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Woods-n-Water News
Michigans Premier Outdoor Publication
Mechanics of
DEER
CALLS
8 Steps To Boneless
FILLETS
Early Season
TEAL &
HONKERS
Scouting Cameras Help Create
WHITETAIL WISDOM
WOODS-N-WATER NEWS OUTDOOR WEEKEND
Sept. 8-10 Eastern Michigan Fairgrounds Imlay City
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dont mix. All riders should take a safety training course. Call 800-342-3764 for additional information. Check local laws before riding on trails. 2017 Polaris Industries Inc.
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$5,599 and 6.99% APR requires monthly payments of $84.48 for 84 months. Price excludes title, tax, options, accessories, and dealer fees. Program minimum amount financed is $5,000 and minimum 0% 10% down payment required
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WNW NEWS SEPTEMBER 2017 3
By Tom Campbell
SEASONS Country Smoke House Field Dressing Demo will teach Native American culture through inter-
Continuing with incredible deer hunting semi- pretive dances and artifact displays of the Ho-
nars and a continuation of the deer hunt, what do Chunk nation on Saturday and Sunday.
Now Aug. 15 Antlerless deer application period
you do once your deer is down? Learn the proper Outdoor writer and author Dennis Neely will
Now Aug. 28 Reserved waterfowl application period be on hand answering your black powder shooting
Sept. 1-Sept. 10 Experimental teal season statewide field dressing and skinning demonstrations of big
game by Steve and Sue Francis and family, own- and black powder hunting questions. He will have
Sept. 1-Sept 30 Early Canada goose season
ers of Country Smoke House in Almont. Their his 1794 River Raisin traders camp set up and
Open All Year Pike and walleye season on Lower Peninsula will be your guide to learn the value of wilderness
Great Lakes, Lake St. Clair & St. Clair & Detroit Rivers seminars have been so popular they will be back
again this year along with venison cooking dem- necessities, price beaver pelts and compare todays
Open All Year Salmon and trout season on Great Lakes, hunting gear with the trade guns, linen and leather
St. Marys River, Lake St. Clair & St. Clair & Detroit Rivers onstrations. The seminars have turned into sort of
clothing and shelters used long ago. Learn the
Open All Year Catch-and-immediate-release bass season an everything you need to know about what to do
on all Michigan waters open to fishing after you shoot your deer! Steve and family will unique mix of fair-chase hunting, old-style muzzle-
Now-Dec. 31 Pure Michigan Hunt Application also be giving butchering tips demonstrations, big loaders and American history.
Now-March 15 Pike, walleye, muskie seasons on all game cooking and tips on sausage making. You The Outdoor Weekend encampment will also
Michigan waters. wont want to miss these presentations on Saturday feature Pat and Joe Schnur, naturalist and primitive
Now-Sept. 30 Trout and salmon on inland Type 1 and 2 at 1 p.m. skills instructor, who has lined up a great group to
demonstrate primitive skills and will have a special
streams and Type A & D lakes Air Dog Championships focus for kids.
Now-Dec. 15 Muskie season on Lake St. Clair, St. Clair Milt Wilcoxs Ultimate Air Dog Championships
and Detroit Rivers The 8th Arkansas - 22nd Michigan Civil War
return this year to Imlay City. You can see the best reenactors authentic encampment was a big hit
Now-Dec. 31 Bass; catch and keep season on all Michigan of the best when these jumping dogs and their han-
waters open to bass fishing when introduced a few years ago and will be back
Sept. 8-Oct. 26 Bear season (various BMUs, permit
dlers compete for the championship. First-timers in Imlay City, offering an opportunity to visit living
required and special regulations) are welcome with open jumping taking place Friday history.
Sept. 15-Mar. 31 Cottontail rabbit/snowshoe hare season (Sept. 8) only from 5 7 p.m. With a small amount The Michigan Hunting Dog Federation Puppy
Now-Sept. 30 Crow season of knowledge, you will be ready to mount the dock. Area will again have hundreds of puppies to pet,
Sept. 15-Nov. 14 Fall turkey season (permit needed) Any breed or mix may enter. Also, there is no limit photograph and buy. Most major hunting breeds
Sept. 15-Mar. 1 Squirrel season, fox and gray (black) on the age of either handler or dog, as long as they will be represented. If youre interested in selling
Sept. 15-Nov. 14 Ruffed grouse season can both safely compete. For more information go quality, healthy hunting breed pups call 810-724-
Sept. 16-17 Early Antlerless Firearm to http://ultimateairdogs.net 0254 or check out www.outdoorweekend.net for the
Sept. 16-17 Liberty Hunt; youth & hunters with disabilities Whats New in Ice Fishing? rules and regulations and registration forms.
Sept. 23-Nov. 6 Woodcock season Franks Great Outdoors, leaders of the popular The Camp Chili Cook-off on Saturday, Sep-
Oct. 1 - Nov. 14 Archery deer season winter sport of ice fishing will have numerous dis- tember 9, features teams competing for $750 cash
Oct. 19-22 - Independence Hunt; hunters with disabilities plays at Imlay Citys event. The newest ice fishing with judging at 3:00 p.m.
*Consult the Michigan Hunting and Trapping Digest, products will be on display. Plus, product represen-
Fishing Digest, or other species-specific hunting digests for We look forward to a great show, welcoming
tatives will be on hand to give you expert advice. back old friends and making new ones!
a more complete list of dates and regulations regarding each Whether youre a die-hard ice angler or new to the
season or hunt period. Show hours are Friday, 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.; Satur-
sport youll find what you need and some incredible day, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.; and Sunday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
MJC MJC deals! Imlay City is located between Flint and Port Huron;
ARCHERY ARCHERY So Much More the Eastern Michigan State Fairgrounds is on M-53,
MACOMB OAKLAND
New to the Outdoor Weekend will be writer, a half-mile north of I-69 off Exit #168. Admission
author, guide, Denny Geurink. Denny has been out- is $8 per person and kids 12 and under free and
fitting in Russia and the other CIS countries since free parking. For more information check
19744 15 Mile Rd 3001 Rochester Rd 1991 and his clients have put 32 bear records in the
Clinton Twp. 48035 Royal Oak, MI 48073 our Woods-N-Water News Facebook page,
586-791-4600 248-589-2480
books. Denny will have his new book available; "In website www.outdoorweekend.net or call
the Land of the Bears!" 810-724-0254.n
4 SEPTEMBER 2017 WNW NEWS
WNW NEWS SEPTEMBER 2017 5
A murmuration of starlings OUTDOOR WEEKEND
HUNTING Jerry Dennis page 40 SPECIAL INSERT
...pages 69-72
September Whitetails Pigeon River Country
Kenny Darwin page 8 Its special because... Black ash baskets
Tom Carney page 44 Sharon Kennedy page 76
Train To Hunt - Part II
Drew YoungeDyke page 16 Studying Michigans Mort of the North
WHITETAIL WISDOM massasaugas Guest Column page 85
Josh Lantz page 26 Bob Gwizdz-MDNR page 58 Don Buz Lockman...
A fitting tribute to an educator,
The mechanics of deer calling BOAT SMART... a sportsman and human being
Gary Sefton page 30 Caution and common-sense Rick Fowler page 86
Fall turkey hunting Want Squirrels Captain Fred Davis page 81
Dirt hole set...
George Rowe page 42
Our Pheasant
Find Acorns Sporting Collectibles...Part III
Go-Ite Manufacturing
Ticket to canine success
John S. Chagnon page 108
Terry McBurney page 100
Hunting Heritage Kenny Darwin...page 110
Tom Lounsbury page 54
5 STEPS
Michigans Amazing Animals
SMALLMOUTH BASS
THE EYES HAVE IT!
Predator quiz Early Teal
To taking trophy bucks Betty Sodders page 122
Patrick Bevier page 56
John Sloan page 60
SOUND MANAGEMENT
Crankbait Termination Savvy OUTDOOR NEWS
Mark Romanack page 62
for deer hunting Governor announces
Adam Lewis page 68 Dog Days of summer Invasive Carp Challenge
HOT SPOTS page 25
Early Goose Hunting... John Bergsma page 64
B-52 HONKERS Young Albino Buck Killed
Kenny Darwin page 74 In praise of little fish
Richard P. Smith page 36
John Schmittroth page 66 Kenny Darwin...page 12
LEAD CORE...
Overlooked and misunderstood
Mark Martin page 15
SEPTEMBER 2017
Woods-n-Water News
$4.00
DEPARTMENTS...
Michigans Premier Outdoor Publication
Trophy Page. . . . . . 92 Classifieds . . 124-125
Fishing lessons learned abroad Mechanics of
DEER
Mark Romanack page 28 CALLS News/Op-Ed . . . 94-97 Real Estate . . 127-137
8 Steps To Boneless
Early September
Early Season
TEAL &
HONKERS www.woods-n-waternews.com
WHITETAILS
P.O. Box 278, Imlay City, MI 48444
Scouting Cameras Help Create
WHITETAIL WISDOM
By Kenny Darwin WOODS-N-WATER NEWS OUTDOOR WEEKEND
page 8
Sept. 8-10 Eastern Michigan Fairgrounds Imlay City
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SEPTEMBER
results. In some areas of southern Michigan there
are few deer and bucks are scarce. Other loca-
tions bolster larger private land herds with plenty
of yearling bucks and a few good trophy racks.
When compared to past years, I would rate 2017
as somewhat disappointing when it comes to
WHITETAILS
spotting big bucks. However, my scouting season
is only half over and I hope to find some wall
hanger bucks and new hunting spots soon.
Summer is the time when bucks gather in
bachelor groups, offering you an opportunity to
view the racks in your hunting area. Certainly
horseflies and a variety of bugs chase them into
the open but there is more to this equation. It is
my opinion that many times does with fawns
T
fight with bucks and chase them from area thick-
he spectacle of the beautiful mature be, get permission to hunt where the adult deer ets and cover while raising their young. There-
buck with velvet dangling from his are located. Sounds simple but it requires a lot fore, bucks tend to join together. Summer is also
massive rack sent my heart soaring. of time scouting to find a dandy buck. Locat- a time when testosterone levels are low and bucks
His antlers were tall and almost fully ing a monster mossy-horned monarch requires will join the company of other deer, become so-
polished but parts were still covered patience, dedication and endless searching but the ciable; they tolerate the presence of younger deer.
with rag torn velvet and blood that end result can be impressive. It is not uncommon during summer scouting trips
made him look like a Booner. He was the kind This is the season when bucks are still re- that many of the deer you see in fields will have
of Michigan deer hunters dream about. A classic laxed, highly visible during daylight and willing racks. Summer is a time when young bucks so-
example of a September trophy located when ma- to venture into openings. It is a golden opportuni- cialize with adult whitetails. Its a time when old
ture bucks are still visible and their racks brushed ty for hunters to get a glimpse of deer they will be deer teach young their patterns, introduce them
clean of velvet. The white antlers stood out hunting come fall. Not all deer will simply stand to their territory and develop a social structure
against the green foliage and were easy to spot. stationary, look at you with those big brown eyes with dominant bucks at the top of the ladder. This
Now is the time to be scout- and act semi-tame. Some bucks is when young bucks hang out with dominat-
ing. Soon bucks will be fully void will switch to nocturnal move- ing males. It is one of the few times of the entire
of velvet, their testosterone levels ment patterns the instant they feel year when you can get a handle on how many
will soar and they will disap- they are being watched. Now is and what size bucks are in your area. If scouting
pear from fields and open areas. a precarious season for them be- missions turn up nothing but small bucks and
Once bucks go through the early cause they leave reclusive haunts very few bucks, chances are your population has
fall transition they disperse from and become visible by staging in been over-hunted. This is the problem with most
bachelor groups and visit fields open fields. Old monarchs have of Michigan. The herd is hunted heavily and adult
only under the cover of dark- a habit of only giving you a brief bucks are scarce. However, scouting new territory
ness. Some stay close to summer glimpse of their newly polished could provide an opportunity to see a big buck
haunts, others relocate and are dif- crown as they turn their back and and hopefully discover new hunting grounds.
ficult to pattern. disappear into forests, tall grass When summer turns to fall and days become
The strategy is simple and the or behind a hill. shorter, whitetail bucks start rubbing off their vel-
reward can be a bruiser on your With fond memories I recall vet. Antlers are quickly polished and in a matter
buck pole come fall. The trick is the bruiser buck I spotted the of a few days 80% of the buck herd is suddenly
to scout open fields from late last few minutes before dark. wearing a hat of white antlers. Some rub in large
August through early Septem-
ber, find big bucks and if need By Kenny Darwin He allowed me to only get a
glimpse through my Nikon September Whitetails page 10
8 SEPTEMBER 2017 WNW NEWS
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EARLY TEAL
M
Michigan hunters are given another oppor tunity to hunt teal statewide September 1-10, 2017 when large flocks of teal migrate across Michigan.
ichigan waterfowl son gives you the same adrenaline greeted by several teal trying to land Early teal season is a boon for
hunters can look rush as regular duck season. This in the spread. By the time I shoul- waterfowlers because it gives them
forward to another is best explained by the following dered my shotgun and got solid a chance to hone hunting skills long
early teal season anecdote. footing in the mud, the birds turned before the regular duck season. This
in 2017. Opening In the pre-dawn darkness I could on the afterburners and zipped out is an ideal time to prepare decoys,
day is September hear ducks flushing ahead as I wad- of range. When I returned to the fix a leaking boat, and gather cam-
1 and this year you can hunt until ed near the blind placing decoys in blind, several teal zoomed past kis- ouflage gear and practice shooting at
September 10. Michigans early a Saginaw Bay slough. It felt good sin close with wings sending out fast flying birds. Early season is an
teal season is a golden opportunity to be revisiting one a sonic swooshing ideal time to introduce youth or new
to fire up your duck hunting skills of my old water- sound that resem- hunters to the sport when conditions
and field test gear when weather fowl haunts where bles a distant MiG are ideal, temperatures warm and
is warm. It gives you an opportu- I hunted teal near fighter. Singles days are long and sun filled. Most
nity to get outdoors when migrat- Fish Point in the were zipping past importantly, it provides sportsmen
ing flocks of blue-winged teal and 1960s. The sudden from almost every the opportunity to hunt migrating
green-winged teal are abundant. In swoosh of ducks fly- direction. I knocked teal that are often long gone south
many cases you will see more ducks ing overhead got my down a male green- come the October regular season.
and enjoy more shooting than dur- heart pumping and I wing just in time Now is the time to intercept flocks
ing the regular season. checked my watch. to spot a squadron of teal while populations are high,
Michigan has participated in It was three minutes of blue-winged teal flocks are found throughout Michi-
this special season for three years until shooting time cupping for the gan and gunning adventures await
but the USFWS has not determined and I loaded my motion decoys. I those who go afield.
if Michigan can be operationalized shotgun. The first smacked one bird Early teal season also coincides
this season. So, Michigan hunters shots rang out from close to the water with early goose season and hunters
have an additional year of ex- the east and in the and a second direct- who are set up on water can enjoy
perimental early teal hunting. Bag early morning ly overhead. The shooting at flocks of teal that buzz
limit for the early teal hunt is six
birds a day and 18 in possession,
half-light I could
make out tiny By Kenny Darwin plump bird made
a solid plop a
their floating goose decoy spread.
Michigans traditional waterfowl
which can include blue-winged and specks headed few feet from my marshes all hold good numbers of
green-winged teal in combination. in my direction. The dots molded blind as I finished on a small squad- local teal come September 1, but
Make certain to check the Michigan into a squadron of blue-winged teal, ron of green-wing. Soon I had my major migrations can suddenly
Waterfowl Hunting Digest regard- dipping and diving slightly above six bird limit and had passed dozens appear if Michigan has a north
ing hunting regulations and shooting the cattails. of other golden opportunities. by northwest or noreaster blow
hours. See page 9 regarding the My first two shots were clean I gathered decoys and fallen highlighted by gale force winds and
early teal season. misses but I concentrated on the birds and took a break to admire the fast falling air temperatures. Stiff
To participate, hunters need a third and dumped a duck from the scenic beauty of the huge Saginaw winds from the north quickly push
Michigan Base license, Michigan slate gray sky. I waded into the de- Bay marsh. It was here that I cut major migrations of teal across
Waterfowl hunting license, HIP on coy spread to retrieve my prize just my teeth on Michigan waterfowling. Michigan long before regular duck
your license and a signed federal as all hell broke loose and everyone The huge expanse provided endless season. But the early season catches
migratory bird hunting stamp. Also, along the Bay started shooting at hunting opportunities for mallards, vast numbers of teal as they trek
make certain you only carry steel super-fast flying targets. geese and teal back in the day and south. Blue-winged teal are quick
shot and your gun has a plug so it I hustled in the waist deep marsh the marsh still holds its appeal in to migrate because they are sensi-
will only hold 3 rounds. Early sea- to retrieve the downed bird and was 2017. tive to the falling temperatures of
12 SEPTEMBER 2017 WNW NEWS
fall. With mallard populations at
an all-time low the early teal season
provides Michigan hunters with
some fast-paced shooting fun not
available later in the season.
Last fall I had a riot hunting teal
on Saginaw Bay as flocks of blue-
winged teal constantly dove for our
decoy spread. Regular gun opener
on Michigans famous Martini
flooding was a bust because there
were no mallards. Oh sure, wood-
ies were present and the occasional
gadwall or green-winged teal would
buzz past, but mallards were not to
be seen. Its a sad experience to be
outdoors in a watery environment Motion decoys and full body mallard decoys on a muskrat house can spell success for early season teal
where once thousands of mallards hunters. Kenny Darwin photos
lived but today the mallards are sim-
ply gone. On duck opener I shot no after the first couple days of season turn and come directly at you again duck and goose loads. At daylight
mallards, saw no mallards harvested the local mallards, teal and woodies and zip past the decoy spread at they use the #4 shot for teal but
and only spotted four mallards fly- have been over-shot. Last year on maximum speed. as daylight arrives and geese start
ing in the far distance. The fact is, the third day of season it was rain- This is the brand of duck hunt- flying they switch to larger BB or
savvy Michigan waterfowl hunt- ing, windy and ideal duck hunting ing that constantly keeps you on Ts to take down large geese. For
ers have made the switch to geese, conditions but no birds were avail- your toes because birds frequently this brand of hunting you will need
wood ducks and teal. able and the parking lot was empty appear from nowhere and blitz past plenty of ammo because teal are
It is my opinion that Michi- of cars, trucks or boat trailers. This in easy gunning range at Mach difficult targets. Sure they decoy
gans DNR needs to make the early is a classic example of what is speed. This requires you to con- into easy range but they fly past at
experimental teal season a regular happening throughout Michigan as stantly check in all directions and 60 mph speeds and shooting them
event and announce September 1 mallard populations take a tail spin. keep your gun in the ready position is a challenge. Teal are bold and zip
a regular duck opener. This would Michigans DNR needs to use new with your finger on the safety. The into your decoys and blast out at
increase hunting opportunities and management policies to increase first hour of daylight and last hour unbelievable speeds. This combined
give sportsmen the much needed duck numbers and increase water- before dark are peak flying times for with their unrivaled maneuverability
opportunity to go afield when birds fowl hunting recruitment. Early teal teal and you need to be fully ready makes them a difficult target and
are available. With fast declining season is a step in the right direc- with a pocket full of shells during missed shots are very common.
mallard populations hunter num- tion. these key high activity periods. While teal can be found on al-
bers are also fast declining. Many The greatest attribute of teal Since teal are small ducks and most any farm pond or marsh, they
are tired of spending big money for is they love to come into decoys. shooting is inside 30 yards most tend to concentrate along marshes
licenses, decoys, boats, expensive Unlike mallards that often prefer hunters use #4 or #5 shot which bordered by open water. Woodies
shells and camouflage gear only to circle at high altitude, teal dive provide dense patterns to harvest and mallards tend to congregate in
to have no ducks to shoot come for the decoys and zoom over your small targets at close range. Some flooded marshes or timber. How-
opener. A good example of this is spread, which provides close range hunters use a follow up shot of #2 ever, teal like to stage near open
Michigans Maple River flooding. gunning. At times, after you drop a loads for their last shot, often taken water bordered by marsh or cattails.
First, the DNR no longer plants and bird or two the remaining flock will at birds flying at fast speed straight Classic teal locations are cattail or
floods corn to attract mallards and bank hard, circle out of range but away. Savvy waterfowlers carry bog points surrounded by open wa-
ter. If you want to see maximum teal
numbers, place your blind on a point
surrounded by water where you can
set out decoys.
My favorite location is Saginaw
Bay where I would set out decoys in
tiny bogs bordered by the expansive
open water. At dawn teal buzz up
and down the coast from Almeda
Beach south past Linwood and
along the south shore from Quani-
cassee to Sebewaing and Bay Port.
Im talking about miles of marsh
grass, tiny bays, thick bogs, cattails
and reed forests that provide ideal
habitat for migrating teal.
Blue-winged teal are the primary
target and they are a tad larger than
their cousins the green-winged teal.
At times the large light blue patch
on their shoulder can appear whitish
Mallards and teal occupy similar habitat and mallard decoys can be used to hunt teal and draw them close.
Early Teal page 14
WNW NEWS SEPTEMBER 2017 13
Early Teal Season: decoy spread looks like a gang of old when mallards would mass in
ducks splashing and moving franti- flocks of 100, and come late sea-
cally feeding. Birds are drawn to the son the Bay would come alive with
constant movement and come kissin black mallards, huge rafts of div-
from page 13 close for a better peek. ers and the constant hoo-ha calls
Years of waterfowl hunting have of large flocks of migrating arctic
and they migrate early through Au- them kissin close and the fast paced taught me valuable secrets. When whistling swans.
gust and September and most winter shooting fun is outstanding. teal hunting I do not hide in the But on calm sunny days the
in South America. Saginaw Bay is I wish you could join me in bulrushes. No sir, I learned hiding motion decoys are deadly and while
covered with them in early Septem- the blind for early teal. You would allows birds to zoom past unde- other hunters are bored my spread is
ber and flocks can vary from 6-25 get a lesson in duck decoying at an tected. Instead I fully camouflage still sucking birds from the clouds
birds. They are somewhat easy to accelerated rate. Birds dive for my and keep my head high to help spot and the air is filled with the swoosh
identify because they are larger than spread with no hesitation because I oncoming flocks of fast moving teal. of teal diving from the heavens. At
green-winged and smaller than mal- use motion decoys. At times I empty Teal have a nasty habit of skimming times you cant see them because
lards, widgeon or gadwall. Blue- my gun and ducks are swarming the the marsh at ultra-low height and they are so high but you can hear
winged like to fly in formations and spread and I can hardly get shells you can only spot them by standing the howl of their cupped wings like
offer fast paced gunning because into the chamber fast enough. By heads up. First, I match my camo to a MiG jet on a dive and soon they
they prefer to skim the surface of the most decoying standards, my spread the environment. Then I use a face zoom past at lightning speed, mak-
open water or marsh grass and sel- is tight. My goal is to mimic a feed- mask or face cream to conceal my ing a hard bank at supersonic speeds
dom fly too high out of range. Pick ing frenzy in a small area. One trick face and make it look like cattails or as you shoulder your gun. When
a day on the Bay when the wind is I use is to place two full-body mal- marsh grass. My goal is to be look- they swarm the spread intent on
howling from the north and you will lard decoys on top a muskrat house ing every direction, constantly scan- diving into the rippling water alive
see hundreds of teal and go through that birds can see from super long ning the horizon for tiny dots in the with decoys the shooting action is a
more boxes of shells than the entire distances. I stack reeds on top of a sky and slowly lowering my profile riot.
regular duck season. muskrat house so full bodies are far as birds dive for the decoys. I hope you find time to sample
My favorite location is near Fish above the fluctuating water. From There are days when the wind Michigans early teal season. Some
Point where I motor out to a point of far away the decoys on top look like is calm, the sun is bright and guns hunters will be set up before dawn
marsh grass and set out two MOJO two resting birds with full stomachs along the Bay go silent. The tran- and hopefully some geese will come
Blue-Winged Teal electronic spin- after participating in the feeding quility gives me pause to dream along with the teal. Others will be
ning wing decoys along with MOJO frenzy. But it is the motion decoys about back in the day when I used out for goose opener and have teal
Flock of Flickers mixed with some that seal the deal and my spread is large decoy spreads of Tom Rustle swoosh their goose decoys. Either
feeder decoys. Teal can spot the only a couple dozen decoys consist- custom foam goose-size mallard way, waterfowl opener on Sep-
motion decoys far out on the open ing of MOJO spinning wing, MOJO decoys with wooden keels and mal- tember 1 is an opportunity to hunt
water and come close for a peek. Flicker and MOJO Flyway feeder lards would swarm the spread. At teal when large numbers are still
The ultrafast rotating wings bring duck butts. From a distance my times my mind melts into days of present.n
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W
hen used cor- ery 10 yards (30 feet). Most lead
rectly, its a core comes packaged in 100-yard
great tool for spools. For walleye anglers and
getting spoons, their smaller level-wind reels, you Trolling a Rapala Deep Tail Dancer behind lead core line took this
crankbaits, can spool up just five colors of lead great walleye for the author.
and spinners core. Make sure, however, you use
(crawler harnesses) down deep to enough monofilament backing so theres quite a bit of torque with this When pulling crankbaits, such as
where big fish swim; used incor- the lead core fills the spool its rim. heavier line and diving lures. I have Rapala Shad Raps, Tail Dancers and
rectly, its just wasted space in your I spool mine with 20-pound-test found an 8-foot 6-inch medium-ac- the entire line of Scatter Rap lures,
boats rod holder. Berkley Trilene XT. When spooling tion trolling rod to be perfect. ABU I clip the lure to a Berkley Cross-
But just dont think of it as a larger reels, use the entire 100 yards Garcias new Altum Trolling Rod Lok snap, not snap swivel, as they
deepwater presentation; lead core of lead core, making sure to use the coming out this yearin this length allow the crankbait to wobble freely
trolled behind take shallow-water correct amount of backing to fill the and power is a great choice. ABU without too much hardware imped-
fish as well. spool completely. Garcias Ambassadeur Alphamar LC ing the lures action.
Lead cores ability to catch fish There are several different (LC standing for line-counter) reel Lead core line tactics shine
no matter where its being fished pound tests of lead core line to is very good for lead core. The line- through when trolling the shallow
was brought back to my attention choose from. When Im trolling counter reel has a smooth drag and water of rivers, too. During the
many years ago, while teaching for walleye and other warm-water plenty of room for ten colors of lead Open-Water Fishing School/Vaca-
at one of the many Open-Water species, I use 18-pound-test Sufix core and the rod has lots of guides tion, for example, many students
Fishing Vacation/Schools put on 832 Advanced Lead Core and their and the perfect action. learned that lead core can be trolled
in the waters of the Grand River Performance Lead Core in 27-pound as shallow as 4 feet, such as we
and Spring Lake, out of the Port test when trolling salmon and the Trolling To The Core were doing in the Grand River that
of Grand Haven, Michigan. Every like. Once your lead core is rigged particular school. Lead core allows
and ready, its time to fish. Basically,
student had at least one lead-core
rod and reel combo in their cache, How To Rig It I just snap on a lure, let out line, set
you to get a lure down without hav-
ing a lot of line out, which is espe-
yet most had never even wet a lure The most-asked question by the the rod in my rod holder and start
students was how to tie on the leader cially good in crowded waterways,
with it. trolling. and allows you to get shallow-div-
The students had lots of ques- line to the lead core, as well what Well, okay, theres a little more ing lures, such as Rapala Originals,
length of leader to use. to it than that.
tions, not only concerning how to deeper than they would normally go.
rig leaders to lead core, but how and First, the knot: I like to pull back In open waterwhere lead core During the school, several wall-
when to use it. Most were surprised the outer braided material, about a line is used mostand when pulling
half-inch worth, and then break off eye were caught while trolling lead
at the answers as it is much simpler spinners, I often let out all ten colors core in 8 feet of water and less. The
to rig than they thought, was used the inner core of lead. Next I thread of line, let the lure touch bottom, students let out just enough line so
more often than they realized, and the mono up the hollowed braided then immediately reel in enough
line, poking it out up where the that the lure would just tick bottom
could be used in shallower water line so that the lure stops hitting. In every so often, while trolling both
than they had ever considered. lead starts back up again. I then tie zebra- and quagga-mussel-infested upstream and down.
a Uni Knot with the mono onto the waters, such as the Great Lakes, I
Lead Core - What It Is lead-core line, and then trim off the pay attention to exactly how much Thats a Wrap
First of all, to understand the tag end. This leader-to-lead-core lead core is out when it touches bot- As you can see, trolling with
hows, whens and wheres of using knot works well as it slides easily tom, then quickly reel the spinner all lead core is not difficult. The hardest
lead core line you need to know through rod guides and wont get the way in to check to make sure the part for most anglers is taking the
what it is. Just as its name implies, caught up in the level wind of a reel. hooks didnt skewer any of the tiny time to give it a try. Its as easy as
it is line (braided nylon, to be exact) Next, the length of leader: With clams, I then send it back out, mak- clipping on a lure, letting out line,
with a thin core of lead down the the leader tied on and both lines ing sure not to let quite as much line setting it in a rod holder and trolling
center of it. Simple! spooled through all the rods guides, out so that the rig doesnt hit bottom slow.
Lead core, however, has a much Ill reel in the lead core until the again. Lead core line excels when Lead core overlooked and
larger diameter than monofilament leader knot just touches the level pulling crawler harnesses because misunderstood? It doesnt have to
or superline and due to water resis- wind of the reel, then pull the mono you very rarely go faster than 1.2 be.
tance, it must be fished slowly, say leader from the tip down the rod and mph when trolling them. Mark Martin is a professional
1.8 mph and slower, even with deep- cut it at the butt. This, on average, Tip: Always use a ball-bearing walleye tournament anger and
diving lures. Troll any faster and the is 15 to 19 feet of leader. As for the snap swivel, such as Berkleys Ball instructor with the Fishing
line will rise toward the surface. pound test of leader, Ill use either a Bearing Cross-Lok Snap-Swivels, Vacation/Schools who lives in
Lead core is color-coded so 12- to 14-pound-test Berkley XT. between the leader and the spinner SW Lower Michigan. Visit his
you know how much line you have As for lead core equipment, rig to nip line twist in the bud before website at markmartins.net for
out, with the color changing ev- I like to beef up my arsenal as it occurs. more information.n
WNW NEWS SEPTEMBER 2017 15
TRAIN TO HUNT PART II...By Drew YoungeDyke
I
n July, I tested my physi- The next morning, all 80 competi-
cal conditioning, archery tors gathered to learn exactly what
accuracy and mental Train To Hunt director Kenton
toughness against a moun- Clairmont had in store for us; unlike
tain and the best hunter the regional qualifiers, we didnt
athletes in the nation, and know beforehand what physical
I came away humbled and proud. challenges awaited us at Nationals.
My experience also taught me some As he announced it, gasps could be
valuable lessons that can be applied heard from the competitors.
by Michigan hunters planning to We started the day with the
hunt out west at high elevations this Challenge Course, which consisted
fall. of four physical workouts, each fol-
I earned an invitation to the lowed by an approximately 300 yard
Train To Hunt Nationals at the Pow- run and then a 3D target shoot, with
derhorn Resort in Mesa, Colorado time added for inaccurate shots and
by placing third in the Traditional misses resulting in 20 burpees - or
division at the Pennsylvania Train squat-thrusts - before advancing to
To Hunt Challenge. Jeffery Proctor the next station. The workouts were
of Manchester - who qualified in 50 box step-overs wearing a 50-lb.
the Super Masters (age 50 and up) pack; 40 reps of picking a 50-lb.
division - and I road-tripped it out Train To Hunt Director Jesse Wise watches as the author shoots a
there and back, about twenty hours target on the Challenge Course
each way. Heres the first lesson for
anyone thinking of hunting out west: lowed by a box step-over. After the helped me get my pack off, and I sat
pick a good driving and hunting fourth 3D shot, it was a 1.6-mile on the ground unable to get up for a
partner. I lucked out: Jeffs a great trail course up the ski hill wearing good fifteen to twenty minutes while
guy and we got along well. Id hunt a 50-lb. pack, with two 3D targets the Wilderness Athlete crew brought
with him any day. Ryan Grondin along the way. A half hour after the me cups of their Hydrate & Recover
of Iron Mountain also represented last competitor in your heat finished, mix to get some electrolytes back in
Michigan at Nationals in the Mas- the 3D archery course would begin, me.
ters (age 40-49) division. including certain shots that had to be As a flatlander unaccustomed
We arrived at the resort late in made from a kneeling position, draw to elevation, I wasnt acclimated to
the afternoon before the competi- and move, and holding the draw be- operating with less oxygen getting
tion, allowing time for some archery fore shooting. That would conclude to my muscles. Jeff didnt have the
practice. Last years Traditional the first day. same problem, since he often hunts
champion, Tex Grebner from Illi- I started out in good shape, but in the western backcountry and
nois, identified from my arrow flight struggled on the sandbag get-ups, has guided in Alaska. It definitely
that my nock point was probably too the elevation at 8,400 feet finally affected me. So if youre planning
low and helped me fix it, helping out getting to me. On the trail course, on hunting out west, give yourself a
a competitor he would face the next I missed the first target completely few days to acclimate to the eleva-
day. If this sounds odd, it shouldnt: and had to do 20 burpees. My tion and understand you wont be
Train To Hunt is full of sportsman- calf cramped up on the mountain able to perform physically the way
ship, as we understand that its not and I went down hard. As my calf you do here. Ive improved my
spasmed, I was devastated I might physical conditioning through trail-
each athlete verses the other ath- One of the authors 50 box step- not finish. But Train To Hunt is running and CrossFit over the past
letes, its each athlete verses himself overs with a 50-pound pack about mental toughness, so I refused two years, but the western moun-
or herself - just like hunting.
