The Great Outsmores

I know its only May, but I’m going to go ahead say this year’s honors goes to Danny MacAskill:

PS- sorry to both my readers for being so spotty on posting, great things are goin on & I’ll have some updates very soon.

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If you haven’t already done so, hang up your feeders! Ruby-throated hummingbirds and other avian migrants are returning to Georgia from wintering grounds far to the south. Ruby-throated “hummers” may travel more than 1,200 miles from Central America to Georgia.

One showed up last week at the Forsyth office of the Wildlife Resources Division’s Nongame Conservation Section. “They’re just arriving,” said Jim Ozier, a nongame program manager. “The first ones started showing up in middle Georgia about 10 days ago.”

Following the grueling migration, this diminutive bird must seek out about half its weight in food every day. Typical body weight of a ruby-throated hummingbird is 3 to 3.4 grams. To maintain their high metabolism, hummingbirds feed frequently on high-energy food sources such as rich but easily digested nectar and the tree sap that collects in yellow-bellied sapsucker foraging holes. Hummingbirds also need protein. They obtain it by eating tiny spiders and small, soft-bodied insects found on flowers or in sapsucker holes in trees.

Hummingbird enthusiasts can provide food for these travel-weary visitors by planting coral honeysuckle, columbine, bee balm and other flowering plants. Native plants are recommended because they need minimal care and are compatible with local ecosystems.

The Nongame Conservation Section is offering free packets of native wildflower seeds mixed to attract nectar-feeders. The packets were purchased through a grant from The Environmental Resources Network, or TERN, the friends group of the Nongame Conservation Section.

Hummingbird feeders also provide an important food source. Refill feeders every few days with a mix of one part sugar to four parts water. For best results, bring the water to a boil before adding the sugar and then continue to boil three to four minutes. Allow the mixture to cool before filling the feeder. Refrigerate unused portions.

Periodically clean feeders, making sure that all molds and bacteria are removed. But do not use harsh cleaning agents. Feeders can be easily cleaned in dishwasher or with mild soap and warm water.

Using feeders and planting nectar-producing flowers is the best recipe for attracting hummingbirds. For plantings, incorporate flowers that bloom from early spring through fall. Flower gardens will also attract a variety of other enjoyable nectar-feeders, such as butterflies.

Occasionally, “lost” migrant hummingbirds of several species not considered native to the region are seen at feeders during the winter, so many enthusiasts leave their feeders up throughout the year. To report unusual hummingbirds, please contact the Nongame Conservation Section at (478) 994-1438. Information sheets on Georgia’s hummingbirds are available at www.georgiawildlife.com (click “Conservation,” then “Georgia Animals & Plants”).

To receive a seeds packet, send a first-class, self-addressed, stamped envelope (No. 10 letter-sized) to: Nectar-feeder Native Wildflower Seed Packet, DNR/WRD Nongame Conservation Section, 116 Rum Creek Drive, Forsyth, Ga. 31029. One packet per customer, please.

Georgians who buy a nongame license plate or donate to the Give Wildlife a Chance state income tax checkoff contribute to wildlife conservation. Both programs benefit the Nongame Conservation Section, which receives no state funds for its mission to help conserve wildlife not legally hunted, fished for or trapped, as well as rare plants and natural habitats in the state.

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Atlanta’s most prominent falcons couple is back in the public eye.

A Web camera at www.georgiawildlife.com is again providing frequent updates on two adult peregrine falcons and their nest outside the 51st-floor offices of the McKenna, Long & Aldridge law firm in downtown Atlanta.

The protected raptors, which typically mate for life, began laying eggs Feb. 27. They have four now. The nestlings are expected in early April. The young will leave the nest at about 5 weeks old.

Clay C. Long, founding partner and a former chairman of the law firm, said the peregrines offer an annual treat, watching the young “from birth through the transition from down to feathers, then learning to fly and to hunt, and finally ending with our couple sending their young off in the world to find their own cliffs on which to dwell.”

