Fall and Winter Wetlands Touring Schedule (UPDATED 11/16)

[Cowper]

The first trip I can get to will be H Lake. What an where is it. Im not gps literate so just wanted to get an idea.

It's 1.5 miles SSE of Columbus Lake.

Or 10 miles E of Tichnor.

Or 16 miles SE of DeWitt.

Or 80 miles SE of Little Rock.

[Minna Ulmer]

Thanks!Lookin forward to it. Minna

[John Britt]

Boss drafted me to help with Special Olympics Friday morning, I've worked the groups for several years now and it is always rewarding so I couldn't say no. I'm afraid that a 14 hour day will be a little to much for me to make it Saturday. Looks like Felsenthal will be my next chance to paddle with you good folks. I will be looking forward to pictures and a trip report.

[Karla]

I may try to come Saturday if Gary is getting along ok after his surgery today. Will post tomorrow night to confirm.

Karla

[Karla]

Guess I will not go tomorrow. Stay home and take care of Gary. I may try next week.

Karla

[MStrobel]

Got the canoe loaded on the car. See you at T-Ricks in the morning.
Michael

[DeBo]

Got the canoe loaded on the car. See you at T-Ricks in the morning.
Michael

Great! See you there.

[Karla]

Look forward to trip report and pictures. Wishing I had gone.

Karla

[MikkiW]

Debo and Cowper,
I am sure you are aware of it already but for other members, Nov 14th, when the H Lake trip is planned is opening day of modern gun deer season on the south unit of the White River Refuge. Please advise all members to make sure that they have no firearms of any kind in their vehicles and have a signed refuge permit on their person. The old grocery store at Ethel used to keep them and there should be a box at Smokehouse hill entrance that they keep stocked with permits. There is no charge for these.

Also, wearing a bright colored jacket like red, orange or lime green will provide an extra safety measure while out on the water or walking on the shoreline of the lake. I do not mean to imply that there is any danger to anyone but it is always best to be as visible as possible when hunters are in the woods.

I will be camping and kayaking in White Oak Lake State Park with my sister during the veterans day weekend but would like to come back Saturday night and join you on Sunday morning. Could you let me know what time you plan to arrive at the lake and I will plan to meet you there. I will check this web site on Thursday morning before I leave to see if the trip is on and what the plan is. Hope to see you soon. Mikki

[Cowper]

opening day of modern gun deer season......no firearms of any kind in their vehicles and have a signed refuge permit on their person.....Also, wearing a bright colored jacket like red, orange or lime green will provide an extra safety measure while out on the water or walking on the shoreline of the lake.

These are all very good comments. On the advice of a friend who works for AG&F, last weekends trip made a last minute change of plans and went to Robe Bayou instead of Wattensaw to avoid any chance of conflict with a modern youth permit gun hunt in the Wattensaw Unit. Future trips will also make reasonable adjustments to minimize the potential for trouble; but DeBo and I have stopped short of staying on the couch during hunting season.

Thanks especially for the reminder about the signed maps; much of our time in the South unit has been when flooding had the hunters shut down, so we've never been checked, but I'm sure with this year's conditions we are almost certain to see more officers out in the woods and the fact that we aren't there for the "usual" reason may draw some extra attention.

For anyone who doesn't know what we're talking about, the NWR maps have an area map on one side, and a lengthy list of rules printed on the other side. To be in the refuge, you are required to have a signed copy of the map on your person, which indicates that you have read and will follow the rules. The "map" serves double-duty and is also your "permit" to be in the area.

Reading their rules, on that sticks out is the one on "Guiding and other Commercial uses." They talk about "any assistance", and define compensation as including any fee paid, or services rendered including meals. Such use requires a Special Use permit. What does all this mean? My list:

NO, you do not have to be an ACC Member to join this float (no fees).
NO, you can't offer me a
NO, you can't share your lunch with DeBo.
YES, I now have a valid excuse for watching Karla load her boat and not offering assistance!

[Karla]

[quote][/quote]YES, I now have a valid excuse for watching Karla load her boat and not offering assistance!

Would this help to get the assistance I need?

[MikkiW]

[c8mb]

Did you make a tracklog of Robe? I've been wanting to go there, but since I've been beached, I've been wanting to go anywhere!!

[MikkiW]

Took a tour through some of the South Unit today and stopped by H Lake. Hiked in to the Champion Cypress tree and it is impressive. Over a 1000 years old. Pictures do not do justice to it's sheer size.
Stopped at the refuge headquarters and picked up some extra permits and checked at the Ethel Country store and the Community Store at St Charles. Both will be open on Sunday all day and have kitchens for supper if anyone wants to stop and eat after the trip.
Headquarters said that hunter orange must be worn during our trip consisting of a vest or jacket and an orange hat is required also. If you do not have one, you can purchase one at either of the two stores listed above.
Looking forward to seeing everyone on Sunday.

[MikkiW]

Champion cypress tree in south unit of WWR. Please disregard the signature. Pictures were taken today.