Thursday, March 06, 2008
It's all in the details
Bill Cochran
Recent mail
BILL: The only thing missing [in last week’s Cochran column] was the statistic on the number of miles we had to walk to find a grouse. Last year that was one mile per flush and seven miles per bird in the bag. And these are not miles of walking on a trail or logging road. There is some of that, but most of the time we are talking about steep, rocky ground in thick brush and briers.
For example, the best cover I have found in recent years is a burned area on 45-degree slopes with some laurel understory covered with fallen timber and briars. It is a mess. Five hours of climbing around in that place is all we want to do.
Thanks for making the point about the loss of grouse habitat on our forest service lands and the negative impact the wilderness advocates have had on the forest service management and wildlife resources. This is by far the single most significant factor influencing grouse numbers in our area.
URBIE NASH
BILL: I have recently begun fishing the Virginia barrier islands in search of red drum. I’ve caught quite a few in my short surf fishing career and plan to specialize in them for the remainder of my fishing career. I am passionate about surf casting and conservation, which led me to the barrier islands.
I have come across a few of your articles on the Net and I enjoy yours stories very much. I am intrigued by Mr. Claude Bain and his extensive experience fishing the Virginia barrier islands for reds. It seems we share the same passion for them.
I was wondering if it was possible for you to get me some contact information on Mr. Bain? I would absolutely love an opportunity to pick his brain for an hour or two.
I head up a small group of secretive barrier island anglers who prefer to keep their knowledge off the Internet forums and fishing reports for fear of increased foot traffic and attention.
BEN VERNER
Baltimore, Md.
BEN: Claude Bain was long-time director of the Virginia Saltwater Fishing Tournament until his retirement last year. He currently is working part time at the Princess Ann Distribution Co. in Virginia Beach, which is a tackle shop. That would be the place to hook up with him. The number is 757-428-1000.
BILL
BILL: We have a group of young people at our church who I would like to see take a hunter education course. How do I go about getting in touch with an instructor?
R.P.
R.P.: Check the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries Web site for the nearest field office and talk to the training officer there. www.dgif.virginia.gov.
BILL