Tex gave some advice. Its okay sandbag from ground to shoulder, to quit. I massaged my calf, got up, tains are on another level entirely
to walk, limp, crawl or cry, he said, then stepping up and over the box; fell again, massaged it some more, from Michigan hills.
but its not okay to quit. I didnt 30 burpee box step-overs; and 20 and limped to the finish stiff-legged It was an incredible experience
realize just how true that would be. get-ups with a 50-lb. sandbag fol- and ten minutes behind my peers. I despite finishing last in my divi-
did better on the 3D course, finish- sion. The Train To Hunt community
ing fourth of the Traditional archers, exemplifies every quality Id like
but still found myself in last place to see in the hunting community
headed into the second day. in general: helping each other, not
For the second day, we faced the sabotaging each other. Encourag-
infamous Meat Pack, simulating ing each other, not criticizing each
hauling game meat out of the back- other. Working hard to earn the right
country. Our challenge would be to hunt the animals we hunt, not
hauling a 50-lb. pack 2.2 miles with looking for the easy way out. Rather
1800 feet of gain - from 8,400 feet than being discouraged, Im even
up to 10,200, most of it straight up more motivated to train harder,
a mountain littered with fallen tree train smarter, and be in better
trunks and sliding gravel. My quads shape and a better shot next year.
were cramping toward the top of the While the mountains got the best
mountain, and I limped into the fin- of me, Im confident in my condi-
ish again doing my best to keep my tioning and my shooting for
legs from straightening out, afraid still-hunting northern Michigans
theyd seize up and prevent me from hills this October, and thats
finishing. I ran stiff-legged through ultimately what Train To Hunt
The Traditional Division star ts the Meat Pack. the finish line, other competitors is about for me.n
16 SEPTEMBER 2017 WNW NEWS
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WNW NEWS SEPTEMBER 2017 17
Great Lakes Tsunamis
Can Tsunamis hit the Great Lakes shorelines?
T
sunamis can and have
impacted the Great
Lakes. When most
people think of a
Tsunami, they envision
a massive tidal wave
caused by an earthquake. Tsunamis
though are defined as a long, high
wave caused by an earthquake, un-
derwater landslide or other distur-
bance. We have never had a Great
Lakes tsunami reportedly caused by
an earthquake or submarine land-
slide, however we have had them
caused by other disturbances and
in some cases they have proven
deadly.
During June I made a quick trip
to my U.P. hunting property to do
some spraying on my food plots and
around my cabin. On the way home
I took the scenic route back to Au
Gres by passing though Rogers City,
near where I used to own a home on The damage caused by a Seiche on June 12, 2017. The dislodge dock and debris line. Wally Etelamaki photo
Lake Huron. Im still friends with
some of my old neighbors there, so caused the water to rise quickly, Seiches are caused by wind, baro- While the Great Lakes may not have
I stopped by for a visit on the way then the water dropped down past metric pressure fluctuations along ever had a tsunami in the form of
through. Wally Etelamakis house is the normal level, then it went up with the water basins size, shape an earthquake generated one, we
two houses east of my old again, but not quite as far and depth. Storm surges are com- do have meteotsunamis on a fairly
house and when I pulled up up as the first time. The mon in the Great Lakes caused regular basis though, which are
in his driveway, he was busy water had clearly risen per- when the wind blows the water commonly called seiches. While
at work with his backhoe haps four to five feet above from one end of the lake to the other not as catastrophic as some quake
repairing his driveway normal, and in so doing, causing one side to rise and the tsunamis, seiches are none-the-
down to the water where it scattered his dock down other to lower. A seiche is formed less something that everyone who
he launches his boat. As I the shoreline and did some when barometric pressures fluctuate ventures close to the Great Lakes
walked up I could see that other damage as well as rapidly, typically from the passing should be aware of.
there was a line of debris depositing lots of debris up of a major weather event. Often The author offers fishing charters
that had washed onto his lawn. accompanied by a storm surge, the
By Michael Veine
specializing in Lake Erie and Sagi-
well up onto his After returning rapidly changing barometric pres- naw Bay walleyes. Contact Mike
lawn. home I did some sure intensifies the water movement Veine at www.trophyspecialists.com
Wally dismounted his backhoe research on seiches and learned that causing a back and forth sloshing or 734-475-9146.n
and after handshakes, he explained they are in fact a type of tsunami effect which can raise and lower the
to me that they had gotten hit by a called a meteotsumani caused by water by a recorded 10 feet or more,
Seiche on June 12. He explained weather. Seiche is a French word but most are much less than that.
that it was like a storm surge that meaning, to sway back and forth. There have been some deadly
seiches on the Great Lakes over the
years. On July 4, 1929 a 20 foot
high seiche hit beach goers at Grand
Haven killing 10 people. On June
26, 1954 a 10 foot seiche pum-
meled the shores of Chicago killing
seven fishermen. On July 4, 2003 a
powerful seiche plowed into Berrien
County killing seven swimmers.
Besides loss of life, seiches cause a
lot of property damage too. As you
can see, seiches are serious business
indeed.
It is estimated that about 100
seiches occur on the Great Lakes
each year. Experts are in the pro-
cess of developing a seiche warning
system for the Great Lakes. In the
meantime it is prudent to stay away Here is The debris field left by a
Some confused anglers return to Bolles Harbor on Lake Erie only to find from vulnerable shoreline areas June 12, 2017 seiche that struck
that a storm surge caused the water level to drop and the docks were out during or just after severe weather from Hammond Bay to Presque Isle
of the water. events along the Great Lakes. on Lake Huron. Tom Faner photo
18 SEPTEMBER 2017 WNW NEWS
ROSY BROTHERS INC.
5727 DRYDEN ROAD
DRYDEN, Michigan 48428
810-796-3770
By Jonathan Schechter
basins the land is
the Great not very
Lakes. As far. But
the retreat of the ice accelerated, gradually the cubs weakened.
new landforms including moraines Exhausted, one cub sank into the
and kettle lakes appeared on the water when they were within sight
mainland of Michigan, and an of the land and soon after the other
archipelago formed off the North- also drowned. The bears heart was
west corner of Lower Michigan. The broken, but she could do nothing.
southernmost island of that chain She waded ashore and climbed the
of islands is South Manitou Island. bluff to lay down looking out on
The Anishinabek people were al- the water where her cubs had died.
ready established on the mainland of However both of them surfaced as
present day Michigan when Euro- two little islands. And so the bear
peans arrived in the 1600s and had still lies there nowlooking after
ITS HOG
HUNTING TIME! National Park intern Alyssa Gilliland hugging one of the Giants.
her children. (Anishinabek Legend
of the Manitou Islands and Sleep-
not far from todays Crescent Bay
Campground.
ing Bear, courtesy of Sleeping Bear
Dunes National Lakeshore) The Manitou Passage
The Manitou Passage sepa-
South Manitou rates the Manitou islands from the
Shipwrecks, and a Harbor mainland and holds the remains of a
South Manitou Island, a desig- least 50 other shipwrecks. The 1858
nated wilderness area of Sleeping lighthouse keeper quarters, and 100
Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, foot tall 1871 lighthouse tower are
is the smaller of the two Manitou two of the protected remnants of the
islands. The west shoreline of 5,260 time when schooners and steamers
acre South Manitou is defined by came to the harbor to seek refuge,
dramatic perched sand dunes, where repair sails, buy produce and in
wind-driven sand rests on top of a the case of the steamers, purchase
ridge of glacial boulders, earth and cordwood. The island bustled in
till. Sometimes that sand slides 400 those early years and much of it was
feet back down to the shoreline of logged, but a small section of very
Lake Michigan only to work its way large northern white cedars, today
slowly back up by the strong west-
CHECK OUT erly winds.
known as the Valley of the Giants,
OUR BUTCHER was spared.
Crescent Bay on the east shore
SHOP & LODGE of South Manitou is well known Island History
to modern mariners and retains its The website of Sleeping Bear
Your Hunting Spot Since 1988! historic title as a harbor of safe ref-
uge, and is the deepest natural har-
Dunes National Lakeshore is rich
with historical information that
bor between Chicago and Buffalo. sets the scene for understanding
It also is the graveyard for some the historical importance of South
TROPHY RANCH INC. ships. The 265 foot wooden steamer Manitou Island and the backstory
Kevin 4076 Spencer Rd. Ubly, MI 48475 Congress, built in 1867, caught fire of the Valley of the Giants, a natural
Anthony www.trophyranch.com in Crescent Bay on October 4, 1904. wonder of Michigan woodlands.
The stern was engulfed in flames South Manitou Island was
Call (989) 658-8634 for info and free tour! when the Congress went down in once the center of civilization and
about 165 feet of water in the west- commerce in the Manitou Passage.
HUNT BIG RAMS $550 ern end of the crescent shaped bay Settlement of this area of Michigan
20 SEPTEMBER 2017 WNW NEWS
actually began on this little island wind-blown sand. Others just
primarily because of its protected think it would have been too hard
natural deep-water harbor. The is- to cut those trees and remove them
land was densely forested, so when from their swampy habitat with the
steamers began to sail the Great technology of the day. Today that
Lakes, its strategic location between grove holds national significance
Chicago and the Straits of Macki- as an old growth cedar forest, with
nac, made it the best place to take some of largest northern white
on firewood for their boilers. cedars found in the country. In early
The first village was located just spring that grove is magical world,
north of the present dock on Cres- with an incredibly beautiful ephem-
cent Bay. The remains of Burtons eral flower display underneath the
Wharf can still be seen if you walk giants that, include hepatica, yellow
north along the beach from the lady-slippers, Dutchmans britches,
present dock. There was a little jack-in-the-pulpit, blood root and
railroad built to haul the logs from great carpets of white trillium inter-
the interior of the island down to the spersed with brilliant splashes of red
dock. After the land was cleared, trillium.
immigrant farmers, many of them National Park intern Alyssa Gil- This fallen giant that ends up in many family photos. Author photos
from Bavaria, came to the island to liland described it this way in June,
homestead. Before long, the island The cedar loop trail makes you feel hundred years old. Perhaps others specimen is 34 m (112 ft.) tall and
became a little farming community. like youre hiking through a whimsi- are hundreds of years older than 175 cm (69 in.) diameter, on South
As Chicago grew, travel between cal forest and you are also rewarded that. Some facts are without dispute. Manitou Island.
there and Buffalo resulted is heavy with a blanket of wildflowers. And One fallen tree has 528 growth rings What cannot be debated is a
traffic on the lower Great Lakes. then its time to head up above the establishing the fact that it was al- reverent walk through the Valley of
Long before automobiles and paved cedars to the perched dunes. ready growing before Columbus set Giants brings to life the story of this
roads, passengers and freight trav- Hikers that follow along the sail on his journey of conquest. Size dynamic island landscape, a Michi-
eled from New Yorks harbor to primitive trail that loops through is easier to determine. Lee Frelich gan masterpiece of ice, wind and
Chicago by barge and boat. the grove of cedars pass by one and Ernie Otsuno measured some water now under protection by our
Early sailors quickly discovered fallen giant that ends up in many of the cedars on a 2007 field trip for National Park Service.
that the Great Lakes, and especially family photos, and a still standing the Eastern Native Tree Society, and Jonathan Schechter is a natu-
Lake Michigan, were different than giant that receives endless hugs. found a living, 67.5-foot tree with a ralist/writer/ER medic in Oakland
the ocean. Treacherous seas could As summer heats up, backpackers 149-inch girth, a 78-foot tree with County and served as a Lighthouse
come up almost without warning, and day visitors that make the 14 a 136-inch girth and several others Keeper on South Manitou Island in
and the wave structure was differ- mile crossing from Leland on the that were slightly smaller. Wiki- 2016 and 2017. Email: oaknature@
ent than they were used to on the Manitou Island Transit ferry revel pedia states, The largest known aol.comn
oceans. in the cool breezes of South Mani-
As the shipping disasters in- tou Island and the dappled sunlight
creased and the Lake Michigan that makes it to the forest floor. A
shoreline became a graveyard for narrow wooden boardwalk mean-
ships, the government launched an ders through part of the grove and a
ambitious program to build light- weathered bench gives a place to sit
houses and establish lifesaving sta- and take in the beauty and peace of
tions. That brought lightkeepers and the scene, perhaps only to be inter-
surfmen to South Manitou Island as rupted by the scurry of a chipmunk,
well as to North Manitou Island and the rustle of the wind that precedes
the mainland. summer storms or the occasional
The Valley of Giants dawn or dusk yip of coyotes. I have
The Valley of the Giants is part yet to see a hiker pass by the giant
of the islands hidden history in cedars without at least reaching over
the southwest corner of the island, to touch the moss covered bark with
just a ways inland from the 1960 a degree of reverence.
wreck of the Francisco Morazan. Growth before Columbus
Some say the cedars were spared Debate continues on just how
from the lumbermans saw because old the cedar trees are. There is no
their bark was deeply infused with debate that some are more than five
Eliminates
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2017 Central Boiler Ad Number 16-3004
This ad size is 4 x 4
The Outdoor Weekend just wouldnt be the same without...puppies!
I
like familiar places found myself at the Eastern
and things, I like to Michigan State Fairgrounds
stay familiar...if you in Imlay City the weekend
know what I mean. after Labor Day.
This, I know, doesnt hap- For just as long, Ive
pen. been writing a column very
Although its a little similar to this one about the
early to notice the dark- Outdoor Weekend. (Youll
ness falling a little earlier notice in the center of this
on us in the evenings, our issue a special section
mornings seem to be get- about the Outdoor
ting just a touch cooler. Of Weekend.)
course you know whats coming. I Well soon be putting up fences
can imagine it and for me, those are to lay out the fairgrounds for the
sure signs that fall is just around the Woods-N-Water News Outdoor
corner and so is the season of har- Weekend. This is our 31st straight
vest. A time to reflect on our fami- year, at the same place, and on the
ly, our outdoor heritage, a time to same weekend.
celebrate it and preserve it. For most of those years Tom
Its a change Ive always looked Campbell, my business partner and
forward to. brother-in-law, has been there too.
Its time to nock an arrow and Thank goodness that hasnt
prepare for the fall archery season. changed. Tom has been the key to
Thoughts of bruiser bucks walking our success. He keeps track of
into my shooting lane are more fre- details Im apt to let slide.
quent now. My son Keil has also worked
Going on 31 years now, Ive hard to earn a spot on the same
22 SEPTEMBER 2017 WNW NEWS
Just text...woodswater17 to 88777 for
Quality
vendors is information and updates at the Outdoor Weekend
what makes
the Woods-N- Imlay City Police Chief Scott Pike has made use of technology to
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success. This you can receive notifications of happenings at the Outdoor Weekend;
year expect via text, phone, email, dedicated web pages and social media.
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240 vendors! hope this technology will make your visit to Imlay City more enjoy-
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So remember, text: woodswater17 to 88777 to stay informed about
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G
ov. Rick Snyder vasive Carp Challenge by
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the Invasive carpchallenge.n
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is now accepting
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Invasive carp pose a seri-
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solutions. Smart Ride Technology Xtreme Turf Flow Deck 3 year residential / commercial engine warranty
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down with 3.99% for 60 months financing shown. All Payments will be determined by the financial institution funding the loan based on the
Confidant Destination charges not included. Ask your sales representative for details. * Destination charges not included. Ask your sales representative for details. WNW NEWS SEPTEMBER 2017 25
*Tax, finance, destination, accessories and additional charges may apply. Spartan SRT-Pro 54 with Briggs and Stratton Commercial $7,259
with 3.99% for 60 months financing shown. All Payments will be determined by the financial institution funding the loan based on the
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Lee Lakosky on scouting camera strategiesBy Josh Lantz
Hunters have scouted game since the dawn of man.
Watching, learning and ultimately understanding when
and where game is likely to appear in relation to food
and water sources, divergent habitats and amidst
specific weather patterns and seasonal changes gives
hunters a strategic advantage. The more we scout,
the more we learn, and this knowledge makes us
more efficient and effective. It impacts our decision-
making and shapes the way we pursue game!
odays scouting cam- you use scouting cameras there.
eras have changed the Lakosky: We typically use 300-
landscape of hunt- 400 during the hunting season in
ing. These affordable, Iowa, and at least half of them seem
high-tech marvels have to stay up all year long because
helped turn hunters theres always something going
into game managers by giving us on. Tiffany and I really enjoy shed
continual information about the spe- hunting and its an important part
cific wildlife on the properties we of our scouting. Our cameras tell us
hunt. Even a modest network of just when and where certain bucks are
a few well-placed scouting cameras dropping their antlers, so they give
can provide more information on us good intel about where to start Lee and Tiffany have a live camera behind their home that allows
animal behavior than a single hunter looking. them to see how deer react to different scouting cameras.
could otherwise garner from hours Then its turkey season and then
of traditional scouting. after that youre into the antler- hes nocturnal, but he isnt; they just right by the scrape.
But despite their capabilities, growing season. Thats a really great dont have enough cameras out. I also really like the Cell Cam
scouting cameras are often used in time to use cameras because its neat Does are fairly predictable, so in places where you dont want to
ways that unnecessarily limit their to see how individual bucks develop that really helps once the rut starts. pressure deer by having to visit the
advantages. True enough, sometimes their racks throughout the whole A buck will usually only be with a camera. Overall, the Wildgame In-
they can even become a disadvan- growing season. I have a big 190ish doe for two or three days before she novations Cloak is our go-to cam-
tage especially when we allow our deer behind the house Im watching shoves him out, so youve got to era. They do everything we need
use of scouting cameras to pres- right now. Cameras are definitely a stay on top of that. I may use four a camera to do. The price is right
sure deer or otherwise impact their year-round scouting tool, because Cell Cams within a relatively small and the battery life is really good so
behavior. they can provide so much helpful area during those brief, key periods, they dont need any undue babysit-
Few whitetail hunters invest information. because theyll send the images ting. Both the standard IR and black
more time afield in a year-round Lantz: How do you decide how right to my phone and I dont have LightsOut flashes work great.
capacity than Lee Lakosky. Lee and many cameras to use on a given to go in and muck anything up. Our live cam has shown us that
his wife Tiffany star on the hit TV property? Hunters should put out every- there isnt a big problem spooking
show CRUSH with Lee & Tiffany Lakosky: Every place is dif- thing they have once they start deer with either type, but the Light-
on Outdoor Channel. The couple ferent. Ill have cams mostly on honing in on the key areas where sOut black flash model does a better
has been in the public eye since they food sources we can feed in Iowa theyre chasing, then be prepared to job at catching trespassers and is
married in 2003 and began making during the off-season, so every farm move things around a few days later. less likely to be located and stolen.
outdoor television much of it on has a couple feeders. You could use Lantz: Tell me about the differ- We just received one of the brand
the land they own and meticulously a dozen cameras on a single 15-acre ent types of cameras you use and new Silent Crush 20 LightsOut cam-
manage for trophy whitetails in food plot, so a feeder really helps why. eras and its absolutely incredible.
Iowa. concentrate deer in summer so we Lakosky: We have a live cam- The shutters are completely silent
In a world of fake news, un- can keep a much better inventory. era behind the house, so we can and because it uses separate daytime
checked social media and an abun- During the hunting season we watch and see how deer respond to and nighttime cameras, theres also
dance of TV shows that make the look for the key food plots deer are different scouting cameras. Some no IR filter to make any noise either.
harvest of trophy whitetail bucks using, which can change quickly. I deer definitely avoid them and some That one is going to be a definite
seem routine, viewers can believe may have five cameras on a two- dont care at all even with a white game-changer.
what they see on The CRUSH TV. acre field, especially if I know I flash. I really like the 360 Cam Tiffanys 181-inch bow kill from
For Lee and Tiffany, their vocation have a big buck using it. I keep because it can be put on a field edge last season was her biggest ever. The
is both a passion and a privilege, so moving them around if I need to away from or even between scrapes. Lakoskys scouting camera network
they never stop working and never home in, but youve really got to be Some deer really have it out for was used to document this excep-
take the hunting publics trust for careful with that, especially dur- cameras especially when theyre tional bucks development over
granted. ing the hunting season. If I need right in their faces on scrapes. Those several years. The exciting hunt
Thanks to a sponsorship ar- to check or move a couple, Ill do deer will skirt them. Because the appears on the current season of The
rangement with Wildgame Inno- it when I get down from the stand 360 Cam detects motion in 360 CRUSH TV on Outdoor Channel.
vations, Lee and Tiffany have the after the mornings hunt. degrees and can capture images in Lantz: Once you determine
benefit of running literally hundreds On average, Ill have two or any direction, Ill put them 10-15 where you want a camera located,
of scouting cameras on their 15 dif- three cameras on every food plot, yards away from a scrape on a field what considerations do you make
ferent Iowa farms. I recently spoke along with cameras on scrapes in the edge even between scrapes on the when actually placing it?
with Lee and asked him a series of timber. Again, more is better. Youre same field edge and it will capture Lakosky: Limbs, grass and
questions about his scouting camera going to miss a lot of big deer with every deer that hits them. Ill get weeds can trigger a lot of bad pic-
strategies. only a couple cameras. People who three to five times as many pictures tures, which decreases battery life
Lantz: Tell me a bit about your know they have a big buck but dont using the 360 Cam that way versus and increases the amount of time it
home farm and how, when and why get daytime images always assume a regular camera placed right on or takes to review pictures. Summer
26 SEPTEMBER 2017 WNW NEWS
Tiffanys 181 bow kill was her biggest ever. The La-
koskys scouting camera network was used to document Dont expose
this exceptional bucks development over several years. your secret spot
use the
foliage is at its peak by July, so now
is the time to prune branches and
it becomes really
easy to push him
outpost
the stealth feeder
kill weeds at all likely camera loca- out.
tions. I just finished doing that My sugges-
Blends into
you know where the scrapes are go- tion is to stick to
ing to show up, so kill the grass and the food plots and
field edges. Also,
weeds at all those locations.
Ive learned that bucks wont a lot of hunters Surroundings
start scraping a lot of times until the dont pay enough
weeds die, so if you kill the weeds attention to their AS SEEN ON
under the licking branches, theyll doe pictures. I MICHIGAN
actually start sooner. When placing look closely at OUT OF
a camera on a scrape, I try to avoid when and under DOORS
putting them right on the scrape what conditions
tree. Ill put them high and 10-15 Im getting a lot
feet away facing down. I get more of doe pictures
pictures this way because that cam- day vs. night, the SQUIRREL
era isnt right in the deers face. calendar, weather RESISTANT
Lantz: Camera settings confuse
a lot of folks. What settings do you
conditions, etc.
It pays to look at CAP
typically use on your cameras and and study what-
why? ever metadata
Lakosky: First, make sure any your camera can
camera is set on 24 hours so youll provide. If does
get both night and daytime pic- are moving during the day, bucks hunts. I shot a Muskox in Green-
land, and we filmed plenty of local
tures. For a camera on a feeder or usually are too. Bucks are just deer.
Try to figure out and understand hunts as well. Tiffany took one of holds
20 lbS
mineral site, set it to trigger with a
minute delay between images, not when and why they are moving. her biggest whitetails ever with her
five seconds or 15 seconds or youll
have way too many images. Again,
Lantz: The new season of
CRUSH with Lee and Tiffany began
bow a 181-inch buck that weve
been watching here at the farm for corn
all that does it waste your time and on June 26. What can viewers ex- the past three years or so. That deer
battery life. pect to see? has a really interesting history that
I know my farms and, generally, Lakosky: This new season has we were able to document with our
where deer bed, feed and cruise, so a good mix of fun and interesting game cameras.n
most of my cameras are set up on
field edges and key routes in and out
of the timber. These locations are
easy for us to get to and not disrup-
tive. A lot of our bigger bucks
they all come out of the timber and
into the big fields and then they
go back.
For those cameras on scrapes DURABLE
BROADCASTER
and routes in and out of the timber,
Ill put them on five seconds to Great For
make sure I get good shots. If they PUBLIC or PRIVATE
are there for three minutes, I want Land Hunters
50 different pictures of them. We
do use video mode in the summer. Carry Sack Holds
The Flextime+ time lapse feature on
the Wildgame Innovations cam- 20 Pounds
eras is nice if you dont have a lot For Easy Refill
of cameras. It takes video clips at
pre-defined time intervals to save Programmable Timer
batteries. The video stuff is neat in Drop 1# / Day
the timber on the scrapes, but with Lasts Up To 3 Weeks
so many cameras, its too much for
me to manage. Hanging Wire & Throw Line
Lantz: What are some of the INCLUDED
common mistakes that folks make With Metal Throwing Disc
when using scouting cameras?
Lakosky: I primarily use cam-
eras for inventory, and only rarely
for trying to kill a specific buck, so
that mentality affects where I put
my cameras and how often I check
Protect your property from deer or trespassers.
them. I keep them in accessible,
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When theres a big buck around, outpostfeeder@gmail.com
people get obsessed with visiting
their cameras too often and blowing
out their deer especially when they
See us at the
arent even hunting them. Be careful Woods-N-Water News
trying to kill a big deer with your Outdoor Weekend!
game cameras. You can do it, but 231.510.8122 www.BeemFence.com
WNW NEWS SEPTEMBER 2017 27
Fishing lessons learned abroad
By Mark Romanack
T
he fishing industry has been good
to the Romanack family. Over the
years Ive been blessed to have
traveled to countless fishing des-
tinations and also to have learned
a ton about fishing from authori-
ties on the subject coast to coast. I consider the
fishing education Ive enjoyed priceless and have
done my best to apply these new tactics, gear and
techniques back home in Michigan as often as
possible.
When I introduce a fishing tactic foreign to
Great Lakes anglers at a seminar or during a TV
episode, I take great pride in being the Johnny
Appleseed of sport fishing. Not always do fishing
strategies hatched abroad work well in the Great
Lakes, but it happens often enough I cant help
myself with the temptation to share.
Plug Wrapping
Wobbling plugs like the Yakima Mag Lip,
Wordens Flat Fish, Luhr Jensen Kwik Fish, Hed-
don Tadpoly, Lindy River Rocker, etc., are fish
catching machines on both the Pacific West Coast
and here in the Great Lakes. On the west coast The author and son Jake enjoy the luxury of traveling extensively while filming episodes of
just about everybody gives their wobbling plugs Fishing 411 TV. What they have learned about fishing from other anglers is making them
a special treatment known as plug wrapping. A more effective fishermen right here at home in the Great Lakes.
thin strip of herring or anchovy is wrapped to the
bottom of the plug using a stretchy thread. themselves to repaint and package crankbaits featuring superior grades of hook sharpness.
Plug wrapping makes any plug better by set- with some ultra-cool finishes. Treble hooks are the most common hook
ting up a natural scent stream in the water. The Custom painted crankbaits are ultra-cool and found on crankbaits, but not all treble hooks look
most commonly used baitfish for plug wraps are unfortunately ultra-expensive. The process of re- or function alike. Anglers can choose from long
herring and anchovy because they are very oily, painting, repackaging and distributing these lures shank, short shank, wide bend, round bend, stan-
but literally any baitfish thats locally abundant just about doubles the standard retail price. dard strength and tempered extra strong hooks.
can be used in plug wrapping. A rather unique and less expensive option Short shank, wide bend hooks have emerged
Suckers, whitefish and ciscoes are three spe- for adding custom color to crankbaits can be as the treble hook design that allows crankbaits
cies common in the Great Lakes that feature oily achieved with a few colorful Sharpie permanent to enjoy the most freedom of movement and also
flesh ideal for plug wrapping. The best approach markers and some imagination. Sharpie pens are makes it more difficult for fish to shake free once
is to cut some half inch wide and one inch long available in almost every color under the rain- hooked. The Eagle Claw Lazer Sharp #L949
strips of meat from the belly flesh with a sharp bow and can be easily used to add spot color and Kahle and the Trokar TK310 are super sharp and
fillet knife. Leave the skin in place and cut a slit designs to crankbaits. the wide bend design increases the hook gap,
halfway up the chunk of meat. One of the most common uses is coloring the while redirecting the hook point in such a way it
Slide the slit on either side of the belly hook bill of the lure red or black as a contrasting color. makes it very tough for hooked fish to throw the
with the skin side next to the bait and the flesh Adding a herring bone or ladder back design to hook.
facing out. Secure the meat in place with a few the side of the plug with an accenting color is Another trick when replacing factory treble
wraps of plug wrapping thread, finished with two also easy with a Sharpie. hooks on crankbaits is to use not one, but two
or three half hitch knots holds the chunk of meat The cool thing about using permanent mark- split rings. Using two split rings allows the treble
in place on the belly of the bait. ers to customize crankbaits is if you dont like the hook even more freedom to rotate and virtually
This ungainly looking set up produces a finished result, you only have to start over with a eliminates a fish being able to roll or twist vio-
monster scent trail in the water that steelhead, different color! lently and leverage the hook free.
salmon, lake trout and other salmonids simply Custom painted lures and Sharpie highlighted The double split ring trick is also effective
cant ignore. Plug wrapping is most commonly baits are interesting, but only the tip of the when used on trolling spoons. Its amazing how
employed when fishing in rivers, but it works just iceberg in terms of ways anglers can customize something so small and simple as rigging crank-
as well for open water trolling situations. crankbaits so these lures work more efficiently baits and spoons with two split rings can yield
After about 30-40 minutes of fishing its best and box more fish. such amazing results.
to replace the strip of meat with a fresh strip.
Some anglers also recharge the strip of meat by After-Market Treble Hooks Siwash Hooks
applying a dose of their favorite fishing scent. Changing out the factory hooks that come Here in the Great Lakes most crankbaits are
Customizing Crankbait Colors on crankbaits with super premium after-market
hooks is one of ways anglers insure every bite
equipped with treble hooks, but in other parts of
the country a single Siwash style hook is com-
One of the more interesting trends among turns into a landed fish. Every major manufac- monly found on crankbaits. Anglers who have
crankbait fishermen Ive witnessed focuses on the turer of fishing hooks produces standard grade grown up using treble hooks have a hard time
colors of these lures. Manufacturers can only jus- hooks and also for a little more money premium imagining how a single hook could be more ef-
tify producing a limited number of stock colors grade hooks. The trend towards producing pre- ficient at hooking and holding onto fish.
or retail SKUs. In response, a growing number mium hooks started with a trickle and is currently In this case seeing is believing. The beauty of
of after-market lure painters have taken it upon a raging flood of hook types, sizes and designs the Siwash hook is once this hook bites into the
28 SEPTEMBER 2017 WNW NEWS
tissue of a fishs mouth, no other hook design will Using a single Siwash hook on trolling spoons
hold better. works just as well as when these hooks are used
To get the most from a Siwash hook, the an- on crankbaits. The rigging method for spoons is
gler must first remove the factory treble hook and exactly the same as for crankbaits.
add a small barrel swivel to the split ring. Siwash
hooks are designed so the eye is both larger than Switching To Snaps
other hooks and open making it easy to rig them Another way crankbait anglers get more
on a swivel. Place the barrel swivel through the performance from their lures is by removing the
eye of the Siwash hook and using a pair of pliers factory supplied split ring on the pull point of
pinch closed the eye. the lure and replacing it with a small Dual Lock
Using a Siwash on the belly and a second one snap. Split rings are problematic in that opening
on the tail of the crankbait doesnt change the and closing them with a pair of split ring pliers
balance, action or diving depth of the lure, but often springs them open in such a way the split
it just about guarantees that any fish that bites is ring catches on the pull point wire. If this hap-
going to be hooked and stay hooked. Because the pens the bait will not run true and if a powerful
hook can spin freely on the swivel, its almost fish is hooked, the split ring can actually fail and
impossible for a thrashing fish to gain leverage the fish escape.
and tear the hook free. Replacing the split ring with a Dual Lock
The other feature of a Siwash that makes snap gives the crankbait great freedom of move-
these deadly hooks is the long needle point pen- ment and virtually guarantees the hardware will
etrates easily with less pressure than traditional not fail at the moment of truth. Some anglers go a This pink salmon caught in Alaska fell to
treble hooks. Even fish that bite light or halfheart- step further and tie a snap to their fishing line and a common rigging method known as plug
edly find themselves stuck solidly when Siwash attach their lures using a snap to a snap. wrapping that uses stretchy thread to at-
hooks are used. The size 2/0 and 3/0 are the most I like to fish a snap to a snap on high action tach a thin piece of herring or anchovy meat
commonly used Siwash hooks on popular crank- wobbling plugs, says trout fishing legend and onto the belly of wobbling plugs. Deadly
baits. lure designer Buzz Ramsey. Lures like the Mag effective, this presentation works just as
Lip or Flat Fish that have wide hunting actions well here in the Great Lakes on trout and
actually get livelier when they are fished with salmon, but only a handful of anglers have
the factory supplied snap on the pull point and a discovered this practice. Author photos
second snap on the fishing line. The skip beat
or hunting action these plugs are known for is and tobacco not to mention the L serine oil that is
enhanced by using this simple rigging option. in our skin and proven repulsive to fish.
