Southern Traditions Outdoors - Spring 2017

1 SOUTHERN TRADITIONS OUTDOORS | MARCH - APRIL 2017

MARCH / APRIL 2017

BECOMING A BECOMING A TURKEY HUNTERTURKEY HUNTER

www.southerntraditionsoutdoors.comwww.southerntraditionsoutdoors.comPlease tell our advertisers you saw their ad in southern traditions outdoors magazine!Please tell our advertisers you saw their ad in southern traditions outdoors magazine!

KENTUCKY LAKE CRAPPIEKENTUCKY LAKE CRAPPIEBOWFISHINGBOWFISHINGSPRING BOAT PREPARATIONSPRING BOAT PREPARATIONHISTORY OF FARMING IN AMERICA – PART 2HISTORY OF FARMING IN AMERICA – PART 2FIGHTING VINESFIGHTING VINES

FREEFREE


CHECK OUT THE ALL NEW 2017 CHEVROLET

4-WHEEL DRIVE TRUCKS!

HUGE SELECTION OF NEW 2017 FORD

4-WHEEL DRIVE TRUCKS!

MARCH - APRIL 2017 | SOUTHERN TRADITIONS OUTDOORS 3

TAX

REFUND

IT’S

TIME

YOU HAVE WORKED HARD FOR YOUR MONEY ...

NOW IT IS TIME TO DO SOMETHING NICE FOR

YOURSELF!WORK HARD,

PLAY HARDER AT OUTERLIMIT POWERSPORTS!

©2017 Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A. Kawasaki ATVs with engines over 90cc are recommended for use only by persons 16 years of age or older. Kawasaki also recommends that all ATV riders take a training course. For more information, see your dealer, or call the ATV Safety Institute at 1-800-887-2887. Warning: ATVs can be hazardous to operate.

Never ride on public roads or pavement. Avoid excessive speeds and stunt driving.

470 US Highway 51 Bypass N. - Dyersburg, TN 38024(731) 285-2060

Open Tuesday - Friday: 9am to 5pm - Saturday: 9am to 3pmouterlimitpowersports.com

The All New 2017 Kawasaki® Mule™ Pro FXT EPS

MSRP: $14,799

OUTERLIMIT POWERSPORTS

PRICE:

ONLY $12,799


Advertising Information: Southern Traditions Outdoors | Rob Somerville

(731) 446-8052 [email protected]

DISCLAIMER - Neither the authors nor Southern Traditions Outdoors Magazine LLC assume any responsibility or liability for any actions by readers who utilize any information contained within. Readers are advised that the use of any and all information contained within Southern Traditions Outdoors is at their own risk.

On the Cover

Southern Traditions Outdoors Magazine Mission Statement:Southern Traditions Outdoors Magazine vows to put forth a publication to promote the outdoors lifestyle in a positive manner. We will strive to encourage veteran and novice outdoorsmen, women, kids, and the physically challenged to participate in the outdoors in a safe and ethical manner. Our publication will bring positive attention to the wondrous beauty of the world of Nature in the mid-south.

Garry MasonWalter WilkersonTerry WilkersonSteve McCadamsKelley PowersShawn ToddEddie BrunswickLarry Self

John SloanRichard SimmsDana WatfordBuck Gardner Richard HinesEd LankfordDrew BrooksJohn Latham

John RobertsRichard HinesRob HurtMark BuehlerRichard FaganNeill McLaurinSam BradshawTodd Cotten

Field Staff Editors

Owners - Eddie Anderson Rob Somerville Kevin Griffi th Stacey LemonsPublisher - Eddie AndersonEditor - Rob Somerville

Advertising Sales Rob Somerville - Managing PartnerDistribution Johnathan Anderson Mike Robinson

Southern Traditions Outdoors Magazine, LLC

TABLE OF CONTENTSPG .................. ARTICLE ....................................................... AUTHOR

6 ......................... New Crappie Limit for KY Lake ........................................Steve McCadams 9 ......................... Bow Fishing - Fun in the Backwoods ...............................Richard Hines15 ......................... Becoming a Turkey Hunter ..............................................Richard A. Fagan19 ......................... Spring Boat Preparation ...................................................Rob Somerville23 ......................... The History of Farming in America ..................................Rob Somerville30 ......................... Fighting Poisonous Vines .................................................Kevin Griffi th43 ......................... Places to Visit ..................................................................Rob Somerville48 ..........................Tradition Tips ...................................................................Richard A. Fagan53 ......................... TWRA News .....................................................................STO54 ......................... Trophy Room ....................................................................STO

This lone gobbler surveys his home turf as he awaits a hen to begin the spring ritual of nature.Photo by Rob Somerville


Letter from the EditorFrom the Desk of Rob Somerville

I have been fortunate to retain many special memories of my life spent in the great outdoors, but one of my most precious is of an Easter Sunday, spent crappie fi shing on Reelfoot Lake. I can’t remember exactly when it was; but it was at least a dozen years ago. Th ere are many reasons that it was so memorable. First of all, it was Easter Sunday morning …. and as I unloaded my boat it had started to snow. Th ere was literally no wind blowing and it wasn’t even cold out. I had bought six dozen, small minnows at Bo’s

Landing. I had 10 pole holders on my BASS PRO 17 aluminum boat’s spider rig. Being an experienced Reel-foot crappie fi sherman, I generally used six poles at the time, fanned out at the front of my boat. I trolled out towards a stump line I liked to fi sh. By now, it was snowing so hard that I could hardly see ten feet in front of my boat. I killed my trolling motor and began drift ing into the stump infested area of the lake. I rigged two minnows through the lips {one on each hook of my crappie rig} and opened my reel bail until the weight hit the bottom, reeled in about a foot of line, and set the 12’ graphite pole in a pole holder. I repeated this routine on two more of my poles and was rigging up a fourth when one of my rods bent nearly in two. A stump, I thought to myself, and went to pull the rod tip back in the direction I had come from to unsnag it. Suddenly, my line began moving towards the front side of my boat. I pulled back and the fi ght was on. It was a two-plus pound crappie and I had to scramble for my net, so the hook would not rip out of the fi shes paper thin lips. I got the big slab in the boat and scrambled back to start my aerator in my live-well. Before I got back to the front of my boat, two more poles were bending like the fi rst did. Now, these weren’t little taps of a nibble that most crappie give. Th ey were sure enough “snatch and plunge” bites. Th e big crappie were tearing up my minnows and it got to the point when I could just handle two poles at a time and had to set the rest of them in the boat. Th is action continued for about two more hours, with an inch of snow now covering my boat deck. Sudden-ly, the snow stopped and the sun came out in all its glory. Th e fi sh quit biting as well. My livewell had twenty fi ve monster crappie in it; all over 1.5 lbs. and two even going over 3 lbs. It was the most big crappie I had ever caught at Reelfoot Lake, and still is to this day! I looked at my watch and it was 9:00 am. It was Easter Sunday. I felt that this trip was a sign from the Master of All Creations. He let me enjoy one of my best fi shing trips ever, and then he shut off the snow and turned on the sun’s light and was seemingly telling me you had your fun, now it was time to load up the fami-ly and go celebrate His day at church. So, that is what I did.I will never forget that day!Editor’s Note: Get out and enjoy beautiful Reelfoot Lake and make yourself a memory of a lifetime!


Crappie anglers testing the water on Kentucky Lake this year are advised of changes in the daily creel limit. Back on March 1st, the daily creel limit of twenty fi sh went into eff ect, a reduction from the thirty daily limit that had been in eff ect since the mid-80’s.A 10-inch minimum length limit remains in eff ect. Th e Tennessee Fish and Wildlife Commission voted to reduce the daily creel limit last fall, aft er a series of public meetings that followed numerous calls of concerns from anglers, as to the overall direction of the crappie fi shery.

ANGLERS ANXIOUS AND OPTIMISTIC

For the last few years catch rates had been declining on the “Crappie Capital” and fi shermen across the region were vocal in their concern. Numbers of keeper size fi sh had diminished drastically, but a lot of smaller size fi sh were showing up,

a scenario that indicated several weak year classes of crappie had taken its toll.

A variety of factors were discussed by TWRA fi sheries biologists in public meetings showing several years of inferior recruitment in the population. As a result, anglers were not landing big number of big fi sh here on the big pond! Weak spawns really show up in the daily creel of anglers here, some three to four years later. It takes approximately three years for a crappie on Kentucky Lake to reach the 10-inch length. In summary, anglers here were battling high hurdles, as their

crappie fi shery had experienced several back to back years of below average spawns and recruitment. Biologists attributed the decline to a few years of drought conditions that had negative impacts on both lake levels and survival rates of young of the year fi sh.

Fisheries biologists conduct trap-net monitoring each fall to gauge to some degree the success or failure of the previous spring’s spawn. Some electro shocking is done as well to observe the various year’s class strength, yet trap netting helps evaluate the direction by counting the fi ngerling size crappie via a series of trap net sets done at several locations over some two to three days in mid-October. Biologists then compare what they observe to several years of data. Th e data base helps establish a long-term average of what the

NEW CRAPPIE LIMIT FOR KENTUCKY LAKE

By Steve McCadams

Kentucky Lake anglers will see a new daily creel limit of twenty fi sh in effect this spring.

Photo by Steve McCadams


reservoir ought to look like aft er several years of monitoring. From that a pretty good idea of what lies ahead can help formulate the future fi shery, at least to some degree. Th ere are other factors that can aff ect recruitment, as those tiny fi sh grow through the months and years ahead. Predation by larger fi sh can be a factor, so there’s a little more to it than just a good spawn in the spring.

