For a successful deer hunt, scout the area fist
Marty Prokop is well-known for being an avid and successful hunter with lots of deer know-how under his belt. Let me share some of his tips that may help you harvest your deer.
Marty writes that one of the best ways to increase the odds of seeing and shooting more deer is by scouting. Know the land you plan to hunt and have determined where the deer might be and when.
When you find fresh deer tracks, then they disappear, making you wonder if they vanished into thin air or magically sprouted wings and flew through the forest, Marty answers, “No, the deer walked firmly on the ground, but maybe the light hitting the deer tracks are playing tricks with you ... The solution if this happens to you is, without stepping on the actual tracks and ruining the trail, Indian trackers used to step from side to side to allow the most favorable light to shine onto the trails. With favorable amounts of light cast at the right angles onto the trail, hoof impressions or the upturned leaves seem to pop out because of the shadows they cast. Try this Native American tracking trick the next time you seem to lose a set of fresh deer tracks in the woods. It could have you walking up on a big buck in his bed.”
Marty reports, “Most deer hunters have the best success and bag more deer during the first two hours of each hunt day. Why? During the first two hours of a deer hunting day, the deer hunter is focused on getting a deer. He/she is constantly looking for, listening for, thinking about and concentrating solely on seeing deer. As time moves forward, some hunters begin to let their minds wander from deer hunting. This results in the eyes and ears of the hunter missing crucial sights and sounds in the deer hunting woods. When the mind wanders, a deer hunter must continually stop and re-focus on deer hunting to bring the mind back on track. This can end up in a trance-like state and as it progresses, the deer hunter becomes oblivious to the external surroundings and is simply going through the motions of being in the deer woods. The best way to tag a deer when you are out hunting is to think, smell, see and breathe deer hunting. Concentrate on looking for deer signs and listening for sounds that could be made by deer. You will be a more successful deer hunter by increasing your awareness and concentrating on deer hunting when you are out in the field.”
For more tips to deer hunting, visit www.marty-prokop.com or www.free-deer-hunting-tips.com/tips.html.
Hunt happenings
• Mule deer buck killed and dumped east of Kingman. Operation Game Thief is offering $2,500 reward for information leading to the arrest of individual(s) responsible for this crime. The carcass was discovered one mile down on Airway Avenue east of where the road turns to dirt. Antlers, back strap, the two muscle groups on either side of the spine were removed with the rest of the animal left to waste. It is believed to be dumped either the evening of Oct. 27 or the morning of Oct. 28. There were houses nearby with many people involved in outdoor activities. The west sector supervisor for Game and Fish hopes somebody saw something suspicious in the area and stated, “While this deer may have been illegally taken, it is a violation to waste game meat. Possibly the act of a novice hunter who didn't know how to butcher an animal or someone just being too lazy. Responsible sportsmen and women don't leave an animal to waste.” If you've seen or have heard something about this poaching, contact the OGT hotline at 1-800-352-0700 and refer to OGT #12-002507.
• Proposed license simplification legislation meeting is 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at Booth Machinery, 6565 E. 30th St., to discuss the proposal to provide the commission more flexibility to change the license structure to one easier to understand and better license products to be responsive to customer needs and changing conditions as well as getting things done in a more timely manner and more simply. Attend this meeting and be a part of the process by letting Game and Fish know what you want.
Fishing clubs
• Desert Bass Anglers: 31 boats competed in the latest tournament along the Colorado River with Lance Adams/Candice Harrington taking the top spot with 13.60. Tim/Kelley Price placed second with 12.96, Jimmy Phipps/Craig Johnson in third place with 11.51. Joe Mayerchik/Jeff Cotten placed fourth with 11.38. Enjoying big fish honors are Mark Williams/Julian Presley 6.03, Bob La Londe/Matt Yates 5.02. The club reminds anglers to be aware of Game and Fish regulations by carrying at least one U.S. Coast Guard approved type 1, 11 or 111 life jacket for each person onboard. All watercraft must carry a Coast Guard approved working and serviceable fire extinguisher. All watercraft must display appropriate navigation lights while on the water between sunset and sunrise. A reminder to all members to attend the Dec. 1 President's Choice Tournament followed by the dinner when the Angler of the Year will be announced. Call Mac or Bobbi McDermott at 726-1984.
