Turkey Hunting Never Sounded So Good

Most of us (for what ever reason) can find something to complain about. Especially when it comes to turkey hunting. Its is no doubt one of the most frustrating sports I've ever had to deal with because if anything can go wrong...it will. I'm sure many times I felt jinxed or just unlucky when it came to baggin an old long beard and I'm pretty certain I did my fair share of belly aching. Well, not anymore. Never had I just appreciated the sounds of the hunt. Hearing a tom on the roost just gobbling his head off, hens clucking, birds singing, or just the wind whistling through the blind. All of these sounds I just took for granted and (for the most part) wasnt too concerned with other than just for location purposes for my targeted bird... until I met Halye. Born into this world a healthy wide eyed bundle of energy that on the outside appeared to be normal, until her parents realized she didnt respond to voices or sounds. You can only imagine the anguish a parent would have thinking their child would go through life never hearing but for Halye, she continued to be as happy as ever, never realizing what she was missing. Anyways, by age 5 Halye had learned to communicate with sign language and gestures and for Hayle, she never let it slow her down. Shortly there after granddad Mike (pictured) was watching a 60 Minutes telecast on Cochlear Implant surgery. A new procedure that could actually allow Halye to pick up sounds. Wanting his little hunting buddy to live a normal life, he scheduled an appointment and she was an ideal candidate. The surgery was a success and Halye could actually for the first time in her life hear sounds and voices! Now 13, Halye spends every hunting season with her granddad. A couple of months ago I heared of this story and was honored when they accepted the invitation to shoot a show this past turkey season. Halye had never bagged a turkey and she was really excited to have her first video taped. We acquired the services of our own G3 Field Staffer Rick Lowry and land owner Mark Smith of Bolivar, MO to help set up the hunt and launched out on a rainy April morning. In the blind I watched Halye get so excited when hearing gobbles and commenting on the guys calling just outside. These are all sounds that I use to take for granted. The birds seemed to cooperate somewhat and after a few hours we finally got a group of jakes within range. With the guidance of granddad, Halye squeezed the trigger and bagged her first turkey. Im not sure who was more excited. We were all so proud of her and I have the upmost admiration of this young lady for never once complaining of her short comings. Its amazing how far we've come with science and technology that just a few short years ago Halye would still not be able to hear all that we take for granted. Mike and Halye make a great team and are wonderful people. We should all have someone care for us as Mike does for his little girl. She has her whole life ahead of her now and should live as normally as any of us thanks to Cochlear Implants and a granddad that wouldnt give up his fight to provide for her the best possible care.
You'll be able to see Halye's story and hunt this fall on the G3 Sportsman on FSN Midwest, FSN South, and the Sportsman Channel.

Scott Turnage/Host/G3 Sportsman TV

Island Swampers

I recently got the opportunity to hunt for the elusive swamp rabbit. Also called "cane cutters," these rabbits are a larger version of the common cottontail bunnies we are familiar with. Swampers are commonly found in river bottoms, swamps, and even islands. Their size ranges from 4-6 pounds and can give a beagle quite the challenge.
My good friend Jeff Baugus (Pickwick, TN) invited me to Tennessee recently to go with him and his trusty beagles for an island jumping swamper hunt up and down the Tennessee river.
On a snowy cold February morning, we loaded our G3 with his beagles and ran down the Tennessee river to a large island. Island? You bet. When the river floods the bottoms, swamp rabbits will cling to downed trees or debris and take root on islands. Now you would think there wouldn't be much sport in hunting anything on an island but quite the contrary when it comes to swampers. These big bunnies can make any beagle and hunter scratch his head when they leave after several good runs without as much as getting a shot. They are very smart and have keen eyesight. Also, a swamp rabbit isnt afraid to hit the water to lose the beagles or even swim to an adjacent island. I know, it happened to us more than once. We did manage to harvest a couple of these big bunnies and it was just as exciting getting to see one coming toward me as a big ole gobbler.
It was a great time and if you want to add some excitement to rabbit hunting or want to give your own beagles a work out, then try chasing swamp rabbits. A more worthy opponent you'll not find in a while.
We'll be airing this episode soon on the G3 Sportsman and look forward to our next big adventure. Until next time, we'll see you.

Scott Turnage, Host/G3 Sportsman

German Retriever...A New Breed?