When lake levels are below normal it pulls water out of shoreline habitat. Th at means crappie might not get off a productive spawn, or those small fry just hatching out might be gobbled up by other predators if they don’t have shallow grass, bushes and roots of larger trees in which to seek refuge. Such a scenario means a lower survival rate. When low survival rates and weak spawns occur several years in a row it paves the way for lower catch rates down the road for sport fi shermen. Th at’s what happened a few years ago for Kentucky Lake crappie anglers. However, crappie are prolifi c. Th ey might have a year here and there when inferior conditions occurred and weak spawns or recruitment were the result, only to have a good year somewhere in the mix that saw a signifi cant rebound occur. In layman’s terms that’s way fi sheries biologists refrain from making knee-jerk regulation changes when a year or two of tough fi shing results occur. Th ey know Mother Nature can be mean at times but she can also show one of her many faces, bouncing

back with ideal conditions in the form of nice weather and stable rainfall. History has shown the fi sh will respond favorably when such occurs. Meanwhile, fi shing pressure enters the conversation among the ranks of anglers. Some feel fi shing pressure is a real factor nowadays, especially if the pressure increases at a time when the success rates of spawning and recruitment decreases.

Although fi sheries biologists are reluctant to point the fi nger at fi shing pressure as a factor in the decline, a concerned and confused fi shing public oft en feels otherwise. Today’s crappie angler - and all anglers for that matter - are

better at fi nding and catching fi sh than his predecessors. Anglers of yesteryear did not have the benefi t of modern sonar units with side scan imaging, state of the art tackle and boats and motors like present day fi shermen do. Winter fi shing has increased dramatically too. Th is past winter is a prime example, as it was one of the warmest on record. As a result, more anglers than ever were out in force and they were catching fi sh too. In times past, not many anglers braved the cold winter months to wet a line. Th ere were a few who battled cabin fever at times and ventured out, but nothing like modern day anglers.

Crappie fi shermen at Kentucky Lake are hoping for a better year ahead, as it appears a stronger year class of fi sh will see more keeper size ones entering the picture. Photo by Steve McCadams


Th e more crappie taken during winter months means fewer left once spring, summer and fall arrive. Yet, Kentucky Lake has had the reputation as a fi sh factory, producing good numbers year aft er year despite the thousands of boaters who venture here. When compared to other lakes across the country Kentucky Lake has stood out among the rest in the long haul. Th at’s why anglers began to wonder what was going on these last few years, when fewer and fewer fi sh were caught or lots of little fi sh showed up, but not many slabs! Bottom line is that it appears Kentucky Lake crappie suff ered several years of low blows. Weak year classes back to back didn’t

get that rebound needed and it refl ected in the coolers of crappie fi shermen. Th e last year or two anglers saw lots of small fi sh coming on. Two years ago they were tiny and last year most were approaching but hadn’t yet reached the 10-inch minimum length limit, although last fall and this winter more eclipsed the magic mark. As the spring of 2017 approached it appeared things would get better as biologists documented a pretty good spawn some three to four years ago. Th at’s why anglers are seeing an increase in numbers already of keeper-size crappie. In an eff ort to spread those numbers out among the fi shing public a lower creel limit was enacted. It’s still a pretty liberal

number, as two anglers can still go out and bring home a total of 40 fi sh on a good day! Th at’s a lot of fi sh in anyone’s book. Lowering the daily creel by ten fi sh won’t likely alter the spawning and recruitment say biologists. Th ey say the fi shermen’s hook doesn’t have much eff ect! Neither does the number of poles used; thus no regulation changes were made in that aspect. Meanwhile, most anglers have welcomed the change and felt it would better assist the long-term management of crappie here. Several states and lakes across the nation have lowered both creel and length limits on crappie the last few years in response to both public concern and biological data.Th e Kentucky portion of Kentucky Lake implemented a twenty fi sh daily limit several years ago. Several other reservoirs in middle and east Tennessee have lowered their daily creel limit to fi ft een. Lowering daily limits is nothing new. Some anglers don’t like it. Others say they never landed a limit anyway. Overall, today’s anglers have embraced reductions in creel limits and increased length limits across the country. Th ey’ve learned it’s in their best interest to sustain the quality of their fi shery.Times have changed. Fishing regulations must change too!Editor’s note: Steve McCadams is professional guide and outdoor writer from Paris, Tennessee. He has been inducted into Th e National Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame and Outdoor Legends Hall of Fame.

The author with one of the many slabs he has taken over the years at Kentucky Lake in his 40-year career! Photo by Steve McCadams


A nice short-nosed gar just passed us when Stan said, “Take your time and let him cruise by again, maybe he will give you a nice side view.”

Being an old buddy of mine, Stan had invited me on a bowfi shing trip to shoot carp on a small lake near my home. It had been years since I had fl ung arrows at a fi sh, so I was excited about trying it again, particularly with all the new equipment available today. I remember sticking my fi rst carp

with an arrow about 45 years ago, I was working at Kentucky Lake and some friends and I decided to give it a try. I got in my closet and dug out my old Ben Pearson Fiberglass recurve bow that I had used when I was 10 years old. I bought a nice Fred Bear “Grizzly” in 1971 that I deer hunted with, but I was not about to hang a reel on my main bow. I could not aff ord to buy any other type of bow, so it was my old fi berglass bow that I chose to use. I don’t

remember any sources in catalogs, but our local hardware store did have three essential items every bow fi shermen needed; a bow reel, line and a fi berglass arrow. If you were shooting fi sh that was it for high end equipment in the world of bowfi shing. But in 2017, it’s a diff erent story. With instructional DVDs and an array of kits available you can get involved without much problem. If you are reading this, you are also probably in the vicinity of

By Richard Hines

Bow Fishing Fun in the Backwater

Here is a photo of the 2016 Muzzy Bowfi shing Classic winners.


Kentucky or Barkley Lakes. Th ese two lakes provide some of the best bowfi shing opportunities in the country. Anywhere on Kentucky Lake is a bowfi shing paradise, but mainly the backwater areas in coves and creeks. Each spring you will fi nd these areas loaded up with rough fi sh. I always see the most fi sh where water is outfl owing around creeks, where the clear water meets the muddy. Th ese are spots you will fi nd gar stacking up and you will fi nd some fast shooting action around these backwater

spots.Before you go, consider

equipment and the days of scrounging up an old bow and fi shing reel are over. Muzzy makes some of the best equipment out there for bowfi shing enthusiasts as well as for the beginner. Mark Land, who is the Technical Support Manager and Prostaff Director for Bowfi shing Promotions at Feradyne Outdoors, told me Muzzy provides the Muzzy Addict Bowfi shing Kit featurings a new 58-inch-long recurve bow with a 40-pound

draw weight at 28 inches. Th e bow is a three-piece takedown design that is drilled and tapped for normal accessories and comes ready to shoot. Th e bow’s riser is magnesium for strength and vibration reduction, and its limbs are constructed of laminated maple and fi berglass for great performance. Th e Addict Bowfi shing Kit also includes Muzzy’s new XD Pro Reel. Pre-spooled with 150-pound Spectra line, this new stainless steel reel features a unique fi nger-activated lever switch that clearly indicates an open bail or locked bail. Th e switch eliminates the guesswork of the old-style press switch. Simply fl ip the switch to the open position to shoot, and fl ip it back aft er the shot to retrieve the line. Th e XD Pro Reel attaches to the riser by way of an integrated stainless steel mounting that reduces weight and allows for easy, single-bolt mounting. Th e Addict Bowfi shing Kit also includes the new Muzzy Fish Bone arrow, a 32-inch custom-infused coated fi berglass arrow with special wear-resistant graphics, and the Muzzy quick-release carp point comes with the kit.A Muzzy Fish Hook rest and a pair of neon green fi nger guards

This huge carp was taken with bow and arrow at Muzzy Classic.

While you’re hunting or fishing on Reelfoot Lake, stop by and see Johanna and her crew

for a quick, delicious meal.Or, beat the heat with their “World Famous” ice cream.

Dine-in or eat outside on their Patio!!Home Owned and operated

731-253-6311 HWY 78 - Tiptonville

“Something Different”

our hospitable


complete the package, providing both entry-level and seasoned shooters with an aff ordable and compact setup. Retailing at $249.99, the new Muzzy Addict Bowfi shing Kit has everything you need to start bowfi shing and will be available at retailers nationwide this spring. Th e Muzzy Addict Bow will also be available as a separate item for a suggested retail price of $169.99. Land told me a lot of folks are carrying the Muzzy breakdown bow in the boat and fi shing during

the early morning hours and then again when that golden time when the sun is up and the light is just right (10am to 4pm) they pull out the bow and go to the heads of creeks where gar, bighead carp and other rough fi sh are stacking up for some fast bow fi shing. If you don’t have a boat you might consider two of Tennessee’s National Wildlife Refuges; Cross Creeks and the Duck River Unit/ Aft er a winter of providing habitat and resting areas for migratory waterfowl these NWRs

will be opening to public use on March 16th. Typically, as the water is drawn down from the waterfowl impoundments you can bowfi sh around pipes and other dewatering areas from daylight to sunset each day. In some winters the Cumberland and the Tennessee Rivers overfl ow the impoundments, which result in large numbers of rough fi sh being trapped. Deputy Project Leader Troy Littrell said, “We did not receive backwater fl ooding from the river this winter but you can still count on seeing good numbers of rough fi sh that moved along canals and water control structures from storage lakes”.

