Grouse Hollow Journal for April 21, 2016 by Greg Koelker

I woke without an alarm at 5:30 on Wednesday morning last week before I got up to go turkey hunting.  Anyway, I started my coffee and got my turkey camo on.  It was 44 degrees out.  I was tying up my boot laces when Ellen cracked the porch door and wished me good luck.  I grabbed my filled thermos and headed out.  The eastern skyline was already starting to silhouette the ridge top as I drove up the coulee.

Up top, I quietly finished getting my camo on and cocked my cross bow.  I filled up a cup with hot coffee and just listened.  There was a fickle breeze/wind from the southeast; I put up my hood against it.  I heard a gobble that I couldn’t locate and then another came from the south.  I gulped my coffee, shouldered my kit and seat cushion, and my crossbow and headed down the ridge road to the far end of our property.  I spooked a few whitetails along the way.  Two watched me from a couple hundred yards for awhile before trotting toward me and then bolting right at my truck.  When they saw that they turned again and I could see their bounding namesakes all the way to the Oak Stand.

Had I been deer hunting, I might have had a shot when I came over one rise.  The critter didn’t notice me until I was 20 yards away!  

I set up against a wide box elder tree that had downed trunks around it that I hoped would conceal me.  I loaded a bolt (crossbow arrow) and pulled on my gloves and face mask.  I used one of my Knight and Hale push calls first and then put it down.  There were chickadees and nuthatches feeding all around.  Robins scoured the bean field in front of me for breakfast.  I could hear crows in the distance and some sandhill cranes gronked their way overhead.  I heard the beep beep of Marissa’s early school bus turning around in our driveway down in the coulee.  I tried calling once more with my other Knight and Hale call.  I am not making this up: it started to sleet, little ice crystals bouncing off my boots and clothes.  I was able to tell the time when I heard the beeping of the De Soto bus picking up Jake, Pearl and Kelly.  I heard two gobbles close by.  “Jakes,” I thought.  I got my crossbow up on my leg and waited.  Nothing.   After half-an-hour, I had to put the bow back on the log beside me.  It is heavy, heavier even than Wilma, my .10 gauge turkey special.  I had no sooner put my weapon down when a hen started putting in the woods behind me.  Cool.  I hoped it might be a Jezebel and attract a tom to the spot for me.  The hen’s calling got agitated with loud putting and cutting at times.  I wonder if it was angry that “I” didn’t respond to it.  Anyway, I caught a movement along the field out of the corner of my eye.  “Coyote!”  I froze and waited as old Wily came trotting along the woods ears up, looking for that hen I think.  When it went behind a tree between us, I started to raise up the crossbow.  Coyotes don’t get old being dumb and this one swapped ends and fled the scene in a streak.  Oblivious to the drama in the field, the hen kept cutting and coming closer.  It was maybe ten feet from me in the woods when it squawked out turkey talk for “Houston, we have a problem!” and flew up into a tree and then raucously exited stage left.  The jig was up.

Anyway, I realized that my one cup of coffee was running out of mojo, so I walked back to the pickup.  I saw one bird in a neighbor’s field and more deer.  I had breakfast on my mind, so I headed home.    

When I got back in, Ellen was excited to hear my story because she could hear gobblers going crazy right up behind our house.  She thought I might have still been driving up the ridge.  She was right.  I sure didn’t hear much.  Such is turkey hunting though.  I will just have to get up earlier.

On Friday morning, we were shocked awake when the alarm started squawking at 5:00 AM.  (Retired people should actually put their alarms on Craigslist or in a landfill.)  Anyway, the doggone thing still worked.  I filled a mug with coffee and kissed my better half goodbye, and by 5:20, I was heading north to fish at Redwing and El was heading south to Madison to the Midwest Horse Fair with her sisters Barb and Kathy.  

I like the early morning BBC news from Europe and Canada.  One gets the world news without the near constant obsession of the political circus here.  I met Gordie Hierlmeier in Hagar City.  We put in at Everett’s Landing where we bought some minnows and inquired after the fishing.  “The fish are in the river,” was about as good as the bait shop guy had this day.  We motored down river into a rising south wind.  We started drifting and jigging near the mouth of Hay Creek.  Gordie hooked a heavy sheepshead but for a while the walleyes eluded us.  Then I snagged a log.  The log started to move!  I didn’t think it felt like a sheepshead.  The fish pulled hard and took some line.  I was thinking catfish or carp for some reason.  When I finally fought it near the surface, Gordie told me later he thought it was a carp.  With a flip of its white tail, it revealed itself as a dandy walleye.  I was able to get it close to the boat and his net.  We were both amazed.  After admiring and photographing the beautiful green and still egg-filled mama, we weighed it - ten pounds exactly; the tape measure showed it was about 27.5 inches long.  (The biggest walleye I ever landed before this was 8.8 pounds when I was fishing and drifting in the ice flows below the dam at Genoa one February back in the late 80’s with Steve Trussoni.)  I released this one too.  My day was made.  If we had had a cooler of beer, I might have quit fishing and just basked in the sun and watched Gordie fish I think.  By early afternoon we took a cruise through some backwater down to Lake Pepin before taking out and getting some lunch at the Bluffs Bar and Grill.  I had a really good fish sandwich with fries and slaw.  We had solved the problems of the world and caught up on our families.  Great friend, great fish, great day; it don’t git no better.

