Kansas has the "Big Boys"

G3 Sportsman production coordinator Paul Matt is a lucky man! Not only does he have family in Kansas that allows him to hunt where we only dream of but he actually got one of these bruiser bucks close enough for a shot.
Bow hunting for nearly a month Paul was having only smaller bucks come in range while having to watch monsters pass him by in the distance. The start of the rifle season wasnt much better in the beginning and he was starting to think he wasnt going to get a shot at anything. Then it started to snow and did it ever. Over a foot! This was now what he was needing. No longer will these big bucks lay up all day and feed at night. "They will have to come out now, just where though." Paul thought.
Having several stands to choose from and (Im sure) a lot of praying, Paul chose a spot that offered him the best vantage point on the property. The only problem was the stand he chose just happened to be the oldest. "Its a roll of the dice if the stand even holds me but I have to try, its my best chance". So as any great hunter would do armed with this information, he invited G3 Field Staffer Aric Hein to run camera and long time friend Dr. Piper to join him in the stand. "This will be adventure hunting" Paul told them, so after a few moments of positioning inside the blind and making sure the weight was evenly distributed, they noticed a group of does come into sight. Several minutes passed when this big guy came into the field offering his services to any doe that was receptive.
Now the stage was set for Paul to get his first Kansas trophy and with everyone in their proper places in the blind all he had to do was to make a good shot, which he did.
A more perfect 8 point you'll not find and we were all proud of his accomplishment. He never gave up and his persistence paid off in the end. Way to go Paul, you lucky dog.
You can watch this hunt unfold on the G3 Sportsman later this fall.

Photo by: Steve Matt

Scott Turnage/Host of the G3 Sportsman

Little Guys with Big Bucks

Anytime you can harvest a nice buck is an accomplishment for any hunter. When you can take a kid and they can get a buck of any size, now thats a memory that lasts a lifetime.

These two young hunters pictured are now deer hunters! Both have great dads that take the time to get their boys out of the house to teach them about hunting, patience, and the outdoors. Hunting as we know it depends on our young sportsmen. We have all been taught by our dads and granddads and now its our turn to share our knowledge to the kids of today.

I realize its a different time we live in. Quite different from even when I was young. In my day we hunted by ourselves. Long gone are those times and its sad that we have to keep our children so close but that can also give us the opportunity to spend quality time teaching our kids hunting and fishing. Im sure you can still remember that first buck you shot or that first big bass you landed all by yourself. Those are the memories we will always remember but when you can experience a kids first trophy hunt, then those are memories we cherish.

In this hustle bustle world we live in today, we can still find the time to take a kid hunting and fishing. If you could spend just a few hours a week during the hunting season and teach your little hunter of the outdoors you'll make memories that will last for a lifetime.

You can watch one of these great hunts soon on the G3 Sportsman on FSN Midwest and the Sportsman Channel.

Scott Turnage/Host of the G3 Sportsman

Pheasant Hunting South Dakota is a Blast

South Dakota has the pheasants

I had often heard that there are more pheasants in South Dakota than people. I can now be one of those that can say it is true. Without question, pheasant hunting the plains of South Dakota is truly an adventure I shall not soon forget.
Recently, I was blessed to have been given this opportunity to hunt wild pheasants via an invite from Grandview Media of Birmingham, Alabama. Who is Grandview Media? Well, they are the publishers of the likes of Mossy Oak's Hunting the Country, Cabela's Outfitter Journal, and the Southern Sporting Journal to name a few. Trust me, it was truly an honor to get to hunt with such a diverse group of outdoor enthusiasts.
Grandview's Barry Lovette, Scott Fowler, Colin Moore, Brent Kizzire, and Stephen Statham along with myself and G3 Field Pro Steve Matt were pleasantly introduced to "real" pheasant hunting at Halverson's Hunts in Kennebac SD. Owner Steve Halverson has (by far) the best facility, land, and staff of any outfitter in South Dakota....period! Over 6000 acres of the most scenic land your eyes will ever see, loaded with literally thousands of mature wild phesants, an abundant supply of mule deer, countless trophy white tails, sharp tail grouse, and some of the biggest jack rabbits you'll ever encounter. A true sportsman's paradise.
November and December are prime months and if you like wing shooting at its finest, you'll think you've been dropped off in Heaven once you arrive at Halverson's. Immediately into the hunt you are capable of seeing more pheasants in one field than you've ever seen in a lifetime of hunting anywhere else. Birds are being flushed in every direction, shooting is fast and furious, and the dog work is worth the price of admission itself. Under the watchful eye of Steve, each hunt is carefully planned out to where all hunters will have countless opportunities to harvest birds. Whether you're a "walker" or "blocker", there will be numerous birds flying in your direction.
Now dont get me wrong, this isnt shooting fish in a barrel. When I say these birds are wild, I mean they are wild! You better have your "A" game on or your buddies will give you the dickens when you miss a few. (I know I heard enough of it) Nonetheless, its an incredible hunt and you owe it to yourself to call Halverson's and experience this adventure that you'll cherish forever. The scenery alone is worth the trip and I'll bet you'll plan for your next trip before you leave.
You'll be able to watch this trip on the G3 Sportsman in early 2007 on FSN Midwest and the Sportsman Channel.

