When you’ve got a dog as smart as mine, it’s just plain disappointing when he does something stupid like getting sprayed by a skunk.

This time of year, a lot of brand new skunks are running around the countryside for the first time, and encounters with other creatures — even fishermen minding their own business — are inevitable.

If your dog gets sprayed, examine the animal for any bites it may have gotten from the skunk. Skunks are known carriers of rabies, which can be transferred to people from even a vaccinated dog.

Once you’ve checked out the dog for injuries, it’s time to clear up that nasty smell. Tomato juice isn’t the answer. It covers rather than eliminates the smell.

Save the tomato juice for your well-deserved post-bath Bloody Mary.

There’s something better out there that will neutralize the skunk’s odor. And you’ve probably already got the ingredients in your house.

What you’ll need is a quart of hydrogen peroxide, 1/4 cup of baking soda, a teaspoon of dish soap and a pair of latex gloves.

Mix the ingredients together in a bucket or coffee can and wash your dog with it while the mixture is bubbling. Work the lather down to the skin and let stand for 10 minutes. Make sure to cover your dog’s eyes if you’re washing its head.

Basically, this concoction will break down the skunk’s oils and eliminate the smell.

Be sure to rinse the dog thoroughly, again covering your dog’s eyes.

Then go enjoy that drink.

Striper action off-and-on

Lake Whitney striper guide Clay Yadon (817-219-3707) reports on-and-off fishing, with excellent topwater action interrupted by weekly cold fronts.

Still, he says that live bait is working like a charm for both stripers and sand bass. Birds are working big schools of fish, making locating feeding frenzies a little easier.

Lake Waco catfisherman George Courtney found a new honey hole last week while fishing with partner Joe Johnson, and only two of their 24 fish weighed less than 4 pounds. They caught them during an afternoon trip in 4 feet of water using Big Marv’s Punch Bait. Call 714-0882 for information on how to buy the bait.

Brenda Wallen of Navarro Mills Lake Marina (254-578-1131) reports good crappie fishing early in the mornings and after sunset, with an increase in catches of big males around the fishing docks. Fishing in 10-12 feet of water around the dam is paying off, too.

Spring turkey season

Spring turkey season continues through May 17 in Texas’ North Zone, which includes all the Central Texas counties that have open season during the spring.

Only hunters who didn’t use their tags during the fall season are eligible. Some counties, including Milam and Bastrop, allow only one gobbler to be taken in spring. Check state and local regulations before hunting.

Hunting stories and photos can be sent to the Centex Outdoors Web site, or you can upload them directly to wacotrib.com.

Truckload sale

The Cabela’s Truckload Sale continues today in Fort Worth, and great deals abound for camping, cooking and other outdoor gear. The sale will feature pallets of Cabela’s gear for every outdoor enthusiast. Admission is free.

Today’s events include:

 10 a.m. — Cooking breakfast on the grill demonstration and free samples; 11 a.m. — Fly casting lessons at Lone Star Lake; noon — Reloading basics seminar: 1 p.m. — Cooking away from home seminar; 2 p.m. Garmin 500 GPS crossover seminar.

Cabela’s is located at 12901 Cabela Drive. Take Exit 65 from I-35W. For more information, call 817-337-2400.