Sunday, March 10, 2013

Lake Petocka - Bondurant IA

Last week I had the opportunity to take a short side trip off Iowa Highways 65/330 in Bondurant,IA. 

Turning right off the south end of the bridge coming into town I went a block west to Pleasant St. NE.
Taking another right, heading back north I traveled for another block to arrive at Lake Petocka -located at 520 Pleasant St. NE, it is to your right.  

It has been relatively easy  to keep an eye on ice fishing activities as I pass bye.

Lake Petocka was the host to a trout stocking event on January 26,2013 by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources.

Searching on Google I found another central Iowa Blogspot Blogger talking about another trout stocking at Lake Petocka  back on November 2012. Please stop by FishnDave to catch some tips on what Fly Patterns to use for what fish you are planning to hook.





Thursday, March 7th,was the second time I had seen some birds sitting on the lake within two weeks...it made me curious.

I can't verify of course that these birds were the same group that I saw earlier, but the location and count  was reminiscent of my previous fly-bye
 The bird's species was a question for me to answer after I caught them resting on the shallows of the melting ice shelf.

I found myself entertaining the thoughts of Snow Geese and Trumpeter Swans

However, comparing my pictures to the physical traits seen at the Trumpeter Swan  website - then at the Snow Geese website. I found white feathers, black beak and legs coincided with Trumpeter Swans...
 Beautiful, graceful birds remaining undisturbed  by the human activity around the lake. While I visited there was only one other vehicle in the area with me watching the birds.

My research on the Iowa Department of Natural Resources  about indigenous populations provided information on the tagging and collaring of the birds. How to locate biographical information by noting the color and number. Where did they come from?

This group of birds didn't have collars and their wings weren't exposed for me to see if by chance they had wing tip tags. So, I can only guess if they were coming home from the southern states, or just stopping until the weather improves further to our north
.
The south side of the lake provided shallow open water.

On the opposite side of the lake there were still some ice fishermen enjoying an anglers retreat and open holes. The morning started off in the upper teens, warming to the middle thirties by the afternoon.

Ice conditions have deteriorated in recent days due to melting ice/snow. Higher temperatures with rain are creating ideal conditions for replenishing the water supplies which are in dire need, but could be leading to the end of what seemed to be another short ice fishing season.

Please click here to get a March 7, 2013 Iowa Department of Natural Resources Weekly Fishing update...

Monday, February 25, 2013

Information for the Iowa Deer Classic 2013

Good day folks! I received some information about advance ticket purchases for our annual "Iowa Deer Classic" back before Christmas. Now, I believe it is time to get that information out to other interested parties in case they didn't receive the email themselves since we are in the eleventh hour. At less than a week away, if you haven't already added it to your social calendar, maybe now would be a good time.

We all know the deer hunter, or huntress in our families don't always get everything they want for Christmas, or they would like to do some planning for the future, this venue would be a fantastic chance to checkout products up close. 

A positive opportunity ,The Classic has become one of the top National gatherings for Whitetail Deer hunters to share experiences,find product, and plan for In or Out of State hunts/fishing trips of one kind or another.

Iowa Deer Classic 3-D  March 7, 2009
Mark your calendar…Get your bow ready for some 3-D competition,get your biggest buck ready, pull out the fruits of your shed hunting, and join your friends at the Iowa Deer Classic, March 1-3 at the Iowa Events Center in Des Moines!

                                                               The Iowa Deer Classic 2013

* Click Iowa Events Center  to.find out where this event is being held and  get tickets to avoid long lines.      
   Find out what it takes to display your trophy bucks and monster sheds during this three day happening..
* You can now find Iowa Deer Classic on Facebook - www.facebook.com/IowaDeerClassic.
* Do you Tweet? Head over to the Iowa Deer Classic Twitter site and add them to your friends list -                www.twitter.com/iowadeerclassic   
* Last, but definitely not least  you can still  stay connected at  www.iowadeerclassic.com ...
 

                                                                2013 Show Hours 

                                      Friday, March     1st  - 3 PM to 9 PM 
                                      Saturday, March 2nd - 9 AM to 7 PM 
                                      Sunday, March   3rd  - 9 AM to 4 PM 


                                                                 General Admission
                                     
                                     Admission $12 
                                     Youth ( 10 to 15) $5 
                                     Kids under 10 Free 
                                     Big Buck Contest Tickets $20 + 3-day pass 
                                     Friday Night is Ladies Night! All Ladies are admitted FREE! 

                                                                 Event Registration 

                                    Big Buck Contest:     Friday 3pm thru Sunday 11am 
                                    Shed Antler Contest: Friday 3pm thru Sunday 11am


                                                                 Hy-Vee Hall 2009




Longbow Legend Byron Ferguson

Since these pictures were taken,  Hy-Vee Hall has undergone some expansion to accommodate venues such as the Iowa Deer Classic with more floor space, more room for vendors and visitors...A plus since it has become such a popular event.

Come check it out!