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.