MAY 2016

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Woods-n-Water News
Michigans Premier Outdoor Publication

COYOTES

Ultimate Survivors

BEARS

Highest
Scoring

Surrogate Sows

BUCK

Aggravate Hens
For More Gobblers

Morels and More

Trolling In-Line Boards 600 Pound Bear Deer Stand Prep
Walleyes: Right Place, Right Time Winters Impact on the Rut
Hunting Season-No Fatalities Buying/Leasing Hunting Property
www.woods-n-waternews.com Like us on facebook

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MAY 2016 - WNW NEWS

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By Tom Campbell

Field notes...

Fishing Reminders

opefully if youre an early

spring angler youve purchased your new fishing
license the new season
began April 1. For only $26
($11 if you are over 65) its
one heck of a dealyou can purchase the Hunt/Fish combo for $76,
which gets you a base license (small
game) two deer tags and your fishing
license. All licenses can be purchased
at a local license retailer or online,
mdnr-elicense.com. Just remember,
the DNR Fisheries Division depends
primarily on angler dollars through
license sales and federal excise tax
dollars for fishing tackle to manage
the states fisheries.
Be sure to also check the fishing
rules and regulation changes in the
DNRs new two-year guide, 20162017 Michigan Fishing Guide, which
includes rules and regulations effective April 1, 2016, through March
31, 2018. Copies of the two-year
guide can be obtained at any location
where fishing licenses are sold or go
to michigan.gov/fishingguide for the
electronic format.

CWD Update

According to the DNR two additional free-ranging deer have tested

positive for chronic wasting disease
(CWD). One of the newly confirmed
CWD-positive deer is a 9-monthold male from Meridian Township
(Ingham County), and the other is a
2 -year-old female from Watertown
Township (Clinton County). Since
May 2015, nearly 4,900 deer have
been tested for CWD. Seven of these
have tested positive for the disease.
Four of the last six CWD infected
deer were taken by USDA Wildlife
Services sharpshooters that have

SEASONS

MAY 2016 - WNW NEWS

Open All Year Pike and walleye season on

Lower Peninsula Great Lakes, 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
April 18-May 31 Spring turkey season statewide (various seasons and areas-check regulations)
April 30-March 15 Pike and walleye season
on Lower Peninsula inland waters
May 1-June 1 Elk and Bear license application periods
May 15-March 15 Pike and walleye season
on Upper Peninsula Great Lakes, inland waters
& St. Marys River
May 23-Dec. 31 Catch and keep bass season
on all Michigan waters except; Lake St. Clair,
and Detroit and St. Clair Rivers, which opens
June 20

MJC
ARCHERY

MJC
ARCHERY

MACOMB

OAKLAND

19744 15 Mile Rd
Clinton Twp. 48035

3001 Rochester Rd
Royal Oak, MI 48073

586-791-4600

248-589-2480

taken 630 deer from the Core CWD

Area.
The partnership with area landowners and USDA Wildlife Services
is a critical component of our surveillance efforts to determine the distribution of this fatal disease, said
Chad Stewart, DNR deer specialist.
Now, with these additional CWDpositive deer, that support is needed
more than ever.
Stewart continued, The intensive removal of deer in these areas
has a two-part benefit. One, it helps
us understand prevalence rates and
spread so we can make informed
decisions on disease management
moving forward; and two, by removing individual deer around areas with
known disease occurrence, it reduces
the potential for spread and accumulation in our deer herd, which has
benefits not only locally, but on the
periphery of the management zone as
well.
Landowners in the core area
can receive disease control permits
to harvest deer on his or her own
property and turn in the head to the
DNR for testing. Or landowners can
work with the USDA Wildlife Services sharpshooters and allow them
to take deer for testing. To apply for
a disease control permit, contact the
DNR Wildlife Disease Laboratory
at 517-336-5030. To inquire about
working with USDA sharpshooters,
contact the DNR Rose Lake field office at 517-641-4092.
According to the DNR, To date,
there is no evidence that chronic
wasting disease presents any risk to
non-cervids, including humans, either through contact with an infected
animal or from handling contaminated venison. However, as a precaution, the U.S. Centers for Disease
Control and the World Health Organization recommend infected animals
not be consumed as food by either
humans or domestic animals.
The DNR asks the public to
continue to report suspicious-looking
deer; unusually thin and exhibiting
unusual behavior (for example, acting tame around humans and allowing someone to approach), call the
DNR Wildlife Division at 517-2849453 between 7:30 a.m. and 4 p.m.
After hours, call the DNR Report All
Poaching hotline at 800-292-7800.
Do not attempt to disturb, kill or
remove the animal.
The DNR provides CWD biweekly updates online at www.
michigan.gov/cwd.

Spring Turkey Hunters

Spring turkey hunting in Michigan is FANtastic and you can buy

hunting licenses over the counter. It's
a great time to take a young hunter
afield, good weather, active hunting,
so don't miss out!n

Hunting season with no fatalities

For the second year in a row, Michigan recorded no fatalities in 2015 during all hunting seasons, according to reports compiled by the Department of Natural Resources Law
Enforcement Division. Thirteen incidents resulting in injuries were recorded in the state
during the year, up slightly from 10 incidents in 2014. Twelve incidents occurred in the
Lower Peninsula and one in the Upper Peninsula.
This is part of an overall trend toward fewer hunting-related fatalities and injuries over
the past several decades, a downward trend that started in 1988 when completion of a
hunter education class became mandatory for all first-time hunters born after Jan. 1, 1960.
In 1988, the state saw the lowest fatality rate four deaths since annual record keeping began in 1970, when there were 18 fatalities. Record keeping began in the 1940s, but
fatalities and injuries figures were compiled per decade rather than per year.
Our excellent hunter education program saves lives, said Sgt. Steve Orange, supervisor of the DNRs Recreational Safety, Education and Enforcement Section. When
looking at the downward trend over the last five decades, it becomes very clear that our
hunter education program is one of the major factors attributed to preventing fatalities and
injuries.
Injuries have fallen substantially since hunter education classes became mandatory.
From 212 injuries in 1970 and climbing to 275 injuries by 1974 the most recorded in a
single year injuries have, for the most part, steadily decreased every year since. Incidents
involving injury fell below 50 in 1991 for the first time, and after a very slight increase
over the next several years, injuries began dropping again. Incidents resulting in injury
have not exceeded 15 per year for the past five years.
The steadily decreasing numbers are attributed by Orange to the dedicated team of
hunter education volunteer instructors who currently number over 3,400 and the expanded hunter education programs, which now include a home study program and online
hunter safety courses.
Our many hunter education volunteers who cumulatively donate over 35,000 hours
every year are dedicated to providing new hunters with the skills needed to handle and
operate their firearms or archery equipment safely, which results in enjoyable experiences
for them and others in Michigans out of doors, said Orange.
He also noted the benefits for experienced hunters in taking or retaking a hunter education class as a refresher.
Individuals completing home study or online hunter safety courses must still complete
a hands-on field day, where they receive instruction and practice in operating firearms,
bows, traps and more. Field days are taught by volunteer instructors and conservation officers.
Hunter education classes have been available since 1946, although they were not
mandatory at that time. In 1971, the program became mandatory for first-time hunters ages
12-16. That was expanded in 1988 to all first-time hunters born after Jan. 1, 1960. Since
1988, more than 600,000 hunters have completed hunter education classes. In recent years,
over 20,000 hunters complete the program annually.
During the 2015 season, 651,588 base licenses were sold. Michigans hunting incident
rate per license is .002 percent. The base license is required to purchase any hunting
license.
Of the 13 incidents resulting in injury reported in 2015, one involved a turkey hunter,
one involved a waterfowl hunter, one involved a trapper and six involved deer hunters.
One injury does not specify animal hunted because the report is pending. Victims ranged
in age from 21 to 74. The majority of injuries, over 60 percent, were a result of self-inflicted gunshot wounds.
Five of the deer hunting incidents were reported during the firearm deer hunting season
Nov. 15-30 and occurred in the counties of Calhoun, Gladwin, Roscommon, St. Clair and
Van Buren. The sixth deer hunting incident that resulted in injury occurred during late
antlerless firearm season Dec. 19-Jan. 1. The incident took place in Lapeer County.
Cpl. Dave Painter of the DNRs Recreational Safety, Education and Enforcement Section reminds hunters to wear hunter orange during designated seasons.
Its the law, and its paramount in keeping hunters seen and safe, Painter said.
In 1977, wearing hunter orange became mandatory on certain lands for the first time.
In 1984, the law was amended to require hunters to wear hunter orange on all lands open
to public hunting.
Regulations require hunters, during designated hunting seasons, to wear a cap, hat,
vest, jacket or rain gear of hunter orange. The garments that are hunter orange must be the
outermost garment and visible from all sides.
Hunter orange is a high-visibility color that, when worn according to regulations,
increases hunters safety, Painter said.
Hunter orange is readily identified as the color worn by hunters, according to Painter.
For nearly 40 years, hunters have worn this color so that they can be seen by other
hunters while in the field. This is an important added safety measure and can also be attributed, along with hunter education programs, to saving lives and reducing the number of
incidents leading to injury.
Painter encourages individuals who arent hunters but enjoy public and private lands
with hunters such as hikers, birders and general outdoor enthusiasts to also wear hunter
orange during designated seasons so they are seen and recognized.
Outdoor enthusiasts who share lands with hunters are taking the initiative to wear
hunter orange because they recognize its significance, Painter said. They correctly attribute the color to safe hunting and safe outdoor recreation.
Information on the hunting incidents recorded in 2015 can be found online at www.
michigan.gov/conservationofficers under Law Enforcement Reports.
Read more about hunting rules and regulations.
Michigan conservation officers are fully commissioned state peace officers who
provide natural resources protection, ensure recreational safety and protect citizens by
providing general law enforcement duties and lifesaving operations in the communities
they serve. Learn more about Michigan conservation officers at www.michigan.gov/conservationofficers.

MAY 2016 - WNW NEWS

HUNTING

FISHING

COVER STORY...
2015's Highest Scoring Buck

Trolling in-line boards

Richard P. Smith page 14

600 pound bear!

Richard P. Smith page 15

Arrow placement for gobblers

Kenny Darwin page 30

Winter's onset impacts

THE WHITETAIL RUT
John Ozoga page 50

Dream trip for an

upland bird hunter
Tom Carney page 60

Coyote hunting with dogs

Jeff Pendergraff page 62

Spring turkey
hunting success

Lane Walker page 69

Mark Romanack page 16

For more gobblers

Pulling for post-spawners

Fort Mackinac

Robert Dock Stupp page 22

Darryl Quidort page 32

UP's better walleye waters

John Bergsma page 36

Aggravate hens

The Next Bite...

Kenny Darwin...page 12

Walleyes...the right place

at the right time
Gary Parsons/Keith Kavajecz
page 40

Fishing the lake shallows

George Rowe page 48

An in-depth look at Church

Tackle's Stern Planer
Steve Becker page 75

FEATURE

MORELS

COVER STORY...
Surrogate Sow Program
widens options for bear cubs
MDNR page 8

COVER STORY...
Ultimate Survivor
THE MICHIGAN COYOTE
Tom Lounsbury page 18

Is your camping 'sleep

system' working for you?
Bill Kendy page 44

Michigan's past
wolf history

Betty Sodders page 58

Joe Lunkas...page 34

Buying/leasing
hunting property

Electronic dog collars

Charlie Linblade page 77

DEER HUNTING 2016...

Location preparation
starts now
John Eberhart page 78

Refusal to retrieve
Len Jenkins page 86

May's best fishing

Mark Sak page 57

Go East for more KINGS

Mark Romanack page 66
016

ater News

MAY 2016 - WNW NEWS

Turkeys, Kenny Darwin...page 12

Buck, Mike Zylstra's ...page 14
Morels, Joe Lunkas...page 34

Mr. Foodplots...
Planting Roundup
Ready sugar beets

Ed Spinazzola page 76

OUTDOOR NEWS
page 10

Ultimate Survivors

COVER PHOTOS

Michael Veine page 64

Keep Michigan's wildlife wild

COYOTES
BEARS

Surrogate Sows

PERSPECTIVE
Randy Jorgensen page 28

The next best walleye bite

Great Lakes Digest...

Destination; St. Germain

MDNR page 83

Reminiscing about gobblers

Mark Martin page 20

Bill Ziegler page 26

Michigan Natural Resources

Trust Fund Celebrates 40th

Free ORV weekends

page 45

Boat Smart...PFD Update

Capt. Fred Davis page 54

MICHIGAN MADE
at the 2016 Shot Show

Jacob VanHouten page 56

Anglers, beware: Help

prevent spread of mudsnail
page 70

Governor approves
$28 million on outdoors
page 71

DNR seeks ORV safety

education instructors
page 72

New website provides

information, insight on
Michigans invasive species
page 72

Aquatic invasive
species studies

Roger Beukema page 81

Michigan Meanders...
Sporting stuff
Tom Huggler page 38

Sea Life - Michigan

A tale of two waters

Jonathan Schechter page 42

OPINIONS
"Life in the Fast Lane"
Lane Walker page 69

Electronic message induces

an outdoor epiphany
Rick Fowler page 70

Why we need to
shoot more coyotes
Kenny Darwin page 71

Dear Fish Diary...

Doing the 'Pothole Plunge'
Ron St. Germain page 82

REPORT...
Only two percent of streams
and rivers effectively tested
for water quality
page 84

GUNS/AMMO
Traditional Black
Powder Turkey Hunt
"Be Patient...Be Bold"
Dennis Neely page 46

Gun Chat..
Hatcher's Notebook
Lee Arten page 55

DEPARTMENTS . . .
Trophy Page. . . . . . . . 68 Classifieds . . . . . . 87-88
Op-Ed . . . . . . . . . . . 70-73 Real Estate . . . . . . . 89-97

Scoring

BUCK
For More Gobblers

Morels and More

Trolling In-Line Boards 600 Pound Bear Deer Stand Prep
Walleyes: Right Place, Right Time Winters Impact on the Rut
Hunting Season-No Fatalities Buying/Leasing Hunting Property
www.woods-n-waternews.com Like us on facebook

Follow us on

www.facebook.com/woodsnwaternews

WOODS-N-WATER NEWS PRESENTS...

30th Annual

OUTDOOR
WEEKEND

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MAY 2016 - WNW NEWS

Outdoor Exhibits,
Seminars, Puppies
Gun Auction & More

Surrogate Sow Program widens

options for orphaned bear cubs

he MDNR has a program

involved in the business of
finding mothers for orphans.
Not for children, for bear
cubs.
Mark Boersen, a Michigan
Department of Natural Resources
wildlife biologist at Roscommon,
has spent a number of days this
winter fitting denned black bear
sows with radio collars so he can
find them again if their maternal
skills are ever needed.
This is the gist of the DNRs Surrogate Sow Program.
The main objective has always
been to have a number of female bears
we can use to raise cubs that come
into the possession of the DNR, said
Boersen, a 12-year veteran of the
agency. You can trick females into
taking additional cubs if its done
right.
Boersen said the DNR places
orphaned cubs with new mothers once
or twice a year.
It at least gives them a chance
they wouldnt have and it works
nearly 100 percent of the time if you
can place the cub with a denned sow,
he said.

Active Dens

To find prospective bear mothers, Boersen depends on landowners

and hunters to report bear dens. The
three sows newly collared this winter
resulted from three different types of
bear den finding circumstances.
One bear den was reported by a
landowner who said he noticed a bear
with two yearlings hanging around
an uprooted tree for much of the fall.
When he saw the trio in the same area
during deer season, he alerted the
DNR. Boersen located the bears and
collared the adult female.
In another instance, a sow with
yearlings was located by a hunter
while he was bird hunting during the
late grouse season. The hunters dog
went on point and he noticed a large
hole. After the hunter leashed his dog
and led it away, he checked the hole
and sure enough, there was a bear in
it.
Boersen and others came back to
the den two months later and determined it was a mother with yearlings.
A few weeks later they returned to
collar the mother. The sow and the
young bears were then returned to the
den.
Michigan bears typically birth
young every other year.
When bear cubs become wards The third bear collared in recent
of the DNR, the states wildlife exmonths was reported by a landowner
perts have few options beyond choices who found a den while wandering in
that present difficulties of one kind or the woods during the deer hunting
another.
season.
Wildlife managers want to do
Willy Hincka, a logger who lives
whats best for the orphaned bears and in Presque Isle County, discovered
that is providing them with an adopthe den while he was headed to see a
tive mother. The program benefits
neighbor. The bear, which was not yet
bears and the DNR.
hibernating, had looked at Hincka a
It takes some staff time, but not a couple times.
lot of money, Boersen said.
When Hincka told his friend about
This winter, Boersen began the
it, his buddy suggested he contact the
season with only two collared bears,
DNR. After checking that it was a sow
but he has since collared three more
with cubs, Boersen and his crew colsows.
lared the bear March 1.

MAY 2016 - WNW NEWS

Options

An overhead view is shown of a health examination conducted on a black bear during

8 a den check operation in the Lower Peninsula.

MDNR wildlife technician Mark Monroe holds a young bear while its mother is examined and radio collared during a bear den check this winter. MDNR photos
Boersen checked out two other
reported dens, but declined to handle
those bears.
One was a single bear in a den
and we could have easily gotten the
bear, but it was late January, there
were no cubs or yearlings, so I assumed that was a male, Boersen
said. I passed on that one. Theres no
sense in tranquilizing an animal that
you think is likely a male.
A sow was also passed on because
the DNR crew could reach the den
site, but the way the bear was situated
inside made safety a concern.
Boersen also replaced collars on two
other female bears, both of which had
yearlings.

Methods

The first thing Boersen does when

handling a bear is sedate the female. If
the sow has yearlings, he leaves them
alone. They either remain in the den
when the crew hauls out the mother,
or they run off and typically return
when the commotion has ended.
The crew applies a sedative to the
sow with a jab stick.
You want a well-muscled portion of their body an upper leg or
hip is good, a front leg or shoulder is
goodand occasionally we stick them
in the neck, Boersen said. Thats a
good spot and if youre dealing with
previously collared bear in a dark den,
youve got a landmark. A lot of times,
thats all you can see is the collar.
With newly collared bears, Boersens
crew goes through an elaborate procedure, giving the sow a full physical.
They pull a tooth for aging, apply
ear tags and a lip tattoo and they record all the vital signs. Biologists then
administer some antibiotics and pain
medications, before they put the bear
back in the den.

When re-collaring a bear, staff

simply weigh the sow and monitor vital signs and administer medications.
Cubs are weighed, their sex determined and kept warmusually in
someones coatuntil the crew is
finished with the bears mother.

Longevity

Adoptive mothers can be used

multiple times. Some of the bears
have been long-lived. One of Boersens bears is 21 years old.
Weve recorded them into their
early 30s in Michigan, and Minnesota
had one that went into her mid-40s,
Boersen said. I think she died of old
age in her den.

Wider scope

Kevin Swanson, a wildlife management specialist with the DNRs

bear and wolf program, said efforts
to examine and study black bears in
Michigan can have a good deal of
positive impact.
Bear den checks and other ongoing bear research in Michigan provide
biological insight for wildlife personnel who face difficult management
decisions for this valuable species,
Swanson said. Important data supplied by our researchers is continually
used to ensure sustainable, long-term
management.
Swanson said cub production and
survivorship, as well as habitat capability exhibited by diverse soil and
cover types in these areas, are important considerations for future management.
Black bear will not reside permanently in areas that do not supply
appropriate habitat, Swanson said.
For more information on Michigan black bears, visit www.michigan.
gov/bear.n

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MAY 2016 - WNW NEWS

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Keep Michigans
E

ach spring and summer, the

MDNR is flooded with calls
as people across the state run
into a common dilemma
they have come across a baby
animal and desperately want to
help. Hannah Schauer, a DNR wildlife education technician, spends time
talking with the public about why it
is better to leave baby animals in the
wild.
The vast majority of the time
these wild animals do not need our
help, Schauer said. Wildlife can
survive on a day-to-day basis without
help from humans.

making it challenging for predators to

find them.
An adult deer, however, has
plenty of scent to it, andbeing a
large animalis fairly easy to spot,
Schauer said. So, rather than hang
around and draw attention to where
she has carefully hid her fawn, the
mother deer opts to graze elsewhere.
The doe returns periodically to
nurse her fawn and is usually not too
far away. It doesnt take long before
the fawn is strong enough to keep up
with its mother and then has a better
chance of outrunning a predator.
Fawns are rarely abandoned.

Survival Adaptations

Wildlife Concerns

MAY 2016 - WNW NEWS

Most wild critters have a few

survival tricks up their sleeves. Take
white-tailed deer, for example.
Female deer typically birth their
fawns in May and June. A newborn
fawn is unsure of its footing and is
unable to keep up with its mother.
So, the mother deer hides her small,
spotted fawn in a secluded spot for
safekeeping.
The mother deer then intentionally leaves her fawn alone to help
increase its chances of survival.
Beyond the spotted camouflage
and the instinct to lie very still, fawns
have an additional survival adaptation.
Fawns are born with very little scent,

DNR wildlife staff suggests that

if you happen to find a fawn or other
baby animal, please leave it in the
wild.
Taking an animal from the wild
is not only illegal, it is dangerous. A
wild animal, especially a baby, may
seem harmless, but they rarely are.
If you bring a baby animal into your
home and it actually survives, it will
eventually grow up.
As animals grow, they will
experience hormonal changes as well
as physical and behavioral changes,
Schauer said. Raccoons, for example,
are known for exhibiting aggressive
behavior as they age.

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources urges those who find baby wild ani-

10 mals in the woods to leave them there.

White-tailed deer fawns often are left alone by their mothers in an attempt to keep
predators from finding them. MDNR photos
An animal may act tame, but it is
instinctively a wild animal and will
act like one.
Besides aggressive and potentially
dangerous behaviors, wild animals
can carry diseases and parasites, many
of which can be transmitted to your
pets or to you or your children.
The laws prohibiting possession
of wild animals are in place to keep
people, as well as the wild animals,
safe.

Tougher Rules

In some cases, the DNR must put

even stricter regulations in place to
look after the health of an entire species.
Such is the case in central Michigan, where in May 2015 the states
first case of chronic wasting disease
(CWD) was confirmed in a free-ranging, white-tailed deer from Ingham
County.
The disease is a central nervous
system affliction found in deer, elk
and moose (cervids). It attacks the
brain of infected animals, creating
small lesions that result in death.
Chronic wasting disease is transmitted through direct animal-to-animal contact or by contact with saliva,
urine, feces, blood and carcass parts
of an infected animal or infected soil.
Once it arrives, CWD can spread
through the deer population and all
deer infected with the disease will die.
Because infected deer may not exhibit
symptoms right away, you cannot tell
just by looking at a deer if it is suffering from CWD.
Taking an unhealthy deer from
the environment and attempting to
rehabilitate it has the potential to
increase the spread of CWD. Bringing
infected deer into contact with other
deer in rehabilitation centers, can risk
contaminating those facilities.
For that reason, rehabilitation
of deer in Clinton, Shiawassee and
Ingham counties in Lower Michigan

is prohibited.
As new cases of CWD are discovered, the list of counties in which
rehabilitation of deer is prohibited
may grow.
So far, CWD has not been found
in the Upper Peninsula. To continue
monitoring the situation, the DNR
plans to ask hunters this fall to voluntarily submit deer heads for testing in
the counties bordering Wisconsin.
In Lower Michigan, there is
mandatory testing for deer harvested
within the CWD Management Zone
and voluntary testing occurring elsewhere for any hunter who wants to
submit a deer head.
To learn more about CWD and
how you can help, visit mi.gov/cwd.

Wildlife Rehabilitators

Ultimately, a wild animals best

chance of survival is staying in the
wild. This is especially true for baby
animals. Only licensed wildlife
rehabilitators may legally possess
abandoned or injured wildlife. Unless
you are licensed, it is illegal to possess a live wild animal in Michigan.
The only time a baby animal may be
removed from the wild is when you
know the parent is dead or the animal is injured. However, a licensed
rehabilitator must be contacted before
removing an animal from the wild.
Licensed wildlife rehabilitators
must adhere to the law and have gone
through training on proper handling
of injured or abandoned wild animals.
These rehabilitators will work to
return the animal to the wild where it
will again realize its best chance for
survival.
A list of licensed wildlife rehabilitators in Michigan can be found by
visiting mi.gov/wildlife or by calling your local DNR office. Look for
#KeepMiWild on the DNRs social
media this spring and summer and
share the importance of keeping wildlife in the wild.n

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11

By Kenny Darwin

Aggravate hens

for more gobblers

MAY 2016 - WNW NEWS

12

ometimes in order to score on an

impressive wild turkey gobbler
you need to use alternative calling tactics. Sure, clucks and purrs
can bring some birds running but
in order to fool a gobbler following hens you need to use turkey
talk that fires up hens, gets their
attention, makes them curious
and in some cases aggravates them to come your
way. The trick is to simply piss off the lead hen,
make her fighting mad and when she comes looking for a fight she brings the entire flock along with
the love sick gobbler following the group. Now, sit
tight and when the sisters gather close for a fight
you get your sights on the gobbler and dust him off
as he joins the crew.
Sounds like a simple calling strategy and in
some cases it works like magic to gather wild turkeys kissin close but the technique can be difficult
to master. Success hinges on your ability to select
a turkey call that sounds like a mature hen yelling
insults. Im talking a loud, wicked sounding box
call or diaphragm call that is loud and obnoxious.
Im talking a real sounding adult hen call that is
somewhat raspy and makes loud powerful yelps.
Use calls that best mimic the hot head witch on the
block. The idea is to entice wild birds into a fight,
getem fired up, running your way to put a Smackdown on the mouthy new intruder.
The tactic doesnt work in every situation. But
in order to draw a gobbler that is henned up and
following the girls you need to yell insults to get
the hens kissin close and the big boy will follow.
Sometimes you just mimic the hen vocalizations

of local birds with a mixed range of volume and

frequency. Other times you simply out-call the lead
hen, make her mad and she will come looking for a
fight.
Ill never forget a fun outing when early morning hens gathered in a field close to my blind. Soon
a pair of large gobblers followed the flock but none
of the birds were moving my direction. Thats when
I got out my raspy paddle call that makes loud
sounds. The box ensures high quality reliable hen
sounds that are loud and mimics adult hens. I made
a few yelps followed by deeper, courser sounding calls. My goal was to out-yelp the lead hen. If
she made three calls I made four. If she came back
with five calls I challenged with six or seven. Soon
the matriarch got the message; she stood tip-toed
looking for the bird that had enough gall to yelp
louder than her on her home turf. When I answered
back she challenged, turned and began a mad strut
headed directly at my blind. She talked trash all the
way across the field and her back up girls followed
with the two gobblers in tow. The loud yelping
was the trick and soon the entire flock circled my
location. I shut up. The lead hen patrolled back and
forth still looking for battle as the gobblers strolled
into archery range and started struttin. I got their
attention with a loud single alarm putt and when
they lifted their bright red head gave one a NAP
Gobbler Getter three blade broadhead through the
vitals from my Carbon Express crossbow.
I used this deadly strategy last year on some
Jackson County big toms in late afternoon when
the gobblers would not respond to my soft clucks
and purrs. Sometimes in order to call a big gobbler
into range you need to get the attention of hens, talk

dirty to them, getem pissed and when they come

looking for a fight they drag the big gobblers into a
rude awakening. The trick is to take your calling to
the extreme, beg for trouble in the woods and excite
wild birds into a confrontation. The best call you
can use in this situation duplicates the sounds of an
old boss hen. One that provides loud yelping, raspy
cutting and aggressive tones that make birds listen
up.
You see, its all about disrespect. Apparently
wild turkey hens do not like to be disrespected on
their home turf and if you aggravate them they will
come looking for a fight. Like a feathered street
gang, they bring plenty of back up and when hens
gather in a crowd they rival the MSU students on
Cedar Street during a riot. They gather in a group,
march in formation with the boss hen leading the
group with nasty loud remarks and challenging
calls. In this situation suiting gobblers get dragged
into the fight and end up part of the mass, although
they tend to follow from the rear. At times they act
like they are eager to be part of a hen fight, witness
spurs flying, wings slammin and hens beating the
hell out of each other. Perhaps they view fights as a
means to an end, knowing they can get extra close
to females that are concentrating on kickin tail.
Then again most males recognize that females on
this planet get fighting mad if you disrespect them.
It was thrilling to watch a group of 20 firedup hens march in formation past my ditch blind
in an open field. With telephoto camera in hand I
finally ceased making nasty hen challenging calls
and readied to photograph the large strutting gobblers following the crowd. At one point the boss
hen patrolled up and down the field edge making

loud calls to challenge the intruder.

I slithered into tall grass and brush,
hugged the ground and eventually the
flock slipped to my right as fanned
gobblers approached from the left.
At one point the three big gobblers
surrounded a pretty little hen, corralled her in the center of the wall of
fanned tail feathers. But she eventually popped out of the gobbler huddle
and hustled to join the flock of hens
30 yards away. Soon the entire parade
wiggled over a hill out of sight as my
heart continued to pound from the
exciting wild turkey encounter.
Every hunting situation is different. Some days birds come running
at the slightest hen sounds but often
adult gobblers can be difficult to get
kissin close. You must be the judge
of which situation deserves the aggressive style of calling that aggravates wild turkeys. If you have just
a single hen or two the tactic seldom
works. If there is a flock of hens, especially if they are led by a boss hen,
the nasty language can be the key to
success. Your goal is to get the boss
hen spitting mad, make her feel like

a street fight is the only solution to

silence the mouthy intruder. Get birds
mad and they go ballistic, act like
street thugs and the hunt is on.
Get freaky nasty with your
calling and some birds will avoid
confrontation and hike the opposite
direction. At times they simply note
your location and slowly come looking for the intruder but there are hens
that come fast, reply to every call
and try desperately to out-talk your
calling. They become aggravated in a
heartbeat, pissed, mad, and rush you
like they want to get immediately
involved in a slug fest. Each calling
situation is different and sometimes
smart hens act like they want to avoid
confrontations. Your goal is to produce realistic, intense, loud and clear
vocalizations that bring hens with
attitude and unsuspecting gobblers
follow the crowd.
Decoys can be a disadvantage in
this situation. Rival hens can quickly
see decoys and assess them as relaxed, non-moving, not threatening
dead looking hens. You are better off
using this trick when you are hid-

Do you know which calls to use to get the attention of hens, draw them in your direction, with big ole struttin gobblers in toe? Kenny Darwin photos

den, out of sight. Aggressive hens go

bonkers if they are disrespected and
they cannot see the challenging hen.
They will come to investigate, move
quickly to get a peek at contenders
and search high and low for the trash
talkin culprit hen. If they come for
a fight and the contender is out of
sight they seem to get even more aggravated, aggressive and tend to stay
near you for a longer period of time
looking for the mouthy intruder to
their turf.
When you spot a flock with gobbler in tow, try normal clucks, purrs,
yelps to bring birds your way. If they
do not respond try a loud introduction
from a boss hen to get their attention. Most often when birds come
into range you are best off going
silent, prepare for a shot and let the
pissed off hens search the surroundings. When birds are close, calling
can cause them to zero-in on your
exact location and they could quickly
notice your outline, unpainted gun,
eyes blinking, hands or feet moving.
If they spot you and sound the alarm
putt, your hunt has come to an end.
This is when you either shoot or let
them walk out of sight.
For this brand of exciting hunting
your camouflage must be complete.

Calling birds to your exact position

means you have to be 100 percent
fully camouflaged and when wild
birds are eyeballing your hide you
have to remain completely still.
The goal is to bring adult hens
kissin close, have them surround
your position and the gobblers following the flock move into easy
range.
Some hunters like to hide in a
blind or use camouflaged netting to
hide their movements and position
from the keen eyesight of wild birds.
Others are gifted at selecting set-up
locations where their human outline
is concealed and they simply blend
into the natural habitat.
It is always entertaining to talk
turkey, sound like a challenging bitch
and witness wild birds get puffed up
mad and prepare for a street fight.
Few sights in turkey hunting compare
with the excitement of hens dashing
your direction with bad attitude and
fanned out gobblers hustling straight
at you to keep up with the flock. This
is intensive hunting that quickens
your pulse and provides a unique opportunity to communicate with wild
turkeys and fool them with lifelike
calling that challenges and aggravates
them into action.n

MAY 2016 - WNW NEWS

Taking a gobbler with archery gear requires a precise accurate shot. Savvy hunters
use a rest with crossbows to steady the crosshairs and provide deadly accurate bolt
placement. The vitals on a wild gobbler are about the size of a softball.

13

2015s

By Richard P. Smith

ike Zylstra from Holland bagged the states

highest scoring whitetail
from 2015 deer seasons
in Allegan County, based
on those entered in state
records. The 15-point nontypical
grossing 189 5/8 and netting 185 is
also the second highest scoring nontypical known taken with a crossbow
in Michigan, according to state record
keeper Commemorative Bucks of
Michigan (CBM).
The current state record nontypical crossbow buck was bagged by
John Tolfree from Milan in Washtenaw County on December 23, 2014.
That 20-pointer has a net score of 186
3/8. That whitetail was the first buck

Deer hunting is Mike Zylstras passion and for the 40-year veteran this 15-pointer is his biggest buck so far.

Tolfree ever shot.

2015. Mike was hunting from a tree
Zylstra bagged his record book
stand in a spot where he could cover
buck on the morning of November 14, multiple deer trails. The spot is a
travel corridor. The bowhunter didnt
have any bait out.
The cover is fairly thick around
my stand, Zylstra said, but there
are some openings. In one direction
I could see about 125 yards. It was a
perfect sunny, crisp morning when I
got the big buck. The buck was chasing a doe in heat.
The sun was shining on his impressive rack, so I knew right away he
was a big buck. The antlers have great
mass. They are almost palmated. Most
people will look at the antlers and say
it will score 200.
I never saw the buck before the
day I shot him, Mike continued. I
think the buck was mostly nocturnal.
If he wasnt after that doe that was in
heat, Im sure I wouldnt have seen
him.
I would guess that only three to
five minutes elapsed from the time
I saw the deer until I took my shot.
They came into view where I could
see the farthest. In less than a minute,
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the buck stopped broadside 25 yards
away off the right quadrant of my
Whitetail Mineral Supplement
stand. Its really thick in that direction
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and I could not find an opening that I
thought I could get an arrow through.
The doe was standing about 30
yards from the buck. She spotted me
Consult all game laws in your area before starting a mineral supplement program.
in the tree moving around trying to
find an opening to shoot through. She
snorted and ran off and the buck just
stood there. When the buck finally
moved, he trotted to where the doe
had been standing.
The buck went through three

MAY 2016 - WNW NEWS

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openings where I had a shot as he

went to where the doe had been,
Mike explained. I grunted to try to
stop him in one of those openings.
The third time I grunted, he stopped in
one of those openings 30 yards away
and I made a perfect shot.
Mike shot the deer with a Bowtech Solution LS crossbow and his
arrow was fitted with an NAP Spitfire Max Broadhead. He waited 30
minutes after shooting the whitetail
before climbing down to recover it.
Even though Zylstras arrow took out
both lungs and there was an excellent
blood trail, the deer still covered 150
yards before gong down.
Mike was in for a treat when he
reached the fallen deer.
The rack was bigger than I
thought, he said. The antlers were
sticking up in the air and were easily
visible as I approached. The rack has a
28-inch outside spread.
After admiring the buck, I
looked up to the right and there were
four does standing there 30 yards
away. Those were probably the does
he was breeding.
Deer hunting is Mikes passion.
Hes been doing it for 40 years. The
15-pointer is his biggest buck so far.
He estimated its age at 4 . Although
Mike had never seen the deer before
November 14, a neighbor of his who
lives about a mile away later told him
he had lots of photos of the whitetail.
The neighbor gave Mike one of his
trail camera photos of the buck.
The fall of 2015 was the first year
Zylstra hunted with a crossbow. He
killed a 6-pointer with it before taking
the big one. His best buck prior to last
fall scored about 135.n

BEAR

hannon Weber from Sandusky

is rightfully proud of the first
bear she ever shot. It was one
of the biggest bruins taken
in the state during the fall of
2015. She got it while hunting
with hounds in the UP on October 2 and
her father was along on the hunt. She
brought the 600-pounder down in Gogebic County with a 12 gauge shotgun
after a rough week of hunting.
The hunt didnt start out great,
Shannon said. The weather was cold
and the bears were not really active.
And we kept running into wolves.
Wolves have had a dramatic impact
on all types of hunting that involve
dogs in the UP, but especially bear
hunting because hounds that are after
bear often cover miles during the course
of a chase, which makes them vulnerable to attack by wolves. Wolves have
killed many bear dogs, so hunters using
hounds try to avoid areas where they
know wolves are present.
I only had two more days to hunt
before I had to go back to work when
we were forced to change locations because of wolves, she commented. We
were scrambling to try to find a bear
to put the dogs on when a buddy (Dan
Benjamin from Ohmer) rigged a bear in
a huge section.
Dogs that are being driven slowly
along a woods road in or on a vehicle
bark when they smell where a bear
crossed. Thats what is called rigging
a bear. The hunters normally look for
tracks left by the bear to confirm if a
bruin did indeed cross the road, and to
try to determine how big it is before letting the dogs go. In this particular case,
they were not able to find the bears
track, but they put dogs on the scent
because they didnt have any options.
We drove in on this dead end road
to try to get ahead of the dogs, Shannon explained. My boyfriend (Brennon Miller) got there in time to see the
bear, but I showed up just after the bear
crossed the road. Those who saw the
bear were stunned at the size of him
when he popped out on the road.
They then knew the dogs were on
a big bear, which increased the level of
excitement about the hunt. After determining the bear was headed for the far
side of the big section, they drove off in
that direction. Due to the lack of roads,
however, they had to take a number of
different roads in a roundabout fashion
to get to where they wanted to be.
The party eventually reached a high
point overlooking the swamp where the

bear and dogs were.

From the top of a pickup truck,
I could see the dogs working the bear
below us, Shannon said. It was neat
to see the action from where we were.
When the bear got closer, Shannon
loaded her iron-sighted Model 1100
Remington 12 gauge with 2 -inch
slugs and ran to intercept the bruin.
After getting into position for a shot,
she raised her gun, but a dog was in the
way, so she held her fire. She had to
shift positions to keep the bear in sight.
She finally had an opening and put
a slug into the big bruins chest. Then
the big bear ran back in the swamp,
with Shannon running after him.
I was so nervous, she commented. My adrenaline was really pumping.
Brennon reminded her that she
fell while running downhill after the
bear. Although Shannon took a tumble,
she said it didnt slow her down. She
quickly got back on her feet and continued after the bruin.
With the bear wounded, he was
more of a threat to the dogs. The bear
was in fact trying to catch the dogs
when Shannon caught up to it again.
She shot it a second time from a distance of 15 yards. The monster bear was
still able to make it another 100 yards
before dying.
Fortunately, none of the dogs were
seriously injured.
Although the chase only took about
an hour, it took the party of hunters
eight hours to get the big bruin out of
the woods. They drug it out whole, hoping to weigh the animal intact. Unfortunately, no scale was available nearby,
so they gutted the bear that night and
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Shannon said it was great
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GROOMING
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hunt since
MOWERS
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CUTTERS
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Although the big bear is Shannons
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has bear hunted two more years during
which she had tags that went unfilled.n

Shannon Weber is congratulated by her father, Carl, after harvesting her first black bear.

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15

Yesterday And Today...

Trolling in-line boards

I
n-line planer boards like the popular Off Shore
Tackle Side-Planer have been around a long
time. In fact, fishing enthusiasts like me have
been fishing these boards most of our adult
lives! During that 30-something-year span
of time, in-line board fishing methods have
evolved a great deal.
Better line releases,
releases designed to
handle braided lines,
articulating flag systems,
mini boards and magnum
boards are just some of
the advancements that
have made board fishing
not only more productive,
but also more fun.

One Size
Doesnt Fit All

In the world of
board fishing its the line
releases that do the heavy
lifting. This simple, but
critical piece of gear
makes it possible for an
in-line board to be rigged
and fished a bunch of different ways. Line releases
also enable boards to be
fished with monofilament
or with braided lines. In
the world of board fishing
one size or type of line
release simply doesnt
fit all, because no single
line release can function
flawlessly for all species
of fish and all trolling applications.
If the board an angler chooses doesnt readily
adapt to a wealth of different line release designs,
that board is seriously limited in the fishing applications it can be applied to. For example, the SidePlaner produced by Off Shore Tackle comes factory
equipped with two releases. The OR19 (orange)
release on the tow arm is designed to be used with
monofilament and fluorocarbon lines. The OR16
(red) Snap Weight Clip mounted to the back of the
board features a patented pin between the rubber
jaws that prevents the line from popping free of this
clip.
This unique set up allows the board to be
released, but still held firmly in place on the line.
Rigged in this manner anglers can stack two, three
or even four boards per side of the boat and trip
them as fish are hooked. The advantage of tripping,
but keeping the board pinned in place on the line
is fish can be hooked and landed without having to
clear other lines.
Using the Off Shore method, the board comes
to the boat quickly and without resistance. Once the
board is within reach of the boat it can be removed
like removing a Snap Weight, freeing up the angler
to fight the fish to net while feeling every head
shake and tail wiggle along the way.
The release and slide method employed by
other board manufacturers forces the angler to fight
both the fish and the resistance of the board in the
water until the fish comes to net. An in-line board

that has been released and allowed to slide down to

the fish pulls very hard and destroys the enjoyment
of fighting the fish.
This old school rigging method also enables
fish to escape more often. More fish are lost using this rigging method because the fish can pull
against the resistance of
the board and tear free.

The Braid Brigade

A growing number of
trollers are using braided
and fused lines for trolling. In part these super
lines are popular because
they last longer than
monofilament and dont
have to be replaced as often. Super lines also have
near zero stretch allowing
anglers to achieve better hook sets even when
trolling with long leads.
Thirdly, super lines are
thinner in diameter and
they allow fishermen to
troll deeper than possible
with traditional line types.
The number of anglers who have jumped
onto the super line train
in recent years is impressive. Fishing these super
lines with in-line boards
requires using releases
designed especially to
function with thin, slippery and low stretch line
types.
Cam operated jaw type releases like the Snapper produced by Off Shore Tackle were designed to
grip and hold super lines firmly. A set screw in the
release jaw allows the tension to be set as needed to
hold firmly any size super line.
The drawback to this release design is the
line is fixed in the release and the board cannot
be tripped. The angler must reel in the board and
remove it from the line before continuing to fight
the fish to net.
A simple trick anglers use to fix this issue
requires an ordinary office rubber band, an OR19
release on the tow arm of the board and a little ingenuity. Half hitch the rubber band around the braided
line after letting the lure out the desired distance
behind the boat. Place the rubber band between
the rubber jaws of the OR19 release and then place
the line behind the pin on the OR16 release at the
back of the board. Wrap the super line around the
OR16 jaw and place it in the rubber pads to prevent
the line from sliding.
Rigged in this way anglers can stack multiple
boards per side of the boat and trip them by popping the rod tip as fish are hooked. This allows
anglers who prefer super lines to have their cake
and eat it too!
Another super line rigging option is to employ the unique Sams Release produced by Silver
Horde. This swing arm jettison style release allows super lines to be wrapped around a rubber

MAY 2016 - WNW NEWS

By Mark Romanack

16

Tattle Flag systems like illustrated on this board have been one of the major evolutions of the in-line board
fishing market. Without the help of a Tattle Flag many anglers struggle to tell when they have hooked a small
fish or snagged floating debris. In short, these aftermarket accessories help turn in-line board fishing into a
fish harvesting system. Author photos

Articulated Flags
In-line boards should be equipped with a flag
to make them easier for other trollers to see on the
water. The flag can also be rigged as a strike indicator by adding an aftermarket product called the
Tattle Flag Kit or the new Economy Tattle
Flag Kit.
The Tattle Flag Kit comes with two releases,
a new flag, linkage arm, washer, spring and necessary hardware. If an angler already owns an Off
Shore board, the Economy Tattle Flag Kit is less
expensive and comes with the linkage arm, spring
and necessary hardware for rigging.
What articulated flag systems do is make it
easier to detect subtle strikes when fishing in-line
boards. When a fish is hooked the flag folds down
making it obvious even to first timers that a fish has
been hooked. The Tattle Flag also folds down if a
weed is snagged or a small fish like a white perch
or white bass is hooked. This simple aftermarket
product makes board fishing a much more efficient
and enjoyable experience.

