Outdoors

Our gauge runneth over

BY BUDDY GOUGH

The prevailing factor affecting outdoor activities in the Ozarks over the past year rests in one little word: rain. - Thursday, January 1, 2009

NORTHWEST TERRITORY : Scattered swan sightings add to Christmas cheer

BUDDY GOUGH

Winter is usually prime time for bird-watching in Northwest Arkansas. Sightings of wintering birds like bald eagles, loons and many other migratory species are common. - Thursday, January 1, 2009

The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission's weekly waterfowl report: Northwest Arkansas ED GORDON POINT REMOVE WMA All impoundments are 100 percent flooded. All moist-soil units have relatively poor stands of productive moist-soil plants for waterfowl forage because of late-summer flooding. - Thursday, January 1, 2009

Fishing report

Northwest & North-Central Arkansas NOTE: Because of the New Year's holiday, portions of this report may not include the latest information. BEAVER The level Wednesday morning was 1120.5 feet, or normal pool. Southtown Sporting Goods said crappie are good on minnows and jigs fished 10-15 feet deep around brush. Bass remain good on jigs, crank baits and suspending jerk baits. - Thursday, January 1, 2009