Peregrines were removed from the federal list of threatened and endangered species because of a successful population recovery effort, but Georgia still lists the birds as rare. There are only two known peregrine pairs nesting in Georgia, both in Atlanta, said Jim Ozier, a Nongame Conservation Section program manager with the state Wildlife Resources Division.

Peregrines are possibly the fastest animal in the world. Their dives, used to catch birds in flight, have been clocked at more than 200 mph.

The Wildlife Resources Division and the world have watched falcons nest at McKenna, Long & Aldridge for five years, thanks to the law firm and a grant from The Garden Club of Georgia. One of the first peregrines nesting there was released in Atlanta by the state, in a partnership with Georgia Power and Zoo Atlanta, Ozier said.

The new falcons will face an urban environment plump with pigeons and other prey on the wing but also packed with potential hazards such as windows and traffic. Two of the three peregrines that hatched on the high-rise balcony last year were later treated for injuries.

“The young have to learn how to survive in the city,” Ozier said.

To see this year’s nest, go to www.georgiawildlife.com and click “Conservation,” then “Species of Concern” and the peregrine falcon Web cam link under “Bird Conservation” label. The view shows the planter in which the birds nest. Frequently hit your computer’s refresh, or reload page, button: The images are updated every 30 seconds.

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Each spring and summer the likelihood of bear sightings throughout the state, even in urbanized areas and suburbs, increases.

Whether it’s a young male bear roaming across non-traditional bear range into the metro Atlanta area or a hungry bear sifting through a North Georgia campsite for an easy meal, the possibility exists and residents should be aware.

“A black bear sighting is something that few people ever forget – especially when it is in your backyard. Human populations have grown and expanded into areas traditionally inhabited by bears and when conflicts arise the bear is perceived as a threat or nuisance,” says Wildlife Resources Division Assistant Game Management Chief John W. Bowers.

“All residents, especially those in known bear areas, are encouraged to educate themselves about bears and bear behavior, be responsible and help prevent conflicts from occurring,” says Bowers.

Black bears most commonly are found in three areas of the state - the north Georgia mountains, the Ocmuglee River drainage system in central Georgia and the Okefenokee Swamp in the southeastern part of the state. However, black bears can and do range over larger areas; especially in early spring and late summer, when activity patterns increase. Young male bears are also known to roam larger areas in an effort to establish their own territory.

Because black bears are omnivorous, their diet consists of whatever food is readily available at any given time of year. Thus, black bears are reasonably attracted to the scents of human food, pet food, birdseed, beehives and even compost piles. When bears can easily obtain such food sources, they begin to associate humans with food and as a result, lose their innate fear of humans. Wildlife biologists with the Wildlife Resources Division encourage residents to heed the following tips in an effort to minimize bear attractants and lessen the chance of wild bears becoming habituated to people:

- NEVER, under any circumstances, feed a bear. Such activity is unlawful.

- Keep items, such as grills, pet food or bird feeders off-limits to bears. Clean and store grills when not in use, keep pet food indoors and take bird feeders down if bears are in the area.

- Make sure trashcans are bear-proof or kept indoors.

- When camping or picnicking, keep your site clean. Never leave food or coolers unattended. Never keep food in or near your tent. Store food in properly sealed containers and whenever possible, store these containers in a vehicle. If camping in backcountry areas, hang packs or food bags at least ten feet off the ground and at least four feet from the trunk of a tree.

“The Division receives numerous calls each year regarding bear sightings and requests for bear relocation,” says Bowers. “Relocation is seldom a solution. For example, relocated bears often attempt to return to the same territory, other bears may move into the vacated area and adult male bears often kill other bears, especially young males, when relocated into new territory. Therefore, relocation is rarely utilized.”

Residents initially should take the actions previously described to resolve nuisance bear problems. Most often, if residents remove the attractant, the bear will move on and will not return. However, if the bear persists for several days, residents should feel free to contact the nearest Wildlife Resources Division Game Management office.

