Columnist Paula DelGiudice: ‘Nevada Book’ a must for hunters

Paula DelGiudice

Wednesday, Dec. 20, 2000 | 11:04 a.m.

Paula DelGiudice's outdoors column appears Wednesday. Reach her at desertdenizens@aol.com

For big game hunters, there's nothing like the sight of a big buck (or bull, or ram) to get your adrenaline flowing. It keeps hunters going from season to season, from tough hunt to successful hunt.

With all the outdoor television programming, it's easy to find living pictures of big animals on your television set at any time of the day. Or you can pick up a hunting magazine and see pictures of them.

Most of those animals live far from Nevada, however.

We know there are big bucks in Colorado and big bulls in Wyoming. It's Nevada's animals that we want to see.

That's why, if you haven't seen the latest copy of the Nevada Wildlife Record Book, then you're in for a real treat.

The fourth edition of the "Nevada Book," as it's affectionately called, is out and is a delight to read.

The first thing you'll notice is the incredible photo of the nontypical buck on the cover. It is spectacular.

On the inside jacket, you'll see a photo of the gentlemen who so capably produce the Nevada Book. The Record Book Committee is made up of dedicated sportsmen and wildlife professionals who have been keeping this historical collection going. Many of these guys were on the original Record Book Committee that conceived the idea back in 1982.

The inside front and back covers feature the artwork of Reno artist Chris Lacey.

The forward of this edition was written by Chuck Yeager, who spent some time training in Tonopah with the Clifford family, owners of the Stone Cabin Ranch.

Then, from the heartwarming dedication to former committee member, hunter and wildlife conservationist Wayne Capurro -- who passed away much too early -- to the last of the book's 376 pages, you'll find the edition full of stunning photos, wonderful stories and the records of animals scored for inclusion in the program.

The Record Book began with 500 entries in its first edition to more than 2,000 entries now. The annual awards program features the top three entries submitted each year for the program in each category.

It's interesting to note the top trophies in each category, when they were taken and by whom.

In addition, there a good number of stories written by hunters describing their hunts. You'll enjoy the story of Todd Jaksick and his state record pronghorn antelope, the the second top antelope in the world. Jaksick took this buck in 1999.

Relive the memories of taking the third largest desert bighorn in 1998 with Jeri Billingsley. Or enjoy the story of Jeri's husband Jim and his enormous nontypical mule deer buck taken with a muzzleloader.

Even though it's a long time until the next drawing for big game and an even longer time until the next seasons open for big game, you can spend the winter reading and dreaming about all those hunts in the past and all those in your future.

To obtain your copy, send $35 per book plus $5 shipping and handling to: Nevada Wildlife Record Book, 2000 Edition, P.O. Box 1707, Reno, NV 89505.

Though the Henderson and Ash Meadows counts were completed last weekend, you're not too late for the Muddy River Christmas Count slated for Saturday from 6 a.m. to dusk. The compiler is Bruce Lund. Call him at 382-2870 for reservations and the meeting place or e-mail him at blund@tnc.org.

On December 30, the Corn Creek Christmas Bird Count will be held. Those participating should plan on meeting on the east side of the Santa Fe hotel-casino sign. The compiler is Kevin Wallace. Call him at 873-2005 for reservations.

The Pahranagat bald eagle count is scheduled for Sunday, January 17 at 6:30 a.m. View eagles, raptors and migratory waterfowl on this count. The leader is John Hiatt. Call him at 361-1171 for reservations and to learn of the meeting place.

The general meetings of Red Rock Audubon are held from September through May at 7:30 p.m. on the third Wednesday of the month at the Nevada Power Building, 6226 West Sahara, just west of the intersection of Jones and Sahara. The meeting room is on the third floor, room 3. The public is encouraged to attend.

Commissioners also consented to expend $50,000 for the purchase of ditch shares (water rights) along the Muddy River. The proposed expansion will give NDOW the potential for adding as many as 10 new hunting blinds that, for the most part, will not be impacted by fluctuating water levels at Lake Mead. Normally 24 to 30 blinds are available to waterfowl hunters, depending upon water levels at the lake.