Mountain Man Ben, got his first Colorado wild turkey on Thursday.  He and his friends were hunting an hour and a half up a dirt mountain road in the foothills in Central Colorado near Grand Junction. The birds, Merriams (there are also Rio Grande subspecies turkeys in Colorado) were high up at the edge of the crunchy snow line. He told me one guy went down into a rocky draw while he managed a belly crawl stalk in some grass to get close enough to set up his successful shot.  His buddy Drew was using an Elk Reel call to attract the bird.  Sounds like a great hunt with good friends, congrats, Son.  It don’t git no better.  

Until next time, get out - finally, Ellen and I want to wish a huge get-well to our old friend Lawrence Oldenberg of Chaseburg who is recovering from a recent car accident.  We visited him in the hospital and though he is beaten up some, his always positive attitude shown through.  You can’t keep a good man down.  Enjoy.

Railroad Trespass Hearings by Greg Koelker

Some 200 hunters, fishermen, trappers, birders, snowmobilers, business owners, community leaders, government employees and other concerned Mississippi River recreation enthusiasts showed up to be heard by State Senator Jennifer Shilling, Tim Yager from the Department of Fish and Wildlife, and the Railroad Commissioner of Wisconsin, Yash Wadhwa at the De Soto Community Center and Stoddard Legion on April 22.

After introductions, Tim Yager informed the group that there has been investigation into 17 to 18 additional rail crossings along the Mississippi with good line of sight.  He added that these could cost between $15,000 and $250,000 each. He said that the position of the USFW is that they want safe and adequate access to the over 240,000 acres of the Upper Mississippi River Refuge.  The river is bordered by railroad tracks on both shores.

Dan Knapek of De Soto asked what percent of the railroad’s profit would it take to create the needed rail crossings.  Commissioner Wadwa said there were already 26 possible crossings being investigated.  They are looking to define all options and look into shared cost.  

Long time member of the Wisconsin Conservation Congress, Bill Howe of Prairie du Chien said, “The railroad’s desire to limit access entirely impacts the entire rail system in this country.”  Howe called the railroad’s position, “...a great threat.”  He added that 15 to 20% of railroads are not on their own lands.

Dan Trawicke of Waukesha, representing the Safari Club, said, “This is not just a Western Wisconsin problem.”  He said that safety is a number one concern, but he added that it takes common sense.  “Additional crossings are not the answer,” said Trawicke, “we have a constitutional right” to access those lands.

Greg Koelker of Stoddard said, “Safely crossing a railroad track is no different that safely crossing a highway.  Look both ways and listen.  Then cross if it is safe.  Every first grader knows that.”  He added, “. . .  no amount of legislation will change the minds of suicidal people, drunks, idiots trying to beat a train, protesters of whatever, and especially not terrorists.”  Koelker brought up the long tradition of using the tracks to access the river. “I grew up near Cassville and my dad and I would walk the tracks to access ice fishing sports on Bertram Lake. For years, our family members crossed the tracks to trap and hunt ducks and deer and even morel mushrooms.  I used to cross the tracks at Shady Maple to ice fish with my family.  I have friends who cross the tracks to hunt ducks out on peninsulas along the river. There is no other way to get to those waters for much of the year.”  Koelker said he hears from legitimate sources that at least 50% of our legislators already support the change.  He added that, “I understand that the Railroad Commissioner has the power to order placement of railroad crossings.  I urge you to consider directing more pedestrian railroad crossings and to support changing the trespass law to allow direct crossing of the tracks.”

Marc Schulz of the La Crosse County Conservation Alliance said of the trespass issue, “There is no bigger issue regarding the river.”  He added that greatests percentage of fatalities on the railroad happen at designated crossings.  Schulz said that, “Young professionals come to western Wisconsin because of its natural resources.”  He added that, “This is the people’s land and water.”

John Wetzel representing the Wildlife Federation said, “We need more state oversight.  Minnesota has done that.  He added that this isn’t just a Mississippi River corridor problem saying there are, “. . .hundreds of places in the state where this is a problem.”  