At Cross Creeks, I would check out Pool 1 and Pool 2, which are immediately behind the Refuge Visitor Center. Th ese pools are waterfowl impoundments and water levels are typically pulled down early, so staff and plant crops in them to feed waterfowl next winter. Refuge staff also wanted to emphasize several things that help them out. One is to not leave any unwanted fi sh lying on roads or bridges. Please return any unwanted or non-desirable fi sh back into the water. Troy Littrell also mentioned if you boat in any of the impoundments on Cross Creeks remember there is a “no wake zone” for these impoundments to protect shorelines around the lakes. No matter where you go, bowfi shing can add some fun to your upcoming fi shing outing.

Here are two, huge gar taken by team Muzzy.



421 W. COURT ST.DYERSBURG, TENNESSEE

731-285-5767

We are proud to welcomeSam Bradshaw to our company!

Contact him at:

BOYETTE’S RESORT on scenic reelfoot lake

[email protected]

1.888.465.6523

*$0 down, 0% A.P.R. financing for up to 60 months on purchases of new Kubota RTVX900/X1100/X1120 Series equipment is available to qualified purchasers from participating dealers’ in-stock inventory through 12/31/2016. Example: A 60-month monthly installment repayment term at 0% A.P.R. requires 60 payments of $16.67 per $1,000 financed. 0% A.P.R. interest is available to customers if no dealer documentation preparation fee is charged. Dealer charge for document preparation fee shall be in

accordance with state laws. Inclusion of ineligible equipment may result in a higher blended A.P.R. 0% A.P.R. and low-rate financing may not be available with customer instant rebate offers. Financing is available through Kubota Credit Corporation, U.S.A., 3401 Del Amo Blvd., Torrance, CA 90503; subject to credit approval. Some exceptions apply. Offer expires 12/31/2016. See us for details on these and other low-rate options or go to www.kubota.com for more information. Optional equipment may be shown. © Kubota Tractor Corporation, 2016.

A.P.R.

Into SavingsShift KUBOTA SALES EVENT

A.P.R. Offer ends 12/31/16.

The deals are in overdrive on all new Kubota RTV-X1100C utility vehicles!

$0 Down, 0% Financing for 60 Months*A.P.R.

FIRST CHOICE FARM AND LAWN305 HWY 51 BYPASS N.DYERSBURG, TN 38261

731-882-1855

305 HWY 51 BYPASS N.DYERSBURG, TN

731-882-1855

9095 HWY 128 S.SAVANNAH, TN

731-925-2141



a turkey vest. I bought myself several diff erent kinds of calls. Th e slate, box, and glass calls were the easiest to master. Th e mouth call, on the other hand, presented a challenge. At my fi rst attempts to demonstrate my skills with one, I was told I sounded like a turkey ….. one with a head cold. It was also compared to a hen with an acorn hung in her throat. I kept working with it and got better. Even with all the preparation, I was still faced with one problem; “Where was I going to hunt?” During that time, most turkeys were found along the river bottoms and on wildlife management areas. People who were fortunate enough to have turkeys on private land didn’t give out to many invitations. I started scouting and learning my way around three management areas that were known to have good turkey populations. I spent several mornings at these places and heard gobblers at each spot. I decided on where I wanted to hunt opening day; so I spent the mornings of the last week sitting in the woods and listening. My fi rst day turkey hunting didn’t involve the blast of my 870, but I considered it a success. I had fi ve hens come right up to me less than fi ve feet away. Th is proved to me I was doing something right. A cold spell had moved in that weekend and there was a lot less gobbling due to that. I heard birds, but never

got a chance at one. Th at was how my season was to go until Joe and I cooked up a hunting trip to Land Between the Lakes. I have been on numerous deer hunts at LBL and have learned my way around it fairly well. We decided to hunt Area 15, which is one of the largest on the Tennessee side. It also has a good number of crop fi elds, which tends to attract game. Th e hunt was the last three-day, non-quota hunt for the season.

I drove up to hunt and scout that Friday morning and would meet Joe that aft ernoon.

A Humbling Experience Friday morning came and I found myself right in the middle of the action. I had three diff erent gobblers responding to my calls at the same time. I couldn’t fi gure what side of the tree I needed to be on. Th ey all stayed just far enough away that I could get a glimpse every now and then, but they

Three days into my second turkey season, I called in a gobbler and gave it the business end of my twelve gauge. Photo by author


never came into range. Th ese birds kept me a nervous wreck all morning, but I stayed aft er it. I was hoping when I met up with Joe, I would b e showing him my fi rst Tom. It didn’t happen. Th at aft ernoon I met up with my cousin and gave him a full account of my day. He agreed we were in the right place, but wanted to try the ridge next to the one I hunted that morning. Th e weather was supposed to change. Th understorms were moving in. Joe said hunting there would increase our chances of a kill because of the small fi elds at the bottom of the ridge. Turkeys tend to move into the fi elds when it rains. Aft er we made our plans and fi nished our meal, we turned in for the night. Th e next morning we were up early. Aft er a thirty minute drive from the rental cabin, we parked the truck and headed up the ridge. Sometime during the night it had started to rain lightly. Th e wet leaves made our hike to the top of the ridge tricky. We reached the top and moved eastward. Joe stopped and pointed to a large oak tree.

Oddly it was clean around the base of the trunk, so we set up there and started the wait. Joe had a

reason for us to hunt this spot. I fi gured

I would fi nd out sooner or later. Suddenly, the entire woods were shaken by the loudest gobble I had ever heard.

I could only guess that we

were within fi ft y to seventy yards

away from the roosted gobbler. Again

and again he sounded off , sometimes answering to the thunder. Joe whispered for me to get

my gun propped up and ready in case he fl ew down

in our laps. We heard his wing beat and a heavy thump as he landed. He was going in the opposite direction. Joe gave a few soft yelps and received an answer


immediately. We waited and waited. A few more yelps and nothing. Everything went quite. Four hours later we headed back to the truck for lunch. It was then Joe told me he had been chasing that bird all season and had seen him twice. He gave me a grin and said “He’s big, real big.” We fi nished eating and returned to the oak in hopes of catching him as he came in to roost. Th e aft ernoon passed uneventful. Th e rain had stopped and it seemed to be warming up. We decided to call it a day while it was still light enough to maneuver down the ridge without a fl ashlight. When I leaned forward to get up, Joe’s hand pushed me back down. “Th ere he is,” he whispered. Th e turkey had walked right

up the ridge, not ten feet away from us. He never looked our way. He didn’t have to I sat there frozen solid as the bird walked right by me, through the decoys, and out of sight. Joe sat there shaking his head. Finally he spoke, “You had your chance Cuz. Th at’s one of the biggest birds I’ve ever hunted and you let him get to you.” He made me a promise that he would see to it that I would never forget what happened. He has kept his promise. If I had to say what got me, it was the fact that I was caught completely off guard and I had never been that close to a gobbler before. He did get to me and my hunt was over. I had a long drive home.

Redemption I had a whole year to think on my fi rst try at turkey hunting. I

set my goal to be ready for the next spring. I threw away the owl-hooter I had purchased and learned to hoot like an owl naturally. I continued to work with calls and even learned the kiwi-wee call that is used for fall turkey hunting. Th rough deer season when I would see turkeys I would watch them and listen to the hens. When next turkey season rolled around things were going to be diff erent. Th ree days into my second turkey season, I called in a gobbler and gave it the business end of my twelve gauge. My fi rst turkey was a nice one. He had a ten and a half inch beard, inch and a half spurs that curved making him a “limb-hanger” and a weight right at twenty two pounds. Later that season I took another nice gobbler. Over the years I have come to value my spring turkey season as much as my fall archery season. I guess that old Tom at LBL had some part in the making of a turkey hunter. Th at was his last teaching lesson. Th at Sunday aft ernoon Joe caught him doing the same thing and took the double bearded monster down.

Th e key to becoming a successful turkey hunter is the knowledge gained by hunting hard, remembering the things you did right and the things you did wrong, so they don’t happen again. It also helps to have a cousin like Joe, Th anks Cuz.

The slate, box, and glass calls were the easiest to master. The mouth call, on the other hand, presented a challenge. Photo by author


Ready or not, the spring fi shing season is upon us. If you’re fi shing

boat isn’t water ready, now’s the time to spend a few minutes

insuring that the fast approaching fi shing season will run as smooth as a well lubricated wheel bearing.

WHEEL BEARINGS Speaking of wheel bearings, this is the ideal place to start with essential, spring boat preparation. Every year the bearings on your boat trailer should be examined, repacked with fresh grease and reassembled. Just giving the hub a couple squirts of grease isn’t going to displace water or grit that has undoubtedly found a way into the bearing housing.

Remove the tire, pull off the grease cap, and remove the entire wheel housing. Pull out both the inner and outer set of bearings, and make sure they are not pitted or worn. If repacked once a year, wheel bearings will last for many years, without fail. Clean both sets of bearings with some gasoline, then repack them with quality marine grade grease. It’s a good idea to replace the grease seal once a year as well. When all

this is complete, reassemble the bearing and wheel assembly and give the hub a couple extra squirts of fresh grease, to fi nish the job. Th is job is messy, but it shouldn’t take longer than 30 to 40 minutes to do both sides. Ignore this essential task, and you’re asking for a major repair down the road.