Mini Boards
The pint sized mini boards hit the market a few
years ago. Obviously the smaller stature of these
boards means they cannot pull as much weight or
function in rough water as well as larger boards.
The application here is to allow anglers the option
of using lighter lines, rods and lures to target fish
like crappie and other overlooked species.
Trolling for open water crappie using small
crankbaits and even jigs is becoming amazingly
popular. Mini boards are perfect for stacking
multiple boards per side of the boat and targeting
smaller fish like crappie.
Another application for the mini boards focuses
on shore fishermen who target steelhead, salmon,
smallmouth and other river species. Mini boards

can be used to present plugs, spinners and even

egg set ups in river current. Simply cast out the
desired lure or rig and then place the mini board on
the line. Drop the mini board in the water and play
off line as the board works its way out into the current.
Mini boards are reversible making them handy
for fishing on any bank and they are also ideal for
steering a bait into log jams, near undercut banks
and other places that fish hide out.
Mini boards also accept multiple release types
which means these boards can also be fished readily with monofilament, fluorocarbon or super lines.

Magnum Boards
Magnum sized in-line boards are designed to
pull heavy loads of copper or lead core line, lead
drop balls, large diving crankbaits and even small
diving planers. The larger size of these boards
gives them the power to pull heavy loads and still
plane out to the side of the boat effectively.
Trout and salmon anglers gravitate to these
magnum boards because they are often tasked with
fishing their lures deep and also out away from
the boat. Musky fishermen who troll with larger
bucktails, deep diving crankbaits and heavy weight
systems are also finding that the magnum boards
are ideal for these trolling niches.

Summing It Up
In-line boards have been on the fishing scene
some time, but they have also evolved considerably
over the years. Getting the most from these fishing
aids involves staying in touch with new rigging
methods, refined line releases, aftermarket products
and other new product introductions.
In the past 30 years, in-line boards have
evolved from being a cute novelty to becoming a
dominate force on the trolling scene. Useful for
trolling big water, small waters and even rivers,
there is little the in-line ski cant tackle in the modern world of board fishing.n

MAY 2016 - WNW NEWS

plunger that is in turn held firmly in an adjustable

tension clip.

17

Ultimate Survivor...The Michigan

COYOTE

The coyote is no doubt the

epitome of being a very
adaptable and prolific
survivor wherever it is
found, which entails quite
a continually growing area.

to be able to readily expand its range

was the steady extirpation of the gray
wolf, from the beginning of the first
Europeans settling this country right
up into the 20th Century. Being a
large apex predator, the gray wolf was
regularly condemned and eliminated
while civilization continually expanded across North America.
All those 19 subspecies aside, I
look at it as there simply being two
ts geographic range now
types of coyotes which are
spans the entire North
the warm country type that
American Continent,
is smaller and leggy to betwith 19 recognized
ter deal with the heat, and
subspecies. Coyotes
the cold country type that
can now be found as far
is larger and blockier (and
south as Central America
with denser fur) to better deal
and I believe it will only
with the cold (it is Natures
be a matter of time before
way and applies to whitetail
they even venture into South
deer as well, for an
America (they were
example). Here in
first spotted beyond
Michigan of course,
the Panama Canal in
we have the northern
2013).
version
which
is
often referred to as
The coyote is the North American
being
brush
wolves.
equivalent of the Old World golden
Other than hearing coyote howls
jackal, and was originally only found
used
as backdrop noises in Hollywood
out west, or wherever it didnt have
produced
western movies, I never
to compete with its larger cousin, the
had
any
personal
coyote experiences
gray wolf. Lewis and Clark, who were
until
my
first
ever
spring wild turobviously very seasoned outdoorskey hunt in northern Michigan. This
men, never encountered coyotes in
their lives until their 1804-06 Expedi- occurred during the late 1960s in the
Baldwin area, and I can tell you it
tion into the West. Lewis described
coyotes in his journal as being small was a bit thrilling at first for a Thumb
Area farm boy camping all by his
wolfs.
What very clearly paved the way lonesome at night in the big woods.
However, thanks to those Hollywood
for the coyote

MAY 2016 - WNW NEWS

By Tom Lounsbury

18

Josh Lounsbury
bagged a
Thumb coyote
and then a
plump doe on
the opening
morning of
the Michigan
firearms deer
season. Coyotes
are excellent
trophies for
hunters out
after other
game species.

Rick Baetsen photo

westerns, I knew what I was hearing
and actually rather enjoyed it as being
a natural part of the outdoor scene,
and still do. Having one come stalking into my turkey calling attempts
was even a greater thrill, especially
to just lay eyes on it, but the moment
was very brief, because I wasnt all
that great a turkey caller in those early
days. Looking back, Im surprised
that coyote even showed up in the first
placeit must have been real hungry!
I would again encounter more
coyotes when I ventured on my first
hunting forays in Wyoming during the
early 1970s, and I continually knew
they were around whenever I went
spring turkey hunting in northern
Michigan. It wasnt until the mid1980s when I thought I heard a coyote
howl one night in the Thumb. I then
began to encounter what I knew to be
coyote sign entailing tracks and scat.
Having been around coyotes enough
elsewhere by this time, I was certain
as to what I was looking at, and I
eventually actually saw a coyote while
I was bowhunting for deer. When I
wrote about it, some folks thought I
was seeing things, but local houndsmen out after fox later that winter
began to take a regular quantity of
coyotes. The rest as they say is history, and the coyote is now a common
fixture in the Thumb these days (I
believe the large quantity of Thumb

farmland that went into CRP during

the mid-1980s gave coyotes an additional boost per the habitat, as such a
program benefits all wildlife including
predators).
Coyotes depend primarily on
animal matter (including carrion) to
survive but can be very versatile with
their diet and even eat plant matter
including various fruits, berries, and
I have even seen undigested grain in
their droppings. To put it more succinctly, a coyote (being the ultimate
survivor) will eat whatever it can in
order to survive, even if it includes
domestic livestock, poultry and pets
such as small dogs and cats (I seem to
remember a notable country western
singer lamenting not that long ago
about her little dog being snatched up
and carried off by a coyote). Coyotes
are lean, mean killing machines for
their size.
Ive seen coyotes on early summer occasions carrying cats in their
jaws, most likely back to their dens
and hungry pups. Ive also had
coyotes, and its my calculated guess
here, kill and eat mother cats and their
half grown kittens in my open shed
where I store horse-hay. All I can
say is that the cats and their kittens
are suddenly missing and there are
distinct, fresh coyote tracks in the
soft, damp areas near the shed, and
usually some fresh scat too. I dont

while. Reality in the wild isnt always

pretty.
The fact is coyotes can take their
fair share of fawns each spring and
summer. I believe it is more a matter
of any opportunity which presents itself, as that is the coyote way of life,
but when you have a bunch of coyotes patrolling a certain area, it can
happen more times than not. Whenever I see a mature whitetail doe in
early autumn these days without any
fawns in tow, Im a bit suspicious of
a coyote influence.
At present there is a Michigan
coyote hunting season which is open
from July 15 to April 15. The closed
period (April 16 July 14) is actually designed to protect coyotes during their whelping period. By midJuly, coyote pups are out of the den
and being trained by their parents
on how to hunt. They often remain
together as a family group and hunt
together well into winter. Coyotes
can only be killed during the closed
period if they are doing or about
to do damage to private property,
which is defined as pets, livestock
and poultry. This does not include
wildlife such as whitetail fawns.

The coyote mating season occurs

in Michigan from mid-January until
early March, with February being
the key timeframe in my experience
(and my favorite month for calling/
hunting coyotes). When a female
starts to go into estrus, she will emit
howls (it is often the females you
hear howling on cold winter nights)
to attract suitors, which usually
entails several males. The female
will eventually select only one, and
the rest, usually without a scrap, will
move on in search of other mates. It
is the coyote way of selecting a mate
in a copacetic manner.
Males are very monogamist and
fully assist in raising the litter, which
entails regurgitating food to feed
the young once they are weaned. If
something happens to the female
before the pups are weaned, the male
will abandon the litter because there
is nothing he can do. This is reality in
the wild. The average litter size is six
pups but this all depends upon food
availability. The coyote is unique in
that it has the ability to have small or
large litters in this regard. Here in the
Thumb, I believe there arent very
many lean years.

The Natural Resources Commission will be making a decision in

April as to whether or not to keep the
coyote season in place as is. Actually the only hunters out in the field
during the established closed period
are after wild turkeys or woodchucks.
I believe any impact created here is
very minimal per the coyote numbers, which are truthfully at a historic
high given the range they now have.
I never saw a reason for a specified
coyote season in the first place, other
than it was to make certain folks
feel good, which doesnt necessarily
relate to reality.
I highly doubt I will go out of my
way to intentionally hunt coyotes if
the closed period is dropped in April.
By the same token if a (legal) opportunity presents itself while Im hunting wild turkeys or woodchucks, Ill
probably take advantage of it. Doing
so might save a few fawns during
that key timeframe. Like the coyote
I can be quite opportunistic, and by
having a full understanding of the
coyote, Im also a pragmatic realist.
Being the ultimate survivor, the
Michigan coyote is here to stay.n

MAY 2016 - WNW NEWS

believe coyotes actually targeted my

cats, with it simply being an opportunity that presented itself, and coyotes
are very opportunistic. They are also
keen experts at snatch and grab, even
from patios and decks right in front of
pet owners eyes.
My son Jake and his wife Sarah
will never forget the full moon night
they were tent camping right next
to my farm pond a couple summers
ago and were awakened by splashing noises. When they looked out the
tents screen window, they could see
it was a pair of adult coyotes teaching
their large litter of pups how to catch
and eat frogs. With my home being
tucked into the middle of wildlife
habitat, Ive had the opportunity to
listen frequently to coyotes training
their pups how to hunt during midsummer nights. They have quite a
few vocalizations including barks,
yips and yaps that are very dog-like.
My wife Ginny will always remember when coyotes discovered a fawn
and the noise, which sounded almost
like a screaming human baby, woke
us up. Obviously the coyote parents
were letting their inexperienced pups
do the killing work because it took a

19

Pulling for post-spawners

Theres still plenty of walleyes to be had in the Great Lakes this time of year; big walleyes at that...By

MAY 2016 - WNW NEWS

20

pring is a time of transformation within the Great

Lakes. Instead of resembling
a moonscape from ice and
snow, the big lakes have
taken on their look of open
water and white-capped waves. And
their waters are warming rapidly, to
boot.
Once the temperatures rise to 50
degrees and higher, the walleyes that
call these big lakes home will be done
pondering procreation. That urge to
spawn, which took precedence over
all other functions of their life, is over.
So, too are the massive migrations
that brought loads of these marauders
shoreward and congregating onto the
reefs and into the river and streams
systems. In short: the fish are dispersing.
Getting walleyes to bite, especially the big hens, is a dilemma
immediately following the spawn for
some anglers. So much of a problem,
in fact, that many have forgone fishing
these inland seas in lieu of smaller,
more manageable watersheds.
A big mistake, for sure.
The fact is theres plenty of
walleye willing to bite in these masThe author, Mark Martin, holds a post-spawn walleye that was caught while trolling a
sive waterways this time of year. Big
walleyes at that. And locating them, as Rapala Deep Tail Dancer. David A. Rose photo
well getting them to eat your offering different depths until I get bit. In addi- narrow bodies like Rapala Original
is not as hard as one might think.
tion, Ill follow the breaklines to a tee, Minnows, Minnow Raps, and Scatter
The Wait Is Over
which is crucial. And I can guarantee Raps.
The majority of fish dont travel
As for lure size, Ill match that to
you that, at all times, my eyes will be
far from their spawning grounds after on the screen of my Lowrance HDSthe average size of the forage in the
the deed is done. Oh, sure, there will
area, as well. Example: while a size-5
12 Gen 3 sonar/GPS mounted to the
be those that head straight for the
Shad Rap may best be suited when
dash of my Lund.
middle of nowheresville to recuperate On the GPS side of the screen I
small alewives are present, a size-18
after the rigors of proliferation, but a
can see my exact location, as well the Original Rapala will best match smelt.
good populous will belly up to bottom lay of the underwater land Im over,
Whatever you do, dont be afraid to
close to shore, within close proximity plus whats still to come ahead of me, use different lures throughout the day.
to the reefs and flowing waters that
Change often until you get bit.
because of the SD card filled with
brought them there in the first place.
The color of lures I use, on the
Navionics mapping thats inserted
But these predators are not inacother hand, will depend more on water
into the units card reader. Without a
tive. Theyre still eating. And they
Navionics mapping program, it would clarity over forage. If its clear, I like
dont have to go far to fill their bellies be difficult to follow the contours with to use the most natural imitation of
as this is the time of year as hordes
the baitfish and fishes at hand, with
such accuracy.
of baitfish such as shad, shiners and
maybe just a splash of bright color On the sonar side, Ill of course
smelt, as well small fishes like perch
be on the lookout for fish, determining ation for eye-catching appeal. If the
and suckers are coming to these same where in the water column they are.
waters stained, Ill pick out brighter
areas to spawn.
And I always have an eye out for bait- colors, including ultra-violet (UV) and
And if you use lures that imitate
fluorescents.
fish, as well. And even though I may
the forage youll catch fish.
When trolling crankbaits in the
not see big fish on the screen, I will at
least make sure to get my lures in the cold waters of spring, Ill troll with
Spot On
my 9.9-hp four-stroke kicker motor,
same depths the bait is.
Overall, soon after the spawn
making sure to keep my speed
walleyes will head out into the main
Forage Factors
which I determine by the GPS on my
lake and cruise along the first breakJust as fly anglers are always atLowrancebetween 1.5 and 2 MPH.
lines off shore, especially near river
tempting to match the hatch, so, too,
(Hint: One-tenth of a mile-per-hour
and creek mouths. Here they will feast should walleye anglers.
in speed, whether its faster or slower,
the baitfish that are awaiting the rivers
If the baitfish present in a watercan make all the difference between
to rise, which triggers their mad dash way I am fishing are short and stout
catching fish or not. Watch your GPS
upstream to spawn.
in stature, such as the many species
intently, and make adjustments in
This is the time and place I troll,
of shad present in the Great Lakes,
so as to cover as much water as posIll use wide-bodied baits like Rapala speed so as to decipher what pace
sible.
Shad Raps and Shallow Shad Raps. If trips their trigger.)
The depths walleyes can be found the baitfish are long and slender-bod- Spin Around
this time of year may vary from 5 to
ied, such as shiners, smelt and young
If walleyes arent interests in
30 feet; thus, Ill troll within several
fishes like perch, Ill use lures with
crankbaits, Ill slow my troll to .07 to

Mark Martin

1.4 MPH and pull spinners (crawler

harnesses) tipped with a whole night
crawler fresh from my Frabill bait
container, or, a 7-inch Gulp! Night
Crawler.
The best blades to use this time
of year are size 4 or 5. As for shape,
Colorado-style blades give off the
most thump under water. Indiana
blades, however, spin the easiest when
being pulled at super-slow speeds.
Willow blades, on the other hand,
have less water resistance, thus are
preferred when fish are near bottom in
deep water. Northland Fishing Tackle
offers all these blade types with
Baitfish-Image graphics, and these
holographic patterns are, by far, my
favorites.
And when it comes to picking
colors, I use the same thought process
as I do for crankbaits.

Look Out! (Way Out...)

Whether Im trolling crankbaits or
spinners, Ill get more strikes if I get
my lines out from behind the boat by
using in-line planer boards.
Church Tackles The Walleye
Board has an adjustable weight system that makes it ride perfectly horizontal no matter how large or small
of lure I am pulling, and is perfect for
trolling in cold water. And overall, no
matter my lure, I make sure theyre
running up off bottom rather than
dredging the lakes floor.
In the case of crankbaits I use
Shallow Shad Raps and Rapala Originals in water less than eight feet deep.
Shad Raps, Minnow Raps, and Deep
Tail Dancers work well in deeper water. And when pulling spinners, I use
Churchs K-1 In-Line Bead Weights to
get those spinners down.
As for trolling gear, I use Berkleys 8-foot 6-inch mediumaction
Heritage trolling rods and ABU
Garcia line-counter reels. Ten-poundtest Berkley Trilene XL (Extra limp)
is the perfect line. This is also a time
and place where trolling with leadcore
line is a great technique, and I use
12-pound-test Sufix 832 Advanced
Lead Core.

Overview
Great Lakes walleyes spawn? The
moment the waters reach the 50-degree mark, grab your trolling rods,
crankbaits and spinners and troll. Target the waters very near the reefs and
river mouths where these fish spawn.
Just remember to watch your
speed, stick tight to the breaklines and
youll catch fish. I promise.
Mark Martin is a professional
walleye tournament angler and
instructor with the Fishing Vacation/
Schools, who lives in southwestern
Lower Michigan. For more information, check out Marks website at
markmartins.net.n

MAY 2016 - WNW NEWS

21

Time On The Water Scouting And Checking Water Temperatures Is Key...

The next best walleye bite

Michigan sportsmen are very fortunate
to be able to observe the cycles of the
seasons in all their spectacular splendor.
To me, summer weather all year long
would be quite boring...

like to think about wildlife and their wild life. I

ask myself, What are the deer doing as winter
cycles into spring? And, as an angler too, what
are the walleyes doing now and when will they
cycle into their spawning period. But ultimately,
when is the next best bite?
When I was living on a lake, I was Jonny on the
Spot. With my blood boiling, I daydreamed about
the wily walleyes, the lean, mean males easing
up to the bigger, pregnant femalesready for the
ritual. Grabbing a flashlight, I ran down the hill to
the lake.
There they are, I mutter to nobody, the
reflecting eyes of pre-spawn walleyes, ready for the
mixing of eggs and milt.
The peak of the walleyes spawning period is
approximately 47-49 degrees. Walleyes are generally in a negative mood. However, since walleyes
have been known to spawn as low as 43 degrees
and as high as 50 degrees, water temperature is not
the only factor.
The important factor for the arrival of true
spawning is when the great majority of male walleyes are milting and the females eggs have ripened.
Okay, we can be a little flexible here and say that
the reality for the spring walleye angler is that even
though the walleyes have not technically spawned,
the closer walleyes get to spawning, fishing for
them is poor; feeding is almost nonexistent.
I have been very frustrated on occasions
because spawning is a local thing. I have
mentioned in previous articles that timing of the cycles of pre-spawn to spawn
to post-spawn should be observed very
carefully.
Walleyes are wily and smart anglers
should bring their A-game. Time on the
water by scouting and checking water temperatures is key but so is keen observation
and patience. And, as you can
see, we havent even touched
discussing lures and walleye
presentations.
Years ago I thought that listening to the grape
vine at local sport shops and restaurants would be
enough to catch several tasty meals for my family
and friends. This social activity is part of the puzzle
but checking local walleye haunts (in person) in the
post-spawn period is more important.
While checking lakes and rivers for signs of activity like jumping fish, we should search for water
temperatures in the low 50s.
Lets also remember that this post-spawn period
is somewhat of a mystery, a time for recuperation
after the rigors of spawning, and also a transition
time from schooling in shallower water to dispersal
into areas adjacent to the spawning sights. If perch
are in the area or spawning nearby, walleyes will
stay and feed.
So, when is the next best walleye bite? Walleyes will also spawn near necked-down areas.

Keith (Snowman) Generotzke, is enjoying the magic of Twilight with this fine walleye. And a grand meal it will be!
These areas tend to funnel baitfish so walleyes
position themselves so that they can easily feed on
them.
How about where walleyes spawn in adjacent
rivers and while they are making their way back to
the main lake, they rest and feed along the
waya good time and place to catch a few
eyes.
So, after the spawning period of about
two weeks, the post-spawn walleyes are
in a negative to neutral mood. Fish can be
caught because walleyes in a given lake
will not spawn at the same time and, of
course, smaller lakes warm faster than bigger lakes, so smart anglers can
take advantage of this knowledge.
It is now time for the angler to visualize this
important transition from a post-spawn neutral
mode to a positive attitude. In other words, the bite
is on!

MAY 2016 - WNW NEWS

By Robert Dock Stupp

22

Pre-Summer Period
Back On The Bite

With water temperatures warming into the

mid-50s to the low 60s, the transition period is
welcomed. Nourishment takes over and the fish become very active toward satisfying their everyday
needs of food and comfort. Other patterns develop
and fish are scattered.
Ahhh! Feel the sun warm your back! Hey, you
might even take off several layers of outdoor clothing. Not only do you feel comfortable but more
walleyes are caught in this pre-summer period than
at any other time of yearand they are caught by

novice and average fishermen alike.

I enjoy drifting along and watching the emerging weed growth like my favorite, the cabbage
weed, where I have had more success catching just
about every species of fish. It is also a perfect time
of year to drift along and let your favorite Michigan
lake tell you what the walleyes are doing. While
you are drifting along, you might stop at an area
that is teeming with lifeminnows flying out of the
water or perch schools showing up on your locator
like balls of life.
We also know from experience that, even
though the walleyes are hard to pinpoint, sometimes
they are on a spot where you caught them yesterday
and, yepdisappearing the next. All that means is
that it is now time to show the walleyes that you
have other tricks in your fishing repertoire.
There are a variety of different patterns to catch
wily, scattered walleyes. You might try casting into
shallow water with a live minnow and a small jig.
Another exciting way to catch walleyes in 6-12
feet of water is casting with suspending crankbaits.
Nothing like throwing a Rapala X-Rap with the
slashbait action, a tungsten rattle and the feathered
tail. Watch this lure slowly rise after it suspends
andPOWThat will get your adrenalin going!

The Summer Peak Period

With water temperature rising into the mid-60s

into the low-70s, there is a short time of fast-action
fishing. Nature is exploding and everything is
reaching its peak potential.
The fish are hungry and aggressive as we expe-

Next best walleye bite page 24

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23

Next best walleye bite:

from page 22
rience the first hot nights of the season and this is
also the first time since spawning that big female
walleyes group together again. Finally, look for
large schools of fish fry. There is abundant plankton as we watch the lake bloom. Yes, sportsmen,
the walleye fishing is red hot and the next best
bite is now!

The Next Best Walleye Lures

Now, lets listen to perhaps the best and most

well- known walleye angler of all time.
Lets listen as the legendary angler, Al Lindner, talks about fishing for walleyes as the water
warms during the late spring into the summer
period. On Lindners TV program, Anglers Edge,
he uses three lures (very seldom any live bait) to
catch walleyes.
1) The Rippin Rap a sleek bodied, lipless
crankbait that really covers water. You can burn
this bait by just reeling it fast or with a rip and dip
action. It has hard driving vibration and the load
BBs inside attract walleyes from a long distance.
They seem to become unglued with its zippy action.
2) You Michigan anglers might not be too
surprised to see Lindners next choice because
he favors one of the best ice fishing lures to catch
perch and walleyes and morein open water. Yes,
the popular Jigging Rap with all of its enticing
action is a great lure for vertical action or casting.

Yes, casting!
A second choice of mine is the Moonshine
Shiver Minnow (a similar but different design to
the JigginRap.) I first heard about it and first used
it on Little Bay de Noc. Large walleyes were being
caught while casting and vertical jigging.
3) Northland Reelbait Flasher Jig. The bullethead design of the jig really cuts through the
water. Note that the willowleaf blade flashes from
beneath the hook and the blade is positioned to
terminate at the bend of the hook. Good for a great
hook-set. Add a paddletail soft bait (Berkley Power
Bait) and you have flash, vibration, scent, and great
action for large walleyes.
Go to: northlandtackle.com for more bladed
jigs.
Today I also use slip-bobbers and lighted bobbers for night fishinglove to watch the lighted
bobbers swim underwater. Simple is as simple
gets.
On many walleye lakes in Michigan, twilight
is such a mystical and piscatorial delight. In the
U.P., Yoopers are especially treated to the Aurora
Borealis spectacle because artificial light is at a
minimum.
On many cool but comfortable nights, we began casting light weedless (and woodless) jigs into
the wooded shoreline. The jigs were made locally
The author caught this summer walleye during a sunny
and featured soft bristles which made for a good
afternoon on a Jigging Rap. Author photos
but not too stiff weed-guard.
The trick was to lob the jig just passed the
wood and skip or hop them over the wooded cover. next best bite. See you on the water!
Some of this article was gleaned from the
Then we closely watched for the tell-tail line
book Walleye Wisdom. It is associated with
twitch. What a treat that was!
Another treat is always looking forward to the An In-Fisherman Handbook of Strategies.n

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25

The UPs better walleye waters

There is always tremendous
interest in good walleye fishing
waters by Michigan anglers...

alleye fisheries can be somewhat cyclical and in inland waters are especially
subject to maintenance stocking by
the Michigan DNR Fisheries Division.
This results in many long time walleye
waters either increasing or declining
in walleye population affecting fishing success. Self
sustaining walleye lakes can also cycle up and down
depending on the number of strong year classes (annual age groups). All of these things have affected
the overall Upper Peninsula walleye fishery in recent
years.
Some of the UPs traditionally better walleye
fisheries are fairly well known, although the current
quality of the walleye fishery often changes. Any
waters walleye population is greatly affected by strong
or weak walleye year classes within a fishery. These
changes can greatly affect the number of legal sized
walleye available to the anglers.
St. Marys River System (Chippewa County).
This river system including Lakes Nicolet, George,
and Munuscong Lake comprise over 150,000 acres according to Neal Godby from the Gaylord DNR Office.
These waters are currently being managed by a Great
Lakes Fishery Commission Task Group including
Michigan DNR Fisheries, Ontario Provincial Natural
Resources, and Federal Resource agencies from both
the U.S. and Canada, and Tribal Fisheries officials.
Godby said the Task Groups walleye stocking
goals are to plant between 290,000 to 400,000 walleye spring fingerlings each year until major walleye
natural reproduction is attained. Most fisheries
survey work has been targeted at young of the year
and yearling walleye to determine walleye stocking
survival. Godby said there is currently a good adult
walleye population that is stable with multiple walleye
year classes. The forage base is good in this
Great Lakes connecting water system, with
the typical UP forage with yellow perch,
juvenile suckers, and a small diversity of
minnow species along with various invertebrates and aquatic insect larvae. Additionally
emerald shiners, smelt, as well as juvenile
lake whitefish and lake herring enhance
this forage base. The biologist said this is
a very popular all around fishery although
the walleye fishery receives the highest
angler effort. Godby said during the last
widespread Lake Huron creel census the
St. Marys system received 30 percent of the overall
angler effort for Michigan waters of Lake Huron.
Brevort Lake (Mackinac County). Brevort Lake
is a 4,230 acre relatively shallow basin with extensive
shoal and predominantly gradual drop-offs. Walleye
spawning habitat is limited with the majority of the
bottom being sand. Darren Kramer, fisheries supervisor in Escanaba, stated the U.S. Forest Service constructed a large rock spawning reef to attempt of generate adequate walleye natural reproduction. A 2015
Federal fisheries survey indicated there was about 1.3
adult walleye per acre. Those sampled walleye ranged
from 13.7 to 29.5 inches. The fish habitat structure
of the lake was enhanced by the local Lake Association. They constructed a large log crib diversity reef
of 219 log cribs in two groups. One group of cribs is
in the southeast and the second group in the northwest
sections of the lake according to Kramer. Kramer said
there are lake maps with the approximate location of
the two new log crib reefs posted at the boat landing.
There has been regular stocking at a low level by a co-

Fr. Jeffery
Kurtz of
Crystal Falls
with a typical
male spring
run walleye
from the
Menominee
River he
caught and
released.

op between Tribal and State in recent years.

Big Manistique Lake (Luce and Mackinac
County). Big Manistique Lake is the best walleye lake
of the three Manistique Lakes, including North and
South Manistique Lakes. Kramer said Big Manistique is 10,130 acres with a large relatively shallow
basin with four islands and numerous small bays and
points providing structure. Kramer said, This Lake
has predominantly a self sustaining walleye population. Since 2005 limited private walleye plants have
also been made. Kramer said the walleye fishery
currently has a stable walleye population comprised of
multiple walleye year classes. The Biologist said The
comprehensive walleye survey in 2003 indicated there
were 1.1 legal walleye per acre in Big Manistique
Lake with a decent size structure and average walleye size of 19.2 inches. He said the forage
base is similar to the typical UP forage base
described above. In addition of lake herring
(cisco) and juvenile redhorse (sucker family).
Indian Lake (Schoolcraft County). This
is an 8,000 acre relatively shallow lake with
two basins separated by a center bar. Kramer
said the rock area in the center bar is a favorite walleye fishing location. The biologist
stated Indian Lake has a self sustaining
walleye population. He added limited
walleye fingerling plants have been made
that are reared locally by a sportsmans club. He went
on to say The 2010 walleye population estimate
survey found 1.3 adult walleye per acre. The walleye
fishery has been stable and has been slightly improving. The 2010 fisheries survey found the walleye
sampled ranged in size from 11.5 to 29.5 inches with
an average size of 15.8 inches. Kramer said the forage
base was similar to that described above with the addition of spottail shiner, and redhorse.
Little Bay de Noc (Delta County). Little Bay de
Noc has been one of the top three State walleye waters
(along with Saginaw Bay and Lake Erie) for over the
last three decades. Troy Zorn, a Fisheries Research
Biologist in Marquette who is currently monitoring
the Green Bay and Little Bay de Noc Fishery said
the Bays walleye fishery is stable and been that
way for the last seven or eight years. The Northern
Lake Michigan Management Unit Fisheries staff and
Marquette DNR Biologists have been aware the bay
has been predominantly self sustaining for a number
of years although Little Bay is still receiving regular

MAY 2016 - WNW NEWS

By Bill Ziegler

26

DNR walleye stocking. The survey efforts on Little

Bay de Noc have been extensive and ongoing. Zorn
stated the there are multiple walleye year classes making up the Little Bay de Noc walleye population. Zorn
said the 2009 walleye year class was another strong
year class in addition to the strong 2003 year class.
The Little Bay De Noc Walleye habitat has
changed over recent years. Infestation by aquatic
invasive species have altered the bay habitat just as
it has also changed in other standout Great Lakes
walleye fisheries ( Saginaw Bay etc.). As was also the
case in Saginaw Bay, as inshore water clarity greatly
increased due filtering by large populations of zebra
and quagga mussels, walleye moved farther out into
deeper waters after their spawning run was completed.
Productive fishing reports from the outer Little Bay
de Noc and nearby Green Bay waters have greatly increased over recent years. Anglers often have to venture out farther into deeper waters to locate walleyes.
Research Biologist Zorn is also concerned that the
Little Bay de Noc waters are likely not as productive
as they had historically been as a result of the infestation of invasive aquatic species.
Green Bay and Menominee River (Menominee
County). The Green Bay and especially the Menominee River spring walleye fishery have been outstanding for almost three decades. Targeting walleye during
the normal State closed season is traditionally not
permitted in most Michigan waters. A notable exception is the Menominee River and a limited adjoining
portion of Green Bay. This resulted from a compromise agreement between the Michigan and Wisconsin
DNRs over border water regulations. Anglers are
allowed to target and potentially keep one walleye
per day during this period. This resulted from the fact
that Wisconsin has not been as traditionally restrictive
as Michigan on their larger rivers with walleye runs.
Much of this popular walleye fishery was restored by
Michigan DNR walleye management efforts, particularly aggressive rearing and stocking by the local M
and M Sportsmans Club and DNR Crystal Falls District Fisheries. Green Bay and Menominee River had
a historical strong walleye population and spawning
run. Troy Zorn said that Menominee River and some
of the Green Bay walleye fishery in recent years was
being largely driven by a very strong 2003 walleye
year class. This year class has been moving through
that fishery and of course declining as the years pass.
As a result the Menominee area walleye fishery has
been slowly declining in terms of abundance from a

Erich Ziegler of Crystal Falls with a 29 inch walleye he

caught and released in a standout UP walleye water.

The biologist added there is a good walleye population and size structure found in Huron Bay. Madison
feels that there is adequate walleye spawning habitat
at the head of the bay and in the Silver River that
flows into the bay at the south end.
Portage and Torch Lakes (Houghton County).
These two Lakes are over 10,800 acres combined.
They are all connected along with the Portage Lake
ship canal that transects the Keweenaw Peninsula.
This waterway was the sight of a professional
walleye fishing tournament in the recent past, although the walleye population is very dependent on
significant walleye fingerling stocking. Fingerling
stocking dropped off dramatically in 2005 and state
walleye stocking ceased from 2006 to 2010. Limited
walleye plants were made there by tribal fisheries personnel during that period. A limited walleye
fingerling stocking was made by the DNR in 2011
and increased in 2014. It is too soon to determine
if this renewed effort in walleye fingerling stocking
can rebuild the walleye population at the Portage
Waterway. George Madison stated the adult walleye
population is relatively low compared the population that was present when the professional walleye
circuit picked this water for their tournament.
Lake Gogebic (Gogebic and Ontonagon Counties). Lake Gogebic is one of the 20 largest lakes
in Michigan at 12,800 acres and 33 miles of shoreline. Gogebic is classic walleye water with a long
and large, relatively shallow saucer shaped basin.
There is relatively little walleye structure in this lake
although it has good spawning substrate on the east
shore. Walleye were not native to this large lake; they
were introduced in by the Department of Conservation in the late 1930s. The walleye established a
strong self sustaining population and that is that is
still the case to this day. Gogebic was the DNRs
source for walleye eggs for all UP stocking, prior to
DNR establishing a strong self sustaining population
of walleye in Little Bay De Noc.
The current walleye fishery is dominated by a
very strong 2012 year class that is just at or below
legal size according to George Madison. In response
to numerous requests by Lake Gogebic resorts and
anglers about anglers catch being dominated by
sublegal size walleye, the fishing regulations were
modified. New Lake Gogebic walleye regulations
allow anglers to keep two walleye between 13 to 15
inches as part of their daily walleye bag limit of five
fish. Due to relatively little walleye structure other
than drop-offs one of the more popular open water
angling methods is trolling or drift fishing to locate
active walleye.
The UP still has a number of viable walleye fishing opportunities, if you are willing to travel to them.
Hopefully this summary should help walleye anglers
choose waters where they can enjoy a good walleye
angling experience.n

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MAY 2016 - WNW NEWS

recent high point, when the 2003 walleye class had

grown large enough to contribute to the fishery. The
Michigan DNR curtailed their Menominee County
Green Bay stocking effort after 2001, due to concerns
over Green Bay stocked trout and salmon survival.
Walleye stocking in Menominee County is not currently being done and that fishery is dependent on
natural reproduction and immigration from other
Green Bay walleye populations. The current walleye
fishery is still fairly good although their population is not as abundant as it was in the 1990s and
2000s. Zorn felt that the Menominee County waters
of Green Bay are currently converting to more of
smallmouth bass water.
Lake Independence (Marquette County). This a
relatively shallow 1860 acre walleye lake with some
bars, bays, and points to provide structure habitat.
George Madison, a Fisheries Biologist in Baraga,
stated a 2012 and 13 Fisheries survey indicates there
is a modest walleye population of 1.3 legal walleye
per acre. 55 percent of the walleye in the 2013
survey were comprised of legal sized fish. Madison
feels there is adequate walleye spawning habitat for
the lake to remain self sustaining. Walleye stocking
at Lake Independence has occurred although it has
been sporadic and very limited. Lake Independence
has the typical UP inland forage base described
above. This lakes forage base also has a population
of lake herring (cisco) and Madison noted a good
population of trout perch to provide another valuable
walleye forage species. Madison felt that anglers
should consider imitating this predominantly bottom
dwelling forage species (trout perch) when selecting
walleye angling presentations.
Michigamme Reservoir (Iron County). The
reservoir is a brown stained (tannic) reservoir that
is approximately 7000 surface acres at full pool.
Michigamme is a self sustaining walleye population. This reservoir impounds the Deer, Fence, and
Michigamme Rivers. There have been considerable
DNR fisheries surveys done at Michigamme Reservoir prior to 2001 when the reservoir drawdown
regime changed. Despite above average walleye
natural reproduction fisheries surveys indicated over
winter survival of fingerling walleye was poor due to
reservoir drawdown operations.
Population estimates were conducted on the
walleye and northern pike in 1986 and 1987. These
efforts indicated the walleye population was less
than two adult walleye per acre which is relatively
low considering the consistent strong natural walleye
reproduction. Initial fall walleye surveys following
the drawdown modification indicated that over winter
survival of walleye natural reproduction improved.
There is currently a fairly good walleye population
with a strong year class of fish that is at or just below
legal size.
This reservoir receives moderate angling pressure although it is spread out over this large impoundment. It is not like fishing a natural lake; the
water levels are often gradually changing in both
winter and summer as the Power Company draws
the reservoir waters down to drive their Hydropower
system downstream. Some areas that are good when
the pool level is high are not very productive as the
water level drops. Most open water walleye anglers
use search methods like slow trolling and drifting to
locate active walleye. We have had success finding small wood cover on the bottom and finding fish
around those features. Three log crib reefs have been
constructed in the Deer River Arm of the reservoir
by Wildlife Unlimited of Iron County that are good
prospects to check for walleye and other panfish.
Huron Bay, Lake Superior (Baraga County).
The Huron Bay walleye fishery is predominantly an
early spring event, according to biologist Madison.
The walleye can normally be found at the south
end of the bay around the walleye season opener on
May 15. Madison said surveys indicate the walleye
move out of the head of the bay as water temperatures increase and the open water season progresses.

27

Reminiscing about gobblers

The ones that got away and some that didnt

MAY 2016 - WNW NEWS

f all the hunting opportunities in this

great state, wild turkey hunting is
one of my favorites. And one of the
most rewarding, yet frustrating hunts
a hunter could ever have.
For whatever reason the birds in the area I
was hunting a few years back went silent once
they hit the ground. They would gobble hard on
the roost, and a couple of times to gather their
hens, but after that, well Id have more success
trying to call in one of those elusive Michigan
Snipe.
My hunt extended throughout the month of
May and most of it I was forced to still hunt
them. They were relatively easy to pattern, give
or take an hour, but sooner or later they would
funnel through, hens first, toms following.
Now you can fool a tom, hens are a different
story, one of those darn females would catch me
nearly every darn time, no matter how hard I
tried to stay motionless, sooner or later Id hear
that dreaded, PUTT...PUTT...PUTT... and the
familiar sight of a waddling turkey leaving my
area. Day after day, setting up in the same area
and each time they would come from behind me,
beside me or wherever I was yesterday. And
always, of -course a big ol tom was there with
them waddling and darting out of sight.

28

By Randy Jorgensen

Woods-N-Water News editor and hunting pal, Tom

Campbell had the same bad
luck. On two or three occasions he had the big boy in
range only to see him escape at
the very last second. Still hunting turkeys is not Toms style,
he likes to set up on them, and
call them in. If he fails, he
likes to anticipate where they might go and try it
all over again. These birds this particular spring
just wouldnt cooperate no matter what.
Im reminded of the early years when Tom,
Bruce Milnes, Jim Schiller, Jerry Stryker and Al
Hillman used to visit Ron Ruby at Hubbard Lake.
Those were my formidable years in the turkey
woods. Wed hunt all morning, not seeing a
feather or hearing a gobble, only to see them
scatter once we got in the truck to drive away.
Our hunting and calling abilities were pretty
limited in those early days. The purrs were too
loud and our yelps too frequent.
I recall the time we cleverly parked our truck
out of sight under a tree. We quietly and expertly

sneaked into the nearby woods to set up for the

morning hunt. We had seen a huge flock the day
before and were certain success was just a sunrise
away.
It was a beautiful spring morning, and we all
sensed the flock was nearby. As the sun crested
the tree line and the chilly morning air wakened
to a chorus of fly-down cackles. We were all
excited to have some action, thats when we
noticed all the turkeys had roosted in the very
tree we had parked under.
Perhaps the most memorable hunt was again
with my hunting buddy Tom, in Michigans
northeast countryside.
There were a pair of gobblers we had put to
bed the night before in a 10-acre chunk of woods,
smack dab in the middle of a 120-acre field.
Sitting on the edge of the field in a cedar swamp,
we called and called, getting response but no
commitment to come in our direction. It was as if
they were saying, Were over here girls, come to
us!
So Tom looked back at me and motioned for
me to follow him. Tom took off on hands and
knees so the gobblers wouldnt detect our
approach through a hay field about three feet tall.
We thought it was a few hundred feet to the patch
of woods. It seemed farther, much farther.

high winds, rainy and cold. But what the heck, I

thought, give it one last try.
It ended up being a classic hunt. Like on cue,
two hens worked their way along the edge of this
field, where I had been seeing them. They fed as
they walked, not paying much attention to anything but feeding, when I noticed the big old tom
make his way from across the field angling his
way toward the hens.
As luck would have it the hens stayed close
enough to bring the tom smack dab into my lap.
Occasionally, he would drift a little too far west,
so I used my slate call with some very gentle and
quiet whines and purrs. Each time I purred he
would gobble and get back on a more easterly
angle to the hens. At about 35 yards I noticed just
how big he was, his beard dragging the ground
when he lowered his head making his way closer
to me.
I couldnt believe I was actually going to get
a chance at this bird, he strutted to within 10
yards of me for a clean and quick kill.
And it aint over till its over!
The old tom was bigger than I thought, tipping the scales at 24 pounds, and was double
bearded, 11 1/2 and the other 8 1/2 inches, sporting just over inch long spurs, my biggest bird by
far.
Maybe, just maybe Lady Luck shined down
on me that day and maybe; it was just pure persistence that finally paid off.
Either way, I was one happy hunter!

Author, Randy Jorgensen with one of the toms that

didnt get away.

MAY 2016 - WNW NEWS

Have you ever crawled on your hands and

knees very far?
Its not easy!
Scooting out of the hayfield we found a big
oak tree to lean up against and rest. After a couple
of moments of trying to get blood back to our
lower extremities, Tom made a couple of strokes
on the box call. Thats all it took!
With thunderous gobbles, a pair of toms came
running full-tilt toward us. Their gait was awkward and with that familiar waddle, I was surprised by how fast they covered ground. We barely had enough time to raise our guns, count to
three and pull the triggers. Two gobblers down.
Now that was a hunt to remember.
A few seasons ago the birds were about as
cooperative as our tax man.
Tom and I hunted one big old bird hard, but
each time he escaped. Most often he was seen in
the center of a well wooded field, strutting
around, trying to garner as much attention from
the many hens in the area as he could. There was
very little need for him to come to a call of a hen
when they were coming to him.
And he was a big old boy, although I didnt
realize just how big until the very last day of my
hunt, May 31. If there was ever a case of being in
the right place at the right time, well I certainly
was on that last day.
As always the turkeys would work their way
along the edge of the woods next to this field I
was telling you about. It was a miserable day,

29

Arrow placement for gobblers

By Kenny Darwin

Wild turkeys present an

interesting challenge for
those who want to drop a
bird in its tracks. The
anatomy of a big gobbler is
weird; the anatomy is
misleading and the kill zone
extremely small when
compared to the large
impressive body...

