As an outdoor writer/broadcaster, there are several things on my work schedule. For
instance, every week I write an outdoor column appearing in seven newspapers around north Louisiana. In addition, I produce and record four weekly radio programs. When opportunities are presented, I write an occasional article for magazines.
One thing that as been a regular assignment for the past 10 years or so is to contact,
interview and write articles for Louisiana Sportsman magazine and web site about trophy bucks taken in Louisiana. I enjoy everything I do for outdoors media but especially rewarding is getting to do articles on these big bucks that come to my attention either by my being contacted by successful hunters or by browsing social media to find photos hunters post when they are successful in downing a trophy.
Granted, I don’t get them all as some hunters prefer to keep their success under wraps as they have no interest in sharing details preferring to keep details and locations secret. I totally accept that. If I had a secret honey hole where I find my trophies, I might be reluctant to share too many details. Even so, I average getting to write articles on at least twenty-five big bucks each season. The ones I do write about give me an idea of what type of bucks on average are taken each season.
From my contacts for the season just ended, my conclusion is that the number and quality of bucks this year was average or maybe slightly below average. Drought conditions this past summer affecting browse plants no doubt contributed to this season’s somewhat lower results.
In past years, my articles have covered an occasional buck weighing in excess of 300
pounds and a few have resulted in impressive scores of 270 inches or better. I did articles on 30 trophy bucks this past season with buck with the heaviest body weighing just over 230 pounds. The highest scoring buck I located measured 190 inches of antler mass.
Looking over the statistics of bucks taken last season covered in articles I wrote were
impressive, but not quite as eye-catching as some in seasons past.
The highest number of bucks I found were taken in Union Parish with five while
Beauregard Parish produced four, indicating that you are likely to find a trophy really from one end of the state to the other. Bucks were taken in twenty-two parishes from north to central to the delta region to southwest Louisiana.
How about antler measurements? The thirty bucks in my articles averaged just over 156 inches of mass while the average number of antler points were 10.26. How about body weights? This came out to 192.6 pounds per buck.
During the month of October, nine bucks were reported, November had the highest
number with 15 while December produces six.
Four bucks were taken by traditional archery equipment, two with crossbows and the
majority, 24, fell to high powered rifles.
A number of trophies were taken by happenstance. They just showed up. Many of the
more successful hunters, however, work all year to prepare food plots, keep minerals available, especially during spring and summer when new antlers and muscle mass are growing.
I’m already looking forward to deer season 2024-25 when we get to do it all over again. Maybe this will be the season with weather conditions improved and I’ll get a call from you or find your photo of your buck on social media. Be assured, if this happens, I’ll be in touch.
FISHING REPORT
CANEY LAKE – Some nice sized bass are being caught as they are beginning to move from deeper water to staging areas. Soft plastics and jigs are picking up some good fish. Crappie have been best around the deeper tops on shiners or jigs and they are starting to move to the mouth of the creeks setting up for the spawn as soon as water temperatures start to warm. For information contact Caney Lake Landing at 259-6649, Hooks Marina at 249-2347, Terzia Tackle at 278-4498 or the Honey Hole Tackle Shop at 323-8707.
BLACK BAYOU – Crappie fishing is improving around the trees on shiners and jigs Bass are fair fishing spinners and soft plastics around the points. Contact Honey Hole Tackle Shop 323-8707 for latest information.
BUSSEY BRAKE – Bass fishing is improving with some to around 8 pounds caught on spinners and flipping creature baits around he brush. Crappie are in transition and beginning to move to the flats and are fair on jigs and shiners. For latest information, contact the Honey Hole at 323-8707.
OUACHITA RIVER – Water is rising and muddy but some good catches of crappie and bass are being made back in the sloughs. Catfishing is fair. For latest information, contact the Honey Hole Tackle Shop at 323-8707.
LAKE D’ARBONNE –The crappie are starting to move to staging areas in the mouth of the creeks. Jigs and shiners are picking up some nice fish. Bass are fair with best catches made deep on chatter baits, crank baits and soft plastic as they are starting to set up in staging areas preparing to move in to spawn. For latest information, call Anderson Sport Center at 368-9669 or Honey Hole Tackle Shop at 323-8707.
LAKE CLAIBORNE – Some crappie are still deep with best fishing just out from the dam on shiners or jigs but they’re starting to move to the mouth of creeks preparing to move in to spawn as water temperatures continue to rise. Bass are improving with some in the 8 pound category on secondary points with soft plastics and jigs working best. For latest information, call Kel’s Cove at 927-2264 or Terzia Tackle at 278-4498.
LAKE POVERTY POINT – Crappie fishing has improved in deeper water around the trees on shiners and jigs but they’re starting to move up to spawn. A 3.26 pounder was caught in a tournament. Catfishing is fair to good. No report on bass. For latest reports, call Poverty Point Marina at 318/878-0101.
LAKE YUCATAN – The water is falling with a slight bump coming followed by more falling water. Catfish and buffalo are being caught on trotlines and in nets. Crappie are beginning to move up to spawning areas. For information, call Surplus City Landing at 318/467-2259.