TEXTURED TREASURES

Make a luxe statement in this olive tunic featuring alluring floral embroideries and ultra-soft silk fabrication. Pair it with a beautiful burnt orange cowl-neck camisole and lavish silk velvet pants, with a patchwork-style print and a flattering palazzo silhouette. Finish the look with nude heels and statement necklaces.

Located inside Simmons’ Sporting Goods This comfy outfit is great for days spent with family or out shopping. These super skinny denim jeans are paired with super soft color block sweater and suede booties.

Looking for the most comfortable jean around? This outfit pairs Judy Blue mid-rise skinny jeans with a soft, cream, long-sleeve tee. Layer with an oversized button-down and accessorize with a layered necklace and cheetah print hat.

This blazer and pant in a rich blue hue is perfect for holiday parties or a night on the town. Wear with a mock neck satin top and gorgeous sienna scarf for a luxe look. Accessorize with purple quartz earrings and strappy heels with gold chain detailing.

These belted leather shorts are a must-have for fall. Pair them with a long sleeve body suit and super chic plaid woven cream jacket. Finish the look with black cheetah high-tops, a deep green hat and star threaded gold earrings.

BAYOUOUTDOORS

ARTICLE BY DAN CHASON | PHOTGRAPHY BY KELLY MOORE CLARK | ITEMS AVAILABLE AT SIMMON’S SPORTING GOODS

If you examine the history of weapons and compare it to the seasons granted to hunters in our area, you will see a very definite trend. In ancient times there is evidence of various weapons for hunting. It started with lances and spears but soon developed into stick and string and stayed that way all the way up until the development and settlement of the western United States. Bows were used by native cultures as well as in medieval times. With the invention of gunpowder, it gradually moved to a more proficient but still primitive and barbaric use of firearms, cannonry and other devices that would push projectiles in a more efficient manner. Bows and crossbows even in early European countries was the choice of warriors and hunters alike.

If you compare this trend to our seasons and available weapons, you will see that we start with a bow in October, then primitive firearms and then to modern weapons to hunt deer. But even bows today have lost that primitive history and can now be effective up to at least 100 yards. Purists will scoff at compound bows and cross bows and it does create a big challenge when the hunter decides to take a recurve bow to hunt big game animals. I respect a hunter who can be successful with a recurve as the distance is quite shortened and the pay back is the knowledge that being able to achieve this is quite an accomplishment.

Compound bows now are super fast, efficient and deliver the knock down power needed to humanely and quickly dispatch your animal. There are many shapes, sizes and models to choose from with the two most popular brands being Matthews and Hoyt. These bows sport over sized cams and with the correct arrow are reliable and are prized by bow hunters nationwide. In Louisiana, the powers that be finally realized that dispatching of animals in a humane manner was more important than restricting the manner when comparing a compound or recurve to a crossbow. It used to be that the hunter had to have a disability such as shoulder issues or extremity limits to be able to use a crossbow. Now any licensed hunt can use any of the three bow choices and for the most part in our area be able to hunt from October 1st to the end of January (state bag limits apply).

Then we move to muzzleloaders. Call them a smoke pole, primitive weapon or your favorite rifle but the difference between a muzzleloader and modern rifle has one major difference: one shot capacity with no reserve ammunition in the weapon. In the old days, the smoke pole got its name as a true muzzleloader where the power (poured down the barrel in a specific load weight), then the patch to pack the round, then the ball or round was forced down the barrel with a rod or metal rod and jammed against the power. Later on the development of gun powder pellets allowed the hunter to accurately put the correct amount without measuring. The technique was the same and the concept was simple. Constrain the power and bullet/ball and ignite it from the rear causing the powder to explode and send the round down the barrel. After the shot is fired you will discover that black gunpowder produces a cloud of smoke...thus the name “smokepole.”

muzzleloader. A hot ash can set off the charge just like pulling the trigger.

Unload by removing the rear primer seal and rod out the charge and round from the rear to muzzle to prevent harming the rifling in the barrel.

and corrosion is killed. Never used a spray product like oil or WD40 on your working parts of your gun. They all contain moisture.

Store gunpowder in a dry, safe place. Never store canned gunpowder in the open or inside your home unless in a sealed, metal gun cabinet.

stand. Make sure the gun is unloaded and in a case.

Lastly, if you use a primitive weapon remember this big tip. A delayed charge is dangerous. If you pull the trigger and nothing happens, keep the weapon pointed in a safe direction for at least 2 minutes. Take out your primer and unload the charge immediately FROM THE REAR, not the muzzle.

Randy has taken many deer with his muzzleloader and has a few tips on the actual hunt as well. He advises:

Know your rifle. Shoot it regularly and know your limits.

