Oroville story from Saturday.

[davet.]

I fished Oroville Saturday, noticed the WRL tourney was out in force.
Did anybody happen to fish shallow island top, main body, just east of the big island?
We noticed the flooded island, bout a foot of water over it, couple of green bushes and grass sticking out and some drift wood stuck on it.
As I cruised up with my trolling motor, I noticed movement on a piece of drift wood. Got a little closer, and it was a fricking Jack Rabbit, miles from anywhere and no place to go. He ran out of dry ground and was a mess.
I took my shoes off, got in and grabbed him. He was covered with every bug there was, since he was the highest spot now. You could tell he did battle with every hawk and eagle that came along, for who knows how long. His front leg was probably broke, had a big wound on his back that looked like a predator chewed on him, his ankles were chewed down to the tendons, feet were raw and he was soaking wet.
So I scooped him up and we took him over to some dry land, found a nice green area and put him under some bushes.
He might not make it very far, but at least he's not stuck out in the lake any more.
I'm sure that dozens of people fished it and never noticed him, wish I had photos, but left the camera at home.

[DaLa]

You did a good thing. Karma will bring you a PB next outing.

D

[STONEFREE]

Hey Dude, I don,t know you ,but that is too kool . call me for a free TRIPLE TROUT 916-652-5954 . JOHN

[Kevin Evans - Kap]

Pretty cool story, I was on Oroville SAT as well but never fished any of the main body.
That ole Jack rabbitt was sure glad u came along I bet. I honestly cant say what I would have done if'n I seen him. But I take my hat off to you Dave for taking the time to help that Jack Rabbitt.

Tight lines,
Kap

[lowerider]

Very Cool! Sounds like that rabbit was a survivor. Hopefully he made it.

[Chris N]

Nice that you did that! You know that poor guy appreciates your efforts. They are pretty resilient critters, hopefully he's all good.

[davet.]

I don't know why, but for some reason, wild animals seem to find me!
I've raised 3 baby Jack Rabbits by bottle from infancy to adult. Released the last 2 about two months ago in the Effie Yeaw nature area on the American River.
They're really funny and affectionate, but a joy to release em back to the wild.
Raised many, many baby birds since I was a kid and more recently, it sickened me to see the scores of goose eggs on Folsom get inundated by the fast rising waters, so I collected as many as I could handle, hatched em and Raised em.
I think in years to come, I might get more organized and recruit the local animal rescue org. to take em.
My wife would appreciate that, she hates the mess they make and it's a LOT of work.

Oh, and John, thanks for the offer, I'll take a free TT any time. Left a message. Thank you very much.

[Skeeterman]

Way to go David.Proud of you man

[davet.]

Hey Dude, I don,t know you ,but that is too kool . call me for a free TRIPLE TROUT 916-652-5954 . JOHN

Wow!! John really hooked me up, with a very unique Triple Trout, extra tails and some Paycheck punching accessories.
He's a very generous, standup kinda guy and an awesome dude and I really appreciate what he did and he's got the best selection of TT's I've ever seen. If you need one at an awesome price, call him. He has several for sale, even some with small factory blems for way less than retail.
Thanks John for everything.

[lowerider]

Sometimes it pays to do the RIGHT thing!!!!! Very Nice gesture!!!

[biteme]

Very cool!

[Brian]

If the Jack rabbit was as JACKED up as you say it was, you would of been better off snapping his neck and ending it quick instead of leaving him to suffer a slow and painful death...........

[davet.]

Not necessarily. I've been a hunter most of my life. Spent more time with my 2 Labs in the field than most people you know, and have witnessed several Jacks in the wild that had a little "hitch in their git-along", and seemed to be doing fine.

[fish_food]

I think in years to come, I might get more organized and recruit the local animal rescue org. to take em.
My wife would appreciate that, she hates the mess they make and it's a LOT of work.

The Wildlife Care Association takes in all kinds of critters. Their new location is in the old radar building at former McClelland AFB off Eye-80. My wife used to do a bit of volunteer work with them. They do good work but some of them can be a little loony--you kinda expect that from members of animal groups though.

Link: Sacramento Wildlife Care Association

[calfisher71]

Yep i fished it lost a Giant largemouth up there in that foot of water!
We land her we win,we lost her so middle of the road!

Did not see rabbit and we circled that Island several times.

But after loosing the fish I was probably looking like a Rabbit and not a lucky one!

[davet.]

I think in years to come, I might get more organized and recruit the local animal rescue org. to take em.
My wife would appreciate that, she hates the mess they make and it's a LOT of work.

The Wildlife Care Association takes in all kinds of critters. Their new location is in the old radar building at former McClelland AFB off Eye-80. My wife used to do a bit of volunteer work with them. They do good work but some of them can be a little loony--you kinda expect that from members of animal groups though.

Link: Sacramento Wildlife Care Association

I certainly would have gone that route for the rabbit, except it was early in the day. I did'nt want to leave him there the rest of the day and I could'nt carry him around all day on the boat.
And yes, I've actually been to that building at McClelland, have taken rehab classes and done much rehabbing on my own.
I already went there and got the number for their waterfowl person, but thanks for the info anyway.
Will probably contact them shortly