Briefly Outdoor News Bits: February 2021

Biggest Fish Ever Puts Capper On 2020 For 73-Year-Old

A good fish story never gets old, certainly not in GON. Jody Tucker told us this story about his 73-year-old mom, south Georgia resident Laverne Tucker, who ended her 2020 year with her largest fish ever. Laverne and her husband Joe, married for 54 years, decided to go fishing late on the evening of Dec. 31, 2020.

“They had started fishing a few times per year over at Paradise Public Fishing Area outside of Brooklfield. They love the PFA and all that it has to offer, from seeing wildlife to catching fish,” Jody said.

Normally, they would take their aluminum jonboat and try their luck in one of the many ponds or lakes on the property. However, with it being later in the afternoon, Laverne decided to fish from the bank and try her luck at catching some catfish. It didn’t take long after throwing out her line from a trusty Zebco 33—with the ever-so-famous piece of hot dog as bait—when she realized something was taking interest.

Laverne Tucker with her Paradise PFA catfish, her best fish to date, caught while closing out the year 2020.

She had no idea this would be the largest fish she had ever caught. As she got the big fish closer to the bank, she had to pull it through some vegetation, and now the fish stepped up its fight game. Approximately 6 feet from the bank while in the vegetation, her line broke. Laverne’s fishing buddy and husband for life jumped into action. Joe was determined not to let Laverne’s biggest fish get away easy. He quickly got to the fish and was able to get it on the bank. After everything settled down from all the excitement, Laverne sent a picture to her son Jody, who couldn’t believe she caught the fish so quickly, and Jody shared it with GON.

The catfish weighed 10 pounds and measured 22 inches long, closing out the challenging year on a high note.

Where’s GON? At The American Embassy In Israel!

Every presidential candidate for decades has promised to move the American Embassy in Israel to its rightful location in the capitol of Jerusalem. That finally happened under President Trump, and Bob Eldridge (left) and Mickey Jones, both subscribers from Chatsworth, took GON for a visit. Their trip and visit took place on June 17, 2019.

When you see the GON logo in an interesting location, please email a photo and the details to [email protected], or mail to GON, 4331 Seven Islands Road, Madison, GA 30650.

Litts Named WRD Assistant Director

The Georgia Department of Natural Resources Wildlife Resources Division (WRD) announced the appointment of Thom Litts to assistant director. Litts is a longtime employee of the division, most recently serving as chief of the Fisheries Management Section.

“I am thrilled to announce the promotion of fisheries chief, Thom Litts, to assistant director of the Wildlife Resources Division,” said Wildlife Resources Division Director Ted Will. “Thom’s years of service with this Division make him uniquely qualified to assist in leading us into the next chapter. I look forward to his contributions in this role.”

Thom Litts is the new assistant director of DNR’s Wildlife Resources Division.

As assistant director, Litts’ responsibilities will include serving as the principal wildlife and fisheries resource management advisor to the Director, supervising the development and implementation of the agency’s strategic plan, coordinating legislative initiatives, and supervising all administrative and personnel functions for the Division’s workforce.

Thom Litts began his career with Georgia DNR in 2002 as a GIS Specialist with responsibility for statewide implementation of GIS data management projects for the Fisheries Section. From there, he served as the Program Operations Manager in the Fisheries HQ Office, where his responsibilities included managing multiple programs and statewide initiatives. Since December 2019, Thom has served as Chief of the Fisheries Management Section. Litts holds a master’s in Geography from the University of Georgia. He is an avid angler and currently resides in Covington with his wife (Kristy) and two children (Lillie and Evan).

For more information about the Georgia Wildlife Resources Division, visit www.georgiawildlife.com.

SCI Hosts First-Timers Hunt

As part of its ongoing commitment to growing the hunting ranks, the Georgia Chapter of Safari Club International (SCI) hosted eight first-time hunters of all ages at the Beretta Shooting Grounds by High Adventure Company in Kingston for its inaugural “First Timer” Mentored Deer Hunt.

Hunt participants were treated to a morning of educational topics presented by Georgia Department of Natural Resources wildlife professionals, including a game warden and hunting and shooting education specialist, staff from the Beretta Shooting Grounds, and Georgia SCI volunteers.

SCI First-Timers event helped introduce new hunters young and old to the fun of shooting sports and the outdoors.

During several presentations and discussions, attendees learned about hunting, game laws and regulations, deer biology, wildlife conservation and firearms safety. Following lunch, the hunt participants spent time at the shooting range becoming accustomed to the rifle they would ultimately hunt with that afternoon.

After a full morning of learning and time on the range, hunters loaded up in ATVs and headed out to the blind with their mentor, where the fellowship continued. Everyone had a chance to see different types of wildlife, and a few of the hunters were successful in harvesting their first deer. All the new hunters are eager to get back in the woods when next deer season rolls around. Georgia SCI will cover the costs associated with processing the deer and the venison will be returned to that hunter to be enjoyed by them and their family.

“We’re proud to continue our partnership with the Georgia Chapter of SCI,” said Drew Burrell of the High Adventure Company. “The work they’re doing to introduce new people of all ages to hunting is critical to ensuring the tradition of hunting and wildlife conservation is carried on for many, many years.”

“The Georgia Chapter of SCI is dedicated to hosting events in which we can provide an opportunity to those wishing to learn about hunting, conservation, and the shooting sports,” said Louis P. Cole, President of the Georgia Chapter of SCI. “It’s incumbent upon us as hunters to do all we can to usher in new hunters, allowing them to enjoy this pastime that we cherish so much.”

The inaugural “First Timer” Mentored Deer Hunt was made possible by numerous SCI members and volunteers, and amazing partners and sponsors, including the Beretta Shooting Grounds by High Adventure Company and the Georgia Department of Natural Resources.

SCI Fundraising Banquet Rescheduled Due To COVID

Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and uncertainty of state and local regulations relating to gatherings, the Georgia Chapter of SCI has rescheduled its 2021 Banquet and Fundraiser for Saturday, May 1, 2021.

The event had originally been scheduled to take place  on March 6.

With a new date in place, Georgia Chapter of SCI invites everyone to join like-minded sportsmen and women at Adventure Outdoors in Smyrna on May 1.

“We’ll gather for a night of food, fun, fellowship and fundraising,” SCI said. “The evening will include raffles and a live and silent auction featuring great outdoor gear, hunting and fishing trips, firearms, artwork and other great items. Save the new date, and we will see you there!”