As the story of this amazing dog begins to circulate in the outdoor industry I thought I should provide people with the "how the story actually began version", of the German Shepherd that retrieves ducks.
About a year and a half ago my daughter gave me this dog as an eight week old pup. She knows I have always liked black German shepherds so she located on and brought it to my house. She insist this dog came from a littler of black and tan GSD's, that were advertised as German Shepherds.
Last fall I told my doubting brothers I thought he was smart enough to learn the art of waterfowl retrieval even though he wasn't actually a waterfowl dog. As you might expect, they of course fell backwards out of their chairs laughing. When they finally picked themselves up off the floor they said; "there is no way that dog is ever going to retrieve even a single duck".
Now everyone knows I love a challenge, especially when it comes from my older brothers, but I was beginning to wonder if I had bitten off a bit more than I could chew this time, since I have never trained a retriever of any kind. Determination took over and I worked with my dog Rocket throughout the summer, just taking it one slow step at a time. When duck season arrived this fall I nervously ventured out to put his training to the real test. .
When the first duck hit the water he was out of the blind and on him with a classic retrieve that would have made any black lab in the country jealous with envy. As a matter of fact he is now running 100% on retrieves. Not only has he picked up every duck he's been asked to, but he stepped it up a notch with a double retrieve on Canada geese, getting the wounded one first mind you!
The question often comes up is he 100% German Shepherd? I don't know the answer to that because my daughter didn't get the papers on him at the time and I have no way of locating the breeders. He is obviously not a retriever but I don't tell him that, because he certainly thinks that he is.

Steve Matt/G3 Sportsman Field Staff

Bullwinkle Isnt So Friendly

It wasn't the bears that almost did me in this time, as it has been in years past. It was a bull moose that almost cleaned my clock this year. To those of you who actually know me, you are quite aware that I will do almost anything to get that quote; "one perfect photo". This years Alaska trip was going along very smoothly and although I got some great bear shots, we were never really in "extreme danger” from the brown bears this time. Each year I learn just a bit more about bears, I take a bigger gun and I am way more careful than I was the year before when it comes to hanging out with my big brown brothers.  I have recently learned there is another creature out there who has my number and wants to do me great bodily harm. During the trip I had the opportunity to get some up-close and personal photos of a big bull moose feeding on some leaves, so I jumped on it as usual. He really didn't seem to care about my presence so I slowly crept to within 20 yards and started banging away with my camera. The light was extremely poor at dusk so I set up my trusty tripod and I began working the settings on my camera from what I thought was a hidden location in a wooded ditch, that's when things went to Hell on me very quickly. He turned around and immediately charged at full speed once he figured out I was there. I dove out of the way just in time (screaming, losing my hat and breaking my tripod in my attempt to flee like scared cat). Fellow team member Aric Hein was shooting video from a much farther, but not necessarily safer distance at the same time. I figured he probably got some great video of this interesting incident, but when we reviewed the videotape all you can really see at the moment of the charge is Aric's camera pointing at the ground and a ton of turf going by under his feet. It seems, at that exact moment in time he was also fleeing for his life as well. Be sure to watch the G3 Sportsman this coming year and you'll get a look at one scared and stupid hillbilly right before he takes off running for the Ozarks just as fast as his little legs can carry him.

Steve Matt/G3 Sportsman Field Staff

Let the Hunting Season Begin

When I was growing up in the Missouri Bootheel, I would get so pumped for September 1st. This was opening day for doves and the start of the hunting season. It was a great feeling to dig out my camo and start scouting for a field to hunt.
Being from an agricultural area we never had a shortage of birds, even if none of the migratory doves had ventured into our area. Milo, corn, and even rice fields are abundant there so we always had a great place to hunt. I can remember the skies darkening with birds as they started dive-bombing over us and the fun we had giving each other a hard time missing more than we hit.
I've sinced moved from there many years ago and for whatever reason didnt return to my old stomping grounds to dove hunt for nearly 20 years...that is until last year. I joined my brother Van and cousins Duke and Richard in a fresh cut corn field (owned by another cousin Danny) near the tiny rural town of Wardell. It was fun re-living old memories in the field and yes, we made fun of each other just like when we were kids. It was so much fun I decided then to make this a yearly tradition.
This brings us to the present and as you can see in the picture above, we had yet another successful day. We've now added a new generation of Turnage hunters to our clan with Richards son Jordan. A great kid, he too has the fire in his eyes we once had and was a good sport to put up with a bunch of old time dove hunters. We've also gained a retriever (Dakota) to now chase after our downed birds and to give our tired old legs a break.
Its good to get to go back and make memories in the places of my youth. The places where I learned to hunt and fish. My family still lives there and its always good to get to spend time with them. Im lucky to be able to travel anywhere Id like in order to shoot shows but none are more special than going back home. Back to the Bootheel...back with family.

