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Are goliath grouper fish or footballs
Last month, we discussed the biology of the goliath grouper, a fish still often called by its old name of jewfish. The fish is intriguing, if for no other reason than for its size.[…]
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Ruger’s SR22 — Small, accurate, fun
I’m going to let you in on the next big thing in handguns. You get the opportunity to get in on this before the rush, like what happened with the Ruger LCP and the Smith & Wesson Shield.[…]
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Protecting Louisiana’s wild turkeys
Reestablishing wild turkeys in Louisiana was one of the department’s success stories unfolding during my career. Being there to see turkeys return and being able to contribute to the effort were job benefits from my prospective.[…]
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Our kids are the future of hunting
The proper training of kids to be safe and responsible hunters and gun handlers can be as challenging as it can be rewarding.[…]
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Kayak tournaments plentiful in 2014
Everybody has a little competitive streak, and kayak anglers are no different. Fortunately, there’s no shortage of fishing tournaments available across the Gulf Coast that are either specifically for paddle craft, have paddle craft categories or allow using paddle craft to compete in the regular divisions.[…]
Bass Fishing
Two new standout crankbaits
A proven Rapala crankbait moved to the forefront of bass fishing on the biggest stage when it helped produce the 2014 Bassmaster Classic champion three months ago in Alabama.[…]
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Forage plantings critical for deer
In the movie Groundhog Day, Bill Murray was stuck in time on a cold winter’s day that would never end. While the cold weather this year made for a great deer season, this winter in Louisiana has been one that seemed like it too would never end.[…]
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Shellcracking the code
“When it comes to redears, leave the fly tackle at home.”[…]
Ask Captain Paul
Who doesn’t want a fishing edge?
Dear Capt. Paul:
Do you have the GPS position coordinates for Vermilion Bay and the Boxcar Reef?[…]
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Are goliath groupers fish or footballs?
The glamour boy of the grouper family, the 800-pound Atlantic goliath grouper, is becoming the Gulf of Mexico’s latest fisheries management football, to be passed and punted back and forth between recreational fishermen, commercial fishermen, environmentalists and fisheries biologists.[…]
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LWFC should sue for artificial reef funds
When Gov. Bobby Jindal raided the constitutionally protected Artificial Reef Program, outdoorsmen were up in arms. The man who came to office on the coat tails of this state’s hunting and fishing community proved beyond any shadow of doubt that he was anything but “the sportsmen’s friend” he had claimed.[…]
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Turkey patterns and cleaning tips
In turkey hunting, preparation is everything.
So thinking about you guys (and gals) who get all heated up over feathers in the spring, I thought I would write about patterning — and cleaning your guns.[…]
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Contest fraud stinks
Hunting and fishing tournaments and contests are a big part of the outdoor industry. Though I never had any desire to participate in such competitions, many of my friends do and more power to them.[…]
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Preparation meets opportunity
When selecting a monthly topic for Happy Trails, my usual goal is to write about something that will allow me to share the knowledge and experience that I have gained through more than 40 years of chasing whitetails. I also like to provoke thought and discussion about certain topics and issues.[…]
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Redcicles
As we get deep into winter, many kayak anglers hang up their paddle, preferring to wait until the first signs of spring make thoughts of getting back on the water more appealing.[…]
Bass Fishing
Chikara crankbaits
Bass fishermen are tying on a hot product from Gary Yamamoto Custom Baits. Surprisingly, it isn’t a soft plastic like the ever-popular Senko. In fact, it’s a hard bait with an attitude.[…]