Using a Dual Lock snap in place of a split The best way to get the most from any fishing
ring works on just about every crankbait on the scent product is to first clean your lures with a
market regardless of brand, size, body style or non-scented soap to eliminate unnatural odors.
action type. For most lures a size No. 2 or 3 snap Washing lures before applying scent and fishing
is perfect for the job. them is a common sight among anglers on the
Inline Swivels west coast, but something youll almost never see
in other parts of the country.
When most anglers are fishing something Pro Cures Bad Azz Hand and Lure Soap is
that spins in the water like an inline spinner or designed especially for the purpose of cleaning
crawler harness, they tie a swivel to the end of an anglers hands and lures prior to applying
the line and attach the lure directly to the swivel. fishing scent. This soap is also unique in that it
Another even more stealthy option is to add a is designed to be used without water much like
small barrel or ball bearing swivel inline about hand sanitizer products.
12 to 24 inches in front of the lure. This rigging Clean lures can in turn be treated with a host
method eliminates line twist and eliminates extra of fish attracting scent products. Honestly, its
hardware at the business end of spinner presen- comical to watch the expression on a fishermans
tations. Effective for both casting and trolling face when we explain to them we clean our lures
applications, this rigging method is especially before applying fishing scent. As crazy as this
useful when fishing in exceptionally clear waters. process may seem to those who have not tried it,
I can assure you that Jake and I were just as skep-
Slather With Scent tical until we witnessed this process first hand.
Its a scientific fact that most species of fish These days we wash every bait before using it
have super acute senses of smell. Trout and and wash them again after using them to remove
salmon can detect scent in the water diluted as scent residue before storing them. It takes a few
much as parts-per-billion! That kind of sniffer extra minutes to follow this routine, but we are
would put a blood hound to shame! convinced the effort pays off in more bites.
Adding a little fish attracting scent to hard
baits, soft plastics, cut bait and even live bait can
Summing It Up
and does put bonus fish in the boat. For decades Jake and I are lucky guys. Creating the Fish-
anglers preached that scent products work best ing 411 TV series has provided us the luxury
in cold water conditions. These days we have of traveling and fishing for our favorite species
Look closely at this plug. The tail treble has learned that scent products are effective in both from coast to coast. Along the way we have been
been switched out for a wide bend style warm and cold water fishing situations. exposed to fishing tactics and trends that the aver-
hook that does a better job of hooking and One of the things that anglers have not fully age angler will never experience.
landing powerful fish like this steelhead. realized about fishing scent is how important it is Anglers as a group are an interesting lot and
Look even closer and youll notice the to apply scent to clean lures that are not contami- most of these guys and gals graciously share
tail hook is attached using two split rings nated with foreign odors. A fishermans tackle their fishing secrets. Watching and learning from
instead of one. This rigging option gives the selection comes in contact with a lot of odors that how anglers abroad do things has helped make
hook more freedom to rotate and prevents dont help us catch fish including suntan lotion, us better fisherman right here in the Great Lakes
fish from rolling and tearing the hook free. bug spray, hand lotion, gasoline, fish blood, slime State.n
WNW NEWS SEPTEMBER 2017 29
From CALLING WHITETAILS: Methods, Myths and MagicBy Gary Sefton
MILFORD RD.
US 23
8 miles East of US 23
8 miles West of Airport Road
I
ve witnessed some crazy needlessly dulling your knife by Extend the cut down to the belly of the fish and cut the bottom
scenes while cleaning trying to remove the head and edge of the fillet free.
panfish in the fish cleaning tail from the fish. With a little
sheds of various practice, you will find
campgrounds. that a mess of panfish
Some people can be cleaned quite
whack the heads and tails easily and with very
off their fish with a power- little mess.
ful swing of a machete or I use two knives for
meat cleaver. Others attack filleting panfish; one with a
their catch with a loud, thin, pointed, 3 inch blade,
electric device that resem- and a regular fillet knife
bles a saws-all. Ive even with a long, flexible blade.
seen people don
safety goggles By Darryl Quidort The short blade
can be easily
before driving controlled and
everyone from the shed to escape
fish scales flying in all directions
is used for cleanly peeling the
meat from the skeleton. The
PHOTO 4
from a whirring electric gizmo. fillet knife is used only for Next, push the knife through behind the rib cage, just above the
Yikes! Filleting panfish doesnt need freeing the meat from the skin. spine and just above the internal spines of the bottom fin. This
to be an extreme sport. Keep your knives sharp. A sharp also cuts the bottom fin free.
The following procedure will knife cuts easily and safely. A dull
yield two boneless fillets from each knife tears the meat and makes the
fish without gutting, scaling, or job more difficult.
PHOTO 5
Keep the knife tight to the spine as you cut down to the tail. Dont
PHOTO 1 cut through the skin at the tail.
Lay the fish on a flat surface with the belly away from you. The
first cut is made along the dorsal fin. Cut down to the rib cage by
following the internal spines of the fin.
PHOTO 6
With the fillet cut loose all the way around, its now time to care-
fully peel the meat down over the ribs, without cutting through
PHOTO 2 the rib bones. Peel the meat back with your thumb as you follow
the ribs closely with the knife. You will feel the blade cut through
Poke the knife in, just behind the gill cover, and cut around the a small row of tiny bones located on the ribs. Dont worry about
skull to free the meat above the head. This is the thickest meat of it. Those soft, tiny bones will completely dissolve when the meat
the fillet, so be sure to salvage it. is cooked.
Fillets page 34
32 SEPTEMBER 2017 WNW NEWS
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THE ONLY CROSSBOW IN ITS CLASS WITH THE ACUDRAW y efforts to video The does fawning territory is a
THE COCKING DEVICE THAT REVOLUTIONIZED tape the first thick patch of brush that is perfect
year in the life of for raising fawns, even white ones
THE CROSSBOW INDUSTRY an albino buck that dont blend into their environ-
abruptly ended ment. The brush is so dense, fawns
on June 18 when can easily hide and remain out of
the white deer was killed by an un- sight. Since the patch of brush is
known motorist as it attempted to within the city limits, the number
Now compatible cross a city street in Mar- of predators is minimized.
with all Wicked quette that it had safely The problem is that
Ridge Crossbows. crossed hundreds of times patch of brush is surround-
previously. The albino ed by city streets. Since
buck and his normally the speed limit is 25 miles
330 colored brother had only
been separated from their
per hour on those streets,
the threat to deer crossing
FEET-PER-SECOND
mother for several weeks streets to and from that
165 when the white deer was patch of brush is reduced,
LB. DRAW WEIGHT killed. The but not elimi-
97
buck was
barely a year By Richard P. Smith nated. Some
drivers dont
FP KINETIC ENERGY
old when his follow the
6.6 life ended.
The young doe that was their
speed limits.
Im convinced the driver of the
LB. BOW WEIGHT
mother gave birth to the twin vehicle that killed the yearling al-
bucks during late May or early bino buck during June was speed-
June of 2016 not far from where ing, and thats why they didnt
I live on the north side of Mar- report the accident. They may have
quette. Those fawns resulted from also been impaired.
the does second pregnancy. She The mother of the albinos is
had a single fawn in the same area apparently careful when crossing
the year before that was also an roads because she has avoided
albino buck. collisions so far. Its too bad she
The does first white fawn was didnt pass that trait on to her
GET YOURS NOW OR FIND YOUR also struck by a vehicle while at- offspring. Since that doe has
LOCAL WICKED RIDGE DEALER AT tempting to cross a city street. That produced albino fawns two years
button buck only made it until De- in a row, she obviously has genet-
WICKEDRIDGECROSSBOWS.COM
cember before being hit. Although ics favoring albinism. The buck(s)
PROUDLY MADE IN THE U.S.A.
that albino was not killed in the that have bred her during the fall
collision, it was seriously hurt and of 2014 and 2015 also apparently
its injuries led to its death. have albino genetics.
36 SEPTEMBER 2017 WNW NEWS
NEW FOR
(Left)The albino buck feeding next to his brother. (Above) The albino buck
crossing a city street, with traffic stopped. Unfor tunately, a motorist killed
the deer as it attempted to cross a street on June 18. Author photos
Genetics favoring albinism is deer as the family crossed a road
more common among whitetails in in front of them or grazed in one of
Marquette than many other areas. the openings along those streets.
Those genetics can be traced back The doe spent most of the
to an albino buck that was part of summer with her twin buck fawns
a captive herd at Presque Isle Park in that thick patch of brush. As the
for many years. That white buck fawns got older and more mobile,
passed his genes on to the does however, they moved around
within that herd. more, sometimes leaving their
When excess deer from that home turf for days at a time. Im
deer pen were released in the sure that was the does way of in-
park, both before and after the troducing her fawns to new areas.
fence was removed, those genet- I also noticed that the doe
ics spread throughout the city. didnt always have both fawns
One of the normally colored does with her. On occasion, she would
released from that pen gave birth just have the albino with her or
to extremely rare twin albino simply his brother. The missing
bucks during 1992. I was fortunate fawn would show up anywhere
OUT-OF-THE-BOX, THE ECLIPSE WAS THE MOST ACCURATE CROSSBOW
enough to photograph those twin from a half hour to a day later. Ive
IVE SHOT AND THE EASIEST TO COCK. I KNEW IT WOULD BE THE PERFECT
white bucks and document their seen the same thing among other
HUNTING WEAPON...IT WILL GO DOWN AS ONE OF TENPOINTS BEST!
first sets of antlers. does with twin fawns, so its obvi-
One of the brothers grew ously not unusual for older fawns CUSTOMER REVIEW
forked antlers and the other had to become separated from their
5 points. Those bucks dispersed mothers.
from Presque Isle to the west and Its actually common for does
ended up spreading their genet- to be separated from their fawns
ics to that part of the city. Even for hours at a time even when they
though albinos were protected at are young. As fawns age and be-
the time, the 5-pointer disappeared come more independent, it makes UP TO
after growing his first set of ant- sense that a does offspring would 370 FPS
lers. A vehicle may have hit him, be on their own at various times.
but I suspect he was poached. After the leaves fell during the UP TO
The forkhorn grew a respect- fall, that patch of brush where the 116 FP KE
able set of 9-point antlers as a 2 doe and fawns had been spending
-year-old and played an even most of their time didnt provide 140 LB DRAW WEIGHT
more active role during the rut. as much security cover, so the 6.9 LB BOW WEIGHT
The 9-pointer disappeared that fall. threesome moved around more
At the time, I didnt realize how often to different areas. When win- 13.5 IN AXLE-TO-AXLE
lucky I was to be able to not only ter arrived, they spent part of the
follow the twin albinos throughout snow season at Presque Isle Park.
their first year of life, but to also They moved back to their
monitor one of the white bucks for summer range by spring. Then the
two years. bucks separated from their mother
Although the streets around the as she was preparing to have
patch of brush where the doe has fawns again during early June.
given birth to albino fawns the last The albino buck and his brother
two years increases the vulnerabil- were in the process of growing
ity of those deer to road kill, the their first sets of antlers when
small size of their refuge made it the white deer was killed. I was PROUDLY MADE IN THE U.S.A.
easier to monitor those whitetails. anxious to see what type of antlers GET YOURS NOW OR FIND YOUR LOCAL TENPOINT DEALER AT:
It also made the white deer more the albino buck would grow for TENPOINTCROSSBOWS.COM
visible to motorists. Many motor- his first set. Now that wont be
ists were thrilled to see the white possible.n
WNW NEWS SEPTEMBER 2017 37
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wildlife and people. Sandy Franz agement. The other forests dont, like camping, fishing and wildlife
says Brian Mastenbrook, Michigan viewing.
hile admit- Country Advisory Council. DNR Field Operations Manager out Franz mentions another thing
ting he might What is it, exactly, thats so spe- of the Gaylord office. He also serves that makes PRC special is, we are
be just a bit cial about the PRC? as the Wildlife Habitat Biologist for the only state forest with a vehicle
biased, Scott In 1918, several elk were rein- the PRC. access plan. Current rules outlaw
Whitcomb troduced there from Yellowstone This Concept of Management the use of off-road vehicles (ORVs)
adds, National Park. Its the small- is a 42-page document initially ad- on anything except the main roads
Weve made it a unique est of all of Michigans state opted in 1973 and amended in 1983 that run through the forest.
area. forests at approximately and 2007. It includes a mandate that Whitcomb explains, We man-
Hes talking about the 106,000 acres. Its roughly the PRC be actively managed as a age it for quiet recreation. Horse-
Pigeon River Country State 25 miles long and 12 miles wildlife forest: It will be the policy back riders like it because they can
Forest (PRC) near Vander- wide. Carved out of the of the Department of Natural Re- see elk. It stays quiet.
bilt, Michigan. He might corners of four state forests sources to manage the Pigeon River In the 1920s, conservationist
be biased because he is the Black Lake, Pigeon River, Country to protect and maintain P.S. Lovejoy, whom the DNR calls
DNRs Unit Manager there. Thunder Bay and Hardwood the natural beauty of its forests and the primary architect of Michigans
Franz is a member it was dedicated
By Tom Carney
waters, and to sustain a healthy elk Conservation Department, led the
of the Pigeon River in December 1973. herd, fish, and wildlife populations. effort to enlarge the state holdings
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44 SEPTEMBER 2017 WNW NEWS
of land in this area. He saw the need
to preserve what he called the Big
Wild. Arguably, the efforts current-
ly underway in the PRC are direct
descendants of his plans, dreams,
and influence. And while many
efforts have been made to keep the
PRC as wild as possible, Franz says
the DNR does not refer to the area
as wilderness but as a working
forest.
Be that as it might, though, she
adds, When you are out here, your
cell phone does not work. Your GPS
doesnt work. You need to use a map
and compass to know where you
are.
If things go according to plans,
in about a month the PRC will be
special for even more reasons. PRC Headquar ters: In many ways and for many people, the Pigeon River Country State Forest is a spe-
Thats when the Pigeon River cial place for creating special memories. Tailfeather Communications, LLC photos
Country State Forest has scheduled
the opening of its Discovery Center. architecture in Michigan. Another for about 70 years primarily as resi- In 2016, when Franz, Rudi Edel,
Part interpretive center, part historian called the structure the dences for foresters and unit chiefs and the first of the eventual 147
classroom, part living history ultimate artifact. of the PRC. The beautiful wood volunteers who have worked on
display, the center is also special The building, located just behind craftsmanship on the interior was this project showed up, they were
because its housed in whats been the log cabin visitor center (also so perfect that, according to legend, greeted with holes in the ceilings, 31
called one of the best examples unique among state forests, accord- Lovejoy called the CCC guys back roof leaks and double-hung win-
of and best preserved examples of ing to Whitcomb) was built in the in to add some axe marks to scuff up
CCC (Civilian Conservation Corps) early 1930s by the CCC and used the beams a little. Pigeon River Country 46
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WNW NEWS SEPTEMBER 2017 47
Michigan DNR Shorts
Conservation officer recruits begin rigorous journey
T
wenty-five candidates will try standards are high and the school is
to make the grade as Michi- physically, mentally and emotion-
gan Department of Natural ally demanding. While we hope all
Resources conservation officers at of our candidates are successful,
the 8th Conservation Officer Recruit we know the challenges involved
School, which got under way July might prevent some from complet-
16, in Lansing. ing this training. But those who
Recruits face 23 weeks of inten- do will earn the right to join the
sive training that taxes their bodies, ranks of an elite team that is dedi-
minds and spirits. This years class cated to protecting and serving
is composed of 18 men and seven Michigan.
women. Four candidates are from DNR conservation officers serve
the Upper Peninsula, 18 are from a distinct role in Michigans law en-
the Lower Peninsula and three are forcement community. They are cer-
from out of state. tified peace officers with authority to
The DNR will provide weekly enforce all of Michigans laws. As
blogs that offer a closer look at life conservation officers, they also have
in this years Conservation Officer unique training in a variety of areas
Recruit School. The blogs highlight related to the protection of Michi-
weekly training events and challeng- gans residents, the environment and
es. You can subscribe to the blogs, our natural resources. Conservation
which also will be posted on the ing career protecting Michigans enforcement, report writing, alcohol officers often are first to respond in
Michigan DNR Facebook page. natural resources and the people enforcement and computer use. situations such as medical emergen-
These men and women have who enjoy them. But it all starts at Recruits who complete the cies, missing persons and public
the chance to be part of something Recruit School. academy will graduate Dec. 21 and safety threats.
special, but they have to earn it, Recruits had to pass a stringent then spend an additional 20 weeks The DNR Law Enforcement
said Gary Hagler, chief of DNRs screening process that included a training throughout the state before Division is recruiting for future
Law Enforcement Division. Any- physical fitness test, a background being assigned to one of Michigans academies. For more information,
one who wears the green and gray investigation and two hiring in- 83 counties. contact Sgt. John Meka at mekaj@
uniform of a Michigan conservation terviews. While at the academy, The DNR has some of the michigan.gov or 517-284-6499. To
officer must carry on our 130-year recruits will be trained in skills such countrys most challenging and learn more about the hiring pro-
tradition of service and excellence. as firearms, survival tactics, vehicle comprehensive law enforcement cess and the role of a conservation
Those who have what it takes can operations, water safety, first aid, training, said Sgt. Jason Wicklund, officer, visit www.michigan.gov/
look forward to an exciting, reward- criminal law, fish and game law and Recruit School commander. Our conservationofficers.n
V i s i t o u r b o ot h at t h e
W o o d s -N-W at e r N e ws O u t d o o r W e e k e n d FREE SHIPPING PROMO CODE: WNWMAG
48 SEPTEMBER 2017 WNW NEWS
DNR accepting pre-proposals: $1.25 million in funding
available for aquatic habitat improvement grants
T
he Michigan Department of aquatic communities that provide for grant amounts will be set at $25,000 no later than Aug. 28. Applicants
Natural Resources announced continuing recreation opportunities with the maximum amount being the will be notified of the outcome of
it is seeking pre-proposals for and natural resource-based econo- amount of funds available for the their pre-proposal by Sept. 29 and, if
the next round of funding for the mies; and development of strong grant cycle. Smaller projects within successful, will be invited to submit
Aquatic Habitat Grant Program. This relationships, partnerships and new the same watershed addressing a full application. An invitation to
program is focused on funding proj- expertise with respect to aquatic similar issues and system processes submit a full application does not
ects that either protect intact aquatic habitat protection and recovery. can be bundled into a single grant guarantee project funding.
habitat or rehabilitate degraded Projects can address issues on rivers, proposal package in order to reach This grant program is funded by
aquatic habitat. lakes or the Great Lakes. minimum grant amount require- revenues from fishing and hunting
There is $1.25 million available Funding is available to local, ments, if necessary. license fees. The detailed program
for this years program. Funded state, federal and tribal governments All applicants must complete and handbook (including timeline) and
projects will emphasize the rehabili- and nonprofit groups, for single- and submit a three-page pre-proposal for pre-proposal guidelines and forms
tation of degraded aquatic resources; multiple-year projects through an review by the DNRs Fisheries Divi- are available at michigan.gov/dnr-
development of self-sustaining open competitive process. Minimum sion. Pre-proposals must be emailed grants.n
CROSSBOWS
years old.
Enrollment is limited to 10
participants.
The deadline for registration is
THE BEST
Sept. 1.
This will be a rain, shine or
CROSSBOW READY TO HUNT KIT
snow event. AT ENTRY LEVEL PRICING
Cost for the workshop is $125, 3 - 20 PileDriver Bolts, 3 - 100gr Field Points, Quick Detach
which includes two nights lodging.
Participants will stay in two-
$299.99 Quiver, Rope Cocker, Rail Lube, Deluxe 4x32 Scope with
6-Reticle Crosshair, Foot Conforming Step-Through Stirrup
bed and eight-bed cabins. - ALUMINUM RAIL
The workshop cost may be
- LIGHTWEIGHT COMPACT DESIGN
paid online at www.michigan.gov/
estore. - ADJUSTABLE BUTT STOCK
Those planning to fish, will - MULTI POSITION FOREGRIP
need to purchase an all-species fish- ( WITH 9 .5 PICATINNY RAIL)
ing license from the DNR or license - DURABLE COMPRESSION MOLDED LIMBS
dealer before the workshop.
- ANTI DRY-FIRE TECHNOLOGY
An annual all-species fish-
ing license costs $26, or a 24-hour - BLACK OR ALL CAMO AVAILABLE
license may be purchased for $10.
- 3.5 LB. TRIGGER
Workshop information and
registration materials are available
online at www.michigan.gov/bow.
For additional information, con- www.carbonexpresscrossbow.com
tact Sharon Pitz at 906-228-6561 or W A RNING! To avoi d se r i ous i nj ur y and l e ar n about saf e hunt i ng t e chni que s, use r s must r e at he i nst r uct i ons and w at ch t he vi de os at w w w .saf e ar r ow .com pr i or t o shoot i ng any cr ossbow bol t .
email at pitzs@michigan.gov.n
WNW NEWS SEPTEMBER 2017 49
Traditional Black Powder Hunting
The Northwest
gun remained still
By Dennis Neely
D
awns soft light ing view of the surrounding hills
caressed each oak, and knobs. The still-hunt progressed
hickory and maple. tree-to-tree to avoid detection, and
Damp, supple leaves with patience, the woodland tenant
whispered beneath disappeared within the fortifications
center-seamed moc- thin palisades.
casins, then hushed at a still-hunts The air smelled ancient. Now
pause. A small twig broke under the and again, a whiff of damp-dog
left buffalo-hide sole. Thirty or so wet oak, pungent mold or a hint of
paces distant a fallen red oak top of- the raccoon leavings that littered
fered sanctuary for a returned white the limbs splintered butt teased A downed oak tree in the middle of a cornfield affords great pro-
captive who spent his youth tutored the nose. Long before, in the dark, tection for hunting wild Canada geese. Abiding by proper shooting
in the ways of the Ojibwe hunters. at the first bend in the wagon trail, hours, a smoothbore loaded with non-toxic shot, and possessing
The upper branches of that the linen-and-leather-clad time the correct licenses and stamps are all par t of balancing what is
tangled hulk still bore summer travelers moccasins crept through
leaves, curled, brown and brittle. eternitys portal and entered the Year
with what was. Wild River tree photos
The wreckage rested downwind in a of our Lord, 1796. tant, an ear flicked. The Northwest deerskin shot pouch and retrieved
tiny valley, providing a command- To the north, sixty paces dis- gun that lay across the hunters a single wing bone. A steady drag
ribbon-adorned, blue-wool leggins on the oval end sent a soft, pitiful
remained still. A large doe, ears Arrkkk in response. The glade
forward, black eyes taking measure, grew silent, save for the chipping
walked slow along an earthen trail. sparrows, a couple of crimson car-
She descended the hill, crossed the dinals and a blue jay that lingered
valley and angled up the rise with a high in a shag-bark hickory.
4199 D. Drive South, East Leroy, MI 49051 cautious determination to be some- Radiant, creamy-white tines
269.979.4331 where else on that pleasant mid- bobbed up where the ears first
www.bearcreekballistics.com October morn. This forest matron twitched, then dropped out of sight.
passed a witch hazel that grew In a passel of seconds the bucks
thirty-five paces from the downed head, neck and shoulders crested the
oak top, unaware that death lurked hill as it sniffed along in the sleek
so near. does path. The eight-point crown
Over the west hill, out in the stretched to the tip of the stags ears.
Visit our booth at the River Raisins tangled bottomland, Heavy-muscled legs moved along
Woods-N-Water News Outdoor Weekend big wings flapped. Others followed. the trail at a slower pace than the
September 8th, 9th & 10th A few minutes later, a raspy- doe. The Northwest gun remained
mouthed hen turkey sounded her still.
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customer specifications. Bare fingers slipped within the front of the witch hazel. His head
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50 SEPTEMBER 2017 WNW NEWS
jerked up, and he gazed off to the manner true to the hunts described
west, concentrating on the flat- by many 18th-century woodsmen,
topped hill that was in line with there is little doubt Msko-waagosh
the wild turkeys call. Hip muscles should have pulled the shot charge,
flexed, then relaxed. Satisfied, he loaded a round ball and taken aim at
returned to tracking the large doe, the doe. That course of action would
unaware that death lurked so near. be period-correct and consistent
After the last glimpse of that fine with the lifestyle most traditional
buck, another lost-sounding arrkk black powder hunters strive to re-
resonated through the valley from create. But an unavoidable prob-
the leafy lair. Ten minutes later, a lem exists that all living historians
solitary gray head popped above must deal with, and that is trying to
the far hills crest. Others followed. re-create a true-to-life 1796 circum-
Then one-by-one beaks turned to the stance on a 21st-century stage.
south and vanished. Hips skootched In reality, the modern world
left. With the prime checked, the comes with its own set of rules,
Northwest guns muzzle nestled into regulations and ethical standards.
an opening in the leaves. A clean Daniel Boone argued for hunting
kill, or a clean miss. Your will, O ordinances in the late 18th-century,
Lord, Msko-waagosh whispered because he saw and disliked the
John Tanner, the Falcon, would wanton waste of the hide hunters.
have been upset with Msko-waa- Today, game laws are extensive and
gosh, the Red Fox. My alter ego sometimes very complicated to fol- Little details can have severe consequences, like the amount of
imagined the chastisements, first, at lowand at times, make no allow- white a traditional hunter includes in his or her wardrobe and the
not shooting a large doe, and sec- ance for the traditional woodsman. time of year light colors are worn. To some modern hunters, white
ond, when the buck stopped broad- Accepted conservation practices, or similar light colors of any sor t indicate the presence of a white-
side in front of the witch hazel. Tan- mechanical land management tech- tailed deer.
ners narrative offers many instances niques and environmental restric-
of the feast or famine lifestyle of the tions all impact the simulation of Wherever possible, game laws and ing and accoutrements associated
Ojibwe. He writes: yesteryear. other such regulations are dealt with with a given backcountry character
As I was one day going to look Plus, in the midst of a history- prior to venturing back to the chosen
at my traps, I found some ducks based scenario, planes fly overhead, time period. In addition, the cloth- The Northwest gun page 52
in a pond, and taking the ball out back-up alarms beep in the neigh-
of my gun, I put in some shot, and boring village, and semi-automatic
began to creep up to them. As I was shotguns boom away. Shiny birth-
crawling cautiously through the day balloons get tangled on iron-
bushes, a bear started up near me, wood bushes, discarded pop cans
and ran into a white pine tree almost sprout up along trails, fences dice
over my head. I hastily threw a ball up once-open land and trespassers
into my gun and fired; but the gun wander over times threshold with
burst about midway of the barrel, disturbing regularity.
and all the upper half of it was car- Despite the clash of centuries,
ried away. The bear was apparently living historians plod on with their
untouched, but he ran up higher into passionate quest to experience the
the tree. I loaded what was left of texture of life in a bygone era. The
my gun, and taking aim the second potential danger or disruptive nature
time, brought him to the ground. of each intrusion is weighed and
(Tanner, John, The Falcon: A Narra- measured, and an appropriate com-
tive of the Captivity and Adventures promise is formulated and applied to
of John Tanner, Penguin Books, the situation.
New York, NY, 1994, pg. 60). The application of measured
In light of this passage and in a compromise takes many forms.
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plastic quart oil bottle, stages in Police Pistol ten tired and my concentration could much and the spring weeks here
left in a sandpit, from Combat matches. have been better. The ammunition consisted of three days of rain, fol-
about 60 yards with These were mostly was from a box of my reloads that lowed by two days of rain, followed
the M49. It took me seven shots to for police, although I competed in a had turned up after I thought theyd by two days of showers.
get the range, but some of the miss- few in Escanaba and Negaunee back all been fired. They could have been Ive known for years that I can
es were close and would have hit a in the 1990s. I didnt have the M15 made with a different powder than hit at 25 and 50 yards with snub-
larger target. With other snubnoses then but it would have been fun to the last ones I shot in the M15, or noses. Ive also known, and just
I shot silhouette targets at 25 and 50 shoot one of those matches with it. the M649. Next time Ill use a six proved again, that if you want to hit
yards and got hits. My son, Ethan, once used the oclock hold, or adjust the sights on well at distance with small hand-
The statement in the novel M15 and my reloads to shoot at a the M15. guns, practicing is important. The
bothered me enough that I decided, silhouette target at 100 yards. His Another thing that could have more often, the better.n
once winter ended, and the ranges
opened, to shoot snubs at 25 yards
again. At the range, I decided to try
some of the short guns at 50 yards,
too.
I brought a six-shot Charter
Arms Pathfinder .22 three-inch, a
S&W M649 with a one and seven
eighths inch barrel, and a S&W M15
with a true two inch barrel. The
Pathfinder has adjustable sights and
orange paint on the front sight blade.
The M649 is the stainless version of
the M49 and has the same two-inch
barrel, and fixed sights. The S&W
M15 is a six-shot K-frame revolver
with Pachmayr rubber grips, adjust-
able sights and a two-inch barrel. It
Even the
Shop, Save and Shoot a Round on Us!!!
also has orange paint on the blade
front sight. The older I get the more
guns I have with orange front sights.
I should paint the front sight on the
best turkey
hunters appreciate
One FREE round One FREE day
M649 but havent done so yet. The
color helps my older eyes pick up
the front blade.
less recoil and
I put targets up at 25 and 50
yards and started with the Charter
muzzle jump!
on 3-D Outdoor on the
Arms .22. Shooting from standing
with a two hand hold, double-action,
I got five on the target out of six.
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With the M649 I got four out
of five on the target. They were all
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www.magnaport.com WNW NEWS SEPTEMBER 2017 53
Past, Present and Future...
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all about hunting dogs and how to
B D
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shoot. They were great gentlemen
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E
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I also can remember when
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remember when schools didnt close
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Because the pheasants I hunted
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of habitat that allowed them to sur-
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WNW NEWS SEPTEMBER 2017 55
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WNW NEWS SEPTEMBER 2017 57
www.randyhuntingcenter.com
By Bob Gwizdz, MDNR
T
hey have been vili-
fied since the earliest
of Bible tales, and
their overall reputa-
tion hasnt improved
markedly since. But
there are plenty of people who have
more respect for snakes especially
those species not well-regarded.
In fact, Michigan has become an
important laboratory for the study
and preservation of one of them, the
eastern massasauga rattlesnake, the Massasauga rattlesnakes are found in wetland areas in Michigan. The species has been recorded in
only venomous viper that inhabits every county of the Lower Peninsula and only Mackinac County in the Upper Peninsula.
the state.
