Next Time Landing Net

It was a beautiful morning on September 1st when Gary Dahlquist and I ventured out to a private lake for some fishing. Most of the bluegills and bass we caught were small. We’ll, that is “most” of them. Gary was casting for crappies and bass and was some distance from where I was at. A few minutes later he walked to where I was and showed me a 17” - 4 pound largemouth. That’s the good part! The not-so-good part was he tried to grab the fish with his hands, but slipped on a rock and joined the big bass’s territory. Gary was very waterlogged, to say the least. His billfold and cell phone got a nice soaking. We still had a good time, but by around 10 a.m. the fish decided to take a breather. We had enough for a meal so homeward bound we went. Next time we take a landing net.

The Birds

We enjoyed feeding and watching various birds this summer. Lately we haven’t seen as many of our feathered friends at our feeders. I think that’s because there is plenty of other food they can feast on. If it follows like past years, the fun-loving hummingbirds will pull up their landing gear and fly to South America. We only saw one or two hummers a day during the summer. We’ll miss the little ruby-throated speedsters, but other birds like the finches, doves, cardinals, and woodpeckers always seem to stick around for free meals in the winter.

Ham & Bean Supper

This fun evening, hosted annually by the Geneseo Izaak Walton League, will be held this coming Saturday, September 9, 2023. It will be at the Ikes Park, 1 mile north of Geneseo, on Rt. 82. Look for the sign. There is plenty of parking and picnic tables. Serving will be from 4 to 7 p.m. with a donation of $10.00 per adult and $5.00 per child age 10 or under.

Feeding Deer

In other words, here in Illinois, don’t be putting out bait like salt or mineral blocks (baiting) to lure a deer for the purpose of shooting it. If there was corn planted, but some left standing as a food plot, it could be legal. There are some stores that do sell feed blocks and they may be used for livestock. The law is clear that traditional food plots and the use of solid and liquid substances designed to attract deer by scent, that cannot be ingested, are permissible. There are a good number of deer in the city limits of Silvis, East Moline, Moline and Rock Island. Want to bet there are a lot of folks who feed those deer?

Ticked Off

In a few months from now we won’t worry too much about ticks if we’re outside in the Henry County jungles or even in our yard. Those nasty and possibly dangerous bugs are still out there. Lyme disease can be transferred to us humans from a tick. People age 65 and older have the highest rate of getting the disease. Don’t be putting the insect repellent away just yet. Another protection from ticks is to wear a long sleeve shirt and pants.

A Happy Birthday

Goes to two of my favorites born in September. My lovely wife, Lorna, and awesome son, Lance. Maybe I can treat them with a burger from McDonalds. When January rolls around, I know what to get our daughter for her birthday. Another cat which would be #4.

Geneseo DU Banquet

This is a reminder that the 43rd Ducks Unlimited Banquet will be held on Saturday, September 23, 2023, at the Best Western Inn, 315 Canal St., Annawan, IL. There will be lots of new guns (40) and all sorts of outdoor related prizes through lots of raffles and auctions. There will also be auctioned off a 7 week old German Shorthair Pointer. The membership and banquet cost is $65.00 per single, $90.00 per couples and those persons age 17 and under, $30.00. This is a BIG EVENT. For more information contact Dale “double barrel” Doubler at 309-945-3516.

Humor

I crossed a fishing tackle box with an old smelly sock. I got a hook, line and stinker! Do you know what a spider’s favorite sport is? Fly fishing!! A sign outside a photography dark room read: DARK ROOM – KEEP DOORS CLOSED! If it is left open all the dark leaks out! A sign outside by a parking lot read, “24 HOUR PARKING.” Violators will be towed!