Remember that and know your elevations.

Keep your weapon clean. This is so important from a function and safety perspective.

The old muzzleloaders had serious flaws. One, moisture was a severe issue. This caused misfires and delayed firing. You are holding the weapon, pull the trigger and all that ignites is the flint or primer. This could mean either no shot goes off or worst yet it delays and goes off unexpectedly. The other issue was the amount of necessary gear that you must carry to hunt with this weapon. Primer, powder, ramming rod and a cleaning tool to keep the ignition port clean. Compared to a modern rifle, you only need the rifle, cartridges and a scope cover. My how things have changed!

Randy Ogles from Holly Ridge, LA is a certified Hunter Safety Instructor for the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries and an avid muzzleloader hunter. According to him, the popularity of muzzleloader hunting has grown for the most part due to the new modern “in line” muzzleloader now legal in Louisiana. This modern muzzleloader has changed deer hunting in our area. Not only is it easier to not be encumbered with old age technology but the new weapons are safer and easier to maintain and use. According to Randy, cleanup of the modern in line weapon compared to the old style muzzleloaders is the fact that there is less gumming up by damp gunpowder in the weapon. This serves the hunter well and prevents misfires and dangerous issues when the primitive gun does not function. He notes also that the season for muzzleloaders gives the majority of us another 2 weeks of hunting compared to just modern gun seasons. I asked him for some tips on gun safety and he was very blunt about additional concerns if using a primitive muzzleloader compared to an in line weapon that uses a cartridge.

Whether you decide on a .35 Whelen, .444, a 45.70 or the original primitive weapon, muzzleloader hunting in Louisiana has changed drastically. On that note, be aware that muzzleloader hunting on Louisiana numerous game reserves (WMA’s} have specific and restricted requirements to muzzleloader hunt in the game reserves. Make sure to check restrictions and rules as well as the additional licenses to hunt a WMA.

I asked Randy Ogles if he could sum up muzzleloader hunting in a simple statement. I found his comments to sum it all up very well: “What I like about my smokepole is when you launch a 265 grain bullet at a hog or deer, one of two things is gonna happen. You either find him laying right there, or you missed him.”

This is very true in my experiences and one comes to mind of recent. A huge 250lb hog came into my area. He fed around on acorns and just would not give me a good angle. He was facing me and I took the shot that is usually not very effective. I aimed right between his front legs and squeezed the trigger on my .444. The hog dropped as if you let the air out of him. When cleaning him, I found the bullet in his rear ham. I am super confident in my muzzleloader as it is deadly effective and does the job. Muzzleloaders have evolved to be a weapon you not only can depend on for 2 weeks a year but is one that I used the entire year with great success. Happy hunting!

Dungeons & Dragons Night

A&H Games invites D&D players to come play their campaigns at the tables or find other adventurer's looking for a campaign! Hours: 6:00 PM - 10:00 PM Venue: A&H Games, 2221 Louisville Ave, Monroe Phone: (318) 353-7500

The Man Who Came to Dinner

Strauss Theatre Center presents The Man Who Came to Dinner. While on a speaking tour in Ohio, opinionated and arrogant radio personality Sheridan Whiteside injures himself slipping on ice and becomes an unexpected houseguest for a prominent area family, the Stanleys. Whiteside proceeds to make brash proclamations and offer his unsolicited advice to the family members. When a romance begins between Whiteside’s assistant, Maggie Cutler, and a local reporter, Bert Jefferson, he interferes with that as well. Venue: Strauss Theatre Center 1300 Lamy Ln, Monroe

Downtown Ruston Holiday Open House

Enjoy extended hours, refreshments, and special promotions as you kick off your holiday shopping in Downtown Ruston! Hours: 5:00 PM -8:00 PM Cost: Free Venue: Participating stores in Downtown Ruston Phone: (318) 251-8647

Moonlight Duel for Habitat

Join Ouachita Habitat for Humanity for a fun fundraiser night! Hours: 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM Venue: The Terrace at Tower Place Monroe, 1900 N 19th S, Monroe

Big Creek Trade Days

Big Creek Trade Days are held monthly on the weekend before the second Monday with over 100 indoor and outdoor vendors, food trucks, and fun for all ages! Hours: Friday - Saturday 9 AM-5 PM, Sunday 10 AM-4 PM Cost: $5 per vehicle for the weekend Venue: 327 California Plant Rd, Dubach Phone: (318) 680-1304