Massasauga rattlesnakes were great river mouth in the Ojibwe motion or odor. They inject venom gan, though more common than in
listed as a federally threatened spe- language and was likely given to that destroys tissue and incapacitates most other parts of their range,
cies under the Endangered Species these snakes because of the places the prey. said Tom Goniea, a fisheries bi-
Act in 2016 and are thereby pro- the pit vipers are found. They Eastern massauagas range from ologist and herptile expert with the
tected animals. inhabit wetlands and feed upon southern Ontario to Missouri and Michigan Department of Natural
By rattlesnake standards, mas- small mammals such as mice and from central New York to eastern Resources. There are records of
sasauga rattlers are small, averaging voles, frogs, and other snakes. They Iowa. There are a couple of subspe- their existence in every county of
about 2 feet long as adults, reaching are ambush predators, remaining cies found in the American south- the Lower Peninsula.
a maximum of about 30 inches. motionless and striking when they west and into Mexico. Theyve never been found on
The term massasauga means detect prey through heat, sound, Massasaugas are rare in Michi- the mainland of the Upper Penin-
sula, though they have been found
on Bois Blanc Island, which is in
Mackinac County, Goniea said.
Like all reptiles and amphibians,
they were once more widespread
and numerous throughout the state
than they are today.
Habitat destruction and persecu-
tion have led to their decline.
Theyre really rare; very few
people will ever encounter these
animals in the wild, Goniea said.
Theyre pretty docile, not a particu-
larly aggressive animal. In my 14
years as herptile specialist with the
DNR Fisheries Division, Ive aver-
aged being notified of less than one
bite a year.
Rattlesnake bites, while rare in
Michigan, can and do occur. Many
bites are the result of people han-
dling them, though people walk-
267 Gun Giveaway ing though tall grass in rattlesnake
5 guns will be raffled every Wednesday habitat near and around wetlands
PLUS a bonus Twelve Guns of Christmas without adequate footwear or long
drawing Wednesday Dec. 19. pants could potentially be bitten.
Snakebites are less likely to
Your purchase of a $50 calendar occur when following some basic
means you are entered in each safety precautions (find out more at
weekly drawing. http://mnfi.anr.msu.edu/emr/safety.
Must be 18 years of age to enter. Michigan Lottery License number C28069 cfm). Anyone who has been bitten
should seek immediate medical at-
Contact Deb Gray (734) 623-2000 for more information and to enter www.miducalendar.org tention.
58 SEPTEMBER 2017 WNW NEWS
9/17/18,20,22 - MI
They can only strike about one- more than 800 individual massasau-
third to one-half their body length, gas on the property, with a stable
which for a typical Michigan rattle- population of about 150 adults.
snake is 8 to 15 inches, so a person Specimens are collected, aged,
has to get really close to be in any sexed, measured, weighed and
danger, Goniea said. They are not photographed. Adults are implanted
going to lunge out and bite you from with PIT (passive integrated tran-
several feet away. sponder) tags and all are returned
There are no records of fatalities to where they were found. The tags
in Michigan since the post-World identify the snakes individually.
War II era that Goniea knows about. Penny Felski, herptile manager
Other snakes are often misidentified at the Buffalo Zoo and a member of
as massasaugas. the Special Survival Plan team, has
Probably 95 percent of the calls been on every survey at the Lowe
we get from people who are sure property since they started.
they have a massasauga are verified The Buffalo Zoo has been working
with pictures as something else, with this species since the 1960s,
Goniea said. but our first successful breeding
Much of the focus of massa- was in 2012, Felski said. It took a
sauga rattlesnake study in Michigan while to figure out the husbandry.
is at the Edward Lowe Foundation Essentially, when potential
property in Cass County, where a mates are selected, the snakes are
viable population of the creatures introduced in the fall and kept
inhabit the wetlands. Mike Mc- together until breeding has been wit-
Cuistion, vice president of physical nessed. Young are born live the next
resources at the foundation in Cass summer. The female at the Buffalo
County, said staffers have found Zoo has produced 13 offspring over
dead rattlesnakes on the roads of the years. All are now at other zoos.
the property over the years, and Eric Hileman, who recently
because conservation is part of the earned his doctorate degree from Tom Goniea, a fisheries biologist and herptile exper t with the
foundations charter, the foundation Northern Illinois University for his
decided to investigate them. work on eastern massasaugas and is
Michigan Depar tment of Natural Resources, holds a massasauga
The foundation engaged a now a quantitative biologist at Trent rattlesnake with a snake stick. MDNR photos
student studying reptiles to survey University in Ontario, said roughly
the area. He found one. Later, a 70 percent of adult massasaugas sur-
graduate students research involved vive annually, but only 38 percent
studying how fire such as con- of newborns (neonates) survive their
trolled burns impacted the snakes. first year.
He used the Lowe property as his I think freezing over the winter
control (non-burned) area, and he is the big problem, Hileman said.
found a number of the rattlesnakes. They dont know how to do it.
That information allowed the foun- Unlike many other rattlesnakes,
dation to conduct controlled burns massasaugas hibernate alone, often
without affecting the snakes. using crayfish burrows for hiber-
We know where the snakes are nacula.
and we know where the hibernacula Hileman said massasaugas have
(hibernation locations) are, McCui- been known to live up to 20 years in
stion said. We can burn when the captivity, which is up to 30 percent
snakes are hibernating. longer than they live in the wild.
The presence of the rattlesnakes For more information on the
inspired the foundation to get threatened status of the massasauga
involved with the snakes Species or for frequently asked questions
Survival Plan. The plan, largely a about the listing, please visit the US
function of zoos and aquariums, is Fish and Wildlife Service massa-
sort of an insurance policy for spe- sauga information page at https://
cies should they ever disappear. www.fws.gov/midwest/Endangered/
Zoos that have massasauga reptiles/eama/index.html
rattlesnakes have been selectively Identification and life history
breeding them for genetic diversity. information, as well as snake safety
These zoos would have a population tips, can be found at the Michigan
of the snakes available. Natural Features Inventory massa-
The Lowe foundation agreed to sauga rattlesnake information page
host the annual meeting of the Spe- http://mnfi.anr.msu.edu/emr/index.
cies Survival Plan nine years ago in cfm.
exchange for the teams cooperation To report sightings and learn
in surveying the grounds annually more about the massasauga, please
for the snakes. visit the Michigan DNRs page on
The nice thing about this popu- the species at http://www.michigan.
lation is that its centrally located gov/dnr/
in massasauga range, McCuistion Learn more by about Michi-
said. gans snake species by watching
Over the course of the last seven our 60-Second Snakes videos at
years, the surveyors have identified https://www.youtube.comn
WNW NEWS SEPTEMBER 2017 59
Five steps to taking trophy bucks
Become a hunter. Be more than just a shooter...By John Sloan
I
t was all wrong. It was Had I not been able to recognize
opening day, 95 degrees, some factors on that hot October 14
with a full moon. All the afternoon, I would not have been in
articles by famous writers that tree on October 15.
said it should be terrible The first factor was a large oak
daytime hunting. To make just raining acorns. Chipped caps, a
it worse, I had never seen the tree sign deer had been feeding, littered
in which I was sitting until 14 hours the ground. The clincher was a big
previously. mudhole filled with rainwater. The
So...when the seventh buck rim was roto-tilled with deer tracks.
walked in range, with an eight- Deer love to play in mudholes,
point rack looking to score 142 and much as do bull elk. I knew in one
change, I shot it. look, this was a deer feeding-play-
I had seen the spot on a scouting ing ground and probably at least one
run the previous afternoon, picked of them a shooter buck.
the tree and quickly hung a stand. Telling you all factors wont
Then I got out of there. Despite all help you a bit. You have to learn
the factors the experts of the day them, and that requires study. Study
claimed to be against me, I had full the animal and the signs it leaves for
confidence I was going to kill a buck you. Learn to see whats there, not
and probably a good one. what you want to see.
STEP #2
Sodont believe all the myths
and misinformation that abound
regarding hunting trophy whitetails. Understand what deer eat,
I do not and never have used when and, sometimes, why. Food
trail cams. I do not have food plots is the catalyst. Without a food
or feeders. I utilize no mineral source, deer will not move,
blocks. That has, without a doubt, they probably wont be in the
made me a better hunter. It has area. Understand and be able to There is far more information to be gained than just, This is a
forced me to study and learn about recognize a preferred food source. rub. It can also be a timetable and a road map.
STEP #3
the animal. That is the food source that is at- that route has cover.
STEP #1
tracting deer right then. It may Study the terrain where you
vanish in a few days or it may What is cover to a deer? A trav- hunt. How would you travel if you
Study the animal. Learn all you simply change. A perfect example eling deer is the vulnerable deer, and were a deer?
can about the animal. Never stop is fruit. In some areas crab apples a deer must have cover to travel in
STEP #5
asking Why? What? How? Why are a preferred food source for a daylight. This is especially true of a
did he do that? Why is the trail short time. Then, maybe white oak mature buck. If he is to move from
there? Why did I not see one? What acorns take over. Know what foods point A to point B, he must have Understand how deer handle
is that? What does that mean? How are preferred in your area, and cover. Can you recognize it? Do you structure. It can be one of the most
did he get there? How to hunt him when. You will have to shift your know when he is going to use it? valuable things you will learn. What
comes later. focus with the food changes. The Remember, to a deer, darkness is is structure? Structure is something
First, learn about the animal. deer certainly will. the best cover. But even the wariest that alters a deers travel. Something
of big bucks will make a mistake they have to deal with as they move
now and then. Understand what from point A to point B. A fence,
cover is to a deernot you. a road, a stream, a house, a field, a
downed tree are all structure.
STEP #4
A deer will walk some distance
to cross a fence at a low point but
How does a deer travel? Sound it prefers to crawl under it at a high
like a stupid question? Believe me, point. They cross roads and streams
it is crucial unless you are sitting in specific places. They avoid hous-
30-yards from a feeder, waiting for es or walking across an open field.
something to walk by. No matter if Cover and terrain dictate travel,
it is the farm land of Iowa, the big structure alters it. You too can alter
woods of Wisconsin or the swamps it. Just think about it.
of Louisiana, a traveling deer must There are only four major fac-
deal with terrain tors that govern everything a deer
Deer hate flat ground. A slight does Food, Cover, Terrain and
variation in elevation is an escape to Structure. Water usually plays a very
a deer. A jump or two and he can be small role. Understand how a deer
out of sight over a ridge or down a regards these factors, learn to rec-
draw. ognize them, see them from a deers
Given sufficient cover, terrain is point of view. In short, study and
the next most important factor to a learn, dont just look at nocturnal
deer. Deer -- as do you, I and water pictures from a camera by a feeder.
One of the most valuable pieces of information you can have is the -- prefer the path of least resistance. Become a hunter. Be more than just
location of a fence crossing and why it is where it is. They take the easiest route, provided a shooter.n
60 SEPTEMBER 2017 WNW NEWS
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WNW NEWS SEPTEMBER 2017 63
Dog Days of summer
HOT SPOTS
Fishermans DigestBy John Bergsma
W
ell if you fabulous bites occurring all over the
really love state. Here are just a few.
the heat, then Lake Gogebic offers the wall-
August is your eye angler a great late summer bite!
kind of month. This is usually a trolling situation so
In spite of the get out the line counter reels. Late The author on the St. Marys River in Sault Ste. Marie.
warm weather there are still some in the summer the Gogebic walleye
will set up in the main basin of the like the results. If youre in need small Yo-Zuris. The trick here is
lake. This predictable pattern makes of tackle or tips, Tim or Sarah at to flat line a rod out of each side of
catching them on crankbaits or Timbers Resort will set you up for a the boat, letting out 50-75 feet of
crawler harnesses a real blast. The great day on the water. line. When trolling upstream you
best way is to first find the marks on St. Marys River in Sault crisscross the current and when go-
the screen and choose your weapon. Ste. Marie offers anglers one of the ing downstream you just go straight
Cranks on lead core or Off Shore most unique fishing experiences in down. Pick out areas that are rela-
snap weights are a great way to get Michigan. This is Salmon Cen- tively shallow and have fast current
down to these suspended fish. tral beginning in mid-August. The to get the best concentrations of fish.
I often choose an assortment of Atlantic salmon begin filling up the The other local favorite way is
small shad imitating baits. Strike river. These fish are without ques- to anchor your boat in front of the
King Lucky Shads and Bonzi Shads tion the craziest fighting fish any- power plant turbines right in town.
along with the trusty #5 shad rap where. Hooking up with an Atlantic You will need a special hook to
or #5 Berkley Flicker shads work is like holding the rope on a bucking hold onto the wall outside these
great. These baits are the perfect bronco. The fishery is quite specific areas. Again, the trick is always
size to entice Gogebic walleye. when it comes to fishing presenta- choosing the turbines that are open
Remember to set the bait three-five tions. Here are two ways that I have and have the fastest water flow.
feet above the fish. Trolling speeds had success. Steel flies below slip bobbers is the
Contrary to repor ts, Lake Michi- are from 1.8 to 2.2 mph. Try this Trolling very small minnow choice of the local fisherman. Once
gan por ts are hot for salmon. program out and I think you will baits like #8 Rapala minnows or you are set, pitch the bobber up into
n B e r g sm a
Joh
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M
y goal in fishing is even cleared the sandbar, there was
mainly to get out the slightest twitch that somehow
and enjoy the awe- conveyed life at the end of the line.
some Michigan I gingerly retrieved a thrashing two-
outdoors rather inch brook trout. This was a startling
than to pursue tro- sight less than half the size of my
phy fish or keep the freezer stocked. previous smallest trout. I quickly
Sure, its fun when I do catch what released the youngster, admiring his
I consider to be a big fish, such as ambition to feed at the top of the
a 3-pound bass or 16-inch stream run.
trout. But I also find that catches of That evening at the fly shop in
little ones are memorable in their town, I mentioned the little trout to
own ways. Here are a few of my the rep as a curiosity. He was very
little fish experiences over the years. interested because this indicated a
healthy stretch of river, as I under-
2 Brook Trout! stood him. When another employee
I couldnt tell you the larg- came out of the back of the shop,
est trout Ive caught thered be the rep called out to him, This guy
several in the running but I clearly caught a two-inch brookie! This is
remember the smallest. It was at a the only time my fishing report has
favorite spot on the Au Sable where caused any excitement in a fly shop!
a side current splits off from the
main stream to detour over a shal- Mini Perch
low sandbar. My approach here is to In the 1970s, a dozen or so of
drift a nymph over the sandbar and us college students backpacked Terrific way to spend a summer afternoon is wet-wading casting poppers
back down into the main stream, into a remote U.P. lake for a week for aggressive smallies in the 6 to 10 inch range
which has produced some decent of camping, swimming, and hik-
fish for me. ing. My brother and I were the only everyone a fresh fish dinner. We en- walleye in this gorgeous water.
This time, before the nymph anglers in the group and promised visioned running into bass, pike, and But unfortunately, the first two
Dedicated to helping
you make lasting
MEMORIES
T
difference! this, a few conclusions were made:
he vault door closed, Hunter noises are heard very
and for the first time well by whitetail.
in my life I Hunter noises travel
understood very far into whitetail
what dead si- habitat.
lence was. The Whitetail hear fre-
sound-proof chamber at the quencies we make that we
University of Toledo made dont even know we made.
it impossible to hear any The main takeaway
sounds from the outside to all this was introduc- Silencing gear with Buck Bumper, a Pro-active essential the author
world, only those coming ing some sound manage-
ment to our arsenal is key uses for consistent success. Author photo
from within were
to improving our
audible. Subtle
background noises By Adam Lewis hunting areas and
hunting success!
coming/going to stands, setting
stands, or in hunting areas for any
takes time, effort, and dedication.
Last summer while vacationing
a human usually reason. It only takes one errant in Colorado, I decided to climb
doesnt notice were gone: the hum The Other Half: what to do noise to tip off a wary whitetail that
about it? Longs peak, a daunting 14er
of a computer, the soft chirp of a theyre being hunted, and when that (hiker slang for a 14,000 foot
bird outside, and it was a bit eerie. Sound Management Key 1 happens the entire area is tainted mountain, and quite an accomplish-
For the next two hours, if an Its a habit! regardless of what other precau- ment to summit) with dangerous
atomic bomb went off out there, Sound management is about tions are being taken (the latest technical sections. The grueling
I wouldnt know it. The micro- managing our gear, movements, and camouflage, scents, scent reduction trek started at 2:30 in the morning
phones were hot, and I set about practices to eliminate any and all systems, and having the best name with several hundred others.
the task of seeing how loud, how noise made while in your hunting brands wont undo this). For three hours we pushed
broad, and just how intrusive area. Weve probably all heard that Many times hunters dont real- through fog and thousands of feet
common hunter noises really are. it takes a month to develop or break ize the pressure put on their stands of elevation change only guided
Crunchy leaves, dry grasses, a habit. If this is true, thats about due to poor sound management, by our meager headlamps.
brush, twigs of all sizes and one third of most hunting seasons and how deer avoid those areas due Numerous times I wondered
varieties, solid and hollow steel, around the country. Honestly, I to this. However, over the last few what on earth I was doing,
aluminum, plastic of all sorts, think it takes several seasons to start years several collared buck studies toiling and sweating there in
and a wide variety of other implementing tactics, and changing show what many have thought: even the dark. As dawn approached,
materials were systematically our thinking to consistently include minimal human intrusion does affect however, and the sun peaked
tested and data recorded. When sound management practices. This deer behavior (Clint McCoys Au- over the mountains revealing
I finally emerged from my time article wont detail every little tip to burn University study; Karns study clouds below and a majestic
capsule, the world was still intact, do this, (if you want some specifics, at Chesapeake Farms to name a landscape as far as eye could see,
and some of the big questions visit our website soundbarrierhunt- few). The main point is taking sound the reward became very clear.
regarding hunter noises were ing.com) but is designed to encour- management seriously separates the Sound management is
well on their way to being age the continual habit of thinking men from the boys, or the very suc- similar, maybe a long climb,
answered. about how to manage and eliminate cessful from the kind-of successful but with a big payoff at the end.
Hunters have always known noises we make. hunters. Over the years Ive been imple-
they should be quiet, but what does Key 1 is simply this: start devel- Second, its not only an activ- menting these strategies Ive seen
that really mean? If you asked a oping the habit of sound manage- ity that very successful hunters take a steady increase in sightings and
hundred different hunters, you ment now, and the solutions will seriously, but sound management success, and in contrast seen others
would get a hundred different start presenting themselves before also takes being proactive. Most that do not implement them see very
answers because these questions that season-ruining, noisy mistake hunters are reactive. They just try mediocre success rates, sporadic
have been left to guesswork over is made in September, October, or to be quiet in the moment and do results, and lots of frustration. Like
the years. However, with some real November. the best they can. To really focus any practice its difficult to quantita-
data on hunter noises and whitetail Sound Management Key 2 on sound management, it needs to tively measure over time, but when
hearing, hunters can now know the It takes Pro-activity be thoroughly thought about and you consistently hold the results
actual impact of noises they make. The pun is intended here, as planned out months before one sets in your hands, its easy to see that
Knowing is half the battle, the other there are two key angles of this foot in the woods. What gear needs sound management is a crucial part
half is what to do about it! point. First, its a pro activity. Pros, to be silenced? How will this be of any serious hunters management
Knowing or lets call them top-level hunters, done? How will stands be hung si- regimen.
The Science In A Nutshell know sound management activities lently? What will be done to ensure Adam Lewis will teach you
After analyzing dozens of these are essential to success and take silent entry/exit routes? These are all the new techniques and tactics of
hunter sounds, a striking story them very seriously. So should you! things that need to be proactively, sound concealment that can take
emerged. At first glance, the graphs The research shows even moderate not reactively decided and acted on your hunting to a new level at the
of these sounds were as varied as the sounds travel great distances and before the big day to reap the ben- Woods-N-Water News Outdoor
items tested. I didnt expect crunch- reach the ear of a whitetail. Unless efits of sound management. Weekend, Sept 8-10 at the Eastern
ing leaves to have the exact fre- we hunt over half a mile from where Sound Management Key 3 Michigan Fairgrounds in Imlay
quency spectrum as steel climbing whitetail bed (and sometimes this Its a long climb! City. His seminars are: Saturday
sticks, but I did see a strong pattern: isnt enough depending on terrain, Like all good things that add 10:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. Sunday
the frequencies where whitetail hear ambient noise, and other factors), great value to life, becoming skilled 2 p.m. For more information
the best matched frequencies where great caution must be taken when at the practice of sound management www.OutdoorWeekend.net.n
68 SEPTEMBER 2017 WNW NEWS
d
31st Annual - Woods-N-Water News
Ou t d o o r W ee k e n
OUTDOOR WEEKEND
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Celebrat i n g O u r O u t d o o r H e r i t a g e !
September 8 - 9 -10 th th th
Friday 5-9 pm, Saturday 9 am-7 pm, Sunday 9 am-5 pm ($8 Admission-Free Parking)
Plus ; Hunting with Hounds by Jim Wale in the grandstands! Seminars: Fri. 6 p.m./Sat. 1:30 and 3:30 p.m./Sun. 1 p.m.
SPECIAL PULL OUT
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Visit the River Raisin traders
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A STEP BACK Award
Winning
IN TIME! Author
Lane Walker
Author of the #1
hunting collections
of books for kids will
be on hand with his
six book collection!
Heres a chance for you to step back in time, see
the way it was on the frontier or during the Civil
War. Our encampments are a journey in education
for young and old alike. From flintknapping,
Something for all outdoor lovers
native lore, primitive skills, edible plants, hide tan-
ning and basket making, to starting your first fire
without matches. Enjoy the popular encamp-
ments with Pat, Joe and Chris Schnur, Diane and
Phil Klimowicz, Ruth Rushlow, Patrice Donnelley,
OUTDOOR WEEKEND
Great
Fun for
the Kids!
(12 & under free)
Climbing
Wall
Paintball
Meet the Outdoor Weekend Mascot...
Exotic
Animals "BUCKY" and get your picture taken!
Educational
exhibits
Michigan Ducks Unlimited
Heritage Church Southeast Ducks Unlimited
Duck Hunters'
Kids' Archery Shoot
Heres an opportunity for youngsters
Calling Contest
A chance to win great prizes
to shoot some arrows under the Hunters Class & Youth Class
supervision of certified archery A fun contest for all ages!
instructors that will assist with proper
techniques and safety procedures!
Contest on Sunday
For more information:
www.ducks.org/michigan
Denny Geurink
Writer, Author, Guide...
Denny has been outfitting in
NATIONAL TRAPPERS ASSOCIATION The National Trappers Association is com-
Russia and the other CIS coun-
tries since 1991 and his clients mitted to defending and promoting the safe
have put 32 bear records in and ethical harvest of furbearing mammals
the books. Denny will have his and to the preservation and enhancement
new book available; "In the of their habitats. Will be providing trapping
Land of the Bears!" information the entire Weekend.
WNW NEWS SEPTEMBER 2017 73
Early Goose Season: The adrenaline rush of huge wings pounding at point blank range...
B-52 HONKERS
W
hen giant five Canada geese. Wrong, dont
Canada geese become entrapped by this new con-
bank for your fusing wording, only three Canada
decoys and geese can be taken in regular season.
lower land- Also, chances of shooting a
ing gear they Brant or white front in Michigan
resemble a huge B-52 stratofortress are rare. In over 45 years of hunting
bomber coming in for landing. state and private marshes, Ive never
Some drop one wing straight down heard of any being killed or record-
causing their body to suddenly ed at DNR check stations. Ive never
swing sideways as they cut their seen either in Michigan and question
speed drastically and cup wings to the likelihood of actually harvesting
land. The thrill of waterfowl hunting such rare east coast or Great Plains
is accelerated as huge birds species. Check the 2017
glide into easy range and Waterfowl Digest for other
you can hear the swoosh of hunting regulations, shoot-
their huge cupped wings. ing hours, hunting zones,
This is certainly the goose management units
case during Michigans ear- and hunting dates. What
ly goose season. This year about you, are you ready
sportsmen can look forward for goose opener?
to opening day on Septem- With fond memories I
ber 1 and the season lasts recall a hunt with my son
By Kenny Darwin
until September Zach and Scott
30. Michigans Goldammer.
liberal early goose Tendrils of fog
hunt allows you to harvest five birds hugged the harvested corn as we set
per day and you can have 15 in pos- out decoys and slipped into position.
session. New this year according to The morning was still, dead calm
the 2017 Waterfowl Hunting digest, with only the occasional bellow
from September 1-30, the dark from the farmers cow. The tempera-
goose aggregate daily bag limit for ture was slightly chilly as we loaded
Canada geese, white-fronted geese guns but we heard no geese, no
and Brant is five, which only one ducks or crow, nothing. Thats when
can be a Brant. After September 30, the unmistakable sound of goose
the daily bag limit is still five, only wings filled the air as a huge flock
three of which can be Canada geese settled into our decoys. I dont know
and one of which can be a Brant. where they came from, but out of
Hunters need to be aware of the the dense fog came thirty or more Scott Goldammer and Zach Darwin happily display the results of an early
new dark goose rules and make cer- birds hell bent on landing on our season hunt that lasted less than 45 minutes. Early season honkers can
tain to not be confused by the daily heads. The close loud raspy sound be easy to decoy and provide fast paced shooting excitement.
bag limits. Some will automatically of wing beats got my attention as
assume the five bird limit listed in the outline of a big goose filled my yards away as my Winchester SX3 kept smiling. We were tagged out,
the digest for October season means sights. The target was less than 15 dropped him like a rock. We began done and out of the field in less than
blasting and soon giant Canada an hour.
geese smacked the earth all around This is an example of the fantas-
with resounding thuds. tic goose hunting available during
Before we reloaded a second early season if you follow some
flock came straight from heaven and simple rules. The trick to fantastic
we repeated our shooting perfor- goose hunting relies on scouting.
mance. Thats when geese began Perhaps the most important variable
talking and for 45 minutes we were to goose success hinges on your
smothered with wild Canada geese ability to locate geese and set up
honking, landing in our face, the in hot spots. Truth is, early season
beating of huge wings seemed to geese are touchy about where they
surround us and it seemed like we go to eat. Sometimes they prefer a
were dead center in the middle of a freshly chopped corn field or chisel
goose feeding convention. Few birds plowed area, more often than not
could see us until they were kissin they like to dine in harvested grain
close and most were close enough fields. Harvested wheat is a given
to pluck from the thick fog with a but sometimes they prefer barley,
slingshot. oats or rye. The trick is to find the
We had harvested our limit. dining zone, the most popular res-
Wow! The hunt suddenly ended--it taurant and set up before daylight in
was short and sweet and when the the exact location.
The author prefers to use full body decoys during the early hunt and he fog cleared I made a big pile for Begin by following flocks from
sets them out in family groups. Har vested grain fields, chopped corn result photos. Scott had a look of area lakes, ponds or rivers. This is
fields or freshly chisel plowed grain fields can draw birds from long dis- shock on his face from the unbeliev- achieved by determining roosting
tances and provide excellent hunting. able fast action shooting. Zach just locations and following flights to
74 SEPTEMBER 2017 WNW NEWS
Few thrills in life can compete
with up close encounters with wild
Canada geese when you can hear the
raspy pounding of their wings, see
their metal leg bands and feel the
energy of their powerful wing beats.
and from area fields. Sounds easy Savvy hunters use camo face cream
but early birds tend to fly early to hide their white features and most
in the morning and they fly low purchase fully camouflaged guns
enough to dissolve into the horizon or spray paint guns to eliminate
at lightning speed. The idea is to barrel metallic shine and glare from
determine flight patterns and set out finished stocks. The trick to fooling
decoys before dawn in hot locations. wild geese and getting them in close
Some hunters like to visit tradi- range hinges on the hide. Many
tional Michigan marshes and set out modern waterfowl hunters simply
floating decoys. This strategy can use layout blinds that blend into the
be deadly but more often than not ground.
intruding hunters flush geese from Next, dust off your wallet and and we each carried two Big Foot harvested fields? If you want to
local waterways before shooting get some decoys. Rather than buy- feeder decoys in a large decoy bag. slash goose numbers the harvest
hours. Sure you can have some fast ing cheap imitation decoys get full We would make blinds from the limits need to be raised to at least
gunning when birds return, but early body goose decoys with feather de- corn stalks and set the decoys in a five a day for Canada geese. The
season geese often do not return to tail and lifelike realism. Stay away group close by. The large mesh de- winter hunt needs to be moved back
roosting water until after shooting from decoys that have alert or sentry coy bags were corn camouflage and to early January while birds are still
hours. heads-up profiles. Get dekes that we used them as a makeshift blind. in the fields and available to hunt-
There is nothing wrong with are feeders or relaxed positions and Incoming geese were used to ers. February goose hunts are during
going full camo and ambushing avoid upright heads that alert wild feeding in the field and would swing arctic conditions when geese have
unsuspecting geese at legal morning birds. You want a decoy spread that close for easy shooting. The extra- migrated south. But thats another
shooting hours. Sometimes blasting looks realistic and relaxed. Savvy large decoy bags came in handy to story.
them from a local farm pond, lake or hunters use full body decoys on carry out five giant Canada each and One of the biggest draws of
private waterway is great medicine motion bases that allow decoys to a couple decoys. Fact is, most early early geese is the hunt is a social
to get nuisance birds off the prop- wobble in the wind and appear like season hunts can be executed with event that brings family and friends
erty. But once you start harvesting live moving geese. If you scout and less than two dozen decoys. Come together in Michigans great out-
birds near their roost they will move find fields where birds are feeding, October harvest time you dont need doors. Unlike deer hunting you
to a new protected resting location you can decoy birds with just about many decoys either but winter hunts can bring noisy kids and unlimited
and soon your local waterway will any setup. If you want to play guide require large spreads, white camou- guests that can talk, play, eat snacks
be void of geese. and invite friends and relatives you flage, excellent calling and extra- and not worry about spooking game.
My recommendation is to try need to make certain participants are long range T loads. The weather is ideal, the season
field hunting. Locate feeding areas properly camouflaged and use more This year will go down in the is long and when those low flying
and knock on doors to get hunt- decoys to conceal hunters. waterfowl books as a crazy year for birds spot the spread they seldom
ing permission. The greatest thing Early honker hunting takes place geese. Heavy spring rain brought fail to circle and dump into easy
about open field hunting is you are during warm weather and perhaps ideal nesting opportunities because range like a big B-52 on approach
far from the sky blasting crowded the best time to be in the field is birds could set up shop literally to a runway. Early flocks of giant
conditions of state or public land early morning. The idea is to catch everywhere. I guess Ive never seen Canada geese barely clearing the
hunting. feeding flocks off-guard and limit so many geese throughout southern tree tops will get your juices flow-
Begin by matching your camou- out before the sun gets high. Experi- Michigan and I predict that early ing. Huge wings pounding at point
flage to the hunting area. Harvested enced hunters know that one of the season will produce outstanding blank range will give any hunter an
grain fields or corn require camo tricks to enjoyable hunting is to go hunting. I know one thing; Ive got adrenaline rush. Believe me, this
like Mossy Oak shadow grass, early, leave early and beat the heat. plenty of unhappy pond owners and is the kind of waterfowling sport
Realtree MAX-5 or Realtree extra There is a misconception that farmers who view geese as problem that will keep you coming back for
wheat field or farmland Corn Belt you need a large decoy spread to birds. It seems Michigans goose more. Are you ready for the fast
patterns. One cheap solution is to have successful goose hunts. Not so. population is absolutely booming paced shooting fun? Got your cam-
purchase camo rainwear from Frogg Just ask Bob Scriver from Lansing and DNR efforts to curtail growth ouflage and ammo ready? Now is
Toggs which are lightweight yet about our early season hunts when seem futile. Then again why do they the best time to be scouting, locating
breathable and ideal for lying in wet we carried two full body decoys shut down the harvest to only three flocks, getting hunting permission
fields when the dew is heavy or dur- each into a disked corn field. Piles birds during October when geese from landowners and gathering your
ing rain. I wear their Toadskin bibs. of birds were coming to the hot spot are going bonkers in area freshly pals for a hunting party.n
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sounds like science fiction...
ut old-fashioned
techniques continue
to provide fisheries
managers with data that
helps them make man-
agement decisions that
benefit both the fisheries resource
and anglers. Nowhere is this truer
than when it comes to managing the
Great Lakes oldest denizens lake
sturgeon.
