Almost Christmas 2019
By John Criner
Times Outdoors Columnist Christmas is next Wednesday and we always say,”where did the month go?” It seems like only yesterday that dove season kicked off the 2019-2020 hunting season. We still have the last segment of duck season, more than a week of deer hunting, not counting archery season that goes through February, and rabbit, squirrel, and quail hunting. Unfortunately, this time will pass much too quickly.
Duck season has been either boom or bust, with bust getting the most action. The last weekend saw fewer birds on the Langulle River, St.
Francis, and Cash River hunting areas. Many of the old established clubs with rigid shooting rules have kept their birds and are enjoying success. The areas that allow any and all day shooting have seen most of their birds departing for more favorable waters. Locally Horseshoe, Midway, and the Mississippi River are open to the public duck hunters, and at this time, Midway is the better choice.
There have not been any reports from the river hunters. When hunting Ole Man River, be very careful and have big water equipment. It can be extremely danger.
Several days of deer season remain using both modern gun and muzzle loaders. Check the AGFC hunting guide book. Crittenden County harvest is over 200, which is about normal with archery remaining.
State wide the tally is approaching 170,000 deer. AGFC big game managers have done a wonderful job of managing and increasing the deer herd. In the 1980s, a kill of 5000 was considered spectular. These are truly the “good ole days” of deer hunting. In many areas, deer cause many car wrecks.
Due to erratic weather there are not many good catches of fish. Crappie and bass are the target fish and on a lucky day, a good fish fry can be had, but it is not consistent. Fishermen have best put on their duck blind and deer stand clothes and boots. Papa Duck is waiting for some warm and sunny winter days to wet a hook.
There is good news for local trout fishermen.
The AGFC has stocked both Tilden Rodgers and Marion Sports Complex Lake with trout. This is the first year for the Marion Lake. The trout are about a pound with a few 2-5 pounders put in the lakes. Also there are 10 tagged trout in each lake. The tag is at the base of the dorsal fin and there is a reward.
Remember anyone over the age of 16 must have a valid fishing license and a trout stamp. The limit is 5 trout per day.
On a sunny winter day, it fun to go trout fishing! That’s a nice Christmas present from the Arkansas Game & Fish Commission. Thank you.
Christmas shopping is in high gear and most serious outdoors folks have almost every thing. When in doubt get a gift certificate. While it as not as personal as picking out a special gift, the sportsman probably has something in mind and it will appreciated. Papa Duck thinks the ladies enjoy shopping more than the men folks. At this time, Mama Duck is on a shopping safari.
The new fad is shopping “on line” but it does not allow you to see or touch the item. Papa Duck is old school.
Schools are out for Christmas so there is no reason not to take the young ones with you and let both of you enjoy Mother Nature. Never knew a hunter that did not get special pleasure and very excited when the kid took “the first one”, be it duck, deer, fish, or any other wild game. After taking the special trophy, call Lakeside Taxidermy and it will get mounted at a reasonable rate, quality work, and fast service. It is, however, now too late to get it back in time for Christmas!
Papa Duck Lakeside Taxidermy 870-732-0455 or 901482-3430 jhcriner@hotmail.com
