The newly reopened Squaw Creek Reservoir will be the site of a special bass tournament Nov. 14, and only boats entered in the tournament will be admitted onto the power plant lake that day.

The Texas B.A.S.S. Federation Nation will hold a tournament on Squaw Creek to raise money in support of Bass Brigade — a joint effort between Texas Wildlife Association, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and Texas AgriLife Extension.

“Bass Brigade educates youths ages 13-17 about aquatic ecosystems and natural resource management,” said camp director Mandy Scott, a TPWD biologist. Topics studied during the annual five-day camp include botany (terrestrial and aquatic plants); bass biology; river, pond and lake management; water quality and quantity strategies; and land and water stewardship.

“Other activities include photography, journaling, art, fishing skills, safety and ethics,” Scott said.

Cadets also receive practical experience in leadership, team-building, critical thinking and communication.

“Our goal is to raise $5,000 to support this important youth education and conservation program,” said Charles Harkless, president of the Texas B.A.S.S. Federation Nation. “We can meet this goal if all 100 available spots in the tournament are filled. We think this is a great opportunity for anglers to fish this special lake while benefiting a program that helps ensure the future of their sport.”

A tournament entry application can be found at www.texas-bass.com. Information on the Texas Brigades can be found at www .texasbrigades.org.

Decoding hunting rules

Unsure about a game law? Need some tips for deer season? State game wardens and wildlife biologists will be online for a live Q&A with sportsmen from noon to 1 p.m. Thursday.

Texas hunters making preparations for the opening of hunting seasons can get last-minute questions answered by Texas Parks and Wildlife Department staff during “Ask an Expert” live online chat session.

Go online to www.tpwd.state.tx.us/ask anexpert/fallhunt2010. There is no sign-in required to participate and even if you don’t have a question, you are welcome to “listen in” as the experts share their knowledge about Texas hunting.

Don’t forget to fish

Thousands of hunters will soon be heading to the stands as the general deer season opens Saturday and continues into January. But outdoorsmen shouldn’t forget that fall is one of the best times to catch fish in Central Texas.

Many of the same tactics used during springtime fishing can be used with similar success this time of year, including focusing on shallow flats near creek channels. Topwater lures are also effective early and late in the day, especially in the backs of creeks where shad and other bait fish tend to congregate.

Fall fishing is also attractive because fewer boaters are on the water — meaning less time spent in line at the launch ramp and less competition for the best fishing spots.

Avoidable tragedies

Tragedies like last week’s hunting accident that claimed the life of a young Texas hunter should serve as reminders that hunting is a deadly business and care should be taken when dealing with weapons.

Adult supervision is important whenever kids are shooting or hunting, and a review of safety procedures should be done before any activity involving guns. The 14-year-old boy killed last week was shot when a rifle discharged while guns were being stored after a turkey hunt.

www.centexoutdoors.com

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