The Michigan Department of
Natural Resources has been moni- A small sturgeon caught on a setline. Setlines use nylon rope 500 feet in length, with the middle sec-
toring sturgeon populations on the tion containing 25 hooks on tarred nylon leaders. The lines are set in deep water, from about 38 to 70
St. Clair River for the last 25 years feet deep, running roughly perpendicular to the bank. MDNR photos
with a technique that is as old as timate the population in the St. Clair
fishing itself. DNR crews use set system at about 30,000 fish, 2 years
lines that are anchored to the bot- old or older, with about 12,000 of
tom of the river channel and sport them concentrated in the area being
numerous hooks to catch and tag the surveyed.
mysterious prehistoric fish. DNR crews set lines Monday
The DNRs research vessel, through Thursday and run those
Channel Cat, spent much of June on lines Tuesday through Friday
the North Channel of the St. Clair throughout most of June. They set
River, above Lake St. Clair, setting nylon rope lines 500 feet in length,
and running what are essentially trot with the middle section containing
lines to monitor whats going on 25 hooks on tarred nylon leaders.
with the Great Lakes most signifi- The single hooks either 2/0
cant sturgeon population. freshwater hooks or larger, size 4
This is the largest natural re- saltwater hooks are attached
producing population of sturgeon in 10 feet apart and baited with dead
the Great Lakes, said Todd Wills, gobies. Smaller hooks help catch
Manufacturer of Fine Northern Hardwoods who heads up the Lake St. Clair smaller fish, though it takes one of
Fisheries Research Station. We es- the larger hooks to hold the biggest
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78 SEPTEMBER 2017 WNW NEWS
fish, which can weigh 100 pounds We had Governor Snyder out
or more. last year, Wills said.
The lines are set in deep water, The crew begins by hauling in
from about 38 to 70 feet deep, run- the lines, hand-over-hand, netting
ning roughly perpendicular to the any fish that have been hooked. The
bank. Theyre marked with large fish are transferred into a holding
floats and kept on the bottom with tank aboard the research vessel and
large double-claw crab anchors. The are worked up as soon as the line is
set lines are spread over approxi- cleared.
mately four miles of river where DNR personnel record more
sturgeon traditionally have been data than a marketing firm. The fish
caught. The set lines are the DNRs are weighed, measured three ways
most efficient method of monitor- total length, girth at its widest, and
ing sturgeon, though the crew also commercial length (from the gill
trawls for them on the lake in the plate to the base of the tail) and
summer. the number of visible lamprey scars
Trawling produces fewer fish, is noted.
and its pretty variable by year, Crew members squeeze the stur-
Wills said. Some years theyre geon to see if they release eggs or
harder to find. milt, which is the only way to deter-
Typically, it takes a six-person mine their sex, and crew members Michigan Depar tment of Natural Resources fisheries assistant Jason
DNR crew, as well as some volun- note anything unusual like missing Pauken shows off a St. Clair River sturgeon.
teers, to work the lines. Occasion- barbels (whisker-like sensory organs Fish are injected with passive curately with that technique, Wills
ally, some special guests are invited found near the snout) or damaged integrated transponder (PIT) tags if said.
to observe. fins. they havent been tagged before and After data are collected, the fish
recaptures are noted. If the fish is are released and the crew makes
longer than 40 inches, its also fitted sure they swim off unharmed before
with a numbered external tag on the moving along. The gear is stowed
dorsal fin. If the sturgeon is shorter until the lines are reset after all lines
than 40 inches, a pectoral fin ray is have been run.
taken to estimate the age of the fish.
Larger fish cant be aged ac- Sturgeon page 80
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WNW NEWS SEPTEMBER 2017 79
Sturgeon:
from page 79
Its an all-day job to run and
set lines if were successfully cap-
turing numerous fish, Wills said.
Any day you get 20 fish or more
its a really good day.
Wills said the data collected in-
dicate the population can withstand
a short recreational fishing season.
The catch-and-keep fishing
season in Lake St. Clair and the St.
Clair River is July 16 Sept. 30
this year. Anglers can keep one fish
between 42 and 50 inches annually.
Harvested fish must be tagged by
the angler and reported to the DNR.
Our catch data from the set
line survey shows about 80 percent Michigan Depar tment of Natural Resources research vessel Channel Cat crewmen Jason Pauken, Brad
of the population is protected with Utrup, Drew Mar tin and volunteer Chet Kilanowski work up a sturgeon.
the current regulation, which allows
the unique opportunity to harvest a contingent of anglers. Its getting the Channel Cat, says working the you dont need a lot of gear.
fish for anglers who choose to do more popular. sturgeon survey is an enjoyable as- Trawling, youve got winches and
so, Wills said. The catch-and-release fishing signment. trawl doors and a big net lots of
Harvest is usually low, with no season in Lake St. Clair and the St. I think its the most fun, he bells and whistles and you can get
more than a dozen fish taken each Clair River continues from Oct. 1 said. It can be challenging when nets snagged up and torn up. With
year. Its largely a catch-and-release Nov. 30. there are a lot of big boats around or set lines you dont have to deal with
fishery enjoyed by a very strong Roy Beasley, who captains high winds. But the fish are big and all that, and you dont have to deal
with big waves as youre in the
river.
The
Porch
Extend Chet Kilanowski, a retired letter
Limberlost Farms Your
Stand
carrier, is one of the volunteers who
occasionally helps out on the Chan-
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Quietly flips out
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volunteered, he said. Ive been
climbing & lifting helping out for 12 years. When we
into position first started the DNR had a smaller
ready to hunt
12 more
staff and really needed the help.
foot room Now I go every once in a while,
Comfort like if one of the crew is out. I fill in
whenever they need me.
Theres nothing wrong with
volunteering when youre retired.
Get more information on lake
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BOAT SMART...
Remember ous. I called Saginaw River Coast Guard Station rescued. It goes without saying;
how incon- a friend and with several members of Port Aus- all safety gear should be aboard
tins Coast Guard Auxiliary group.
By Captain Fred Davis
sistent tem- we each put and proper foul weather attire
peratures on a pair of We were training on an airboat should be worn. Inflatable
were during ice creep- when an emergency call came in. I PFDs can be worn over heavy out-
the sum- ers. The soon learned that ice rescue is made erwear so be sure to wear
mer months this year; 90 degrees ice appeared to be solid from the very difficult for those attempting them as well.n
during the day and plunging down harbor all the way to the lighthouse.
to 50 degrees in the evenings. A 40 We slowly advanced along the reef
degree drop in the fall can present toward the light. As we stepped
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ternoon. He left his boat at the dock back we saw the ice we had stood
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and dreamt about the great places
shown on the program. Our father
spent his entire life hunting and
fishing and enjoying the outdoors,
hence he got the nickname, Mort of
the North, in addition to his other
names; Dad, Grandpa, Pappy, Pappy
Grandpa, Mort, Bill, and Billy.
Pappy spent his entire life hunting,
fishing, and caring for his family.
He taught us how to fish, hunt, and
appreciate the great outdoors.
As a young boy growing up on
the east side of Detroit, he men-
tioned how he and his friends all
had BB guns and thats where he
learned to become an expert marks- Bill Allender with a trophy 10-
man. Back in his days going past 8 point taken in 1972.
Mile Road was the country.
Our grandparents purchased the years to the western states of
some property on Harsens Island Wyoming, Montana, and Colorado.
where he honed his fishing and He filled many tags for mule deer Poly Furniture and
and antelope. He also made friends
hunting skills. Duck hunting on the
island in those days was entirely dif- with the ranchers where he hunted.
Some of his best memories were the
Campfire Supplies and Rings
ferent than it is now. Where parts of
the marsh currently exist, there used trips with his sons and our mother. I
to be fields where there were pheas- have made several trips west myself
and each time Im there I reflect on
ants. Also there were no deer.
what he said about the magic of be- Relax In Style!
My dad told of his casting skills
and how he entered a competition ing out west.
in Detroit. This tournament was When it came to ballistics, he
primarily adult men, and they kind was a walking gun digest. Most of
of blew him off as being too young. the time when he talked to us about
Little did they know that he had de- ammo information it went in one
veloped into an accurate bait caster ear and out the other. Later on we
and beat the entire competition. told him that we are really listening
Pappy made several trips over now.
During the past thirty years mom
and dad were able to enjoy their
Standard Features
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The past ten years were diffi-
cult for mom and dad as far as their 1205 N. SR 5, Shipshewana
health was concerned. Mom passed
away in 2010, and the past four 260-768-7511
years had been extremely difficult -Open-
for dad. We learned about cancer, - Open - 8-5
Mon-Fri
Alzheimers and chronic kidney
disease. Mon-Fri 8-5Sat
Sat 8-3:30
8-3:30
We will miss Pap and Mom.
Their influences on us will be re-
Bill Allender with a St. Clair River membered and passed on to the next
walleye caught back in 2003. generation of Allenders.n 1205 N. SR 5, Shipshewana 260-768-7511
WNW NEWS SEPTEMBER 2017 85
Don Buz Lockman elected to the Michigan Outdoor Hall of Fame...By Rick Fowler
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WNW NEWS SEPTEMBER 2017 87
Huron
Bays
record
pike
A
photo that I recently from the bay in the past. Its not
saw of Jim Ander- much of a stretch to think there
son from Ludington could be another one of that size.
with a 31 -pound The current state record pike,
northern pike he according to the DNRs website,
caught from Lake weighed 39 pounds and was 51.5
Superiors Huron Bay on inches long. That fish was
May 15, 2016 reminded me speared in Schoolcraft
of how good that location is Countys Dodge Lake dur-
for big pike. Theres prob- ing 1961. The pike Ander-
ably a pike of state record son caught from the bay
proportions swimming was only an inch shorter
in the bays waters right than the state record. It
now. At least one northern was probably a female
pike thats bigger than the that spawned earlier in the
current state spring. Before An eye-catching photo of 3 monster pike speared from Huron Bay
record came By Richard P. Smith spawning, in 1955 by father and son, Ben and Don Pickard.
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88 SEPTEMBER 2017 WNW NEWS
Andersons northern certainly would blue and silver finishes. He had his
have been heavier than when it was best luck fishing weed beds and
caught. It probably didnt weigh 39 drop offs.
pounds, but it could have tipped the To get to Huron Bay, drive into
scales at 35 or 36. the community of Lanse from
The biggest northern that I Highway U.S. 41. Theres a 4-way
know of that came from Huron Bay stop when you reach downtown
weighed 49 pounds. It was speared Lanse. Turn right at that intersec-
by father and son Ben and Don tion, which will put you on the
Pickard from Lanse during 1955. Skanee Road.
That same year, they speared two
This photo of Don Pickard shows him with a smaller, but still re- Its about a 10-mile drive to the
more monster pike from the bay. spectable pike, he caught from the bay on hook and line. head of Huron Bay. The Skanee
One weighed 38 pounds and the oth- hook and line during the summer What Don liked about pike fish- Road parallels the eastern shore of
er 39 pounds. Any one of those pike every chance he could. He said he ing is you can be just as successful the bay for a number of miles once
would have been a state record at had caught as many as a dozen pike during the middle of the day as early you reach it. Theres state land at the
the time, if the Pickards would have from the bay that have weighed over and late. He used to fish as often as head of the bay, on the south side,
had the fishs weight verified by the 20 pounds. The biggest northern that he could, which used to be every near the mouth of the Silver River.
DNR (the Department of Conserva- hes landed from the bay on hook day. He used to fish from a 10-foot A public access site is also located
tion then), but they didnt do that. and line weighed 33 1/2 pounds. pram propelled with oars, but he at the Arvon Township Park about
There is a photo of the pair with He caught it near the mouth of the eventually moved up to a 12-foot four miles north of the beginning of
those three fish, however, to verify Silver River. He doesnt remember boat with a 5 horsepower outboard Huron Bay.
the story. I first saw that impres- what year that was. motor. The Silver River enters the head
sive photo years ago pinned to a Theres nothing special about Pickard said he caught pike by of the bay. The Slate and Ravine
corkboard in Indian Country Sports the tackle or tactics that Pickard both trolling and casting. He favored Rivers flow into the bay within a
Store in Lanse and eventually man- used to catch big pike. His reel was silver Mepps spinners with no skirt mile of there. Prospect for pike at
aged to locate Don during June of spooled with 20-pound test mono- in size 4 and 5, but also caught pike the head of the bay in depths any-
2000. He was 78 years old then and filament. He said he never used a on smaller spinners. When I talked where from five to 20 feet. If lures
he has since passed away. wire leader because you can catch to him in June of 2000, he said he dont produce results, you might
What Don told me about his more fish without one. However, he had recently landed pike weighing try live bait. Smelt and large
pike fishing success on the bay admitted that he had lost some pike 6, 8 and 12 pounds on a #2 Mepps. sucker or shiner minnows can
then is just as valuable today. He that cut his line due to the absence He also caught pike on Little Cleo be the ticket if youre after big
fished the bay for northerns with of a wire leader. spoons and flatfish with silver or northerns.n
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WNW NEWS SEPTEMBER 2017 89
Department of Natural Resources UPSA honors Ettenhofer as
names Bill ONeill deputy director Outstanding Conservationist
MDNR Director Keith Creagh announced
that Bill ONeill has been named natural The Upper Penin-
resources deputy for the agency. Current sula Sportsmens Alliance
natural resources deputy, Bill Moritz, is leav- (UPSA) has presented
ing his position with the DNR to work for the its first Outstanding
Wildlife Management Institute. Conservationist award
ONeill has more than 31 years of expe- to U.P. Whitetails Inc.
rience with the DNR. Since January 2012, co-founder, Alan Etten-
he has served as chief of the DNRs Forest hofer of Escanaba. The
Resources Division, except for a brief stint in award was presented at a
early 2016 when on an interim basis he quarterly UPSA meeting
took on the role of resources deputy while at the William Anderson
Moritz filled in as DNR director during Cre- Sportsmans Club in Her-
aghs assignment at the Michigan Department Bill O'Neill. MDNR photo mansville in Menominee
of Environmental Quality. County.
While with the DNR, ONeill has taken Ettenhofer, who serves
Alan Ettenhofer, (lt) shakes hands with Gov.
on many roles, including Michigan Civilian Conservation Corps camp as treasurer of U.P. White- Rick Snyder at a tree-planting event at the
director, land manager for several forest management units, district man- tails Inc., was given the South Marquette Co. Grouse Enhanced Man-
ager for the Eastern Lower Peninsula District and FRD field coordinator, award in deep apprecia- agement Site in August 2014. (Middle) Gildo
administering the largest state forest system in the continental United tion for his vision, dedi- Tori, director of public policy for D. U.
States. Each position offered opportunities to collaborate across depart- cation, perseverance and
ment divisions, as well as the chance to build relationships with external guidance for wildlife, habitat enhancement and chronic wasting disease
partners and organizations. (CWD) education and prevention work. Without your efforts, the Upper
As DNR natural resources deputy, ONeill will administer the divi- Peninsula would not be what it is today, the award plaque states.
sions that oversee Michigans wildlife and fisheries, state forests and state Ettenhofer has amassed numerous accomplishments and has made
parks, minerals and law enforcement. significant contributions to a wide range of projects.
Bill Moritz has been a thoughtful and tireless advocate for Michi- He helped form seven U.P. Whitetails organizations. He serves as
gans natural resources and the people who enjoy and appreciate them, chairman of UPSAs CWD committee. He has been a leader in educating
said Creagh. I have full confidence in Bill ONeills ability to step in as the public on CWD, including producing a radio public service announce-
the departments natural resources deputy. Bill has decades of valuable ment and testifying before the Wildlife Committee of the Michigan House
experience to draw upon, and I know he will provide the right leader- of Representatives on the problem of potential importation of CWD-in-
ship to advance the management of Michigans world-class natural and fected, improperly processed, deer to Michigan.
cultural resources. Ettenhofer has been a leader in securing grant funding to enhance
ONeill currently serves as president of the Northeast Area Associa- white-tailed deer habitat in the Upper Peninsula. Among these projects,
tion of State Foresters, is on the National Association of State Foresters habitat was improved along the Whitefish River and in the Arnold area of
executive board, and is a Department of Forestry board member at both Marquette County. Tree planting efforts have also been undertaken via the
Michigan Technological University and Michigan State University. His Forestland Group and Marquette and Delta counties conservation dis-
past affiliations include the Wildlife Society (member), the Montmorency tricts. Grant money has also helped fund deer trapping and tagging work.
Soil and Water Conservation District (board of directors) and the Huron Al is a tremendous and tireless worker for conservation and wildlife
Shores Writing Institute (board of directors). in the Upper Peninsula, said Tony Denboski, UPSA president. He is a
Our state is home to some of the most magnificent woods, water fantastic choice for our first-ever Outstanding Conservationist award.
and wildlife found anywhere in the world, and I am honored to take on Attendees at the UPSA meeting included state Rep. Scott Dianda of
this role for the Department of Natural Resources and for the people of Calumet, Michigan Natural Resources Commission Chairman John Ma-
Michigan, ONeill said. As state forester and chief of the DNR Forest tonich and Michigan Department of Natural Resources Wildlife Division
Resources Division, I was committed to collaboration and doing whats Chairman Russ Mason.
best for the sustainable management of our natural resources. I look for- The Outstanding Conservationist award will be presented annually.
ward to working with our resource divisions and partners in continuing The Upper Peninsula Sportsmen's Alliance was formed in 1982 to unite
that commitment. sportsmens groups in the region for a common cause. Today, the group is
ONeill earned a bachelors degree in forestry and a masters degree in composed of 57 clubs and businesses, representing 49,000 members.
forestry with an emphasis on business management from Michigan State The alliances mission is to be the voice of U.P. sportsmen and outdoors
University. users to promote, foster and advance the outdoor recreation experience,
Until a permanent replacement is named as chief of the Forest Re- encouraging conservation of natural resources and the environment to
sources Division, DNR Regional Initiatives Deputy Marc Miller will serve perpetuate the direction of management and use, for the benefit of future
as the divisions interim chief, in addition to his other duties. generations by educating UPSAs members, youth and the general public.
INTERESTED IN SELLING
gram. Since its inception in 2013,
the program has contributed over
$1.5 million to grassland habitat
CALL US !!!
Being able to help fund these
habitat projects makes a big differ-
ence for wildlife in Michigan, said
Department of Natural Resources
assistant federal aid coordinator
Clay Buchanan. Michigan Lumber and Wood Fiber is a locally owned and
The Wildlife Habitat Grant pro- operated sawmill located in the heart of Northern Michigan. We
gram, funded with a portion of the
revenue from hunting and fishing work hard to staff the most experienced professionals and we
licenses sold each year, is adminis- believe in investing in the most current technology. As a team,
tered through a cooperative effort
between the DNRs Wildlife Divi- our departments of forestry, wood processors, timber haulers
sion and Grants Management Sec- and sawmills are striving to provide the most efficient, profes-
tion. These grants are available to sional and quality timber services available in Northern Michigan.
local, state, federal and tribal units
of government, profit or non-profit
groups, and individuals to assist the
Wildlife Division with developing FREE EVALUATIONS OF STANDING TIMBER
or improving wildlife habitat for FORESTER
game species. Our forester has the education and experience needed to meet the specific needs of any land-
The main objective of the grant owner. We will meet with you to discover your goals and help you select the best harvest meth-
program is to enhance and improve od to reach those goals. (Management plans, Wildlife plans, chipping of tops, clearing trees for
food plots, ect)
the quality and quantity of game
species habitat in support of Goal 2 LOGGING CREWS
Our seasoned logging crews use state of the art wood processors, feller bunchers, forwarders
from the Wildlife Divisions strate- and chippers, our mechanized wood crews are using the latest technology to provide the most
gic plan, The GPS: to manage efficient removal of forest products with minimal impact to residual timber and underlying soils.
habitat for sustainable wildlife
TRUCK FLEET
populations and wildlife-based Since we maintain our own fleet of self-loading log trucks to haul wood to our mill, we have the
recreation. unique advantage of being able to schedule the hauling of your timber products around hunting
This program is an exciting or weather issues.
opportunity to partner with others SAWMILL
REFERENCES AVAILABLE
in the state to increase the habitat Our mill is located just north of the beautiful little town of Comins, Michigan and consists of two
available for game species in Michi- modern sawmills and one scragg mill operation. A distinct advantage that we have is specific
gan and to enhance the existing markets for what is referred to as industrial lumber. As a sawmill, we are paying good money for
habitat for the benefit of hunters, the best quality wood out there, but we also pay well for lower quality industrial timber. Another
advantage that we have is the scragg mill. This mill allows us to utilize smaller diameter material
trappers and wildlife viewers, said that in the past would have been sold for firewood or pulpwood which is typically worth less
DNR upland game bird specialist Al than scragg material.
Stewart. We are your complete source for buying your timber! Our operations take your standing timber
Several Michigan Pheasant from the tree to delivered green lumber. We have eliminated the need for all of the middle
Restoration Initiative projects have men. By obtaining strong markets for our products and investing in technology, we are able
been funded with Wildlife Habitat to get the most out of every last log we process. All this means savings for us and more money
for you. We are locally owned and we live and shop in the same communities that you do. We
Grant dollars in Gratiot, Sanilac, value our reputation above everything else. And we are committed to earning your trust and
Lenawee, Hillsdale, Washtenaw, building a lasting relationship.
Jackson, Clinton, Saginaw, Huron,
We would honor the opportunity for us to meet and discuss in more detail how we may be of
Lapeer, Ingham, Livingston and Isa- service to you. We also encourage the land owners to visit all our operations to see what prod-
bella counties. Extensive grassland ucts we turn your standing timber into.
restoration work is in progress at
TROPHY PAGE
The Sierpien
Family of north- Nancy
ern Michigan Leighton
loves their with a
outdoors (lt-rt) nice perch
Hunter took this caught in
nice bass fish- a secret
ing in Cheboy- spot
gan Co., Mason
took his bass in some-
Oakland Co. and where
The Stone family of Fostoria cat fishing on Lake in Van
dad Jeff took Huron beach. (top) Jonathan Stone, 9, Annabell
this nice tom in Buren
Stone, 6, took her first big cat fish! (bottom) Jon County.
Cheboygan Co. Stone and Amber Stone.
92 SEPTEMBER 2017 WNW NEWS
Che
Met ck Out
a
Lod Lake
Nakina FAC ge On
EBO
OK!
Ontario Canada
LAKE LODGE AND
OUTPOST CAMPS
EXCELLENT
WALLEYE, PIKE &
PERCH FISHING!
W
hen the DNR U.S. as a food fish, quickly became
issued a chal- labeled as a trash fish. This bottom
lenge to the dwelling fish has the tendency to As you can see, Dear
public to pay take on the taste of the environment Fish Diary column
$1-million to in which it inhabits. Such as, a carp writer, Ron St. Ger-
the from the Grand River will main, has really sunk
best idea to stop Asian carp taste muddy, where as a himself deep into this
from entering the Great carp from a cleaner, deeper Asian carp crisis and
Lakes, of course, my mind lake will have a sweet taste has been juggling
has been reeling. Ive been to it. However, too many problem solving ideas
writing about this and fol- fish were harvested by early for years. Read his
lowing this a long time. anglers from murky waters column and see how
Ive recently noticed that and word spread quickly, hes managed to solve
one of my arms is getting dont eat those carp. Silver all of the necessary
longer than carp and big issues needed to keep
the other from
patting myself
By Ron St. Germain head carp are
not bottom
these jumping pests
from entering the
on the back, because thus far, my dwellers, their meat is white, little to Great Lakes.
predictions have all been correct. In no fat, and yes, they are quite edible.
fact, these resilient fish have ex- The problem is, youre never going
ceeded what I thought they would to convince our society to eat them
and spread much faster across the or even try them because they are and children are advised not to eat. Lampreys have moved all across
United States than I imagined. called carp. Think about it, if a hot Just name me one wild animal the Great Lakes and into six states.
My email inbox has been blow- dog was called a sewer dog, do you that we routinely eat that doesnt The silver carp, the edible ones, are
ing up with Asian carp issues antici- really think there would be an Oscar have to be monitored by our wild- already in 11 states. Asian carp in
pating the release of the new Army Meyer mobile? life officials because if they werent general, which combines the grass
Corps of Engineers study which Labeling this fish as a carp is monitored and protected wed wipe carp, black carp, big head carp and
has been consistently delayed and too confusing to most people and I them off the planet. Im convinced silver carp can be found in 47 of our
now wont be released until after would wager that most people who our ancestors ate the dinosaurs into 50 states. The common carp found
my column deadline. But look, lets order fish at a restaurant are not extinction and well eat the silver- has found its way into 49 of our 50
be really honest about this, nothing, fishermen and dont understand the fins into extinction too. states.
including the millions of tax dollars difference between one fish and an- 2) Drain the lakes and Logistically these invasive spe-
already spent, electrical barriers or other. They do know the word carp, rivers. It doesnt take millions of cies have found ways to inhabit non-
any of our best collaborative scien- and they have heard you dont eat dollars of research to realize that connecting watersheds, inland lakes
tific genius minds have stopped this them. Change the name to Silverfin invaders entering the Great Lakes, or ponds not connected to rivers or
fish. Now its finally time they listen or torpedo fish, educate the public or any region, find a way to spread. streams. Has anyone ever wondered
to me because my ideas to stop these that they are edible, and contain less Gobies found their way from the how digging a pond will somehow,
invaders WILL work. Im serious. contaminants, probably healthier for Great Lakes into the Mississippi some day end up with fish in it? So
1) Change their name. Our us, and well eat these invaders into River basin, even passing through spending a billion to build a wall,
country has had a bad taste in their extinction quicker than you can say the $100 million dollar electrical seriously? Is that really going to
mouth regarding the word carp dinosaur. Thus preserving our al- barriers. Gobies can now be found keep these fish out of the Great
for nearly 200 years. The common ready contaminated native fish, you in 15 states. Zebra and quagga mus-
carp, actually imported into the know, the ones pregnant women sels can be found in 35 states. Sea Asian Carp problem page 97
T
en years ago, I wrote socks for the second day.
an article about back- Ive been trail-running for
packing the Shingle about two years to stay in shape for
Mill Pathway in the still-hunting deer in the fall, so Im
Pigeon Riv- accustomed to avoid-
er Country ing roots and hurdling
State Forest - also called fallen logs, and doing so
The Big Wild - for with a pack in prepara-
Woods-N-Water News tion for Train To Hunt
called Backpacking in competitions. It took less
Short Time. Theres a than an hour to reach
new twist on the con- my campsite. I slung my
cept of covering a lot of hammock from two trees,
ground in a few hours draped my bug net and
with a pack on your hung my tarp overhead. I
back that Ive wanted to had a Clif bar for dinner
try out, though, which and settled into my ham-
combines two of my mock to sleep.
A Running Selfie...
favorite out- Its funny
door pursuits how a spe-
cific camp-
By Drew YoungeDyke
when Im
not hunting: site can feel
backpacking like home. I
and trail-running. Its called fast- camped at this same spot on ac- A tarp, hammock and bug net provides a lightweight alternative to a tent.
packing. cident during that early backpack- the hauntingly beautiful call of the He had a way with words, but I
Following a Pigeon River ing trip I wrote about a decade ago loons throughout the night, which agree: There ought to be some plac-
Country Advisory Council Meet- when an earlier one Id had in mind rivals the bugle of a bull elk as my es left to use the quads God gave
ing the day before, I decided to try was occupied. I was greeted that favorite sound in the Big Wild. I you, as the Backcountry Hunters &
fast-packing that same trail on a long-ago morning with a loons call was also kept awake by worry about Anglers bumper sticker says. And
Friday night in July. A campsite on through the mist on the lake, a bea- the future of the Big Wild and the with the Pigeons sandy soil, its
a shallow backcountry lake was in ver swimming in front of me, and potential for these sounds to be easy to see the mess that would be-
mind when I hit the trail just after 8 a duck flying overhead. I camped drowned out by the engines of Off come of the two-tracks and the extra
p.m. My pack was light - probably here seven years ago in January on Road Vehicles (ORVs) on forest runoff into the blue ribbon trout
only 25 to 30 pounds - and I shaved my first winter backpacking trip, roads. streams of the Sturgeon, Pigeon and
weight by packing a light tarp, carrying a Marlin lever-action .22 At that advisory council meet- Black Rivers with increased ORV
hammock and bug net instead of a and a small game license for rabbits ing the day before, we were given traffic. The public seems to agree,
full tent. I wore sweat-wicking run- I never saw, but learning to never an update on the DNRs imple- too. Over 1,000 comments were
ning shorts and trail-running shoes again skip the sleeping pad. I woke mentation of Public Act 288 of received on the DNRs plan and
instead of hiking pants and boots. I up shivering every half hour from 2016, which required the DNR to only one comment was in favor of
brought a small Pocket Rocket stove the cold seeping up from the ground conduct a forest road inventory and opening roads in the Big Wild. The
and a mini-canister of isobutane or from the coyotes calling each a delayed flip of northern Lower rest were overwhelmingly in favor
from Jays Sporting Goods. I packed other from every direction. Peninsula roads from closed unless of keeping them closed. However,
only an extra long-sleeve hooded That wasnt an issue sleeping open to open unless closed to illegal ORV use is already up in the
t-shirt and hat to change into at barefoot in my hammock on this ORVs. The DNR has recommended Pigeon River Country since passage
camp instead of my sweaty warm summer night. The only thing - wisely - keeping the forest roads of the law.
clothes, and a fresh t-shirt and that woke me up occasionally was in the Pigeon River Country closed A loons call from the mist-
to ORVs, in line with its Concept of covered lake again woke me at
Management and founding vision by dawn. Loons can live up to 25 years
its architect P. S. Lovejoy to retain or more, and I couldnt help but
its wild character. The first game wonder if these are the same ones I
division chief of the Department heard in 2007, welcoming me home.
of Conservation, as it was then I boiled lake water and filtered it
called, he coined the nickname of through a bandana before mixing it
The Big Wild for the forest and with a packet of Wilderness Athlete
had definite opinions on motorized Hydrate and Recover, packed up my
access: camp, strapped on my pack and hit
Id like to see the Pigeon the trail running. Between eight at
opened up to insure really good fire night and ten the next morning I ran
protection and damn little more... so eleven miles of trail through low-
that it isnt too easy for the beer-bel- land cedar swamp, upland, pine and
ly gents and the nice old grandmaws mixed hardwood habitat up one side
to get to, set down and leave their and down the other of the Pigeon
tin cans at. I figger a whole lot of River. I hope in another 10 years I
the side-road country should be left can still run wild in the Big Wild,
plenty bumpy and brushy and some but even if I cant, I hope its still
so you go in on foot, or dont go in just as wild so that the next genera-
The authors backcountry kitchen. at all. tion can.n
WNW NEWS SEPTEMBER 2017 95
Canadas entry rules: from page 94 Red swamp crayfish in Michigan
ing in need to call for clearance. I single indiscretion that was properly New video gives tips on identification
put in a phone call to the Canadian adjudicated with court sentences
In July, the DNR confirmed the presence of invasive red swamp cray-
Border Security Agency to get those appropriately completed to enter if
answers. Just because the govern- the violation was more than 10 years fish in Novi and near Kalamazoo. These two locations represent the first
ment passed the law does not mean old). This remains in effect. Even detections of live red swamp crayfish in Michigan.
it went into effect immediately. someone who has been adjudicated Why be concerned?
The new law took effect on June 20 years ago for multiple misde- Though they are native to southern states, red swamp crayfish are
19, 2017. Since that time, boaters meanors is not eligible to enter considered invasive in Michigan because they compete aggressively with
and anglers who meet Canadian Canadian waters for a day of perch native crayfish species for food and habitat. They feed on plants, insects,
entry requirements can cross into fishing. snails, juvenile fish and other crayfish, disrupting the food chain for
Canadian waters without calling in There are two ways folks many aquatic species.
to the CBSA. It is imperative that who have old misdemeanors Of greatest concern is their habit of burrowing deep into banks, caus-
boaters and anglers know the restric- and want to enter Canada can ing damage to dams, irrigation systems and shorelines.
tions. Boaters and anglers alike may gain entry. As long as at least What is being done?
not anchor in Canadian waters or set five years have passed and the Since the initial reports, DNR staff have been setting traps in nearby
foot on land on the Canadian side. individual has completed all sen- lakes and ponds to remove the crayfish and determine the extent of the
Doing so would violate Canadian tencing guidelines, they could apply infestations at both locations. At the same time, staff are following up
law and those who violate would be for a TRP, or Temporary Resident on reports from concerned citizens who believe they may have seen or
subject to adjudication. The new law Permit. It must be applied for each found red swamp crayfish at other places across the state.
pertains to those boaters travelling time a person wishes to enter Cana- The Michigan Department of Environmental Quality has created a
through or fishing Canadian waters dian waters or Canada, or they can new video to help people identify and report red swamp crayfish. The
with no intent to anchor or land on apply for Criminal Rehabilitation. video is the third in the departments MDEQ Minute series, offering
Canadian soil. All those on board This is a permanent status that al- 60-second views on a broad range of topics including new and potential
must still possess proper identifica- lows the applicant to be determined invasive species in Michigan.
tion to legally enter Canada. A pass- as rehabilitated and can freely enter What can you do?
port or enhanced drivers license is again. It is a rather lengthy process If you find a red swamp crayfish, photograph it and send the photo,
required. and if there are multiple violations, date and location of the find to herbsts1@michigan.gov.
