Deer dominate December issue

Courtesy Gerald Ducote

Gerald Ducote of Melville displays the best buck taken during the 2011-12 season at Thistlethwaite WMA. The 11-pointer had a net score of 142 4/8 B&C.

The Louisiana Sportsman staff is in the process of wrapping up the 300-page December issue today (Nov. 15) so subscribers and stores across the state can begin receiving their magazines next week — and it's filled with information on how to be more successful in the coming month.

If growing bigger bucks is your goal, then you’ll want to read about all the deer management strategies covered in this issue. Plus, learn how some duck hunters are staying one step ahead of the waterfowl they hunt by remaining on the move.

Here’s a look at the full lineup:

Balancing Act
A balanced deer herd is an important part of any quality deer management program -- and that means shooting more bucks.
By David Moreland

Second Split stand-off
This late in the season, piney woods deer often ignore food plots -- at least during the daytime. But make a subtle change, and the results could be deer on the ground.
By Humberto Fontova

Footsteps of a ghost
Catahoula Lake is hallowed ground in the duck-hunting world, and no one knew that better than the late Chuck Buckley. Take a walk through those grounds in his shadow.
By Jerald Horst

City Limits
Big Lake gets all the trout-fishing glory in Southwest Louisiana, but look just up the Calcasieu River for a gold mine where fishing is almost too easy.
By Chris Ginn

Jump Around
These hunters have learned that you can sit in stationary blinds and hope ducks come to you -- or you can move around and find out where the birds really want to be.
By Chris Ginn

Family matters
Deer hunting is quickly becoming as much about management as about shooting. Read on as Baton Rouge's Roland Dugas describes his family's approach to growing bucks.
By Chris Berzas

Sock Knocker
Teal season might not have been extraordinary in St. Bernard Parish, but this guide said he thinks the regular duck season should be bang up. Here's why.
By Chris Ginn

The Fourchon Freeze
OK, so the water around Port Fourchon might not freeze, but the redfish are thick and waiting for you to paddle right up to them.
By John Flores

In the Zone
Cold weather doesn't stop the bite in the Cocodrie area. Follow this guide's advice to load the boat all month.
By Jerald Horst

Using Common Scents
The effectiveness of deer attractant scents is hotly debated, but these hunters think they are important -- at times.
By John Flores

Wilkerson's Wonderland
You could drive right through Myrtle Grove and never realize you're passing up some top-notch redfishing grounds. This guide knows better.
By Rusty Tardo
 
Thistlethwaite Theorem
Eight years ago state managers began an experiment designed to grow quality bucks on Thistlethwaite WMA. Those efforts seem to be paying off in spades.
By Chris Berzas

Corked!
Learn why this accomplished St. Bernard Parish guide uses a cork with almost religious fervor to put trout in the boat day after day.
By Jerald Horst

Tadpole's Tensas
This 54-year-old bowhunter's lifetime of chasing Tensas National Wildlife Refuge bucks led to a state-record archery buck last season. And his approach isn't very complicated.
By Keith LaCaze

And check back for the digital version of the December issue to be available in our new online store soon.

If you're not already a subscriber, click here to get signed up in time for the January issue to be sent right to your mailbox!