFUL REELFOOT LAKE! Camping, Boat Dock, Rental Unit, Licenses, Bait, Tackle, Camping Supplies, Cold Drinks, Ice and much more! We Carry everything you need to make your stay here a wonderful and unforgettable visit! 2275 St. Route 21 E. - Tiptonville, TN 38079 (731)253-7809 There is nothing like a frosty morning spent in the blind with friends, as mallards approach your decoy set-up, with wings cupped and feet dropped. - STO File Photo. continued on next page 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 Wholesale Plumbing, Electrical, HVAC Distributor Residential - Industrial - Commercial 400 A Hwy 51 Bypass N - Dyersburg, TN - 38024 1-888-221-9046 or 731-285-9046 www.dyersburgwinnelson.com
- 5. SEPTEMBER - OCTOBER2014 | SOUTHERN TRADITIONS OUTDOORS 98 SOUTHERN TRADITIONS OUTDOORS | SEPTEMBER - OCTOBER 2014 water at your honey-hole im- pacts hunting success, as does the amount of hunting pressure.” Still, considering the high duck index and excellent water, the many millions of ducks will be out there this season, somewhere in North America. “Rejoice in the great breeding pair counts,” Rohwer said. “Bet- ter yet, rejoice in the good May pond counts and continued good water conditions. Duck produc- tion is likely going to be off the charts. But don’t count your ducks in the bag until the weather and conditions bring you impressive flights.” Across West Tennessee, most of the Tennessee Wildlife Manage- ment Areas have better crops this year for wintering waterfowl. Last year, most units were flooded dur- ing the late spring and early sum- mer, which prohibited planting of corn, milo and millet. As a result, some areas experienced a tough season due to low duck numbers. Tennessee duck hunters will be the beneficiary of another 60- day season and six duck bag limit thanks to these strong numbers. There’s certainly reason for opti- mism, but all duck hunters in Di- xie know that the weather deals the cards. It’s nice to know the ducks are there for a great fall flight that paves the way for a banner sea- son. Waterfowlers are keeping their boots crossed in hopes good winter weather will cooperate and send frequent cold fronts and nas- ty north winds to stir up the ducks and send them winging our way. Editor’s Note: For specific sea- son dates and other details for the forthcoming season log onto TWRA’s website at www.tnwild- life.org. Duck numbers look great for this year’s fall flight. Several species are up in numbers this year and overall duck numbers are eight percent above last year. - Photo Courtesy of Delta Waterfowl. WILKERSON’S TAXIDERMY PHONE (731)286-0853 • 1529 MORGAN RD., DYERSBURG WILKERSON’S TAXIDERMY EVERY MOUNT IS A TROPHY Trust a State, National & World Award Winning Taxidermists! Don’t trust just anyone. WALTER & TERRY WILKERSON “Quality Work at a Reasonable Price” Member T.T.A. & N.T.A. SEPTEMBER - OCTOBER 2014 | SOUTHERN TRADITIONS OUTDOORS 9
- 6. SEPTEMBER - OCTOBER2014 | SOUTHERN TRADITIONS OUTDOORS 1110 SOUTHERN TRADITIONS OUTDOORS | SEPTEMBER - OCTOBER 2014 3 Hunter Newbill’s first name describes him just right. He is a dedicated outdoorsman, who is very involved with introducing today’s youth, safely and ethically, into the outdoor lifestyle. He is a perfect choice for sportsmen or farmers that are shopping for a home, hunting land, farm acreage, or recreational property. Eddie Anderson - Co-owner STO Magazine Hunter Newbill Broker - GRI - CRS - ABR 2455 Lake Rd. - Suite 8 - Dyersburg, TN. {Off.} 731-285-5505 {Cell} 731-445-9998 hunter@dyersburg.com www.dyersburg.com Professional Real Estate Group Specializing in all types of property, including hunting ground, wildlife management areas, game hunting leases, farm property, and more. Please contact me for all your real estate needs. PROFESSIONAL REAL ESTATE & AUCTION GROUP 815 SILVER ST. - DYERSBURG, TN HYDRAULICS, BEARINGS SUPPLIES, TOOLS & PARTS FOR HOME, FARM & FLEET WE NOW CARRY HUNTING EQUIPMENT! Jackson 982 Lower Brownsville Rd. Jackson, TN. 38301 731-427-7725 Humboldt Hwy. 70A-79 By-Pass Humboldt, TN 38343 731-784-1761 Jackson Handy Home Center 330 South Royal Street Jackson, TN 38301 731-423-0115 Union City 1501 South First St. Union City, TN 38261 731-885-5063 Dyersburg 121 South King Ave. - Dyersburg, TN - 38024 731-285-1543 www.hcisupply.com 470 US Highway 51 Byp W. Dyersburg, TN - 38024 731-285-8747 CHARLES M. AGEE JR. Attorney at Law MEDICAL MALPRACTICE - PERSONAL INJURY SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY CONSTRUCTION ACCIDENTS VEHICULAR ACCIDENTS NURSING HOME NEGLIGENCE CRIMINAL OFFENSES & MORE ..... BUCKETS NEIGHBORHOOD PUB & GRUB “A Great Place to Eat and Hang Out” www.bucketsneighborhoodpubandgrub.net Hours of Business: Monday – Thursday: 11:00AM – 11:00PM Friday – Saturday: 11:00AM – Midnight Sunday: 11:00AM – 9:00PM ATTENTION HUNTERS! SHOW YOUR HUNTING LICENSE OR REELFOOT LAKE PERMIT AND RECEIVE 15% OFF MEAL!!! Let your smart phone be your key to the great outdoors! Available now at the App Store and Google Play Locate a WMAFishing reports Buy your license Stocking schedules Renew boat registration Sunrise, sunset tables Check in big game Wildlife viewing locations Watchable wildlife Find a boat ramp
- 7. SEPTEMBER - OCTOBER2014 | SOUTHERN TRADITIONS OUTDOORS 1312 SOUTHERN TRADITIONS OUTDOORS | SEPTEMBER - OCTOBER 2014 lint Newton backs up his trailer, transporting his 17- foot Express fishing boat and 40 hp. Johnson motor into the Ten- nessee River, below Pickwick Dam. The 31 year-old {Bruton Branch resident} looks more like a Duck Dynasty family member than a fishing expert and guide, but you can’t judge a book by its cover. Today he is hunting for the tro- phy blue catfish, those monsters of the deep river, which legend claims could swallow a man whole if the fish liked human bait. There were some overnight lows recently, near 20 degrees, and mention of winds. Newton looks above to the pleasant blue cloudless sky, with mild tempera- tures and notes that those late fall winds, which can cut a man in two on the river are non-existent this weekday mid-afternoon. Fishing conditions are a differ- ent story. Newton notices there are no oth- er fishing boats. “That’s a bad sign,” says the an- gler, as he cruises toward the dam. Catfish like water movement when feeding and it’s quiet below the dam. All the turbine gates are closed tight. Only three of the six turbines churn the waters. There’s a grin behind those shades and camo doo-rag. New- ton never backs down from a challenge. The hunt for the next big blue cat is on. Newton grew up in Corinth. Mississippi. His father, Terry Newton, always had a camp at Bruton Branch, on the north shore of Pickwick Lake. Since he loved fishing and hunting, he decided to live full-time at the lake home af- ter his parents divorced. The fisherman has evolved into a jack-of-all-trades to earn income. He installs water irriga- tion systems during the warmer months. During hunting season, he helps process deer at the Bow Shack. Most days he can be found at R & B Barbecue, where as a cook, he smokes the meat. Newton settles in, not far from the dam where the TVA power- house turbines create water mo- tion. Winter pool level is six feet be- low normal on the river and the water temperature is 57 degrees. By Mark Boehler C CAT-MAN-DO! continued on page 14 Fyrne Lake - 2500 Acre Private Natural Park Lake Pavilion Fishing Memberships Weddings - Special Events Corporate Meetings - Retreats www.fyrnelake.com Retreat Lodge Clint Newton with two monster-sized, blue catfish he caught at Pickwick Lake. All photos provided by Clint Newton.
