OCTOBER 2017 $4.

00

Woods-n-Water News
Michigans Premier Outdoor Publication

October's Rut...The

CHASE
PHASE
Mother's Nutrition and

FAWN
SURVIVAL
They Say Variety Is The Spice Of Life...

WATERFOWL-MIXED BAGS
Can't Miss Tactics for Archery Bucks Michigan's Best Fall Fishing
EHD-the 'Buggy' Side of Nature The Science of Water Temperature
Perspective on Fishing Regulations Keeping Our Forests Healthy
www.woods-n-waternews.com Like us on facebook Follow us on
Archers Now
Pre Season
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ale! through
October 1
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SALE Coming Up...

October 6th - 15th Rep Scheduled Deer Hunters
SALE!
Sale prices on most new
Ruger Firearms in stock! here Oct. 6-7
American 450
AR556 5.56MM Bushmaster Starts Friday, October 20,
Scoped or unscoped models
Nato Carbine available Ends Sunday, October 29
Reg. $699.99 STOP IN FOR GOOD DEALS!
Sat., Oct. 21 visit with
Sale $
599 99
American 30/06
Reps from Browning
and Winchester,
9E 9MM Semi Auto Reg. $429.99
Wood & Stream and
Sale $24999
Black. Reg. 399.99 $

Sale STU6901 Gamehide.

STU3340
$
33999 K77/44 Bolt Action
44 Mag. 2208 W. M-43 Hwy.,
FREE Ruger
Backpack* w/new Ruger
W/Black synthetic stock. Hastings, MI
Blued Reg. $744.99 2 Miles West of
Handgun purchase.
*Except LCP
FREE Sling with new Ruger
599 Sale
Stainless Reg. $834.99
$ 99 Hastings On M-37 & M-43
269/945-4106
Rifle purchase.
Sale 679
While supplies last. $ 99 STU07403,
STU07402 STOP IN OR SHOP ONLINE AT BOBSGT.COM
Many other Rugers in stock but not shown. Limited quantity available on all items. Not responsible for printing errors. All items subject to
prior sale. *Discounts off regular everyday selling prices.
 2046500
SALES: 810-653-0490 5605 DAVISON RD SALES: 810-653-0490
5605 Davison Rd., 4 miles east 5605 Davison Rd., 4 miles east
of Downtown Davison
LAPEER, MI of Downtown Davison
2046500 Open 6 Days: Monday - Friday 9am-5pm; Open 6 Days: Monday - Friday 9am-5pm;
5605 DAVISON RD Saturday 9am-2pm Saturday 9am-2pm

LAPEER, MI www.chapmanssports.com www.chapmanssports.com

Offers vary by model. Rebate offers valid on select 2014-2017 new and unregistered models purchased between 7/26/17- 9/30/17. Finance offers valid on select 2014-2018 new and unregistered models purchased between 7/26/17- 9/30/17.

2046500
See your authorized dealer for complete details. Rates as low as 2.99% APR for 36 months. Examples of monthly payments required over a 36-month term at a 2.99% APR rate: $29.08 per $1,000 financed; and at an 6.99% APR rate: $30.87 per
$1,000 financed. An example of a monthly payment with $0 down, no rebate, an APR of 2.99% APR for 36 months at a MSRP of $9,999.00 is $290.74; total cost of borrowing of $467.60 with a total obligation of $10,466.60. Down payment may
*Monthly payment based on new, unused MY17 Indy 550 with an MSRP of $6,799 with $1,000 down and $200 manufacturers rebate. $5,599 financed (6.99% APR) over 84 months on a Polaris/Synchrony Installment Loan Account.
Participating Dealers. Offer valid from 7/26/17 to 10/31/17.

2046500
be required. Other financing offers may be available. See your local dealer for details. Minimum Amount Financed $1,500; Maximum Amount Financed $50,000. Other qualifications and restrictions may apply. Financing promotions void where

5605 DAVISON RD
prohibited. Tax, title, license, and registration are separate and may not be financed. Promotion may be modified or discontinued without notice at any time in Polaris sole discretion.
*Offer is subject to credit approval by Synchrony Bank. APR of 6.99% will be assigned based on credit approval criteria. Monthly payments will be $15.09 per $1,000 financed. Example: A total 84-month term with an Amount Financed of
Warning: Polaris off-road vehicles can be hazardous to operate and are not intended for on-road use. Driver must be at least 16 years old with a valid drivers license to operate. Passengers, if permitted, must be at least 12 years old. All
LAPEER, MI
riders should always wear helmets, eye protection, and protective clothing. Always use seat belts and cab nets or doors (as equipped). Never engage in stunt driving, and avoid excessive speeds and sharp turns. Riding and alcohol/drugs 5605 DAVISON RD
$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
based on credit approval criteria. A $1,000 down payment is required to obtain advertised monthly payment of $84.48. All rebates are paid to the dealer.
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.
LAPEER, MI

YEAR END CLEARANCE SALE

Offers vary by model. Rebate offers valid on select 2014-2017 new and unregistered models purchased between 7/26/17- 9/30/17. Finance offers valid on select 2014-2018 new and unregistered models purchased between 7/26/17- 9/30/17.
See your authorized dealer for complete details. Rates as low as 2.99% APR for 36 months. Examples of monthly payments required over a 36-month term at a 2.99% APR rate: $29.08 per $1,000 financed; and at an 6.99% APR rate: $30.87 per
$1,000 financed. An example of a monthly payment with $0 down, no rebate, an APR of 2.99% APR for 36 months at a MSRP of $9,999.00 is $290.74; total cost of borrowing of $467.60 with a total obligation of $10,466.60. Down payment may
be required. Other financing offers may be available. See your local dealer for details. Minimum Amount Financed $1,500; Maximum Amount Financed $50,000. Other qualifications and restrictions may apply. Financing promotions void where
prohibited. Tax, title, license, and registration are separate and may not be financed. Promotion may be modified or discontinued without notice at any time in Polaris sole discretion.

Save Up to $2,500 Factory Promotion

Warning: Polaris off-road vehicles can be hazardous to operate and are not intended for on-road use. Driver must be at least 16 years old with a valid drivers license to operate. Passengers, if permitted, must be at least 12 years old. All
riders should always wear helmets, eye protection, and protective clothing. Always use seat belts and cab nets or doors (as equipped). Never engage in stunt driving, and avoid excessive speeds and sharp turns. Riding and alcohol/drugs *Monthly payment based on new, unused MY17 Indy 550 with an MSRP of $6,799 with $1,000 down and $200 manufacturers rebate. $5,599 financed (6.99% APR) over 84 months on a Polaris/Synchrony Installment Loan Account.
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. Participating Dealers. Offer valid from 7/26/17 to 10/31/17.

*Offer is subject to credit approval by Synchrony Bank. APR of 6.99% will be assigned based on credit approval criteria. Monthly payments will be $15.09 per $1,000 financed. Example: A total 84-month term with an Amount Financed of
$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
based on credit approval criteria. A $1,000 down payment is required to obtain advertised monthly payment of $84.48. All rebates are paid to the dealer.

2018 BOATS ARRIVING WEEKLY

SALES: 810-653-0490
5605 Davison Rd., 4 miles east
of Downtown Davison
Open 6 Days: Monday - Friday 9am-5pm;
Saturday 9am-2pm
www.chapmanssports.com
WNW NEWS OCTOBER 2017 3
 By Tom Campbell
Field Notes...
A
huge thank you to everyone
involved in the 31st Woods-N-
Water News Outdoor Weekend,
the event was a huge success. Our
vendors, speakers, sponsors, groups, clubs
and entertainment were all fantastic. As too
was help from our local community, the po-
lice and fire departments, the Eastern Michi-
gan State Fairgrounds, family and friends
that all pitched in. The weather finally co-
operated, fall like temperatures with plenty
of sunshine really brought out the crowds
for this years Woods-N-Water News Out-
door Weekendcertainly Saturday was
our largest crowd ever! The success of the
Woods-N-Water News Outdoor Weekend
has never been measured in numbers, but
rather in the satisfaction of our vendors and
our attendees, and it appears we succeeded.
This was a true celebration of our outdoor
heritage! Its a tremendous feeling seeing so
many show goers enjoying the event, which
in turn makes it enjoyable and prosperous
for our vendors and that makes the show a
success.
Be sure to mark your calendar for next
years show, September 7-9, 2018.n
SEASONS
Now-Sept 30 Early Canada goose season
Open All Year Pike and walleye season on Lower Peninsula
Great Lakes, Lake St. Clair & St. Clair & Detroit Rivers
Open All Year Salmon and trout season on Great Lakes,
St. Marys River, Lake St. Clair & St. Clair & Detroit Rivers
Open All Year Catch-and-immediate-release bass season
on all Michigan waters open to fishing
Now-Dec. 31 Pure Michigan Hunt Application
Now-March 15 Pike, walleye seasons on L.P. inland
waters, U.P. Great Lakes, inland waters and St. Marys.
Now-Sept. 30 Trout and salmon on inland Type 1 and 2
streams and Type A & D lakes
Now-Dec. 15 Muskie season on Lake St. Clair, St. Clair
and Detroit Rivers
Now-Dec. 31 Bass; catch and keep season on all Michigan
waters open to bass fishing
Now-Oct. 26 Bear season (various BMUs, permit required
and special regulations)
Now-Mar. 31 Cottontail rabbit/snowshoe hare season
Now-Sept. 30 Crow season
Now-Nov. 14 Fall turkey season (permit needed)
Now-Mar. 1 Squirrel season, fox and gray (black)
Now-Nov. 14 Ruffed grouse season
Sept. 16-17 Early Antlerless Firearm
Sept. 16-17 Liberty Hunt; youth & hunters with disabilities
Sept. 23-Nov. 6 Woodcock season
Oct. 1 - Nov. 14 Archery deer season
Oct. 19-22 - Independence Hunt; hunters with disabilities
*Consult the Michigan Hunting and Trapping Digest,
Fishing Digest, or other species-specific hunting digests for
a more complete list of dates and regulations regarding each
season or hunt period.
MJC MJC
ARCHERY ARCHERY
MACOMB OAKLAND
3001 Rochester Rd
19744 15 Mile Rd
Clinton Twp. 48035 Royal Oak, MI 48073
586-791-4600 248-589-2480
4 OCTOBER 2017 WNW NEWS
101.6 Million Americans participated
in hunting, fishing and wildlife
activities and spent $156 billion!
T
he U.S. Department of the Interior
announced a new report by the U.S. Fish
and Wildlife Service that shows that 101.6
million Americans40 percent of the U.S.
population 16 years old and olderparticipated in
wildlife-related activities in 2016, such as hunting,
fishing and wildlife-watching.
The survey illustrates gains in wildlife watch-
ingparticularly around the homeand fishing,
with moderate declines in the number of hunters
nationally. The findings reflect a continued interest
in engaging in the outdoors. These activities are
drivers behind an economic powerhouse, where par-
ticipants spent $156 billionthe most in the last 25
years, adjusted for inflation.
This report absolutely underscores the need to
increase public access to public lands across the
United States, said U.S. Secretary of the Interior
Ryan Zinke. Hunting and fishing are a part of the
American heritage. As a kid who grew up hunting
and fishing on public lands who later took my own
kids out on the same land, I know how important it
is to expand access for future generations. Many
folks east of the Mississippi River rely on friends
with large acreages or pay high rates for hunting and
fishing clubs. This makes access to wildlife refuges
and other public lands more important.
On his first day in office, Secretary Zinke
reversed an order that would have banned lead
ammo and fishing tackle on National Wildlife
Refuge lands, and he began the process of expand-
ing hunting and fishing opportunities on public lands
across the Department.
In August, the Secretary announced a proposal
to expand hunting and fishing opportunities at 10
national wildlife refuges, and he announced the ini-
tial stages of a plan to acquire land to make the
Bureau of Land Management Sabinoso Wilderness
Area accessible for the first time ever to hunters,
hikers and wildlife watchers.
In addition, Secretary Zinke recently made rec-
ommendations to President Trump on 27 national
monuments that call for changes to some that, while
still protecting the land, would also protect and
expand public access to that land for citizens who
want to hunt, fish and hike and experience the joy
and beauty of these special places.
The survey, the 13th in a series conducted nearly
every five years since 1955, shows that the most
substantial increases in participation involve wild-
life-watchingobserving, feeding and photograph-
ing wildlife. The report indicates these activities
surged 20 percent from 2011 to 2016, from 71.8 mil-
lion to 86 million participants during that time.
Expenditures by wildlife watchers also rose sharp-
ly28 percentbetween 2011 and 2016, from
$59.1 billion to $75.9 billion. Around-the-home
wildlife-watching increased 18 percent from 2011,
from 68.6 million in 2011 to 81.1 million partici-
pants in 2016. More modest gains were made for
away-from-home wildlife watchers: 5 percent
increase from 2011 to 2016, from 22.5 million to 23
million participants.
More Americans also went fishing. The report
indicates an 8 percent increase in angling participa-
tion since 2011, from 33.1 million anglers to 35.8
million in 2016. The greatest increases in participa-
tion10 percentwere seen in the Great Lakes
area. Total expenditures by anglers nationwide rose
2 percent from 2011 to 2016, from $45 billion to
$46.1 billion.
Hunting participation dropped by about 2 mil-
lion participants but still remained strong at 11.5
million hunters. Total expenditures by hunters
declined 29 percent from 2011 to 2016, from $36.3
billion to $25.6 billion. However, expenditures for
related items such as taxidermy and camping equip-
ment experienced a 27-percent uptick, and hunting
trip-related expenses increased 15 percent.
Regarding the decrease in participation in hunt-
ing, Zinke said: Hunters and anglers are at the
backbone of American conservation, so the more
sportsmen and women we have, the better off our
wildlife will be. Some of our wildlife refuges have
great mentored hunting programs. Id like to see
these programs replicated and expanded across the
country and reach into areas where kids dont tradi-
tionally get the opportunity to hunt, fish and connect
with wildlife. Some of my best family time growing
up and raising my own kids was hunting an elk,
enjoying a pheasant, or reeling in a rainbow. These
are the memories and traditions I want to share with
future generations.
No one does more for our wildlife and or wild
places than hunters. Any decline in hunting num-
bers, real or perceived, is of great concern since
hunting provides the lions share of funding for
nationwide conservation work thanks to excise taxes
on firearms, ammunition and archery equipment that
garner more than $1.6 million annually, said David
Allen, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation president
and CEO. The RMEF remains committed to grow-
ing and ensuring the future of our hunting heritage
as well as elk, other wildlife and their habitat.
This years survey also gathered two new cate-
gories of data: archery and target shooting. Findings
show there are more than 32 million target shooters
using firearms and 12.4 million people engaged in
archery, not including hunting.
Hunters and anglers form the foundation of
wildlife conservation in the United States, consis-
tently generating more funding for habitat and wild-
life management than any other source, said U.S.
Fish and Wildlife Service Principal Deputy Director
Greg Sheehan. Industry, federal and state fish and
wildlife agency initiatives that focus on hunter and
angler recruitment, retention and reactivation are
crucial to sustaining these conservation dollars and
ensuring the next generation of wildlife enthusiasts
have the opportunity, access and awareness to pur-
sue these time-honored American traditions.
I praise Secretary Zinke for his support of
hunting and land access. The hunting and shooting
sports community is grateful for an administration
that recognizes the economic, recreational and tradi-
tional values of hunting and target shooting, said
John Frampton, President and CEO of the Council
to Advance Hunting and the Shooting Sports.
Although the numbers of hunters have declined, we
are optimistic they will rebound as a result of
Secretary Zinkes leadership, state wildlife agencies,
non-government organizations and industries work-
ing together. Hunting in this country is not only part
of our national heritage, it is an important to our
countrys economy, as indicated by the expenditures
in the survey.
As a partnership effort with states and national
conservation organizations, the survey has become
one of the most important sources of information on
fish and wildlife recreation in the United States.
Federal, state and private organizations use this
detailed information to manage wildlife, market
products, and look for trends. Conducted by the U.S.
Bureau of the Census, the survey is based on a
22,416-household sample surveyed through comput-
er-assisted telephone and in-person interviews.
For more information about the survey and to
view the preliminary report, please visit https://wsfr-
programs.fws.gov/Subpages/NationalSurvey/
National_Survey.htm
WNW NEWS OCTOBER 2017 5

HUNTING
OCTOBER BUCKS
Kenny Darwin page 8
DEER CARE
Field to freezer to taxidermist
Michael Veine page 12
When Opening Day goes wrong
Brian Miller page 26
How young to hunt?
John Rasmussen page 28
You wont need the kitchen
sink for grouse hunts
Rick Fowler page 30
Bowhunting
backcountry squirrels
Drew YoungeDyke page 32
My deer of a lifetime
Lewis Horn page 85
Cant miss archery buck tactics
Kenny Darwin page 86
My prediction for the 2017
whitetailed-deer seasons
Ed Spinazzola page 94
Why Beads
Jim Bedford...page 72
FISHING
Swimbaits catch fish
all fall long
Mark Martin page 14
BEST FALL FISHING
Mike Gnatkowski page 20
NEXT BITE...
On the hunt for fall walleye
Parsons/Kavajecz page 54
Fishing and the Science of...
WATER TEMPERATURE
Mark Romanack page 60
Fall fishing
George Rowe page 64
COVER PHOTO
October Bucks
The Chase Phase...
...page 8
6 OCTOBER 2017 WNW NEWS
October is legendary Understanding the importance
Mark Sak page 89 of streamside/lakeshore habitat
MDNR page 58
To this group - Islands Wildlife
Wildlife Matters Dog proof raccoon traps
Betty Sodders page 104 John Chagnon page 74
Sporting Collectibles... Decoys and Poachers
Go-Ite Manufacturing Jeff Pendergraff page 106
Terry McBurney page 110
Im lost without my compass
Black bears and humans Sharon Kennedy page 109
Swanson/Pepin MDNR page 114
Fawn Survival
Mixed Bag OUTDOOR NEWS
Hunts of October Be aware of new cervid
importation regulations
Mark Romanack...page 66 page 19
Deep-water smallmouth
in current Osprey chicks with GPS
page 43
Jeff Nedwick page 70
Invasive Japanese stiltgrass
Fall fishing with
spoons and spinners page 44 John Ozoga...page 76
Jack Payne page 80
Outdoor Recreation Plan
Fall perch page 45 OPINIONS
John Bergsma page 82
Running the
Duck numbers remain high Asian Carp gauntlet
Dear Fish Diary... page 49
Mystery of the Magic Rod Drew YoungeDyke page 96
Ron St. Germain page 90 DNR launches Rationale for APRs within
Visit your small bait shop today Eyes in the Field app Bovine TB DMUs
Roger Beukema page 108 page 57 page 96
Northern L.P. landowners Guest Column...
FEATURE can enroll in HAP
page 69
WHY I HUNT
Bob Vogel page 97
Michigans Mullein
Bear management
Jonathan Schechter page 23
PERSPECTIVE Richard P. Smith page 97
Partnerships vital to U.P. trails
John Pepin, MDNR page 40 Perspective on
fishing regulations
GUNS/AMMO
Bill Ziegler page 36
Keeping our forests healthy
Rick Lucas page 46
Appreciating the
American Long Rifle
Michigan Meanders...
Michigan Historical Markers Darryl Quidort page 16
SEPTEMBER SERENDIPITY
Lapshan/Voigt page 50 Tom Huggler page 39 GUN CHAT...
Investigating the Practicing for deer
Michigans Amazing Animals... Lee Arten page 48
buggy side of nature GROUSE
Tom Lounsbury page 52 Patrick Bevier page 56 Black Powder Shooting Sports
Its shooting, and its fun!
Boat Smart...
Look at your boats powertrain Dennis Neely page 62
DEPARTMENTS...
Fred Davis page 84
OCTOBER 2017 $4.00
Woods-n-Water News
Michigans Premier Outdoor Publication
October's Rut...The
Trophy Page. . . . . . 92 Classifieds . . 116-117
CHASE News/Op-Ed . . 96-100 Real Estate . . 118-129
PHASE
1-810-724-0254
Mother's Nutrition and
FAWN
SURVIVAL
They Say Variety Is The Spice Of Life...
www.woods-n-waternews.com
WATERFOWL-MIXED BAGS P.O. Box 278, Imlay City, MI 48444
Can't Miss Tactics for Archery Bucks Michigan's Best Fall Fishing
EHD-the 'Buggy' Side of Nature The Science of Water Temperature
www.facebook.com/woodsnwaternews
Perspective on Fishing Regulations Keeping Our Forests Healthy
www.woods-n-waternews.com Like us on facebook Follow us on
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RUTG!
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CKeSr 2015 BUCKS

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WNW NEWS OCTOBER 2017 7

OCTOBER BUCKS
Chase phase: Success hinges on increased deer activity

S
omehow the big
10-point slipped past
my stand unnoticed be-
cause he had his nose
close to the ground and
was slinking through
the forest like a coyote seeking a
baby fawn. He purposely kept a low
profile and moved without a sound
from the pine forest to the grassy
knoll. Thats when he slowed his
pace and slipped into the tall grass
like a sly fox after a mouse. Sud-
denly a young doe blasted from the
canary grass like a runaway Polaris
missile and dashed under my stand
at lightning speed. The
buck followed and when
he was kissin close I
gave him a burp to stop
him in his tracks and
offer a broadside shot.
Through the wide field
of view scope he looked
huge as the cross hair
into view.
However, come late October
the days shorten and the amount of
sunlight passing through a does eye
is decreased. This causes hormone
levels to rise and a small percentage
of females come into estrous. Love
sick bucks go on a rampage to find
receptive partners. In most cases
their efforts are futile and they end
up chasing does day and night that
are not interested in mating. But a
definite increase in buck behavior
occurs during this important chase
phase. Hunting during this phase
increases your chances of seeing
bucks, period.
One look at a chase
phase buck and you
can quickly identify his
mood by his posture. Of-
ten they are stampeding
through the woods dur-
ing broad daylight with
swollen neck, muscles

Cover Story...
settled on his bulging, eyes
vitals and the red from lack of

By Kenny Darwin
Michigan made
Darton Toxin sent
the bolt at light-
ning speed. I heard a loud thwack as
the Spitfire MAX opened on impact
as the broadhead found its mark. He
made a high mule kick and sprinted
through the underbrush, but the
Spitfire did its job and after running
less than 40 yards he piled up.
I knelt next to the dandy buck
and admired his impressive body
and beautiful antlers. A cool Octo-
ber breeze caught my attention and
made me grateful to be in Michi-
gans great outdoors during fall
when the weather is cool, leaves are
falling, smell of autumn fills your
senses and the bucks are going bon-
kers. This kill was a classic example
of the monumental deer hunting
available during the buck chase
phase. Heres why.
Taking a buck with archery
gear can be easy if you understand
that success hinges on increased
deer activity not so much hunting
skills. Early October can serve up
some bad buck hunting opportuni-
ties simply because the boys are in
lockdown. Oh sure, you can pattern
deer and maybe catch them return-
ing to feeding zones come sundown,
but as a rule buck hunting is a wash
until late October when bucks are
chasing does. The trouble with hunt-
ing early October is does simply are
not receptive. Their sexual hormone
levels are not raging and they have
no interest in joining bucks that are
ready to rock. Most does run and
hide when breeding bucks come
8 OCTOBER 2017 WNW NEWS
sleep and glands
stained black.
Some are preoc-
cupied with sniffing the ground
for doe scent, tipping their heads
backward and curling their lip in an
effort to identify receptive females
by Fleming. Other bucks are hell
bent on rubbing their antlers to mark
their territory and relieve sexual
anxiety. Many paw the heck out of
the ground making multiple scrapes
under overhanging branches. Each
scrape is marked with buck urine to
attract receptive does and act as a
barrier to keep satellite bucks from
invading their home turf.
The early chase phase is an
excellent time to hunt because of
the increased buck activity. This is a
time when calling or rattlin antlers
and grunting sounds can bring a
bruiser on the run. It is also a great
opportunity to attract bucks by using
scent drippers, drag rags and deer
scents that draw mossy horned mon-
archs from deep woods liars.
With fond memories I recall a
Kalamazoo County huge buck that
fell prey to a drag rag soaked with
Buck Stop doe urine and a touch
of doe estrous. I could see his tall
tines from a long distance as he
meandered on my trail with nose
to the ground. But just when he
was in archery range a young doe
appeared and he chased after her. A
few minutes later he reappeared on a
distant knoll and I gave him a short
burp imitating a buck grunt. I could
see his huge rack swing in my direc-
tion to the intrusive sound. Thats
Author predicts splendid buck hunting in 2017 to begin October
23 through November 14. Mature bucks offer a narrow window
of oppor tunity when they are sex crazed and their hormone level
skyrockets. Kenny Darwin photos
when he stomped directly at me and
offered an easy shot. My point is
chase phase bucks will respond to a
variety of hunting strategies that key
their interest.
I use bait on a regular basis
when taking photographs. I learned
that during the chase phase bucks
too will investigate a bait pile. Not
because they are hungry, although
some older bucks absolutely love
fresh apples, sugar beets, corn and
a variety of concoctions that get
their salivary glands going, but bait
will bring does and during the chase
phase bucks will follow any tail in
town.
I learned to never place bait in
a single pile, rather make at least
three piles. When a buck comes in
following a doe he will move to
where she was feeding or standing
and smell the location for hot doe
scent. This bumps the doe off the
bait pile. But if you have two or
three piles the doe will simply shift
to another dinner table. Sometimes
does play ring-around-the-rosy with
bucks and bounce from pile to pile
with the buck in tow. This offers the
archer multiple opportunities and
body angles as the buck postures
for position and follows the females
like he has a ring in his nose to lead
him around. Sometimes a doe will
immediately run from an approach-
ing buck and the duo will quickly
disappear but later the lonely suitor
will return to the bait site in search
of fresh scent and maybe a bite to
eat.
Keep in mind that in Michigan
finding a four-year-old buck is very
difficult and always will be unless
the DNR starts properly managing
the deer herd. The majority of bucks
that participate in the chase phase
in Michigan are young bucks, most
are yearlings with small racks. But
they get all sexed up and go crazy
in pursuit of hot babes. They cover
10 times more turf than three-year-
old bucks and they get plenty of
does up on their feet. Through their
Chase phase page 10
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WNW NEWS OCTOBER 2017 9
Octobers chase phase :
from page 8
relentless pursuit the woods comes
alive with deer activity and the older
bucks get trapped in the craziness.
Sometimes bruisers leave shadowy
haunts to break up rattling ses-
sions or fights among young bucks.
Other times a hot doe with her tail
up, twitching from side to side,
will prance in front of an old timer
and entice him to pursue. At times
patriarch bucks will saunter to open
meadows, hay fields or crop lands in
an effort to bump off younger satel-
lite bucks invading his territory. My
point is chase phase can turn from
a young buck hunt into a trophy
adventure.
Now, I know what your next
question is. When is the best time to
hunt the chase phase? The answer
is relatively simple yet complex.
If I were you Id shoot for the time
around Halloween and it falls on
October 31, so I recommend hunt-
ing the week before the holiday. To
be more specific, the closer you get
to November the more activity you
will see. However, dont overlook
the powerful affect the moon has
on whitetail deer. With this in mind
I recommend hunting three days
prior to full moon, during full moon
and three days following full moon;
even if full moon is the first week in
October.
Lets assume you are not
Bucks will seek out does day and night looking for a receptive doe. During
the chase phase non-receptive does will purposely avoid bucks and hide
from them in swamps, brush, cattails, standing corn, tall grass and more.
This mega-buck is sneaking up on a small doe hiding in tall grass. His
goal is to get her to stand and check the area for telltale scents indicat-
ing she is receptive to mating.
10 OCTOBER 2017 WNW NEWS
interested in taking just any buck
and you want a Pope and Young
deer that is at least three-years-old
carrying a rack that scores between
125-140 inches. My suggestion is
to avoid prime hunting locations
until deer activity cranks into high
gear. Each area is different and
does come into heat at different
times throughout Michigan. I hunt
a Clinton County farm every year
around pheasant season (October
20) and see rutting activity when my
other counties are dead. The trick is
to locate a hot doe, get on her turf
wherever that might be and bucks
will come runnin.
I was approached by a private
land owner who feeds deer year
round and he showed me photos of
a 15-point monarch. I immediately
requested permission to set up for
photographs of the mega-buck he
thought was a six-year-old monster.
This buck is a record whitetail with
unbelievable mass, 17 inch G2s and
a spread over 25 inches. I worked
all summer to coax him into cam-
era range but was never successful.
However, Stealth trail camera pho-
tos revealed he was there the entire
time and visited my sweet spot on
a regular basis at 4 a.m. This old
bruiser is smart and unfortunately
I had bad news for the landowner
fired up about harvesting the trophy.
Adult bucks begin rutting activity during late October and become
actively involved with chasing does. This brute is rubbing on an
overhanging branch above his fresh scrape. Scrapes are used to
attract does and outline a bucks territory. Primary scrapes are
visited by the entire deer family.
I told him his chances of harvesting
the buck were slim.
You see a six-year-old buck is
equivalent to a 73 year old man. He
has lost sexual desire and more im-
portantly has gone nocturnal. It is a
bitter pill for a trophy hunter to deal
with how Mother Nature instinctive-
ly changes daytime critters to night
roaming ghosts.
When bucks are three-years-old
they are easy to spot and constantly
looking for food, does, bedding
locations and actively take part in
the chase phase and rutting activity.
But when they become five-and-a
half they change habits drastically
and all old bucks suddenly become
difficult to see or pattern and reserve
activity to night; deer by nature are
nocturnal creatures. They become
creatures of the night and only move
when they know they are safe.
Chances of taking a buck over
five-years-old are slim because they
limit daylight movement, ignore the
powerful urge to join in the chase
phase and limit breeding behavior.
More importantly, old bucks pattern
hunters and know where they hunt,
when they hunt and how to avoid
being seen. However, record books
clearly show that during the chase
phase and rut old mature bucks will
venture from hiding. Keep in mind
this is a very short period of time
that only lasts about three weeks in
Michigan, then its over.
Without fail, shortening periods
of daylight in late October cause
biological changes in bucks that
get them moving, searching and
presenting ideal targets for those in
the know. This is a short window
of opportunity that begins around
Halloween and reaches peak in
November. This breeding window
is regulated by decreased sunlight
and comes to an abrupt close when
an orange army invades Michigans
landscape. Oh sure, if we have mild
weather there is some breeding in
December but it comes to an abrupt
stop when bitter cold weather ar-
rives.
If you want to up your odds for a
buck this season concentrate efforts
during the chase phase and continue
hunting through the main rut in No-
vember. Come rifle season all bets
are off and savvy bucks make the
shift to complete defense mode and
the craziness of deer moving during
daylight and bucks running helter
skelter after hot does is over.
Okay, I know you are fired up
about the October first opener, but
are you ready to get serious about
buck hunting? If so, concentrate
efforts during the chase phase and
rut. Plan vacation time when the
bucks are active. Get in the woods
as much as possible before gun
season. Remember that rain, snow,
wind, fog, extreme heat and bright
sunny weather has little impact on
big bucks when a hot doe is dancing
in their face.n
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WNW NEWS OCTOBER 2017 11

 DEER CARE
From field to freezer to taxidermist
Tips on the proper
way to field dress an
animal, extract them
from the field with
care, hanging and
aging along with
skinning, butchering
and proper freezing
every hunter who cares about the
quality of their venison. Ive also
been a commercial taxidermist in
Michigan for decades and have
gleaned a lot of knowledge and
savvy on proper trophy care.
First, lets start with the kill-
ing process itself. If you want good
tasting venison and a good trophy,
then a shot placed through the heart
or lungs, just behind the shoulder
is the best. Neck (spine) and head

T
techniques...
heres a lot of misin-
formation circulating
on the proper way to
care for deer and other
big game species after
the kill. I have seen
firsthand a lot of terrible waste of
wild game meat through improper
handling and in my commercial
taxidermy business, I have seen way
too much mishandling of game to
the point where trophies are ruined.
Every year clients bring me capes
with the hair falling out and even
some that are so rotten that maggots
are there to greet me when I inspect
their prized trophy.
Its really just about as
easy to properly handle big
game carcasses as it is to
mishandle them, so why not
do it right? The benefits are
fine eating and perhaps a
nice looking trophy on the
wall as a pleasant reminder
of the accomplishment of
shots will certainly put a deer down
fast, but they dont bleed out much
when dropped like that and there
is a lot more waste on neck shots
too. A good chest shot will kill the
deer through massive hemorrhaging
causing them to bleed out nicely,
which greatly improves the taste of
the meat. Besides, a neck or head
shot may greatly impact the qual-
ity of any mount desired and if the
damage is severe, then it might
require a replacement cape, which
is an unnecessary expense. If a
finishing shot must be administered,
then that shot should also be taken
through the chest too.
Once the game is dead and
tagged, then some photos
should be taken at the site
of the kill. Since I mostly
hunt alone, I carry a small
camera in my fanny pack
for field shots and also
have a tiny tripod I Vel-
cro to a tree or branch.
My camera has a remote
control so I can position

By Michael Veine
the hunt. Read on
for some profes-
sional tips on the
proper way to field dress an animal,
extract them from the field with
care, hanging and aging along with
skinning, butchering and proper
freezing techniques.
My Dad owned a meat market
and was an expert at cutting up beef,
pork and deer too. He taught me at
an early age how to properly care
for a deer and I have been process-
ing deer and other big game for over
40 years on my own.
Additionally, I married a woman
(Donna) in 1990 whose fam-
ily owned a meat cutting business
where they processed whole cows,
pigs and thousands of deer. Donna
worked in that shop through school
and she and her family have shown
me some additional wisdom on
processing venison too. In addition,
Ive read everything I can from a
past contributor to this publication
who is a genuine expert on not only
processing deer, but certainly also
on cooking it too.
The writings of Chef Milos
Ciehelka are truly a must read for
12 OCTOBER 2017 WNW NEWS
everything and
then take self-
photos. I also like
to take self-photos of deer in other
locations the same way. If Im tak-
ing photos of a deer that has been
dead for a while, then I put glass
eyes into the sockets to spiff up the
shots. Before a photo session, clean
up the animal. I keep paper towels
in my pack, which work well. Avoid
photos with the tongue hanging out
or with tasteless scenery like truck
beds and garages.
If its warm and you plan on tak-
ing the deer to a processor, then that
should be done right away. Warm
temperatures will cause bacteria to
flourish and those bugs will ruin
meat and/or the hide in a hurry. That
brings me to another subject too. I
have seen a proliferation of cases
where people are leaving deer in the
woods overnight on evening hunts.
Unless you highly suspect that the
shot was bad, all efforts should
be made to recover the animal as
soon as possible. Letting a deer lie
dead overnight is not good at all for
the meat or the hide and with the
proliferation of coyotes and other
If possible, its a good idea to drag the deer a good distance from
your stand before field dressing to avoid attracting predators to
the area. Author photos
predators/scavengers in Michigan
these days, it can really be a waste
of good venison too.
Once a deer is recovered, it
should be field dressed as soon
as possible. This task needs to be
done right. Ive seen way too many
instances of rushed gutting jobs that
have greatly degraded the finished
product. I like to start by positioning
the deer in a clear area on its side. I
first ring the anus as deeply as pos-
sible and then roll the deer onto its
back, remove the genitals and open
up the cavity from stem to sternum
without cutting the innards. I then
ring the diaphragm and reach up and
free up the heart and lungs. Then
the guts are rolled out of the cavity
and I am free to work on the rear
end. I have a small saw that I use to
carefully split the pelvis. Then I free
up the bladder and colon and pull all
that nasty stuff out, hopefully with-
out spillage. If I did spill anything, I
then pick up the front of the deer to
drain out all the blood through the
butt, which helps to wash away any
nastiness.
Then I go over it once again
cleaning everything up with paper
towels and then turn the deer over,
belly down to drain out. Its at this
point that I will typically go back to
my camp, ATV or vehicle and get
rid of my weapon, heavy clothes
and other hunting sundries, return-
ing with a Jet Sled. Placing the
carcass in the sled makes the extrac-
tion much easier and also protects it
from abuse, while keeping it clean.
Once I get back to civilization or
camp, I remove the tenderloins and
hang the deer head up for no less
than overnight so it can drain out.
I also clean up the deer more then
too. If a hose is available, I spray
it off completely with water to get
Deer care page 13
DEER CARE:
from page 12
rid of all the blood and dirt, both
inside and out. Some people will
advise against getting water on the
meat, but true experts know better.
At camp, if the cavity is messy, like
from a gut shot, I take a bucket of
cold water and a rag and wash it out
as well as possible.
A big mistake I see many hunt-
ers make is hanging a freshly killed
deer by the hind legs. This causes
blood to pool up in the neck and
head and not only ruins meat, but
also can ruin a cape for taxidermy
purposes. When people also put ice
in the chest cavity of an rear-end
hung deer, it melts water into the
neck and head causing even more
damage.
For a buck, cut an 18 length
of rope and tie it tightly around the
base of the antlers. Hook a block
and tackle to that rope and hoist
him up. For does, I cut a length of
rope that is tied around the neck for
hoisting. I hang my deer head up
until Im ready for the skinning and
butchering tasks.
A deer should be hung in a cool,
shaded spot for as long as practi-
cal. Aged meat is better meat. In a
perfect situation, the deer should
be hung in a meat locker until it is
aged to perfection and ready for
processing. Most of my hunting is
done from my U.P. deer camp so
no cooler is available. There, my
buck pole is located about 12 feet
high in a spot shaded all day long
by balsam and cedar trees where
breezes can help cool the carcass. I
hang my deer until Im ready to go
home, or when the meat temperature
of an inner hind leg warms past 45
degrees. If the daytime temperature
exceeds 50 to 55 degrees, then I cut
off the legs and the knees and put a
game bag on the carcass to keep the
flies off.
There are rubs that can be put
Game bags and insulated covers are
used to keep a deer cool and bug free
while hanging during warm spells.
on the inside of the carcass to keep
things nice while aging. A home-
made rub that I have used is to com-
bine cooking oil with pepper, heat
it up very hot, let it cool, then apply
with a rag. I have also wrapped my
deer in a big comforter during the
heat of the day to get past a warm
spell. They also have a commercial
product that insulates a carcass and
has pockets inside for ice too, which
is a great idea. Ideally, I would
prefer to age my deer for about three
weeks, but usually the duration is
much less since I cut my deer up
before heading home from the U.P.
The best way to transport a deer
home is in the processed form in
coolers. When I add ice to a meat
filled cooler, I double bag the ice to
keep the ice water out of the meat.
If the distance is short, then keeping
it in the Jet sled is the best option to
contain the mess. Most hunters seem
to have trucks, so the bed of a truck
is a good place for deer transport. If
you have an SUV, keep the vehicle
as cold as possible even if it means
dressing yourself to the max. Cars
require roping the deer top side.
If the trip is long and the weather
is warm, then the deer should be
packed in ice.
When I am ready to cut up my
deer, I lower it down, remove the
legs at the knees, insert a gambrel,
and hoist it back up by the hind legs
for skinning. I skin it all the way
down to the front legs, and if a head
mount is desired for the cape, then I
skin out the front legs with no cuts
and continue down to the base of the
skull severing it with a knife at the
skull/neck juncture. From what Ive
seen in my taxidermy shop, most
people and commercial deer proces-
sors only skin the neck down about A buck being processed at the authors deer camp.
half way on average wasting about
five or more pounds of good meat YouTube and watching a video on ones on YouTube that can show
in the process, which is a shameful caping a deer just before you go on you how its done. The other option
waste. Processors that leave a big your next out-of-state hunting trip. is to solicit the services of a deer
hunk of neck in the hide should be Keep in mind that a short-Y incision processor. There are some good deer
avoided. type caping job is preferred by every processors, but there are also a lot
With the advent of Chronic good taxidermist that I know and of bad ones, so research needs to be
Wasting Disease (CWD), a lot of most taxidermists, including myself, done before the season begins. One
states, including Michigan, have charge extra for dorsal cuts and any thing to look for in a good processor
passed recent laws forbidding the other unnecessary cape damage that is a guarantee that you will get your
transport of deer into the state that will need extensive repairs. After the own deer back. Its surprising how
are not completely deboned, in- cape is removed from the skull, it many processors mix deer together
cluding the skull from the cape. If needs to be rough fleshed to remove for processing with no effort made
you want a shoulder mount, that most of the excess meat below the to keep them separate.
means that the deer will need to ears. After that, the cape should Once your deer is processed
be caped out, including having the be rolled up and double bagged in into serving sized portions, packag-
skull skinned out, before you return garbage bags, then ideally frozen. ing for the freezer is in order. I pre-
to Michigan. In that case, you can If freezing is not possible, then fer to use standard butcher paper for
either find a taxidermist to cape pack it on ice in a cooler for the trip that task and roll the air out of the
the deer out in the state where you home and then either take it to your packages when packing for the best
killed the animal or you can learn taxidermist right after getting home possible freezer storage longevity.
how to do it yourself. Most taxi- that day, or freeze it if there will be Ive tried Ziploc freezer bags and
dermists will charge $50 to $100 to any delay. found that they cause a lot of freezer
cape out a deer or other big game Butchering a deer is a skill best burn from air leaks. Vacuum pack-
animal, but the problem is often learned from doing the job with ing is another option, but choose
finding a taxidermist that is willing someone experienced in doing the commercial grade packing mate-
to do that job in your timeframe. process correctly. However, there rial that is thick enough to resist air
I would suggest going onto are some good videos, including leaks.n
WNW NEWS OCTOBER 2017 13
 Swimbaits catch
fish all fall long
Cast-Retrieve-Repeat!
Except for setting
the hook and fighting
a fish, that is all there
is to fishing with
swimbaits...
By Mark Martin
T
o tell you the truth, I
was skeptical of the
fish-catching ability of
swimbaits when they
first came to market
years ago. I thought
theyre just too simply made and too
easy to use to work so well.
But it only took me a few casts
to realize I was wrong. And it
doesnt matter the species I am tar-
geting, be it walleye, bass, panfish
or trout, you name it and swimbaits
fool them all.
That is not the end of the story,
however. Theres a little more to
catching fish with these lures than
anglers may realize. But not a whole
lot.
As Its Name Implies
So what, exactly, is a swimbait?
In a way, its a cross between a
softbait lure and a lipless crankbait.
Many are made of pliable plastic,
molded around lead and hook; they
resemble minnows, shiners and
young-of-the-year fishes. Some, on
the other hand, are offered as soft-
bodied baits you add your own jig
head to. The end result of catching
fish is equal whichever style you
choose.
At their rear end is either a
paddle- or curly-cue tail; the former
resonating a tempting thump as
it swims, the later a veracious flash
and vibration. Either way, its the
shape, feel, and pulsation these lures
make that fish have a hard time
refusing.
It Started Somewhere
Its been nearly two decades
since I first started casting swimbaits
on a regular basis. And it all started
while fishing a charity tournament
event in Northern Lower Michigan.
I was the only professional walleye
angler fishing alongside some of the
finest bass-fishing professionals in
the world.
My bait of choice during the
one-day event was a 1/4-ounce
swimbait, which was about 3-1/2
inches long. And with that one lure
I was able to prove a walleye guy
can hold his own amongst a large
pack of some of the best in the bass
14 OCTOBER 2017 WNW NEWS
industry. To boot, a trophy-size
6.42-pound smallmouththe third
largest of the eventcame over
the gunwales of my Lund, as well
several more smallies and countless
hefty rainbow trout.
How To Do It
Today I fish a swimbait nearly
identical to how I started to way
back when.
First, I prefer casting them
on superline, with Flame-colored
8-pound-test Berkley FireLine my
preference.
Whats the reason I prefer
superline, you ask? The no-stretch
properties of superline allows me to
feel every pulse of the lures paddle-
or curly-cue tail, as well its easier
than ever to detect when the lures
ticking the tops of the weeds, rock,
or wood; which is a signal for me to
speed up the retrieve and get the lure
up and out of cover and swimming
just over it.
Superline also lets me achieve
great hook sets when using such
light line, as the hooks on most
swimbaits are quite large and it
takes a little more gumption to get
the point to pierce a bony jaw.
A longer, medium-power fast-
action rod, such as a 7-foot 2-inch
Fenwick Elite Tech Walleye spin-
ning rod, allows me to make long Big smallies on swimbaits, like the authors holding here? You bet!
casts. And the beefier action aids Walleye, pike and trout, too. David Rose photo
in getting good hooks sets, as well.
I couple the rod with size-30 ABU life-like action, work best. and brightly-colored ones, such
Garcia Orra S spinning reel for a With that said, I generally use Firetiger for example, in stained or
perfectly balanced rig. 1/8- to 1/4-ounce swimbaits most muddy water.
Speaking of those long casts... often. This weight bait tends to be As for choosing paddle- or
Whether Im fishing clear water or shorter in length than heavier ones, curly-tail, I let the fish decide. I find
stained, I like to make lengthy casts measuring in at 2 to 3 inches. There changing often is best.
when using swimbaits, allowing are also shorter, 1/32- and 1/16-onc- Last but not least, when attach-
the lure to free-fall a few seconds ers on the market. These tiny ver- ing a swimbait to FireLine, I tie it
through the water column before sions are great for panfish whether on directly with a Palomar knot;
starting my retrieve. And as for the its crappie, bluegills or perch thats not using a snap, as well for-
reclaiming of line, its merely a slow youre targeting. going the use of a leader of mono-
and steady one. For the most part, in water any filament or fluorocarbon. The fish
Thats the beauty of swimbaits, deeper than 12 feet, I use the 3/8- to do not seem to care when attacking
the best action is no added action; 3/4-ouncers, no matter the size of a swimbait, even with the brightly-
just that aforementioned stable re- the forage base in a lake. colored line.
trieve. Theres no lift and fall or no As for shape and color of swim- Cast. Retrieve. Repeat.
hopping along bottom. baits I choose, that depends on the Looking for a technique thats
And theres no refuting a strike waters I am fishing. easy to use to catch more fish than
when fishing swimbaits as the bait is In waterways where shad, ever this year, no matter the species?
usually engulfed. bluegills, and crappie are the main Then by all means, tie a swimbait
The Devils in the Details forage, the short fat profile of one directly to superline and make a
Swimbaits come in so many of the many Storms WildEye Live long cast, and then just give it a
different shapes, sizes, and colors it series of swimbaits is great. Where slow, steady retrieve and hang on.
can be overwhelming when attempt- shiners, perch, and other slender- Yes, it really can be as easy as
ing to pick one out. As with any shaped forage is present, North- that.
lure, however, it will depend on the lands new Impulse core Swimbait, Mark Martin is a professional
depth I am fishing and the shape and coupled with a VMC SBJ Swimbait walleye tournament angler and
size of the forage at hand. Jig, will do the trick. instructor with the Fishing Vacation
These baits work great in water Color, on the other hand, de- Schools, who live in southwestern
12 feet and under; thus I find the pends on water clarity. I prefer the Lower Michigan. Visit his web-
lightest-weight lures, which dont naturally-colored baits such as blue- site at markmartins.net for more
sink too quickly and have the most gill, perch, and shiner in clear water, information.n
SALE GOOD WHILE SUPPLIES LAST
WNW NEWS OCTOBER 2017 15
 Appreciating the
American
Long Rifle
By Darryl Quidort
T
his fall I will again be
hunting with a modern
replica of an American
Long Rifle very simi-
lar to those used by
early American explor-
ers 250 years ago. There is a certain
attraction, maybe even something
magical, about slipping quietly into
the fall woods with a bullet pouch
and powder horn over your shoulder
and a flintlock rifle in your hands.
Its like stepping back in time. With
only one shot before the re-loading
process must be done, I must stalk
slowly and carefully to get within
range of my ability to make that
shot count.
There are some challenges in
hunting with a flintlock but, when
successful, I find the thrill of taking
game with a firearm like our forefa-
thers used to be very satisfying.
The American Long Rifle was
made famous by the founders of our
nation and is considered by many
historians to be Americas most his-
toric and elegant firearm. Uniquely
American, it is part of our countrys
heritage. Also called the Kentucky
Rifle, although they were first made
in Pennsylvania, no American fire-
arm comes with such an impressive
legacy as the long rifle.
The flintlock mechanism is a mar vel of early mechanical engineering.
16 OCTOBER 2017 WNW NEWS
Early gun makers in the Colonies
developed this rifle to fit the needs
of the frontiersmen as they crossed
the Allegheny Mountains and
pushed into the wilderness beyond.
For more than a century the flintlock
long rifle hung over the fireplace
mantle in frontier cabins, always
ready to provide meat for the table,
animal hides for clothing, moc-
casins, or trade, and protection for
man and livestock. The rifle was
in daily use as an important tool in
times of both war and peace.
The flintlock mechanism itself is
a marvel of simple mechanical en-
gineering. Developed in the 1600s,
its method of producing a spark, by
flint striking steel, to fire the powder
charge was so reliable that the flint-
lock was the primary firearm used
during the French and Indian War,
the American Revolution, the War of
1812, and was still in use during the
Civil War.
In its Golden Age (approxi-
mately 1760 - 1820), the long rifle
became an example of the gun
makers art and reached its peak in
artistic development. Even today,
artists are intrigued by the profile
of the American Long Rifle. The
slim, graceful appearance of the full
stocked, long barreled firearm en-
For the author, the slim, graceful profile of the American Long Rifle
is pleasing to the eye and hunting with it is magical.
courages the eye to travel its length
in a pleasing manner. The parts of
the rifle seem to flow together in
perfect harmony and balance. In his
book, The Golden Mean, an Art-
Historical Approach, Barry Bohnet
points out that the relationship of
the various parts of the American
Long Rifle is not accidental, but fol-
lows the work of artists during the
Baroque period (1643 1774) when
they were seeking an ideal propor-
tion in art. That pleasing, ideal
proportion is often seen in nature
but is difficult for man to capture.
The similar rule of thirds is used
by photographers who strive for an
eye pleasing photograph.
For those of us who enjoy re-
living our history, the challenge and
excitement of shooting and hunting
with a flintlock rifle is still avail-
able. Several American gun makers
are now making custom flintlocks
that closely replicate the rifles in use
long ago. Or, if you are inclined to
build your own rifle, kits, parts sets,
or individual rifle parts and stocks
are available from several suppliers.
Its true that a flintlock can be
a little finicky to keep clean, dry,
properly tuned, and firing smartly.
However, our forefathers did it with-
out much problem and so can we.
Flintlock authority, Eric Bye, once
wrote that, the difficulties are
also a source of satisfaction, for they
are all conquerable. It does take a
little time to reload a flintlock but,
as I was reminded by an old smoke-
pole shooter, if you want to burn
up a lot of ammo quicklyshooting
a flintlock muzzleloader may not be
for you.
In addition to the aesthetics,
there are several other reasons to
appreciate the American Long Rifle.
Simple economics is one reason for
enjoying a flintlock. Compared to
about a dollar for a single, modern
.30-06 round, it costs just pen-
nies for the small measure of black
powder, scrap of patch, and lead ball
needed to fire a flintlock rifle. The
components needed to shoot a mod-
ern, in-line muzzle loader will cost
about 10 times as much per shot as a
flintlock.
Flintlocks are versatile too.
Most calibers can be loaded down,
for targets or small-game hunting,
by simply using less powder for
the main charge. Just bump up the
powder charge for deer hunting
with the same rifle. Of course, these
loadings must be checked for ac-
curacy, which entails shooting at the
rifle range. When properly loaded, a
flintlock rifle will rival most modern
rifles for accuracy. One-hole groups
are not uncommon when shot from
a bench rest at ranges accommodat-
ing open sights. Part of the fun of
shooting a flintlock is in learning
the proper combination of powder
charge, patch thickness, and ball
size needed to make your rifle shoot
extremely accurately.
Long Rifle page 18
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WNW NEWS OCTOBER 2017 17
Long Rifle:
from page 16
Loading and shooting a flintlock
is not complicated. The follow-
ing steps, which must be done in
order, will guide you through the
procedure. Before getting started
though, always remember safety
first. Flintlocks are quaint, historic,
and romantic, but they are not toys.
They require the same respect and
careful handling as all firearms. Use
only genuine black gunpowder in
flintlocks. Black powder is explo-
sive. Handle it with care.
Step 1
Load the Powder
Start with the frizzen open and
the cock of the flintlock fully down.
Make sure the barrel and touchhole
of the lock are clean and dry. Be
sure to use the proper granulation of
black powder. Pour a proper charge
of black powder from the powder
horn or container into a measurer.
Close the horn or container. Pour the
measured powder charge down the
barrel. Never load the rifle directly
from the horn or container.
18 OCTOBER 2017 WNW NEWS
Step 2 of loading process. Star t
the patched ball into the barrel
with a shor t star ter.
Step 2
Patch and Ball
Place a lubricated cotton patch
(spit works well for lubrication)
over the muzzle. Center a round
lead ball on the patch and push it a
short distance into the barrel using
a wooden block with a short piece
of ramrod attached. This is called a
short starter.
Step 3
Seat the Ball
Set the ramrod onto the ball in
the barrel. Grip the ramrod a short
distance above the muzzle and
push the ball down firmly onto the
powder charge with a series of short
pushes of the ramrod. Dont grip
Step 3 of loading process. Seat
the ball down on the powder
charge with the ramrod.
the ramrod high above the muzzle
for a long push. This may bend or
break the rod and possibly injure
the shooter. The ball must be firmly
seated on the powder charge every
time. A mark on the ramrod will
ensure that the ball is loaded to the
proper depth.
Step 4
Prime the Pan
Place the cock in the half-cocked
position. Place a small amount of
fine black powder into the pan. It
doesnt take much. Carefully close
the frizzen on the pan.
Step 5
Take Aim and Shoot
When ready to shoot, bring the
(423) 638-2825
Step 4 of loading process. Prime
the flintlocks pan with fine black
powder.
cock to the full-cocked position,
take aim, and fire by squeezing the
trigger. Follow through by trying
to stay on target after the shot. This
is very important for accuracy with
a flintlock because of the slower
lock time and longer powder igni-
tion time as compared to a modern
firearm.
After the first shot, you will
probably feel like reloading im-
mediately for another shot. Many
people find the crack of a flintlock
rifle and the resulting cloud of black
powder smoke very addicting. You
may even acquire a new respect and
appreciation for the historic value of
Americas own rifle and the rugged
men who used them.n
 Hunting outside of Michigan this fall?

