flyfishmaster

Well IDNR has just release the deer harvest info for the Fire-arm season. Here it is: Hunters in Illinois harvested a preliminary total of 105,595 deer during the seven-day firearm deer hunting season Nov. 21-23 and Dec. 4-7 The preliminary second-season (Dec. 4-7) harvest total was 33,701, compared with the 31,218 deer taken by hunters during the second season in 2007. This year’s preliminary first-season (Nov. 21-23) deer harvest was 71,894, compared with a first-season harvest of 85,490 in 2007. The preliminary harvest total includes deer taken in all 99 counties in which firearm deer hunting is permitted, as well as Chain O’Lakes State Park in Lake County. Preliminary reports show that Pike County once again topped the county deer harvest totals for the firearm season as hunters there took 3,342 deer. Other top county harvest totals were Fulton (2,688), Adams (2,649), Randolph (2,489), and Jefferson (2,451). “A number of factors may have impacted our deer harvest this year, including the cold, wintry weather during both the first and second portions of the firearm season, the amount of standing corn in parts of northern Illinois, and even the slightly later timing of the seasons,” said IDNR Forest Wildlife Program manager Paul Shelton. “In addition, our effort to reduce deer numbers may be paying off in some areas.” The three-day Illinois muzzleloader-only deer season is this week, Dec. 12-14, while the Late-Winter Firearm Antlerless-only Deer Season and Special CWD Deer Season are Jan. 16-18, 2009. Here are a few interesting facts: Only 7 counties had positive increase in total harevested, the highest being 6%. 23 counties reported being down more than 15%, McHenry county was down 31%. 2007 Total = 116,798, 2008 Total = 105,595, Over all a decline by 9.6% Over 350,000 Tags were issues, which comes out to a 30% success rate. How were the harvest numbers is other states? Later, FFM

Good news all the way around is how I see it!!! Later, FFM

I just saw this product out on Midcurrent, it is a fly reel made by Psaros that does not have a center axis or hub. After reading the info on it I still don't understand how the drag systems works. Here is the site: Psaros site click here What do you think of this thing? It looks a bit weird to me... Later, FFM

That is a cool red ban. It almost looks like professionally applied makeup. later, FFM

Well I'm not a member yet, but I just printed off the membership form. So Brian, we might finally get to meet in person. later, FFM

flyfshn, So what is the meeting info: date, time & location? Later, FFM

Cricket.... only if you are 5'6" blonde, a 38DD rack and wearing hip huggers with a gaudy "tramp stamp".

I just noticed something, the bill was created by "Republican Sen. Delbert Scott, of Lowry City". Most state representatives (does matter what state they are from) try to pass bills that will help their District and prove worthness to their voters. I'm not familiar with the district that he is from (West of Truman lake), so are there floatable streams by this guy? Or was he been on a recent float that caused him to take a stand? later, FFM

Don, Thanks for the info. I have never kept a trout from Taney, only the trout parks. But I guess I was oblivious to the MO law that you had to keep the head and tail on during transportion. For over 30 years I have been cutting the heads and tails off when we clean them on the stream so the fish can fit in a gallon size freezer bag. Okay. I learned something new (for me atleast) today. later, FFM

Well Brian... as it may appear by the "trailer" you guys kept your waders on the entire time and did not take any showers. Tell me if I miss counted, but did you guys hit 19 different trout fishing areas during your recent fishing "pilgrimage"? I could not read the name on most of the signs. Also, was the order of the photos the same order of your fishing destinations? later, FFM

TB4W, As of today (and the offer end today 12/3) the best laptop deal on the web is offered by HP on their Compaq Preserio CQ50Z model. I just purchased two of these units myself today for a couple of my relatives for a total cost (including shipping and taxes) of $487.68 each. Here is the direct website: HP Website This unit has: Vista Home premiun Athlon 1.9Ghz Dual Core Processor 15.4" WXGA Widescreen 3 GB memory 160 GB Hard Drive 8x DVD+/-R/RW drive plus the other standard hardware. I hope this helps you out. Later, FFM

The video was cool. I did not know you could actually get on the docks and fish. So I'm assuming these are public docks? later, FFM

I could not have said it any better. Later, FFM

TB4W, As part of my daily duties (when I work), I get to evaluate most of the new laptops about 4 months before they hit the market. The difference between the units I see and what you would buy is that ours are setup to meet the business world. But in the past 3 months, I have got to test the Sony, HP, Dell and Lenovo that will be hitting the market in Q1 2009. If I had to buy one of these models, it would have to be the HP. Lenovo and Dell would be a close second. The worst part about buy any home base PC is all the "crap" software they pre-load on the systems. The best thing to do once a system is purchased is to re-install the factory image, and most manaufactures will allow you to select what software to re-load. This will give you a clean system to work with. Also look at the exteneded warranties. This systems are getting built cheaper by the day and having the warranty will save your butt 2 years down the road. That is my personal o-pin-oin. later, FFM

