December 16, 2010

Archive

Alaqua Animal Refuge furever friend of the week

Special feline looking for a holiday home This is the time of year when angels abound, and at Alaqua Animal Refuge we have more than a few of these beautiful beings in our midst.  One angel in particular shines like the Christmas star.  He even has a heavenly name — Gabriel.  Although he’s only six months old, this little cat has already been through a lot.  Found living at a gas station, Gabriel kept himself alive by drinking water from...

Walton County fishing and hunting report for Dec. 15

Speckled trout catches through the roof in the bay Bay: Abundance of speckled trout being caught with light colored Zoom tiny flukes and light colored super flukes. Some folks catching 20 or more trout. Some redfish being caught. Fresh: Mostly crappie being caught in the river. Danny Copeland wants to remind folks that the resident shoreline license is free. Come on by! Click here for best times Hunting: Early signs of deer rut, but nothing much. General gun season open...

Rattlesnakes: Finding their poise and dignity

Living alongside wildlife By David Steen Editors note: David Steen is an Auburn University Ph.D. candidate working in the longleaf pine forests of northwestern Florida. He conducts research primarily pertaining to the ecology and conservation biology of reptiles. Most of the time, you can find him checking his snake traps in the piney woods but once the sun sets he is often wading through wetlands spotlighting water snakes. All too often we are presented with portrayals of rattlesnakes that rob...

December’s traditions include holiday hunting

Outta The Woods by Tony Young There’s finally a chill and a certain festiveness in the air as most of us try to take time off from work to enjoy spending quality time with family and friends and reflect on the passing year.  Children will be out of school on winter break soon, and while the holiday season is upon us, so are several traditional hunting opportunities. The second phase of waterfowl and coot season comes in statewide Dec. 11...

Alaqua Animal Refuge furever friend of the week

Handsome, friendly and lovable canine looking for new best friend This is Sammie, an adorable Yorkie mix currently residing at Alaqua Animal Refuge.  In his wiry tan coat, he’s ready for winter, and overflowing with the spirit of the season.  Make no mistake about this cute canine, he’s a permanent fixture on Santa’s “nice” list.  Besides being remarkably handsome, extremely friendly and totally lovable, Sammie possesses the character of a super hero.  And he’s not the least bit greedy. His...

Sandhill cranes migrate to North Walton County

Winter visitors a welcome sight for local bird lovers Clara Pittman of North Walton County looks forward to the special wintering guests she enjoys watching arrive in late fall. For the last five years, sandhill cranes have been migrating to the wetlands near her home just south of Lake Jackson in North Walton. Typically arriving in mid-December and staying until mid-March, the cranes are a welcome sight, and have been flocking to the area in large numbers. “I have seen...

Walton County fishing and hunting report for Dec. 8

Speckled trout in the bay, some hybrids at the mouth of the river Bay:  Abundance of speckled trout being caught with DOAs and MirrOdines.  Sheepshead being caught with shucked clams and drum with fiddler crabs and soft baits such as Electric Chicken. Fresh: Mostly crappie. Some hybrids being caught at the mouth of the river with live shrimp and crank baits. Folks are catching hybrids up the 3 lbs. Danny Copeland wants to remind folks that the resident shoreline license...

Beach bonfire permits now issued by South Walton Fire District

Permits may be obtained at Station 3/Headquarters A beach bonfire is a time-honored tradition that South Walton residents and visitors enjoy as the sun goes down over a perfect South Walton beach evening. On December 6, 2010, the South Walton Fire District (SWFD) Board of Fire Commissioners adopted an Ordinance that assumes responsibility and permitting for beach bonfires. The Beach Bonfire Ordinance closely mirrors the previous County Ordinance on Beach Bonfires and establishes a procedure for requesting a permit, a...