High Virginia Outdoors

Tuesday, February 4, 2014

Horseshoe Run-Tucker County, WV

Horseshoe Run is a small trout stream in Tucker County, WV. This stream is stocked with trout on a Bi-Weekly schedule by the WVDNR. It receives trout once in February and every other week from March to the end of May. This scenic little stream is best fished early in the season; while it has ample water flow. It dries up fairly quickly. There are several feeder streams entering the main stream that help keep the water temperatures down. Horseshoe Run is stocked from the bridge above the community of Shaffer at access points downstream to below the mouth of Mike Run. About 6 miles of stream falls in the stocked section and landownership is both National Forest and private land. County Route 5 follows the stream, Landowners rights always need to be respected by anglers; less and less areas are stocked; due to blatant disregard of others.

I have not fished this stream any later than mid-April. There is a pretty nice population of Hendricksons that hatch early in April and the most activity of feeding fish seemed to be sub-surface. There are a few campsites available at Horseshoe Run Recreation Area. This area is just upstream from the YMCA Camp Horseshoe.

Horseshoe Run would be a good destination for a peaceful spring outing. You will not see many people unless you are there within a couple of days after the fish truck has been there. Just head for the town of Leadmine, you can't miss it.

Sunday, February 2, 2014

VISITATION RIGHTS

We all enjoy or birds which are year-round residents. Each spring we anticipate the arrival of species that come here to breed. It is sad the many miss out the numerous species that briefing stop by for a visit. These feathered visitors may show up in any season. The most visible are probably the migratory waterfowl who are pushed south by storms and freezes. each winter storm changes the pieces of the puzzle. Some years are better than others in this region. So far, the 2013-14 winter season has not been good here in the mountains. It was much more interesting last year. You never know, it could change at any time. We just need to keep looking to find out whether it will happen or not.

Early spring and mid-summer through early fall are the times to pay attention to exposed mud-flats on our larger bodies of water for shorebirds. Flooded fields are also hot-spots for these migrants. You never know what may show up other than Spotted Sandpipers and Solitary Sandpipers.

Sanderling (c) HVI

Autumn brings us another round of migrants and you never know what may show up around here after a hurricane. Everyday offers new chances to view new species. But, you a guaranteed not to find anything if you are not out there looking. They don't stay around here long but the do offer us visitation rights that we need to cherish.

Saturday, February 1, 2014

THE GIFT

People who choose to go through life with blinders on make me sad. I see so many who wander throughout our world like a train in a tunnel; staring straight ahead. Go, go, and go as fast as you can. Hurry up, you have to be here and you have to be there. No time to stop, just go. You would be amazed at the things you fail to see. Slow down and just take a few moments out of your day to observe the little things that you are passing by.

I’m the one you see out there on the road trying to find someplace to turn around; so I can go back at look at something. Most of the time, it isn't anything of note. But, sometimes it is. Those are the good days. The skill of observation cannot be taught. It must be acquired over a long period of time and like anything of importance; it takes dedication. Unlike most things though; it doesn't cost you a thing. Nope, you don’t have to spend one little dime. The payoff is high and the cost is none. It makes you feel good when you find something new. What more could you ask for?

Have you ever found anything that has never been seen or recorded in your county or region? I have, quite a few times. Was I out there specifically looking for it? No, it was there at the same time I was and I saw it. Nothing has ever been in some exotic, hard to reach destination. Most of my good discoveries have been at some wide-spot in the road; while my dogs were peeing. You do not need one of those funny shirts with all of those empty pockets and a pith helmet to find stuff; as you would be lead to believe on TV. The only things you need are your eyes and the desire to learn. Learning in the outdoor world is a lifetime process. The ability to observe is the critical component in learning.

Now, you are thinking that maybe you’ll give it a try this spring. It is winter now, the landscape is barren and there is nothing out there to see. Nothing could be further from the truth. Go out to that overgrown weedy ditch-line beside your driveway and see just how many kinds of little brown birds you can identify. You will be surprised at the number of species you will encounter. Check out your local pond or lake after every winter storm, uncommon waterfowl species show up every year. Nobody ever knows they are there; unless someone sees them. It could be you.