• Yuma Pro Am Series: Pay your $15 membership dues and tournament fees online at bob@yumaproam.com and get signed up for the Nov. 18 tournament launching out of Fisher's Landing. The draw meeting will be 5:15 to 6:15 p.m. Saturday at Baron Fuels. Also mark your calendar and bring a nice toy to fish the Dec. 16 Toys for Tots Tournament. Call Bob La Londe at 580-1270.
• Wednesday Jackpot Derby and Swede Ferguson Memorial Big Bass Derby at Fisher's Landing: Entry $5 for each derby with sign-up at 8 a.m. at the gas dock, weigh-in around 1 p.m. with the winner taking all for one big fish, any species: $10 sign-up anytime during the month at Fisher's Landing to fish the Swede Ferguson bass competition with the winner taking all for the biggest bass determined the last day each month. Call Jimmy Phipps at 782-2207.
• MCAS Recreation Area: Call Mike Castello at 783-3422 at the recreation area at Martinez Lake to learn about the various fishing, camping and other outdoor activities open to all military personnel and families along the Colorado River. Our military are also welcome to fish with other Yuma Fishing Clubs listed here.
• Bass Class on the Water: To learn how, when and where to fish, call Dave Willhide at 782-2621. He'll teach you everything you need to know to catch those bass at local waters at all times of the year with a bass boat and all equipment provided. Ask about fishing seminars available for RV parks and home groups.
Shooting sports
• Southwest Bowhunters Saturday and Nov. 18 Walk the Trail Fun Shoot at Adair Park with 60 McKenzie 3D's and a lighted practice range. This shoot is a fun shoot with no trophies or Saturday night dinner. The snack bar will be open throughout the weekend with burgers, chips, sodas and water. Fees are: family $25, individual (18 and up) $20, youth (14-17) $8, cub (10-13) $5, peewee and half-pint shooters (under 10) are free. Shooting will be from sunrise Saturday until noon Sunday. Call Zach Slette 246-8381, Larry Leake 342-5181 or Uschi House 345-3770.
• Yuma Trap and Skeet Club: Open trap and skeet 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, noon to 4 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays at the Adair Park range. Call Gary Knight at 210-0805.
• Yuma Territorial Longrifles Club: Open black powder matches 1st and 3rd Saturdays each month at Adair Park. Call Dennie Hansel at 342-7573.
• Cholla Gun Club: Most forms of metallic silhouette shooting are featured at the Adair Park range with disciplines including Hunter pistol, lever guns, high-power, small bore and black powder cartridge with the season running through the end of April. The range is open to the public when there are no club shoots scheduled. New memberships are welcome. Call Rick or Glenda at 502-0736.
• Yuma Rifle and Pistol Club: Vintage Service Rifle Match Saturday with an Across the Course, high power 800 aggregate Rifle Match Sunday at the Adair Park big bore range with sign-up at 7 a.m. All matches are open to civilian, service, women, men and junior shooters (ages 14 through 20, shooting Caliber .223 AR-15 service type rifles). Call Paul Lerma at 783-6766 or Gerald Brooker at 305-9681.
• Yuma Matchmasters: Shooters will sign-up at 7 a.m. with a shooter's meeting at 7:30 a.m., shooting at 8 a.m. at the Adair Park small bore range. Each month's shooting schedule is 1st Saturday, Steel Challenge Match; 2nd Sunday, IPSC Combat Match; 4th Sunday, Cowboy Match. Call Ruth Wilmot at 726-7727.
• Renegade Archers of Yuma: Sunday 3D animal trail shoots will resume Nov. 18 at the Foothills Archery Range east of the Foothills and south of I-8 with sign-up 8 to 8:30 a.m. Adult fees $3, youngsters always free of charge (bows and arrows, also free to use, for anyone not having their own who call prior to the shoot). A great opportunity for youngsters and adults to learn how to shoot and enjoy archery as well as for experienced archers to stay in practice and have good fun. Call Jean or Kevin at 247-4450 or 726-0953 for directions to the range.
Contact Jean Wilson at jeanrenegade@gmail.com or 247-4450.