MAY 2016 - WNW NEWS

30

recommend you Goggle wild turkey anatomy and look at the photos showing in detail where the
vitals are located in a live bird.
Put simply there are two vitals
shots that will get the job done: 1)
A head or neck shot or 2) A body shot
that hits the heart/lung organs.
Head shots are very difficult
primarily because wild turkey tend
to be constantly moving their heads.
Neck shots are much easier and if you
hit bone the bird will drop like a rock.
Actually a turkeys neck presents a
vertical target that is narrow but very
long. If you have a struttin gobbler in
easy range you can put your crosshair on the waddle and the broadhead
should hit the neck bone. Another
trick is to get the bird to stop with an
alarm putt, make him stand erect with
head up and neck extended.
This strategy is similar to grunting a buck to stop for a shot. When
a turkey is standing with head up the
neck presents a vertical target about
12 inches long. With this shot if your
arrow is left or right of center you
get a clean miss. If you drill the neck
bone or touch the spine Mr. Gobbler
will drop like a rock.
I prefer neck shots when Ive got
gobblers kissin close, struttin around
my decoys, moving in slow motion or
standing still. The great thing about a
properly placed broadhead to the neck
is birds fall immediately and there is
no damage to the meat.
Body shots on a gobbler can be
somewhat confusing unless you understand wild turkey anatomy. Let me
simply say a gobblers body is mostly
feathers and the actual kill zone is
very small only the size of a softball
or grapefruit. The trick is to accurately
place the arrow so it hits the heart and
lung area found close to a turkeys
back bone. This is achieved by following some simple rules.

Neck shots will dump a bird at lightning speed. Aim below the head and above the
beard at the long vertical target near the major caruncles colored bright red. Struttin
gobblers have a neck in a curved U-shape which can be a difficult side target but easy
front shot. Kenny Darwin photos
First, let your bird move into close
range. If you have never crippled or
lost gobblers after an arrow hit you
have not shot many. Over decades
of crossbow hunting Ive had some
disappointing results because my bolt
placement was not exactly on target. It
is very easy to get excited when a big
gobbler is kissin close and put a bolt
into what looks like the kill zone but
you actually hit nothing but feathers.

Ive learned my success rate soars if I

allow birds to get inside 20 yards and
my best distance for easy kills is about
10-15 yards. At that range I prefer
neck shots and Ive learned how to
make an alarm putt to stop gobblers so
Im shooting at a stationary target.
If you study the anatomy of a wild
turkey you will see body shots must
be precisely in the vitals. Wild turkeys
have a relatively small heart/lung

area located near their back. When a

gobbler is struttin his vitals are more
difficult to pinpoint because the back
feathers are standing up and the breast
feathers are all puffed up. The trick is
to select one of three shots, front, side
or rear.
Rear shots are perhaps the easiest
because you can aim slightly below
the back feathers and angle the arrow
through the back bone and vitals. A
turkeys back bone is about 22 inches
long and 3 inches wide and you want
to try to hit the back bone and penetrate into the vital lung/heart area that
is about 4 inches wide on both sides of
the back. If the gobbler is fully fanned
just put the cross hair on his rear button and the broadhead will slam the
entire length of his organs. Butt shots
are perhaps the deadliest shots going
but a large broadhead slicing through
intestines can be messy.
I like side shots and aim for a
crease in shoulder feathers where the
primary wing feathers fold against
the chest. Remember there are about
3-5 inches of feathers on the back
above the vitals and about 7 inches
of feathers below. The trick is to nick
the shoulder plate and zap the arrow
through body organs. If you clip the
wing feathers birds cannot fly and
will run a short distance. If you hit the
organs some birds will waddle a few
yards and collapse. Dont shoot too
low on side shots because you will
miss vitals, hit feathers, breast bone
and meat and a crippled bird will run
and hide. Non-lethal shots can result
in birds flying or sprinting for cover
and a long chase through the woods
trying to get a second arrow into a
moving target.
Gobblers walking or strutting
directly at you offer an easy target.
The kill zone is found slightly above
the beard and a tad below the brightly
red colored major caruncles, which is
bright red flesh. Slam an arrow into
a wild gobblers chest where there is
a vertical feather crease and it will
break upper breast bone and smash
through organs and the impact will
dump a gobbler on his tail feathers.
However, this shot is only deadly if
the bird is facing you and his rear is
not at an angle left or right. Dont
shoot too low on frontal shots because
the arrow will miss the vitals. The
problem I have with front end shots
is sooner or later your shot will be
slightly off and you will slice the hell
out of the beard.
I have a target in my basement
and practice shooting all winter
with my crossbows. One target has
a vertical hot dog shaped bulls eye
that represents a wild turkeys neck.

Author enjoys the thrill and challenges

involved with hunting wild turkeys in
Michigan using archery equipment. He
practices year round in his basement and
has learned deadly shots are achieved by
using a good rest and practicing several
shooting angles.

graded from gun to archery weapon

for turkey season? More importantly
have you spent plenty of time shooting at targets to condition your
muscles, shooting eye and body to
automatically provide accurate kill
shots when the moment of truth
arrives? Do you understand turkey
anatomy and know how small the kill
zone actually is on a gobbler? Do you
know exactly where to place that shot
at a variety of angles that guarantee
you will kill the bird with ease?
I hope my suggestions will help
you score this spring.n

MAY 2016 - WNW NEWS

Often I place the target in my yard

and shoot at a variety of distances. I
have 100 percent kill shots inside 20
yards but when the target is 25 yards
or more I have some bolts that miss
the kill zone. I also practice freehand,
standing, sitting, even lying on my
belly in order to learn how to steady
the Scorpion scope to give guaranteed kill shots. A solid rest is the key
to accurate crossbow shooting and
I have learned to use my knee, tree
stump or Primos Trigger stick to hold
the crossbow steady as a rock. After
years of chasing Michigan birds I
have discovered the more I practice
the more precise bolt placement I get
on gobblers come opening day.
Im sold on the NAP Gobbler
Getter broadhead for dumping big
gobblers in the dust. The rounded
tip helps to slow the broadhead and
provides powerful knockdown energy
and the 3 blades provide 1 cutting
diameter. There are plenty of excellent turkey broadheads available and I
recommend Flying Arrow Tom Bomb
2 dia., Cabelas 4 blade Turkey
Broadhead, Magnus Bullhead with 3
diameter and of course the Muzzy
M.O.R.E. broadhead with 3 cutting
diameter.
I have to admit that the challenge and sport involved with hunting turkeys with archery gear has me
hooked. Im done shooting gobblers
with my guns. Nowadays I use
crossbows and love the challenges
this special sport provides. There is
something powerfully addictive about
getting kissin close to your quarry
and precisely placing a broadhead for
a clean kill.
What about you? Have you up-

Going away shots

are deadly. Try to
put the arrow into
the backbone that
is several inches
long and through
the vital organs
which extend
about 3 inches
either side of the
spine. This bird is
angled away, no
shot here because
the spine is at an
angle and the tail
feathers cover the
vitals. Wait until
the birds body
is turned directly
away from you.

31

The Battle We Lost Without Firing A Shot...By Darryl Quidort

Fort Mackinac

ince our war for independence from British rule, there

has been only one battle with
a foreign government fought
on Northern Michigan soil.
We lost that battle without
firing a single shot.
Before the year 1763, the French
controlled the boat traffic, and the
valuable fur trade of the Upper Great
Lakes, by manning a fort on the south
shore of the Straits of Mackinac. After
the 1763 Treaty of Paris, the British
took over Fort Michilimackinac, but
they considered the exposed position
of the old, wooden fort too hard to de-

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32

In 1780, British Lieutenant Governor, Patrick Sinclair, built a new, limestone fort on a ridge overlooking a harbor at the southeastern end of Mackinac Island.
fend in case of attack. In 1780, British
Lieutenant Governor, Patrick Sinclair,
built a new, limestone fort on a ridge
overlooking a harbor at the south-eastern end of Mackinac Island. The new
fort was in a good position to control
all boat traffic through the straits. The
British manned that fort until after the
American Revolutionary War. After
the 1783 Treaty of Paris awarded
Mackinac Island to the Americans,
a small American garrison took over
Fort Mackinac. Because Fort Macki-

nac was located a great distance from

Fort Detroit, the small garrison there
found themselves totally isolated and
badly out of touch.
Intent on maintaining the valuable fur trade and the support of their
Native American allies, the British
established a new fort 40 miles to
the north-east on St. Joseph Island,
Canada.
Fort St. Joseph, located on the
Saint Marys River, became an important military outpost as well as a

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fur trading center. Vying for control

of the Great Lakes navigation and the
valuable fur trade with Native Americans led to severely strained relations
between the British and the Americans
over the next few years. Major-General Isaac Brock, British commander of
Upper Canada, declared that he would
seize Mackinac Island if war broke
out with the U.S.
On June 18, 1812, President Madison and the Congress of the United
States declared war on Great Britain.
Brock immediately sent out a
canoe party with a message to Captain
Charles Roberts, the commander in
charge at Fort St. Joseph, to attack
Fort Mackinac. Roberts started gathering an army. Soon he had collected a
force of 47 British regulars of the 10th
Royal Veteran Battalion, 150 metis fur
traders and voyageurs from the North
West Fur Company, 300 Ojibwa Indians who were at the island engaged in
fur trading, and 110 Sioux, Menomi-

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to fire deadly artillery directly into

the fort. One cannon shot was fired to
awaken the garrison at Fort Mackinac.
At 10 a.m. Captain Roberts sent
Lieutenant Hanks a message, under
a flag of truce, demanding the U.S.
force to surrender or all would be
killed. Three of Lieutenant Hanks
friends, civilian hostages made to
deliver the British demands, urged
Hanks to give up the fort to avoid a
battle. Outnumbered 10 to 1, already
at a disadvantage, knowing the fort
couldnt withstand an artillery attack,
and seeing the potential for an Indian
massacre if there was a battle, Hanks
agreed to surrender with the full honors of war.
Lieutenant Hanks and his garrison of 61 men became the first
prisoners of war, in a war they didnt
even know existed. Captain Roberts
force promptly seized the forts supplies of whiskey, pork, and furs. The
Native Americans cooked and ate
a few of the islanders beefs before
returning to their canoes and leaving
without any problems. The islands
inhabitants were made to swear an
oath of allegiance to the United Kingdom or leave within one month. Most
took the oath since many had been
British subjects before the Americans
took over their island twenty years
before.
Soon after the British captured
Fort Mackinac, they observed several American ships approaching the
island. The British hoisted the American flag above the fort and when the
ships had tied up at the docks, they
captured them without a fight. War!
What war? The ships crews were
unaware of the war and of the forts
capture.
Two of the ships, the Mary and the
Saline, were sent to Detroit carrying
the prisoners of war to be paroled and
taken out of the war effort. The men
were to return to their homes and not
take part in the war until they could be
exchanged for British soldiers who
had been captured. Those prisoner
of war terms were part of a code of
honor observed by armies at that time

when they were without a way to keep

prisoners.

Aftermath

On arriving at Detroit, Lieutenant

Hanks immediately reported to the
American military post. His superiors
promptly arrested him and charged
him with cowardice for surrendering
his command without a fight. Before
his court martial began however, the
British attacked Detroit. During the
ensuing battle, a British cannonball
crashed through the wall and decapitated Lieutenant Hanks, abruptly ending his life.
Michael Dousman, as a prominent
fur trader and entrepreneur, had interests on both sides of the border. He
owned land on Mackinac Island and
the distillery where the island inhabitants were held by the British during
the capture of the fort. He has been
called both a traitor and a hero. He
was considered an ally by the British
during the War of 1812. After the war
he renewed his loyalty to the United
States to continue his business on the
island.
After the War of 1812, the British relinquished Mackinac Island
and the Americans re-occupied Fort
Mackinac.n

Major-General Isaac Brock portrait from

The Story of Isaac Brock (1908).
Wikipedia.org photo

M-13 LINWOOD, MI

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MAY 2016 - WNW NEWS

nee, and Winnebago Indians. Another

message arrived from Brock cancelling the attack and giving orders to
defend Fort St. Joseph against attack.
Then a third message arrived saying,
Use your own discretion.
Meanwhile at Fort Mackinac, the
American commander, Lieutenant
Porter Hanks, and his 61 man garrison
had noticed the cooling relations with
the Indians. They had also witnessed
an increasing number of canoes paddling past the island heading north.
There were rumors of unusual activity
at St. Joseph Island, but they had no
knowledge of what was happening
there. The artillerymen kept the forts
seven guns loaded, although only one
gun, a nine pounder, could reach the
harbor. Hanks sent a prominent fur
trader named Michael Dousman to St.
Joseph Island as a scout to investigate
the situation there.
Knowing that Fort St. Joseph was
vulnerable, Captain Roberts decided
to take the offense. On July 16, 1812,
his attack force left Fort St. Joseph
with the schooner Caledonia (which
belonged to the North West Fur Company), 70 war canoes, and 10 bateaux.
On the way to Mackinac Island they
captured the scout, Dousman, who
apparently quickly switched sides.
From Dousman they learned that
the garrison at Fort Mackinac was
unaware of the declaration of war. In
fact the isolated fort had not received
any correspondence from the U.S.
Government in the past nine months.
Roberts attack force reached the
north end of Mackinac Island at 3
a.m. on July 17. They assembled on
shore just two miles from Fort Mackinac. By daylight all of the islands
inhabitants had been quietly ushered
from their homes and were being
guarded by the British in the distillery
at the edge of town. By that time everyone except Lieutenant Hanks and
his men knew that the island had been
invaded. The British knew the forts
one weakness, (because they had built
the fort). By morning they had pulled
a six pound cannon to the top of the
hill that overlooked the fort. From
that high ground it would be possible

33

MORELS
Cover Story...

Soon after the spring rains and

warming sun melts the last pockets of
snow and the winter frost leaves the
ground, morel mushrooms start their
never-ending life cycle...

irst the tasty and aromatic blacks, followed

by the gray, tan, and much larger white morels sprout from the fertile leaf-strewn forest
floor offering themselves to both animal and
human foragers.
During their brief life cycle each elusive
morel produces millions of spores ensuring continued propagation of this tasty delicacy! Fortunately,
even in heavily harvested areas of our great state,
there are inaccessible areas like private lands,
remote areas, protected areas on state and federal
lands, and other sanctuaries that allow unrestricted
morel spore dispersion to occur. The ever-changing
winds do the rest by naturally transporting these
hardy spores far and wide. Only those few spores
that eventually land in just the right spot ever produce. Morel spores can lay dormant for years waiting for soil conditions, ground temperatures, and
the immediate environment to trigger accelerated
growthoften overnight! Periodically rechecking
promising areas throughout the too short mushroom
season often pays off. Focus on southsloping areas during the early part of the
season and north-sloping areas later in the
season.
A morel mushroom hunting trip can
and should be multi-facetted. Past game
signs like deer scrapes, antler rub lines,
and fall deer travel runs are still clearly
visible prior to full emergence of summer
foliage. Fresh spring wild turkey signs
like favored roost trees over droppings
and shed feathers, active dusting
areas similarly embellished, visual
sightings of birds, and audible clucks, purrs, and
gobbles at dawn and dusk provide concrete valuable information for pre-season hunters. Now is
the time to identify and roughly prepare promising
specific hunt and stand locations! The knowledgeable outdoors-person can also locate preferred fall
and winter feeding and bedding areas for future
use. Specific known game magnets like stands of
oak, beechnut, ash, elm (they do still exist!), and
poplar, in addition to old apple orchards and berry
patches begin to add critical overall knowledge that
leads to greater familiarization of the hunt areas.
These are also known haunts of the elusive morel
mushroom! Note this data in your field log and on
area topographic maps with GPS coordinates and
photographs. Pleasurably gathering this information
constitutes up to 90 percent of any successful hunting experience!
Are you fortunate enough gather an over-abundance of morels? Have you priced morel mushrooms in the grocery store lately?
A pitifully small sealed plastic bag contain-

Few of Mother Natures many free offerings top the illusive and mystic morel mushroom! Finding and gathering this
forest delicacy offers wide-ranging opportunities for savvy Michigan outdoors persons. Author photo
ing six to eight small dried specimens goes for $12
and up! Fresh morels sold at roadside and festival
stands bring the sellers anywhere from $20 to $60
per pound, depending on how good the gathering
season has been. To put this in perspective; a common paper lunch sack about three-quarters
full is about a pound of fresh morels.
In popular morel hunting areas, licensed mushroom buyers are eager to buy
morels from visiting and local pickers.
They offer somewhat lower than market
value for morels to cover their time, expenses, and to retain a profit margin when
they resell them. Some mushroomers elect
to take the money and run rather
than to retain their hard-earned morels
for personal use.
A reasonably successful mushroom hunting excursion will yield from 2 to 20 and
up pounds of tasty morel mushrooms for free! This
bounty of Mother Nature is often supplemented
with wild oyster mushrooms, other edible mushrooms, and wild leeks. A good mushroom field
guide is an asset to any gatherers day pack! I suggest mushroom and tree books in the Peterson Field
Guide Series. These excellent compact guides are
filled with color photos, range and seasonal distribution, and edibility information.
The internet abounds with gathering, processing, drying, and storage tips, as well as meal
preparation instructions. Although outstanding
by themselves sauted in butter, morels can be an
almost heavenly compliment to any meat, soup,
salad, or stir fry like is offered in many highend restaurants world-wide. Never freeze morels!
Properly dried and sealed in glass containers in the
pantry, morels last almost indefinitely to be eventually reconstituted at room temperature in twenty
minutes with ordinary clean water and properly
prepared and pleasurably consumed.

MAY 2016 - WNW NEWS

By Joe Lunkas

34

In addition to the obvious physical activity benefits derived from mushroom hunting, the
experience itself is a great family activity and a
sure cure for a bad case of cabin fever that most
Michiganders experience during the long, cold
winter season. The wonders of our great wild outdoors beckon young and old as it has for millennia.
You will often realize the advantage of including
children in your group. Their ultra-keen eyesight,
boundless energy, and lower stature put them at a
distinct advantage when attempting to locate the
elusive morel! Dress them and yourself properly
with loose-fitting, comfortable, weather-appropriate
clothing and footwear.
Always provide each party member with a
signal whistle and compass and make sure they all
know when and how to use them! Mother Nature, virtually free of charge, is about to reveal to
you some of her hidden secrets. Everything from
previously unknown to you small trout streams
and game concentrations to visible evidence of
past ancient human activity and stone artifacts may
be revealed to you. Enjoy your experiences in my
great wild outdoors!
2016 mushrooming forecast for NW Lower
Michigan: Based on the relatively mild winter we
are experiencing and the fact that significant soil
disruption, due to timber harvesting, was experienced in 2014 and 2015, coupled with a predicted
not too wet and not too dry spring, 2016 should be
a banner year for morel production. Focusing on
these disrupted areas and recent burn areas should
prove productiveespecially the year after the soil
disruption or burn!
Suggested further reading: Fifty Years of Lessons Learned of a Michigan Outdoorsman Book
Trilogy; book 2 Fifty Years of Gathering, Fishing, and Unusual Animal Encounters. Google Joe
Lunkas and go to my Author Website for access
information.n

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35

Destination;
L

ast August my phone rang with

an invitation that I just could
not pass up. Rob Manthei, one
of the Northwoods best fishing
guides was on the
phone with an invite
to St. Germain, Wisconsin!
For me this was something
Id always wanted to do...
fish in the very famous small
lakes of Northern Wisconsins Vilas County. St.
Germain is a paradise and
has been the place for
all season recreation
for decades. Lets take
a look at a couple of the most prolific
lakes in the area and identify the times
and types of fish you can target in this
vacation hot-spot.

Warmest water at this time is key.

Summer: Weed growth is at the
highest now. Big St. will now have
weed growth everywhere. Fish the
deepest weedlines around the
lake. Fishing the weedlines
with crankbaits, Ernie, depth
raiders and jerkbaits, suicks,
and burts are best. When
fishing is slow during the
day, switch to night fishing.
Fish the same areas as you
would during the day.
Fall: The weeds
will stay green for
much of the fall. Fish
the deepest weedlines leading to deep
water. Also pay strong attention to
the rock bars. Fish further outside
the weeds than in summer time. Cast
big minnow baits and Bulldawgs in
combination with a QUICKSTRIKE
rigged sucker. Big Jakes, Depth Raiders, and gliders like the Jerko are
suggested lures.

By John Bergsma

Muskie

Walleye

Spring: Typical spring patterns.

Look for any type of new weeds. Any

MAY 2016 - WNW NEWS

Spring: Look for new weeds. The

south and east shores will be best.
Small to medium minnow baits such
as Mania Jakes and Bucher shallow
raiders. Bucktails in silver and black
and orange and black. Mepps new
magnum musky killer is good too.

36

In the spring find the new weeds. New weeds with the wind blowing are the best!

In the fall the weeds stay green and attract big muskies as do the bays where ciscos
gather to spawn.
fringe weed will hold baitfish. Look
shallow (5-9 ft.). Weeds that have
wind blowing into them are best. In
evening key on the gravel/sand shorelines. Areas along the west and north
shore are spawning areas. Walleyes
will relate to these areas after the
spawn. Small 1/16 jigs in chartreuse
or orange tipped with fatheads or
redtails are my choice. Once fish are
located slip bobbers will also take fish
rigged the same way.
Summer: Once the weeds are
developed, coontail weeds will appear
outside the cabbage beds. Fish these
areas with the same presentations.
Only switch to leeches and nightcrawlers. Again, pay attention to the
wind. On cold fronts, go right into the
weeds. As summer progresses, so do
the walleyes to rocks (mid-August)
Fall: Rocks are definitely the pattern now. Look for the rock bar on the
north shore and north of the island to
produce fish. Big redtails fished on
jigs is the best thing going. Fish slow.
Fish the rock edge were it meets the
mud. Also, dont overlook fish off the
rocks, strictly in the mud.
Winter: Early ice look for the shallow weed areas to hold fish. Mid-winter look for the rock areas to produce
more fish. Tip-ups with shiners or
smaller suckers and jig with Zips or
Jigging Rapalas outside the weeds or
on top of the deeper rock bars.

Perch

Spring: Shallow bays and sand

flats will hold fish. Water warms
quickly here. Small minnows on slip
bobbers are the best presentation.
Check some of the weeds too.
Summer: Bigger perch will school
over the mud flats searching the newly
hatched mayflies. Cruise the flats
watching your graph for schools of
these fish. Once located, minnows,
pieces of crawlers or small twisters
will take fish. Some fish will relate to
weed edges, however the bigger ones
will be out deeper.
Fall: Same applies to summer, but
check rocks too.
Winter: The shallow weed flats
earlier in winter will hold them. Late
winter is all mud related. Check the
areas off of rock bars in 20-25 feet
of water. Wigglers, small minnows,
and spikes are all good. Each day is
different. One day wigglers, the next
minnows. Experiment.

Little St. Germain Lake

Muskie

Spring: Warm water is the key

in spring. The shallow areas such as
south, east, and upper east bay will
warm the fastest. No-fish bay will be
the warmest. The name is an oxymoron. These waters are a little darker
than the rest of the lake, brighter
colored baits will we better. Smaller

In the spring walleye will

go for jigs, minnows and
slip bobbers work too.

bucktails and minnow imitators will

work. Fish the new weed growth.
Summer: As the water warms
West Bay will be a good place to
start. A lot of muskies will suspend
now. Divers such as Ernies, Depth
Raiders, or heavy bucktails like the
Mepps Giant Killer in cisco type
patterns are great choices. Check the
weeds in west bay leading to deep
water also.
Fall: West bay is the only place
to concentrate now. Ciscoes spawn
here, therefore the biggest fish in the
lake will be looking for a meal of this
greasy, protein rich food. Rocks like
the sunken island bar are great places
to look. Bulldawgs, weighted jerkbaits, and live suckers will all take
fish. Look for ciscoes and concentrate
around them.

Walleye

Spring: Fish the shallower part

of the lake first. Upper East has two
good areas. The creek mouth and a
small hump near the narrow part of
the bay should hold fish. Fish with
jigs and minnows. Slip bobbers will
work too. 1/16 oz in bright colors for
jigs.
Summer: As summer progresses

fish will move deeper. West Bay is

now the place to be. Fish in the low
light periods around the many submerged rock bars. Also check the
cribs in front of HWY 70. Leeches
and crawlers on jigs or just a split
shot and hook will take fish.
Fall: Fish the same rock areas
as summer, only concentrate on the
deeper (2040 ft.) breaks. Switch to
heavier jigs and use redtail chubs.
Vertical jigging is recommended.
Winter: The south part of nofish bay and the north part of south
bay will be a good first ice location.
The abundant weeds will attract
walleyes and northerns here. A couple
of nice holes are located within the
somewhat shallow bays. Standard tipup and shiners will work. As winter
progresses, I like to fish the deep bars
on West bay. Tips ups combined with
jigging rapalas or zips is dynamite.
Chance for a huge walleye at this
time.

Bluegills/Crappies

Spring: Best time to catch these

tasty fish. All the shallows will hold
them. No Fish, South, Upper East.
Check all bulrush areas for spawning
fish. Small minnows or worms will

work. Also for crappies a

frizzy (at Rays) under a
pencil bobber is dynamite
for crappies. Seen it out
produce live bait.
Summer: Some
panfish will still be shallow, however look to the
deeper edges for quality
fish. Same worms, small
leeches, and minnows for
bait.
Fall: Go muskie fishing!
Winter: At early ice,
no-fish, upper east attract a lot of the panfish action. As season progresses
into late march upper east
and lower east become the
crappie hot spots. Small
ice jigs tipped with waxies, spikes, or
little minnows are the choice. Move
around in these small bays and drill
lots of holes. Move from hole to hole
until fish are located.
There are many other lakes
throughout this amazing area of
Northern Wisconsin that offer the
same high quality of fishing and
outdoor experiences. So if your desire
is to get outside and really change

things up, then give the St. Germain

area of Wisconsin a try. Form fishing
and hunting to snowmobiling or just
sight-seeing. St. Germain is an option
that will not disappoint.
John Bergsma is the host of the
TV show Great Lakes Fishermans
Digest. John has been touring the
Midwest identifying the very best
fishing and outdoor destinations. For
more travel information check him
out at www.fishermansdigest.comn

a
m
s
g
r
e
B
n
Joh

with your host

MAY 2016 - WNW NEWS

Visit our website and find out about . . .

Destinations Fishing Reports
Our Show Cooks Corner

37

Michigan Meanders...Its More Than Stuff!

Sporting stuff
R
ecently my wife and I bought
some feeder pigs for our
kids to raise and show at the
county fair this summer. If
youve ever raised hogs, you
know all about mud and the
attendant mess. So, this morning I was
not about to stomp through the pen in
my $130 Muck boots, the
knee-high rubber footwear I
bought last fall for bird hunting. Going barefoot was not
an option. What to do?
A little rooting in our
basement turned up the pair
of Red Ball milking boots I
had picked up at a Walmart
in Emporia Kansas in
1982. A friend and I
had gone there to hunt
bobwhite quail in the
Flint Hills during one of the wettest
autumns on record. I burned up a set
of electric boot dryers on that trip, the
price one pays for an extended stay at
a cheap motel with faulty wiring. The
black-rubber Red Balls set me back a
whopping six dollars.

If you hunt and fish, you, too, love

the chance encounter when necessity
meets creativity, especially when it
comes to getting your moneys worth.
But who could have imagined a bargain bought and paid for 35 years ago
would still pay dividends?
The bigger question: What is it
about sporting stuff that we
are loath to give away or give
up on? I could have tossed
out those boots a hundred
times, but you know as well
as I do that as soon as they
were gone for good, their immediate need would manifest
itself.
Maybe Im just an
old romantic. Maybe
thats why the more
a piece of gear I own
attaches itself to memory, the harder
it is to give it up. No doubt that is
the reason my battered and faded-red
Homelite chain saw evokes memories
of cutting wood with my fathergone
more than 30 years nowwhenever
I take down the saw from shelving in

By Tom Huggler

The authors battered and faded-red Homelite chain saw evokes memories of cutting
wood with his father and his 35 year old Red Ball milking boots he paid $6 for!
the barn.
I own a 12-gauge Remington
Model 870 pump gun, which I havent
shot in 20 years. Removing it from
the gun cabinet for a swing through
reminds me of when this high school
senior gave a favorite uncle $50 for
the gun he said felt like a lead twoby-four and that he could not shoot
with confidence. The sale occurred
on the opening day of duck hunting
season in the stump-strewn maze of
Fletcher Floodwaters near Hillman. It
was a momentous decision for a gro-

cery sacker earning fifty cents an hour.

Long ago I switched to double
guns, and so I should sell the old 870,
right? Cant do it, and Ill bet you
couldnt either.
Roosting in an old U.S. mail bag
in our basement is a dozen papiermch crow decoys. Its a good thing
my wifecurrently in spring-cleaning
modedoes not know they are there
because, with the right amount of
prodding, I could let them go along
with a blur of memories dating back
more than a half-century.

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MAY 2016 - WNW NEWS

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38

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The author has a new tractor, but to let Old Red, a 1953 Farmall Super A tractor go, is not an easy decision. Author photos
friend? If you cant allow yourself to
reminisce, if you dont sense a whiff
of nostalgia, you might wonder, why
not? If you cant remember, well,
thats a different problem altogether.
Recently I donated mounted collections of native grouse and quail,
most of which were arranged in glassenclosed dioramas, to MUCCs Youth
Camp near Chelsea. After many

years it seemed strange to go downstairs to look at those beautiful birds,

usually by myself. How much better
to have them in a public place, where
I can also visit? Rather than a twinge
of remorse, I sensed a flicker of relief.
This much I know: The desire
to simplify has overridden the need
to accumulate. I remember the late
Gene Hill advising Field & Stream

readers to buy two of every piece of

sporting gear they loved because if
you ever needed to replace the first,
chances are the product would no
longer be made. Had I subscribed to
that theory, though, I would now have
twice as much stuff to untether.
Besides, who needs an extra pair
of Red Ball milking boots when one
set is enough?n

MAY 2016 - WNW NEWS

Whether or not it is by design,

we allow ourselves to get attached to
stuff and then cant let go. I have a
1953 Farmall Super A tractor given
to me two decades ago by Joe, a dear
friend with whom I hunted and fished
for almost 40 years and who passed
away in 2014. I used that little red
tractor to put in food plots on our
property, mow the big lawn, and plow
snow from the quarter-mile-long
drive.
I wouldnt think of selling it while
Joe was alive. Now that he is gone
and I have a new tractor, I suppose
its time to let Old Red go, but the
decision to do so is not easy. I recall
feeling a pang of remorse upon selling a dog trailer that carried many of
my bird-hunting hopes for years over
more than 100,000 miles throughout
North America. I can still see the
trailer tail lights disappear for the
last time around the S curve in our
driveway as the new owner took the
trailer away to new adventures. Can
still feel the lump in my throat.
Get over it. Its just stuff.
True, but its my stuff. Remember
your first car? First gun? First girl-

39

Next BiteBy Gary Parsons and Keith Kavajecz

Walleyesthe right place at the right time

MAY 2016 - WNW NEWS

hey say that the early bird

catches the worm. That statement is true, but it is only part
of the story. You see, in order
to catch the worm, the bird
needs to know where to find
the worm. The same logic applies to
the highly anticipated opening weekend of fishing each spring. You have
to know where to find the fish!
There are two types of areas we
like to fish on opening weekend. The
first one is shallow bays that are not
traditionally considered walleye producing areas. These are the types of
areas that most people think of when
they think early season bass.
A lot of these bays, which have
shallow flats that are about two feet
deep and then drop off into 6-8 feet of
water, also have a feeder creek running into them. These areas warm up
and come to life first in the spring.
The warm water brings new weed
growth on the bottom and a lot of baitfish. When the new green weeds are
1-5 inches off bottom, the walleyes
come in and put on the feedbag!
We prefer bays with a northern
slope, but a southern slope can also
work. Most lakes have anywhere from

40

one to three bays like this. The beauty

of these bays is that there is often a
mix of walleye and crappie in them.
This includes the big female walleyes.
Twenty years ago, most people would
say that you cant catch females until

two weeks after they spawn because

they are resting. Tournament fishing
has proved this isnt true. The females
are ready to chow down!
The key is to move around the
bay casting as you go. Once we find

a school, we put the MotorGuide Xi5

bow mount in anchor mode and just
pound on them! If you get into the
crappies you can sometimes get a fish
darn near every cast!
In 2-10 feet of water, we like to
pitch a 1/16 oz. Mustad WL746 Elite
Walleye Jig with a 2.5 inch Berkley
Gulp! Minnow on 6# test Berkley
NanoFil line. The beauty of using a
1/16 oz jig is that this presentation is a
crappie killer also! In windy conditions you will have to switch to a
1/8 oz. jig. We use either the Mustad
WL746 Walleye Elite Jig or Bass Pro
Shops XPS Walleye Jigs with a 2.5 or
3 inch Berkley Gulp Minnow. While
you wont get many crappies with the
1/8 oz. jig, you will get bigger walleyes and an occasional pike.
Both jigs have unique characteristics that make them great choices for
walleye fishing. The Mustad WL746
Walleye Elite Jig has a round head
with a razor-sharp UltraPoint hook.
Not only is this hook still sharp after
fishing rocks, but the longer than normal size of the hook allows it to come
out of the back of a Berkley Gulp
Minnow in the perfect spot.
The Bass Pro Shops XPS Walleye

You can catch these fish by

casting cranks or jigging the
same types of tails that you
would use on the weed pattern.
Jigs have a semi-stand-up design.
This means that as the jig sits on the
bottom, the hook is angled up, putting
it in perfect position for a fish to inhale the offering and increasing your
odds of getting a hook-up.
If there are a lot of big fish in the
system you are fishing, try using the
new Berkley PowerBait Pro Shad, Jig
Worm, or the Rib Worm. Any tail that
would work in the dead of summer
will also work this time of year for
catching a trophy. Just tear the jig
through the weeds and pop it off the
weed stems. At this time of year the
weeds, with their shorter lengths are
easy to fish and you wont get tangled
up in them as much as in the summer.
The other place we like to target,
are the shallow areas with structure
near shoreline; more of a classic
rock pattern.
The best spots top out at 2-5 feet,
like a hump that is shoreline connected or a hump that is within real close
vicinity of the shore. Another thing
to look for is any shoreline spawning area with a 2-5 foot drop onto a
shelf. Any flat that slowly tapers off,
spine or point that is connected to the
shoreline can also be hot, but remember, with this pattern, rocks are key.
You probably wont find a lot of

females in these areas, but there will

be a lot of males still hanging around
after the spawn. You can catch these
fish by casting cranks or jigging the
same types of tails that you would use
on the weed pattern.
The #5 Berkley Flicker Minnow is a good choice for casting, as
it dives quickly and has more of a
minnow type profile for lakes that
have predominantly a minnow forage
base. You will always need to try a
#6 Berkley Flicker Shad when youre
casting. Its usually pretty deadly
and is a lure we designed for casting.
It was important to make it neutrally
buoyant and heavy enough to cast.
While any shad styled bait will get
bites, it is best to steer away from
#7s and #9s early in the season, as
they have a wider action. Baits with
a subtle action are best for casting in
the spring. By alternating between the
shad style and minnow style bait you
should be able to dial in the cranking
presentation.
When it comes to the retrieve,
slow and steady, but still being able
to feel the vibration is the rule. There
are two types of line we like to use
when fishing rocky areas, Berkley
FireLine and Berkley NanoFil. FireLine is a very tough and abrasion re-

sistant line that can be tied directly to

the bait. In clear water situations we
will tie on a 10# clear Berkley 100%
Trilene fluorocarbon leader.
Berkley NanoFil in 10# test is a
great no stretch line. Not only does it
allow you to feel the bait, but it also
has the additional advantage of being
a Uni-filament line. Uni-filament
means there is no braiding or fusing,
making the line super slick, which
can add significant casting distance
for these lightweight lures.
A steady retrieve is the norm, but
occasionally the lure should also tick
the bottom, which will cause it to jerk
off to the side. It is important to be
able feel every vibration of the lip,
as walleyes will often take a swipe at
the bait and miss. When this happens
you will feel the bait skip a beat.
Stop reeling, count to three and then
start reeling again. Many times by
the time you count to two the walleye
will take another swipe and connect,
just about ripping the rod out of your
hands! Once you learn how to do this
you will double the number of fish
you catch. You cant get that kind of
feel with monofilament line.
You can also pitch jigs in these
areas with a high action 2.5-3 inch
Berkley PowerBait Pro Shad or Jig

Worm. Both of these baits will jump

all over the place! We typically start
out with artificial baits on a rock bite,
but in very clear lakes, a live bait
presentation may be preferred.
Remember, in order to catch fish,
you have to find the fish first! So this
year on opening weekend, mix it up
by hitting your traditional spots, but
also take a chance on trying a bay you
may have overlooked in the past to
get your Next Bite!n

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MAY 2016 - WNW NEWS

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41

Sea Life - Michigan

A tale of two waters

Our Great Lakes are
shark-free, freshwater
recreational playgrounds; an
incredibly important natural
resource and undeniably an
unsurpassed tourism and
fishing attraction for millions...

ut in historical terms they are

mere infants with umbilical
cords still dangling.
The Great Lakes
came into existence
in close to their
present form during the last
glacial retreat some 11,000
years ago. Now lets pump
back more than 400 million
years to the Devonian Period,
also known as the
Age of Fishes,
and thats where
this Sea Life-Michigan Aquarium

story begins. During the Devonian

Period, what is now the landmass of
Michigan, was closer to the equator
and enormous shallow warm salt water seas covered the landscape.
Great evolutionary strides were
underway during the Devonian, and
that was the time ancestors of our
present day fishes developed. Some
were the cartilaginous fish. They
gave rise to rays and sharks. And
the scaly Devonian bony fish with
gas-filled bladders that helped control buoyancy, led to many of the
fish we have today, both
salt and freshwater species.
The Devonian Period was
also a grand time for coral
formation, including the
Hexagonari Coral. You might
know Hexagonari Coral as
the Petoskey Stone, a prized
coral fossil found along the
shorelines of
Lake Huron and
Lake Michigan.
When its polished, its beautiful struc-

By Jonathan Schechter

The Underwater Ocean Tunnel leads to a world of sharks, rays and colorful ocean fish.
ture of ancient coral takes on a special
sheen and is a reminder of our ancient
marine history.
In the world of nature all things
are connected, including fresh water
lakes, rivers, streams and salty oceans.
If a child grows up appreciating the
wonders of fresh water creatures they
will also be fascinated by, and appreciate sea life. The opposite is also
true. An understanding of sea life
brings a greater respect of our Great
Lake creatures, and perhaps a feeling
of kindship and guardianship of the
waters of Michigan.
No one except for the willfully ignorant can dispute our fresh waters are
in danger from poorly planned shoreline developments, dams, pollutants
of all kinds, fish farming plans, and
invasive species. A new generation
will be the defenders of our lakes and
other waters, but it is hard to defend
what is not understood and appreciated. Sea Life - Michigan Aquarium,
located within the Great Lakes Crossing Outlets in Oakland County, just
may bring a better understanding and
appreciation of all our planets waters
and creatures.

It took me nearly a year from its

grand opening to finally visit Sea-Life
and on my first visit a few months ago
I encountered its armored division.
That new exhibit featured Japanese
spider crabs, Puget Sound king crabs
and mantis shrimparmored creatures of the sea. I quickly discovered
that display titles throughout Sea Life
were catchy and accompanying interpretive signage was rich with naturenuggets of information.
I arrived just after the Cownose
Stingrays were fed, a species that in
the wild travel in schools of up to
10,000! Next time I will check posted
feeding times first. But I did leave
with two new facts: Rays breathe
through special holes behind their
eyes, and on the sex-education side I
discovered that males have two large,
finger-like stumps called claspers on
either side of their tail. Why? They
use the claspers to clasp onto the lady
ray of their desires.
My knowledge on maternal care
of tiny creatures increased with a visit
to the seahorse tanks. Seahorses are
rather successful breeders in the proper habitat partially because the brood

MAY 2016 - WNW NEWS

SUCCESSFUL HUNTERS

42

GET YOUR
DEER & TURKEY
OFFICIALLY SCORED!
Go To:

www.buckfax.com

Commemorative Bucks of Michigan P.O. Box 307 Owosso, Michigan 48867 Phone (517) 679-6226

Commemorative Bucks of Michigan is a non-profit organization that measures and maintains records on trophy class Whitetail Deer,
Black Bear, Elk and Turkeys, taken by fair chase in the state of Michigan. We use the Boone and Crockett method to score all three
big game species. Visit our web site to learn more and get connected to the latest in Michigan hunting. www.Buckfax.com

A young fisherwoman admires sea life

through a viewing port.

they were), a Green Sea Turtle that

was rescued from Florida waters
after being hit by a boat, and dozens
of species of fish swam above and
around me. FYI: I will throw out
a tidbit of visitor information here:
At time humans may feel packed in
like sardines in the tunnel when large
school groups are present. Earlier
hours may be more pleasurable.
Most memorable moment: Hands
down to the Giant Pacific Octopus
that often stays hidden but went
tentacles to nose with me against the
tank glass. These highly intelligent
creatures inhabit the cold waters of
the Pacific Northwest, and for a fleeting moment I dreamed if perhaps this
beauty was an old friend from the
days I was a budding young naturalist exploring the wilder side of Puget
Sound. And in case you did not know,
all octopuses have three hearts, blue
blood, can squirt black ink, change
the color and texture of their skin,
and--walk on land.
Sea-Life Michigan celebrates
the wonders of the sea and all its
inhabitants with interactive exhibits
and world-class displays that entice
and excite visitors to discover more
amidst its 150,000 gallons of creature
containing waters. And Sea-Life campaigns actively to raise awareness on
the critical issues facing all creatures
of the ocean, with special attention to
sea-turtle nesting, the grisly sharkfining industry and issues related to
the by-catch of vulnerable species.
Sea-Life is involved with global
breeding programs for thirteen species of endangered rays as well as the
largest seahorse network in the world
and campaigns for marine protection
areas across the seas of the world.
Sure, Sea-Life Michigan is great
entertainment for kids and adults,
some of who may just ooh and
aah at the creatures of the sea. But
among the endless guests that visit
this educational teaching aquarium in
a shopping mall just for the entertainment value, there will be some who
will leave with new passion for all

Good old fashion common sense bird dog training

for the foot hunter seeking a Companion/Hunter not
a field trialer. Give your dog plenty of field time and
plenty of birds on our licensed preserve with
two of Michigans top professionals.
WE NOW ACCEPT CREDIT CARDS!

ANN ARBOR
MICHIGAN

734-665-7489

charlie@MichiganWingShooter.com
www.MichiganWingShooter.com

CHARLIE
& CHUCK
LINBLADE

The Touch Tank entices children to ask questions and discover more. Author photos
water world inhabitants. And they
may have a better understanding of
the everlasting John Muir misquote:
When one tugs at a single thing in
nature, he finds it attached to the rest
of the world - but the correct quote
is actually - When we try to pick out
anything by itself, we find it hitched
to everything else in the Universe.