Pat McCabe of De Soto said, “I have property on the other side of the tracks.  I will not stop crossing.”  He added, “I beg you make them (trains) slow down.  Who are you going to call? (if there is an accident.)”

Guy Wolfe of Stoddard representing CARS-Citizens Acting for Rail Safety said, “There is a public trust doctrine law.  We have a right to these waters.”  He added that he has seen derailed cars on both sides of the tracks on “our property.”  He urged people to photograph and report issues with the tracks and rail bridges.  He said he feels that after reports about decaying rail bridges the railroad started enforcement of the trespass law.  He said after letting the permit to repair the Coon Creek bridge at Stoddard expire, the railroad suddenly worked “24-7” to repair it.  Wolf added that at least one bridge still in use along the river was built in 1867.  He said, “We can’t afford to let (rail) bridges fail.”

Commissioner Wadhwa replied that, “The new fast act law requires that we put bridge inspection results on websites.”  

Kirk Holliday of De Soto said that, “BNSF is making threats to the village sewer.” De Soto’s wastewater treatment plant is across the tracks on the river side.  He added, “The government bails them (the railroads) out.  They get billions to fix their problems and then they basically hold us hostage.”

Gary Moltert of De Soto told about railroad rolling stock that hauls Bakkum crude and ethanol.  He said, “Double hulled tankers are safer.  Canada is being very proactive enforcing this.  Here investors have $80 to $90K in old tankers and the government allows them six years to replace them with safer cars.”

Commissioner Wadhwa replied, “We can’t do anything, but the feds and USDOT can.” He added that, “New tank cars constructed after 2015 and existing cars must be retrofitted and have an advanced brake system installed.”

Sherry Quamme, representing the Mississippi River Parkway Commission said that, “We’re concerned with Wisconsin issues for eight counties of the Great River Road . . . we want to see that there is legal pedestrian access . . . additional crossings are not the answer because it requires a large capital investment.”

Mike Collins of the La Crosse Snowmobile Alliance said, “We purchased a building across the tracks.  We asked the railroad for a recreational crossing.  We asked them for $6,000.”  The railroad denied the request.  Collins added, “They said it’s a safety issue.  It’s not.  It is straight and level for miles.”  

Frank LeMay commented that, “Point of access changes won’t work because the river changes from day to day.”

Joan Wolfe of Stoddard asked about changing Act 179, “What’s the downside?  Why wouldn’t the governor want to sign it?”

Senator Schilling said that, Assembly leader Van Wanggaard didn’t bring up the trespass law change proposed by 96th Assembly District representative Lee Nerison in the Assembly because,  “Governor Walker would likely veto it and the Republicans in the legislature don’t want to be put in the position of overriding the governor’s veto.”

Phillip Hooker of Victory said that the railroad speed limit is too high.  “It should be 45 mph max,” he said.

Monique Hooker of Victory expressed her concern about being able to do river cleanups, “The Friends of Pool 9 need to clean along the Mississippi and on the Wisconsin side.  Students and volunteers need access to clean up the river banks.  We have to look at the environmental issue and put your money where your mouth is.”

Ralph Knutson of De Soto said, “We need more rail inspections.  There is no state accountability - no rail inspectors.”  He added that, “The railroad is also interested in having only one person on a train to operate it to save money.”

Commissioner Wadhwa said that, “The federal safety board is taking comments on fewer crew.”

Senator Shilling added, “There is a bill in progress to improve emergency preparedness along the railroad and to train first responders to deal with (railroad) emergencies.”  

A larger group attended the 1 PM session at Stoddard.  More than half a dozen people said they had received trespassing warnings from BNSF officers.  The railroad calls it, “ a public safety education campaign.”

Vernon County Sheriff John Spears asked those who received warnings if the officers were polite and courteous.  They all replied, “No.”  Spears who supports a compromise, told the Stoddard crowd that his deputies were not enforcing the law.  “If anybody gets arrested, they’re not spending a night in my jail. That’s for sure,” he said.

Dick Jensen of Stoddard said, “It’s almost like that railroad track now is a fence.”

Richard Meyer of La Crescent, Minn. ““This whole situation has damaged the state’s reputation and the railroad’s,” he said. “People are furious.”

Mike Widner of Boscobel, “The only folks who will likely obey the laws are hunters, fishers and trappers.”

Stoddard Village President Kevin Gobel said, “The enforcement campaign started soon after rail safety groups and the village complained about the condition of BNSF’s bridges.”  

