Pond Boss Forums INTRO Questions & Observations 2009 Pond Boss Conference has been changed!

I think me and my girlfriend are in. We haven't had a vacation in four years so it would be nice to get away. Hopefully she can find something to do since she really isn't that interested in ponds and fish.

I hope to make the conference. Having a fiance that has more fisheries degrees than me (I have a bachelors degree from ISU and she has a bachelors from TAMUG and will soon have a masters from Miss. State) should make convincing her to go pretty easy.

I saw a few people mentioned shooting and I have some experience in that area. North of Branson about 15 miles on US-65 is a place called Ozark Shooters. I competed in a few college level clay target competitions there (haven't been to the range in 2 years due to me having graduated). When I shot, they had Trap, Skeet, Sporting Clays, and 5-stand. They also had a rifle/pistol range that I never used. Nice facilities, even the path for the sporting clays is paved. And its open most days/times.

I would like to see a presentation on placing structure in ponds, both large and small. Those structures that could benefit both fish and other desirable pond creatures.

I will volunteer to compile the survey and give the presentation if people think it's a good idea:

How about providing a survey in the May/June issue that readers fill out about their fish feeding practices? A recent thread about how many times to feed really piqued my interest. Let's find out how many people are feeding, how many feeders per acre, how much feed thrown per feeding, how many times per day, why the type of feed is chosen, what brand/type of feed/feeder, species targetted, feed costs/lb levels of satisfaction, etc. I could compile the results and look at averages, ranges, etc and an open forum discussion could follow. We could find out what people are doing and hopefully learn what we could be doing better. It would take some time to properly draft the survey so that the right questions are asked and so that the data could be easily compiled and analyzed.

I think that it would be a great learning experience for all. Let's face it, some of the greatest, most meaningful, and unanalyzed data lies within each and every one of us.

We might even be able to persuade feed mfg's and/or feeder mfg's to purchase the results as a potential marketing tool with all proceeds going to the Jesse West Endowment Fund.

Could be very interesting.......

There's a guy that has tons of information on bluegill and midwestern ponds at Iowa State. I'm sure he could put together something interesting in a power point presentation for us. His name is Professor Joe Morris. Super nice guy too.

http://www.nrem.iastate.edu/faculty/morris.php

I also think Dr. Wetzel at Lincoln University in Missouri who is working on producing consistently huge bluegills could also be interesting.

I know we don't want to get too academic but I think some academics in the mix would be nice for those of us that are looking for more than just the basics.

Looks like Dr. Condello has some work to do.


Trouble is, I don't know if he would fix the teeth or make him have a Wr of 140.

My girls are really stoked to be getting to go and will be happy to babysit for ya Greg!

Awsome, I can probably go to this one. My wife and I love Big Cedar Lodge. It realy is a beautiful place. I Just found out that it's going to be at Big Cedar so I'm pretty happy right now. Untill about 30 seconds ago I still thought it was going to be in New Orleans .

This event is gonna be spectular. I highly recommend that you go.

I'm with them on water quality and testing. I haven't bought testing equipment yet but I need to learn more about keeping the water right in the pond. Attracting the right water fowl probably be nice--still no duckies coming to my duck houses.

PS...As soon as rooms are available count us in. IPond Boss Conference 2009! Here we come.

That's what we want to hear!

Perhaps Aquatic Eco Systems couldm provide testing equipment and even set up a "rental" program for it for Pond Boss Members.

By the time the conference rolls around there will be a new airport in Branson, very close to the lodge, that should be in full force. They have announced plans for a direct flight from Atlanta and by then perhaps more. Otherwise the closest airport is Springfield-Branson which is about 50 miles.

http://www.stltoday.com/stltoday/busines...26?OpenDocument

Bing

Thanks, Bing. I'll be taking that Atlanta flight - $198 RT, not bad...

Bing thanks so much for this info. Randy b/f this goes down let us know your flight and might go same one but we plan to go early or stay late for family vacation time.

Rainman we plan to have our pond mgmt kit avail to folks to use. I will of course let anyone who wants to use our water quality equipment.

I appreciate that Greg,. Don't know if I'll be able to get to my pond without GSA backup though.



Bob, any word on when the block of rooms are to become available?

WOW! I have been away from this website for a long time! I think I forgot my password or something. I a m impressed with so many new members and the quality of the post! Iam back and looking forward to keeping up from now on!

Oh Martin, it has been a long time, hasn't it...

Bird season went out Sat, my thoughts turn to my frozen pond, and bam!! Pond Boss Conference in my backyard. Mr and Mrs. Gumboot will be there.

The Sonesta is great for a couple of days of adult frolick, but I think Big Cedar is much better venue for Pond Boss. Cograts to all, great idea.

I have a legitimate excuse for a party!

Theo should have made his 10,000th post and hopefully, his 100th meaningful post by conference time.

That timeline is off Dwight. T is at 9300+ and will make 10,000 by July 4. -

ewest, He is ignoring us or possibly planning some major counter offensive.

Wow, attending this conference would be a nice birthday present for me since you are having this at that time. Sounds super good to have other things nearby for those who aren't as passionate about the waterworld as others. We have relatives in the St. Louis area that we might like to see on the way as well. Wonder if that husband of mine would go for this?????