Be aware of NEW cervid

importation regulations
F
or those who plan 6-year-old, free-ranging white- Since the discovery of that first For those hunting in Michi-
to hunt outside of tailed deer in Ingham County was animal, the DNR has sampled gan within areas where CWD
Michigan this fall, it killed and confirmed positive for 13,458 deer from around the state has been found, there are specific
is important to note CWD. This marked Michigans (as of August 2017). A total of regulations that must be followed.
that regulations related first-ever case of chronic wasting nine animals have tested positive For more information, visit
to the importation of disease in a free-ranging cervid. for CWD. mi.gov/cwd.n
harvested cervids (such as deer,
elk or moose) have changed sub-
stantially.
Hunters who harvest a cervid
in any other state or province can
bring back only the following
cervid parts into Michigan
Hides
Deboned meat
Quarters (legs that do not
have any part of the spinal col-
umn or head attached)
Finished taxidermy products
Cleaned teeth
Antlers
Antlers attached to a skull-
cap cleaned of brain and muscle
tissue.
Hunters need to realize that
the new importation regulations
apply to any location they hunt
outside Michigan, not just those
states and provinces that have
chronic wasting disease, said
Chad Stewart, Michigan Depart-
ment of Natural Resources deer
and elk specialist. These changes
have been put in place in hopes
of keeping potential cases of
CWD from unintentionally being
brought into Michigan.
CWD is a contagious neuro-
logical disease affecting members
of the Cervidae family, including
deer, elk and moose. It attacks the
central nervous system of infected
animals and results in emacia-
tion, abnormal behavior and loss
of bodily functions. There is no
recovery. The infectious agents
causing CWD are prions, which
are nonliving proteins that can
persist in the environment for
years or perhaps decades.
Were asking everyone who
hunts out of state to understand
and follow these regulations, said
Dean Molnar, assistant chief of
the DNR Law Enforcement Divi-
sion. Those who dont will face
fines, penalties and confiscation
of the animal. We need every-
one to abide by the regulations
and follow the law. The health of
Michigans big-game population
depends on the cooperation of
hunters. We are all in this to-
gether.
In April 2015, a female,
WNW NEWS OCTOBER 2017 19

BEST FALL FISHING
Y
ou cant blame sports-
men who are itching
to pick up the gun or
bow come Septem-
ber. Fishing is a year
round sport where
hunting only takes place at cer-
tain times of the year. Hunters can
expand their season by traveling or
hunting with more than one weapon,
but regardless of what or how you
hunt theres always some down
time. And it seems hunting seasons
take place all at once so if youre
a multifaceted hunter its
tough to get everything in
during the open season.
Throw in the fantastic
fishing that takes place in
Michigan in the fall and
youve got a real dilemma.
Do I hunt or do I fish come
fall?
Most Michigan sports-
men I know
By Mike Gnatkowski
try to reach a
happy me-
dium. Mix in a little fishing on the
perfect Indian summer days. Or a
little grouse hunting in the morning
and fishing in the afternoon. Nasty
days are reserved for waterfowl-
ing, although that kind of weather
is ideal for fall muskies, too. First
two weeks in November are prime
time for the whitetail rut. But if you
arrow a bruiser early in the rut, early
November is pretty hard to beat for
steelhead fishing.
West Michigan Salmon
Chinook salmon numbers in
Lake Michigan have taken a nose-
dive in recent years. Part of that is
because plants have been severely
reduced and salmon numbers are
reliant mainly on naturally spawned
fish. The majority of the natural
reproduction takes place in West
Michigan rivers like the Muskegon,
Big and Little Manistee and the
Pere Marquette. Salmon returning to
those rivers produce great sport in
September/October.
Mature Chinook salmon begin
entering West Michigan rivers right
around Labor Day. There are early-
run salmon, but fall rains and crisp
fall nights trigger the main run. The
lower reaches of the rivers produce
the best fishing. Chinooks bite best
when they first enter the rivers.
Even though salmon are not
actively feeding when they enter
the rivers, they can be caught using
several methods. You can drop back
plugs, cast spinners or stickbaits
and back bounce with spawn. All of
these techniques catch salmon on
their spawning run.
Long Lake Walleyes
Grand Traverse Countys largest
inland lake at 2,860 acres, Long
Lake is a bustle of activity during
20 OCTOBER 2017 WNW NEWS
Some of Michigans...
the summer months, but once school
resumes and summer cottage owners
go home the lake settles down and
anglers reclaim the lake.
Long Lake has a long history of
walleyes plants and the persistence
seems to have paid off. Long Lake
supports a good walleye population
now. The fish average 16 to 17 inch-
es, but eyes in the 25- to 26-inch
range arent uncommon. Anglers jig
with minnows or troll with crawler
harnesses to catch walleyes during
the summer months. These same
tactics work during early
fall during the daylight
hours. Because Long Lake
is very clear, dont be sur-
prised to find the walleye in
water 25 to 35 feet deep or
deeper during the day. The
eyes relate to the myriad
of structure that the lake
affords. Slop-
ing contours
off the mid-
lake islands are natural hotspots. An
underwater point straight out from
the boat launch off Edgewood Ave.
on the lakes northwest corner is an-
other walleye magnet. Local anglers
know that Long Lakes walleyes
begin to make nightly pilgrimage
into the shallows as the waters cool
in the fall and produce an entirely
different kind of bite.
The walleyes move shallow
under the cover of darkness, con-
fided area fishing guide Dave Rose.
Key is to cruise the lake during the
daytime and locate green weeds and
then work the edges of those weeds
after dark. Rose recommends using
suspending stickbaits like Rattlin
Rogues, Rapalas, Husky Jerks and
other elongated lures. You can add
suspended dots to shallow diving
lures. Rose said to anchor quietly
and cast parallel to the weed edges.
Schools of walleyes will move in
to herd minnows against the weed
edges. Rose advised using a light/
medium-spinning combo with super
line. The super sensitive line is per-
fect for detecting the subtle bite of a
nighttime walleye.
Most of the eyes will be 1 - to
3 pound eaters, but walleyes over 6
pounds are not unheard of. Try the
shallow flats in the bays on the west
side of the lake. Listen for schools
of walleyes slashing minnows.
For bait, tackle and maps contact
Gander Mountain in Traverse City
at (231) 929-5590.
Big Glen Lake Trout
There are a lot of lakes that
are planted with trout in northwest
Michigan that nobody really fishes,
offered Dave Rose. You might find
a few people trolling for trout in
Two anglers combine to land a Chinook salmon on the Big Manistee River.
the summer time, but after that you
hardly see anyone fishing specifi-
cally for trout. Rose said that fall
is prime time to cash in on this
untapped resource. The trout move
from the depths into the shallows
as the waters cool and provide great
sport on light tackle then.
One of Roses favorite fall trout
lakes is Big Glen Lake. 1,400-acre
Big Glen Lake has a long history
of trout plants. From 1995 thought
2001 the lake received regular
plants of brown trout, lake trout and
splake. More recently Big Glen has
been the recipient of rainbow and
steelhead plants. Those fish are now
reaching good size. Rose emailed
me an image recently of two fat
rainbows that he took from Big Glen
Lake
Big Glen Lake doesnt have
much in the way of structure. The
lake is basically bowl shaped with
few points or humps. The exception
is where Little Glen Lake enters Big
Glen Lake. A ridge there is worth
prospecting for fall trout. Other-
wise, Rose advises just working
the shoreline drop-off. As the water
cools, trout move shallow and cruise
the edge. He said just cast to 4 to
10 feet of water with a suspending
stickbait and hold on! The big ones
will darn near rip the rod out of your
hands, chided Rose. Rose said that
Elk, Burt and Torch lakes are good
bets for fall trout action too.
To sample some of northwest
Michigans best fall fishing contact
Dave Rose at 231-276-9874 or on-
line at www.wildfishing.com.
South Lake
Leelanau Walleyes
We have so many great fish-
ing lakes up here its tough to pick
just one or two, said guide Dave
Rose. But one destination Id
have to include would be South
Lake Leelanau. From about mid-
September until the weeds start to
die off the walleyes really turn on
in there. Rose said weeds are the
key to South Lake Leelanaus fall
walleye fishing. Look for cabbage
that has some openings in it and cast
stickbaits, like Rattlin Rogues and
Husky Jerks, into the pockets in the
weeds. Let the bait sit for 20 sec-
onds or more before giving it a few
subtle twitches, then let it sit again.
Walleyes will explode on it.
Rose said to look for weeds in 4
to 12 feet or water where walleyes
will school up and work the min-
nows over. Most of the walleyes will
run from 15 to 19 inches, but fish to
8 or 9 pounds are not uncommon.
Rose added that if the stickbaits
arent working you can always fall
back on the old standby- a jig and
grub or worm. Rose said in the clear
waters of South Lake Leelanau that
natural colored plastics work best.
Try motor oil, pumpkinseed or red
colors highlighted with a chartreuse
jig head to call attention to the bait.
South Lake Leelanau is a big
body of water at 5,370 acres and is
long and narrow so the wind doesnt
affect it too much unless its com-
ing straight down the lake. Prime
walleye locations include Perrins
Bay on the south end of the lake, off
Robinson Point, and near the inlets
of Weisler and Cedar creeks. There
are boat launches on the both the
east and west sides of the lake.
Contact Dave Rose at 231-276-
9874 to try your hand a catching
some South Lake Leelanau walleyes
this fall. For information on lodging
and amenities in the area contact the
Leelanau County Chamber of Com-
merce at 231-271-9895 or online at
www.leelanauchamber.com.
Best Fall Fishing page 22
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WNW NEWS OCTOBER 2017 21
Best Fall Fishing:
from page 20
Gun Lake Largemouths
Allegan and Barry counties
2,680-acre Gun Lake is popular
with bass anglers. Unfortunately, its
also very popular with powerboats,
personal watercraft and water skiers.
Once Labor Day arrives boating
traffic drops dramatically. Fishing
pressure nosedives too and the bass
move shallower as the waters cool
making fall a prime time for Gun
Lake largemouths.
Gun Lake has an outstand-
ing largemouth population, said
Southern Lake Michigan Manage-
ment Unit Fisheries Supervisor Jay
Wesley. I would have to consider
Gun Lake to be one of southern
Michigans premier largemouth bass
lakes. One reason largemouths do
so well in the lake is habitat in the
form of humps, weed lines, points,
canals, docks, islands and drop-offs.
Because of the varied habitat you
can catch Gun Lake largemouths
just about any way you like to fish.
Jig-n-pig combos are perfect for
working the weed edges and humps.
Spinnerbaits are great for prob-
ing the docks, canals and shoreline
structure. Crankbaits excel for cov-
ering water and working the deeper
points. The bass will average 2 to 4
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22 OCTOBER 2017 WNW NEWS
pounds, but bass topping 6 pounds
are not unheard of. Boating access
can be gained off Murphys Point in
the Yankee Springs State Recreation
Area.
For information on amenities,
camping and accommodations in
the area contact the Southwestern
Michigan Tourist Council at 269-
925-6301 or online at www.swmich-
igan.com. For lake maps, tackle and
guides contact D & R Sports Center
at 800-992-1520 or online at www.
dandrsports.com.
Little Bay De Noc Walleyes
The waters of Little Bay De
Noc in the central U.P. are known
for producing outstanding catches
of walleyes throughout the year, but Cory Brown with a chunky fall walleye
if you want a trophy for the wall taken from rip rap along a dam.
bundle up and head for the bay in
November. mph when trolling. The walleye can humps will hold concentrations of
Open-water fishing in the U.P. be found suspended or holding tight fish. Try off the beach house at Glad-
in November can be brutal, but the to bottom. Anglers cover the water stone City Park, along the East Bank
rewards are walleyes that routinely column by deploying shallow-set and along the reefs off Kipling.
top 10-pounds and 15-pound hawgs downriggers, lead core line and in- Trolling during November in the
are not unheard of. Walleyes move line planers trailing stickbaits, like U.P. is not for the faint of heart, but
into the shallows of the bay to chow Rebels, Rattlin Rogues and Thun- walleyes in proportions not often
down before winter hits when the dersticks. Natural color patterns seen are the reward. For more in-
water temperatures begin to dip into seem to produce the best. formation on Bay De Noc walleyes
the upper 30s. The cold tempera- Schools of eyes can be found contact Sal-Mar Resort at 906-553-
tures make slow trolling a must and throughout the bay along the 30 to 4850 or online at www.sallmarre-
anglers creep along at 1.0 to 1.5 40-foot contour, but reefs and subtle sort.net.n
Sale valid
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44.99
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In its first year of growth, mullein forms a large basal rosette close
to the ground with leaves that may be over one foot long and are
extremely soft to the touch. Author photos
MULLEIN
Michigans mighty multi-use...
Witches, Gods and Lovers
Common Mullein (Verbascum
thapus) has been involved in an
ongoing relationship with human-
kind for thousands of years. Greek
legends say the Ulysses was given
a mullein stalk by ancient
gods to defend himself
against the ways of Circe.
Circe was the beautiful
enchantress who turned
the companions of Ulysses
into lowly swine. Pliny the
Elder of the early Roman
Empire described mullein
as linked to witches, while
others from
his day By Jonathan Schechter
knew the
plant would ward off curses and evil
spirits. Mullein remains a noxious
weed to some modern day humans,
but a plant of great beauty respected
for its medicinal and at times near
magical powers by others. The plant
is very much a part of our Michi-
gan landscape, but sadly it is often
passed by, unnoticed. But now as
other plant slowly fade, stalks of
mullein stand tall in fields.
Cowboy Toilet Paper
Mullein is certainly less exciting
now than in the days of Ulysses, but
it still holds fascination for herbal-
ists, naturalists, nature-lovers and
folks who run out of toilet paper
when out in the field. And of course
its loved by little kids that feel the
soft leaves and call the plant Rab-
bit Ears. Perhaps Snowshoe Hare
FIRST IN
CLASS
NEW FOR 2017
THE ONLY CROSSBOW IN ITS CLASS WITH THE ACUDRAW
Ears, although something of a THE COCKING DEVICE THAT REVOLUTIONIZED
tongue twister, would be more ap-
propriate for a descriptive name, for THE CROSSBOW INDUSTRY
the shape of the soft green velvety
leaves are far larger than rabbit ears
and they do resemble the shape of
snowshoe hare ears.
Candlewick Plant, Now compatible
Miners Candle, Bullocks with all Wicked
Lungwort, Flannel Leaf, Ridge Crossbows.
Devils Tobacco, Torch-
wort, Quaker Rouge, Hags
Taper and Blanket Leaf are
330
just a few of the many other
intriguing common names FEET-PER-SECOND
for this naturalized plant
165
that came
to our LB. DRAW WEIGHT
shores over
a hundred years before the Revolu-
97
FP KINETIC ENERGY
tionary War. Backpackers, hikers,
hunters and other assorted wanders 6.6
of field and meadows have a spe- LB. BOW WEIGHT
cial love, and descriptive name for
the mighty mullein; Cowboy toilet
paper.
Immigrant Plant
How the plant reached our
shores is a mix of fact and folk-
lore, but its believed to have been
planted originally to help suppress
coughs, ease lung congestion, and
to combat headaches, hemorrhoids
and diarrhea. This plant was a one GET YOURS NOW OR FIND YOUR
stop pharmaceutical and still draws LOCAL WICKED RIDGE DEALER AT
medical attention today.
WICKEDRIDGECROSSBOWS.COM
The popular online medical
information site, Web MD says this
PROUDLY MADE IN THE U.S.A.
Mullein page 24
WNW NEWS OCTOBER 2017 23
Mullein:
from page 23
about the Common Mullein, Mul-
lein is used for cough, whooping
cough, tuberculosis, bronchitis,
hoarseness, pneumonia, earaches,
colds, chills, flu, swine flu, fever,
allergies, tonsillitis, and sore throat.
Other uses include asthma, diar-
rhea, colic, gastrointestinal bleed-
ing, migraines, joint pain, and gout.
It is also used as a sedative and as
a diuretic to increase urine out-
put. Mullein is applied to the skin
for wounds, burns, hemorrhoids,
bruises, frostbite, and skin infections
(cellulitis). The leaves are used topi-
cally to soften and protect the skin.
In manufacturing, mullein is used as
a flavoring ingredient in alcoholic
beverages. The chemicals in mullein
might be able to fight influenza and
herpes viruses, and some bacteria
that cause respiratory infections.
Fish Killer
The plant also holds another
well known, but now illegal use
that developed in the Old World
but was quickly leaned by settlers
and Native Americans: Fish kill-
ing. The chemicals in the plants
dried, crushed seeds stunned fish,
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specifications are based on various standards or recommended practices.
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and brought them to the surface
making for easy catching by hand
or with nets. Life Science (cwww.
livescience.com) confirms that use
this way, Common mullein is a
perennial plant that was first in-
troduced into the United States by
colonies in Virginia and was used as
piscicide, a chemical substance that
is poisonous to fish. The crushed
seeds, rich in saponins (Saponins
are a class of chemical compounds
found in abundance in various plant
species) were tossed into shallow
bodies of water, or the bends in slow
moving waters, and then natural tox-
ic chemicals within the seeds then
stunned them into a degree of leth-
argy where the fish would float to
the surface and quickly be gathered.
I would advise against testing this
method for the practice is illegal,
but perhaps worth noting in a true
life or death survival situation. But
the fish werent biting and so I tried
this is not a life and death survival
situation and something a Conserva-
tion Officer does not want to hear.
Adaptable Beauty
Mullein is an exceptionally
beautiful plant as summer slowly
fades into autumn with the flower-
ing stems of sulphur-yellow blos-
soms reaching over six feet tall. On
cool, foggy mornings the leaves
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of mullein often sparkle with dew
creating a diamond-like sparkle.
The plant flourishes in disturbed
soil, meadows, fallow fields, empty
urban lots, along roadside embank-
ments and the sun-soaked edge of
two-tracks, trails and highways.
There are no look-alike plants, but
not all mullein plants look the same
because of the way they grow.
For the Face, for the Butt
In its first year of growth, mul-
lein forms a large basal rosette
close to the ground with leaves that
may be over one foot long and are
extremely soft to the touch. Dont
let looks deceive you; rough contact
with the soft leaves on sensitive
areas of the body can lead to what
medical professionals term as con-
tact dermatitis. In the early days
of our new nation, some Quaker
women rubbed the leaves on their
cheeks to create a homemade blush
to attract suitors. Hence the name
Quakers Rouge. Although
the leaves have been, and can be
used as Cowboy Toilet Paper,
it is best used with care and gently The flowering stems of sulphur-
and never against the grain of the yellow blossoms reaching over
leaves. six feet tall on mullein plants.
Outdoor Life magazine has a seconds. I then dipped the stalk in
few things to say spiced with humor melted candle wax and tried again.
about this use of the leaves. The Success! The flame was strong
irritating hairs and the vasodilating
enough to keep witches and evil
oil can cause a rash on your nether doers at bay, revealing the rationale
regions. In the second year of behind two other common names,
growth, mullein produces that easily
noticed flower stalk that draws the
Hags Taper and Miners Candle.
Another common name, Blanket
attention of the human eye and the Leaf remained a puzzle for me,
flight of the bumble bee, a collector unless perhaps the large and often
of its yellow-orange pollen. Alter- abundant leaves were laid out on
nating leaves, that are smaller than the ground to provide some insula-
the large rosette leaves at the base, tion between the ground and the
attach directly to the stem in such body. I can see the leaves making
a way that they are able to direct an excellent emergency lining for a
rainwater directly down the stem to shoe to add to its insulating factor,
the plants roots, giving the plant or even being used as an emergency
a survival boost over competing bandage. Bottom line, keep mullein
plants. in mind on autumn adventures.
Tender Torch Jonathan Schechter is naturalist
Much of the literature I re- and paramedic in Brandon Township
viewed stated the dry, dead stalks and the Nature Education Writer for
make excellent torches. I tried it. Oakland County Government. E-
The flame went out after a few mail Oaknature@aol.comn
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WNW NEWS OCTOBER 2017 25
 When Opening Day goes wrong!
A
ll summer youve
been setting stands,
running trail cam-
eras, and glass-
ing visible bucks.
Everything you have
learned is assessed to create the per-
fect opening day plan. You can see
it now; Mr. Bullwinkle
is already riding home
in the truck. You wait all
summer for that initial
crack at an early season
buck.
Then opening day
comes and goes. Youre
left blaming the weather
or the wind but
regardless something
went wrong. Maybe By Brian Miller
it was a neighbor-
ing hunter alerting your target buck,
possibly the changing crops made
him change patterns, maybe you
spooked him yourself running trail
cameras. After a couple more days
the excitement wears off and youre
faced with the hard truth. The per-
fect opening day plan crumbled.
Now is the time to make the
most important decision. Its time to
make some changes and put together
a revised early season hunting plan.
Changing techniques now might be
the only thing that will turn around
your early season hunting. Learn
four ways to salvage the season after
everything goes wrong.
Picture Perfect
We look forward to opening day
but whitetails cant read a calendar.
They simply notice an increase in
human presences, changing food
sources, and shorter days. Hu-
man presences include any activity
before the season such as checking
trail cameras and setting stands.
Long after you leave the woods your
scent lingers around announcing
your visit.
So if the weather and wind are
not right on opening day its time
to hold off hunting that location. If
you already hunted that stand during
the early season on a warm, sunny
day then do not go back again until
the weather turns bad. Wind, rain,
and a changing barometric pressure
cause all deer to begin moving. That
will give you an increased chance at
seeing your buck. Pulling back and
leaving the stand alone during those
warm days is the best decision.
In most conditions the best
stands can really only be hunted 5-6
times a season. Unless the condi-
tions are perfect dont burn them out
on days that are not perfect.
Get Mobile
Binoculars are one of the most
26 OCTOBER 2017 WNW NEWS
valuable tools a hunter can have
with them. This gives you a much
larger range of visibility.
Seeing what is moving on other
areas of the farm is invaluable. Just
because youre hunting doesnt
mean you cant scout everything
within sight. Around swamps,
field edges, ditches, and
grasslands make sure to
always be glassing them.
Pay particular attention to
the edges where there is
transitional terrain. When
things dont go right get
into an observation stand
that provides greater
visibility to see what
else is happening.
Good observation
stands are also loca-
tions that have a high percentage to
kill a buck. They are simply in areas
that provide a bit more visibility
than a thick cedar swamp.
During the early season, patterns
can be very predictable however
they dont last long. Therefore if a
buck is noticed in an unexpected
location, make an immediate move.
Dont wait for another sighting or
waste time doing an in-depth scout-
ing trip. Take a quick look at the
Dont give up when early season hunting plans dont work out.
location and setup in the best tree.
moment the food source changed, he source.
Extreme scent control and a spare
moved. Not once did I see another I prefer to give myself an eighty
set of climbing sticks are invaluable
deer visit that field in the following yard zone from his bedroom. At
at these times. Make a couple quick
days. around eighty yards I feel I can enter
shooting lanes without spreading
Food is king and during the the woods quietly without a bedded
around your human scent then hunt
the stand. Chances are youll have
early season food sources change buck noticing me. Inside that dis-
very quickly. When acorns, apples, tance and it becomes much harder to
only a small window before some-
corn, or other food sources change, setup undetected.
thing changes causing him to change
then change with it. Dont waste When opening day does not turn
patterns again.
time hunting around an inferior tree out then make a move. The buck
Changing Food stand that will not produce. The youre after is likely still nearby,
Just two years ago I discovered a early season is only going to last a you just need to catch him during
new clover field that had been plant- week to ten days. Dont waste this daylight hours.
ed and the alfalfa was lush green. I
decided to hunt the edge of a tiny
valuable time on an inferior stand
location.
Conclusion
Hunting early season bucks
swamp that bordered the alfalfa.
It didnt take long before a good Get Into It is high on my list of time periods
nine pointer entered the field eighty Early season is all about food to kill a mature buck. Often you
yards away. Soon after, several does but that does not mean hunting short can catch a predictable pattern and
filtered into the field. Finally, two crop fields. In Michigan killing a exploit those relaxed, food focused
smaller bucks arrived and started mature buck in a short crop field periods. Unfortunately there is only
sparing along the edge. Everything is not a predictable pattern. Those a small window to capture that
was still eighty yards away which bucks you see during daylight in activity.
is too far. Then it happened! One of September often no longer enter Opening day in Michigan hap-
the largest Michigan bucks Ive ever those same fields during daylight. pens during a transitional period for
seen entered the field thirty minutes The only exception is hidden fields both the bucks and food sources.
before the end of hunting light. My with extremely low hunting pres- Therefore lots of deer are already
jaw dropped. sure. shifting, making preplanned opening
After the minutes ticked by and Instead of hunting the short day plans a gamble. If you can catch
the dark started to settle in I began crops move off the edge and get them before transitioning out of
to get nervous. It was not going to closer to the bucks bedroom. their summer habits then youre suc-
happen tonight but I was coming Remember that many bucks have cessful. Far too often plans go sour.
back for a second chance. I made seasonal bedrooms that are closer to Without a backup plan youll have
some adjustments to get closer but the food sources. These are still lo- to wait until the rut to get another
the next day the farmer sprayed cations that are brushy, swamp cat- crack. Next time things go wrong;
Roundup on the alfalfa to kill it. I tails, tall crop, or thicker locations. look for changing weather, follow
knew better but I hunted that loca- These are places a buck feels secure the food, get into the thicker stuff,
tion four more times anyway. The but will be closer to a preferred food and dont be afraid to get mobile.n

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WNW NEWS OCTOBER 2017 27

 How young to hunt?
Dont expose
your secret spot
use the
outpost
the stealth feeder A young man with a mentor...By John Rasmussen

P
Blends into ine Creek flows into the
Nottawasipi just outside
of Athens, Michigan.
Surroundings It is a widely meander-
ing little stream 15
AS SEEN ON to 50 feet in breadth
MICHIGAN with oxbows and switchbacks and
OUT OF straight-a-ways. It flows through a
DOORS variety of Michigan topography; a
farm field with half standing yellow
corn, then a few acres of a maple
and oak forest, then open marsh for
several hundred yards. This common
SQUIRREL Michigan marsh is dotted by the
RESISTANT dark brown headed cattails that in
the fall become puffs of cotton.
CAP Four to six-foot high green and
brown marsh grass covers soggy
ground sometimes interrupted by
an occasional high spot on which
a duck hunter might stand. This is
a favorite habitat for ducks, and a
patient hunter can set up on the bits
holds of high ground, camouflage in marsh
grass, and become virtually invis-
20 lbS ible from the sky. A canoe or small
corn flat bottom boat works well to get to
these spots, but not without chal-
lenges. Tight bends change water
depth from three to four feet to just
inches on inside corners and require
constant adjustment to stay in the
high water. And, because waterfowl
hunting tends to be equipment in-
tensive, studied care must be part of
the planning. Imagine a 17 foot Old
Town canoe loaded with three bags
of mallard, wood duck, and goose
decoys, dry bags for an unforeseen
flip, life jackets, shotguns, and
spinning wing decoy with its water
DURABLE
BROADCASTER
mountand a Labrador Retriever!
Enjoyable waterfowl hunting is
not without its challenges, but most
Great For always, these challenges can be
PUBLIC or PRIVATE overcome with careful planning. I
Land Hunters soon had this belief tested.
A different type of challenge
occurred when a good friend took
Carry Sack Holds me up on an invitation to hunt. I had
20 Pounds promised Rob waterfowl appealing
For Easy Refill habitat and the chance to harvest
ducks. He called me from his home
Programmable Timer in Dowagiac, and explained he had a
Drop 1# / Day young friend who would like to hunt
but was only in the area for a few
Lasts Up To 3 Weeks days.
Sure, I said! Id love to have
Hanging Wire & Throw Line you come up, and your friend is
INCLUDED more than welcome! You can stay at
With Metal Throwing Disc my cabin North of Battle Creek and
we can hunt the next morning.
The area I have in mind is basi-
cally a swamp with a creek running
through it. Well park by the bridge
and then paddle up by canoe for
about a quarter mile and set up in the
cattails and reeds on the west bank.
Its a great spot for wood duck and
mallards, and since the goose opener
www.outpostfeeder.com is still on we may have a chance to
outpostfeeder@gmail.com collect one or two of those.
28 OCTOBER 2017 WNW NEWS
Rob and Alex getting ready for action at first light. Author photos
Rob was delighted.
His special friend was the son of
Robs best friend in college. He was
visiting and had only a few days in
South Bend before returning home,
so this would be the only chance
Rob had to take him hunting.
Would his father like to join us,
I asked?
That is not possible, Rob said.
His father just passed away with
cancer, and he and the rest of his
family have returned to the area to
be with family and then spread his
ashes in Lake Michigan.
Im very sorry. Where is he
from? I asked.
His mother and father were
missionaries in New Guinea and
he and his mother and two sisters
would return there to continue their
work. The parents went there right
after college, so it is the only place
the kids have ever known. His
father would take his son Alex small
game hunting in the open fields and
swamps in New Guineas northern
part. Portions of the land are actually
similar to areas in Michigan. This
was Robs chance to be with the son,
connect him to something he used to
do with this father, and provide him
in this way some comfort. over one more time in case I missed
Now, Rob said, I just have to
find him a 20 gauge since a 12 gauge
might be too much for him.
I paused. This is where my chal-
lenge came in. How old did you say
he was?
Hes eight, Rob said. Well
try to make it up early mid-afternoon
tomorrow with plenty of time to buy
licenses and then talk about the hunt.
O.K, I said. The fact is, I re-
ally had to think about this. First,
I wasnt sure about the legality of
an eight year old in the field for
waterfowl, and second, I had to
get comfortable with the idea of an
eight year old in a duck blind with
a shotgun, not to mention what it
would take to safely get him there,
especially in a loaded canoe. I had a
little research to do.
What I discovered was that it
was not only legal, but with careful
attention to planning and the watch-
ful presence of a mentor, young peo-
ple can become enjoyably and safely
engaged in hunting! The following
account illustrates one application
of the mentorship program even
though the childs name and location
have been altered out of respect for
anonymity.
A quick skim of the 2016 Michi-
gan Hunting and Trapping Digest for
information on hunting age gave me
a category other than adult. There
on page nine I found Apprentice
Hunting, which is defined as a
person who does not have a hunter
safety certificate and is 10 years of
age or older may purchase a base
apprentice (APC) license. Based
on this definition it was clear Alex
would not be able to hunt. He wasnt
10. I was just getting ready to call
Rob back with this information, but
thought I would look the regulations
something. I had!
Under License Type and Fees by
Age, page eight, there was listed the
Mentored Youth License for youth
up to nine years old! He was old
enough to buy a license and hunt!
The next step in planning this
hunt would be to give careful at-
tention to details of safety and to
understand the role of the mentor.
The regulations clearly spelled this
role out.
The mentor is limited to two
hunting devices (shotgun, rifle, bow,
or crossbow) in the field while
mentoring, and the youth hunter
must be within arms length
of the mentor at all times. Any
hunting device possessed by the
mentored youth must be sized
appropriately to fit the physical
abilities of the youth. The men-
tor will be held responsible for
all actions of the youth hunter
while in the field. (Digest, 2016,
p. 26).
Rob would be the mentor,
and I would be close by to help
out. To increase the safety of
canoe travel I had invited Dave
Disler, a good friend and skilled
canoeist, to join us. Alex would
ride in his bow and Rob and I
would carry most of the gear
including Alice the Labrador re-
triever. This would make Daves
canoe more manageable and he
could also react more exactly to
any shifting weight.
It was pitch black when we
reached the bridge north of
Athens. A generous shoulder
and a bit of grass made it easy
to park well off the road with a
20 yard access path to the creek.
Canoes, shotguns, and all else
needed for the hunt became part
of a focused process of careful
placement in each canoe. Dave
explained to Alex the impor-
tance of keeping his seated
position centered and about the
dangers of shifting weight.
Now, Dave explained, I
will do the canoeing, unless you
would like to help me. If you
do, do this with your paddle,
and Dave showed him the bow
stroke.
We moved into the stream
and canoed without lights since
the stars reflection on the water
mapped a clear path through
bends and straight-a-ways. The
canoe brushed the sides of cat-
tails on the inside of banks and
then moved comfortably ahead
as the creek straightened out.
Alex was silent, his eyes
focused up into the sky. Even
though his father had taken
him small game hunting in
New Guinea, this was new, yet
grounded in what he already had
experienced. Now he expe-
rienced it again, not with his
father, but his fathers closest
friend. The connection helped.
The creeks direction
became clearly visible for 200
yards. We knew an even smaller
unnamed creek came into the
Pine about half the length of
what we could see, and thats
where we would set upright
on the creeks west side where
the smaller stream entered. This
would be perfect for two groups
of duck decoys on either side of
the smaller streams emergence.
The goose decoys we would set
30 yards further downstream
from that.
Rob and Alex placed them-
Mentor Rob and his eight-year-old hunting buddy Alex and
lab Alice.
selves on the rise of a small
knoll overlooking the water.
Covered with cattails and marsh
grass the greens and brown
shades of their camouflage were
a near perfect match.
Rob took out his face paint
and explained to Alex, This
will help us even more!
He dotted Alexs cheeks and
nose with streaks and dots of
green, black, and brown. Alex
grinned from ear to ear. Rob
remained inches away from
Alex with a 20 gauge shotgun
between them, barrel angled
out and up from its position on
a blind bag. When Alex shoul-
dered the gun, Rob explained,
he would be inches away to
follow the movement. The sky
lightened and the decoys be-
came more visible. Mojo ducks
spinning wings became a blur.
Shooting hours had arrived.
Dave called with four to five
quacks evenly spaced followed
by a feeding call. We waited for
any response. Two returning
quacks came from up stream.
Dave called again and six
mallard silhouettes appeared to
the left of the decoys and started
to drop between the two sets.
The mallards wings locked
and they were feet above the
water. Alex brought up the gun
at Robs command, aimed, and
pulled the trigger. The ducks
flared and flew up and sideways
in several directions giving
Dave a clear shot at a drake.
The drake fell and Alice hit the
water making a wake toward
the mallard She grabbed the
duck and swam back and out of
the water to drop it at my feet.
No sooner was Alice back at
my side than two wood ducks
dropped into the decoys from
upstream. No one had seen them
coming. They were feet away
from Alex.
Rob whispered, Well wait
until they take off and then you
shoot when you can see them
really well above the water.
Remember to move your gun
through the bird.
Alex nodded. Rob rustled
some reeds and the wood ducks
rose straight into the air and
positioned to level off. Alex was
there and followed the flight,
moved through the duck fur-
thest away and shot. The bird
dropped and Alice was in the
water.
Wow, Alex said, Oh,
wow! It was a good, clean shot
and Alice did not have to swim
far. After the retrieve I brought
the bird to Alex and Rob.
Very nice work, Rob said,
Your father would be proud of
you. Tears welled in Alexs Full Line of Stormy Kromer
eyes.
Im so happy to be here, Inside Our Store!
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wonderful! It was wonderful We Ship Anywhere
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A full sun had risen in the
east and the birds, unimpressed,
had vanished. We hunted for
another hour and headed back to
the bridge, sunshine a pleasing
glare on the water.
Alex looked all around.
This is just like New Guinea
only without as much water!
At the bridge, we all worked to WHERE THE OUTDOOR
unload canoes and reassemble
gear in the beds of two pick-up ENTHUSIAST SHOPS
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 NEW FOR
The author realized he needed to simplify his hunting equipment in order to
maximize the few hours he would be in the field. Jonathan Schechter photo
You wont need the kitchen
sink for grouse hunts
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CUSTOMER REVIEW
By Rick Fowler needed.
ll admit
that I have
too many bit of pre-planning
lures and other gadgets at
the ready for my fishing
forays. My tackle box is
UP TO busting at the hinges and is too large
370 FPS to lug into my boat every time I
head out on quick trips. Yet, I have
UP TO
resolved the problem of too much
116 FP KE bulk by using a single and far small-
er plastic box with compartments
140 LB DRAW WEIGHT
that hold the basic components that
6.9 LB BOW WEIGHT
Ill need for a two to three hour trip
on the water.
13.5 IN AXLE-TO-AXLE Now, finally after years of
overpacking for one day Northern
Michigan grouse hunts, I have ap-
plied the same philosophy. In years
past, I would load two to three
different gauge shotguns and boxes
of shells just in case I might flush
a multitude of birds. It took half an
hour to pack my truck with all that I
thought I might need for a half day
hunt. I definitely needed to simplify,
simplify and simplify in order to
PROUDLY MADE IN THE U.S.A. maximize the few hours I would be
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box if you will) and made myself
30 OCTOBER 2017 WNW NEWS
limit the equipment
With a little
and proper packaging, this one small
container holds the essentials I need
for a short days hunt.
An adequate hunting box could
and should include shells and their
own box holder. I purchased two
boxes in two different colors; one
for 12 gauge shells and the other
for 20 gauge shells. By doing this,
I eliminated the rattling and kept
the shells readily available. Binocu-
lars, a whistle, matches and a spare
compass are also included. Even
with these items there will be ample
room for gloves, hat, a spare roll
of ammo tape and a garbage bag
to haul out spent shells and/or to
preserve my birds.
Another piece of equipment es-
sential to my gear is gun lubricant. I
use this on rainy and damp days to
keep the action well-oiled before I
case my gun. I also stow a knife and
sharpener to ease the work of field
dressing the birds.
In addition to simplifying the
amount of gear you stow, another
essential ingredient for a potentially
successful outing for grouse is prop-
 er location. When I was younger
it was not uncommon to put a lot
of miles on my hunting boots
looking for my drumming
quarry.
However, this outlook has also
changed. Grouse hunters know that
certain types of cover will draw
these birds and that the edges need
to be concentrated on specifically.
Not only must you concentrate on
the edges of fields, but also the
edges of two-tracks, logging roads,
water sources and often gravel pits.
Thats why my dry box also in-
cludes a variety of maps in addition
small green edibles. Maps certainly
help with this too.
During the mid-season, I plan
my hunting hours around older areas
of hardwoods as long as there is an
ample amount of cover beneath.
Later in the season, or on cold and
damp days, my hunt might take me
to an area of spruce trees with low
lying branches near a water source.
One area I readily avoid are maple
stands. Because of the thickness,
they tend to shade out any cover and
will grow very little, if at all, for a
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 Bowhunting
Backcountry Squirrels
Wed hatched the plan earlier in the year
for the express purpose of finding a new
adventure: backpack bowhunting a
species wed never hunted before in
the wildest backcountry in Michigan...

A
im small, squirrels such a challenging and
miss small, rewarding endeavor.
is what every I didnt set out to bowhunt
squirrels last October.
After a 10-hour drive up to
bowhunter says before the Porcupine Mountains
the shot. When the vitals Wilderness State Park, I
in your sight window left the trailhead literally
are scarcely larger than loaded for bear: a tag for
a quarter, though, you the unit, my compound, The author didnt set out to bowhunt squirrels last October!
really dont have much Gold Tip Kinetic Kaos
choice, and that is what carbon arrows tipped with and a hammock and three days of toward where Id meet my hunting
makes G5 Montecs gear in my new Tenzing TZ3000 partners at a campsite about five
bowhunt-
ing for
By Drew YoungeDyke in a Kwikee
Air quiver,
pack. I hiked along the escarp-
ment above Lake of the Clouds
miles in. Jason Meekhof - the state
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32 OCTOBER 2017 WNW NEWS

The authors camp on the banks of the Big Carp River, was flooded
by an overnight thunderstorm.
Hunters and Anglers (BHA) - also
drew a bear tag for the unit, and
was similarly outfitted. Heres
what neither of us were equipped
with, though: bait, hounds, or a
clue of how to hunt bears.
Which was as we wanted it.
Wed hatched the plan earlier in
the year for the express purpose of
finding a new adventure: backpack
bowhunting a species wed never
hunted before in the wildest back-
country in Michigan. We wanted
to challenge ourselves and hunt
on our terms, even if success was
highly unlikely, so we planned to
still-hunt just as we do for deer.
We were joined by Bob Busch,
also a fellow board member for
the Michigan BHA chapter, who
didnt have a bear tag but brought
a vintage Bear Archery recurve for
deer and a ukulele for the campfire
in his enormous Mountainsmith
pack. Theyd travelled together
earlier in the day and texted me
where to meet them.
With darkness approaching,
I fast-packed along the escarp-
ment trail to make up time, until I
met a backpacker who wasnt too
excited about sleeping in a ham-
mock at the top of the ridge with
the wind whipping the branches
around us. I invited him to our
campsite, and we hiked the rest
of the way together as it got dark.
Scott Masters, a firefighter from
Bay City, was a welcome addition
to our camp for the night, and we
all still stay connected through
Facebook.
The next morning was hunting
time, though, so Jason, Bob and
I camoed up while Scott packed
up to continue his loop hike. We
split up to hunt in different direc-
tions, as much exploring as hunt-
ing, though with keen attention
paid to wind, sound and move-
ment. Throughout the morning,
I heard red squirrels chirp at me
as I scanned the woods, hillsides
and valleys with my binocs. Ive
hunted squirrels often with a
shotgun or .22, but usually when
bowhunting deer I focus solely on
deer. Maybe it was the knowledge
that my chances for even seeing a
bear were so low, but I had packed
along a blaze orange hat just in
case I decided to put my base
small game license to use (even
when bowhunting, blaze orange
requirements apply for hunting
squirrels in Michigan). I traded
my camo ballcap for my blaze one
and nocked an arrow.
Finally one of the little red
squirrels showed himself on the
branch of a tree about 15 yards
from me. I scanned the woods
behind the tree to ensure there
was nothing I didnt want to hit
if I missed and put my pin on its
vitals. Aim small, miss small. I
triggered my release and the arrow
went right through it, sailing on
as the squirrel fell to the ground.
I recovered the squirrel first, then
the arrow after a short search, and
skinned and cleaned it on a fallen
tree, putting it in a zip-lock bag
I always carry for heart and liver
Bowhunting...page 34
WNW NEWS OCTOBER 2017 33
Bowhunting backcountry:
from page 33

when I hunt. squirrel. Though far smaller than

Ive hunted many squirrels, the gray squirrels Ive hunted in
but none compared to taking one the northern Lower Peninsula Seasoned only by the campfire smoke, and they were the most delicious
with my bow, even this small red and the ones I cant hunt in my squirrel and campfire meal the author has eaten.

Ann Arbor backyard, its smaller

size created an inverse apprecia-
tion for it. I resumed bear hunting
for most of the rest of the day to
no avail, but arrowed two more
squirrels for a campfire meal
while losing one arrow in the leaf
pack under a squirrel I missed and
stuck another high in a pine tree

CROSSBOWS just below another one I missed.

Back at camp, I cooked all
three directly over the fire, one for
each of us. In the past Ive tried
to cover up the flavor of squirrels
by brining or making Buffalo
squirrel wings, deep-fried in bat-
ter and coated with Red Hot. But
these were seasoned only by the
campfire smoke, and they were
the most delicious squirrel and
campfire meal Ive eaten, un-
doubtedly somewhat mental.
We moved camp the next
day to the banks of the Big Carp
River, where an overnight thun-
derstorm flooded the campsite
underneath Jasons hammock and
washed his boots in the river. We
hunted another day, yielding only
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WNW NEWS OCTOBER 2017 35
Perspective on fishing regulations
W
hen I gradu- argue that biological regulations are
ated from the necessary to preserve the fishery.
University of Social regulations are often more
Michigans questioned. Many social regula-
School of Nat- tions represent large numbers of
ural Resources Michigans anglers although others
with a fisheries degree in 1977, the are strong views of specific user
Michigan Fishing Guide of regula- groups or specific species anglers.
tion was only 14 pages. The current Examples of social regulations
2016-2017 Fishing Guide is 66 would include high bag limits and
pages and the individual flies only restrictions versus
pages are larger. artificial lures only gear
However, to be com- restrictions. The addition of
pletely fair, the older both biological and social
fishing guides did not have regulations has contrib-
identification photos, dia- uted to the increase in the
grams and ads. Some who current Michigan Fishing
dislike regulations would Guide over recent decades.
say this is a bad evolu- Past fishing regulations
tion of Michigans fishing represented in the Michigan

By Bill Ziegler
regulations over the Fishing Guide had
ensuing time period. very limited goals.
In all fairness, our For example, al-
Michigan fisheries and environment though the size trout species can re-
is much more complex than it was alistically achieve varies; there was The 1977 Michigan DNR Fishing Guide. The guide was only 14 pages although it
in the 1970s, and previously. a one size fits all stream size limit lacked considerable helpful fishing information and by its simplicity had limited
Fishing regulations are neces- (seven inches) and lake limit (10 potential to improve the states fisheries. Most of the regulations were intended to
sary to conserve the states fishery inches). Fisheries biologists did not maintain the states fisheries as they already existed. The 2016-2017 Michigan DNR
resource. Regulations can be classi- expect anglers to be able to identify Fishing Guide. This guide is 66 pages including fish identification photos, diagrams,
fied into two categories biological individual species of trout therefore specific waters exceptions, boundary water regulations, inland trout and salmon
and social regulations. Few would limiting the protection of small fish regulations, other species special regulations and much more information.

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36 OCTOBER 2017 WNW NEWS

that could potentially become large
(e.g. steelhead and brown trout).
Unfortunately, there will always
be those who study the fishing regu-
lations for loop holes. DNR officials
have to cover the legal realities of
some trying to negate the spirit of
the fishing regulations and this often
causes the rules to be written in a
more complex and lengthy fashion.
One basic principle taught to
most resource managers is that for a
regulation to work it needs to have Conser vation Officer Ryan Aho, at the time stationed in Iron County, working in conjunction with DNR Fisheries
good compliance from a majority of Biologist on a Trout Regulation Compliance Sur vey.
users. For that to be the case there
needs to be fairly strong angler sup- Department of Natural Resources the new regulation by that time and regulation change was to elevate the
port for that regulation. normally holds public meetings and determine if it is having a desir- minimum size limit (MSL) above
Research has shown that con- gives ample time and actively solic- able affect. In the cases where the the state wide trout MSL. In other
servation officers are a valuable its public comments before making new regulation is having none or a words, increase to 10 inches for
and necessary part of the natural changes to the fishing regulations. negative effect, it of course should brook trout and 12 inches for brown
resource management scheme, Occasionally the DNR changes be discontinued. Failure to drop in- trout on specified sections of some
although they cant catch the major- the regulations with support of effective or detrimental restrictions good trout streams.
ity of fish and game law violations. biological or social reasons, pro- may cause the public to lose faith in The fisheries biologists had
Of course, conservation officers are vides adequate public input, and the DNR and may result in increas- fairly strong biological informa-
greatly helped if the public supports the regulation does not work as ing noncompliance. tion for anticipating that the brown
and actively reports fish and game intended. That is why most natural A case in point was the trout trout would respond positively to
violations to them. Hence the criti- resource regulation changes have stream regulation implemented in the increased brown trout MSL on
cal need for adequate public support to be renewed after typically five the year 2000 for Type 2 stream re-
for new regulations. That is why the years. The DNR should evaluate strictions. The primary intent of this Fishing regulations page 38

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Fishing regulations:
from page 37
streams that met the criteria for this
trout restriction to be adopted. The
biological evidence for the brook
trout increase to MSL of 10 inches
on those streams was not strong.
The inland trout research biologists
did their best to evaluate this and
some other regulation changes al-
though it was not completed during
the initial five-year period.
A few DNR Fisheries Manage-
ment Units conducted evaluation
surveys on the Type 2 trout streams.
These evaluations by both research
and management biologists were
presented and discussed at length
during the annual State DNR Trout
Committee meetings. The fisheries
evaluations of the Type 2 regulations
overwhelmingly indicated the higher
MSL was having limited positive af-
fect on brown trout and no positive
affect on brook trout.
DNR changes to the regulations
on Type 2 streams lagged and it
appeared that significant numbers
of the trout anglers in the Upper
Peninsula lost faith in the regula-
tions with respect to brook trout.
During the 2000s for several years I
conducted an evaluation survey with
local conservation officers on the
several of the best trout streams in
the Upper Peninsula. Those streams
had been documented to have the
highest trout densities in the UP and
equal or above the best trout streams
in the state.
Working together during popular
trout angling weekends (holidays,
typical trout active periods etc.) we
contacted relatively good numbers
of trout anglers on the South Branch
of the Paint River, Cooks Run, and
the Iron River in Iron County. We
checked a variety of trout anglers
that covered the entire trout angling
spectrum from strict dry fly anglers
to anglers that strictly used live bait.
To the surprise of some DNR
personnel we found trout MSL
regulation violations about equal
in all trout angler types. Several
anglers would readily show us legal
sized brown trout they had kept and
further investigation would show
they also had sublegal brook trout in
their possession, caught in the Type
2 water.
The survey indicated that strict
catch and release trout anglers were
not an issue with compliance with
the Type 2 regulations although that
type of trout angler only made up
about 15 to 30 percent of the anglers
contacted.
The survey further indicated
although there was good compliance
with the brown trout MSL there was
relatively poor compliance with
the brook trout MSL. This result
was not surprising when our DNR
fisheries trout population and size
structure surveys on the same waters
indicated good numbers of legal
sized brown trout and negligible
numbers of legal sized brook trout.
Over the 2010s many of the
UP brook trout only Type 2 waters
were dropped from the state fishing
regulations. For background it is
important to note that brown trout
are only self-sustaining in a very
limited number of UP streams. The
South Branch of the Paint River and
Cooks Run Type 2 trout MSLs were
changed by the DNR in 2016 when
the brook trout MSL was dropped
back to seven inches and brown
trout MSL remained at 12 inches.
This was not intended to be a
complete overview of all state fish-
ing regulations, rather a perspective
on some of the more high profile
state fishing regulations. There will
always be those who feel that fish-
ing regulations should be limited to
what would take up only few pages
in a small DNR Fishing Guide pam-
phlet. That being the case this would
severely limit the fishery resource
managers from protecting and or
improving the quality of many of
the states vast fishery resources. It
would also prevent making excep-
tions for locally popular waters.
Many of those exceptions are made
to provide a valuable fishery in wa-
ters that due to fish species growth
limitations would not produce an
adequate number fish meeting state-
wide MSLs.
To get the best perspective on
number and complexity of Michi-
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 Michigan Meanders: By Tom Huggler
SEPTEMBER SERENDIPITY
T
he fish struck while I
was distracted, going
over in my mind the
names of former high
school classmates no
longer alive. Some-
where between Mike Harrison and
Artie Lauderbaugh, the smallmouth
took the nymph, hard, but I was
too slow on the hook-set. Like me,
the fish survived to live another
day. Vietnam. Aids. Car wrecks.
Bad heart. The Big C. So far, I had
dodged them all.
Too many of my former class-
mates were not so lucky.
My thoughts that September
morning were those of clarity, not
morbidity. But if you want to catch
smallmouth from a see-through
river on a bright morning in early
fall, you must focus on your game
and not your life.
Thought you boys might like
a piece of elderberry pie. Thanks
for the invite to go bird hunting.
Wish I could have. Good luck,
Ralph.
The note was tucked neatly
into a Zip-loc bag that also held
three slices of purple pie. The pie
was delicious. My two friends and
I had met Ralph earlier that morn-
ing as we shucked fishing wad-
ers and laced bird hunting boots.
The dogs were panting in their air
freight kennels in back of the truck.
Ralph, barefoot, white shock of hair
tumbling around his shoulders, had
come up from his log cabin in the
woods to the gravel road to get the
mail.
Good day to be barefoot, I
said by way of greeting.
I dont wear shoes from May
to October, the man said. Good
morning to you. Names Ralph.
I wondered what this man, who
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looked to be in his mid-forties, did When you hunt near your own Olt company. Its a good one.
for a living. Apparently, he lived off home, you often meet people you Frank said he was 72 years
the land. know. Later, Shorthair Jim and I old. Creeping arthritis had nearly
The wife said she had a taste heard a single shot. A loud bang, stopped him from hunting. Ive
for some squirrel, Ralph allowed. as though someone had fired a 12 been fine now for more than a
So I went back in the cor- gauge slug. We wondered year, he admitted. Arthritis is
ner of the game area where if it was Joes boy and if nearly gone.
the oaks are. Shot five of we might have sent his first What happened? I wondered.
em yesterday morning. deer to him. We hoped so, Found out I was allergic to
They were wonderful, and I made a mental note gluten. When I cut wheat bread out
fried. to call Joe Monday morn- of my diet, I began to get better.
Ralph said he hadnt ing and find out. Im fine now.
seen any grouse or wood- Still later, after the Shorthair Jim nodded his head.
cock. Thats when we other Jim left for home, Hes a retired doctor, a general
invited him to join Shorthair Jim and surgeon. They began talking about
us, but he said he
had tickets to the By Tom Huggler I hunted another
part of the game
blood types and RH factorsa
language all but foreign to me.
Michigan/Penn area. As we were On that warm day in early
State game and was going with his walking in, Frank was walking out. autumn we caught no fish and shot
son. Short, bespeckled, he looked like no birds. I remember wondering
I dont much care for foot- Teddy Roosevelt, a scoped .22-cali- if I would be hunting and fishing
ball, Ralph said, but when your ber rifle slung over his shoulder. ten years later when I was 72, like
boy is already in his twenties and We exchanged pleasantries and he Frank. Well, those ten years have
wants to go, you have to go with demonstrated a collection of squir- now passed. Im still here and still
him. rel calls plucked one by one from actively pursuing outdoor sport.
I certainly knew about that. his jacket pocket. Morbid thoughts? No,
Did I say that pie was deli- Bought this one in 1947, just clear thoughts. And
cious? Frank said. It was made by the P.S. thankful ones.n
My friend, Jim, put a track-
ing collar on his shorthair while I
unloaded my old setter. The other
friend, also Jim, who had no dog,
took the middle and we plunged
into green September. It was warm.
My dog and I were out of shape.
We found no birds. What we did
find was a father and his son sitting
under an oak. We didnt see the
hunters until it was too late.
Sorry, I said, for stepping
on your plan. Hunting squirrels?
Deer, the father said. The
boy looked about fourteen. Today
is Youth Hunting Day. Hi, Tom.
When he stood up to shake
hands, I recognized him, too. It was
Joe, the same guy who had sold me
a new furnace only a month earlier.
WNW NEWS OCTOBER 2017 39
 DNR-club-volunteer partnerships
vital to U.P trail development
What location is to real estate, partnerships,
cooperation and volunteerism are to development
and maintenance of Michigans nearly 13,000

T
miles of designated trails... By John Pepin, MDNR
hese three vital factors
were all involved in a
recent trail develop-
ment triumph celebrat-
ed in the Upper Penin-
sula completion of
the roughly 25-mile Hermansville to
Escanaba multi-use trail.
The Michigan Department of
Natural Resources and American
Transmission Co. collaborated on
an innovative partnership to jointly
build a $3.5 million trail and a new
electric transmission line within the
same corridor.
Development of the trail began
in 2007 when the state acquired
the inactive railroad corridor from
Wisconsin Central.
This $550,000 acquisition of the
corridor was a collaborative effort
between the Michigan Department
of Natural Resources Parks and
Recreation Division and the Michi-
gan Department of Transportation,
with grant funding provided by the
Michigan Natural Resources Trust
Fund.
In 2013, the American Trans-
mission Co. approached the DNR
about the possibility of siting its
electric transmission line next to the
rail-trail, said Ron Yesney, DNR
Upper Peninsula trails coordinator.
In return, the company offered to
fund construction and maintenance
of the recreational trail, including
three bridge upgrades.
Ron Olson, chief of the DNRs
Parks and Recreation division, was
among those directly involved in
negotiations associated with the
cooperative plan to create the trail.
A Michigan Depar tment of Natural Resources conser vation officer
By allowing the American leads a group of riders down the new Hermansville to Escanaba
Transmission Co. to site their power trail in Delta County. MDNR photos
line within the trail corridor, we
helped them avoid having to seek ranging from hiking, biking and off-
easements for the electricity up- road vehicle use to snowmobiling

ITS HOG grade, Olson said. We benefited

by American Transmissions agree-
and horseback riding.
After a ribbon-cutting ceremony

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ment to develop additional miles of
trail into Hermansville.
A couple of groups that backed
the trail from its earliest beginnings,
the Normenco Sportsmans Club of
northern Menominee County and
the Sportsmens Off-Road Vehicle
Association (SORVA) of Delta
County, will be the sponsors of the
new trail, coordinating its mainte-
nance.
From 2009 through 2011, the
DNR engaged in a public comment
process to determine the best pos-
sible uses for the railroad corridor.
Overwhelmingly, the public wanted
the corridor open for multiple uses,
for the trail in Hermansville ear-
lier this month, drivers in a line of
off-road vehicles turned over their
engines.
Among them sat Gov. Rick
Snyder.
Snyder seized a rare opportunity
one that his security detail and
the trappings of being the states top
executive doesnt typically allow
to get behind the wheel and try the
trail out for himself.
For about an hour, Snyder got to
enjoy driving the trail that connects
Menominee and Delta counties.
Neither the governor nor the
public would have ever had the