- 8. SEPTEMBER - OCTOBER2014 | SOUTHERN TRADITIONS OUTDOORS 1514 SOUTHERN TRADITIONS OUTDOORS | SEPTEMBER - OCTOBER 2014 His weapon of choice today is an Abu Garcia reel and an 80-pound Power Pro line, on a seven-foot Heavy-Action Tiger Lite rod. Anglers call it a “salt water ugly stick,” but it’s a thing of beauty for Newton. “I can battle the biggest fish with this tackle,” he says as he cuts up fresh skipjack he caught the evening before. Using radar and a trolling motor, he’s using the “bump the bottom” method to catch the cats. It’s no secret, he admits. He just lays the fresh bait on the river bottom with a sinker and keeps bouncing it off the river bottom to get the big blue’s attention. Although he always went bass fishing with his father, Newton began serious, trophy catfishing four years ago. “It was three years ago, when I started taking people out,” he says, as he continues the bottom bumping motion with the ugly stick. “I wanted people to ex- perience what I experienced,” ex- plains the guide. “For most people it isn’t a daily thing - it’s a once in a lifetime experience.” Newton doesn’t just take any- one on these fishing trips. He’s partial to veterans and the elderly, but someone must know him to enjoy the “experience.” “I’m pretty picky about who I take out,” he explains. Technically, he isn’t a guide. There is no fee. He’ll accept a tip to help cover costs, but there is no dialogue about an up-front fee and cost of the guided trip. “I’m not doing it for the mon- ey,” says the fisherman. “I do it for the adventure.” Ten minutes into the “experi- ence” in search of the the big blue, Newton lands the first catch of the day. It’s a three-pound blue cat. Twenty minutes later, a two- pound channel catfish takes the bait. Channel cats don’t get big, he notes, “Twenty pounds, tops.” Other than folks who are after striped bass from the bank, New- ton has the river to himself. He has a dozen rods and reels on board, but the angler stays with the ugly stick. The TVA alarm sounds. A fourth turbine begins churning at the dam. Action begins to pick up.At 3:48 pm, there’s a third hit. “That’s a good one,” he says, as he pulls on the rod. He lands an 11-pounder. Four minutes pass and he hauls in another 11-pounder. “It’s the same fish,” he jokes. Minutes later, he snags a five- pound blue. One might think he is on a roll, but not Newton. He’s af- ter the bigger picture. The angler changes location. Newton has numerous big fish stories, having caught three blue catfish over 100 pounds in the past three years. His first trophy catch was a 67-pound blue that he land- ed near the Bruton boat ramp in June, 2009. He has been hooked on the sport since then. “I’ve been at it ever since,” he says. Two months later, he pulled in an 83-pound blue, near Dia- mond Island, which measured 54 inches in length and was 38 inches around. One of Newton’s prized catches was bigger than the state record and perhaps was near the world record. There is no of- ficial documentation. Just the “ex- perience.” That is because all of Newton’s trophies are all catch and release. It was February of 2012, near Pickwick Lock, when Newton landed a monster. After an hour and a half battle with the big cat, he finally pulled the trophy into the boat. The catch maxed out his 111-pound limit scale. It mea- sured 57 inches in length and was a whopping 48 inches in circum- ference. Phone calls were made to the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, where Newton was told he had to transport his trophy to the Nashville headquarters in or- der to register the potential new state record. “I didn’t want it to die,” explains the fisherman, so he took some photos and returned the huge cat- fish to its home. Based on measurements and from the photo, catfish experts such as Phil King and others estimate the blue weighed between 120 to 130 pounds, notes Newton. The state record blue catfish is 112 pounds. So, he has no official state re- cord, but New- ton will always have the experi- ence and memo- ry of a lifetime. “That means more,” he says. TVA turns on a fifth turbine to generate a little hydropower and Newton says that it’s a good sign. Although he loves night fishing, it isn’t planned for this trip and the guide is burning day- light. And then, it happens! At 4:10 pm Central Standard Time, not far from where he landed his big- gest trophy, the ugly stick bends double. Newton goes to work. It’s a big one. “Over 30 Paris, TN 38242 (888) 850-9578 l.com com 6 p.m. Anderson Road. rate fee for all deer) $8.00 Rush Fee (Pick up order 5 days or less) $15.00 Mount $29.00 Deer With No Head $7.00 unt $15.00 Save Hide $12.00 $10.00 After Hour Charge $12.00 $3.00 Field Dress $14.00 Whole Deer Debone $40.00 Quarters (Approx.) $7.00 alty Meats NET WT. % Shrink Per Lb. 1. lb. 66% $3.85 Boneless Ground $0.45 .80 lb. 20% $2.95 Boneless Ground W/ Fat $0.60 al & Cheese .80 lb. 20% $3.60 Boneless Stuffed $0.65 2. lb. 5% $1.95 Boneless Ground W/ Fat Stuffed $0.75 W/Jal. & Cheese 2. lb. 5% $2.60 Sliced 1. lb. 0% $1.90 Sweet .90 lb. 10% $2.05 1.50 lb. 5% $2.05 Cheese 1. lb. 0% $2.85 al. & Cheese 1. lb. 0% $2.95 nks 1. lb. 0% $2.35 1. lb. 0% $1.45 e 1. lb. 0% $2.95 e 1. lb. 0% $1.25 nks 1. lb. 0% $2.20 Patties 1. lb. 0% $1.95 CLEAN UP FEES SPECIALTY MEAT PROCEDURES MEAT PICKUP & STORAGE FEES DEBONING CHARGES BONLESS MEAT CUSTOMER SUPPLIED prices are per lb. of meat before processing. Minimum charge for quarters or boneless meat brought in $7.00 per order. Extra large quanities will be prorated. All fees are based on amount of time taken to clean unsanitary meat. ecialty products are Quality Checked by Yoder Bros Personell and atches for production increasing quality, flexibility, efficiency, and owing us to give our customers a better processing rate. specialty items are a 100% satisfaction guarenteed. DEER PROCESSING PRICES Complete: Cut, Wrap, and Freeze $64.00 Ready to Eat ut to your specifications, Steaks tenderized, adding beef fat and vacuum packaging for no extra charge. ADDITIONAL FEES IF APPLICABLE HANDLING FEES All orders not picked up ONE WEEK after scheduled pick up date or notification of order being ready for pick up, will be charged a storage fee of $1.00 per day. All order are subject to being prorated based on time and operating costs. Be a Good Sportsman, do it all with one shot! Version 12.0 Yoder Bros. offers complete A to Z venison processing services. They make over a dozen different specialty items, such as Jerky, Snackstix, Summer Sausage, Bologna’s and Bratwurst. They have processed venison since 1987 they average over 2000 deer per season. The staff at Yoder Bros. are professional, friendly and honest as the day is long. Their facility is surgical room clean and they offer free vacuum packaging on all processing orders! I highly recommend them to all deer hunters! - Rob Somerville 1650 Briar Patch Lake Road Paris, TN - 38242 731-642-3333 www.yoderbros.com Deer Processing Check Website for Options & Pricing Lankford Taxidermy 3070 Thompson School Rd. Huntingdon, Tennessee - 38344 Phone {731} 986-3351 Specializing in Fish Mountings and Birds - 50 Years Experience - 20% off and bass over 6 lbs. caught from Gibson County Lake or Carroll Lakes!
- 9. SEPTEMBER - OCTOBER2014 | SOUTHERN TRADITIONS OUTDOORS 1716 SOUTHERN TRADITIONS OUTDOORS | SEPTEMBER - OCTOBER 2014 GUN WORKS, INC. Hwy. 51 South • 1412 W. Reelfoot Avenue • Union City, TN 38261 (Across from Wal-Mart) Visit Us www.dixiegunworks.com 731-885-0700 Information 800-238-6785 Orders Visit our Showroom and the Old Car Museum • Open 8-5 Mon.-Fri. & 8-12 Sat. Order the Dixie Gun Works Parts & Supplies catalog - Only $ 5.00 WORLD’S LARGEST DISTRIBUTOR OF ANTIQUE & REPLICA BLACKPOWDER FIREARMS & ACCESSORIES Complete Line of Civil War Firearms, Supplies & Accoutrements Indian War Firearms & Leather Goods Cowboy Action Firearms, Clothing, Holsters & Belts A Complete Line of Living History Necessities & Accessories Over 1,000 Original Antique Firearms for Sale Plus a Huge Selection of Books QUALITY INN OF PARIS, TENNESSEE AT KENTUCKY LAKE Preferred Lodging for Sportsmen! 1510 East Wood Street - Paris, TN 38242, (731) 642-2838 http://www.qualityinn.com/hotel-paris-tennessee-TN677 Reserve rooms on our website for special discount! 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 pounds,” he estimates, as he pulls on the rod. Ten minutes later, the catfish hunter pulls his trophy into the boat. It weighs 47 pounds and measures 41 inches in length. Newton doesn’t call these huge cats “keepers,” because he doesn’t keep them. It’s merely a “good fish” to him. Out of breathe, he sits down and admits, “I need to take a minute.” As he does, the trophy cat hunt- er eyes a beautiful sunset about to unfold on the river. He rests in his front row seat. Somewhere, lurking in the deep Tennessee River waters, there are 150-pound monster blue cats, claims Newton. That’s his goal. “They are here,” says Newton, enjoying a smoke and the bright orange sunset. “That’s what I’m after.” One that size would best the world record, 141-pound blue, caught in the Missouri River. Would he keep any future trophy for the world record? Newton remains hesitant. Usu- ally talkative, he thinks. “Those fish reaching that size have been around for 100 years,” exclaims Newton. “That’s a long time, but I may have to.” The catch and release angler out for the experience hesitates for another moment. “But then again, I may let it go,” he adds, smiling at the thought. “I won’t know un- til it happens.” Newton slowly makes his way to the ramp as the sun disap- pears behind the horizon and a chill emerges on the river. He re- mains satisfied with another day of shared angling for the big blue experience. There were almost 80 pounds of catfish caught in three hours, including that 47-pounder. Not a bad day under the condi- tions, according to him. The beautiful sunset brings an- other day to an end at Pickwick, and for a lucky few, there will be another experience of a lifetime …. fishing with Clint Newton. Editor’s Note: Mark Boehler is editor of Pickwick Profiles, the Daily Corinthian and Crossroads Magazine. In his 35 years of jour- nalism experiences, this search for the big blue ranks in the top ten.
