Year 10 For Whitetails Unlimited In The Books
The dream of one man was the trigger point for the formation of one of the most successful fund raising events this area has ever seen. That man is Glenn Scriber.
“I was sitting on my couch one Sunday afternoon checking my computer for anything having to do with whitetail deer and the site, Whitetails Unlimited popped up,” said Scriber.
“There was a name and phone number of the state representative for Whitetails Unlimited, Brian Andrews in Jena so on a whim, I decided to give him a call. Andrews told me that coincidentally, he had Ruston on the radar for a site for a future chapter.”
Quoting an often used expression, the rest is history.
The first banquet was held ten years ago and this writer attended to check out this new kid on the block. I have been to annual fund raising banquets for several other worthwhile and valuable groups and have been impressed that this area supports the efforts of these groups
Frankly, I have never attended one that featured the enthusiasm and burst of energy of that first one of Whitetails Unlimited. In fact, the following year, the president and founder of Whitetails Unlimited flew down from national headquarters in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin to present the local chapter with awards, citing the local group for proceeds raised by a new organization, focus on youth and banquet attendance which, incidentally, maxed out the capacity of the Ruston Civic Center several years in a row.
A couple of weeks ago, the Lincoln Parish Chapter of Whitetails Unlimited met for its 10th annual banquet and like the nine previous banquets, the level of energy and enthusiasm this year had not been dampened at all.
Different members have directed the banquet each year and this year, it was Brandon Williams’ turn.
“I put together a team of local folks who had the same commitment as I did to make it work again as it has over the past ten years,” said Williams.
The question has to be asked; why is the Whitetails Unlimited banquet been so successful for the past decade?
Both Scriber and Williams believe one reason is the commitment of the guys who work tirelessly on the committee to produce such successful results. Another reason has to do with the critter being honored, the whitetail deer. There are probably more deer hunters in north Louisiana than those passionate about hunting turkeys, squirrels or waterfowl.
The big kicker, though, may have to do with the way proceeds from Whitetail Unlimited banquets work. Half the proceeds raised stay right here in the community to assists such groups as the 4-H club shooting team, Cross Trail Outfitters and those physically challenged youngsters participating in med-camps.
Final figures are in for the 2025 banquet that reveal that some 400 enthusiasts attended, which was the largest crowd since the 2020 banquet. Funds raised totaled around $75,000, half of which stay right here in the community.
“If you want to be successful in such an endeavor,” said Scriber, “surround yourself with quality people who are not going to be satisfied with mediocracy.”
If you really want to know what enthusiasm and high energy really feel like, you don’t need to chugalug a power drink. You should plan now to attend next year’s Whitetails Unlimited banquet. I guarantee you’ll feel it.
FISHING REPORT
CANEY LAKE – Bass are best at night on soft plastics and dark colored crank baits. Some are caught early morning around the grass on topwater lures. Some bass are chasing shad on the surface and are schooling. Shad imitation lures are working best.. Crappie are suspended with shiners and jigs taking some nice fish. Bream both chinquapins and bluegills are moving off the beds but can still be caught on crickets and worms. 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.
BUSSEY BRAKE – Bass fishing continues to be good with some big fish still being brought in. Topwater lures early and soft plastics working best later. Crappie are on the flats and are biting on shiners or jigs. The bream bite is fair. For latest information, contact the Honey Hole at 323-8707.
OUACHITA RIVER – The water is falling and is quite low because of lock and dam problems down stream. Lazarre ramp is now open with better catches of fish downstream. A good many catfish are being caught and crappie fishing is best around submerged tops in the river. Bass are hitting shad imitations in the cuts. For latest information, contact the Honey Hole Tackle Shop at 323-8707.
LAKE D’ARBONNE – Some bass are schooling and hitting topwater lures. Wobbleheads are picking up some fish around the grass. Best fishing is for fish suspended 4-5 feet deep above 12-14 foot water. Crappie are on the deep flats and fishing has been best at mid-day on shiners and jigs. Bream are fair. Catfish are good fishing off the banks. For latest information, call Anderson Sport Center at 368-9669 or Honey Hole Tackle Shop at 323-8707.
LAKE CLAIBORNE – Crappie fishing has been fair to good on jigs and shiners. Bass are around the banks and hitting topwaters early while later hitting hit jigs, spinners and soft plastics with some schooling reported on the surface. Night fishing has improved around lighted piers and boat docks on soft plastics and crank baits. Bream are scattered. Stripers are schooling and hitting shad imitations. For latest information, call Kel’s Cove at 927-2264 or Terzia Tackle at 278-4498.
LAKE POVERTY POINT – Catfish are good while bass and crappie are rather slow. For information, contact the marina at 318/878-0101.
LAKE YUCATAN – The water is on a slow rise and fishing is fair for crappie. Plenty of yearling bass being caught on a variety of lures. For info call Surplus City Landing at 318/467-2259.