Phil Lilley

Out of our control. The owner has tried to fix it without success.

This group has classes to train and certify people to use chain saws on their crews. It's for safety and insurance reasons.

I'd vote for hybrid blue gill, hybrid white bass. Yellow perch would top my list. Cutts and brooks - I'd love to see them but MDC has said no way so I'm not gonna bother.

Michigan steelies are great... there's alot of rivers that get a late fall, winter and spring runs. There's alot of internet sites that talk about steelhead fishing... http://steelheadsite.com/forums/ here's one. I heard the Muskegon was really hot last month, also the Grand just outside Grand Rapids. Here's another one- http://www.fishbaldwin.com/ This is a fly shop on the Pere Marquette.

We're been praying... do we have a baby?

My dad bought and equiped a chain saw trailer last summer. It's now in use with others in the Joplin/Carthage/Jasper area. He went and helped yesterday in Jasper. I'm sure I can find out what their schedule is for next week if anyone want to pull brush. I may go and help a day or two. You can't saw unless you're certified... 8 hours of class. But there's plenty to do pulling brush. Lots of damage.

I'd think the water level would have been good for floating. It was down?

Bull Shoals CC meeting rescheduled BULL SHOALS — A City Council meeting in Bull Shoals was rescheduled for 7 p.m. Monday at City Hall. Under its usual schedule, the meeting would have been next Thursday, and Monday would have been a workshop meeting.