Canada restricts entry to in- there are attorneys who specialize in For more information about red swamp crayfish and other invasive
dividuals who have committed applying for this. species of concern in Michigan, visit www.michigan.gov/invasivespecies.
certain crimes. Two or more DUILs, The new law will definitely Help spread the word. Share this email and video link with others:
impaired driving and reckless driv- help everyone who wants to fish in neighborhood and lake associations, friends and family, etc. If shar-
ing are all offenses in which indi- boundary waters. It will save lots of ing on social media, please use the tag #NotMiSpecies. Visit Michigan's
viduals are denied access. (While time in the morning when heading invasive species website and learn more about what to watch for and how
there can still be a restriction for to that hot bite for walleye at the salt to respond. Believe that you can make a difference, and remember these
a single DUIL, in 2012 Canada docks. Ill see you on the river this easy tips.
started allowing individuals with a fall.n
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Mike Quertermus sent in this great trail cam- Jackie Peace captured these majestic elk in the Pi-
era photo of two large black bears fighting in geon River National Forest on her trail camera.
Manistee County in May of this year. Wow!
(left-right) The Flint catalogs center spread featured the Go-Ite Junior, Regular and Special Teardrop reels. Two new models were introduced on page 10 the Go-Ite Fly Reel and the
Go-Ite Combination Fly and Bait Reel. The Daisy Fly Box was actually made by Ford Dormire of nearby Fenton and introduced in the Go-Ite Flint catalog. Tony Nedela Catalog
100 SEPTEMBER 2017 WNW NEWS
questions will probably never be hardware. conveniently slip his stringers
answered. Go-Ite cataloged the Daisy needle through. The second version
Go-Ite also introduced a single Revolving Fly Box in two sizes, the was for boat use only and did not
wood lure in their Flint catalog, the Junior size with a 4 1/2-inch diame- include the ground spike. It retailed
hard-to-find Go-Ite Fish Fooler, a 3 ter ($3.50 retail) and the Senior size for $2, and both models came pack-
1/2-inch wood bait with tack eyes with a 5-inch diameter ($3.75 retail). aged in a rectangular white box with
that came in six colors. It was a near The Daisy Fly Box was patented black printing.
copy of the famous South Bend by Flint, Michigan resident Ford H. Go-Ite cataloged three qualities
Bass Oreno except that it had a flat Dormire who received US Patent of silk braided Japanese silk casting
slanted face instead of the Bass #2051136 on August 18, 1936. His line in the Flint catalog. All three The Go-Ite Special reel measured
Orenos scooped out face. I believe companys name was the Daisy Fly models were sold on 50-yard wood 5 3/4-inches in diameter and held
that the lure was manufactured by Box Company and was located in spools that came 100 yards con- 250 yards of 18-lb. test line. It
South Bend for Go-Ite for the fol- nearby Fenton. The only references nected. Aristocrat was their most was designed for salmon, lake
lowing reasons: to the Daisy Fly Box Company that expensive line and the line for the trout and deep water trolling. Tim
Go-Ite already had established have turned up were from two clas- particular fishermanmade from Bahr collection
a working relationship with South sified ads run in the April and May extra select Japan silk. Marvel was
Bend. They were planning on buy- 1937 issues of Popular Mechanics, their medium priced line and made
ing all of their bamboo rods from an ad run in the May 1937 issue from select Japan silk, while Big
South Bend, so why not private of Field and Stream magazine and Chief was their value priced entry
label the Fish Fooler wood lure, an article published in the Septem- that will give excellent service to
a near copy of South Bends best ber 1937 issue of Sporting Goods the fisherman who wants a good
selling wood lure. Five of the six Dealer, none of which references but cheaper line. To date, only one
Go-Ite colors were standard South more than one size. Go-Ite spool of braided silk line has
Bend colors, and each Fish Fooler No Daisy Fly Box has been been found. Hopefully, one will turn
was imprinted across the back with found with a Go-Ite logo or box. up as Go-Ite advertised braided silk
the word, Go-Ite, just as Bass Most likely, Go-Ite sold the Daisy casting lines from the companys
Oreno was imprinted on the South Fly Box in Dormires standard first years in Kokomo, then in De-
Bend bait. box for no more than one year, troit and finally in Flint.
Two style numbers were printed because on July 9, 1938, Dormire Go-Ite listed six different ver-
on most Fish Fooler boxes. The entered into an exclusive licensing sions of their 6-inch Water-Plane The ultra-rare Go-Ite Combination
Go-Ite style number was printed agreement with the Millsite Tackle Spinners in the Flint catalog. An- Fly and Bait Reel combined the 4
on the top panel of the box, and a Company of Howell to manufacture glers could buy them with a solid 1/2-inch Junior Teardrop bait reel
second style number was printed and sell his Daisy Fly Box. Millsite nickel spoon or a red and nickel with its offset two-piece reel seat
on the end panel of most boxes that introduced a single size that mea- spoon, and they were also offered with a standard reel seat plus a
have been found. This second style sured 4 5/8-inch in diameter in their with solid brass spoons as a special steel wire line guard and Garnix
number was South Bends cataloged 1938 catalog, which retailed for order option. Hooks came plain or guide, which allow the angler to
easily change it from a baitcaster
color code. For example, the Go-Ite only $1.25! dressed with red and white guinea to a fly reel making it a two-in-one
style number G6 Red, Yellow and Go-Ite cataloged two versions of feathers with bucktail or with red, reel. Bur t Hirons collection.
White, Rainbow box was imprinted their Rod and Stringer Holder in the white and yellow feathers. All came
withG6 RAIN on the end while Flint catalog. The first came com- packaged in a white box with black
SPL RAIN was printed on the top. plete with an aluminum boat clamp, lettering.
SPL more than likely stands for a rust-proofed coil spring rod sup- The one unanswered question
Special, and RAIN was South port, plus a ground spike that would about Go-Ites Water-Plane metal
Bends designation for rainbow. replace the boat clamp and retailed baits, however, is that boxed ver-
Lure construction and hardware for $2.25. The well-designed adjust- sions have only been found in
were the same with the one noted able boat clamp rotated as much Kokomo-marked cardboard boxes or
change to a flat slanted face. The as 220 degrees from the left to the Birmingham-marked (post-WWII)
Go-Ite Fish Fooler also came with right-hand position. The clamp not cardboard boxes. No Water-Plane
Easy Off hardware and was only tightly held the coil spring, but metal baits have turned up in a
identical to Bass Orenos Easy Off it had two ears that the angler could Flint-marked cardboard box. Early
Flint ads from 1926 and 1927 line
list or feature Water-Plane metal The reverse side of the Go-Ite Com-
baits. These lures could be carryover bination Fly and Bait Reel showing
inventory from the Kokomo years of how the steel wire line guard was
1922 and 1923. However, the small attached to the reel.
ads run from 1936 through 1939
each listed baits in the ad copy, Made in Flint Water-Plane baits
as well as a full page of the Water- turned up?
Plane baits featured in the Flint NEXT MONTH the Go-Ite
catalog. Why have none of these Tackle Company after WWII.n
TERRY McBURNEY
FISHING TACKLE EXPERT
OFFERS FREE APPRAISALS
Terry McBurney will be at the Woods-N-Water News Out-
door Weekend held at the Eastern Michigan Fairgrounds
in Imlay City, September 8-10. He will be displaying some
of his Made in Michigan collection of old fishing tackle,
(Left) Four of the six colors of Go-Ites Fish Fooler wood bait. It was made by the South Bend Tackle talking to readers, as well as offering free appraisals.
Company and was a close copy of South Bends best-selling wood lure, the Bass Oreno. (Top right)
A close-up of the South Bend Bass Oreno on the top and the Go-Ite Fish Fooler on the bottom. A Bring in your old fishing tackle - reels, rods, lures and ac-
second close-up of the Fish Fooler in G-4 brown, silver and scale finish showing identical South cessories to see if there is a treasure hidden away in your
Bend Easy Off hardware. Authors collection old tackle box. For more info. www.outdoorweekend.net
WNW NEWS SEPTEMBER 2017 101
Bring on September!
M
ost kayak anglers success is finding weedsand some
in Michigan, might be regenerating by now after
perhaps South- all those lake associations spread
ern Michigan in herbicide on them at the beginning
particular, love of summer. Gosh, its just a horrible
September. Es- to think that a wakeboarder might
pecially after Labor Day get a strand of cabbage
has come and gone, and or coontail wrapped
fewer vehicles with those around an ankle.
front license plates that Picking a lake apart
say Land of Lincoln are in September can be
around. Fewer of those done with an easy, pro-
means fewer boats on the gressive approach, from
lakes, especially boats shallow to deep. Since
that waste the water sur- were talking kayak
fishing and not being
By Dave Mull
face by pulling wake
boarders. We see way able to pack along 28
fewer of those infernal different rods, lets
personal water crafts, too. look at a five-rod approach. You can
Its the start of the best time to do this with just a couple of rods if
be in Michiganwhen fewer folks you want to cut off one lure and tie
are on the water, and those who are, on another. September is a great time to star t shallow and work deeper with (from
If you happen to fish for bass top) a tube to skip under piers, a Finesse T.R.D. to probe inside weed
are not doing anything annoying. lines, a Zoom Super Fluke Jr. to swim over the tops of weeds, a 6 XD
Theyre fishing. on a lake that has undergone weed crankbait for the deep side of weed lines or a Hula StickZ or Bitsy Bug Jig
And a big plus: The fishing just elimination, remember that Sep- to plummet past suspended bass on the drop-off. Author photos
keeps getting better as late summer tember is basically still summer
turns to fall. and you still can find plenty of bass toon, it doesnt make as much noise can stand and skip a big jig, you
If youre a kayak bass angler up around and under docks. Heck, as lead-head jig would. Sometimes will be better off if you sit and skip.
plying inland lakes, a big key to thats true in the lakes where the that lead-on-aluminum clang can Not only do you save time by not
lake associations havent dumped bring the cottage owner running standing and sitting at every dock,
herbicide, too. Bass enjoy shallow through his yard just hollering. but youre also way less likely to
cover and docks provide it, even as Another really good skipping capsize, which is even more embar-
the water cools. lure that not too many folks use rassing than having a pontoon owner
Skipping stuff up underneath is one of those tourist worms, yell at you.
those docks is key to success, and the kind with two or three hooks The other great place to find
kayakers are probably better off molded right into the plastic. These bass in September is around weeds.
3415 South Portage going old-school for skipping. Use things skip amazingly well and bass It seems like most anglers concen-
Jackson, MI 49201 a spinning rod and a light lure that usually cant resist them when they trate on the outside, deeper edge
you can whip hard to get it back sink slowly towards bottom. They of weed beds, but if you can see a
(517) 740-6833 pronounced edge in shallow wa-
under those docks. Gitzit-style make little noise when you hit a
WWW.JACKSONGAMEBIRDS.COM tube baits are great, with a 1/8- or pontoon, too. ter where the weeds start, explore
1/4-ounce head up inside the plastic. Incidentally, I say light lures the shallows, first. Work a favorite
These are good for a couple of are old-school because the bass- lure down that inside edge. Some
reasons. First, they dont have a lot boat minions have started skipping guys will hit this with a square-bill
of stuff hanging down to catch the bigger, 1/2-ounce rubber-skirt jig crankbait. Personally, I like tossing
water, and therefore skip efficiently. on baitcasting tackle. Skipping with a 1/16-ounce head and a 2 3/4-inch
Second, the tube covers the lead heavier line and a levelwind reel T.R.D. worm from Z-ManI just
head, which means when you ac- is, of course, more manly, but you have high confidence that if fish are
cidentally launch it point blank into need to be standing to do it well, there, theyll grab that little lure.
the back of a hollow aluminum pon- and, although many kayak anglers Next, if you wear out the inside
Lock-Jaw
Adjustment Adjustment Screw
the area where theyre suspended. easy to open & close
Mini Lock-Jaw
Screw
This pattern often sets up much For drop weights & Release Release Hole for drop weights
earlier in the summer, after bass are This clip may be mini but when it comes to holding power its second other applications Prevention Prevention or other applications
completely done spawning and just only to its big brother, the original Lock-Jaw! Holds mono, super
looking for food. braids, power pro, lead core or copper lines without damaging the line!
Replaceable
Fellow yak-head Dustin Mur- The Mini Lock-Jaw fits The Walleye Board, TX-44, TX-22, TX-12 & TX-6 1 7/8 Long Pad
Pad
planer boards, but we recommend the full size Lock-Jaw for the TX-44. 1/2 Wide Locator holes for Line Protector inside Locator holes for
attaching to side-planers
guia (my buddy despite his Land of WE DIDNT INVENT CLIPS,
keeps line from making
Stingray
The Mini Lock-Jaw is designed to fit other side planers, drop weights and attaching contact with screw
to side-planers
Lincoln license plate) and I cracked works for many other applications.
WE HAVE PERFECTED THEM!
Part# 40620, 2pk Color - yellow Replacement Pads part# 40701 6/pk Diving Weight
TX-007 Stern Planer & TX-005 Mini Stern Planer TX-44 Tournament Series Unique error-proof design allows anglers to put
more fish in the boat! Water strikes top surface,
The TX-44 is the first and the only in line planer to pull the large Divers,
(10 1/4 long, weighs about 3 oz) (7 long, weighs about 1.5 oz) Lead Core, Wire or Copper Lines and Heavy Weights. The size of the TX-44 forcing the Stingray downward. A fish on will
An all new type of planer! makes it harder for fish to pull the board under, however it is still easy to force the nose upward & Stingray to the surface.
retrieve. The Vise Clip comes standard with the TX-44; especially Available in unpainted or painted. 2 snaps for
rch Tackle Co. designed for lead core & copper, makes accidental each weight included
Chu E-Z Store Famous
release almost impossible. snaps off & on in seconds Lock-Jaw
TX-44 Tournament Series now for easy removal & storage Clip Size #1 - .7 oz
Easy to attach and remove.
available which comes with a #40300
Licensed Shooting Preserve Great for trolling in congested areas and more effective contour trolling along
Lock-Jaw Clip, Stainless Steel unpainted #40302 black
Mayville, MI drop offs contour lines, reef edges and weed lines in rivers, lakes or the ocean. Rear Pin and E-Z Store for easy
Effective for all species. Run more lines out the back of the boat by staggering
(989) 843-6576 the Stern Planers. Run any distance from the boat yet maintain desired depth.
tow-arm removal. Part# 30630
Standard TX-44 Part# 30610 (14 x 4 1/4 x 7/8)
Size #2 - 1.4 oz
Stainless Steel Rear Pin
Birds Released After You Arrive Extra Birds Shot are Free
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ecia
No Gun Or Membership Fees Gift Certificates Available & TX-22 side planers. Slide the tow-arm off for storage or change Includes a Lock-Jaw Clip
to another tow-arm & clip then slide back on when youre ready to E-Z Store & Stainless
Located 17 Miles North of Lapeer fish again. Part# 40519 sold 2 per package 1 left & 1 right Rear Pin Assembly. (Part# 30640) #40305 unpainted #40306 chartreuse
www.jankspheasantfarm.com Please check with your local tackle shop first, if they dont carry our products visit us at www.churchtackle.com to view all
of our great American made fishing gear, or call us at 269-934-8528 to request a catalog.
WNW NEWS SEPTEMBER 2017 103
BOWHUNTERS
Make every tree
your tree
By John Lyszczyk
D
awn breaks and the the same spot where the buck was
November morning earlier. They were there and gone in
temperature is brisk. a matter of seconds. The rut activity
I can see my breath, played to my favor as not ten min-
the leaves are frosted utes had passed and that same buck
and there is seeming- came back following the path of the
ly no wind. All the ingredients for a does. I bleated out of desperation, The author, John Lyszczyk with one of his bow trophies.
perfect morning in the deer woods but he kept moving and didnt even
in the middle of the rut. I have a lot look at me once. to get in position- what would have be able to hang and hunt if I discov-
of time invested in this spot. I put Both times the buck moved happened if I got down and moved ered fresh sign during the rut. What
in plenty of sweat equity between through that area only 30 yards out my stand within striking distance of if I wanted to hunt out of state, but
scouting, tree selection and actually of my comfortable shooting range. where those does walked? What if I I only had a short period of time to
hanging the stand. His second appearance was almost tried that and busted the deer out of hunt? I dont have the time to hang
This is my first time in since as short as his first, and he was out the area? Its a risk, but I could only stands. I just need to get in a flip-
the summer. My wandering minds of my life for good. think...what if? ping tree. Okay, what if I could hunt
trance is broken by a snapping twig, I was ecstatic that I experienced This experience taught me a any tree I wanted and get up there
and I become fixated on the direc- the deer movement that I had that lesson and gave me the opportunity with ease? How can I make this a
tion of where the noise came from. morning. I never got an opportunity to think outside the box. I shouldnt seamless process?
Antlers. This buck left my life just at that buck, but after thinking about have to feel stuck. In a situation I have experimented with two
as fast as he came into it. I frantical- it I drew some conclusions. I try to like that, I want the freedom to be different mobile hunting systems.
ly panned the area with my binocu- analyze every hunt I go on, espe- mobile. And then I started thinking Certainly neither are new to the
lars looking for him, but nothing. cially when I see deer, and I start about other situations where mobil- world of hunting, but some of the
Approximately 30 minutes later running scenarios in my head. What ity could put me in the position for research I have done on mobile
I had some does move through if I moved? I had a brief ten minutes a shot opportunity. I would want to hunting made me think differently
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104 SEPTEMBER 2017 WNW NEWS
about the way I hunt. And I think The platform allows you to
you will benefit from what I have mount your bow within arms reach
learned. My discovery of Dan and permits you to stand on an even
Infalts mobile hunting style had me surface to shoot.
intrigued from the beginning, and The entire system (steps in-
some of my research was done on cluded) can be packed together for
his website www.thehuntingbeast. easy transportation.
com. Cons
I practiced extensively with System is mostly made of
both systems. I will say this style of metal. Without noise dampening
hunting is not for everyone, but if material wrapped around the stand
you are okay with working harder or climbing sticks it can be difficult
to make things happen then this to move through thick brush quietly.
style maybe a good fit for you. I In comparison to the hunter Hang-on tree stand system is a popular choice for mobile hunters.
advise taking extreme safety precau- saddle, it is the slower of the two
tions and invest in quality equip- when it comes to climbing and stepped out from under the willow it is a top contender for the ultimate
ment. Being mobile can mean less setup. tree I had observed deer browsing run-and-gun setup. In my opinion,
equipment, but the equipment that Although the hang-on system under just a few evenings ago. The the best saddle available on the
you end up using must be safe and is lighter than other tree stand op- buck slowly made his way towards market is the Aero Hunter Evolution
reliable. With that aside, the over- tions, it is heavier in comparison to the cornfield facing broadside as he system. This package includes the
arching idea behind mobile hunting the saddle system. walked. I drew my bow and ex- Aero Saddle, a linemans belt, two
systems is to make it much easier to My most notable run-and-gun ecuted the shot. He died in a creek locking carabiners and tree strap.
hunt anywhere at any time. harvest was with a hang-on system bed within one hundred yards of my The system is nearly ready to go out
Style #1: back in the fall of 2011. I had gained stand. I attribute my success to my of the bag and requires minimal ad-
hang-on system that permitted me to justments to be field ready. It weighs
The Hang-On System permission to hunt a cattle farm
hunt where I needed to be. Without under five pounds! This makes my
The hang-on system is already in southern Michigan, but I had to
share this farm with other hunters, the ability to move and adjust on the shoulders and back feel better just
a popular choice for mobile hunt- fly, I know I wouldnt have had the
ers. There are several types of which made hunting this property thinking about that.
very challenging. In fact, I struggled opportunity to harvest that buck. The tree strap, which is a 9mm
lightweight hang-on tree stands on
the market. Lone Wolf makes the with wandering bowhunters that Style #2: rope that wraps around the tree and
Alpha II hanger that weighs in at 14 unknowingly sabotaged my hunts Saddle Hunting connects to the saddle, comes in 6
lbs. Most recently, Xtreme Outdoor during the first couple evenings of Saddle hunting is the less popu-
Products (XOP) came out with the the archery opener. lar mobile hunting system; however Every tree page 106
Vanish XT that weighs only 11lbs. With this type of pressure, I felt
MI Prairie
Utilizing one of these hangers the need to adjust so I focused my
with some Lone Wolf sticks and the efforts on relocating to a different
Alpha Tech Stick Quiver you have part of the farm. This is where using
Dog Hunt
a compact lightweight system. You a hang-on mobile system helped me
can purchase the Lone Wolf back- the most. I could make nearly any
pack straps, but I prefer something tree on that farm my killing tree.
more comfortable. Lone Wolf and On October 3 I hung my hanger in
GamePlan Gear both had a tree a tree on the north side of a swamp This is the most unique action shooting
stand transportation system, but they where I felt I could observe the range in the state. It is a simulated prairie
have been discontinued. You may areas deer movement more effec- dog hunt.
be able to find them on the second- tively than my previous locations. The range consist of ten pop-up targets which appear for approximately
ary market, however I recommend That evening I noticed several fifteen seconds before disappearing back into the ground. There is also a run-
you search for the A.L.I.C.E. frame deer browsing on the south end of
ner which travels across the range every five minutes adding a little more of
pack. the swamp near a willow tree. Con-
necting the south end of the swamp challenge to the hunt.
A.L.I.C.E. stands for All-
Purpose Lightweight Individual and a nearby cornfield was a small The range is set up for Rimfire Rifles (all .17 and .22 calibers). The shoot-
Carrying Equipment. This is some funnel of woods. This small funnel ing distance is approximately 140 yards which creates a fun challenge for the
military grade gear at a fair price! sparked my interest as I assumed the shooter. We also have a new 25 yard, .22 caliber handgun shoot. Shooting
The back pack has straps that allows deer were using this to move from tables and shooting bags are furnished. Two to four shooters per one hour hunt
you to securely fasten your hanger bed (swamp) to food (cornfield). (two shooters for the handgun hunt). Both ranges are Handicap accessible.
to your back. The back pack balanc- My plan was to setup just inside the
es the weight of the tree stand and funnel in attempt to intercept any
makes it easy to carry. To further deer that were going to leave their
justify your purchase, you can use bed early to feed in the cornfield.
the ALICE frame pack system on a However, this location called for a
future back country bowhunting or rare east wind for me to safely hunt
camping trip. This investment will it without the risk of being winded.
earn its money back not just through The subsequent days wind direction
making your deer hunting better, was not allowing me to hunt until Targets fall when they are hit
but also having the equipment to go October 9 and that evening the Lord
on other adventures you may have blessed me with a favorable north- For more information and to schedule a hunt
east wind.
Call 616-755-1473 or 616-527-1355
planned. Listed below are the major
pros and cons of using a hang on With my hanger strapped to my
system: back I made my way into the funnel Located at 3200 Welch Rd, Ionia, MI
and found a solid tree to climb. I Email: miprairiedoghunt@gmail.com
Pros was very early on my first time into
The traditional hanger tree this area and I had the feeling some- Check out our website: www.miprairiedoghunt.com
stand, such as the Lone Wolf, pro- thing good was going to happen on Find us on Facebook: MI Prairie Dog Hunt
vides peace of mind and stability in this hunt. My hopes had developed
regards to safety. when a large bodied 11-point buck Featured on Michigan Out of Doors TV, Episode 1627 (June 30, 2016)
WNW NEWS SEPTEMBER 2017 105
Every tree
from page 105
foot or 12 foot lengths. I recom- ing takes some getting used to and
mend paying extra for the longer may be uncomfortable at first.
rope to ensure you can wrap it More expensive than other
around larger trees. All the compo- mobile systems available.
nents combined provide a weight Whether you are using the hang-
capacity rating over 1,100 lbs. and on system or the saddle system, the
the system is designed to prevent the overall strategy is the same. Hunting
user from falling out. It is important over fresh sign wherever you find
to note that you will need to spend it becomes much easier. Locating,
time making sure you have all the setting up and hunting new locations
aforementioned components with will increase your number of first-
you once you are climbing. If you time-in sits. It has been acclaimed
are missing any components or ne- by many experts such as Stan Potts,
glect to tie yourself in properly you Andrae DAcquisto and Adam Hays
run the risk of having an accident. that the first hunt in an area is going The saddle system is best in accessing hard to get to hunting areas.
This system is great simply based to have the highest percentage of hunting deep, especially on public rolling hills or mountainous terrain,
on the fact that it is assembled with success. ground. Getting away from the pres- I highly recommend using a saddle.
very little metal parts, which makes The more an area is hunted the sure is a crucial step, and it takes a
it easier for you to move quietly probability of success decreases. special, lightweight mobile hunting Conclusion
through the woods. Listed below are As many of us know, mature bucks system to execute this tactic. One Being a user of both systems, I
the major pros and cons of using a have an uncanny sense of smell. may setup a tree stand and leave it have found that each one has its own
saddle system: They do not tolerate any disturbance out for future hunts, but you run the time and place. For instance, I will
Pros in their environment. With that said, risk of having the stand stolen or use the saddle system in spots that
Quiet, lightweight (5 lbs.) and to catch a mature buck off guard your hunting spot being discovered are hard to get to or in areas where
easy to transport one must use the element of sur- by another hunter. I do not know the deer movement
Allows for simplified 360 prise. In theory, having the ability Moreover, the saddle system is very well. In areas that I am familiar
degree shooting to hunt new areas more frequently best applied in accessing deep pub- with and have the deer patterned
Hunt in any size tree with a will boost your odds of harvesting a lic land areas. Simply put, the saddle pretty well I will use a hang-on sys-
lean of 15 degrees or lower mature buck. system is much lighter and easier tem. It is really user preference, but
Additionally, accessing lower to handle. I have found that I am with either system you are permit-
Cons pressured areas of public or private saving a lot of energy and reducing ting yourself to be more adaptable to
Takes time and practice to get land is much easier when using a the amount of sweat when enduring any hunting situation.
comfortable shooting lightweight mobile system. There a long journey to a remote hunting For more information: www.
Climbing, setting up and hang- is a reason why experts preach on location. If you hunt in an area with DieHardBowhunter.comn
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improvement. other. Only you can determine what trainer, you can also train your
f you want to train your dog Have faith in your dog. Hell needs to be done. Youll still get own dog, saving the money
successfully, you will have to learn if you think he will. If you the desired result although you may and gaining satisfaction. Positive
approach your task with the
expect him to be a finished gun dog, have to change your approach. Ana- thinking is crucial. By maintaining
right attitude. In fact, a prerequisite lyze what needs to done and devise faith in both yourself and your
thats what he will be. If you think
to accomplishment in any endeavor the right strategy for accomplishing dog, you will have the kind of
is a constructive attitude in which hes a loser, hell be that. You get
what you expect. If you expect a lot your objective through short and gun dog that will bring a new
you systematically work toward long-term goal setting and improved dimension to your hunting
your goal. Without a constructive from him and preserve your faith
in his ability to master the various time management techniques. Suc- experience. Go ahead now;
attitude, youre doomed to failure. cess is in reach. you can do it!n
Any person with reasonably tasks you are teaching him, he will
good judgement can train a bird dog. be a gun dog youll be proud to
However, if you arent motivated
by the desire to own a classy, well-
own. Having faith in your dog will
build his confidence. This will lead
to an improvement in his animation
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I
first wrote an article Information on www.LenonLures.
20 years ago with this com. Asa Lenon clearly summarized
title. The dirt hole set still the five best trapping information
remains my favorite and pages ever comprised based on his
most productive set when fathers methods. The article covers
trapping any land furbearing cleanliness, trap care, natural looking Fox and coyote season usually starts It is important to note I suggest you
animal. In fact, besides mentioning set, being very careful, location, wind October 15 in Michigan every year, set three sets in close proximity
some new variations that have worked direction, visibility and eye appeal, please check the current regulations. I while trapping canines say, 20 feet
well for me over the years, I cannot proper lures and much more that will usually start most of my canine trap- apart. Canines often travel in groups
stress enough the fact that no set, no make every trapper a better trapper. ping in November after a few heavy and there is no better time to catch a
lure, no trap will catch fox or coyote The first step is to put your set frosts, they seem to travel more then second fox or coyote than when you
if you have not located the fox, coyote location in an area inhabited by fox and begin to prime up. have a live decoy in one of your sets.
or whatever furbearing animal you are or coyote. In wooded areas, look Clean equipment is a necessity. Also skunk and opossum find a way
targeting. for your set location near trails that At a very minimum, clean traps and to get into our canine sets so having
The dirt hole set has probably cross. In farm country, locate where equipment free of factory oil, rust and a couple extra working traps when
caught more fox and coyote than all fence rows meet, near rock piles and dirt. Preferably, dye and wax your you catch incidentals is a good thing.
other sets combined. A properly made old farms. Anywhere mice and other traps and understand its best to get To reduce the amount of incidental
dirt hole set can catch every canine rodents are abundant or an open area your traps out before the deep freezes catches I usually use no bait and a
that passes, but the secret is learning nearby will work also. The set loca- and heavy snows. But still reserve good lure. My favorite is Lenons Fox
how to make a good one. Hopefully tion should be in an area thats open some time for the challenge of trap- Super Range All Call when my target
you have read the previous three at least 20 or 30 yards in all directions ping a few canines in the snow. are coyotes; however, from years of
articles I have wrote in WoodsN and relatively flat. Gray fox dont Have two pairs of gloves with you experience using and now making
Water News on preparing for trapping mind sets in thickets, but red fox and in case one gets contaminated. Wear Lenon Lures I assure you either lure
season and how to properly dye and coyote are too suspicious if the set is rubber boots as they do not hold odors will make any fox or coyote commit
wax your traps. I would also highly not in the open. For example, a trail and can be rinsed off. Keep baits and to that final step.
recommend reading the information through the hardwoods is as open as lures away from traps and tools, either The following dirt hole set
on Herb Lenons Methods on How a hay field when it comes to trapping in a coat pocket or strapped to your described is targeted for fox and
to Trap Fox and Coyote Trapping fox and coyote. pack basket. coyote, but it can and will catch rac-
Outdoor Weekend!
17. Ruger American bolt action 450 bushmaster 68. Savage bolt action tactical tan 308 119. STIHL 12 Saw w/battery/chg
18. Tri Star Setter over under vent rib 20 ga. 69. Henry lever action walnut 22 120. Tri Star Hi-gloss semi auto vent rib 12 ga.
19. Weatherby PA-08 hi gloss walnut 12 ga. 70. Mossberg 7 shot home defense shotgun 12 ga. 121. Ruger American bolt action 450 bushmaster
20. STIHL 12 Saw w/battery/chg 71. Ruger American bolt action 450 bushmaster 122. Honda EU1000 Generator
21. Savage 93 bolt action 22 MAG 72. Smith & Wesson stainless semi auto 9mm 123. Remington semi auto R-51 pistol 9mm
22. Henry lever action walnut 22 73. Ruger American bolt action 223 124. Mossberg 7 shot home defense shotgun 12 ga.
23. Ruger American bolt action 450 bushmaster 74. Weatherby Hi-gloss semi auto vent rib 12 ga. 125. Ruger American bolt action 30-06
24. Mossberg Patriot bolt action walnut 300 win mag 75. Savage 93 bolt action 17 HMR 126. Henry lever action walnut 22
25. Ruger American bolt action 30-06 76. Ruger American bolt action 450 bushmaster 127. Ruger American bolt action 450 bushmaster
26. Tri Star Hi-gloss semi auto vent rib 12 ga. 77. Tri Star Hi-gloss semi auto vent rib 12 ga, 128. Henry lever action walnut 22
27. Savage bolt action tactical tan 223 78. H&R Pardner pump walnut vent rib 12 ga. 129. Smith & Wesson bodygard semi auto 380
28. Ruger American bolt action 450 bushmaster 79. Ruger American bolt action 30-06 130. STIHL 12 Saw w/battery/chg
29. Benelli Nova pump vent rib 20 ga. 80. Taurus Judge revolver 45/410 131.Ruger American semi auto pistol 9mm
30. STIHL 12 Saw w/battery/chg 81. Ruger American bolt action 450 bushmaster 132. Browning semi auto Buck Mark 22
31. Remington 870 cantilever slug gun 20 ga. 82. Browning semi auto Buck Mark 22 133. Ruger American bolt action 450 bushmaster
32. Ruger American bolt action 30-06 83. Bushmaster AR-15 semi auto 223 134. CVA single shot rifle 44 mag
33. H & R Pardner pump walnut vent rib 20 ga. 84. Ruger American semi auto pistol 45 135. Ruger American bolt action 30-06
34. Ruger American bolt action 450 bushmaster 85. Savage 220 bolt action slug gun camo 20 ga. 136. Tri Star over under Setter vent rib 12 ga.
