About a month away

About a month away

Outdoors Columnist Its been super hot this month and after catching some fish, most outdoors men stayed in the cool. Now it’s about time to get ready for dove season. There are several things we need to do to be ready to get a limit of doves. The three most important items are get the dog in shape, get the shotgun ready and shoot a few rounds, and last but not least, Get YOU in shape. The opening weekend of dove season is always hot.

Let’s start with the dog. I bet you have not given him much exercise, much less training. As hot as it is, please be careful because he is wearing a fur coat. The training must be early or late in the evening and for only a very short time to start with. Training time can increase as he starts to get into hunting shape. Do as much water work as possible and always have drinking water available for both you and the dog. Start with simple short singles on both land and water. As the dog starts to get in hunting shape the distance and difficulty of the retrieves are increased. If you have any left over birds from last year and you are not going to mount them, [remember Lakeside Taxidermy,] this is a good time to use them. This is especially true if you have a first year pup. If you are thinking about a professional trainer, it needs to be done quickly.

When was the last time you had the Ole Smoke Pole out? Did you put it away for the summer dirty? Either clean it up or take to a gun smith like Jimmy Evans who is running a clean up for $35. That’s a bargain and if there are mechanical problems he can take care of it. He is also running a special price on both 20-gauge and 12gauge shotguns shells and 12-gauge slugs. I visited Toby down at ANN’S and he has some specials like shooting vests, thermal underwear, and boots. Toby suggested you drop by and reserve your new Banded Waders because he ran out of them last year. These waders are the best of the waders. ANN’S is an authorized dealer for STREAMLIGHT and has batteries at a good price. This is the time to get the gear ready to go, besides it brings back good memories from hunts gone by. While you are there, take a minute and pet Toby’s new lab puppy.

When was the last time you pulled the trigger? Time to burn some ammo! Around Crittenden County there is not a shooting range, so it’s buy some clay birds and shotgun shells and hope some body in the county will let you shoot on their property. A lot of hunters have portable traps that can transported to where you shoot. It takes at least two people to shoot, one shooting and the other loading the trap and pulling the release. If you want to go to a shooting range, it’s either the Memphis Gun Club out past Lakeland, or the Harrisburg Gun Club that is about 40 miles up I55. I recommend Harrisburg because it’s quicker to get there and the price per round is less. It’s a very nice 3 trap range located about 8 miles off highway 555 on the way to Jonesboro.

If you are having shooting problems or have a young hunter that needs to learn the right way, contact Pat Turnage who is the chief range officer. He will help shooters at no charge. The only cost is paying for the round of 25 targets for $5.00 a round and you bring your shotgun shells. The man is a super coach! He coaches the Arkansas STR8SH youth shooting team that won the 2015 NATIONAL championship and will defend their title this next week in Sparta, Illinois. This man knows how to teach shooting. Your kids will love to learn from him. Give him a call at 870243-2767, and make an appointment. It’s worth the less than an hour trip.

We got your dog in shape and you and the young hunter shooting much better. Now, what kind of shape are you in?

Bet you have been sitting in the cool and watching too much TV. I visited with Kevin Holt at Holt Therapy & Wellness to find out how to get in hunting shape. Kevin is both a hunter and fisherman so he understands the problem. Kevin said the biggest early season problem is keeping hydrated and to drink 8 oz. of water eight times on a hot afternoon. Stay away from the alcohol products because they cause dehydration. He suggests walking 30 minutes each day while wearing your shooting vest with shells in the pockets. Because I do not have enough self discipline, I asked Kevin about getting help at his office. He said that service is offered and the fee depends on exactly what you want to do. Once you are started, there is a $5 fee to use his equipment. I plan to get back in shape. Set up an appointment with Kevin at 870-732-2828, and work up a plan. It’s time to do it now!

Fishing is slow this time of year and we all look forward to cooler weather.

Summer seems like it lasts longer than it use to and is hotter. Global warming? The elections are not too far away. Vote for the candidates that support the 2nd Amendment Take that kid with you when you enjoy the great outdoors. You might want to mount his trophy at Lakeside Taxidermy.

Papa Duck Lakeside Taxidermy 870-732-0455 or 901-482-3430 johncriner@ hotmail.com

By John Criner