I'm hang out right now. While the boss isn't lookin' Welcome aboard!! later, FFM

At-a-boy TFM!!!! Later, FFM

Hey TroutFearme, Your money shot must have been quicker than me. Heck It was so quick I did not even see it happen. So you better "pony" up the info and/or photo. later, FFM

Phil, That is one nice looking cork board you got there. What is the deal with those "brown" ones? later, FFM

I just saw this photo and though I would share with you all. A farmer outside of Aurora, IL was out picking corn at dusk and ran it to this. This could have been a real mess. Anybody for "Corned Deer and Hash"? Later, FFM

I'm in IL so our season opened on Friday Nov 21, but I was not able to get out until Saturday. I got lucky and was done hunting by 7 AM on Saturday. I had 3 does out in the field 100+ yards. They jumped the neighbors fence, then 5 minutes later, they jumped back across. I thought they were going to come down the field/wood line so I could get a shot. Instead they went into the woods and 1 minute later they were 15 yards from my stand. I shot the first deer (the deer on the right) as it walking straight at me with its head down. The slug hit at the base of the neck. It went straight down. The next deer, just stood and looked at the first one so I shot it (3 seconds after my first shot) just 3" to the left at the base of the neck. It also went staight down. The third one was fawn, so I let it go. But it would not leave the area. I watched it walk around for 25 minutes. I even climbed out of the my stand and it would not leave. But finally after the 25 minutes it walked off. The feild dress weight of the deer are: 85 (right) and 120 (left). Also, my kids want to be in every photo. I got one more permit to fill, but I have to wait until our second season that starts on Dec 4th. Later, FFM

bobtu, Patfish is so right. Do not spend any money on a guide for a trout park. I'm sure one of us on the forum will be able to help you out. I don't even know the number of people my bother and I have helped out over the years at BSSP. Next time you go, post about two weeks ahead and ask if anyone else is going. See if they might have a ½ hour of time to help you out. One of the biggest factors of all at a trout park is "presentation". Making sure the fly is at the same level as the fish and drag free. Plus I'm big on the position the smaller the fly the better. later, FMM

I was in a chili cook off about a month ago at work. With 20 entries and over 120 people voting. Here is the recipe that won it for me (I received 46 first place and 27 second place votes). The Day Before Chili Ingredients (servers 16+) --- Step 1 • 4 or 5 pounds ground beef • 3 Tablespoon olive oil • 1 medium onions, chopped • 6 cloves garlic, minced • 2 Tablespoon salt • 2 Tablespoon ground black pepper • ½ Jar Blackberry or Grape jelly Cook ground beef in jelly, olive oil with onion, garlic, salt and pepper until browned well in a large pot. Drain off fat. --- Step 2 • 1 cup chopped red bell pepper • 7 ounces chili powder • 3 Tablespoon garlic powder • 2 Tablespoon hot pepper sauce Add bell peppers, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder and hot pepper sauce. Continue to cook on low heat for 3 minutes while stirring. --- Step 3 • 4 - 15 to 16oz cans of red kidney beans (drained) • 2 - 15oz can diced tomatoes • 2 - 15oz can tomato sauce • 1 can beer • 6 Tablespoons ground cumin • 2 Tablespoon Worcestershire sauce • ½ Jar Blackberry or Grape jelly Directions After the previous step is complete, add the remaining ingredients and gently bring to a boil. Allow simmering for 15 minutes then turning off heat and allow cooling The two key items are: to prepare the chili at least 2 days ahead of time and use the JELLY. The voters indicated they liked the sweet taste, but with a kick. Enjoy, FFM

Cardiac, I actually work in the Sunset Hills area in the Corporate Offices. I'm the I/T area so of course we are going to be one of the hardest hit when it comes to layoffs. As for places in Soulard... I think, I mean I know I have been to all of them at least once or five times. I have 3 friend that live down there, it is fun place for sure. As of DSI, I think you mean Doughty Systems. I know a few people there but not Gordon. Thanks and I'm a happy drunk, FFM

So Brian what I getting out of this is when you say the word "fly" to the warden in your area, he looks down at this pants to see if it is unzipped? And the definition a multiple fly rig is a pair of pants with two zippers on it? Am I hearing what you are saying. Later, FFM FYI: I think the way you are rigging it is legal.

Dave, I just posted this info yesterday. I hope this helps you out http://ozarkanglers.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=14470 Later, FFM