BOAT BATTERIES Boat batteries are the life blood of your fi shing boat. If you charged your batteries before storing the boat last fall, chances are they will only need to be placed on the charger for a few hours before hitting the water. Charge all the batteries in your boat, and then wait a few days. Take an amperage tester and check each battery, to be sure it’s putting out a full 12 to 13 volts. If a battery is showing less than a full charge aft er being charged, chances are it has a dead cell and will not take a full charge. Replace this battery now, before it can ruin a fi shing trip. Depending on how much you use your boat, most marine batteries typically last two or three years. When replacing deep cycle

batteries that run the electric trolling motor, consider upgrading to a “higher amp hour” style of battery. You’ll never regret having the extra power of bigger and higher quality batteries. Th e cranking battery found in most boats could stand to be a little larger as well. Standard equipment for most boat manufacturers are 500 to 600 “cold cranking” amp

To have success in fi shing, your boat must be in tip top shape. STO File Photo

SPRING BOAT PREPARATIONSPRING BOAT PREPARATION

Your trailer’s wheel hub bearings should be repacked at least once a year. STO fi le photo

Your batteries are the lifeblood of your boat and deserve your attention. STO fi le photo

By Rob Somerville


batteries. Considering that this battery must not only start the main engine, but also run electronics, bilge pumps, recirculation pumps, live well pumps, a VHF radio, kicker motor lift s, etc., etc., it makes sense to use a 1000 “cold cranking” amp starting battery. If you have a 500 amp battery that’s in good shape, wire a second 500 amp battery in parallel (positive to positive, negative to negative) to double the amp hours and insure you’ll never have a dead battery.

If the batteries in your boat were standard equipment from the manufacturer or marine dealer, chances are they are marginal to start with and can use some upgrading. To keep the price of boat/motor/trailer packages down, batteries are one of the corners frequently cut. Carrying a set of jumper cables in your boat is always a good idea. Should your cranking battery fail, you can always jump the engine using one of the deep cycle batteries. Better yet, carry one of the portable rechargeable battery packs in your boat for such emergencies. Chances are that you’ll use it on your own boat, tow vehicle, or someone else's boat several times a year. Th is simple accessory is a great investment.

WIRING CHECK Any time you mix electricity and water you’re going to have frequent maintenance issues. Trailer lights are notorious for not working more than a season, before they will short out, or otherwise quit working. Keeping your trailer lights working is a must and a job best handled by your local marine dealer. Oft en problems are simple, but fi guring

them out can be frustrating if you don’t have the right equipment and an understanding of electricity. Another important wiring check is to make sure the electric motor plug is clean and functioning perfectly. Wire brushing the male end of the plug to remove corrosion only takes a few seconds. Th e female end of the plug can be cleaned with a squirt or two of WD-40. Work the two ends of the plug together a few times to insure you’ve got a good contact and clean the terminals. Wipe the plug clean and you should have no problems the rest of the season. Checking the wiring on sonar,

VHF radios and GPS units is also a good idea. Th ese plugs are small and they get corroded quickly. A tooth brush or small wire brush and a little WD-40 will clean the terminals on power cords and transducer cords quickly and easily. It’s also a good idea to check the wire connections, where the power cord and main wiring harness connect. Cutting, stripping, and rewiring these connections once a year, is the best way to insure you’ll have power to these important accessories when they are needed. Check the inline fuses

and make sure you have plenty of replacements on board.

BILGE/PUMP CHECK Bilge and livewell pumps have a nasty habit of dying when they are not used for awhile. Because these pumps are constantly exposed to water, the connectors are fast to corrode and problems quickly develop. Most of the time, if a pump doesn’t work; the problem is with the wiring connections that attach the pump to the power source in the boat. Check these connections and replace or clean them if necessary. Th e next most likely reason a pump won’t work is because it is clogged with debris. Th is happens commonly with bilge pumps that suck up all sorts of junk from the bottom of the boat. Most bilge pumps are two-part designs. Pop the pump apart and clean out the inside area around the impeller. If these measures don’t solve the problem, the pump will likely need to be removed and tested on a direct line to a battery, to insure it’s the pump not the wiring harness that’s to blame. If the pump still doesn’t work, when wired directly to a battery, you know is good, it’s time to replace it.

IS THE PLUG IN? Th e last bit of essential maintenance is to insure your drain plug is in good shape and installed properly. Who among us, hasn’t forgotten to put the plug in at one time or another? To make sure you won’t lose the plug; attach it to the hull, using a short length of key chain. Carry a spare plug in the glove box just in case, and when you still forget to put in the plug, plead the 5th!!

Dirt and corrosion on wiring harness connections on your boat are the most common cause of electrical failure. STO fi le photo


LANDWORXCONTRACTING

RIGHT OF WAY CLEARINGSITE PREP

PASTURE RECLAIMINGUNDERBRUSH REMOVAL

FOREST THINNINGSHOOTING LANES LIGHT DIRT AND

GRAVEL CALL TODAY FOR

YOUR FREE ESTIMATE!!

MARSHALL PETTY: OWNER/OPERATORPHONE:

731-336-5162EMAIL

[email protected]

THE MID-SOUTH’S EXPERTS IN THE MOST MODERN AND AFFORDABLE SECURITY MONITORING SYSTEMS!

PROTECT YOUR HOME, PROPERTY, FARM OR BUSINESS!

WEST TENNESSEE COMMUNICATIONS1295 HWY 51 S BYPASS - DYERSBURG, TN - 38024

731-286-6275WWW.WETEC.COM


Farm Credit Mid-America offers loans, leases and crop insurance designed to help rural residents build, farms grow and businesses expand.

FARMERSCREDIT.

We give

800 HIGHWAY 51 SOUTHRIPLEY, TN 38063

731-635-5002

Warren Seed & Agronomy Service208 S Thompson StreetUnion City, TN 38261Phone: 731-234-2921

WEST TENNESSEE’S EXPERTSON AGRICULTURAL SEED!

TOP QUALITY CORN, MILO, SOYBEAN, WINTER WHEAT SEEDS!


Part 2 of 2.Part 2 of 2.

The History of Farming in AmericaThe History of Farming in AmericaThe History of Farming in AmericaBy Rob Somerville

Ranching Much of the Great Plains became open range, hosting cattle ranching operations on public land without charge. In the spring and fall, ranchers held roundups where their cowboys branded new calves, treated animals and sorted the cattle for sale. Such ranching began in Texas and gradually moved northward. Cowboys drove Texas cattle north to railroad lines in the cities of Dodge City, Kansas and Ogallala, Nebraska; from there, cattle were shipped eastward. British investors fi nanced many great ranches of the era. Overstocking of the range and the terrible winter of 1886 - 87 resulted in a disaster, with many cattle starved and frozen to death. From then on, ranchers generally raised feed to ensure they could keep their cattle alive over winter. When there was too little rain for ordinary farming, but enough grass for grazing, cattle ranching became dominant. Before the railroads arrived in Texas the 1870s cattle drives took large herds from Texas to the railheads in Kansas. A few thousand Indians resisted, notably the Sioux, who were reluctant to settle on reservations, but most Indians themselves became ranch hands

and cowboys. New varieties of wheat fl ourished in the arid parts of the Great Plains, opening much of the Dakotas, Montana, western Kansas, western Nebraska and eastern Colorado to farming.

Th e South, 1860–1940 Agriculture in the South was oriented toward large scale plantations that produced cotton for export, as well as other export product such as tobacco and sugar. During the Civil War, the Union blockade shut down 95 percent of the export business. Some cotton got out through blockade runners, and in conquered areas much was bought by Northern speculators for shipment to Europe. Th e great majority white farmers work on small subsistence farms that Supply the needs of the

family and the small local market. Aft er the war, the world price of cotton plunged, the plantations were broken into small farms for the Freedmen, and poor whites started growing cotton because they needed the money to pay taxes.

Sh are c roppi ng b e c am e widespread in the South as a response to economic upheaval caused by the end of slavery during and aft er Reconstruction. Sharecropping was a way for very poor farmers, both white and black, to earn a living from land owned by someone else. Th e landowner provided land, housing, tools and seed, and perhaps a mule, and a local merchant provided food and supplies on credit. At harvest


time the sharecropper received a share of the crop (from one-third to one-half, with the landowner taking the rest). Th e cropper used his share to pay off his debt to the merchant. Th e system started with blacks when large plantations were subdivided. By the 1880s white farmers also became sharecroppers. Th e system was distinct from that of the tenant farmer, who rented the land, provided his own tools and mule, and received half the crop. Landowners provided more supervision to sharecroppers, and less or none to tenant farmers. Poverty was inevitable because world cotton prices were low. Sawers shows how southern farmers made the mule their preferred draft animal in the South

during the 1860s-1920s, primarily because it fi t better with the region's geography. Mules better withstood the heat of summer, and their smaller size and hooves were well suited for such crops as cotton, tobacco, and sugar. Th e character of soils and climate in the lower South hindered the creation of pastures, so the mule breeding industry was concentrated in the border states of Missouri, Kentucky, and Tennessee. Transportation costs combined with topography to infl uence the prices of mules and horses, which in turn aff ected patterns of mule use. Th e economic and production advantages associated with mules made their use a progressive step for Southern agriculture that endured until the mechanization

brought by tractors.Grange

Th e Grange was an organization founded in 1867 for farmers and their wives that was strongest in the Northeast, and which promoted the modernization not only of farming practices but also of family and community life. It is still in operation. Membership soared from 1873 (200,000) to 1875 (858,050) as many of the state and local granges adopted non-partisan political resolutions, especially regarding the regulation of railroad transportation costs. Th e organization was unusual in that it allowed women and teens as equal members. Rapid growth infused the national organization with money from dues, and many local


granges established consumer cooperatives, initially supplied by the Chicago wholesaler Aaron Montgomery Ward. Poor fi scal management, combined with organizational diffi culties resulting from rapid growth, led to a massive decline in membership. By around the start of the 20th century, the Grange rebounded and membership stabilized.