Grouse Hollow Journal for April 7, 2016 by Greg Koelker

Ma Nature played a little April Fool’s Day trick on us a day late this morning (Saturday).   As I bang this out, a cold north wind sounds like a passing freight train as it blows snow off the roof and from the treetops, dumping over our outdoor furniture.  I bundled up to get Scout out and retrieve the paper.  A light snow was biting on my face as Scout and I went down the driveway.  Back at the house, I exchanged the paper for a bucket of empty bottles left from the night before and took them to the garage.  I had to smile as I petted Gypsy and thought of last night.  

Our neighbors, Gus and Erin Pickar dropped by Friday evening with Holly, the newest member of their household. Holly is a black labrador puppy that is full of energy and chewing instinct.  She is a lover and beaut, with very sharp puppy teeth.  Erin said that Marissa, their middle schooler was relieved that they took the pup with them for awhile as she had expressed a need for a “puppy break.”  We made over Holly and caught up on the coulee and world news.  Holly tried to chew on Ellen’s recipe books and one time or another, managed to get both of my camo Crocs to chew on.  She finally tired and spread out on a kitchen rug and just watched the party from under half-closed eyelids.  Ya gotta love labs, especially puppies.  Pickars also brought a pair of sheds they found behind their house from a nice 13 point buck, nicer this fall I expect.   

Anyway, while eating our breakfast this morning a number of cardinals and bluejays were checking out the empty bird feeder, looking pretty sad out there in the gale. After breakfast, I moved into the family room to work on this.  I heard Ellen go out into the tempest.  She said she poured the last of the bird food in the feeders.  I guess we’ll have to get a little more for April.

We have been seeing big herds of deer out grazing in the new greenery all around our area.  There seem to be plenty of overwinter whitetail survivors.  I have counted as many as 25 in one field.  Think about the math in all the venison when it comes to having fawns later this spring.  Let’s see, I’ll just guess that half of those deer were does and if they all have fawns or two in some cases, well that’s a lot of critters.  That said, a couple of weeks ago, I had hoped to attend the Vernon County Deer Advisory Committee meeting at the Kickapoo Reserve.  I am not on the committee, so I stayed home because of the blizzard that night.  Others were more dedicated to the cause: Andy LaChance, Mike McLurg, Shawna Stringham, Marvin Baker, Dave Matheys, Dave West, Matt Bauer, Jason Leis, and Don Bierman braved the snow to meet and discuss the state of the whitetail herd in Vernon County.  According to the CDAC meeting minutes, the group concluded, “Vernon County had a good (deer) season, likely from some snow and good weather.  There were still over 2,000 antlerless tags available on private land (when the season ended).  Public land antlerless tags sold out.”  The group set a quota of 7,700 antlerless tags for deer to be harvested in 2016.  Because there were so many antlerless tags left over for private land in 2015, the group decided to issue 2 antlerless tags per license this year instead of one.  The hope is that if people don't have to buy them, they will harvest more antlerless deer.  The committee added that, “We still want to maintain the herd size.”  I hope deer hunters and all other stakeholders concerned with whitetail deer in Vernon County thank these folks for coming out on such a bad night and taking on the serious business of managing our deer herd.

   

Speaking of meetings, this coming Monday, April 11, 2016 is the Department of Natural Resources Annual Spring Fish and Wildlife Public Hearings and Wisconsin Conservation Congress Annual Spring County Conservation Meeting at 7 PM at Viroqua High School.  There are two Conservation Congress positions up for election on the Vernon County delegation.  Consider putting your hat in the ring.  I have found being on the Congress interesting and enlightening.  I think that some of the more contentious and/or interesting questions to be discussed and voted on will be about: leaving portable deer stands upon state lands overnight north of Highway 64; changing how antlerless deer tags are issued; changing the process of how rules can be modified to provide a faster response to situations; eliminating exceptions that currently allow harvest of antlerless deer in buck-only management units; supporting legislation that returns the appointment of the DNR secretary to the Natural Resources Board; eliminating the artificial-only lure restriction from regular season trout regulations;  changing the opening of trapping season to a later date; the use of non-toxic shot on all department managed lands; creating a senior citizen Conservation Patrons License; establishing a non-motorized watercraft fee; repeal of the law that allows permanent waterfowl blinds on public water/lands; expanding spring turkey hunting opportunities.

Until next time, get out - Ellen is fixing nachos grande’ for watching the NCAA Final Four tonight.  She also made us a nice big craisin and cashew salad and plans to top dinner off with molten lava cake for dessert.  Yeah, don’t you wish, but she’s a keeper!  My journal shows that in 2012 Pearl and Jake Sikora found morel mushrooms on April 1.  Ellen found her first the next day..  After this mild winter and early (kinda sorta) spring, maybe the fabulous fungi popping early too is possible.  Enjoy.