- 10. SEPTEMBER - OCTOBER2014 | SOUTHERN TRADITIONS OUTDOORS 1918 SOUTHERN TRADITIONS OUTDOORS | SEPTEMBER - OCTOBER 2014 524 E Reelfoot Ave - Union City, TN - 38261 (731) 885-8150 www.terrypetty.com CHEVROLET TERRY PETTY CHEVROLET 2013 SILVERADO 3500 HD LTZ 4X4 3895 HWY 51 S. - DYERSBURG, TN 731-285-0310 CLAYTONHOMESOFDYERSBURG.COM NEW & USED HOMES! HUNDREDS OF FLOOR PLANS! JUST LIKE PHIL & KAY’S! DUCK DYNASTY UNITS! “A New Place ... For An Old Tradition” WE CARRY SHOTGUNS, RIFLES, AMMO, CLOTHING, ACCESSORIES BY: Cypress Creek Outdoors Open Mon-Sat. 9-6 Sun 1-5 305 Hwy 51 South Dyersburg, TN 38024 731-287-1470 dparks@firstchoicekubota.com THE MID-SOUTH’S NEWEST HUNTING RETAILER! WE NOW CARRY A FULL LINE OF PATAGONIA CLOTHING! HUGE CLEARANCE SALES ON ALL WALLS CLOTHING!
- 11. SEPTEMBER - OCTOBER2014 | SOUTHERN TRADITIONS OUTDOORS 2120 SOUTHERN TRADITIONS OUTDOORS | SEPTEMBER - OCTOBER 2014 love watching wildlife! For me, the only thing better than spend- ing time out on our farm is get- ting to see the animals enjoying life within it. A herd of deer here, a fox there, an eagle overhead or a flock of turkey out in a field, they all get my heart racing. One of the first things that impressed me with our farm was the abundance of wildlife. Besides the numerous deer, it was not uncommon to see huge flocks of turkey. At the time I assumed that was just the way things were in West Tennessee. We were just blessed. Well, we were blessed, but the huge num- ber of turkey were not there by coincidence and it has taken me almost 10 years to figure out why! One hundred years ago, West Tennessee was home to thousands of wild turkey. Since then, over- hunting has decimated the flock into virtual non-existence. A few years before we purchased Fyrne Lake, the TWRA (TN Wildlife Resources Agency) and the local chapter of the NWTF (National Wild Turkey Federation) joined forces to repopulate turkey in Dyer County and across our state. One of the release points was near the northeast corner of our farm. Abundant food sources, varied habitat, good cover and little hunt- ing pressure provided an ideal en- vironment for the turkey to sur- vive and thrive. It wasn’t long before large flocks were common. The main farm was especially well suited with numerous ridge fields (either farmed or grown up) surrounded by woods. Then a city boy from Florida (me) purchased the farm. Two years after purchasing Fyrne Lake, we stopped all farm- ing taking place on the ridge fields. As mentioned in my last article, our ground is some of the most erodible on earth and I was very concerned about the numer- ous gullies begin- ning along their farmed edges. Unless we could control and man- age the erosion, farming the ridge fields could never again be a source of income to help support the farm. We constructed berms and catch basins to repair these eroded areas and seeded the resulting disturbed earth with Bermuda, a great grass for hold- ing ground, but one that has little value for wildlife. Deer and tur- key don’t like it. After repairing the areas of concern, we began regularly mowing every ridge field up to the edge of the woods. Our goal was to create a thick, grassy, ground cover to slow ero- sion. It worked! Not only was the erosion slowed, but the farm had a beautiful “kept” look about it. The mowed fields also made it easy to see wildlife. Anything that walked into a field was vis- ible. Besides deer and turkey, we spotted loads of small game as well as predators like fox, bob- cat and coyote. However, as the years passed, we noticed that the turkey and small game population seemed to diminish in number. We thought the food supply might be an issue, so we put out food plots in the middle of sev- eral ridge fields using a mixture of soybeans and an annual seed mix available at no charge from the TWRA. We obtained our mix in 5 lb. bags from the Region 1 TWRA office in Jackson, Tennessee next to Lake Graham. This seed mix included proso millet, German foxtail mil- let, Laredo soybeans, grain sor- ghum, buckwheat, cowpeas, Kobe lespedeza and partridge peas. To expand the number of food plots, we decided to change the ground cover used in areas disturbed by our erosion control efforts from the low wildlife valued Bermuda to something that would double as a food source. We chose to use a varying combination of clover, orchard grass and fescue. Turkey love clover, while deer enjoy all three! Since our system of monitoring and repairing erosion was prov- ing successful, I became brave enough to start experimenting with farming larger, ridge fields again. However, this time we left a wide gap between the woods line and the crop’s edge. This provided a grass buffer we kept mowed to slow erosion and pro- vide an observation area to catch erosion early, when it’s much easier and less expensive to ad- dress. Besides providing income, these crops fed the wildlife. Win- ter wheat is an especially effective and timely wildlife food source since its season extends through the lean, winter months. Now with our winter wheat crop, dedicated food plots and new widespread use of clover, or- chard grass and fescue ground cover, our wildlife population had plenty of supplemental forage. And yet, the turkey never seemed to attain the numbers they once had. What was missing? One day, while walking in the woods I came across a hen turkey on her nest. It was at the base of a tree, right out in the open. She had remained motionless until I unknowingly came within a few feet of her. As she flew up, I was Food Plots & Habitat for Wild TurkeyBy Kevin Griffith Success! We’ve been seeing more poults surviving and sighted along our field transitions. - STO file photo. I continued on next page “I had severely upset the unique balance of habitats...”
- 12. SEPTEMBER - OCTOBER2014 | SOUTHERN TRADITIONS OUTDOORS 2322 SOUTHERN TRADITIONS OUTDOORS | SEPTEMBER - OCTOBER 2014 amazed to see the dozen plus eggs in her nest. She and they were beautiful and finding them was such a gift! At the time, I just ac- cepted that what I had just seen was normal. But, in retrospect, why had this hen chosen an open and unprotected location for her nest? “Duh, city boy!” I said to myself. Where else could she nest! You see, we had been keep- ing the non-farmed ridge fields mowed through bush hogging or baling hay right up to the edge of the woods. However, each spring we would encounter something distressing. As we mowed or cut the hay for baling, we would oc- casionally reveal a turkey nest, disturb a hiding fawn or scatter a group of young rabbits. More up- setting, the protective instincts of the turkey hens would sometimes override their survival instincts and give the bird courage to stay on their nest, as our hay cutter passed by. The image of what hap- pened next scarred us and I won’t go into a description. Suffice to say that we did all we could to avoid it happening again. But no matter how vigilant we were, the turkey nests were next to impos- sible to see BEFORE it was too late. What could we do? At the time we chose to start cutting the fields before nesting season and keep them cut short to discour- age their use by nesting turkey. That brings us back to the turkey hen I encountered nesting in the woods. All I had accomplished through cutting the fields before nesting season was to push the nesting turkey from the protection of a thick grass cover to the more vulnerable open floor of the for- est! I invited a couple of state wildlife officers out to the farm in the hopes of obtaining advice. While riding around the farm the first thing they mentioned was, “You have no transition”. Transition? What’s transi- tion? They explained how a strip of taller grass and undergrowth between the woods and open fields provides habitat and cover for small game, as well as a relatively safe corridor for animals mov- ing between feeding areas. They continued by explaining how the pre- ferred density of cover varies depending upon the species. The goal is to have a variety of cover spread Save today. Start something big tomorrow with your New Kubota Disc Mower! $0Down, 0%Financing up to 60Months* A.P.R. © Kubota Tractor Corporation, 2014 *$0 down, 0% A.P.R. financing for up to 60 months on purchases of new Kubota BX, B, L, M, TLB and ZP, DM, RA and TE Hay Tools equipment is available to qualified purchasers from participating dealers’ in-stock inventory through 3/31/2014. Example: A 60-month monthly installment repayment term at 0% A.P.R. requires 60 payments of $16.67 per $1,000 financed. 0% A.P.R. interest is available to customers if no dealer documentation preparation fee is charged. Dealer charge for document preparation fee shall be in accordance with state laws. Inclusion of ineligible equipment may result in a higher blended A.P.R. Not available for Rental, National Accounts or Governmental customers. 0% A.P.R. and low-rate financing may not be available with customer instant rebate offers. Financing is available through Kubota Credit Corporation, U.S.A., 3401 Del Amo Blvd., Torrance, CA 90503; subject to credit approval. Some exceptions apply. Offer expires 3/31/2014. See us for details on these and other low-rate options or go to www.kubota.com for more information. First Choice Farm & Lawn 1412 Stad Ave. Union City,TN 38261 (731) 885-1315 First Choice Farm & Lawn 305 Hwy 51 S Dyersburg,TN 38024 731-882-1855 Here is one of the many large turkey flocks that were common on the farm in 2005. - Photo courtesy of Fyrne Lake. continued on page 24 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 RIPLEY 800 HIGHWAY 51 SOUTH RIPLEY, TN 38063 SOMERVILLE 18075 HIGHWAY 64 SOMERVILLE, TN 38068 DRESDEN 800 MORROW STREET DRESDEN, TN 38225 THREE-WAY 104 BRIGHTON DRIVE HUMBOLDT, TN 38343 To find an office near you call 800-444-FARM or go to e-farmcredit.com This abandoned nest was found in the open, just inside our tree line, and it made me realize that I needed to better protect the wild turkey population on our farm. - Photo courtesy of Fyrne Lake.