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chance to experience the ride if it
wasnt for the unique partnership,
and trail group and community
support, that developed the former
railroad grade over the past decade.
This new outdoor recreation
opportunity is a great example of
government, businesses and the
community working together, Gov.
Snyder said. Because of the public-
private collaboration, residents and
visitors alike will enjoy this trail for
decades to come and celebrate the
best of Pure Michigan.
This latest trail development
success is only one project among
many taking place in the Upper Pen-
insula, and elsewhere in Michigan.
From hiking to biking to off-
road vehicle routes, Michigan has
more than 12,500 miles of desig-
nated trails. This includes more than
8,500 miles of motorized trails.
In the Upper Peninsula, there are
1,520 miles of designated off-road
vehicle trail/routes. A total of 220
new miles have been designated
since last fall, while an additional
210 miles of trail have been pro-
posed and are under review.
Workers put up signs along a trail section maintained by the Iron
Ore Heritage Recreation Authority in Marquette County.
1065 Pratt Rd
Metamora, MI 48455
These developments emerge as
the sport of off-road vehicle riding
has shown a widening popularity. In
turn, Michigan has shown marked
increase in ORV license sales over
the past three fiscal years.
Beyond recreation, this new
trail will mean additional economic
benefits to the region and give
Michiganders and visitors alike
one more reason to visit the Up-
per Peninsula year-round, said
Bill ONeill, DNR deputy director.
Communities large and small are
realizing that recreational assets,
like trails and parks, are important
quality-of-life features for residents Tony Harry, president of the Trail Riders Enthusiast Alliance of Mar-
and visitors. quette County, ready to hit the trail for maintenance work.
These assets can draw new- Many ORV enthusiasts, these days, gaps in the central U.P. and some ar-
found attention to communities, in are looking for destination and eas in the eastern part of the region.
some cases, helping to jump-start looped riding opportunities where Katona said with the help from
local economies and attract new they are able to ride from one com- local communities, landowners and
residents. munity to another to reach services volunteer groups, the DNR can con-
Rob Katona, DNR central Up- and amenities, such as restaurants nect the remaining gaps and have
per Peninsula trails specialist, said and fuel, or to special points of an interconnected system across the
one of the departments off-road interest like waterfalls or scenic entire Upper Peninsula.
vehicle program goals is to create lookouts, Katona said. The looped This would prove to be an
an interconnected system by linking aspect provides alternate routes so economic driver, especially for the
existing routes and providing ORV riders do not have to take the same
connectivity into communities. route back to where they started.
The DNR is working to connect U.P. trails page 42
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U.P. Trail Development:
from page 41
smaller communities that rely heav-
ily on tourism, Katona said. This
is where we rely heavily on our
local volunteer ORV clubs to do the
ground work and gather documenta-
tion to develop trail proposals that
are reviewed and when approved
become state-designated trails or
routes.
Katona said ORV clubs gener-
ate local support from residents and
businesses and typically get better
cooperation from landowners when
asking permission for trail use, all of
which are necessary for trail devel-
opment.
The volunteer effort provided
by clubs is critical for new trail and
route development, Katona said.
There are other ways ORV clubs
play important roles.
ORV safety and education is
our primary goal, especially with
educating our youth who are new
to the sport. This is where many of
our volunteer groups step in with
club members, who are certified
ORV safety instructors, to provide
classroom training throughout the
season, Katona said. More impor-
tantly, many of the volunteer groups
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provide hands-on training though
a skills course in conjunction with
the classroom training. This enables
the youth to get tips and advice on
real trail-riding scenarios from expe-
rienced riders, which builds rider
confidence in proper ORV operation
and teaches the importance of safe
and responsible riding.
Katona said if it wasnt for these
volunteer groups and ORV clubs,
youth would be missing out on some
valuable training opportunities.
Trail maintenance and trail
improvements through grants and
special maintenance projects are
other key functions within the ORV
program where volunteer groups
take the lead role.
It is the hard work, involving
many hours on the trails and routes,
to perform the brushing, signing
and other maintenance needs, which
the clubs put in that results in a safe
and well-maintained trail, Katona
said. Many of the clubs are looking
to build their membership to help
perform the necessary maintenance,
so we encourage those who are
interested to get in contact with their
local club and get involved.
Unmatched Quality
Gov. Rick Snyder gets ready to take Rob Katona, Michigan Depar t-
ment of Natural Resources Upper Peninsula trails specialist, for a
ride down the new Hermansville to Escanaba multi-use trail.
On his ride to Escanaba, Gov. oped from Belle Isle to Ironwood,
Snyder stopped along the crushed connecting the Upper and Lower
limestone gravel at a long bridge, peninsulas Gov. Snyder has been
over a beautiful stretch of the Ford a strong proponent of recreational
River in Delta County. trails across the state.
Here, Snyder talked with ORV This support, along with the
club representatives on additional continued work of dedicated ORV
work being done to help connect and trail club members, community
multi-use trails and routes in the leaders and volunteers, the DNR
central part of the region. and other agencies, including the
From water, snowmobile, hiking U.S. Forest Service, Michigan will
and biking trails and off-road ve- continue to brand its indelible mark
hicle, skiing and equestrian trails, to on the country as The Trails State.
his quest to provide Michigan with Get more information on trails
its own signature trail the Iron of all kinds in Michigan at www.
Belle Trail, which is being devel- michigan.gov/dnrtrails.n
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Osprey
chicks
M
ichigans os-
prey population
nearly absent
from much of the
state due to the
effects of DDT,
other pesticide use and habitat loss
continues to rebound. In southern
Michigan, monitoring efforts are in
place to track the revitalization of
this species.
This year, four osprey chicks
from area nests were outfitted with
backpack GPS telemetry units
funded by DTE Energy, Huron
Valley Audubon, Lou Waldock and
Michigan Osprey member Barb Jen-
sen. The GPS backpacks help sci-
entists track the young birds daily
movements and seasonal migration
patterns.
The chicks were hatched on
platforms at Michigan State Univer-
sitys Lux Arbor Reserve in Delton,
at Kensington Metropark in Milford
and on Fletchers Pond near Alpena.
We are very excited to have
this opportunity to place GPS units
on several ospreys this year, said
Julie Oakes, Michigan Department
of Natural Resources wildlife biolo-
gist. This will not only provide
the DNR with information on what
migration routes the birds take, but
will also give us insight into the
perils they must endure on their
migration.
One of those perils is predators
like great horned owls. Just a few
days after the transmitter was placed
on the Kensington Metropark osprey
chick, the youngster became prey,
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probably for a great horned owl. The
backpack was retrieved and will be
used again next year. Brian Washburn of the U.S. Depar tment of Agriculture Animal and
Approximately 60 percent of the Plant Health Inspection Ser vice and Ken Kesson of the Michigan
osprey chicks hatched each year do
not make it to their second birth-
DNR outfit the osprey chick with its GPS backpack while veterinary
day. Factors that commonly cause staff members from the Binder Park Zoo monitor the birds health.
mortality in young chicks include efforts occurred over a span of 10 numbers in Michigan.
predation, collisions with buildings years. In 2016, the DNR, along with Partners in this tracking and
and other structures, weather, and volunteers from Michigan Osprey, monitoring project include the
shooting of birds in Latin America. identified at least 60 active nests in Michigan DNR, the U.S. Depart-
Fortunately, a chick that was southern Michigan a substantial ment of Agriculture Wildlife Ser-
outfitted with a backpack in 2014 increase from the single active nest vices National Wildlife Research
returned to the Midwest in 2016. reported in 2002. Center, Huron Clinton Metroparks,
Ozzie, a young female chick that This is a true wildlife success the Detroit Zoological Society,
hatched at Pointe Mouillee State story, said Oakes. Each year we Michigan Osprey and the Huron
Game Area, spent two winters in have new nests, and we have already Valley Audubon Society.
Colombia before returning to the exceeded our original goal of 30 Anyone who observes a nesting
U.S. and spent last summer in West active nests by 2020. We have been pair of ospreys in southern Michi-
Virginia. able to remove ospreys from the gan is asked to report the sighting
The exciting part is that any- threatened species list to a species to Michigan Osprey online at www.
one can follow along and find out of special concern and restore their michiganosprey.org.n
where the birds have been just by
looking at the Michigan Osprey
website www.michiganosprey.org. We are stocked with the highest quality compound
Move the cursor along the route to
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their travels.
In 1998, the Michigan Depart-
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Wildlife Fund, removed chicks from
active nests in northern Michigan
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 Invasive Japanese stiltgrass found
T
he Michigan Department
of Natural Resources
announced that Japanese
stiltgrass (Microstegium
vimineum), an invasive
plant originating in Asia,
recently has been positively identified
on private property in Scio Township,
near Ann Arbor in Washtenaw County.
This identification, confirmed by the
University of Michigan Herbarium,
is the first detection of this species in
Michigan.
Japanese stiltgrass has been on
Michigans invasive species watch list
44 OCTOBER 2017 WNW NEWS
since 2015 due to the grasss presence
in nearby states including Indiana,
Illinois and Ohio. The species is be-
lieved to have arrived in the U.S. from
Asia in the early 20th century, when
it was used as a packing material for
fine china. It is now widely distributed
along the East Coast and in southern
states.
Why be concerned?
This annual grass is consid-
ered highly invasive, taking hold in
areas of disturbed soil along banks,
roadways and woods, said Greg
Norwood, invasive species coordina-
tor for the DNRs Wildlife Division.
Seeds can be transported by water or
on animals, and seeds can remain vi-
able in the soil for three to five years.
Because deer dont feed on Japanese
stiltgrass, it often takes over in areas
where deer browse on native plants
and leave open patches of soil.
What is being done?
The DNR is collaborating with
The Stewardship Network, a nonprofit
conservation group based in Ann
Arbor, and other partners to identify
the extent of the infestation. To date,
small satellite populations have
Japanese stiltgrasss leaves come to
a point at both ends and often have
a silvery stripe or mid-rib near the
middle. Leslie J. Mehrhoff, University of
Connecticut, Bugwood.org. photo
been located on the original prop-
erty and a nearby site. The primary
infestation was treated with herbicide,
and plant material was burned. The
small patches of grass at the satellite
locations were removed by hand and
disposed of.
How can you help?
The DNR is asking landowners,
land managers and anyone spend-
ing time in the outdoors to be on the
lookout for Japanese stiltgrass and to
report the location and photos of any
suspected findings to Greg Norwood
at norwoodg@michigan.gov.
Japanese stiltgrass looks like some
native grasses, so it may not appear
out of the ordinary to the general
observer.
Here is what to look for
A thin, bamboo-like grass with
jointed stems and well-spaced leaves.
Smooth green leaves 2 to 3
inches long and one-half inch wide,
tapering to points at both ends, often
with an off-center silver stripe or
mid-rib.
1- to 3-foot-high beds of grass,
with some stems running across the
ground and others shooting upright.
Roots, both at the base and stem
joints, that are weakly attached to the
soil and easy to pull up.
One to three slender, green
flower spikes at the stem tips, appear-
ing in August or September.
Look-alike species
There are a few common plants in
Michigan that easily may be mistaken
for Japanese stiltgrass. These include:
Smartweeds (Polygonum spp.),
with tiny, white to pink flowers on a
short spike and a tell-tale dark blotch
near the center of each leaf.
Whitegrass (Leersia virginica),
which is well-rooted in the soil and
has longer, thinner leaves than stilt-
grass, with no mid-rib stripe.
Northern shorthusk (Brachyely-
trum aristosum), with fine hairs on the
top, bottom and edges of its leaves
and stems, and leaf veins in a pattern
resembling an irregular brick wall.
More information about inva-
sive species, including identification
information for Japanese stiltgrass,
can be found at www.michigan.gov/
invasivespecies.n
 Michigans draft Statewide Comprehensive
Outdoor Recreation Plan available for public review
T
he MDNR announced that its
draft 2018-2022 Statewide
Comprehensive Outdoor Rec-
reation Plan is available for public
review on the DNR website at www.
michigan.gov/dnr-grants.
The DNR will accept comments on
the draft plan through 9 a.m. Monday,
Oct. 2, 2017. Feedback submission
options include via survey from the
DNR grants website; email to DNR-
SCORP-Comments@michigan.gov,
or mail to SCORP c/o Cheryl Nelson,
Michigan DNR, 525 W. Allegan St.,
P.O. Box 30028, Lansing, MI 48909.
Our chief goal with the new five-
year plan is to create new and better
ways to leverage Michigans wealth of
diverse natural and cultural resources
to meet the fun, relaxation and health
needs of more Michigans residents
and visitors, as well as the economic
development needs of the state and
local communities, said Marc Miller,
DNR regional initiatives deputy. Pub-
lic feedback is critical to a process
like this. To ensure were on the right
track, we are hoping to hear from a
broad cross-section of our natural re-
sources and recreation stakeholders.
The draft 2018-2022 SCORP
includes seven key objectives and
several dozen targeted action items
outdoor recreation industry represen- plans to meet a requirement of the created in 1964 and, since that time,
tatives, 13 focus groups in different federal Land and Water Conservation the DNR has received more than $135
regions of the state, and discussions Fund, a funding source the department million to support over 1,800 outdoor
with relevant state advisory groups uses both for the development of park recreation opportunities throughout
(such as the Michigan State Parks and recreation lands and the admin- the state. To be eligible for funding,
Advisory Committee). Additionally, istration of pass-through grants to the DNR must submit its final 2018-
a statewide phone survey of 1,550 local units of government for outdoor 2022 Statewide Comprehensive Out-
Michigan residents was conducted to recreation projects. door Recreation Plan to the National
gather information about users recre- The Land and Water Conserva- Park Service by Dec. 31, 2017.
ation preferences and satisfaction with tion Fund requires each participating Learn more about the Land and
local outdoor recreation resources and state to have a comprehensive outdoor Water Conservation Fund and other
opportunities. recreation plan to ensure wise use of grant programs on the DNR website at
The DNR creates these five-year grant funds. This federal fund was www.michigan.gov/dnr-grants.n
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nected and accessible to residents and
visitors of all backgrounds, abilities,
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local public officials, park districts and

WNW NEWS OCTOBER 2017 45
Keeping our forests healthy
M
ichigan is one
of the ten most
forested states
in the nation.
Estimates indi-
cate that a little
over half of the states landmass is
found in forestland cover. When
all forest ownership categories are
summed up, Michigan is home to
approximately 20 million acres of
forestland. Thats a pretty impres-
sive claim. Add to the mix, a world
class freshwater resource, a variety
and abundance of wildlife species,
and year-round recreational opportu-
nities and its no wonder our state is
a destination for millions of visitors
every year. And you know what?
The quality of each of these
natural resources is dependent on
the health of our forests.
Trees in a managed forest are
typically healthier than those oc-
curring in an unmanaged forest. So
often, one of the leading stressors
in an unmanaged forest comes from
growing too many trees for a given
area. Competition for available
space, water, light and nutrients is
shared equally amongst desirable
and undesirable species. Stressed
trees are more vulnerable to attack
by insects and diseases.
Ownership of the forest has a
lot to do with how that forest will
be managed, both short-term, and
into the future. Management deci-
sions made for public lands (both
state and federal ownership), as well
as, decisions made for corporate
ownership (industry, investment and
real estate companies), are typically
made well in advance of imple-
mentation; and only after thorough
consideration and consultation with
many natural resource professionals.
It is estimated that nearly forty
percent of the forests in Michigan
are owned by some 400,000 individ-
uals and families. Collectively, they
are the largest forest ownership cat-
egory in the state. The average size
of ownership by a private owner is
greatest in the U.P. People own for-
ests and woodlots for many differ-
ent reasons. If you are among those
owners who treasure encounters
with deer, turkey, grouse, songbirds,
or other wildlife in the woods, you
would be among the majority when
identifying the number one reason
for owning forest.
Theres much talk given to
private individual and family forest
owners these days. Actually, these
talks have been ongoing for many
years now. Only more recently has
the attention moved front and center
46 OCTOBER 2017 WNW NEWS
By Rick A. Lucas, CF, FAP Forester
It is estimated that nearly for ty percent of the forests in Michigan are
owned by some 400,000 individuals and families. Collectively, they are the
largest forest ownership category in the state. MDNR photo
stage. When we look at whats
trending in our forest resource
across the state, we see: an ever
growing present and potential list of
damaging invasive insects, diseases,
and understory plants; increasing
parcelization; decreased production
from federal lands; public set asides;
restrictive policies; deer impacts to
regeneration; and greater demands
placed on our private forest re-
source.
While some of these concerns
only affect our public forests, all of
them have a direct or indirect effect
on our private forests.
The private forest resource has
long been tagged under-managed
and often mismanaged. Much of
the harvest from private forests is
done without the assistance of a
professional forester. Unfortunately,
many owners are unaware of timber
values and good forest management
systems. Too often, discussions in-
volving desired forest regeneration
and considerations for other forest
values (e.g. wildlife, water, soil, rec-
reation, and aesthetics) are omitted
or too casual in nature to address the
full scope of their complexity. Long
term threats lead to a site thats less
productive, healthy and sustainable.
Nobody wins in that scenario.
Forest management is more
important than ever right now. If we
are going to have any chance at all
in the battle against invasive insect,
disease and plant species alone,
were going to need the private
forest owner to take a more active
role with the management of their
forests. So, what exactly does that
mean?
For forest owners that live
off their land, and own at least 20
acres, now would be a good time to
give the Qualified Forest Program
(QFP) a look. In some ways, the
QFP should be viewed as an estate
planning tool. The longer your
property is enrolled in the program,
the greater the benefits to you. The
longer the forest stays intact and
functioning as a forest, the greater
the benefits to society.
The first step in the process is to
find out if your property is eligible
for the QFP. Go to www.michigan.
gov/QFP. Once there, scroll down to
Who Can Assist You and click on
Forestry Assistance Program (FAP).
If your property is located in any
of the 50 some counties covered by
a FAP forester, contact that indi-
vidual to determine QFP eligibility,
review of program requirements and
options for moving forward.
The two most obvious benefits
to the QFP are a reduction in taxes
and a means to prevent the uncap-
ping of the propertys taxable value
upon the sale of enrolled land. Both
contribute in a big way to off-setting
the high cost of recreational land for
many forest owners. But, a closer
look expounds on some of the less
publicized benefits with the pro-
gram.
For eligible parcels, a certified
forest management plan (FMP) is
required prior to enrollment. Getting
more private forest owners to de-
velop FMPs for their property was
a high priority with governmental
agencies and conservation minded
organizations long before QFP was
even on the radar.
FMPs must be written by quali-
fied foresters (i.e. natural resource
professionals). The FMP identifies
priorities and options for the natu-
ral resource needs of your property
projected out to the next 20 years.
In the simplest terms, the FMP helps
you better understand what needs
to be done, why it needs to be done,
and when it needs to be done.
Every decision you make with
your property has consequences.
Some have short-term impacts,
while others leave a deep impres-
sion. Dont underestimate the value
of a good forest management plan!
There are several options for getting
a management plan drawn up for
your property, be sure to look at all
of them before you make a choice.
Continuing with the QFP, when
a prescribed management activity
is due for implementation, you will
receive a notification. In addi-
tion to being a reminder of your
obligation(s) to the QFP, the notice
is meant to serve as a reminder to
re-examine professional assistance
options. Where a FAP forester is in
place, nows a good time to revisit
this individual to review options for
completing the activity.
Furthermore, once you have
a certified plan for your property,
you are also eligible to participate
in the American Tree Farm System
(ATFS), the Forest, Wetlands and
Habitat (F,W,H) system verification
of the Michigan Agriculture Envi-
ronmental Assurance Program and
USDA Farm Bill programs applica-
ble to your site. Participation in the
ATFS and FWH programs provide
Right to Forest protection against
nuisance lawsuits when participants
conform to Generally Accepted For-
est Management Practices outlined
in their plans.
Unlike the Commercial Forest
Act, the QFP does not require you
to allow public access onto your
property. Additionally, the QFP is
proving to be a layer of protection
from the advances of unsolicited
timber buyers and brokers. When
approached, a simple indication that
your property is under the manage-
ment of a certified plan in the QFP,
tends to end the pursuit.
For forest owners that live on
their land, utilizing the QFP wont
be an option. However, seeking
professional assistance, developing
a forest management plan and par-
ticipating in eligible programs are
all avenues that will serve you well.
Where a FAP forester is in place, a
visit with the individual will better
prepare you for utilizing the services
of a consulting forester, industry for-
ester and any other private service
provider you may employ.
I know it sounds a bit trite, but
trees are a renewable resource.
When a forest is properly man-
aged, they just keep coming back.
How cool is that! A healthy forest
is no act of nature. It includes many
carefully planned and thought out
processes. Being a good steward of
the land is just as cool!n
WNW NEWS OCTOBER 2017 47
 GUN CHAT: Practicing for deer
T
he DNR sent me an
email about antlerless
deer licenses and the
early antlerless deer
seasons recently. That
reminded me that this
year Ive done most of my prac-
tice with handguns. On the 8th of
August I went to the range bringing
two handguns and my Ruger 77/22
rifle. I shot the handguns first. At
the end of the trip, I fired 30 rounds
from the Ruger .22. Twenty of those
were from standing. Ten were from
a benchrest, using a rest
provided by the range.
When I shot NRA
Highpower Rifle Matches
I routinely fired 50 or 80
rounds per match. Those
were divided up into rapid
and slow fire prone, sit-
ting, and standing stages.
I practiced regularly
then, and dry fired an
M1 in winter. Offhand By Lee Arten
was easier to man-
age at that time. My wobble zone
is larger now and I tire out more
quickly. More practice will help
with both problems.
Ive shot several deer from
standing and from a blind. In the
blinds I had the sill of the shooting
port as a rest. I took one deer from
prone. On that shot I lay down on
the side of a farm road with the edge
of a ditch forming a rest. I almost
shot a deer using a round hay bale
to rest my rifle. It turned out to be a
young buck and I was trying to fill
a does only crop damage permit.
The deer next to it was also a buck.
Having too many bucks in front of
me is not a problem Id had before,
or since.
Ideally, I would be practicing for
deer season with my deer rifle but
Im short of reloads for the Ruger
77RL in .250 Savage. The 77/22
rifle makes a good understudy for
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48 OCTOBER 2017 WNW NEWS
the 77RL. The weight is close and
the stock is similar in pull length
and drop. I have a 2-7 power Le-
upold on the .250 and a 3-9 power
Simmons on the .22. The Simmons
is fuzzy above three power and Ive
been planning to change scopes.
While hunting and moving I keep
the Leupold set on two power so
even the scopes are similar. The ma-
jor difference is the safety. The .250
has a tang safety and the 77/22 has
a three-position safety on the side of
the action.
Many of the deer Ive The 77/22 makes a good understudy for the authors deer rifle, a
taken were killed from a
friends blind on a hunting
Ruger 77RL in .250 Savage. Lee Ar ten photo
40 in Menominee County. correctly, and control the trigger like would be an even better idea.
Hes out of the country and I did in my rifle match days. Often, when I decide to get
has sold the land. My shots The 10 shots from the bench out and practice for a season, or a
at deer now are more likely went into a group two and a quar- match, the weather turns against
to be from offhand, so I de- ter inches high, and one and seven me. It was fine earlier in the week
cided to practice that more eighths wide. I did throw two high but its raining hard today. I should
than shooting off the but the group, as a whole, was be able to make one range trip a
bench.
I put up an EZ2C
below point of aim. I blame myself
for the high shots. I think the scope
week. If I cant shoot the deer rifle,
or the 77/22 because of the weather,
target, with orange may be contributing to the low ones. I have an air rifle I can shoot in the
and white rings, sideways at 50 Bringing it up two and a half, or basement. It weighs much less than
yards. I shot at the edges of the bull. three inches, would take get it sight- my deer rifle, has peep sights, and
In my mind I was aiming at the ed-in at 50 yards. Putting a different a different safety, but any offhand
area behind a deers front leg, and scope on the 77/22 and sighting it in shooting will help.n
just above the heart. That shot has
worked very well for me. Deer hit
there often drop on the spot. Hit in
the heart, they have sometimes run.
One made 40 yards before falling
after I hit the top of the heart.
The first 10 shots were with Fed-
eral 36 grain plated hollow points,
with a few Remington Thunderbolts
mixed in. Id held on the right side
of the bull. The group was low, ex-
cept for one shot, and more spread
out than Id have liked.
The second group was fired at
the left side of the bull using Fed-
eral hollow points. I still threw one
shot high. The remaining nine were
tighter with four in three quarters
of an inch. Besides using the same
ammo, I bore down, tried to breathe
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 Duck numbers remain high
Most populations are above long-term averages...

T Species estimates
he U.S. Fish and Wild- ly, hunter success.
life Service (FWS) The spring surveys provide the
released its report on scientific basis for many manage-
2017 Trends in Duck ment programs across the conti-
Breeding Populations, Mallards: 10.5 million, 11% lower than 2016 and 34% above LTA nent, including hunting regulations.
based on surveys Gadwall: 4.2 million, 13% above 2016 and 111% above LTA Individual states set their hunting
conducted in May and early June American wigeon: 2.8 million, 19% below 2016 and 6% above LTA seasons within a federal framework
by FWS and the Canadian Wildlife Green-winged teal: 3.6 million, 16% below 2016 and 70% above LTA of season length, bag limits and
Service. Overall duck numbers in Blue-winged teal: 7.9 million, 18% above 2016 and 57% above LTA dates. Hunters should check the rules
the survey area remain high. To- Northern shovelers: 4.4 million, 10% above 2016 and 69% above LTA in their states for final dates and bag
tal populations were estimated at Northern pintails: 2.9 million, 10% above 2016 and 27% below LTA limits.
47.3 million breeding ducks in the View all the data and get a
traditional survey area, which is Redheads: 1.1 million, 13% below 2016 and 55% above LTA species-by-species breakdown at
similar to last years estimate of 48.4 Canvasbacks: 0.7 million, similar to 2016 and 25% above LTA www.ducks.org/DuckNumbers.
million and is 34 percent above the Scaup: 4.4 million, 12% below 2016 and 13% below LTA Ducks Unlimited Inc. is the
1955-2016 long-term average. The Black ducks (Eastern Survey Area): worlds largest nonprofit organiza-
projected mallard fall flight index 0.5 million, similar to 2016 and 12% below LTA tion dedicated to conserving North
is 12.9 million birds, similar to the Americas continually disappearing
2016 estimate of 13.5 million. particular, as the survey informa- the ducks will respond, produce waterfowl habitats. Established in
The main determining factor for tion continues to indicate these two more ducks and provide us all with 1937, Ducks Unlimited has con-
duck breeding success is wetland species remain below their long-term a nice return on our conservation served more than 14 million acres
and upland habitat conditions in the average populations. Both species investments. thanks to contributions from more
key breeding landscapes of the prai- have struggled to regain desired Although most migratory game than a million supporters across the
ries and the boreal forest. Conditions populations. We will continue to bird populations remain abundant, continent. Guided by science and
observed across the U.S. and Cana- work with our many conservation when and where birds will be dedicated to program efficiency, DU
dian survey areas during the 2017 partners to understand what drives encountered depends on many fac- works toward the vision of wetlands
breeding population survey were populations of these two species. If tors. Food availability, habitat and sufficient to fill the skies with water-
generally similar to last year with science points to habitat limitations weather conditions, and other factors fowl today, tomorrow and forever.
a few exceptions. The total pond as contributing factors, well rely on all influence local bird abundance, For more information on our work,
estimate for the United States and the science to develop conservation distribution, behavior and, ultimate- visit www.ducks.org.n
Canada combined was 6.1 million, solutions to help restore populations
which is 22% above the 2016 esti- of these birds.
mate of 5.0 million and 17% above Hunters may notice in the
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remain above the long-term average, Canadian parklands region, where
and for most species, populations the surveys detected about 0.6 mil-
were at or above those from last lion fewer mallards. Overall, mallard
year, said DU Chief Scientist Tom populations remain in great shape,
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 Michigan Historical Markers
New website makes it easy to find historic places throughout our state...Visit one today!
By Sarah Lapshan MDNR and Tobi Voigt/Michigan History Center
O
n the M-109 loop
that runs between
Empire and Glen
Arbor in Leelanau
County, along the
Lake Michigan
shoreline near an area once touted
as the Most Beautiful Place in
America by ABCs Good Morning
America show stands a stately
sign that marks the forward-thinking
of more than a century ago that
recognized Michigans need for a
statewide parks system.
This particular sign commemo-
rates the creation of D.H. Day State
Park (now part of the Sleeping Bear
Dunes National Lakeshore) and
Michigans post-World War I move-
ment to preserve other scenic sites
as public outdoor recreation destina-
tions.
These green-and-gold signs,
known as Michigan Historical
Markers, dot buildings and land-
scapes, sharing snippets of Michi-
gans rich history.
Just about anyone whos trav-
eled the states byways and high-
ways over the last 50-plus years
likely has encountered a marker or
two, and for good reason Michi-
gans historical marker program is
among the nations oldest.
UY ES
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50 OCTOBER 2017 WNW NEWS
Since it was authorized by the
Legislature in 1955, the program
has approved and placed more than
1,700 markers throughout the state,
as well as in several other states (for
example, in Kentucky at the Per-
ryville Battlefield State Park, honor-
ing the Michigan soldiers who aided
the Union in this pivotal Civil War
battle) and in Europe (at the home
of Antoine de la Mothe Cadillac,
the French explorer who founded
Detroit).
Although a marker cant tell
the full story after all, the text is
limited to a few hundred words it
does provide a great starting point to
learn more.
Michigan Historical Mark-
ers capture the stories of our states
significant places, events and people
in and around the locations where
they happened or lived, said Sandra
Clark, director of the Michigan His-
tory Center, an agency within the
Michigan Department of Natural
Resources that manages the marker
program. The Michigan Historical
Commission approves the markers
and their final texts.
Historical markers originally
were placed at highway rest areas, in
state parks, and at locations where
historic events occurred. Today, his-
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Little green squares dot the map of Michigan on the home page of the
Michigan Historical Markers website. Each square shows the location of
a historical marker. Visitors can search for markers near their homes by
typing their address in the search bar in the top right corner.
torical markers can be found nearly but, as the program grew, it began to
everywhere, including the sides of commemorate historically signifi-
buildings, the yards of residences cant architecture, the contributions
and businesses, and at schools. of individuals, and other milestones.
Clark said that Michigans earli- Stop in at the I-75 rest stop
est markers focused on European south of Grayling and you can
settlement, geology, geography, Na- read, briefly, about one of Michi-
tive peoples and military conflicts, gans greatest wildlife conservation
stories. The Return of Kirtlands
Warbler historical marker explains
how the bird nearly became extinct
in the mid-20th century as logging
and other industries damaged its
natural habitats, but then successful
habitat restoration and conservation
$50 OR MORE efforts turned the tide. The marker
reads, in part:
Guided by research to mim-
ic natural fire processes, government
Must Present Coupon.
agencies and private conservation-
Not valid with any other offer or discount. ists began harvesting older jack
Expires 12/31/17 pine stands and replanting the trees
to restore the warblers habitat.
From an all-time modern low of 167
00
00
nesting pairs in 1974 and 1987, the
summer population of the warbler
rebounded to more than 1,700 pairs
includes processing
in 2007. The recovery of the spe-
cies testifies to the effectiveness of
habitat restoration efforts.
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Visitors to Eagle River on the
Upper Peninsulas Keweenaw
2 - LOGS OF SALAMI Peninsula can see the Douglass
Must Present Coupon.
Not valid with any other offer or discount.
Houghton marker that honors the
man who served as Michigans
Expires 12/31/17 first state geologist. It was an 1841
report from Houghton, describing
the U.P.s copper country, that con-
vinced hundreds of people to flood
the Keweenaw in search of copper
fortunes. The marker also highlights
several of Houghtons other contri-
butions, including studying small-
pox among the Chippewa Indians,
serving as a correspondent for the
Detroit Journal, and recording more
than 200 plants.
One of the newest markers, in-
stalled just this past July, highlights
the civil unrest in Detroit in 1967.
The marker was placed on the site
where the rebellion and riot began,
now occupied by Detroits Gordon
Park, on the 50th anniversary of the
uprising. It sets the scene:
In July 1967 the civil unrest
that had been spreading across the
United States reached Detroit. In
the early morning hours of July 23,
Detroit police officers raided a blind
pig, an illegal after-hours bar, where
patrons were celebrating the return
of Vietnam War servicemen.
Clark says its this diversity of
moments, milestones and memories
in our states history that makes the
markers compelling reading for both
historians and citizens. Now, with
the launch of a new web-based tool,
Clark hopes even more people will
get in on the hunt for the markers.
Until recently, curious Michi-
ganders have relied on a list or a
book and a lot of good, old-fash-
ioned exploring to find the states
historical markers. Then staff at
the DNR and the Michigan History
Center put their expertise together
to find a way to make it easier than
ever for folks to find and learn about
the markers and the history they
honor.
The result? A new, interactive
website (www.michigan.gov/mark-
ers) that can be accessed by phone,
computer screen or tablet no spe-
cial app required.
The Michigan Historical
Commission originated and pushed
for this project, and DNR technical
and history staff made it happen,
said Clark. We hope this historical
marker database will pique the curi-
osity of Michiganders, help Michi-
gan travelers better connect to the
communities they visit, and inspire
everyone to keep learning more
about the real stories that make up
Michigans fascinating past.
Once on the website, visitors
will find an interactive map that
shows marker sites across the state.
A search box at the top right corner
of the map makes it possible for us-
ers to find markers near their homes,
businesses or vacation spots.
On the map, each marker is
represented by a small green icon.
When a visitor clicks on an icon, a
menu box with title and address in-
formation pops up. The pop-up box
includes clickable links that enable a
visitor to zoom in on the map, learn
more about the marker, or get driv-
ing directions to the marker using
Google maps.
The detail link provides specific
information about the marker, in-
cluding its location and installation
dates, an image, and the marker text.
Visitors also can download a PDF
copy of the marker information.
But the website is much more
than just a map, said Mary Patrick,
Michigan Historical Marker pro-
gram coordinator.
This research tool is full of
features that make it practical for
students, researchers, trip planners
and other explorers to find historical
marker information that will interest
them, she said.
For example, the filter feature
(located below the map) enables
visitors to pull out map results by
county, theme or time period. Clark
said the theme filter is particularly
handy for planning road trips around
topics of interest.
If someone is interested in the
early auto industry, they can select
that filter to find all the markers
related to that topic and use the di-
rections feature to plan the ultimate
Michigan automobile road trip, she
said.
The website also includes the
ability to customize the view. Visi-
tors can switch the style of the map
by clicking on different options
from road to topographical in the
basemaps feature.
The map defaults to show only
the markers, but visitors also can
add state parks and campgrounds, as
well as Michigans network of rail
trails, making it easy for families
planning a Michigan vacation to
map out a trip incorporating visits
to historical markers close to where
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Ortonville resident JoAnne
Brodbeck is one such traveler.
My 11-year old son has be-
come a big history buff, Brodbeck
said. This summer we took a trip
to Mackinac Island, and read every
marker he stumbled upon. I showed
him this website, and he was very
excited. It will make it possible for
him to find and map out markers
before our next vacation.
Brodbeck said she also plans
to keep the website in mind when
looking for history topics for school
projects.
The Michigan Historical Marker
website also was built with re-
searchers and marketers in mind.
The database upon which the map is
built is available as a free download A close-up view of the Return
(either as a KML or CSV file) on the of Kir tlands Warbler Michigan
marker main page. It is made avail- Historical Marker along I-75
able as part of the DNRs Open Data south of Grayling.
project (http://gis-midnr.opendata.
arcgis.com/), which provides acces- its nearby, Patrick said. If they
sible, high-quality information and cant find it, we hope they will let
analysis to drive informed decision- us know. Patrick said the best way
making. to share that information is by using
Patrick said that although the the contact form link at the top of
marker website is live, there still is the marker websites main page.
information to add, particularly pho- Theres something fitting,
tographs of all the markers. DNR and exciting, about using the latest
staff are field testing and updating technology to help share the pieces
the database this fall, continuing to of our past, making these important
add photographs and verify informa- stories more accessible to more
tion. people, said Clark. As information
Michigan History Center staff is added or updated, it will be right
also would love to hear how others at users fingertips were putting
are using the website. history in your hands.
We encourage visitors who For more information, visit the
dont see a marker in an exact GPS historical marker website at www.
location to look around and see if michigan.gov/markers.n
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WNW NEWS OCTOBER 2017 51
Investigating the Buggy side of nature
When EHD rears its ugly head -- it can hit deer herds hard...
W
hen Epizootic
Hemorrhagic
Disease (EHD)
rears its ugly
head and hits
a deer herd,
thus far, there is nothing that can
be done to prevent matters. When it
arrives, it arrives and runs its nasty
course. In 2012, 30 Lower Peninsula
counties in Michigan were affected
by EHD and 15,000 deer died as a
result, dramatically impacting deer
numbers in certain areas. A
noticeable loss of deer due
to EHD occurred along the
Maple River (located in
the center of the Mitten).
Fortunately for the
Thumb, there were no
confirmed cases of EHD
related deer deaths and I
personally feel we were
quite blessed in
this regard, but By Tom Lounsbury
how we dodged
the bullet per EHD is a mystery in
itself. Since the 2012 EHD outbreak,
a research project has been conduct-
ed by Sonja Christensen which com-
pares the impacts of EHD on deer
herd abundance and recovery rate
in the affected Maple River corridor
with the unaffected deer herd in the
Thumbs Cass River corridor. Sonja
is a PHD candidate working with
the Boone & Crockett Quantitative
Wildlife Center within the MSU De-
partment of Fisheries and Wildlife
A midge trap set on the banks of
the Cass River. It uses UV light to
attract insects from dusk to dawn
and has a fan which sucks them in.
A screen only allows midge-sized
bugs into the trap.
52 OCTOBER 2017 WNW NEWS
and her research (involving analyz-
ing blood samples collected by deer
hunters and also summertime visual
distance sampling) is being finalized
soon. Sonja recently showed me a
graph of her research project which
clearly describes how the Maple
River deer herd is slowly but surely
recovering from the effects of EHD
(and the Cass River deer herd main-
tains a great deer density in other
words, we have plenty of deer).
Whitetail deer densities are
usually the heaviest along
river corridors and this
remains the case near the
Cass River but it is just the
opposite situation found
today, since the 2012 EHD
outbreak, per the Maple
River. There, the deer were
hardest hit by EHD near
the river and associated
wetlands.
Assisting
Sonja this sum-
mer with a research project of her
own is Sydney Manning who is a
MSU Undergraduate Research Field
Technician (also per the Quantita-
tive Wildlife Center) with an interest
in entomology. A known vector for
EHD is a semi-aquatic, small biting
fly called a midge and Sydneys
research is technically described as
Assessing population abundance
of midges as possible vectors of dis-
ease in impacted and non-impacted
disease zones. This requires setting
midge traps at specific locations
in both the Maple River and Cass
River corridors and collecting and
analyzing trapped midges on a
weekly basis.
I recently met up with Syd-
ney Manning to accompany her at
daybreak in collecting midges from
her 4 traps set near the banks on
the North Branch of the Cass River
in Sanilac County. To give you an
idea of Sydneys schedule, she had
travelled from Lansing the evening
before and had set the traps up on Sydney Manning documenting data while collecting trapped insects on
the Cass River by 7:30 p.m. and the Cass River. A head-net was a necessary item to wear due to hungry
had returned to Lansing to com- mosquitoes at dawn in a river bottom atmosphere. Author photos
plete some lab work. She then met commonly used for birdfeeders, and minimal during a rainstorm.
me the following morning near the have a fan that sucks the attracted Upon reaching each trap, Syd-
Cass River site at 6:00 a.m. and we flying insects into a trap which en- ney recorded research data which
readied the gear, got booted-up to tails a small canister on the bottom would include a GPS reading and
negotiate the swampy ground and of a tightly woven mesh bag to hold measuring the distance from the trap
donned head-nets per the mosqui- the collected bugs. A special mesh to the river. She would then remove
toes, hiked in and were checking the screen blocks out larger insects the mesh bag containing the canister
traps right at 6:30 a.m. such as dragonflies and large moths of trapped bugs, tie it off, clearly
The midge traps being used are from being drawn into the trap and mark it, and put it in her backpack.
called UV light traps which use targets only the smaller, midge-sized During this process I was
the UV light to attract insects from insects. The traps have a roof- mighty glad Sydney had told me to
dusk until dawn with a 12 hour bat- like lid to keep rainwater out and bring knee-high rubber boots and
tery life, so a rigid schedule must protect captured insects, and if rain a head-net because accessing the
be kept. The traps are hung from is predicted the traps wont be set midge-traps required negotiating a
a typical metal shepherds hook out because bug activity is very bit of muck and mire near the river
 and hungry mosquitoes were quite
evident and active right at daybreak.
She of course took all this in stride
while I trailed behind her in the
woodsy, river bottom setting (it sort
of reminded me of checking my
fur trap-line during colder weather
but with a lot more technicalities
involved). Needless to say I was
very impressed on how she con-
ducted her data collecting process
as well as the effective method used
in trapping an impressive amount of
insects for analyzing back at the lab
under a microscope (which she calls
a scope).
Sydney told me that due to the
small size, determining that a midge
is definitely a midge can only be
done under a scope, and there are
different types of midges, which
was news to me. One of her objec-
tives is to determine if all midges
can be vectors for EHD, or if only
one type is the culprit, and if the
unaffected Cass River corridor and
the affected Maple River corridor
have the same types of midges (yep
folks, the world of entomology is
definitely a whole new and interest-
ing science for me, but I do find it
quite fascinating). In other words,
if the Maple River has a midge type
the Cass River doesnt, that midge
type can be a likely suspect as a key
vector for EHD.
Once back at her truck, Syd-
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ney pulled out a large cooler filled
with ice and removed the marked
mesh-covered canisters and placed
them carefully in the cooler. She
explained that this would chill the
trapped bugs to calm them down
without killing them, and cause
those still clinging to the mesh to
fall off into the canister for easier
collection back at the lab. Once
there, the bugs are put in the freezer
to both kill and preserve them for
examination and identification (this
isnt a catch and release proposi-
tion) under a microscope.
Despite our being in the 21st Sydney Manning putting canisters filled with trapped midges on ice to calm
Century, there remains and will them down and preser ve them for the trip back to the MSU lab in Lansing,
remain a whole lot to be yet discov- where they will be frozen and later examined under a microscope.
ered, and I look upon the research pond having the water level drop hemorrhaging of various tissues,
Sydney Manning is doing in regards to an all time low), seem to be the body organs and the intestinal
to the relationship of the abundance midges cup of tea where it is found tract, it is amazing any deer can
of midges and types of midges as in typical wetland areas, and where survive this diseases traumatic
vectors of EHD as being very im- deer densities tend to prevail. Deer effects in such a short timeframe.
portant and critical in understanding bitten by infected midges can begin Fortunately, EHD isnt transmissible
matters and to even have a concept showing signs of illness in only a to humans.
of what to expect when EHD occurs. week and lose their appetite as well Im looking forward (curiosity
She is very clearly, in my words, in- as fear of humans and will seek out is killing me here) to learning what
vestigating the buggy side of nature bodies of water to lie in, as an effort Sydney Mannings research reveals,
and her work clearly ties in with to cool off due to a very high fever. which I find as being very important
the research that has been done by Death usually occurs at this and quite crucial in unveiling the
Sonja Christensen. stage in a matter of hours. Some many mysteries still surrounding
EHD is a seasonal occurrence deer do recover from EHD and EHD. I truly appreciate her intro-
which happens only in late summer then have immunity to the disease. ducing me to how matters are done
and early fall that will end when Where EHD is a common occur- in the field while investigating the
the first frosts kill the midges. Hot rence what is called herd immu- buggy side of nature.
and dry summers, such as we had nity can in time occur. The fact I fully support and applaud her
in 2012 (I can remember my farm that EHD causes extensive internal efforts.n
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On the hunt for fall walleye Next Bite...By Gary Parson and Keith Kavajecz

C
ool nights, leaves
turning colors, and
days getting shorter
can only mean that
it is time to go on a
huntfor walleyes!
While many people are hitting the
woods looking for a 10-point buck,
those who stick to the water are
often chasing an amazing bite!
Spectacular fall fishing can be
found on the Great Lakes and on
natural inland lakes. Start by fishing
close to the areas where you found
fish during the summer. Chances
are, if you found walleyes in the
warmer months on weed lines,
tapered flats, rocks or off shore
humps, they are now nearby on a
reef or steep drop-off. These drop-
offs can be up to 50 feet deep on the
Great Lakes. On natural lakes they
are typically 20-40 feet deep and on
a windy day it is not unusual for the
walleyes to come on top to feed.
When you first arrive at your
spot, drive around and look for
fish. Each time you find one, drop a
waypoint on your Lowrance HDS so
At this time of year dont be afraid to ver tical jig when you get the bait
back to the boat 10-15 times to give the fish a final chance to bite.
you can come back and target each
individual fish.
During this time of year the
minnow forage is starting to mature.
One of the best tactics to use in the
fall is shivering with Moonshine
Shiver Minnows. The Shiver Min-
now offers a wounded minnow-type
action that will entice fish to bite.
Not only can these lures be used on
the Great Lakes, but they can also
be used on small lakes in the north
woods.
You will want to cast out to a
break and work it back to the boat
by lifting and reeling the bait. Then
let it drop back down to bottom.
Dont be afraid to vertical jig when
you get it back to the boat 10-15
times to give the fish a final chance
to bite.
On natural lakes there is a fall
turnover and fish will go below
the thermocline. This is the time to
bring out big minnows like chubs.
Of course fat heads can also be
used. When rigging, use a slip sinker
and a size 1/0 live bait gap hook.
You will want to stick the chub
through the upper lip. Most walleye
cant stand it when you slowly work
this set-up in front of them!
In addition to live bait, artificial
tails also work great and allow you
to hook into the fish right away. The
go-to artificial bait is the 3.5 Berk-
ley Ripple Shad on a 3/8 oz. jig for
fishing 30 feet deep or more. Sit on
the tip of a point, cast, turn the crank
of the reel 2-3 times, and then repeat
to bring the lure back to the boat.
Jigging spoons can also put a lot
of fall walleyes in the boat, but not
all jigging spoons are the same. De-
pending on the size of the fish you
are chasing, how deep the water is,
and what type of bait the walleye are
eating, you will have to adjust the
size of your spoon. As far as color

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Phone: 586 790 1800
Fax: 586 790 5917
Order online: www.ferrariandsons.com
54 OCTOBER 2017 WNW NEWS
 goes, on clear lakes or sunny days, When trolling with lead core,
silver is a good choice. If you are you will want to use a 8 6 to 10
fishing on a cloudy day or in dingy rod that is strong enough to handle
water, gold is the preferred color. the weight of the lead, but a forgiv-
These baits are best paired with ing tip to help fight the fish.
a 7 medium to medium-heavy spin- Adjust your speed to adjust the
ning rod, which will allow you to depth of the lures. Speed up to raise
give the bait a good snap. For line, the lures and slow down to drop
you can use anywhere between 8# them deeper. We like to use 18# lead
and 15# test, depending on how core with a 10# FireLine leader.
fast you want the bait to drop. The You should be able to feel the lure
heavier the test of the line, the vibrating and ticking bottom. If it
slower the bait will drop. stops vibrating, check the lure as it
Dont forget about the trolling may have picked up debris.
bite! Berkley Flicker Minnows are Of course, while some fall days
great for this time of year when can be described as perfect, others
trolling off structure and drop-offs. can be a bit on the crummy side.
Boat control is important to keep the This is why we always have our
lures in front of the fish. By using a IceArmor by Clam parkas and bibs
combination of both the bow mount onboard the Nitro Z21. Waterproof,
and kicker motor, it is easy to keep windproof and breathable are just
the boat on a very precise track. three words that describe the suits
Start out trolling in the shallow- that can make the difference when
est area that you are marking fish, it comes to enjoying a day on the
and then move out. We often will water with subpar weather.
run two planer boards off each side While it may be tempting to
and lead core off the back to keep trade in the fishing rods for cam-
the baits at or close to bottom. ouflage clothing until next spring
If we are following a contour rolls around, keep the boat ready to
that has a lot of sharp turns we go just a little longer this year. We
wont use any planer boards at all promise you will be glad you did It may be tempting to trade in the fishing rods for camouflage
and just fish the lead core. when you get your Next Bite!n clothing...but fall walleye fishing can be outstanding!

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DELIVERY WITHIN 3 MILES
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burdickstreet.com WNW NEWS OCTOBER 2017 55
 Michigans Amazing Animals...

GROUSE
Volume 2 of the monthly
feature, Michigans Amazing
Animals, celebrates those
popular, great tasting game
that bonus refers to good and
assum means roasted. In other
words, being good while roasted!
A more plausible explanation is
that Bonasum means a kind of
bull or buffalo and correlates to

H
birds, the Ruffed Grouse...
ere are some fun and
feathery facts about
ruffed grouse:
The Name
Game: Ruffed grouse
is the go-to moniker
for this bird as it pertains to only
this species. In some areas, however,
theyre coined prairie chickens,
partridge or pats, and even
pheasant. Of course, those
vernaculars apply more
appropriately to other bird
species.
For Latin Lovers: The
ruffed grouses scientific
name is Bonasa umbellus.
The genus Bonasa has two
popular interpretations. A
By Patrick Bevier
tongue-in-cheek
explanation is
the drumming sound a mating male
makes resembling the bellowing of
a bull. The species, umbellus most
certainly refers to the umbrella like
feathers displayed by courting male
grouse.
Specific Statistics: Adult ruffed
grouse weigh slightly more than a
pound and stand about a foot tall.
Males are usually larger with longer
tail feathers but the sexes are often
indistinguishable from each
other. Grouse usually live
about 7 to 8 years but indi-
vidual birds may survive to
age 11.
Brood Basics: Once
a female is attracted to a
drumming male he puts on
quite a display. He expands
the ruff of feathers around
his neck and struts
around while
Ruffed grouse are the most popular wild upland game birds for hunters in
the Mitten State. Josh Greenberg-Gates Au Sable Lodge photo
arching his tail feathers in a broad their wings against the air to create
fan. After mating, the female a vacuum. The drumming sound is
makes a ground nest and lays one unmistakable and, along with a nip
egg per day for up to 14 days. All in the air and blazing leaves, por-
eggs are then incubated at once and tends the season of autumn.
all hatch together usually in about Heres Bird Mud in Your
24 days. The precocial chicks are Eye! The Famous Grouse is a very
well developed at birth and will fend popular blended Scotch whiskey
for themselves a short while after made first by Matthew Gloag & Son
hatching. in 1896. Its the top-selling Scotch
Little Drummer Boys: During whisky in Scotland. Now thats
mating season male grouse channel something to drum about!
Ringo Starr. They find a fallen log
Roller Coaster Ruffians:
in a dense thicket and rapidly beat Ruffed grouse populations ebb and

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56 OCTOBER 2017 WNW NEWS


flow significantly. Late summer
numbers may be 4 times the spring
level with the production of young.
Winter mortality rates, however,
may reach 75% during harsh years.
Within a given region grouse num-
bers tend to rise and fall in roughly
a 10 year cycle, with the highest
densities reaching about 8 times the
lowest levels.
Grouse Grub: Grouse are om-
nivorous, eating both animals and
plants. Theyll eat just about any
insect, worm, or small frog they can
get their beaks on and also gorge on
plant shoots and berries. The flower-
like catkins from birch and wil-
low trees provide critical nutrition
throughout the winter. In northern
climes birds that havent fattened
up well before entering winter often
dont survive.
Cast and Blast: Several areas
of northern Michigan offer oppor-
tunities to cast and blast. Thats
Michigans answer to surf and turf
when sportsmen fit in upland bird
hunting and fly fishing on the same
excursion. Give the accommodat-
ing folks at Gates Au Sable Lodge a
jingle to explore this unique autumn
adventure (989-348-8462). Another
recommendation would be to em-
ploy Riversage Outfitters in Evart,
who are associated with Meemos
Farm, at riversageoutfitters.com.
Grouse Houses: Ruffed grouse
are a widely dispersed species living
in 34 of the 49 continental states.
Grouse thrive in young aspen forests
and brushlands with ample low
cover. Ideal habitat is created when
aspen forests are clear-cut every 40
years, or in low growth following
forest fires. Grouse are quite adapt-
able and can live close to human
developments if the right vegetation
exists. When habitat needs are met
a ruffed grouse will usually spend
its entire life in a 40 acre home
range.
Ga Ga for Grouse: A bonus of
grouse hunting is that they are ab-
solutely scrumptious. Many recipes
are available and Id recommend the
traditional style featured on the
matchingfoodandwine.com site and,
of course, those shared by friend
Chef Milos at cookingwithchefmi-
los.com.
A Stupendous Society: Since
1961 The Ruffed Grouse Society
has been doing commendable work
toward their mission of being, ded-
icated to preserving our sporting
traditions by creating healthy forest
habitat for ruffed grouse, American
woodcock and other wildlife. Join
this terrific team at ruffedgrouseso-
ciety.org.n
DNR launches Eyes
in the Field app
Report fish and wildlife observations...
The Department of Natural Resources invites Michigan residents to
contribute to conservation efforts by reporting their fish and wildlife ob-
servations with the new Eyes in the Field application. Available at michi-
gan.gov/eyesinthefield, the application replaces 15 separate observation
forms the DNR had been using to gather important information about
the states fish and wildlife populations.
Observation is a key part of managing Michigans diverse natural
resources, and we rely on the public as additional eyes in the field to help
in our monitoring efforts, said Tom Weston, the DNRs chief technology
officer. This new application is a one-stop shop where citizen scientists
can report what they observe while spending time outdoors.
Eyes in the Field includes forms for reporting observations of dis-
eased wildlife, tagged fish, mammals such as cougars and feral swine, fish
such as sturgeon, birds such as wild turkeys, and reptiles and amphibians
such as eastern massasauga rattlesnakes. Additional observation forms
will be added in the future.
The application is mobile-friendly, so it will work well on any device
smartphone, tablet or desktop computer and is compliant with federal
Americans with Disabilities Act accessibility guidelines.
To report their data, users select an observation location point on a
map and submit other details, including habitat type and appearance of
the animal, depending on the type of observation. Observers also can
submit photos, videos and audio files through the application.
It's important to note that Eyes in the Field does not replace the
DNRs Report All Poaching (RAP) hotline (800-292-7800). The RAP
hotline now accepting text messages, which may include photos, in
addition to telephone calls is a toll-free, 24-hour, seven-days-a-week
number that enables the public to report violations of fish and game laws,
as well as other natural resource-related laws. The DNR also offers a web-
based RAP form, which is available via a link from Eyes in the Field.
Preserving your land wealth,
ensuring your legacy
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Your real estate, whether its productive farmland or an up-north wood-
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and planning options available to preserve their wealth and right.
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WNW NEWS OCTOBER 2017 57
 Riparian areas have numerous values for people and wildlifeBy John Pepin, MDNR