In the mid-1870s, state Granges in the Midwest were successful in passing state laws that regulated the rates they could be charged by railroads and grain warehouses. Th e birth of the federal government's Cooperative Extension Service, Rural Free Delivery, and the Farm Credit System were largely due to Grange lobbying. Th e peak of their political power was marked by their success in Munn v. Illinois, which held that the grain warehouses were a "private utility in the public interest," and therefore could be regulated by public law. During the Progressive Era (1890s-1920s), political parties took up Grange causes. Consequently, local Granges focused more on community service, although the State and National Granges remain a political force.

World War I Th e U.S. in World War I was a critical supplier to other Allied nations, as millions of European farmers were in the army. Th e rapid expansion of the farms coupled with the diff usion of trucks and Model T cars, and the tractor, allowed the agricultural market to expand to an unprecedented size. During World War I prices

shot up and farmers borrowed heavily to buy out their neighbors and expand their holdings. Th is gave them very high debts that made them vulnerable to the downturn in farm prices in 1920. Th roughout the 1920s and down to 1934 low prices and high debt were major problems for farmers in all regions. Beginning with the 1917 US National War Garden Commission, the government encouraged Victory gardens, agricultural plantings in private

yards and public parks for personal use and for the war eff ort. Production from these gardens exceeded $1.2 billion by the end of World War I. Victory gardens were later encouraged during World War II.

1920s A popular Tin Pan Alley song of 1919 asked, concerning the United States troops returning from World War I, "How Ya Gonna Keep 'em Down on the Farm (Aft er Th ey've Seen Paree)?". In fact, many did

Continued on page 29


YOUR FULL-LINE DEALER

With parts to support all the brands we carry, Alliance is your full-service dealer when it comes to maintaining your current fleet or purchasing new equipment. Stop in or visit our website to view our parts selection.

www.allianceeq.com

dealerment.

©2017 AGCO Corporation. AGCO Parts, Challenger, RoGator, TerraGator and Sunflower are worldwide brands of AGCO Corporation. Challenger, Cat and Caterpillar are trademarks of Caterpillar Inc. and are used under license by AGCO. AGCO Parts, Challenger, RoGator, TerraGator and Sunflower are trademarks of AGCO. All rights reserved.

JAVA CaféThe Best Coffee

in Dyersburg, TenesseePLUS SOUPS, STEWS, CHILI,SANDWICHES, ICE CREAM,

DESSERTS AND MORE...

Java Café, located across from Lowes on Hwy 51, is an upscale coffee café in the quaint small town of Dyersburg,

TN. Locals love its drive thru window and fast service while travelers love the fact they have access to a high quality coffee

café often only found in bigger cities. Now with an extensive menu of not only coffee drinks and

ice cream but also sandwiches, soups, and salads, it is a great place for lunch or dinner. The Java Café is the birthplace of the

Dirty Snowman and the original catalyst for the Green Frog Coffee chain.

Java Café features a drive thru window, free wireless internet, and live music as well as food catering & coffee bar

service for weddings, family reunions & company events.Hours: Monday - Saturday: 6 am - 10 pm, Sunday: CLOSED

Address: 1130 Hwy 51-Bypass, Suite #1 - Dyersburg, TN 38024 Phone: (731) 285-2020

BRING IN THIS AD AND GET ONE SMALL FREE COFFEE WITH ANY PURCHASE !


OUR EXPERIENCED STAFF IS HERE TO FILL YOUR EVERY NEED DAY OR NIGHT!

DYERSBURG ELEVATOR COMPANY300 PRESSLER RD - DYERSBURG, TN - 38024

731-287-7272


HALLS GINCOMPANY

1279 Industrial Rd. Halls, TN - 38040

731-836-9402

SERVING MID-SOUTH FARMERSSINCE 1988

LOCALLY OWNED & OPERATED

MODULES STORED ON CONCRETE: BONDED BALE WAREHOUSE ON SITEONLY GIN IN TENNESSEE WITH:

POWER ROLL GIN STANDS: USDA DESIGNED & PATENTED, HIGHER TURN OUT, LONGER STAPLE

WE WELCOME NEW CUSTOMERS!CALL OR STOP BY FOR A VISIT SOON!


not remain "down on the farm"; there was a great migration of youth from farms to nearby towns and smaller cities. Th e average distance moved was only 10 miles (16 km). Few went to the cities over 100,000. However, agriculture became increasingly mechanized with widespread use of the tractor, other heavy equipment, and superior techniques disseminated through County Agents, who were employed by state agricultural colleges and funded by the Federal government. Th e early 1920s saw a rapid expansion in the American agricultural economy largely due to new technologies and especially mechanization. Competition from Europe and Russia had disappeared due to the war and American agricultural goods were being shipped around the world.

Th e new technologies, such as the combine harvester, meant that the most effi cient farms were larger in size and, gradually, the small family farm that had long been the model were replaced by larger and more business-oriented fi rms. Despite this increase in farm size and capital intensity, the great majority of agricultural production continued to be undertaken by family-owned enterprises. World War I had created an atmosphere of high prices for agricultural products as European nations demand for exports surged. Farmers had enjoyed a period of prosperity as U.S. farm production expanded rapidly to fi ll the gap left as European belligerents found themselves unable to produce enough food. When the war

ended, supply increased rapidly as Europe's agricultural market rebounded. Overproduction led to plummeting prices which led to stagnant market conditions and living standards for farmers in the 1920s. Worse, hundreds of thousands of farmers had taken out mortgages and loans to buy out their neighbors' property and now are unable to meet the fi nancial burden. Th e cause was the collapse of land prices aft er the wartime bubble when farmers used high prices to buy up neighboring farms at high prices, saddling them with heavy debts. Farmers, however, blamed the decline of foreign markets, and the eff ects of the protective tariff . Farmers demanded relief as the agricultural depression grew steadily worse in the middle 1920s, while the rest of the economy fl ourished. Farmers had a powerful voice in Congress, and demanded federal subsidies, most notably the McNary–Haugen Farm Relief Bill. It was passed but vetoed by President Coolidge. Coolidge instead supported the alternative program of Commerce Secretary Herbert Hoover and Agriculture Secretary William M. Jardine to modernize farming, by bringing in more electricity, more effi cient equipment, better seeds and breeds, more rural education, and better business practices. Hoover advocated the creation of a Federal Farm Board which was dedicated to restriction of crop production to domestic demand, behind a tariff wall, and maintained that the farmer's ailments were due to defective distribution. In 1929, the Hoover plan was adopted.


Vines… Too many vines and not enough time. Vines literally covered parts of our Fyrne Lake farm when we purchased it. Well, they still do in some areas. Kudzu was the main culprit. But, there are several others that pose a danger to the trees of my precious forest. Yes, I said precious. Please don’t laugh or call me a tree hugger (that term has other connotations). But, you can call me obsessed. I truly love my woods and am driven to protect and defend it. Most vines are my enemy. I’ve written before about my fi ght with kudzu. Wherever it starts, soon becomes nothing else. It’s like a cancer that climbs and smothers

trees until they die and eventually fall. In the June/July 2012 issue of this magazine I shared my battle with this invasive species (also posted on my blog @ www.fyrnelake. c o m ) . Th is article is the fi rst of a series that will share with you my experience with other damaging, and in some cases threating, vines. How can a vine be threating you ask? Have you ever gotten poison ivy? If you have, you know what I mean! Except for the few lucky immune

individuals, the oil of the poison ivy plan is an extreme irritant. Th is oil is called urushiol and is also found in poison oak and poison sumac. Th is oil is found on and in ALL parts of these plants, even their roots. According to Th e American Academy of Dermatology, 85% of us are allergic. I wish I was one of the lucky ones that wasn’t. For some reason I had avoided a reaction to poison ivy most of my life. So I wasn’t that worried about it on my fi rst solo weekend camping trip on the farm. It was within the fi rst few months aft er we had purchased the property. I was excited! Most of the farm was an unexplored wilderness to me. I was more than anxious to get started and I was prepared for the adventure. I had an aerial photograph to guide me, compass to keep me on course, camping gear for comfort, and a camera to record the adventure! Th e property was massive and covered with intersecting wooded gullies, meandering ridge fi elds and a central mile long lake. It was early summer and the foliage was thick. I chose to start walking along a ridge fi eld looking for an easy entrance through the thick briars and into

By Kevin Griffi th

Leaves of three, let it be! Follow that saying will keep you safe from both poison ivy and poison oak. Notice the smooth and glossy, jagged edge leaves of this common example of poison ivy. Picture by SWMNPoliSciPRoject-Wikipedia Continued on page 39

By K


Nestled in the foothills of the Appalachians with over 50,000 acres of water, preserved recreational areas,

Tishomingo County Tourism Council [email protected]

www.tishomingofunhere.org


MANTIQUES

&

COLLECTIBLES

ROB SOMERVILE: 731-446-8052&

ROB HURT: 731-445-8516

ANTIQUE & VINTAGE DUCK CALLS, PAPER HULL SHOT GUN SHELLS, DECOYS, ADVERTISING SIGNS, ROOKIE FOOTBALL CARDS - MANNING, RICE, FAVRE, BRADY, ETC.,

UFC MEMOROBILIA AND POSTERS, VINTAGE WRESTLING POSTERS, BEER SIGNS, OUTDOOR MAGAZINES, FRAMED OUTDOOR PRINTS, WWII COLLECTIBLES,

ANTIQUE TOYS, BEER & LIQUOR SIGNS, ANTIQUE FISHING LURESTOOLS, FARM COLLECTIBLES,

ANTIQUE FISHING POLES & REELS,ANTIQUE CAMERAS,

COWBOY AND WESTERN ITEMS,HARLEY DAVIDSON,CANES & FOLK ART,

AND MUCH, MUCH MORE!