- 13. SEPTEMBER - OCTOBER2014 | SOUTHERN TRADITIONS OUTDOORS 2524 SOUTHERN TRADITIONS OUTDOORS | SEPTEMBER - OCTOBER 2014 out over your property. I was afraid that I had messed things up from the perspective of the wildlife… and I had! Through my obsessive concern with con- trolling erosion and the way I had approached it, I had severely up- set the unique balance of habitats that had made Fyrne Lake such an ideal environment. What was even more distressing, was real- izing that having that beautiful “kept” look by mowing the ridge fields up to the tree line not only made it easier for humans to view wildlife, but also made it easier for the predators to see their prey. I had upset the balance, creating a feeding frenzy for predators. I had to correct the situation. But, was there a way to do it and still protect the ridge fields from erosion? I was willing to try. The first year we chose several ridge fields to just let go. In other words, we allowed the fields to go back to nature by not mowing or cutting anything within their boundaries. Wow! What a dif- ference! Wildlife was almost im- mediately seen more frequently around these fields than at our nicely “kept” areas. That encour- aged me to keep other fields un- cut. I also decided to follow the wildlife officers’ recommenda- tion of creating un-mowed “tran- sition” strips between the woods and ridge fields, where field edge erosion was at low risk. Soon turkey poult sightings were on the rise! Our efforts were pay- ing off! But was there something else we could do? It seemed like the majority of our poult sightings were at the edge of the mowed grass, up against the un-mowed field or “transition” areas. What if we increased the length of that edge? But, how? I eventually re- alized that we could increase the length of this edge by mowing a strip back into the fields we’ve been leaving uncut and cutting this strip seemed to be working! I’m now observing a variety of animals using these mowed strips, including turkey poults, to feed and travel through. So this Florida boy from the city was beginning to understand just how delicate and fragile an ecosystem can be. In my haste to address erosion I had eliminated a vital habitat. I learned that man- made change to an ecosystem, no matter how worthwhile the cause, can throw it out of balance. I also experienced that throwing food at a problem (like throwing money at a problem) isn’t the answer. Without the needed habitat, ad- ditional food doesn’t make that much of a difference. I now know it’s necessary to step back to un- derstand and take in the big pic- ture view of a situation BEFORE jumping in to fix a specific prob- lem. Otherwise your fix may just cause a BIGGER issue that in my case took years to identify and to begin corrective steps! The good news about Fyrne Lake is we’re now beginning to see larger flocks of turkey. I’m hopeful that in the next year or two the damage I caused to the turkey population will be completely healed. I’m also hopeful that the next time I see a problem I take into account ALL variables before jumping in with a solution! Editor’s note: In the Dyersburg area, Pennington Wildlife Seed {214 S. Mill Avenue – 731-285- 1031} has an enormous selection of wildlife food plot seed at an af- fordable price. We’ve added a significant amount of transition edge to this field for turkey and other spe- cies of wildlife to nest, travel and hide from predators, by cutting a strip through it. - Photo courtesy of Fyrne Lake. Gator XUV 550 Test drive the GATOR XUV 500 or any of the other great John Deere products at one of the many West Tennessee locations of Tennessee Tractor. For nearest location go to www.tennesseetractor.com GIBSON FARMERS CO-OP CHECK OUT OUR CO-OP OUTDOORS SPORTSMAN’S CATALOGUE ON-LINE AT www.ourcoop.com BIG BOY JUNCTION 731-285-0202 DYERSBURG 731-285-7161 NEWBERN 731-627-2525 TRENTON 731-855-1891 MILAN 731-787-6618 DYER 731-665-6161 CHECK OUT THE HUGE & UNIQUE GIFT SHOP IN OUR TRENTON LOCATION! VISIT US FOR ALL YOUR FOOD PLOT SEEDS & NEEDS!
- 14. 26 SOUTHERN TRADITIONSOUTDOORS | SEPTEMBER - OCTOBER 2014 Complete Line of New & Used Farm Equipment! Byron Medlin Office: 573-333-0663 Email: bmedlin@donmedlinco.com www.donmedlinco.com 1197 State Hwy D Caruthersville, MO - 63830 We also offer Soil Sampling (Grid/Spot) and of course ... all your seed, fertilizer and Ag chemicals needs! CONSOLIDATED AGRI PRODUCTS 35 Harrington Rd - Ridgely, TN 38080 (731) 264-5440 RIO Shotgun Shells Val6 Heaters G&H Decoys Dakota Decoys Louisana Grills YOUR ONE-STOP SHOP FOR THE FARM, HOME & THE GREAT OUTDOORS! 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 SEPTEMBER - OCTOBR 2014 | SOUTHERN TRADITIONS OUTDOORS 27 BRADLEY SEED COMPANY THE MID-SOUTH’S DISTRIBUTOR FOR BECK’S HYBRID SEEDS Beck’s Hybrids is the largest family-owned, retail seed company in the United States, serving farmers in Indiana, Illinois, Ohio, southern Michigan, western Kentucky and Tennessee. Beck’s understands what farmers need, because we’re farmers, too. As the largest family-owned seed company, Beck’s has access to the best genetics and trait technologies from suppliers worldwide. In fact, Beck’s strives to provide all customers with the tools they need to succeed on their farm. Our Mission To provide our customers with the best in seed quality, field performance, and service. Our Commitment To honor God, by maintaining our relationships with integrity and honesty in all we do. Experience the Difference. Plant Beck's.™ 1415 LEXIE COBB RD - DYERSBURG, TN - 38059 JEFF BRADLEY: 731-259-2715 OR RYAN BRADLEY: 731-377-4885 www.beckshybrids.com
- 15. SEPTEMBER - OCTOBER2014 | SOUTHERN TRADITIONS OUTDOORS 2928 SOUTHERN TRADITIONS OUTDOORS | SEPTEMBER - OCTOBER 2014 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 DSCC does not discriminate in any of its programs and activities. See www.dscc.edu. (*) Tuition quoted as full-time; 15 hours non-online courses each fall and spring semester. (**) DSCC university partner. Learn more at www.dscc.edu/node/2945. Source: State tuition fees supplied by Tennessee Higher Education Commission and individual school websites as of 07/10/13. To register or for more information, contact Van Wylie at 731-286-3267 or wylie@dscc.edu 731-286-3200 / www.dscc.edu / enroll@dscc.edu 1510 Lake Road, Dyersburg, TN 38024 Dyersburg • Covington • Trenton C O M M U N I T Y C O L L E G E DYERSBURG STATE Electrical Systems I & II Motors & Motor Controls Hydraulics - Pneumatics Programmable Logic Controllers Basic Robotic Operations OSHA and much more! Easily gain the skills needed to advance in your current career! Continuing Education at DSCC 2022 West Reelfoot Avenue - Union City, TN 38261 (731) 885-8833 www.taylorsellsit.com Union City Ford WEST TENNESSEE’S 4X4 HEADQUARTERS!
- 16. SEPTEMBER - OCTOBER2014 | SOUTHERN TRADITIONS OUTDOORS 3130 SOUTHERN TRADITIONS OUTDOORS | SEPTEMBER - OCTOBER 2014 Low-Pressure Deer Scouting Key to Early Success ByPaulE.Moore the season and have some of the most predictable hunting of the year. But, it cannot be taken for granted. Even in a more relaxed state, we are still dealing with a very wary animal, so hunting savvy and close attention to detail are still required to fill a tag. To bag a deer, especially a buck, on opening day or at least during the opening days of the season, hunters must do a lot of scouting and put in the time to get all the details. It is imperative to really pinpoint what that buck is doing, as well as when and where he is doing it. Which trails is he using? How does weather change things? What is the normal prevailing wind direction? What does he do differently when the wind comes from a different direction? Where is the best place for a stand? How can it be accessed and vacated without spooking deer? These are some of the questions we need answered in order to achieve our goal. In my opinion, one of the biggest mistakes made in most magazine articles and on TV shows when discussing scouting for deer, is the assumption that every hunter reading or watching has access to huge tracts of land. These tracts of land are overrun with trophy caliber deer, the property is surrounded by prime crop land and the hunter has multiple food plots, not to mention numerous top-of-the-line scouting cameras. That’s great for those folks who fit this mold, but the reality is very few people have “perfect” hunting locations. Many people must hunt small tracts, fence rows and public land. Regardless of where one is to hunt, the property still must be scouted diligently. It also must be approached with a sense of reality. The old saying, “You can’t kill him if he isn’t there,” must be applied. Not every property is home to a trophy buck, so hunters must be realistic and scout with attainable goals in mind or they are sure to set themselves up for disappointment. Preseason scouting needs to be as low-impact as possible. The worst mistake a hunter can make is to go stomping around all over the property creating disturbances, making noise and leaving scent. This is a sure way to put the kibosh on hunting “relaxed” deer. Putting deer on alert certainly shifts the odds in their favor. In fact, given much pressure, many deer completely alter their travel habits and some go nocturnal or vacate the area altogether, even in the preseason. If the goal is to pattern deer and then hunt with a better-than-average chance of success, hunters must scout with continued on next page During early season, bucks will stay in bachelor groups with other bucks. They feed, eat, bed down and spar together. This allows hunt- ers the opportunity to harvest a nice buck, as well as letting them get a “buck count” on their land. - STO file photo. eer hunting success always comes down to being in the right place at the right time. That equation is without question. However, how we arrive at being in that position can happen a couple of different ways. Oftentimes, it happens through just sheer dumb luck. Other times though, it happens deliberately due to proper scouting, planning and setting up in the right spot at the right time of day and with the right wind. For most deer hunters, the latter method is the one that gives the most satisfaction. In order to achieve good results on purpose, a hunter must properly pattern deer to know when they are going to be present at a certain spot at a certain time. Many times of the season this can be rather difficult to do. Deer go through many changes throughout the course of the season and at times are nearly impossible to find, much less specifically pattern. There are though a few times during the season that offer a much better chance to pinpoint their location and movements. The opening days of the season are some of the best. During the summer months, deer are about the most relaxed as they ever get. They have not really had much hunting pressure, at least not directly targeted at them. They have plenty of food sources and cover is abundant. They go about their days, basically just concentrating on eating and resting. There are no urges for breeding, no need to travel long distances to eat and if they want to rest or feel threatened at all, seclusion in the thick cover is but a couple bounds away. Life is good. Hunters can exploit this relaxed feeling during the opening days of D The “alpha doe” {right} of each group of deer can be your main nemesis, during early season. They are recognizable as the most ner- vous doe in the group, are always raising their head, moving their ears and looking around. The other deer key on her behavior and if she spooks the whole herd will all raise their tails and flee. - STO file photo.