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Wildlife Department schedules public hearings 2007 Youth writing competition winners announced Oklahoma sportsmen have additional doe days six years running Outdoor Calendar Fishing Report Wildlife Department schedules public hearings The Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation will be holding public hearings across the state Jan. 7-10, 2008 to collect input on proposed hunting and fishing regulation changes. Sportsmen are encouraged to attend and voice their opinions on proposals, which range from certain deer hunting regulation changes to changes in size and daily limits on some fish. Several of the proposals involve adjustments to deer seasons and deer bag limits both statewide and in designated areas. One proposal would allow deer archery hunters to harvest a deer of either sex during the period from Jan. 1-15. Currently, only antlerless deer may be taken during that time period. Also involving deer archery season is a proposal to increase the number of deer that can be harvested by archers from four deer to six deer. Another proposal would open deer gun season to the same as statewide season dates on Broken Bow, Honobia Creek, Three Rivers and Ouachita wildlife management areas. Other hunting-related proposals include the following: * Changing the deer gun season limits and muzzleloader season limits on Keystone and Skiatook WMAs so that the limit on each season would be one antlered and one antlerless deer. * Changing the muzzleloader season at Lexington WMA to allow for the harvest of antlerless deer the second Saturday and Sunday of the season. Currently, deer muzzleloader season on Lexington WMA is limited to antlered deer only. * Allowing those persons certified to use a crossbow to use a device that permits a bow to be held mechanically at full or partial draw for archery hunting. * Clarifying that persons with disabilities and youth hunters are eligible to draw more than one controlled hunt per year and clarifying permit requirements (nonambulatory or motor vehicle permits) for those applying for the Deer Hunts for Persons with Disabilities category of the Controlled Hunts program. A slate of other wildlife and hunting-related items will be open for discussion during the public hearings across the state, including allowing the use of poison to control prairie dogs on public land, establishing rules regarding the nuisance control programs for beaver and coyote and the Feral Hog Depredation Program and others. To view the complete agenda for the public hearings, log on to wildlifedepartment.com. Among the fishing-related proposals is one to exempt spotted bass from length limits and to remove the bag limit on spotted bass statewide, except in certain streams. Another proposal would limit the harvest of alligator gar to one fish per angler per day statewide, except from April 1 - June 15, when fishing for alligator gar would be catch and release only. Other fishing-related items are on the public hearing agenda as well, such as tightening restrictions on dealing with invasive aquatic species, adjusting definitions related to limbline angling and making permanent a currently established emergency rule requiring paddlefish anglers to carry a free paddlefish permit. Those unable to attend the hearings are encouraged to send their comments by mail to: Attn: Proposed hunting and fishing regulation changes – Wildlife Department, P.O. Box 53465, Oklahoma City, OK 73152. All comments are weighted equally whether received in writing or delivered at the public hearings. Comments will be accepted at this address until 4:30 p.m. on Jan. 25. The following is a list of public hearing dates, times and locations. The public is encouraged to attend. Date: Jan. 7, 2008 Time: 7 p.m. Ada – Pontotoc County Technology Center, 601 W. 33rd Jenks – Tulsa Technology Center, 801 E. 91st St. Lawton – Lawton Public Library, 110 SW 4th Oklahoma City – Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation Auditorium – 1801 N. Lincoln Blvd. Date: Jan. 8, 2008 Time: 7 p.m. Clinton – City Hall, 415 Gary Blvd. Durant – Durant Fish Hatchery Meeting Room, 2021 Caddo Hwy Enid – Central Fire Station, 410 W. Garriot Date: Jan. 9, 2008 Time: 7 p.m. Miami – Miami Civic Center, 129 5th Ave NW Date: Jan. 10, 2008 Time: 7 p.m. Guymon – OSU Extension Center, 301 N. Main Hugo – Kiamichi Tech Center, 107 South 15th St. Okmulgee – East Central Electric Co-op, 2001 S. Wood Dr. (U.S. Hwy 75) -30- 2007 Youth writing competition winners announced The results of the annual youth writing contest focused on Oklahoma's hunting heritage were recently announced by the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation and the Oklahoma Station Chapter of Safari Club International. "This year, contestants got to choose between two different topics — 'Hunting: Sharing the Heritage' or 'What I like about Archery in the Schools and Bowhunting' — and we got some great entries," said Colin Berg, education supervisor for the Wildlife Department. "As is the case with this contest every year, Oklahoma youth showed a solid connection with the heritage of hunting in Oklahoma. The sport of hunting is in good hands for the future." Winners in the ages 11-14 category were Joshua Mouser of McLoud and Hannah Stevens of Overbrook. Winners in the ages 15-17 category were Zack Ellison of Coweta and Elissa Stiles of Collinsville. "The younger winners receive a scholarship to the YO Ranch Apprentice Hunter Program in Texas," Berg said. "Our senior age category winners will receive an all-expenses-paid antelope hunt in New Mexico." The scholarship to the YO Ranch Apprentice Hunter Program and expenses for the antelope hunts are covered by the Oklahoma Station Chapter of Safari Club International with funds raised at the Chapter's annual banquet. The youth writing competition is designed to promote America's hunting heritage among Oklahoma's youth. It provides them an opportunity to express the importance of hunting in their lives and to affirm their commitment to carrying on the hunting tradition. Students use the essays or short stories to relive memorable hunts, to explain why hunting is important to them and to recognize mentors who have influenced them to grow as hunters. "I wish to thank all the young people who took the time and effort to participate in this essay contest," said Sam Munhollon, past president and education representative for the Oklahoma Station Chapter of SCI. "One of our greatest challenges is finding ways to encourage young people to get away from the sedentary activities and get into the woods to explore and appreciate nature. The contest provides a great forum for inciting students to gain insight from more than just the classroom. These contest winners will, by being published in local newspapers and the 'Safari Trails' newsletter, become eligible to participate in the Norm Strung Outdoor Writers Association National Youth Essay Contest. Winners of that contest are awarded cash prizes and scholarships. I am very proud of our Oklahoma students. In the 14 years since the inception of this essay contest, Oklahoma essay contest winners have placed each year in the finals of the Norm Strung Outdoor writers Association National Youth Essay Contest." The Wildlife Department and the Oklahoma Station Chapter of Safari Club International will submit the winning essays to the National Youth Writing Contest held annually by the Outdoor Writers Association of America. -30- Oklahoma sportsmen have additional doe days during the holidays for six years running For the sixth year in a row, hunters will have an additional six days of antlerless deer hunting during the holidays, providing sportsmen with extra time afield as well fulfilling important deer harvest objectives. The season dates will be right before the Christmas and New Year's Day holidays — Dec. 21-23 and Dec. 28-30 — and will be open in most of the state, excluding most of the panhandle and portions of