
Features from December 2019
- The art of listening may be one of the best talents that a deer hunter needs. This Louisiana preacher has learned plenty and he’s got plenty to share.
- December has long been a favorite time to fish the Delacroix area for speckled trout and redfish because of its diverse habitat.
- The eastern portion of the Atchafalaya Basin offers bass fishermen some real holiday treats this month. Here’s how to read the water and the largemouths.
- Bass fishermen are dreaming of normal water levels in the western part of the Atchafalaya Basin so the fishing will be back to normal this December.
- With fewer ducks and more hunters competing for limited hunting territory, successful waterfowlers need to reach deep into their decoy sack of tricks.
- A ground blind is a good choice for a deer hunter who finds the perfect spot -- that doesn’t feature the perfect stand tree.
- Deer hunting is not just about killing deer; the hunter makes a management decision every time the trigger is pulled. Here’s how to make that decision.
- Every hunter has some maxims used to determine the best times to be in the woods. These biologists share the truth behind some of the common beliefs.
- There are alternatives to emptying your checkbook to pay for great Louisiana duck hunting, like these two WMAs at opposite ends of the state.

Columns - December 2019
- Zach Dubois, owner of Cajun Lures, really likes consistently catching fish, mostly speckled trout, on the new, improved Mad Minna.
- It takes a big-fish mindset to successfully target big speckled trout.
- It is a well-known fact among Bayou State deer hunters that when a cold front sweeps across the state, it’s time to be in a deer stand.
- Before Joshua Chauvin takes any trips to new areas, he always studies maps for potential hunting locations. This article focuses on Nuttall oak trees.
- There is no need to put away the kayak for the winter, as there are plenty of fish to be caught and generally the waters are much less crowded.
- The best equipment in the world pales in comparison to a bowhunter’s ability to pick his shot for the best result, a quick, clean kill.
- David Moreland believes if we are going to stay ahead of the game, some of Louisiana’s archaic deer laws need to be changed.

Outdoor Updates - December 2019
- David Hanson, Stihl Smith, Bill Petrus, Sherman Foote and Dustin Campbell hunted on a private cypress brake in Caldwell Parish that led to 330 frogs.
- Caleb Guin killed a big Bienville Parish 9-point buck on Oct. 11 near Castor and enjoyed an LSU win at Tiger Stadium that same weekend.
- Parker Bailey of Haynesville took a gnarly mossy-horned velvet buck on Oct. 26 in Claiborne Parish after waiting out the rain.
- Kara Blessing of Lake Charles has her mom to thank for encouraging her to take advantage of her husband’s invitation to give hunting a try.
- Wade Gibson from West Monroe was hunting on the morning of Nov. 1 when “Hooks,” a huge double drop tine buck, stepped out in front of his stand.
- The LDWF announced today that the creation of the Lake Borgne Shell Pad, Grand Banks, West Karako Bay and Cabbage Reef artificial reef sites has begun.
- James Goldman was able to hunt the 75 acre wood lot beind his dad's house in Morehouse Parish and kill a buck that defies description.
- High school senior Hunter Greer, 17, of Creola, shows off the big 8-point buck he stuck on Oct. 9 near his home in Grant Parish.
- Lizzie Barron, a 19-year-old nursing student from Spearsville, has windy conditions to thank for her 12-point Union Parish buck.
- Ryan Lamonte was hunting a one acre plot in East Feliciana Parish when he brought down a big 12-point buck he had been after for the past three seasons.
- Andy Harrison killed a Union Parish 4 ½-year-old buck on October 17 that was scored by Buckmaster official scorer, Greg Hicks, with 148 inches of antler.
- The LDWF has coordinated with Louisiana Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory to provide testing on harvested deer for the presence of CWD.
Field Notes - December 2019
- Bassmaster Elite Series angler Tyler Rivet knows Missile Baits D-Bomb can put bass in the boat this December in the Bayou Black area.
- For bass pro and host of Louisiana Sportsman TV Greg Hackney, December bass fishing at the Atchafalaya Basin can be good with any kind of jig.
- Choosing the right jighead to match water depth and current can be much more important than the color, size or shape of the artificial lure you’re fishing.
- Some forethought in monitoring predicted wind strength and direction, combined with a close eye on water level gauges can serve duck hunters well.
- Whatever December brings weather-wise, Glen Freeman ties on a Wing Ding to catch bass — lots of bass — big and small, at Toledo Bend.
- Gerald Spohrer’s No. 1 destination to catch bass in December is the Venice area, and he’ll use a Beast Coast G-Spo Battle Flip with a double-wide weedguard.
Hot Spots - December 2019
- Pro bass angler Greg Hackney was surprised at how many other boats were fishing the marsh and how the bass reacted to his fall fishing tactics.
- The colder the water, the hotter the crappie fishing this time of year on Lake D’Arbonne in Union Parish. It moves the shad and baitfish to deeper water.
- Deer hunters will miss some good bass fishing at Toledo Bend. Those who focus on bass fishing in December and January will be rewarded.
- After a woeful spring of freshwater inundation, inshore fall fishing has come on strong for speckled trout and redfish on Calcasieu Lake.
- When waters get cold, fishing can get hot south of Dularge. One veteran captain has a handful of strategies for December action.
- This time of year, post-spawn redfish are leaving the deep pockets of Caminada Pass and feeding up and down the beach at Elmer’s Island.
- Bryan Charpentier of Centerville spends plenty of time fishing East Cote Blanche Bay. Over the years, he has meticulously learned how to fish the bay.
- Jerry Mitchell has a unique approach for fishing the Red River tops that allows him to catch more crappie without spooking them.
- The water temperature is getting cooler, and large trout are moving from the Timbalier Bay and Caillou Island inland towards Catfish Lake and Bay Courant.