2014 Trout Stocking

98,000 catchable trout will be stocked all over Ohio. In Clark County in Clark Lake (creative naming, around here
huh?) stocking will be March 27. It might not feel like spring all over, but it's time. No ice. Get out.

You can see the complete listing here. http://wildlife.ohiodnr.gov/fishing/trout-stocking-dates

The most recent radio show/podcast of Buckeye Sportsman had an interview on techniques to catch them. It might be slightly different than you'd expect since these fish are new to the outdoors. They're not Fish Ohio fish, but they're perfect for the table.

The Department of Artificial Resources: Stocking, Habitat and Access

The Ohio Department of "Natural" Resources is in the process of the stocking trout of "catchable size" in numerous ponds and lakes around Ohio. In the fall the agency releases rooster pheasants at a variety of public hunting areas around the state. I put the "Natural" in quotes because in many instances what they are actually doing is creating an "Artificial" Resource. Maybe "Outdoor" Resources is a more accurate and acceptable definition.

I understand this practice and believe it has a place. While wild naturally producing stocks would be preferred, in most cases the trout releases are near human populations and in bodies of water that don't offer many opportunities aside from the release. Same deal with the pheasants. It's an access issue. They give people without access to private land opportunity to pursue upland birds, while some other public areas are managed for wild pheasants.

What I don't really understand or agree with is the stocking of sterile hybrids in viable wild areas. Obviously this applies to primarily to fisheries (although a release of 100% roosters is essentially sterile). But why saugeyes in lakes or wipers in the Ohio River? It seems that this would make it even more difficult for the native species by competing with them for food and habitat. It seems like a net loss, when the real issue, where the money really should be spent, is on improving the habitat so that the native species can thrive. Those are the natural resources.

Photo Some rights reserved by Dennis Dalton

I'd Rather Be Outside.

It's true. I'd rather be outside than inside. Simple fact.

This blog is from a guy that doesn't get out as much as he'd like, or as far way. So this blog relates average outdoor adventures, primarily around southwestern Ohio. It could be pheasant hunting with a German shorthaired pointer. Could be kayaking. It could be building a quail house. It could be just walking around outside. We'll see what happens.