southeast Oklahoma. For a map of Oklahoma's antlerless deer hunt zones and to see which counties will be open for the antlerless season, consult page 17 of the "2007-08 Oklahoma Hunting Guide." "The holiday antlerless deer season is a good time to get out and harvest a doe," said Jerry Shaw, big game biologist for the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation. "The colder weather should have them moving around a little more than they did earlier in the deer season. When temperatures become colder, deer need to eat more to maintain health, which usually leads to more activity. That in turn can increase a hunter's chance of seeing deer from their hunting stands." To participate in the antlerless deer gun season, resident hunters must possess a valid hunting license and a fishing and hunting legacy permit, unless exempt, as well as a special antlerless deer gun license. Resident lifetime hunting or combination license holders are exempt from purchasing these licenses. Resident youth hunters 16 or 17 years old must purchase a hunting license, and all youth under 18 years of age may purchase a $10 youth special antlerless deer gun license. Nonresident deer hunters are exempt from a hunting license, but they must possess a nonresident special antlerless deer gun license and a fishing and hunting legacy permit or proof of exemption. Nonresident lifetime license holders are not exempt from purchasing deer licenses. In addition, hunters participating in the special antlerless deer season must comply with the hunter orange requirements for the regular deer gun season. Archery hunters and those hunting most other species in open special antlerless zones must wear either a hunter orange hat or upper garment while hunting. According to Shaw, the special antlerless deer gun season has several valuable benefits to hunters, among them the creation of hunting memories and a smart approach to conservation. "Hunting for does during the holidays can be a way to bring the family together for another trip to the deer woods, but it also plays an important role in managing our herd health and population dynamics," Shaw said. To learn more about this year's antlerless deer season, refer to the "2007-08 Oklahoma Hunting Guide" or log on to wildlifedepartment.com. -30- OUTDOOR CALENDAR DECEMBER 21-23; 28-30: Special Antlerless Deer Gun Season: Consult the current "Oklahoma Hunting Guide" for details. Seasons on public lands may vary from statewide seasons. Consult WMA regulations beginning on page 34 of the "Oklahoma Hunting Guide." JANUARY 7: The Wildlife Conservation Commission meeting is set for 9 a.m. at the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation headquarters (auditorium) located at the southwest corner of 18th and North Lincoln, Oklahoma City. 15: Last day of 2007-08 deer archery season. Seasons on public lands may vary from statewide seasons. Consult WMA regulations beginning on page 34 of the "Oklahoma Hunting Guide." 31: Last day of 2007-08 squirrel season. Seasons on public lands may vary from statewide seasons. Consult WMA regulations beginning on page 34 of the "Oklahoma Hunting Guide." FISHING REPORT FOR DECEMBER 13, 2007 CENTRAL Thunderbird: Elevation normal, water clear. Crappie good on minnows and jigs at 8-10 ft. on structure. Saugeye are reportedly hitting some after dark on minnows off points. Report submitted by Tony Woodruff, game warden stationed in Cleveland County. NORTHEAST Eucha: Elevation normal and rising, water 49 and dingy. Crappie fair on jigs and minnows around brush and structure at 16-18 feet. Largemouth fair on spinner baits. Report submitted by Dwight Moore, City of Tulsa Fisheries. Greenleaf: Elevation normal, water clear. Crappie fair at fishing dock and brush structure on minnows and jigs; black bass fair on plastic worms and jig-n-worms; catfish fair on stinkbait and cut shad on the bottom. Report submitted by Lark Wilson, game warden stationed in Muskogee County. Spavinaw: Elevation normal and rising, water 50 and clear. Crappie fair on jigs and minnows around the dam area. Largemouth fair on spinnerbaits. Report submitted by Dwight Moore, City of Tulsa Fisheries. Webbers Falls. Elevation normal, water murky. Crappie good at brush structure and bridges on minnows and jigs; catfish fair on stinkbait and cut shad on the bottom; black bass slow along riprap along creek channels on plastic worms and jig-n-worms. Report submitted by Lark Wilson, game warden stationed in Muskogee County. NORTHWEST Canton: Elevation normal. Crappie fair on minnows and jigs near brush piles. Report submitted by Mark Walker, game warden stationed in Blaine County. SOUTHEAST Arbuckle: Elevation 1 1/2 ft below normal, water 54 degrees and stained. White bass good at 28-35 ft at mouths of coves. Crappie good on 1/4 oz. strataspoons at brush piles and mid-lake drop-offs. Bass fishing fair to good on dropshot, crankbaits in crawdad pattern, and bass jig. Report submitted by Jack Melton. Blue River: Elevation normal, water 46 and clear. Bass slow on minnows and flies. Catfish fair on liver and worms. Trout good on power baits, super dupers, roostertails and mealworms. Report submitted by Charles Baker, technician at Blue River Public Fishing and Hunting Area. Broken Bow: Largemouth and smallmouth bass good on jigs and worms around points and islands. Catfish good on jugs with sunfish. Crappie fair on minnows and jigs around structure. Walleye biting on deep-running crankbaits after dark around islands and points. Report submitted by Dru Polk, game warden stationed in McCurtain County. Eufaula: Elevation 2 ft. below normal, water clear. Largemouth bass slow. White bass slow. Blue catfish fair on shad drifting deep flats. Crappie fair on jigs and minnows at 10-20 ft. near boat docks. Report submitted by Ed Rodebush, game warden stationed in McIntosh County. Hugo: Elevation normal, water 58. Bass and catfish slow. Crappie fair on minnows along the river channel. Report submitted by Joe Young, game warden stationed in Atoka County. Konawa: Elevation normal, water 49 and clear. Largemouth bass fair on crankbaits at 5-10 ft. in discharge canals. Channel catfish fair on chicken livers at 15 ft. in discharge canals. Report submitted by Daryl Howser, game warden stationed in Seminole County. McGee Creek: Elevation one ft. below normal, 58 degrees, and clear. Largemouth bass fair on soft plastic lures off rocky points. Crappie fair on minnows at 16-25 ft. over cedar brush. Report submitted by Larry Luman, game warden stationed in Atoka County. Pine Creek: Elevation below normal, water clear. Bass are fair on Carolina-rigged lizards in 10-15 ft of water. Crappie are fair on minnows. Channel catfish are fair on punch bait and night crawlers around the old bridge. Report submitted by Mark Hannah, game warden stationed in McCurtain County. Sardis Lake: Elevation normal. Largemouth bass slow in coves. White bass and walleye slow. Blue catfish good to fair deep on cut bait near channels. Crappie excellent on minnows around brush piles and bridges. Flathead catfish slow. Report submitted by Allen Couch, game warden stationed in Pushmataha County. Texoma: Elevation is 2 1/3 ft. below normal, water 58 and clear. Striped bass fair on live bait at 10-20 ft. at Platter Flats. Channel and blue catfish fair on live bait at 10-15 ft. deep in the Washita River arm. Crappie fair on minnows and jigs at 5-10 ft. along Kansas and Rock Creeks. Report submitted by Danny Club, game warden stationed in Bryan County. Wister: Elevation normal, water murky. Largemouth bass fair on spinnerbaits at points and drop-offs. Crappie slow to fair at timber and mouth of creeks. Channel and blue catfish fair on juglines with liver. Report submitted by Randy Fennell, game warden stationed in LeFlore County. SOUTHWEST Ellsworth: Elevation above normal. Crappie good on minnows and jigs at 18 ft. at Ralph's Resort. Catfish fair on cut baits. Report submitted by Mike Carroll, game warden stationed in Comanche County.