Understanding the importance of

streamside and lakeshore habitat
T
he thousands of rivers, stability, timber production, and
lakes and streams in their contribution to overall biodi-
Michigan are beauti- versity.
ful, special places, not Plant habitat along rivers and
only to a wide range streams is called riparian vegetation.
of people, including The plants that grow there have an
anglers, boaters and campers, but affinity for water.
numerous plant and animal species. Vegetative cover refers to
Those areas between the water overhanging or submerged tree
and the uplands are called riparian limbs, shrubs and other plants
areas or riparian zones. A riparian growing along the shore of the
management zone is an area des- waterbody, the U.S. Environmental
ignated and consciously managed Protection Agencys website states.
to protect functions and values of Rivers, streams and lakes can be
riparian areas. buffered from the effects of human
Within a watershed the area disturbance in the watershed by var-
drained by a river or stream system ied, multi-layered vegetation in the
the lands next to streams and riv- land corridor that surrounds them.
ers are particularly important to the Healthy, intact vegetative cov-
health of those waterways. er in these riparian areas can help
Because of the unique condi- reduce nutrient and sediment runoff
tions adjacent to lakes, streams and from the surrounding landscape,
open-water wetlands, riparian areas prevent bank erosion and provide
harbor a high diversity of plants shade to reduce water temperature. Vegetation growing alongside streams, like the East Branch of the
and wildlife, Michigan Depart- Vegetative cover can also provide Eagle River in Keweenaw County shown here, provides several ben-
ment of Natural Resources fisheries leaf litter and large wood (such as efits to humans and wildlife. MDNR photos
biologists said in a report on Ripar- branches and logs) to serve as food,
ian Zone Management and Trout shelter and habitat for aquatic organ- on), habitat and food for aquatic even entire trees fall into streams,
Streams: 21st Century and Beyond. isms. invertebrates, adds nutrients, traps they provide both food and shelter
Life is simply richer along rivers In Michigan, large woody debris smaller debris, provides feeding for aquatic insects, and habitat for
and streams. from mature trees growing along and resting sites for a wide variety reptiles, amphibians, fish, mammals
Riparian areas are ecologically streambanks controls how streams of wildlife, and has other beneficial and birds.
and socially significant in their ef- look and function. effects, the DNR fisheries biolo- Woody debris can slow down
fects on water quality and quantity, Large woody debris provides gists said. fast-flowing water, create deep holes
as well as aesthetics, habitat, bank cover for salmonids (trout and salm- When leaves, twigs, sticks and and provide cover for fish and other
wildlife to hide in.
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alderflies, true flies, riffle beetles,
aquatic earthworms, scuds, leeches,
snails and limpets, and crayfish, the
parks website said. The presence
of caddisfly, stonefly and May fly
larvae indicate that streams here
are of high quality and are in good
ecological health.
According to the EPA, vegeta-
tive cover along lakes and streams
varies naturally among the various
ecological regions in the United
States.
The amount and complexity of
vegetative cover for a given stream,
river or lake is used as a measure
of the integrity of the waterbodys
physical habitat, the EPA said.
The DNR fisheries biologists
said the agency and its partners
spend many thousands of dollars
each year to introduce additional
large woody debris into our river
systems, debris that has been lost
artificially over time due to a variety
of circumstances.
Not only are shorelines and
rivers important for recreation,
several species of wildlife depend
on shorelines for their livelihood,
said Holly Vaughn, a DNR wildlife
communications coordinator.
Ninety percent of all wildlife
species use riparian areas for some
aspect of their existence during their
life cycles.
Riparian obligate species are
those that require riparian habitats
for all or part of their livelihood and
these include snapping turtles, wood
ducks, river otters, et cetera, the
DNR biologists said.
Tree frogs, wood turtles, sala-
manders, and many other reptiles
and amphibians, use the water for
laying eggs and breeding each
spring. Ospreys, eagles and herons
are among the bird species that rely
on streams, lakes and rivers for food
and nest in large trees nearby.
The endangered piping plover
nests and feeds on the sandy and
rocky beaches of Lakes Michigan,
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Brook trout are a Michigan game fish species that thrives in cold,
clean water.
Huron and Superior. Terns and gulls
nest on rocky shoals and island
shorelines. Ducks, geese and swans
nest on coastal marshes.
Mink, otters, muskrats and
beavers can be found feeding and
denning along river shorelines,
Vaughn said. A handful of unique
tree species also grow on the banks
of Michigans rivers. Paw-paw, blue
beech or musclewood, and syca-
more trees thrive in the wet, periodi-
cally flooded soils along rivers.
River Partners, a California
organization whose mission is to
create wildlife habitat for the benefit
of people and the environment, said
intact rivers and riparian areas at-
tract more than wildlife.
People hike, boat, fish, hunt,
and explore these areas, bringing
tourism dollars into the local econ-
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omy, the groups website states.
Healthy riparian areas improve
water quality, reduce erosion, attract
beneficial insects, and enhance a va-
riety of recreational opportunities.
The Natural Resources Conser-
vation Service detailed several bene-
fits of riparian areas on its website:
Riparian areas help control
non-point source pollution by hold-
ing and using nutrients and reducing
sediment.
Riparian areas are often im-
portant for the recreation and scenic
values. However, because riparian
areas are relatively small and occur
in conjunction with watercourses,
they are vulnerable to severe altera-
tion and damages caused by people.
Riparian areas supply food,
cover, and water for a large diversity
of animals and serve as migration
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routes and stopping points between
habitats for a variety of wildlife.
Trees and grasses in riparian
areas stabilize stream banks and
reduce floodwater velocity, resulting
in reduced downstream flood peaks.
Alluvial aquifers help main-
tain the base flow in many rivers in
humid areas because of high water
tables. In drier climates, streams
lose water that can help build up the
water table deep beneath the stream.
Its no secret Michigan is home
to tremendous water resources.
The state has 3,288 miles of fresh-
water shoreline second only to
Alaska and an extensive network
of rivers, providing the people of
Michigan with great recreation op-
portunities.
These habitats are vital for fish
and wildlife and for people as well.
Michigans lakes and rivers provide
clean, sparkling drinking water for
many Michigan cities and towns.
They are also vital routes for indus-
try. Shipping is an important part of
Michigans economy.
Whether youre a salmon angler,
an agate hunter, a homeowner, a
boater, camper, city planner, bird-
watcher, hunter, or just like to enjoy
the beauty of the scenery around
lakes, rivers and streams, under-
standing the importance of riparian
areas, and woody vegetation situ-
ated around lakes, can help us all
more deeply appreciate the Great
Lakes State and its tremendous wa-
ter resources.n
WNW NEWS OCTOBER 2017 59
 Fishing and the Science of...
Water Temperature
W
hen a bathing
beauty tests
the water to
determine if
the tempera-
ture is condu-
cive to swimming, she slips her big
toe in just deep enough to make an
educated decision. For fishermen,
water temperature is a big deal and
unfortunately you cant use your big
toe to determine if the water tem-
perature is just right for catching a
favorite species.
Temperature
Loving Species
For most of my adult
life I have preached how
water temperature is critical
to both finding and catching
trout, salmon and steelhead.
Its interesting to note that
in most cases
the best water
temperature
By Mark Romanack
range for targeting trout and salmon
is a rather narrow window. Water
temperatures from 45 to 55 degrees
represent the window in which trout
and salmon tend to be most active
and found using the majority of the
time.
Certainly it can be demonstrated
that trout and salmon are at times
caught in colder water and its
becoming common due to a declin-
ing forage base that these fish are
known to forage briefly in water
much warmer than 55 degrees. Still,
catching these fish day to day boils
down to finding water temperatures
that roughly fall into this established
preferred range.
Its well documented that trout
and salmon are cold water creatures.
To that list Im about to include
another species... the walleye. Yes,
a notoriously warm water loving
fish may also find cool water to their
liking! The more we learn about
walleye and walleye fishing, the
more convinced Im becoming that
walleye also have preferred water
temperature ranges.
Research is suggesting that
the larger a walleye becomes, the
more likely that fish is going to
become temperature selective if not
completely temperature sensitive.
Because walleye tolerate a much
wider water temperature range than
salmonids, pinpointing a target zone
suitable for fishing is not as easy as
with trout and salmon.
While we may not be able to
pinpoint a narrow band of water
temperatures walleye gravitate
60 OCTOBER 2017 WNW NEWS
towards, we can in general make
the statement that walleye seek
out cooler water for two important
reasons.
First and foremost, adult wall-
eye in the Great Lakes region tend
to feed primarily on pelagic forage
species including smelt, gizzard
shad, alewives and emerald shiners.
Of this list of forage species, the
only one routinely found in warm
water are emerald shiners. The other
popular forage species are cool to
cold water loving creatures.
Secondly, after feed-
ing adult walleye seem to
instinctively realize that loi-
tering in cool water slows
down their metabolism rate
and allows these fish to
get the maximum food and
nutritional value from each
meal. Foraging in warmer
water forces walleye to
feed more often
to keep the
furnace burn-
Its long been known that cer tain species like this king salmon are fond of
ing! It makes perfect sense in turn
water temperatures that are fairly narrow in scope. Anglers find consis-
that young or immature walleye
tent success by first finding preferred water temperatures.
are far more likely to be found in
warmer water than their larger adult
targeting walleye by temperature times, suggests that the Great Lakes
relatives.
zone. Other popular fisheries includ- are nothing more than very large
Fish Hawk and ing Green Bay, northeastern Lake river systems!
Water Temperature Ontario and the deeper waters of Just like fishing in a river, cur-
Little Bay de Noc may also become rent plays a huge roll in the action of
A downrigger equipped with a temperature proving grounds for trolled lures. At the surface a trolling
Fish Hawk speed and temperature walleye fishing. speed of 2.5 MPH can be confirmed
probe is in use on my boat every The jury is still out regarding the by consulting GPS speed over
single time I target trout or salmon science of catching walleye by first ground numbers. Unfortunately, due
in the Great Lakes. Ive often joked establishing preferred water temper- to sub-surface currents the gear at
that forced to choose between my ature zones. The intriguing theory depth might well be traveling at a
Fish Hawk and traditional sonar for of water temperature as it relates to completely different speed.
finding trout and salmon, Id feel walleye fishing is however some- Herein lies the problem, because
more comfortable using the Fish thing serious anglers are pondering the only practical way to confirm
Hawk. more and more. trolling speed at depth is by using
A strong endorsement of the Fish a sub-surface probe. Because so
Hawk, the point is that trout and
salmon are so temperature sensitive,
Trolling Speed at Depth many of the lures popular with trout,
salmon and walleye anglers are
its easy to predict where these fish Determining water temperature speed sensitive this piece of the
will be in the water column based at depth is just one of the benefits of fishing puzzle is profoundly critical
solely on water temperature. Using using a sub-surface probe like the to open water trolling success.
a Fish Hawk its easy to determine Fish Hawk. The other equally im- Its currently a rare sight to see a
where in the water column the most portant feature of the Fish Hawk is walleye boat equipped with a down-
desirable water temperature resides. determining trolling speed at depth. rigger and temperature/speed probe,
Sonar in this case only seems to When larger basins of water but that could all be changing in the
confirm the presence of fish and stratify by temperature, sub-surface near future. The temperature issue is
provide anglers the confidence to currents are often formed. From the intriguing when it comes to walleye
put in the time. surface these currents are undetect- fishing, but trolling speed at depth
In the near future, walleye able without the help of a sub-sur- is fundamental to fishing success
anglers may depend on temperature face probe like the Fish Hawk. and ironically something walleye
probes like the Fish Hawk. The All of the Great Lakes are im- anglers have given little attention to
deeper reaches of Lake Erie includ- pacted by natural currents as water historically.
ing most of the Central Basin and all flows effectively downhill from the
of the Eastern Basin, plus the open western end of the Great Lakes to The Future of
waters of Lake Huron near Tawas,
Alpena and Oscoda are potentially
where Lake Ontario pours into the
St. Lawrence River and ultimately
Walleye Trolling
going to be the proving grounds the Atlantic Ocean. This natural The presence of sub-surface cur-
when it comes to the science of movement of water, while subtle at rents is undoubtedly influencing on
trolling effort for walleye in many
Great Lakes fisheries. In places like
Saginaw Bay or the Western Basin
of Lake Erie where the average
depth is modest, sub-surface cur-
rents are probably playing a minor
role in fishing success.
However, in deeper basins of
water, sub-surface currents do play
prominently into the trolling equa-
tion. I predict that during the next
decade, sub-surface temperature and
trolling speed probes will become
as common on walleye boats as they
currently are among ardent trout and
salmon anglers.
Underwater Video
Another modern piece of tech-
nology might be the confirming
force when it comes to convincing
anglers they need to be aware of
sub-surface currents when troll-
ing for walleye. Underwater video
cameras are small enough these
days they can easily be rigged to a
downrigger enabling anglers to get
a fishs eye view of their trolling
gear.
This technology can confirm
once and for all that sub-surface
currents can and do impact dramati-
cally on the action of popular troll-
ing lures like crankbaits, spoons and
New Hours: Mon-Thurs: 8am-6pm Fri: 8am-7pm Sat: 9am-6pm Sun: 10am-2pm
even nightcrawler harnesses!
Perhaps in the future fishing
boats will be outfitted not only with
generously sized sonar and GPS
units, but potentially also with an
underwater video camera and moni-
tor that helps us confirm the action
of our trolling gear and also how
fish are reacting to that gear.
Who knows maybe both so-
nar and video technology will be
combined into the same unit? Lord
knows these days with sonar screens
as big as 16 inches, there is plenty
of room for a video screen to be
used in combination with modern
sonar!
Summing It Up
The science of catching trout
and salmon by monitoring water
temperature and also sub-surface
trolling speeds is well documented
in the Great Lakes. Perhaps in the
near future this technology will be
expanded to include walleye fishing
in many of our deeper water fisher-
ies.
For now, the idea of targeting
Sub-surface probes like the Fish Hawk pictured here help Great Lakes walleye based on sub-surface water
trout and salmon fishermen keep their gear in preferred water tempera- temperature is more theory than
tures and moving at appropriate trolling speeds. The author believes that fact, but this intriguing idea is on
in the future walleye trollers will come to depend upon this technology as the minds of a growing number of
much as trout and salmon fishermen. Mark Romanack photos innovative walleye anglers.n
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WNW NEWS OCTOBER 2017 61

Its Shooting, and Its Fun!
A
silver-haired lady
waited. White smoke
drifted as a young
shooter walked from
the 10-yard markers.
Wayne Knop said,
204 with a firm, decisive tone as
he sat in the scorers elevated stand
at the back of the trap field. The lady
stepped forward with a determined
gait.
She turned her head to the right
and answered, 204 as she put her
left foot on the square concrete slab
at position three. The faded, black
numerals, 2-0-4, were
stenciled on an old shot
bag and pinned to the back
of the waist band of her
pink and brown shooting
vest. Bright pink letters,
embroidered across the
vests brown shoulder yoke,
spelled Team Hobday.
She seated a cap, cocked
By Dennis Neely
her single barreled
shotgun, brought it
to her shoulder and
settled the muzzle over the center of
Trap House 2. PULL! she hol-
lered. body sat around in lawn chairs and
An orange clay bird, angling to
the right, rose fast from the green-
metal-roofed trap house. BOOM!
The 12-gauge shotgun belched fire.
A dense cloud of sulfurous stench
roiled in the air. The orange disc
Contact Deb Gray (734) 623-2000 for more information and to enter www.miducalendar.org
62 OCTOBER 2017 WNW NEWS
Black Powder Shooting Sports...
sailed on as if to taunt the lady, then
dropped into the long grass shy of
the hardwood trees.
You cant expect an 81-year-
old woman to kill em all, Barb
Hobday muttered under her breath
as she stepped over a 16-yard
marker slab. Ive killed my share
and then some, but not that one.
While he waited for the next
competitor, Wayne Knop leaned to
his right and commented to a specta-
tor, You wont find a nicer group of
people than here at the state shotgun
shoot. With that simple statement
he captured the hidden es-
sence of the black powder
shooting sports.
The Michigan State
Muzzle Loading Associa-
tions Shotgun Champion-
ships became a stand-alone
event in 1980. We shot
shotgun before it was cool,
Ken Hobday, Barbs young-
est son, added with
a laugh.
Back then
trap was shot Saturday after supper
at the rifle championships. Every-
watched. It was at Ionia, and we
shot under the lights. I was 12 at the
time. You couldnt see the people
watching because of the glare.
Youd walk out from under the
lights and there sat 50 or so people
Dick Wadswor th steadied the single-barrel shotgun for his granddaughter
as he star ted teaching her to shoot trap.
watching. pionships the third weekend in
I was shooting a Thompson August. Today, a modest entry
Center. It had a Sharon drop-in fee (an entire family can shoot for
barrel in 20-gauge. Thats a far cry $25.00) covers the main champion-
from today, Ken Hobday added. ship matches. Twenty-eight ad-
The Grand Valley Cap n ditional matches are available for
Ballers (located at 3576 26th flint, percussion and black powder
Street, Hopkins, Michigan) hosted cartridge shotguns with varying fees
the 2017 MSMLA Shotgun Cham- per match.
The championship matches are
shot at 10 and 16 yards, while the
re-entry matches are shot from 10,
16 or 20 yards, depending upon the
match rules. Most matches are ten
clays, two shot from each of five
stations.
On the surface, the mention of
a state championship conjures
thoughts of expert shooters with a
strong emphasis on the events and
the scores posted, but that is not the
case with the front-loading shot-
guns. Yes, the competition is stiff,
but as Wayne Knop said, the real
story is the people who attend.
At the loading bench, Barb Hob-
day dumped a scoop of black pow-
der down the shotguns bore. Her
granddaughter and daughter loaded
to her right, each sporting a pink
267 Gun Giveaway Team Hobday shotgun vest. Ive
shot black powder for over sixty
5 guns will be raffled every Wednesday years, the great-grandmother said.
PLUS a bonus Twelve Guns of Christmas I shot at the first shotgun shoot,
drawing Wednesday Dec. 19. back in the 1970s. Ive been shoot-
Your purchase of a $50 calendar ing shotgun ever since. My husband
means you are entered in each and I were one of the founding
weekly drawing. members of the Saint Joseph Valley
Must be 18 years of age to enter. Michigan Lottery License number C28069
Volunteers. Theyre gone now, but
Im still shooting.
All of my kids shoot, and my
grandchildren shoot with us, too,
9/17/18,20,22 - MI
Hobday continued. Thats about
ten family members and thats why
we call ourselves Team Hobday.
Im Captain Mom. The shotgun
range is different than the rifle
range. We shoot rifle, too, but we
love shotgun. Its just a big family,
and weve watched many families
grow up shooting.
When we come to the state
shoot, we get to see some of these
shooters who we helped learn to
shoot as kids. Some have their own
kids now, Dick Lernout said. He
and his wife, Erie Ann, travel from
Ontario, Canada, and camp to the
south of the range.
We started shooting here in
72 or 73. Weve come to the state
shoot every year, except a few that
we couldnt make. Now I dont
shoot too much. I shoot just the fun
stuff, like protection [your partner
misses, you shoot] and doubles [two
birds at once] matches, Lernout
added.
At Trap House 1, Dick Wad-
sworth steadied a ladys shotgun
as he tutored his granddaughter,
Bridgett Shelton. This is Bridgetts
first attempt at shooting a black
Drake Buell broke his second clay at
Station 4 on the 10-yard line. Buell
is a four th-generation black powder
shotgunner and a three-time MSMLA
State Junior Shotgun Champion.
powder shotgun, Wadsworth said
with a proud smile. She borrowed
the gun from Bonnie Fernwalt. I
built it for Bonnie years ago. Its
a 12 gauge under-hammer. I made
all the components. Im loading it
with about 3/4 ounce of shot, a light
28-gauge load.
We bring the grandkids up
here from Texas so they can attend
the Frontier Shoot [first weekend in The ladies of Team Hobday stopped shooting long enough for a three genera-
August at GVCnB] when they visit. tion photo. You can call me Captain Mom, Barb Hobday (right) said with a
If it works out, they can shoot here, smile. Her granddaughter, Melissa Taylor and her daughter, Cathleen Taylor (left)
too, Dick Wadsworth added. loaded side-by-side under the covered loading area. Wild River tree photos
I can handle it, sort of,
Bridgett said after missing a clay
til the shot gun does some weird time my dad came out, he pulled for
things. Then I have to stop and us and we went from there. We were
bird. When asked if she would like
figure out what is wrong, or ask for ten at the time. For two years weve
to shoot again, she answered with an
help. Buell is a three-time MSMLA shot on Trap 2. I let my brother
emphatic, Yes, maybe after lunch?
Id like to get Johnathon shoot-
Junior Champion. shoot, because when he gets it, he
Early that afternoon, Drakes gets it.
ing in a school trap league, Wad-
step-brother, Braxton Mathis, vol- This is the one weekend out of
sworth said. He shoots real good,
unteered to run Trap House 1. Ron the year we go somewhere to shoot.
and Id like to see him have some
expert coaching. Plus, trap shooting
Fernwalt got the young man up in We usually pull at home, so we look
the trappers seat and explained how forward to coming to Grand Valley.
strengthens a young persons sense
to score each shooters card, how to My dressers full of medals, some
of responsibility. I started taking
call the shooters number out, and from baseball and soccer, but most
him to the Frontier Shoot when he
when to release the clay. It was his of them are from shooting here at
was 7 or 8. He was brought up to be
first time pulling at the range. the state shoot. Its shooting, and its
safe around guns, and Bridgett will
This is the fourth time Ive fun.
be, too.
been out here, Braxton Mathis said, Give the black powder shooting
Shooting the clays is fun,
Johnathon Shelton said. Its kind of
and Im hearing more gunshots sports a try, be safe and may God
today than ever before. The first bless you.n
a challenge, and the people are real
nice. My Papa brought me up here
one day. When I saw him shoot and
break a clay I wanted to shoot, too.
My Papa made me a gun for Christ-
mas, and Ive been shooting ever
since. Its a 12 gauge and it has my
initials on the side.
Ive been coming up here for
four years. Ive shot at the Frontier
Shoot and the state shoot. Ive been
looking to see if there is anything
like this back home, but I havent
found it, yet, Wadsworths grand-
son said. Johnathan won the 2017
MSMLA State Junior Champion-
ship.
One loading bench over, Jim
Mathis joked with his son and
step-son. These two young men
also represent a fourth-generation
shooting family. Its fun to shoot,
Drake Buell said with a big smile,

Muzzle Loading State Events

Michigan State Muzzle Loading Association State Shoots
Oct. 7 - Ashley Woodswalk: Ashley Sportsman Club: 989-862-5853
Oct. 8 - Woods Walk: Clinton River Muzzle Loaders: Detroit
Sportsman Congress: 586-731-6088
Oct. 21 - Turkey Shoot: Benzie Sportsman Club: 231-378-2145
Oct. 21-22 - Turkey Shoot: Columbiaville Sportsman Club
810-223-3956 or 810-793-7799
Oct. 21-22 - Primitive Rendezvous: Lansing Muzzle Loading Gun
Club: 517-651-7072
WNW NEWS OCTOBER 2017 63

FALL FISHING
W
hen part of
the outdoor
set dons blaze
orange and
takes to the
grouse woods
and another group puts on their
camo and climbs into tree stands,
some folks in Northern Michigan
head for the big inland lakes and
some of the best fishing of the year.
Some say that the pre-spawn
bite, in the spring, is the best time
to catch walleyes and some others
insist that the post-spawn bite is
just as good. We dont get to fish
before the spawning time in April
so we cant really check that.
We do fish during the post-
spawn period and we can attest that
the walleye fishing then is quite
good. It is not, however, as good as
the fall. And, in the fall, the fish are
fat and sassy, not stressed from the
rigors of spawning, and they are in
the best condition they reach during
the year.
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64 OCTOBER 2017 WNW NEWS
Walleyes, Perch and Trout...
On our larger inland lakes, there
is some sort of fall gathering of
minnows and bait fish around those
areas where the rivers and streams
run into those lakes.
I have asked fisheries biologists
about this phenomenon
and, while they recognize
that it takes place, they
dont entirely understand
it. They know that is has
to do with food, as most
fish movements will be,
and they think it is temper-
ature-driven but there is
still some mystery
about it. By George Rowe
What we do
know is that, beginning some-
time in September and peaking in
November, bait fish gather in these
areas and as surely as the sun rises,
predator fish will gather to feed on
the bait fish and anglers take to the
cold water to catch the walleyes,
pike, trout and perch that are after
the baitfish, the smallest members
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of this particular food chain.
While many of the anglers
concentrate on the perch, this is
also an opportunity to catch some
nice walleyes. The fish are likely
to be ganged up in those river-
mouth areas and they will
be relatively easy to find
and even easier to catch.
The fish are likely to be
in fairly shallow water
water as thin as eight feet
but more likely to be ten or
twelve feet deep. To find
the fish, one must often
move around a
great deal, drifting
on a light wind, if
possible, or anchoring for just a few
casts at each likely-looking spot or
trolling or drifting and jigging. My
favorite technique is to drift and
cast a light leadhead jig tipped with
a small minnow. The one-eighth-
ounce jig is fitted with a plastic
skirt and tipped with a minnow
about two inches long.
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The jig is cast out there, al-
lowed to sink to the bottom and
then retrieved with a herky-jerky
motion, given one or two pumps
upward and then allowed to sink
down to or almost to the bottom
again. The strikes will invariably
come as the jig is sinking or as it
encounters the bottom. If the wind
is brisk and a fairly fast drift is the
result, you can jig vertically with
good results.
Trolling is also a good way
to find fish. Try a nightcrawler
harness or a small wiggle plug
like a Hot-N-Tot or a Wally Diver.
Choose one that will wiggle along
close to the bottom. Some Rapalas
are marked with the depth to which
they will dive and those are handy
for this fishing. If the depth, for
instance, is eight feet, tie on a plug
that will dive to six feet and expect
that to be in the productive depth.
When you hit a fish, drop the
anchor carefully or at least put out
a marker and work that area thor-
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oughly. There is every prospect of
catching additional fish in that area.
It is probably marked by a little
depth variation or a line of weeds
or something that is holding bait
fish and thus predators in the area.
Sometimes, you can mark schools
of bait fish or the larger fish on your
graph but this is not always reliable
in water much less than eight feet
deep the boat is likely to spook
at least some fish away in water
that shallow, if you are running the
motor.
If you hit a spot right, you can
actually catch a limit of walleyes
while anchored in one spot. If you
catch a fish right away and then
another one in the same spot but
fifteen minutes later, it is possible
that you are in an area the fish are
moving through regularly and there
is every reason to remain there
and try to pick off additional fish
as they move through the area.
Walleyes and other predators are
constantly on the move in search of
prey.
Many of our larger lakes have
trout in them and those predator
trout will gather and feed right
alongside the walleyes and pike
and perch. You might catch a nice
rainbow or a big brown or even a
lake trout in ten feet of water, in
October or November. You will
know in a flash when you hook
one. Walleyes, even big walleyes,
are not great fighters, so when you
set the hook and this silver streak
comes bursting out of the water,
you know that you are not hooked
to a walleye. The trout will jump,
run and just generally go nuts when
hooked on light tackle in shallow
water. They are great fun and great
eating as well.
This is the time of the year
when we catch our largest walleyes.
Unfortunately, the largest of them
are females and we like to release
them, with an eye to the future of
the walleye fishing. The larger
fish get a little coarse so the
smaller ones are much better table
fare and, of course, one of the first
rules of conservation is to avoid
killing the females, already fat with
eggs.
If you can resist the urge to go
hunting, try some fall fishing. It is
often as good as it gets.n The author with a nice fall walleye that fell for a casted jig and minnow.

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FERAL SWINE
DAMAGE AGRICULTURE,
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CULTURAL SITES

WNW NEWS OCTOBER 2017 65

 The mixed bag hunts of October
Fooling pressured birds requires a lot of scouting effort, hunting skill, expense and savvy...
I
can think of nothing more excit-
ing than laying on my back,
while peering out from a layout
blind as a flock of mallards, wood
ducks or Canada geese lock onto
the decoy spread. For me the
moment of truth and the adrena-
line rush comes when I see the
birds are both fooled and committed. At that
precise instant I find myself reaching for the
pistol grip of my shotgun and
acknowledging silently to
myself that waterfowl hunt-
ing has a relentless grip on
my life!
I was 12 years old when
I shot my first mallard and
ever since I have been in
constant pursuit of all things
with web feet. Ive hunted
waterfowl in over a dozen
states, most of the Canadian
provinces and even traveled
twice to Argentina to sample
duck hunting in the Southern
Hemisphere. Of all these
hunting experiences, the ones
I cherish the most are the
field hunts enjoyed close to
home in Michigan.
Part of what ap-
peals to me about
By Mark Romanack
hunting close to home
is the fact that waterfowl in these parts are
subjected to an amazing amount of hunt-
ing pressure. To fool these birds a hunter
has to be in the right place, at the right time
and also has to hunt with an anatomically
correct decoy spread and perfect hide. In
short, fooling pressured birds requires a lot
of scouting effort, hunting skill, expense
and savvy.
When all these variables come together
and the birds reward us with in your
face shooting opportunities the feeling of
satisfaction is nothing short of amazing. As
hunters, its not so much the taking of game
that motivates us, but rather the opportunity
to mix it up at close range. Its these close
encounters that keeps the game exciting, the
heart pumping and leaves us begging for
more.
Mixed Bags
They say that variety is the spice of life
and in the world of waterfowl hunting my
most rewarding adventures are those days
seasoned with a mixed bag. The desire to
harvest lots of different species is one of
the major reasons that field hunting is so
appealing.
66 OCTOBER 2017 WNW NEWS
My most memorable field hunts are the
ones that start out early with a few flocks of
wood ducks that show up right at shooting
time. Typically these birds come in hard and
fast. At 30 minutes until sunrise, shooting
light is legal, but gloomy enough that mak-
ing out individual targets against tree lines
and the horizon is tricky.
I cant tell you how often in this situa-
tion I have popped up to shoot a bird only
to have it disappear into the
gloom of pre-dawn. Thats
perfectly okay because
wood ducks at first light are
probably going to make two,
three or more passes before
they finally make a com-
mitment to land or head for
other latitudes.
Not long after those
shooting time wood ducks
make their appearance,
mallards leave the roost and
start making their way to
the feeding fields. Like their
cousins the wood duck, early
in the day mallards are going
to show up out of nowhere
and rocket over the decoys.
The hunters are usually
caught flat footed on
the first pass and have
no recourse but to wait
them out and hope the next pass is more
predictable.
By about the time the sun hits the
horizon, mallards are filling the sky and
making skyward approaches to the decoys.
Because these birds are approaching from
much higher altitudes, they take more time
to settle into a landing mood.
Two, three, four or more passes are of-
ten required to satisfy these birds that all is
well and a hearty meal awaits them. If any-
one in the hunting party (including Rover)
moves at the wrong instant or blows a sour
note on the duck call, the jig is up and those
birds are heading elsewhere.
Mallards are entertaining, but not the
big show. Later in the morning, late rising
Canada geese will start to stir from the roost
and make their way to the feeding fields.
The B-52 bombers of the waterfowl world,
geese magnify the excitement of waterfowl
hunting 10 fold.
Because of their larger size and slower
wing beats these birds appear to be on final
descent for what seems like an eternity.
You can cut the tension with a knife when
a flock of geese is closing the distance and
about to start back peddling those oversized
wings.
The author uses this custom made trailer to store all his decoys and blinds between hunts. A large and elaborate decoy spread isnt
necessary for success. What matters is hunting in the right spot and creating a hide that makes it impossible for birds to spot danger.
Most days the show is over long be-
fore lunch time. On those rare days when
weather keeps the birds moving all day, a
steady stream of birds works wonders for
keeping the heart pumping and those fingers
and toes from getting numb.
Here in Michigan mallards, wood ducks
and Canada geese make up the majority of
the waterfowl harvested annually. Other
birds that show up on field hunts often
enough to be considered regulars include
pintails, gadwalls and widgeon. All three
of these duck species are more at home in
wetlands, but they also cant turn down the
lure of an easy meal of waste grain.
Corn is king
When it comes to scouting for field
waterfowl hunts corn is king. The problem
is all corn fields are not equally attractive to
waterfowl. Across Michigan corn fields are
harvested two different ways and for dif-
ferent purposes. A lot of farmers chop their
corn into silage that is in turn fed to dairy
cattle. Chopping a corn field leaves very
little waste grain on the ground and little for
foraging waterfowl to focus on.
Other farmers pick their corn using a
combine that strips the ears from the stalk
and removes the individual kernels from
the cob. This process generates a lot more
spilled grain and not surprisingly attracts
the most waterfowl.
Chopping a corn field also leaves very
little chaff behind to help hide layout blinds.
A picked corn field is littered with stalks
and corn leaves making it very easy to hide
hunters and dogs in layout blinds thatched
to blend in perfectly.
One of the great mysteries associated
with waterfowl hunting is why do birds
seemingly fly over dozens of potentially
productive harvested grain fields in favor
of landing in one specific field? Even more
interesting, once these birds identify a par-
ticular field they are interested in, normally
just one specific spot in the field attracts all
the attention.
Seasoned waterfowl hunters call these
bird selected choice landing zones the X.
The fast track to successful field hunts re-
quires setting up a decoy spread as close as
possible to the X.
There are lots of reasons why hunters
dont set up on the X. Maybe the X is
in a part of the field thats low, muddy and
hard to navigate? Perhaps the X is on
property you dont have permission to hunt?
What if another hunting party beats you to
the spot and youre forced to hunt nearby? is suggesting only to have the GPS update a
At times the X is located in a part of the few seconds later and the curser points in a
field that has little or no natural cover? completely different direction!
All of these are legitimate reasons why The GPS gets you in the right area
hunters would consider not hunting the quickly, but a simple stake and flagging tape
exact location in a field the birds have been can save a lot of time wandering around in
feeding in. Unfortunately, setting up else- the dark trying to find the spot on the spot.
where, even nearby rarely plays out well for
the hunter. When scouting for waterfowl it
is critically important to identify the exact
THE SPREAD
location within a field the birds are favoring Entire books have been written on how
and concentrate on setting up in that area. best to set waterfowl decoys for field hunts.
Marking
Honestly I dont think its all that compli-
cated or critical as to how the decoys are
positioned. Wild birds feeding in a field are
the spot going to be positioned randomly.
For field hunting I like to set up using a
A trick Ive used for years to zero in on crossing wind so that approaching birds are
the best field hunting spots requires physi- looking into the decoy spread and not di-
cally marking the spot. If Im scouting a rectly at the hunters hiding in layout blinds.
field in the morning and find birds working In relationship to the blinds, most of my de-
a particular field, Ill wait until the birds coys are going to be upwind and fashioned
leave the field in late morning to return to roughly into a V shape that naturally
the roost. When scouting in the afternoon funnels the birds into an enticing opening at
I wait for darkness to fall and the birds to the downwind edge of the spread.
head back to the roost. I hunt with a collection of full body
Once the birds have left the field on goose decoys, some shell goose decoys and
their own, Ill drive or walk in and mark the
exact location the birds were feeding using
a stake and some flagging tape. Feathers Mixed bag of October page 68
and fresh droppings on the ground help to
confirm the precise location the birds were
feeding.
I also incorporate the help of a GPS
unit to create a plot trail identifying the best
route to access the spot and also to save a
latitude/longitude coordinate confirming the
center of the area the birds were feeding in.
Before I leave the field I also take time to
name the GPS coordinate so in future years
I can remember the significance of the spot.
Marking the spot with a stake and flag-
ging tape may seem old school and unnec-
essary considering GPS technology. Actu-
ally that stake is amazingly handy when
accessing the field using headlights or flash
lights in the pre-dawn darkness. The stake
is also a fail-safe should the batteries in the
GPS die or the hard drive in the unit crash.
Another fact about GPS tracking that
many hunters dont understand is these
units are essentially mini-computers. It
takes a few seconds for the curser on the
plot trail to update your exact location. This
occurs because the processor in the GPS
takes a little time to confirm and display
changing information.
Driving in a vehicle these updates oc-
cur quickly enough that its fairly easy to The authors lab Drake is steady as a rock and
follow a plot trail closely. At walking speed disciplined enough to remain motionless when birds
it is surprisingly easy to walk in the wrong are working. This wood duck is Drakes reward for a
direction based on what direction the curser job well done. Author photos
WNW NEWS OCTOBER 2017 67
 The mixed bag hunts of October
Fooling pressured birds requires a lot of scouting effort, hunting skill, expense and savvy...
I
can think of nothing more excit-
ing than laying on my back,
while peering out from a layout
blind as a flock of mallards, wood
ducks or Canada geese lock onto
the decoy spread. For me the
moment of truth and the adrena-
line rush comes when I see the
birds are both fooled and committed. At that
precise instant I find myself reaching for the
pistol grip of my shotgun and
acknowledging silently to
myself that waterfowl hunt-
ing has a relentless grip on
my life!
I was 12 years old when
I shot my first mallard and
ever since I have been in
constant pursuit of all things
with web feet. Ive hunted
waterfowl in over a dozen
states, most of the Canadian
provinces and even traveled
twice to Argentina to sample
duck hunting in the Southern
Hemisphere. Of all these
hunting experiences, the ones
I cherish the most are the
field hunts enjoyed close to
home in Michigan.
Part of what ap-
peals to me about
By Mark Romanack
hunting close to home
is the fact that waterfowl in these parts are
subjected to an amazing amount of hunt-
ing pressure. To fool these birds a hunter
has to be in the right place, at the right time
and also has to hunt with an anatomically
correct decoy spread and perfect hide. In
short, fooling pressured birds requires a lot
of scouting effort, hunting skill, expense
and savvy.
When all these variables come together
and the birds reward us with in your
face shooting opportunities the feeling of
satisfaction is nothing short of amazing. As
hunters, its not so much the taking of game
that motivates us, but rather the opportunity
to mix it up at close range. Its these close
encounters that keeps the game exciting, the
heart pumping and leaves us begging for
more.
Mixed Bags
They say that variety is the spice of life
and in the world of waterfowl hunting my
most rewarding adventures are those days
seasoned with a mixed bag. The desire to
harvest lots of different species is one of
the major reasons that field hunting is so
appealing.
66 OCTOBER 2017 WNW NEWS
My most memorable field hunts are the
ones that start out early with a few flocks of
wood ducks that show up right at shooting
time. Typically these birds come in hard and
fast. At 30 minutes until sunrise, shooting
light is legal, but gloomy enough that mak-
ing out individual targets against tree lines
and the horizon is tricky.
I cant tell you how often in this situa-
tion I have popped up to shoot a bird only
to have it disappear into the
gloom of pre-dawn. Thats
perfectly okay because
wood ducks at first light are
probably going to make two,
three or more passes before
they finally make a com-
mitment to land or head for
other latitudes.
Not long after those
shooting time wood ducks
make their appearance,
mallards leave the roost and
start making their way to
the feeding fields. Like their
cousins the wood duck, early
in the day mallards are going
to show up out of nowhere
and rocket over the decoys.
The hunters are usually
caught flat footed on
the first pass and have
no recourse but to wait
them out and hope the next pass is more
predictable.
By about the time the sun hits the
horizon, mallards are filling the sky and
making skyward approaches to the decoys.
Because these birds are approaching from
much higher altitudes, they take more time
to settle into a landing mood.
Two, three, four or more passes are of-
ten required to satisfy these birds that all is
well and a hearty meal awaits them. If any-
one in the hunting party (including Rover)
moves at the wrong instant or blows a sour
note on the duck call, the jig is up and those
birds are heading elsewhere.
Mallards are entertaining, but not the
big show. Later in the morning, late rising
Canada geese will start to stir from the roost
and make their way to the feeding fields.
The B-52 bombers of the waterfowl world,
geese magnify the excitement of waterfowl
hunting 10 fold.
Because of their larger size and slower
wing beats these birds appear to be on final
descent for what seems like an eternity.
You can cut the tension with a knife when
a flock of geese is closing the distance and
about to start back peddling those oversized
wings.
The author uses this custom made trailer to store all his decoys and blinds between hunts. A large and elaborate decoy spread isnt
necessary for success. What matters is hunting in the right spot and creating a hide that makes it impossible for birds to spot danger.
Most days the show is over long be-
fore lunch time. On those rare days when
weather keeps the birds moving all day, a
steady stream of birds works wonders for
keeping the heart pumping and those fingers
and toes from getting numb.
Here in Michigan mallards, wood ducks
and Canada geese make up the majority of
the waterfowl harvested annually. Other
birds that show up on field hunts often
enough to be considered regulars include
pintails, gadwalls and widgeon. All three
of these duck species are more at home in
wetlands, but they also cant turn down the
lure of an easy meal of waste grain.
Corn is king
When it comes to scouting for field
waterfowl hunts corn is king. The problem
is all corn fields are not equally attractive to
waterfowl. Across Michigan corn fields are
harvested two different ways and for dif-
ferent purposes. A lot of farmers chop their
corn into silage that is in turn fed to dairy
cattle. Chopping a corn field leaves very
little waste grain on the ground and little for
foraging waterfowl to focus on.
Other farmers pick their corn using a
combine that strips the ears from the stalk
and removes the individual kernels from
the cob. This process generates a lot more
spilled grain and not surprisingly attracts
the most waterfowl.
Chopping a corn field also leaves very
little chaff behind to help hide layout blinds.
A picked corn field is littered with stalks
and corn leaves making it very easy to hide
hunters and dogs in layout blinds thatched
to blend in perfectly.
One of the great mysteries associated
with waterfowl hunting is why do birds
seemingly fly over dozens of potentially
productive harvested grain fields in favor
of landing in one specific field? Even more
interesting, once these birds identify a par-
ticular field they are interested in, normally
just one specific spot in the field attracts all
the attention.
Seasoned waterfowl hunters call these
bird selected choice landing zones the X.
The fast track to successful field hunts re-
quires setting up a decoy spread as close as
possible to the X.
There are lots of reasons why hunters
dont set up on the X. Maybe the X is
in a part of the field thats low, muddy and
hard to navigate? Perhaps the X is on
property you dont have permission to hunt?
What if another hunting party beats you to
the spot and youre forced to hunt nearby? is suggesting only to have the GPS update a
At times the X is located in a part of the few seconds later and the curser points in a
field that has little or no natural cover? completely different direction!
All of these are legitimate reasons why The GPS gets you in the right area
hunters would consider not hunting the quickly, but a simple stake and flagging tape
exact location in a field the birds have been can save a lot of time wandering around in
feeding in. Unfortunately, setting up else- the dark trying to find the spot on the spot.
where, even nearby rarely plays out well for
the hunter. When scouting for waterfowl it
is critically important to identify the exact
THE SPREAD
location within a field the birds are favoring Entire books have been written on how
and concentrate on setting up in that area. best to set waterfowl decoys for field hunts.
Marking
Honestly I dont think its all that compli-
cated or critical as to how the decoys are
positioned. Wild birds feeding in a field are
the spot going to be positioned randomly.
For field hunting I like to set up using a
A trick Ive used for years to zero in on crossing wind so that approaching birds are
the best field hunting spots requires physi- looking into the decoy spread and not di-
cally marking the spot. If Im scouting a rectly at the hunters hiding in layout blinds.
field in the morning and find birds working In relationship to the blinds, most of my de-
a particular field, Ill wait until the birds coys are going to be upwind and fashioned
leave the field in late morning to return to roughly into a V shape that naturally
the roost. When scouting in the afternoon funnels the birds into an enticing opening at
I wait for darkness to fall and the birds to the downwind edge of the spread.
head back to the roost. I hunt with a collection of full body
Once the birds have left the field on goose decoys, some shell goose decoys and
their own, Ill drive or walk in and mark the
exact location the birds were feeding using
a stake and some flagging tape. Feathers Mixed bag of October page 68
and fresh droppings on the ground help to
confirm the precise location the birds were
feeding.
I also incorporate the help of a GPS
unit to create a plot trail identifying the best
route to access the spot and also to save a
latitude/longitude coordinate confirming the
center of the area the birds were feeding in.
Before I leave the field I also take time to
name the GPS coordinate so in future years
I can remember the significance of the spot.
Marking the spot with a stake and flag-
ging tape may seem old school and unnec-
essary considering GPS technology. Actu-
ally that stake is amazingly handy when
accessing the field using headlights or flash
lights in the pre-dawn darkness. The stake
is also a fail-safe should the batteries in the
GPS die or the hard drive in the unit crash.
Another fact about GPS tracking that
many hunters dont understand is these
units are essentially mini-computers. It
takes a few seconds for the curser on the
plot trail to update your exact location. This
occurs because the processor in the GPS
takes a little time to confirm and display
changing information.
Driving in a vehicle these updates oc-
cur quickly enough that its fairly easy to The authors lab Drake is steady as a rock and
follow a plot trail closely. At walking speed disciplined enough to remain motionless when birds
it is surprisingly easy to walk in the wrong are working. This wood duck is Drakes reward for a
direction based on what direction the curser job well done. Author photos
WNW NEWS OCTOBER 2017 67
Mixed bag:
from page 67
a few motion wobbling half shells.
The majority of the goose shells are
placed on the upwind edge of the
spread the farthest from the blinds.
The ultra-realistic full body decoys
make up the majority of the spread
and are also used to help break up
the outlines of the blinds. The shell
wobblers are spread evenly through-
out the spread to provide some
motion and eliminate that stale
lifeless look of many decoy spreads.
A couple dozen full body duck
decoys are sprinkled into the open-
ing of the V roughly in front of
the blinds. The rig is completed
by placing a couple spinning wing
decoys just upwind of the duck
decoys.
SPINNERS OR
NO SPINNERS?
An ongoing argument about
using or not using spinning wing
decoys for waterfowl hunting rages
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When hunting fields, details like hiding in plain sight are important. Keeping dogs still and hidden is one of the biggest challenges to
consistently fooling waterfowl.
on in Michigan and other heavily
hunted states. I find that spinners do
a good job of attracting ducks and
even geese in low light conditions
and when birds are passing by at a
distance. Once these birds turn and
start heading my direction, I turn off
the spinners using a remote control.
At this point the birds have spot-
layout blinds. To effectively blend
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and Dates Call
989-785-4034
www.limberlostfarms.com
ted the decoys and are headed in the
right direction. In my experience, a
little skillful calling and some flag-
ging does more to encourage and
finish these birds than a spinning
wing decoy.
HIDE
HUNTERS
Perhaps the biggest mistake I see
field hunters making is not taking
the time to adequately thatch their
into the background a layout blind
needs to be completely covered in
natural thatch. This is true regardless
of what camo pattern is printed onto
the layout blinds.
To speed up the thatching pro-
cess I use small bundles of various
colored raffia grass knotted to the
stubble straps on my layout blinds.
This base coat of cover is completed
at home before hunting season
begins. In the field I top dress the
blinds by adding natural stubble to
the blinds as needed to match the
exact color and texture of the terrain.
Besides thatching the blinds
completely its vitally important
that no hunting gear is left outside
the blinds. Lots of guys like to set
their gunning bags or thermos bottle
next to the layout blind and simply
try to cover them when birds appear
with a little chaff. This process cre-
ates more unnatural movement and
conspicuous mounds in the field and
expands the hunter foot print.
Every hunter should also be
wearing a face mask or using camo
makeup when field hunting. Not
adhering to this simple rule just
about guarantees that birds passing
overhead will spot the hunters below
and start to get nervous.
The sleeping bag style layout
blinds have a nice low profile that is
easier to hide, but they also require
the hunter to keep his firearm outside
of the blind. In this case that gun
needs to feature a camo or flat black
finish. A shiny blued shotgun is fine
if used inside a layout blind, but the
kiss of death when hunting from
sleeping bag style blinds.
DETAILS
MATTER
Successful field hunting for
ducks and geese is about paying at-
tention to all the details. Scouting to
locate birds and then taking the time
to pinpoint the exact location in the
field the birds are favoring is critical.
Marking the spot on the spot
in the field using both a stake and
GPS coordinates insures that when
hunters arrive in the pre-dawn dark-
ness the process of setting up will
go smoothly. Decoy spreads dont
need to be overly large or elaborate.
Decoy spreads however do work
best on a crossing wind that forces
approaching birds to approach with-
out looking directly at the hunters
and blinds.
The blinds must be virtually
invisible and the best way to ac-
complish that task is to thatch every
blind and every dog hut completely
with natural thatch from the field
youre hunting in. Every hunter
should be wearing a face mask or
camo makeup and when the birds
turn your direction its time to shut
off the spinning wing decoys.
Hunters that follow this regiment
are going to find that even heavily
hunted waterfowl can be fooled.
Fooling birds that other hunters
couldnt is a very satisfying feeling
and a big reason why the mixed bag
field hunts of October are more than
worth all the work and preparation.n
Northern L.P. landowners can enroll
property in Hunting Access Program
HAP offers landowners the op-
portunity to make money, control
wildlife damage, help boost hunter
participation.
Michigan is home to one of the
nations largest and longest-running
dedicated private-land public-access
programs. Since 1977, the Hunt-
ing Access Program has enabled
landowners to make the most of
their property by allowing hunters to
access private land for hunting.
The Michigan Department of
Natural Resources currently is
accepting HAP applications from
landowners in the northern Lower
Peninsula with at least 40 acres and
containing a minimum of 5 percent
wildlife habitat.
You can help promote wildlife
population management, support
the local economy, reduce wildlife
conflicts, improve your land and
get paid to do it, said DNR Hunt-
ing Access Program coordinator
Monique Ferris. Wildlife habitat
improvement funding may also be
available for habitat projects if you
are enrolled in the program.
HAP-eligible counties in the
northern Lower Peninsula include
Alcona, Alpena, Antrim, Benzie,
Charlevoix, Cheboygan, Emmet,
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Grand Traverse, Iosco, Leelanau,
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ning this year, there are additional
enrollment incentives for those who
live in Alcona, Alpena, Montmoren-
cy or Oscoda counties. Landowners
should contact the local conserva-
tion district in those counties to
learn more about the earning poten-
tial for their land.
HAP enrollment will remain
open through September.
Benefits to the landowner in-
clude:
An annual payment based on
acres of land enrolled, type of land
cover and type of hunting the land-
owner chooses to allow.
The chance to help promote
and support Michigans rich hunting
heritage.
Better management of wildlife
on the landowners property.
Liability protection for the
landowner through Public Act 451.
Control over types of hunt-
ing allowed on the property and
maximum number of hunters on the
property at a time, as well as the
option to allow youth and apprentice
hunting exclusively.
There are no extra costs for
hunters to use HAP lands, but
they are responsible for reviewing
information for the land they plan
to hunt, checking in before each
day of hunting and respecting
the landowners private
property.
For more information on enroll-
ment in the Hunting Access Pro- HAP offers hunters access to land for
gram, visit michigan.gov/hap.n hunting oppor tunities. MDNR photo
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WNW NEWS OCTOBER 2017 69
Deep-water smallmouth in current
By Jeff Nedwick

T
he Great Lakes have a
well-deserved reputa-
tion for producing
big numbers of giant
smallmouth bass. But
even the greatest bass
fisheries can be tough at times. After
the peak late-spring and early-
summer bite is over, Great Lakes
bass anglers face the daunting chal-
lenge of locating bass that could be
scattered across hundreds of square
miles of available water.
The six quadrillion gallons of
fresh water that comprise the five
Great Lakes make it the largest
connected body of freshwater on the
planet. The good news for anglers
is that the deep, fast river systems
that connect this massive volume of
water concentrate bass in late sum-
mer and fall, creating a truly unique
smallmouth bass fishery - requiring
truly unique tactics. Jonathan VanDam looks for smallmouth bass in Great Lakes connecting waters with current in late summer.
Lake St. Clair is a regular late
river systems that feed and drain the VanDams search for deep river eddies or slack water formed where
summer stop on the Bassmaster lake - are home to large schools of bass begins and ends in areas adja- the river current is interrupted by
Elite circuit and Bassmaster Elite
big smallmouth bass in late sum- cent to the shipping channel the islands or points. Unlike channel
Series professional Jonathan Van-
mer and fall. More than once, these deepest water in the river. edges in heavy current where drag-
Dam knows the St. Clair and Detroit
systems have contributed to a nice One such area are channel edges ging a heavy jig along the bottom
Rivers - the primary Great Lakespayday for VanDam. located in the main current where is the only option, VanDam pitches
scattered rock piles including the light-weight drop shot rigs into these
large concrete footings that anchor slack water areas.
channel markers or buoys in place Slack water typically attracts
- mix with gravel or sand. Bass sit lots of shiners or other schooling
behind the current break formed by baitfish so VanDam selects colors
large rocks and ambush prey swept and profiles that imitate the baitfish
past them by the strong current. present. Again, braided line and a
Some of these areas can be fluorocarbon leader spooled on a
more than half a mile long, so to spinning outfit optimize the feel and
fish them quickly VanDam holds help detect bites.
his boat at a specific depth with his Although deep, fast water is the
bow-mounted trolling motor while norm for Great Lakes river small-
drifting downstream with the cur- mouth bass, VanDam doesnt com-
rent. He casts a goby-colored plastic pletely neglect the shallows. Specifi-
tube rigged on a 3/8 to 1/2-ounce jig cally, he looks for sand or gravel
upstream and simply lets the drifting openings within shallow weed flats
boat drag the jig along the bottom. directly adjacent to deep channel
The current is too strong to try to edges. Because the water is shallow
keep the jig vertical, says VanDam. (less than 10 feet deep) and clear,
VanDam uses a combination of its important to spot these open-
feel and technology to detect the ings ahead of time and accurately
bigger rock piles that hold bass. His cast a drop shot into them from a
graph identifies rock piles as the distance to avoid spooking fish. A
boat passes over them and seconds good pair of polarized sunglasses
later his rod tip confirms what he makes it easier to spot the openings
sees on his graph thanks to low- while drifting downstream with the
stretch braided line and a fluorocar- current.
bon leader. Perhaps in response to an abun-
Except for an occasional rip and dance of prey, the first stretch of
fall of the tube jig, he always main- cool, late-summer nights seems to
tains contact with the bottom, trying signal the start of a smallmouth bass
to imitate a goby scurrying across migration to the deep currents of
the rocks. Not surprisingly, this the Great Lakes connecting waters.
technique leads to frequent snags The tactics needed to be success-
ROSY BROTHERS INC. and lost jigs. I pre-rig a bunch of
tube jigs so I dont waste too much
ful here are as unique as the areas
themselves and although they can
5727 DRYDEN ROAD time retying, says VanDam. be difficult to master, the ability to
In an environment characterized catch big smallmouth bass long
DRYDEN, Michigan 48428 by strong current and deep water, after other anglers have given
810-796-3770 sometimes a lack of current
be a big draw. VanDam looks for
can up make the rewards that much
sweeter.n
70 OCTOBER 2017 WNW NEWS
WNW NEWS OCTOBER 2017 71
 WHY
BEADS?
By Jim Bedford
E
ven though I remain
a very confirmed lure
tosser when it comes to
river fishing for steel-
head, brown trout, and
salmon I have become
very interested in the tremendous in-
crease in the practice of bead fishing
in Great Lakes tributaries. Several
very successful anglers have related
to me how this technique is even
more effective than drifting actual
eggs and spawn bags. Since I have
always had an aversion to messing
with eggs (in 51 years of hardcore
fishing for steelhead, my lifetime
catch of these special fish on spawn
remains at two), the idea of success-
fully drifting beads for steelhead is
quite appealing.
Some aspects of bead fishing
have been quite confusing to me. A
main purpose of this article is to get
anglers thinking about the technique
Author, Jim Bedford with bead caught male steelhead.
72 OCTOBER 2017 WNW NEWS
Buck steelhead on a bead. Jim Bedford photos
which should lead to ways to make
it even more effective.
Pegging the bead on the line or
leader above the hook seems to be
the standard method. When I ask
anglers why, the usual answer is that
was the way they were taught by
fellow fishermen. Often a reference
is made to the fact that it is how it is
done in Alaska where bead fishing
really got its start. The reason for
pegging beads in Alaska is rarely
described. Anglers there are fishing
for very actively feeding rainbow
trout and Dolly Varden char. These
fish are trying to take in a years
worth of calories in the three month
or so period in the summer when the
various species of Pacific salmon
are spawning.
The rainbows and Dollies
quickly swallow the salmon eggs
and if the bead was at the hook, it
and the hook would be swallowed.
Since most anglers release these fish
even in streams where it is not man-
datory there needed to be a way to
catch these great game fish without
hooking them too deeply. This had
long been a problem with egg flies
such as Glo-bugs since the fly is tied
on the hook. Pegging the bead away
from the hook so the trout would
swallow the bead and not the hook
was the answer. While at times this
does result in the trout being hooked
outside the mouth, it has been very
successful in preventing the rain-
bows and Dollies from taking the
hook too deep. Alaska does limit
the maximum pegging distance to
two inches to decrease the chances
of the hook finding the fishs eyes.
But, why peg the bead when
fishing for steelhead? Most of the
time these fish are not actively feed-
ing and usually dont swallow the
bead. When they discover it is hard
and not soft like an egg, they are
quick to expel it. Most bead fishing
steelheaders peg the bead about one
and a half inches above the hook.
While this does separate the bead
away from the hook and make it
look more natural as a salmon egg
drifting with the current, it would
seem to make hooking the steelhead
more difficult. Frank Zak, a veteran
and accomplished western New
York center-pinning steelhead angler
who has almost totally switched
from eggs to beads, has observed
steelhead take in the bead and then
turn to the side to expel the bead so
that it does not have to fight the cur-
rent. This action seems to pull the
hook to the corner of their mouth.
This still seems to make hooking the
steelhead that grabbed the pegged
bead kind of hit or miss. There is
also the risk that bumping into line
on each side of the bead will cause
the fish to reject it.
A possible solution would be
to peg the bead much closer to the
hook so that hook would always
be taken into the mouth when the
steelhead grabbed the bead. Or,
you could place in the bead in
the egg loop of a snelled hook. It
would be important in both cases
that the hook size be matched with
the bead. A large bead and a small
hook would probably result in many
missed fish. Conversely, a large
hook and a small bead might be
rejected altogether. My other sug-
gestion would be to peg the bead
below the hook. This is easily ac-
complished by leaving an inch or so
of tag end when snelling the hook to
the end of your leader. This way the
fish sees the bead first and then will
inhale both the bead and the hook
when the bead is an inch or less
below the hook.
There are two other big advan-
tages in pegging the bead below
the hook. The first is that it makes
changing beads much easier and
quicker. As we will talk about next,
finding the right size and color of
the bead can be critical to your suc-
cess. No longer will you have to
re-rig each time you change beads
or carry a bunch of pre-tied leaders
with what you think will be the right
size and color of beads for the river
and the day. The other big plus is
you can stop worrying about damag-
ing your line or leader with the peg.
While pegging has progressed past
the toothpick stage with commer-
cially available pegs designed to be
very easy on your leader, you can
Beads pegged above, below, and snelled. Author photos
use any kind of peg you want with
impunity when positioning your
bead below the hook.
When pegging the bead below
the hook it is important to peg the
bead from the bottom up to decrease
the chance of the bead slipping off
the tag end. This can easily happen
when pegging the bead from the top
down. Going back to the tooth-
pick will also help secure the bead.
Melting a little bead of fluorocarbon
or nylon monofilament at the end of
the tag end will add a little insur-
ance.
Choosing the right bead color
and size can make a big difference
in your success. In Alaska, anglers
and guides report that tiny changes
in color can have a big effect on
how effectively they are for rain-
bows and dollies on a particular day.
This is hard to understand since
salmon eggs change in color with
time after they are laid and fertil-
ized eggs act differently than those
that didnt get fertilized. At any one
time there are eggs in the streams
of many differ shades. Obviously
there will be times when the trout
focus in on a narrow range relative
to color and it is important that the
angler match it. Brett Har tford releasing a nice steelhead he caught on a bead.
Steelhead in our Michigan Great
second leader to the bend of the the peg also floats. In these cases
Lakes tributaries are probably less
hook of the first. you will need some help from a
interested in beads that are exactly
Most Great Lakes tributary sinker(s) to keep the bead close to
like the prevailing eggs drifting in
anglers present beads suspended the substrate.
the current along the bottom but it
under a float. Usually they posi- Speaking of sinkers, I continue
is for sure that different colors and
tion the float so that the beads drift to be confused by the elaborate shot
sizes can work better than others on
a foot or two off the bottom of the placement formulas employed by
a given day. The fact that steelhead
river. This allows the beads to drift float anglers. Last year I retrieved
are often attracted to beads that are
larger than any of the natural eggs
in the prime strike zone of the steel- float rig from a snag that had 21
ies. These fish orient to the bottom split shot attached to the line below
makes me think that they are not
where rocks, submerged logs, and a Drennan 11 gram float. The ex-
mistaking them for salmon eggs.
uneven bottom structure provide ref- pensive, sensitive float told me that
Plus, think of those times when fluo-
rescent chartreuse is the killer color. uge from the current. But, they look this rig was lost by an avid, experi-
While not allowed in some states, forward and up so beads drifted a bit enced float angler but I sure didnt
Michigan anglers can fish two beads above them are right in their strike understand why there were so many,
at one time. This technique seems zone. This is the same region of the mostly small shot. I am sure part
to be especially prevalent on the water column where I try to sweep of it is dealing with varying current
Manistee River and doubles your my spinners and minnow plugs. speeds at various depths as well as
chances of quickly finding the right More than imitating salmon eggs, I stealth. It would be great if a seri-
bead color and size. Simply tie a think beads are bright objects that ous float angler would explain the
steelhead dont like in their space so whys of shot patterns in these
they grab them. pages.
There will be times when Finally, getting back to stealth,
salmon eggs are fairly common in I find it hard to understand using
the river drifting with the current. floats that have black or very dark
It should be noted that salmon eggs bottoms. This would seem to be
are denser than water. This is by especially problematic when fishing
design so that fertilized salmon eggs very clear and relatively shallow
will sink in to the crevices in the water. You would think that fish
gravel where they can develop. At looking up for the bead would be
these times a more natural presenta- turned off by the dark float against
tion will be to bottom bounce your the bright background from the
beads. You can still employ a float sky. White or clear bottomed floats
to keep the line off the bottom and would seem to always be the way
act as a strike indicator. Just make to go when bead fishing for river
sure your float is positioned farther steelies.
from the bead on your line than the As stated at the beginning I hope
water depth. While glass beads and the above gets bead anglers thinking
some plastic beads will sink some about their fishing method and ways
plastic beads will not, especially if to make it more effective.n
WNW NEWS OCTOBER 2017 73
 Dog proof raccoon traps
Species specific style of trap designed to catch animals...By John Chagnon
I
n the last decade these
amazing new style dog
proof raccoon traps have
revolutionized the raccoon
and opossum trapping
market. They are a spe-
cies specific style of trap designed to
catch animals such as raccoon and
opossum that have great dexterity
with their front feet and fingers, while
having an opening too narrow for a
dogs foot to enter. In addition, true
dog proof (DP) traps are pull-only
tripper mechanisms which are nearly
impossible to catch a dog. However
Mr. Raccoon and Mr. Opossum reach
right in and easily pull the trigger. I
find they totally commit on pull trig-
ger style traps whereas on push/pull
style traps the raccoon sometimes get
caught by toes and pulling out of the
trap, making them much harder to
lure into a trap after this occurs.
Some of the major benefits of
having a trap to catch only raccoon
and opossum include:
1) Much better relations between
hound hunters and trappers.
2) Deer hunters and farmers can
easily remove nuisance raccoon from
bait piles and corn fields.
3) One can set traps closer to
residential areas to remove nuisance
raccoon.
4) Trappers can set close to water
without fear of catching muskrat and
mink prior to season.
First, when I was a kid my father
was an avid hounds man and we
always had a few raccoon hounds,
beagles and fox hounds. I pretty
much had to set traps in the water or
in trees in the areas where we ran the
hounds. Today one can set the new
dog proof raccoon style traps virtu-
ally anywhere without concerns of
catching dogs.
Second, deer hunters, farmers and
other folks with nuisance raccoon
problems find the DPs are extremely
easy to use, reusable and extremely
effective at capturing raccoon. Mean-
ing those who are baiting deer or
trying to remove nuisance raccoon
from farm fields can quickly and af-
fordably eliminate those raccoon.
Third, setting close to residential
areas to remove nuisance raccoon
getting into trash, chicken coops and
home gardens requires a little bet-
ter understanding of properly using
the DPs. Yes, they will catch every
raccoon or opossum in the area.
They can and will also catch every
domestic cat if not baited properly.
So if you do not want to catch house
cats in your DPs, bait your traps with
something sweet such as fruit jelly or
marshmallows.
Fourth, in Michigan during 2016
74 OCTOBER 2017 WNW NEWS
in Zone 2 a fur trapper could not set
coilspring, longspring and jump style
foothold traps within 50 of the water
until November 1, but the DP style
traps can be set as close as the wa-
ters edge in Zone 2 starting October
15, please read the Michigan Regula-
tions for 2017 trapping season for
this fall. By harvesting the raccoon
prior to mink and muskrat season
one has a lot less raccoon messing up
sets targeting mink and muskrat. Plus
the raccoon harvested in the DPs are
dry versus the ones caught at other
water sets which are usually soaked
and wet down a drowner wire, which
makes it much easier to carry the
catch back to the vehicle.
One of the most effective brands
of dog proof raccoon traps on the
market today is made right here in
USA the PCS Feather Light Dog
Proof Trap. It is made of cast alu-
minum to offer years of dependable
service. See a video link of the PCS
Feather Light Raccoon Trap in action
at http://www.pcsoutdoors.com/12pa
ckpcsfeatherlightdogproofcoontrap.
aspx
Other brands of dog proof traps
with pull only triggers that I have
used with very good success included
the Bridger T-3 Dog Proof Trap, Dia-
blo Dog Proof Traps and the Duke
Dog Proof Trap.
Once you acquire your PCS
Feather Light Traps no dying or wax-
ing is necessary as the cast aluminum
does not rust and the raccoon do not
shy from the color of the cast alumi-
num. After a year of use one should
speed dip the chain to the trap which
will rust a little, but that is the only
maintenance on this amazing little
raccoon catching machine. We use
AuSable Brand Cable Trap Stakes
to anchor the DP Trap. When setting
your Feather Light DP Trap make
sure that once the coon is caught
it cannot reach anything solid as it
could use it as leverage to get out of
the trap. I know some folks wire traps
to trees, but I do not recommend this.
The animal is held much better if trap
is secured by a stake and the animal
is allowed to let the trap chain and
swivel do its job.
Just like when fox and coyote
trapping, I really like 3 to 6 traps in
one location about 20 feet apart. Rac-
coon really do travel in groups and it
is very common to catch two to six
raccoon in one group. The first time I
set my property on the AuSable River
with DPs I caught 11 raccoon out of
a dozen traps. Just remember to set
the traps far enough apart. If set too
close together, Mr. Hungry Raccoon
will stick his hand in the one that is
too close and be caught by both feet.
Dog proof traps are easy to use for nuisance raccoons. MDNR photo
The DP does a great job of holding
raccoon with minimum foot dam-
age so one can release small ones to
become large sought after raccoon in
the future.
Some prime locations to catch
raccoon include most every stream,
river or swamp. I try to find spots
with water near and either cornfields
or large acorn or beechnut trees
nearby. Always a favorite location is
where a small feeder stream enters a
larger stream or river. Watch for very
large den trees. The raccoon has one
of the easiest tracks to identify its
hind foot looks like a childs foot.
Their tracks can be found in the mud
along the waters edge as well as
edges of farm fields with their trails
leading into the woods. These are
also prime set locations. If you really
want to increase your raccoon catch
pre-bait two weeks prior to season.
Additional items recommended
when trapping with DP style traps
include a setting tool, AuSable
Cable Trap Stakes, bait and lure and
American Coon Caps. The American
Coon Caps allow one to preset and
pre-bait the DP trap at home cutting
time in the field and allowing you to
set more traps in a day. In addition,
the caps keep small rodents and birds
from stealing bait and setting off your
DP traps before Mr. Raccoon can get
to the set and get caught. If you are
on a budget you can keep rodents out
of your DPs by placing a golf ball,
styrofoam cup or other such device
over the trap. The hungry raccoon
will knock the device off the trap to
get bait, but rodents will avoid them.
For lure, I recommend Lenons Rac-
coon Super All Call and for bait the
AuSable Brand Coon Bait. Raccoons
will eat most anything but these
lures and baits really call them in
and make the raccoon work the trap
till caught. Some other exceptional
baits and lures that I use for raccoon
trapping are Trent Mastersons Truck
Load Coon Bait and Mike Kains
Raccoon lure, both made right here in
Michigan.
So the night before I plan on
setting DP Traps I pre-bait the inside
of the DP Trap with one teaspoon
AuSable Brand Coon Bait and place
a kidney bean size of Lenons Rac-
coon Super All Call Lure into the top
of the American Coon Cap. Set the
DP Trap with the American Coon
Cap lured and baited. Simply add an
Ausable Brand Cable Trap Stake and
you will have a setup ready to catch
any and all 30 pound plus Michigan
Raccoons and hold them there until
you return. On the morning of the
set, I am able to quickly drive the
stake in the ground and poke the trap
in ground ready for action in groups
of 3 to 6.
Catching raccoon in DP style
traps and can be addicting, just re-
member to keep setting some foot-
hold style traps in dirt hole type sets
for fox and coyote. Every year some
of my largest raccoons are caught in
fields trapping for fox and coyote.
We wish you many double and
triple catches on your raccoon line
this fall. There will be a second an-
nual trapping seminar at Jays Sport-
ing Goods in Clare, Michigan on
October 7, 2017. Please check their
website www.jayssportinggoods.com
for details. I will be a guest trapping
speaker this year, and Im really
looking forward to answering any
trapping related questions and shar-
ing some of the techniques that work
for me as a Michigan Trapper. Jays
also carries most of the trapping sup-
plies I mention in my articles.
Watch for the November issue
of WoodsNWater News as I will
be sharing my favorite water sets for
muskrat, beaver and otter. I welcome
you to visit my websites at PcsOut-
doors.com and LenonLures.com. I
always welcome calls from fellow
trappers. (989) 569-3480 ext. 225n
 CSOUTDOORS.COM
PAmericas
(989) 569-3482 / service@pcsoutdoors.com
Oscoda, Michigan 48750
PCS
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WNW NEWS OCTOBER 2017 75

 FAWN SURVIVAL
Nutritional requirements of the nursing whitetail...