YOU GOTTA CHECK OUT OUR AMAZING BOOTHS FOR THE ULTIMATE IN BIG BOY’S TOYS

TELL US WHAT ITEMS YOU ARE LOOKING FOR IN YOUR COLLECTION ... AND WE’LL

FIND THEM!

WE BUY, SELL, TRADE AND APPRAISE ANTIQUES AND

COLLECTIBLES!

BOOTHS AT FOUR CONVENIENT LOCATIONS IN TENNESSEE:Butler’s Antique Mall - 22213 Highway 70 E. - Jackson

Twisted Willow - 56 Pierce St. - Trimble, TNFinder’s Keepers - 114 E. Court St. - Dyersburg

WE TEAR DOWN OR CLEAN OUT OLD

BARNS, HOUSES AND BUILDINGS!

CALL:ROB SOMERVILLE: 741-446-8052

ROB HURT: 731-445-8516

CHECK OUT OUR DOZENS OF WEEKLY AUCTION ITEMS ON FACEBOOK AT TWISTED WILLOW IN TRIMBLE - FACEBOOK PAGE!!


FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL 731-676-0402www.bikinibottomsoffroadpark.com

300 BURNT MILL RD DYERSBURG, TN

NOW OPEN EVERY WEEKEND - CHECK WEBSITE FOR SPECIAL EVENTS & CONCERTS!

HOME OF THE HIGHEST & LONGEST ZIPLINE IN THE MID-SOUTH!

BIG JON ZIPLINE!

ICELANDICFORMULAOFF-ROADRACING!

April 1ST - OPENING WEEKENDApril 14-15 TENNESSEE MUDSTOCK

14th- Demun Jones - Twang and Round 9 P.M. 15th- Moccasin Creek-Hard Target

Megan Ruger (with the VOICE) 7 P.M. Weekend pass $40

Saturday & Sunday $30Sunday $10

July 29: BIG SMO Concert with opener 9 P.M.

Weekend pass $45 Saturday & Sunday $35

Sunday $10 HUGE 4 Day EVENT

October 5-8: Icelandic Formula Off Road and Southern Rock Race Series Finals

Thursday - Sunday $50 Friday - Sunday $50

Saturday - Sunday $40 Sunday $20

There will not be concessions other than Event weekends.

We will not have the cabin for rent.

SERIES


DELICIOUS BREAKFASTSHOMEMADE BURGERSSUPER SANDWICHES

PLATE LUNCHESFAST & FRIENDLY SERVICE

2015 WINNER BEST BURGER IN DYERSBURG!

HOME COOKED MEALS

OPEN 6 AM TO 2 PMMONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY

107 W. MARKET ST - DYERSBURG, TNDOWNTOWN - ON THE SQUARE

731-478-6219

MOTOTRBO™ Linked Capacity Plus

If you need to communicate to a large field force across a wide area with a scalable, easy-to-use system, then Linked Capacity Plus is your cost-effective solution.

Leveraging advanced repeater software, it is available in both single-site and wide-area configurations.

Whether crews need to talk to each other in the field or back at the office or they need to use data applications such as text messaging, location tracking or work

order tickets, Linked Capacity Plus makes their work safer and their work day more productive.

WEST TENNESSEE COMMUNICATIONS

1295 HWY 51 S BYPASSDYERSBURG, TN - 38024

731-286-6275WWW.WETEC.COM

PERFECT FOR:FARMING, CONSTRUCTION,

INDUSTRIAL USE AND MORE!

*$0 down, 0% A.P.R. financing for up to 60 months on purchases of new Kubota RTVX900/X1100/X1120 Series equipment is available to qualified purchasers from participating dealers’ in-stock inventory through 12/31/2016. Example: A 60-month monthly installment repayment term at 0% A.P.R. requires 60 payments of $16.67 per $1,000 financed. 0% A.P.R. interest is available to customers if no dealer documentation preparation fee is charged. Dealer charge for document preparation fee shall be in

accordance with state laws. Inclusion of ineligible equipment may result in a higher blended A.P.R. 0% A.P.R. and low-rate financing may not be available with customer instant rebate offers. Financing is available through Kubota Credit Corporation, U.S.A., 3401 Del Amo Blvd., Torrance, CA 90503; subject to credit approval. Some exceptions apply. Offer expires 12/31/2016. See us for details on these and other low-rate options or go to www.kubota.com for more information. Optional equipment may be shown. © Kubota Tractor Corporation, 2016.

A.P.R.

Into SavingsShift KUBOTA SALES EVENT

A.P.R. Offer ends 12/31/16.

The deals are in overdrive on all new Kubota RTV-X1100C utility vehicles!

$0 Down, 0% Financing for 60 Months*A.P.R.

FIRST CHOICE FARM AND LAWN305 HWY 51 BYPASS N.DYERSBURG, TN 38261

731-882-1855

305 HWY 51 BYPASS N.DYERSBURG, TN

731-882-1855

9095 HWY 128 S.SAVANNAH, TN

731-925-2141



www.triplettirepros.com

$6 OFFLube, Oil & Filter Service

With this coupon. Expires 5/31/17.

6 MONTHS, NO INTEREST FINANCING AVAILABLE

Air Conditioning • Air Filters • Belts & Hoses • Brakes • Brake Pad Replacement Car Batteries • Coolant Flushes • Diesel Engine Repair • Engine Diagnostics

Front End Repair • Fuel Injection Service • Lift Kits • Oil Changes • Shocks & StrutsTire Repair • Tire Retreading • Transmission Repair • Wheel Balancing

Wheel Refinishing • Wheel Alignment

450 US Hwy 51 Bypass EastDyersburg, TN 38024

731-285-8323Mon-Fri: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm

Sat: 8:00 am - Noon

270 US Hwy 51 Bypass SouthDyersburg, TN 38024

731-287-0333Mon-Fri: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm

2845 East Wood StreetParis, TN 38242

731-642-0313Mon-Fri: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm

www.alliesforindy.orgLearn More & Donate at


ROBERTS-GIBSON OIL COMPANY

DYERSBURG OFFICE - CONTACT LARRY OR TIM GIBSON AT: 1-731-285-4941

UNION CITY OFFICE - CONTACT DEVON GREGSON AT: 1-731-885-1747

Servicing farmers, construction and commercial accounts in Dyer, Obion,

Gibson, Weakley, Henry, Lake, Lauderdale, Crockett and Madison

Counties of West Tennessee.

In BusinessFor Over Forty

Years!

P&J PETROLEUM

SERVINGOUR

CUSTOMERSFOR OVER 40 YEARS!



the woods. Oft en, I would see vines climbing up the trees, above the briar wall. In some cases these vines were covering the trees much like kudzu will, however, it wasn’t kudzu. I eventually decided to just push through the barrier into the woods. Much to my relief, the undergrowth opened up under the tree canopy. It was breath taking! I absolutely loved it. I felt alive and excited about exploring more! I began descending the aggressive slope of the fi rst gully, hanging on to one tree aft er another to steady my footing. Once I reached the bottom I had a choice, follow the gully or ascend the other side. I looked at my compass, I had a destination in mind on this hike… to fi nd the farm’s northern boundary. To do that I needed to climb. When I made it to the top it was time to descend again. I grabbed a tree and headed down into the next gully. Each successive gully had its own secrets to reveal. I discovered majestic oaks, expansive bottomland covered in horsetail, 100 foot tall cottonwoods, hints of old logging roads, exposed veins of gravel and oozing mineral springs. Eventually my search paid off . I found traces of a barbed wire fence running east and west. Th is must be it! I changed directions and headed west trying my best to follow what wire I could fi nd. It was now getting late and I needed to make my way back to camp, before I lost whatever sunlight was left . By then, the hill climbing was getting to me and I found myself taking more rest breaks. While catching my breath, I scanned the forest and began noticing random vines climbing trees. Many of the vines were 2 to 3 inches in diameter, while a few reached 8 inches or

more! Looking up, I observed how once these vines reached the tree canopy, they stretched out over the tree branches blocking out much of the light. As I walked, I came across breaks in the canopy were vine covered trees had fallen, taking the vines with them. Th ese vines were killing the forest! I knew that kudzu could quickly cover and kill a tree, but these vines were doing the same, although much slower. But why? Unlike kudzu, these wild vines were native to west Tennessee.

