SAVEUR & Original Issue re BBQ
1 1⁄2 tbsp. kosher salt
1 1⁄2 tbsp. dark brown sugar
1 tbsp. sweet paprika
2 tsp. garlic powder
2 tsp. mustard powder
1 1⁄2 tsp. black pepper
1⁄2 tsp. ground coriander
1⁄2 tsp. ground cumin
1⁄2 tsp. dried thyme
1. Mix in a jar; store up to 6 months.
MAKES 3⁄4 CUP
Yet another example of man intro’ing non-native species (animals) into an area (we aren’t talking horses here): private hunting compounds bring in wild Russian boars and then let them escape and multiply. The feral hog problem is just starting in upstate N.Y., but it begs the question of how do such private reserves stand the test of management. Every other damn facet of our lives is managed. But, animals (safety, disease, crops, erosion) seem to fly under the scrutiny of local /state types when it comes to pricey hunting compounds. Maybe the laws/regs are there?
Feral Pigs
“Feral swine are breeding in three counties in central New York, according to a federal study done last year with funding from New York’s Invasive Species Council. The wild population statewide is likely in the hundreds , said Gordon Batcheller, head of the state Department of Environmental Conservation’s Bureau of Wildlife.
That’s small compared with Texas, where biologists estimate the feral hog population at around 2 million, but Batcheller said any number is bad because they’re certain to multiply. Damage becomes more noticeable when the population reaches the thousands and the hogs stake out home territories rather than wandering widely….”
“We’re not talking about Porky Pig getting loose from the farm,” Rusz said. “These are Russian wild boars. Those animals are Houdini-like escape artists and they breed readily in the wild. We’ve had domestic pigs for centuries and never had a feral hog problem until the game ranches started bringing these in.” AP ‘Wild Boars’
“Type of Landing Net
Despite the widespread use of landing nets by anglers there has been relatively little investigation into the damage caused by their use or which of the available types of net result in the lowest injury to fish. Generally, it is recommended that the use of landing nets be limited as it is thought to increase fin damage, and remove the protective mucus layer, thus increasing susceptibility to disease. Barthel et al. (2003) examined the effects of landing net mesh type on injury and mortality in bluegill. They quantified the effects of netting for a 168 h period after capture and found that there was zero mortality in fish that were landed without a net while fish that were landed with a net experienced a mortality rate of 4 to 14%. There was also increased pectoral and caudal fin abrasion and dermal disturbance (scale and mucus loss). Of he four types of landing net mesh types compared (rubber, knotless nylon, fine knotted nylon and coarse knotted nylon), the knotted mesh types resulted in greater injury and mortality than rubber or knotless mesh. Thus, injury (and therefore mortality) can be reduced if the use of landing nets is limited to those instances where their use is required to safely land and control fish to prevent mechanical injury. However, when the use of a landing net is required or preferred, it is best to use one made of rubber or knotless mesh.” Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources
Don't Ask (SwittersB)
I carry a net for lakes. I went to a wider, long handled, rubber mesh net several years ago. I generally wet the net, by submerging it and drawing the fish into the basket and lifting. I don’t draw a fish into a dry net, as this will indeed remove a great deal of mucous. Also, I wet my hands if I intend to or need to remove the fish from the net back into the water. Often I can remove the barbed hook from the fish and lower the net back into the water and ease the fish back into the water. If the fish is tired, I will cradle it in the net in the water as I find this easier than attempting to grip the slippery wrist/tail of a bigger fish. Smaller fish, say 14″ or smaller, are released with forceps or pliers on the fly and letting the fish pivot off the barbed hook. Nets can be expensive. Wooden framed nets deserve some extra care, if you spring for one.
Gierach & Chandler: I really liked reading this interview. Often you read a blog post and take away one or two enjoyable nuggets of information or inspiration…the nature of blog posts/time restraints, life!, I think. But, this interview was enjoyable on several levels, for me.. TU Gierach-Chandler Revealing, honest, clarifying.
Deneki Outdoors (Photography-Hero Shot) has some real life, useful tips on setting up and taking that trophy shot. Often there is a glitch in the presentation or the taking and the opportunity is lost for others to see and for you to refresh your memory. In addition, Deneki Outdoors (The Best of Deneki) has compiled a sizable list of immensely useful information about various aspects of fly fishing and fly tying.
The rush, the feel of the pull, 'the moment'. The fish is played and brought to hand, or net, or somewhere in between. You played it quickly, so as to not overplay and stress the fish. So, now it is thrashing about, still pivoting about on the tension of a tight leader. The photographer is attempting to get closer. The camera is being readied, the angle of sun considered. Words of encouragement are offered. The angler makes the attempt to control the fish....and it all ends in a thrashing, splashing plunge. Captured from too far away, but still a glimpse of thickness and beauty. Thank goodness there are often opportunities to repeat this fire drill, and yes, they will often end the same way. (PP/SM)
A Yellow Water Lily on a late Summer afternoon on an Oregon lake. Big trout cruised beneath, toward the reeds, looking for those emerging damsels and dragons.
Such a defense of the coverage of Hurricane Irene. Yes, sad the loss of lives and properties. Yes, the ad nauseam warning probably saved many lives. But, we can all agree, except the dorks that produce weather, disaster coverage, that the fool standing in the path of the wind, debris, and other objects is a needless fool. Stop please with such ridiculous coverage. Dork + Streakers Considered adult theme because of the one guys schwantz…so you may need to log in as adult on youtube.
I escaped before the Labor Day weekend to get a little solitude and renewal. Folks were out in abundance and the banjo’s were playing the twangy sounds. I wasn’t too concerned as I was lost in my reverie. I fished and caught my share. I enjoyed the pattern puzzle, the weather was perfect (not too hot; a mild, cool breeze that produced a riffled chop to the surface). Hatches were consistent and continuous offerings of damsels, dragons, midges and a few Callibaetis spinners. Also, there was a nice flurry of longhorn sedges.
First fish of the day to a Little Fort Leech.
For the most part, I excluded the current challenges in my life and was absorbed in the moment. The moment included certain segments of our society that need to assert their sphere of perceived influence via cussing, long kerplunking casts (heavy sinkers and spinners…seriously even I know how to rig a lighter slip sinker, treble hook and PBait) and dirty looks coupled with head shakes. I was so mellow, I didn’t get too uptight. I did not let anything get to me on the water. But, it is tempting…..
I ran the gamut of black, green, brown, mottled colored Woolly Buggers to start searching with, while I looked about for signs of insect life. In the end, it was black, black and black with a dash of red Buggers. Sunken caddis pupa patterns stripped to the top near the drop off produced some savage strikes (about that: when you do have those savage strikes…check your tippet! Somehow, I continued to fish on sans fly for several minutes in the midst of a perfect FF scenario…only when I decided to change flies, because of a lack of hits, did I notice the reason the hits had stopped…no fly!).
September & October loom: less crowds, steelhead marching toward Sherar’s Falls (Deschutes R.), lakes still inviting, October Caddis starting soon.