M
any factors
can influence a
young fawns
growth rate, gen-
eral well-being
and prospects for
survival. Howev-
er, the mothers
level of nutrition during her last tri-
mester of pregnancy is probably the
most critical factor determining fetal
development and survival prospects.
Malnourished does invariably
give birth to small, weak fawns that
die within a few days; some nutri-
tionally-stressed does may
even abandon large, seem-
ingly healthy newborns.
In either case, scavengers
such as black bears and
coyotes are quick to secure
an easy meal, often leading
to inflated predation rate
estimates.
The nursing does
lush new vegetation, giving them
ample time to achieve maximum
body growth and fatness prior to
winter onset.
Hence, natural selection has
minimized the occurrence of poorly
timed births on northern whitetail
range. For obvious reasons, the
timing of breeding and birthing is
less critical and more variable in the
South.
Female whitetails live within
a highly organized matriarchal
society. Related females socialize
with one another and share ancestral
range during most of the
year. In spring, the pregnant
doe may range quite widely
within her ancestral range.
However, does with new-
born fawns demonstrate a
form of maternal defense,
or territoriality, for a period
of four to six weeks.
Young whitetails are

By John Ozoga
nutritional require-
ments are probably
equally important.
Lactation is considered to be one of
the most energetically demanding
factors of maternal care in mammals
and can impact the mothers fitness,
behavior, and ultimately the young
fawns chances of surviving. Unfor-
tunately, this aspect of nutrition in
white-tailed deer has not been well
studied.
Behavioral Basics
The northern whitetails repro-
ductive schedule is closely regulated
by seasonal changes in daylight
hours (i.e., photoperiod). Most
does breed during a relatively short
period in early November and give
birth to fawns during late May or
early June. This generally assures
that fawns are born during times of
hiders. Within
a couple of weeks
the newborn are
introduced to their mothers fawning
range that generally varies in size
from 20 to 30 acres. They seldom
leave the boundaries of this range,
unless led by their mother. Instead,
they rely on inactivity and hiding
cover separate from their mothers
for their first four weeks, while they
are almost totally dependent upon
their mothers milk for sustenance.
Meanwhile, the doe must find suf-
ficient food within this relatively
small area to meet her physical
needs as well as the enormous ener-
getic requirements for milk produc-
tion.
The doe visits, grooms, and sepa-
rately nurses each fawn only two or
three times daily (about eight ounces
Lactation is considered to be one of the most energetically demanding
factors of maternal care in mammals and can impact the mothers fitness,
behavior, and ultimately the young fawns chances of sur viving. Larry
Piotrowski photo
per meal), then leads them to a new her maternal behavior) but not milk
bed site. Siblings normally do not quality.
bed together until they are about 25
days old -- when they are physically Possible Limitations
capable of fleeing from predators. Generally, this late-spring,
early-summer period is a time of
Studies conducted at Michigans
abundant resources necessary to
Cusino Wildlife Research Sta-
tion in the 1960s revealed that satisfy the pregnant does high
food-stressed does often exhibited energetic requirements for late-term
delayed lactation or sometimes fetal growth, subsequent maternal
produced no milk at all, but food care, and lactation. However, there
shortage did not reduce the does are exceptions. Certain social and
milk nutritive value. Hence, nutri- environmental factors, which vary
tional stress can adversely impact a regionally, can sometimes nega-
nursing does total milk yield (and tively impact resource availability

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76 OCTOBER 2017 WNW NEWS
for whitetails during the time of In Theory
lactation and result in higher than Given nutritional shortage, for
expected reproductive failure. whatever reason, Quebec research-
For example, although less of a ers led by Jean-Francois Therrien
problem on northern range, drought suggest the does resource needs
has frequently resulted in high may no longer be sufficient to cope
newborn fawn mortality in Texas. with high energy needs of lacta-
In south Texas, researchers reported tion, growth and replenishment of
that annual fawn mortality rates body reserves. If so, they theorize
varied appreciably, depending upon that lactating does should adopt a
the amount of rainfall, which in turn conservation strategy, ensuring their
determined the quality and avail-
ability of deer foods and newborn
fawn hiding cover during spring and
Fawn Survival page 78 Young whitetails are hiders. Larry Piotrowski photo
summer. Fawn losses ranged from
10 percent during years of heavy
rainfall to as much as 90 percent
during years of drought.
In contrast, on northern range,
winter weather severity and length
of snow cover determines deer
survival and reproductive suc-
cess. Even relatively short winters
(January-March) of only modest
winter food shortage may result in
25 percent newborn fawn mortality.
If cold temperatures prevail well
into mid-spring, delaying snow melt
and subsequent green up, the loss
may be much higher.
Typically, open areas lose snow
cover about two weeks earlier than
forested cover, and provide winter-
stressed deer their first source of nu-
tritious forage. However, our studies
conducted in Upper Michigan
revealed that opening green-up may
occur as early as the first part of
April, but sometimes not until early
May. Likewise, vegetation killing
frosts are not unusual in June. Based
upon fetal examination, nutrition-
ally related newborn fawn mortality
rates ranged from 45 percent during
years of late (3 May) spring green-
up versus only 5 percent during
years of unusually early (12 April)
opening green-up.
High deer population density,
and associated social factors, may
also contribute to limited resource
availability for the lactating doe. An
expanding deer herd can seriously
reduce deer forage quantity and
quality. Even at densities of over
100 deer per square mile, our stud-
ies showed that deer preferred to
feed on spring vegetation instead of
rich supplement feed. Unfortunately,
as deer numbers increased, the
quantity of the best forage species
decreased. Conversely, other less
nutritious plants increased, probably
because they were less palatable,
masking the true effects of deer
overabundance.
Likewise, because does with
newborn fawns defend their fawning
grounds, when deer density is high,
subordinate (generally younger)
does must occupy less desirable
habitat where they are more poorly
nourished and their young are more
vulnerable to accidents, predation,
or abandonment.
WNW NEWS OCTOBER 2017 77

Fawn Survival:
from page 77
own future reproduction and sur-
vival at the expense of their current
newborn offspring.
Accordingly, they say, This
trade-off in energy allocation could
be expressed through changes in
behavior. For example, females
may decrease nursing activities and
increase time spent foraging when
food resources decrease.
Some prior nursing behavior
studies suggested that total time
spent suckling by the fawn could
be an index to the amount of milk
the fawn received. However, more
recent investigations indicated this
is not the case.
On the other hand, the rate at
which offspring solicit their moth-
ers suckling and rate of rejected at-
tempts by the mother could provide
information on offspring hunger and
motivation. This could also reveal
how other aspects of maternal care,
such as the mothers willingness to
nurse, change in response to nutri-
tion.
The Canadian researchers fail
to acknowledge that outright fawn
abandonment by wild food-stressed
does can be a serious factor, ulti-
mately leading to the fawns death
from starvation or predation.
The Study
Using captive deer, Therrien
and his cohorts manipulated food
availability to simulate nursing doe
food shortage during summer. At the
same time, they monitored maternal
care traits and fawn behavior when
fawns have high energy needs for
growth and survival and are almost
totally dependent upon their mother
for sustenance.
Eighteen prime-age (3-8 years
old) female whitetails were used in
the study during two consecutive
years. All were fed ad libitum diets
except in summer, when one group
of nine does was fed full rations but
the other food-restricted group was
fed only 80 percent as much from
late May through August. Fawns
had access to special feeder troughs
and were weighed as often as pos-
sible on electronic platform scales.
Starting when fawns were about
five days old, the researchers ob-
served the behavior of both groups,
until fawns were about
80 days old.
The doe visits,
grooms, and
separately
nurses each
fawn only two
or three times
daily (about
eight ounces
per meal),
then leads
them to a new
bed site.
Nursing Behavior
The most striking differences
in lactation behavior between the
two groups occurred during the first
30 days, when fawns relied almost
entirely upon maternal milk. Time
spent suckling decreased sharply in
both groups after 30 days. Although
mothers and fawns from the food-
restricted group spent more time
foraging than controls, they obvi-
ously could not compensate for
shortages in the artificial diet.
Fawns from the food-restricted
group also spent more time suckling
and soliciting suckling from their

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mothers than fawns from the well-
fed mothers, suggesting they tried
harder to get milk. Even so, fawns
from food-restricted mothers grew
slower and suffered higher mortal-
ity.
After the first month, differ-
ences between treatment in suckling
frequency and total suckling time
decreased, probably because all
mothers reduced their energy alloca-
tion to milk production. However,
fawns in the food-restricted group
still solicited their mothers and were
rather clearly indicates that stressed
mothers sacrificed maternal care for
their own good.
As Ive discussed in numerous
other articles, its my personal view
that limitations in nutrition-- es-
pecially during late stages of fetal
development and within a few days
after birth -- can retard fetal devel-
opment, disrupt maternal care traits,
and ultimately lead to abandonment
and death of newborn fawns. If
study animals in the above men-
tioned study had not been penned
confined, I suspect outright aban-
donment and fawn deaths would
have occurred sooner.
Most importantly, all available
evidence indicates that summer
food stress, for whatever reason, can
contribute to unusually high new-
born fawn mortality that would be
mistakenly credited to predation.
From a management standpoint,
these findings also indicate that
certain measures could be taken to
minimize such loss. For example,
on northern range, early green-up
plant species should be encouraged,
as should drought resistant plants
on southern range. In either case,
controlling deer density is important
so that the abundance of preferred
plant species is not reduced, or
possibly even eliminated, due to
overgrazing.n

INTERESTED IN SELLING
rejected more often than control
fawns, suggesting they were still
trying to compensate for milk short-
age earlier in life.

YOUR STANDING TIMBER?

Food-restricted mothers also
spent 21 percent more time foraging
than well-fed does, in an apparent

CALL US !!!
attempt to compensate for energy
shortage. This supports the energy
conservation theory.
More Questions
Than Answers Michigan Lumber and Wood Fiber is a locally owned and
Note, this was a behavioral
study, conducted under highly arti-
operated sawmill located in the heart of Northern Michigan. We
ficial penned conditions, the results work hard to staff the most experienced professionals and we
of which may or may not apply believe in investing in the most current technology. As a team,
directly to whitetails living in the
wild. our departments of forestry, wood processors, timber haulers
This study was also plagued and sawmills are striving to provide the most efficient, profes-
with rather low conception rates (1.2 sional and quality timber services available in Northern Michigan.
fetuses/doe) and exceptionally high

FREE EVALUATIONS OF STANDING TIMBER

newborn fawn mortality from the
start, despite does presumably fed
full nutritious rations during most of
the year. Of 42 fawns born, 10 (24
percent) died prior to three days of
age.
A total of 16 fawns also died
during the study, 14 of them in
the food-restricted group, all after
16 days of age. Assuming equal
distribution of fawns according
to mothers diet, this amounted to
88 percent mortality, versus only
13 percent mortality in the control
group.
Although researchers col-
FORESTER
Our forester has the education and experience needed to meet the specific needs of any land-
owner. We will meet with you to discover your goals and help you select the best harvest meth-
od to reach those goals. (Management plans, Wildlife plans, chipping of tops, clearing trees for
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Our seasoned logging crews use state of the art wood processors, feller bunchers, forwarders
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Since we maintain our own fleet of self-loading log trucks to haul wood to our mill, we have the
unique advantage of being able to schedule the hauling of your timber products around hunting
or weather issues.
SAWMILL

lected and examined dead fawns,
they could not determine if fawns
died from disease, starvation, or
both. Clearly, however, compared
to controls, food-restricted fawns
gained 26 percent less body mass
from birth to 80 days, and suffered
extremely high mortality.
REFERENCES AVAILABLE
Our mill is located just north of the beautiful little town of Comins, Michigan and consists of two
modern sawmills and one scragg mill operation. A distinct advantage that we have is specific
markets for what is referred to as industrial lumber. As a sawmill, we are paying good money for
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
that in the past would have been sold for firewood or pulpwood which is typically worth less
than scragg material.
We are your complete source for buying your timber! Our operations take your standing timber
from the tree to delivered green lumber. We have eliminated the need for all of the middle

Implications
Despite the shortcomings of
the referenced Therrien study, the
evidence indicates that summer nu-
trition can be an important factor de-
termining white-tailed deer welfare
and productivity.
men. By obtaining strong markets for our products and investing in technology, we are able
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
value our reputation above everything else. And we are committed to earning your trust and
building a lasting relationship.
We would honor the opportunity for us to meet and discuss in more detail how we may be of
service to you. We also encourage the land owners to visit all our operations to see what prod-
ucts we turn your standing timber into.

Michigan Lumber & Wood Fiber, Inc.

In addition to high (24 percent)
newborn fawn mortality at birth,
I find it especially interesting that
food-restricted mothers suffered
such high (88 percent) loss after
fawns were 16 days of age. This Comins, Mi (989) 848-2100 or (989) 848-5946 Fax: (989) 848-7252
WNW NEWS OCTOBER 2017 79
Fall fishing with spoons and spinners
Anglers need to learn to become a spoon master...By Jack Payne
E
very now and then I
run into someone who
shares a fondness for
something I like. In this
case it was John Cleve-
land, marketing man-
ager for Eppinger Company. The
Dardevle, the Red Eye and the Rex
Spoon are part of this company.
Pike fishing was the topic. Pike
are underused and a true trophy fish
to chase. Pike love cool water and
that is the key to success. At ice out
and once again in the fall big pike
roam the shallows. During the sum-
mer pike will go deep and they will
suspend. Look for the coldest water.
I like shallow water fishing
and that is why ice out and fall
turnover are my favorite times on
the water, said John Cleveland.
Fifty degree water is the magical
temperature. Starting in October
the water temperature will drop and
once into the mid-50s big pike put
on the feedbag.
A prime location in the fall in-
cludes any green cabbage weeds. If
you find green weeds you will find
pods of active pike. Some anglers
like to troll and others like John will
troll until they find a fish or good
structure and then cast.
Casting is like hand to hand
contact. I love the feel of a nice
pike ripping a spoon and the wild
battle that they will put on. Spoons
are a deadly bait and should be
a huge part of your pike arsenal.
Hands down the Dardevle spoon is
my favorite.
Best spoon size for large pike:
the one ounce spoon which is about
four inches long. Even a small pike
will slam this large spoon. Second
choice, the weedless Rex Spoon.
Best color patterns: red and white
with a copper back, five of dia-
monds with a brass back, gray ghost
and the black spoon with a white
stripe.
Most spoons come with a treble
hook but trust me, you will get a
better hook set using a 2/0 or a 3/0
single hook. Mustad and Eagle Claw
both make a very nice hook for this
application. Some anglers like to
tip their spoons. I found that there
are days where this really works
and days where it does not make a
difference.
When I tip I use a four inch
Mister Twister tail. For some reason
white is awesome followed by
black. White outdoes black three to
one. The Rex spoon is a great spoon
to run when fishing in and around
any type of slop. It is snagless and
will wobble through the grass,
around stumps and logs and through
the thickest of weeds.
Anglers need to learn to be-
80 OCTOBER 2017 WNW NEWS
The author knows star ting in October the water temperature will drop and
once into the mid-50s big pike put on the feedbag. Author photo
come a spoon master, said Cleve-
land. Run a spoon as you would a
buzz bait. Cast it out and let it flutter
down before reeling. Reel and then
stop for a few seconds. Cast it out
and let it sink to the bottom and
try jigging it back. Make the spoon
work as a wounded or scared bait-
fish would react.
For truly large fish use 30
pound braid line, nothing less than
20 pound braid. Some anglers like
adding a leader of fluorocarbon
line in the same weight. But always
attach a good 12 inch wire leader.
John suggested wire leaders that are
coated or you can make your own
with a spool of wire leader material
and a few barrel swivels.
Pike are hard on lures, there-
fore you must keep your hooks
sharp, said Cleveland. Carry a
small file and after a few fish or if
you banged into rocks or timber,
touch them up with a few strokes.
Makes a huge difference!
The dressed #4, #5, the Giant
Killer and the Magnum Muskie
Killers are our top of the line big
fall pike lures, said Josh Schartz of
Mepps Tackle. Mepps spinners have
long been a favorite pike bait for us.
The Mepps Magnum Muskie killer
has a great thump, a big profile and
spins quickly. This is a true trophy
lure in the fall.
We search for any remain-
ing green weeds in the fall, said
Schartz. Pike will head into the
cool shallow water and sit tight in a
green cabbage weed patch. Any prey
venturing close will soon be din-
ner. The Giant killer will run deep,
perhaps to 12 feet. Very rarely will
you need to run a bait deeper than
this. Most often the fish will rise up.
The top 6 feet is normally the sweet
spot for pike.
Fall fish like weeds, sunken
islands, sand bars, rock piles, humps
and any other location where for-
age can be found, said Schartz.
The best depths will be somewhere
between 6-15 feet. Almost always
a slow retrieve is best. You want to
work the lure.
Cast out and let it sink for a five
count. Slowly reel in with a pause
or two thrown in. Next cast give it
an 8 count, then maybe a 12 count
before reeling in. Pay close atten-
tion to anything different in the
water. A log, a rock, a few isolated
green weeds. A small opening in the
weeds, an inside turn or cup. These
are all prime ambush locations.
Its tough to mention Mepps
without mentioning Mr. Twister.
The Mr. Twister and the Sassy Shad
were the first swimbaits to hit the
market perhaps 40 years ago. I love
these baits. You can place them on a
spoon as a trailer or on a jig head.
Casting a quarter to half ounce
jig head with a large four-inch Sassy
Shad or a Twister tail is dynamite on
fall pike, walleye and bass. These
two baits are two must have baits
year around for me. If it swims, a
Mr. Twister or Sassy Shad will catch
it.
Swim these baits over the top
and through the weeds, then bounce
it or swim it slowly across the bot-
tom. Bank it into a rock, pop of
a weed, reel and let it drop, there
really is not a bad way to fish these
baits. Just remember to use a jig
head with a long shank hook with a
good wide gap. This is not the time
for a short shank hook.
Recently I sat down with Pat
OGrady, the owner, innovator and
inventor of the PK Spoon family. He
shared some really cool insights in
the spoon fishery.
I spent a lot of time laying
on the ice, belly down, face over
an open hole staring at fish said
Pat. He explained that he needed
to actually see how bait fish moved
through the water, how wounded
bait fish moved and how panfish
and gamefish reacted. He then
spent considerable time casting and
checking his baits and lures in a
swimming pool.
Pat suggested that all anglers
find a swimming pool where they
can test all of their lures; jigs,
spoons, plastics, does not matter.
Actually seeing how any given
lure actually reacts in the water is
huge. Try various retrieves, stop and
go, pause, pump the rod, etc. and
you will quickly understand how
one type of lure produces best over
another in certain situations.
This led to Pat creating the
PK spoons, which includes the
Flutter Fish, the Predator and the
Panic spoons. Each is designed for
a particular presentation. Some fall
very quickly, others flutter more. It
depends on the wind, the current,
the depth and the mood of the fish.
I really enjoy the Flutter Fish. It
can be jigged or casted out for pike,
bass or walleye. Vertically jigged
it is awesome. It really dances and
moves side to side. The larger sizes
work great on gamefish.
In deep water you drop it down
and give the spoon a hard pop. In
shallow water you can cast them to
the shoreline and swim them back
or pop them back. When trolling it
is suggested to hold the rod and pop
the rod frequently.
The Cicada spoon is a great
fall spoon, said Scott Stecher, pres-
ident of Reef Runner Tackle. Scott
suggested flipping the spoon out
instead of casting it out. When you
flip it out you create more bow or
slack in your line and on the retrieve
there will be much more action.
Subtle lifts are better that hard
fast jerks. This is one bait that you
can flip out and drift the boat over.
This bait has a concave design that
vibrates like crazy. You can vertical
jig this spoon or flip and drift while
working the spoon. Its a good bait
on structure already mentioned and
excels on deep water fish holding
tight to a steep drop-off or long deep
points.
Spoons of any shape catch fall
gamefish and the bucktail spinners
are a must. Throw in a few Sassy
Shads and large Mr. Twister baits
and enjoy the battle with big bass,
pike and walleye.n
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WNW NEWS OCTOBER 2017 81
FALL PERCH
Michigans Best Bets...By John Bergsma
W
Escanabas Little Bay De Noc
ell this is proba-
bly the worst kept
secret out there.
The fall perch
bite on the Inner
Bay has been steadily improving
for the past three years. I fished
there once last fall and caught a
bunch of very nice 9-11 inch perch.
There are diehard perch guys who
fish Little Bay all season long. The
bite is certainly the best and most
predictable in the months of Sep-
tember and October. Nice schools of
perch come tight to shore or set up
on shallow reefs from the Gladstone
narrows north to the mouth of the
Days River. These fish move around
a little bit but are not hard to find
with a good graph. Big schools of
fish show up almost like weeds on
the graph.
Once you find them, its simply
a case of hovering over them and
dropping down on the school with
a variety of baits. My favorite is a
two-fisted approach of a slip bob-
with your host
n B e r g sm a
Joh
Visit our website and find out about . . .
Destinations Fishing Reports
Our Show Cooks Corner
82 OCTOBER 2017 WNW NEWS
ber and minnow alongside a two-
hook perch rig. This allows you to
concentrate on the perch rig while
letting the bobber just do its thing. I
have found minnows to be the best
bait during the fall.
Big Manistique Lake-Curtis
This lake has been an excel-
lent fall perch lake for as long as
I can remember. The one thing I
have found with this body of water
is locating the fish can be tricky.
This is a very large lake and the fish
move around in the open basin areas
of the lake. I will let you in on one Saginaw Bays perch fishing is improving every year!
of my tricks to finding these open
water fish. Big Man has a lot of 12- and there is plenty of good bait in that this fishery is on the rebound!
18 foot basin area depths throughout the town of Curtis. There is a lot of The mid-September to late-October
the lake. Most of these areas do not bonus walleye caught while perch bite is a very good way to spend
have weed growth in the deeper fishing to add to the flavor of this some quality time in one of the
water. This means that marking U.P. destination. most beautiful places in Michigan!
schools that look like weeds are Perch will move in close in all of the
actually fish. I like drifting until I Drummond Island major bays that surround the island.
find a group of the right sized fish. This fishery was the standard If I was going to choose a best one,
This lake does require sorting up in the perch fishing world for three it would either be Scotts or Max-
to your limit, its not just all big decades. Cormorants did them in ton. The fishing is not complicated
ones. Perch rigs are by far the best for about 10 years, the great news is either. Many people will drift the
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These young anglers had a great time on Grand Lake!

shallows until they catch one or two
in an area. You can fan cast single
hook and minnow rigs with light
split shot or fish directly below the
boat with that or a two-hook perch
rig. If a great trip is in the plans, get
ahold of Justin Bupp at Always an
Adventure Charters.
Alpena Region
As the fall sets in, the yellow
perch begin to feed aggressively
throughout the Alpena area. Brav-
ing the cooler fall weather will
result in some great fishing here
in the Northeast Lower Peninsula.
We have seen a huge crop of large
yellowbelly perch in recent years
since the cormorant control has been
successfully reducing their numbers.
These fish-eating birds have wiped
out the predatory fish years ago,
leaving these local lakes teeming
with big beautiful perch and other
panfish. In the last few years their
numbers have been off the charts
and the size has been averaging 9-14
inches with hardly any throwbacks.
Many fishing trips we have only had
to throw back less than 10 fish that
werent eating sized.
The three lakes of Long, Grand,
and Hubbard have been produc-
ing these tasty jumbos consistently.
Starting in October and continuing
through the rest of the open water
these fish can be found in 5-15 feet
of water. The south end of Grand
Lake has been the most productive
when targeting 5-10 feet. Hubbard
Lake produces most of the fish in
East Bay and south towards Sucker
Creek in 10-15 feet of water.
Long Lakes north end is best
near the Silverweeds area in 10
feet of water.
Drifting around until the large
active schools are located is best,
and then throwing an anchor out and
sitting on the fish is the most pro-
ductive. Minnows are hard to beat in
these areas during this fall feeding
frenzy. The simple double hook
perch rigs work very well tipped
with a lively shiner and a 1/4-3/8 oz.
bell sinker for a weight. Lowering
the offering directly over the side of
the boat and keeping it near bottom
is all that is needed. Some days a
piece of crawler is hard to beat but it
is a good choice to try some of each
to see what is working better that
day.
Usually a large perch minnow or
small emerald shiner (blue shiner)
Poly Furniture and
is best hooked directly through the
head since these fish always seem
Campfire Supplies and Rings
to strike there and will increase
your hookup percentage and they
will not steal your minnow as often
as when hooking them elsewhere. Relax In Style!
The fish are aggressively feeding
and when they take the bait they hit
with a savage strike that sometimes
scares you, and it will get your heart
racing. Steve Hubert from Chum
Bucket Charters is the best in the
business in this area of Michigan.
Saginaw Bay & Lake St. Clair Standard Features
STANDARD FEATURES
Large bodies of water such as Fully Insulated
these can be intimidating to the Carpeted Floor
Fully Insulated Silent Shadow Window Systems
average angler. I found over time Rodent Proof
Carpeted Floor Floor Peaked Roof
its best to split the lake into three All-Aluminum Exterior Upper And Lower Vents
Rodent Proof Floor
different areas. Deep flat basins ad- Silent ShadowExterior
Window Upper
Systems
jacent to shipping channels or deep All-Aluminum Interior Shelf
Peaked Roof
holes, mid lake depth weed beds, Upper And Lower Vents
and canals or marinas. As the water Upper Interior Shelf
cools, perch generally move from
the deep basins into the weed beds.
Right before ice the marinas and
1205 N. SR 5, Shipshewana
canals can be excellent. 260-768-7511
In late fall dont forget to fish -Open-
your favorite ice fishing holes. This - Open - 8-5
fall is shaping up to be some of the Mon-Fri
best perch fishing in recent years. Mon-Fri 8-5Sat
Sat 8-3:30
8-3:30
Get out there and fish. If youre
looking for a great perch charter, try
Captain Eric Long from Long Line
Charters.n 1205 N. SR 5, Shipshewana 260-768-7511
WNW NEWS OCTOBER 2017 83
Take a look at your boats powertrain
M
any boaters pay no
attention to their
drive systems until
a breakdown oc-
curs. Most repairs
could have been
avoided by simple fall inspections.
Adjustments, balancing and replac-
ing damaged parts can be arranged
when laying your boat up for the
season. You can save time and
money by checking your
props, shafts - inboard and
outboard, along with the
other related hardware.
If you see a chip in a
blade of a propeller or if
a blade has hit the bottom
(even in sand), the prop will
likely be out of balance.
When looking at your shaft on
an outboard or I/O, you may see a
collection of monofilament fish-
ing line wrapped around it. This
may have already caused a seal or
bearing problem that could allow
water to enter the lower unit. If it
is discovered this happened, a new
seal and fresh lubricant can prevent
a major failure from developing.
While you are checking the
shaft area, its a good idea
to check the water pump
impeller because it is often
damaged from running in
sand or it may have taken a
set in the vanes.
Inboard propellers can
be out of balance and go
unnoticed, especially if

By Capt. Fred Davis

When check-
ing your I/O
or outboard
props, check
the drive shaft by noting the differ-
ence from the center of the shaft to
the housing. If you damaged and
replaced a prop during the season,
your shaft could be bent. A slight
bend may not be noticeable but over
time, it can create major problems.
the amount is
slight, but now
is the time to
get them bal-
anced. Examine the shafts by hold-
ing a solid measuring device against
the bottom, turn the shaft and note
any variance. Do the same at the
end and the center.
If youve had an encounter with
the bottom during the past season,
A propeller in this condition could cause severe damage to Your
engines gears. Fred Davis photo
you should also check your struts
and rudders for damage. When
checking the shaft area, look at the
strut bearing because it may be worn
or damaged. Just move the shaft up
and down if there is play in the
rubber bushing, replace the bearing.
If the bushing appears to be coming
out of the metal, that also could in-
When you store your boat,
whether on a trailer or at a marina,
its a good idea to remove your
propellers. This will take weight off
inboard shafts and struts plus elimi-
nate any possibility of theft. Heres
another tip; when you are up in the
boat checking around, if you see
severe stains on your decks, clean

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84 OCTOBER 2017 WNW NEWS
 My deer of a lifetime
F
By Lewis Horn ing the rut. I wont throw a shot at
a running deer, so I watched them
or some, this will not be disappear into the woods.
the deer of a lifetime, I really did enjoy the show, but
it may not even be a kicked myself for not shooting. A
shooter. But guys like couple of times I had a pretty good
me, deer hunters who shot, but waited for a better one.
save a few days vaca- Back in the chair, I glanced at my
tion each year for a chance to get watch, 8:30. By 9:30 I got restless
into the woods will understand. again, back on my feet, then another 1994, it took us a while. Fortunately,
Dawn in Michigans Upper Pen- noise. Two more does going in the
insula came at about 7 a.m. on open- same direction, but not looking
ing morning. It was cold but not back. They just sauntered along un-
like it can be, comfortable actually. aware of the old guy standing by the The hardest part was hoisting him
No snow, a disappointment but one tree. By then I was pretty satisfied.
were getting used to as the climate Id seen more deer in two hours than
warms. I sat in a makeshift ground Id seen in the last five seasons, it
blind in a spot that I had hunted was only opening day, a buck lived
many times, mostly without success, in the area, and things were looking
but I liked it. It overlooked a swamp up.
that bordered a lake. Actually I was Suddenly he just appeared. The
watching an old logging road that biggest deer Id ever seen, wide
formed an edge between the hard- rack, big body, slowly moving on
woods and the swamp. the same path as the other deer.
Just at sunrise a grouse lit in a Things happened fast. There were
maple tree and began rummaging shots, and the big eight point went
around, making a fair amount of down. I walked thirty yards slowly,
noise. I should point out that I dont waiting for him to get up, but he was a ladder and nailed up a buck pole.
see a lot of deer. Many a morning dead. I got on my radio and called
has been spent surveying the cold my hunting partner Gene.
lifeless forest, so any critter that Big 8-point on the ground,
shows up gets my attention. After was all I got out.
the pat left, I decided to stretch my How many
INTRODUCING THE NEW
times
legs. Yes I know, prime time, sit INTRODUCING
him? came the THE reply.
NEW
still, but thats not in my nature. I set Just get the Ranger down
little deadlines for myself. here, I said.
I wont move until 8 a.m. As it turned out, he was
and then Ill just stand for a bit. THE STRONGEST.
twice. One shot BECAUSE broke I SAIDhisSO. leg; the
So there I stood when I heard the THE STRONGEST.
second went BECAUSE
STEVE AUSTIN
through I SAIDhis
definite snap of a twig. Of course onlytraveled
STEVE AUSTIN about twenty yards,
it didnt come from the trail I was
and not very fast, so Im thinking
the first shot was low and broke his
leg and the last one finished him,
but it could have been the other way
around. In the excitement, I didnt
check the area for sign.
Since he weighed over 200
pounds (processor said 200-215)
and I hadnt dressed a deer since
Gene got the Ranger to within 30 or
40 yards, and two old guys huffed
and puffed our way to the vehicle.
into the bed.
By then we had called the cabin
to alert the two guys who stayed in.
One, Genes son Jason, is a non-
hunter but loves the north woods
and cooks like a pro, a great guy to
have in camp. The other was my
long time hunting partner, Dennis
whose knees were acting up. They
offered to drive down and help, but
we assured them we had enough
energy left to pack the deer out.
When we got home Jason got on
We had to extend it once because
the deers feet touched the ground.
Didnt want any coyote visitors.
No one saw another thing the
did you shoot rest of the hunt.
to admire the deer. We had people
looking when we drove down 1-75
and when we stopped for gas. A
hit
strange feeling since
doing the gawking. At the DNR
SO. lungs. He check site the ranger
are going to get this one mounted,
The author, Lewis Horns buck
of a lifetime!
right?
Yeah I replied.
Now I know to some this is only
an average deer. Those guys who
have their own shows, or hunt every
day and wont settle for anything
less than a 180, are probably smil-
ing, wondering how anyone could
see this as the deer of a lifetime.
But heres the thing. Ive been
hunting 40 years, mostly week-
end hunts. As a matter of fact this
marked the first year I could buy a
senior license. Ive seen bigger deer
on cars, but not too many. For the
Neighbors came average hunter, guys who are just
thrilled if they see antlers, this is
what its all about. Im not saying I
wont see a bigger one next season;
usually its us theyre out there. Thats what keeps
us coming back. But if I never see
said You another buck, this one will do just
fine.n

WORK
WORK PLAY
PLAY
watching but off to the left.
TH
Three does materialized out of
the brush, moving into the hard-
INTRODUCING THE NEW
13 Annual
woods. One seemed very jumpy,
kept looking back. Sure enough a THE STRONGEST. BECAUSE I SAID SO. Buck Pole/

HARD PLAYHARD
fourth deer appeared, and he had STEVE AUSTIN

HARD HARD
horns, how big I wasnt sure yet. He
Family Event
WORK
was definitely on the does scent.
The other two does seemed unaware
TH
of the amorous pair, but those two
ran around like a couple of pup- NOV. 15 !

HARD HARD ea
pies in the back yard. She would

Receiv
sprint 10 or 12 yards then stop and Built to work hard on and off the job, The MULE PRO-FXR stands out with
he would shoot right after her, then Builtthe to work hard on and off the job, The MULE PRO-FXR stands out with
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shed move again. Suddenly she the MULE PRO-FXR side x side takes a premium appearance, painted nish
strength, dependability and durability and aggressive styling. Show whos in
turned right toward me and stopped strength, dependability and durability and aggressive styling. Show whos in
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in an opening about 25 yards away. to a whole new level.
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The buck stopped behind a blow- Experience the new MULE
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t
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and would bust me for sure, but theyKawasaki.com/FXRExperience the new MULE PRO-FXR Accessorized unit shown
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I planned to shoot when the
buck came out, but as he left cover, RayC's
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he came like a shot, so fast he star-
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tled the does that sprinted off. The
buck paused, but looked directly www.raycs.com
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away from me. I got the scope on
him and saw a nice six-point. When
Phone:
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Phone: (810)the664-9800
appropriate for664-9800
Website: www.raycs.com
use of this vehicle. Never operate under the inuence of drugs or alcohol. Protect
the environment. The Kawasaki MULE side x side is an off-highway vehicle only, and is not designed, equipped, or manufactured for use on public
he turned Id have any easy shot, KAWASAKI CARES:
streets; roads or highways. Obey the laws and regulations that control the use of your vehicle. Read Owners Manual and all on product warnings.
Always wear protective gear appropriate for the use of this vehicle. Never operate under the inuence of drugs or alcohol. Protect
except he turned at full speed and all KAWASAKI CARES:
2017
the environment.
Always
Kawasaki
the environment. Thewear protective
Motors Corp.,
Kawasaki
U.S.A. Printedgear
MULE sideappropriate
in U.S.A. for the use of
x side is an off-highway this vehicle.
vehicle only, and Never
is notoperate
designed,under the inuence
equipped, of drugs orforalcohol.
or manufactured use on Protect
public
four deer went sprinting through the streets;streets; roadsTheor Kawasaki
highways. MULE
Obey theside lawsx and
sideregulations
is an off-highway vehicle
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of your designed,
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Owners Manual or manufactured for usewarnings.
and all on product on public
roads
2017 or highways.
18MULEFXR6x5c
Kawasaki MotorsObey
Corp.,the lawsPrinted
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in U.S.A. that control the use of your vehicle. Read Owners Manual and all on product warnings.
hardwoods. No flags, just enjoy- 2017 Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A. Printed in U.S.A.

18MULEFXR6x5c WNW NEWS OCTOBER 2017 85

18MULEFXR6x5c
 Crossbow Shooters...By Kenny Darwin
Cant miss archery buck tactics
I
n the early morning fog I
could make out the outline
of the big 10-point as he
slowly moved along the
edge of the cedar swamp.
His swollen neck and large
body signaled the rut was fast ap-
proaching and his polished antlers
stood out against the green trees like
white outreaching fingers against a
Halloween swampland.
A quick glance with binoculars
confirmed he was a shooter and the
rangefinder indicated he was standing
broadside at 53 yards. Thats when I
reached down and turned the dial on
my Optimizer Scope adjuster a tad
over 50 yards. The 40mm illuminated
cross hair was glowing red when I
rested the Darton crossbow on my
Trigger Stick and began to squeeze
the trigger. The red illuminated
cross hair was on his chest when I
touched the light trigger and the bolt
released. I heard a solid thud indicat-
ing the Spitfire XXX hit the buck
and watched the big buck mule-kick,
tuck tail and sprint across the open
field. His leaps soon shortened as he
struggled to run then tumbled head
over heels less than 40 yards from
impact.
I raised my crossbow toward the
heavens and made a silent prayer
Thank you Lord for the big buck
down as I scrambled across the open
field. There in the grassy hay field laid
a dandy 10-point that I arrowed at an
amazing 53 yards, no problem.
My secret to long range archery
accuracy was dependent upon a reli-
able bow, quality optics and HHA
scope adjusting system that is revolu-
tionary and extremely accurate. Back
when I carried a long bow I would
only shoot if deer were kissin close,
with compound equipment my ac-
curacy doubled to 20 yards but now
with a modern fast shooting crossbow,
quality optics, HHA Optimizer and
steady rest I can take out a buck from
1-80 yards. If you want to increase
accuracy, extend your archery range
and make more clean kills Ive got
impressive information to help you
achieve those goals.
Crossbow accuracy begins with
a quality crossbow. Last year I field
tested several and discovered they
all shoot accurately. In many ways
all crossbows are similar, yet there
are big differences in weight, loud-
ness, balance, trigger pull and much
more. The biggest problem is some
crossbows have a heavy trigger pull
ranging from 6-9 pounds. Heavy trig-
ger pull is the major cause of missed
crossbow shots at bucks. Even at
close range a heavy trigger will cause
hunters to pull the sights off target and
increase chances for missed shots or
crippled animals. While many manu-
86 OCTOBER 2017 WNW NEWS
The author, Kenny Darwin, admires a beautiful 10-point he arrowed
at 53 yards with his crossbow.
facturers offer accurate crossbows, the
trigger pull is simply too heavy for
consistent accuracy. My suggestions
is visit a dealer and shoot or handle a
variety of crossbows and find one that
best fits you, has a reliable safety and
a light trigger pull. I also suggest you
shoot each crossbow prior to purchase
and make certain the trigger pull is
quality, not too heavy or has too much
trigger creep or trigger movement
prior to firing. Each crossbow shoul-
ders differently and some simply are
not comfortable to shoot, others fit
you like a glove and you can rest your
cheek on the stock, see through the
scope clearly, get a good grip on the
forearm and zap the target with ease.
Keep in mind some crossbows make
a loud bark when they fire but others
are equipped with noise dampening
systems and vibration eliminators to
make bolt release smooth and rela-
tively silent.
The same is true for bows. Select
a product that is lightweight, silent,
and accurate and fits your shooting
style. With all the new bow sights
available you can get reliable accura-
cy at long distances by using a single
pin dial sight like the Cabelas Lucky
1 Sight, HHA Optimizer King Pin,
Apex Gear Covert and TruGlo Range
Rover. However, the biggest disad-
vantage of using a traditional vertical
bow versus a horizontal crossbow is
you are hand holding which requires
coordination, muscle tone and upper
body fitness. Long distance shooting
accuracy requires a lot of skill, muscle
tone and shooting experience. In most
cases practice makes perfect and the
more you dial and shoot at a variety
of distances the more you become
familiar with your personal accuracy
at different distances and learn your
limitations.
Ive seen some archers drill the
target at 70 yards while most cant
even hit the target and frequently stick
the backstop. On the other hand a
crossbow can deliver reliable accura-
cy at unbelievable distances primarily
because you can steady them on a rest
and deliver accurate bolt placement.
The process begins by selecting a
quality crossbow.
My choice was the Michigan
made Darton Toxin 180 because it of-
fers a crisp 3-pound trigger pull with
no trigger creep. I can place the cross
hair on target, lightly touch the trig-
ger and the bolt consistently hits the
bulls eye. Crossbows have come a
long way in a short period and todays
products are becoming more user
friendly, lightweight and designed for
comfortable shooting. The Darton is
well balanced, fits like a dream and
when the stock is on my shoulder I
can reach the safety and trigger with
ease. I like the textured forearm for
increased grip and stability and my
cheek rests properly against the stock.
Oh, did I mention speed? This baby
cooks em out at around 400 fps and
offers enough down range energy to
bring down a mature buck at incred-
ible distances.
Sure I saw the YouTube posting
of shooters hitting the target with a
crossbow at 200 yards but the idea of
killing deer at long range was nothing
but a pipe dream until I consulted Len
LaCourse, owner of Compounds and
Crossbows in Lansing. If you match
the Darton crossbow with their quality
2-7x40mm Darton Hi-Grade illumi-
nated scope and Optimizer you simply
dial and shoot from 20-80 yards, he
explained. Over the years Ive heard
stories about long range crossbow
accuracy and decided to gear up and
give it a whirl. I must admit I never
intended to actually kill a deer at long
distance but that all changed after
some target practice.
I set up my Block target and
ranged the distance at 50 yards, dialed
the Optimizer to 50, got a solid rest,
squeezed the trigger and wham,
nicked the 10-ring. My second and
third shot were in a circle the size of
a bucks heart. So I got brave, put the
target way out, ranged the distance
83 yards, reset the Optimizer at 80,
got a solid rest, controlled breathing,
squeezed the trigger and wham hit
the target dead center. After just a few
outings to the target practice range I
felt confident I could hit a buck in the
kill zone 98 percent of the time at just
about any range.
I tested the weapon on a wood-
chuck at 61 yards and the accurate
bolt pinned him to the ground. A
similar shot at a crow in a hay field
produced black feathers flying in the
wind and a dead demon of the sky.
In a short period of time I changed
from a short range archer to a long
range junkie frothing at the mouth for
a challenging shot with my new toy.
However, the system has some down-
falls. The biggest culprit to accuracy
is wind. My test shooting revealed ex-
cellent accuracy at ranges up to about
40 yards but if there was a 15 mph
crosswind the bolt would miss target
at longer distances. If the wind is
howling I would advise not shooting
at deer past 40 yards unless you are an
expert shooter and know exactly how
to adjust for varied wind speeds. Hand
held shots produced impressive results
up to about 50 yards under ideal wind
conditions, but if you want excellent
accuracy and guaranteed kill shots at
deer you need to use a solid rest.
Most savvy archers use sand bags,
bull bags and more. The trick to ac-
curate shooting hinges on how well
you can steady the crossbow, get the
cross hair to stay on target and control
breathing as you lightly squeeze the
trigger. Believe me, accurate shoot-
ing requires practice and dont expect
to hit an apple at 80 yards until you
have refined the fine art of accurate
shooting. Some hunters swear by the
Cant miss tactics page 88
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WNW NEWS OCTOBER 2017 87
Cant miss archery tactics:
from page 86
Caldwell shooting rest system because
of its unmatched stability, durable
components and precision engineer-
ing. Others use a reliable bipod or
shooting sticks like the Bog Pod that
has a 360 degree rotating head and
tripod base. For stalking and rela-
tively short range shooting the Primos
Gen 2 Trigger Stick bipod is a good
choice. Dont overlook the Primos
Gen 2 tripod Trigger Stick that offers
increased stability and accuracy. Long
range crossbow accuracy is much like
rifle shooting because you need to
experiment with different broadheads,
bolts and sight-in the bow from close
to far range. Accuracy is often directly
related to the amount of time you
practice, learn your weapon and its
weaknesses and strong attributes.
I cant say enough about how
happy I am with the HHA Optimizer
Speed Dial System. It is easy to bolt
on the crossbow and holds the scope
in ideal position at eye level for ac-
curate bolt placement. This system
can be used with just about any scope
or red dot sight. It is recommended
for crossbows that shoot from 260 to
410 fps and comes with several Speed
Tapes to match your bow. I tested a
couple other range dial systems and
found the Optimizer to provide un-
paralleled accuracy. You can convert
your crossbow overnight into a long
range killing machine simply by add-
ing the HHA Optimizer. The trick is
to sight it in, play with it, practice at a
variety of distances and get outdoors
and do some field shooting tests. For
me the transition took just a few days
and I went from passing on shots to
drilling the bulls eye.
When it comes to long range ac-
curacy Im sold on fold-down style
open on impact broadheads. Fixed
blades tend to offer more air resis-
tance and the blades catch the wind
and pull bolts off target. There are
several outstanding broadheads for
shooting accuracy including: Rage,
Wasp Jackhammer, Grim Reaper and
more. My choice is the New Archery
Products Spitfire Triple X mechani-
cal broadhead with three ultra-tough
blades, 2 cutting diameter and hard-
ened trophy tip. Ive had outstanding
luck with NAP Spitfire heads. At one
time I used the 1 cutting diameter
and found the Spitfire Maxx with 1
diameter is deadly but after arrow-
ing several deer with the new Spitfire
Triple X with 2 cutting diameter Im
absolutely sold on its massive wounds
and lethal killing abilities.
Quality optics is the secret to
success if you seek accurate archery
shots. Far too many crossbow manu-
facturers sell crossbows complete
with cheap scope and rings. Some-
times the rings are soft metal and
treads strip when you tighten and the
rings tend to be not sturdy enough for
hunting. The solution is to get better
quality military-style rings and scope
mounts made of heavy duty materials.
Most cheap scopes are made over-
seas and frequently the vertical and
horizontal adjustments do not function
properly to dial-in bolt accuracy.
In addition, the optics can be
somewhat blurred on the edges and
the range of clear vision is limited.
Manufacturers would be better off
equipping expensive crossbows with
sturdy mounts, rings and high-quality
optics. I suggest you upgrade to a
better scope. Some shooters switch to
quality rifle scopes or scopes custom-
ized for crossbows. If you want clear
optics with ideal magnification take
a peek at the Darton 2x7x40mm Hi-
Grade illuminated scope. This scope
is ultra-clear, focus is adjustable,
illuminated cross hair can be turned
to dim mode, cross hairs are not too
thick for long distance accuracy,
40mm scope draws incredible amount
of light and targets are completely
in focus. I used this scope to arrow
my Michigan State Record crossbow
gobbler and used it to place accurate
shots through thick brush, tall grass,
cornfields and long distances.
I guess what Im saying is the
secret to crossbow accuracy depends
on quality optics, reliable adjustable
sighting systems and of course great
crossbows with a relatively light trig-
ger pull. You simply cannot expect
great long range accuracy with a
cheap scope, soft metal rings and an
outdated crossbow that has a trigger
pull over 5 pounds. Fast bolt speed
over 330 fps is important for long
range accuracy too.
When the moment of truth arrives
and you have ranged your buck over
40 yards do you have the confidence
to make the shot? Have you practiced
at a variety of distances and attained
the skills needed for accurate shoot-
ing? Do you have a solid rest to keep
the cross hairs in the kill zone? Do
you know how to hold your breath,
use the tip of your shooting finger to
slowly squeeze the trigger and touch
off a shot that is guaranteed to be
deadly? Are you frustrated with pass-
ing bucks because they are slightly
out of range? If so, now is the time to
upgrade your equipment, start practic-
ing and developing the confidence
and shooting skills necessary to
make clean kills at just about any
distance.n

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October is legendary Frank Willetts
owner of the
By Mark Sak PM Lodge
and Chuck

O
ctober and Michigan go to-
gether like pumpkins and corn
stalks. We are so fortunate in
this state. On a recent trip to Califor-
nia I spoke to a gentleman about our
seasons. On his bucket list was getting
to Michigan in October to see the trees
turn color. I happened to have a picture
on my phone that showed peak colors
from last year. He sighed and said,
You folks are so lucky, every day is
the same here. I reminded him that
this beauty was short-lived and soon
after we would have sub-zero tempera-
tures. Yeah but it would be worth it,
he said.
If one happens to be a sportsman
or woman in Michigan, you really hit
the jackpot every fall. Starting out
with a great early goose season that
has witnessed some very consistent
increases in goose numbers, and then
we slide right into our archery deer sea-
son which opens statewide on October
1. This 6-week early season is now
a favorite among hunters. The DNR
estimates there are approximately 5.48
bow hunters per square mile, second
only to Pennsylvania at 5.72 per square
mile. The season sees drastic changes
through October, November and then
finally through December in the second
season. But the October season remains
very special. Listening to geese fly
above the tree tops, blue jays scolding
us, and that ever present gray squirrel
imitating the buck of our dreams loping
through the woods. The smell of the
fields and woodlot are magnificent.
Man has yet to duplicate that smell,
and that is a good thing as it as special
as the color of our maples in October.
There are other hunters out in
October that are running pointing
dogs and retrievers. Yes, there are still
pheasant and grouse hunters pushing
fields and woodlots in Michigan. The
Michigan Pheasant Restoration Initia-
tive (a conservation partner program
in Michigan), has provided the habitat
and the birds are there. It may not be
20-30 flushes per day like the good old
days, but if hunters do their homework
and cover some ground they will be
sore and smiling at the end of the hunt.
Grouse hunting has been strong in
many areas in Michigan. Find some
newer stands of spruce and birch and
chances are your pup is going to get
birdy. Of course Michigan offers a
wonderful fall turkey season that is
under-utilized. All three of these upland
sports are great for youngsters to be
involved in as well.
But let us not forget the anglers
among us. October is one of the best
months to be on the water. Most of
the jet skis are parked and the launch
ramps are full, but the fish have big
shoulders and are feisty. Walleyes are
my personal favorite in the fall. Lake
Erie and Saginaw Bay offer tremen-
dous angling opportunities, and if the
crew limit out early, throw some perch
spreaders with pieces of crawler or
minnows if you have them. Both Erie
and Saginaw Bay have some world
class jumbos in them right now. Small-
mouth and largemouth are also on the
feedbag in October. Throw the big
cranks or jig-N-pigs in the fall and get
ready for some ferocious strikes. In-
land lakes also offer some really qual-
ity pan fish bites in October as there are
still some small hatches happening and
the crappies and gills go into a feeding
frenzy. Its a great time to get some fil-
lets in the freezer.
Of course we cant forget about
Michigans salmon and trout fishery
in October. To everyones surprise we
witnessed some of the biggest salmon
ever taken on the great lakes with one
Follet with a
great river
run Chinook
king weighing in at 42 pounds. They
will all be in the river in early October
trying to find that perfect gravel bar
where they hatched. Shortly after the
salmon the steelhead and brown trout
will follow taking advantage of all the
roe floating around.
I will also save a day this fall to
try to pick a fight with a big Lake St.
Clair muskie. These fish are the big-
gest and baddest in late October and
early November and many fish over 50
inches are being caught and released on
St. Clair. Casting for these monsters
has really taken off and with the right
tackle more folks can access these fish.
Many are actually starting to jig for
them on the Detroit in the fall. Imagine
a 40-pound muskie on a jig!
I hope you are as excited as I am
about October in Michigan. I also
hope you have a safe and productive
fall. This year drag a youngster out
there with you so they can see why we
get so excited.n

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WNW NEWS OCTOBER 2017 89
 The strangest thing you ever caught while fishing -- continued...