Why were they taking over like an invasive? I intended to fi nd out why and what I could do to defend my new sanctuary, this beautiful forest! I fi nally made it back to camp, built a fi re, grilled a couple hotdogs on a stick and then refl ected on the day’s adventures while drift ing off in my sleeping bag. Th e next morning I was in for a surprise! I awoke with an itch that seemed to be spreading. Soon a rash appeared… I had poison ivy!!! And it wasn’t just in a few places, it

Poison sumac looks nothing like poison ivy or oak, but packs the same aller-gic punch. It grows as a bush or small tree and has leaves that resemble a fern.Picture by James H Miler and Ted Bodner - Southern Weed Science Society – Bugwood.org


was spreading everywhere! On my arms, neck and face… on my legs, feet and back. Before I made it home it had spread to my scalp. It was horrible! I couldn’t have gotten it on more areas of my body than if I’d tried! It was like I had taken off all my clothes and rolled around on it. Th e meds I found at the drug store for treatments at most helped with the itching, but it was getting worse. So, I broke down and visited my doctor. He put me on steroids which, with time, took the fi re out and faded away the rash. But, now I was worried. I just took out a huge mortgage to purchase my dream property and I was allergic to it! I had to fi nd out what happened and how I could prevent it in the future. I retraced my steps from the day before. Had there been poison ivy vines on the trees I used as support on the slopes? Did I take a rest break or two in a patch of ground ivy? I defi nitely touched it somewhere… but not with every part of my body! Aft er talking over the day with my father, he came up with a theory. Th e fi rst question he asked me was, did I wash up once I returned to camp? No, I had not. I was camping. Th e little water I had I was saving to drink. THAT, he said, was the beginning of my problem. He explain how poison ivy’s urushiol oil can easily get on you by simply brushing up against it. If you break or cut a vine the oil will spray out toward you. Th e oil doesn’t even need to touch your skin. It will stick to your clothes. OH NO! MY CLOTHES! I had slept in my clothes! I had gotten into my sleeping bag fully clothed and removed my pants and shirt aft er I warmed up. By the time they were

off the oil had spread throughout the bag. No wonder I had poison ivy everywhere. I was determined NEVER to let this happen again! Were there other ways I could get it? How much time did I have to wash the oil off before it was too late and what was the best way to remove this allergen from my skin? Th e reality is there are several ways to get poison ivy without directly touching it. I discovered that besides getting the oil from your own or someone else’s clothing, touching

a used garden tool, weed eater or lawnmower that has cut poison ivy, oak or sumac can transfer it to your skin. Even a pet or trail bike can pick up the oil. My wife loves her dogs and has oft en gotten poison ivy on the inside of her wrists from greeting one particular dog as he returns from running free in the woods. However, the worst way to be exposed is through fi re! Burning a log with poison ivy vines attached, no matter how dead they look, will add their oil to the smoke. Inhaling

Poison oak is often confused with poison ivy, because it also has three leaf clusters. Upon closer inspection (Don’t get too close!) the leaves are fuzzy, as opposed to glossy, and have fewer and deeper jags on them

Picture by Elf at English Wikipedia


this smoke can cause a severe reaction that will require seeing a physician, maybe even a trip to the emergency room! Th e Mayo Clinic says that the urushiol oil will begin bonding with the skin within 30 minutes. A commercially available ivy wash recommends washing your skin vigorously for two minutes within 2 to 8 hours aft er exposure and rinse with cool water. Obviously, the sooner you can wash aft er being out in the woods the better. While I was doing my research, an image from my childhood kept creeping into my mind. I have to admit, it was a little traumatic. We were visiting my grandparent’s farm in Indiana and my brother and I were waiting in the car while my father and a couple of his friends were in the woods hunting mushrooms. When they emerged, my father immediately started stripping down to his underwear and made a bee line for a nearby stream. Th ere he began smearing his body from head to toe with mud! My father wasn’t known for being shy, but this even took his friends (and me) by surprise. Noticing their stares he explained that the woods had been full of poison ivy and it was impossible to avoid it while gathering the mushrooms. Th e mud, he said, would wash off the poison ivy oil. Th is country remedy apparently worked. He never got poison ivy. Now, 40 years later, I’ve recovered from that childhood experience and was ready to see if a mud bath might help me overcome my current challenge, dealing with poison ivy! I’ve come to fi nd that a lot of country remedies square up with science and this just might be one of

them. Th e commercial wash mentioned above is a suspension, meaning it requires shaking to mix up the small particles it contains before use. Th is product was very much like a thin light colored mud my father used. Hmm… Th is commercial product stated that it bonds with the oil and helps to lift it off the skin so it can be washed away by cool water. Th e cool water is preferred to warm because warmer temperatures would thin the oil and spread it out exposing more of your skin. Th e stream my father used to wash the mud off was obviously cool, maybe even cold (I remember him shivering). Maybe the slightly abrasive mud combined with cool stream water is just as good as or even better than the store bought remedy! Well… It was worth a try! Th e next chance I had I used mud. Even today, I use mud when I don’t think I’ll have enough time to wait for a shower. So, do you want to know if I ever stripped down for a mud bath??? Th e answer is yes! However, most of the time I’d simply take off my shirt and smear my arm, neck and face. I have to admit, it worked every time! What has kept me from having to take mud baths very oft en is wearing (and washing aft er use) the proper protective clothing while in the woods. No matter how hot it gets, I always wear boots, jeans, gloves, wide brim hat and an unbuttoned

long sleeve shirt over a T-shirt. Th is provides a barrier for my skin from ivy oil exposure while also shielding me from most insects and briars. Poison ivy vines are a nuisance to humans. But with proper preparation, caution and care severe reactions can be avoided. Th e good news is poison ivy poses hardly any threat to my precious trees. Th eir vines simply use their trunks and branches for support and typically stay beneath its leaf canopy making it harmless to the forest. Other vines pose a greater threat. In my next article I’ll explain this threat, why it’s worse now than a generation ago and what I’m doing to fi ght it. Until then, try not to think about seeing YOUR father stripped down in a mud bath!

During winter, it’s easy to see the damage vines infl ict on trees, as they stretch up and out over the tree’s canopy. Picture courtesy of Fyrne Lake


HAMPTON INNBY HILTON

OF DYERSBURG,TENNESSEE

Whether you are in town on business, visiting family and friends, or hunting and fishing on beautiful Reelfoot Lake - we highly recommend you stay at the Hampton Inn by Hilton of Dyersburg, Tennessee.

- Rob Somerville - Editor, Co-owner of STO Magazine

59 NEWLYRENOVATED

GUESTROOMS

WITH HIGHSPEED, WI-FI

INTERNET!

FREE DELUXEBREAKFAST!

FITNESS ROOM

&OUTDOOR

POOL!

Address: 2750 Mall Loop Rd, Dyersburg, TN 38024 Phone: 1-855-605-0317http://hamptoninn3.hilton.com/en/hotels/tennessee/hampton-inn-dyersburg


My two good friends, who are also lifelong outdoorsmen, Ron and Don Parks already have an outdoors super store in Dyersburg, TN. that is very

successful. It is adjoined to their 1st Choice Farm & Lawn Kubota dealership. This business has become such a huge hit in Dyersburg, TN. that they will be

opening the very same venue in the Pickwick Lake city of Savannah, TN. They will carry all the major product lines for hunters, fishermen and outdoor

recreational lovers, including firearms, bows, rods & reels, a full line of clothing and much more.

It has been a long time coming for the Pickwick Lake area to get a large outdoor retailer, and these two men will make it happen. It will be located at:

9095 Hwy 128 S. - Savannah, TNPhone:731-925-2141

Stop by and see them. They’ll treat you right!

- Rob Somerville

YOUR ONE-STOP SHOP FOR THE GREAT OUTDOORS!

NEW STORE OPENINGIN SAVANNAH, TN

THIS APRIL!

HUGE STORE SHOWN HERE DURING CONSTRUCTION IN MARCH 2017.

If you have not visited Tishomingo County in Mississippi - here are several reasons to do so ....

April Annual Renaissance Day/Old Tish.County Courthouse 662-423-3500April Earth Day/Tishomingo State Park 662-438-6914April Swinging Bridge Trail Run/Tishomingo State Park

April Annual Hollis Long/Archie Lee Memorial Ole’ Tyme Music Gathering/Tishomingo State Park

May National Day of Prayer/Jaybird Park/Iuka 662-423-3781May Annual Native American Customs & Traditions Festival/Tishomingo State ParkMay Relay for Life/Iuka Mineral Spring Park 662-423-0051June Annual National Trails Day “Less Litter More Beauty Hike”/Tishomingo State ParkJune Annual Motorcycle Poker Run/Burnsville 662-427-9526August Annual Dulcimer Festival/ J.P. Coleman State Park 662-423-6515September Annual Iuka Heritage Festival and Car & Tractor Show/Iuka 662- 423-8421September Annual Bear Creek Festival & Car Show/Belmont 662-454-7196September Harvest of Quilts Needle Chasers Quilt Show/Iuka 662-423-7136September Annual Waterway Festival & Car Show/Burnsville 662-427-9526

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL: 662-423-0051OR GO TO: http://www.tishomingofunhere.org

October Annual Trash & Treasures along the Tenn-Tom Waterway/ County- wideTishomingo Co. Tourism Council 662-423-0051

Places to Vis i t !Places to Vis i t !


Reach over 45,000 middle to upper-middle class income earners

by advertising with us now.

Contact Rob Somerville for more information.731-446-8052

[email protected]

WE BUY, SELL & TRADE FOR VINTAGE:• DUCK CALLS

• GOOSE CALLS• HUNTING/FISHING LICENSES

• HUNTING PINS• DECOYS

• DUCK BANDS• LANYARDS

• BOOKS• SIGNAGE/ADVERTISING

• HUNTING RELATED PICTURES

FREE APPRAISALS OF YOUR COLLECTION!

I WANT TO BUY YOUR DUCK CALLS!!


UNIQUE ANTIQUES & COLLECTIBLESINCLUDING:

ADVERTISING SIGNSCAST IRON, FURNITURE

SMALLSHUNTING/FISHING COLLECTIBLES

GAS PUMPS, PRIMITIVES& MORE!