Fall Bulb and Plant Sale

The Northeast Louisiana Master Gardeners Association will hold their annual Fall Bulb and Plant Sale! The pavilion is just behind the Farmer's Market! Hours: 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM Venue: Farmer's Market at Seventh Square, 1700 N 7th St, West Monroe

Fall Holiday Makers and Producers Market

Don't miss out on this month's Makers and Producers Market! Hours: 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM Venue: Paramount Health Care, 1905 N 7th St, West Monroe Phone: (318) 372-4753

Ruston Farmers Market

Shop, eat and support local at the Ruston Farmers Market. Choose from a wide selection of seasonal fruits and vegetables, meat, eggs, honey, jams, salsa, and other locally produced goods. Hours: 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM Cost: Free to attend Venue: Ruston Farmers Market, 220 E Mississippi Ave, Ruston, LA Phone: (318) 957-1305

Holiday Open House

Christmas comes but once a year, Downtown West Monroe invites you to celebrate with some holiday cheer for a Holiday Open House! Hours: 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM Venue: Antique Alley, 100-400 blocks of Trenton St, West Monroe

Twin City Marathon

Discover Monroe-West Monroe along with the cities of Monroe and West Monroe, Louisiana are excited to bring you a tour of two cities via the Twin City Half and Full Marathon on November 7, 2021. The routes will wind you through the beautiful historic downtowns of both cities, along majestic treelined neighborhoods, and over the Ouachita River. The event will start and finish at the Ike Hamilton Expo Center in West Monroe, LA. The course is USA Track & Field certified and is a Boston Marathon qualifier. Hours: 7:00 AM - 1:30 PM Cost: Half Marathon - $65; Full Marathon - $75 Venue: Ike Hamilton Expo Center Arena, 501 Mane St, West Monroe Phone: (318) 325-9160

Yarn in the Barn with Llamas

Come join Double BB Farms to learn how to turn llama hair into yarn. Hours: 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM Venue: Double BB Farms 1816 Stubbs Vinson Rd, Monroe Phone: (318) 237-0827

Flying Heart Live with Will Maranto & the Usual Suspects

Come Rock &; Roll with Will Maranto &; the Usual Suspects in the Beer Garden! Hours: 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM Venue: Flying Heart Brewing & Pub, 204 Commerce St, West Monroe Phone: (318) 367-0888

"Doing The Most Good" For The Homeless Banquet

Join The Salvation Army of NELA for an evening of food, fun, and laughter. Pastor Tom Lowe is the featured guest. Proceeds to benefit those homeless in N.E.L.A. by providing shelter, food, and the basic necessities. Hours: 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM Cost: General Admission: $45 Venue: Monroe Civic Center,401 Lea Joyner Memorial Expressway 27th Annual MedCamps Dinner & Auction

Come out to support MedCamps of Louisiana, Inc by attending their largest fundraising event, the 27th Annual MedCamps Dinner &; Auction. Sponsored by: Vantage Health Plan, Scott Powerline and Utility Equipment, Mr. and Mrs. John Luffey, Jr., and Promatic. Hours: 6:30 PM - 9:30 PM Venue: West Monroe Convention Center, 901 Ridge Ave, West Monroe

Karaoke at Enoch's

Come on out and join the 318 Swampers at Enoch's Pub for a fun night of karaoke! Hours: 8:00 PM - Until Venue: Enoch's Irish Pub, 507 Louisville Ave, Monroe Phone: (318) 388-3662

Freedom Tree Lighting

Join Chennault Aviation &; Military Museum for their Veterans Day Tree Lighting Ceremony celebrating American heroes. Hours: 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM Venue: Chennault Aviation & Military Museum, 701 Kansas Ln, Monroe

MSO presents the MSO Reed Trio

Join the Monroe Symphony Orchestra's MSO REED TRIO for a delightful evening of music. Sponsored by Argent Advisors, Inc. Hours: 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM Cost: $10 Adults; $5 Students Venue: Emy-Lou Biedenharn Recital Hall, University Ave, Monroe Phone: (318) 812 6761

Freedom Trees

Get in the Christmas spirit and check out the Freedom Trees! The Freedom Trees will be lit on November 11th and run until New Years. Venue: Chennault Aviation & Military Museum, 701 Kansas Ln, Monroe Phone: (318) 362-5540

Loyal Blue Weekend: Family Football Movie Night

Enjoy a family-friendly football movie screening to kick off the LA Tech home game weekend. Hours: 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM Cost: Free Venue: Dixie Center for the Arts 212 N Vienna St, Ruston, LA Phone: (318) 255-2031

ULM Football vs Arkansas State Cheer on the ULM Football team as they tackle Arkansas State on Saturday, November 13th! Hours: 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM Venue: ULM Malone Stadium 514 Warhawk Way, Monroe Phone: (318) 342-1000

