Backwoods Bound Bullet

ARTICLE: IOWA CONSERVATION OFFICER WORKS TO HALT RATTLESNAKE DECLINE by Lowell Washburn

- McGREGOR - It's the end of October and air and ground temperatures are cooling rapidly. For the cold blooded reptiles that inhabit the rugged bluff country northeastern Iowa, it's time to head for underground denning areas.

- Prowling the winding back roads of Clayton County, DNR Conservation Officer Burt Walters is currently observing the slow speed migration. Today the skies are mostly clear, a somewhat rare event this autumn, and snakes are on the move. So far this morning, Walters has spotted more than 50 snakes --- mostly red-bellied, little brown, and a handful of garters, all en-route to the safety of limestone fissures that will offer winter protection.

- But the species Walters hopes most to encounter is the timber rattlesnake, a formidable creature most folks choose to avoid. Walters is a natural born native of the McGregor hill country, and has been actively studying these intriguing pit vipers for more than 20 years. Alarmed by the rattlesnake's dramatic decline, he conducts an ongoing crusade aimed at educating the public on the biological importance of what he considers to be a desirable member of the Iowa outdoors.

- "It's alarming," says Walters. "At the denning sites that I know of, rattlesnake populations have been reduced by at least 50 percent since the 1980s and are still declining."

- The scenario is the result of a complex chain of events, and no single factor is solely responsible for the decline, says Walters. Habitat destruction is listed among the culprits. As more and more homes are built atop scenic bluffs and ridgelines, there are less and less places for timber rattlers and other wildlife to live. Also included among habitats in decline are the so called "goat prairies" that once flourished along the near vertical slopes of bluffs and ridges and are now vanishing as cedars and other invasive shrubs take over. Historically, landowners would set fire to the goat prairies hoping the flames would destroy snakes, says Walters. Quite to the contrary, the fires enhanced prairie growth which attracted native mice, voles, and insects which provided an ample food source for rattlers, skinks, and other Iowa herpitiles.

- There is also a problem with snake poachers. In spite of being legally protected, rattlesnakes are still being harvested by poachers who supply the exotic pet trade, mostly for people who still think it's cool to have something dangerous in their home.

- "Collecting can have a very serious and rapid impact on populations," says Walters. "Timber rattlers have a low reproductive potential and it takes a male anywhere from 5 to 7 years to mature. It takes a female from 7 to 11 years to mature and after that she'll only bear young every third year. When people take snakes from communal den sites it doesn't take long to have an effect."

- Those effects became painfully apparent this spring as Walters inspected an Allamakee County den site. Trails leading to the site had been marked with strips of blue plastic flagging, certain evidence that rattlesnake poachers had already paid a visit to the den. Look as he might, Walters could only find two surviving rattlesnakes at a site that should have held dozens.

- Although scenes like that are disheartening, Walters hasn't given up the crusade to educate Iowans on the virtues of this venomous reptile. Since the late 1980s, he's traveled up and down the Mississippi River showing live reptiles and giving "snake talks" to countless school groups [more than 65 on the best years], service and conservation organizations, and just about anyone else who cares to listen to his message. One of the biggest events, he says, was the EMS Venomous Bite Day. Held for two years at Calmar, the program played to a completely packed house each time and remains one of his most requested presentations.

- "One of the things I stress is that timber rattlesnakes just want to be left alone," says Walters. "They are not highly aggressive, and most people will never see one. They are, in fact, a very valuable and desirable member of the wildlife community. Their venom is currently being used in experiments with heart disease, arthritis, and other human ailments. At this point, their benefits to humans may even surpass what people currently realize."

- There are encouraging signs that the education is beginning to pay dividends. One of those was the overwhelming public support for legislation that has now protected timber rattlesnakes in their northeastern Iowa strongholds. By contrast, similar legislation aimed at protecting remnant populations of timber rattlers in central Iowa failed miserably due to profound lack of public support.

- Earlier this fall, Walters was notified by police radio that a four-foot long timber rattler was causing something of a stir among of users of the Guttenberg City Park. When he arrived sometime later, the hefty reptile was being held at bay by a group of onlookers. Walters promptly captured the snake and safely returned it to a nearby den site.

- "Incidents like that give me hope," says Walters. "Until recently, people would have immediately killed that snake on the spot. Today, I think more and more people are beginning to realize that that isn't the thing to do anymore and that timber rattlers are a natural part of the wildlife community."