Though the American black bear (Ursus americanus) is now considered the most common bear in North America and the only bear found in Georgia, at one point the species was nearly eradicated from the state due to poaching and habitat loss. Yet, because of sound wildlife management practices Georgia’s current black bear population is healthy and thriving and is estimated between 2,300 and 2,500 bears statewide.

For more information regarding black bears, visit www.georgiawildlife.com, contact a Wildlife Resources Division Game Management office or call (770) 918-6416. The public also can visit their local library to check out a copy of an informational DVD entitled, “Where Bears Belong: Black Bears in Georgia.”

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Tags: bears, N. Georgia

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I don’t even know what to say about this:

Read all about the gazebo here.

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Cancelled due to inclement weather. Sorry fellas, not afraid to get a little wet - but 80% precipitation both days is going to make the trout fishing impossible, especially for you fly guys.

This is a little post to inform y’all about the proposed trip.  Feel free to comment at the bottom.

Tentative itenerary:

Leave ATL/Roswell at 11:00 Friday the 27th

Trail head approx. 2:00PM Friday

Set up camp around 4:00PM

Fish ASAP until Dark

———————–

Fishing AM as early as you can get on ‘em.

*** I know at least myself and Chad have to be back by 4:00 pm to get to a engagement party ***

-That said, rest of y’all can stay as long as you want, we just need to plan out the car situation.

-We’ll need to leave at 11-12:00 to make it back on time in that case.

Area Information

Conasauga River Headwaters Image:
http://www.conasaugariver.net/ijourney/conjacks/conhead.html

It appears that it will be easier (but not a stroll) to access the upper reaches of the stream by trail instead off-trail hiking:

1.7 miles each way to the river, steep descent to the rive on the way down means a big climb on the way up.

http://www.groundedgraphics.com/national-parks/cohutta-wilderness/conasauga-river.html

Chestnut Lead Trail

Some fishing (mostly) related posts about the river, etc.

http://www.georgia-outdoors.com/forum/showthread.php?t=64801&highlight=chestnut+lead
http://www.georgia-outdoors.com/forum/showthread.php?t=57583&highlight=chestnut+lead
http://www.georgia-outdoors.com/forum/showthread.php?t=57583&highlight=chestnut+lead&page=2

Quote:
Originally Posted by Burny
My uncle has had quad. bypass so I am trying to find the easiest trail but also good fishing. Thanks again.
If he’s never been into the Cohutta Wilderness, I would reconsider. “Easiest trail” and “Cohutta Wilderness” are two terms that just simply don’t go together. That’s no place you would want to have a medical emergency, as a matter of fact a few years ago a guy I graduated high school with died of a heart attack leading a group of boy scouts in the wilderness.

Reply: I’d suggest the Chatooga under those circumstances.

http://www.georgia-outdoors.com/forum/showthread.php?t=55645&highlight=chestnut+lead

http://www.georgia-outdoors.com/forum/showthread.php?t=52866&highlight=chestnut+lead

Nice pictures! If you want brookies, I think you need to try another stream. I’ve fished all the way up to the headwaters and it’s rainbows and browns. Some of the tribs might hold brookies, I don’t know.
–Sorry guys, i thought we might have a shot at some native brookies

http://www.georgia-outdoors.com/forum/showthread.php?t=37842&highlight=chestnut+lead
fishing there is difficult, because the fish are sooo spooky, but it is a beautiful setting, and one of my favorite places, to camp/hike. I think the easiest way in is on the Hickory Creek trail, and after a 2 to 2 1/2 hour hike you will come to Bray field, where Hickory Creek and the Conasauga River meet. If you continue follow the Hickory Creek trail just for a few minutes past the field (head towards the right), you will come to many really good campsites. My friends and I agree these are some great spots. If you are feeling adventuresome, the Panther Creek Waterfall is about an hour or so away. Really cool when the water is running good, but I don’t know how it is right now. A friend of mine (spinning fool) fished up in that area a few weeks ago, and said him and a buddy caught several fish including some small trout in the area I am talking about. There is a long post from him (I think under Conasauga Report or something) with good details of the trip. Good luck, and the place is so worth the hike. This area is “bear-y” so camp smart!

