Backwoods Bound Bullet

ARTICLE: LEAVE SOME DEAD TREES STANDING TO HELP WILDLIFE

  Standing dead trees may appear to be useless eyesores, but a state wildlife biologist says actually they are important components of wildlife habitat and frequently in short supply.

  "That ugly snag may provide a secure home for many kinds of animals and a virtual smorgasbord of insect food," said Laurel Barnhill, wildlife biologist with the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (DNR). "Downy, hairy, red-bellied, pileated and red-headed woodpeckers all feed heavily on wood-boring larvae of beetles and other insects and invertebrates found in snags."

  Print out a wildlife management guide (pdf file) on snags and downed logs at www.dnr.state.sc.us or call the Columbia DNR office at (803) 734-3886.

  Woodpeckers are also the primary excavators of nesting cavities in snags, Barnhill said. These cavities are later used by other species. Bluebirds, wrens, titmice, crested flycatchers, chickadees, nuthatches, barred owls, screech owls and kestrels all depend on cavities for successful nesting.

  Mammals such as bats, squirrels, flying squirrels and raccoons also use cavities in snag trees. A single snag tree may contain many cavities useful to several different species, as well as providing a food supply.

  "The value of snags to both wildlife and people are countless," Barnhill said. "Many snag-dependent species control insects and pests, and birds of prey prefer the vantage point snags afford for hunting rodents. The woodpecker's diet is filled with many insects that can be harmful to our interests."

  There are two kinds of snags, according to Barnhill. A "hard" snag may be only partially dead, with many limbs remaining and sound wood. This kind of snag will be beneficial for many years. A "soft" snag is more decayed, with no limbs left and advanced heart rot. Wildlife species make use of both kinds of snags, but larger snags have more value.

  In woodlots, at least four to five snags per acre should be maintained, according to Barnhill. Snags left in open areas over water will also provide hunting perches for flycatchers, bluebirds, hawks and kingfishers. Osprey may nest in large snags near open water.

  "Snags may not appear very attractive, but their value to wildlife is clear," said Barnhill. "Wildlife enthusiasts should take a second look at dead or dying trees on their property and include snags in their wildlife management or landscaping plans."

  DNR protects and manages South Carolina's natural resources by making wise and balanced decisions for the benefit of the state's natural resources and its people. http://www.dnr.state.sc.us/

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ARTICLE: BIOLOGISTS ASSESS IKE IMPACTS TO COASTAL ECOSYSTEMS

  AUSTIN, Texas - Hurricane Ike's big storm surge caused hundreds of localized oil and hazardous materials spills that pose threats to fish and wildlife, and it pushed saltwater into upper coast freshwater wetlands that support migrating waterfowl and estuarine life. But ecological damage to coastal habitats may not be as widespread or severe as some had initially feared.

  Texas Parks and Wildlife Department biologists and other experts have for days been assessing Ike impacts, starting with an aerial survey Sep. 15 when wildlife, coastal fisheries and state parks representatives made an airplane over-flight of the upper coast. Since then, theyve been assessing Ike's ecological effects in two main categories: pollution events and saltwater intrusion.

  The week of Sep. 15, a Unified Command was set up in the Houston area to respond to the numerous spills caused by Hurricane Ike, comprised of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, U.S. Coast Guard, Texas General Land Office and Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. TPWD experts from the Natural Resource Trustee and Kills and Spills Programs worked to support the spill response effort by identifying threats to fish and wildlife and guiding cleanup activities.

  So far, the spill Unified Command has assessed more than 230 pollution reports in affected coastal areas stretching from Houston-Galveston to Lake Charles, Louisiana. More than 100 of these sites are now being remediated, and the Unified Command has closed out another 121 of the total reported cases with no further action needed. The types of pollution involved include oil and diesel from boats and other sources, as well as a variety of industrial chemicals washed into waterways by flooding.

  Most of the Ike-related spills turned out to be minor, according to Brandon Brewer, a Coast Guard public information officer with the Unified Command. "For those spills that are medium-sized, most have been contained," Brewer said. "Now the big thing is prioritizing the worst spots, and sending recovery teams out to start cleanup." He said the Unified Command would be continuing work for weeks at least.

  Some of the worst spills caused by Ike are on the Bolivar Peninsula, where the brunt of the storm demolished houses and buildings, and game wardens worked search and rescue for days. Now, TPWD and other spill response team members are focused on sheens of oil coating the landscape in the High Island and Goat Island areas, where there is a significant concentration of oil and gas production facilities.

  "We'ree evaluating multiple spills from two responsible parties in the High Island area," said Chip Wood, an assessment biologist with TPWDs Natural Resources Trustee Program. "About 3,000 acres there are affected by visible oil sheening and staining."