Either way, that new understanding

spawned by Sea-Life Michigan bodes
well for residents of a State that embraces four of the five Great Lakes.
Visit www.visitsealife.com/Michigan for details on Sea-Life Michigan
Aquarium. Jonathan Schechter is a
naturalist/writer in Oakland County,
Oaknature@aol.comn

SATURDAY, MAY 7TH 7AM TO 5PM SUNDAY, MAY 8TH 9AM TO 3PM
FORT GRATIOT LOCATON ONLY

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FORT GRATIOT, Michigan 48059

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MAY 2016 - WNW NEWS

of tiny babies are safe and secure in

the males pouch. That frees up mom
to produce a new batch of eggs.
The interactive Touch Pool was
a huge hit with about three dozen
school kids crowding around during
my behind the scenes exploration
with Dawn Priebe, the Trade Sales
Coordinator of Sea Life- Michigan.
The excitement of the kids was contagious, and Priebe emphasized, What
makes us special is our conservation
efforts. In addition to the beautiful
sea life for guests to view and interact
with, behind the scenes our staff are
committed to ensuring the well-being
of the animals in our care which is so
inspiring!
Sea-Life staff assisted the eager
kids in touching sea stars, petting
sea urchins, and picking up crabs.
But perhaps it was my trek through
the Underwater Ocean Tunnel
that really held my interest and kept
my camera busy. Black-tipped Reef
Sharks (at least that is what I think

43

How to get a comfortable nights sleep when roughing it in the wild...By Bill Kendy

Is your camping sleep system working for you?

f you are a camper and go to bed

on a sleeping pad/mattress in a
sleeping bag there are some things
you should know in order to get
a comfortable nights sleep when
you are roughing it in the wild.
Instead of viewing a pad/mattress,
sleeping bag and a liner as separate
entities that you cobble together it
makes sense to integrate them into a
sleep system where each component
matches and enhances the others.
It is critical to look at your
whole sleeping system and that means
matching a good sleeping bag with
a quality pad and liner, says camping gear manufacturer Sea to Summit Customer Relationship Manager
Barry Robertson.

The Big Question

When Do You Camp?

If you are doing most of your

camping in the spring and fall you
need to place more emphasis on
warmth than you would if you just
camp in the summer months. If you
are a winter camper, that changes the
equation altogether.

sured in R-values which defines

how well pads resist the outward
flow of heat. The higher the R-value
the warmer the pad will feel. It is
commonly accepted that an R-value
between 2 and 3 are good for warmer
weather and R-values of 4-5 or above
will work in colder weather and
winter. You can supplement air mattresses with a foam pad to increase
both comfort and insulation.

Sleeping Bags

Sleeping bags provide warmth by

trapping and warming dead air next
to your body and provide a barrier
between you and the ground and outside air. Obviously, the less air space
to heat the quicker it warms and the
longer you stay warm.
It makes sense to integrate a sleep system where each component; bag, pad, liner Sleeping Bag Styles
matches and enhances each other.
Bag shape is largely based on
tresses have an open cell foam layers how much sleep room you need Are
that allows them to inflate and expand you an active sleeper? If you like to
spread out a rectangular bag makes
automatically when the air value is
sense. If you are more comfortSleeping pads/mattresses come
opened. While Inflatable pads are
in three styles: air construction,
comfortable and some offer insulation able being tucked in tight, a mummy
shaped bag may be the right choice,
self-inflating and closed cell foam.
they can be punctured. On the other
Air construction pads (mattresses)
hand, they can be patched. Foam pads says Eureka! Product Manager Paul
that have open core construction are
are made from dense foam filled with Leonard.
Rectangular bags provide maxiinflated manually. Self-inflating mat- small closed air cells. They are lightweight, durable and affordable. Unlike mum comfort and roominess but are
inflatable pads, they cant be adjusted heavy and bulky. Two rectangular
bags can be zipped together to make
for comfort but do insulate.
one large bag if that is a consideration.
Semi-rectangular bags are a little
tapered in the foot area and provide
Buy for your size and shape. If
more warmth than full rectangular
you are over six feet tall you need to
bags simply because there is less air
get a longer pad so your feet dont
to warm.
hang over.
Mummy bags feature a narrower
Rule of thumbthe thicker the
shoulder area and are tapered down to
pad the more comfortable it is. That
the feet. They are efficient and light
goes for foam, inflatable and selfbut are the most restrictive.
inflatable pads.
In terms of insulation, most air
construction pads dont have much to
Whats Inside Your Sleeping Bag?
offer. Self-inflating and foam pads ofMost sleeping bag insulation confer the capability of warming up from sists of natural fibers, synthetic, goose
your body heat and will better insulate down or water resistant down. Natural
you from the cold ground.
fiberscotton/flannel blends. Warm
Sleeping pad insulation is meaand comfy if kept dry. Synthetic in-

The Sleeping Base Layer

Pads and Mattresses

Size, Thickness and Insulation

Insulation

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Temperature Ratings

Sleeping bags are rated by temperature. Some manufacturers post

their own ratings and others use the
international EN Standard Temperature Rating system.
Whether it is rated by a manufacturer or the EN, a rating of 30 degrees
means if you have a standard metabolism you can expect to be comfortable if the temperature is above 30
degrees, if you are sleeping in long
underwear on a sleeping pad. This
differs between male and female and
categorizes it by
When it comes to temperature
rating it is important to note that the
general starting point is a male or
female of average height, weight and
fitness who is well fed and hydrated
It is just like if you had dinner at
home and went to bed, says Leonard.
Accepted industry temperature
rating range for colder weather camp-

ing is from 10 degrees to 30 degrees.

If the weather warms up you can
always unzip the bag. Winter camping calls for lower temperature bags
in the 0 degree and below range.
With that warmth comes more bulk
and weight.
It is recommended that you
choose a bag with a little bit colder
rating than you expect to experience
and keep in mind that damp weather
may feel colder than what the temperature actually is.
Push the temperature rating
and be conservative, says Leonard.
You want to be comfortable and
warm and hedge to the warmer side
with the goal of having a good camping experience.

Sleeping Bag Liners

Sleeping bag liners are designed

to reduce wear, keep your bag clean
and can add warmth which stretches
your bags utility. An additional
benefit of having a liner is if you are
camping and it suddenly turns warm,
you can ditch the bag and sleep in the
liner.
Liners come in all shapes, sizes
and construction. Sea-to-Summit
offer a broad platform of liners to accommodate needs ranging from silk
to thermal. Liners can not only make
a bag cozier, a thermal liner can add
up to 15 degrees of heat value to the
system.
Sleeping Bag liners shouldnt
be underestimated or overlooked
and will keep the bag significantly
cleaner and can almost double its
life, says Robertson. If you are
thinking in terms of extending your
warm weather camping season, you
can combine an insulated pad with a
reasonable rated sleeping bag and add
a thermal liner for extra protection
and firepower in colder weather.

Camping Gear Sources

Sea-to-Summit
www.seatosummit.com
Mountain Hardware
www.mountainhardware.com
Eureka
www.eurekatent.comn

The MDNR invites off-road enthusiasts to enjoy two Free ORV

Weekends this summer. During these weekends, Michigan residents and
nonresidents can legally ride DNR-designated routes and trails, including Silver Lake State Park, without purchasing an ORV license or trail
permit.
ORV riders can explore more than 3,800 miles of designated ORV
trails. All rules found in the ORV Handbook of Michigan Off-Road Vehicle Laws apply. ORV trail maps are available at
www.michigan.gov/orvtrails.
Outdoor enthusiasts can plan their ORV trips and take advantage of
Michigans best travel deals during the following weekends:
The first Free ORV Weekend will take place June 11-12 and will
offer the best vacation value for outdoor enthusiasts. In addition to fees
being waived for ORV trail licenses and permits, the year's second Free
Fishing Weekend will take place, and the Recreation Passport will not be
required at any state park or recreation area during that weekend.
The second Free ORV Weekend is set for Aug. 20-21. Get a little trail
time in with the kids before they head back to school. It is also an excellent time to head to Michigans Upper Peninsula for a long weekend of
scenic vistas, miles of uninterrupted trails, friendly lodging and dining
experiences. A Recreation Passport will be required for entry to state
parks and recreation areas this weekend.
For more information, contact Maia Turek at turekm@michigan.gov
or 989-225-8573 or Rob Katona at katonar@michigan.gov or 906-2286561.
Inside Michigans Great Outdoors subscribers are always the first to
know about reservation opportunities, state park events and other outdoor happenings. Visit www.michigan.gov/dnr to subscribe now.
Learn more about how the Recreation Passport gains you access to
any Michigan state park, fee-based boat launch, state
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sulation, primarily made of polyester

or blends, is price friendly, provides
warmth if wet, dries quickly, is
non-allergenic, efficient and durable.
Goose down is warm, lightweight,
and compresses well. On the downside, down loses most of its insulation
capabilities if it gets wet and is higher
priced.
For some people the first decision maker is the cost of entry and
there is basically a $70-$100 difference in the marketplace between a
synthetic bag and its down counterpart, says Robert Fry, Mountain
Hardware Global Director of Merchandising and Design. Unless you
get into cold weather winter camping
the weight difference between down
and synthetic is only a few ounces
Water resistant goose down.
Manufacturers are offering bags with
treated down to address this issue.
Un-treated down plumes absorb
water like a sponge, says Fry.
We offer both synthetic and
down bags and we are working to
make synthetic more like down and
down more like synthetic and that is
where water resistant down comes
in.

Free ORV weekends

June 11-12 and Aug. 20-21

45

Traditional Black Powder Turkey Hunt...By Dennis Neely

Be PatientBe Bold

MAY 2016 - WNW NEWS

After a successful mornings traditional hunt, the weight of a wild gobbler pressing on

46 a humble hunters shoulder was a delight to bear. Wild Rivertree photos

arkness grayed. Greased elk

moccasins squished in the
murky gloom. Silver orbs, the
remnants of the prior nights
torrents, clung to the tips of
drooping cedar boughs and
ankle-high, prairie grass shoots. Water
droplets splattered with each calculated footfall. A mist-like fog lingered
above the meadows rolling knoll.
That morning, in the Year of our Lord,
1792, the air smelled of night crawlers with an underlying hint of springs
freshness.
Avoid a repeat of the first days
disaster, the cedar trees seemed to
whisper as the stalk angled up the
gullys steep gravel bank. In midApril, ten days earlier, I crept up that
same washs north finger and hid in
the dead grass at the meadows edge.
Gobbling reverberated in the hardwoods to the north. A deep, crisp warble followed the batting and thrashing
of big wings. The single wing bone
call uttered a short seductive reply:
Ark, arkark, ark, ark, ark.
Gob-obl-obl-obl! Obl-obl-oblobl!
The glade went silent for about
twenty minutes. Then a boisterous
gobble announced the long-bearded
toms arrival at the meadows edge.
Two jakes trailed. The three tenors
marched single file to the knolls crest,
singing like a church choir processing
in on Easter Sunday.
The trio fanned and danced for
over thirty minutes, but the mysterious, love-sick hen never left the gully.
The Meadow Gobbler, as I had
dubbed this bird weeks before, bellowed at the gully one last time. Frustration overcame caution. The obstinate tom folded his tail, smoothed his
bronze feathers and stomped straight
toward the unwilling hen.
He halted at thirty paces, just
beyond the Northwest guns maximum effective distance, snapped
upright and leered at the deep grass.
The herky-jerky jakes paraded on as
the wary tom fanned and twirled. The
lead jake halted at eight paces, then
stiffened up. I squinted, lying helpless
in the grass. Ten agonizing minutes
ticked by. The jake putted his disapproval. The trio quick-stepped off to
the east
Clear of the gullys treacherous
rim, I picked my way through the wet
cedar trees. Two mornings remained. I
paused at the grassy clearings familiar escape trail that angled through
the cedar groves corner and out into
the oaks, maples and hickory trees.

My left moccasin fashioned a dry nest

within a clump of four red cedars.
Before I sat, the mornings first
gobble came from the far ridge.
Another woke up, then another, then
a raspy hen added a drawn-out yelp.
The flock chose to roost on the far
side of the big swamp, allowing the
stalk to advance beyond the cedar
grove and into the hardwoods.
Twenty or so short strides down
the gentle slope a spreading juniper
grew between two large cedar trees.
After weaseling amongst the branches, I adjusted the shot pouch and powder horn, then poked the Northwest
guns muzzle through an opening.
Gob-obl-obl-obl! Obl-obl-oblobl! At least one tom was already
across the narrows and on my side of
the swamp, under two-hundred yards.
There were two paths to the meadow;
the one I watched was the most direct.
Gob-obl! The deep-voiced utterance quit mid-sentence. This gobbler was still roosted, but behind me.
Fortunately, a wall of cedar trees hid
his perch and sheltered my lair. After
looking to the east, I scrambled to my
feet. Four or five heavy wing beats,
then a solid thud in the wet leaves
spurred me on. Arteries pounded.
Yards melted beneath tip-toed moccasins. Pick the right fortbe quick
about itstay lowuse the cedars
Ahead, a large bushy cedar, felled
in an ice storm, offered the last, best
refuge. I gave the wet grass and muddy duff little mind, glanced uphill,
then sat and pushed back under the
trees prickly top. I pulled the greased
cows knee off the lock, checked the
precious priming powder and anchored in a sitting position.
Gob-obl-obl-obl-obl-obl! The
tom was at the meadows northeast
corner. A couple of clucks, just entering the west side of the cedar grove,
told me the other birds took the longer
route to the clearing. I sighed; the
choice to move was a good one.
A few minutes later, a white crown
bobbed up and down, appearing now
and again in the spaces in the dead
grass that lined the hills crest. The
Meadow Gobbler was walking the
wagon track. His head slipped behind
the rise, and as I mulled the situation,
I realized he would be beyond the
flintlocks limit when he came back
into view.
My hips rolled. Hunched over,
half crawling, half creeping, I duckwalked fifteen paces up the rise.
Feeling great trepidation and a modest
amount of shaking, I knelt behind a

Warm and a bit sweaty from the walk back to the 18th-century turkey camp, the trading post hunter untied his buckskin garters
and pulled off his hunt-stained deerskin leggins.
and the location and direction of the
gobblers course, forsaking the flock
and advancing to a better fort seemed
the only reasonable alternative. And
in hindsight, I think I recognized the
Meadow Gobblers tone and manner
The wily toms head did not reap-

pear from behind the little rise as I

expected. Doubts flooded my mind.
Did he hear me? See me? Did he
walk to the knoll?
Gob-obl-obl-obl! Obl-obl-oblobl! He was right in front of me. I
surmised no more than fifteen paces
distant, but still out of sight.

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Obl-obl-obl-obl! He stepped steady.

I saw white through a sea of dense,
tawny grass. I rose up, standing erect
on my knees, the Northwest gun to
the right of the cedars spindly trunk.
Gob-obl-obl-obl-obl-obl!
At seventeen paces the arch of a
bronze back passed through crosshatched grass. His red head popped
up, but in an instant, disappeared
behind full-fanned tail feathers. I
ushered the disappointment of that
first mornings hunt from conscious
thoughts. Be patientBe bold
Gob-obl-obl-obl-obl-obl!
Another tom gobbled at the cedar
groves edge. The Meadow Gobbler
folded his feathery curtain. The turtle
sight gripped his brown eye.
Kla-whoosh-BOOM!
A boiling cloud of white smoke
engulfed that magnificent forest tenant. I got to my feet, bolted over the
cedar and loped to the wagon trail.
The Meadow Gobbler and I shared a
solemn prayer of thanksgiving, then
we strolled through the wet grass,
passing the gullys north finger one
last time
Give traditional black powder
hunting a try, be safe and may God
bless you.
Dennis Neely maintains a web
site devoted to traditional hunting
at www.traditionalblackpowderhunting.com.n

MAY 2016 - WNW NEWS

scrawny cedar. What a pitiful palisade

Holding the trigger to silence the
sears click, the sharp English flint
awaited the command to unleash the
death bees. A clean kill, or a clean
miss. Your will, O Lord, I mouthed
in silence
Meshach Browning began hunting in 1795. In his narrative, FortyFour Years of the Life of a Hunter,
Browning recounts a number of
harrowing stalks, some involved wild
turkeys:
one of the children came
in and told me there was a flock of
wild turkeys in the corn-field. I took
my rifle, crept slyly round till I got
the fence between them and myself;
when lying down on the ground, I
crawled to the fence, and there waited
to make a selection (Browning,
Forty-Four Years, Appalachian
Background, Oakland, MD, 2003,
pgs. 163-164).
Safety first: Moving about in the
woods may not be as safe a practice
as it was in the 18th century. It is the
responsibility of each individual to
assess the inherent dangers of such
a practice, relative to his or her own
hunting terrain and the proximity of
other hunters. When in doubt, stay
put.
Through careful research and
preparation, traditional hunters hope
to experience, as close as possible,
the daily life situations of a longdead backcountry woodsman, like
Meshach Browning. Some journal
passages, perhaps only a few sentences in duration, describe specific
situations and the hunting techniques
employed in a past time and place.
For those wishing to emulate our
forefathers, each recollection becomes a valued nugget, a treasured
map tucked away for future exploration.
Then, when a circumstance that
mirrors such a passage presents itself,
the living historian plunges body
and soul into duplicating the ancient
woodmans feat, regardless of the
outcome. Consumed by this addiction, oblivious to what century it is,
the traditional hunter sometimes encounters a few fleeting seconds when
he or she feels a sense of kinship and
oneness with a hunter hero. Traditional hunters call these happenings
pristine moments.
As I stood and considered moving, I had no idea I was about to
tip-toe into a pristine moment, one
never does. Two days remained in
Michigans spring turkey season.
After considering the lay of the hill

47

Spring fly rod fishing fun...By George Rowe

Fishing The Lake Shallows

t is my good fortune to live on

a small private lake so I have
every opportunity to see the lake
come to life each spring. The ice
usually goes out around April 10.
It was very early this year, going
out on the 21st of March about an
early record. That was a product of a
late freeze (in January) and less ice
than usual, plus some balmy weather
in March. After ice-out it generally
takes about a full month for the fish to
move into the shallows to feed. The
water in the shallows and especially
on the shallow flats at one end of the
lake warms first. The plankton must
start growing there first, when the
water warms. This attracts minnows
and all sorts of small fish and they are
followed by the predator fish.
Late in April or early in May, one
will begin to spot small bluegills and
then small bass, followed closely by
larger fish of both species. By the
middle of May, the shallows are really
alive with fish of all sorts and sizes
and one can stand on the dock and
spot nice bass cruising round. While
some of the fish enter the shallows
to spawn, the great majority of them

Hand-sized bluegills can put a very satisfying bend in a light rod.

appear to be interested mainly in feeding. They are present in great numbers
before you see any bass or bluegills
on their spawning beds.
There are several ways to catch
these fish, including throwing small
lures on a spinning rig. A little spinner/fly combination can be deadly.
Usually, however, fly rod lures are
the most effective. For pure bluegill
fishing, it is hard to beat a small rubber spider with those rubber legs that

n
e
J
k
i
n
n
e
s
L

HUNT CLUB

move and entice fish even when the

lure is at rest. For the largest bluegills
and bass, move up to a small corkbodied bass popper or a deer hair bass
bug. If you cast a popper tied on a
number six hook that lure will be too
big for the little bluegills but you really dont want to catch them anyhow.
It will take the larger bluegills and it
will be just right for bass of any size.
Note that, until a couple of years
ago, it was illegal to target bass until

the regular bass opener on the traditional last Saturday before Memorial
Day, late in May. Then, we had that
early catch and release season for bass
which started on the last Saturday in
April. Now, we have a special catch-and-immediate-release season for
bass that is open all year. It isnt a
bad idea to release all of the fish you
catch in May. They havent spawned
yet and it would violate a primary
principle of conservation to kill any
females before they have had a chance
to spawn. If you really want to keep
some fish for a meal, you could keep
some of the mid-sized bluegills or
perhaps some of the crappie, which
spawn early.
The best fly rod for this fishing
is apt to be the same rod you would
choose for stream trout fishing a
number five or six rod will do just fine
when mated to a five or six weight
weight-forward or torpedo-taper floating line. While a heavier rod would
permit you to toss a larger popper,
a heavier rod is apt to wear you out
before you have had enough fishing.
It also pays to remember that most
of the fish you are going to catch are

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Even small bass can put up a nice fight on a light fly rod.
spunk. While most of the bass will
be small (I call them yearlings, even
though most of them are older than
that) and average from 12 to 14 inches, there will be some larger fish in
the shallows as well, including a few
of the big egg-laden females. When
you catch a six-pound largemouth on
a five-weight rod, you will have your
hands full for a few minutes, with a
mighty bend in the rod and you may
have to give that fish some line and
get it on the reel.
One of the special joys of this
spring angling is the opportunity to
do some sight fishing. With the sun
high in the sky and a sandy bottom,
it can fairly easy to see the fish in the
shallows. On occasion, you can spot

a bass cruising, put the popper on the

water in front of the fish and see what
happens. You may be surprised to find
out that most of the fish will refuse
the offering. Most of them will approach the lure and stop short. They
may move closer if you give the popper a little twitch but most of them
will quickly lose interest and move
away. Perhaps one in ten will strike
the popper and that one may rush in
from ten feet away and smack the
lure. Bluegills are more certain. After
you land your popper on the water,
you may see them coming or you
may just see the wakes. If there are
several fish coming in, your chances
are much improved. These fish get
competitive and they may have a race

to get to the lure. Single bluegills may

move in slowly, especially the larger
fish, and sort of stalk the lure before
pouncing on it but they will generally
hit it and hit it hard.
There are some other fish in the
spring shallows and you can catch
them all. The crappies spawn before
the bluegills or bass and they spawn
in deeper water. They will remain in
that five or six feet of water until late
May, however, and you can catch
them by just fishing over water a little
deeper. While that under-shot jaw
of the crappie isnt well suited for
surface feeding, they make up for it
in enthusiasm and really bomb that
popper. Rock bass are also common
in the lake shallows and they live up
to their name by making their spawning beds beside big rocks or under
logs. They get larger than bluegills
and some of them will rival the small
bass in size. They hit the popper hard
and fight well.
This is a great opportunity to get
a youngster started on fly fishing. The
lake environment is a lot more forgiving than a trout stream and the fishing
can be much more rewarding, since it
is difficult for a beginner to achieve
much success in a trout stream. The
lake fishing doesnt demand much
in the way of accuracy or distance
casting and it is a great chance to develop both before moving on to more
demanding fishing.n

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MAY 2016 - WNW NEWS

small and you can magnify the fun

by fighting those small fish on a light
rod.
The best technique for this fishing
is to wade the shallows, if the bottom
permits, or drift along in a small boat,
just tossing the popper up to the water
that is from two to three feet deep.
Any sort of cover is apt to harbor fish
and that would include docks, swim
rafts, logs, rocks, weeds, or reeds. At
this time of the spring, you can catch
a bass in 18 inches of water if there
are just a few reeds to shelter the fish.
Deeper water can be a substitute for
cover so watch the area where the
water gets deeper, where the color
changes. Bass will lurk in the depth
break and dash in to take a small fish
or a minnow or your lure. When the
bluegills are getting ready to spawn,
they will often stage just outside of
the shallows, in perhaps three or four
feet of water. If the nights are cold,
look for the bluegills to be in that
depth until the water warms up in the
afternoon.
The big bluegills are at least as
much fun as the bass to catch. They
will absolutely blast that popper,
sometimes coming right out of the
water to do so, and then they fight
the rod, getting sideways and moving
around the boat in big circles. A handsized bluegill will out-pull a bass that
is twice as big and you really have
to give them a lot of credit for their

49

WINTER'S ONSET IMPACTS THE WHITETAIL RUT

Im the first to admit, this is
complicated stuff. And, Ive
not even touched on all the
possible long-term effects...

iming of the whitetails rut

is determined by photoperiod the ratio of daylight
to darkness. The diminishing amount of daylight
in autumn triggers physiological changes responsible for the whitetails
breeding cycle.
On northern range,
unlike in the South, this
breeding window is narrow and assures maximum
fawn survival, because
fawns are born in spring
when food and cover are
plentiful. In turn, this produces a predator swamping effect, meaning predators are overwhelmed
with potential prey, and
a higher percentage of
fawns survive.
Other factors, most notably nutrition and social behavior, also come
into play to determine precisely
when -- or if -- an individual doe
enters estrus, breeds, and conceives
young.
Interestingly, on northern range,
length of the whitetail rut will be
governed chiefly by onset of winter
weather -- being abruptly shortened
should cold weather and heavy
snowfall occur abnormally early (as
in 2014-15), but prolonged during
years with delayed winter onset (as
in 2015-16).

comparable to that reported throughout northern whitetail range.

Note that I said this is the case
under ideal nutritional and social
conditions -- unfortunately, in the
real world ideal conditions seldom
prevail.
Typically, poorly nourished does
achieve sexual maturity
later than normal, or in
some cases might fail to
breed. However, even
behavioral stress can disrupt the whitetails normal estrus cycle. In most
cases, nutritional stress
and behavioral stress go
hand-in-hand. That is, as
deer densities and social
stresses increase, the
herds nutritional plane
typically declines. Conversely, deer are better
nourished when their numbers are
kept low and social stress in minimal.
But dont forget, other complicating behavioral factors are sometimes involved, depending upon the
individuals state of sexual maturity,
reproductive history, social standing
within the herd, and even general
herd demographics -- as Ill detail
later.

YEARLING DOE BREEDING

By John Ozoga

MAY 2016 - WNW NEWS

FACTORS TO CONSIDER

50

Given ideal nutritional and

social conditions, in the absence of
doe fawn breeding, my investigations revealed that 93 percent of
does 1.5 years of age and older bred
during November in the Upper
Peninsula of Michigan. The mean
breeding date for my enclosed study
herd was November 17, which is

DOE FAWN BREEDING

Variations in birth timing and
post-weaning nutrition will have the
greatest impact upon the potential
breeding performance of young female deer (i.e., fawns and yearlings).
Doe fawns must be skeletally
large and fat to achieve sexual maturity. Even under the best circumstances, less than 10 percent of the
doe fawns generally breed on northern range, annually.
In my research experience, under
varying nutrition levels, I found

Severe winter onset can shorten the northern rut and contribute to an increase in the proportion of non-pregnant does -- not to mention other potential consequences. Kenny Darwin photos
Its important to recognize that
large, lean doe fawns and small, fat
tember. Given a favorable supply
early December.
this physiological process takes time
of nutritious forage during autumn,
ones, none of which bred. ThereRegardless, even the most
they can double their body weight
fore, Im inclined to believe that doe -- as well as ideal conditions. On
physically-fit northern doe fawns
northern range, fawns born durbetween weaning and the start of
fawns must achieve a certain critinormally dont breed until Deceming late May or June are normally
winter, but do not reach their maxical fat to lean body composition to
ber or January. Obviously, early
weaned during August or early Sepmum body size and fatness until
achieve puberty.
onset of cold weather, deep snow

To some degree, the same factors

can determine the prospective breeding performance of yearling does
(1.5-year-olds), especially if they
had not achieved sexual maturity as
fawns.
Typically, yearling does raised
on nutritionally subpar summer
range exhibit delayed sexual maturity, achieve estrus later than normal
during the rut, and conceive fewer
fawns, if any at all. For example,
prior to supplemental feeding, about
one-third of the yearling does in our
Upper Michigan enclosure studies
failed to breed, whereas all in that
age class conceived young and fetal
rates more than doubled when the
herd was supplementally fed.
Normally, even healthy yearling
does achieve estrus several days
or more later as compared to older
does. (This is behaviorally adaptive
because it provides for orderly use
of available fawning habitat on the
family range.) As an age-class, yearling does appear especially sensitive
to social factors, tending to breed a
week or more later than mature does
at high herd density, regardless of
their nutritional level.
Interestingly, yearling does also
tend to be more receptive to the
courtship style of yearling bucks,
but tend to be intimidated by mature
bucks. As a result, even prevailing
herd buck age structure can account
for delayed breeding among does
and a prolonged rut.
Whatever the cause for delayed
estrus maybe, there is ample field

evidence that many yearling does,

and even some older does, do not
achieve estrus and conceive fawns
during winters of early onset -hence contributing to an abbreviated
rut.

ADULT DOE BREEDING

Normally, well-fed and healthy
adult does breed earlier than malnourished ones, generally during
early November. In contrast, pioneering research conducted by Michigan researchers revealed that the
mating season of does malnourished
during autumn often did not begin
until November 17 and extended to
December 31.
Also, adult does not nursing
fawns in summer enter the autumn
rut in better-than-average physical
vigor; they tend to breed earlier and
conceive larger litters as compared
to does burdened with nursing fawns
-- but this tendency is closely linked
to post-weaning nutritional conditions and complicating social factors.
I found that the young does
fawn-rearing success can determine
the timing of her estrus a year later.
In my studies, well-nourished does
that failed to raise young when 2
years old, on average, bred significantly later than others of same age
that raised young (November 25
versus November 17, respectively).
Given the enormous nutritional
requirements of fawn-rearing, one
would normally expect just the opposite.
As I have discussed in other
articles, this late-breeding trait is
probably linked to social stress
(namely maternal domination) that
is accompanied by an imbalance of
adrenal hormones that has an inhibitory effect on breeding performance.
In white-tailed deer maternal success largely determines the primiparous does social standing; those
who fail to rear fawns at 2 years of
age revert to yearling behavior by
seeking their mothers leadership. It
seems such subordination and/or intrafamily strife results in physiological stress, independent of commonly
observed nutritional constraints
regulating onset of estrus.

Winter's onset next page

MAY 2016 - WNW NEWS

cover and associated stress factors

tend to negatively impact doe fawn
physical development and just about
eliminate their breeding prospects.
Ultimately, such conditions shorten
the rut and set the stage for potential
high natural mortality among animals in this young age class during
winter.
Conversely, a timely birth, ideal
summer nutrition, abundant energyrich autumn food sources (such as
acorns and farm crops), and delayed
winter stress onset will enhance doe
fawn physical development, increase
their chances of reaching sexual maturity, and contribute to an extended
rut period.

51

WINTER'S ONSET IMPACTS THE WHITETAIL RUT

Im the first to admit, this is
complicated stuff. And, Ive
not even touched on all the
possible long-term effects...

iming of the whitetails rut

is determined by photoperiod the ratio of daylight
to darkness. The diminishing amount of daylight
in autumn triggers physiological changes responsible for the whitetails
breeding cycle.
On northern range,
unlike in the South, this
breeding window is narrow and assures maximum
fawn survival, because
fawns are born in spring
when food and cover are
plentiful. In turn, this produces a predator swamping effect, meaning predators are overwhelmed
with potential prey, and
a higher percentage of
fawns survive.
Other factors, most notably nutrition and social behavior, also come
into play to determine precisely
when -- or if -- an individual doe
enters estrus, breeds, and conceives
young.
Interestingly, on northern range,
length of the whitetail rut will be
governed chiefly by onset of winter
weather -- being abruptly shortened
should cold weather and heavy
snowfall occur abnormally early (as
in 2014-15), but prolonged during
years with delayed winter onset (as
in 2015-16).

comparable to that reported throughout northern whitetail range.

Note that I said this is the case
under ideal nutritional and social
conditions -- unfortunately, in the
real world ideal conditions seldom
prevail.
Typically, poorly nourished does
achieve sexual maturity
later than normal, or in
some cases might fail to
breed. However, even
behavioral stress can disrupt the whitetails normal estrus cycle. In most
cases, nutritional stress
and behavioral stress go
hand-in-hand. That is, as
deer densities and social
stresses increase, the
herds nutritional plane
typically declines. Conversely, deer are better
nourished when their numbers are
kept low and social stress in minimal.
But dont forget, other complicating behavioral factors are sometimes involved, depending upon the
individuals state of sexual maturity,
reproductive history, social standing
within the herd, and even general
herd demographics -- as Ill detail
later.

YEARLING DOE BREEDING

By John Ozoga

MAY 2016 - WNW NEWS

FACTORS TO CONSIDER

50

Given ideal nutritional and

social conditions, in the absence of
doe fawn breeding, my investigations revealed that 93 percent of
does 1.5 years of age and older bred
during November in the Upper
Peninsula of Michigan. The mean
breeding date for my enclosed study
herd was November 17, which is

DOE FAWN BREEDING

Variations in birth timing and
post-weaning nutrition will have the
greatest impact upon the potential
breeding performance of young female deer (i.e., fawns and yearlings).
Doe fawns must be skeletally
large and fat to achieve sexual maturity. Even under the best circumstances, less than 10 percent of the
doe fawns generally breed on northern range, annually.
In my research experience, under
varying nutrition levels, I found

Severe winter onset can shorten the northern rut and contribute to an increase in the proportion of non-pregnant does -- not to mention other potential consequences. Kenny Darwin photos
Its important to recognize that
large, lean doe fawns and small, fat
tember. Given a favorable supply
early December.
this physiological process takes time
of nutritious forage during autumn,
ones, none of which bred. ThereRegardless, even the most
they can double their body weight
fore, Im inclined to believe that doe -- as well as ideal conditions. On
physically-fit northern doe fawns
northern range, fawns born durbetween weaning and the start of
fawns must achieve a certain critinormally dont breed until Deceming late May or June are normally
winter, but do not reach their maxical fat to lean body composition to
ber or January. Obviously, early
weaned during August or early Sepmum body size and fatness until
achieve puberty.
onset of cold weather, deep snow

To some degree, the same factors

can determine the prospective breeding performance of yearling does
(1.5-year-olds), especially if they
had not achieved sexual maturity as
fawns.
Typically, yearling does raised
on nutritionally subpar summer
range exhibit delayed sexual maturity, achieve estrus later than normal
during the rut, and conceive fewer
fawns, if any at all. For example,
prior to supplemental feeding, about
one-third of the yearling does in our
Upper Michigan enclosure studies
failed to breed, whereas all in that
age class conceived young and fetal
rates more than doubled when the
herd was supplementally fed.
Normally, even healthy yearling
does achieve estrus several days
or more later as compared to older
does. (This is behaviorally adaptive
because it provides for orderly use
of available fawning habitat on the
family range.) As an age-class, yearling does appear especially sensitive
to social factors, tending to breed a
week or more later than mature does
at high herd density, regardless of
their nutritional level.
Interestingly, yearling does also
tend to be more receptive to the
courtship style of yearling bucks,
but tend to be intimidated by mature
bucks. As a result, even prevailing
herd buck age structure can account
for delayed breeding among does
and a prolonged rut.
Whatever the cause for delayed
estrus maybe, there is ample field

evidence that many yearling does,

and even some older does, do not
achieve estrus and conceive fawns
during winters of early onset -hence contributing to an abbreviated
rut.

ADULT DOE BREEDING

Normally, well-fed and healthy
adult does breed earlier than malnourished ones, generally during
early November. In contrast, pioneering research conducted by Michigan researchers revealed that the
mating season of does malnourished
during autumn often did not begin
until November 17 and extended to
December 31.
Also, adult does not nursing
fawns in summer enter the autumn
rut in better-than-average physical
vigor; they tend to breed earlier and
conceive larger litters as compared
to does burdened with nursing fawns
-- but this tendency is closely linked
to post-weaning nutritional conditions and complicating social factors.
I found that the young does
fawn-rearing success can determine
the timing of her estrus a year later.
In my studies, well-nourished does
that failed to raise young when 2
years old, on average, bred significantly later than others of same age
that raised young (November 25
versus November 17, respectively).
Given the enormous nutritional
requirements of fawn-rearing, one
would normally expect just the opposite.
As I have discussed in other
articles, this late-breeding trait is
probably linked to social stress
(namely maternal domination) that
is accompanied by an imbalance of
adrenal hormones that has an inhibitory effect on breeding performance.
In white-tailed deer maternal success largely determines the primiparous does social standing; those
who fail to rear fawns at 2 years of
age revert to yearling behavior by
seeking their mothers leadership. It
seems such subordination and/or intrafamily strife results in physiological stress, independent of commonly
observed nutritional constraints
regulating onset of estrus.

Winter's onset next page

MAY 2016 - WNW NEWS

cover and associated stress factors

tend to negatively impact doe fawn
physical development and just about
eliminate their breeding prospects.
Ultimately, such conditions shorten
the rut and set the stage for potential
high natural mortality among animals in this young age class during
winter.
Conversely, a timely birth, ideal
summer nutrition, abundant energyrich autumn food sources (such as
acorns and farm crops), and delayed
winter stress onset will enhance doe
fawn physical development, increase
their chances of reaching sexual maturity, and contribute to an extended
rut period.

51

Winter's onset
impacts the rut:
from page 51
In other words, this means that high
newborn fawn mortality rates (for
whatever reason) could lead to late
breeding among
2.5 year old does, and associated
consequences, should winter onset
commence early.
In these same studies, however,
I found no difference in breeding
dates of 3.5 year old adult does,
regardless of their earlier-fawn rearing success -- as long as they were
well-fed.

MAY 2016 - WNW NEWS

FIELD EVIDENCE

52

There is ample evidence that

severe winter onset can shorten the
northern rut and contribute to an
increase in the proportion of nonpregnant does -- not to mention
other potential consequences.
Michigan researchers documented
such an effect in 1985, when a sudden, bitter storm swept across the
Upper Peninsula on December 1.
The 2-day storm produced extreme
wind chill and heavy snow cover,
and the severest readings recorded
for the entire 20-week winter.
According to Louis Verme and
Robert Doepker, these adverse
weather conditions resulted in earlier than normal, probably exhausting, deer migration to traditional
wintering cover -some deer covering 40 to 50 miles between summer
and winter range. To make matters
even worse, according to the investigators, Most deeryards in this
region currently provide scant food,
and logging has fragmented these
conifer swamps, thereby seriously
reducing their cover value.
Nutritional deprivation ultimately became intense, and catastrophic
die-off of tightly yarded deer was
averted only by a fortuitous rapid
snowmelt in late March 1986.
Nevertheless, an estimated 77,000
animals died overwinter in the
[16,000+ square mile] regionApproximately 82 percent of the dead
deer that could be aged were fawns.
In those days, biologists routinely
conducted springtime dead deer surveys and examined road-killed deer
to determine relative deer physical
condition and reproductive performance.
During the 1950-1981 period,
biologists necropsied 3,151 adult

On northern range the breeding window is narrow and assures maximum fawn survival, because fawns are born in spring when
food and cover are plentiful.
does in the Upper Peninsula (UP);
The difference in timing of
ber and December 2015 -hence,
only 4.7 percent were not pregnant. winter onset this past two years
minimal weather-related stress
By comparison, 11 of 63 does (17.5 was as extreme as any Ive ever
during the rut. As a result, few deer
percent) examined in 1986 were not experienced here in the Upper Great migrated to their traditional winpregnant.
Lakes region.
tering habitat until January. This
A similar situation occurred in
For example, the winter of
lag in cold weather onset no doubt
Saskatchewan. In 1984, autumn
2014-15 started with cold temperamade it possible for some otherwise
weather was especially cold with
tures, a strong northwest wind, and
physically-unfit young deer to reach
heavy snowfall. Some areas had
heavy lake-effect snow on Novemfavorable physical size and fatness
30 inches of snow cover by the
ber 11. The several day storm left
necessary to achieve estrus, thereby
end of November. As a result, deer
2 to 4 feet of snow cover across
prolonging the rut.
were prevented from feeding on
northern portions of the UP. This
waste grain in farm fields, a food
caused massive deer migration from CONCLUSIONS
Im the first to admit, this is
source they normally depend upon.
summer to winter range much earcomplicated
stuff. And, Ive not
Ordinarily, deer in that province are lier than usual, even several weeks
even
touched
on all the possible
extremely productive, averaging 2.1 earlier than in 1985, when Verme
long-term
effects.
Clearly, however,
fetuses per doe, with a non-pregnant and Doepker reported that over 17
although
reduced
photoperiod
is the
rate of only two percent. However,
percent of the adult does failed to
primary
trigger
setting
start
of
the
during the severe winter of 1984-85, breed due to weather induced stress.
normally
brief
northern
rut,
a
host
biologists reported that 16.4 percent As a result, Id be willing wager
of factors and various scenarios can
of the does they examined were not that 20 to 30 percent of the does in
either shorten or lengthen the northpregnant. Nearly equal numbers of
this northern region failed to breed
ern whitetails breeding season-- in
yearlings and older does were nonin 2014. (Biologists no longer coneither case, producing certain benpregnant following the rut; as was
duct scheduled deer necropsies in
efits as well as consequences.
also the case in Michigans UP.
spring, which would have proven or
Like it or not, winter weather
It is highly unlikely that these
refuted such claims.)
severity and quality of the deer winsimilar effects arose simply by
There was no dead deer survey
tering habitat dictate deer welfare
chance. To the contrary, wrote
conducted in the region in spring
and behavior on Northern range
Verme and Doepker, we contend
2015. However, preliminary esti-- its the prolonged winter that can
that in both instances highly stressmates indicate the 2015 gun season
be so devastating. Therefore, early
ful conditions relatively late in the
buck harvest was down about 20
winter onset can cause dramatic
rut inhibited folliculogenesis in as
percent from the previous year,
changes in deer behavior, as well as
yet unbred does, resulting in an
and about 45 percent lower than in
set the stage for heavy winter-kill
unusually high proportion - (162013, suggesting substantial natural and excessive newborn fawn mor17 percent) of barren does for the
deer mortality during the winter of
tality -- it all depends.
respective breeding seasons. One
2014-15. Current estimates indicate
If you hunt Northern whitetail
would surmise that this reproductive the Michigans UP deer population
range, be alert to the early starting
response occurs more frequently
is lower than its been in about 45
winter -- the one that starts in Nothan previously suspected where in- years.
vember, during the rut. Its certain
clement autumn weather occasionIn sharp contrast, deer in this
to change your hunting strategies
ally prevails in the northern fringe
region experienced unusually mild
and might ultimately impact your
of the white-tails range.
weather conditions during Novemfuture hunting prospects.n

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MAY 2016 - WNW NEWS

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53

Boat Smart: Classification/Labeling Revised...

PFD Update

hen inflatable personal floatation devices

(PFD) were being made
available to the general
public I wanted to determine their effectiveness
and security. Seven manufacturers provided samples
and in 2007 I assembled
a skilled group of safety
advocates and performed
testing exercises in a pool
and nearby waterway off a
moving vessel. We simulated
falling into the water off the
vessel and had a diver in the
water to record
the ability of each
PFD to place the
wearer in a face up position.
Underwriters Laboratories (UL)
and the Coast Guard Marine Safety
Departments worked with me to
correct a defect in design discovered
during my testing.
The inflatables have come a long
way since my first extensive evalu-

ation of them. In October, 2015 the

Coast Guard announced they are
working with the PFD community to
revise the classification and labeling
of PFDs. The Coast Guards removal
of type coding has come about because new PFDs offered for
testing and approval were
unable to be classified with
the current system. Their
abilities exceeded many
presently approved and typed
PFDs. When the revisions
are completed the hope is
information regarding the
various types will be easier
to understand.
A recent quote
by Chris Edmonston, Chairman of the National Safe
Boating Council stated; The boating
safety community believes this move
by the Coast Guard will help lead the
way toward more comfortable and
innovative life jacket designs, help
boaters stay on the right side of the
law, lower cost, and save lives. The

By Captain Fred Davis

TOTAL FOver
IR2,000EAGunsRinMStock
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Live Bait & Tackle Available

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( Mile South of Holt, 127 to Cedar St. exit, North 2 Miles)

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For information call (517) 676-4160

April 16 & 17 . . . . . . . . . 530 Tables . . . . . . . . . . . . Grand Rapids

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May 14 & 15 . . . . . . . . . 700 Tables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Birch Run
May 21 & 22 . . . . . . . . . 300 Tables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cheboygan
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June 4 & 5 . . . . . . . . . . . 900 Tables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Novi

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July 1,2,3 . . . . . . . . . . . . 440 Tables . . . . . . . . . . . Lansing/Mason
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MAY 2016 - WNW NEWS

Sport Shows Promotions, INC.