PREPARE FOR BEAR BAGS - I know first hand of at least a couple people who lost their food to bears overnight in this area, and most of their belongings were scattered or destroy by the hungry animals.  I’ll bring a bear bag & rope, you all should just be prepared to keep all your food, toothpaste, etc. in a convenient way to facilitate us putting it all in a big bear bag.

Yo-zuri pins minnow? - somebody said they ripped it up on them using spinning tackle.
http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_10151_-1_10001_15565?cm_mmc=froogle-_-100-5-2-_–1-_-38-210-160-01&hvarAID=froogle&mr:trackingCode=A3A9041D-1C13-DE11-9E3C-001422107090&mr:referralID=NA

Cheastnut lead would probably be your best access to better fishing. Most people fish a little bit to either side of the trail. Shoot for 1/2 between tearbritches and Cheastnut lead. A few good camp sites but not many. Good luck, could be some real tough fishing,, take your cammo and face paint, those are some spooky fish. Post a report when you get back.
C_S

Area Trails Map

Let me know if you’re down.

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Tags: cohutta wilderness, conasauga, N. Georgia, native, river, trout

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This is seriously too funny, hats off to the guys at Kotula’s…

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Does what it says it does.  File this one in the “duh, why didn’t I think of that.”

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My question is this:

Is there a Boone & Crockett record for this, or does this hunter get the world record by default?

From Javno.com.

“DNA analysis has confirmed that this was the first cross-breed between two bear types found in the wild; a polar bear and a grizzly.”

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Last weekend I got to be part of a true “win-win.” Myself & a client of mine (RenergyCafe.com) hooked up with Capt. Mike Illig of Avid Angling in Charleston, SC. Not only did he put us on the fish in less than desirable conditions, proceeds of the trip go help get disabled folks out on the water for free!*

*I plan on doing a write up about this charity work in the near future, so stay tuned.

We had planned to try the tail end of the Tarpon season out there, and had some big questions about the weather as the remnants of tropical storm Fay were just clearing out. We started out shark fishing for bonnet heads off of Shutes Folly during the morning slack tide and James (of Renergy) hooked up with a nice bonnet around 4 1/2 feet.

I hit the first of two snags, and was looking for to get goose-egged until 11:00 when we moved out to some jetties near the mouth of Charleston Harbor. Within minutes a nice redfish (thus far my personal best) tore through some line and ended up in the boat after about a 15 minutes fight. It was a 32″ red, and was actually my first tagged fish so supposedly I’ll be getting some free swag from the SC DNR in the mail soon.

Next up, James hooked into something very large.

We can’t prove it was a silver king, but the amount of line it took, lack of head thrashing that might indicate a shark, and the obvious size of whatever was on the line makes me want to believe it. However, about ten minutes in, the fish ran for a ledge and got off clean.

My turn again, and it would be the luck of the draw.

After a brief lull in the action, something snapped up a live mullet and ran strong and hard, but not too far. It felt like I had a Volkswagon mini bus on, but without the big initial run we thought it might be a large shark or enormous sting ray. On and on the battle went as we locked into a thirty minute tug of war with me gaining a few feet, and it taking a few right back. Not even a hint was to be garnered until the leader was in sight.

When you’re guide is jumping up and down with excitement, you know it’s something epic.

It was the second biggest Mike had ever had in his boat, and 13″ larger than I’ve ever landed. And that’s the story of my (new) best red drum, at 43 inches, it will be a while if ever before I top it.

I just wanted to thank James and Mike, who were exceptional hosts and fishing partners - and I look forward to doing it again real soon. PS- Kudos to Mike for having exceptional taste in Rock n Roll (it appears that Redfish love The Band).

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