35. Savage bolt action w/scope 30-06 86. Ruger American bolt action 450 bushmaster 137. Winchester Super X field walnut pump 12 ga.
36. Mossberg semi auto 25 round magizine 22 87. H & R Pardner pump walnut vent rib 12 ga. 138. Ruger American bolt action 450 bushmaster
37. Tri Star over under Setter vent rib 410 88. Tri Star Hi-gloss semi auto vent rib 12 ga. 139. STIHL 12 Saw w/battery/chg
38. Browning semi auto Buck Mark 22 89. Ruger American bolt action 30-06 140. Smith & Wesson stainless semi auto 9mm
39. Ruger American bolt action 450 bushmaster 90. Savage bolt action tactical tan 223 141. Savage stainless camo w/scope 223
40. Savage bolt action tactical tan 308 91. Ruger American bolt action 450 bushmaster 142. Ruger LCP semi atuo pocket pistol 380
41. Ruger American bolt action 30-06 92. Mossberg 7 shot home defense shotgun 12 ga. 143. Tri Star Hi-gloss semi auto vent rib 12 ga.
42. Tri Star Hi-gloss semi auto vent rib 12 ga. 93. Ruger LCP semi auto pocket pistol 380 144. Ruger American bolt action 450 bushmaster
43. Henry lever action walnut 22 94. CVA fully rifled slug gun 20 ga. 145. STIHL 12 Saw w/battery/chg
44. Ruger American bolt action 450 bushmaster 95. Remington 870 pump vent rib 20 ga. 146. Henry Golden boy lever action 22
45. STIHL 12 Saw w/battery/chg 96. Ruger American bolt action 450 bushmaster 147. Weatherby PA-08 hi gloss walnut 20 ga.
46. Winchester Super X muddy girl pink camo 20 ga. 97. Tri Star over under Setter vent rib 410 148. Ruger American bolt action 30-06
47. Mossberg 7 shot home defense shotgun 12 ga. 98. STIHL 12 Saw w/battery/chg 149. Weatherby Hi-gloss semi auto vent rib 20 ga.
48. Ruger 10/22 semi auto 22 99. Ruger American bolt action 30-06 150. Ruger American bolt action stainless ranch w/ mag-
49. Savage Trophy bolt action 308 100. Mossberg 500 vent rib pump 12 ga. naport brake & Leupold CDS scope 450 bushmaster
50. STIHL 12 Saw w/battery/chg 101. Henry Golden boy lever action 22
Need not be present to win any of the prizes. Must be 18 years or older. License #R42606. Chapter reserves the right to substitute guns of similar
value in case of unavailability. Purchase of ticket does not gain admittance to banquet.
Questions?
Shiawassee County Pheasants ForeverChapter 399 is a 501c3 organization.
SEE US AT THE
Call Bill OUTDOOR
810-523-3766 RESERVE YOUR TICKETS TODAY! WWW.PF399.ORG WEEKEND!
108 SEPTEMBER 2017 WNW NEWS
7/17/15 - WI
coon, skunk, opossum, bobcat, etc. or drag to fasten the trap. It is very spring when the animal steps on the skunks.
If coyote are your target use larger important to make sure you are using outer area of the trap bed. The trap Your set is ready and only needs
traps with coyote scent. Place the a staking or drag system that will hold should spring only when the fox or to have lure added weekly or after
trap several inches from the dirt hole. any coyote that you might catch. It is coyote steps on the trap pan. rains. Try making several sets in one
Under normal conditions the 1-1/2 not a good feeling to visit a set loca- Place a trap cover over the trap- location, especially if a lot of sign is
coil spring trap works fine; however, tion and find an empty circle with no either a wax paper or fiberglass pan present. When you catch a canine, be
in Michigan during fox season, we trap or coyote. For stakes, use re-rod cover- and sift inch of dirt over the sure to remake the set even if the area
have plenty of rain, freezing weather between 15 and 24 inches depending entire trap and trap bed area. Be care- is all torn up. Just use a different clean
and snow, so I use a lot of 1-3/4 and 2 on the soil with a short 6 inch chain to ful to make sure there are no small trap and bedding material. As soon
coil spring traps. The larger traps have the trap. With the increase in coyotes rocks or other debris that could get as the weather starts freezing, mix
the strength needed to push through in Michigan it is highly recommend stuck in the trap jaws when the trap trap anti-freeze with your dirt or use
ground under adverse conditions. using a double stake swivel and springs. The covering over your trap dry dirt that you saved during the dry
Set your trap before moving to the two rebar stakes when using rebar should be flush to slightly elevated summer months.
set location and take large steps so the stakes. compared to the surrounding ground. The last several winters have
area is disturbed as little as possible. Today cable trap stakes are a During freezing temperatures use been pretty mild, which has provided
Place a 3 x 3 piece of canvas or choice of many, and I prefer AuSable trap antifreeze, dry peat moss or wax us with some excellent weather for
tarp to one side and your pack basket Brand Trap Cable Anchor Stakes. proofed dirt. canine trapping. Be patient if your
on the other. Using your trowel, cut They are extremely affordable, light- The final step is placing the lure, line gets covered with snow, because
out your trap bed approximately one weight and do the job of holding the bait and urine. I perform this step having sets out during a thaw is one
inch larger than your trap. Place the biggest meanest coyote. Basically last so as not to get any odors on the of the most productive times and
sod and dirt removed on the canvas. which ever stake system you are using trap or bedding material which would could result in your best catch of the
Dig the trap bed approximately 4 or make sure you cannot pull it out of cause the canine to dig and scratch season.
5 inches deep. Dig a hole one inch in the ground. If you can pull it out of at the trap resulting in a sprung and The 2017 Northern Great Lakes
front of the trap bed, 3 to 6 inches in ground so will Mr. Coyote, so use a empty trap. Fur Harvesters Annual Trappers
diameter approximately 8 to 10 inches drag under those circumstances. If A good gland lure is a must. Put Convention will be September 22
deep at a 45 degree angle. I vary the you use a drag make sure to have 4 to several drops on some fur or piece of 23rd, at Kinross Chippewa Country
size of the dirt hole I make from a 6 feet of chain, plus dig your trap bed sheep wool and deposit in the bottom Fairgrounds. Its my favorite trapping
mouse size to gopher sized hole. I deeper to accommodate the drag in of the hole. Place a natural backing show of the year with great demos
prefer a larger hole but if ground is the bed. Sift one inch of dirt over the about 4 to 6 inches high behind the and trappers supply companies that
hard or rocky and hard to dig I dont stake or drag. Push the trap firmly into dirt hole and spray urine over back- attend every year.
fight it, I just make a smaller hole. the sifted dirt and pack sifted dirt all ing. Use anything from the natural I welcome you to visit my web-
Youre making a natural set no matter around the jaws and springs. Having surroundings, such as a piece of wood sites at PcsOutdoors.com and Lenon-
what size your dirt hole is and canines the trap firmly bedded is one of the or rock. If you use bait try to use Lures.com. I always welcome calls
will want to investigate. most important steps to a good dirt something slightly tainted, as rotten from fellow trappers (989) 569-3480
Decide if you want to use a stake hole set. It will be less likely to tip or bait seems to attract more possum and ext. 225.n
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Want squirrels?
come equipped with fancy scopes
that provide the brand of pinpoint
accuracy to place lethal shots on
squirrels. Most pellet shooters
prefer the .22 caliber because of its
increased knockdown power over
FIND ACORNS
a .177. Although I must admit that
my .177 has taken bushels full of
squirrels for me over the years and
I love the silent killing power of an
air rifle. A pellet gun adds a new
dimension of sport to the fun of
B
hunting small game and they are the
perfect starter rifle for young kids
roken nuts scattered that gives Michigan hunters a reason able to approach the tree by walk- that are timid about the loud sound
under the oak tree was to go hunting and enjoy the great ing slowly in the tall standing corn of a conventional gun or dislike the
a signal that squirrels outdoors with family and friends. which provides concealment and recoil. This old timer squirrel nut is
were working the area The dense leaves can make spotting the soft earth hides my footsteps. reaching for the pellet gun more of-
and I hun- ol bushytail a challenge, Once I reach the oak honey hole Ill ten than his beloved .22 Ruger rifle.
kered near but squirrel are very active slow my pace, scan the huge white Some squirrel hunters use tacti-
the tree trunk and remained during early season. The oak from top to bottom and prob- cal methods for hunting and they
motionless. From the leaves also serve to conceal ably catch a fox squirrel off guard. wear Gillie suits. Others paint their
heavens a big acorn hit the your approach and make it Once I harvest that first squirrel Ill face and hands with face cream to
ground near my feet as the difficult for critters to spot sit down on a fallen tree which has conceal their white skin. Most carry
mature white oak slowly you. upright branches to hide my human accurate guns and practice one shot
shed its fruit. I looked Perhaps the biggest outline and Ill wait. Sometimes kills by making head shots. Dont
across the forest floor and advantage of hunting the overlook the killing power and im-
By Kenny Darwin
noticed hundreds early season is pressive accuracy of modern pellet
of them along the acorns are guns and the ammo is cheap.
with deer drop- falling like rain. While Michigan law requires
pings, turkey feathers and squirrel Some hunters think they fall from you wear some blaze orange while
sign. When another acorn made a trees in late fall but actually the big small game hunting, it is a good
solid thud at my feet I looked up to white oaks shed their mast crop in idea to wear as much camouflage as
see a fat fox squirrel looking straight late August and throughout Sep- possible to hide your human outline.
down at me. I centered the crosshair tember. Wise squirrel hunters know Smart hunters conceal their face
on his head and the .22 rifle brought that falling acorns will draw squirrel with camouflage netting or a face
him down. When I picked up my from near and far. When the food is mask and camo gloves, hat, pants;
prize I noticed the solid bed of white falling the squirrels go on a feed- even boots is a good idea. Camo
acorns on the ground which is the ing spree and they are extra busy will break up your outline, hide your
secret to squirrel hunting success. gathering acorns, burying some and movement and up your odds of see-
In most of Michigan it goes without storing plenty in tree limb forks, ing more game.
saying you can up your odds for sanctuary tree holes and lofty nests. Begin by scouting for oak trees
squirrel if you spend time hunting My point is if you want extraor- that carry a good mast crop. The
around oak heavy with acorns. dinary hunting look for squirrels hottest strategy going is to find an
Michigan is blessed with boom- where acorns are plentiful. oak ridge that has trees scattered for
ing populations of squirrel. Most Michigan has had some crazy a long distance. Once you locate the
hunters seek fox squirrel but there weather this year and 2017 has seen trees with the most acorns you take
are fast growing numbers of black massive rainfall that has helped oak stand and after harvesting a squirrel
and gray in every county throughout trees to remain healthy and produce stalk the next acorn honey hole. The
the state. You can bet that plenty large acorns. In some locations there trick is to have several hunting loca-
of Michigan hunters spend open- will be a bumper crop while other tions based on oak trees and acorn
ing day September 15 looking for parts of the Wolverine state will abundance and you move from one
bushytails. September and early Oc- see very few acorns. Some of my Accurate shots can be achieved if location to the next. This gives you
tober provide an opportunity to get prime trees in mid-Michigan are you use a tree trunk as a gun rest. an increased opportunity to contact
outdoors while the weather is warm loaded with acorns and the hunt- Just place your hand against the
and there is plenty of cover. Squir- ing will be exciting. One is on the tree and rest the gun in a steady
rels offer a unique natural resource edge of a corn field and I will be position. Kenny Darwin photos Want squirrels page 112
110 SEPTEMBER 2017 WNW NEWS
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WNW NEWS SEPTEMBER 2017 111
Want squirrels:
from page 110
maximum number of squirrels. leaves can indicate critters are danc-
Smart hunters stalk likely ing in the trees. Gotta love it when
acorn hot spots. The idea is to wear squirrels are chasing each other,
camouflage and blend in with the playing in the canopy high above
environment and sneak through the ground and when they stop you
the forest. Savvy hunters move at a can have an excellent shot.
snails pace and keep body move- Small game hunting is the ideal
ment to a minimum as they stop fre- way to introduce youth to hunt-
quently to scan the trees for targets. ing. The weather is ideal, chances
Squirrel hunting gives you a golden of seeing another hunter is slim.
opportunity to hone stalk hunting While your goal may be to take your
skills that can be used hunting deer, kids deer hunting, keep in mind the When oaks drop their acorns squirrels spend plenty of time on the
turkeys and other game. For this weather is cold and kids need to ground searching for nuts.
style of hunting you become the remain silent and not move. Squirrel
ultimate predator as you move like a hunting can be a relaxing sport as ship skills and how to field dress calls. After you harvest a critter or
fox on the prowl and catch wildlife you sit by a tree and share the many wild game and share respect for two, move to another acorn hot spot
off guard. gifts of nature. Teach a kid how to harvesting game. Most importantly and call again. Use this run and gun
Once you spot a squirrel you enjoy the outdoors, give him the you convey the importance of hunt- calling tactic and you will soon fill
slide slowly next to a tree and you knowledge to spot game and he will ing for table fare. your game bag.
use the trunk to hide your human be a hunter for life. Teach them the Spotting and stalking squirrels Squirrel slow cooked until it
outline and support your gun. A reli- technique of slowly sliding through requires woodsmanship skills and falls off the bone is absolutely
able gun rest is the key to accurate the woods, carefully not breaking taking stand and hiding requires delicious and gives you a reason
shooting. By resting the gun against sticks or branches, keeping body plenty of patience. One way to to go get more. Early season gives
the tree you can keep the scope on movement to a minimum and how make hunts more exciting is calling. you an opportunity to sharpen
critters for extended periods of time to frequently stop, look and listen Some hunters use a distress call that hunting skills, practice shooting,
and eventually settle the cross hair and soon they will see lots of game brings them running. Many more get outdoors and enjoy the many
on target with ease. A small sapling and be a hunter for life. Squirrels are make squirrel chatter that gets their gifts of nature with family and
or fence post can also serve as a gun abundant in Michigan and hunting attention and brings them out of friends. What about you? Are
rest. them is an excellent training exer- hiding into view. A deadly strategy you prepared to take advantage
The telltale movement of cise for youth. Plus you can share is to sneak near oak trees and get the of this golden opportunity to get
branches and sound of rustling hunting together, teach woodsman- attention of local animals with a few outdoors?n
A
utumn is an exciting these fish wait that long but a much
time for Michigan higher percentage do compared to
River anglers. Chi- our Great Lakes winter steelhead.
nook, coho and pink These fish start running in June
salmon; brown, lake depending on the river temperatures
and brook trout and but the most dependable time to find
Atlantic salmon all spawn in the fall good numbers is in late summer and
and to varying degrees migrate up early fall. While summer steelhead
Great Lakes tributaries to procreate. are only stocked in the St. Joseph
Steelhead are spring spawning River by Indiana and the Manistee
fish but a proportion of these great River by Michigan, they frequently
game fish run the rivers in the sum- stray to other rivers.
mer and fall. Thus the river angler Chinook salmon also begin their
has a real smorgasbord of salmon spawning migration in late summer
and trout to tempt with his offer- with runs peaking in September. In
ings in the fall. Often it is possible some northern rivers these fish will
to catch four or five species of these run upstream in midsummer but The author, Jim Bedford with a lake run brown.
fish in the same river at the same most of these fish wont spawn until the lower reaches of the tributary magnitude of the runs between years
time. September or October. rivers. As the month progresses is lessening.
While Atlantic salmon and sum- These salmon have been ex- more and more fish will move to the While many coho enter the riv-
mer steelhead may begin their runs tremely successful at reproducing spawning gravel. By early October ers in September, the main run usu-
in early summer, their river numbers themselves and you would be hard spawning activity will peak and the ally arrives in October. Migrations
build to a peak in early fall. While pressed to find a sizable stream runs and holes near the gravel and of this fish continue into November
Atlantic salmon are currently mostly that doesnt host a run of these fish. the spawning beds themselves will and December. The coho tend to
limited to the St. Marys River, the They may return as foot long, year be the place to concentrate your ef- remain in good shape in the river for
DNR has started to stock them in old jacks or trophy sized six year forts for our largest autumn migrant. a longer time than its Pacific cous-
other Lake Huron tributaries. olds. The majority make their only Pink salmon also reach their ins. Bright silver cohos have arrived
Summer steelhead are primarily spawning run at ages in between peak river numbers in September. in Lansing after negotiating over a
a Lake Michigan fish. The Skamania these extremes. In recent years the None of these fish are stocked but hundred miles of river and finding
strain has been the most successful average size of the returning kings because of their short river residence their way up half a dozen fish lad-
with Indiana supplying Michigan has been decreasing in the upper they have been very successful at ders.
with eggs in exchange for eggs from Great Lakes with a few exceptions. reproducing themselves. The largest These salmon spend their first
our Little Manistee winter strain. A Their numbers are also down but runs occur in Lake Superior and year and a half in the river so they
fair number of these steelhead have fishing is often better in the rivers northern Lake Huron tributaries in have been much less successful than
the unusual characteristic of wait- when fish are not crowded in the odd years. the kings and pinks at natural repro-
ing four plus years after planting or holes. A number of years ago while duction. Like the pink salmon they
smolting to make their first run. Of In early September it is best to fishing the Little Calumet River in only spend a year and a half load-
course not all of each year class of look for kings in the deep holes of Indiana my silver spinner was inter- ing up on forage fish but since they
cepted by a smallish fish that bored get a head start from a much larger
for the bottom. Right away I thought smolting size the cohos average sev-
I was into one of the resident brown eral pounds larger. As you would
trout that reside in the upper reaches expect, the best coho action will be
of this stream. in rivers that receive large plants.
After a minute or so I pres- Cohos are often aggressive on
sured the fish to the surface and their spawning migration and are
scooped it up in my net. It was a eager strikers of a wide variety of
colored up male pink salmon with lures. They are frequently found in
the characteristic pronounced hump. deep slow holes near good spawning
It weighed three and half pounds gravel.
which is a bit above the average for While many brown trout attempt
these fish in northern waters. to spawn in the lakes themselves
Having now made it to the they do add to the river anglers bag.
southern tip of Lake Michigan, this They begin to run in mid-September
diminutive salmon has expanded its and most spawn in late October or
range throughout the lake. Most of early November. They have a curi-
these fish only live for two years so ous trait of remaining in the river
their growing time is limited. The after spawning often staying until
two year life cycle explains why we the spring runoff begins.
still have somewhat larger runs in Browns are easiest to catch be-
the odd years. Some of these salmon fore they begin spawning and during
do live for three years and thus as
Terri Bedford with Grand River coho time goes by the difference in the Autumn Visitors page 116
114 SEPTEMBER 2017 WNW NEWS
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116 SEPTEMBER 2017 WNW NEWS
Ducks Unlimited Michigan 80 Anniversary th
By Dale Borske, Ducks Unlimited State Chairman
D
ucks Unlimited is spective that area is the size of both
celebrating 80 years Maryland and New Hampshire com-
as a nonprofit conser- bined! We have spent $4.5 billion
vation organization during that period on those projects
operating here in with money raised from fundraising
Michigan and across events, major donors, foundation
North America. Michigan was one support, corporate partners, as well
of the first charters of the organiza- as matching grants from federal and
tion, which was started during the state government. Here in Michigan,
Great Dust Bowl by a small group DU has spent over $38 million on
of sportsmen on a mission to save wetlands projects and conserved
North Americas waterfowl popu- over 81,000 acres. National mem-
lations, and the continents strong bership totals over 700,000 mem- state grants to fund its mission. The events at a ratio of 3:1 or better in
waterfowling traditions. Joseph bers, with just over 29,000 members conservation program alone has some cases as result of the federal
Knapp, DUs founder, got a group of from Michigan. conserved an average of more than and state grant dollars we are able to
duck hunters together back in 1937 Early on, the organizations 2,500 acres of habitat each year over bring in. One of our proudest feats
and they made a commitment to focus was solely on the conservation the past 5 years, equating to an an- is how much is put back into our
conserve our nations wetlands and of habitat on North Americas breed- nual investment of $2.9 million into mission of habitat conservation. DU
waterfowl, and Ducks Unlimited ing grounds. DU began working on Michigans natural resources. puts at least 80 cents of every dollar
was born. Since its inception, DU domestic projects across the United So many of our supporters are raised back into the ground on our
has evolved into the world leader States in the 1980s, completing its now seeing projects in the areas projects.
in wetlands conservation with a di- first project in Michigan in 1987 at they hunt and live in. With the ef- So as we celebrate these accom-
verse membership and team of com- Tuttle Marsh in cooperation with forts of DU and other like-minded plishments we are not resting on our
mitted staff. DU consists of hunters the U.S. Forest Service. The contin- organizations, waterfowl are at peak laurels so to speak, but striving to do
and other conservation-minded ued growth of the organization has levels. Over 900 species of wildlife more and keep the organization sol-
folks both young and old, male and evolved into a massive conservation benefit from these conservation ef- vent and active for another 80 years
female and from all walks of life. machine, fueled by funds raised by forts. or more. If you would like to join us
DU has conserved over 14 our volunteers and major donors DU is also proud of the fact that and make a difference, please visit
million acres of wetlands in North that are used by its professional we are able to leverage funds raised us at www.ducks.org as we would
America to-date. To put that in per- staff to leverage large federal and from our donors and fundraising love to have you aboard.n
W W W. S L AY E R O U T D O O R P R O D U C T S . C O M
Circle T
lake and everyone fishing near the
lodge, including Al and Ray heard
that blast. So everyone showed up
and shared the excitement of my
Ranch
trophy bear.
The only thing that could make
this day better was for Ed to harvest
a bear as well. As it turned out Eds
stand had turned cold. Once my
bear was brought back to camp the
weight of the bear was 309 pounds. Located in beautiful
Thats a good bear anytime; its a Northwest Michigan in Buckley,
great bear for the spring. Duane
caped my bear out, quartered it, just South of Traverse City
and then the bear was frozen for the
return trip back to Michigan.
Our last day and Ed decided to
spend the last day fishing with the
three of us; he had already taken a
bear on our first trip to Dore Lake,
which was good because the wall- LI NO
eyes had really started to turn on. REQ CENSE
UIR
One fisherman in camp had already ED
Semi-guided Rifle and Muzzleloader Whitetail caught a 12-pound walleye. We
really got into the walleyes, several
hunts still available this fall on FREE RANGE being caught in the 6-8-pound range Come and experience a little
400-acre farm in northern Michigan. along with several very large pike.
On Dore Lake, theres a limit of five bit of Northern Michigan
We Salute Our Military This
(231)
pike in your possession and only
one can be over 30 inches. It was
Labor Day and All Year Long very difficult to catch a pike under
499-0246
30 inches.
MENOMINEE COUNTY, MICHIGAN We caught more pike than
UPPER PENINSULA we could count. Several in the
17-pound range. One fisherman in
Sandra, General Manager 313-410-2204 camp caught a 20 pounder. There is VISIT US AT:
a 26-pounder mounted hanging on www.circletranch-michigan.com
Perry, Outfitter 906-241-9653 the wall in the lodge. Duane told me
OR EMAIL US AT:
that he cleans between 6,000-7,000
www.whitetaildeerhuntinglodge.com fish per year. He has owned the circletranch-haines@hotmail.com
120 SEPTEMBER 2017 WNW NEWS
MICHIGAN'S
NUMBER 1
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Woods-N-Water News
Michigans Premier Outdoor Publication
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WNW NEWS SEPTEMBER 2017 121
THE EYES
HAVE IT! A
Can You Identify These
Predatorss Eye Makeup?
T
en years ago, I wrote hunters of young ungulates, small
an article for this animals, ground-nesting birds and
publication under the rodents. Evidence indicates that
following title, Can coyotes take a measurable toll on
you identify wild and deer as well as other wildlife.
feral predators? It As a matter of note, the fox re-
was a quiz that was well received mains a canine predator, yet actu-
and contained predators eyes, ally it plays a dual role being both
ears and mouths for identification. hunter and hunted...predator and
Since that time, I have obtained prey...often falling to predation by
additional photos of wild animals its cousins, wolf and coyote.
B
eyes which our readers may enjoy Historically, predator and prey
matching up. You may evolved through a bal-
find it is not as easy as you ance of nature as a form of
might think. species control; however,
Our ID listing in- a false canine predator
cludes: Badger - Black exists; that being the feral
Bear - Bobcat - Canada dog. Abandoned domes-
Lynx - Coyote - Feral Cat ticated dogs, left to fend
- Feral Dog - Gray Fox - for themselves, can and
Raccoon - Red Fox With often do revert to killing
those species instincts neces-
fixed in your
mind, all you
By Betty Sodders sary for surviv-
al. Many acts
need do is... once attributed
Match them up! to wolves or coyotes were com-
For the most part of the list, mitted by feral canines. Cocker
the animals named are predators spaniels and dachshunds are just
with the exception of the Badger as likely to join in feral activity
and Raccoon. Yet, in a sense, those as German shepherds or border
C
two wild creatures can and do kill collies.
animals smaller than themselves. The wild cats; feline predators
So lets define predator and prey. of North America include cougar,
The canine predators: Wolves, Canada lynx and bobcat. Their bag
coyotes, foxes and feral dogs are of predatory tricks includes fang
deemed canine predators for they and claw...making them efficient
represent members of the canine killing machines.
family. Remember, wolf is the A cougar kill usually involves
only true wild dog. the large cat leaping on to its
Wolves are nature designed victims back. With a quick bite to
to keep to keep deer and moose its neck while rotating its claws,
herds thinned through removal of its prey is dispatched. The kill
aged, sick and very young animals. remains standard among the entire
It is natures way...the way of the cat family.
whitetail and the moose. Here in On a smaller scale than cougar,
Michigan, wolves abound across Canada lynx is a formidable foe,
the Upper Peninsula and remain regarded as being a predator of the
protected by law. Law makers north. Snowshoe-like paws enable
and wildlife biologists must work the animal to traverse deep snow
D
together to maintain a proper and its long legs enable the cat to
balance between deer, moose and reach winter-bound prey with rela-
wolf populations so as not to upset tive ease.
the rules of nature. Lynx have long vanished from
Coyotes are first-class efficient the Michigan landscape, how-
E
of Goetzville, recently sighted a
Canada lynx on the Michigan side them simply to obtain the milk in
of the river. their belly.
Across the Upper Peninsula Identification of predator eyes
rare sightings of Cougars surface, covers just a small part of a preda-
one confirmed by the Michigan tors defense system. Certainly,
DNR was reported within 10 miles combined with its ears and nose...
from my home; recently, just a The eyes have it!
mile from where I live in Raber.
Even bobcat, small in stature, Photos By Jan VanHoesen
is an efficient killer taking its toll
on upland and lowland game birds, J - Feral Dog
small mammals and rodents. They
can be fierce fighters!
I - Canada Lynx
Furthermore, abandoned H - Feral Cat
domestic cats left to fend for G - Red Fox
themselves revert to natural killing F - Bear
instincts as means of survival. Fe-
ral felines face countless hazards, E - Bobcat
remain prolific, and are prone to
F
D - Grey Fox
parasites and other health-related C - Coyote
problems. In some instances, feral
cats become rabid. B - Badger
One more Michigan predator A - Raccoon
exists and its eyes are included
G H
I J
WNW NEWS SEPTEMBER 2017 123
Woods-N-WaterNews Classified Section
MISC. MISC. FOR SALE RVs/CAMPERS HUNTING HUNTING
A TEMPUR-PEDIC LOG BUNK BEDS. $495. 2016 KUBOTA LT3901HST. 2001 LAREDO 5TH WHEEL ALCONA COUNTY/ 1-2 BUCK HUNTING CLUB
M E M O RY FOAM Amish lodge furniture. Call Dan 6 LAND PRIDE ROTO one slide out 27 foot, air, micro- HUBBARD LAKE, MI MEMBERSHIPS IN
MATTRESS SET. Clean. Never 989-832-1866. TILLER. 6 WOODS BRUSH wave, 4 new tires, one owner, HUNTING: Bow, Rifle, N O R T H E A S T E R N
used. As seen on TV. Cost $1700. M-4-14-TFN HOG (7 MO. OLD). FRONT excellent condition. Call 989-773- Muzzleloader, Bear, Youth, MICHIGAN Quality club, camp
Sell for $695. 989-832-2401. M-4- .............................................. LOADER W/BUCKET. 9153. asking $6,500 or best offer. Late Doe, Grouse, Turkey, and facilities (also turkey, small
14-TFN EVERYTHING Still Under Warranty! RVC-9-1 Duck, Goose WITH CAMP! game) West Branch - Hale area.
989-724-8228. FS-8-3 Tremendous value and opportunity.
WANTED
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AN AMISH LOG .............................................. Perch, Bass, Trout, Pike Stag. $1,375 per year. See: dynami-
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BAIT
HEADBOARD AND QUEEN WITH CAMP! FREE: Hub-
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mouse, one or a thousand, all sizes, bard Lake House Summer
for $275. 989-923-1278. lake, pond and watergarden sup- Vacation with 6 day hunting ..............................................
M-4-14-TFN styles and makes. Also, any trap- plies. Free catalog! Stoney Creek,
ping related items. 989-736-1155.
BLACK BEAR HUNT/ minimum. Build your own hunt-
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$199. Good quality. Lowest prices VACATION. Only 6 Hunting/ $3,500 October or November,
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Subscribe Today! Summer vacation slots avail- 2017. Rack Ranch, Bentley, MI
14-TFN
.............................................. (810) 724-0254 FISHING able. Couples/Families wel-
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989-846-7225,
therackranchllc@yahoo.com
available without hunting. H-9-3
CANADIAN FISHING Details 586-260-0719. H-5-7
To reach an immense outdoor market use the . . . TRIP. Want to go fishing? Book
Classifieds
..............................................
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HISTORIC HUNTING/FISH- $175,000 Call 989-751-7472. RE-
EXCELLENT HUNTING com RE-9-2
ING LODGE ON SAGINAW 8-2
AND FARM GROUND FOR
BAY, 2 cabins, small marina and ..............................................
SALE OR LEASE by owner in
12 RV sites. Located near wildlife 5 HUNTING PROPERTY: 160
central MI or U.P. For more informa- LONG-ESTABLISHED
refuge. Great business potential! Lakes Resort on Butternut Lake, ACRES Rolling hills 80% wooded
tion 517-881-0128. L-9-2
with markeable hardwoods, pine,
Work!
Contact owner for price and details. north of Hesperia, MI. Offers 3 Bdrm
..............................................
989-551-2738. RE-9-1 year-round residence and 8 modern birch and cedar. Excellent hunting;
JACKSON 104 ACRES sur-
.............................................. cabins, 300+- frontage on Butternut artesian streams with brook trout, a
rounded by 3500 acres unhunted
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state prison land. Big bucks taken.
McLaren Lake. Short distance to established blinds and food plots.
Corn and beans surround. Call 248- HOUGHTON LAKE
Manistee National Forest, White Access by paved road with electric.
978-7673. HL-4-6 AREA ON MUSKEGON
RIVER. Best of all worlds River, golf courses, and Lake Michi- A wide choice of building sites. Rose
..............................................
City area, Rose Township, SEC 21.
(810) 724-0254
fish, hunt, boat, kayak, snow- gan beaches. $425,000. Scott Kro-
mobile, ATV, ski and more! epel, Coldwell Banker Owner 989-820-5858. RE-7-3
WANT TO LEASE 1200sq ft. cottage, 2 bedrooms, Schmidt.c/231-855-2882, o/231- ..............................................