54

www.migunshows.com sportshows@gmail.com
P.O. Box 404 Mason, MI 48854
Ph: (517) 676-4160 Fax: (517) 676-6824

Manistee Little
Birch Run: Expo Ctr
River Casino
I-75 @ Exit 136
Intersection US.31 & M-22

Lansing/Mason Ingham
County Fairgrounds
700 E. Ash

Cheboygan Ice Arena

Flint:
Grand Rapids
480 Cleveland
Dort Federal Event Cntr.
28th St. Showplace
1256 28th St. S.W. Wyoming
I-69 @ Center Rd.
Monroe County
Fairgrounds
MBT Expo Center

Kalamazoo: County Fairgrounds

2900 Lake St.

Houghton Lake Event Ctr.

3451 W. Houghton Lk. Dr.

Novi
Suburban Collection Showplace
46100 Grand River

Harrison
Cadillac: Wexford Arena Clare County Fairgrounds
418 Fairlane
131 & 13th St.

Mustang M.I.T. 100 camo inflatable model MD2016 2017, USCG Approved Type III
Inflatable, www.mustangsurvival.com. Crewsaver 35 Sport, USCG Approved Type III
inflatable, www.crewsaver.com. Author photos
type coding was unique to the United
States, tended to confuse boaters,
limited choices and increased the cost.
Removing the coding will be the first
step toward adoption of new standards
that will simplify life jacket requirements for recreational boaters.
The Coast Guard has announced
the new rating system wont be in
place until 2017 but any present PFDs
in use will be acceptable for, the life
of the PFD. If you need a new PFD
buy one, dont wait for the review
process to complete. Lives will still
need to be protected.
Some inflatable PFDs have been approved for Type II and Type III use
but if you select an inflatable you need
to determine if it carries the current
approval number. The Coast Guard
points out it is important for consumers to register their inflatable PFDs
with the manufacturer because they
must have your information on file
to effectively contact you in a timely
manner regarding any recalls.
I will not attempt to outline the
use of an inflatable PFD. The various manufacturers provide detailed
instructions for use and care and I
highly recommend you thoroughly
review them prior to purchasing or
using an inflatable.
The inflatables approved for recreational use are limited but once again

I urge my readers to seek out those

that are approved. One I came across
while searching http://coastguardapprovedinflatablepfds.com was M.I.T.
100 Camo Inflatable (Automatic). It
carries the USCG UL 1180 approval
number 160.076 for Type III Recreational Use. It is a great choice for
fishing and waterfowl hunting because
of its Camo design and it also carries
the North American Fishing Clubs
approval seal.
Another recently approved Type
III inflatable is the Crewfit 35 Sport
www.crewsaver.com available at West
Marine, Defender, Landfall and other
retailers. The price is reasonable at
roughly $119 but shop around the
various outlets to check. I was able
to try this lifejacket on at the Miami
Boat Show in 2014 when it was first
introduced. It was very comfortable
to wear and is available in several
styles.
PFDs are a much in demand
product and new ones are being
introduced frequently. Be vigilant
as you make a selection that they are
appropriate for your use, that they fit
the wearer intended for and are USCG
approved.
I am looking forward to testing
the two PFDs I mentioned and will
include my evaluations in a future
column.n

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Minnows for Fast Fish Growth, Hybrid Bluegills.
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Gun Chat: Rifles, Pistols, Ammunition, Ballistics, Experimentation...

Hatchers Notebook
J
and with powder overloads. He also
experimented with burning quantities of powder. Hed seen stories in
the press of the time suggesting that
small quantities of powder could
blow up whole houses. His experiments led him to conclude that one
pound cans of powder,
such as those used by handloaders do not constitute any
particular fire hazard.
Hatcher concluded this
after building fires with cans
of powder set in them, waiting till the cans caught fire
and burst, and making note
of the results. IMR 4895
and Bullseye were two of
the powders used. (These
two powders are still in use today.)
Blackpowder was a bit more emphatic in its explosion and burning,
but Hatcher wrote, ...on the whole it
was less than we had feared.
He also did experiments in which
ammunition was cooked off while
resting on a bar of soap covered by
a sock. In most cases the soap was
barely dented. (Hatcher still stressed
proper handling of both powder and
loaded ammunition, of course.)
Hatcher began the book with a
chapter on the Springfield rifle, and
another on the Enfield. 1917. These
were followed with a chapter on the
.30-06 cartridge as used by the U.S.
military. Chapter Four and Five cover
automatic weapons and the sixth
takes up The Military Semiautomatic Rifle.
In later chapters Hatcher discussed ballistics and trajectory and
provided ballistic tables. He wrote
Chapter 11 entitled Block That
Kick and followed it with Chapter
12 The Theory Of Recoil. Chap-

By Lee Arten

ter 17, Random Notes on Various

Subjects discussed rifle and pistol
match ammunition, primers, accuracy
requirements, interior ballistics, and
powder temperature and changes in
muzzle velocity among other things.
Chapter 19, Recent Developments discusses the 7.62 X 51
(.308) cartridge, the T48 (FN-FAL)
the M14 rifle, M60 machine gun, and
the AR15. The .243 Winchester cartridge is also mentioned. This chapter
is dated now, but it is interesting to
see what firearms and calibers have
lasted from the late 1950s to the present day. (The 7.62X51 (.308) is still
going strong, although most of the
guns it is fired in are different today.)
There is a lot of information in
Hatchers Notebook. Till taking it
down for this review I hadnt read
my copy in a while. Despite that,
I wouldnt want to be without it. I
remember being most interested in
the Springfield and Enfield chapters
at one time. Later the chapters on
full-auto guns were more interesting.

Maybe, one day, I will understand

ballistics well enough to find the ballistics tables more interesting than the
rest of the book. A shooter, or collector, who cant find something of
interest in Hatchers Notebook isnt
really trying in my opinion.
A new edition of the book was
released in 2012. I found it and some
other versions on sale on Amazon,
prices ranged from under $20 to over
$100 depending on what edition was
listed. Used book sellers might also
have copies of the original, or the
various reprints.n

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grounds, parks and recreation areas.

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MAY 2016 - WNW NEWS

ulian S. Hatcher was an army

officer, and a shooter. He was
a member of several shooting organizations, including
the United States Revolver
Association and the National
Rifle Association. He competed at the
National Matches at Camp
Perry, Ohio and represented
the U.S. at rifle and pistol
matches in England, Switzerland and other European
countries.
Hatcher was a Distinguished Pistol Shot and also
wrote books about firearms
and shooting. In fact, one
can trace his career by
the titles he used on his
books. In my reference collection is
Pistols And Revolvers by Major Julian S. Hatcher Ordnance Department
U.S. Army. It was published in 1927.
Hatchers Notebook was by-lined Julian S. Hatcher Major General USA,
Retired.
Hatchers Notebook was first
printed in 1947 and reprinted in
1948, 1952, and 1957 by Telegraph
Books. Another edition was brought
out in 1962 by Stackpole Books. It
was followed by a second Stackpole
edition in 1966.
A friend and I were reading
Hatchers Notebook, at the same
time, several years ago and he said
something like,
It must have been fun to have
his job. If he wanted to find out what
made a Springfield 1903 blow up
he just requisitioned some and tried
things till they blew up.
Hatcher did experiments with
rifles with bores plugged with cosmoline, with stuckbullets, rifles with
sand and water drops in the muzzles,

55

Great Products...By Jacob VanHouten

MICHIGAN MADE
AT 2016 SHOT SHOW

umerous (60 plus registered)

Michigan companies were
represented at this years
Shooting Hunting Outdoor
Trade, (SHOT Show) in Las
Vegas (presented by NSSF
National Shooting Sports Foundation).
This is the largest trade show of its
kind, open only to business/trade (not
open to the public). Michigan was
well represented by the big boys
such as Carhart, Wolverine (shoes),
Vanguard (optics), Grabber (hand/
body warmers), Leapers (arms) and
Trijicon (optics/scopes/military) but

New for 2016!

also the smaller firms such as Jays

Sporting Goods, Duncans Outdoors
and Marble Arms of Gladstone.
I had a chance to swing by several
booths to chat with some of the company representatives during the busy
show. Although this show takes place
over four days, usually in late January,
you really need all of that and more
to cover the huge square footage that
takes up an entire conference/show
hall, consisting of three floors of solid
business booming. People from
all over the world come to talk trade
and do business. Heck, even Donald

Church Tackle Co.

Mini Lock-Jaw

Locking Arm
easy to open & close

Adjustment Screw

An all new type of planer!

rch Tackle Co.

Chu

MAY 2016 - WNW NEWS

Easy to attach and remove.

Great for trolling in congested areas and more effective contour trolling along
drop offs contour lines, reef edges and weed lines in rivers, lakes or the ocean.
Effective for all species. Run more lines out the back of the boat by staggering
the Stern Planers. Run any distance from the boat yet maintain desired depth.

56

A Proven
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Hole for drop weights

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Pad
Line Protector inside
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2 3/4 Long
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WE DIDNT INVENT CLIPS,

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The TX-44 is the first and the only in line planer to pull the large Divers, Lead Core,
Weighs 17 grams & 2 3/4 long
Weighs only 11 grams
Wire or Copper Lines and Heavy Weights. The size of the TX-44 makes it harder for
3/4 wide
1 7/8 long, wide
fish to pull the board under, however it is still easy to retrieve. The Vise Clip comes
standard with the TX-44; especially designed for lead core & copper, makes
30#test
30#test
accidental release almost impossible.
monofilament
TX-44 is now also available in a Tournament power pro
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give the fly, spoon or cut-bait head more of a darting
action. 2 attachment holes on the fins deliver a wider
range of actions to choose from. Rotates 360 degrees.
Works great with the cut-bait heads like the Shock Wave
and with any lure, live or cut bait.
No fish can resist the Revelator

Lock-Jaw

Release
Prevention

Part# 30610 (14 x 4 1/4 x 7/8)

(7 long, weighs about 1.5 oz)

Locking Arm
easy to open & close

Adjustment
Screw

TX-44 Super Planer

TX-007 Stern Planer & TX-005 Mini Stern Planer

The Revelator

Trump showed up this year to talk

about his campaign and add that his
two sons love to hunt. I have to say it
was odd seeing The Donald there.
One of my favorite Michigan companies with a long and storied history
is the Marble Arms Company from
Gladstone in the U.P. of Michigan
(www.marblearms.com). I stopped by
the booth and chatted with Craig Lauerman and his family history with the
company. From knives (my grandpa
had several) to modern arms accessories, this company has flourished for
over 100 years. They now focus on
being The leader in iron gun sights.
In business since 1892, I think these
guys have it together!
Wolverine, makers of the world
famous Hushpuppy brand of shoe,
is located in Rockford (www.wolverine.com) and has a long line of shoes
and boots for the outdoor enthusiast. I
grew up near Rockford and remember
them as being a great local company,
loyal to area folks.
Grabber hand, feet and body
warmers (www.kobayashi.com) were

WE DIDNT INVENT THE PLANER BOARD, WE JUST PERFECTED IT!

Release
This clip may be mini but when it comes to holding power its second Hole for drop weights
Prevention
or other applications
only to its big brother, the original Lock-Jaw! Holds mono, super
braids, power pro, lead core or copper lines without damaging the line!
The Mini Lock-Jaw fits The Walleye Board, TX-44, TX-22, TX-12 & TX-6
Replaceable
1 7/8 Long
planer boards, but we recommend the full size Lock-Jaw for the TX-44.
Pad
1/2 Wide
The Mini Lock-Jaw is designed to fit other side planers, drop weights and
Locator holes for
works for many other applications.
attaching
to side-planers
Part# 40620, 2pk Color - yellow Replacement Pads part# 40701 6/pk

(10 1/4 long, weighs about 3 oz)

Marble Arms of Gladstone Michigan at the SHOT show. Author photo

The Shock Wave - Shock Wave cut-bait holder rotates for

better fish catching action. Three adjustment holes make it easy to

adjust leader length by simply pulling the line in or out. Available in
light green, white, red, glow and chrome color body with assorted tape
colors to choose from.

No need for toothpicks!

For light to heavy

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Holds
10# plus!!

10#

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the spike penetrates cut bait to keep it in place!

Please check with your local tackle shop first, if they dont carry our products visit us at www.churchtackle.com to view all
of our great American made fishing gear, or call us at 269-934-8528 to request a catalog.

10#

made in the Grand Rapids area but

have recently been purchased and
combined with the Hot Hands brand
owned by a Japanese company. They
still make great products for the outdoors inclined.
I also ran into Duran Martinez of
Wild Michigan Radio Show (Holt,
MI www.wildmichiganradio.com).
He was visiting the Scentrex new
10X- Stratum product for out layer
scent IQ clothing for hunters. It is
due to be released this fall so keep an
eye out for this new product that will
keep you scent free longer.
My old friends from AGLOW
(Association of Great Lakes Outdoor
Writers) and OWAA (Outdoor Writers of America) Kevin and Andrew
Howard spent some time showing
me all the new stuff coming out from
Winchester and Browning. Browning is introducing something that I am
really excited about and that is they
are entering the crossbow market with
the new ZeroSeven Series crossbow line (www.browningcrossbows.
com). It is the culmination of years
of design and development with four
new patented innovations. I literally
cant wait to get my hands of one of
these great bows when they come out
later this year keep your eyes open
for that!
Also, Master Sportsman (www.
mastersportsman.com) is introducing their new line of sleeping bags
under the reliable Slumberjack line
that we all remember and have loved
(www.slumberjack.com). One of the
more interesting folks I chatted with
was Callahan Callie Wolverton of
Girls with Guns fame. They produce womens apparel and shooting
accessories. Started by a couple of
girls with guns in their garage, this
business has grown exponentially
over the last few years. Check em out
at www.gwgclothing.com.
There are many more excellent
products made in Michigan as well as
all over the US and it was encouraging to see the wide variety of outdoor
hunting and shooting sports equipment on display and ready to be marketed to us the consumer. The show
gets larger every year, so its a great
time to be involved in the outdoors.
Check out all the new stuff for
2016 and enjoy!n

A great month to be on the water...By Mark Sak

Mays best fishing

ay is one of the great

months to be on the water
in Michigan. Warming temps, bug hatches
and water settling into a
stratification and better
overall condition after the April melt
brings a lot of boats out of storage.
Many seasons are finally in full swing
at least in the Lower Peninsula and
the fish are usually quite cooperative.
Here is my list for places to target if
you want some prime fishing in the
month of May.

Lake St. Clair

Lake St. Clair tops my list of

places to fish for several reasons.
Anglers can target St Clairs famous
smallmouth bass in the catch and release season, but the other big reason
is there are still big numbers of walleye and perch to be caught. I would
venture to say May is one of the best
months to fish open water walleyes on
Lake St. Clair. Many fish come out
of the Detroit River spawn and head
north to St Clair. They are chasing
bait that prefers the cooler water temperatures that Lake Huron offers.
I ve always thought about walleyes as soon as I see the Lilacs bloom
in May because that is the time they
reach Port Huron, where Ive spent
many a night drifting below the Blue
Water Bridge. The other big factor
that makes this my top spot is the
walleyes in St Clair this time of year
are big. It is not uncommon to hook
up with an 8-pound walleye on St
Clair in the month of May. Crawler
harnesses shine on St Clair this time
of year and weeds are really not a
problem until mid-June.

Houghton Lake

Holloway Reservoir

Holloway Reservoir is another

great spot to fish in May. Looking
at a topo map may make an angler
more confused and anxious than they
should be. The Flint River winds all
over this impoundment and Holloway
has an upper and a lower reservoir.
We entered an all species tournament
a few years back and came in second
place bringing in five different species of fish. Holloway is known for
its walleye population and at one time
had more walleyes per square foot
than any other inland lake in Michigan. Today it is more diversified with
smallmouth bass really gaining a
foothold. Holloway also offers good
bluegill, crappie and catfish angling
opportunities. The Flint River does
not have lead in it. The lead issue in
the city came from the hard water
of the river interacting with old lead
pipes releasing the lead from those
pipes. It is as safe to fish Holloway as
any other body of water in Michigan.

The author believes May

is one of the best months
to fish open water walleyes
on Lake St. Clair.
where the waves are a little smaller
and the fish are very willing. Crankbaits like the hot-n-tot still produce
very well and it is a great place to refine your crawler harness techniques.
Smallmouth are also really coming
into their own on Saginaw Bay as are
Pike. The perch can also be dynamite
if you can find the school. In May it
can be more difficult than in the fall
but there is still great perch fishing to
be had.
These are my top picks for the
May bite, but any inland lake will be
good this time of year. For pan fish
try the new tungsten ice flies that are
being marketed to ice anglers. I have

found that they work perfectly on a

slip bobber and when tipped with a
wax worm, they are unbeatable in
open water situations. When fishing
the old standby crawler harnesses here
is my tip of the week. Throw a stinger
hook on the back. How many times
have we pulled up our spinner only to
find the tail nipped off? Put a small
stinger on that back hook and connect
with those fish this year.
Dont forget to follow the
anglers legacy this year and take
someone new fishing. I hope you
have a safe and productive fishing
season this spring and Ill see you
on the water.n

Saginaw Bay

Saginaw Bay also makes this list.

There is a good reason the DNR just
increased the creel limit on walleyes
in Saginaw Bay. There are plenty of
them. So much so that they are now
eating themselves out of bait. May is
the perfect month to fish the inner bay

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Another great lake to fish during

May is Houghton Lake. Houghton
is Michigans largest inland lake and
sports a really nice walleye fishery.
It is one of the best months to fish it
because weeds are less of an issue in

May. Slip bobber fishing was very

popular back when Houghton battled
a huge weed problem. Today small
crawler harnesses with cone weights
above the swivel and number two
Indiana blades can still produce lots
of fish and allow for covering more
water. Walleyes in Houghton are the
perfect eating size and many days
limits can be had. There is also a
good population of nice bluegills in
Houghton Lake. A little tougher to
find most folks use their electric trolling motor and move slowly around
the middle grounds until they connect
with a bluegill.

57

MICHIGANS PAST WOLF HISTORY

I

n looking back...80 to 100-year-old newspapers

held a wealth of information about wolves:

St. Ignace Enterprise, August 12, 1915

Approximately 725 wolves were killed in
Michigan during the fiscal year ending July 1. The
number may be a little larger than that because in
some northern counties the bounty is higher than in
others farther south. This number is figured by the
number spent by the state.
During the year the state expended just
$9,039.50. Under the law the state reimburses the
various counties one-half, although the state will
not settle for any bounty higher than $25.
Provided all counties paid the same bounties, the total sum spent for the killings would be
$18,079. But some counties pay as high as $40 a
hide, which would increase the total money spent
considerably, although it would not fix the states
payment any higher. It is thought here to average
about $12.50 a wolf.
St. Ignace Enterprise, Feb. 17, 1916
Mackinac County since October 15th last has
paid in bounties for wolves, lynx and wildcats 147.
(One-half of this will be returned by the state on the
presentation of the proper certificates by the clerk.)
These bounties were paid on four wolves at $25
each, nine wildcats at $3 each and four lynx at $5
each.
The Republican-News, December 5, 1935
Nearly 40,000 deer hunters crossed the Straits
of Mackinac during the recent hunting season, State
Highway Commissioner Murray D. Van Wagoner
has reported. (The amount represents the traffic
both north and south bound).
Conservation officers announced Tuesday
that a total of 4,765 deer, 47 bears, 22 coyotes, six
bobcats and five wolves had been transported south
across the Straits since the beginning of the season.
A Menominee, Michigan newspaper 1915
In 1915, Gogebic County redeemed 27 wolf
pelts and from that date on numbers increased to
335 pelts in 1920. Ontonagon Countys average
for four years was 52 bountied wolves;
however, 1919 claims rose to 133; 1920 to
220; 1921 to 235. One western UP trapper was investigated in Iron and Gogebic
counties for receiving $5,000 in bounties
in less than two years. He only had six
traps and a partner. The two men had
bountied 248 wolf and coyote pelts in five
counties in nine months for profit.
Newberry News report from
Luce County in 193l
During the winter of l931,
state trappers removed some 71
wolves from just Luce County alone.
Two Detroit newspapers published in l871
Three Detroit hunters in the woods of northern Michigan brought into town from Gladwin
County, the sum of 75 wolf skins. These animals
were captured by means of a wholesale slaughter
wolf trap. It consisted of a two story log cabin in
which the bottom story held large doors on two
sides so constructed as to be drawn up and let down
at the will of those situated above. For bait, old
broken-down horses were employed, as this kind of
varmint likes its prey living. When several wolves
were decoyed into the log structure the doors were

Rick Baetsen photo

let down and the animals were entrapped. Then by
taking up a loose board in the floor of the second
story, the hunters were enabled to shoot the imprisoned beasts. When this trick failed, a horse was
tied to a nearby tree in the woods, where
the wolves on coming to their prey, were
exposed to their ambushed enemies. Generally in either instance, one horse stood
for eight wolves before it died.
An Oscoda newspaper reports wolves
being in Lower Michigan in 1871
During the early 1870s, wolves were
commonplace in most of Northern11.7
Lower Michigan and of course
the entire Upper Peninsula. Reports of wolves came from Iosco
County. This described incident involved couples
being transported by hay wagon to attend a dance
held in an outlying area. It was stated that one man
was positioned at the rear of the wagon where he
hand-held a kerosene lantern to discourage wolves
from following too closely as the slowing plodding horse teams wended their way along Old State
Road to the party.

MAY 2016 - WNW NEWS

By Betty Sodders

58

Historically, Michigans
Bounty System Included Wolves

It is impossible to discuss our states gray wolf

earlier existence without mentioning our Michigan
Bounty System. A law was passed in l838 by the

Michigan Legislature placing a bounty on the wolf.

Wildcat and lynx were included on the list by
l897. The year 1917, brought about bounties levied
against fox, owl, hawk and weasel. Crows made
the wanted posters by 1919 along with the common woodchuck. While coyote was included with
wolves on the first bounty issued, it remained so
until 1935, when it was considered a separate and
individual species. At that time, coyotes did not
exist in far western Upper Peninsula counties with
a WPA Report from Gogebic County stating that
fact.
But what once originated with the gray wolf,
again started with the same animal, for in 1934
bounties were once more reinstated on the wolf,
coyote and bobcat. However, let me point out, that
the wolf bounty was again repealed by 1959.
Why? Well, mainly due to the fact; that of all
the bountied animals, the wolf fared the worse. A
lack of wilderness in certain areas, mans ingrained
fear of this ancient predator, villain of fables and
legends, plus the bountied price placed on its hide,
simply did the wolf in. Incidentally, a wolf was
bountied for the sum of $25, which at that particular
time was a monetary sum relatively regarded in the
range of big bucks! A trapper, hunter or even a
farmer thought it worthwhile to do a little wolf
killing on the side. In fact, one Menominee
County newspaper stated that a young 14-year-old
Faithhorn lad helped his family out through

Under endangered species status, wolves may be killed

only in the immediate defense of human life.
months old. Half the cost of the bounty was paid
by the state, half by the county. In its first year,
the state paid out $1,128 for wolf bounties, but the
figure jumped to $1,245 and to $1,938 in 1840.
For nearly 60 years the 1840 expenditure was
not exceeded in any year. Minor changes were
made in the law from time to time, but no significant alterations were made until 1897. In that year,
the Legislature established a bounty of $15 on
wolves and $7 on pups under six months old. The
bounty on an adult wolf became $25 in 1903.
Annual payments began to rise to reach

$7,156 in 1909 and $10,022.50 in 1915. In 1917,

the bounty on wolves became $35 for adults, $15
for pups.
Following World War I, bounty racketeers
began to operate on a large scale and payments
skyrocketed that by 1921, the states bounty system
paid out $159,871.58. During those bountiful years
there developed a flourishing business of importing pelts of wolves (mostly coyotes) which were
not distinguished from gray wolves in the bounty
payments from western and southwestern states.
It wasnt a bad investment buying Dakota coyote
pelts for $3 and selling them to Michigan for $35.
A pair of operators submitted 248 pelts to western
Northern Peninsula counties for payment, and collected $8,680 for nine months of trafficking.
After the repeal of the bounties, a system of
state warden hunters was instituted this lasted until
June of 1934. During this period a total of l4410
predators (bobcats, coyotes, foxes and wolves) was
reported destroyed, at a total cost of $508,872.13...
an average cost of $35.04 per animal) To be sure,
large numbers of other animals were killed also
by the warden-hunters traps, guns., and poisons;
but these were mostly porcupines, migrant hawks,
woodchucks and other species which were beneficial; neutral, or negligible as regards to their effect
on game. Inasmuch as game was the chief concern
of the sportsmen whose license fees paid for the
system, they didnt like it. So much dissatisfaction raised that warden-hunters and renewal of the
bounties finally prevailed. State bounties since
1934 have been confined to wolves, coyotes and
Northern Peninsula bobcats. Rates of $15 for a
male; $20 for females are modest compared with
the rates in the heyday of 1917-21.
...From such incidents, minor in themselves,
as well as from the ugly frauds of 25 years ago, it is
clear that the bounty system tends to beget dishonesty that defeats the purpose of the system. A low
bounty is only a minor incentive for a man to hunt
or trap unless he does it for sport or to get rid on an
animal that is causing him direct loss. Such low
bounties usually are paid for animals that would
be taken anyway. A bounty high enough to make
trapping or hunting profitable invites the swindler
to do his worse.

Conclusion

Today, the gray wolf is documented to only

exist across the Upper Peninsula, although a DNR
study has been scheduled to take place in Northern
Lower Michigan from February 16 through March

13.
A Michigan Department of Natural Resources
webmail written by wildlife habitat biologist Debbie Munson Badini (Marquette) advised... Returning wolf management to wildlife professionals
in the state of Michigan is critical to retaining a
recovered, healthy, and socially-accepted wolf
population in our state, said DNR Director Keith
Creagh. Michigan residents who live with wolves
deserve to have a full range of tools available to
sustainably manage that population in our state
Michigans wolf population number approximately 636 (1,500 plus if pups are counted) in the
states Upper Peninsula. With the return to federal
protection in December 2014, the DNR lost the
authority to use a variety of wolf management
methods, including lethal control to minimize wolf
conflict with humans, livestock and dogs. The
change in status also suspended state authority that
allowed livestock and dog owners to protect their
animals from wolf depredation when wolves are in
the act of attacking those animals.
A recent Associated Press report out of Lansing
read as follows regarding placing the wolves back
on the endangered species listing:
Lansing; A federal court judge has ordered
the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service to immediately
return wolves to the Great Lakes region to the
federal endangered species list, making it illegal for
Michigan citizens to kill wolves attacking livestock
or dogs.
Under endangered species status, wolves may
be killed only in the immediate defense of human
life.
Two state laws allowing livestock or dog
owners to kill wolves in the act of depredation
ae suspended by the ruling. Additionally, lethal
control permits previously issued by the MDR to
livestock farmers to address ongoing conflicts with
wolves are no longer valid; permit holders have
been contacted regarding this change.
The return to endangered species status also
means DNR wildlife and law enforcement officials
no longer have the authority to use lethal control
methods to manage wolf conflict.
Presently, weve come nearly full circle in
dealing with wolves across the Upper Peninsula as
did the early settlers in the 1800s which continued
well into the l930s and 1940s. Furthermore, new
evidence has surfaced where wolves are being
reported below the bridge in the Northern Lower
Peninsula. Perhaps history has a tendency to repeat
itself.n

MAY 2016 - WNW NEWS

trapping wolves.
A Report dated 1946 by the Michigan Department of Conservation (now known as the
Department of Natural Resources - DNR) was
titled Bounties Dont Work Out As They Are
Supposed To... by Donald W. Douglass and A.M.
Stebler, Game Division...
The Wolf is still with us! The 1945 Legislature allotted $40,000 for the payment of bounties
on wolves, coyotes, and Northern Peninsula bobcats during the year beginning July 1, 1945. By the
end of December, payments totaled $50,450, and
the carcasses were still coming in.
In other words, despite the fact that a substantial bounty on coyotes has been in effect for ten
years, their numbers are evidently greater than ever.
The bounty has not controlled them at all. And this
has been the story of bounties everywhere.
Many advocates of the bounty system apparently assume that it is something new and untried
by the state of Michigan, and that if it were only
given as fair trial, it would quickly prove itself.
The fact is that a state bounty is very nearly as old
as the state itself. In l838, one year after Michigan
became a state, the Legislature authorized the payment of a bounty of eight dollars on adult wolves
and four dollars on wolf pups less than three

59

A Full Plate Of Classic Bird Hunting Elements...By Tom Carney

Dream trip for an upland bird hunter

W
ith the rhythmic swaying, the lazy but steady
pace, and the warm sun
smiling upon us, the
temptation to doze as if
slowly trolling on a flat
lake in July was irresistible. And then
Kerchunk!
Whoa! There you go, said my
host and wagon mate Chris Morgan.
Now you know why the wheels
are wrapped in steel. And even then
they sometime get pounded so badly
theyll break or the wagon gets stuck.
Looking at this 2,500-chunk of
land near Thomasville, Georgia, anyone would call it flat. Closer inspection, however, would reveal tuft upon
tuft, and valleys in between; ankledeep flooded spots; lowlands and high
grounds on a miniature scale; just
enough to ensnare or trip up the casual
walker. Certainly enough to bounce
around a slow moving, mule-drawn
wagon.
Morgan and I rode out the day
with the occasional kerchunking of
the wagon jolting our lower backs or
blurring the photos we were taking
from the seat of our pants. The four
other members of our group braved
the elements with which the trail confronted them on horseback, apparently
a more uncomfortable way to go.
Thus, their aches and pains from the
first days ride appealed to my common sense and I changed my plans to
ride on the second day. Into the wagon
I went again.

At Sinkola Plantation, David James pilots the mule-drawn wagon and Elvis the English cocker spaniel keeps an eye out for any quail
he might be called upon to retrieve. Tailfeather Communications, LLC photos
Morgan, of Knoxville, Tennessee,
is the Directory of SportDog Brand, a
company producing electronic training and tracking devices for hunters
and their dogs. He and a couple of
SportDog Pro Team compadres put together this hunt at Sinkola Plantation
as an enjoyable excursion for a couple

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MAY 2016 - WNW NEWS

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60

Financing options available

of journalists to whom they wished to

introduce SportDogs latest, the TEK
2.0 GPS Tracking + E-Collar.
(Full disclosure: Manufacturers
commonly make product samples
available to writers for field testing.
The relationship between SD and me
is no different. While I have received

and reviewed samples, however,

SD products remain on my shelf for
personal use, right now literally on
a daily basis. Samples from other
companies are relegated to second
string status, packed away in case of
emergency.)
When she called, SD Marketing
Specialist Britney Starr (originally
from St. Ignace, by the way) made
me an offer I couldnt refuse. Would
I be interested in joining some SD
folks for two days at Sinkola, a classic
Georgia plantation where we could
hunt in the classic way from horseback or wagon for the classic, wild
bobwhite quail? A full plate of classic
bird hunting elements. Plus good food
and pleasant company. What more
could a bird hunter want?
This bird hunter could have
wanted to know a little more before
he opened his mouth the first morning. Sinkola General Manager Gates
Kirkham met us at Sinkolas small but
modernly equipped farmhouse just off
U.S Route 319 to explain hunt rules,
etiquette and safety matters.
And youve all got doublebarreled guns, right? No pumps or
semiautomatics are allowed here.
A vastly experienced quail hunter,
having hunted them at almost a dozen
hunt clubs in Michigan, Georgia, and
both Carolinas, I saw the need to flex
my authority on such matters.
Are we allowed to carry extra
shells between our fingers?
What do you mean, Gates
asked.

Along with the resting

dogs at the wagon Chris
Morgan, Director of
SportDog Brand, awaits
his turn to hunt.

able will allow the device to deliver

hands-free updates in Bluetoothcompatible earpieces. Not only is that
huge for the foot hunter but it is also
most helpful at Sinkola for the hunt
leader and hunt scout who handle the
dogs from horseback.
Next, another nearly hands-free
feature or at least a one-handed one
the correction level will rise as long
as the operator keeps a finger on the
stimulation button.
This might sound like a no big
deal aspect of the device. All you
have to do is just set it for the dog and
forget about it. But on a day whose
early chill encouraged us to wear
wool or fleece jackets, the sun quickly
rose in the clear sky and a January
morning in Georgia soon felt like an
August afternoon in Michigan. Concerned about overheating, Neal Carter
Jr., the hunt leader, wouldnt let each
team of dogs hunt much longer than
20 minutes each. So the switch outs

occurred with regularity.

Neal was always trying to figure
out how to adjust the stimulation
level for each dog, said Kirkham.
Now, he just holds it down until the
dog reacts. Ive also fumbled trying
to buzz a dog, adjust the degree of
stimulation knob, plus maintain safe
control of my shotgun. Experience
tells me this is a most helpful feature.
Another of the many characteristics of the TEK 2.0 is its vibration
mode. I was sitting on the wagon,
minding my own business trying to
get some sleep, when a sample handheld buzzed away in my pocket like
an electronic hummingbird with its
amplifier set to 11.
Point! I squawked meekly, not
wanting to upstage the scout William
Jones on Tom his beautiful bay Tennessee walking horse, you see. His
job is to monitor the dogs progress,
to locate them on point, and then to
direct the Carter and the team of hunt-

ers to them. But I do believe my alert

helped to inspire him into action.
Morgan said theres a simple
reason for the continuous improvement in and development of new
features not only for SD products but
also for all the different companies.
Were trying to make the dog experience better so more people will want
dogs.
Of course he was preaching to the
choir with that.
Pointing dogs, wild bobwhite
quail, double guns, an English cocker
named Elvis who rides on the cart
and snaps into action to retrieve birds
only when Carter announces, Send
Elvis; Georgia pines, Georgia earth,
Georgia sun, Georgia air; a group of
hunters literally from different corners of the earth all gathered to honor
the same tradition and to eat, drink,
and live well while doing so: for an
upland bird hunter, it really does not
get any better.n

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MAY 2016 - WNW NEWS

You know, so we can reload and

drop a couple more birds from each
covey.
He basically replied that I could
do whatever I wanted, but I might
want to experience an actual covey
rise before acting on my expectations.
Yeah, right. I know quail, I said to
myself. And I did.
But not wild quail.
We alternated, two hunters walking up to each point. My partner,
Philippe Jaegar, turned out to be
another freelancer, or as he called
himself, un travailleur indpendent.
Hes from France, you see. Hes also
a heck of a shot on wild, fast fleeing, giving you no time to let em
get out a little way bobwhite quail.
After our first chance at a covey, he
had collected one; I hadnt yet pulled
the trigger. I furtively returned four
shotgun shells to my pocket, and on
our successive times up to the plate
only removed two.
Also the first morning Kirkham
explained to us wed be hunting
mostly in longleaf pine and wiregrass,
classic quail cover in Georgias Red
Hills area.
So, add another classic to the
mix. Also add the Red Hills. According to the Tall Timbers Research Station and Land Conservancy, Red Hills
is a revered American landscape
that supports irreplaceable ecological
resources, sustainable local economies, and a rich culture. Part of that
culture, of course, includes plantation
life and, for the sportsman, traditional
quail hunts on those plantations
where one can gain access. Sinkola
only offers hunts to the public on 15
days each year. One group per day.
Delineating the east and west
boundaries of the Red Hills Region,
Tall Timbers says its nickname, the
land between two rivers, comes from
the fact that it is nestled between
the scenic Ochlockonee and Aucilla
rivers.
The wiregrass is a preferred food
of quail and spurts up quickly after
prescribed burns each spring and
summer. As its name implies, the
plant with the tufts at the base of its
leaves is difficult to walk through.
The tufts grow in dense groups with
each plant reaching up to three feet
in height. It is habitat heaven for the
birds. And its habitat hell for hunters
trying to see dogs on points. This is
where the e-collars come in.
Kirkham explained how such a modern piece of technology as the TEK
2.0 can play a valuable role in such a
time honored tradition as a Georgia
quail hunt with features he had never
thought of.
First, the unit offers voice
prompts to update the hunter on the
dogs location, direction and speed of
travel. A software upgrade now avail-

61

Coyotes are very efficient killersBy Jeff Pendergraff

Coyote hunting with dogs

MAY 2016 - WNW NEWS

62

ver the past 20 years the coyote population has grown by leaps and bounds.
There are coyotes living in every county
and in almost every city in Michigan.
Even in the cities of Detroit and
Flint there are coyotes on the roam.
They are a lot like whitetails, they learn to adapt
to their surroundings and learn to survive. Besides wolves, the only predator they need to be
worried about is man.
The first coyote I ever saw was in the early
1980s in Monroe County, near Luna Pier. I was
working that day in Monroe County and was
contacted by a Luna Pier Police Officer about
an animal that had been hit by a car. He didnt
know what is was and he wanted me to take a
look at it to determine what it might be.
As it turned out it was a coyote. News
spread rather quickly that a coyote, a rare sighting for southern Michigan had been hit by a car
in Monroe County. It was very near the Ohio
border. In fact, it was the first coyote I had ever
seen.
Now its not uncommon to see coyotes
everywhere in southern Michigan. In fact there
are lots of people hunting coyotes throughout
Michigan with the aid of dogs.
Coyotes are killers, very efficient at what
they do. There are also very intelligent animals.
For the most part they never sit still for very
long, always using the wind to their advantage.
Every coyote I have seen besides the ones I was
calling in with the aid of a predator call were
always on the move. Normally they are most active in the evening and throughout the night and
bed in the morning. Most of you have probably
been sitting in a stand just before dark when you
heard one coyote after another trying to locate
one another by calling (locate call) before they
gather and start hunting as a pack. If close by, it
will make the hair on your neck stand up!
Most of us have heard about it or it has happened to us, where we shot a deer in the evening
and couldnt find it or decided to wait until the
next day to look for it. Only to discover that the
coyotes found it before we did and that they ate
most of it.
Several years ago I shot my biggest whitetail (163 P&Y) in North Dakota just before dark.
My outfitter and I both decided to wait until
morning to look for my trophy buck. It didnt
take long to find signs of my deer once we entered into the woods. The coyotes had found it
and ate almost all of it. The estimated weight of
the deer by my outfitter was 280 pounds. There
was barely enough hide left on the deer to cape
it out.
Coyotes are also well known for killing
fawns, pheasants, turkeys, rabbits and grouse
just to mention a few. They are also known
to take calves, sheep and other livestock. In
the 1960s the DNR paid a bounty on coyotes,
which helped to keep them in check. Trapping
has also helped to keep the population of coyotes in check. Now that the price has fallen to
almost an all-time low for furs there is very
little interest in trapping coyotes.
However, the interest in hunting coyotes
with dogs has increased dramatically over
the past several years. My friend Charley
SantAngelo has been hunting coyotes with dogs
for many years in Calhoun County and surrounding areas. Charley tells me there are about

five groups of hunters in that area doing the

same type of hunting.
Charley has three dogs that he personally
owns and many of the other hunters in the area
also own dogs that chase coyotes. Charleys
main coyote dog is Lucy who is a Plot. Lucy is
somewhat of a celebrity in the world of hunting coyotes because she is very good. One of
her best features is that she doesnt chase deer!
This is very important because you cant chase
coyotes if the dogs are chasing deer.
You would think that snow would be a necessity in hunting coyotes with dogs, but it isnt.
Snow is helpful, but you can do it without it.
If there is snow, they drive around until they
find fresh tracks and release the dogs on the
coyote track. If there isnt any snow they will
walk a couple of dogs into areas that are known
to have coyotes bedding in the thickets. If there
are coyotes in that area, the dogs will pick up
the scent and the chase is on.
The dogs have GPS tracking collars on. This
way the hunters can tell the direction that the
coyote is running because the dogs will be right
on their trail. If there is heavy snow, this will
benefit the dogs because the coyotes are breaking the trail for the dogs that are chasing them.
So, the coyotes are working harder and wearing
out sooner.
Normally once the chase is on one of four
things is going to happen. Either the dogs will
catch-up to and bay the coyote; Lucy did that
three times last year. Or a hunter will shoot the
coyote as he is running in an open area. Or, the
coyote bays up (takes a last stand). They can
run into a culvert, into a hole, in a thicket, or a
blow-down or just about anything they can back
up to and face off with the dogs. Once they had
a coyote run and bay-up between an air conditioner next to a house. Usually when they run
into something like a thicket you have to go in
after it. The fourth option is they escape! Normally they dont.
Coyotes have been known to runs for miles.
But this area is well known to these hunters and
they know the escape routes the coyotes use and
try to head them off. They also have the GPS
trackers on the dogs as well so they can anticipate the direction the coyote is headed. There
are normally several vehicles used in this hunt,
so the hunters can get ahead of the coyote and
head off most escape routes. They can also hear
the dogs barking while chasing and get ready for
a shot once the coyote shows itself in an open
area.
Charley estimates these groups of coyote
hunters in his area kill 30-50 each year depending on weather each winter. So far this year his
group alone has taken approximately 45 coyotes. Throughout Michigan there are groups of
hunters doing the same thing. It would be almost
impossible to figure-out how many coyotes are
killed each year in Michigan by dog hunters.
That doesnt include the coyotes being taken by
hunters who are hunting other species and have
a coyote walks out in front of them or predator
hunting coyotes or by trappers. Yet, we continue
to have a very large population of coyotes each
year in Michigan.
As I mentioned earlier in this story they
kill a lot of the other animals we love to hunt
in Michigan. The pheasant population is at an
all-time low, the turkey population is lower than

The interest in hunting coyotes with dogs has increased

dramatically over the past several years.
in the past, and there are less rabbits and grouse.
Charley told me once he skinned a coyote and
found 12 whole dead very young rabbits in
the stomach of a coyote. I dont think we can
totally blame the lower number of small game
animals all on the high population of coyotes,
but I think we can all agree they put a hurt on
these populations among other predators.
Some people have suggested that the DNR
should put a bounty back on coyotes. It might
not be a bad idea, but I am not sure where they
would get the money for it. With the fur market
dropping as low as it currently is it would be an
incentive for more people to start trapping again
and possibly more hunters using predator calls
and dogs to keep the number of coyotes down.
It would also be an excuse for us to spend more
time in the woods although its not as though we
really need an excuse. Another issue that should
be considered by the DNR is having a year
round open season on coyotes. They kill a lot of
young animals vulnerable during the first few
months of their lives.
Heres a little information on the laws
covering hunting with dogs and predator hunting for coyotes with calls. Dogs cant read notrespassing signs. If your dog goes onto private
property, you are allowed to retrieve your dog
on foot, but you must leave your firearm behind.
While hunting behind the dogs you must wear
hunters orange. If youre predator hunting, you
must wear hunters orange to and from your
hunting location. Once you stop to call you can
remove the orange.
A mistake a lot of dog hunters make is getting back into their vehicle and failing to unload
their weapon or put it back into its case. Sometimes these hunters are picked up by vehicles
other than the one they started in which contained their gun case. Charlie SantAngelo tells
me for this same reason he carries extra gun
cases in his truck in case he picks up someone
who left their case in another vehicle. Some
hunters carry a sock gun case on them folded in
their pocket in-case they are in need for a gun
case.
In both types of hunting you only need a
base hunting license to hunt coyotes. Personally,
when I am deer hunting I try to do my part, if I
see a coyote and I can take a shot I do. The season in 2016 is from July 15 until April 15, 2017.
If you harvest a coyote, you should treat it
as a trophy. They are very smart animals to hunt.
They make beautiful mounts or you can get the
hide tanned and hang it on the wall.
So if you get a chance to tag along do so if
for no other reason than the thrill of this type of
hunt. Its also very exciting to watch these dogs
work.
Author is Jeff Pendergraff, retired Captain
from the Law Enforcement Division of the
DNR. n

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63

Buying/leasing hunting property

Most hunters looking for hunting land fail to consider some basic factors when
seeking out their own little slice of hunting nirvana...By Michael Veine

MAY 2016 - WNW NEWS

64

his is the time of year when a

lot of hunters take on the task
of buying or leasing hunting
property. Private hunting
lands are typically superior
to lands that are open, so the
desire to find quality hunting opportunities fuels the quest for hunting land acquisition. The decisions
whether to buy or lease land has pros
and cons both ways. The main difference is that leasing is just another
name for renting and that rent money
is a pure expense. Buying Hunting
Land though can be an investment.
Most hunters looking for acreage fail
to consider some basic factors when
seeking out their own little slice of
hunting nirvana. Read on for some
tips on how to acquire land that not
only provides awesome hunting experiences, but also gives you the most
bang for the buck.
Over the years I have bought and
sold a fair amount of hunting land. I
have also leased lands in the past for
my own hunting enjoyment, but in
recent years I have been leasing out
some of my own properties. Now Im
in selling mode once again though,
but Im always on the lookout for
good buys on great hunting land. In
all my real estate investments, I have
never failed to make a good profit,
which is something that even real
estate magnate, Donald Trump cant
claim.
My basic real estate investment
strategy is simple: Buy real estate
when the market is down and sell it
when the market is up. Right now the
overall Michigan real estate market is
on the upswing, but hunting land may
not necessarily be following that same
trend, especially in parts of Michigan.
Agricultural lands have gone way
up in value in recent years following
higher commodity prices.
During 2015, Michigans Ag
lands averaged about $4,900 per
acre. Non-Ag lands though have
certainly not seen that same sharp
increase in pricing and acreage in
rural areas of Michigan, especially
some of the northern regions, may
still be dropping in value. Take the
U.P. for instance, where deer numbers
have plummeted in recent years. It
is certainly a buyers market in the
U.P. with land values in many areas
sharply down over the last 10 years.
To some extent, land prices affect
hunting lease rates. As land prices go
up more, fewer people can afford to
buy land, which drives more hunters into the lease market. With more
demand for leases, it tends to move

Here is an aerial of property that the author sold showing food plots, water holes, and even a lot of deer trails.
rental prices upward due to supply
and demand. In recent years, lease
prices have risen sharply in the more
populated regions of the state, while
they have been somewhat flat in areas
where competition for leases is less.
Its certainly a market driven scenario.
The main thing that a property
needs to have to offer good hunting is
a solid deer population living there.
It amazes me how many hunters buy
land with few, if any, deer on it, and
then expect good hunting. Sure, a
property can be improved to attract
more deer, but only to a certain extent.
The reality is some of the acreage
in Michigan that is for sale or up for
lease does not provide what I consider
good deer hunting. Price is also not
necessarily related to the quality of
the hunting to be found on any give
property. So besides the obviously
necessary signs of lots of deer activity on a property through worn trials,
rubs, scrapes and such, I also like to
see evidence of adult bucks frequenting a property and a history of the
land producing consistent adult buck
kills.
Properties with a long running
QDM program are a big plus in my
book. Also, if all the neighbors are
QDM practitioners, then that would

really add to a propertys hunting

prospects. Deer management units
with mandatory antler point restrictions (APRs) are also seeing a boost in
hunting land sales and leasing interest, and for good reason. Those APR
areas are producing more and bigger
bucks than comparable non-APR
DMUs and most hunters want to kill
bigger bucks, so it only makes since
that APRs will draw more hunters to
those areas and could be driving up
land and lease rates as well.
Whenever I look over a piece
of property that is for sale or up for
lease, I first study not only the property, but also the whole surrounding
area using aerial and topographical
maps available on the internet. Those
tools can show you the lay of the land
and the composition too. If you zoom
in on the aerials you may be able to
see box blinds, deer trails and other
items that can help you decide if a
closer look is warranted.
The next step is boots on the
ground. I first like to walk the perimeter of a property to see if there
is heavy hunting pressure on neighboring properties along the borders.
After that I crisscross the interior of
the property covering it thoroughly
and evaluating all of the habitat, or

lack thereof on the land.