  At High Island and other spill sites, authorities will first try to identify the "responsible party," the company or individual that operates the facility from which the spill came and get them to pay for cleanup if possible. If that won't work, there are federal cleanup funding sources they can tap.

  Wood said his team is coordinating with the TPWD Wildlife Division and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to respond to other spills at the department's J.D. Murphree Wildlife Management Area and the Bessie Heights Marsh (Nelda Stark Unit) of the Lower Neches WMA, and also to spills at Anahuac, McFaddin and Sabine National Wildlife Refuges.

  He said close to 500 acres are affected by spills on the federal refuges, Bessie Heights is showing sheens and some oiling on about 2,000 acres, and about 1,200 acres are affected at Murphree WMA.

  "We'ree getting concerned about these spills because migrating waterfowl will be arriving in late October," Wood said, referring to the millions of ducks and geese that return each fall from Canada to winter on the Texas coast. "We'ree working to monitor cleanup progress. If there's still black oil on the water as birds come in to roost, they can be oiled. Experience shows waterfowl will typically not avoid contaminated areas."

  Authorities are advising people to call the National Response Center at (800) 424-8802 to report pollution or displaced hazardous materials. To report oiled or injured wildlife in areas affected by Ike, call the TPWD Law Enforcement communications dispatcher at (281) 842-8100.

  But a more widespread problem than spills may face migrating water birds when they arrive in Southeast Texas. Saltwater from Ike's storm surge is threatening freshwater wetlands, one of Texas' most important wildlife habitats.

  "In the Galveston Bay area, Ike's long-term impacts to coastal marshes appears fairly negligible," said Jamie Schubert, a Coastal Fisheries Division marsh ecologist who is team leader for upper coast ecosystem assessment. "That area has mostly salt marshes, which all drained fairly quickly."

  But it's another story for the Sabine Lake system marshes near Beaumont-Port Arthur, which are mostly freshwater and unused to high salinity. In recent decades, freshwater flow to these wetlands has already been reduced by industrialization along the Sabine River and the Intracoastal Waterway. At the storm's height, the tide gauge at the Neches River saltwater barrier showed water flowing upriver 30 times faster than the river was flowing downstream before the storm surge. Now, levees and other infrastructure built around area wetlands are slowing Ike's saltwater surge from draining.

  "This hurricane may really be a pivotal factor that moves these freshwater marshes over to more saline type marsh," Schubert said. "Most plants here are used to freshwater, and once they die, that could affect the soil and lead to marsh loss. Increased marsh loss can affect the entire food chain. And that could have long-term impacts for fisheries production, including commercial and recreational species that use these marshes, such as red drum, white shrimp, and blue crab."

  Elsewhere in Southeast Texas, the storm surge has also flooded tens of thousands of acres of coastal prairie. That saltwater "burn" is top-killing grasses and other plants.

  "What we really need is a good rain to flush out all the spill contaminants and saltwater," Schubert said. "The landscape is brown for miles around where storm surge has inundated all these plants that can't tolerate saltwater. Hopefully it will just top-kill plants and theyll come back from the roots, but that will depend on rainfall. If we get good rains this fall and winter, most of our southeastern coastal prairie ought to be able to come back strong."

  For coastal habitats, there is at least one silver lining to Ike's storm clouds. The storm surge is also killing non-native plants that have invaded Texas and threatened native species in recent years, exotics like torpedo grass, water hyacinth, hydrilla, giant salvinia and common salvinia.

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BACKWOODS KNOW-HOW: DEER WEIGHT CALCULATOR

- Ever wonder how much your deer weighs but there's not a scale in camp? Here's an easy to use method for determining the approximate weight of your deer. We'ree not sure where we got this from, but we thank whoever it was that sent it in a long time ago. So print this off and carry it in your pack so you'lll have it handy this season.

- Method: Use a soft tape measure and measure all the way around the deer's chest/belly/back just behind the front legs to get the "girth" in inches. Now compare the measurement with the chart below.

- For example, a buck that has a 40 inch girth weighed about 182 pounds on the hoof and 144 field-dressed. It will give you about 80 pounds of venison.

Chest/Girth(in.)

32

48Live Wt.

102

340Field Dressed

80

272Lbs. Edible Meat

45

153

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ARTICLE: HUNTING FOR REDFISH IN NOVEMBER by Gustavo Gonzales

  When I saw my third article posted in the latest Backwoods Bound monthly newsletter, I made a conscious choice to step up my writing game and get a little more serious. I even considered going over to the nearest "wi-fi" coffee shop and look sophisticated while contributing to this story. But, I realized I'm from Texas and that just isn't me, I will tell you what I represent and that is the common man who enjoys all outdoor activities. So it was an easy choice for me to stay at home and write about another passion of mine and that is fishing for "Texas Reds."