- 17. SEPTEMBER - OCTOBER2014 | SOUTHERN TRADITIONS OUTDOORS 3332 SOUTHERN TRADITIONS OUTDOORS | SEPTEMBER - OCTOBER 2014 caution. There are several ways to accomplish this. One of the first steps for me is to acquire maps and aerial photos. I do a lot of studying of the property before I ever leave home. Oftentimes, a hunter can locate potential feeding areas, likely bedding areas and funnels, right from the kitchen table or computer. Even if hunting on a small property or a simple fence or ditch row, studying maps and photos of the surrounding area yields lots of pieces of the puzzle as to where deer are most likely traveling, feeding and resting. Next up for me is driving and observing; if the property can be viewed from a road. Deer are accustomed to road traffic, so driving by does not usually alarm them. Even if they are close to the road and spook out of a field, it is a common occurrence for them and is not something that usually alters their routine. I often drive, stop and glass the property from numerous vantage points if possible. Early morning can be good at times, but in late summer, evenings seem to result in more deer sightings. Quality binocularsoraspottingscopehelps keep the distance at a comfortable level for the whitetails. If terrain and roads make it possible, I drive the entire area around the hunting property, not only looking for deer, but also making notes of the terrain, crop fields, access roads, possible travel corridors and potential areas of hunting pressure from others. Obviously, as mentioned earlier, this plan must be adapted to the particular property being hunted. Not all properties provide the opportunity for road scouting. If driving isn’t possible, the next step is to put boots on the ground, but still use distance scouting as much as the property allows. If crop fields are present on or bordering the property, I often walk to vantage points and then sit and wait until prime deer movement times. This is a time to use just as much stealth and caution as when hunting. Scent free soap, clothing and staying downwind is crucial. Trail cameras have radically changed the ability of hunters to scout and pattern deer with minimal intrusion. More and more camera designs are making owning a trail camera or two affordable for most hunters. Even cameras on the cheaper end of the spectrum can provide a huge boost to low-impact scouting. But, just like scouting on foot, placing trail cameras in the woods and then retrieving the photo cards is no time for slacking. Don’t let the excitement of going to check the camera be cause for not being cautious, as scent-free as possible and not bumping deer. Even the time of day the cameras are placed and checked is vital. Obviously, the location of the camera dictates the best time of day to go, but some of the best times are usually in the middle of the day when deer are typically bedded, as well as during or just prior to a rain. Each step of the scouting process yields little pieces of the puzzle, but in a very low-impact way. Maps and photos, visual sightings, camera captures and even talking to area landowners or farmers helps build the picture little by little. Only after a hunter has collected as much information as possible and narrowed down the travel habits of area deer, or even a particular buck, comes the time to hang a stand. If scouting has been successful and done with stealth and smarts, the hunter should know almost exactly where to place that stand before ever entering the property. Just as with placing cameras, the hunter should go in and hang the stand at an optimal time of day and with as little commotion as possible. Then get out of there and wait for the right opportunity to hunt it. Opening day, or the first available day a hunter can hunt, is not the time to blow the best chance of tagging that deer. Getting over anxious and not using patience and smarts quickly ruins all the diligent scouting efforts used in the preseason. If conditions and the wind are not right, then do not let the temptation to hunt outweigh good sense. Wait for another day. The slightest mistake at this point can destroy the possibility of tagging that trophy buck, perhaps for the entire season. The early days of the season do offer one of the best times of the year to hunt unpressured and patterned deer. Some of the biggest bucks of the season are often dropped in the first week. The key to success is in utilizing every scouting tool available, but doing so with savvy and stealth. TATUM’S PLUMBING SERVICE • NEW & OLD CONSTRUCTION • COMMERCIAL • RESIDENTIAL • WATER HEATERS • GAS LINES • LEAKY FAUCETS • INSURED ALDIE TATUM 731-676-5686 622 E, CEdar - dyErsburg, TN. 731-676-7712 or 731-676-4520 PhilliP’s dEEr ProCEssiNg dyErsburg, TN. • EXPERIENCED • RESPECTED • CLEAN • REASONABLE PRICES • QUICK & EFFICIENT • A “HUNTERS FOR THE HUNGRY” 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 MID-SOUTH FARMER’S “Focused on Your Success” Brownsville, TN 1295 Boyd Ave. 731-772-9432 Jackson, TN 77 Ragland Drive 731-668-3070 Somerville, TN 17520 US Hwy 64 901-465-3655 Ashland, MS 16840 Boundary Dr 662-224-8933 Bolivar, TN 14840 Hwy 18 S. 731-658-3931 Alamo, TN 359 W. Main 731-696-5527 Selmer, TN 335 Tennessee Ave 731-645-5156 Tupelo, MS 1279 Rd 681 662-205-4024 www.ourcoop.com For All Your Crop Needs! Living a long, fulfilling life means you need to address your long-term financial health, too.That’s where Woodmen of the World can help.We evaluate your needs and recommend life insurance and annuity solutions to help protect you and your family in the years ahead. With more than 100 years of experience, we know about financial longevity. CD0032WOW 11/08 Roger D.Anderson, FICF State Manager 50 Stonebridge Blvd. Jackson,TN 38305 731-664-6524 rdanderson@woodmen.org Roger D. Anderson, FICF 68 Lynn Oak Cove Jackson, TN. - 38305 731-664-6524 rdanderson@woodmen.org Kyle East Field Representative Dyersburg, TN - 38024 731-882-2012 731-693-0182 jkeast@woodmen.org
- 18. SEPTEMBER - OCTOBER2014 | SOUTHERN TRADITIONS OUTDOORS 3534 SOUTHERN TRADITIONS OUTDOORS | SEPTEMBER - OCTOBER 2014 Visit our Jackson, TN office, located at 2690 Bells Highway - Jackson, TN - (731) 660-4072 Since 2003, Best-One of Jackson has provided outstanding tire sales and service along with exceptional mechanical work to customers in Jackson, Brownsville and Milan, Tennessee. We provide passenger, commercial and agricultural tires to the West Tennessee area through honest and courteous service. We also have trained professionals who can perform a variety of auto repairs to keep your vehicle running smoothly. www.bestoneofjackson.com LICENSED CONTRACTOR Lynn brooks drew brooks 731-445-3722 731-445-1208 • new home construction • additions/remodeling/repair • insurance specialists • least cost roofing • plumbing • floor support If you want to work with a financially stable company that will deliver construction projects on-time and within budget, then I highly recommend renovation plus construction - rob somerville www.rpccpnstruction.com Licensed General Contractors Value Engineering / Constructability Analysis • Over 30 years experience - since 1981 • Scope Includes • New Construction (Home or • Additions/Garages/Attic and Basement Build • Outs/Sunrooms • Renovations (partial or full-house makeovers) • Kitchens • Bathrooms • Construction Management • Maintenance Contracts • Repairs/Improvements • Disaster Recovery • Insurance Claim Specialists • Repair – Rebuild - Total Restoration • HVAC • Electrical • Interior Trim (crown molding, tile, cabinets, etc…) • Painting (Interior and Exterior) • Energy Improvements delivers projects on-time and within budget, then work with Renovation Plus Construction. - Rob Somerville 6401 Hwy 51 Bypass E. - Dyersburg, TN - 38024 731.445.3722 www.rpcconstruction.com Aztec Pest Control of Dyersburg, Tennessee provides quality pest control services throughout Northwest Tennessee and Southeast Missouri. Locally owned and operated, with over twenty years of combined experience within the pest control industry we’re sure to provide you with quality service you can depend on. We offer 24 hour emergency service and all our work is guaranteed to your satisfaction. Call today for your free estimate! Providing quality services to residential, commercial and also industrial clients throughout the area! • Pest Removal – Bed bugs, termites, roaches, ants, brown recluse spiders, and more. • Pest Control – Pest control insulation, keep your home more energy efficient and save! • Products – We offer many environment friendly products such as Termidor, Altriset, Cy-kick, and more. Service plans available, call for more information. Bill Browser - 731-445-2846 402 W Market St - Dyersburg, TN 38024 Phone: 731-288-6001 CHARTER #4412 - MO. LIC. # C17699 D.R.’s Auto Repair & SERVICE CENTER When I am in need of vehicle repairs, or servicing, I always go see my good friend Daniel, who owns D.R. Auto Repair & Service Center in Kenton, Tennessee. - Rob Somerville WE NOW CARRY A FULL LINE OF AC/DELCO MARINE BATTERIES! BRAKES - TUNE-UPS ELECTRICAL REPAIRS AND INSPECTION ALL MAJOR AND MINOR MECHANICAL REPAIRS - TIRE ROTATIONS- HEATING AND COOLING SYSTEMS. 530 N. Poplar - Kenton, TN. 731-749-5333 TENNESSEE ARMS LLC.WE BELIEVE IN THE RIGHT TO BEAR ARMS! 916 South Main Ave - Dyersburg, Tn 38024 731-334-5106 dave@tac-llc.com www.tnarmsco.com TENNESSEE ARMS LLC AR-15 CRUSADER BOLT SYSTEM It’s a Military Spec bolt that we have had coated in a proprietary coating, requires no oil and will clean up with water and a toothbrush. There is a video of it online. $190.00 TENNESSEE ARMS LLC AR-15 POLYMER RECEIVER No more gumming, powder build-up or corrosion! Available in Black, Sand Tan, OD Green, Army Foliage, Pink and Grass Grey. Black - $45.00, Colors - $55.00 DEALER INQUIRES WELCOME!