Mystery of the Magic Rod

I
Dear Fish Diary:
n February, I launched my
search for readers to write
to me about the strang-
est thing theyve ever
caught while fishing. As
the stories come in, Im
sifting through them and getting
some pretty good laughs. I got this
idea after I read about a fisherman
in Miami, Florida, catching a kilo
of cocaine off the coast of Miami. If
youve had an odd catch, I certainly
want to hear about it.
the gas can back into the lake and
has harbored a lifetime of regrets for
doing so. Last month we met Jim
Samuelson, the Dearborn man who
in the middle of the night caught and
reeled in an entire boat with
another fisherman aboard.
My last entry was of Rick
Weidman, of Middleville,
who as a child somehow
hooked a baby duck which
started a circus of events.
Now, we move on with
a new story, a magical
story. A story with enchant-
wondering, how do I get one of
these magic wands? Well, they
certainly arent for sale no matter
how much manufacturers lead you
to believe their products are magi-
cal. You wont find one that
is imbedded in a rock and
have to pull it out in order
to receive its magical pow-
ers. Forget getting one of
these gems at a garage sale
or on Ebay. The only way
to get one is to have it get
you. You see, these magi-
cal rods are actually drawn
He began to reel in his catch, but to
his dismay, what he had seemingly
caught was fishing line. Not giving
in, he began to retrieve the fishing
line and was rewarded with a Zebco
rod and reel. Once he boated the rod
and reel, he felt more tugging, as
there was still more line out attached
to the combo. His dismay turned to
excitement as he began reeling and
now feeling a good fight. It wasnt
long until he was staring in the eye
of a three-foot gar.
So what you say. A guy caught
some fishing line that was attached

By Ron St. Germain

So far youve met Nancy Has-
call, of Ostego, and got the hilarious
story of her adventure catching and
releasing a bat while fly fishing.
Youve met Mark Leegstra, of Gray-
ling, who mysteriously caught a
fawn, the extraordinary story of Paul
Kazmierski, the Grand Rapids man
who caught a pair of expensive pre-
scription glasses and actually found
the owner and returned them. There
was the confession of Tom Matych,
who as a child caught a gas can that
had a bullhead stuck in it and threw
ed weeds beds,
whimsical
blooming lilies,
playful dragonflies and of course, a
magic wand. But this magic wand
is no ordinary magic wand. When
this magic wand is in the hand of its
owner, it catches fish, lots and lots
and lots of fish. So many fish in fact
that the wand seems to cast a spell
on its owner causing them to fish
more frequently because the fishing
is so good.
Many of you are probably
to their next
potential owner
in some sort of
supernatural way. They lay dormant
waiting for you to appear, and when
you do, they attach themselves to
you and wallaaaa!!!
Such is the case for Ron Adam-
czyk of Muskegon. In the late 80s
Ron was drifting leeches on Hough-
ton Lake in hopes of catching wall-
eye. It was a fishing day like all oth-
er fishing days until he got a strike
that would change his fishing life.
to a rod and reel and that was at-
tached to more fishing line that
was attached to a three-foot gar. So
whats the big deal? Well, it wasnt
just any gar. It happened to be a gar
that was four-inches over the Master
Angler qualifying length. Ron only
had this rod in his possession for a
matter of minutes and it had already
caught a trophy fish. Quite possi-
bly this gar surely must have been
the gate keeper and protector of
the magic rod. It wasnt like it was
a bluegill, sunfish or bass, it was

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a prehistoric looking monster fish
with a mouth full of teeth. The kind
of fish only the magical underwater
kingdom would choose and trust to
keep the magic rod safe until it was
in the hands of its rightful owner.
Ron released the mystic gar
back to its paranormal, mysterious
underworld and spent several years
using his magic rod for perch fishing
on Lake Michigan. Several years
of success mind you, as the magic
rod helped him compose the perfect
combination for perch nirvana.
But magic doesnt last forever.
As with every fairytale, there is
always an evil sorcerer looming
about and scheming ways to un-
ravel a happy ending. And so it was
on that dreadful day while fishing
on Lake Michigan, unknowing of
the evil that lay in wait, a wicked
dark pool moved into his fishing
area and chased the fish away. Not
realizing the horrible cryptic pres-
ence that had snuck up on him in
the wide open water, Ron decided
to move his fishing location. When
he arrived at his new spot, he turned
for his magic rod and it was gone.
Gone I tell you. Gonesucked
into the surreptitious depths of the
unexplained. What must Ron have
said or done to anger the fish Gods
enough to reclaim their magic rod?
Or was it truly the dark side finally,
but only temporarily, claiming the
magic rod.
Now, a new fish elf is probably
at the helm, waiting, and wait-
ing, and waiting. Probably a giant
Master Angler sized Great Lakes
muskie, so the new owner of the
magic rod will have some work on
their hands when trying to retrieve
it. If that new owner happens to be
you, just remember, at some point
your luck will run out. Just enjoy
the good times, savor the fun, love
the experience and embrace each
moment as they come. Dont take
your magic rod for granted, because
on some gloomy day, your good
fortune can be pulled off the back of
your boat quicker than you can say
walleye. Or, maybe you should just
remember to reel in before you start
the motor and take off.
Funny fish stories
wanted: Strangest thing
youve ever caught?
Send a short description of your
best or worst fishing day, or worst
fishing-related adventure to me.
You dont have to write the entire
story, just a brief outline of what
happened. If it has some humor to it
Ill be getting in touch with you and
well work on the completed story
together. Contact - Woods-n-Water
News columnist Ron St. Germain by
calling (517) 626-2814, e-mailing
DaPhotoDude@aol.com. Visit the
authors Facebook page www.Face-
book.com/BearwaveBooksn
Michigan environmental and outdoor
education celebrates 30 years
The Michigan Alliance for Environmental and Outdoor Education
(MAEOE) will celebrate 30 years this fall with its annual conference at CMU
in Mt. Pleasant Oct. 6-8.
The MDNR has long been a sponsor and supporter of the organization
and the conference, said Kevin Frailey, DNR Education Services manager. It
is simply the best network in Michigan for anyone interested in this area of
education. MAEOE President Ashlie Smith thinks this will be a conference to
remember.
We look forward to being in the geographical center of Michigan, which
gives many formal and non-formal educators an opportunity to participate,
Smith said. In addition, CMU is known for its outdoor education-related
programs, some of the best in the state.
Co-conference chair Cindy Fitzwilliams-Heck is excited about the confer-
ence agenda as well.
The program is very diverse, with a combination of workshops, 45-min-
ute breakout sessions and plenty of half-day field trips to choose from, said
Fitzwilliams-Heck. These include everything from a tour of the Ziibiwing
Center to learn about Michigans Native American heritage to a canoe/kayak
trip down the Chippewa River.
A snapshot of the conference and what it has to offer is available at www.
maeoe.com. Registration is now open.
Although the conference officially begins Friday morning, Oct. 6, several
preconference workshops will be offered Thursday morning, including envi-
ronmental educator certification training and Red Cross courses.
Frailey, who will be conducting a DNR session with live sea lamprey Friday
afternoon, thinks this conference is critical for educators, both formal and
non-formal, to keep up with education and natural resources trends.
Networking with other educators and experts in the field makes us all
better at our jobs. Michigan has an incredibly rich tradition of being a national
leader in both environmental and outdoor education, Frailey said.
Teachers, college students and anyone with an interest in our variety of ses-
sions are welcome. This is a conference you dont want to miss.
The MAEOE is a professional association supporting and advancing envi-
ronmental and outdoor education statewide. Established through the merger
of two previously existing professional organizations for environmental and
outdoor educators, MAEOE was officially incorporated in 1987.

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WNW NEWS OCTOBER 2017 91



TROPHY PAGE
Jason
Rudd
with
a nice
coho
salmon
taken
while
fishing
Lake
Michi-
gan Jake Denz caught and released this
His first big one! Sullivan (aka muskie while jigging for walleye in the
Sully) Braden, 6, caught this 5 North Channel in Lake St. Clair fishing
pounder that was 20 inches with his dad.
Pete Sansone with a long on a rubber crawler on a
private farm pond in Nashville, MI
nice lake trout on Lake and he struggled to hold it up for
Michigan the photo.
Nolan
Hofer,
15-years-
Arlene old, reeled
Behrenwald in this
caught this
monster
46 inch
lake trout
46 lb. catfish
fishing
in Montcalm
Lake
Co. This is
Huron
her largest
Giant Cat! near Port
Brendan Kriefeldt caught this huge king out of Sanilac on
Manistee while fishing with family and friends.
The mornings catch for a crew of five includ- July 4.
ed: 6 kings, 2 lake trout and 1 steelhead.

Happy
angler
Luke
Salyers
of Dear-
born first
BIG fish! Sullivan and Lanora Schroeder
Emily Brown, 9, caught several bluegill Brady J with 26 pike from Rifle
caught this 21 inch, 3 pound
on Long Lake in Hastings and on her last catfish on their grandparents
cast back at the dock she expertly hooked Lake in Lupton taken on Aug. 6. pond.
this big dogfish; 4 lb. 28 inches.

Brody
Brandstatter
Jr., 9, wall-
eye fishing
with his dad
had a great
day around
the Char-
ity Islands
in Saginaw
Bay!
Fishing Brothers: Christopher Cosgrove, 9, caught this Trevor Franks of PawPaw shows
24 pike and Landon, 6, caught a 16 rock bass fishing off the 38 inch Gar Pike he caught!
on Black Lake near Onaway in August.
92 OCTOBER 2017 WNW NEWS
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 My prediction for the 2017
whitetailed-deer seasons
P
rior to the 2016 deer
hunting seasons I as-
sumed and wrote that
we would experience a
larger deer herd, plenty
of big bucks and an
increase in the buck kill
statewide. I believe we did;
while attending several of
our state deer hunting expos
I saw some brutes placed
on display by Commemo-
rative Bucks of Michigan.
I personally saw at least
three Booner-bucks at these
shows. Not two many years
By Ed Spinazzola
back it was unusu-
ally to even have
a single Booner
taken in our state.
Calling the Boone and Crocket
Club in Montana in August, I was
told that they had 18 bucks reg-
istered at 160 points or more for
Michigan, but cautioned it is still
early. Plus not everyone who takes
a real keeper registers their deer.
In my article published by WNW
News we suggested a much im-
proved and healthy 2016 total deer
herd and especially the buck harvest
due to the following, a big bumper
crop of acorns in 2015, a mild 2015-
2016 winter season, excellent early
and wet growing conditions and
most importantly many hunters are
now voluntarily passing on yearling
bucks. Many are telling me that
2016 was an excellent and improved
deer hunting year. My 2016 deer
hunting experience was full of ex-
pectations that were fulfilled. What
was your experience last year?
Many call the passing of year-
ling bucks no more than a form of
trophy buck management. Sorry,
that may be true for some of us. But
for those whose goal is a well man-
aged deer herd to become as natural
as we can get them is the ultimate
success. For being a natural herd is
how they evolved from terrier sized
deer with tusks millions of years
ago to what they became a hundred
years ago. Yes, a hundred years ago
for our state natural resources man-
agement group decided then to build
up the deer herd with no harvest of
does, but take the bucks. It worked
and convinced the much growing
numbers of deer hunters that does
are our sacred cow, plus they had
the opportunity to take just about
every buck they observed.
It may have been conceived as
a blessing to the deer hunter, but it
wasnt a blessing to the deer herd.
The natural culture of the buck herd
was destroyed. The doe segment
94 OCTOBER 2017 WNW NEWS
has its own culture, which is totally
divorced from the buck culture and
their habits. The older and more
aggressive bucks take charge and
develop a picking order with them
doing the bulk of the breeding while
the yearlings are looking
and lurking about with their
tongues hanging. This is as
it should be for the yearling
bucks are still immature
and need another year for
growth. Its hard to change,
but change we must. Lets
get our herd to be as natural
as we can get them and
savor the experi-
ence of seeing old
majestic bucks
strutting about, does blasting by
at full speed with a hopeful ma-
ture buck on her tail and that buck
followed by two more desperate
yearling bucks. Im blessed for I had
that same experience! Managing
deer to be more natural is the goal
of the Quality Deer Management
Association (QDM) not trophy deer
management.
Expected 2017 Deer
Season Experience
We had an exceptionally easy
2016-2017 winter, which indicates
future pleasure for our 2017 deer
season hunters. Im getting pretty
good at this prediction thing, so here
goes. The author is predicting another good year despite a poor acorn
First and most important, we crop last year. Kenny Darwin photo
had very little to no acorns last fall
2016 throughout our state. Not a We had rain aplenty this spring 16 inches, hardwoods grew twigs
good thing. The presence or lack of and it just never stopped in most of and leaf growth to the point that
acorns is key to the following years Michigan and is still coming down even some red oak leaf growth left
experience. It affects the health of except for the present lack of rain in no sun rays reaching the soil. You
pregnant does, the developing fetus, southwest lower Michigan. can normally see bits of the sun
the number of fawns born and their So, I predict a good deer season under a red oak due to the large
survival potential, the development throughout our state with plenty of spacing of red oak leaves. I have
of future antlers and general health healthy bucks taken except there seeded food plots on poor state land
of all deer come spring and more. will not be as many super antlered in a field of red oaks and the forage
We had at least in mid-Michigan bucks as 2016, but there will be grew right up to the trunk. Red oaks
a very dry and hot mid-summer in some big keepers. I believe this can grow in poor soil, white oaks
2016. We received 1/2 of an inch of is due to many of our deer hunt- need and demand moisture. Grandpa
rain in July with several days above ers passing up on yearlings and told me this many years ago. Red
90 degrees. This lack of moisture therefore we now have quite a few oaks can mean poor soil, especially
and heat slowed the growth of natu- mature 5-7 year old bucks. Older when red oaks are just about the
ral forage and planted food plots. bucks can take a hit from a lack of only tree growing. White oaks mean
We verified this phenomenon when acorns and just average winter for- better soil that holds moisture or has
observing the new growth of vegeta- age being available. The presence of a high water table. That last bit of
tion in our woods and food plots, excellent new forage being available knowledge is important. Having a
not a good thing. The new twigs and throughout this years early spring high water table can forgive many
buds of future leaves and flowers of and summer and due to the good sins.
forest vegetation were negatively af- moisture picture will make up for Keep the fun in hunting!
fected. Our natural winter forage for the lack of acorns, but just for the Ed Spinazzola, is an associate
deer was hit. Also, not a good thing. older bucks. with Tony LaPratts Ultimate Land
I believe the mild winter bal- I noted a definite increase of Management. For more information
anced against the lack of acorns and forest growth this year. Evergreens check www.tonysulm.com or www.
less than preferred natural forest grew new center limbs up to two deerattraction.com or call 586-784-
growth comes out a draw. feet long, versus an average of 12- 8090.n
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WNW NEWS OCTOBER 2017 95
 My Thoughts, My Views, My Opinions & My Humor...
Running the Asian Carp gauntlet
The Great Lakes sport-fishery generates $7 billion annually in economic activity each year...
I
n June, the discovery of a
live silver carp just nine
miles from Lake Michigan
sent shockwaves through
the Great Lakes com-
munity. It also
renewed calls from Great
Lakes lawmakers and con-
servation organizations like
the National Wildlife Fed-
eration for the Army Corps
of Engineers to release a
draft feasibility plan for
improving defenses at the
Brandon Road
Lock and
Dam in Joliet,
By Drew YoungeDyke
Illinois. The plan had been expected
in late February but delayed indefi-
nitely by the Trump administration.
After over five months, we now
have that plan.
The Army Corps of Engineers
(Corps) released its long-awaited
plan for keeping Asian carp out of
the Great Lakes on August 7. Their
plan essentially makes Asian carp
run the gauntlet of multiple overlap-
ping deterring technologies at the
Brandon Road Lock and Dam near
Joliet, Illinois, designed to keep
them from entering the Chicago
Area Waterway System (CAWS)
which connects the Mississippi
River basin to the Great Lakes.
Before the plan can be implemented,
though, it must run a gauntlet of its
own.
The Corps evaluated multiple
options ranging from no additional
action to complete lock closure
before recommending a Tenta-
tively Selected Plan (Plan), which
Rationale for APRs within the Bovine TB DMUs
T
By Dick Zook
he highest priority ac-
tion described in the
Michigan Bovine TB
Response Plan is to re-
duce the whitetail deer
population within the
Northeast Lower Peninsula (NELP)
deer management units (DMU) 452
& 487 by increasing the harvest of
does. The hunting communitys sup-
port of harvesting does has been good
but not sufficient enough to get the
results needed. It appears that it is
not enough, as the MDNR 2016 Deer
Harvest Survey report shows the deer
harvested within the six county BTB
zone is 12,260 antlerless deer which
96 OCTOBER 2017 WNW NEWS
combines all of the structural and
nonstructural technologies they
considered independently in the
other options. These include an
engineered channel fitted with an
electric barrier, water jets,
complex noise, and a flush-
ing lock. This combina-
tion of technologies was
selected because, together,
they provide the greatest
protection against Asian
carp while still keeping
navigation open. While the
most protec-
tive measure
would be to
simply close the lock, the political
reality is that a complete closure
of navigation would not garner
enough support from lawmakers at
this time to be approved. As it is,
the plan recommended by the Corps
has an uphill battle, with the Illinois
governor and shipping interests op-
posing it from the outset simply for
the delay in shipping that would be
caused by the construction of and
navigation into the engineered chan-
nel and lock.
And yet, this plan is the best
near-term option for getting addi-
tional defenses in place to prevent
Asian carp from establishing a
population in Lake Michigan, which
is more critical than ever with the
discovery of the live silver carp
this June just nine miles from Lake
Michigan, and about 28 miles be-
yond the only current defense, a set
of electrical barriers in the CAWS. A
Southern Illinois University autopsy
revealed that the four-year-old male
is only 84% of the 14,532 bucks
harvested. This can only be expected
to result in an increased deer popula-
tion. Unfortunately, understanding
the need to harvest more does is not
complete within the hunting com-
munity and needs both a deer harvest
regulation change and more outreach
education to improve. There is good
rationale for implementing an APR
harvest regulation.
Root Cause And Effect
The APR issue stems from a deer
management shortcoming as a result
of ninety years of harvesting a ma-
jority of 1 year old bucks, which
directly results in a compressed age
structure of the bucks in the deer herd
and a high ratio of adult does-to-adult
The Corps plan is not the perfect long-term solution; we still need ongo-
ing planning for a solution to prevent the two-way transfer of invasive
species between the Great Lakes and Mississippi River basins.
silver carp spent the majority of its
life below the barriers in the Middle
Mississippi/Illinois River and Des
Plaines River waters, and had only
lived in Little Calumet River waters
where it was found for a few weeks
or months. Though the U.S. Fish
and Wildlife Service does not know
how it got past the barriers, the fact
remains that, somehow, it did.
Before the plan can be imple-
mented, though before the en-
gineered channel, electric barrier,
water jets, complex noise infrastruc-
ture and flushing locks can be built
it must go through a gauntlet of
its own to get approved and funded.
This release of the draft feasibility
study on options for Brandon Road
bucks. A compressed age structure of
bucks and a high adult doe-to-adult
buck ratio are very closely related
and very difficult to separate in
studying, planning, or practicing deer
management. The use of APRs is
essentially a deer management tool to
effectively manage the herd to more
natural levels of age structure and
adult doe-to-adult buck ratios.
The real issue from both the
hunters perspective and the deer
management perspective is both a
compressed age structure of bucks
in the herd and an unbalanced adult
doe-to-adult buck ratio. The APR is
the only effective tool available to
more naturally balance both. The
hunting community makes the final
including the Tentatively Selected
Plan is just a middle stage in a
long process.
First, the Corps is holding a
public comment period through
October 2, including three public
comment sessions in Chicago, Mus-
kegon and Joliet. Next, the Corps
will incorporate the comments into
a second draft to reach an agency
decision, forecasted for August of
2018. The plan will then go through
an internal process review, sched-
uled for February of 2019, at which
time a state and agency review will
begin. All this is to get to a Chiefs
Asian Carp gauntlet page 99
deer management decision when they
pull the trigger or release the arrow.
Restricting the harvest of 1 year
old bucks results in many hunters
willingly harvesting a doe either for
the experience or the meat.
When hunters recognize the
cause and effect of harvesting a doe
instead of a small buck it benefits
both the age structure of the bucks in
the herd and the adult doe-to-adult
buck ratio. This single action also
has the benefit of helping to stabilize
the deer population and contribute to
deer population reduction. One deer
management decision results in two
and probably three positive deer man-
DMUs and TB page 98
 Hot Topics In The Outdoors...My Thoughts, My Views

WHY I HUNT
Non-hunter to deer
hunter, Why do you
hunt deer? Hunter to
non-hunter, If I have
to explain you will
Guest Column...By Bob Vogel
offices are closed. Workers use va-
cation time to miss work, or simply
do not show up for work. Families
head to their camp for this annual
This is a wonderful tradition that I
hope will continue for generations
to come.
Unfortunately, my parents and

I
not understand...
have used that line my-
self. The fact is, I am the
one who does not under-
stand.
For many hunting
whitetail deer is a family
tradition. Children grow up seeing
photographs of older generations in
red and black flannel shirts under
suspenders holding up wool pants.
They see photos of old unshaven
men in Elmer Fudd hats. They hear
stories of the family hunting camp.
They hear stories over and over of
great success, comical errors, and
mythical, huge racked bucks that
roam the woods and fields of their
dreams.
In the mid-west, where I grew
up, the opening day of the firearm
deer season is a holiday. Many
schools close for the day or the
week. Retail shops and business
vacation. Hunters of all ages sleep
in tight quarters that are heated with
wood burners. They awake early
to a huge breakfast prepared by a
family member who rarely cooks
at home. They pile on layers of
warm clothes. They fill back packs
with hunting gear and snacks. They
discuss, in low voices, that days
hunting location and strategy. They
walk to familiar hunting stands
waiting for dawn and first shooting
light. This is the dawn they have
awaited for an entire year.
These special days form lasting
bonds. This tradition is less about
the hunt and more about time spent
with family and friends. The sto-
ries, the laughter, the card games,
practical jokes, admiring the buck
pole, and time spent together are
the things that form lasting memo-
ries. These memories outlive the
participants and are handed down to
future generations of deer hunters.
grandparents were not hunters. I
missed out on this wonderful tradi-
tion. I cannot honestly claim tradi-
tion as the reason I hunt whitetail.
For some, deer hunting is a
pastime similar to golf or bowling.
It is something to do with friends.
It affords the participant time away
from their routine. It requires prac-
tice with new equipment and devel-
oping a skill that can be measured.
The golfer goes to the driving range
or putting green. The hunter goes
to the shooting range or 3D shoots.
The bowler will try a new glove.
The hunter will try a new release.
It is a form of competition between
participants. They read publications
that detail successful hunts. They
research and try new equipment The author setting a trail cam.
that promises to improve their skills
and success rate. They employ new Frankly, I admire these hunters.
strategies to improve their odds They are able to enjoy all aspects of
against that elusive Booner. For
these people, hunting is a sport. Why I Hunt page 100

Michigan bears could be better managed

W
isconsin is a
perfect ex-
ample of how
Michigan
could better
manage their
bear population. During 2016, Wis-
consin issued 11,520 bear licenses to
hunters in the state and those hunt-
ers registered 4,682 bears, according
to a report issued by the Wisconsin
DNR. Michigan only had 6,896 bear
licenses available in 2016, resulting
in 1,636 bruins being registered by
hunters.
bear season compared to a 46-day
hunt in most of the Upper Peninsula.
Bear hunting over bait was legal
from September 7 through October
4 in Wisconsin during 2016 and
hunting with hounds was
legal from September 14
through October 11. This
year, bear hunting with
hounds will be legal the
first week of the season.
Like Michigan, Wisconsin
is divided into bear man-
agement units or zones.
Wisconsins primary bear
verse and Kalkaska) of the Baldwin
BMU have had a 16-day season.
The Lower Peninsulas Red Oak
BMU has two weeks of bear hunt-
ing, with the second week in Octo-
ber limited to bowhunting
without the use of dogs.
Prior to 2012, the
Michigan DNR was is-
suing more bear licenses
than Wisconsin. A total of
11,745 licenses were avail-
able from the state during
2010 and 2011, resulting
in the registration of 2,115
As part of the discussion about
the number of bear licenses avail-
able each year, its important to
point out that not all hunters who
have the opportunity to buy a bear
license each year in Michigan do
so. Even among the hunters who
buy bear licenses, not all of them
actually hunt. The bottom line is
that far fewer people end up hunting
bears each year than the number of
licenses available.
Even though 12,993 bear licens-
es were available in Michigan dur-
ing 2008, for example, only 9,512

Wisconsin hunters harvested
almost three times as many bears as
Michigan and almost twice as many
hunters (1.7x) had the opportunity to
hunt bear in Wisconsin than Michi-
gan even though Michigan has more
land mass and bear habitat than
Wisconsin. Michigan has 56,809
square miles of landmass, 52% of
which is forested. The landmass in
Wisconsin is 54,158 square miles,
46% of which is forested. Wisconsin
hunters achieved the much higher
bear harvest during a shorter season,
too, during which success averaged
40.6% compared to an average suc-
cess rate of 34% in Michigan during
2015. Wisconsin only has a 35-day
By Richard P. Smith
range includes
19 counties in
the northern
part of the state.
Those 19 counties are separated
into three zones; A, B and D. The
remaining two-thirds of the state
is Zone C. No bear hunting with
hounds is allowed in Zone C, so
bear hunting over bait and hunting
natural food sources are the primary
hunting methods in that zone during
the entire 35-day season.
In Michigan, most of the Bald-
win and all of the Mio bear manage-
ment units (BMUs) only have one
week of bear hunting. The northern
three counties (Leelanau, Grand Tra-
and 2,013 bears
respectively. Be-
tween 2005 and
2009, the DNR issued from 11,803
to a high of 12,993 bear licenses
annually and hunters harvested
between 2,026 and 2,641 bruins per
year.
During those years, bears
were better managed because more
people had the opportunity to hunt.
The end result was fewer nuisance
bear complaints. Since 2012, a sys-
tem was implemented in Michigan
to deal with increasing bear dam-
age complaints by allowing license
holders to shoot bears before bear
season normally begins.
license holders actually hunted.
During 2010, only 8,108 hunters ac-
tually bear hunted in the state even
though 11,745 licenses were avail-
able. The bear license quota was the
same in 2011, but only 7,949 hunt-
ers hunted bear that year.
The same thing is true during
recent years when fewer bear licens-
es have been available. A total of
6,951 bear licenses were available
from the DNR during 2015, but only
4,994 of those who were success-
ful in the drawing actually hunted,
which is a difference of 1,957.
The bear license quota in 2014
Bear management page 99
WNW NEWS OCTOBER 2017 97
DMUs and TB: from page 96
agement results. Also, it generally
improves hunter satisfaction.
Another contributing factor that
results in expanding the deer popula-
tion is not harvesting enough does
to either stabilize the population or
keep it from expanding. Consider
that the annual fawn drop and fawn
recruitment is at a 1-to-1 sex ratio.
This alone should provide the basis
for annually harvesting at least as
many does as bucks. Then consider
that the adult doe-to-adult buck ratio
in Michigan is unknown but probably
exceeds 3:1 and may be 4:1 or great-
er. This comparison indicates that
does far outlive bucks. The MDNR
collects age data from harvested deer
but that data is not included in the
2016 Deer Harvest Survey report.
However, it is common to find har-
vested does ranging in age well into
the mid-teens, but it is very rare to
find a harvested buck exceeding 5
years old. This reflects the similar
imbalance as indicated by the adult
doe-to-adult buck ratio. How many
more does than bucks should we be
harvesting? Where in the state of
Michigan do the antlerless quotas and
doe harvest meet or exceed the buck
harvest? The deer population contin-
ues with wide variations over time.
Demonstrated
Successful Results
A few large hunt clubs have been
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successfully managing the deer herd
to expand the age structure of the
bucks in the deer herd and narrow the
balance of adult buck-to-adult doe
ratio for 20 years. Deer management
co-ops continue to grow, as neighbors
sharing objectives with an APR to
benefit the deer herd and the hunt-
ers, resulting in better deer manage-
ment and more support of population
control with more bucks. Leelanau
County and the Northwest twelve
counties under an APR regulation re-
flect satisfied hunters and successful
results. The MDNR harvest statistics
of 1 year old bucks continues to
decline but has much more room to
decline. The number of clubs and
private land owners within the BTB
zone that practice protection of 1
year old bucks and harvest of does
is unknown but in all probability
is growing as it is in the rest of the
Lower Peninsula.
The hunting community is
demonstrating a tendency to harvest
a doe rather than a 1 year old
buck. Where are the negatives? Not
harvesting enough does? We are
doing better but not enough. Hunter
support for a mandatory antler point
restriction exceeds 62 % in the
Northern Lower Peninsula accord-
ing to the MDNR 2016 Deer Harvest
Survey and continues to grow but
needs support from a deer harvest
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regulation change.
The hunting community is the
first and most important consider-
ation in deer management, as hunting
is recognized in deer management
agencies and organizations as the
only significant and effective tool
available for population control.
Michigan Department of Natural Re-
sources absolutely needs the hunting
community support to manage the
deer herd and control the deer popu-
lation. Additional harvest options
need consideration and implementa-
tion to help reduce the deer popula-
tion. Increased outreach is needed
to gain additional support from the
hunting community, cattle ranches,
and private land owners within the
BTB zones.
Bovine TB DMU 487/452
The MDNR description of DMU
487 indicates public land is 37% of
the 3035 square miles and private
land is 63%. The MDNR description
of DMU 452 indicates public land
is only 7% of the 570 square miles.
The two DMUs combined totals 3610
square miles with public lands com-
prising 1163 square miles or about
1/3 of the total six county areas. The
MDNR 2016 deer harvest survey
report shows the antlerless deer
license buyers for public land in the
combined area is 12,146 or about 10
per square mile, and 14,707 buyers
for private land or about 6 per square
mile. A deer harvest breakdown
between public and private land is
not included in the report. It appears
there is better support for harvesting
does on public land than on private
land.
The report shows 55,015 hunters
in the combined zone and 26,853
antlerless licenses purchased by 49%
of the hunters. The remaining 51%,
or about 28,000 of the hunters in the
BTB zone, would be a maximum that
some new incentive harvest regula-
tion would target to increase doe
harvest. The Combo License in the
BTB zone already allows harvest-
ing of antlerless deer during the rifle
season. It appears there remain a
large percentage of hunters that need
incentive to harvest more does. If
just 10% of the 28,000 hunters were
incentivized to harvest a doe that
would increase the doe harvest over
the 12,260 harvested in 2016 in the
BTB zone by over 20%. Implement-
ing an APR in the combined BTB
My Thoughts, My Views, My Opinions
Share your thoughts, views, opinions or short stories with
Woods-N-Water News readers by emailing
wnw@pageone-inc.com or mail to
Woods-N-Water News, PO Box 278, Imlay City, MI 48444
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zone would be a very worthwhile
objective to aid in population control
as well as satisfy hunters.
Closing
Utilizing an APR for the harvest
of bucks has a proven track record
of expanding the age structure of
bucks in the deer herd and reduc-
ing the adult doe-to-adult buck ratio
to a more natural level. It also has
demonstrated the ability to help
reduce and stabilize the deer popula-
tion where appropriate. Currently,
not enough does are being harvested
within the BTB zone to stabilize the
deer population let alone reduce it.
The MDNR submitted a pro-
posal for an APR in the Bovine TB
Deer Management Units 452 & 487,
and it was turned down at the July
meeting. There is a definite need to
harvest more does to reduce the deer
population within the Bovine TB
zone. This proposal is expected to
be a win-win situation with no down
side. There is very good probability
of harvesting more does than normal
but with no risk of harvesting fewer.
The best experts we have analyzed
the best science, logic, statistics, and
harvest history we have with the best
intent for increasing the doe harvest
and contributing to a deer population
reduction.
The hunting community has dem-
onstrated support of APR regulations
through Leelanau County, the North-
west Twelve, the growth of co-ops,
large hunt clubs, private land owners,
the growth of national associations,
the growth of state organizations, the
historical downtrend of harvest of 1
year old bucks, and the result of
MDNR hunter surveys. The results
can be expected to satisfy the USDA,
MDARD, Bovine TB Response Plan,
and the cattle ranchers.
When hunters recognize the cause
and effect of harvesting a doe instead
of a small buck it benefits both the
age structure of the bucks in the
herd and the adult doe-to-adult
buck ratio. Restricting the harvest
of 1 year old bucks provides the
incentive for harvesting a doe. This
single action also has the benefit of
helping to reduce or stabilize the
deer population. One deer manage-
ment decision results in two and
probably three positive deer
management results. Also, hunter
satisfaction can be expected to
improve.n
 Hot Topics In The Outdoors... My Thoughts, My Views (continued)

Asian Carp gauntlet: from page 96
Report by August 2019 almost two
years from now which is the final
draft.
Once the Chiefs Report is com-
plete, it will be submitted to Con-
gress for authorization of $179 mil-
lion, its share of the total estimated
$275 million cost of the project. In
the meantime, the Corps must find
a non-federal sponsor such as the
State of Illinois or a joint cost-share
amongst all the Great Lakes states
for the other approximately $96
million. Only when Congress au-
thorizes the project can construction
begin, which the Corps estimates
will be completed in 2025.
While $275 million seems like
a lot, consider that the Great Lakes
sport-fishery generates $7 billion
annually in economic activity each
year, according to a 2007 report by
Southwick Associates on behalf of
the American Sportfishing Associa-
tion. And while 2025 seems like a
long way off, consider that if we had
started a project like this in 2010
when the first (and only other) live
Asian carp was found on the wrong
side of the electric barriers, it might
have stopped the one found this
year. Its possible a few more Asian
carp will get through before its
completed, but what if a reproduc-
ing population doesnt get through
until 2026, and we could have pre-
vented it by acting now?
The Corps plan is not the
perfect long-term solution; we still
need ongoing planning for a solution
to prevent the two-way transfer of
invasive species between the Great
Lakes and Mississippi River basins,
which may eventually mean com-
plete ecological separation. Making
Asian carp run a gauntlet
of electric barriers, water jets,
complex noise and a flushing lock
at a critical chokepoint like the
Brandon Road Lock and Dam,
though, is the best option we have
now to save not just the Great Lakes
fisheries, but the fisheries and recre-
ational tourism economies of their
connected inland bays, rivers and
lakes.
So lets not waste any more
time: stop Asian carp now.
About the author: Drew Younge-
Dyke is the Great Lakes communi-
cations coordinator for the National
Wildlife Federation.n

Better bear management: from page 97

was 7,834, but an estimated 5,500
hunted for a difference of 2,334. The
license quota was 7,909 for 2013,
but the number of hunters was only
5,627, a difference of 2,282.
The more bear licenses are
available, the higher the number of
licenses that are not used. With these
numbers in mind, its clear that bear
license quotas must be 2,000 to
around 3,500 higher than the desired
number of bear hunters.
Not all hunters who are drawn
for bear licenses in Wisconsin buy
those licenses either, but a higher
percentage of their annual bear li-
censes are purchased than in Michi-
gan.
As with all seasons, we do
have some bear licenses go unsold,
Wisconsin DNR bear specialist
Dave MacFarland wrote in an email.
In 2015 we sold 9,390 permits
(10,690 available) and in 2014 it
was 9,364 (10,340 available).
When Michigan DNR data in
2012 indicated the bear population
was declining, to be on the safe
side, bear licenses were reduced
by more than 30% to 7,991. Since
then, the DNR discovered the data
that showed the bear population was
declining was inaccurate and, in
fact, bear numbers in the state were
stable to increasing.
Instead of returning to previous
bear license quotas, however, the
DNR has continued to reduce bear
licenses, which has allowed the
bear population to increase signifi-
cantly.
Wisconsin bear hunting is an
example of what is possible in
Michigan. What makes the com-
parison appropriate is that for many
years Wisconsin was underestimat-
ing its bear population.
A statewide tetracycline mark-
recapture study in 2006 and 2011
resulted in an increased population
estimate from previous population
estimates for the state, a Wisconsin
DNR report about the 2016 bear
harvest states.
Prior to 2006, Wisconsins bear
population was estimated at 13,000.
After the new information was gath-
ered, bear numbers were estimated
at 26,000.
The most recent data indicates
the bear population is currently
estimated to be just under 29,000
bears, the Wisconsin DNR website
states. Wisconsin DNR bear spe-
cialist David MacFarland said that
estimate includes cubs.n

Fighting oak wilt disease

The Oak Wilt Coalition is a new partnership between private, nonprofit
Tom Carney
Among the Aspens
and governmental organizations to help increase awareness about the seri-
ous threat of oak wilt disease in Michigan.
Led by the Arboriculture Society of Michigan, the partnership also
includes representatives from the Michigan Association of Conservation
Districts, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, the Michi-
gan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, Michigan State
University, ReLeaf Michigan, and various electric utility companies and Award-winning nature and outdoor
tree-care companies. writer Thomas Carney returns to
Oak wilt is a fungal disease that is spreading among trees in Michigan form in his latest collection of
and many other states. It has been confirmed in much of the Lower Penin- essays, Among the Aspens: Stolen
sula and in the western portion of the Upper Peninsula. Moments in Secret Coverts.
This disease is lethal to many oak species, including red oaks, pin oaks As with his previous collections,
and black oaks. It can be transmitted by insects moving to fresh wounds Sun-Drenched Days, Two-Blanket
on trees, including those caused by pruning. The fungus also can spread Nights; and Bird Dogs and Betty
through root systems, causing death of nearby oak trees. Cakes, Tom employs a variety of
"Oak wilt initially causes wilting of leaves, ultimately killing otherwise perspectives and presentations
healthy trees within a matter of weeks," said DNR forest health specialist as his writing glides effortlessly
Roger Mech. "The effects can be dramatic and costly when mature trees die across the lines that delineate
and are removed, especially in highly maintained landscapes, parks and serious writing, humor, nostalgia,
recreation areas." Mech said that prevention and management are possible analysis, description and storytelling.
with disease awareness, proper identification and timely response. Different this time around: Instead
The coalitions goal is to coordinate and promote a unified information of moving from activity to activity
campaign describing oak wilt, its threat and impact in Michigan, and to with the progressing seasons as he
provide science-based advice aimed at prevention and management. In- did in his first two books of essays,
formation will be developed and housed online at www.michiganoakwilt. in Among the Aspens Tom delivers
org and is for everyone from homeowners and landowners to foresters and the goods through a single form
tree-care professionals. of outdoor recreation: upland bird
By coming together and creating a coordinated message about this tree
hunting.
and forest health issue, the Oak Wilt Coalition believes that Michigans
citizens and the professional tree-care industry will be better informed to To purchase: $34.95 (Michigan residents, please add $2.10 sales tax) plus
make proper management decisions helping to prevent the spread of this $6.35 postage/handling
disease and ensuring the health of oak trees in Michigan.
Current research at MSU aims to understand oak wilt specifically in Send check or money order to: Partridge Pointe Press, 2470 Strawberry
Michigan and lend scientific data to guide oak wilt management decisions. Farm St. NE, Belmont, Michigan 49306.
To find out more, visit: www.michiganoakwilt.org.
Purchase online at www.tomcarneywriter.com
WNW NEWS OCTOBER 2017 99
 Hot Topics In The Outdoors... My Thoughts, My Views
Why I Hunt: from page 97
hunting as their chosen pastime. I
tend to hunt alone.
Whitetail hunting for me is not
a pastime or sport. It is something
different. I will try to explain later
in this writing.
I have friends that hunt for a
living. For them hunting is their
chosen profession. They support
themselves and family by guiding,
outfitting, or producing television
productions and videos that record
successful hunts. If you know one
of these professional hunters you
know that it is a very tough way to
make a living. This is hard physical
work. Their work year is not con-
tained within a hunting season. It is
year around work. There are trails
to establish, land to clear, food plots
to plant and maintain.
Where baiting is legal there are
baits to maintain, and field cameras
to review to know what game is
in the area. There is advertising to
release, and sponsors to procure.
There is equipment to maintain,
and vendor relations to build. There
are receivables and payables to
record and maintain along with all
business related accounting. There
is little time left for family and
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friends. In some cases it is what
they choose to do, but in most cases
it is what they know best. They are
able to scratch out a living doing
what they love. Again, I admire
these hunters. Some of these indi-
viduals are the most knowledgeable
hunters you will ever meet.
For some, whitetail deer hunt-
ing is about enjoying nature. It is
about being outside. It is about see-
ing natures beauty, and hearing the
sounds of a forest morning. These
people often hunt with cameras
rather than weapons. They simply
enjoy capturing a deer on film in its
natural habitat. I have a friend who
sat in the same deer stand daylight
till dark for forty two days in a row.
He filmed or photographed every
deer and animal that entered his
range. He processed his work into
an amazing video. He is rightfully
as proud of that production as any
hunter would be with a record book
harvest. He never fired a shot, but
has a recorded memories that will
last forever. Again, I admire this
man and all who hunt with a cam-
era. I own no video equipment and
do not carry a camera when I am
hunting.
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State Zip
Signature
For some, whitetail hunting is
about harvesting meat. The elitists
in our group often look down on
this purpose for hunting. If this is
truly the reason for hunting, I not
only understand it, I truly salute the
practice. As a young man I killed
for meat. I had a wife, mortgage,
and three small mouths to feed.
Harvesting a deer or two meant
meat on the table that would not
otherwise have been financially
possible. Extra meat became sau-
sage to give as Christmas gifts to
friends and family who otherwise
would have received a card. I have
killed many deer. I have never
wasted meat. Now, as an older man
the majority of the meat I harvest is
given to people less fortunate than
I. No, I cannot honestly say I hunt
for meat.
If not driven to hunt by any of
the above drivers, why do I hunt?
To help understand the answer
to that question I will try to de-
fine hunt. To me the word hunt
describes the chase, the pursuit.
Hunting is long hours on stand. It is
careful study of your surroundings
and changes to the area. It is being
conscious of movement. It is listen-
ing for a twig snap, a hoof pound-
ing the ground, a grunt, a snort, or
horns rattling. It is knowing that
a blue Jay calling is often an alert
that there is movement in the wood-
lot. It is knowing to remain silent
and motionless. It is knowing to be
upwind of your prey. It is knowing
through experience the body lan-
guage displayed by each deer that
enters your view. It is studying the
weather. It is knowing that during
last nights storm the deer did not
move. It is knowing that if you sit
out the last of the storm they will
move as the front clears.
ment, and lack of comfort, all rolled
up in a long session known as hunt-
ing. The thrill of putting your tag
on the whitetail buck that has filled
hours spent hunting.
In the above examples the hunt,
by my definition, is secondary. The
primary drivers are tradition, sport,
being out in nature, livelihood, and
meat. For me, the hunt is primary. I
am not driven to hunt. I am pulled
to hunt.
The pull begins in June or July
of each year. In those months,
prior to the hunting season, I begin
literally dreaming of whitetail. It
cannot be altered. My subconscious
takes over. This has occurred since
childhood. I am pulled. The sub-
conscious tell the conscious to get
busy. To get prepared. The time to
hunt is coming. I glass fields and
woodlots to locate mature animals.
I hang and inspect game cameras
to see what bucks are around and
if they have developed a pattern. I
(continued)
begin preparing my hunting equip-
ment. I locate and set stands for
what I know will become long
hours of sitting. I know I am being
pulled, but offer no resistance. I
have to hunt.
Young farmer to Old farmer:
You must be a very good farmer
Old farmers response: I am not
as good as I know how to be.
Like the old farmer this old hunter
knows how to hunt. Most experi-
enced hunters do. However, like
the old farmer I do not do it as well
as I know how. I sometimes take
shortcuts. I tend to overhunt an
area, even when I know it reduces
my chances for success. Curiosity
overtakes me. I check my cameras
and stands too often leaving scent
and tracks. Curiosity may kill the
cat, but I know my curiosity has
saved the lives of many mature
bucks. I have invaded bedding
areas, even though I know better.
I tend to take the same route to
my stands. I know this is wrong. I
am decent at reading signs, but do
not always use that information to
prepare my hunt. As I age, the hunt
has changed. I do not climb as high
as I once did. I no longer pull an
80 pound bow. I dont hunt from
daylight to dark every day.
No, I am not as good a hunter
as I know how to be. I have been
blessed with much success hunting
whitetail deer. I have killed many,
many Pope and Young bucks with
my bow. How have I done that
when I have confessed I am not a
great hunter? I am good on stand. I
sit motionless. I do not make noise.
I use the wind to my advantage.
I have become skilled at reading
the body language of mature deer.
I know when to move, when to
shoot, and when to be still. With-
out any doubt, the biggest reason
for my success is that I have spent
countless hours on stand. More
hours than I care to recall, count, or
talk about. I have put in my time. I
have done so because I have been
pulled.
Do I love to hunt?
In all honesty I do not love to
hunt. Anyone who tells you they
love to sit in an uncomfortable po-
sition, in harsh weather, for nine or
ten hours, will probably lie to you
about other things. Being wet, cold,
stiff and bored is not something
anyone loves. I do not love to hunt,
I need to hunt. It pulls me.
Why do I hunt deer? Perhaps
a human behavior scientist or a psy-
chiatrist can explain. But, I prob-
ably wont understand.
Whatever your reason for hunt-
ing, I wish for you the success you
seek. Keep the hunt alive.
Robert Vogel is a lifelong Mich-
igan resident, retired lumberman,
published author of non-fiction and
an avid deer hunter.n
 MICHIGAN'S
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WNW NEWS OCTOBER 2017 101
 TRAIL CAM/OUTDOOR PHOTOS
Join us in sharing interesting and sometimes rare trail cam
and/or outdoor photos with our readers.
Send your photos to: wnw@pageone-inc.com (please submit in jpeg format)

This great horned owl was

captured by Randall Beard
of Pickford.

Jeremy Walantyn with a great 4th of July K. Harris of southeast Jackson Co. had this new fawn
picture of a beautiful buck in Van Buren Co. hiding next to their driveway in late June.

Randall Beard of Pickfords

trail cam caught a doe look-
ing straight into the trail
camera inches away.

This bobcat was captured by Kevin

Schaumburgers trail cam near Spalding
Twp.
Tom Spillane caught this nice
Larry Piotrowski with a beautiful Oakland Co. buck buck heading back into the
photo. brush at his cabin near St.
Helen.

It appears this fawn became

It appears Richard Plantes trail cam
captured this rare flying whitetail in
Montcalm Co.
102 OCTOBER 2017 WNW NEWS
victim to coyote predation
Ron and Diana Evans took this photo out their back- near Millersburg. Kraig Sta-
door, what a beautiful sight to wake up to...all bucks. ples trail cam photo.
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WNW NEWS OCTOBER 2017 103
 To this group - Islands Wildlife
WILDLIFE MATTERS
C
edarvilles, Islands
Wildlife group, over
a 30-year time period,
has contributed tens
of thousands of dol-
lars to projects in the
Upper Peninsulas, Les Cheneaux
area that conserve natural habitat,
promote environmental education,
or enhance opportunities to experi-
ence the out-of-doors. One need not
be an avid hunter or angler
alone, for their membership
also includes canoers and
kayakers, bird watchers,
cross-country skiers, wild-
life photographers, camp-
ing enthusiasts...in general
people who love and appre-
ciate all nature has to offer;
from the wild animal and
bird communities
to the very habi- By Betty Sodders
tat that provides
their very existence.
The Les Cheneaux area of the
eastern Upper Peninsula is indeed
unique, filled with islands and islets,
appealing to wildlife enthusiasts for
decades. Shorelines around many
of the myriad of islands represent
excellent true examples of natures
freshwater marshes.
What are the qualities of a fresh-
water marsh?
Basically, these marshes are
treeless wetlands that develop in
the shallows of streams, ponds, and
lakes...quiet places where a slow
current allows water plants such as
cattails and sedges to extend out-
ward from waters edge. Look for
waterlilies that have taken root at
the deeper edge of a marsh. Their
roots along with numerous plant
life provide food and shelter to
water-loving creatures from numer-
ous species of ducks and geese to
muskrats, raccoons, hawks, owls,
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104 OCTOBER 2017 WNW NEWS
herons, gulls, terns, shorebirds, and
songbirds.
Plants that thrive with wet feet
may include Yellow pondlilies,
marsh marigolds, pennyworts, ar-
rowheads, rushes, bulrushes, Indian
rice, cattails and many others.
Is there a viewing area where
marsh activity can be observed?
Many years ago, Islands
Wildlife members constructed rustic
viewing area platforms on
Lake Hurons Mackinac
Bay located between Hes-
sel and Cedarville. Shortly
afterwards, the Great Lakes
went through a long low
water/high water period
that at one point drained the
marsh to the point that trees
were taking root enabling
the marsh to ever
so slowly revert
to being marsh-
less.
Presently, Lake Huron has Lake Hurons Mackinac Bay suffered during the low water years;
entered a high water cycle and now slowly coming back.
should it continue, marshlands will ing platforms on Mackinac Bay Cheneaux Schools
slowly take over the landscape as Whitetail deer tagging and Scholarships for Pickford and
plant life returns to its former state. migrations study Cedarville students interested in en-
In turn, the marsh will again pro- Monitoring programs to survey tering the Biology or Environmental
vide food and refuge for various local marsh bird and frog numbers Science Field
forms of wildlife. From the viewing Materials for local students to Funding for placing Christmas
platforms, we can actively check construct nest boxes for ducks trees in Hessel Bay area as protec-
this transformation as it occurs at a Winter deer feeding program tive structures for fish
relatively slow pace. Instrumental in using natural Les Cheneaux Frog Fest mate-
Name some of the projects this methods in controlling Eurasian rials and activities (Fundraiser)
group has accomplished? Milfoil Placement of protective cribs
Islands Wildlife group is rela- Les Cheneaux Sportsmans in Les Cheneaux waters to enhance
tively small. With an active mem- Club for Hunter Safety Program fish habitat
bership sporting two dozen workers, 5th grade salmon rearing pro- Separate studies conducted
give or take a few, a great deal has gram by Lake Superior State Univer-
been accomplished. A partial list of Aquatic tank, chiller, and ac- sity (LSSU) seniors to assess the
present and past projects follows: cessories for High School Salmon/ biological and chemical factors to
A fly fishing seminar con- Trout Research determine current conditions of Ce-
ducted by Two Hearted Chapter of Waders and hip boots for Les darville Bay and Pearson Creek
Trout Unlimited for area high school Cheneaux students Provide funds to the Depart-
students Refurbishing of wildlife dis- ment of Agricultures Cormorant
Construction of wildlife view- play cases and taxidermy fees in Les Control Project and support man-
FISH FOR STOCKING
Trout, Bass, Pike, Walleyes, Catfish, Pan Fish,
Minnows for Fast Fish Growth, Hybrid Bluegills.
FARM PONDS FISHING CLUBS LAKE OWNERS
(Fish available during the months of We also sell pond supplies...
April, May, October and November)
Fish may be picked up in small pond dyes, chemicals,
quantities or we deliver by truck. aeration and fish pellets!
Imlay City Fish Farms, Inc.
Fish Consultants
1442 N. Summers Rd., Imlay City, Michigan 48444
Phone: (810) 724-2185
www.ImlayCityFishFarm.com
agement
Sponsor fishing contests to in-
crease youth involvement in fisher-
ies/wildlife recreation
An interview with Islands Wildlife
member, Rick Eberts...
How many years have you been
a group and what was the reason
for establishing Islands Wildlife
group?
Islands Wildlife was estab-
lished 30 years ago to focus on the
islands, the unique hunting and
angling possibilities and to afford a
giving back priority to the public
in helping to preserve the remark-
able habitat throughout the freshwa-
ter marshes that abound throughout
Les Cheneaux.
Recently your 27th Annual Fun-
draiser, Islands Wildlife Banquet
was held. Have things changed a
great deal between the first and
27th banquets?
We have accomplished a great
Marsh lands create excellent
waterfowling.
)!"#$%
$&'(
Orders & info: www.bohmanarms.com or call (812)-212-2698
Size
Grouping
deal during that span of years. Our
annual banquet remains our main
fundraiser. It is well attended.
The event is very similar to Ducks
Unlimited or Whitetails Unlim-
ited, is your organization a spinoff
of one of these groups. Why was it
formed?
No, we were not a spinoff from
either of these groups. Our organiza-
tion remains unique in our own way
as 100 percent of funds garnered
are spent on projects pertaining
to wildlife and freshwater marsh
habitat in our specific area. We take
on projects or afford monetary aid
upon request providing money and/
or manpower.
If a Biology teacher at the
school needs hip boots and waders
or other equipment for a 5th grade
stream project, we supply them.
Should a habitat problem be brought
to our attention, we take it seri-
ously and respond helping to solve
the situation. You might say we are
good deed doers helping wherever
and whenever we can.
What is Islands Wildlifes goal?
The purpose of Islands Wildlife
is to promote and preserve wildlife
habitat in the Les Cheneaux area.
Is wildlife the only beneficiary of
this group or do area students also
benefit?
Some of Islands Wildlifes
largest contributions benefit an-
nual scholarships in the field of the
Natural Sciences and Technology at
Cedarville and Pickford Community
Schools.
I heard that your group was
recently involved with a tall ship
project. Correct?
We had a request from former
Les Cheneaux Biology teacher,
Kevin St. Onge, to contribute funds
towards producing an underwater
video of a local area being conduct-
ed by members of a tall ship docked
at Hessel Harbor.
This project required almost
immediate monetary assistance. A
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telephone vote was quickly conduct-
ed freeing up the needed funds in a
short period of time. We are indeed,
a diverse group capable of acting at
a moments notice.
What is Frog Fest?
Frog Fest is our summer
fundraiser. Cut-out character frogs
can be found all over town to the
enjoyment of young and old alike.
Events and childrens games bring
folks into the area. Tying in with
what our school children are learn-
ing in biology class, we celebrate
frogs because they are the proverbial
canary in the coal mine, serving
as an indicator when a freshwater
marsh is experiencing the beginning
of trouble.
Frog Fest draws attention to
the islands...the freshwater bays and
marshes. Historically, the Les Che-
neaux area has been termed as being
the Venice of Michigan.
What types of taxidermy wildlife
mounts do you care for at Les
Cheneaux Schools?
The display is outstanding; one
of the very best. How many schools
can you recall that hold a similar
display? Islands Wildlife members
not only provide the beautiful wild-
life mounts but they also have taken
on duties for their care and cleaning
so that many years of future students
can enjoy seeing examples of our
wild Michigan resident wildlife...a
beyond unique project.
Here is an excellent project to
bring to our readers...12th grade
high school students checking cur-
rent water conditions of Pearson
Creek and Cedarville Bay:
Students analyze water from
both the bay and stream on an an-
nual basis. A good hands-on exam-
ple for students, perhaps touching
off a college course...concentrating
on a water study right where they
live, so to speak, in their back yard.
Learning that they can make a dif-
ference. It sparks thoughts directed
towards college courses. An inter-
Moose enjoy freshwater marsh
along with wetlands.
ested student might consider, I can
make a difference right here in my
own community towards keeping
our freshwater marshes and cold
water streams healthy for future
generations!
Lets talk about student scholar-
ships:
If a student shows serious wild-
life interests coupled with a strong
desire to major in biology, he or she
would be an excellent candidate for
a scholarship with monies coming
from the Lucus Izzard Memorial
Fund. Additionally, a school could
suggest a worthy recipient interested
in environmental ecology.
Rick would you care to add any-
thing further to this discussion?
Yes, I would. For the most part
members get to give dollars away
that come back to the eastern Upper
Peninsula to benefit habitat for
wildlife and fisheries for eons to
come as well as bring nature into
our school system so ecology
becomes a vital part of our future
generations.
Best of all, members are a good
bunch of guys! Further infor-
mation: James White at E-mail:
jameswhite54@gmail.com or James
White, Islands Wildlife, P. O. Box
284, Cedarville, MI 49719.n
Actual
WNW NEWS OCTOBER 2017 105
 DECOYS and POACHERS
M
ichigan Conser-
vation Officers
didnt really start
using decoys
to catch poach-
ers until the
late 1980s. Many other states and
Canadian provinces used
them prior to this. Once the
Law Enforcement Division
of the DNR made the deci-
sion to use decoys it was
agreed the public would be
informed.
As I recall the first test
was in the Upper Penin-
sula. Local
COs attended
sportsman club
By Jeff Pendergraff
meetings and
informed the groups of their plan. It
didnt take long for the COs to have
their first customers and amazingly
enough, many had attended one of
the information meetings.
Below are some examples of
success that Michigan COs had us-
ing decoys
COs Steve Speigl and Andrea
Albert set a deer decoy up in a
road hunting area. A truck drove
by, stopped, backed up, the passen-
ger stuck a rifle out of the window
and fired twice at the decoy. Once
they realized something was up,
they sped off at a high rate of
speed. Once stopped, not
only was the passengers
rifle still loaded, so was
the drivers rifle. Both
received tickets and the
shooters rifle was seized
pending condemnation.
Both COs Speigl and
Albert were working the
decoy deer in a
remote area of
Antrim County
when a sub-
ject driving by saw the decoy and
stopped. He got out vehicle with
a loaded rifle, not wearing hunter
orange and fired two shots at the
decoy. Again, when the shooter
realized it wasnt a real deer, he got
into his vehicle and took off at a
high rate of speed. Once stopped,
officers found an uncased and
loaded firearm in the vehicle. He

HORNS &
was cited for no hunter orange and
for having a loaded rifle in a motor
vehicle.