  I have been blessed enough to grow up on the Gulf Coast of Texas near prime brush hunting habitat and heavenly bodies of water. So the question is why chase Reds in November when I can be freezing in a deer blind waiting for the elusive whitetail. November is a great time of the year to be on the water period and I will give you three reasons why. Cooler temperatures, less boat traffic, and something different to eat other then turkey over the Holidays.

  November in Texas is a great time of year, those 100 degree summer days are gone and we sportsmen can enjoy the great outdoors in comfort. But cooler weather also triggers feeding patterns or behavior in fish that can be followed to increase chances of hooking up with a tuff fighting fish. Along with Redfish, Spotted Sea Trout and Black Drum are readily available during cool winter months. In fact, I prefer to do my best fishing during this period because of the whole atmosphere involved with winter time fishing. I utilize the open water public access areas on Nueces Bay that hold good size pods of schooling fish feeding on crabs, mullet, and shrimp. Even better if you go at night time and have the opportunity to make a small campfire while enjoying the beauty of the changing seasons. What I most enjoy about the cooler weather is the hot fishing action I have experienced in the past when those cold fronts begin moving into South Texas.

  Another good reason to seek redfish in November is because most warm blooded Texans are too busy pursuing "Muy Grande" out in the brush country. Even with a bad economy and high gas prices boat traffic on your favorite body of water can become a problem or at least a sight for sore eyes. It's a luxury to enjoy calm waters and a fair chase chance of reeling in a good stringer of fish for the frying pan. Don't get me wrong, I enjoy sitting in the ice cold deer blind once or twice during hunting season, hoping to shot a wild pig for an unplanned fiesta that could have some tasty potential.

  The most important reason you want to chase a healthy eating fish in November is because it brings a variety to the table that only South Texas can provide. No more eating Turkey on Thanksgiving and Christmas when you got a deep freezer full of slot sized Reds and delicious Black drum. For the past few years our family has made it a tradition to enjoy the fruit of our outdoor labor and share it's bounty over the holidays. This includes cooking our November Reds outdoors over a mesquite wood fire serving a dual purpose as it provides a Texas twist and keeps the company warm while enjoying your favorite holiday beverage.

  In conclusion, chasing fish tails rather then whitetails can result in good weather action, enjoyable silent public waters for fisherman, and great holiday table fare. I hope your holidays are filled with many outdoor adventures and humble family gatherings where a true sportsmen can relish his natural rewards.

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In this issue:

BACKWOODS TRIVIA: - Harold Stonewall sent in this month's question. See if you know it.

"Besides designing and building the Eiffel Tower, what other famous structure did August Eiffel help design and build?"

Find the answer at the end of this newsletter. Send your trivia questions to [email protected].

RECIPE: BACON WRAPPED SQUIRREL

* Soak the legs in beer for 2 - 3 hours. Remove and drain.

* Sprinkle to taste with garlic powder, pepper, salt and the minced onion.

* Wrap each leg with bacon. Secure with toothpicks if necessary.

* Place on hot grill. Cook over medium heat until cooked through.

* Serve with your favorite sides.

Our thanks to Timothy S. Barry for sharing this recipe with us. For more great squirrel recipes to try this season, go to www.backwoodsbound.com/zsquir.html.

Send your favorite recipe to [email protected] and we'll post it on the site or use it in an upcoming issue of The Bullet.

** LOOKING FOR A NEW COMPANION? **

Razor Sharp Knives has you covered. No need to drive around town looking for that knife for your next hunting expedition. We have over 2000 knives to choose from in the comfort of your own home! Select a knife from manufacturers like Buck, Gerber, Case, Benchmade, Boker and SOG.

You will be treated like a personal client (not a number) with our great customer service that will try their very best to meet your needs and answer all your questions.

Also you can rest assured that your getting a real, genuine knife from the manufacturer as we only deal with suppliers that have been authorized by the manufacturers as well as been tightly screened by us to make sure they are the real deal.

Please stop by www.razorsharpknives.com and place your order today.

FUN FACTS: • Here are some animal facts sent in from Carly. Pandas eat 50-60 pounds of bamboo a day. Emperor penguins can survive in -140 degrees Fahrenheit. Snakes smell with their tongues. Anaconda snakes have been known to eat pigs and deer.

Send your Fun Facts to [email protected]. For more Fun Facts visit www.backwoodsbound.com/funfacts.html.

** KAREN'S KREATIONS **

It's sweet, it's simple, and it's going to save you money! Save 25% on ANY order thru Nov 30.

Wine charms and water bottle charms, regular $2.99 - now $2.24 each! Earrings now $4.48!

The holidays are rapidly coming upon us- and we know you want to give a "little something" to people you love without breaking the bank! Looking for something for co-workers, teachers or neighbors? How about a water bottle charm in one of their favorite interests and personalized with their name? Put it on a water bottle and you have something special just for them!