- 19. SEPTEMBER - OCTOBER2014 | SOUTHERN TRADITIONS OUTDOORS 3736 SOUTHERN TRADITIONS OUTDOORS | SEPTEMBER - OCTOBER 2014 STOP! FLIP OVER NOW! ROBERTS-GIBSON, INC. & P & J PETROLEUM DYERSBURG OFFICE - CONTACT LARRY OR TIM GIBSON AT: 731-285-4941 UNION CITY OFFICE - CONTACT DEVON GREGSON AT: 731-885-1747 GREENFIELD OFFICE - CONTACT: SHEA MIX AT: 731-676-4242 OR JAMIE BARNER AT: 731-514-3065 Servicing farmers, construction, and commercial accounts in all of West Tennessee and parts of Missouri, Kentucky & Mississippi! ALTHOUGH WE OCCASIONALLY HIT A BUMP IN THE ROAD, WE STILL REMAIN NUMBER ONE IN CUSTOMER SERVICE!
- 20. SEPTEMBER - OCTOBER2014 | SOUTHERN TRADITIONS OUTDOORS 3938 SOUTHERN TRADITIONS OUTDOORS | SEPTEMBER - OCTOBER 2014 ow many duck hunters do you know, several … right? Well now let me ask you how many people you know that col- lect duck calls or other hunting re- lated items? Not many, I bet. There are a lot of us out there, but most are closet collectors, as I like to call them.You will find these people at the crack of daylight, knocking on your door, asking you what time the yard sale starts. They are the first to pilfer through you stuff that is going to the dump. They cannot drive past an antique store or flea market without stop- ping. They are at every estate sale within 100 miles of where they live, and for sure, they are on the hunt for any news of where there might be an old vintage duck call for sale. I’m an avid waterfowler, hunting most every day of the season. The day after the season closes I store all my hunting gear, wipe down my 12 gauge shotgun and hang up my winter hunting clothes. Then, I start researching where I can start my all-season hunting sport, by finding my next duck call fix. It’s a fact that you can hunt ducks only the seasonal days set by law, but you can hunt duck calls every day of the year. I’m on a mission to find feathered treasures, such as rare and antique duck & goose calls, vintage hunting licenses, old decoys and many other waterfowl related treasures. I find them out there hiding in attics, dressers and under some Granddaddy’s bed, just waiting to be uncovered. My name is Rob Hurt and I have been collecting vintage hunting gear since 1989. I was introduced to this passion when I received several duck calls for high school graduation gifts. It just so hap- pened that the calls were giving to me by several highly recognized call makers such as Glynn Scobey, Lloyd Hayes, and Son Cochran. The Cochran call came with a note that talked about how he had col- lected calls for many years and of all the joy and friendships it had brought him. He also stated that I needed to put this call up in a safe place, because it would appreciate in value over the years. From that moment on I was hooked. I had the call collecting bug, as some of us call it. I wanted to know everything there was to know about duck calls. How they were made, who made them, and why they were made the way they are? Over the years I have amassed a fairly large col- lection of duck, goose, and crow calls, vintage hunting licenses, game warden badges and patches, duck and goose leg bands, hunting books and magazines, decoys, and hunting advertising. I have even turned my collecting desires into a small business called Feathered Finds, where I buy, sell, trade and appraise hunting related items. I encourage people to start col- lecting now and for anyone look- ing for a fun way to extend your duck hunting season, all of these valuable feathered treasures are out there to be found. Here are a few helpful duck call collecting groups. First, I highly recommend becoming a member of the (CCAA) Call Makers & Collectors Association of Ameri- ca. Also, there are online groups and forums like Duck Call Col- I find them out there hiding in attics, dressers and under some Granddaddy’s bed, just waiting to be uncovered. - Photo courtesy of Feathered Finds. Duck Call SocietyByRobHurt H If you decide to become a duck call hunter, here are a few tips to get you started collecting. 1) Collect the style of call that you are interested in. 2) Specialize in a certain style (Arkansas Style, Reelfoot Lake style, checkered etc.) or calls from your favorite state, and collect the makers from that area. 3) Study and learn as much as you can about the style or area you decide to collect. There is a ton of good infor- mation out there. 4) Work with a reliable, respect- able dealer or collector. Go to trade shows. This is a great place to make contacts. 5) Ask everyone you see if they have any of the items you are collecting. You would be sur- prised what people will give you just to get rid of it. 6) Buy the very best you can afford. High end items hold their value better. {Above} Collecting helps you travel back to the days of past. When you hold a piece of history in your hands, and can see what it took to make that item, it almost makes you feel like you traveled back to that point in time. - Photo courtesy of Feathered Finds. {Left} I encourage people to start collecting now and for anyone looking for a fun way to extend your duck hunting season, all of these valuable, feathered treasures are out there to be found. - Photo courtesy of Feathered Finds. continued on page 40
- 21. SEPTEMBER - OCTOBER2014 | SOUTHERN TRADITIONS OUTDOORS 4140 SOUTHERN TRADITIONS OUTDOORS | SEPTEMBER - OCTOBER 2014 lector, Duck Call Trader and Duck Call Exchange. Here are three web-sites that I use all the time: www.duckcal- lonline.com, www.lavecreektrad- ing.com and www.featheredfinds. com. These groups and forums are extremely helpful. I also recom- mend these books. Custom calls by James C. Fleming Jr., The Ar- kansas Duck Hunters Almanac by Steve Bowman and Steve Wright, Duck Calls “An Enduring Ameri- can Folk Art” by Howard Harlan and W. Crew Anderson, The Leg- acy of the American Duck Call by Howard Harlan and James C. Fleming, Duck Calls of Illinois by Robert D. Christensen, and Min- nesota Duck Call by Doug Lober- meier. Hopefully in reading these volumes you will learn what style of call you want to collect. Collecting helps you travel back to the days of past. When you hold a piece of history in your hands, and can see what it took to make that item, it almost makes you feel like you traveled back to that point in time. There are a large variety of duck, goose, crow and predator call out there. You have vintage and contem- porary calls makers from all over the United States. Some of the most desir- able calls ever made could be from your area. With a little time, effort, and research, you could start a col- lection today. Happy Hunt- ing for Hunting Memorabilia! Editor’s Note: Rob Hurt is an expert appraiser, buyer, seller and collector of all vintage wildlife items. He can be reached at 731- 445-8516 or you can email him at robhurt1970@yahoo.com. www.omnitechmanufacturing.com PO BOX 848 DYERSBURG, TN - 38025-0848 731-286-4795 info@omnitechmanufacturing.com Joe M. Enoch & Associates, PLLC A Division Of Cowart, Reese, Sargent P.C. Certified Public Accountants You work hard for your money ... We work hard so you get to keep it! 110 W. Court - PO Box 547 - Dyersburg, TN Phone: 731-286-6080 134 W. Third Street - Caruthersville, MO Phone: 573-333-0725 Email: joe@enochcpa.com www.enochcpa.com
- 22. SEPTEMBER - OCTOBER2014 | SOUTHERN TRADITIONS OUTDOORS 4342 SOUTHERN TRADITIONS OUTDOORS | SEPTEMBER - OCTOBER 2014 THE MID-SOUTH’S EXPERTS IN THE MOST MODERN AND AFFORDABLE SECURITY MONITORING SYSTEMS! ■ Instant & convenient data backup using CD/DVD or USB drive ■ Intuitive Mouse Operation ■ Exclusive backup data player ■ Free Dynamic DNS ■ Built-in Pan/Tilt/Zoom/Focus camera protocols over 30 models. ■ Automatic Video Input and Video loss detection ■ Multiple Client Software and web-viewer for PC ■ NTP (Network Time Protocol) ■ Free Dynamic DNS PROTECT YOUR HOME, PROPERTY, FARM OR BUSINESS! WEST TENNESSEE COMMUNICATIONS 1295 HWY 51 S BYPASS - DYERSBURG, TN - 38024 731-286-6275 WWW.WETEC.COM WE SUPPORT THE DYER CO. SHERIFF FARM WATCH! YOUR LOCAL ELECTRICAL SUPPLY EXPERTS FOR: FARM - INDUSTRY - UTILTIES - COMMERCIAL - RESIDENTIAL Our unique background of providing electrical supplies and equipment to rural America has positioned Cape Electric as a leading distributor to local, regional, and national customers. Cape Electric also understands the people side of doing business. Talk with anyone on our team and we think you’ll agree. Our business model is simple: The customer is our universe and we use our resources to satisfy the customer. 339 HIGHWAY 51 BYPASS - DYERSBURG, TN 38024 731-286-0477 WWW.CAPEELECTRIC.COM West Tennesse’s Most Modern and Enviromentally Friendly Body Shops! CARSTAR five-year nationwide and limited lifetime warranty, 24/7 Accident Assistance, Free Estmates, Bonded & Insured, Licensed by most major insurance companies! Two Convenient Locations in West Tennessee: 432 N Trenton Street - Rutherford - 731-665-6186 2340 Upper Finley Rd. - Dyersburg - 731-882-1971 www.carstar.com/russoms MON-FRI: 8AM-4PM SAT: 8AM-12 PM Visit Dyer County,Tennessee ASportsman’s Paradise! Located just 1/2 hour, from beautiful Reelfoot Lake, Dyer County has something for everyone. From the finest motels, restaurants, shopping malls, and bars ... we welcome all sportsmen that are hunting or fishing at the “Quake Lake.” There is nowhere else for miles that can offer hunting and fishing licenses, sporting goods, cost-efficient - yet clean and comfortable lodging, and a cold beer or cocktail. Our restaurants can tempt you with every- thing from a “Black Angus” ribeye steak - to fast food. The best feature of all, which Dyer County has to offer, is that you will always enjoy your visit with us, in a safe and friendly atmosphere. So, what are you waiting for? As far as area ratings go ... You can’t score higher than Dyer! www.dyerchamber.com