An abundance of thick cover is
a very desirable feature on hunting
property. There might be a lot of deer
sign on more open lands, but often
that deer movement is more nocturnal
compared to lands with lots of thick
cover. Sure thick cover can be developed, but it often takes a lot of time
and money, so having better habitat
already in place is a big plus. Thick
cover on a property often comes in the
form of wetlands. Thick, wetlands
on a property are great because deer
really gravitate to them when hunting
pressure heats up.
Wetlands also tend to lower the
value of property too, which is also
great because it represents a bargain
to the land buying hunter. I would
not want a property though that is all
wetlands because during cold periods,
thin ice forms and deer tend to avoid
thin ice. The best hunting lands will
have a mixture of high and low lands,
which also create great funnels for
hunting spots.
Properties with quality food plots
already in place are also desirable.
Food plots can be developed from
scratch, but again that takes a lot of
time and money. Also, the presence
of good food plots is an indication of

the best place to access land for hunting because it is usually the worst
place to hunt anyway because of the
impact that neighbors can have in
those zones.
Besides, having an access road
along the border reduces that impact
that neighbors have there because
they are less likely to hunt along
your boarder with a road there. If
roads and trails are strung around
haphazardly, or not present at all, that
extra expense of developing proper,
strategic access should be factored in.
If a property is so thick or wet that
you just cant access much of it, then
that is not necessarily bad, especially
if neighbors cant access adjoining
areas too. This can create a perfect
sanctuary, which is important in the
big scheme of things for a good deer
property.
The type of public road access
into a property can be critical to
the quality of the hunting there. If
a road gives a good view of open
fields there, then that can attract the
attention of poachers. I really dont
like properties within mile of a
major highway, because a lot of deer
become road kill reducing the quality
of the herd there without a shot being
fired. Even the road kill that county
roads with high speed traffic needs
to be factored in. Ideally a hunting
property will be on a low traffic road
that does not allow for high speed
driving. Being back off of any roads
is even better, but if an easement is
needed to access a property, it must

Evidence of past and recent deer harvests is always a great thing for a hunting property. Heres the author with a nice buck taken off his land. Author photos

Evidence of an abundant deer population is desirable on any hunting property. Well

worn deer trails are a good sign.
be rock solid, plenty wide for a big
driveway, and just like a private road
that you own in all aspects with no
restrictions.
The neighbors to a property are
an often overlooked factor that can
really impact the quality of the hunting there big time. The problem is,
in a lot of deals, you really dont
want to go around the neighborhood
talking to neighbors about a property
that is for sale or especially for lease,
because it can cause them to make a
competing offer.
If buying the land, I would wait
until a sales agreement is signed
before investigating neighbors. All
sales agreements should contain
language that everything in the deal
is contingent upon the approval of
the buyers attorney, which gives you
an escape clause should you find bad
neighbors or anything else that would
be a deal breaker.
I like to meet the neighbors in
person if possible. You can tell a
lot about people with a face to face
conversation. Id ask them how
many deer they shoot, how big of
bucks, how many people hunt their
property, if they are in favor of QDM
and anything else that may give you
information of their impact on the target propertys hunting. If its a lease,
then you will have to be very careful
in your investigation of neighbors.
I would never tell a neighbor
that you are considering leasing their
neighbors land. Instead just ask
them if they know of any lands available for lease or sale in the area and
cascade that conversation into questions about their hunting details. In
fact, knocking on doors is a great way
to find lease or buying opportunities
in the first place, especially if you
have a certain area pegged down that
you are most interested in.
Seeking out hunting land,
whether for purchase or lease, should

be done with a multipronged attack.

It does not hurt to contact a reputable
realtor to help in the search. That
realtor though should be an avid
hunter that is familiar with what
constitutes good deer ground and
who isnt afraid to get his or her feet
wet walking properties with you.
There are realtor advertisements in
the back of Woods-N-Water News,
some of which specialize in hunting
lands. There are also a lot of forsale-by-owner and lease opportunities
available in newspapers and magazines advertisements. The Classified
Section of Woods-N-Water News is a
great place to look for land, which I
have used to successfully buy and sell
properties. There are lots of places
on the Internet to look for lands to
purchase or lease as well.
Some good advice is not to drag
your feet on an opportunity. I once
ran an advertisement to lease 39 acres
in Washtenaw County and had over
30 people call me in the first day. It
was a done deal in less than 48 hours
and the calls kept pouring in.
When I find out about a good
hunting property opportunity, I get
my butt in gear and check it out
pronto. The best deals will typically
be snapped up right away. We did not
lease our property to the first person
that called either. We met with a
couple of the first callers and were
completely turned off by them. One
pair of guys showed up half drunk
and one jerk actually took a leak in
the middle of one of my food plots.
Another bozo flicked a cigarette
butt on my ground. When you
meet with a prospective seller or
land lord, you should conduct
yourself with class and let them
know that you are a responsible
sportsman that will respect the
land with the utmost care with a
code of conduct that is desirable to
the seller or leaser.n

MAY 2016 - WNW NEWS

the quality of the soils there. Regardless, it would be a good idea to

take some soil samples and get them
analyzed to really get a good idea of
the soils. If the land is rocky, sandy
or has a pH that is way out of whack,
then that needs to be factored into
the deal. If food plots are not already
present, then it would be nice to have
some openings here and there for possible food plots. It is a lot easier and
less expensive to create a food plot
from a pre-existing opening compared to having to clear a plot from
scratch.
Having a dependable water source
on the property is important to keep
deer from having to leave the land to
seek out water. This is why I prefer
properties with at least some wetlands
where waterholes can be successfully
dug. If no wetlands are present, then
I would want to have a year round
flowing stream, waterholes, a pond
or a lake. If the property has none of
those, then I wouldnt even consider
it unless good water is available on
directly bordering properties.
Access on a property is an important aspect that can greatly increase
hunting success. It would be nice
to already have a well laid out road
and trail system in place. Ideally, a
property will have a road or at least
an ATV trail surrounding the entire
perimeter of the property with spurs
coming off that main access route
into the interior of the land where
food plots and stands are situated
strategically. The perimeter is usually

65

Go East for more

or most of my life the place to catch king

salmon has been along Lake Michigans
Gold Coast. I settled my family in this
region of Michigan over 20 years ago so I
could be close to some of the best salmon
fishing found anywhere.
Ironically these days to find good salmon fishing Im not pointing the truck west to the Gold
Coast, but instead Im driving east to a completely
different Great Lake. Lake Ontario is the fifth Great
Lake and in terms of salmon fishing its what Lake
Michigan was in the glory days.
Lake Ontarios salmon fishing continues to
flourish because the forage base in the fifth Great
Lake is also flourishing. Nutrient rich waters from
Lake Erie pour into Lake Ontario via the Welland
Canal and also the Niagara River. Smelt, alewife
and gizzard shad abound in Lake Ontario along
with emerald shiners and a growing number of
round goby.
A healthy and diverse forage base is the key to a
productive sport fishery and Lake Ontario is a shining example of what the Great Lakes can provide.
The month of May is prime time to target kings,
coho, lake trout, steelhead and browns along a piece
of structure known as the Niagara Bar.
The Niagara Bar encompasses some of the most
fish rich structure in the Great Lakes. The Bar runs
for miles starting near the mouth of the Niagara
River and extending east to Olcott and beyond.
Even better this fish holding bottom structure is
found close to shore, making it accessible to small
and big boats alike.

Fishing Like The Good Ol Days

Legendary angler Buzz Ramsey teamed up with the Fishing 411 Team last May to fish Lake Ontario for salmon and
trout. The Lake Ontario fishery is amazing and untapped compared to lakes Michigan and Huron. Author photo
crew trolled our way up and down the Niagara Bar
with only a handful of boats to keep us company.
As an avid salmon angler might expect, fishing on
Lake Ontario is excellent at first light. What surprised our group was a very good bite lasts much
longer into the day. By simply slipping out to a little
deeper water, our crew was able to catch kings all
day long!

Top Tactics

Early in the day our best producing rigs were

spoons
fished on five and 10 color lead core rigs.
After making two trips to Lake Ontario in the
In-line
Off
Shore boards were used to stack two
past two springs, I can say that fishing on the Bar
lines
per
side.
Other good producing rigs included
reminds of fishing in the Great Lakes during the
banana
baits
like
the popular Mag Lip by Yakima
good ole days. Most anglers here are targeting king
Bait. The 3.5, 4.5 and 5.0 sizes produced the best
salmon as their primary species. Also,
on kings. These body baits were fished on
traditional tactics such as trolling magnum
downriggers and also on Slide-Diver set
spoons with the help of downriggers and
ups 25 feet behind the diver.
diving planers takes the majority of the
Plugs produced best when doused in
fish. Only a small percentage of anglers
Pro-Cure
Super Gel fishing scents. Our
have discovered lead core or copper line
best
producing
scents were Bloody Tuna
trolling with planer boards. Even fewer
and
Garlic
Bloody
Tuna.
anglers have discovered rotators or cut bait
Later in the day as the action slowed,
rigs.
we used our riggers to fish the bottom in
Because fish are abundant and the wa60 to 100 feet of water with Mag
ters of Lake Ontario are stained,
Lip plugs. Lake Ontario is lousy
traditional salmon tackle and techwith lake trout and it was little efniques are highly effective. Its
fort
to
catch
a
limit
of trout ranging in size from 10
common to see boats rigged with four riggers which
to
20
pounds
using
plugs
near bottom. Rigging a six
is something you rarely see back home in Michigan
inch
Big
Al
Fish
Flash
six
feet in front of the plugs
where the water is gin clear and salmon are harder
proved to be dynamite. Literally it became tough
to come by.
to keep two downriggers fishing the action on trout
was so good.
Angling Pressure
Good colors on the Mag Lip included the HamThe other thing that surprised me about Lake
merTime, Double Trouble, Grinch and Metallic
Ontario is the fishing pressure is amazingly light.
Gold Flame. Great colors for salmon and trout fishDuring their advertised derby fishing events and
ing with Fish Flash include the Red/Lazer Charother tournaments fishing pressure is moderate to
treuse, Chartreuse/Lime Bomb and silver.
heavy, but the rest of the time fishing pressure is
Other good trout set ups included running a
sparse compared to what an angler could expect on
brushed stainless dodger 18 inches in front of a No.
Lake Michigan.
4 Yakima Spin n Glo body. Any Spin n Glo with
Last May during prime time the Fishing 411

MAY 2016 - WNW NEWS

By Mark Romanack

66

green, chartreuse or lime was red hot.

Mixed Bag

When shooting TV episodes for Fishing 411

we normally schedule several days on the water.
At Lake Ontario we have never had to fish more
than one day to get all the fish we needed for a TV
episode.
A near shore fishery for brown trout is exceptional in April and early May. When targeting
browns its also common to encounter coho in good
numbers.
Lake trout are pretty much a given if you fish
near bottom. Kings, browns, coho, steelhead and
even the occasional Atlantic salmon turn up when
fishing the Bar.
If the wind blows and fishing on the Bar is out
of the question, the nearby Niagara River provides
an awesome back up plan. Great smallmouth fishing is found in the river year around and in May
anglers will also find a few steelhead, browns and
lakers using the river.

If You Go

For anglers who dont have the gear to fish

open water on the Niagara River or Niagara Bar, I
recommend hooking up with Captain Matt Yablonsky and Wet Net Charters, www.getthenetwet.com
or Captain Frank Campbell at www.niagaracharter.
com. Both of these captains are outstanding anglers
and well versed in the popular fishing presentations.
For more fishing information in the Niagara
region I would also suggest visiting www.outdoorsniagara.com a weekly fishing report updated
by local outdoor writer Bill Hilts Jr. The Niagara
Bar region of Lake Ontario is a fishing destination
every salmon angler should experience. During the
month of May limit catches are more the norm than
the exception. It pains me to admit that Lake Michigans salmon fishing is struggling, but I guess thats
why my boat sits on a trailer. The Fishing 411 crew
will be on Lake Ontario come May.n

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Theyre the catch of the day. And thats no fish story.

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67

TROPHY PAGES
Mark Bach of
Barrington,
IL and his
dad, Greg
haVE been
Woods-NWater News
subscribers
for years...
Mark caught
and released
this 37 inch
northern and
16 inch crappie within
one hour of
each other.

Taylor Augustine, 12, took this record book

buck that scored 141 1/8" with CBM on
Nov. 3 with her crossbow hunting Barry Co.

Brandon Watson of Niles

caught this 27 inch brown at
the South Haven Pier.

Todd Haehnle of Yale took

this trophy book tom in St.
Clair Co. two years ago.

Bob Smith took this dandy 8-pt.

hunting Bay Co. Nov. 19 with a
350 yard shot!

MAY 2016 - WNW NEWS

Johnno
Ortisi
with 13"
yellow
belly
caught
ice fishing with
his dad
Matt on
Lake St.
Clair.

68

Grant
Dix with
his 320
pound
black
bear he
took near
Rogers
City last
fall.

Madison Godush received a

hog hunt from her Gandpa
Lewis as a graduation gift
and took this 200 pounder!

Mark Jahn
was bowhunting on
October 7,
near Jeddo
when he
took this
nice 8-pt.
after waiting
20 minutes
for a good
shot.

Paydin
Gillespie,
13 took
this 300
pound
black
bear
with her
bow at
22 yards!

David Smith of Westland with nice

steelhead taken in March 2016.

Rich Gusa of Harbor Beach

took this 6-pt. Nov. 24 and
this 40 pound coyote in
Huron County!

Cousins Luke Failing, 10 (lt) and Daniel McDonell, 13 caught these

nearly 30 inch pike along with perch and crappies in late January.

Spring turkey
hunting success

I was starting to think

of creative ways to
keep her from wanting to go back to the house. To my
surprise, she was fine. She loved
going hunting with her daddy. Everything was perfect, well almost perfect.
There was only one thing that would
make this turkey hunt even better,
seeing some turkeys. I was hoping a lone sitting hen would appear
anything to add some wildlife to our
adventure.
Dad, can I try the call again,
she peered up and asked.
Sure, why not, I replied. She
picked up the striker and the call
came to life. She was actually doing pretty well. I picked up my slate
call and we both played back and
forth calling to each other. Suddenly
I caught movement out of the corner
of my eye. I reached over and put my
hand on her call, she knew what that
meant. I slowly turned my head to

The authors trophy tom taken while hunting with his daughter last spring!
see a hen and two big gobblers coming right for our decoys in full strut.
I could hear a small gasp as her eyes
caught the majestic toms strutting in
the sunlight.
Plug your ears, I whispered.
The 12-gauge barked a loud blast
and the turkey flipped over backwards. A celebration followed, filled
with lots of screams and hugs. We ran
out and held our trophy, a tom that
sported an 11-inch beard. The bird
was one of my biggest boasting 1.5

Bathing Suit or Hunting Suit?

Vacations are fun. I love taking my family to different places around the United States and making life-long memories.
During spring break our family likes to venture somewhere
warm. When early April comes, we are tired of the bipolar tendencies of Mother Nature in Michigan. It seems she can never
make up her mind, one day it looks winter has left and the next
we get hammered with snow.
So when spring break finally rolled around, I could barely
hold back my excitement. The day we left Michigan we were
hit with five-inches of snow and temperatures hovering around
30 degrees. As we made the long trek through Michigan, Ohio,
Kentucky, Tennessee and Georgia, I enjoyed the scenery. But
when we travel, I tend to look at things from a different perspective. I notice good fields for strutting turkeys, high hunting
blinds on fence rows and all other things hunting related. I try
to imagine what outdoor traditions each state holds.
Can they sleep on November 14? Does archery season
start on October 1? I think it would make for a great movie or
book to travel the country learning and celebrating each states
hunting traditions.
When we stepped out of the car in Florida, the weather
was immaculate. The warm sun heated my skin and my body
felt alive again. We had left 30 degree weather and were greeted
with 85 degrees of pure sunshine! It felt great and we enjoyed
every second.
Besides the weather, I enjoy meeting people. Conversations usually revolve around the weather and college football,
but it seems like I get many sympathetic looks. Youre from
Michigan? One gentleman that I met while sitting pool side
declared his feeling of Michigan. I dont think I could ever live
there. The weather is too cold and unpredictable. Thats why I
love Florida, the weather is perfect.
Granted, I was sipping on strawberry lemonade and sitting
in a bathing suit with my feet in a gorgeous heated pool. I am
not going to lie, in that moment I just nodded enjoying the sun
on my face.
But only for a second.
What are your falls like? I quickly asked.
They are pretty warm too, Florida has the best fall
weather.
On that day I wouldnt have traded in my bathing suit for
my hunting suit.

inch spurs.
The spring turkey season is always special.
The awakening of the woods and
the gobble of a lovelorn turkey make
spring one of my favorite seasons.
Last year was a season I will never
forgot. The addition of a son and a
hunt of a lifetime with my youngest
daughter are two memories that will
last forever.
I am just glad I took my lucky turkey caller with me into the woods.n

But if he thought that the weather was

perfect in Florida, I knew he had never
spent time in October in Michigan. While By Lane Walker
Michigans weather can be a tad nasty at
times, the fall weather always makes up for it.
What would a rut hunt in Florida be like?
Floridians have deer, turkey, hog and gator hunting so
there are hunting enthusiasts in the state.
But I dont think it would cure my itch. I looked around
and pictured myself up a nearby palm tree sitting in some
camouflage shorts.
Maybe I would wear a tank top, some cool board shorts
and some sandals.
Nope, not for this Michigan hunter. Give me a cold, crisp
morning right before a cold front. Add a couple of inches of
fresh snow during the rut and keep temperatures hovering
around 30 degrees.
Now that sounds like perfect weather.
During the trip, I got to saltwater fish for the first time.
It was fantastic; I could see fishing every day if I lived in the
Sunshine State. A good family friend took us on his boat and
knew all the fishing holes. We caught sea trout, ladyfish and I
even caught a big remora. I watched as big stingray swam lazily
under the boat, which was cool. One thing I loved about salt
water fishing was that you never knew what was going to be on
the hook on the other end. There is such a wide variety of fish,
every cast is an adventure. I definitely plan on saltwater fishing
again. We stopped just outside of Tampa to fill up on gas. I
walked in and noticed a hunting magazine on the counter, it
was a Florida Woods-N-Water.
I had to buy one and thumbed through it while waiting
in line. Once I got to the cashier, I asked him about the local
hunting.
Suddenly the tired worker got a huge grin and went on to
tell me about his hog hunting from the night before. We talked
hunting like we had known each other our entire lives.
Its good to know hunting and fishing is loved in Florida.
As much as they are known for their white, sandy beaches,
there are some diehard outdoor enthusiasts in Florida.
I love the beach, but it still isnt as comfortable as my tree
stand.
I thoroughly enjoyed our week in Florida and it is still our
number one vacation spot. But if I had to choose, there is no
way I could change my Michigan residency.

MAY 2016 - WNW NEWS

By Lane Walker

pring is a time
for rebirth.
The woods
wake up from their winter hibernation signaling the return
of turkey season. Michigan
is lucky to benefit from the outstanding efforts of conservationists and
turkey fanatics. The comeback of wild
turkeys is nothing short of a miracle.
I remember having to drive up north
as a boy to hunt turkeys. Fast forward
20 years and now Michigan ranks
seventh in the nation in turkey harvest. Turkey season cant come soon
enough in our house and I was blessed
with an extra special hunt during the
2015 season.
Hunting and spending time with
my kids always goes hand in hand. I
enjoy hunting, but it means so much
more when I can hunt with my kids.
This past spring was the most amazing hunt I have ever experienced. My
son was born on April 22 making turkey season even more special. Three
days after bringing my son home,
my youngest daughter and I headed
out for an evening hunt. We had a
backpack full of snacks, books and
other fun stuff. We headed out early
afternoon and setup in a two-person
hunting blind. With all the excitement
of bringing home our new addition,
it didnt even matter if we saw any
birds. But I prayed for her sake we
did.
One thing I have always let my
kids do is practicing calling. They
love to do it and it makes them feel
like they are helping. I remember taking her hunting several years ago and
she brought a stuffed animal with her.
About every five minutes, she would
stick this red bird out the window in
hopes of decoying a turkey. Needless to say we didnt see any turkeys
that day, but had fun. The sound of a
striker scratching across the slate isnt
always music to my ears but I always
wanted to make sure they enjoyed
going out with me. This day would
prove no different, as my daughter
scratched the surface anticipating an
old-red popping over the hill, but it
didnt happen. I explained to her that
hunting doesnt just happen, that you
have to be patient. After a couple minutes, she got bored and started eating
her snacks.
Our setup was on a clover food
plot that had done pretty well over the
winter. The small green roots provided a consistent snack for turkeys
and deer. There was little wind and a
bright blue sky painted the landscape,
perfect weather for calling turkeys.
We laughed and ate. The time
seemed to go by so fast in that tent.
I sat staring at my little girl who
seemed to be growing up too fast.
Two hours into the hunt, still no birds.

69

Hot Topics, My Thoughts, My Views...

Electronic message induces an outdoor epiphany

Sometimes it takes a conk on the head to fully appreciate just how lucky, blessed if you will, so many of us are...By Rick Fowler

editors, columnists, and like-minded

writers from our state with two peninsulas. Blessed, most assuredly!
The second F word evolved with
a quip from sister Joan Therese, my
high school English teacher who
unbeknownst to her left an everlasting impression on a brash, wild, and
sometimes rebellious young man.
One morning I was struggling with a
Journalistic piece for the school paper
which she also headed. It concerned
reporting on the success of lucky
hunters in our school who had harvested a deer. I just couldnt get the
opening to work. You know Richard,
with a last name like Fowler you will
eventually get it done. Huh? Fowler is a noun. It means one who hunts,
traps or shoots wild fowl. Really!
Who knew?
Eventually I finished the article.
It was nothing earth-shattering or
intermingled with eternal quotes, but
it was done and I was proud of it.
Maybe this was an epiphany in itself,
but I just didnt realize it at the time.
The third F word is Fate. Was I
destined to become an outdoor writer
at some point? Was it meant to be that
I wrote my first outdoor piece about
deer hunting? Was my last name so
synonymous with hunting that it was
a given that playing the woods in
search of birds was a natural transition for me?
Is it fate that I live where I live?
Within 20 minutes of my home I can
experience so much of the out-ofdoors.
Russian born comedian Yakov
Smirnoffs shtick includes his catch
phrase, America, what a country!
As a life-long resident of Michigan if
I ever find my way onto the outdoor
speaking venue my shtick would be
along the lines, Northwest Michigan,
what a beautiful piece of America!
Why wouldnt I want to brag
about this little area of our country?
Within 20 minutes of stepping
out my door I can fish for lake trout,
brook trout, brown trout, walleye,

MAY 2016 - WNW NEWS

t took an electronic message

from a fellow outdoor writer for
an epiphany of sorts to muster its
way free. I was bemoaning the
$500 I had just spent for a new
set of brakes for my truck in my
initial message to him. His response,
at least youre blessed to have $500
to pay for them.
Sometimes it takes a conk on
the head to fully appreciate just how
lucky, blessed if you will, so many of
us are. This reference to reality led to
more soul-searching which led to this
epiphany based on three F words.
Fortuitous - adj, occurring by
chance, lucky, fortunate. It has indeed
been a fortuitous life for me with a
loving family, friendships, a rewarding career and an active retirement.
I have been fortunate enough to fish
in streams, rivers, lakes and oceans
from Michigan to Pennsylvania;
from North Carolina to Florida; from
Alaska to Montana and to experience
many offshore angling adventures in
Mexico.
Luck has been with me, especially when it pertains to meeting
new people specifically in the world
of fishing, hunting and the outdoors
in general.
I have met four Marks Martin,
Romanack, Sak and Brumbaugh, and
listened to their advice at seminars or
during one-on-one conversations, and
with Mark Martin, sharing a fishing
shack with him for a couple of days.
These are guys whose exploits and
exhilaration for the sport of fishing
I was in awe of. Awesome is sometimes an overused word but not in
this scenario. Lucky, you bet! Fortunate, without a doubt! Occurring by
chance, to a certain extent!
After twenty-five years as an
outdoor writer my ability as a teller
of outdoor tales offered the chance
to rub elbows with these prostoo
cool! My membership in the Michigan Outdoor Writers Association
(MOWA) offered further opportunities to become acquainted with many

70

This trout was caught within 20 minutes of the authors home!

This successful hunt took place within 20 minutes of the authors home!
pike and pan fish. Within 20 minutes
a lock. Essentially, if circumstances
evolved, I most assuredly have the
I can ply the woods for deer, bear,
ability to travel anywhere in the
and grouse.
world on the waters which touch the
If these two outdoor experishores of nearby lakes and rivers.
ences arent enough, I am only a few
Yep, Michigan, I am blessed!
minutes away from paddling excepMerely a few miles down the road
tional kayak and canoe waters or just
hopping on a boat and going through
Outdoor epiphany page 72

Anglers, beware: Help prevent spread

of invasive New Zealand mudsnail

In 2015 the MDEQ

and MDNR confirmed
the presence of the
invasive New Zealand
mudsnail in the Pere
Marquette River near
Baldwin, which is a
popular destination
for trout and salmon
anglers.
New Zealand mudsnails are each only
about 1/8 inch long
Anglers should do what they can, including cleaning their
and can be difficult to boats and equipment after any and all fishing trips, to protect
see. However, these
against the spread of the invasive New Zealand mudsnail.
snails can significantly
change the aquatic
habitats they live in by reaching extremely high densities. When that happens, they can out-compete native species that are important food sources
for trout. They also have no nutritional value for trout species that may
feed upon them, which can negatively affect the overall condition of the
trout.
The threat of New Zealand mudsnail spreading to new waters is high
because they are easily transported via recreational users, such as anglers,
due to their ability to attach to fishing equipment, wading gear and other
hard surfaces. Once attached, they can hitch a ride to a new river or lake
and begin the invasive process again. Additionally, a single snail can reproduce once transported.
New Zealand mudsnails are very resilient and have been known to
survive in damp environments for up to 26 days.
As the spring fishing season gears up, anglers are anxiously awaiting
the opportunity to target steelhead on the Pere Marquette and other popular Michigan rivers. It is important for anglers to clean, drain and dry their
equipment to help prevent the spread of these invasive snails, as well as all
types of aquatic invasive species.
Anglers are encouraged to clean boats and equipment (including waders) with hot water or a diluted bleach solution, and, when possible, allow
the equipment to dry for at least five days before reusing.
Additional information about the New Zealand mudsnail and other
aquatic invasive species can be found at michigan.gov/invasives.

My Thoughts, My Views, My Opinions...

Why we need to shoot more coyotes

The verdict is in and recent
biological studies conducted
in Michigan prove coyotes
kill at least 44 percent of
fawns before they are three
months old; most die in
less than 60 days. More
revealing studies point to
the fact that over 90 percent
of fawn mortality is
caused by coyotes...

his information is bad news

for deer hunters because
in many parts of Michigan
deer populations are slowly
recovering from disease, over
harvest and winter weather;
now add to the problems dwindling
populations due to predator reduction of fawn recruitment. This means
Michigan has a less than rosy outlook
for good deer hunting in the future.
The data has been reviewed by the
Natural Resources Commission and
they are recommending year round

Governor approves nearly

$28 million in outdoor recreation
development and acquisition grants

ore opportunities for

quality outdoor recreation will be available from $28 million
in Michigan Natural
Resources Trust Fund
grants undersigned today by Gov.
Rick Snyder.
No matter where you are in
Michigan, youre never far from a
Michigan Natural Resources Trust
Fund-supported project, said Gov.
Snyder. These important grants create better, broader access to public
recreation opportunities for individuals and families in every county
statewide.
House Bill 5377, sponsored by
state Rep. Jon Bumstead and cosponsored by state Rep. Al Pscholka,
approves funding for 70 recreation
projects and land purchases recommended by the board last December.
It is now Public Act 61 of 2016.

The Trust Fund board recommends funding to both state and local
agencies for development projects
and land acquisitions that will further
access to public outdoor recreation.
This round of grant funding includes
support for expanding public access
and athletic field enhancement at
local parks; making land and water trail connections along existing
trail corridors; furthering significant
natural resource protection projects,
and expanding waterfront and public
boating access opportunities.
This year the board recommended $19.9 million for acquisition
grants and $8 million for development grants.
Twenty-one acquisition grants
were awarded to local units of government for a total of $15.2 million,
while five acquisition grants went to

28 Million approved page 73

Michigan coyote are having a devastating impact on deer populations. Recent

studies prove more than 44% of fawns fall prey to coyotes when they are helpless fawns. Kenny Darwin photos
Can you believe hunters are restricted
from harvesting predators exactly
during the time period when they are
slaughtering baby deer? Hopefully
new coyote hunting laws will allow
sportsmen to hunt year round, day
and night.
Ideally, the DNR will also hopefully reduce hunting deer tags to
protect deer populations in areas of
Michigan where coyote are destroying fawn populations. Hopefully, deer
managers will understand the need to
protect existing populations and ban
doe hunting, like in Michigans Upper
Peninsula, where whitetail numbers
have plummeted to all-time record
low numbers. But coyotes are having an impact on southern Michigan
deer numbers too and in many areas
a cutback in doe permits and double
buck tags is needed to allow the herd
to grow.
Hopefully, the DNR will exercise
its duty to protect valuable resources
threatened by disease, winter kill
or increased predation. However,
the DNR is a slow moving political
machine and it could take years for
managers to implement necessary
changes that could help the herd
recover. Right now the DNR is hell
bent on a five-year deer management policy that is destined to further
reduce Michigans stumbling deer
numbers.
We need new hunting regulations
now that allow you to shoot all the
coyotes you possibly can, year round.
If you are turkey hunting and see a
coyote it should be your obligation.
It should be your goal to eliminate
populations in your deer hunting area
ASAP! The future of fawn survival
in your deer hunting location is now

in your hands. If you hammer the

dogs, more deer will survive for deer
season. If you sit back and wait, coyote will be eating fawns like candy,
getting fat, double pupping and the
predator population will continue to
grow out of control.
It is time to do your part and take
up the sport and begin by purchasing an electronic caller if you dont
already hunt coyote. You can pick up
a Mojo Super Critter for around $60
and it is everything you would want
in a predator decoy and combined
electronic caller: lightweight, portable, easy to use and deadly effective. The tantalizing action of the
Mojo motion decoy and realistic calls
bringem running. Some hunters use
mouth calls and it is hard to beat a
properly used cottontail or jackrabbit
call. But most savvy modern predator
hunters rely on sophisticated electronic callers like FoxPro, Western
Rivers, Primos Turbo Dogg and more
that emit loud clear sounds over long
distances. High efficiency speakers
have unbelievable capacity to emit
a wide range of calls. Modern calls
have remote control and you can
place them a distance from your stand
so predators arent looking directly
at you. Some allow you to play two
sounds at once like rabbit in distress
and coyote feeding howls. Most calls
operate on AA batteries.
Next grab your camo clothing,
guns and ammo and go hunting. Do
it now, if they allow hunting year
round! Dont make the mistake of
waiting until next winter when there
is snow on the ground. Sure its a
fun time to hunt and coyote pelts are

page 73

MAY 2016 - WNW NEWS

By Kenny Darwin

coyote hunting in Michigan. New

regulations could be passed as soon
as April 15 but will they legalize coyote hunting in time to save fawns this
spring? More importantly, the new
season will have no impact on fawn
survival or booming coyote populations unless hunters take matters into
their own hands.
With diminishing populations
of deer across the state it would
be beneficial if we could improve
whitetail survival by waging war
on coyotes now. In years past the
predator/pray data was not available
but now it is absolutely clear that
burgeoning populations of coyotes
are killing deer on a monumental
scale. Sure they can take down a
weak adult deer especially if snow
is deep. But new studies have found
coyotes have a huge impact on fawn
deaths and fawn survival is becoming increasingly difficult. Some radio
collared fawns didnt even make it
30 days. Coyotes kill the vast majority shortly after birth when fawns
are still wobbly-legged and unable
to outrun the deadly predators. More
importantly, present DNR predator
hunting seasons protect fawn murdering coyotes exactly when they are
killing baby deer. Michigans coyote
season presently shuts down April 15
and reopens October 15, 2016. Wow!

71

Hot Topics, My Thoughts, My Views...

Outdoor epiphany... from page 70
from where I live I can get lost on a
two-track road that seemingly looms
out of nowhere. Its not a panic lost,
but an exhilarating lost. Knowing
that the little used road will eventually lead me somewhere and the
somewhere makes me want to keep
advancing and not turn around just
from the fear of being lost. Theres
something about hearing the crackle
of gravel under my truck tires as I
wind my way down a sparsely used
two-track that makes me excited
during any of the four seasons. I go
slow, not exceeding 10 miles per hour
listening to the Afton stone imbedding itself into the soft silica under
the weight of my tires. However, if I
go faster the sound is not the same.
With additional speed this venture
would be more just like a ride.
I dont want just a ride, I want an
adventure.
I await new discoveries with a
tour of any new section of woods.
Sometimes, while on foot I will scare
up rabbits and porcupines. Often,
I might kick up deer if the wind is
blowing in my favor. I know I could
witness bear tracks, old bear dens,
and fresh bear scat. This is magical!

Thats what we all can do within minutes of our homes-seek the magic that
waits in these Michigan forests.
Also, within 20 minutes of my
home I can awaken all of my senses.
With six decades under my belt those
same senses arent as acute as they
once were, but they all are still there.
It might just be the smell of wild
grape hidden amongst the tag alder
and aspen, decaying moss, leaves and
grass or the essence of wild flowers wafting in the air. It might be
the crash of some creature ambling
through the woods, the sight of flocks
of birds, rolling hills and the Windex
blue of any of the lakes only minutes
away. I/we are lucky to be a part of
this sensation.
When ice appears on the lakes
and snow is covering the hills I can
rapidly get to a lake to drill a few
holes and begin ice fishing. I can
reach cross country trails and ski
slopes in a very short amount of time
and if I wish, do all three in one day.
My outdoor writer friend was
correct in his response to my message
of, woe is me. I am not going to
complain about $500 again. Not with
all this surrounding me!n

MAY 2016 - WNW NEWS

New website provides information,

insight on Michigans invasive species

72

Residents struggling with invasive species or seeking help on how to

identify plants, insects and animals considered invasive are invited to explore the states new Michigan Invasive Species websitewww.michigan.
gov/invasivesfor answers and assistance.
The site is a collaborative effort among the states three Quality of
Life agencies: the Michigan departments of Natural Resources, Environmental Quality and Agriculture and Rural Development. Each of the three
departments oversees different aspects of invasive species management.
Preventing invasive species is everyones responsibility, said Joanne
Foreman, invasive species communications coordinator for the Quality of
Life departments. Human activity is the primary means by which invasive
species are moved from place to place. This new website offers simple steps
everyone can take, like removing seeds and mud from shoes, gear and pets,
to assure that invasive hitchhikers dont travel with you.
Program support from the state Legislature in 2014 boosted efforts
for an interdepartmental approach to preventing, detecting and controlling
invasive species in Michigan. The new website, bringing each departments
online resources together in a user-friendly format, is one outcome of that
partnership.
Users can identify invasive species by searching photos and descriptions of those that are known to be in Michigan and those that threaten to
enter the state. Residents are encouraged to report sightings of identified
species to assist in state and local detection and management efforts.
Many Michiganders are unfamiliar with state and federal laws designed
to stop the spread of invasive species. The website makes it easy for people
to understand how their activities may be affected and what they should do
to comply with these laws.
Foreman said that because of the ways they spread and reproduce,
invasive plants can be difficult to control. Sometimes, as in the case of Japanese knotweed, actions like mowing and cutting actually can increase plant
growth.
The Michigan Invasive Species website features best management
practices, as well as information on obtaining necessary permits for managing species in certain circumstances, Foreman said.
Website updates will be made on a regular basis. Visitors are encouraged to bookmark it for all their future invasive species information needs.

DNR seeks ORV safety

education instructors
Academies offered April 29-May 1 and May 20-22...

The MDNR is recruiting instructors

for its off-road vehicle safety education
program. This volunteer opportunity
allows ORV enthusiasts to pass along
their love and knowledge of the sport
to new riders, while teaching them safe
and responsible ORV operation to provide an enjoyable riding experience.
All ORV instructor volunteers are
required to attend a three-day academy
to learn policy and procedure, classroom management and teaching concepts. Instructors will have the chance
to experience various aspects of ORV
operation from basic hands-on operational skills on off-highway motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), utilityOur wildlife need to be managed for the
type vehicles (UTVs) and winching
recovery equipment. Current instructors enjoyment of future generations
also are encouraged to attend to brush up
on knowledge and skills and experience changes in equipment.
There will be two academies in 2016, and each class is limited to 24
participants. While attendance at an academy is mandatory, there is no charge
for the instructor candidates to attend. Enrollment is first-come, first-served.
Academy dates and locations are:
April 29-May 1 at the Ralph A. MacMullan Conference Center in
Roscommon.
May 20-22 at the Escanaba State Fairgrounds.
Anyone interested in becoming a certified ORV instructor must:
Be at least 18 years of age.
Be a high school graduate or possess a graduate equivalency diploma
(GED).
Possess a current and valid drivers license.
Have no felony convictions.
Have no misdemeanor convictions within the past three years.
Have no convictions that resulted in the revocation of ORV operation
privileges within the last five years. (Other convictions of natural resource law
violations are subject to review and may result in the rejection of any application).
Maintain a high moral, ethical and mental character.
To receive an application to apply to be a volunteer-certified ORV safety
education instructor, contact the DNR at 517-284-6055.
After a completed application is submitted, a background check will be
conducted. Successful applicants will then be contacted to schedule their attendance at an academy.
For more information about the ORV safety education program, contact
Cpl. John Morey at 989-619-3784.
Learn more about ORV riding in Michigan or enroll in an ORV rider education course. Enroll in an online rider education course.
Michigan conservation officers are fully commissioned state peace officers who provide natural resources protection, ensure recreational safety and
protect citizens by providing general law enforcement duties and lifesaving
operations in the communities they serve. Learn more at www.michigan.gov/
conservationofficers.n

My Thoughts, My Views, My Opinions...