We can do any other theme of charm you can imagine (and some you probably never thought of!) You can mix and match charms from any of our sets -- or create your own!

Visit our web site for ideas as to how creative we can be! www.karensglabels.com or e-mail us at [email protected].

Our 25% Off Sale ends November 30, 2008 so hurry!

HUNTIN' TIPS: - "When deer hunting over a field, wait until it's completely dark to exit your stand. Deer won't pick up your stand location then." - Zach

"To keep your rubber boots sent free, wash them with a scent free soap or baking soda then place the boots in a Rubbermaid container partly filled with mud until ready to head to the woods. This will keep them smelling as fresh as the ground you're walking on." - Hans Howe

"When practicing from your tree stand, practice from the sitting position. Sometimes you don't get a chance to stand in time for the shot, especially during the rut." - Bill

Send your tips to: [email protected] and we'lll post them on the site or use them in a future issue of The Bullet.

WHAT'S NEW

• New tips, recipes and stories continue to roll in. Look for new recipes for duck, squirrel, bear and armadillo on the site soon. We'd still like to have some elk and buffalo recipes so pass them along if you have any. We can also use new recipes for fish and seafood. We'lll take anything you want to share. Send your stuff to [email protected].

We read and look at everything sent in to us and respond where necessary. So if we don't get back to you in a timely manner it's because we are out hunting. So just bear with us and we'lll get back to you as soon as we can. Keep your stuff coming to [email protected].

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** RUSTIC ORIGINALS - 20% OFF END OF THE YEAR SALE **

Our 20% Off North to Alaska Sale was such a success that we decided to change the name and continue the savings right thru to the end of the year. So welcome our 20% Off End of The Year Sale!

That's right! Save 20% on every frame and photo in the Rustic, Spirit Series, One-Of-A-Kind and Special Edition Collections!

Christmas is little more than a month away so order now to guarantee delivery in time for the holidays! Save big on the best rustic picture frames and wildlife photographs available for your home, office, cabin or RV!

Hurry to our site at www.rustic-nature.com or www.rusticoriginals.net for the best selection and remember our 20% OFF SALE ends December, 31st!

INTERESTING QUOTE: "Blessed are the young, for they shall inherit the national debt." to President Herbert Hoover

If you'vee seen or heard an interesting or humorous quote send it in and we'll post it next month. Send them to: [email protected].

RECIPE: • SHEPHERDS PIE

* Cook deer in a skillet seasoned to taste with salt and pepper. Remove and drain.

* In a large bowl, combine the cooked meat, soup, corn and green beans.

* Pour into a casserole dish and cover with the mashed potatoes.

* Top with shredded cheese.

* Cook at 400 degrees for 20 - 25 minutes. Remove and let cool a few minutes.

Thanks to Catie for sending in this recipe. To see more great tasting deer recipes visit our site at www.backwoodsbound.com/zdeer.html.

Remember to send your favorite recipe to [email protected]. We'll post it on the site or use it in an upcoming issue of The Bullet.

FISHIN' TIPS: - A couple of spinnerbait tips. When fishing one at night, use dark colored skirts like black, black and purple or red and black. For daytime fishing, use light colored skirts like white, chartreuse or a combination of the two. And use a trailer hook if you have one.

Send your tips to: [email protected] and we'lll post them on the site or use them in a future issue of The Bullet.

** BACKWOODS BOUND SHOULDER TROPHY PLAQUES **

We have a complete line of State Shaped Trophy Plaques for all of your trophies! We offer sizes for mounting your antlers or trophy fish to sizes for a full shoulder mount to plaques made for your memorable photos.

All of our handcrafted plaques are made from solid oak not plywood or particle board. They all come with hangers installed and the Picture Plaques come with glass and picture backing for your 4x6 photo.

Don't settle for an ordinary looking plaque hanging on your wall! Go one better and order your Backwoods Bound State Shaped Trophy Plaque today. Prices start at only $24.95. Don't wait, order today!

Visit our site at www.backwoodsbound.com/antlrplaq01.html for photos and information on how to order your plaque.

And remember, "It only takes a little more to go first class."

RECIPE: DUCK BURNERS

* In a bowl, combine the dressing, soy sauce, Worcestershire and garlic salt. Mix well.

* Slice the breasts into strips or chunks. Place in marinade, cover and refrigerate overnight.

* Remove the duck and drain.

* Place a slice of pepper on each strip. Wrap with a half slice of bacon. Secure with toothpicks.

* Place on hot grill and cook over low heat until bacon is cooked and duck is done.

Our many thanks go to Jeremy Frank for sharing this recipe with us. Visit our site at www.backwoodsbound.com/zduck.html for more duck recipes.

Send your favorite recipe to [email protected] and we'll post it on the site or use it in an upcoming issue of The Bullet.