SKULLS COs Jared Ferguson and Brian
Bacon observed a slow-moving
Quality Antler, Horn vehicle ahead of them. Believing
they might have a road hunter, CO
& Skull Mounts Ferguson was able to get out of the
patrol vehicle without the driver
Licensed Taxidermist
seeing him and set up the grouse
decoy. The COs waited for the
driver to return from a dead-end
road. When the driver stopped at
the grouse decoy, contact was made
by the COs. Inside the vehicle they
found a loaded uncased 12-gauge
shotgun.
COs Robert Freeborn and Mark
Zitnik set up a grouse decoy in a
Poachers just cant resist those decoys.
heavily traveled complaint area.
After a few minutes, a truck slowly
drove by and it stopped near the
decoy. The COs watched a barrel of
a shotgun stick out of the window.
The COs immediately made contact
and found a father and young son
in the truck and the father had in-
structed his son to shoot the grouse.
The COs asked the son if he
remembered what he was taught
at his hunter safety class. The son
stated that you shouldnt be doing
this. The COs educated the father
on teaching his son proper hunting
techniques and safety. The father
was a Sault Tribal member and was
issued a ticket by a Sault Tribal
Officer for possessing a loaded
firearm in a motor vehicle and the
firearm was seized by the tribal
officer.
CO David Miller was working
a grouse decoy in a problem area
that had significant road hunting
activity. After sitting for a couple
hours and not having any takers,
Miller pulled the decoy and was
about to leave when he heard a
truck approaching very slowly. He

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contacted the driver and found a
loaded firearm in the front seat. The
driver stated his 13-year-old daugh-
ter must have left it loaded. He was
issued a ticket.
COs Andrea Erratt and Andrea
Albert placed a deer decoy on
private property where there were
issues with road hunters. During
the decoy placement, COs wit-
nessed a truck drive by, stop and
back up to where the decoy was
placed. The driver shot from inside
the vehicle at the decoy. He was
issued a ticket.
COs Albert, Speigl and Scott
MacNeil set up a deer decoy in a
remote area of Antrim County, a
subject drove by and quickly turned
around and came back and fired
two shots at the decoy from his
vehicle. Subject was issued tickets
and his firearm seized. COs noted
that six years ago this subjects
adult son had also shot at a decoy
at the same location.
My first experience using a de-
coy was in St. Clair County in the
early 1990s. There was a very large
tract of land belonging to a utility
company that was closed to hunt-
ing. All the surrounding land was
farm fields and once the hunting
pressure started on the deer, a lot
of the deer headed into this thick
wooded area to hide.
This large tract of land was
surrounded by county roads and
was heavily road hunted, people
trying to catch the big bucks head-
ing into it. COs Jerry Prone, John
Borkovich and myself along with
a television crew out of Detroit set
up two buck decoys to catch some
of the locals who road hunted and
trespassed these lands.
It couldnt have worked out any
better. Two trucks came by from
different directions. Both stopped,
both drivers got out with uncased
and loaded shotguns, both shot at
the decoys which were past the
fence that had no trespassing signs
on them. The first shooter realized
quickly something wasnt right and
ran back for his truck. The second
shooter after missing went up to the
fence to get a better rest and this
time hit the decoy. When it didnt
fall, he finally realized something
was up. As he ran across the road
back to his truck he slipped on the
road and fell. During this entire
ordeal, the film crew caught all of it
on its camera!
After dealing with these sub-
jects a person drove by, saw the de-
coys and got out and tried to chase
them off so they wouldnt be shot.
Soon the word got out about the
decoys and several people drove by
just to look at them.
The two subjects who stopped
were two of the biggest road hunt-
ers in the area. They were also
famous because they were on tele-
vision that evening which was seen
by thousands of people in the metro
Detroit area.
Another decoy operation we
set up in St. Clair County not far
from this area turned out to be
one of the strangest things I have
come across as a CO. There was
another area where land owners
were complaining of road hunting
and trespassing. COs Jan Galla-
gher, John Borkovich, Jerry Prone
and myself had permission from a
farmer to set up a deer decoy on his
property. We set the decoy along a
fence line about 200 yards off the
road. This was a brand-new decoy
that we had just bought and I set it
back far enough where I thought it
wouldnt be hit by a shotgun. There
were no long-range muzzle loading
rifles then and we were in a shot-
got a kick out of the story.
Back when there were pheas-
ants, CO John Borkovich and I set
up a pheasant decoy in St. Clair
County after complaints from a
farmer of off-road hunting and
trespassing on his farm lands.
This was a remote area of
the county and we set the decoy
up where two dirt roads crossed.
The decoy was about 50 yards off
the road. At one point, we had a
vehicle stopped that shot at the
decoy and while we were dealing
with them another vehicle stopped
and shot at the decoy. Could never
figure out why they stopped and
shot when we were there with the
three vehicles.
Over the years decoys have
been a valuable tool catching
poachers. These few cases I men-
tioned are just a few of the many
that are made every year in Michi-
gan. Decoys are used throughout
Michigan and most likely will con-
tinue to be used as long as people
keep road hunting and poaching.
Author is Jeff Pendergraff,
retired Captain with the Law
Enforcement Division of the
DNR.n

DNR Law Enforcement gun zone.

I had gotten up in the loft of

Division report available online

the farmers barn to observe any
vehicles that might stop and take
a shot, and the patrol cars were
Recreational safety, educational outreach initiatives... hidden a short distance away. From
my position in the loft there were
An annual report highlight- some trees blocking my view of the
ing program accomplishments decoy, but I could see any vehicle
of the Michigan Department of traffic coming down the road.
Natural Resources Law Enforce- After a short time period, a very
ment Division is available at slow rolling car drove down the
www.michigan.gov/conserva- road. When it got even with the de-
tionofficers. coy the vehicle stopped. I expected
The 2017 Annual Programs to see a barrel point out the window
Report is based on calendar and then hear a shot. But after a
year 2016 information. It il- couple of minutes, still nothing.
lustrates the divisions successes Then the driver got out and started
in protecting Michigans natural walking toward the decoy, and then
resources and citizens and in educating outdoor enthusiasts on recre- I lost sight of him. Then a minute
ational safety. later this guy starts running back
The report includes a statewide map of Law Enforcement Division toward his vehicle with our decoy
districts, a statistics table showing the number and types of interactions buck in his hands. I radioed the 505 E. Wadsworth Rd.
between conservation officers and the public, the number of students three patrols cars and told them this
certified in hunter, boating, snowmobile and off-road vehicle safety, and a guy was running off with our NEW
Bad Axe, MI 48413
summary of each program area. decoy which he put in the trunk of
Were pleased to share this information and we hope it enhances the his car and drove off.
publics understanding of our accomplishments, goals and mission, said He was stopped a short distance
Gary Hagler, Law Enforcement Division chief. Its also a valuable tool away. He had no firearms in his
for our team as we chart our progress in meeting the divisions objectives. vehicle. He was intoxicated (10
Protecting our states natural resources is a shared responsibility and a.m.) and told me all he likes to
were proud of our partnership with the people of Michigan. We encour- do is drive around and drink beer
age all who are interested to browse the report and learn more about the while looking for deer. He just
Law Enforcement Divisions work. wanted to see how close he could
Michigan conservation officers are elite, highly trained profession- Bagged carrots & bagged
get. When he realized it wasnt real
als who serve in every corner of the state. They are fully commissioned he decided he was going to take it
corn now available.
peace officers with authority to enforce the states criminal laws. Learn home. He was arrested for OUI and Bulk carrots Sugar beets
more at www.michigan.gov/conservationofficers. for larceny. The deputies at the jail available when weather cools.
WNW NEWS OCTOBER 2017 107
 Visit your small bait shop today
W
hen you visit The Bait The Bait Shop? She checked and and spinning rods and reels along Answering questions and talking
Shop on Airport Road that name wasnt taken, he said. with a very good variety of plastics, fishing are all part of a days work.
and Hatchery, dont The community has supported crank and spinnerbaits led the way So is matching equipment to the
ask to see the big guy us one hundred percent. We filled a toward spring and summer along person that will use it.
unless you know which big guy you need in the area. Ive learned over with minnows, shiners and other We take time with a family to
want to see. Thats because owner the years from working at live baits. see they get the right rod and reel
Mark Malvich and one of his associ- other bait shops like KDs, Both walleye and bass before they buy. We take them out-
ates, Sean Greene both could answer the hours people like for anglers have discovered the side and show them how to use it.
to that description. the shop to be open and shop along with muskie, Instead of pushing a sale we would
When Malvich opened his store merchandise they want me pike and panfish anglers. rather wait and see if they are ready
last December he had a goal in to carry. Weve sponsored fish- to go to another level, Malvich
mind. Being successful as a business Last years December ing days for three beach said.
owner, of course, was one goal. But opening meant that The associations and sponsor all Besides teaching and showing
just as important, Malvich wanted to Bait Shop carried a good Waterford Parks and Rec- customers how fishing equipment

By Roger Beukema
be of service to children and fami- selection of ice reation Out- works, Malvich allows customers
lies by getting them interested and fishing equip- doors Campers to take his personal rods and reels
involved in fishing. ment. Rods, tip Weeks. home over a weekend and try them
Judging from the numerous ups, jigs, tear- Getting kids out before buying. Because there
events he and his store, aptly called drops and live bait including min- interested in fishing is important. We are many kids living in one-parent
The Bait Shop, were involved in nows, along with shanties, made up give them a good start with casting homes with moms on the front
since opening, hes on the right path. the majority of the shops inventory. classes here at the shop along with line, Malvich is sure to explain
Why the name, The Bait Shop? The shops selection of equipment is a Hall of Fame including pictures of fishing to the parent. In many
Malvich says he was driving around not too large to overwhelm. Rather, kids on the wall with their catch to cases, moms want to learn too.
the state and had several names in its a nice variety of equipment that help get them started, Malvich said. You dont make a lot of money.
mind. Each time he suggested one to has been proven to work. Kids and families are my main But as you get older you want to
the Michigan Licensing Department, Despite the weather-shortened concern. We donated sunglasses so give back to the community, Malv-
the name was taken. winter making ice fishing iffy, kids could see into the water. They ich said.
Finally, the lady I was working Malvich pushed on with a positive were used to seeing water in the The Bait Shop is a sponsor of
with asked me what kind of shop I attitude by getting ready for warm lakes around here but hadnt expe- Cash for Bass tournaments for local
was opening. When I told her it was water and fishing that goes with it. rienced being able to see into the anglers and all of Oakland County
a bait shop she said, Ok, why not A good selection of both baitcasting water, he said. Sportsmans Club and VFW fish-
We supplied rods, reels and live ing events. Periodically through
ED'S NEW DVD bait to many events. Sean Greene the winter months there will be one
volunteers his time to help me with day tournaments with a big pike pot
ULTIMATE the Waterford program teaching kids set to begin in November, weather
CORN-BASED how to fish from the beginning. The dependent.
kids loved it. The Bait Shop is your source for
DEER KILL PLOTS This area is special to Malvich. any of Local artist Bill McElroys
Takes you to a new concept of deer attraction. I went to school right across the Scales and Tales cartoons in the
Deer will freely enter your kill plot during daylight due street. Ive come full circle. Along form of stickers great for tackle box-
to the security and endless variety of forage deer prefer
the way, I noticed kids were fishing es, or use the larger size for vehicles
Send Check or Money Order from shore or docks. They are being and boats. McElroy is well known
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TODAY! Commerce, MI 48382 small shop, hanging out and at Bass Pro Shops Spring Fishing
learning how to fish. Weve had Classics for his customizing of rod
New DVD ~ $25 includes shipping moms come in here in tears, handles. For special orders, gifts or
thanking us that their kids arent specific images contact McElroy at
Name
cooped up watching games but basstoons2@aol.com.
are outdoors fishing and enjoying
Address
City State Zip
Email the author at;
Phone # being outside. dutchbeuk12@gmail.comn
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108 OCTOBER 2017 WNW NEWS

 Im he other day I went
for a walk in the field
behind my home. I
walked a little farther
than I intended to and
ended up in the woods.
It didnt take long before I was
turned around. I never thought about
putting a compass in my pocket. Af-
ter all, I grew up on these 20 acres
and as a kid, I never got lost. I sup-
pose I should have remembered that
nature reclaims its own when left
alone. No cattle have been pastured
in our fields for more than 45 years.
When I was young, our
cows acted as lawn mowers
and kept the grass around
the barn and in the pastures
short, and they ate whatever
fodder they found in the
woods. My siblings and I
used the woods as our play-
ground. We made teepees
By Sharon Kennedy
from the limbs
of dead trees
and branches
as walls. In the fall, we collected
colored leaves. It never occurred to
us we might get lost as we searched
for the ever illusive hazelnut or
chestnut tree. We simply followed
the path made by the cows or we
followed the fence.
But the cows are long gone,
the fences rotted away, the woods
have become a tangled mass of
tamarack and spruce trees, and it
only takes a minute to get disorien-
tated. For some unknown reason, I
was trying to find the 1952 Chevy
Dad had parked in the woods. If I
remembered correctly, he was not
pleased with the offer Ted Caffeys
Chevrolet in Sault Ste. Marie made
him. Dad was a stubborn Irishman,
so he hooked a chain to the tractor
and dragged the car to the woods
and forgot about it.
All those years ago it was
easy to find because it was just
inside the fence. The cows ignored
it, but for me it was wonderful. I
could turn the steering wheel every
which way and nobody told me to
stop because I might put play
in the wheel. I didnt find the car,
but thinking about it brought back
memories.
When I headed for the woods
as a youngster, my first stop was
that Chevy. I taught myself to
drive. True, I never left the field,
but I prided myself on never get-
ting into an accident either. I turned
the steering wheel to the left and
right, turned on the non-working
radio, rolled down the windows, and
headed for St. Ignace and the ferry.
In my mind, I drove all the way to
Detroit and visited my aunts and
uncles. When I got tired of driving,
without my
I rolled up the windows, turned off
the radio, and went as deep into the
woods as I dared.
I never took a compass because
I didnt need one. I followed the
cows path and when it ran out, I
made my own. The woods were
not thick, so it was easy to find my
way back to the open field. If I was
gone too long, my parents would
say I should have taken a compass
with me just in case I got lost. I told
them I didnt know how to read one
and Dad showed me. As a nine year
old girl, I had no more idea how to
make sense of the needle
pointing north than I did of
how the earth spun on its
axis.
Dad said the needle When I was in town a few days ago, Next time I go for a walk, Ill be
always pointed north. Well, I stopped at a sports store and asked sure to pin the little Marble on my
maybe I didnt want to go if they sold compasses. One clerk shirt. I wont have to whistle and
north, then what do I do I had no idea what I was referring to, pretend Im not afraid as I hunt for
would ask. After a while, but another found four. I asked if an opening in the trees pointing the
there was much call for them. She way home. Or maybe Ill just stick
my parents
gave up and said my request was her first one in to the road. Its not very exciting,
gave me a a long time. Seasoned hunters know but at least I dont have to worry
whistle. In case I couldnt find my the value of a compass. Like my about getting lost. Sometimes you
way home I could blow the whistle Dad and uncle, they know that faith- have to admit that erring on the side
until help came. I dont recall ever ful needle pointing north will guide of caution is just plain old common
using it. I came across it the other them back to safety. sense.n
day when I was rummaging through
n
drawers, looking for Dads com-
e
n J ki
pass. I couldnt find it so I called
n
L e s
my brother. He found it in one of
his drawers. Its the one that holds
matches.
During my search, I came across
HUNT CLUB
the brass pin-on one that belonged
to my Uncle Steve. I thought it was
a nifty piece of hunting equipment. I
mentioned to my brother that I was
writing a column on compasses, and
he showed me one situated on the
handle of a hunting knife. Recently
when I attended a talk about being
prepared for emergencies, I was Custom Gun Dog Training
given a blue whistle with a compass
on one end. It was then I realized
the need for finding ones way out
4989 Abbot Road Reading, MI 49274
of the bush was still relevant in the www.facebook.com/LenJenkinsHuntClub
TRAINING
21st century.
Smart phones are wonder-
ful creations, but if hunters enter
a dead zone the likelihood of
getting a signal is remote. So what
happens if a gal or fellow gets lost
in unfamiliar territory? Its easy to Custom gun dog training on a 200 acre licensed preserve.
get turned around as I discovered
when I walked only a short distance Includes: Training ~ Lunch
into the woods. I had no point of One hunt at conclusion of each training session
reference and no idea where I was.
It took only a minute for panic to set $100 per session
in. Golly, I thought. My flip phone
has no signal, I have no compass,
(34 recommended)
and Im getting thirsty. Ill probably Followed by a
die in my own woods and the turkey
vultures will pick my bones clean full day hunt
before anyone finds me. Okay, thats
a slight exaggeration, but if youve
ever been lost, you know how easy
it is to panic. CALL NOW! 517.283.1559
WNW NEWS OCTOBER 2017 109
 PART IV
T
he Go-Ite Manufactur-
ing story started in Ko-
komo, Indiana in 1922
when Rex Hite first
advertised his Go-Ite
Indiana style reels and
the Go-Ite Water-Plane metal baits.
The companys address changed to
Detroit when Rex accepted a job
as a pattern maker for GM in 1924
and then to Flint most likely in late
1926 where Rex was employed as a
pattern maker for the Buick Divi-
sion. Rex and his wife, Golda, lived
in Flint until their move to Sarasota,
Florida sometime in 1957 after his
retirement.
The Flint period must have been
an exciting time for the company as
more and more fishing tackle items
were added to the Go-Ite lineup. An
impressive 16-page Go-Ite Manu-
facturing catalog was published
most likely in late 1935, which in-
cluded new reels, two pages of bam-
boo bait casting and fly rods, two
models of metal rod and stringer
holders, an expanded selection of
silk casting lines and Water-Plane
metal baits, and a new wood lure,
the hard-to-find Go-Ite Fish Fooler,
a 3 -inch wood bait with tack eyes
and available in six colors.
The last Flint ads, however, were
run during
the spring of
1939 in Field
and Stream
and Sports
Afield. These
ads fea-
tured a line
drawing of a
Go-Ite tear-
(Left to right) Go-Ite ad from the April 1947 issue of Field and Stream featured their new reel, the #170 De Luxe reel. Go-Ites 150 Junior Spoked Reel and
#140 Regular Spoked Reel were developed in the late 1930s while the company was in Flint. Both reels became the main stays of the Go-Ite lineup after the com-
panys move to Birmingham following WWII. A nice example of the Go-Ite #170 De Luxe reel in the box with the protective plastic bag. The Go-Ite #170 De Luxe reel
featured a standard reel seat, which center mounted it above a bait casting rods reel seat and could be casted with either the right or left hand. Tim Bahr Collection
110 OCTOBER 2017 WNW NEWS
Go-Ite
drop reel. No Go-Ite Flint ads have
been found for either 1940 or 1941,
which leads the author to
believe that Go-Ite sales
were so disappointing that
Rex Hite decided to quit
promoting Go-Ite products
in the national outdoor
magazines, sell off the
remaining inventory and go
out of the tackle business.
Another important
By Terry McBurney
change, how-
ever, occurred
during this
period. Rex created two sizes of a
new Indiana style reel. Instead of
the tear-drop design, he created a
spoked design the #150 Junior
reel with a 4 -inch spool and a 75-
yard capacity and the #140 Regu-
lar reel with a 5 -inch spool and
a 100-yard capacity. The spoked
reels were never advertised during
the Flint years. Most reel collectors
today are not aware that the spoked
design reels existed before WWII.
Almost all of the spoked
Go-Ite reels found today
have Birmingham, Mich.
stamped on the name plate,
and only a very few of
these new spoked reels
have been discovered im-
printed with Flint, Mich.
WWII and metal short-
ages stopped fishing reel
production
throughout
the war years.
However, a large third-of-a-page
Go-Ite ad surprisingly appeared
in the March 1947 issues of both
Field and Stream and Sports Afield
magazines featuring a new address,
Birmingham, Mich. Birmingham
is a suburb on the north side of
Detroit and was located near the big
auto plants in Pontiac and Detroit.
It was also a prime location for
automotive parts suppliers and other
related businesses. These first post-
WWII Go-Ite ads pictured a new
unnamed reel, a spoked reel inside
of an aluminum housing what the
author named the UFO or Un-
identified Flying Object because
of its unusual shape. The month of
April brought a different third-of-a-
page Go-Ite ad promoting the same
unnamed reel as well as advertising
steel rods with bamboo action for
$6.95 and up and a complete line
of GO-ITE rods, reels, baits and rod
holders at better tackle shops every-
where. Readers could also write for
an illustrated brochure, which also
came packed in every Go-Ite reel
box during the post-WWII years.
The 1947 edition of the Polk
Directory listed more information
on Go-Ite. The company was now
located at 2450 E. Maple Avenue, a
major thoroughfare running east-
west through Birmingham with
Glenn H. Whitney listed as owner/
proprietor. This was also the address
for Associated Designers, who were
tool designers with two listed part-
ners, Glenn H. Whitney and Robert
W. Brenda. The 1949 Polks Direc-
tory listed Go-Ite and Associated
Designers still at the same Birming-
ham address again with only Glenn
Whitney tied to Go-Ite.
The Go-Ite brochure came in
two versions. The earliest version
featured their current product line
comprising of only three reels,
three rod and stringer holders, and
two different steel baits. Besides
the #150 Junior reel and the #140
Regular reel, the brochure also
listed the #160 Special Go-Ite
reel, which measured 5 -inches in
diameter and had a capacity of 300
to 600 feet. The Special was a car-
ryover tear-drop reel from the Flint
years and was designed primarily
for salmon, lake trout, and deep-
water trolling. The early brochure
also pictured the 6-inch Water-Plane
baits first introduced in 1922 and
their new metal bait the Boat-Tail
spinner, which came in 6-inch and
8-inch lengths. The Boat-Tail was
available in both nickel and brass
finishes with either a plain treble
hook or a treble dressed with guinea
feathers. The last change was the
addition of a third version of their
rod and stringer holders. The new
version was their Model 17, which
included a ground spike and the coil
spring rod support and was for bank
fishing and surf casting.
All of this meant that designing
the innovative #160 De Luxe reel,
their brand new steel rod lineup, the
new rod holder, and the attractive
tri-fold brochure was done some-
time the year before in 1946 all of
which creates an unanswered ques-
tion. Did Glenn Whitney now own
Go-Ite or was he Rex Hites new
partner a tough question to answer
since Go-Ite was never incorporated
and no annual reports were required
by the State of Indiana or Michigan.
No company records have survived,
and all the principals involved have
died. The authors best guess is that
Rex Hite sold his company to Glenn
A page from Go-Ites second brochure from 1947 promoting their new line of
steel rods. The rods were discontinued a year later.
Whitney in 1945 or early in 1946.
They must have met each other
previously as both were involved
with automotive tool and die Rex
as a pattern maker in Flint and
Glenn Whitney as a tool designer
in Birmingham. I assume that Rex
was a major help during the transi-
tion selling carryover inventory to
Whitney, working with the reel and
lure dies, finding qualified local con-
tractors to make the parts, educating
him on reel and lure assembly plus a
countless other tasks.
There was a second version of
the Go-Ite brochure, and it began
with the front page statement:
MANUFACTURERS OF QUAL-
ITY FISHING TACKLE SINCE
1920. The author believes that
Glenn Whitney stretched the truth
a little bit when he added that copy
to the brochure. It perhaps refers to
when Rex Hite began working on
the designs for his first Go-Ite reels
and metal lures in Kokomo, most
likely in 1920.
This second brochure started
with the unnamed reel from the
1947 ads. It was identified as the
#170 De Luxe Model. The reel
itself was the Junior spoked reel
with the 4 -inch spool enclosed in
an aluminum housing around the
wheel that keeps the line securely
on the spool. The other main dif-
ference with the De Luxe Model
was that it had a standard reel foot
attached to the bottom of the alu-
minum housing. This would center
mount the reel above the bait casting
rods reel seat and could be cast
with either the right or left hand.
The De Luxe model came with an
$.89 plastic reel bag packed it the
box that would protect the reel on or
off the rod.
A small ice fishing shanty with
an aluminum frame retailing for
$34.50 was also added to the second
brochure. It measured 30 x 48 x
60 and supposedly was made from
windproof, waterproof and non-in-
flammable canvas and weighed only
17-pounds.
The last category added to the
second brochure was a selection
of vanadium steel bait casting rods
available in three lengths 3 -ft.
for $7.95, 4 -ft. for $8.25 and 5-ft.
for $8.95. The rods were available
in straw and a lubrite rust-proof
finish and came with a cloth carry
case. I have been searching for Go-
Ite steel rods for ten years and have
found two of them and seen just one
canvas carry bag. The brochures
description sounded like these were
exceptional rods, but in reality they
were about as inexpensively made
as possible! I believe that a straw
finish meant that the rod shaft was
painted yellow and the lubrite rust-
proof finish was a grey paint over
the same rod shaft. The aluminum
handles were inexpensive forged
ones with composition cork grips,
and the guides and tips were wire-
wrapped stainless steel. The Go-
The Go-Ite Boat-Tail Spinner was introduced in late 1946 and 1947. It came in
two sizes 6 and 8 lengths. Bob Davis Collection
Ite name was simply cold stamped excise tax or a total of $8.75 to get
into the side of the handle. The rods the deal. The advertiser was R. H.
were most likely contracted from a SPTG. GOODS CO. Flint 4, Mich.,
local Detroit maker, but there is no and the author believes that R. H.
way to pinpoint who actually made stood for Rex Hite who was selling
them. off the inventory he still had in his
Only two small 1948 Go-Ite ads basement!
have been found so far. The first Go-Ite ads disappeared after
was in the May issue of Field and 1949 with little mention of the
Stream and promoted the De Luxe company in other sources. Go-Ite
reel for $7.95, a lower price than was listed in the 1950 Edition of
the $9.50 retail found in the second Michigan Manufacturers and the
Go-Ite brochure. The second 1948 July 1950 Edition of Hardware
ad was in the May issue of Sports Retailer and still located in Birming-
Afield and pictured a Lake Trout- ham with G.H. Whitney as owner.
Deep Sea Rig for $32.50 postpaid. In 1952 a new company, Whitney
Nothing has turned up to identify Products, showed up in Clawson,
this unusual combo. Michigan, another north-side Detroit
Several of the second brochures suburb four and a half miles east of
have been found with hand pasted Birmingham, selling Go-Ite fishing
printed price corrections. These bro- tackle. Whitney Products was also
chures were also hand stamped with listed in the 1954 Fishing Tackle
the wholesalers name and address. Digest as rod and reel manufacturers
The price corrections were identified and selling Go-Ite Boat-Tail spin-
as New 1948 Prices reducing the ners and Water-Plane spinners. The
reels, the rod holders, the ice shanty Whitney Products name and Claw-
and both steel baits. The rods were son address also appeared on Go-Ite
listed as Obsolete. reel parts lists found in some of the
Two 1949 ads were run that Birmingham reel boxes.
muddy the waters. These small This last period in the history of
ads were run in the May and June Go-Ite Manufacturing is the most
issues of Field and Stream and are opaque due to gaps in my research.
similar to the Flint ads that were However, more Made in Birming-
run in the late 1930s by Rex Hite. ham reels and boxed Water-Plane
The ads picture a tear-drop reel spinners have been found than those
and are titled 2 FOR THE PRICE made in either Kokomo, Indiana or
OF 1. The offer was buy one of Flint, Michigan. My best guess is
the 5 -inch Go-Ite Trolling Reels that Made in Birmingham reels
for $7.95 and get a Junior reel represent 85% of the total Go-Ite
for FREE. The customer, however,
had to pay the 10 percent federal Go-Ite page 112
Go-Ites vanadium steel rods were available in 3 -ft., 4 -ft., and 5-ft. lengths.
The Go-Ite name was simply cold stamped onto the side of the handles two
sizes 6 and 8 lengths. Bob Davis Collection
WNW NEWS OCTOBER 2017 111
Part IV - Go-Ite:
from page 111
reels found by collectors today!
Glenn Whitneys Go-Ite Manu-
facturing Company almost certainly
ran into problems as soon as he
started selling product in late 1946
and 1947. The demand for Indiana
style reels and his other Go-Ite
products was just not there. Casting
reels, standard trolling reels and fly
reels still represented the bulk of
fishing reel sales. Then he really ran
into a bigger wall with the introduc-
tion of spinning reels in 1946. My
best guess is that Whitney made the
decision to cease national advertis-
ing and sell off his remaining prod-
uct at close-out prices sometime in
1948. He must have been successful
as there are quite a few Go-Ite #140
Regular reels and #150 Junior Missouri who I met at the ORCA
reels out there marked Birming-
ham, Mich. as well as a modest
amount of Go-Ite #170 De Luxe
reels.
The Go-Ite story starts in 1910
with Rex Hite working as an ap-
prentice in a Kokomo, Indiana
machine shop. Then the narrative
winds its way through the years to
Highland Park, Michigan, back to
Kokomo, then to Detroit and finally
to Flint, all the while Rex was work-
ing in the growing automotive busi-
ness as a pattern maker. He also had
Subscribe Today and Enjoy
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ADDRESS
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STATE ZIP
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Card#
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Woods-N-Water News
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112 OCTOBER 2017 WNW NEWS
the drive and creativity to start his
own fishing tackle company, Go-
Ite Manufacturing. The company
took time off during WWII and
then resumed under the leadership
of Glenn Whitney through about
1950. The company did business in
five cities, survived both the Great
Depression and WWII, and ended
up selling a lot of fishing tackle that
thousands of anglers enjoyed using.
Thats quite an accomplishment.
Rex Hite died December 30, 1959
in Sarasota, Florida and is buried in
Crown Point Cemetery, Kokomo,
Indiana. This small 1949 ad ran in the May and June issues of Field and Stream offering a
My writing and research partner 2 for Price of 1 Over Stock Offer. R.H. Spor ting Goods most likely meant that
throughout this project was Tim Rex Hite was running the ads and selling off reels he still had in his basement.
Bahr ORCA member from Festus, two years ago. I took our hundreds Steve Vernon,Kokomo-Information-
of pages of research and put every- Harold King, Birmingham and
(Old Reel Collections Association) thing together into this four-part Clawson Information-Brent Fitch,
annual convention in Dowagiac, article (July, August, September and Daisy Fly Box Information-Steve
Michigan in May 2003. I discovered October 2017 issues of Woods-N- Lumpkin, Go-Ite Fish Fooler Lure
that Tim was from the same small Water News) on the Go-Ite Manu- Information-Doug Bucha, Maynard
town in Missouri as my wife. Over facturing Company. I would like to Dyer, Marie Munson, Tony Nedela,
the ensuing years we became close dedicate this article to Tim Bahrs Tony Przybylo & Terry Wong, Go-
friends, and I spent time with him memory. Ite Letterhead-Ephemera Archive
whenever my wife and I went to Researching Go-Ite Manufactur- for American Studies, Go-Ite Silk
Missouri. We discovered our mutual ing has involved a lot of people that Line-Ron Kotch, Collections-Bob
interests in just about any kind of I would like to thank: first of all, Davis, Jim Garrett and Skip
old fishing tackle including Indiana Bob Hite for family information and Brooks, Burt Hirons, Sally and
style reels, so we began research- photographs as well as: Ads-Jerry Lloyd Jett, Jerry Shemechko,
ing Go-Ite Manufacturing about ten Martin and Doug Peerbolt, Genealo- and Jim Schottenham, Langs
years ago. Sadly, Tim passed away gy-Gary Miller, Patent Information- Auctions, Inc.n
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Black bears
and humans
By Kevin Swanson and John Pepin MDNR
F
or many people, the
opportunity to see a
Michigan black bear in
the wild is an amazing
experience.
Black bears are
Michigans only bear species. These
animals prefer large hardwood
or pine forests, intermixed with
wetlands, and they can be colored
black, brown or cinnamon.
Males live in areas that can be
larger than 100 square miles, while
females which give birth to an
average of two to three cubs every
other winter stay in smaller areas
ranging from 10 to 20 square miles.
Adult female black bears typically
weigh 100 to 250 pounds.
Bears have sharp claws on their
padded feet, used for climbing trees
and searching for food, like tearing
open rotted stumps and trees for
insects.
Many wildlife watchers have a
natural curiosity about bears, and
the chance to see bears from a safe
distance, especially when a sow is
accompanied by cubs, often pro-
duces moments most people dont
soon forget.
Anglers, campers, hikers and
others enjoying the outdoors in
Michigan may also encounter a
black bear. Typically, bears will run
Researchers working on the Upper Peninsula predator-prey study examine a
bear cub found in a den with its mother and two siblings in February 2017
in Houghton County.
or walk away from humans if they
become aware of their presence.
However, in some instances,
bears do not run. In these cases, an
adult male Michigan black bear
which can weigh more than 400
pounds and stand 5 feet tall can
present an imposing obstacle.
When bears stand their ground,
people should do the same thing,
said Kevin Swanson, a wildlife
specialist with the Michigan Depart-
ment of Natural Resources bear
and wolf program. In these kind of
encounters, you should make loud
noises and back away from the bear
slowly, giving the bear plenty of
room to leave the area. Do not run
from a black bear or play dead if
one approaches.
In rare cases, black bears can
attack. If they do, fight back with a
stick, a backpack, similar available
items, or your bare hands.
Fatal black bear attacks are
extremely rare.
According to the North Ameri-
can Bear Center in Ely, Minnesota,
black bears have killed 61 people
across North America since 1900.
Bear experts there say your chances
of being killed by a domestic dog,
bees or lightning are vastly greater.
According to the center, Most
attacks by black bears are defensive
For many people, seeing a Michigan black bear in the wild is an
amazing experience. MDNR photos
reactions to a person who is very
close, which is an easy situation to
avoid. Injuries from these defensive
reactions are usually minor.
In Michigan, while cases of
black bear attacks like that of a
12-year-old girl who was attacked
and injured while jogging at dusk in
Wexford County in 2013 remain
rare, reports of bear nuisance com-
plaints are relatively common.
DNR bear nuisance complaints
in the Upper Peninsula tallied a bit
over 100 for each of the past two
years, down from the peak of nearly
250 in 2004.
However, in the northern Lower
Peninsula, bear complaints in 2016
numbered over 200, a new record
for the region. Previously, com-
plaints had peaked in 2003 in that
part of the state at more than 160.
Numerous factors affect bear
complaints, including available food
sources and public attitudes toward
bears over time as population num-
bers increase.
Many black bear nuisance com-
plaints involve encounters between
humans and bears that were prompt-
ed by human behavior.
Black bears eat plants and
animals and seek out a number
of different food sources, such as
sedge, juneberry, blueberry, acorns,
beechnuts, and animal protein that
includes insects and occasional deer
fawns, Swanson said. Bears also
have big appetites, an excellent
sense of smell and can remember
the locations of food sources from
one year to the next.
Problems typically occur when
humans feed black bears, intention-
ally or unintentionally. Bears eat
foods left near campsites, garbage,
or foods left out for pets or wild
birds.
The best way to avoid issues
with black bears is to never feed
them, said Brian Roell, a DNR
wildlife biologist in Marquette. It
is very important that bears main-
tain their natural fear of humans.
Bear problems are far more likely
to occur when bears become used to
finding food provided by humans.
A DNR information flier on
Michigan black bear details some
helpful tips for avoiding conflicts
with bears around homes and
camps:
Never intentionally feed bears.
Remove potential food sourc-
es, like bird feeders, from your yard.
Do not feed wild birds in the spring,
summer and fall, when bears are
most active.
Keep pet food inside or in a
secured area.
Keep garbage and odor at a
minimum by removing trash often
and cleaning the can or other con-
tainer used for garbage.
Keep garbage in a secured
area or in a secured container with a
Black bears page 114
WNW NEWS OCTOBER 2017 113

Black bears:
from page 113
metal, lockable lid until it is picked
up or taken away.
Keep grills and picnic tables
clean.
Bee hives (apiaries), fruit trees
and gardens can be protected from
bears by electric fencing.
There are additional tips for hik-
ers and campers:
Keep a clean camp, limiting
food odors and garbage.
Food and toiletries should
never be kept in tents. Store these
items in air-tight containers in a
vehicle trunk or suspend food in
burlap or plastic bags or backpacks
from trees. Hang these bags or back-
packs 12 feet off the ground, 10 feet
away from the tree trunk and 5 feet
from the nearest branch.
Always cook at a distance from
your campsite and wash dishes and
utensils shortly after eating.
Dont sleep in clothes that have
cooking odors or blood on them.
Store garbage as you would
food. Burning or burying garbage
attracts bears.
Travel in groups and make
noise when hiking to avoid surpris-
ing a bear.
Carry bear spray.
Semi-guided ARCHERY, RIFLE and
MUZZLELOADER WHITETAIL hunts
still available this fall on FREE RANGE
400-acre farm in northern Michigan.
MENOMINEE COUNTY, MICHIGAN
UPPER PENINSULA
Sandra, General Manager 313-410-2204
Perry, Outfitter 906-241-9653
www.whitetaildeerhuntinglodge.com
114 OCTOBER 2017 WNW NEWS
All of us who live and enjoy
the outdoors in bear country share
the responsibility of not doing
things that will intentionally or
unintentionally attract bears and cre-
ate the potential for bear problems,
said John Pepin, DNR deputy public
information officer. As human and
black bear populations grow in some
areas, the possibility of human-bear
interactions becomes more likely,
making this shared responsibility
even more important.
Bear populations throughout
Michigan are currently stable or are
increasing, depending on region.
Bears are found across roughly
35,000 square miles of suitable
habitat, mostly in the northern two-
thirds of the state. The Upper Penin-
sula is home to most of Michigans
black bears.
According to the DNRs Statisti-
cal Catch-At-Age analysis which
uses bear sex and age data collected
since 1992 bear abundance in
Michigan was most recently esti-
mated at a total of 11,811 sub-adult
and adult bears.
This estimate includes 9,699
black bears in the U.P. and 2,112
in the northern Lower Peninsula.
Those figures were calculated before
the 2015 bear hunting seasons.
As a comparison, the pre-hunt-
ing season figures for 2014 showed
a total of 10,754 sub-adult and adult
bears, with 8,721 in the U.P. and
Michigan Depar tment of Natural Resources wildlife biologist Brian Roell gets
ready to weigh a black bear at the DNRs Marquette Customer Service Center.
2,033 in the northern Lower Penin-
sula.
While the analysis estimates the
bear population in the Upper Penin-
sula has increased about 1 percent
since 2000, in the northern Lower
Peninsula, bear numbers have risen
an estimated 47 percent over that
same time frame.
Swanson said state wildlife
biologists have worked to balance
requests from the public for more
bears with local bear population
densities and numbers of bear nui-
sance complaints.
Due to previous concerns
expressed by DNR biologists and
a wide array of hunters and bear
hunting clubs, license quotas and the
bear harvest were decreased signifi-
cantly beginning in 2012, Swanson
said. The current DNR goal is to
increase and then stabilize bear
numbers according to how many
bears the habitat can support com-
fortably, without surpassing social
tolerance.
In Michigan, hunting helps keep
bear populations at acceptable lev-
els. Bear hunting is a long-standing
tradition in the state, enjoyed by
those who hunt over bait or pursue
bears with dogs.
Recreational hunting of Michi-
gan black bear began in 1925.
Nearly 100 years later, the DNR
continues to carefully manage bear
populations and habitat.
DNR officials staying con-
nected with stakeholders and con-
stituents, and setting license quotas
based on appropriate population
goals, will help manage a healthy
Michigan black bear population,
Swanson said.
This year, more than 56,000
hunters applied for 7,140 available
bear hunting licenses, up more than
9 percent from 2016.
Bear hunting seasons open
across Michigan in September and,
depending on the bear management
unit, largely continue into October.
Some days of the hunt are restricted
to bait-only hunting, while bait
and dogs may be used during the
remainder of the seasons.
Non-resident licenses in Michi-
gan are capped at 5 percent this
year, an increase from a previous
cap of 2 percent. This year, 310
out-of-state residents were granted
bear hunting licenses from the 7,140
issued.
With black bear numbers cur-
rently approaching 12,000 adult
black bear statewide, there are
excellent opportunities for wildlife
viewing and bear hunting in Michi-
gan.
The U.P. landscape is prime
habitat for black bear due to the
large connected tracts of forestland
that grow over various soil types,
which creates abundant food sources
and cover for this normally solitary
animal, Swanson said. But a rising
population is causing more conflict
with people, especially in the north-
ern Lower Peninsula, where bear
bluff charges, domestic dog kills
and general nuisance complaints are
rising.
Black bear nuisance complaints
in the U.P. become increasingly
common in years when natural food
sources, like blueberries, are harder
to find. However, any bear will take
advantage of an easy meal, like
seeds from backyard wild bird feed-
ers and household garbage.
Keeping these potential bear
foods safely stored away, especially
when bears have been reported in
the area, will help minimize nega-
tive interactions with black bears,
Roell said. Michigan black bears
are fascinating wild animals that
should be respected as such, never
fed and viewed from a safe dis-
tance.
Under Michigan law, black bears
can only be killed by a licensed
hunter or when human life is in
danger. Anyone who is experiencing
problems with bears should contact
the nearest DNR office and speak
with a wildlife biologist or techni-
cian for further assistance.
Get more information on Michi-
gan black bears at www.michigan.
gov/bear.n
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 Woods-N-WaterNews Classified Section
MISC.
POSTAL JEEP, 1969 restored,
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locking diff, 5 new tires. Mileage
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..............................................
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SIZE $199. 5 drawer log chest
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..............................................
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..............................................
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POND SUPPLIES: Live game- Details 586-260-0719. H-5-7
To reach an immense outdoor market use the . . . fish for stocking. Large selection of BEAR GUIDE SERVICE:

Woods-N-Water News Classified

lake, pond and watergarden sup- Newberry and Gwinn BMU, we hunt
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Every word over 20 is .25 per word -- Box your classified, $5 additional charge 6 846-6228. Call nights. DNR ..............................................
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..............................................
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..............................................
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or toll free 1-877-434-2440.
F-1/17TFN

DEER HUNT, SAGANING
$35.50 $35.75 $36.00 $36.25 $36.50 $36.75
CLUB. Bucks $100 point. Private
cabin, lots of game, high success
Enclosed is $for
Classifieds work!
minimal hunting pressure. The
stands are in place, ready for
you to harvest a trophy buck!

(810) 724-0254
rate, no deer, no pay. Call 989-846- Heartland Hunting Consultants
words to runmonths. BOX MY CLASSIFIED - $5 Extra 6228. H-9-4 (810) 223-4587 H-10-2
..............................................
email: wnw@pageone-inc.com website: www.woods-n-waternews.com
116 OCTOBER 2017 WNW NEWS
 Woods-N-WaterNews Classified Section
RESORTS/RENT
CABIN MANISTEE CO.,
sleeps 6, on 11 wooded acres, good
deer hunting, 4 miles to Manistee
river boat launch. 8 miles to Pippy
Dam - fully furnished, furnace. 3/4
bath, private site. $600 per week.
Call 616-915-6537. R/R-10-1
..............................................
S E A S O N A L - O N LY
CAMPING Private, gated
paradise on Big Manistee River
offers large, wooded sites, full
hook-ups, easy access to Lake
Michigan beaches. Long sea-
son. Quiet and peaceful.
COHO BEND - 231-723-
7321 www.cohobend.com.
R/R-3-8
TRAILS END RESORT
ON BIG MANISTIQUE
LAKE, Curtis Michigan -
Hunting, fishing and sightsee-
BUSINESS FOR SALE
HUNTING LAND LEASE
BUSINESS. Match land owners
with hunters. Started in 2010 - this
years leases ready for renewal.
Revenue generating, profitable and
recurring income stream.
Serious inquiries only. Email
wayne@Trophylandlease.com
10-2
..............................................
REAL ESTATE
HUNTING LAND 40 ACRES
in SW Midland Countys Porter Twp
adjacent to 1200 acres of state
land. Private deeded access and
gated. Good mixture of upland,
marsh and swamp for great hunting.
$75,000. 989-835-1360. RE-10-1
..............................................
A HUNTERS DREAM! 111
acres in Gladwin County with 3
bedroom 2 bath waterfront home on
full basement with garage $419,900
Call Dawn Morris 989-429-1250
REAL ESTATE
PINE RIVER BETWEEN
LUTHER AND LEROY
private club 450 acres. 1
miles of river. Cabin - 1,028 sq.
ft. furnished. 2 bedrooms, living
room, kitchen, bath with tub and
shower, 3 season room. Electric
and wood heat. 3 out buildings.
$97,500 Call Jac at 231-250-
4951. RE-9-2
LAND FOR SALE: 10 acres in
Lake County, MI. Well, spetic, elec-
tric access. 25x40 pole barn - backs
up to state land, near 10 cup motor-
head trails. $38,000. 231-342-8028.
RE-10-2
..............................................
WOODS AND WATER
PARADISE! 2 bed, 2 bath home
w/2000+ ft. of shoreline on private
Horseshoe Lake and 45+/- acres of
woods. 11925 Strait Rd, Hanover
MI. Deer, wildlife and variety of fish.
Insulated 4 car garage w/workshop,
office. Additional 3 car garage.
REAL ESTATE
18.5 WOODED ACRES ON
YEAR ROUND COUNTY
DEAD END BLACK TOP
ROAD. Short drive to Torch Lake
or State Land. Fully wooded with
a hardwoods and pines, terrain is
rolling to hilly. There are 2 sepa-
rate access points and cleared ar-
eas. ldeal for hunting along with
camping or building your weekend
getaway home. Utililies are along
the front of the property. $59,900,
$2,000 down, $700 per month
11% land contract Northem Land
Co. 231-258-5100 Refer to GW-10.
RE-9-2
..............................................
WATERFRONT CABIN FOR
SALE: Well built, remote UP.
Seney, MI area, Schoolcraft County,
Main Branch Fox River, 7 1/4 acres,
surveyed, fish for brook trout, hunt
deer, bear, grouse, rabbits. $35,000
Owner 269-795-9727 Or Northcoast
Realty List #CC-154. RE-8-3
..............................................
DOGS
BIRD DOG TRAINING IN
ALABAMA for the 35th year
we will train in Alabama where we
have found lots of birds. Birds shot
daily! Let Hall of Fame Trainer
David Grubb make a top dog out of
your dog. Leaving Thanksgiving
and returning April 1st $1,750 for
the trip, everything included. We
take Labs too! 248-860-1009.
D-10-3
..............................................
BIRD DOG TRAINING IN
NORTH DAKOTA - for the 21st
year well go to North Dakota the
last two weeks in October. Your dog
will see more birds in two weeks
then they will see in a year in
Michigan! Birds shot daily. We take
Labs too! $300 for the trip, every-
thing included. 248-860-1009.
D-10-2
..............................................
MAPLEHILL BRITTANYS:
AKC/FDSB/OFA dual quality pups,
selectively linebred to bird hunt from
the finest bloodlines in the country.
DOGS
GERMAN WIRCHAIRED
POINTER PUPPIES
AVAILABLE. Welphed 6-14-
17. 1 male, 3 females, both
parents are excellent hunting
dogs. Phone 269-998-8325.
D-9-2
S T. CLAIR
CHESAPEAKES offering a
2 yr. old female Chesapeake
gun dog. Fully trained on obidi-
ence, steady to shot, excellent
pedigree $800. Call Tom 810-
650-4711. D-10-1
GERMAN SHORTHAIR
POINTER PUPS: Males
and females available. Excel-
lent hunting dogs and superb
family pets. Close working
dogs with strong point and
retrieve instincts. Reasonably
priced for the sporting family.
Money back guarantee. Eulen-

Classifieds
ing. 2 Bedroom modern house- Smith Miller Real Estate. RE-10-1 Southern Michigan. $399,900 Amy Featuring the greatest National hof Kennels, Gladwin, MI.
keeping cabins. Boats, motors .............................................. Gilpin, Assoc Broker, Production Field Champions and Hall of http://www.eulenhof.com
and pontoon rentals. Call 906-

586-3515. R-9-3
HUNTING LEASE
HUNTING LEASE October 1st
January 1st, 11 acres, St. Clair
County $1,600.00 248-240-0985.
180 ACRES CHIPPEWA
COUNTY: Hunt, fish, hike or
snowmobile. 180 acres with
trails, blinds, and food plots.
Adjoins thousands of acres of
public land, 13 miles south of
Sault Ste. Marie, less than 2
miles to boat launch and the St.
Mary's River. E.U.P. hunting
Work!
Realty 517-879-4141. RE-10-1 Famers of our time. The best of the 989-426-4884 D-10-2
.............................................. best. Gundog Training and
19 ACRES OF BEAUTIFUL puppies started. Stud service and
started gundogs available. 810-543- Subscribe Today!
(810) 724-0254
RECREATIONAL PROP-
ERTY. Mostly wooded. Great bldg. 0733. D-10-1 810.724.0254
sites. Wildlife pond, frontage on
the big swamp Raisin drain. Trails
throughout. Lots of wildlife. Enjoy
the natural beauty. A very rare find
in Western Lenawee County MI. Your Woods-N-Water News is
www.woods-n-waternews.com

HL-10-3
..............................................
JACKSON 104 ACRES sur-
rounded by 3500 acres unhunted
and fishing camp, the 1100 sq.
ft. home and 32x42 garage will
satisfy most as a year round
residence. A great buy at
Just a
Sand Creek Schools. All offers con-
sidered. Call Larry at Faust Real
Estate, 517-270-3645. RE-10-1
..............................................

state prison land. Big bucks taken.
Corn and beans surround. Call 248-
978-7673. HL-10-2
..............................................
GOOD HUNTING/FISH-
Click Away!
$250,000. Call 989-390-0362. 292+ ACRES 2 miles river
Details Craigslist and Zillow. frontage. 3 bedroom, 2 bath house.
RE-8-3 60x90 pole barn and guest house.
Mule deer, whitetail, waterfowl and
pheasants. 2 antelope land owner
38 ACRE HOBBY FARM tags. Hudson, Wyoming. 307-330-

ING! 200+ gated acres avail-
able for yearly lease. Boat
docks with power and offsite
boat ramp. mile canal with 2
Subscriptions
WITH EVERYTHING- woods/ 7224. RE-910-1
fruit trees/open land/2 barns/ vast ..............................................
water frontage on Kendaville Lake. HUNTING PROPERTY: 160
Great Duck hunting, fishing - Deer ACRES Rolling hills 80% wooded

Email the Editor

dredged channels to the hunting all this comes with a with markeable hardwoods, pine,
Saginaw Bay, casino within 4 Remodeled farm house a must see birch and cedar. Excellent hunting;
miles. Perfect for hunt clubs! with updated mechanicals . Call artesian streams with brook trout, a
References needed. Email Your Team Realty for more details 3.5 acre lake for fish and waterfowl,

Classifieds - Buy, Sell, Trade

DJRMVP@gmail.com by 989-352-5511 or text 989-506- established blinds and food plots.
appointment only. Please see 2910. RE-10-1 Access by paved road with electric.
our ad on page 120 of this issue .............................................. A wide choice of building sites. Rose
of the Woods-N-Water News. City area, Rose Township, SEC 21.

Send Photos or Story Tips

HL-8-3 10 ACRES. NEWAYGO
CO. adjacent to 600 acres
federal forest. 2 miles from
HUNTING LAND TO LEASE: Muskegon River. Well, septic,
30 acres - AuGres on US-23, 1056
Owner 989-820-5858. RE-10-2
..............................................
WELL BUILT FARM HOME
IN GREAT CONDITION. Over

ft. of frontage. Large creek is rear
property line. Mostly wooded, good
cover. Lease from September 1,
2017 - January 1, 2018. $800 Call
and 1600 ft shell. partly wooded
and partly meadow, very pri-
vate. Terms available. $62,500.
517-505-5445. jgd_99@yahoo.
Advertising Information
2000 sqft, Spacious country kitch-
en. 40 acres. Hillsdale County MI.
A must see! $269,000. Call Lorraine
at Faust Real Estate, LLC 517-605-

www.woods-n-waternews.com
com RE-9-2 6950. RE-10-1
810-217-8295. L-9-2 ..............................................
.............................................. FOR SALE BY OWNER 49.8
EXCELLENT HUNTING 11.7 ACRES - 4 acres wooded, acres with 14x70 mobile home.
AND FARM GROUND FOR prime hunting, Genesee County. 24x32 pole barn well and septic.
SALE OR LEASE by owner in Buildable, Flushing Schools, oil Great hunting land located in Hills-
central MI or U.P. For more informa- rights pay your taxes. $70,000. dale. Silver Creek runs through. 20
tion 517-881-0128. L-9-2

Its Easy . . .
Contact Jim at 810-208-7732. tillable 29.8 heavily wooded $4500
.............................................. RE-10-1 per acre. 313-949-4176. RE-9-2
..............................................

Classifieds Work!
..............................................

VISIT TODAY!
ONAWAY AREA: 160 acres 35 ACRES: Osceola Co. Good
hunting property, mostly cedar hunting - wooded thick cover - small
$1000 per acre. Call Larry at 989- creek, paved road, electric avail-

(810) 724-0254
733-4152. RE-10-1 able. Deer birds $59,500. Call 231-
.............................................. 920-3652. RE-9-2

email: wnw@pageone-inc.com website: www.woods-n-waternews.com

WNW NEWS OCTOBER 2017 117
 120 ACRE CAMP backing to State land.
The home has 1 bedroom, 1 bath & open
living area. 30x48 pole barn with a 450 sf
bunk room that sleeps 10, sauna & more.
Trail roads, blinds & pond. Excellent
hunting! Reduced to $169,900 #303078
5.6 ACRES or 49.6 ACRES. Newer home
in a private setting. 1800 sf, 3 bedrooms,
2 baths, an attached garage and a pole
barn. 1 mile from Hammond Bay Harbor.
2 options: on 5.6 acres for $134,900 or
on 49.6 acres for $174,900 #310312
325 OCQUEOC RIVER & 3 ACRES. Beau-
tiful riverfront parcel on a dead end private
road. Great place to camp, build a get away
cottage or year round home. A mile to the
snowmobile trails & 2 miles to 1000s of
acres of State land. $25,700 #305672
Carol Steiger, Associate Broker
(231) 627-9991 Office
(989) 351-0110 Cell
email: carol.steiger@remax.net
846 S. Main, Cheboygan, MI
www.liveupnorth.com
North
If your Hunting for a good
deal call me Tammy Garling
at 906-280-1169
118 OCTOBER 2017 WNW NEWS
80 Acre Farm and Hunting
Land with 2 stocked ponds, in
NE corner of Newaygo Coun-
ty, Central Michigan. Home is
newly remodeled.
Call Randy @ Maxwell Realty
231-349-6962
for more information
17 Acres of Terrific Hunting prop-
erty in the UP. Land connects with
80 acres of state Land in the North-
east corner. Cose to connection for
phone, electricity. Many different tree
types and both high and low ground.
This is perfect spot to set up camp or
build your new home. $28,900
Country Living 3 bed 2 bath home
siting on 30 acres, Nice open con-
cept kitchen area, bedrooms are all
good size, main floor laundry, nice
yard, garage. $134,500
Great Place to build your dream
home, 376 feet on Stoner Lake and
sits on 4.40 acres. It has been cleard
and a septic and electricity is on the
property. It also has a shed. This is a
recreational lake, it is about 25 feet
deep with bass, perch, pike, fishing.
A piece of Heaven. $79,900
PAGES
118 - 129
Camp on 80 acres that has two
blinds already in place and a nice
camp. 350 gallon holding tank for
cold and hot water, a full kitchen,
outhouse has a flushing toilet and
heat, 10x10 shed cement floor for
toys, a Buck pole in place for the
lucky hunter. $99,900
99 acres of land with a camp, in
Perkins. about half the acreage is
beautiful northern hardwoods stand
that is dominated by sugar maple.
This is enrolled in the qualified for-
est program. $124,900
Great hunting camp on 100 acres, lots
of wildlife, deer, grouse, turkey, bear, bob-
cat, weasel, Bucks are taken every year,
Heavily wooded with spruce, and cedar,
Boudreu creek running through it, older
trailer in good condition, 1,000 gallon sep-
tic, newer windows , roof and furnace,
property borders state land. $130,000
Natures Paradise! High quality newer
maintenance free camp on 280 acres
of mostly high ground, 11 food plots,
camp is a two bedroom one bath with a
loft, catherdral ceilings, all tongue and
groove, exterior is vinyl, steel roof, gen-
erator is included, propane space heat-
er, also a 24x32 pole building, the cabin
features an open concept, the property
has two miles of trails and two sections
border state land. 3 elevated blinds and
one ground blind. All furniture and ap-
pliances included. $299,900
 8 Acres +/- with trail road, camping pad 40 Acres with hunting cabin with electric,
and small pond. Land contract available. well & septic. Trails though property. VERY
Near $19,800 #299102 Affordable. $69,900 #309026

Marlette 14 Acres with trail road, camping and 40 acres set back from road. Trails on prop-

in Sanilac 121 hunting. Close to Pigeon Rive State Forest.