Scott Turnage/Host/G3 Sportsman

"Mississippi Blues"

On a muggy summer evening not long ago, I traveled to downtown St. Louis for a night of fun and excitement. No, I didnt go to a Cardinal game, didnt do the party scene, and didnt go to a casino. I stayed up late, spent time with a new friend, and did something Id not done in a long time. I went catfishing! Oh yeah, with the lights of the city beaming down on us and with the sounds of planes, trains, automobiles, and the occasional towboat in the distance, Captain Ron Burr of Two Rivers Guide Service took me on a very unusual fishing trip.
We launched out right at dark and started this journey by catching fresh bait. Next, we dropped anchor near one of the many grain mills that line the river bank and commenced casting out lines. Didnt take long for a nice size blue cat to start sampling our entree' of "mooneye shad" that Ron had attached to a huge circle hook. Then in a blink, wham, the battle began. Ok, now picture this, we are anchored off in swift water, trying to pull a monster catfish upstream, in a big comfortable G3 2072, at night, and with the glow of the St. Louis Arch as our backdrop. How cool was that? Seriously, Im all about doing different things and I especially love to do what I did growing up in the old Bootheel of MO. This trip really took me back to my roots and re-introduced me to one of our old time favorite fish to catch...the catfish. There are more glamorous fish to catch nowadays but most of us grew up catching and eating catfish and for whatever reason just drifted away from this species. What a rush it was to battle this giant of the deep. Yeah, we got some slime on us and yeah its a little nasty having to cut up bait but hey, its all worth it once that first bruiser gets hooked on the end of your line. So how about we escape from the norm and do something different, lets go catfishing...again.
Two Rivers Guide Service is located in Troy, MO and in close proximity to St. Louis. Ron Burr will guide you on this most memorable trip and will provide you with all you need. His contact number is 636-236-2877 and remember to bring an appetite for fun and the willingness to be excited.
Look for Capt Ron and me sometime this early fall on the G3 Sportsman.

Scott Turnage/Host/G3 Sportsman

A Fishing Legend Joins The Team

We are proud to announce that Lonnie Stanley is the newest member of the G3 Sportsman Team. A legend in the fishing industry, Lonnie brings a wealth of experience and fishing know-how to our show. For over 20 years theYamaha/Skeeter pro from Texas was a five time Bassmaster Classic qualifier, MegaBucks Champion, and show co- host on ESPN's Sportsmans Challenge, all while becoming a household name as President of the Stanley Jig Company. Talk about having a lot on your plate!
Already we have begun shooting several episodes with Lonnie and his tactics and methods will be a useful tool for all who want become a better fisherman.
Starting from scratch (literally) Lonnie started making jigs in his garage years ago to help supplement his income to further his professional fishing career. The company has now grown to be one of the top lure manufacturers in the country. Most known for jigs but new baits such as the wedgetail, or the patented ribbit frog, and the Stanley spinnerbaits are fast becoming some of the most popular in the fishing world.
A humble man, Lonnie is very approachable and always a favorite at seminars and shows. We look forward to the possibilities and blessed to have such a great man grace our show.

Scott Turnage
Host/G3 Sportsman TV

Texas Size Fun

Did you know that the crappie was voted as one of the top 3 favorite species of fish to catch? Now I didnt get a vote on this, but if I had they would have been ranked even higher. So why is this? Crappie really dont give up much of a fight and they rarely bite hard enough for even the mildest of hook sets. They dont get really big in size and are basically easy to catch, so why is it come spring just about everyone loves to fish for them? Well, mainly because they just taste so darn good.
Recently, I had the pleasure of getting to fish for crappie in the great state of Texas with my friend "Uncle" Bill Fondren. Big Bill owns and operates the Tejas Guide Service on Rayburn Lake just north of Jasper. Now crappie fishing with Bill is definitely a treat. Not only are you going to catch fish, but you're guaranteed a great time. He spends countless hours on the water strategically sinking hundreds of brush and tree tops in many locations in order to assure 100% success for his clients. Heck Id been happy with half that, but not with Bill, he makes sure everyone leaves with a limit...everytime! The people there are so friendly and everyone makes you feel right home. You'll not be treated any finer by anyone or anywhere in your travels as at the Tejas Lodge. Bill is the guide and entertainment director. His cheerful personality and quick wit is what makes him so unique. Even when the fishing may slow for a bit, you wont mind due in part to the many stories he tells and the one-liners that just roll off his tongue.
Fishing from his big G3 pontoon is like being on the back deck of your home. Its very comfortable with room to roam about and spacious enough for the entire family or group to fish on together. I do have to warn you, you'll be catchin' crappie fast and furious so just make sure that someone will be on guard to raise the lid of the cooler frequently. It will fill up fast.
So if you are in need of a change or simply just want to have the most fun you could ever have catching fish, I strongly suggest calling Bill Fondren. Immediately upon hearing his voice you'll want to travel to Texas and meet this unique man in person. He's a great man, a fine fisherman, and above all, my dear friend. You'll see what I mean when you book your first trip trip with him.
Look for Bill on some upcoming shows and for more information on the Tejas Guide Service just give Bill a call at 409-698-3491.