Scott Turnage/Host of the G3 Sportsman

Chasin After Bushy Tails

Small game in the big timber

The hunting season is usually started with the beginning of dove season but if you're eager to get in the woods then I'd recommend squirrel hunting. Yep, shooting a mess of squirrels can be a blast and will also get you some practice sneakin around in the timber. Getting into the woods in late August or early September could be a great way to scout around in new areas for your next deer or turkey hunt as well.
Squirrels can be pretty tasty if prepared right. I prefer to boil them for a while first to soften or tenderize the meat, then simpy roll them in a little flour and fry em up. A few biscuits and some gravy and you got yourself a fine meal.
We all hunted them as kids and I'll bet most of you havent hunted squirrels in years. Its a great way to get kids started in hunting and will probably remind you of few great memories you had when you were younger.
Small gauge shotguns or a .22 rifle can make for a challenging hunt, especially in big timber. Dont take for granted that its always easy in baggin a limit. Gray squirrels are very skiddish and they can make even the most seasoned woodsman look silly. Give it a try again. Ill bet you might just like it.
You can see an episode next season on the G3 Sportsman and we'll show you just how much fun squirrel hunting can be.

Scott Turnage/Host of the G3 Sportsman

Tribute to the Crocodile Hunter

Not Jaws but still eerie!

With the recent passing of Steve Irwin (a.k.a. Crocodile Hunter), Im reminded of just how spooky it was handling this shark. Mind you now, it wasnt a huge one but about any shark can leave a mark if they bite you...or worse!
This, my first shark expedition, was in Southern Florida this past spring on a photo/video shoot for G3 Boats. Getting to tag along with our own staff adventure hunter Steve Matt was quite the experience. If its dangerous, he's in. He may not like it or wished he'd not volunteered afterwards but he'll finish the job. Sharks to him were childs play. Id never caught a shark before and (to say the least) never handled one so my curiosity level was quite high to do both.
The morning started early, no wait, REALLY early. At the dock to meet the guide, Mr. Angel Torres of Vicious Strikes Charters at 3:30 am! Exchanged pleasantries, then across the bay, in the darkness of a unfamiliar body of water. Just Stevie, me, and our G3 1860. Did I mention it was really dark?
Anyways, we reached our destination and the guide (who by the way was in a really BIG boat) handed Stevie and I two rods, a 3 pack of frozen mullet, and a chum bag. Thats it! Showed us how to bait up and demonstrated the proper technique of hanging the chum bag. (Stunk to high heaven) He then said "keep shakin the chum bag and a shark will be around shortly", then cranked his big Yamaha and said "we'll go scout for tarpon, call us when you get one on"...and left us! Alone! In the dark!
"What do we do if we get a big one hooked" Stevie asked. "Just hang on and keep an open bail, they can flip your boat over" our guide said as he was heading away into the darkness. "I dont like the sound of that" we both said simultaneously, but being the troopers we are, we stuck it out, but then, we had no other choice but to.
Its a spooky feeling being on a big body of water, at night, trying to hook a shark, so, I got out the video camera and began shooting our experience and possible demise.
Just after day break, Stevie hooked this particular shark and we definitely proved again, just how tough and reliable these G3 Boats really are. It all worked out great and no one got hurt
...including the shark.
It was quite the experience and if you love adventure, then I strongly recommend shark fishing. Here's our tribute to you Crocodile Hunter, may you rest in peace, though I doubt you do.
Dont forget to check us out on FSN Midwest at 8am Sundays for the G3 Sportsman.

Scott Turnage/Host of the G3 Sportsman

Wait a second...what kinda doves are these?

What appears to be a "new" dove migrating its way into the Midwest is actually the Eurasion Collard Dove (aka Ringneck Dove). Named primarily due to the distinctive black band circling the back of their neck.
Apparently, these birds made their way from South America up to the islands south of the Florida Keys and southern Texas. The first sign of these doves was sometime in the 70's and were very popular for exotic bird watchers. They've since migrated their way north and seem to be more abundant in suburban areas. Unlike our mourning doves, they prefer the city life and rarely feed in grain fields. I know they've been in SE MO for a few years now because my Granddad used to complain that they were pigs at his bird feeders.
If they are in your area and look to bag some, you'll have to find a field very close to town in order to get a shot at one. They are opportunists and prefer bird feeders. Plus, check regulations in your state to see if they are actually legal to shoot.
They are however aggressive and legend has it they kill young mourning doves and take over the nest. Ive no concrete proof about this but have been told from eye witnesses of such encounters. I can say, that they are easy targets. They are not as fast of flyers as what we are used to doves being and they are much larger.
Anyways, on a recent trip back home to the MO Bootheel for opening day, I was long over due to visit with my family. It was fun getting to hunt with my brother (Van pictured), cousins Duke Turnage(Primos Prostaff), and his brother Richard. Those guys are used to seeing these birds and was no big deal to them, but for me, this was my first encounter and I can tell you that they are definitely a more handsome bird than their cousins. Not sure yet if they'll taste the same so I'll have to report on that later.