- 23. SEPTEMBER - OCTOBER2014 | SOUTHERN TRADITIONS OUTDOORS 4544 SOUTHERN TRADITIONS OUTDOORS | SEPTEMBER - OCTOBER 2014 utes into the fishing trip we heard the “zing” of a yo- yo go off, followed by the frantic splashing of a cat, fighting against it. We had a channel catfish, weigh- ing in at about four pounds and Kielee’s eyes lit up. She said, “Dad, Dad we have one, we have one!” I headed that way, with a smile on my face thinking, “This is the life….kids and the great outdoors.” We arrived at the cypress tree and removed the catfish. Rad grabbed the fish and dropped it in the cooler. Needless to say, if you ever saw a South Da- kotan try to grab a catfish, it is on par with watch- ing a Richard Pryor comedy show. It seemed to me the kids were less scared of the fish than good ole dad. After corralling the fish into the boat, off to the cooler it went. During this fiasco, I noticed a snake by the boat and told everyone where it was. Au- tomatically, all our coon lights shined over to this small snake (cottonmouth) and it swam towards the boat. This is when sis got nervous and said, “Uncle Shawn, that snake is not coming in the boat is he?” I finally convinced her that it was not, but for the rest of the night she kept a very keen lookout for any more snakes. Over all, she was one of the better and most attentive fishing partners I ever had. It just goes to show you that girls can be a positive attri- bute to the great outdoors. We only caught two catfish that night, but it was a great time for all. All the fun and laughter made this old man forget about the troubles of everyday life, if only for a few hours. All you fathers need to remember, just because they are darling little girls in your eyes, does not mean they cannot turn out to be great sportswomen. So, if you get a chance, take those young ladies hunting and fishing. You never know, she may rather have a cane pole in her hand, instead of a Barbie. Hey, you may have the next Bill Dance, except she will be female. Give them a chance, you never know. Get kids “hooked on fishing.” After all, every time we pick up the newspaper we see that too many of today’s young people are hooked on something horrible, like drugs. Until next time, see you at the tree. Let’s Hear it for the Girls! ello, to all you great readers of STO Magazine. I hope the elections went the way you wanted. July was great, with the temperatures more in the 80’s than the normal unbearable upper 90’s and 100’s. I wish it was like that every July. Great weather in the summer gets people ready to do some fishing. I was one of those people. I made a phone call to my friend, Rad Hunsley, to see if he and his kids wanted to go and with enthusiasm they all said yes. It seems like every one of my hunting and fishing articles is an adventure and that July afternoon was no differ- ent. The real reason for this fishing trip was to take Kielee, who is Rad’s daughter, on a fishing adven- ture. That afternoon I went by and got Rad, Kielee, and Rad’s son, Zade. We went to the local bait shop to get worms and snacks, and away we went. Our destination was historic and scenic Reelfoot lake to yo-yo for cat- fish. A yo-yo is a mechanical, spring-load- ed reel that has a cocking mechanism. You hang it from a limber tree branch with a string, pull out some line from the reel and bait the hook with some noxious smelling concoction {like raw chicken livers or worms}. You want to let out enough line for the baited hook to be on or close to the bottom of the body of water you are fishing. Then, you simply lock the cocking mecha- nism on the yo-yo. When a catfish takes the bait It unlocks the trigger on the yo- yo and the spring mechanism begins pulling against the catfish, basically wearing the fish down, as it pulls line out and the spring tension reels it back in. We arrived a little later than I want- ed, but we finally made it. You could see the thrill in Sis’s (Kielee’s) eyes as we docked the boat and prepared to cast off. If you have never taken kids out on a boat, with their eyes gleaming and ready for a new adventure, you need to. It is a thrill that you can’t describe in mere words. Arriving at our destination, we showed Kielee what a yo-yo is and showed her how and where to hang them. Here is where our adventure began. Ten min- By Shawn Todd H LOAN & JEWELRY DIAMONDS & COINS! NEED CASH? COME AND SEE US! FAST & CONFIDENTIAL! HUGE INVENTORY OF USED GUNS! GLOCK DEALERSHIP! MON-FRI: 8:30 AM TO 5:30 PM SATURDAY: 8:30 AM TO 3:30 PM OAKS SHOPPING CENTER 2455 LAKE RD - DYERSBURG, TN 731-286-0445 731-286-2274 ACTION
- 24. SEPTEMBER - OCTOBER2014 | SOUTHERN TRADITIONS OUTDOORS 4746 SOUTHERN TRADITIONS OUTDOORS | SEPTEMBER - OCTOBER 2014 Absolute Auction Calendar Sept. 13th (4961 Bruceville Slab Road) - House, 5+ Acres and Personal Property Sept. 28th ( 425 Broadway Avenue) - House and Lot Oct. 4th (3605 Upper Finley Road) - 2 Houses and 335+ Acres 218 West Court St. - Dyersburg, TN - 38024 Office: 731-286-0090 www.fisherrealtyandauction.com The Sound That Sells! David Fisher - Principal Broker Cell: 731-445-2735 auctioneer@cableone.net “Fisher Realty and Auction is a full service company that specializes in Residential, Commercial and Farm Land sales. We do everything necessary to ensure successful sales.” - David Fisher. Meet Our Team: Laura Richmond, Operations Mgr. Eric Maupin, Auctioneer Bill Stamps, Auctioneer Bubba Morris, Auctioneer Shane King, Affiliate Broker Rebecca Revell, Affiliate Broker Debra Roberson, Broker Alliance Application Equipment LLC is the home of the trusted experts in crop spraying equipment. In Troy, Tennessee Gordon Bruff and his staff have a huge selection of new and used equipment, They also offer a wealth of parts and service on many brands. I know they are the real deal because my partner in STO Magazine, Eddie Anderson, farms alot of acreage and buys equipment there. They are friendly, knowledgeable, prompt and professional. Alliance Aplication Equipment is located at three regional locations. TROY, TN - 866-518-4976 FORREST CITY, AR - 866-518-4975 SIKESTON, MO - 573-475-9809 You can check them out on the web at: www.allianceeq.com - Rob Somerville Don Medlin Company is the authorized Case IH dealer for the Missouri bootheel area along the Mississippi River and is located in Caruthersville, Missouri. They specialize in agriculture equipment brands such as Case IH, Kinze Planters, Bush Hog and Great Plains. Their knowledgeable sales staff can help you find the best new and used equipment to meet your needs. They have a large variety of new and used equipment for sale, including tractors, combines, sprayers, tillage, precision farming, and much more! Their dedicated parts and service departments are ready to help you keep your equipment running at peak performance. They look forward to serving you! Don Medlin Company is located at 1197 State Highway D in Caruthersville, MO 63830. Their phone number is 573-333-0663 or you can check out their website at: www.donmedlinco.com. - Rob Somerville SEPTEMBER - OCTOBR 2014 | SOUTHERN TRADITIONS OUTDOORS 47
- 25. SEPTEMBER - OCTOBER2014 | SOUTHERN TRADITIONS OUTDOORS 4948 SOUTHERN TRADITIONS OUTDOORS | SEPTEMBER - OCTOBER 2014 WHO’S YOUR BABY? DRAW A LINE CONNECTING THE BABY ANIMAL TO IT’S NAME! EAGLET PUP CUB GOSLING DUCKLING KIT OWLET FAWN POULT CALF 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. ANSWERS: 1. - BABY BEAR - CUB, 2. - BABY FOX - KIT, 3. - BABY MOOSE - CALF, 4. - BABY MALLARD DUCK - DUCKLING 5. - BABY EAGLE - EAGLET, 6. - BABY DEER - FAWN, 7. - BABY TURKEY - POULT 8. - BABY GOOSE - GOSLING, 9. BABY COYOTE - PUP, 10. - BABY OWL - OWLET. OD. .4410 that’s good tional Bank passion to e and fan- onsistently y banks in f, in person 2/7/14 5:26 PM SPONSORED BY Both the weather and the fish cooperated this time around for the 14th Annual Steve Mc- Cadams “Casting For A Cure” Kids Fishing Rodeo, held last Saturday, at McKenzie City Park lake. Initially scheduled for early June, at Carroll Lake, the event fell victim to flood- ing conditions that ultimately destroyed the lake, but not the spirits of the hosts and future fishermen. “Thanks to help from the city of McKenzie, Tennessee we were able to reschedule and the little lake helped return big smiles to small faces, as we battled fish and cancer at the same time,” said host Steve McCadams. All kids received door prizes, thanks to folks who are donors that support the event each year. Special plaques and bicycles were awarded to the youngster catching the most and biggest fish in four separate age brackets. McCadams stated, “It takes a lot of work behind the scenes to make this happen and I ap- preciate the support and patience of the kids and parents this year when we had to resched- ule. We made a donation to American Cancer Society to the tune of over $3,800 this year!” Editor’s Note: Steve McCadams is truly a caring man and an outstanding role model to all outdoor enthusiasts. A cancer survivor himself, Steve partners the fight against this horrific disease, with getting the children of today “hooked” on fishing! Steve McCadams - “Casting for a Cure” Kids’ Fishing Rodeo a Huge Success! 48 SOUTHERN TRADITIONS OUTDOORS | SEPTEMBER - OCTOBER 2014 SEPTEMBER - OCTOBR 2014 | SOUTHERN TRADITIONS OUTDOORS 49 Pictured here is Steve McCadams and Taylor Waddell of McKenzie, Tennessee with his winning stringer of catfish, topped out by a five pounder! {Above} Here is a group shot of some of the kids enjoying a day of angling that also benefited the American Cancer Society at The Steve McCadams “Casting For A Cure” Kids Fishing Rodeo held at McKenzie City Park Lake. {Bottom Left} Bobbie Traywick shows girls can catch ‘em too. She won her age bracket for most fish in the 9 to 12 year-old age group. {Bottom Right} Tristin Hood of McKenzie, Tennessee with a hefty stringer of catfish caught on hotdogs!
