The Great Outdoors 2-19-10

  I am still waiting on circulation to return to my fingertips after spending a few days on the lake last weekend in frigid temperatures. As I wait to regain feeling, I also wait for warm weather to arrive.
    By this time of year outdoors enthusiasts usually have a couple of adventures under their belts. Whether it is a hike, fishing trip or late-season hunt, February usually opens small windows of mild weather to break the spell of winter.         This year, most outdoor-minded people are cursing the groundhog who saw its shadow and waiting for the ice, snow and wind to subside.
    There is some good to come from the lingering arctic weather. Granted, this is not much consolation to those chomping at the bit to get outside, but the cold weather will improve future outdoor prospects.
    Anglers should be the biggest beneficiaries of this long winter. As long as the water temperatures hover just above freezing, the shad population in the lakes will decrease. Shad die in water below 40 degrees and Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley will benefit from a massive shad die-off.
    The immediate advantage of a shad kill is that anglers will encounter larger fish. Gamefish are gorging themselves on these dying shad and their girth will show come spring. In cold water, shad becomes almost completely paralyzed as they near death, and become prime targets for predators. Incapable of escaping, a large shad becomes a quick and easy meal for a predators.
    Fewer shad should also result in a better spawn. The fry of this year’s spawn will have less competition as they feed on the same plankton as shad species.
    There is an overlap between young threadfin, gizzards and young gamefish for the same plankton in shallow water during the spring and summer. Less shad should mean better population and growth rates of gamefish in future years.
    All outdoorsmen will benefit from the harsh winters effect on insect populations. While the cold weather will not completely wipe out annoying insects, it may make outings more enjoyable.
    Turkey hunters should see a reduction in ticks this spring. Hikers and campers will not be devoured by mosquitoes during summer evenings and early season bowhunters should be more comfortable in their tree stands come September.
    All this time I spend inside allows me to reflect on the good that may come from this long winter. We may not appreciate it now, but come spring and summer we can all reap the benefits of these cold days. Until then I will wait - for the feeling to return to my extremities, the arrival of warmer weather and the opportunity to take advantage of the harsh winter.
OUTDOOR HIGHLIGHTS
    New Kentucky State Record Elk: Kentucky has a new state record for a bull elk with non-typical antlers.
    Terrell Royalty of Harrodsburg, Ky., harvested the elk from a wildlife management area in Knott County Oct. 4. The 7x7 bull measured 372 6/8 on the Boone and Crockett Club scoring system, besting the previous record of 367 7/8.
    These records show the quality of elk hunting in Kentucky. Applications for this year’s hunt are now available online at fw.ky.gov. It costs $10 to apply, and a hunter may apply only once. The drawing for the elk quota hunt is open to residents and non-residents of Kentucky. The deadline to apply is April 30.
    Ducks Unlimited Murray State Chapter Banquet: The Murray State chapter of Ducks Unlimited will host its annual banquet  at 6 p.m. Sat. Feb. 27 at the Murray Banquet Center. There will be live and silent auctions, raffles and dinner served. The event is open to the public and costs $20 per student or $35 per couple.
    Indoor Fishing Excitement: The Bassmaster Classic takes place this weekend on Lay Lake in Birmingham, Ala. Watching this event is probably the closest thing to actually going out and fishing, and if the weather keeps you indoors this weekend be sure to watch the action on ESPN.
    Contact Miller at steve.miller@murraystate.edu.