Great Blue Heron

[MTM]

Kayser- There feathers are tops for Spay Flies Ron

[Tightline]

This is the email I recieved from the MDC about the Heron problem. Mr. -------- Great Blue Herons are a Federally protected species,that requires a depredation permit to lethally remove these birds. The local population around Lake Taneycomo is increasing and I have noticed a rookery located by the fish hatchery. They are a beautiful bird and they are as you noticed very good at catching fish.Ihave estimated that the Great Blue Heron population can remove around 30,000 fishfrom the hatchery every year. With all of our fish concentrated in one location,including outlet #1, THESE BIRDS CAN HAVE A MAJOR IMPACT. I do not believe that they can have a major impact on the "wild" fish population in Lake Taneycomo,so harassing the birds on the lake would be a waste of time. I suggest that you just enjoy your fishing on Lake Taneycomo and actually watch in amazement how good these birds can fish and accept them as part of the food chain in the wild. James Civiello Hatchery Manager MDC Shepard of the Hills Hatchery EMAIL: James.Civiello@mdc.mo.gov There you have it guys,not a heck of alot we can do except keep complaining. TL

[Wayne SW/MO]

With all of our fish concentrated in one location,including outlet #1

Now that was funny. Where is a Heron going to find room to stand at outlet 1 & 2? You have to get in line if you're a human.

I guess if they have to get rid of Herons so I can catch a fish I'll start thinking about golf, they don't steal golf balls do they?.

[Kayser]

Don't know.

Got another idea if they eventually do allow us to "remove" herons from Lake Taneycomo. We call it Water Turkey and sell it as a delicasy to upper class folk on the East or West coast. That or offer it as an alternative to felines in Chinese neighborhoods/restaurants.

Rob

[MTM]

Read in Outdoor LIfe some years ago were some guy's soaked Corn in Wiskey and threw it out on the ice and walked out and picked up all the drunk ducks and just wrung there neck's. Seems that game warderns didn't think to much of it as they had over 200 in there freezers. Cost tham a lot of money in fines LOL. Wonder if you could do the same with Fish???? You know get them drunk then feed them to the Heron's??? ;0 Ron

[Tightline]

As long as 1 fish swims somewhere, dont think i'll be taking up golf! I do think most of the time I can outfish the Herons, except for this last friday, the big birds probably kicked my butt!! TL

[Wayne SW/MO]

except for this last friday, the big birds probably kicked my butt!!

I've had days like that, and not just because of birds.

[Tightline]

Wayne , it wasn't the birds falt at all never has been,I just could not get going Friday ,tried everything . Two little boys about the age of 8- 10 were down there at #3 outlet catching them every other cast , while the rest of us watched, that kinda brings a guy back to earth,if you know what I mean !

[hawgslayer]

theres a starting to be heron problem down on cappps creek.

[gonefishin]

Maybe we need to petition the government to remove them from the protected species list. I realy cant see why they are on it in the first place.