Why we need to shoot more coyotes: from page 73 drops. Form a deadly duo and learn
how to increase kills using the buddy
possible and the risk of being spotted
is reduced. Coyotes are active at night
increasing your chances of predators
coming to your call. Savvy hunters
are equipped with automatic guns
outfitted with powerful green or red
illumination or varmint gun lights.
If you hunt at night when they are
out on the prowl your success rate
will soar. Some hunters use powerful
hand held lights to locate targets and
gun lights to make pinpoint accurate
shots.
Dont overlook the sport of hunting at night using night vision or
thermal sights. Thermal technology
detects body heat energy and animals
look bright compared to a dull background. No illumination is required
with thermal imaging and animals
have no idea they are being watched.
Take a page from the professional
sharp shooters handbook and hunt at
night, see targets before they see you
and thin predator populations in your
hunting area.
Go hunting with a friend. Join
with a buddy that is interested in doing his duty to cut booming coyote
numbers, someone that will share a
stand location, cover ground to your
right or left and be willing to stay up
until the wee hours of early morning.
Locate a pal that enjoys consuming
energy drinks and will hunt until he

system to cover more ground and put

more coyote down. At times you need
one hunter using a rifle while the
other is armed with shotgun for close
range shots.
In order to encourage more
people to hunt predators Michigan
needs to allow year round hunting
and have less restrictive night hunting regulations. Presently you can
only use rim fire rifles like .17 caliber
or .22 Magnum. However, several
other states have legalized the use of
.223 for night coyote hunting without
impact on deer poaching. Its time the
DNR and Michigan hunters wage war
on coyote and allow use of popular
.223 AR rifles during day and night. I
could understand shutting down night
coyote hunting during deer season
on public property but if a landowner
wants to shoot coyote all year, more
power to him.
Present night hunting regulations
restrict the use of #3 and #4 buckshot
for predator hunting. However, these
loads have become very popular and
have fast gained a reputation among
predator hunters as perfect coyote
rounds. Regular #2 shot or BBs
tend to wound animals but buckshot
will extend the lethal range for those
shooting at moving animals. Perhaps
in order to trim booming coyote
populations we need less restrictive

Set up in locations close to likely coyote

hiding locations in thick brush, swamps
and habitat that provide cover.
laws regarding weapons and ammunition predator hunters can use.
Its time we adapt a no holds
barred battle strategy to take out
coyote and keep them from destroying future deer numbers. It is time we
enact more liberal predator hunting
regulations. Now is the time to take
up arms, learn strategies that work
to harvest predators and begin better
managing our deer herd. Hopefully
the NRC will read this manuscript
and better understand the urgent need
to enact new coyote hunting regulations pronto so we can immediately
begin harvesting fawn murdering
predators. If not, season closes April
15, 2016 and doesnt open until July
15, 2016, by then most of the fawn
deer will be toast.n

$28 million in outdoor recreation development: from page 71

the Department of Natural Resources
for projects totaling $4.7 million. The
Trust Fund board also recommended
$6.5 million in development grants be
awarded to 39 local units of government while five DNR projects garnered a total of $1.5 million.
When a Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund grant is awarded
to a local unit of government, that
funding brings economic, recreational
and quality-of-life benefits to the
surrounding community, said DNR
Director Bill Moritz. Projects like
these often have a real impact on local

businesses, too.
The Michigan Natural Resources
Trust Fund is a restricted fund that
was established in 1976 to provide
funding for public acquisition of lands
for resource protection and outdoor
recreation, as well as for public outdoor recreation development projects.
It is funded through interest earned
on funds derived from the development of publicly owned minerals and
can only be used for public outdoor
recreation. Over the past 40 years,
the Trust Fund has granted more than
$1 billion to state and local units of

government to develop and improve

recreation opportunities in Michigan.
The Trust Fund boards recommendations went to the Michigan
Legislature for review earlier this year
as part of the appropriation process.
Once approved by the Legislature,
the bill is sent to the governor for his
approval and signature.
Descriptions of the development
projects and acquisition projects
approved by Gov. Snyder are available at www.michigan.gov/mnrtf. For
more information on the DNR, visit
www.michigan.gov/dnr.n

HUNT WITH THE BEST, HUNT WITH A

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MAY 2016 - WNW NEWS

prime but by then all the fawn deer

will be dead. Maybe we need to get
after those dogs ASAP and try to curb
populations on your deer hunting
turf before they eradicate the fawns.
Your goal should be to kill as many
coyotes as you can.
If regulations open hunting we
can go searching for dens. Set up with
a rifle overlooking pup hideouts and
try to pick off the female. It would
be a good idea to destroy dens. Look
for coyote dens in sand pits, hill sides
facing south, along fence rows or
they will take over an existing hole
made by fox or ground hogs.
Personally I think the DNR needs
to take some of the $18 billion they
made selling lumber off public property and use some of the profits to pay
hunters a bounty for coyote harvested. It would be great if we could
make $25 a critter to help pay for
expensive gear, gas and time invested
to control predators. If a bounty was
available you can bet more hunters
would get into coyote hunting and
the population of predators would be
controlled at lightning speed.
My point is we need to get involved. If new laws pass we should
go predator hunting year round and
everyone should do their part to halt
the slaughter of young fawns. Our
goal should be to try to bring back
Michigans stumbling deer population
by controlling predators. But hunting
seasons need to be quickly changed if
we want to save fawns. Night hunting
for coyote shuts down on March 1
and the season does not reopen until
October 1, 2016. This means coyote
are protected from hunters during
spring and summer which is exactly
when they are destroying the fawn
population. For more information on
coyote hunting consult the DNR, read
the hunting digest or go online at:
MichiganCoyoteHunting.com.
Hopefully we can get after
coyotes using night hunting tactics
soon. Night hunting predators is
growing increasingly popular. Darkness provides the best concealment

73

Readers Choice Trail Cam Contest

Visit our website (www.woods-n-waternews.com) to vote for your favorite trail cam photo each
month. The photo with the most votes will receive a Woods-N-Water News mock Cover featuring
their photo. Once we have twelve monthly winners from our website, well ask you to choose the
Grand prize winner which will get a new Stealth Cam.
Send your photos to: wnw@pageone-inc.com (please submit in jpeg format)
www.woods-n-waternews.com

Keith Dickey of Macomb

Twp. caught this trail cam
photo of a turkey landing.
Steven Wilkins, 13, captured this
big ole gobbler on trail cam the
last of March.
Russ
Videan
of Tustin
captured
this
bobcat
coming
out of a
swamp on
trail cam.

Frank Delkov sent us this trail cam photo of a hawk

landing on a post where he has his trail cam mounted
on in Greenwood Twp.
Kraig Staples
sent this trail
cam photo of
a nice buck
working a
scape near
Millersburg
earlier this
year.

Sandy Videan of Tustin sent

us this photo of a flock of
turkeys by the swamp.
Devin
Phenix
of Barry
County
captured
this trail
cam shot
this spring
of ducks
in flight.

MAY 2016 - WNW NEWS

Lauren Trainor of Eaton County

caught tempers flaring between
these twins.

74

Kraig Staples sent in this photo of an

elk in March taken by his trail cam
near Millersburg.

Designed To Stay Directly Behind The Boat...

An in-depth look at Church

Tackles Stern Planer

troducing its newest Stern Planer, the

TX-005. The TX-005 is 7 inches long
and weighs approximately 1.5 ounces.
Both are made from the near indestructible plastic which has never let
me down, even after dropping them
and stepping on them. The TX-005
is half the weight and approximately
half the diameter of the TX-007.
Thus, the TX-005
has even less water
drag resistance. The
lure action of even
the smallest lure attached to a TX-005
is telegraphed in the
rod tip. This helps
indicate that the lure
is running true, isnt
fouled or dragging
a small fish. One
minor difference
between the TX-005
and the TX-007 is
that the TX-005 does
not have a hole with
a rubber stopper. The
hole with a rubber
stopper is to add
water to add ballast
to the stern planer.
For those that are concerned about
the TX-005 being pulled under by a
fish, it doesnt really matter because
the TX-005 would create very little
leverage for a fish trying to release
itself. To date, I have caught 25 inch
walleyes and they were unable to pull
the TX-005 under water.
I have found that the TX-005
works well with a medium weight
Spinning Rod or a trolling rod, while
I recommend using the TX-007 with
trolling rods. I modified my TX-007
by using reflective tape and the use
of two clips to attach the stern planer
to the fishing line. The tape helps in
spotting the stern planers at night.
When using them at night, make
sure to watch for other boats since
they will not see the unlit stern planers and you may need to reel them in
closer when a boat approaches. I put
a clip on the back of the TX-007 stern
planer since I find it a little faster to
unclip the stern planer, especially in
cold weather, and I can remove them
with one hand.
I am fortunate to be able to take
young kids fishing since they rekindle
my excitement in catching fish. Nothing makes them smile more (including
me) than when they can reel in their
own fish. The planers create such little
water resistance when trolling that
the kids can reel the fish in the entire
way. When fish are caught on in-line

By Steve Becker

The Stern Planer Dance!

boards, they pull hard to the side and
are heavier so the kids normally hand
me the pole after reeling the fish in
half way because they are tired out.

Stern Planer Tactics

In Wisconsin, three lines are

allowed per angler, so when fishing
with three people I normally troll
with eight lines (three in-lines on the
starboard side, three in-lines on the
port side and two stern planers). As I
indicated earlier, I like to run the stern
planers straight behind the boat 150
and 200 feet back after attaching the
stern planer. If the port and starboard
stern planers are staggered 50 feet, it
is rare that they get tangled up, even
when making aggressive turns with
the boat.
I prefer to run the stern planers in the rod holders furthest back
in the boat in either a horizontal or
vertical position. When the rods are
in the horizontal position the stern
planer will follow the exact route the
boat took because the fishing line is
100 percent in the water and creates
line drag. If you have the rod in the
vertical position, the line is out of the
water and the stern planer will cut the
corner when you make a turn with the
boat because the line is lifted off the
water and isnt creating any drag.
Another advantage of having them
far back in the boat is that they dont
interfere with your in-line boards.
For example, if I catch a fish on a
Starboard side in-line planer board,
I place the Starboard Stern planers
trolling rod vertically into a spare Port
side rod holder. The Starboard in-line
board with the fish on it can now be
retrieved in like normal. Once the fish
is in the boat, I place the Starboard
stern planer trolling rod horizontally
back into the Starboard rod holder.
Heres a trick for those fisherman who are always trying to catch
a few more fish. When trolling and
you catch a fish on an in-line board,
wouldnt it be nice to run another lure
right through the same area without
needing to turn around? This can be
done the easiest with the inside in-line
planer board/stern planer. When there
is a bite on the port side in-line planer
board, as the person is reeling in the
fish, turn the boat hard to port. Instead
of moving the port side stern planers

rod to the other side of the boat, take

it out of the rod holder; lift it up and
over the person fighting the fish and
then place the rod vertically back into
the port side rod holder. If the stern
planer is 150200 feet back it will
now pass through close to where the
fish was caught on the in-line board. I
call this the planer dance it has often resulted in doubling up on fish. As
a point of reference, if youre trolling
at two mph and the stern planer is 150
feet behind the in-line, theoretically
there is 51 seconds to move the boat
over the distance between the in-line
and stern planer. Realistically, there
probably is only 30 seconds since it
takes time to react and see that you
have a fish on the in-line board (this is
still plenty of time).
So whats next with the planer
board? Im currently experimenting
with placing steel shot in the TX-007
to see if the rattling noise attracts or
deters fish. We all know that lures
with rattle at times can outperform
lures without rattles. Im actually
placing ten (10) size #1 steel shot
through the rubber plugged hole in the
back of the TX-007. The theory is the
steel shot will move back and forth
in the stern planer as it passes over
waves. By demonstrating this action
with a stern planer in the boat, its
loud and sort of sounds like a babys
rattle. Thus far, I have had a few times
that the rattling stern planer certainly out produced the plain stern planer.
It seems that the best is when there
are approximately one foot waves
which create a gentler rattling noise.
It is important to note, I havent had
it yet where it was obvious that the
silent stern planer out produced the
rattling stern planer. Of course to do
this, one needs to run the same lures
on both stern planers and preferably
at the same depth. I hope to experiment more with this in the upcoming
fishing season to determine if there is
a favorable pattern.
Steve Becker is part of Mark Martins prostaff. He resides in De Pere,
WI and is an avid walleye fisherman
that fishes almost exclusively Green
Bay and its tributaries. He participates
in some local tournaments and is sponsored by Shimano/G. Loomis. He can
be reached at skbecker6@yahoo.comn

MAY 2016 - WNW NEWS

he pressure was on to catch

some fish, I was fishing with
people that had high expectations. They had heard stories
of me recently catching large
amounts of fish and they
wanted in on the action. I was fishing
with my Brother in-law, Jim Boots
who loves to fish and Gary Ebben
who was looking
to learn more about
fishing.
It was mid-April,
the walleyes had just
finished spawning
and they were feeding as they headed
out to the Bay. We
were fishing a specific contour depth
on a Green Bay river
tributary and it was
important that we
used Church Tackle
TX-007 Stern Planers. They are different than the traditional in-line boards
because the stern
planers are designed
to stay directly behind the boat.
As I followed the contour with the
boat, stern planers 150 and 200 feet
straight behind the boat, I knew with
confidence the exact dive depth of the
crankbait versus the total water depth
as shown by my sonar. For the in-line
boards running out to the sides of the
boat, with the sloping contour, I could
only guess how deep to run the lure
because the exact water depth away
from the boat was unknown. Thus,
Im sure with the in-line planer boards
I had some shallow side lures digging
up bottom/getting fouled and lures on
the deep side running too high in the
water column to catch walleyes that
tend to stay near bottom because of
the river current.
As expected, the planers caught
their fair share of fish. Every 30 minutes, after coming to the end of the
mile trolling pass, I turned the boat
around 180 degrees and fished the
contour heading the other direction.
The lures on the stern planers were
still at the right depth so they never
came in unless they had a fish. All of
my lures on my in-line boards had to
be reset for different depths since they
switched from the deep side to the
shallow side and vice versa. We ended
up having a very successful outing
with Gary getting his first walleye
and several walleyes in the 24-28 inch
range.
In 2016, Church Tackle will be in-

75

Planting Roundup
Ready sugar beets

ocation is important and that is

where to start. Soil type is job
number one, with a medium
to heavy loam preferred. Light
sand will not work. Soil such
as loamy sand is fair and works
better with a high water table. Planting
alongside drainage is a good idea for
any soil type especially loamy sand. For
the more heavy soil types, loamy clay,
planting on a slight southern slope helps
aid drainage. Pure clay also will not
work. While all growing sugar
beets love moisture, especially
as they reach maturity, young
sugar beet plants are sensitive to excessive moisture and
easily killed, so please, keep
this in mind. You want to stay
away from hills of lighter soil
and try to plant in the valleys
between these hills. Think
lower elevations for
more moisture but dont
forget about the drainage factor.
Sugar beets love the sun so you
need to keep the area cleared. If you are
planting a narrow strip of sugar beets
in a wooded area and want to keep the
clearing to a minimum try to plant in
an East to West direction primarily and
stay at least 30 feet from the wooded
edge. This 30-foot strip can be planted
in forage more tolerant of shade, such
as white or ladino clover. You havent
lost a thing, in fact you added to the
attractiveness of the area. Woods, a strip
of clover, a strip of sugar beets, another
strip of clover and woods again, in two
jumps the buck is in safety.

Soil Preparation

Sugar beets contain many nutrients,

which means they take it from the soil.
For you to have a good crop of sugar
beets, the soil must have high nutrient and organic matter content. It may
take you years to build up that lighter
soil found too many times in typical
hunting lands. No problem, you can
build it up in preparation for that future
sugar beet planting, while at the same
time pull and hold deer by following
the instructions found in our
book, Ultimate Deer Food
Plots in the chapter, Soil and
its characteristics. Even with
better soil types such as loam
that has good drainage, the
nutrient level should be very
high along with the organic
matter content. Take soil tests
of selected plots and think
very high nutrient
levels. Soil tests results
may show grades such
as low, medium, high and very high
and or in, Parts per million (PPM).
For PPM think phosphorous at 40-150
PPM, potash and magnesium at 200-300
PPM. Get that Ph at 6.5 to 7.5. That first
year planting of sugar beets should be
in a field that was sprayed and tilled the
previous fall or following an effective
plant rotation.

By Ed Spinazzola

MAY 2016 - WNW NEWS

Roundup Ready
Sugar Beet Ruling

76

A lawsuit against the seeding of

Round up Ready, (RR) sugar beets
by Oregon red beet seed growers was
settled in July 2012. The Federal court
ruled and USDA agreed to totally
deregulate the buying and seeding of
RR sugar beets. That means anyone can
buy and seed RR sugar beet seed for
any reason. However, Monsanto, the
developer and patent holder of RR sugar
beets still can add some restrictions to
their seed dealers and they did. They do
allow the seeding of RR sugar beets for
any use such as grazing cattle but not
the seeding of wildlife feed plots. This
is rather confusing, for anyone can seed
RR sugar beets in the deer woods and
just by saying its for cattle makes it
legal. Monsanto seed dealers are asked
not to sell RR sugar beet seeds to anyone intending to plant them for wildlife
feed plots. This is due to the plaintiffs
appealing the ruling. Monsanto has given the OK to seed in the past, (I was one
of two sources licensed to sell to food
plotters) and I believe this restriction for
dealers is temporary. If interested I suggest you plan for the near future and call
me for answers.

Plant Rotation

Sugar beets take many nutrients

from the soil and are hosts to several
pests from insects to mold, fungus and
other villains. You need to break that cycle of pests and replace those nutrients.
Plant rotation does this very well. There
are several effective plant rotations recommended by agricultural agents. Here
is one of them for maximum results.
A four-year rotation is recommended.
Plant RR sugar beets that first year, the
second year plant RR soybeans in midMay, followed with the broadcasting of
oats, rye grain and winter wheat in early
September. In early August of the third
year you will till the grain blend and
seed a brassica blend. The fourth year
plant Mammoth red clover in spring. Do
not mow the clover. In mid-September
spray one quart of Roundup with one
pint 2-4-D ester per acre. Four-six
weeks later till the Mammoth red clover
for the following spring planting of RR
sugar beets. The last planting of Mammoth red clover is designed to rebuild
the organic matter and add nutrients to
the soil. Plant Mammoth red clover not
medium red clover for maximum green
manure and dont be concerned if deer
shy away from it during maturity. You
are not only breaking the pest cycle you
are also building up the soil.
The above is important when you
seed only sugar beets. However, if you
plant our suggested, Ultimate corn
based kill plots and seed the sugar beets
at 1/3 of the normal seeding rate the picture changes. My research experience

shows, that when spring-seeding the

reduced rates of RR corn, RR soybeans along with RR sugar beets at 1/3
seeding rate there is less need for full
rotation of 3-4 years. Rotation of seeding beets every other year works. This
is short-term research not long-term, but
still encouraging.

Planting And Fertilization

Sugar beets are a long season crop

and need to be planted as early as conditions allow. They are a cool-season forage and can take fairly cool weather but
not freezing when young. In Mid-Michigan it would be advisable to think late
April to an early May planting, further
north, a late May to early June planting
may be advised. Sugar beets are grown
commercially from Maine to California,
with the planting date in California being September.
Tillage is usually recommended
prior to seeding sugar beets. If you
have tilled the previous fall and have a
clean field as recommended above, you
can plant beets using a heavy duty, (or
no-till) V double coulter planter that
slices into the mellow but not spring
tilled soil, drops individual seed spaced
correctly and has compress wheels for
good seed soil contact. Many planters
can also incorporate fertilizer. Even
with no-till, never plant into wet soil.
Plant sugar beet seed 1/2- 3/4 inch deep.
You are finished. All you need to do is
several timely sprayings and additional
fertilization. Unfortunately this is not
the situation for most food plotters.
We just do not usually have a $30,000
planter that has the ability to accurately
seed corn, soybeans or sugar beets. So
adjust.
To the clean field that was tilled the
previous fall and soil tested the previous
fall. If you havent, broadcast 300-350
pounds of 19-19-19 and 25 pounds of
manganese sulfate per acre. Till in the
broadcast fertilizer with the blades set
no deeper than four inches. Around
six to eight weeks later broadcast 100
pounds of urea, 46-0-0 per acre. Around
September 15 broadcast another 100
pounds of urea per acre.
Never till wet soil. You are setting
up a condition of the soil surface being
brick hard after drying, which prevents
plant emergence. Make a ball of dirt
with your hands, then drop it on your
foot. If it breaks up, the soil should be
dry enough to plant, if not wait. Patience is a virtue not seen often enough
when dealing with Mother Nature, but
patience you need, for Mother Nature

wins every time.

I mentioned that sugar beets are a
cool season crop and should be seeded
as early as possible. To offset the problem of seeding problems when using
a hand operated broadcast spreader I
advise the following. The seeding date
is now changed to satisfy the recommended date for soybeans. For southern
Michigan it is close to May 1, for midMichigan, think May 12 for the tip of
the mitt and lower UP try May 25.
Mix 35 pounds of RR soybeans
with 25,000 RR sugar beet seeds,
50,000 sugar beet seeds is the normal number for seeding a one acre
sugar beet kill plot. Now broadcast that
25,000 sugar beet seeds blended with
35 pounds of soybeans and now plant
one acre. Option; mix 50 pounds of RR
soys with 25,000 RR sugar beets seed
for 1-1/2 acres. You will find that it now
becomes rather easy to broadcast RR
sugar beet seed accurately. I still recommend to keep those kill plots small in
size for effectiveness but now perhaps
several kill plots of RR soys and sugar
beets. It may take a few dry runs to get
the feel of broadcasting seed accurately. You will learn in a short time the
rhythm of turning the crank and walking
speed for minor adjustments. You have
now fertilized, tilled and accurately
broadcast RR sugar beet seed with RR
soybeans. Now lets till that blend into
the soil with tools set at 2 inches deep
and follow with a slow cultipacking
pass or two. Sugar beet seed should be
planted at the depth of 1/2-3/4 inch,
with firm seed soil contact. The above
sequence of broadcasting fertilizer, tillage, (disking, rototilling, field cultivator) to a depth of 3-4 inches and no
more, then broadcasting seed, followed
by a shallow tillage and slow cultipacking pass will accomplish this.
The subject of the value of sugar
beets for wildlife deserves a book. My
experience and research of over 15
years shows that nothing beats sugar
beets for winter carry over nutrition and
deer attraction in late November and
the December deer hunting seasons,
absolutely nothing.
Next month I will discuss the
ultimate corn based kill plots and
techniques for spraying round up.
The author is an Associate with Tony
LaPratts Ultimate Land Management. For more information call 586784-8090 and or check web site www.
deerattraction.com or www.tonysulm.
com. Keep the fun in hunting!n

Electronic dog collars

For barking issues I first tell the
dog to be quiet. Of course if you have
a barker this alone wont work but
I want him to see I dont like all the
noise. After a couple of tries I pop him
with the collar. If he doesnt obey I
raise the intensity and try again. Once
you get to the right level to where he
responds stop raising the intensity.
Some of the books say to leave
the collar on the dog for several days
before using the electric stimuli. I
dont and have never found any use

in doing so. So remember this is for

early basic training to get the control
you need for off leash running and a
happy home. Do not use the e-collar
if you are in a bad mood or angry. If
you abuse it and the dogyou risk
ruining the dog due to lack of confidence. Calm head, happy voice and a
pocket full of patience are mandatory.
Next time I will discuss using the
e-collar during bird training for flushing, retrieving and pointing dogs.n

Dog Training By Charlie Linblade

ED'S NEW DVD

ULTIMATE
CORN-BASED
DEER KILL PLOTS
Takes you to a new concept of deer attraction.
Deer will freely enter your kill plot during daylight due
to the security and endless variety of forage deer prefer

ORDER
YOUR
COPY
TODAY!

Send Check or Money Order

Made Out to:

Edward Spinazzola
815 Sleeth Rd.
Commerce, MI 48382

New DVD ~ $25 includes shipping

Name
Address
City

State

Zip

Phone #

ULTIMATE LAND MANAGEMENT FORAGE & COVER SEED FOR MICHIGAN PLOTS
Tony Lapratt and associate Chris Pierson
with new associate Ed Spinazzola
WEBSITE -- tonysulm.com

ULTIMATE DEER FOOD PLOTS

BOOK & DVD

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then mail to:

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815 Sleeth Rd.
Commerce, MI 48382

Book @ $25 each

DVD @ $20 each

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OR CALL ED AT 586-784-8090 FOR MORE INFORMATION

Seed

Cost

# Bags

(6lbs)

$25

Michigan's Ultimate Blend

(6lbs)

$35

Wildlife Cover and

Forage Blend (6lbs)

$50

Shipping and handling

Lower Peninsula Michigan

$11.00 first bag $7.00

each additional bag

Shipping and handling

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rest of the Continental US

$12.00 first bag $8.00

each additional bag

TOTAL
REMIT BY CHECK OR MONEY ORDER
MAKE CHECKS PAYABLE TO:

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WEBSITE: deerattraction.com

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Michigan Brassica Blend

Name

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City

The Brassica Blend provides both summer feed and winter forage. The Ultimate Blend is
an excellent mix that includes both annual and perennials. The Wildlife Cover and Forage Blend
is designed to keep deer on your property by providing them a bedding area and food in close
proximity. Go to deerattraction.com for a full list of ingredients and detailed planting instructions.

City
Phone #

State

Zip

MAY 2016 - WNW NEWS

hot topic in many dog training clubs is the use of an

electronic collar. We have
all heard the horror stories
of the hot headed handler
screaming at his dog while
administering abusively high charges
to a dog who typically was not fully
trained. Thus getting to my first point
in using an electronic collar: It is not
a punishment tool. Granted the use
of an e-collar is definitely negative
stimuli but should not be used as punishment for bad behavior.
Instead the e-collar is used to
annoy the dog into good behavior
patterns by administering negative
stimuli during bouts of bad behavior
patterns. Say if a dog is digging up the
back yard and you have been telling
him to stop. But he only stops while
you are standing and continues once
you leave. Put an e-collar on him and
give him a pop when he starts digging again. A Pop is a two to three
second hit. If the pop is too weak he
will not respond. If it is too strong he
will vocalize and become scared. The
lesson is, you start at a low setting
and work your way up until you get
his attention. But dont let him think
you are the one doing it. Let him think
the ground is doing it. If he thinks it
is you he will become sneaky about
digging but if he thinks the ground is
doing it he will stop.
The thing to remember is young
dogs need a reason not to do unwanted things. Like barking excessively or
digging. And young dogs arent too
concerned with what you want or like.
But they definitely will do what is best
for them. And of course the e-collar
makes it best for him to behave properly.
Off leash recall is another use for
the e-collar. Why should the young
dog come when called? Because
when he does you will praise him
and show him affection. And when
he doesnt he will get a mild stimulation that stops just as you start calling
again. Then if he comes to you it is
important to praise him and show him
affection. Keep your voice happy and
friendly. We dont want him to think
you are mad. That would compound
the effects of the e-collar. You call
him; he looks at you then turns away.
As soon as he turns away pop him
with the collar. When he turns back
towards you, call again with a happy
friendly voice. Use hand gestures during recall to help keep his attention on
you.
This early work should be done
with as little distraction as possible.
Initially I like to set the pup up to succeed. Trying to get a pups attention
at the dog park or near a playground
of kids is not reasonable. So start out
alone with the pup and if possible in a
fenced area.

77

Deer Hunting 2016

Location preparation
Choosing The Right Tree

areas during daylight hours, they dont

survive to a second antlered season.
Youve finished your post-season
Studies show that in some areas of
scouting and have a series of locations
the country, 1 year old bucks commarked on your map to be prepared.
prise around 80 percent of the annual
Now you have all spring to properly
prepare them and when you do, always buck kill and most areas in Michigan
prepare locations in order of importance are definitely in that boat. In such areas,
with what you assume are the best spots few bucks survive to 2 years of age
and studies show that in some areas 3
being prepared first.
year old and older bucks comprise
I wrote another article in last
a mere 2 percent of the antlered buck
months issue about the tools required
population. That would mean if there
to properly prepare a new location and
were 20 antlered bucks per section (640
those tools will definitely make the
acres), there would only be two 3
preparation work much easier.
year or older or older bucks in five sec There are a lot of the most importions or 3,200 acres.
tant aspect of bowhunting is arguments that could justifiably be made and Going forward Im going to assume
youre hunting in a heavily pressured
choosing the right tree at a location is
area and any proper set-up in such areas
definitely near the top. Scouting, tree
will work in any other area.
choice and location preparation embody the time and hard work that your
hunting acquaintances never witness,
Choosing the right tree seems
yet unknowingly to them, the fruits of
simple but at many locations its not. I
that time and work is
prepared five new locawhat makes them think
tions last December and
youre just lucky. Hunters
at one of them it took me
in managed areas are ex25 minutes just to choose
pected to kill big bucks,
what I think will be the
but for regular Joe
right tree. In 1998 I did
hunters that hunt medioan in-field seminar and
cre ground, the taking of
at a location where three
a mature buck is simply
different terrain features
the checkmate of a lot of
converged I had all 18
hard and tedious work.
participants choose a tree
The most valuable
and not one chose the
lesson Ive learned is
same tree I did, so its not
how to relate deer sign
that automatic.
with its location, factor
In most areas in Michiin the amount and type of
gan mature bucks and
hunting pressure the area
does actually search for
receives, the amount
hunters in trees and unand type of security and
like whats commonly
transition cover it has,
seen on video, when
and evaluate whether or not the location they pick you, they wont look at you
is conducive for daytime mature buck
and after a few seconds put their heads
activity.
back down and go about their business
When pursuing mature bucks in
offering a shot, they will immediately
heavily pressured areas, security cover
spook. This fact has a direct correlation
needs should always be considered
on tree choice and stand height.
before choosing locations or preparing
On a 2001 hunt in Iowa which is
anything because all the mature buck
an extremely low hunter density state,
signs in the world is totally meaningless I had a huge 8 point stop at fifteen
to hunt over if it was made during the
yards and stare up at me. After several
security of darkness.
seconds, he put his head down just like
Unlike whats commonly viewed
on TV and continued, offering a twelve
on managed or lightly hunted properties yard chip shot. At home he would have
where bucks are taken in open vulnerturned inside out and exited without
able areas such as in short or picked
hesitation.
crop fields and exposed food plots, or
Ask yourself these questions bein mature timber with no understudy, in
heavily pressured areas what little day- cause they should factor into your tree
time mature buck activity that occurs is choice.
What time of season and how
almost always within a couple bounds
frequently will I hunt here, will there
of exit security cover.
likely be other deer around for an
Bucks in managed areas have to
extended period of time such as at a
reach a specific age or antler criterion
destination scrape area or mast or fruit
before they are at risk of getting killed
tree, how much hunting pressure does
whereas bucks in heavily pressured areas are targeted by many hunters during the surrounding area receive, what are
my shooting distance limitations, and
their first antlered season. If they dont
whats my comfort level with heights?
learn quickly how to avoid vulnerable

Choosing A New Tree

MAY 2016 - WNW NEWS

By John Eberhart

78

Always choose a tree that offers adequate background and concealment cover even if
it leaves a runway or two slightly out of range because they can usually be altered.
Each answer should play a role in
the tree you choose as well as how its
prepared.
When choosing trees, wind direction is a consideration for most hunters,
but not for me. Since the late 90s Ive
paid zero attention to wind direction
because I learned how to properly care
for and use activated carbon-lined Scent
Lok suits, head covers, gloves, and
backpack and use them in conjunction
with clean knee high rubber or neoprene
boots. For my first 35 seasons I paid
100 percent attention to wind direction,
but now I dont and never get winded
or have deer spook when they cross my
entry routes.
I should clarify that a bit. The only
time wind direction may influence my
tree selection is at a primary scrape area
because its possible for a mature buck
to come in from the downwind side and
only scent check it. Since the prevailing
wind direction in the fall is usually from
the northwest, if theres a suitable tree
on the southeast side of the area, thats
the tree Ill choose. However, active
sign and not wind direction, will dictate
when I hunt there.
Begin the tree selection process by
slowly walking or crawling down every
surrounding runway while looking at
every suitable tree and dont make a
decision until youre finished. You want
to choose the tree that offers a shot opportunity to the most runways however
it must be a suitable tree that you wont
get picked in.
Conifers and oaks are the most ideal
trees when available. Conifers hold their
needles year round and oaks hold their
leaves long into the season, offering better concealment cover.
Most trees lose their foliage prior
to the rut phases, so for rut locations, if
available pick a large diameter tree with
a crotch or large branches at your hunting height to help conceal your body
profile.
If crotches or large branches dont
exist, consider going higher up the tree.
The additional height will aid in keeping you out of a deers peripheral vision
and allow you to get away with minor
movements during the shot process.
In Michigan I feel totally exposed
when hunting below 25 feet in a tree
with no cover which is typically the

case during the rut and I always practice and sight my bow in from a similar
height to replicate the same form when
taking steeper shot angles. Bowhunters that exclusively practice from the
ground will typically shoot several
inches high when taking steep shot
angles from trees because unknowingly, there eye, to anchor, to bow hand
triangle slightly changes because they
dip their head down before they draw.
Try never to pick a tree directly
over where you expect a shot opportunity. Doing so will cause; severe
shot angles, a narrow target area, and
no chance of a double-lung hit which
should always be the goal. There will
also be a much higher probability of
getting picked as deer will be coming
directly at you.
For early season hunting all trees
will have foliage offering concealment
and background cover, somewhat negating the need to hunt as high up trees as
during the rut phases.
Always choose a tree that offers
adequate background and concealment
cover even if it leaves a runway or two
slightly out of range because they can
usually be altered. All the hard work to
prepare shooting lanes and entry and
exit routes at an awesome location will
be wasted if you prepare an inadequate
tree from which youll get busted.
If no adequate tree is available and
the location is awesome, a well concealed ground blind may be required.

Clearing Shooting Lanes

The hardest physical work starts

now and if you have health issues, or
are out of shape, get someone to help
you or take a lot of breaks.
For public land and knock on doors
for free permission hunters like myself,
make sure you know exactly what the
federal, state or property owners allow
concerning trimming trees, clearing
shooting lanes, and making and marking
entry and exit routes.
One might think that once a tree has
been chosen that preparing it would be
the first thing you do but before preparing the tree, the process of properly
choosing and then clearing shooting
lanes is done first.
The type of location and how
frequently it gets hunted has a lot to do

Everything in each shooting lane thats between a deers chest height and where you
will be holding your bow at full draw must go.
shooting lane may be all you need.
Old brushy apple trees will likely
require some major trimming to open
up shot opportunities to their opposite
side.
Unlike does and subordinate bucks
that casually move around while feeding under mast and fruit trees, mature
bucks typically come in from the side
offering the most security cover and
only eat within a small zone under the
tree before exiting back into the same
security cover from the direction they
came in from. You need that shot opportunity and may have to rape part of
the tree to be able to shoot to its opposite side.
Within bedding areas its common
for there to be runways everywhere and
during the rut for bucks to be chasing
does past you without being on any
of them. These locations will not get
hunted often and may need as many
as five shooting lanes fanned out like
spokes on a wheel to take full advantage of the situation.
No matter the location, each shooting lane should be 4-8 feet wide so you
have space to vocally stop a buck if
hes moving fast or pursuing a hot doe.
Once finished clearing lanes to runways already within range its time to
check for and alter any slightly out of
range runways to within your shooting
distance wheelhouse.
Walk beyond the farthest runway
in each lane and look for other runways. If you locate one that could be
altered within range do so by strategically blocking two sections of it with
deadfall debris or cuttings from the
lanes you cleared. Join the two ends by
cutting a new runway section that will
bring it within shooting distance and
join it with the farthest runway in your
already cut lane.
Once lanes seem finished drag all
cut stuff as far away from the location as possible and put them cut side
down into the heaviest cover available
without blocking any runways. By
pre-season which is when most hunters
scout, the stood up cuttings will look

like natural dead saplings or brush and

other hunters wont recognize it and
look for your location.

Preparing The Tree

Since 1981, Ive exclusively hunted

from a self-designed (arborist) style
harness that rolls up to the size of a
softball, weighs a pound-and-a-half,
and easily fits in my hunting pack with
all my other layer garments and gear
and I prepare every tree for using the
harness.
Theres rarely a season that goes by
where I dont have at least 30 locations
prepared and ready to hunt and even
though I never hunt them all, at any
time of season any one of them is ready
if the sign warrants a hunt. Having that
many prepared locations, not having
to worry about theft or someone else
hunting my tree, not having to own
30 to 50 stands, and for many other reasons hunting from a harness is a pretty
huge advantage.
Proper lane clearing is tough and
by now your likely sweaty and tired,
and want to go home and come back
another day to finish. Take a break
but dont cave because when the final
tack is placed and youre back at your
vehicle, youll be extremely glad you
finished and that coffee or cold drink
on the way home will be sweet.
Once shooting lanes seem finished, go to your tree and pick out the
side that appears easiest to climb in as
straight a line as possible. If it leans, go
up the side leaning away as if climbing
a ladder as it will be easier to ascend
and descend.
Put on your safety climbing harness
and attach the sheathed camp saw to
your belt. For extremely rough barked
trees you may also need the hatchet.
My harness has side pockets for
steps, step starter, bow holders, and
rope and a fanny pack can serve the
same purpose.
I havent used a tree stand since
1981 but will pretend I do. Tie your
stand, and extension saw if you think
youll need it, to the rope and tie the

other end to one of your back belt loops

to keep it out of the way. Neatly place
the remaining rope on the ground so it
can unroll as you ascend.
With safety harness attached, begin
placing sticks or steps. For spacing
steps, use your knee, waist, and shoulders. Typically the distance between
knee and waist and waist and shoulders
is about 18 inches and that spacing is
easy to climb.
During the process, cut all dead or
small live branches that might be mistaken as steps when descending in the
dark. With boots on, your feet cant feel
the difference between a small branch
and a step and removing branches tight
to the tree will eliminate the possibility
of stepping on and snapping a branch
and falling.
On still days ascending or descending a tree can be noisy and very possibly spook deer when hunting within or
close to a bedding area or near where
deer feed. If you think spooking deer
while descending a tree doesnt matter
because youre leaving, youre wrong.
Every time a deer is spooked at a location, even if its not the target deer, it
lessens your odds of a future opportunity.
If in a rough barked tree and your
within close proximity (near a bedding
or feeding area) to where deer might be
when ascending or descending, using
the camp saw or hatchet, trim any loose
bark from the area around each step before placing it. This insures your boots
wont snap-off any rough bark while
climbing.
When screwing in steps make sure
all the threads are buried into the meat
of the tree. In trees with large chunked
or flaky bark such as white oaks, cottonwoods, hickories, etc., always use
folding steps. The threads on a folding
step can be buried into the meat of the
tree between gaps of deep bark and
then the step portion can be dropped
down into that gap.
In relatively smooth barked trees
conventional rod steps are fine, but in
deep barked trees theyre very dangerous because the side of the step becomes a stop when it hits the bark and
doesnt allow the threads to penetrate
deep enough into the meat of the tree to
support your weight.
Once up the tree and at the desired location, pull your stand up and
securely hang it where the least amount
of body movement will be required to
shoot in the lane you most expect an
opportunity to occur.
With safety harness attached step
into it the stand and go through your
shot process motions imagining there is
a deer on each runway in every prepared shooting lane. If any branches
encumber your body movements or
impede a shot, cut them off. Also trim
any rough bark from areas your upper
body may rub against.
With the extension saw cut any
shot impeding branches in the tree that
you couldnt reach from the ground.
This is the reason you cleared
shooting lanes before preparing the

MAY 2016 - WNW NEWS

with properly choosing and clearing

lanes.
Example 1) If only hunting a spot
two or three times per season, which
is common for rut phase locations, cut
shooting lanes wide enough so that
youll have ample room to vocally stop
a rapidly moving buck because in pressured areas second opportunities rarely
occur.
Example 2) At destination locations
such as a mast or fruit tree or a primary
scrape area where deer will come to
and stop; concentrate your efforts on
the primary lane to the destination area.
Example 3) Totally opposite of example 2, interior bedding area locations
typically require several subtle lanes.
Once the hunting criterion has been
established, walk or crawl down the
farthest runways that are within shooting distance of the chosen tree. As you
move down the runways look for the
area between you and the tree where
the least amount of brush and sapling
need clearing as that will be required
for shooting lanes.
Clearing shooting lanes to the
farthest runways will automatically put
runways between it and your tree into
play, eliminating the need to cut more
lanes than necessary. The goal is to
have as few lanes as possible without
missing any potential shot opportunities.
Oftentimes when scouting I come
across other hunter locations and
wonder how in the world they ever get
a shot because their shooting lanes are
so narrow and inferior. Having a great
location and hunting it perfectly is a
waste of your time if you cant get off
a shot when an opportunity presents
itself.
The, I hit a small branch excuse
only means the location preparer did a
terrible job of clearing shooting lanes.
As infrequently as opportunities arise
in heavily pressured areas, make sure
they count.
Large branches and saplings may
be visible in low light conditions, but
the small arrow deflecting stuff wont
be. Other than the large stuff, in each
shooting lane everything must go thats
between a deers chest height and
where you will be holding your bow at
full draw.
Cut the tall stick-weeds in front
of each runway that could deflect an
arrow and the tiny branches coming off
other trees with your extension saw.
The only thing that should be left in a
shooting lane between your bow and a
deers vitals area is air.
Cut trees, brush, and saplings tight
to the ground and cover large stubs
with moss, leaves, or a small dead
branch. With no stubs showing, it will
be more difficult for other hunters to
notice your location after green-up.
Make sure not to block any runways
with your cuttings.
At small destination locations such
as a mast or fruit tree or a primary
scrape area, concentrate your efforts
on the lane to the destination site as
thats where all the runways lead to and
likely where your shot will be. At some
destination areas a decent sized single

Location preparation page 80 79

Location preparation:
from page 79

tree. Its very common when in the tree

to notice stuff in shooting lanes that
you missed when clearing them on the
ground. If alone, mentally note what
you missed in each lane or if someones
with you, have them cut it while you
dictate.
Strategically place a few screw in
bow holders for your backpack and
bow.
Using your rangefinder check
the distance to each runway and note
them for future reference. If your first
hunt will be in the morning and a buck
comes through at the crack of dawn
before a rangefinder might work, youll
know the distance.
Lastly, make sure to clear a straight
shot to the ground for your bow rope
and check it by lowering a gear item
before descending. Pulling a bow up
through branches in the dark or lowering it through branches you cant see
after dark is not a good plan.
In pressured areas theft is rampant,
so if concerned pull your bottom six
steps, all your sticks, or stand and make
sure to arrive early enough to re-set
them. Theft is one of the umpteen reasons I exclusively hunt from a harness
system.
Once on the ground finish your
shooting lanes by cutting the stuff you
noted while in the tree. Clear the leaves
and debris from youre standing area
at the base of the tree and where your
bow will lay once tied to your rope.
Make sure all cut stuff is far as
from the location as possible and not
blocking any runways. Preparing
locations has been a topic taken way
to lightly by most so-called experts
because in the managed areas they hunt
bucks move through open timber and
into exposed feeding areas and those
types of locations dont require much
expertise in preparing. Its difficult to
write or talk about something you dont
actually do.

