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September 5, 2003
Charlie Farmer, Springfield News-Leader
Heavy rains good thing for anglers and hunters
The drought is dead and that's good for everybody. But it is especially fine for anglers and hunters, campers and boaters. Some will say there was too much rain, some damaging.
Heavy rains have been affecting portions of the Midwest now for several days. The rains are causing some rapid rises on rivers, and as a result many of the lakes will also see some significant inflows and rises, which is quite a contrast to the last two months of hot, dry weather. Any additional heavy rains in the next week will significantly impact conditions.
While the rains brought good tidings, anglers, hunters, campers and boaters should be aware of more rain and rising water, and possible flooding.
Anglers like flush lakes and overcast days, mixed with rain.
The infusion of significant rainfall stirs feeder creeks, and creates more submerged vegetative cover for game fish to utilize. In turn, anglers have more access to the areas where fish are feeding.
If the current weather pattern holds, most hunters also would agree that there would be an advantage in the September dove fields and in marshes for the early teal season.
Some seasons are brutally hot during the first two weeks of dove hunting.
Small, bare-banked ponds where doves water are dry. Crop fields can be sparse and natural vegetation burned out.
If it weren't for water pumping capability at MDC's Four River and Schell-Osage in September, the season on teal would have been a bust. Both Four Rivers and Schell-Osage usually have good openers.
Two of the best Corps of Engineers impoundments for duck hunting are Truman and Stockton reservoirs. Stockton is at its best when it's 2- or 3-feet above pool in backwater areas with flooded willow trees, button bush and a variety of vegetation including duck weed and cockleburs.
Truman usually has excellent water levels at the middle zone season. But sometimes the Corps of Engineers pulls the plug and drains the marshy bottom areas. The ducks vacate the place in a hurry.
Rain and cool weather in September are a bonus, too. More doves and teal for the early hunting seasons. And then a surplus of water left over for the October duck season. Areas like Four Rivers and Schell-Osage hold ducks and geese content to loaf and dine in Missouri.
During drives to the lakes including Pomme de Terre, Stockton and Truman, take some time to scout dove fields and possibly some new spots to hunt teal.
September is a fine time to combine an enjoyable package of fishing and hunting with camping and boating. A time that anglers and hunters savor.
Contact free-lance columnist Charlie Farmer at 1197 East Court, Ozark, MO 65721 or cjoutdoors318365@aol.com
Charlie Farmer, Springfield News-Leader
Heavy rains good thing for anglers and hunters
The drought is dead and that's good for everybody. But it is especially fine for anglers and hunters, campers and boaters. Some will say there was too much rain, some damaging.
Heavy rains have been affecting portions of the Midwest now for several days. The rains are causing some rapid rises on rivers, and as a result many of the lakes will also see some significant inflows and rises, which is quite a contrast to the last two months of hot, dry weather. Any additional heavy rains in the next week will significantly impact conditions.
While the rains brought good tidings, anglers, hunters, campers and boaters should be aware of more rain and rising water, and possible flooding.
Anglers like flush lakes and overcast days, mixed with rain.
The infusion of significant rainfall stirs feeder creeks, and creates more submerged vegetative cover for game fish to utilize. In turn, anglers have more access to the areas where fish are feeding.
If the current weather pattern holds, most hunters also would agree that there would be an advantage in the September dove fields and in marshes for the early teal season.
Some seasons are brutally hot during the first two weeks of dove hunting.
Small, bare-banked ponds where doves water are dry. Crop fields can be sparse and natural vegetation burned out.
If it weren't for water pumping capability at MDC's Four River and Schell-Osage in September, the season on teal would have been a bust. Both Four Rivers and Schell-Osage usually have good openers.
Two of the best Corps of Engineers impoundments for duck hunting are Truman and Stockton reservoirs. Stockton is at its best when it's 2- or 3-feet above pool in backwater areas with flooded willow trees, button bush and a variety of vegetation including duck weed and cockleburs.
Truman usually has excellent water levels at the middle zone season. But sometimes the Corps of Engineers pulls the plug and drains the marshy bottom areas. The ducks vacate the place in a hurry.
Rain and cool weather in September are a bonus, too. More doves and teal for the early hunting seasons. And then a surplus of water left over for the October duck season. Areas like Four Rivers and Schell-Osage hold ducks and geese content to loaf and dine in Missouri.
During drives to the lakes including Pomme de Terre, Stockton and Truman, take some time to scout dove fields and possibly some new spots to hunt teal.
September is a fine time to combine an enjoyable package of fishing and hunting with camping and boating. A time that anglers and hunters savor.
Contact free-lance columnist Charlie Farmer at 1197 East Court, Ozark, MO 65721 or cjoutdoors318365@aol.com