Scott Turnage
Host/G3 Sportsman TV

Its that time of year again.

Once again another spring is upon us and we eagerly anticipate the upcoming turkey season. Climbing out of bed well before dawn, theres still a bit of winters nip in the air and you wonder if another layer of clothes may have not been a bad idea. We have all our gear, blind, calls, decoys, gun, and shells packed neatly so we are set and ready to begin the hunt. You have the ideal spot picked out and its a guarantee that old big boy will be marching right to you for that perfect shot. Yep, its all gonna work out...right? Well more times than not it never does go according to plan. Oh yeah, they're gobbling their heads off on the roost and they may even pitch down in the field you are set up in, so why on earth isnt he coming to your calls? Your scratchin off calls that are truly better sounding than any "real" hen could make. Whats the deal? Hens, thats why and plenty of them. This romeo that you are tryin to get away from his harem just aint gonna budge and you watch him slowly walk away and out of sight. "Man I hate this turkey hunting crap!" How many times has this been said?
I know its been said way too many times on some of our hunts and having to video hunts can really be frustrating. Well, Ive basically come to the conclusion that if you cant get the hens to come your way and thus bring the big man with them, just make an end run and out flank him. To some of you this sounds like more work than neccessary but in Missouri our shooting hour stops at 1pm so we cant wait till they break off from the hens late in the day (like most states) and coax him into a little afternoon delight. This seems to be our most effective way and it certainly was the case with my gobbler seen in the picture. We watched them walk from field to field and finally found a draw they were certainly going to be using and set up in a creek bank. The ambush was perfect and they walked in on a string. Im sure there are easier ways and Ill bet some of you are more experienced callers, having no trouble in any situation but to us novice hunters the flanking manuever seems to work...for the most part anyway.
I do love turkey season but I too can get as aggravated at this as I can golf. Come to think of it they are kinda similar. Spend good money and time only to get frustrated but then you have that one good shot and thats what keeps you coming back for more. I know I'll be out there again and I bet it wont be easy but it wont stop me from trying. Go get em' and dont be afraid to out flank them. The extra walking will be good for the heart especially when it works out.
A special thanks to Rick Lowry (Bolivar MO) and Mark Lamb (Springfield MO) for busting their butts in making my hunt successful.

Good hunting.

Scott Turnage
Host/G3 Sportsman

Isnt this a Walleye?

It appears many of you think the picture here is of a Walleye but actually its a Sauger. They are the smaller cousins of the Walleye but every bit as fun to catch and eat. These tasty critters roam the Tennessee River and the folks there keep the ramps full when the Sauger start their yearly migrate to spawn.
On a recent trip to Savannah Tenn for Smallmouth, Aric Hein (pictured) and I found ourselves caught up in the Sauger craze. The locals were still catching them and couldnt believe we werent down there to do the same. Not wanting to offend, we eagerly ran our G3 down the scenic river near Shilou Military National Park and quickly dropped in a line.
We basically looked for some of the local fishermen, watched, listened, and joined right in drifting just off the channel. It was pretty simple, all in a straight line drifting to a certain spot then motor back upstream to start a new drift. The presentation was to simply bounce the "sauger jig" (1 1/2 oz) tipped with a Gene Larew long john slowly up and down. There was no doubt when they hit and for their size they give a pretty fair fight.
The time to catch Sauger in TN is during the months of November to April. Early in the season they are close to the dam and as the it starts to draw to a close they are found more down river. The daily limit is 10 per person and very easy to clean.
A special thanks goes out to the Broken Spoke restaurant in Counce TN who cooked up our days bounty and we enjoyed one of the best meals we had ever had. I strongly suggest you plan a trip to Savannah TN and get in on Sauger craze. You'll love to catch them and it may be hard to actually come home with any filets. You can make a pig of yourself.