If everyone would make the effort to give a gift that lasts a lifetime; our world will be a better place. Nature is a gift for all to enjoy. Encourage someone close to you to find the powers of observation. If not, cast the spell upon yourself and say Merry Christmas.

This is my article that first appeared in the December print edition of Two-Lane Livin

Friday, January 31, 2014

REFLECTING

We made it through another one. Some are making resolutions; knowing that they will not follow through. I would rather reflect and change some things. The spinning wheel is getting kind of old. We are all guilty of the over and over process. January is the time when we are waiting on spring. We wait and wait for the thaw. It arrives and we will run out and plant our lettuce, onions and peas. Then, the rains come. We get a couple of pleasant weeks, then it gets hot and we are waiting for autumn. Soon the snow will again be falling. Over and over; here we go again.

I've heard of some who can sit and watch the same movie over and over. Myself, if I've seen it once; that’s enough. Time is too precious to waste. You will realize this as you get older and wiser. New places are exciting to find and interesting to explore. I got to enjoy my most pleasant deer season, ever. Why? I found a new and interesting location; that apparently has yet to be found by others. I don’t know how many years I’ll get to utilize this spot. Something always happens to my good places. How did I find it? I found it because I am always looking for somewhere else. Sometimes I am rewarded. I actually found this location 3 years ago. I just never was able to go during deer season. I had the time in 2012 and was able to take advantage of the opportunity. I’m glad I did. I've pretty much been stuck hunting the same location for the last twelve years and I was sick of it after two.

Looking back at 2012; there weren't many high points or low points. It was pretty much the same old stuff as the same time as in previous years. Very predictable we get. Quick, what are you going to be doing on May 25? I’ll be planting tomatoes and trout heads. Yep, each tomato goes in on a fish head and a handful of compost. I’ll probably be dragging out the air conditioner at about that time, too. Every year is the same, except that we are a year older. Maybe not wiser; but guaranteed to be older.

I could easily sit here and write that I’m going to do this and that. I know that some of those statements will become true, but many will not. Dreaming and doing are two very different things. I prefer to search, explore and take advantage of the opportunities that arrive. Who knows what the future will bring? We all know the past. Pretty boring, wasn't it? The old routine will always be the same old things. New discoveries will always bring a sparkle to your eye and a little spring in your step. Yes, it is January and it is a long time until spring. Spring is good; it’s always something to look forward to; especially on a cold winter day. Happy New Year, but do something new.

Wednesday, January 15, 2014

No Worries

I planted my garlic on Columbus Day; just as I always do. When planted on this date, it is usually all up by Thanksgiving. Not this year. I walked out and looked at it on Thanksgiving Day. The first 20 feet or so was up; every single one. The next 10 feet or so (I'm not a measurer or straight line gardener) was barren, clear to the end. There was a single garlic plant emerged at the very end.

The first thing that popped in my mind was that I will have to buy garlic from someone in 2014. Then I began trying to figure out what happened. Logically, one would assume that I had planted a bad garlic clove. But, what about the one that came up on the end. It didn't make sense that there was one good clove out of the whole head. I had more garlic that could have been planted but decided that Thanksgiving was just too late. Oh well, I'll plant some first thing in March and hope it does well.

I walked out in the garden on January 14th and it is all up now. The row is complete. I don't know what happened, but all is well.

(c) 2014 High Virginia Outdoors All Rights Reserved

Sunday, January 5, 2014

Trophy Hunting

White Ibis (c) HVI

The harvest season is over; freezers and cellars are full. I had a real good deer season but only a fair garden season. It will do. I wish there were a few more trout in the freezer. I can only stand so much of the aggravation that goes along with fishing our stocked trout streams.

To me, the fish, game and crops all fall into the same category. Survival of the locavore. I wouldn't have it any other way. I do not hunt for fun or trophies. I hunt for venison. I rarely fish for fun. I fish for the freezer. If you look at all of the fish consumption advisories for West Virginia waters; you will see why I fish for stocked trout. Yes, I love to fly fish for fun. But thanks to fuel prices it just isn't feasible to drive anywhere to do anything; just for enjoyment.