- For more information about the great hunting, fishing and outdoor recreation opportunities that abound in Iowa, visit their site at www.iowadnr.com.

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ARTICLE: 21 HUNTIN TIPS TO USE THIS SEASON

- It's that time of year again when we clean out the file cabinet and the e-mail and pass along all of the hunting tips we'vee received over the past year that didn't make it on our site or in an issue of The Bullet. We want to thank everyone for sharing their knowledge with us and for taking the time to write in. Keep in mind that some of these may not be legal where you live so check your state's game laws before trying them. So here they are in no particular order. Happy and safe hunting.

- When squirrel hunting with an air rifle keep your aim steady and go for its neck or head. Also pick it up and out it in a container of some sort in order to keep the other squirrels around. - Sean T.

- When setting up your stand, don't only consider your scent trail and cover but which way the sun will be. Looking directly into the sun in the morning after you set it up in the evening is a big eye strain. - Bill

- When hunting, always keep still. - Austin Weyant

- To keep boot laces from coming untied and/or getting caught in brush and causing you to trip and possibly fall, tie your laces in a square knot instead of a bow knot. - Mike Peterson

- While squirrel hunting, keep your hands as still as possible. It scares the squirrel, and it won't come back. - Brian Salvitore

- When hunting out of a tree stand remember to never urinate near it. The deer will smell it and stay away from it. - Gilbert Stull

- When cleaning a squirrel cut the head off at the base of the shoulders then cut down the center to gut. This makes it much easier and faster to skin. - Josh Hochgesang

- Home brew scent killer recipe. If you are making the widely known mixture of hydrogen peroxide, baking soda, unscented soap, and distilled water, be sure not to use hydrogen peroxide that you buy at most stores. They have stabilizers in them that give off a scent. Try Baquacil from a swimming pool supply store. Just remember to dilute it down to at least 3%. - Grant Ellis

- Always carry a little toilet paper with you. Especially when hunting in areas where most of the plants have few leaves and very long thorns. - Carter Luman

- While hunting deer always keep the wind blowing in your face. You can be wearing your strongest cologne (I don't recommend it) but as long as your wind is right you're guaranteed a good hunt without being winded by a deer's nose... which is his best defense. - Charles Botts

- When hunting buffalo or other large game with either a single or a double rifle, instead of having the spare bullet in your mouth (which is potentially dangerous), have them in your off-hand protruding through your fingers. With practice it is fast to reload. Also take plenty of water when in a dry or hot environment. Yes, you may think it obvious but too many hunters come to Australia and don't think of water. A "camel back" is a good, cheap, easily usable water source. - David Mickel

- Chewing tobacco fouls your breath which is detectable by deer. If you decide to chew, spitting on your trail/path can also be their trail therefore alerting them that something is not right. Get yourself a styrofoam cup with a lid and a straw. Tape the straw to the lip to prevent the noise it makes moving up and down. Use it to spit in. You will also need to poke a small hole in it for relief pressure. This makes a very quiet spittoon. Also clean up after yourself and leave no trace. - M. David Lee

- If you ever walk to your tree stand in the dark you may like this tip. Take a pop can and cut 1x1 inch pieces out of it. In the morning or in the daylight, take some gum and stick it on the back and stick them to trees and stuff to mark your trail. This way you can see where you're going. - Jesse Griep

- If an approaching buck looks as if it may pass within range of your stand without stopping, and this sounds crazy, but believe me it works, make yourself belch but keep it muffled. He will stop in his tracks! I have a 2 six pointers that will attest to that! My burps sound exactly like a Primos grunt call. Give it a try! - Chris Lee

- When deer hunting with a bow, shoot it when it is almost parallel to you with its hind end facing you. This way it doesn't have to go through the ribs which could throw it off course. When hunting with a rifle shoot it broadside. - Seth Haymes

- A heater that deer can not smell is an old medal coffee can with a roll of toilet paper stuck inside. Pour on a bottle of rubbing alcohol and let it soak for a day or so. When you light the roll it will burn for about 6 hours. - Shane

- When squirrel hunting, always make sure to thread on soft ground and always shoot at still targets. - Jammy

- When hunting with a buddy if one of you carries a shotgun and the other a rifle you can shot squirrels running or sitting still. Also, the shotgun is great for getting them down out of trees and you can shot them on the way down with the rifle. - Mark C.

