Ruralite - February 2012

Outdoor Fun

Enjoying the Natural World Around Us

Zumbo: In popular hunting areas, set up where others will push the birds to you.

Think escape routes. Look for natural funnels, saddles on ridges and bug-out routes. Also, birds are more likely to walk downhill, not uphill.

Winter is a prime season for wildlife watching. The absence of leaves makes viewing and photographing animals easier, as illustrated by this picture of a bald eagle perched along Washington’s Methow River. Photo by Larry Berg of Winthrop, Washington

‘Civilized’ Wildlife Watching

My young dog, Manny, was unusually alert one day. His head was up, eyes darting. His dashes through the sage were more energetic than usual. I soon learned why. He had sensed, scented and then spotted a large herd of mule deer searching for a night-time bedding spot.

It was only mid-afternoon, but this time of year the sun was already behind the hills and dusk had settled on our patch of high desert. That is the best news about long winter nights and short days: your wildlife watching hours are a bit more “civilized” because you don’t have to get up so early or stay up so late for primetime wildlife viewing.

Most animals are adjusting their internal clocks during the shorter days of winter. They are moving, feeding and seeking shelter within a smaller window of time.

If you’re not a morning person or night owl, this is your time to shine.

Opportunities For Honing Your Skills

Before the First Cast

Did you find a new fishing rod or reel under the Christmas tree? If so, now is a good time to buy fishing line, since many retailers are clearing their shelves to make room for spring inventory.

If you plan to stock up, store the extra line in a cool, dark location. Sunlight and heat accelerate the deterioration of monofilament fishing line.

Soak your new line in warm water for a few minutes prior to winding it onto your reel. That way the line will “relax,” minimizing those annoying loops.

Sometimes, simply flipping over the spool of line you’re pulling from will help take out some of the loops. Many pro guides will stretch new monofilament line on a reel (the first several dozen yards) by tying one end to a post, then exerting gentle tension while holding the other end of the line in their hand—not by the reel. This takes out the loops and improves hook-setting responsiveness.

Test Your Knowledge It’s time for another contest! If you can correctly name the critter that is derisively called a “ditch parrot” by those who doggedly pursue it, you will be entered in a random drawing for a Mini Maglite flashlight. Enter by e-mailing your answer to scottlindenoutdoors@gmail.com by February 29, 2012.

Scott Linden’s TV series
Wingshooting USA is
now airing year-round on
Pursuit Channel on your
satellite provider’s basic
tier. For more information,
visit www.scottlindenoutdoors.com.