Veterans of Foreign Wars Freedom Run

Flying Tiger Brewery invites you to come run to support VFW Post 1809! Stay after the race for a day of fun at Flying Tiger Brewery. Hours: 8:00 AM - 10:30 AM Cost: $25 Venue: Flying Tiger Brewery 506 N 2nd St, Monroe

Flying Heart Live with Ian Smith

Join Flying Heart Brewing &; Pub in the beer garden for Flying Heart Live with Ian Smith! Hours: 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM Venue: Flying Heart Brewing & Pub, 204 Commerce St, West Monroe Phone: (318) 367-0888

Champagne Stroll

Stroll the Alley on a beautiful Fall Afternoon. Shop antiques, boutiques, specialty shops, &; more. Hours: 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM Venue: Antique Alley, 100-400 blocks of Trenton St, West Monroe Phone: (318) 388-3920

Holiday Light Displays

Check out all the light displays in Downtown Monroe & West Monroe beginning at 5:30 pm each night! Venue: Downtown Monroe & West Monroe, Antique Alley, Trenton St, West Monroe Phone: (800) 843-1872

Gumbo & Gaugin

Come enjoy an evening learning about French Post Impressionistic artist Paul Gauguin over a hot bowl of gumbo. All participates will complete a painting inspired by Gauguin. No art talent needed. Just a good positive attitude. Instruction provided by local artist and teacher Lissy Compton. Hours: 6:00 PM - 8:30 PM Cost: $75 Venue: Compton Farms of La, West Monroe

Flying Heart Live with Schaefer Mueller

A little hip-hop, a little southern rock, and a whole lot of fun! Join Flying Heart Live with Schaefer Mueller. Hours: 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM Venue: Flying Heart Brewing & Pub, 204 Commerce St, West Monroe

Christmas Wagon Rides

Landry Vineyards is once again providing its wonderful wagon so everyone can take a ride through the festive lights in Monroe and West Monroe! Hours: 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM Cost: $5 Venue: Alley Park, 250 Trenton St, West Monroe

Big Creek Trade Days

Big Creek Trade Days hosts a special Black Friday & Saturday event to kick off holiday shopping. Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM Cost: $5 per vehicle for the weekend Venue: 327 California Plant Rd, Dubach Phone: (318) 680-1304

Christmas at Kiroli

Drive through a wonderland of Christmas lights beginning the Friday after Thanksgiving through Christmas night! Restricted Vehicles: No Shuttle Vans, Buses, RVs, or Trailers, Vehicles that exceed 7-feet 10-inches high Venue: Kiroli Park, Kiroli Park 820 Kiroli Rd, West Monroe Phone: (318) 396-4016

The Monroe Ripper

Think you have what it takes to catch a serial killer? CluedUpp is an exciting, outdoor detective adventure! The name of Jack The Ripper strikes fear into the heart of detectives across the world. Now it seems that a new Ripper is on the loose in Monroe and only you can put an end to the terror. Can your team of detectives scramble across town, solve the clues and crack the case before The Ripper strikes again? Hours: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Venue: Monroe

2nd Annual Miss Christmas of The Twin Cities

The second annual Miss Christmas of the Twin Cities will be held at the Monroe Convention center! This will be a fun and stress free pageant! Hours: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM Venue: Monroe Civic Center, 401 Lea Joyner Memorial Expressway, Monroe

Shop Small Saturday

Historic Downtown West Monroe’s holiday wonderland is your home for shopping small and loving local on Shop Small Saturday and throughout the holidays! The holidays are all about family and community. Hours: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Venue: Antique Alley, Antique Alley,100-400 blocks of Trenton St, West Monroe Phone: (318) 388-3920 The Holiday Outdoor Movie is free for everyone! Hours: 5:30 PM - 8:00 PM Cost: Free Venue: Antique Alley, 100-400 blocks of Trenton St, West Monroe Phone: (318) 388-3920

Kickoff to Christmas

Join Downtown Ruston for festive activities, holiday tunes, carriage rides, the tree lighting ceremony, and a special visit from Santa! Hours: 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM Cost: Free Venue: Railroad Park 101 W Park Ave. Ruston Phone: (318) 251-8647

Flying Heart Live with Josh Madden

Join Flying Heart in the Beer Garden for Flying Heart Live with Josh Madden! Hours: 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM Venue: Flying Heart Brewing & Pub, 204 Commerce St, West Monroe Phone: (318) 367-0888

Holiday Outdoor Movie

What could be better than watching one of your favorite Christmas movies in Antique Alley under the magical Christmas Lights?