- When hunting keep your eyes open at all times so you know about your surroundings. - Josie Waldo

- When hunting with a single shot shotgun try to get comfortable holding an extra shell between your index and middle fingers of the hand that holds the forearm of your gun. It will make it easy to jam a shell in for a quick follow-up shot instead of digging in your pockets. You could also carry a 3 inch shell in your hand for distance. - Sean

- To keep moisture out of your black powder rifle, put one of those moisture bags from a medicine bottle in the barrel then put bore butter in the barrel. You can also put the bags in your gun cabinet. - Steven Harris

- Send us your tips and we'lll post them on the site or use them in a future issue of The Bullet. Our e-mail address is [email protected].

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ARTICLE: • NEVER ALONE by Gary L. Fitzgerald

- Have you ever felt like you where alone...been overlooked...neglected...no one cares? These feelings all stem from the human race caused by someone in the human race. Take note! Do not allow these people to make you feel this way! Maybe they feel better or stronger by doing this.

- Wake Up! You are never alone. Look to nature and its creatures. They are always there and close by if you take the time to look. They will never desert you. I feel they are always glad that you are there and will put on a show for you. Notice what they are doing, how they do it; and it seems to me they know you are watching and will look at you.

- I really feel you can erase the alone feeling give you by the human race and feel better within yourself by watching nature. I feel you and nature will be happier...so give it a try. Nature can bring a smile to you and change your life for the better. It just takes some quiet thought time and look around. Gee, even on a quiet personal day on the lake one of nature's creatures may visit you! You are never alone with nature.

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• Welcome to the November 2009 issue of The Bullet. It's finally here! One of the best months of the year for hunters. What makes this month so special? For starters the firearm deer season opens this month. With the rut fast approaching the excitement level kicks up to maximum for the deer hunter. Waterfowl season kicks into high gear this month too. The stage should be set for a great season. Also pheasant, rabbit and archery turkey seasons start this month. With all of the hunting opportunities this month you can see why it's one of the best months of the year.

We have some great stuff coming up in the next couple of months thanks to you our faithful subscribers. Until then we'vee got a packed issue this month so let's get to it. Enough said. Enjoy issue one hundred and ten of The Backwoods Bound Bullet. Until next month, J. E. Burns - editor-in-chief.

In this issue:

BACKWOODS TRIVIA: - Here is this month's question. Jack Lewis sent it in. See if you know it.

"When did the United States Bureau of Fisheries introduce carp to the United States?"

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

RECIPE: MACHINEGUN MIKES DEER CHILI

* Brown the deer meat in a large skillet. Drain if necessary.

* Place the meat in a large pot. Stir in - of the V-8 juice and the chili seasoning.

* Stir in the salsa. Mix well.

* Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer 10 - 15 minutes.

* Add the rest of the juice and stir in the macaroni.

* Cook on low heat until the macaroni is tender. Stir occasionally to keep from sticking.

Our thanks to Machinegun Mike for sharing his chili recipe. To see more deer recipes visit out site at www.backwoodsbound.com/deer.html.

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

** KAREN'S KREATIONS **

To help you with your holiday gift giving we are offering this special deal, 30% OFF ALL orders and FREE shipping on orders over $50!

Get your pen and paper out and make your gift list! From Mom and Dad to "BFF's", we can make something for everyone! Mix and match themes to "kreate" the perfect gift for everyone. Use the charms to mark packages and then transfer the charm to their glasses for after gift opening drinks!

Kreate the sets you want to give (or get) - order 2, 4, 6 or more! Mix and match any theme to personalize the sets!

Sale ends November 30, 2009 so visit our site at: www.karensglabels.com or e-mail us at [email protected]. Free shipping offer applies to orders shipped to one address.

"If you can think it, we can shrink it!"

FUN FACT: U.S. pennies are made of zinc plated with copper. They have been composed of 97.5 percent zinc and only 2.5 percent copper since 1982. The penny has been made of several combinations of metals over the years. The last time pennies were made entirely of copper was in 1837.

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

** WILDTKY'S WILD OUTDOOR SPORTS **

Wildtky's Wild Outdoor Sports featuring tips, tactics, books and gear up to 50% off. Fishing, hunting, camping, skiing and more.