LAKE COUNTY 80 ACRES.
many updates. 50ft river front- 924-5880, or e-mail
FAT H E R / C H I L D R E N age. $69,900 code FC Contact scott.kroepel@coldwellbanker.com. Sportsmans paradise. Headwaters
GROUP LOOKING FOR Karen Wallace Greater North RE-9-1 Pere Marquette River. Partially
LEASE. Will consider any size Realty 989-302-0562. RE-9-1 wooded, 25 tillable acres, some
Monday-Friday
..............................................
lease, location, with or without 292+ ACRES 2 miles river marsh, blacktop road. $159,000.
cabin/barn. Terms/price negotiable. frontage. 3 bedroom, 2 bath house. Call 231-832-4552 weekends. RE-
Experienced hunters, responsible, LAND FOR SALE, 25.91 acres. 60x90 pole barn and guest house. 7-3
9am-5pm
ethical and will make improvements Field, woods and swamp. Easy ac- Mule deer, whitetail, waterfowl and ..............................................
if desired. Jay 248.396.8322. cess to Maple River. Good deer pheasants. 2 antelope land owner MODERN CABIN FOR
WL-7-3 hunting. On Wilson Rd, Ashley, Mi. tags. Hudson, Wyoming. 307-332- RENT ON BEAR CREEK - a
.............................................. west off of US 27. 989-838-4406 or 2532. RE-9-1 trout, salmon and steelhead stream.
Classifieds
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hunting - wooded thick cover - small ..............................................
woods-n-waternews.com
HUNTING CAMP WITH 80
Work! ACRES. Fish pond and deer
blinds, Upper Penninsula, Delta
creek, paved road, electric avail-
able. Deer birds $59,500. Call 231-
Subscribe
Today!
Co., MI 906-384-6351. RE-9-1 920-3652. RE-9-2
(810) 724-0254 .............................................. .............................................. (810) 724-0254
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WO O D S - N - WAT E R N E W S R E S E RV E S T H E R I G H T T O R E F U S E A N Y O R D E R I F I T I S C O N S I D E R E D T O B E I N P O O R TA S T E O R U N E T H I C A L .
126 SEPTEMBER 2017 WNW NEWS
PAGES FOR SALE MID-MICHIGANS LARGEST
NATURAL, SPRING FED LAKE & PROPERTY!
127 - 137
425+ acres of prime land in the Heart of Central Michigan
LUMBER, ALL RIGHTS INCLUDED GAS, MINERAL, TIMBER...
INTERNATIONAL BUYERS WELCOME,
Local Buyers Preferred! Serious Inquries only: (810) 629-9376
Choose your
own adventure. Whitetail Realty,
Lake City, MI
231-839-8142 or
office@lakecityrealestate.com
lakecitymirealestate.com
If you are looking to finance land off the beaten Lake City Area MLS# 21122954 $85,000
33 Acres of woods and open area
path, Greenstone is the lender to help you get it 450 on the Hopkins Creek
20 Travel Trailer included
done. We offer a variety of loan types for country Small storage Barn also
acreage and recreational land of any size. Leave
Lake City Area MLS# 21118625 $129,900
your options wide open and contact your local Small Hunting Cabin w/well & Electric
GreenStone office for more information! 25 x 40 Pole Barn for lots of storage
62 Acres of woods and wet lands
Tractor w/equipment & a Quad included
800-444-3276
East Missaukee MLS#21123882 $79,900
37 Wooded Acres surrounded by state land
Located on a blacktop road
Close to Trails
Antrim County, 52+/- Acres Arenac Co, 167+/- Acres, Calhoun County, 67+/- Acres Calhoun County, 70+/- Acres
Rolling Hardwoods, Pole Barn 3,500+/- ft Lake Huron, Branch County, 43+/- Acres, Big Bucks, Calhoun Co, 61 Acres 300 ft. All Sports Prairie Lake, House, Pole Barn, Pond, River,
Alcona County, 240 Acres, Alpena County, 316+/- Acres, Good Trails 6 Bedroom Lodge, Guest Cabin,
House, Barns, Pond, Stream, Food Plots Lodge sleeps 10, Professionally Managed Forest with Living Quarters, Excellent Hunting Great Duck & Deer Hunting Cold Creek Crosses Property, Nice Woods 2,500 ft. St. Joseph River, Excellent Hunting 1/2 Tillable, 1/2 Wooded Elevated Blind
$499,000 $439,000 $129,000 $599,000 $136,500 $129,000 $275,000 $289,000
L D I NG LD
SO END SO
P
Calhoun Co, 86+/- Acres Iosco County, 783+/- Acres, Kalkaska County, 40 Acres, Mecosta County, 40 Acres Excellent Midland County, 80 Acres Missaukee County, 80 Acres Newaygo County, Newaygo Co, 25+/- Acres
750 ft. Frontage on Prairie Lake, 1 Mile Frontage Tawas Lake, Kunze Cabin, Barn, Trout Pond, Deer, Turkey & Small Game 12 Miles to Mount Pleasant, Pond, Professionally Managed 5+/- Acres Frontage 7 Ac Private Lake, County
Big Buck Hunting, Outbuildings River Crosses Property, 5 Bedroom Log
$349,000 Lodge, 3 Miles from East Tawas Excellent Hunting Hunting, Good Trail System Excellent Hunting Forest, Food Plots on White River Road Frontage, Pond
$1,250,000 $115,000 $88,000 $176,000 $129,500 $38,000 $75,000
I NG NG
ND DI
P E P EN
Newaygo County, 40 Acres Newaygo Co, 45+/- Acres Newaygo Co, 55+/- Acres
Newaygo County, 30 Acres, 2 Bedroom, Newaygo County, 40+/- Acres Newaygo County, 40 Acres 5 Ac Private Lake, Nice 25 Ac Private Lake, Excellent Newaygo County, 60 Acres Newaygo Co, 80 Acres
32x48 Pole Barn with Water &
1 1/2 Bath Mobile Home, 24x28 Pole Adjacent to Federal Land, Remote Electric, 20 Ac Old Apple Orchard, Heavily Wooded, Excellent Pond, Trail System, Tillable Waterfowl & Deer Hunting, QDM, Trophy Bucks Close to Federal Land, Pole Barn,
Barn, Adjacent to National Forest Location, Small Lake 20 Ac Hardwoods, Great Hunting Hunting, Building Sites Land, Excellent Hunting Good Trails Harvested, Great Parcel Great Hunting
$99,000 $80,000 $199,000 $60,000 $135,000 $165,000 $90,000 $140,000
www. WildLifeRealty.com
WNW NEWS SEPTEMBER 2017 129
HUNTING PROPERTY AUCTION BUYING OR SELLING?
You cant make a better choice than us!
www.stoneycreekoutdoors.com
57 Acres woods along Pine River * Gratiot County Eaton County Eaton County-100 Acres
465+/- Acres with custom built log home
D
APR ZONE!! Missaukee County Clinton County Waterfront
SOL$374,900
123 Acres with Log Home Vacant Land-67.76 Acres
*57 Acres surveyed property along the Pine River Are you looking to start a northern This is a great recreational piece of ground that you dont see come
Michigan deer camp in the Antler around very often. I have personally fished and waterfowl hunted on
*Nearly all wooded property Point Restriction zone? This area is this piece and both are pretty good.
$249,900
the new big buck zone of Michigan.
*Small open area near road for building or camp site MORE AVAILABLE PROPERTIES ON OUR WEBSITE!
*Gorgeous hardwoods and thicket areas Stoney Creek Brokered By:
Saginaw Bay
maps, aerials, survey, and information
*
Directions to the property. 11 miles west Please feel free to walk the property at your Dyked &
Farm
of Ithaca on Washington Rd. to Ferris Rd. convenience. Auctioneer on site for questions
Turn north mile to the property. and answers on FRIDAY, SEPT. 8 *11AM-1PM*
Isolated *
Dredge
Holton Family, Owners
Wetland
200+ gated acres available for yearly lease. Planned boat docks with power and
offsite boat ramp. mile canal with 2 dredged channels to the Saginaw Bay, casino
within 4 miles. Camp sites with power. Perfect for hunt clubs! References needed.
www.PavlikLLC.com EMAIL DJRMVP@GMAIL.COM BY APPOINTMENT ONLY
SANBORN CREEK KARNEY KREEK COOL CREEK LITTLE SOUTH BRANCH PM BALDWIN RIVER
2BD, 2BA, 35 Acres 2BD, 1BA, 2 Acres 3BD, 2BA 1800 Sqft 1 BD, 1BA, Log Cabin 2BD, 1 BA, 11 Acres
MLS 17007632 $169,900 MLS 17022523 $34,900 MLS 16019251 $89,900 MLS 17033761 $104,900 MLS 15059321 $149,000
LITTLE TWIN LAKE WOODLAND PARK LAKE BIG L LAKE LAKE CECILIA LOON LAKE
3BD, 2BA 2 BD, 1 BA 2BD, 1 BA 2BD 1 BA, Chalet 2 BD, 1 BA
MLS 17014727 $72,500 MLS 17009070 $74,900 MLS 17017916 $109,000 MLS 17029454 $139,900 MLS 17019280 $144,900
whitetailpr operties.com
Whitetail Properties Real Estate, LLC | dba Whitetail Properties | Nebraska & North Dakota DBA Whitetail Trophy Properties Real Estate LLC. | Lic. in IL, MO, IA, KS, KY, NE & OK - Dan Perez, Broker | Lic. in AR, CO, GA,
MN, ND, TN, SD & WI - Jeff Evans, Broker | Lic. in OH & PA - Kirk Gilbert, Broker | Lic. in NM & TX - Joey Bellington, Broker | Lic. in IN - John Boyken, Broker | Lic. in LA, MS, GA & AL - Sybil Stewart, Broker | Lic. in TN
- Chris Wakefield, Broker | Lic. in TN - Bobby Powers, Broker | Lic. in AR - Johnny Ball, Broker | Lic. in SC - Rick Elliot, Broker | Lic. in NC - Rich Baugh, Broker | Lic. in MI - Brandon Cropsey, Broker
WATERFRONT HOMES
BORDERS STATE LAND!! SILVER CREEK FRONTAGE!! SHARED WATERFRONT!! PENINSULA ON DEAD END ROAD!! UNIQUE LAKEFRONT PROPERTY!!
3-bedroom, 1.7 bath lakefront home built in 07 on TRANQUIL HELMER Affordable weekend or vacation getaway or cozy year round 2 bedroom Cute and cozy possible 4 bedroom home w/access to ALL SPORTS 3-bedroom home on all sports LAKE OGEMAW has views galore, AC, Spacious 3-bedroom, 2.5 bath home on full basement w/garage plus
LAKE! Open floor plan, partly finished basement, wood stove, knotty pine home. Sits on 1.5 PARTLY WOODED ACRES with trails and nice views. GEORGE LAKE!! Mostly furnished with some appliances and possible open floor plan, wood stove, appliances, full walkout basement, 4 car COZY 2 BEDROOM GUEST COTTAGE! 130 feet of water frontage on
cathedral ceilings, covered deck and patio area, AC, family room & more. The 24x30 garage for storage has a metal roof and lean to. Located in 3rd and 4th bedrooms on upper level. Nice back deck off of dining area for garage, roadside carport, side deck, front covered and uncovered patio WEST TWIN LAKE, fantastic views, most furnishings to stay and large
Excellent year round home with beautiful views and 64 of water frontage!! excellent recreational area and not far from many lakes and State land!! enjoying the outdoors, a newer furnace and a dock for your boat!! areas, lakeside 3 season room, boat dock, some furnishings & more!! screened porches on both homes!! This is definitely a must see property!!
$154,900 1833744 $39,900 1833833 $49,900 1829801 $269,900 1834261 $249,000 1833785
WATERFRONT HOME LEVEL TO LAKE!! SPECTACULAR VIEWS!! SUPER NICE SUBDIVISION!! BEAUTIFUL CAPE COD RIVERFRONT!! PRIVATE LAKE!!
Spacious 4-bedroom home with 86 of frontage has appliances, wood 3-bedroom, 1.7 bath home on two level lots with 100 feet of sandy frontage 2-bdrm home with 178 feet of frontage on all sports, private FOREST 3-bdrm, 2.5 bath home on 8.8 ACRES with 1170 feet of frontage on Nice waterfront home on FOUR LOTS with frontage on FEEDING GROUNDS
floors, FP, updated bath, AC, family room, newer roof, paved driveway on 471 acre ALL SPORTS LOON LAKE!! Fantastic covered deck to savor LAKE!! Full walkout basement, open floor plan, a bath on each floor, central the gorgeous Au Gres River!! Home has hardwood floors, fireplace, LAKE!! Newer furnace, open floor plan, fireplace, heated sunroom and beauti-
and garage. The covered lakeside porch runs the entire length of the the beautiful views, detached garage with electric and work bench area & air, skylights, appliances and garage. Subd has so many great qualities in- central air & so much more! There is also a heated garage w/upstairs ful views!! Home sits on 2 partly wooded lakefront lots and there is a garage on
home and offers beautiful views of private ALL SPORTS LAKE OGEMAW!! just over a half acre of property!! Super nice waterfront year round home!! cluding security, beautiful common areas, sandy beaches and boat docks!! & two sheds, a fenced area & extensive decking with fantastic views!! 2 additional lots. Great year round residence or spacious getaway!!
$279,900 1833767 $179,900 1818975 $160,000 1811285 $285,000 1798150 $97,900 1830216
ALL SPORTS LAKE!! SOUTH DEASE LAKE!! RIFLE LAKE WATERFRONT HOME!! POPULAR LAKE OGEMAW!! ELBOW LAKE WATERFRONT!!
Beautiful 4-bdrm lakefront home with frontage on HENDERSON LAKE!! Cute 2-bdrm home with frontage on all sports 269 acres lake!! 56 feet of 3-bdrm home with tons of charm on 1.53 PARTLY WOODED ACRES!! You will relay enjoy relaxing on your own sandy beach on this all sports lake Nice 3-bdrm ranch style home on channel to all sports ELBOW LAKE!!
Full walkout basement, lots of windows for natural light and fantastic views, water frontage, large back deck with beautiful views, fenced yard, arte- 100 feet on all sports 183 acre lake, 3 season porch, fireplace, knotty and 90 feet of water frontage!! Move in ready with some appliances and Lots of great amenities including large kitchen with convenient island,
large deck for enjoying the outdoors and views, a garage with electric for sian well, fire pit, 8x14 storage shed and a dock for your boat. This home pine interior for that Up North feel & mostly furnished! There is also a furnishings. There is also 2 garages for lots of storage, a deck and a porch pantry and breakfast nook, garden tub, walk-in closet, detached garage,
storing your Up North toys, a shed at the waters edge & a boat dock!! would make an excellent year round residence or super nice getaway!! garage, 2 decks, incl one at waters edge & a boat dock and boat lift!! for enjoying the outdoors, a blacktop drive, boat dock and much more!! wrap-around deck, beautiful views, an ACRE of property & a pond!!
$174,900 1829140 $114,000 1829341 $169,900 1832417 $162,500 1825235 $157,000 1810533
NESTLED ON 1.45 ACRES!! BEAUTIFUL CUSTOM BUILT!! ALL SPORTS GEORGE LAKE!! 21.9 ACRES!! 70+ ACRES!!
Nice 3-bedroom, 2 full bath home and attached finished garage. Built in Spacious 3-bedroom, 3 bath home ON 10 ACRES and full finished walkout Cozy 2-bedroom cottage with access to 186 acre lake, 17x7 sunroom 4-bedroom well-maintained home nestled in the woods with 3000 square feet, Fantastic hunting property with lots of wildlife in the area, a pond and 30x40
2004, well-maintained, move-in ready, appliances, full walkout basement basement, family room, office/4th bedroom or den, newer metal roofs on for relaxing, loft area for your guests to sleep, garage on separate lot for 2.5 baths, FP, newer windows, AC, knotty pine interior, master suite, mud barn style outbuilding for storage. Home has 3 bedrooms, some appliances
plumbed for another bath, front and rear decks, beautiful views, and not home and 38x40 garage, fantastic kitchen w/snack bar, main floor laundry, your Up North toys and in great recreational area. Needs some TLC room, family room with 2nd fireplace, deck with great views, heated garage & and furnishings and 1200 square feet of living space. This is the perfect
far from town for shopping and restaurants and also near State land!! wrap-around decking with great views & trails thru-out property!! & fixing up, but would make an excellent vacation/weekend getaway!! access to MORRIS LAKE!! This property has it all and is a definite must see!! place for the nature enthusiast or excellent spot for your hunt camp!!
$164,900 1833813 $219,000 1834486 $47,000 1833419 $299,000 1833576 $249,900 1816928
GORGEOUS COUNTRYSIDE LIVING!! SECLUDED FOR PRIVACY!! PRIVATE LAKE ACCESS!! SECLUDED HUNTING CABIN!! OVER AN ACRE OF PROPERTY!!
Spacious 5-bdrm home, full finished basement, open floor plan, modern Large 4-bdrm, 2.5 bath home on 3.3 PARTLY WOODED ACRES!! Open You will enjoy private access to no motor FAWN LAKE with this 2-bdrm cottage that is the perfect spot to have your hunt camp nestled among Large 4-bdrm home, full partly finished basement with newer wood floor-
kitchen with eating area and pantry, built-in bookcases, convenient mud floor plan, tongue and groove ceilings, full walkout basement, family room, super nice 3-bdrm home with oversized garage. Move-in ready 18 WOODED ACRES and ADJACENT TO STATE LAND!! Some appliances, ing and newer roof in 2016. 2 car garage plus a shed for additional stor-
room, cathedral ceilings, family room, large closets in all bedrooms, work area, ceramic tile floors, kitchen with some appliances & island, formal on 2 lots with great amenities including laminate and tile floors, wood heat, propane lights, gravity tank, excellent hunting and a great variety age, nicely landscaped, and a nice deck for enjoying the outdoors and
bonus 18x12 storage room, deck, oversized garage & 32x52 barn!! dining, carport plus detached garage for your vehicles and blacktop drive!! central air, natural gas heat and beautiful custom oak cabinetry!! of wildlife in the area. Awesome rustic spot for your hunt camp!! views. Nice rural setting yet not far from town for shopping & restaurants!!
$199,900 1832736 $189,000 1832169 $158,000 1832940 $64,900 1805656 $154,900 1830864
GREAT SPOT FOR HORSES!! TWO FOR THE PRICE OF ONE!! LOTS OF IMPROVEMENTS!! OVER 30 ACRES!! 21+ GORGEOUS ACRES!!
This 3-bdrm, 2 full bath home has some appliances, central air, full walk- This unique property has TWO 2-bedroom, 1 full bath homes, each This 3-bdrm home on AN ACRES has had many updates over the years, Updated possible 3-bdrm home on full walkout basement that you could 2-bdrm, 2 bath home nestled on partly wooded acreage with beautiful views
out basement that has already been carpeted, kitchen pantry and much with its own yard and appliances, a privacy fence, storage shed including water heater and softener in 2009, pump and pressure tank, finish to your own liking!! Beautiful hardwood floors, central air, appliances and a 3 acre pond!! Open floor plan, door walls to nice back deck, a wood
more! There is also a spacious detached garage for your Up North toys and some nice landscaping. A PERFECT OPPORTUNITY to be a appliances and furnace in 2008, a newer breaker box in 2013 plus there and much more and updates like newer furnace, water heater and well. stove to help keep you warm, circular drive, detached garage and a heated
and both front & rear decks, all nestled on 10.10 BEAUTIFUL ACRES!! landlord to both for extra income or live in one and rent the other!! are new metal roofs on the home, detached garage & heated outbuilding!! Outside there are 2 garages for storage and nice patio area for relaxing!! and insulated workshop!! Home sits back off of road for some privacy!!
$89,900 1832322 $57,500 1835380 $102,950 1832684 $139,000 1828567 $117,000 1808352
Houghton
Marquette
Newberry
Curtis
Iron Mountain Manistique
Gladstone
Escanaba Onaway
Powers Hawks
Menominee Hillman
Alpena
Marinette
Atlanta
Mio Harrisville
Skidway Lake
Almont
Linden
Howell
REALTOR
Direct: LAPEER COUNTY
AMAZING Once-In-A-Lifetime Opportunity to OWN a 810.449.1286 Amazing Home Over 5,200 sq ft of Living
Space & Outdoor Entertainment. Gorgeous
Golf Course! Set on 62 Acres in Huron County. Updated - OR -
Clubhouse & Restaurant. Liquor License Included. Office: property, 8 ponds. Very Private and Secluded.
*DV 810.653.4500
$649,000 $1,265,000 *DV
SPECIALIZING IN UNIQUE, LUXURY AND LARGE RECREATIONAL PROPERTIES
DEER & NATURE LOVERS DREAM PROPERTIES
*
D 257 ACRES ST. CLAIR COUNTY *
D 7+ ACRES GENESEE COUNTY
V
LICENSED
SOLD V
PHEASANT
200 TILLABLE ACRES PRESERVE
LAPEER COUNTY
Amazing 2 Story Country Home, 2,688 sq ft. Lots of living space, 4BD.
Great farming, income producing, Pheasant Preserve
Possibilities, over 1/2 mile on Belle River, multiple Great for Family Entertaining. Attached 2 Car Garage. Stocked Great Commercial Opportunity in Burton with
Outbuildings, 2 Ponds. Pond. Deer Hunters and Nature Lovers Dream Property. Just off I-69. excellent visibility from I-69.
$1,250,000 $319,900 $195,000
* LICENSED DEER RANCH *
D AMAZING APPLEGATE HUNTING
SOLD
D
V V
PRESERVE! $1,250,000
34 ACRES 80-100 DEER
20-25 TROPHY BUCKS
GENESEE COUNTY
GENESEE COUNTY 18+ ACRES
Woodland Deer Ranch in Davison. 6-car garage, pond, 5 blinds, Beautifully Designed BRAND NEW Custom-Built Ranch Home. Abundance
3 lg feeders, Lg polebarn. 4BD, 3BA, walkout & up basement. of Wildlife. Truly a Deer Hunter and Nature Lovers Dream Property!
$849,900 APPROX. 200 DEER APPROX. 100 ELK $279,000
* *
D 128 ACRES GENESEE COUNTY D SANILAC COUNTY 80 ACRES
V V
SOLD
Newly Renovated, 41 tillable acres, 3 ponds, 65% Wooded.
SANILAC COUNTY 186 ACRES
Gorgeous Lodge AND a 2,000 sq ft Ranch home set on acres
of Evergreens full of Trophy Elk and Deer! Updated, Andersen Deer Hunters Dream Property, Private, 2-streams.
Great Development & Commercial Possibilities. A Rare Gem! windows, formal dining room. Great for entertaining groups. Large Elevation changes.
Waterfall pond, pavilion and several out buildings.
$599,900 $275,000
*
D MIDLAND COUNTY 160 ACRES * GENESEE COUNTY
D GENESEE COUNTY *
D 50 ACRES 56 ACRES *
D
V V 25 ACRES 26 ACRES V V
DRONE
*DV VIDEO GO TO: MIDREAMPROPERTIES.com
OR CALL 810-449-1286
WNW NEWS SEPTEMBER 2017 135
Arenac County Hunting Camp
CHAPPLE REALTY INC.
YOUR LAKE AND RECREATIONAL PROPERTY CONNECTION!
www.WESTMICHIGANLAKES.com
(269) 623-4058 269-207-3280
118 E Orchard St. Delton MI 49046 Drew Chapple Associate Broker
120 ACRE CAMP backing to State land.
The home has 1 bedroom, 1 bath & open
living area. 30x48 pole barn with a 450 sf WALL LAKE - 2.9 Acre lot with 75 of Wall Lake frontage. Quality Built
Brick Ranch Home with 3 Bedrooms, 2 Bathrooms, Formal Dining Room,
bunk room that sleeps 10, sauna & more. Living Room with Fireplace, Main floor Laundry, Full Basement, Attached
Trail roads, blinds & pond. Excellent 2 Car Garage, Deck over looking the Lake and 30 x 40 Pole Barn. Great
hunting! Reduced to $169,900 #303078 Opportunity to own just under 3 Acres on 530 Acre all Sports Wall Lake.
Priced @ $389,900 (17024647) Call Drew Chapple 269-207-3280
70 acres w/pole barn, pond,
septic, electric, and living quarters. CROOKED LAKE - 75' of Crooked Lake Frontage with stunning sunset views.
Property is wooded and has a 24x24 pole barn, sewer and a sandy beachfront.
Beautiful sunset views on 735 Acre All Sports Crooked Lake. Conveniently lo-
The Kempf Team Realty cated between Kalamazoo and Grand Rapids. Priced @ $139,000 (17008790)
Sue Maziarz Call Drew Chapple 269-207-3280
187 BLACK RIVER. Class A trout fishing,
(989)-876-1010 canoeing & kayaking. Custom built 3 bed, LONG LAKE - 66 Lake Frontage - Awesome 4 Bedroom, 4.5 Bath Contemporary
sue1253@yahoo.com 2 bath cape cod in a quiet wooded setting. Lake Home with over 5000 sqft of Living space and just under an acre of Land.
Private setting with Lake Frontage, Garden Area, Pole Barn/Studio/Greenhouse.
T&G cedar walls, vaulted ceilings, huge
Home can be heated by Outside Wood Heater or Propane Forced Air Furnace.
kitchen, 1st floor master, radiant in-floor Long Lake is 3 miles long, with great fishing, boating, and lake living opportunities.
heat. Motivated seller. $149,900 #306531 Conveniently located with in 35 minutes of Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo, and Battle
Creek. Priced @ $429,000 (17034396) Call Drew Chapple 269-207-3280
100 BLACK LAKE 1900 sf custom home,
3 bdrms, 2-1/2 baths, awesome year round
sun room, fireplace, open floor plan, attached 19 ACRES - Cape Cod 3 bdrm, 3 full bath home on 19+ acres, tucked back 1/4 mile
off the road for ample privacy. Home boasts main floor laundry, unfinished walk-out
2.5 car garage and more. Additional 3 car
basement, outside wood burner, heated sidewalk and mud room floor. Ideal for
garage with a 2 bedroom guest apartment farming, raising livestock or horses. One barn is 30x40 with 2-12' lean-tos. Second
above. Just reduced to $299,000 #305672 Barn is 44x64 with an attached 23x64 Four car garage. Additional Acreage Avail-
able. Priced @ $349,900 (17019385) Call Jane Drewyor 269-317-7994
Carol Steiger, Associate Broker
(231) 627-9991 Office
Call 810-724-0254 (989) 351-0110 Cell
VACANT LAND
5.5 ACRES, Barry Twp, Rolling, Close to Town. $36,900
To Place Your email: carol.steiger@remax.net 10 ACRES, Barry Co., Barry Twp, Tillable, Close to Town. $64,900
16 ACRES, 700' of Cox Lake Frontage. Woods, water, wetlands and wildlife. $59,900
846 S. Main, Cheboygan, MI LITTLE CEDAR LAKE, Barry Co., Hope Twp, 2 Acres w/200 of Lake front. Great Fish Camp. $39,900
Ad Today! www.liveupnorth.com
PLEASANT LAKE AREA, 2.89 Acres of woods and wetland. $13,900
North WEST GEORGETOWN LAKE, .75 Acre lot, beautiful beachfront. Close to M-6. $349,900
4 Bdrm, 1 bth Camp or home. Full log home. 40 3 Bdrm, 1 bth camp. 78 Acres adjoins State land. 1 Bdrm, 0 Bths, Camp. 125 Escanaba River. 42
Acres. Outbuildings, well, septic, power. Cornell. Power on site. Two power ponds. Shed. Stonington. Plus Acres for hunting and recreation. Cornell.
$130,000 1102854 $95,000 1101570 $114,900 1101607
Gladstone
1401 Delta Ave.
(906) 825-9000
1 Bdrm, 0.5 Bth cabin. Rustic log cabin on 40 1 Bdrm, 1 bth cozy cottage near Stevens
acres. Shower and Sauna house. Snowmobile/ Lake. Elec. Generator included. Deck. Cozy 1 bdrm camp on 4.2 acres. Electricity.
ATV trails. Hunting. Northland. Gar. Wetmore. Outbldgs. Furnishings included. Stonington
$75,000 1103001 $64,000 1102479 $41,000 1099277
ALL OFFERS WELCOME!!! 160 ACRES: Tower road property. Well Treed, hunt-
WOW CHECK THIS OUT! DISCOUNTED PRICES! WOW CHECK THIS OUT! DISCOUNTED PRICES!
WOW CHECK THIS OUT! DISCOUNTED PRICES! WOW CHECK THIS OUT! DISCOUNTED PRICES!
CANADIAN WATERFRONT AND ing and recreation property. Rolling Hills w/$30K in
RECREATIONAL PROPERTY. timber, beaver pond surrounded by Government
CLOSE TO SAULT STE. MARIE, land. Two miles off year-round maintained road. 25
MICHIGAN BORDER mins East of Sault, Ontario. $69,900 US.
*LAND CONTRACTS MACDONALD PROPERTY: 759 acres with hunting
AVAILABLE O.A.C.* camp, 25 miles east of Sault St. Marie Ontario, prop-
erty is gated, isolated and wooded, with a four bed-
BEAR GOOSE room, two-story pole barn. 20-acre lake and 2
DUCK MOOSE streams. Great Bear Hunting! Two Deer plots! Five
WOLF WHITETAIL deeds, no guide required, underpriced at $259,900
US. Terms available, excellent buy!
BEAR SEASON OPEN AUG. 15TH
AND GOOSE SEPT. 1ST 160 ACRES HARDWOOD & SOFTWOOD: Large
beaver pond. Only 2 miles off year-round maintained
OTHER PROPERTIES AVAILABLE! road. 35 minutes East of Sault, Ontario. $54,900 US.
TROPHY DEER & BEAR AREA
One-10 ACRE SAND BEACH LOT (this lot has it
WITH GREAT FISHING!!! all): 60 miles east of Sault Ste. Marie. 300 frontage
NO GUIDE OR on Bright Lake near Hwy 17 East (lake area approx..
OUTFITTER REQUIRED! 24 sq. miles), year-round access with power to prop-
Don't Be Shy, Make An Offer. erty. Inland lake has Perch, Bass, Walleye and
LOOKING FOR OFFERS!!! Northern Pike. Priced to sell at $109,900 US.
DESBARATS LAKE AND RIVER PROPERTY: This 5.5 EXCLUSIVE LAKE HURON WATERFRONT &
acres is on a year-round road with power. Only minutes WATER-VIEW ESTATE LOTS LOCATED IN
from the Village of Desbarats which is 35 miles east of THESSALON, ONTARIO 50 MILES EAST OF
Sault, Ontario. Great Walleye and Northern Pike fishing SAULT STE. MARIE, ONTARIO ON HIGHWAY 17
and good Whitetail hunting. Asking price is $24,900 US.
EAST: Lighthouse Point serviced with hydro, tele-
400 ACRES OF ROLLING HARD-AND SOFTWOOD phone, sewer, water, gas, cable on paved street.
HILLS: Large beaver pond and creek runs thru property, Airport, marina and hospital in area. No time limit for
next to above property if more acreage is required. building. Waterfront lots 100 478 frontage, water-
Property is great for bear hunting, white tail and grouse. view lots 80 frontage. Prices from $11,900.00 US
Four miles off year-round maintained road. $124,900 US. and up.
Mini
Rocker -
Recliners
Cabins
From
$
19999
Log starting at
1999
Futons
$ 99
Rustic End Tables
from
$
14999 $
39999
DA N
Mattress
DA N
Not Included
2015 Polarkraft
186 Center Console 2017 Princecraft Holiday 2017 Polarkraft 165SC
$
21,995 * $
17,995 * $
16,995*
Yamaha 90HP, Trailer Mercury 75hp, Trailer 50hp Mercury, Trailer,
MinnKota Trolling Motor, MinnKota Trollling motor,
MinnKota Trolling motor, Lowrance Sonar,
Lowrance Sonar, Spare Lowrance Sonar, Cover Spare and Cover
*plus tax, title & freight *plus tax, title & freight *plus tax, title & freight
Holding Power
Retrievability Durability The Chene Anchor
201 Industrial Way, Fenton, MI 517-202-2949
or available at...
THE KNOWLEDGEABLE BOATERS A BETTER
SPORTS
CENTER
BEST CHOICE MOUSE TRAP
w w w. f r e e w a y - s p o r t s . c o m
Closed Sunday's
96
Exit 84 on US-23 ANN ARBOR DETROIT sales@freeway-sports.com
We Aim To Please!
Come See the Experts!
Michi-GUN
Available at: Layaways Welcome
St. Clair Shores, MI 48082
Phone (586) 296-2360
Fax (586) 264-8307
since
STORE HOURS:
Mon. - Fri: 10am-7pm;
Sat: 10am-4pm; Closed Sunday www.michigunandtackle.com
1976