Living Jackson Magazine :: Shooters & Anglers

Shooters & Anglers

Jackson County Was Made for Outdoorsmen

Story and Photos by Joshua T. Barnett

Consider a unique set of denizens of Jackson County: These men, women and children do not recoil at the thought of waking before the sun; they do not mind heat, rain, sleet or snow; they also do not mind dirt or grass stains, and in actuality appreciate the added benefits these blemishes add to their camouflage.

You likely know one of them. They can be constantly found in their garages and “shops” checking equipment for the expeditions sure to take place on Saturdays; their gear must be meticulously clean and fully operational at all times, for they never know when an opportunity will arise; and, they are one of the largest groups of people in the United States.

Not only do you likely know one of them, you likely are one of them.

According to a 2006 survey by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service on sportsmen in the South Atlantic region of the U.S. (Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Maryland, North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia and West Virginia), more than six million men, women and children over 16 years of age fish and nearly two million hunt. Combined, hunters and fishers constitute 15 percent of the total population in these states.

But outdoorsmen do not spend all of their time in the field or on the stream: They can also be found spending in the variety of sporting good stores afforded in a region wealthy in wildlife. In Georgia alone, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service reported that over $1 billion was spent during a five-year period spanning 2002-2006 on fishing goods. An additional $600+ million was spent on hunting products. Georgia’s spending on fishing goods is topped only by Floridians, and in this region Georgians spend the most on hunting goods. On average, fishermen and hunters will spend over $1,000 every five years satisfying their sportsmen’s need.

Jackson County is no stranger to outdoorsmen. Although few public fishing areas, and no public hunting areas, exist inside the county, many anglers and hunters reap the benefits of access to private property where wildlife can subsist.

Fishing

Although Jackson County is not a destination fishing spot, gas prices may leave anglers looking to stay closer to home. Luckily, Jackson County offers many public fishing holes that offer a variety of angling experiences for those without private ponds.

One of the most popular fishing destinations in the county, Bear Creek Reservoir, can be accessed from Hwy. 330 in the southeastern portion of the county. Fishing on Bear Creek is restricted to bank-fishing only. In addition, Georgia D.N.R. requires that all bass between 16 and 22 inches be released back into the lake immediately, but all others may be kept. This restriction likely comes as a result of plans to make Bear Creek one of the state’s top fisheries.

Lake Chapman, located within Sandy Creek Park, straddles Clarke and Jackson counties and provides both with a unique source of recreational fishing opportunities. Bass, crappie and catfish can be caught from the 260-acre lake. Lake Chapman can be found on Bob Holman Road just off Hwy. 441 South. A $2 park entry fee is required. Canoes and other watercraft can be rented for a nominal charge.

As most Commerce residents know, Grove Creek Reservoir, located north of Commerce just over the Banks/Jackson county line, is not only home to big fish, but it also serves as the town’s source of drinking water. Northeast Regional Fisheries Supervisor and Georgia fisherman Jeff Durniak suggests fishing for carp on the Commerce lake.

If stream fishing is more your speed and you live near Jefferson, Curry Creek, which flows through downtown, is home to more than a few fish. It, of course, spurs from the City of Jefferson’s water reservoir north of town. Local fisherman and Shuler’s Great Outdoors employee Skip Collins, a 19-year-old Athens Technical College student, says that largemouth and striped bass are the key fish biting during the winter season.

Crow’s Lake in Jefferson offers exceptional opportunities to catch catfish, and anglers can purchase their catch on a pay-per-pound basis.

Local fisherman and Shuler’s Great Outdoors employee Skip Collins, a 19-year-old Athens Technical College student, says that largemouth and striped bass are the key fish biting during the winter season.

As water temperatures decrease, fish become more static. Because of this, Collins recommends that fishermen “fish slower and deeper” and use “one ounce spoons.” The spoons are generally constructed of metal and are gold or silver in color. Imitating small baitfish, these lures are especially useful when a fish wants to exert the least amount of energy for the largest amount of nutrients, such as winter when the water is cold. Representative of a large meal, spoons are enticing.

Anglers 16 years and older must possess a valid Georgia fishing license, which costs $9 per year. Licenses can be purchased online at www.gofishgeorgia.com.

Hunting

Codi Powers, a Shuler’s Great Outdoors bow hunting department employee, is excited that the rut is almost here. The rut, or deer mating season, is perhaps the most coveted time of year for all Georgia hunters.

“The bigger bucks are looking for the does,” said Powers, an enthusiastic bow hunter who says bow hunting provides a “better thrill” than more modern approaches to hunting.

Most hunting in this area takes place from deer stands, generally mounted to trees, but when hunters have several stands set up or have climbing tree stands they can relocate to a more productive area.

“I move around,” said Powers. “In the morning I stay close to bedding areas; deer feed at night and return to these areas in the morning. In the evening I hunt food sources.”

Sportsmen seeking hunting areas in Jackson County are faced with slim options since there are no public hunting areas in the county. However, within an hour, hunters can be at one of four wildlife management areas: Allen Creek W.M.A. to the west; Broad River Natural Area to the east; Wilson Shoals W.M.A. to the north; and the Lula Bridge Tract to the northwest. Fort Yargo is also open for deer hunting, but sportsmen are encouraged to call ahead to confirm dates.

All hunters born after Jan. 1, 1961, must complete a Hunter Education Course if they plan to hunt on land that does not belong to them or immediate family with which they reside. These courses are offered often by local churches and other groups, and information about them can be obtained at local sporting good stores and online at www.gohuntgeorgia.com.

Deer season in the “northern zone” of Georgia opened Oct. 20 and closes Jan. 1, 2008. The 2008 turkey season lasts from March 22 to May 15. Hunting licenses can be obtained online at www.gohuntgeorgia.com.

As a general rule-of-thumb, always remember “Safety First.” Your time spent hunting or fishing is much more desirable without a trip to the emergency room.

Hunters: Keep guns pointed away from all people, walk side-by-side (not in a line), always wear at least 500 square inches of blaze orange (it’s the law), and always, always be cautious of your surroundings.

Fishermen: Before you do anything else, put on a pair of sunglasses—impaling your arm with a hook and impaling your eye are two very different things. Medical marvels do not yet include artificial, working eyes. De-barb your hooks for easy removal, from a fish’s mouth and possibly from yours or a partner’s skin.

Whether your passion takes you to the thicket, food plot, river or lake, you will find ample opportunity to enjoy nature in Jackson County.

The author wishes to extend special thanks to the fine folks at Shuler’s Great Outdoors in Commerce for their help in compiling information found in this article. He also would like to thank Cameron Bright for allowing Living Jackson to photograph him while hunting and fishing.

Hunters for the Hungry

Established in 1993, Hunters for the Hungry provides venison to hungry Georgians. More than 200,000 lbs. of venison have been donated by Georgia hunters. It is estimated that during the 2008 season, enough venison will be collected to provide meals to more than one million people.

Hunters in Jackson County can donate venison to Hunters for the Hungry at Sealey’s Deer Cooler on South Apple Valley Road in Jefferson from until Jan. 1, 2008. Call Sealey’s at 706-335-9304 for additional information.