Visit our web site at: www.wldtky44.com.

RECOMMEND AND VOTE FOR THE BULLET

Tell a friend about The Bullet. Just go to: www.ezinefinder.com/rec.html?ez=backwo and follow the instructions. It's free and easy!

To vote for The Bullet follow this link: www.ezinefinder.com/backwo-vote.html.html.

Thanks for your help.

** STATE SHAPED TROPHY PLAQUES **

We have a complete line of plaques for all of your trophies! We offer sizes for mounting your antlers, trophy fish, full shoulder mounts, plaques for your memorable photos, plaques for awards and plaques for European Skull Mounts!

All of our plaques are handcrafted 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 4" x 6" 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 $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."

INTERESTING QUOTE: "The trouble is man's intellect has developed much faster than his morals. His machines get away from him. Game conservation can never succeed merely through repressive laws. It must be founded on a respect for living things." - Aldo Leopold

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].

** THE NASHVILLE ATTIC **

Do you enjoy backyard birding? For the best in feeders, houses, feed and accessories check out www.wildbirdshopper.com.

You can also visit us at our Ebay Store at http://stores.shop.ebay.com/Nashville-Attic .

RECIPE: SINGLE SERVE SQUIRREL

* Place the squirrel on a large piece of foil.

* Dust the meat with the garlic and onion powders and pepper inside and out. Sprinkle on a little salt. Rub spices around evenly.

* Mix the onion, celery and parsley together. Stuff the squirrel with about - of the mixture and place the rest tightly around the outside.

* Roll the squirrel up in the foil and place on a baking sheet. Cook at 350 degrees for 35 - 45 minutes or until done.

* Unroll the foil and enjoy.

We want to thank Casey Harris for sending in this recipe. For more delicious squirrel recipe go to our site at www.backwoodsbound.com/squir.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' TIP: - Catfish spend most of their time on or near the bottom moving around looking for something to eat. So fish either right on or just off the bottom for success. Try a 1/0 hook tied a couple of feet from a 3/8 - ounce weight to fish the bottom or use a slip bobber with no weight on the line and adjust it so the bait is just off the bottom. I have the most success using chicken livers for bait. - Frank Linneman

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

• We were looking at some past issues of The Bullet and realized we'vee been looking for recipes for elk and buffalo for over a year. We know someone out there has cooked elk and buffalo before and have some kick-ass recipes for them. So if you or someone you know has any, send them in. We'ree looking to expand our recipe section with new categories. Also recipes for antelope and sheep would make great additions. Our e-mail is [email protected] so send them in!

As announced last month we are offering advertising on select pages on our site. These pages are averaging over 7800 hits per month with some over 14,500 hits per month! Details are available at www.backwoodsbound.com/advertise.html. Also look for our banner on select pages as examples of where and how your ad could look.

Keep an eye on your Inbox. We'lll be announcing our new addition to our State Shaped Trophy Plaque line next week! Stay tuned.

Keep sending us your tips, stories, fun facts and recipes. We truly appreciate everything sent in. Send your stuff to [email protected].

** ART OF NATURE COLLECTIBLES **

Art of Nature Collectibles by Rustic Originals has fast become the source for custom rustic picture frames. Browse through our Spirit Series, One-of-a-Kind, Rustic Collection and Special Edition Collections of unique, hand-crafted, real wood rustic frames. Each one is a collectible!

Each frame comes complete with glass, hanging hardware and a Rustic Originals Wildlife photo for your enjoyment or add your own special photo to the frame for years of admiration. We have frames to fit most sizes of photos.

Hurry to our site at www.rustic-nature.com or www.rusticoriginals.net for the best selection!

RECIPE: BACON WRAPPED GRILLED QUAIL

* Cut slices into each side of the breasts. Stuff with pepper slices and cheese slices. Secure with toothpicks if necessary.

* Place the quail in a large bowl or ziplock bag. Pour on the dressing. Refrigerate overnight.

* Remove quail from the marinate and wrap with bacon. Secure with toothpicks.

* Place on a hot grill and baste with the mesquite marinate.

* Cook over medium heat until golden brown and the birds are cooked through.

Many thanks to Jayson Royal for sending in this recipe. To see more quail recipes visit our site at www.backwoodsbound.com/quail.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.