Sixteen of the 17 members of the NYLC gathered in southern Illinois near Carbondale the weekend of July 25-27 to hold their summer meeting. The group camped in tents and participated in outdoor education activities led by Curt Carter, director of the Land for Learning Institute. Although it was hot and humid, the group kept cool swimming, canoeing and kayaking. They also helped cook some fantastic campfire meals, made presentations on their individual projects, selected candidates to be elected as officers, learned about historic primitive tools, participated in a session on how to conduct meetings using parliamentary procedure, got better acquainted with raccoon circles and other activities and enjoyed fishing and visiting. Photos of their activities are included.

National Youth Leadership Council at the Summer Meeting in Southern Illinois

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NYLC Summer Meeting 2010 was a great success. After ariving at camp and getting to know the new members we did team building skills. We did “racoon circles” and went on a “blind” hiking train. For those of you who don’t know what that is, it is where you form a human train and everyone closes their eyes but the leader. Then the leader is in charge of getting you to your destination. This was quite funny. We also took nominations for a new leadership team for the NYLC; so in a few weeks you will have a new officer team for your NYLC. The next day was the 8 mile canoe trip on the lake but before that we had training on how to conduct a proper meeting by using parlimentary procedure. On the canoe trip we learned that everything was just “right around the bend” as Capt. Curt would say. After that we were all extremely tired so we went back to camp, ate supper, then went to bed after hearing a few campfire songs. Sunday was the last day, therefore we all ate breakfast and then said all our final goodbyes. We are all looking foward to Pheasant Fest 2011 in Omaha, Nebraska where we will meet again. Check the website soon for the announcement of the new NYLC leadership team and we hope we see you at Pheasant Fest 2011!

August

Early August is when most lake water temperatures peak, so you want to be mindful of creeks and inlets that are pouring cooler, more oxygenated currents into the lake, especially if the bottom drops at that spot. Also understand that in most lakes, baitfish (and the bass that follow them) like to school on structures below the thermocline (where water temperatures transition from warm to cool). For water 15 feet deep or more, try a drop-shot rig, where you have a heavy weight at the end of your line, and suspend a smaller-sized soft plastic worm on a hook above that. You want to use eight-pound to 12-pound test line and a medium- or light-action spinning rod in this situation, because finesse and feel are important.

Tip courtesy of  Anglers’ Legacy

June

In June, before water temperatures approach their peak (especially in northern states) you’ll still find good numbers of bass cruising in water less than 10 feet deep. This is a great time of year to try different baits and lures. Among the favorites are spinnerbaits, especially in the mornings. If you get an early start, try fishing buzzbaits, or even a surface-riding swimbait. In the warmest hours, you might try throwing jigs and soft plastics. With these options, concentrate your casts around points and drop-offs, and try flipping into weed mats with a weighted “green pumpkin” colored jig.

Tip courtesy of  Anglers’ Legacy

by Mark Herwig

Did you ever wonder why elk and antelope sometimes gather in big herds?

A few autumns ago I tagged along with a friend to learn how to hunt elk. His license was for the rugged wilderness south of Rawlins, Wyoming.

The night before, the high country where the elk, deer and antelope like to eat received a lot of snow, covering up their feed. In the morning, we found snow clogged roads and no elk.

We knew, however, that when it snows a lot, the animals have to migrate down to lower, snow-free range to eat. So, we headed off the mountain . . . and it wasn’t long before we found game. As we drove around a big hill on a lonely dirt trail, we spotted a huge herd of antelope walking fast down a broad, flat valley! But still, no elk.

The next day, we stayed low, but had to stop where the road was blocked by deep snow. So, we got out to walk. We didn’t go far before we spotted a big hill to the south that was covered with hundreds of elk! more…