- 26. SEPTEMBER - OCTOBER2014 | SOUTHERN TRADITIONS OUTDOORS 5150 SOUTHERN TRADITIONS OUTDOORS | SEPTEMBER - OCTOBER 2014 QUALITY SERVICE AT REASONABLE RATES! DIESEL & NON-ETHANOL TIRES LP GAS BRAKE SERVICE STARTERS ALTERNATORS & ALL TYPES OF MECHANICAL REPAIRS! 520 LAKE RD - DYERSBURG, TN 731-286-2999 OWNER: BART GILLON All New RTV X Series! Introducing the next generation of North America’s top-selling diesel utility vehicle for 10 years running. Rugged, truck-inspired styling. Powerful Kubota diesel engines. And more hardworking features and options than ever before. www.kubota.com Optional equipment may be shown. ©Kubota Tractor Corporation, 2013 First Choice Farm & Lawn 1412 Stad Ave. Union City,TN 38261 (731) 885-1315 First Choice Farm & Lawn 305 Hwy 51 S Dyersburg,TN 38024 731-882-1855 FARM-HOME-RECREATION-HUNTING 213 W. Court St. - Dyersburg,TN. - 38024 731-285-5201 - www.ygafco.com LET US FURNISH YOUR ... HUNTING LODGE OR CABIN! BENTLEY’S AUTO REPAIR OIL CHANGES - BRAKES - NEW TIRES COMPUTER DIAGNOSTICS - BATTERIES SHOCKS - STRUTS - BEARINGS - LUBE TRANSMISSION SERVICE & REPAIR ENGINE REPLACEMENT & REPAIR TUNE-UPS - CUSTOM WHEELS & RIMS RADIATORS - WATER PUMPS HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING BELTS & HOSES - FLAT TIRE REPAIR FREE ESTIMATES - GUARANTEED WORK ... AND MUCH MORE! A Christian Business With Old-School Values! Now open & conveniently located near downtown Dyersburg! 109 S. KING AVE. DYERSBURG, TN 731-334-5692 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!
- 27. SEPTEMBER - OCTOBER2014 | SOUTHERN TRADITIONS OUTDOORS 5352 SOUTHERN TRADITIONS OUTDOORS | SEPTEMBER - OCTOBER 2014 Rex and Linda Turner of Hollow Rock, Tennessee caught this nice 10 lb. stringer of bluegill in the river backwaters of Camden, Tennessee. Photo courtesy of Lankford Taxidermy. Ron Seaton, of Memphis, visited South Africa this past July, where he harvested this trophy sable. Photo courtesy of Wilkersons Taxidermy. SEPTEMBER - OCTOBER 2014 | SOUTHERN TRADITIONS OUTDOORS 5352 SOUTHERN TRADITIONS OUTDOORS | SEPTEMBER - OCTOBER 2014 Ron Seaton, of Memphis, visited South Africa this past July, where he harvested this trophy blesbok. Photo courtesy of Wilkersons Taxidermy. Ron Seaton, of Memphis, visited South Africa this past July, where he harvested this trophy nyala. Photo courtesy of Wilkersons Taxidermy. Ron Seaton, of Memphis, visited South Africa this past July, where he harvested this trophy red hartebeest. Photo courtesy of Wilkersons Taxidermy Tyler Brinkley is shown here with some nice crappie he caught in a pond in Carroll County, Tennessee on May 10th, 2014 {with a little help from his grandpa – Butch Brinkley} Photo courtesy of Lankford Taxidermy. Kelby Pearson {age 13} with his first turkey ever, which he shot on March 29th, 2014 in Carroll County. It weighed in at 26 lbs. and had 1 and 3/4” spurs and a 10” beard. Photo courtesy of Lankford Taxidermy. Ron Seaton, of Memphis, visited South Africa this past July, where he harvested this trophy kudu. Photo courtesy of Wilkersons Taxidermy. Todd Joyner of Trezevant, Tennessee with this nice gobbler he took in Carroll County. It weighed in at 26 lbs. and had 1 and ¾” spurs and a 10 and 1/2” beard. Photo courtesy of Lankford Taxidermy. Young Cooper Adams caught this huge 8 lb. largemouth bass in a family pond this past July. Photo courtesy of OuterLimit Powersports.
- 28. SEPTEMBER - OCTOBER2014 | SOUTHERN TRADITIONS OUTDOORS 5554 SOUTHERN TRADITIONS OUTDOORS | SEPTEMBER - OCTOBER 2014 For more information call 1-800-285-SEED or visit pennington.com PreParing for game Day PrE-SEaSon CamP Starting linE-uP PoSt gamE intErviEwS located in Historic Downtown Dyersburg 214 S mill avE, DYErSBurg, tn, 38024 PEnnington SEED anD SuPPlY (731) 285-1031 (800) 479-6355 ProDuCtS availaBlE at: “Food Plot Solutions From the People who Know Seed” Buckmasters-ad-2014-TN-rev1.indd 1 8/14/14 3:29 PM 824 Reelfoot Dr. - Dyersburg, TN 38024 731-287-0248 sleepinn.com Dyersburg’s Newest Hotel! ASK ABOUT OUR SPECIAL HUNTERS RATES! CENTURY EQUIPMENT COMPANY 855 HWY 51 BYPASS N - DYERSBURG, TN - 38024 731-285-2875 Century@ecsis.net TODD’S CAFE SERVING DYERSBURG FOR 37 YEARS! DINE IN OR CARRY OUT! Monday - Thursday: 4:30 am to 8:00 pm Friday - Saturday: Open 24 Hours Sunday: Open until 2:00 pm 216 E. Court St. - Dyersburg - TN 38024 731-285-9954 NORTH DELTA SOIL SOLUTIONS INC. The Precision Farming Experts Services include Cutting Edge Variable Rate Technologies. 2.5, 5.0 & 10 Acre Grid Sampling Technique Maintenance Applications To 2 Year Builds Fertility Needs Based On What The Producer Wants, What The Plant Needs And Economics. Variable Rate Seeding Soil Fertility Background. Soil Chemistry Paste Testing We’ll save you money and increase your yield! Brennan Booker, Soil Fertility Specialist 731-487-0968 P.O. Box 266 Dyersburg, TN 38025 We’ll save you money & increase your yield! Jason Hamlin 731-571-5076 NEWBERN SALES ANTIQUES & COLLECTIBLES LIVE PUBLIC AUCTIONS Every Friday Night at 6 pm! 1st & 3rd Friday - NEW ITEMS 2nd & 4th Friday - ANTIQUES & COLLECTIBLES! RANDY HULME - OWNER/OPERATOR 301 JEFFERSON ST. - NEWBERN, TN - 39059 731-589-9057 rehulme_1963@yahoo.com BOYFRIEND 4 HIRE HANDYMAN WORK ANYWHERE IN WEST TENNESSEE PAINTING-CARPENTRY-PLUMBING LANDSCAPING, FENCING, MOWING, ETC. KARAOKE KARAVAN DEEJAY FOR HIRE AT WEDDINGS, PARTYS, ETC. OVER 200,000 SONGS! CALL JOHN LATHAM: 731-602-1331