Scott Turnage/Host of the G3 Sportsman

Caviar anyone?

If you are looking for something different, then I'd strongly suggest giving spoonbill fishing a try. Spoonbill? Yep, you're reading it right. Without a doubt the fastest growing fishing fun in the Midwest is spoonbilling.
These odd looking creatures grow to mammoth weights and will give the angler all he wants when trying to pull one of these monsters from the bottom.
Spoonbill (or paddlefish) is not a member of the catfish family like most think but closer relative to the mighty sturgeon. Catching them is very different from most species of bottom feeders (such as catfish). Feeding on primarily plankton, they cant be caught traditionally with baits like shad, worms, liver, etc. so they have to be snagged.
Armed with heavy tackle, the angler stands near the back of the boat dragging the heavy sinker and barbless treble hook across the bottom using a sweeping action, thus snagging the fish.
Call it odd, unusual, or even primitive but you'll certainly call it exciting when you land your first one.
Using our new camo G3 1860 CC, the field staff crew of Steve Matt, Mike Englemeyer, and myself experienced our first spoonbill snag recently on Grand Lake near Grove OK and were we pleasantly suprised at how fun this was and how big these monsters of deep could be.
Guide Joel Buss of Joels Fishing Guide Service furnished his services and immediately had us on fish. Young in age but well beyond his years, Joel is very diverse and offers some great angling on Grand Lake in OK and Beaver Lake in AR.
Check out his website at www.beaverlakeguideservice.com and give this young man a call to book a trip and experience this great adventure for yourself.
Watch for this action on the new G3 Sportsman this summer on FSN Midwest.
Sunday mornings at 8 am.

Is there a more fun fish to catch?

Small rivers produce huge Whites
Photo by Steve Matt

One of the first species of game fish to migrate their way into the shallows for spawn are the scrappy white bass.
As water temps begin to climb into the 50's, the white bass can be caught on shoals and sandy flats in rivers arms and creek channels off main lakes. Grubs, small crankbaits, and jigs are ideal baits to use. Slow steady retrieves with an occassional popping or jerking action can mimic bait fish and once you catch one, chances are you'll hook several.
Spinning reels are ideal and our choice of equipment was the Pflueger Presidents model with a 6 1/2 to 7ft light action rod. 4 or 6 pound test usually works best, allowing the light lures to fall slow enough to give it a more natural presentation. Plus, with smaller baits, a lighter line allows you to be able to cast farther as well.
The average white bass will usually weigh between 1-3 pounds but in some areas 4 pounders or more are not uncommon.
On a recent trip into the Natural State (AR), fellow G3 Field Staff member Steve Matt put myself, his bother Paul, and friend Terry Mattox on some monster whites.
Rigged with the new G3 Eagle 175 Panfish (Yamaha 60 hp 4 stroke), we had the ideal boat for navigating our way up the small creek arm. None weighed under 2 pounds, with the largest tipping the scales at nearly 5lbs! Thank goodness our G3's had two livewells onboard! Fish this size can fill one up pretty quick.
So what are you waiting for? Get out there as soon as you can and start patroling the shallows for (without question) the most fun game fish to catch.

Why aren't you crappie fishing...now!

While ole man winter still has his grip on us here in the Midwest, we dont let a little cold weather keep us from catching nice crappie.
An unusually mild January has kept water temps around 42 degrees on the lakes in the Ozarks and the crappie are staging in the creeks and coves.
Anglers are coming out of winter hibernation and filling their live wells with better than average fish.
Having an exceptional spawn in the springs of 2003 & '04, has now produced some mature crappie that would rival any southern lake. Reports of 14-16 inch crappie are common now and (as you can see) my photo speaks for itself.
Some fishermen have been drifting minnows over flats and creek channels but I've been fishing pea gravel flats and pole timber in depths of 4-9 feet using soft plastic grubs and tubes.
Crappie arent schooled as well now as in the spring so you'll have to cover a little area in order to catch a limit but with a little patience most anyone can be successful.
The ideal boat for these conditions would be like the G3 1756 Deluxe. Light and easy to manuever, big livewell, and ample storage will make your day on the water a breeze.
So if you have cabin fever and tired of only having "honey do's" to keep you busy, then you really have a reason now to get to the lake. Bring home a mess of crappie for supper and you'll be a hit around your home...guarantee it!
Let me know how the fishin is on your home lake and watch for some hot crappie action later this year on the G3 Sportsman.
Sunday mornings at 8 on FSN Midwest. Photo by Steve Matt