What do I do for fun and entertainment? One answer there: Birding. The one thing that can be done year-round, anywhere. My trophies are birds seen and photographed. Bird trophies in one local are not the same as another location. Bird trophies are dependent on your location, only. A Swainson's Warbler doesn't raise eyebrows in an Alabama canebrake. They are of note here in the WV mountains, though. The same can be said for Snow Geese, Canvasbacks and many other waterfowl species. Most shorebirds are trophies in this region. Sanderlings don't get much response when seen at the beach. But, they do at the Elkins K-Mart.

Sanderling (c) HVI

Yes, bird trophies can be as large as an eagle or as small as a sparrow. You will never know what you may find; if you do not go out and look. I can think of nothing else that can bring more outdoor enjoyment with minimal expense than birding. You never know what may be found or when it will be found. That is the great thing about it. Give it a try and you will become more involved with each find.

Northern Shrike (c) HVI

Friday, December 6, 2013

Asian Carp In The Ohio River

Tests Find Asian Carp eDNA in PA, WV Sections of Ohio River

            SOUTH CHARLESTON, W.Va. and HARRISBURG, Pa. - State officials from the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) and the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (WVDNR) have confirmed that environmental DNA (eDNA) from the invasive Asian silver carp has been found in two water samples collected from the Ohio River.
            The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) tested 200 water samples collected from the upper Ohio River between Wheeling, W.V., and Pittsburgh on Oct. 21-22. The tests found eDNA in one Pennsylvania sample taken from the Ohio River in Aliquippa, Beaver County, about six miles upstream of the confluence with the Beaver River. A second positive eDNA result was found in a West Virginia sample near Chester in Hancock County. None of the samples tested positive for bighead carp.
            Researchers use eDNA analysis as a tool for the early detection of Asian carp, which include silver and bighead carp. The findings indicate the presence of genetic material left behind by the species, such as scales, excrement or mucous. But eDNA does not provide physical proof of the presence of live or dead Asian carp.
            “Unfortunately, the test results provide some evidence that this invasive species could be in the upper Ohio River in Pennsylvania,” said PFBC Executive Director John Arway. “This is an early warning sign, since we don’t know for certain the origin of the genetic material. We don’t know if the eDNA came from live or dead fish or if it was transported from other sources, like bilge water or storm sewers, or even waterfowl visiting the basin.”
            “The states of Pennsylvania, Ohio, Kentucky and West Virginia have been cooperatively working over the last two years to address Asian carp upstream migrations in the Ohio River,” added Curtis Taylor, Chief of the West Virginia Wildlife Resources Section. “These efforts have focused on fishing down these species at the population’s leading edge by using contracted commercial fishermen. The main reach of this effort has centered in the Meldahl and Greenup navigation pools that span the river between Ohio, Kentucky and West Virginia.” This cooperative effort will continue in 2014.
            Asian carp are a significant threat to aquatic ecosystems because of their voracious appetite and ability to quickly reproduce. Once in a waterway, they devour much of the microscopic algae and animals that other species rely on for food, effectively decimating other species. This, in turn, can harm local economies which rely on the revenue generated from sport fishing and boating.
            Because of the destructive nature of the Asian carp species, officials urge anglers and boaters to help slow the spread. Anglers and boaters should thoroughly clean gear and boats before entering new waters and learn how to identify Asian carp. A video teaching people how to identify bighead and silver carp is available from the USFWS on YouTube at http://youtu.be/B49OWrCRs38.
            Anglers and boaters are urged to contact the PFBC or WVDNR if they suspect the presence of Asian carp. Both agencies maintain a website for easy communication: PFBC - http://fishandboat.com/ais.htm and WVDNR - www.wvdnr.gov/fishing/asian_carp.shtm.
            Additional information is available on the national Asian carp website at: http://asiancarp.us
.            More information about the Clean Your Gear educational campaign is available at: http://www.fishandboat.com/cleanyourgear.htm.

**DNR**

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