IF WE DON’T HAVE IT - WE WILL FIND IT FOR YOU!

LOCATED IN DOWNTOWN TRIMBLENEXT TO THE POLICE STATION.

ADDRESS: 56 PIERCE ST. - TRIMBLE, TN - 38259 OPEN THURS, FRI, SAT: 9AM TO 5PM - SUN: 1PM TO 5PM

OWNED AND OPERATED BY THE HURT FAMILY!CALL OR TEXT ROB HURT AT 731-445-8516

WE APPRAISE, BUY, SELL &

TRADE!

CHECK OUT OUR LIVEINTERNET AUCTIONS WITH DOZENS OF ANTIQUES AND COLLECTIBLES ADDED

WEEKLY ON FACEBOOK!TWISTED WILLOW 2 - IS NOW OPEN IN THE

OLD TRIMBLE CITY HALL!

TRUCKINGG AGRICULTUREE LOGGINGG

Locations:s: Memphis, TN NN - - 9010101-11--36666-

Locationss:6666-0544 | Jackson, TN N - - 73131-1-42727-77-55488 666 Jackson544 | Jacks00www.sayleoil.com

n, sonmm

Sayle Oil Company ONE STOP SHOP for all things petroleum for 70 years.

Lubricants | Fuels | Chemicals | DEF

TRUCKING AGRICULTURE LOGGING



REELFOOT LAKE HOUSELAKEFRONT RENTALS

CALL: ALBERT NOE: 731-695-2524HOUSES LOCATED AT:

1035 & 1041 LAKE DRIVEHORNBEAK, TN - 38232

www.ReelfootLakeHouse.com

We also offer Soil Sampling (Grid/Spot)and of course ... all your seed, fertilizer and Ag chemicals needs!

CONSOLIDATED AGRI PRODUCTS35 Harrington Rd - Ridgely, TN 38080

(731) 264-5440

RIO Shotgun ShellsVal6 HeatersG&H Decoys

Dakota DecoysLouisana Grills

YOUR ONE-STOP SHOP FOR THE FARM, HOME & THE GREAT OUTDOORS!

WE HAVE A GOOD THING GROWING LIKE THE DYER COUNTY FAIR!

RIO SHOTGUN SHELLSVAL6 HEATERS

HIGDON DECOYSORCA COLLERS

LOUISIANA GRILLS

“The best place to hunt for antiques & collectibles”Rob Somerville


TRADITIONS TIPS - with Richard A. Fagan

1. A fishing lure makes a great key ring. Get one that floats and remember to remove all the hooks

2. When you can’t get that old gobbler to move, try scratching and raking at leaves. When he hears this, he’ll think the flock has

found something good to eat.

4. Flex Seal and spray foam can be used to cut down the noise of metal clanging on a deer stand. Spray inside metal tubing or where

metal might hit together

3. Rub yourself with a damp dryer sheet to repel mosquitoes. They are easy to carry and store.

5. Be sure to pattern your shotgun before you hit the turkey woods. Something as simple as going from number four shot to num-ber five shot could make a major difference in your guns effectiveness.

Editor’s note: all photos and graphics are provided by the author. If you wish to submit a “TIP” send emails to [email protected].


SERVICES TO LOOK FORWARD TO!!

Have you been wondering how to join the C&C family?

GingerCPhT

ChasityCPhT

KatieSales Associate

Crystal - PharmacyTech / DME

LISACPhT

RaiAnnPharm Tech/Sales Assoc

Kalli-RaeSales Associate

BrandyPharmacy Tech

TyreniaCPhT

Dana - Pharm Tech/Sales Assoc

CarolynSales Associate

HillaryCPhT

KrissieCPhT

• FAST FRIENDLY ONE-ON-ONE SERVICEFROM LOCAL PHARMACISTS(being locally owned means we support Dyer County not a BIG pharmacy chain)

• ACCEPTANCE OF OVER 3,000 PRESCRIPTIONPLANS(including the new State Employee Prescription Plan-Caremark)

(your co-payment will stay the same)

• LOW PRICES ONALL PHARMACY NEEDS(we will match all competitors generic plans or programs)

• MOST CONVENIENT LOCATION IN TOWN(with drive-thru and handicap accessibility)

• FREE DELIVERYANYWHERE INCITY LIMITS(delivery also available countywide for small fee)

• MEDICARE BILLING(for all your diabetic & durable medical equipment needs)

• IMMUNIZATIONS(flu, shingles, school, job & travel vaccinations)

• PROFESSIONAL COMPOUNDINGPRESCRIPTION SERVICES

(for more information, visit dyersburgfyi.com/candc)

Here are two simple ways of telling us whatyou need and we will take care of the rest.

1. Call us at 285-0844.2. Come by and see us at our new location

at 2490 Parr Ave., Lewis Creek Place.

2490 Parr Ave.LEWIS CREEK PLACE

Curtis ColbertPHARMACIST/OWNER

Kevin CookPHARMACIST/OWNER

Mark DavisPharmacist

ALL MAJOR TIRE BRANDSALIGNMENT - EXHAUST - BRAKES - SUSPENSIONOIL CHANGE - MUFFLERS - CUSTOM EXHAUSTS

AIR CONDITIONING ... AND MUCH MORE!

OWNERS - RANDY MORRIS & FAMILY

FAMILY OWNED &

OPERATED SINCE 1986!

THREE CONVENIENT LOCATIONS!DYERSBURG, TN: 1960 ST. JOHN AVE. 731-285-9010

GLEASON, TN: 3747 HIGHWAY 22 731-352-2255

PARIS, TN: 210 MEMORIAL DR. 731-642-8745


731-285-1154 2100 Pioneer Road

Forcum LannomMaterialsHere yesterday, today and tomorrow.


Grassy Water is one of the premiere Wetlands Restoration Program Farms

just outside of Portageville, smack dab in the heart of “Duck Heaven” in Southeast

Missouri. The owner, Jeffrey Daniels and his expert team of guides have decades of duck hunting experience and they know what it takes to give their clients the duck hunting

trip of a lifetime!At Grassy Water our number one goal is

to give every client a memorable hunt that they will never forget!

Jeffrey Daniels at 731-413-8688 Amber Garrett at [email protected] www.grassywater.com



TWRA NEWSTWRA NEWSTWRA ANNOUNCES AVAILABILITY OF 2017-18 CLEAN STREAM

GRANTS TO ASSIST WITH HABITAT PROTECTION PROGRAM

Th e Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency announces the availability of grant dollars to assist cities, schools, community organizations, civic groups, watershed organizations, and conservation groups, etc., with stream clean-up projects and planting projects during the 2017-18 fi scal year. Five grants, at a maximum of $1,000 each, are available for each of TWRA’s four regional Aquatic Habitat Protection projects (a total of $5,000 per region). Th e funds will be obligated as grants, so the grantee must have a nonprofi t tax number. Th e projects are to be completed, the money spent, and a report submitted by June 30, 2018. Th e application deadline

for this program is June 30, 2017. Th e grant money could be used to buy supplies such as rakes, work gloves, and garbage bags. Also, it could be used to pay disposal fees for solid waste and tire removal or to provide promotional items like project advertisement or T shirts and refreshments for volunteer support. Grant proposals should include the applicant organization’s name, tax ID number, address, phone, and name of a contact person authorized to enter into contractual agreement on behalf of the organization. Th e proposal should also include the name of the stream, county or counties involved, and the project area and description.

Contact TWRA’s Della Sawyers at (615) 781-6577 or by email at [email protected] with any questions. For additional information, interested persons may also contact a regional Aquatic Habitat Protection Biologist at the TWRA regional offi ces listed below:

Region 1: Allen Pyburn - 200 Lowell Th omas Drive - Jackson, TN 38301 - (731) 423-5725 – Email: [email protected] 2: David Sims - P O Box 41489 - Nashville, TN 37204 - (615) 781-6510 – Email: [email protected] 3: Bobby Brown - 464 Industrial Boulevard - Crossville, TN 38555 - (931) 484-9571Email: [email protected] 4: Rob Lindbom - 3030 Wildlife Way - Morristown, TN 37814 - (423) 587-7037Email: [email protected]


Robert “Doc” Jackson caught this

huge crappie on a big shiner minnow

at Pickwick Lake.

Robert “Doc” Jackson reeled in this big bass on a big shiner minnow at Pickwick Lake.

David Lowery Sr. caught this nice small-

mouth below Pickwick dam.

David Lowery Jr. caught this bass below Pick-

wick dam.


Here are the results of a great waterfowl hunt with Chris Mitchell,

Kim Masoud, Mark Cagle, Brent Earney, Roger Harris

and Remi. Photo submitted by Roger Harris

Grady Garrett caught these two bass at Kentucky Lake with the guidance from his big brother, John. Photo submitted by Kyle Adkins

Grady Garrett caught this huge

bass at night.

Photo submitted by Kyle Adkins

Whether duck hunting or fi shing, Michael Bates of

Dyersburg, Tennessee loves the outdoors.

Photos submitted by Christen Wilson

Apply at www.FirstCNB.com

Welcome Home Funds Available

Welcome Home provides down payment and closing costs assistance for low andmoderate income homebuyers. Grants up to $5,000 per home are available 3.1.2017.

Sonya Burks 287.4352 • NMLS# 703844

sburks@�rstcnb.com

Tammy Ladd 287.4362 • NMLS# 703865

tladd@�rstcnb.com

Entertainment & Humor

Southern Traditions Outdoors - Spring 2017