Scott Turnage/Host of the G3 Sportsman

Live Baitin' Brownies

From October to March, big smallmouth roam the river banks feeding on as many shad as their fat bellies can hold. The Tennessee River below Pickwick Dam gives you the best opportunity to land a trophy brownie. Over the years I've had the pleasure of getting to fish there many times. Mostly successful, I've boated numerous fish over 5lbs and the largest being 8.2lbs back in October of 1997.
Drift fishing the current is the ideal method. Usually I'll start about a mile down from the dam, position the boat around 20ft from the bank, and cast a split shot rig as close to the rocks as possible. Then, I'll just drift, holding the rod tip high and bounce the rig off the rocky bottom.
I like to catch shad with a throw net but the "store bought" shiners work well too. I simply hook the minnow on a #3 bait hook, 8# Hi-Vis line, and a 7' spinning rig. Why Hi-Vis? For one, I cant see regular mono line. This is a must to be able to see your line as you drift. The Smallies lie in ambush mode behind the larger rocks positioning themselves for a quick strike when bait fish swim by. Usually its not a hard strike but simply sucking in the shad with little effort. Watching my line I can see it stop or move upstream. Thats when I set the hook. A lot of time it is a rock that fooled me but I dont take any chances. Needless to say, I tie new rigs quite often.
You can catch these strong fighters with artificial bait too but I enjoy changing it up every so often and the chances of a really big one increases by using live bait. That is why I go and you should too this next fall.

Scott Turnage/Host of the G3 Sportsman

Speaking of Alaska

"I day dreamed of seeing Alaska my entire life and when I was finally able to explore that vast and untamed wilderness, the day dreams simply could not do her justice. It was absolutely beyond my wildest expectations".

I have been so fortunate in my life that I often wonder just exactly what miracle I performed, what life I saved or what act of grace I have bestowed upon humanity to deserve such rewards. I have been so many amazing places and seen so many wonderful things that I was beginning to think I had nearly seen it all.
Not so my friends, in my opinion Alaska stands alone and I know quite well I have barely scratched the surface of this amazing geographic area after only five weeks there.
Although it's true I am an angler first, a hunter second and a photographer third, I am above all an explorer. To me there is nothing like setting foot on new country. Any turf I have never walked on before is always prime country for checking out and if few others have explored it before me; well that just makes it sweeter.
I've been an outdoorsman all my life and I've certainly enjoyed the best of the best in the outdoors. I've hunted game, protected wildlife from poachers and sat in amazement as I observed animals from a hidden location’s all over the country. Nothing up to the day I actually set foot in Alaska really prepared me for the splendor and outdoor opportunities of the region. The eye candy is quite frankly jaw-dropping in every direction.
Before I left on my first trip, one of the management personnel at the I.G.F.A (International Game Fish Association) said to me; " I promise you Steve, you are going to think you died and went to fishing heaven", as I later learned, she could not have spoken truer words.
Rainbow Trout, Halibut, Dolly Varden, Artic Char, Ling Cod, Grayling and more Salmon species than you can shake a stick at were all there waiting for me when I arrived. Not only were they abundant in great numbers, they were bigger and better than the best midnight fishing dream I have ever had.
In my neighborhood if someone catches a Rainbow that pushes six pounds everyone comes out to see it. In Alaska eight pound Rainbows are common and only those above fifteen get a second look from the locals. Now imagine catching one over sixteen pounds on a fly rod and I think you can begin to get a grasp on the magnitude of the fishing opportunities Alaska has to offer.
I know quite well that Africa is the ultimate goal of all big game hunters and I certainly plan to get there someday myself. I'm also keenly aware that salt water fishing truly rocks and I never turn down a chance to have a trip on the deep waters of the Gulf. Everything you catch there seems to be eaten by something even bigger and the worry is never; "will I hook something really cool today", but rather; "will I actually get this fish to the boat before something else out there just rips it to pieces".
Every outdoor place is special in its own way and that is what I love so much about our great county, but Alaska is now firmly in my heart and forever there she will remain.
For an amazing fishery, in one of the last unspoiled wildernesses setting in the world, you simply can not go wrong booking a fishing trip in ALASKA!

Steve Matt, G3 Field Staff, Berryville, AR

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.