When Phil had completed taping Fischvogt’s prize the net score of 146 6/8 was not something that would raise a lot of trophy-hunting eyebrows. But it is the Jennings County hunter’s all time best rack and even that pales in comparison to the story behind the deer. 

You see, not only will Fischvogt have this beautiful rack turned into an outstanding full head mount, but it will be displayed with the antlers (both sides) that the animal shed after the 2004 hunting season, and one side of the 2003 rack. 

Add the fact that Fischvogt had photographed the deer several times before he shot it, and the scenario turns into a story that one could only dream. 

“I used a Camtracker to get pictures of the deer (he chains and locks it to a tree),” Fischvogt said, explaining that he knew the deer he photographed was the same deer that shed the 2004 rack by a small “sticker” point that is present on the right beams of the racks from both years. 

Strangely, Fischvogt had found both sides of the 2004 antlers on Good Friday, 2005. 

“When I asked for permission to hunt, the farmer told me he had some antlers a deer had shed the previous year . . . he said he had almost run over the antlers with his tractor . . . when he handed them (the antlers from 2003)  to me, I realized it was he same deer.” 

That Fischvogt would find the antlers of the deer he killed from the previous year is not a thing that happens often, but considering the fact that he hunts “sheds” often after deer seasons close brings this well into the realm of possibility. 

Fischvogt’s 8-pointer sported an inside spread of 21 4/8 inches, and the outside figure is 26 inches. It is, of course, a typical rack, perfectly balanced. The deer weighed in at 220 pounds field dressed. 

Fischvogt shot his big deer in velvet with camera long before he shot it with his shotgun.
	Fischvogt poses his deer along with the antlers it had shed at the end of the 2004 season.

TURKEY REMINDER

Those planning to hunt wild turkey under the Division of fish and Wildlife’s reservation plan for public properties should get moving on sending in their application. The deadline is March 15. 

Application cards and details on procedures to follow will be found in the 2005-2006 “Indiana Hunting and Trapping Guide Guide,” available at most outlets for hunting/fishing licenses and bait shops. 

A TIP OR TWO 

Hoosier streams and standing waters are at normal levels, or only slightly higher, now. But spring rains will create ideal fishing conditions below many dams, or at spots where runoff water enters a stream or lake.

Several years back the tail waters of Salamonie Reservoir produced outstanding fishing for big walleye, and the tail waters of Monroe Reservoir have been hot in more recent years. One of my favorite fishing spots after spring rains has always been just below the spillway of Starve Hollow Lake and potholes in the small creek that flows to the Muscatatuck River’s east fork. 

Incidentally, if you are looking for some good smaller lakes that offer good bass fishing, Larry Lehman, District 8 fisheries biologist for the DFW, recommends Bischoff Reservoir (190 acres) in Ripley County, and Starve Hollow Lake (145 acres) in Jackson County.  Largemouth bass are protected by a 14-inch size limit at both sites. 

“I collected 121 largemouth bass age 1 and older in 2 hours of electrofishing at Bischoff, Lehman says. “Approximately 26 percent of them were 14 inches long or more.  The largest bass was 21.4 inches long. Outboards up to 6 horsepower as well as electric motors are allowed. 

“I collected approximately 150 largemouth bass age 1 and older in 1.5 hours of electrofishing at Starve Hollow Lake.  Approximately 37 percent of them were 14 inches long or longer.  The largest bass was 17.7 inches. Only electric motors are allowed here and a DNR launching permit is required.  Camping is available at Starve Hollow.”