Squirrel, stream bass seasons open Saturday

Saturday is a big day for sportsmen in Missouri, because that’s when the statewide squirrel season and the black bass season in Ozark streams both open.

For squirrels, the daily limit is 10.

The tool of choice for most squirrel hunters is a scoped .22 rifle shooting hollow-point ammunition, but given the heavy leaf canopy in the trees right now, some prefer to use a shotgun with No. 6 or 7.5 pellets.

Either way, the best option is to slip slowly quietly through the woods, stopping frequently to watch and listen. When a squirrel is found, try to sneak in close enough for a shot without breaking branches or making any noise.

The key to finding both fox and gray squirrels is finding their preferred food source, and when you do, the action should be good. Given the lack of acorn production last fall, you’ll probably find squirrels eating on maple seeds, berries and other goodies.

That poor acorn crop last fall also could mean fewer squirrels this summer. Lots of studies have shown squirrel populations tend to fluctuate in cycles, matching recent mast crop success or failure.

Gray squirrels can be found just about anywhere, but big timber usually is the best option. In contrast, fox squirrels prefer more open woods and field edges.

With the quick warmup we’ve had lately, it’s probably a good idea to take along in your vehicle a cooler with ice to keep any squirrels you take from spoiling. That’s especially true if you like moving from place to place and covering a lot of ground.

Oh, and don’t forget bug spray because the tick population seems to be stronger than ever. Anything with Deet works to deter the little vermin, but the best thing I’ve found is treating clothing and boots with permethrin spray.

Black bass, whether smallmouths, largemouths or Kentucky variations, provide a lot of fun for anglers and those who keep a few from Ozark streams can begin doing so Saturday.

If the water is warm enough and not flowing much, a topwater bait is a great way to get some explosive action, especially early and late in the day.

In cooler water, it’s probably best to downsize your baits.

The daily limit for bass is six and the minimum length limit is 12 inches, though many waters have their own specific regulations and limits. Be sure to check the Wildlife Code booklet to ensure you’re in the know.

The area’s small streams are fun places to catch bass, especially smallmouths, but you need to make sure you have permission to access those waters. Generally, you can enter the water at any public crossing or access point and you’ll be good as long as you stay below the normal high water line. If you get out and walk through somebody’s field or woods to get to a different hole, you’re trespassing.

Really, it’s best just to ask permission first to avoid any potential legal trouble.

Fish and Fun Day

Addison Fuller (left) and Laynie Riggins show the pair of bluegills they caught during Saturday's Fish and Fun Day event in Poplar Bluff.DAR/Paul Davis

Another Fish and Fun Day has come and gone, and by all accounts, this year’s event was a success.

The number of participants was down a bit this year, probably because there were a lot of things going on Saturday, but the vast majority of those who were there caught fish.

Bass and bluegills were the most caught species, though a few crappies also were in the mix.

All participating children went home with a new fishing rod and reel, and many won extra door prizes.

Yahya Ceesay, 6, casts his line at the Fish and Fun Day.DAR/Paul Davis

Clearwater Tourney

Eighteen teams fished Sunday’s East Ozarks Bass Cub tournament at Clearwater Lake, with all but two bringing fish to the weigh-in.

Clay Francis and Joey McAllister were the day’s top anglers, bringing 18.84 pounds to the scales.

In second place was the team of Bill Bates and Kyle Bates with 17.38 pounds, and they also had the day’s biggest fish, weighing in at 5.06 pounds.

Third place was earned by Derek Govero and Jared Hill with 16.42 pounds.

The club will fish again on June 22 at Wappapello Lake.

Crappie Club

The Wappapello Crappie Club will host a tournament Saturday, based out of the Sundowner ramp.

Fishing is slated to begin at 7 a.m. and conclude at 2 p.m.

To register for the event, get in touch with Charlie at Sundowner Marina. You’ll also be able to sign up at Sundowner the morning of the event.

Coon Club

Also on Saturday, the Butler County Coon Club will host a UKC hunt and show.

The show will begin at 6 p.m. and the hunt will start at 8, with everything based out of the club’s headquarters building off County Road 607, south of Poplar Bluff.

For info, contact Terry Uhl at 573-714-1624.