Fish bite in a snowstorm... you'll do good. I'm still without waders or I may consider it- and I have to work tomorrow.

Bull Shoals planning meeting slated BULL SHOALS — A meeting of the Bull Shoals Planning Commission is scheduled for 7 p.m. Wednesday at City Hall. The meeting is open to the public. http://www.baxterbulletinonline.com/apps/p...140325/1002/rss

Trav- what do you think the pressure is on Taney- lower Taney compared to other lakes in the area?

http://www.whiterivertaxidermy.com/index.htm John French did a rainbow for me- very nice!

Bumper stickers are still free...

Got a new shipment in... all 5 colors. Christmas special - $9.95 per

I've had some bad luck with Orvis's waders lately. I've owned their guide series and have had to send them back in 4 times now for leaks. This time, they're sending me their new series instead of sending the pro guide back because they're fading them out. But have to wait till Feb to get them. I see they have dropped their price on the pro guide to $199. I'd buy a pair of the pro guide and if/when they leak, send them in for a new upgrade pair. http://www.orvis.com/store/product_choice....mp;pf%5Fid=60LP

Read about it here

FLW Outdoors offers richest fantasy sports payout in history FLW Fantasy Fishing payout to include over $1.7 million in cash, prizes during Wal-Mart FLW Tour including guaranteed $1 million cash grand prize Read it here

This looks really interesting. Never heard of it but the trailers look awesome. http://www.howardfilms.com/ According to Midcurrent, he has a couple of new videos coming out very soon. Christmas Gifts?

Swimming against the current, the trout make their escape from the farm thru an eight-inch pipe. Read more here...

Bull Shoals Dam tours to start next year ARMANDO RIOS Bulletin Staff Writer Bull Shoals Dam, one of the largest in the country when it was constructed, once again will open for tours, tentatively set to start in spring. Public tours stopped after Sept. 11, 2001, due to security concerns. Tourists will not be allowed to take photographs during the tours, which include going inside to view turbines and different rooms. "We are pleased to start these tours again," said Steve Hernandez, Powerhouse superintendent. The tours will resume in conjunction with the Bull Shoals-White River State Park, he said. The plant and tour are accessible to handicapped persons, Hernandez added. Jennifer Bassett, park interpreter, gave members of the media a preview Wednesday of what tourists will see and talked about the history of the dam. Bassett says interest in the tours — which will be made possible through a cooperative effort by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the state park and state park volunteers — remained high during the six years they were suspended. Laborers worked day and night for four years to construct the dam at a cost $86 million, Bassett said. The dam's main purpose was flood control. It can generate 390 megawatts at peak production. When the dam was constructed, it was the fifth-largest concrete dam, Bassett said. The dam's control room operates the power plants at Bull Shoals, Norfork and Greers Ferry dams. Norfork is capable of producing 80 megawatts; Greers Ferry, 96 megawatts. Bassett says what amazes her was the equipment at the dam — all of it original and kept in good condition. Most of the maintenance work is done in-house. The transformers at the dam have been in service for 54 years, Hernandez said. One transformer was involved in a fire and explosion last year but has been repaired since. Bassett says the magnitude of the structure will impress the public during the tours. "It is impressive, and the fact that the equipment is original," Bassett said. "It has been functioning properly for the last 50 years with (some) maintenance." armandor@baxterbulletin.com http://www.baxterbulletinonline.com/apps/p...130316/1002/rss