Terms $33,231 #257296
erty. Camping site. Electric adjacent. Very
picturesque. Terms $70,000 #309034
County Acres 4825 W. 36 Road, Harrietta, MI 49638
Amazing 80 acres adjoining Manistee National Forest! This proper-
ty offers everything you could ever want with 80 acres of mixed hard-
30 Acres with small stream, trail road. 60 Acres of prime hunting with blinds,
Excellent hunting. Near Black Mountain food plots and cabin. Ready to hunt parcel.
375,100
woods and pines, several open clearings, and an artesian well. Many
$ great bucks have been harvested off this land. 2 bed (possible 3rd), 2 Recreation Area Terms available. $119,000 #303829
bath house with deep 2 car garage provides the perfect hunting lodge
or up north retreat with room to store your toys. Enjoy countryside $52,173 #308394 73 Acres - all around use property. Includes
Will OR views from balcony. House is available fully furnished. Propane tank
31 Acres of upland woods with trail older barn, workshop and large pond. A
consider $3,100 per acre
is owned by sellers and comes with the sale. Backup wall heater in
basement means youll never have frozen pipes! Property is situated through, camping pad. Utilities at road. mix of woods and fields. Excellent hunting.
just 1/4 mile down seasonal road and directly on the snowmobile trail,
all just minutes from Caberfae and Lost Pines Lodge. Owners are open
to splitting the land, or additional 40 acres to the south is also for sale.
Land contract $59,000 #293468 $80,000 #307931

offers. ERA GREATER

NORTH PROPERTIES STATE WIDE REAL Check out our web site for
additional properties of all types.
3080 W. 13th Street Cadillac, Michigan 49601
Contact Rebekka Crawford 231.878.1307 ESTATE OF HAWKS www.statewideofhawks.com
Rebekka@ERAGreaterNorth.com
www.eragreaternorth.com
OF HAWKS FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT ONE OF OUR AGENTS: 989.734.4840

Choose your
Whitetail Realty,
Lake City, MI
231-839-8142 or
own adventure.
office@lakecityrealestate.com
lakecitymirealestate.com If you are looking to finance land off the beaten
path, Greenstone is the lender to help you get it
Lake City Area MLS# 21118625 $129,900
Small Hunting Cabin w/well & Electric done. We offer a variety of loan types for country
25 x 40 Pole Barn for lots of storage acreage and recreational land of any size. Leave
62 Acres of woods and wet lands
Tractor w/equipment & a Quad included your options wide open and contact your local
GreenStone office for more information!
N. Missaukee MLS# 21118706 $19,900
10 Acre Heavily Wooded Parcel
Located close to State land & Trails 800-444-3276
Good Hunting Area

Lake City Area MLS# 21122417 $23,900

12.5 open & wooded acres
Close to Lake City
Private drive off blacktop road

N Missaukee MLS# 21119410 $24,900

Rolling & open 20 Acre Parcel
Trail Road access in good hunting area
Adjoins Hundreds of acres of State Land
www.greenstonefcs.com
N. Missaukee MLS# 21124314 $79,900
Wooded and rolling 40 acre parcel
700 sq ft Rustic Cabin w/Loft Area
Setup for Generator & Gas lights
Easement access to the property
State Land located across the trail

WNW NEWS OCTOBER 2017 119

 REAL ESTATE AUCTION
Coldwater Lake Cottage*496 Lake Frontage
Isabella County * Weidman, Michigan
MLS 17013830 - S Kings Hwy. - Welcome nature lovers! This quaint, secluded cottage is nestled on 170 acres of Pure Michigan
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 15 *2:00PM* forest with 900' frontage on the pristine Pere Marquette River. Whether you love to hunt, fish or enjoy wildlife this wooded
property has it all. The cabin is steps from the rustling water & features an open floor plan w/ the focal point being a custom stone
(Sale held on site)
fireplace complete w/ a swing arm to cook an amazing meal over the open fire. The 1st bedroom is river side to soothe you to
*2,650 sq. ft. home on 2+ acres surveyed property sleep & plenty of extra sleeping in 2nd bedroom w/ 2 sets of bunks & twin size bed. Also includes pull out couch & trundle bed to
*Home built in 2000. Open-Loft design. accommodate up to 11 people great for a big get together. The large bath features storage & walk-in shower. The fully applianced
*Tall, vaulted ceilings throughout the home kitchen has plenty of counter space & storage. Also includes 24 x 32 pole barn, 6 deer blinds, fire pit, shed w/ wood shelter & wood
*Open design, but many alcoves & sitting areas stove. Mother Nature at her best. Own your own private paradise today! http://www.tourfactory.com/1752547
*Floor to ceiling windows facing water
*Heart of the House Kitchen location
*Kitchen has privacy wall, open design, breakfast counter, granite
counter tops, custom cabinets and appliances
*Large half bath, huge Master bath w/ double sinks, vaulted
ceilings, built in dressing vanity, whirlpool tub
*Abundant closets throughout
*Several patio doors to full wrap-around patio deck
*FULL, 2,650 sq. ft. basement. All unfished. 9 block walls ready for
your design.
*Basement has patio walk-out doors & ground level cement patio
*1 car garage. 5 well. Central Air. Drain field and Septic tanks
*Propane gas to the house. *Fenced property throughout Good hunting and fishing!
*220 amp service w/ generator back up Inspections of the property:
*Mostly wooded property w/ mature trees. SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 24 * 1-3 PM Sunny Cove
*Secluded property at end of dead end road
*Located on Coldwaters famed Northeast Side
*Adjacent to Isabella Countys Coldwater Family Park
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 6 * 11am-1pm
Or please call John Pavlik Auctioneer, or
Randy Golden, Broker for personal appointment
100 Hunting
Preserve
* Subdivision
East of canal
*Great all-sports Lake
Acres,

Saginaw Bay
*Located 20 minutes from Mt. Pleasant Directions to the property:
*Gorgeous, must see home & property West of Mt. Pleasant to Littlefield Rd. Take Littlefield
*
PROPERTY INFORMATION Rd. North along the East side of Coldwater Lake to
Beal City Rd. Turn west mile to Eastern Ave. Turn Dyked &

Farm
Please visit www.PavlikLLC.com for all
aerials, pictures, and property information south to the last house at the end of the road
Former properties of Harris Family
Open House Inspections & closing transaction Handled by:
Isolated *
Dredge
RE/MAX OF MT. PLEASANT-RANDY GOLDEN Broker
Mt. Pleasant, MI. * 989-773-3332 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

PERE MARQUETTE RIVER PERE MARQUETTE RIVER BALDWIN RIVER SANBORN CREEK SANBORN CREEK
1BD, 1 BA, Log Cabin 2BD, 1BA, 8 Acres 2BD, 1BA, 11 Acres 2BD, 2BA, 35 Acres 2BD, 1 BA, 5 Acres
MLS 17033761 $104,900 MLS 16057863 $165,000 MLS 15059321 $149,000 MLS 17007632 $169,900 MLS 17042159 $59,900

LITTLE TWIN LAKE WOODLAND PARK LAKE PUTMAN LAKE BIG L LAKE BITELY LAKE
3BD, 2BA , Cabin 2 BD, 1 BA, All Sports 2BD, 1BA, No Wake 2BD, 1BA, Log Cabin 3BD, 1BA, Log Cabin
MLS 17014727 $72,500 MLS 17009070 $69,900 MLS 17033395 $72,900 MLS 17017916 $109,000 MLS 17040938 $169,900

Looking for Affordable Vacation Property?

LAND CONTRACTS ARE AVAILABLE
Call us today & get started on the path to owning
your own little piece of Northern Michigan!
120 OCTOBER 2017 WNW NEWS
 Doug Leitch Office: 231-652-7000
&
Doug: 231-250-8200
Blake Ver Woert Blake: 616-308-3122
Hunting Land Specialists
WE WANT YOUR LISTINGS !!
537+/- 359+/- ACRES,
ACRES, TUSCOLA &
JACKSON GENESEE
COUNTY COUNTIES
Excellent Duck, Deer & Turkey 30 Acre Private Lake, 3,400
sq ft Custom Lodge,
$
1,750,000
Hunting. Area of Other Large
Property Owners. Man Cave 70x70 Pole Barn, 60x120
w/Game Cleaning Station Pole Barn, 2 Rental
$
1,074,000 Houses, 26 Ladder Stands,
5 Elevated Box Blinds
LD LD LD
SO SO SO

Alcona County, 240 Acres,
House, Barns, Pond, Stream, Food Plots
$499,000
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,
Alpena County, 316+/- Acres, Good Trails 6 Bedroom Lodge, Guest Cabin,
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
$439,000 $129,000 $599,000 $136,500 $129,000 $275,000 $289,000

LD LD LD
SO SO SO

Iosco County, 783+/- Acres, Jackson County, 105+/- Acres

Calhoun Co, 86+/- Acres Jackson County, 120 Acres Mecosta County, 40 Acres Excellent Midland County, 80 Acres Missaukee County, 80 Acres Newaygo County,
750 ft. Frontage on Prairie Lake, 1 Mile Frontage Tawas Lake, Kunze WRP Program, Mature Hard- Mixed Hardwoods, Good Trail Deer, Turkey & Small Game 12 Miles to Mount Pleasant, Pond, Professionally Managed 5+/- Acres Frontage
Big Buck Hunting, Outbuildings River Crosses Property, 5 Bedroom Log woods, Great Deer, Turkey &
Lodge, 3 Miles from East Tawas Waterfowl Hunting System, Big Buck Country Hunting, Good Trail System Excellent Hunting Forest, Food Plots on White River
$349,000
$1,250,000 $211,000 $360,000 $88,000 $176,000 $129,500 $28,000

I NG LD LD
END SO SO
P

Newaygo Co, 25+/- Acres
7 Ac Private Lake, County
Road Frontage, Pond
$75,000
Newaygo County, 30 Acres, 2 Bedroom,
1 1/2 Bath Mobile Home, 24x28 Pole
Barn, Adjacent to National Forest
$99,000
Newaygo County, 40 Acres Newaygo Co, 45+/- Acres Newaygo Co, 55+/- Acres
Newaygo County, 40+/- Acres Newaygo County, 40 Acres 5 Ac Private Lake, Nice 25 Ac Private Lake, Excellent Newaygo County, 60 Acres
32x48 Pole Barn with Water &
Adjacent to Federal Land, Remote Electric, 20 Ac Old Apple Orchard, Heavily Wooded, Excellent Pond, Trail System, Tillable Waterfowl & Deer Hunting, QDM, Trophy Bucks
Location, Small Lake 20 Ac Hardwoods, Great Hunting Hunting, Building Sites Land, Excellent Hunting Good Trails Harvested, Great Parcel
$80,000 $199,000 $60,000 $135,000 $165,000 $90,000

I NG
END
P

Saginaw County, 460+/- Acres,

Newaygo County, 80 Acres Newaygo County, 125 Acres, Three Newaygo County, 240 Acres, Osceola County, 167 Acres 8 bedroom Log Lodge, 40x114
Newaygo Co, 80 Acres Newaygo County, 80 Acres Presque Isle County, 80 Ac Pole Barn, Care Taker Residence
Close to Federal Land, Pole Barn, Rolling Hardwoods, Great 4,600 ft. White River Frontage, spring fed lakes, Excellent Deer, Adjacent to State Land, Good Trail System Nice Cabin, Good Trail Creek Frontage, 24x24 Garage, with Barn, High Fence
Turkey and Waterfowl hunting Food Plots, High Deer Population System, Excellent Hunting
Great Hunting Hunting, 2 Bedroom Mobile Great Hunting and Fishing Excellent Hunting Deer Ranch, 275 Quality Deer
$189,000 $375,000 $384,000 $389,000
$140,000 $150,000 $90,000 $2,900,000

www. WildLifeRealty.com
WNW NEWS OCTOBER 2017 121
 795 N 1st St And
Use your smart phone and a QR Code P.O. Box 499 229 Lake George Ave
Harrison MI 48625 Lake George, MI 48633
Reader App to see all of our listings
989-539-2261 989-588-6171
CLARE COUNTY, MICHIGAN
WHERE THE NORTH BEGINS...
Open 7 Days * Established in 1953
www.harrison-realty.com
9.91 acres Harrison Railroad
Grade 9.91 acre wooded, high and dry
www.buyhr.co
parcel to build or hunt. $20,000 E-mail: office@harrison-realty.com
For Photos Text R508501 To 52187

NHN Townline Lake Road Hunters Parcel 7 Eberhart Heavily wooded 5944 Haskell Lake Road 3 wooded
Paradise 30 rolling, wooded acres, 10.96 acre parcel around the corner lots w/ 2bed/1bath mobile 2 lg decks,
trails, 4bd, 1 ba, A-Frame,heated from Long Lake, near trails and state 5" well, garage & shed near trails &
elevated deer blind $94,900 land. Build or hunt $29,900 460 acres of DNR land. $39,900
For Photos Text R493329 To 52187 For Photos Text R488719 To 52187 For Photos Text R473227 to 52187

10240 Finley Lake Ave. 2.25 Acre 2250 Buck Road River front 2 bdrm NHN Monroe Road Beautiful 3.8
Year round home or retreat Walk to cabin w/garage and bounce 10x12 wooded acres with electricity to
Muskegon River, State land and ORV bldg. Large yard for tents and RVs. property. Great location for your "Up
trails four seasons of fun $69,000 ORV trails close by. $75,000 North" cabin. $15,000
For Photos Text R514324 To 52187 For Photos Text R476364 to 52187 For Photos Text R451581 To 52187

4100 Gayla Well kept 2bed, 1 bath, 4950 Sanford Lk Rd Sanford Lake 2261 Oakridge Looking for an
bungalow with att. garage. Beautiful Access at Flats Campground. Unit 1 established lot to build your new
yard with mature trees and rock has a 1992 Jayco camper. Unit 2 has a home? This lot has it all, pole barn,
garden. $45,900 2002 Dutchman. Beach too. $39,900 electric, septic, well. $24,900
For Photos Text R447258 to 52187 For Photos Text R439105 to 52187 For Photos Text R433439 To 52187

1 Bdrm, 1 bth cabin. 40 Acres off the grid. 3 Bdrm, 1 bth camp. 78 Acres adjoins State land. 1 Bdrm, 0 Bths, Camp. 125 Escanaba River. 42
Food plots, apple trees, and pond. Rapid River. Power on site. Two power ponds. Shed. Stonington. Plus Acres for hunting and recreation. Cornell.
$164,900 1103217 $95,000 1101570 $99,900 1101607

THOUSANDS OF 1 Bdrm, 1 bth, garage w/loft. 194 Ft on Little

Bay de Noc. Stonington.
1 Bdrm, 1 bth cottage. Gorgeous sand beach.
Swimming! Small cottage. Stonington.
Cottage on Escanaba River. Private lot. Garage.
Build your dream home. Great price! Cornell.
ACRES AVAILABLE $109,000 1102049 $129,900 1102261 $59,900 1103796
FROM $5200 TO $526,200.
Escanaba
2209 Ludington Street
(906) 786-1308
1 Bdrm camp. 40 Acres. Nice high ground. 2 Bdrm, 0.25 bth Camp. 80 Acres, Wilson 2 Bdrm, 1 bth A-Frame. Lake front Chalet,
Great hunting. Well built. Perkins. Creek, well, power, trails, pristine. Powers. great fishing and boating. Manistique.
Powers $84,900 1101098 $125,000 1100747 $150,000 1101361
W3776 US 2 & 41
(906) 497-4190

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

122 OCTOBER 2017 WNW NEWS

 HUNTING LAND FOR SALE

BRANDON CROPSEY CHUCK KEEFER EDMUND NOGASKI JAKE EHLINGER

Broker, Land Specialist Agent, Land Specialist Agent, Land Specialist Agent, Land Specialist
Michigan Central Michigan Northern Michigan Southeast Michigan
(269) 816-3010 (989) 600-4112 (231) 330-4107 (517) 937-2118
MICHAEL TURNER SHAD WOODRUFF SHAWN KELLEY TONY HANSEN
Agent, Land Specialist Agent, Land Specialist Agent, Land Specialist Agent, Land Specialist
Eastern Michigan West Central Michigan Southeast Michigan Central Michigan
(989) 305-9683 (989) 330-4032 (586) 292-1812 (269) 420-9510

CONTACT AN AGENT TO LEARN MORE ABOUT BUYING AND

SELLING HUNTING, FARMLAND AND TIMBERLAND

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

MI_WNW_ad_9.83x13.indd 1 WNW NEWS OCTOBER

8/1/17 2017 123
9:57 AM

VISIT OUR WEBSITE TODAY!
statewiderealestate.net
Houghton
Marquette
Iron Mountain Manistique
Gladstone
Escanaba
Powers
Menominee
Marinette
Contact Your Nearest State Wide Real
Estate Office To Buy or Sell In Michigan
ALPENA
1100 W. Chisholm, 49707
email: alpswre@speednetllc.com
989-356-2142 Fax: 989-356-2144
ALMONT
844 Van Dyke Road
lafrancesharon@yahoo.com
810-798-8591 Fax: 810-798-8079
CURTIS/NEWBERRY
Main Street, P.O. Box 305, 49820
email: swcurtis@sbcglobal.net
906-586-9606 Fax: 906-586-9607
ESCANABA
2209 Ludington Street, 49829
email: escanaba@statewiderealestate.net
906-786-1308 800-900-0777
Fax: 906-786-1388
GLADSTONE
1401 Delta Ave.,
Gladstone, MI 49837
906-825-9000
email: judy@statewiderealestate.net
HARRISVILLE
430 S. US-23, 48740
email: sold@anjstatewide.com
989-724-5711 800-655-5735
Fax: 989-724-6833
HAWKS
8383 Hwy. 451, 49743
email: rita8383@yahoo.com
989-734-4846
124 OCTOBER 2017 WNW NEWS
Offices Serving Lower &
Upper Michigan
Bringing people and places together since 1945
Newberry
Curtis
Linden
HILLMAN
14938 State Street, P.O. Box 98, 49746
email: statewidehillman@yahoo.com
989-742-4523 800-228-7856
Fax: 989-742-3931
HOUGHTON
500 Shelden Ave., 49931
email: dick@statewideofhoughton.com
906-482-6955 800-676-6323
Fax: 906-482-7699
HOWELL/LINDEN
1285 S. Michigan Ave., Howell, MI 48843
email: statewid@earthlink.net
517-546-9060 800-531-4449
Fax: 517-546-9148
IRON MOUNTAIN
231 East A. St.
Iron Mountain, MI 49807
906-828-2525
Fax: 906-828-2727
email: steve@multistatewide.com
MANISTIQUE
10 N. State Highway M-149
Cooks, MI 49817
906-644-2304
email: dekeysermary@yahoo.com
MARINETTE, WISCONSIN
1460 Marinette Ave., 54143
email: statewidemarinette@yahoo.com
715-735-9964 Fax: 715-732-1107
HUNT TILL YOUR HEARTS DELIGHT!
80 ACRES! Sportsmans delight! 2 Deep ponds, wooded, wildlife galore, groomed trails,
excellent hunting, photography & 4 wheeling! Immaculate 4 bdrm Victorian home w/at-
tached 2 car gar, a 30x40 hip roof barn & 80 tool shed! 8700 Rich Rd, Mayville, MI. $359,900
400 of frontage on ALL SPORTS MURHPY LAKE! Almost an acre surrounds this
amazing 3 bdrm, 2 bath home! 2 way fireplace between lvrm and dnrm, enclosed 3 sea-
son room, attached 2 car garage, 24x28 pole barn, sandy beach & private docking area
for your boat! Connects to 640 acres of Murphy Lake State Game Area. 7762 Osborn Drive,
Millington, MI. $415,000
2.46 Wooded acres on ALL SPORTS MURPHY LAKE! No close neighbors! The entire
J. McLeod
east shore of this lake is State Land for great hunting! 209 Acre Lake! Excellent building
site! Swaffer Rd, Millington MI (just E of Sheridan Rd). Connects to 640 acres of Murphy
Lake State Game Area. $174,900
Realty Inc.
103 Wooded Acres! Hunters paradise! Includes 4 deer blinds, a beaver pond,
hunting trailer, lawn mower & more! No close neighbors! Millington Twp,
Tuscola County MI. $199,900
Millington 40 Acre working farm! Stately 3 bdrm home, 38 tillable acres,16x30 brooder house,
989.871.4567 38x40 Pole Barn, 16x16 Barn (completely finished and set up as a Man-Cave), and a huge
hay barn w/haymow. Excellent hunting!! 5194 Cat Lake Rd., Mayville MI $000,000
Onaway
Hawks
Hillman
Atlanta
Alpena
Amazing Family, Deer Hunting &
Harrisville
Mio
Snowmobiling Retreat on 80 Acres
Skidway Lake
Almont
Howell
MASON COUNTY
All Wooded with 3BD/2BTH Cabin, 10ft. Basement, Poured and
616-437-7176
Concrete Overhead Door with
Walkout. Sheridan Township.
Asking $289,000
MARQUETTE
856 W. Washington, 49855
email: sw@statewiderealestate.org
906-228-9312 Fax: 906-228-8069
MENOMINEE
3631 10th Street, 49858
email: statewideone@newbc.rr.com
906-863-9905
Fax: 906-863-7935
MIO
102 West 8th St., P.O. Box 395, 48647
email: info@statewidemio.com
989-826-3292
Fax: 989-826-2108
ONAWAY
M-33 & M-68, 1903 W.Liberty Rd., Clarklake, MI 49234 Price: $525,000
P.O. Box 478, 49765
20 Acres part wooded and rolling with great deer hunting op-
email: bigdan@frontier.com portunity in south west Michigan.
989-733-6522
Fax: 989-733-2427 30X50 pole barn with electric, heat, and water. 12 foot ceiling, 10
foot wide door.
Gorgeous home nestled in a private and stunning settling on 20
POWERS
W3776 US2 & 41, 49874 acres. Expansive 38 foot deck overlooks an open yard surrounded
906-497-4190 by woods and wildlife. Home offers 4 bedrooms, 3 baths, full
Fax: 906-497-5328 walkout lower level with second gourmet kitchen and second
holly@statewiderealestate.net master bedroom suite. Lovely dcor and privacy and in move in
condition.
SKIDWAY LAKE
2228 Greenwood Rd.,
Prescott, 48756 Call Suz Hoffman for a showing
email: atlas@m33access.com
989-873-3601 (517) 262-5910
Fax: 989-873-6914 Howard Hanna Real Estate Services
2131 Ferguson Rd. Jackson, MI 40203
 Recreational Property Leaders 20 Acres with Home
List and Buy with the Experts on Bear Creek & Cedar
Creek
www.TrophyClassRealEstate.com Picture Postcard waterfront
property, 3 bed/1 bath,
wooded, 1700+- of waterfront,

877-843-0910 bridge to connect land. Just

an extreme setting for the
extreme outdoorsman!
MANISTEE COUNTY
$370,000

155 on Lake of the Woods

with Awesome Home!
339 on Lake Miramichi Quiet channel living
with Sunny Home! on Lake of the Woods
All-sports lake, pan fish, great (289 Acres All-Sports).
views, association amenities. 3 Bed/2baths, 2-1/2 car
Setting is quite private, 3 bed/2 garage, open floor plan,
bath, walkout, decking, boat lift, dock/jetski lifts. A great
paddle boat and aluminum dock. offering!
OSCEOLA COUNTY VAN BUREN COUNTY
$190,000 $194,000

12 Wooded Acres with 20 Acres available in 24 Acres in Empire

Chalet-Style Home Village Of Sparta Township!
Stunning 360 degree view Great investment with 201 Rolling topography, mix of
from decks and balconies will Improved status. R4 zoning hardwoods and evergreens.
captivate you in this 3000sq ft fronts Sparta Ave and R3 in Fronts Empire Hwy & Kitlinger
3 Bed/3 Bath with 3 car garage. back. Woods, meadows and Rd. Enjoy nearby Sleeping
Fantastic views of Lake meandering creek, AG nearby, Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
Michigan & Portage Lake. several storage buildings. and the quaint town of Empire!
MANISTEE KENT COUNTY LEELANAU COUNTY
COUNTY $399,000 $89,900
$435,500

40 Acres to Hunt 35 Heavily 120 Acres with Cabin

with Confidence! Wooded Acres on Manistique River
Overgrown cover, pond, food Good Deer, Turkey and other wild Serene wilderness, large
plots, varied woodlands. game hunting. Not far from the cabin with 120 acres of
Property is well placed in Holland and Saugatuck beaches. hardwoods, pines and a
northern mid-Michigan and Easy access to roads and cities slice of gorgeous river front.
ready for the hunter with a but still has that Up North Feel. Hunt, fish and have the
dream to fill that wall of fame! ALLEGAN comforts of home!
MISSAUKEE COUNTY COUNTY SCHOOLCRAFT
$69,900 $99,900 COUNTY
#1832945 $149,000

80 Untouched 90 Acres - Prime hunting 16.5 Acres on Pine

Recreational Acres with 2 Homes River with Home!
Rustic cabin in Big Island 24x32 storage barn/garage, 2000 of river front brings
Wilderness Area. Bear multiple food plots, tower turkey & deer. Hunt
& Deer signs! Cabin blinds, trail system. 40 acres grounds and live well in
has water, LP gas lights, have been maintained as spacious home, 40x80
wood stove. an undisturbed sanctuary and 34x70 pole barns.
UP DELTA providing an excellent refuge Lots More!!
for the Big Daddy Bucks!!
COUNTY ARENAC COUNTY
$169,000 MANISTEE COUNTY $220,000
$259,000

40 Acres of White- 20 Acres on Tainer 41 Acres Wooded &

Tail Habitat Lake, 3 Homes near Lake Michigan
Truly a sanctuary for deer Bring your ideas for the 1550 Endless possibilities
and small game, creek, feet of lake frontage, homes from whitetail hunting to
heavy cover and food 800sf to 1440sf. Property dream home building!
sources. Paved road access abuts Manistee National Short jaunt to the quaint
and near coastal town of Forest and is mile from town of Pentwater!
Ludington and recreational Manistee National Golf course. Building sites. Unique
amenities. Bldgs need some TLC. offering.
MASON COUNTY MASON COUNTY OCEANA COUNTY
$149,900 $300,000 $89,000

GRAND HAVEN TRAVERSE CITY

233 WASHINGTON, SUITE 202 4249 US 31 S
GRAND HAVEN, MI 49417 TRAVERSE CITY, MI 49685
(877) 843-0910 (231) 233-3575
WNW NEWS OCTOBER 2017 125
 FOR SALE IN THE 40 acres 2 bedroom/2-bath older mobile
home in Gladwin County

GREAT NORTHWEST
Great hunting camp or make it your private
get a way.
Hunting Blind, Pond, Trails, well & septic

MICHIGAN AREA
HOXEYVILLE/ WELLSTON 1833678 2.29
Acres on the beautiful Pine River, borders 1000's of
acres of Fed. land! Private paradise on the river, or
unique corporate retreat! Magnificent custom
built full-log home, 5275 SF, 3BD, 3.5BTH, out-
buildings, waterfall! List of amenities is TOO long
to list here! CALL TODAY! $698,500.
CADILLAC 1828004 37.5 Gorgeous acres with
approx. 350 Ft of frontage on Long Lake in Wexford
County! Wooded, rolling, PRIVATE, with state land
on 2 sides! Build, or just camp & enjoy nature!
(seller is licensed Realtor in St. of MI) $84,900.
CADILLAC 1837490 Rare Find! Newer home,
1.8 acre on pretty 190-acre Long Lake, with 500 Ft
of frontage! 2000 SF, 4BD, 2BTH, finished walk-out
lower level, fireplace, 1/4 mile from state land,
MUCH, MUCH MORE! $249,900.
LUTHER 1823973 60 Beautiful acres! Woods,
clearings, level, rolling! Deer, turkeys, squirrels,
chippies! Hunt! 'Recreate'! Build! Close to state
land, rivers, lakes, trails, MORE!! $106,920.
CADILLAC 1837576 Fabulous immaculate
home on 80 acres M/L. Majestic hardwoods
adjoining Fed. land on 2 sides, centrally located in
a recreation paradise! 3570 SF, 4BD, 3.5BTH, in-
ground pool, finished lower level. BONUS! Small
cabin nestled in the woods! Oh "SO" much more! A
MUST SEE! $549,900.
LEROY 1793194 Pine River cottage, com-
pletely renovated, 1BD, 1BTH, within 25 Ft of the
river! Partnership of 22 acres, 2500 Ft of river
frontage, club membership required, call for
details! GREAT GET-A-WAY! $59,900.
LAKE CITY 1836211 Gorgeous Clam River
frontage, 1.5 acre, mostly hardwoods, build your
weekend cabin, or your riverfront dream home!!
PRETTY! $27,500.
CADILLAC 1823511 Wooded, peaceful, 10
acres! Hunt, snowmobile, hike, camp...just enjoy
the wilderness! Adjoins state land! Easement back
to parcel, off blacktop road. SECLUSION!!!
$24,900.
and is only 2.5 miles from the city of Gladwin.
$91,900
145 acres of wooded bliss, many miles of
groomed trails, food plots, low lands, about
a dozen blinds. Rich in game and has
produced multiple bucks each year
Cabin built in the 1800s as a lumber
camp and remodeled with the perfect UP
NORTH feeling
2 bedrooms, nice living room with a wood
stove plus a very functional kitchen
Odorless outhouse complete with electric
light and exhaust fan. Even kids wont mind using this one! There is a 16x12
shed, great fire pit, covered patio and loading ramp ATVs
Most furnishings included, Move-in ready! Call today.
$349,000
40 Wooded acres with 700+ ft on the
Cedar River
1400 sq.ft. home w/attached 2 car garage
12x16 & 24x24 pole barns, 12x20 horse barn
12x24 Guest cabin w/6 screened porch
Fruit trees, large stand of Cedars, deer, bear,
turkeys, you name it.
$134,900

CALL Pete Nemish, Associate Broker Real Estate One Gladwin

Coldwell Banker Schmidt Realtors 1005 N. State St.
Cadillac, MI 49601 Gladwin, MI 48624
(231) 920-8424 Ph. 989-426-6561
www.cbgreatlakes.com/pete.nemish Fax 989-426-1666

Heritage Exclusive Marketing Agents for Northeast

House Michigan Properties
RealtyPC Located in the Heart of the Huron National Forest, on the
Personalized Service is the Difference
Shores of Lake Huron and the banks of the AuSable River

4497 S US-23, Greenbush 217 Acre Hunters Dream 4635 E Clark, Harrisville
Waterfront Resort with 300 1400 sf 3 br 2 ba with Pine 3 br 2 ba Chalet with 6+ acres
feet on Lake Huron, 24 River flowing through the and full finished walk-out
rental units and 2000+ sf, 4 property. Enjoy sitting on basement. Move in ready
bedroom, two bathroom the deck watching all the with appliances included.
Owners/Managers Home different wildlife REDUCED Must see to fully appreciate
included. $1,250,000 For $309,000 For More all this home and area has to
More Information Text Information Text R155061 to offer. $199,000 For More
R408888 to 52187 52187 Information Text R213435 to
52187

4665 Healy Rd, Glennie 4801 E Trask Lk Rd 4236 Kings Corner Rd

1400 sf, 3 bedroom, 2 bath 2400 sf, 4 bed, 3 bath with 2 900 sf, 2 bedroom, 1 bath,
Manufactured Home on 10 car attached garage on 10 appliances included with this
acres with pole building. acres. Come enjoy the Up revitalized home across from
This ideal location is perfect North feeling while still being National Forest with carport
for the upcoming hunting close to it all. Newly Listed and large deck. $49,500 For
season. NEW $79,900 $164,900 For More More Information Text
For More Information Text Information Text R524703 to R325604 to 52187
R519634 to 52187 5217

1739 E Mill St, Harrisville 1009 Zimowske Rd, Mio 116 First St, Harrisville
1300 sf, 3 bed, 1 bath on just 1500+ sf, 3 bed, 1.5 bath Commercial du-plex directly
over 1.5 acres with partial with detached garage and across the street from the
basement. Located close to barn on 25 acres. Come see post office and next to the
town but retains that what living up north is all area grocery store. Just a
secluded feeling. Move in about on your new covered few minutes walk to the
Ready NEW $69,900 For porch or covered deck with harbor. Recently remodeled
More Information Text this Move in Ready Gem. and updated. Lease or sale
R491186 to 52187 NEW $149,000 available. $59,900

4936 Loud Dam Rd 480 acres on Mitchell Trail 405 E Church, Harrisville
1300+ sf, 4 bed, 1.5 bath Perfect investment for any 1750 sf, 4 bedroom, 2 bath
gorgeous Dam Keepers sportsman/woman. 2 private Victorian in downtown
home with 163 ft on AuSable lakes, borders federal land Harrisville. Own a piece of
River to spend your days on all sides plus it has two history with this move in
swimming or fishing. cottages on site with electric. ready gem. $119,900. For
$132,500 For More Hunting and fishing was More Information Text
Information Text R363856 to never easier than here. R306384 to 52187
52187 $1,300,000 more Info.. Text
R505657 to 52187

Call 800-650-5566 - Glennie or 800-982-0102 - Harrisville - www.HeritageHouseRealty.com

126 OCTOBER 2017 WNW NEWS
 WEST BRANCH HALE WEST BRANCH
R S ALE R S ALE
M-33/M-55 OFFICE F O OFFICE F O LOOP OFFICE
1953 S. M-33 3160 North M-65 2575 S. I-75 Business Loop,
West Branch, MI 48661 Hale, MI48739 West Branch, MI 48661
10 miles north of I-75 exit 202 Gateway to Huron National Forest 1 mile north of I-75 Exit 212

Local: 989-345-2662 Local: 989-728-2540 Local: 989-345-0315

Toll Free: 800-535-6520 www.CAHANES.com Toll Free: 800-495-2540 www.CAHANES.com Toll Free: 866-345-0315

WATERFRONT AND WATER ACCESS HOMES

LAKEFRONT HOME ALL SPORTS FOREST LAKE!! PRIVATE FEEDING GROUNDS LAKE!! 80 FEET ON BEAUTIFUL RIFLE RIVER NORTH DEASE LAKE!!
BORDERS STATE LAND!! Nice 2-bdrm, full walkout bsmt, 178 sandy front- Nice waterfront home with four lots. Newer furnace, open floor and over an acre of property. 2 bdrm home, FP, lots Cozy home with frnt on all sports lake is mostly furnished
3-bdrm, built in 2007, open floor, basement, knotty age on private lake, open floor plan, rear deck, plan, FP and heated enclosed sunroom. Home sits on 2 partly of windows with fantastic views, formal dining, and has laminatefloors, loft area, 2 sheds, full walkout
pine, cathedral ceilings, covered deck, AC & 64 feet appliances, a bath on each floor, AC, skylights, wooded lakefront lots & garage is on 2 addl lots for a total of an some furnishings, attached garage w/wood stove unfinished basement, main floor laundry & more. Large
on tranquil Helmer Lake!! attached garage & much more!! acre of land! Great year round residence or spacious getaway!! heat, screened porch, large deck & more!! deck overlooking lake has beautiful views of lake!!
$149,000 1833744 $160,000 1811285 $97,900 1830216 $139,900 1831481 $166,000 1837086

1.5 PARTLY WOODED ACRES
with trails leading to Silver Creek running thru back
of property!! Nice 2 bedroom home and 24x30 at-
tached garage with 14x20 lean to for storage. Great
year round or perfect getaway. Motivated Seller!!
$39,900 1833833
SPECTACULAR VIEWS!!
3-bdrm on 2 lots & 100 feet of sandy frnt
on all sports Loon Lake. Covered deck,
fantastic views, garage w/elec and more!!
$179,900
THIS GETAWAYCOTTAGE IS NEAR IT ALL!!
OVER AN ACRE & cozy 2-br, FP, knotty
pine, newer turn & well pump, storage shed,
deck & pond. Near State lands, popular all
sports Clear Lk & you can walk to Elni Lake!!
1818975 $49,900
2 BEDROOM COTTAGE with access
to all sports 186 acre GEORGE LAKE! Sun-
room, loft area for your guests to sleep and ga-
rage & shed for storage. Needs some TLC and
fixing up but would make an excellent getaway!!
1827648 $47,000
BEAUTIFUL VIEWS GALORE!!
153 of waterfront on all sports LAKE OGEMAW w/
lake views from front & rear! 3 bdrm, AC, open floor
plan, full walkout bsmt, 4 car garage w/elec, roadside
carport, deck, lakeside patio, lakeside porch & more!!
1833419 $269,900 1834261

ACROSS FROM LAKE!!
Cute 2-bdrm across from no wake Frost Lake w/garage &
shed. Mostly furnished & excellent views. Subd amenities
include nice common areas and a community boat dock!
Cozy year residence or excellent getaway or weekend home!
$79,000 1820195
LAKE OGEMAW!!
4-bdrm, 3 ba home with 86 of frontage on all sports 420 acre
lake. Move-in ready with wood floors, appliances, central air,
family room, living area with fireplace, open dining and kitchen
combo, paved driveway, covered porch & fantastic views!!
$279,900 1833767
VIEWS OF WEST LONDO LAKE!!
Cozy one bedroom home with deeded access to all
sports 190 acre lake. Sunroom, wood floors, newer
well, newer roof, newer siding on heated garage,
three nice lots, and back deck & boat dock!!
$65,000
PRIVATE LAKE ACCESS ON 21.9 ACRES!!
Beautiful custom built 4-bdrm, 2.5 baths, FP,
newer windows, AC, master suite, knotty pine,
loft, family room and full basement. Outside there
is a nice garage, a deck and fantastic views!!
1818008 $299,000
SOOTHING MULESHOE LAKE!!
Quaint 2 bedroom home on no motor 8.8 acre
lake. Some appliances & furnishings are included
in selling price and the home has been freshly
painted. Shed for storage & nice deck with views!!
1833576 $60,000 1798881

HUNTING ACREAGE

GREAT HUNTING PARCEL!! 15 WOODED ACRES & 53 M/L ACRES!! SECLUDED HUNTING CABIN!! FANTASTIC HUNTING W/
10 wooded acres with trails, some lowlands, FRONTAGE ON STYLUS LAKE!! This heavily wooded property is a perfect Located on seasonal road, this 2 bedroom VIEW OF LOON LAKE!!
a variety of wildlife & lots of mature trees, Nice parcel of land for hunting with a great place to make your hunt camp w/ a variety home is neslted on 18 wooded acres w/ 45 heavily wooded acres w/ mature trees, a
including hardwoods & pines. On county variety of wildlife in the area! Beautiful rolling of mature trees & lots of wildlife in the area, State Land adjacent to property for great variety of wildlife in the area, trails thru-out,
maintained road for added convenience!! property and heavily wooded!! including deer & turkey. Survey on file. hunting!! driveway & 4 hunting blinds!!
$26,500 M791955R $32,000 1828108 $97,000 1804978 $64,900 1805656 $119,900 1818920

22.8 ACRES!!
Beautiful wooded acreage on paved road. Poten-
tial site for building you new home or getaway w/
electric at road or fantastic hunting acreage w/
lots of mature trees & wildlife in the area!!
$39,900 1824632
BEAUTIFUL ROLLING ACREAGE!!
36.89 wooded acres. Excellent spot for your
hunt camp w/ electric available, hunting
blinds, trails, outhouse & a 29 ft. Wildwood
camper included in selling price!!
$115,000
HUNTERS PARADISE!! 5 WOODED ACRES & small hunting 10 BEAUTIFUL ACRES with trails,
80 acres w/ great mix of mature trees, rolling cabin! This is a great place to make your hunt lots of wildlife for hunting. 28 camper, 2 storage
terrain, variety of wildlife, hunting blinds, trails, camp with one bedroom cabin, electric, storage sheds, including one large enough for bunk beds
blacktop road & artesian fed pond. All of this shed, well & septic already at property. Cabin has included in sale, generator, well, septic field, fire
BACKING UP TO STATE LAND!! knotty pine interior & most furnishings will stay!! pit and much more! Excellent spot for the hunter!!
1828040 $219,000 1829958 $28,900 1831292 $47,900 1833846

NICELY WOODED 10 ACRES!! JUST OVER 10 ACRES!! ULTIMATE HUNT CAMP!! FANTASTIC HUNTING PROPERTY!! 18+ PARTLY WOODED ACRES
Beautiful rooling property w/ lots of wildlife Beautiful wooded property & perfect spot 65.5 wooded acres w/ trails thru-out, electric, well, septic 80 beautiful acres for fantastic hunt camp w/ mature trees & lots of w/ 1800 ft. of water frontage on Houghton
in the area & Wilkens Creek running thru for outdoor camping w/ an open area for and lits of mature tress, including hardwoods. There is wildlife in the area, including deer, turkey & bear and LaPort Creek Creek! Also has a 40x48 garage w/ lean to,
rear of property. Nice mix of mature trees your tent! Near State Land & trails!! also a 2-story garage w/ electric, cement floor & finished running thru prop. Acreage has never been timbered! Hurry, hunting porch, living area, kitchen, pellet stove & bath
& great spot!! upstairs that you could use as your sleeping quarters!! season will be here soon! Great area, not far from town & secluded!! for your hunt camp & a blind for the hunter!!
$28,000 1834161 $29,900 1834861 $139,900 1834798 $149,900 1835747 $145,000 1829815

FOR MORE LISTINGS

VISIT OUR WEBSITE: WWW.CAHANES.COM
WNW NEWS OCTOBER 2017 127
 FALL CLEARANCE! DISCOUNTED PRICES! FALL CLEARANCE!
COVENTRY REALTY LLC ALL OFFERS WELCOME!!!

FALL CLEARANCE! DISCOUNTED PRICES! FALL CLEARANCE! DISCOUNTED PRICES! FALL CLEARANCE!

FALL CLEARANCE! DISCOUNTED PRICES! FALL CLEARANCE! DISCOUNTED PRICES! FALL CLEARANCE!
160 ACRES: Tower road property. Well
CANADIAN WATERFRONT AND Treed, hunting and recreation property.
RECREATIONAL PROPERTY. Rolling Hills w/$30K in timber, beaver pond
CLOSE TO SAULT STE. MARIE, surrounded by Government land. Two miles
CAROLE PORRETTA, GRI, BROKER-OWNER Carole Porretta MICHIGAN BORDER off year-round maintained road. 25 mins
810.678.2288 Office 248.310.4242 Cell
www.CoventryRealtyLLC.com *LAND CONTRACTS East of Sault, Ontario. $74,900 US.
In Michigan, Resort Living is Year Round! AVAILABLE O.A.C.* MACDONALD PROPERTY: 759 acres with
hunting camp, 25 miles east of Sault St.
BEAR DUCK Marie Ontario, property is gated, isolated and
FALL INTO SOME SEASONAL SAVINGS!
GOOSE & SMALL GAME wooded, with a four bedroom, two-story pole
1400 NOW OPEN
MEADOWBROOK
4721 HASSLICK barn. 20-acre lake and 2 streams. Great
Bear Hunting! Two Deer plots! Five deeds, no
$459,900 Beauti- $1,490,000 - Ex- MOOSE & WHITETAIL guide required, underpriced at $259,900 US.
ful, custom-built 4 ceptional 8500
sq ft European SEASON OPENS OCTOBER Terms available, excellent buy!
bedroom 2.5 bath OTHER PROPERTIES AVAILABLE!
ranch sits on 10 stone/brick coun- One-10 ACRE SAND BEACH LOT (this lot
acres, perfect for try estate, slate TROPHY DEER & BEAR AREA has it all): 60 miles east of Sault Ste. Marie.
your family, pets & horses! Private end of roof, Andersen windows, 3-story 550 sq ft Ball- WITH GREAT FISHING!!! 300 frontage on Bright Lake near Hwy 17
a cul-de-sac site, surrounded by woods yet room, Solarium, Master with sitting room, Ro- NO GUIDE OR East (lake area approx.. 24 sq. miles), year-
minutes from Oxford schools and Lake Orion. meo & Juliet balcony. 5 bedrooms, 6 baths, fin OUTFITTER REQUIRED! round access with power to property. Inland
Barn is 34x36 4 stalls, matted w/water, elec- w/o LL, 20 acres, 3 acre pond, copper Onion lake has Perch, Bass, Walleye and Northern
Don't Be Shy, Make An Offer.
tric & huge hay loft, shed, Proulx fencing, 2 Dome studio, Scandinavian Sauna, inground
pool, guest house, 5 car gar, 3 pole barns! LOOKING FOR OFFERS!!! Pike. Priced to sell at $114,900 US.
pastures, 120x60 sand ring & so much more!
160 ACRES HARDWOOD & SOFTWOOD: EXCLUSIVE LAKE HURON WATERFRONT &
6350 WOLF 1343 E. Large beaver pond. Only 2 miles off year-
round maintained road. 35 minutes East of
WATER-VIEW ESTATE LOTS LOCATED IN
HUNTERS
THESSALON, ONTARIO 50 MILES EAST OF
$2,995,000 - Sault, Ontario. $54,900 US. SAULT STE. MARIE, ONTARIO ON HIGHWAY
Exquisite cus- CREEK 400 ACRES OF ROLLING HARD-AND 17 EAST: Lighthouse Point serviced with
tom retreat for SOFTWOOD HILLS: Large beaver pond and hydro, telephone, sewer, water, gas, cable on
car collector, $985,000 - paved street. Airport, marina and hospital in
Mirror Lake all- creek runs thru property, next to above property
hunting & entertaining enthusiast. Home if more acreage is required. Property is great for area. No time limit for building. Waterfront lots
offers over 10,000 sqft of living space sports lakefront! Exquisite architec-
ture on 11 wooded acres. 4700 sq ft bear hunting, white tail and grouse. Four miles 100 478 frontage, waterview lots 80 front-
on over 160 acres of beautiful property. off year-round maintained road. $134,900 US. age. Prices from $11,900.00 US and up.
all-custom home, quality built by cur-

LAJAMBE
Log home features 5 bdrms/5 baths &
2 kitchens, rec room, home theater & rent owner. Lovely 1st floor master, 5 OFFICE: (705) 248-9663 CELL: (705) 941-8355
bed, 4.2 baths, Hearth room in kitchen
FAX: (705) 248-1110
massive 12 car gar, plus an 11,000 sqft
with stone fireplace, granite island, top

ENTERPRISESINC.
facility for 20 guests with enclosed pa-
tio, dog kennels & RV storage! 2 ponds, of the line stainless steel appliances,
heated sun room, formal dining, Cher- Frank Lajambe
orchard, cedar tree nursery, heated ele-
ry floors and study, 4 fireplaces. 2200 flajambe@lajambe.com
vated blinds & deer/pheasant food plots.
sq ft walkout w/kitchen, rec, exercise, 715 Finns Bay Road www.lajambe.com
True pheasant preserve w/turkey and Echo Bay, Ontario CAN POS 1C0
trophy deer galore! Hunters Paradise! & family rms. 3 car garage. *Prices subject to change.
FALL CLEARANCE! DISCOUNTED PRICES! FALL CLEARANCE!

Diane JJ Ewa John Matthew

GreatLakesRealtyandAuction.com Ives Earl Sell Miller Farkas
(989) 306-0372 (989) 350-1711 (586) 206-0921 (989) 217-0745 (248) 884-8616

CUSTOM BUILT LOG HOME KALKASKA, MI
Horse Farm in Kalkaska Michigan w/Custom Built Log Home on 87 acres of
Northern Michigan heaven. 40 acres of Maple hardwoods, 45 acres of alfalfa/
grass, 65 acres of fenced pasture, & 15 wooded acres bustling w/deer, turkey
& other wildlife. Radiant heat throughout, including the snowmelt driveway.
$825,000
121 ACRES HUNTING PROPERTY
121 acres - Beautiful 3 bedroom, 1 3/4 bath home overlooking the Thun-
der Bay River, and has Barger Creek running through the NW 40. Excel-
lent hunting property, several blinds and 5 food plots. Bear and Buck!
Large Kitchen, Open Floor plan, gorgeous views. Pole Barn with electric.
$460,000
60 ACRES HUNTING PROPERTY
Elk Country and Apple Trees! Beautifully remodeled 2 BD home on 60
acres of prime hunting land in Atlanta MI. Groomed trails throughout with
blinds and lots of wildlife including elk, white tail deer, bear, coyote, fox and
other small game. Ideal year round home or awesome up north get away.
$179,000
PRIVATE ISLAND DRUMMOND ISLAND, MI
Own your Own Private Island in Beautiful Northern Michigan! Standerson
Island is located in Drummond Island, Michigan across from Harbor
Island National Wildlife Refuge. This Pristine 20-Acre Island is near the
Famed North Channel in Lake Huron. Spectacular Fishing year round.
$400,000

NORTH FORK RANCH Michigan Hotel For Sale. Exceptional Opportunity

Executive Home Retreat with 2700-Ft Grass Airstrip on 400-Acres Historic hotel in downtown Sault Saint
ULTIMATE HUNTING PROPERTY of Pristine Rolling Woodland with Food Plots, Trout Stream and Marie overlooks the famous Soo
Ponds. Built with Full 16 Logs shipped from Montana, Perfect Locks. The Ojibway Ramada Plaza
for Entertaining. Motel Style Guest House with 3-Units Sleeps 6. has 71 rooms, spacious suites w/
Bunk House sleeps 9 with Bathroom and Kitchenette. Airplane
Hangar and Outbuilding next to the Airstrip. Garage across from spa tubs, award-winning Freighters
Main Home has Huge Commercial Kitchen that is Heated with Restaurant and Captains Pub. Indoor
Central Air. Corral is Fenced for Horses. pool, sauna & gym. Busy tourist area.
$2,495,000 400 ACRES $4,900,000
Northern MI Log Home on 30 Acres DETROIT HUNT & FISH CLUB SOUTH BRANCH, MI 2 PRIVATE LAKES
Gorgeous Northern Michigan Log Home for Huge Lodge Accommodates about 20-People with Large
Sale on 30 acres in Wexford County MI. Built Kitchen and Caretakers Quarters. Lakes are Exclusive to this
in 2005, 3 BD, 3 BA, wood floors, gas stone Property and have never had Gas Operated Motors on them.
The first Lake is about 20-Acres and about 90-Feet Deep with
fireplace, vaulted ceilings, walkout basement, Pike, Bass, Crappie. Lots of Wildlife including Deer and Bear
stainless appliances, shed (with electric) and on the Property. The Second Lake is Shallower and excellent
more. Perfect Hunting Getaway, secluded Waterfowl Hunting. Miles of Trials Throughout this Property
private setting with lots of wildlife & creek. give easy access.

$365,000 $1,140,000 760 ACRES

12412 STATE ST., ATLANTA, MICHIGAN 49709 (866) 637-8851
128 OCTOBER 2017 WNW NEWS
 THREE GREAT HUNTING OR
TARGET REAL ESTATE SPECIALIZES IN
WATERFRONT HOMES AND HUNTING PARCELS FISHING CAMPS FOR SALE
WE REPRESENT BUYERS AND SELLERS
40 acres on Private Lake near Remus,
HARRISVILLE TAWAS CITY
MI. Electricity, well, dock and nice deck
set up for camping. Great Bass fishing
and Deer hunting in Rifle zone. Multi-
ple food plot sites. Corn and Hay fields
to the north of the property. Neighbors
Nice building site, 1.63 +/- acres bordered by the East Large executive 4 bdrm/4.5 bath home on 20 acres are QDMA members. $125,000
Branch of the Pine River, a known trout stream. Power with outbuildings. Close to town and Tawas Bay.
at the paved road and beautiful countryside views.
MLS #1836849 $344,000
MLS #1836231 $19,900
WHITTEMORE-$18,000, 11.15 acre parcel just off county maintained and paved Keystone Road. Previously farmed, this Cabin on 5 wooded Acres
cleared parcel would be perfect for a small hobby farm or a couple of horses. Additional smaller parcels available. MLS #1835859
OSCODA-$24,900, Square 10 acre parcel just outside Oscoda. Well and septic already in place from former cottage. Mostly
near Sunrise Lake. East of
lowland hardwoods and some wet areas. Would make a great 12 man hunting spot. Lots of cover with deer sign throughout. Leroy Michigan. Miles of trails
MLS #1832226
EAST TAWAS-$26,900, Potential building site on Tawas Lake with nice views and great fishing opportunities. The deep to ride or hike on state land.
50x241 lot has lots of mature Oak throughout. Located just minutes from East Tawas and Tawas Bay. MLS #1832928 Pike and Bass on Sunrise Lake.
GREENBUSH-$44,900, Nice square 40 acre parcel joining Federal and State land. This area has proven to hold quality
bucks over the past years, QDM is practiced here. MLS #1828817 $47,000
GREENBUSH-$54,900, 45 acres of hunting land off the beaten path. This rolling parcel is heavily wooded with hardwoods
and evergreens. Call today. MLS #1799569
HARRISVILLE-$96,900, 17.16 acres with 2 bdrm/2 bath home and outbuildings. Needs updating but just received a new roof, dormers,
and porch. 1800 of frontage on the East Branch of the Pine River, a known trout stream. Panoramic countryside views. MLS #1836400 Lake lot on Crispell Lake, south of
OSCODA-$124,000, 227 of sandy frontage on Cedar Lake in St. Georges Point Sub. Build your dream home on this .74 acre Jackson, MI. Lender owned foreclo-
lot surrounded by upscale homes. MLS #1826558
WHITTEMORE-$195,000, 120 acre hunting parcel. Diverse terrain with red oak, white oak, and red pine. Numerous areas for sure sale. Large lake lot with house to
food plots. Deer, turkey, partridge and other game are plentiful. MLS #1778247
tear down or salvage. A great place to
MORE PARCELS ARE AVAILABLE . . . have a summer cottage or Home on
CALL TODAY FOR MORE DETAILS
866-496-4400 the lake. $67,000
TARGET REAL
ESTATE COMPANY
701 W. Bay Street, East Tawas, MI 48730
Office (989)362-4400 Cell (989)370-2152
info@TargetRealEstate.com
Call or Text Rob Trowbridge
www.TargetRealEstate.com
at 517-726-0221 For More Information

WNW NEWS OCTOBER 2017 129

 DAN DAN LOG CABIN
FURNITURE
THEMATTRESSMAN.COM
WHOLESALE TO THE PUBLIC CHECK
US OUT
ON THE
WEB!

Queen Size Log Headboard $

7500
Queen Log Bed $19999
5 Drawer Chest Only
$
199
4 Drawer Chest
$
189
2 Drawer Night Stand
$
149
MORE SIZES,
SOLID WOOD,
Finished Cedar Log Bed
ONLY
BUNK BEDS Solid Wood Complete with Mattresses $29999 AMERICAN MADE!
299
$ 99

Mini
Rocker -
Recliners

Cabins
From
$
19999
Log starting at

1999
Futons
$ 99
Rustic End Tables
from 14999
$ $
39999

D A N
Mattress

DA N
Not Included

CALL ANYTIME (989)-832-1866

THEMATTRESSMAN.COM 802 ASHMAN ST., MIDLAND
130 OCTOBER 2017 WNW NEWS
Fall Hunting Specials

2018 Polar Kraft Sportsman 2072 XSE 2016 Gator Tail GTB1754 2017 Polarkraft 2010Tiller
26,995 21,995 27,995*
Mercury 115ELPT CT, Gator Tail GTR 37LS, Mercury 115 HP,
Side Console $ * Center Console $ * Tandem Trailer $
*plus tax, title & freight *plus tax, title & freight *plus tax, title & freight

2017 Excel 1651 SWV4 2016 Alweld 2060 Mud 2017 Bankes 19ft Crusader
16,995 12,990 39,900*
Mud Buddy 35 Sport Used Mud Buddy Yamaha 115,
Trailer $ * 35 HP Long Tail, Trailer $ * Trailer $
*plus tax, title & freight *plus tax, title & freight *plus tax, title & freight

FREE
AVERY
BLIND

2016 Gator Trax 16' Marsh 2015 Gator Trax 14X38 Rogue 2016 War Eagle 548LDV
12,995 7,995 9,995*
Backwater 23HP LS Used Copperhead Suzuki
Swomp, Fast Grass Blind $ * 18HP VG Twin $ * DF25AQHEL $
*plus tax, title & freight *plus tax, title & freight *plus tax, title & freight

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or available at...
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2017 SBE 3 Ad Woods Water.Dux9.5X12.88.indd 1

When you chase an obsession to extremes, this is what you take with you.
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9/1/17 12:11 PM

31516 Harper Avenue

Michi-GUN
Available at: Layaways Welcome
St. Clair Shores, MI 48082
Phone (586) 296-2360
Fax (586) 264-8307

STORE HOURS:
Mon. - Fri: 10am-7pm;
Sat: 10am-4pm; Closed Sunday www.michigunandtackle.com