MAY 2016 - WNW NEWS

Entry And Exit Routes

80

The final leg of the location preparation process is entry and exit routes.
Due to the typical security cover
landscape mature bucks in pressured
areas require for daytime movements,
entry and exit routes usually require a
lot of work and its common to spend
more time creating and marking access
routes than actually prepping the location itself.
When specifically targeting mature
bucks, phenomenal hunting locations
can be ruined if you dont use noninvasive routes to get to and leave them.
I would rather walk an extra mile and
have the chance at a mature buck than
walk a short distance and potentially
spook him because its easier and more
convenient. However, its not about
long walks, its about planning entry
and departure routes so as not to alarm
deer of your presence.
Accesses and departures often
require tactical planning and after you
set-up a location several questions need
answering before considering your

routes in and out. Whats the seasonal

timing of the location? Is it a morning,
all day, evening, or either time frame
hunting location? Where may deer be
when I approach the site? How do I
get there and depart without spooking
deer? And exactly what is your honest
evaluation of your scent control regiment?
My locations are always prepared
knowing exactly what time of season
and day they will be hunted and very
frequently my decision is based strictly
on how I can access and depart them.
Morning hunt entries must be such
that you avoid crossing or going along
edges of short crop fields or through
oak laden timber where deer may be
feeding or chasing in, otherwise you
may spook the very deer youre trying
to kill.
Morning entry routes should be
through terrain features where deer are
least likely to be at night such as along
swamp edges, weed fields, brushy areas, timber without mast or fruit trees,
edges of standing corn, and maybe
theres creek bed, ditch, draw, or gulley
you can transition through. Exit routes
however for many morning spots are
different than the entry routes.
Evening entry routes are much
simpler because deer are typically more
confined in known bedding areas. You
can walk across short crop fields or
through mature timber without understudy; however you typically have to
have a different exit route.
While bedding area locations are
specifically for all day hunts during
the rut phases only with two hour prior
to daybreak entries and half an hour
after dark exits so as not to spook deer
bedded in them, routes must still be
planned based on where deer might be
before and after dark.
While the topic gets little ink or
footage, spooking deer with exits can
be as detrimental as spooking them
with entries and many hunters pay no
mind to exit routes because that hunt is
over. Do this a time or two and afternoon deer movements at that location
may completely dry up, not to mention
pushing mature bucks into a more nocturnal routines which can affect your
entire season.
Ive hunted with several seasoned
hunters and while Ive kept my mouth
shut, have been shocked by some of
their entry and departure routes. From
a distance Ive also witnessed other
hunters ascending and descending trees
in the dark with headlamps shining
wherever their head turns and watched
hunters enter and depart on routes that
were definitely spooking deer, unknowingly temporarily saving the lives of
deer.
Routes cleared through brush
will likely end up as portions of deer
runways as deer frequently travel the
path of least resistance. Human odor
is a huge issue when choosing and
making routes and if your scent control
regiment is inadequate, youll leave
a residual scent ribbon of odor when

walking through tall grasses, weeds, or

when brushing against brush along the
route. If this is the case, make sure your
routes dont cross runways or allows
you to brush against vegetation as you
near the location.
Prior to having my current scent
control regiment, mature deer would
oftentimes stop when they hit my
entry route scent ribbon and stomp the
ground, maybe snort, and exit in the direction they came in from. I used scent
eliminating sprays at the time but they
were and still are severely inadequate
as a total scent control program. Even
the TV and video hunters that get paid
to endorse sprays, still hunt the wind
and the deer they hunt are far more tolerant of human odor that their brethren
in heavily pressured areas.
The main objectives when making
routes is; not to spook deer, easy route
to walk, marked well enough so as not
to take one step off course (especially
during darkness), and the most difficult
part is keeping them as inconspicuous
as possible to other hunters.
When making routes remove dead
branches along it because its typically
dead quiet on morning entries and evening exits and a snapped branch can be
heard from a long distance.
Once an entry route is finished you
should be able to walk the last 100
yards to your tree without touching any
brush or tall weeds. The only thing
touching anything should be the bottom
of your boots and in many locations a
return trip prior to season to cut new
growth may be required.

Marking Entry/Exit Routes

After the summer growth your

routes may look much different than
when you prepared them and be very
difficult if not impossible to follow in
the dark. In the dark you want to follow
an exact route and not take one step
outside it and reflective markers make
it easy.
Struggling in the dark to follow
a route creates stress, anxiety, makes
you sweat, makes it more likely to
leave odor on brush because youre not
always on your clean route, more noise,
and pisses you off all at the same time.
In areas where youre concerned
about other hunters finding your locations, use HMEs brown tacks because
they blend in with the bark making
them difficult for other hunters to see
during daylight.
On public lands the last thing you
want to do is put a white reflective tack
every few yards to your stand but if
youre not concerned with other hunters finding and following your markers,
use white tacks because their reflection
can be seen from farther distances.
In marshes, tall weeds, and through
brush with limp branches, use HSs
reflective bread ties. Make sure to cut
back branches, new buds, and other
vegetation that would otherwise grow
or leaf out during summer and block
the view of tacks or ties.
At home in the dark, test the reflection distance of whatever tacks and ties
you use with your hunting flashlight to
assure marker spacing is adequate.
While marking routes, whenever
a sharp turn is required, put two tacks

Once on the ground finish your shooting

lanes by cutting the stuff you noted while
in the tree with an extension saw.
in the tree, this will let you know to
search right or left for the next marker.
The goal is to be able to space and
easily follow your markers while trying
to make it difficult for someone else to.
Now your location is finished,
make notes on your aerial photos or
maps as to your entry and exit routes
and any pertinent information you may
need to know before hunting it. After a
few hunts you wont need the notes,
but there have been times Ive went
back and re-prepared locations Id
abandoned and the old notes came in
handy.
Once I finish preparing new locations on a given property, I go to my
previous seasons locations and trim
new growth in shooting lanes and in
tree, clean up deer runways and my
entry and exit routes of dead debris,
and where needed, add reflective tacks
to assure an easy access and exit for the
upcoming season.
Editors Note: Accordint to the
DNR, to prevent oak wilt do not pruning or otherwise injuring any oak trees
from April 15 to July 15!
John Eberhart is an accomplished
big-buck bow-hunter that specializes in
heavy consequential hunting pressure
areas with 28 bucks listed in CBMs
recordbook from 19 different properties
in 10 different counties. John produced
a 3 volume instructional DVD series
titled Bowhunting Pressured Whitetails and co-authored the books, Bowhunting Pressured Whitetails, Precision Bowhunting, and Bowhunting
Whitetails The Eberhart Way. They are
available at: www.deer-john.netn

Aquatic invasive
species studies

nyone that fishes knows

about the impact invasives
have had on our Great
Lakes and to some extent
the smaller, inland lakes.
Aquatic vegetation is lost
which translates into food sources for
plankton and small fish, not to mention hiding and ambush points for
larger fish.
Many of us have adjusted over
the years to the presence
of carp. Some anglers hold
competitions and target this
species. In England, carp are
highly thought of and fished
in the catch and release style
we are familiar with here.
But now a new carp family
is moving into once productive fishing waters fighting
for the same foods
and destroying habitat. These are known
collectively as Asian
Carp. Here in the Great Lakes fisheries biologists are concerned with the
silver Asian Carp.
This is the variety seen on social
media and sometimes news channels jumping high out of the water.
Some jump into boats, strike anglers
or water skiers and generally make
a nuisance of themselves. And you
wont see only one breaking the water
surface. Rather there are many, so
many in fact making fishing nearly
impossible. If youre wondering on
your next fishing trip whether you will
see Asian Carp, the current answer
is no according to DNR fisheries
biologist Seth Herbst. Herbst works
on programs and research involving
Asian Carp. He, along with Tammy
Newcomb, the DNRs senior water
policy advisor, head the departments
aquatic invasive species studies.
The DNR monitors two varieties
of Asian Carp; big head and silver.

The silver Asian Carp is the variety

seen leaping out of the water and the
variety being studied.
We are active in maintaining
the previous status (of Asian Carp),
Herbst said. The DNR works closely
with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to conduct research programs that
determine different locations for sampling. Sampling consists of biological
techniques for waterways deemed
high risk for the introduction
of invasives.
The Chicago waterways
are at high risk and already
contain Asian Carp. The St.
Joseph River in southwest
Michigan is deemed at being
a high risk because of its close
proximity to the Chicago
waterways system and its
suitability for carp to
spawn, Herbst said.
In addition to
water sampling,
other work is ongoing to head off the
introduction of Asian Carp.
The Fisheries Division does a
lot of sampling on those same rivers,
along with netting, and electro shocking. We have a good understanding of
river conditions and feel at the present time, confident there are no Asian
Carp in those rivers, Herbst said.
The south end of the Illinois River
is home to an abundant population of
carp. There are more Asian Carp here
than any other waterway in the nation.
There is an electrical barrier
that keeps carp from going upstream.
There are further control measures
downstream including dams, he said.
However, the electrical barrier doesnt capture 100-percent of
carps. Small, juvenile fish are able
to get through. Over the past few
years reports have been completed
concerning potential pathways and
connection to the Great Lakes Basin

By Roger Beukema

Over last two years roughly 20 of the DNR staff were in Illinois training and working
with fisherman and the Illinois DNR to effectively remove these fish. MDNR photo

and Mississippi River basin due to

concern with flooding and overflowing river banks. These connections
were deemed low to medium risk. The
medium risk is now being addressed
at Eagle Marsh in Fort Wayne, Indiana
to eliminate any threat of fish getting
away due to flood conditions. Right
now and within the last year there
has been a heightened risk level. We
found juvenile and larval fish further
upstream than we ever have. Further
downstream than Brandon Road,
45-50 miles from Lake Michigan, is
where juvenile fish were captured.
Previously they were located 60 miles
downstream.
Besides escaping during flood
conditions or somehow getting around
barriers, these carps can be re-located
by barge traffic based on the differences in bow designs.
Some barges have a flat bow and
others have an angled bow. Entrainment is the term biologists use to
describe how the angled bow can trap
fish in void spaces, then deposit them
upstream.
What damage will Asian Carp do?
If silver carp got into Lake Michigan,
they would eat microorganisms that
game fish eat such as the zooplankton,
which would have a negative impact
on our native fish population.
As far as Asian Carp being transported to other, inland lakes, Herbst
advises anglers to keep an eye on their
live bait.
If you see something in the

bucket that looks different, dont use

it and dispose of it properly in the garbage and not in a lake or river. Some
of our bait comes from the southern
states where established populations
of Asian Carp exist. We work with
law enforcement from southern states
to make sure bait shipments dont
contain any Asian Carp Herbst said.
Prevention methods remain on
going. Over last two years we have
had roughly 20 of our staff in Illinois
working with fisherman and the Illinois DNR to effectively remove these
fish. We are doing prevention and
keeping ahead with different training
trips to Illinois and training exercises
in the event Asian Carp show up in
our waters.
DNR officials chose the St. Joseph
River for the training exercise because
it is the first major waterway up the
Lake Michigan coastline from Chicago. The Chicago Waterway system
and St. Joseph River are in close proximity. In the event of flooding, there
is concern about water going over the
banks and depositing fish in nearby St.
Joseph River. Most fisheries biologists
believe Asian Carp are likely to enter
the Great Lakes via Lake Michigan.
The St. Joseph has optimal
habitat for these fish to spawn and
potentially establish a population,
said Tom Goniea, the DNR fisheries
biologist who oversees aquatic invasive species and designed the exercise.
These fish thrive in highly productive
streams like the St. Joseph.n

No Hunting
License
Required!

Michigan Association of
Gamebird Breeders & Hunting Preserves
For information & listing of our preserves near you go to:

www.michiganhuntingpreserves.com

All inclusive, housekeeping packages and

cabin rentals on a remote Algoma Lake.
Fish for . . .
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Train-in or Boat-in Only
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519-636-3697

www.foxsdenlodge.ca
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MAY 2016 - WNW NEWS

Enjoy
Upland Bird Hunting
August 15April 30

81

Dear Fish Diary: Seeking Michigans Biggest Pot Hole!

Doing the Pothole Plunge

Mouth guardcheck. Helmetcheck.
Shoulder padscheck. Knee padscheck.
Screw on lid for hot coffeecheck...

Bump really is? Quarter mile? Half mile? A mile?

Why has nobody thought to put up signs that says
Pothole Ahead?
When did we become a society that just puts up
warning signs to warn us about hazardous things
that we refuse to fix or clean up? Do you do that
ow it may appear I am preparing for a
boat ride down on an Asian Carp infested around your house? When you spill coffee on the
floor do you put up a sign next to it that says Cofriver but Im not. Im going through my
fee
Spill? Dog do-do Watch your Step Toilet
checklist getting ready for my daily drive
Paper
Roll Empty-Please Use Other Bathroom.
into work. Forget the seatbelts, I actually
No,
we
clean it up or fix the problem.
use ratchet straps to secure my passengers
Im
a big proponent against texting and driving.
and anything else loose in my truck. Can you get
But
I
have
to be honest, several times now in the
a ticket for not having your seatbelt on if you are
past
year
Ive
almost been taken out with head on
securely ratcheted instead?
collisions
by
someone
aimlessly swerving to miss a
Its getting a bit ridiculous driving here in the
large
pothole
at
the
last
minute. Zip, right into my
Great Lake State. It wasnt too long ago we voted
lane.
Once
it
actually
forced
me off the road and
down a proposal to fix our roads. It was called the
nearly
into
a
ditch
that
I
would
have never gotten
worst proposal defeat in proposal history. Mainly
out of. Thank goodness for that Dukes of Hazzard
because we were smart enough to recognize it was
defensive driving class I took back in the early 80s.
one of the worst proposals in proposal history. The
But now we have people texting and driving on
new bills voted in by the legislature arent really
pothole infested roads.
much better. It doesnt appear there is going to be
Last year I almost rear-ended the same BMW
any real relief and work done on our roads until
three times as it came to sudden stops on a side
2019. So this bumpy ride is about to get real seristreet to avoid gargantuan potholes. The speed limit
ous.
there is of course 25-mph. But if you actually drove
My poor boat trailer has probably taken the
25-mph, youd leave a trail of vehicle parts behind
worst beating of all. To be honest, Ive driven two- you until your vehicle just died.
tracks that are less hazardous and less destructive
I still feel the need to make some bumper stickthan some of the main roads I have to drive on a
ers and embrace the spirit of driving on Michigan
daily basis. It seems like every venture out turns
roads. Pure Michigan, Prepare for Impact. I Break
into a bruise cruise. I would honestly prefer to
for Potholes. Or something to that effect. Did you
just drive on railroad tracks.
know Michigan had over 11,000 inland lakes and
So, if were just going to ride around like
that number is actually increasing as our roads devibrating fools for the next few years, we might as
teriorate? We are a tourism state, and these potholes
well have some fun with it. Im seeking Michigans are literally tourist traps.
biggest pothole. Now lets be specific, this road
Keep in mind, well have this problem for at
crater has to be on a main paved road. Its probleast the next three to five years. By then, rather
ably large enough to swallow a mini-van or fuel
than use money to fix the potholes, we are going to
efficient vehicle. In the summer neighborhood kids have to hire a special committee to determine if the
are probably swimming in it and in the spring ducks potholes should remain because it is now breedand frogs are probably mating there. Either way, its ing habitat for rare and endangered species. Some
a big hole in the road and Im sure there is one by
potholes are easy to see as many times they are suryou.
rounded by kids with inner-tubes. This committee
Do you find it kind of odd that municipaliis also going to have to determine whether to shut
ties feel the urge to put up a road sign that says
down the local pothole swimming pool or just post
Bump? Most of the time there really isnt much
a sign that says No Lifeguard on Duty. Is it better
of a Bump. Only to drive a half mile down the
to pave over these potholes or just put a bridge over
road and bam Now that was a real bump, why
them?
didnt they put the sign there? So what is the proper
How long before the helmet law is enforced, not
distance from this Bump sign to where the actual just for motorcycles, but for vehicles too? And why

Darrells

MAY 2016 - WNW NEWS

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Yup, just a regular day pothole fishing for my son and I.

Im looking for Michigans biggest pothole and most creative pothole photo. So get shooting while your vehicle is
still drivable and send me your photos.
cant I write off four flat tires, a broken ty-rod, front
end alignment, broken strut on my boat trailer and a
cracked windshield from loose flying asphalt on my
income taxes? I need answers!
So as you are bumping, grinding and bouncing
your way along our Michigan roads, readying your
vehicle for the increased business opportunities for
local mom and pop vehicle repair shops, stop and
take a photo. The more creative the better. It would
be nice if you had a name for your newly discovered pothole pond or lake. Along with your email
please give the potholes location, your name and
phone number. There may be a special prize for the
winner, and I mean special!!!
Send your Pothole Photos to: DaPhotoDude@
aol.
Also, 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. Fishing
isnt always fun you know.
Have a fun or interesting fishing related story?
Woods-N-Water News columnist Ron St. Germain
can be reached by calling (517) 626-2814, emailing
DaPhotoDude@aol.com. Visit the authors online
photo gallery at DaPhotoDude.comn

Created amidst political controversy, the Trust Fund maintains a quiet legacy steeped in success...

Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund celebrates 40th

hats Bob Garners observation as the Michigan Natural

Resources Trust Fund prepares to celebrate its 40th
anniversary this summer. The
fund, bankrolled by royalties
paid on the sale and lease of stateowned oil, gas and mineral rights, has
quietly generated more than a billion
dollars to buy land or land rights, and
to develop quality outdoor recreational facilities and opportunities in
Michigan.
Nobody talks much about it,
said Garner, a former Michigan
Natural Resources Commissioner who
served on the board of directors for
the Trust Fund for a decade. I guess
thats an indication of how successful
its been.
Garner is in a position to know. He
was a 21-year-old aide to state Sen.
Kerry Kammer in 1976 when what
was then known as the Kammer Land
Trust bill became law.
The Trust Fund has financed projects in all of Michigans 83 counties.
The fund was created in controversy,
with the impetus for its development
being what to do about the discovery
of oil in the Pigeon River Country
State Forest.
Michigans oil and gas industry
was hot to drill. Many in the conservation community were insistent that
Pigeon River Country should never be
developed.
Garner is credited by some as
the single most important cog in the
machine that produced the Trust Fund
an honor that he says is overblown.
He gives the bulk of the credit to Tom
Washington, the former director of
Michigan United Conservation Clubs.
Garner remembers a meeting between
Kammer and Washington when Washington first broached the idea.
Kerry has always given me more
credit than I deserved, Garner said.
Our bosses werent talking so Bill
Rustem and I had to work things out.
Rustem, who recently retired as
policy advisor to Gov. Rick Snyder,
was then Gov. William Millikens
environmental affairs adviser. The pair
worked through the politics that were
blocking the idea.
The concept that money received from the use of the states nonrenewable resources should benefit
all generations of Michigan citizens
was unique at the time, and Michigan
remains one of the few states in the
country with such a program.
But the idea of putting all that
money in a Trust Fund rubbed a number of lawmakers the wrong way.
It was a pretty difficult thing,
Kammer recalls. There were all those

folks in the Legislature who had a

whole drawer full of programs they
wanted that they said wouldnt cost
that much. So there was considerable
opposition.
However, Kammer said there was
also considerable support.
Gov. Milliken was for it, and
folks like (former Democratic House
leader) Bobby Crim gave us a hand,
Kammer said. So, for everyone who
opposed it, we had supporters.
Kammer, who was the states
youngest senator at the time, said
when Washington approached him
with the idea, he liked it immediately.
This was a one-time windfall
and we knew if we didnt earmark the
money, it would be frittered away,
Kammer said. It made incredible
sense. We had this wealth of resources
in the Pigeon River State Forest, and
I thought there had to be some middle
ground where we could offer protection to the resource and try to do
something with the money.
Kammer said the originators of the
Trust Fund hoped it would be successful.
But I dont think anybody
Tom or Bob Garner or I imagined it
could have been as successful as it has
been, Kammer said. Of the bills I
sponsored, the one with the most impact is certainly the land Trust Fund.
Creating the Trust Fund took some
maneuvering in the Legislature. Several important committee chairmen
had other ideas for what to do with the
royalties.
The politics were more difficult than getting people to buy into
the idea of where this ought to go,
Rustem said. The mantra was, If you
are going to take from a nonrenewable
resource, then spend the money on a
nonrenewable resource. You didnt
have to twist arms on the policy; you
had to twist arms on the politics.
Rustem said there were some who
opposed it because some in the environmental community thought there
shouldnt ever be an oil well in the
Pigeon River Country.

$500 million. And though some of the

money was diverted by the Legislature over the decades to fund other
initiatives, the Trust Fund remains
healthy.
I never thought it would go 40
years without someone glomming on
to it, Garner said.
The $500 million Trust Fund cap
was reached in 2011 and represents
the permanent investment corpus.
Today, the Trust Fund functions
as a permanent foundation without
an influx of new revenue. The fund
is entirely dependent on investment
income to make grants and for asset
growth. Revenue from oil, gas and
minerals today is directed to the State
Park Endowment Fund.
A little more than a year after
Its like most things you had
the inception of the trust fund, St.
both the far right and the far left opJohns Marsh on Lake St. Clair was
posed to it, Rustem said. But there
purchased. Since that time, the Trust
was a confluence of enough Democrats and Republicans who understood Fund has continued to quietly finance
2,123 additional recreation projects,
the concept.
with more on the drawing board all
There were opponents, but it all
the time.
came together pretty well.
For more information on the
Garner recalls legislative leaders
Michigan Natural Resources Trust
routing the bill through sympathetic
Fund, visit the DNR Websites Trust
committees to get it to the floor.
Fund page.n
The beauty of it was when
someone was going to kill it. The
Senate majority leader put it into the
Appropriations Committee (instead of
Natural Resources) to make sure it got
out of committee, Garner said. Then
it got over to the House and Bobby
Crim put it in Tom Andersons committee Conservation, Environment
and Recreation instead of Appropriations.
On ALL Fireplaces,
Eventually, the legislation was
Stoves and Inserts
passed into law.
I dont want to say it was a
nightmare, Garner said. It was a
very simple bill, about a page and a
half. There were a few hiccups along
Since 1979
the way, but we got it through.
Largest Selection
The idea was endorsed by the
Wood/Gas/Pellet/Corn Stoves
people of Michigan, who twice voted
Fireplaces/Gas Logs/BBQs
to raise the cap on the Trust Fund.
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Sometimes silence is
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83

Our View...Izaak Walton League of America

National report shows only two percent of streams

and rivers effectively tested for water quality
More than half of all states
receive D or F grades for
water quality monitoring...
Michigan received an F grade!

MAY 2016 - WNW NEWS

84

very American has the right to know

whether the streams and rivers running
through their backyards and neighborhood
parks are safe for their kids to play in or
dogs to splash through. But a report released today by the Izaak Walton League
of America (IWLA) shows that state water quality monitoring in streams across the country is
haphazard and limited, leaving Americans in the
dark about the health of local waters and potentially leaving pollution undetected.
The Izaak Walton League conducted an extensive
investigation into stream monitoring practices
and water pollution problems in all 50 states and
uncovered startling results:
Our analysis shows that states are effectively monitoring water quality in only 2% of rivers
and streams nationwide.
Based on state reports to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA), more than
half (55%) of the streams and rivers states tested
were not safe for designated uses such as swimming, fishing, and as sources of drinking water.
Pollutants in these waters include a laundry
list of bacteria, carcinogens, and nutrients.
Testing sites are often randomly located and
limited in number, and most information about
water quality in streams is 5 to 10 years old.
More than half of all states (26) received D
or F grades for the overall effectiveness of the
states stream monitoring efforts.
(For the full report, including Michigans
grading, visit www.iwla.org/righttoknow.)
There is an alarming lack of timely information about water quality in this country, said
IWLA Executive Board Chair Jodi Arndt Labs.
Every morning, you can read about that days air
quality in the local paper or on your smart phone.
Yet information about the health of local streams
is 5 to 10 years old. Thats a problem!
The Clean Water Act of 1972 requires states
to monitor the safety of all waterways, report water quality information publicly every two years,
and address pollution problems. However, states
vary widely in virtually every aspect of water
quality monitoring, including standards used to
assess water quality; where, when, and which
waters are tested; the types of tests performed;
and how states provide information to the public.
The Izaak Walton League found that many states
have weak water quality standards that can inflate
the number of waters rated clean and healthy
and most states dont monitor water quality often
enough to make accurate statewide safety claims.
The Izaak Walton League has a solution to
this problem: empowering citizens to collect sci-

The rivermouth of Michigans Two-Hearted River. Rick Baetsen photo

entifically valid water quality data (and ensuring
states use this data more effectively).
The League has been training and supporting citizen volunteers for decades through our
groundbreaking Save Our Streams (SOS) program. Variations of the Leagues SOS program
have been adopted by states and volunteer groups
across the country. It is vital to the health of our
nations waterways and every American who
depends on those waterways to expand stream
monitoring across the country.
However, rather than embrace volunteer
help, many states hold citizen volunteers at arms
length. Some states dont use the water quality
data citizens provide. Other states require volunteers to complete unnecessarily complex certifications or send water samples to labs for expensive tests before the state will consider using their
data. This erects barriers to citizen engagement
and reduces the amount of timely water quality
information available to the public. Twenty-nine
states received D or F grades for volunteer engagement because they do not effectively partner
with volunteer monitors or use the data volunteers collect.
The solution to ensuring the public has
accurate, timely, and local information about
stream health isnt a mystery, said Scott Kovarovics, IWLA Executive Director. Across the
country today, League chapters and networks of
citizen monitors are already doing great work.
Volunteers could regularly monitor water quality
in thousands more streams and provide timely
results to their neighbors and state governments.

The League is committed to achieving this goal

by getting more citizens involved in stream monitoring nationwide.
The Izaak Walton League provides free tools
including training videos, data forms, equipment lists, and a new biological monitoring mobile app to help any volunteer get started with
water quality monitoring. Its all available online
at www.iwla.org/sos.
The Izaak Walton League of America was
founded in 1922 to conserve Americas natural
resources including soil, air, woods, waters,
and wildlife for future generations. The League
has been at the forefront of every major clean
water battle in the United States, from a push
for federal water pollution control in the 1930s
to breaking the political ground necessary for
passage of the landmark 1972 Clean Water Act to
current efforts to restore Clean Water Act protections for streams and wetlands. Citizens across
the country use the Leagues pioneering Save Our
Streams program to monitor local waterways,
plan restoration projects, and report water quality
problems.
Today, League priorities include engaging
youth in the outdoors; restoring and conserving habitat for fish and wildlife; and ensuring
Americas streams, rivers, and other waters are
clean and safe. With 43,000 members and 240 local chapters nationwide, the League is a powerful
voice for community-based conservation.
For more information, visit www.iwla.org,
call 301-548-0150, or follow us on Facebook,
Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.n

Volunteers needed to help

guard Michigan's sturgeon
The Black Lake Chapter of Sturgeon for Tomorrow in Cheboygan County is again seeking
volunteers to join in its effort, in partnership
with the Department of Natural Resources
Law Enforcement and Fisheries divisions, to
help protect lake sturgeon from illegal harvest
during the annual spawning run.
Every spring, mature lake sturgeon, a fish
species that is threatened in Michigan and rare
throughout the U.S., become vulnerable to poaching as they briefly leave Black
Lake for spawning sites upstream in the Black River. Volunteers are needed
to stand guard along the river during the spawning season, from mid-April
through early June, to report any suspicious activity and deter the unlawful
take of this iconic fish.
The lake sturgeon is unique in Michigan in that they can live up to 100
years and weigh more than 200 pounds, said Dave Borgeson, local fisheries
manager. Their journey through the Black River is critical to their long-term
success, and volunteers are important to ensure its a safe trip.
When spawning begins, sturgeon guards are assigned in shifts to sites along
the river. The volunteers stand watch and, if suspicious activity occurs, use cellular phones provided by Sturgeon for Tomorrow to contact DNR conservation
officers who are actively patrolling the area in support of the guarding effort.
Aerial surveillance also is deployed to help secure the area.
For more than 16 years, the annual sturgeon guarding program has
proven that people serving as guards watching over the river have virtually
eliminated poaching while helping to ensure the protection and reproductive
success of the species, said Ann Feldhauser, a DNR retiree and the guarding
programs volunteer coordinator.
Individuals or groups interested in volunteering should contact Mark and
Ann Feldhauser at 906-201-2484, or 906-346-9511.
Lake sturgeon rehabilitation in the Cheboygan River watershed is a cooperative effort involving the DNR, Black Lake Chapter of Sturgeon for Tomorrow,
Michigan State University and Tower-Kleber Limited Partnership. In addition
to the guarding program, this effort includes activities such as tagging sturgeon
adults and rearing young fish for stocking in Black, Burt and Mullet lakes.

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MAY 2016 - WNW NEWS

STATE

85

Dog Training...By Len Jenkins

Refusal to retrieve

MAY 2016 - WNW NEWS

86

un dogs typically like to

retrieve game which has
fallen to the gun, particularly
if theyve been introduced
to retrieving early in their
training. However, sometimes
things dont work out as they should,
and a gun dog may become a reluctant
retriever. You have to analyze your
particular circumstances if your bird
dog gets careless or recalcitrant in the
retrieving department. The problem is
usually fairly easy to correct although
youll have to work at it by being persistent, consistent, and insistent every
step of the way.
If your dog retrieved satisfactorily in the early days of training, but
shows reluctance now, your task will
be to review your earlier retrieving
lessons with one basic modification
youll have to demand a retrieve
before going on to any other activity.
In this way your dog will realize that a
retrieve to hand is required before he
can move on to other activities which
he might find more enjoyable. Be sure
to us a lightweight dummy, preferably
a small soft canvas one, a corn cob
wrapped with bird wings, or a soft
pliable toy. We dont want your dog
unhappy about having to pick up and
carry an awkward or objectionable
object.
Insist that he hold the object in his
mouth, placing it there while holding the back of his head and applying
pressure on his lower jaw with your
other hand to prevent him from dropping the dummy. While hes holding
the object, command Hold. Then
command him to Give while you
extend your hand under his mouth
to accept the dropped object. Do this
several times in succession, always
praising your dog when he drops the
object yet remaining firm and serious throughout the rest of the lesson.
Dont move onto anything else like
field work because we want your dog
to become singularly concerned with
mastering the lesson at hand.
After the lesson is complete, put
him back in his kennel to think about
what youre doing and what you
expect. Hell look forward to his next
contact with you in the manner typical
of bird dogs. Hell soon realize that
you expect to hold the object and drop
it into your hand so that he might get
to do other, more exciting things like
running in the field, or doing other
things that elicit your praise and approval.
Before moving on, continue working on the retrieve by throwing the
dummy out a few feet and sending the
dog after it by commanding Fetch.
If hes reluctant to pick it up, go

toward him and deliberately place the

object in his mouth, commanding him
to Hold, then Give. You cant get
impatient or communicate anything to
the dog except your firm resolve that
he will do this right or he wont do
anything else until he does.
Maintain a firm and serious
demeanor throughout the training
process. When he holds the object
willingly and drops it on command,
become very enthusiastic and affectionate toward him. Hell soon learn
to hold and drop obligingly in order
to evoke this more pleasant response
from his owner. Never get angry with
your dog or lose patience. Once you
begin retraining for the retrieve you
must continue until the dogs performance is satisfactory. Praise him extravagantly when he does things right
yet remain a stone face throughout
the rest of his training. By this time
your dog is probably eager for more
excitement. Give it to him; throw the
dummy out further and command
Fetch. Preface this, however, by
relaxing a bit and making a game of
throwing the object. Make him want
to run after it and bring it back to you,
thereby getting more praise and the
opportunity to do this again. What
fun! After all, it sure beats staying in
the kennel, alone, with nothing to do
but ponder what it will take to please
his best buddyyou.
In succeeding lessons you should
do whatever it takes to make your dog
want to hold and give the dummy.
Make it a game. Let him walk by
your side with the dummy in his
mouth. Make him beg you to throw
the dummy out for him to retrieve.
Because weve suspended most other
training temporarily, hell become
both proficient and enthusiastic about
Fetch, Hold, and Give.
Once he begs to retrieve, increase
the pleasure. Substitute a frozen quail
or pigeon for the dummy. Let your
dog romp around the field. Playfully
tease him as you throw out the frozen
birdwhat an interesting surprise for
your dog! Make him want to bound
out to fetch. Hell bring it back to
you tail wagging and that lets do that
again, Boss look in his eyes. Lets
oblige him. Lets do it again and
again.
Graduation day from retrieving
school is approaching. Take your dog
out in the field and begin reviewing
all the other things which hed been
taught. Its been a long time since hes
had this pleasure. Plant a bird. Shoot
it. Command Fetch, Come, Give.
Show the dog that retrieving is part
of hunting. Its fun and exciting, but
just because its fun doesnt mean

You should do whatever it takes to make your dog want to hold and give the dummy.
Make it a game. Let him walk by your side with the dummy in his mouth. Make him beg
you to throw the dummy out for him to retrieve.
its an optionits a requirement.
Retrieving is something hell have to
do right. When he works the fields for
hard-flying birds, you shoot them and
he retrieves them. Thats the way its
done.
Some dogs have a problem wanting to pick up dead or crippled birds
when there are many live birds in the
vicinity. These live birds tempt the
dog to continue his pursuit of them
rather than to search for a bird already
brought down. A dog that gets excessively excited over frequent finds will
sometimes compound his fault by also
refusing to retrieve a shot bird because
hes too busy racing across the field
in his frenzy to send all the birds into
wild flight. A dog which does this will
invariably spoil the hunt when youre
fortunate enough to get into heavy
bird concentrations such as migrating woodcock or large and numerous
quail conveys.
If your dog shows signs of refusing to retrieve a downed bird when
he knows theres another live bird
nearby, youll have to act as soon as
possible in order to correct his faults.
He has to be reminded that retrieving
is not an option. His job is not finished
until every downed bird is retrieved.
If your dog needs work in this
area, set out several birds and work
your dog into them. Be sure to keep
him on a checkcord and spiked force
collar in order to restrain him in case
he goes wild on you. You would also
be wise to refresh his memory by
reviewing your retrieving exercises
using either a frozen bird or corn cob
wrapped with bird wings.
Next, set out the birds in a manner
appropriate for what youre trying to
accomplish. You can use mechanically
or electronically spring launchers if
you wish to have absolute control.
If your dog has developed the habit
of working loose birds more aggressively than confined ones, you
should set out six or eight bobwhite or
coturnix quail. These can be dizzied

first to help assure that theyll stay

in the vicinity of their release. Allow a few minute to elapse to permit
the birds to regain their equilibrium
and move around without being
frightened away. Then bring your
dog in and demand proper execution
of task. Demand a perfect point (or
flush if hes a flushing dog). Make
the shot, dropping the bird in front
of him so he can mark its fall. Then
demand a perfect retrieve, praising
your dog in a spirited way each time
the retrieve is made. Continue with
your training, giving your dog every
opportunity to systematically and
methodically work, point, and retrieve
each of the birds. He should be able
to work properly on the real thing
if he is forced to retrieve all of the
birds which are located and shot in
rapid succession during this retraining session. If youre still unsure with
your dog, repeat this process. Practice
makes perfect.
Force retrieving is an option
available to you if all else fails. There
is various force retrieving methods.
One involves pinching and the other
using the electronic collar. Although
this is a remedy for refusal to retrieve,
you should avoid its use except as a
last resort. Its better to have the dog
retrieve because he wants to, not as a
pain-avoidance response. A gun dog
should be happy and animated.
Force retrieving is effective in
many cases and can be implemented
if necessary. If you feel insecure
about using force methods, you may
wish to consult someone experienced
in these methods to help you force
your dog to retrieve on command.
While force retrieving does yield
results, it sometimes results in a slavish dog who finds no joy in his work.
The lack of joy manifests itself in the
dogs appearance and way of going.
Its best, usually, to train a dog to
retrieve in accordance with the positive techniques outlined in this book.
All dogs can be taught to retrieve and
most enjoy it.n

Woods-N-WaterNews Classified Section

WANTED

FISHING

A TEMPUR-PEDIC MEMORY
FOAM MATTRESS SET.
Clean. Never used. As seen on TV.
Cost $1700. Sell for $695. 989-8322401. M-4-14-TFN
................................................
AN
AMISH
LOG
HEADBOARD AND QUEEN
pillowtop mattress set. New. Sell all
for $275. 989-923-1278.
M-4-14-TFN
................................................
AMISH LOG BEDS, ANY
SIZE $199. 5 drawer log chest
$199. Good quality. Lowest prices in
Michigan. 989-839-4846. M-4-14TFN
................................................
LOG BUNK BEDS. $495. Amish
lodge furniture. Call Dan 989-8321866. M-4-14-TFN
................................................

TIMBER: Buying all types of timber, 5 acres or more, top price paid.
Cash in advance. Improve wildlife
habitat. Patco Forest Products, 989539-7588 after 6 p.m. W-7-12/15
................................................

POND SUPPLIES: Live gamefish for stocking. Large selection of

lake, pond and water garden supplies. Free catalog! Stoney Creek,
Inc., Grant MI, (800) 448-3873,
www.stoneycreekequip.com F-4-7
................................................

BUYING
VINTAGE
ARCHERY
RECURVE
BOWS arrows, quivers,
broadheads, etc. anywhere
in Michigan. Call/text Andy at
1(586)215-1481. Will pick up.
W-5-3

FISH FOR STOCKING:

MOST VARIETIES POND
LAKES.
LAGGIS' FISH
FARM (269) 628-2056 DAYS,
(269) 624-6215 EVENINGS
F-5-2

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JUNE, 2016 CLASSIFIED DEADLINE MAY 2, 2016

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NAME
ADDRESS
CITYSTATEZIP
DAYTIME PHONE NO.
VISA/MASTERCARD#EXP:
CLASSIFICATION OF ADMONTHS TO RUN

(1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6)
(7)

(8)

(9)

(10)

(11)

(12)

FISHING

HUNTING

RESORTS/RENT

CANADIAN
FISHING
TRIP. Want to go fishing?
Book early and save. One of
Ontario's best multiple fish
lakes, fish for Walleye, Northern, Small Mouth, Lake Trout,
Perch and other fish. Well
spaced out log & framed cabins, boats have electric start 15
hp Yamaha 4 stroke motors,
depth finders and swivel seats.
$399 U.S. funds if booked before March with a group of 4 or
more (2 people per boat) www.
northernwalleyelodge.com or
toll free 1-877-434-2440. F11-TFN

MICHIGAN
BEAR
HUNTING. Bergland Unit
now booking first and second
season. Guided hunting trips.
www.turtlecreekoutdoors.com
Jeff 231-740-5266 or Chris 231215-4100. H-4-2

SEASONAL-ONLY CAMPING
Private, gated paradise on Big
Manistee River offers large, wooded
sites, full hook-ups, easy access to
Lake Michigan beaches. Long season. Gorgeous newly built sites!
Coho Bend - 231-723-7321 www.
cohobend.com R/R-4-7
................................................

HUNTING
KENTUCKY TENNESSEE:
Hunt Trophy Bucks on one of my
thousands of acres of large private
farms with stands. October
Muzzleload hunt and November Rifle
hunt in Kentucky. Early November
Muzzleload hunt and December Rifle
hunt in Tennessee. September and
October Bow Hunt. FREE
BROCHURE 270-498-3374. H-3-5
................................................
2016 MICHIGAN BLACK
BEAR HUNTS. Newberry/
Gwinn B.M.U. 1st, 2nd, 3rd seasons. Seven day hunt/lodging/
stands/skinning/tag/sealing
bear. Year around lodge. Great
area for fishing, grouse hunting
and 4-wheeling. Convenience
store, 39 years of business.
State and Federally licensed.
Contact: Tom Losiewski, North
Country Hunting Adventures.
1-269-330-0480. Like us on
Facebook. H-4-5
RAY'S U.P. HUNTING Over
25 years experience guiding for deer
and bear. Baited stands in Amasa,
Baraga, and Bergland Units. Lodging
Available. Call Ray at 906-265-9420
or cell (906) 284-2216. Licensed and
Insured. H-3-6
................................................
2016 MICHIGAN BEAR
HUNTS: Newberry/Gwinn.
Just outside of Seney Wlidlife
Refuge. High success rate.
32 years. State and Federal licensed and experienced. Guaranteed active baits. 6 nights, 5
day hunt includes lodging and
meals. Start at $750. Bow and
rifle deer hunts. $125 per day.
906-439-5242.
www.buckspportinglodge.com.
H-5-6

(13) (14) (15) (16) (17) (18)
(19)

(20)

$30.00

$30.25

$30.50

$30.75

$31.00

$31.25

$31.50

$31.75

$32.00

$32.25

$32.50

$32.75

$33.00

$33.25

$33.50

$33.75

$34.00

$34.25

$34.50

$34.75

$35.00

$35.25

$35.50

$35.75

$36.00

$36.25

$36.50

$36.75

Enclosed is $for
words to runmonths.

BOX MY CLASSIFIED - $5 Extra

NORTHERN
ONTARIO
BEAR HUNTS: Booking now for
Spring and Fall of 2016. Includes
comfortable cabin, boat and motor,
baited stands. Very experienced
guides. High success rate. 3 hours
from the Soo. References on request.
$960 U.S. 705-869-3272 www.texasandsons.com
H-10-12-15
................................................

GONZO BEAR CAMP - Bear

Specialist - We had 80% success.
Baraga, Gwen and Amasa Units Modular hunts start at $895. 7 days
lodging included. Write for more
information on how to apply for bear
permits on May 1st - 2730 S. Dort
Hwy., Flint, MI 48507 or call Dale at
(810) 814-8936 days 9-4 or evenings
John at (989) 257-2725 for more
information www.gonzobearcamp.
com. Like us on Facebook. H-5-4
................................................
LAKE GOGEBIC AREA
black Bear Hunts Bergland Unit.
Call Shawn Montie at 906-3641678 or 906-842-3322. H-4-3
GUIDED DOG BEAR HUNTS
in Michigan's UP Baraga Unit with a
registered guide. Come stay in camp
with a top pack of bear hounds and
hunters; participate in all aspects of
the hunt as seen on Michigan Out-ofDoors TV program. Limited number
of openings available. (906) 6320005 or (906) 630-0113. H-5-2
................................................
BEAR HUNTS: Cameron &
Sons years of experience and
licensed with the State offer
baited hunts in Newberry area.
We have acres of private and
public tracks to hunt for your
pleasure 1st and 2nd season
only. Limited hunts available.
Guaranteed active baits. Many
references available upon
request. www.ccameron.biz or
visit us on our Facebook! Call
Kevin at 906-293-8550 or 906630-1034 or Clarence at 407414-7622. H-5-4

HUNT WITH BEAR MOUNTAIN LLC this fall for your 2016
Bear Hunt. We look forward to hunting on an expanded area of private
property this fall that is in the heart of
prime bear territory. Baraga BMU,
Private land only hunts, check out our
website www.mibearhunt.com. References upon request. Give us a call
at 800-676-9821 or call Derek at 906458-3754. H-5-1
................................................
BEAR HUNTS: Baraga
Unit. Be our guest at AA
LODGE. All inclusive. 5 day
hunts. $1000 - $1500. Call Roy
810-691-3373. H-5-3

Classifieds
Work!
(810) 724-0254

MUNISING AREA: Lake

Stella - Lakefront cottage w/a
boat. Furnished. Sleeps 8.
Great fishing - walleye, bass,
bluegill, perch, pike and crappies. 989-382-5491 or 989-3827722 or 989-285-2888 Ask for
Lonnie. R/R-5-3
50 ACRES totally private lake in
Western Lake County near Branch
on 2000 acre family preserve. 3
bedroom cottage with boats, beach,
large dock, swim raft, swings, fire pit,
etc. Excellent fishing for bass, pike,
trout and panfish. Miles of streams
and hiking trails. Caretaker lives on
property 1 mile away. $950 week.
248-559-7744. R/R-4-2
................................................
PICKEREL
LAKESIDE
CAMPGROUND
AND
COTTAGES Baldwin area
1,425 all sport lake frontage, 45
semi-rustic sites, four clean modern
cottages. www.lakecamp-cottages.
com 231-745-7268.
RR-4-6
................................................

WANT TO LEASE
LOOKING FOR EXCLUSIVE
ANNUAL HUNTING LEASE in
SW or South Central MI. Minimum of
80 acres and will pay up to $25/acre
for quality habitat. Father/son combo
wanting to establish long term relationship. Over 20+ years of successful leasing relationship experience.
269-312-8761. HL-2-4
................................................

REAL ESTATE
AN
ABSOLUTELY
IMMACULATE
HOME
THAT IS TRULY TURNKEY! This 3 bedroom, 2 bath
ranch has been meticulously
cared for over the last 11 years
of ownership with many updates
made to the home. Back deck
overlooking 2 acres which
backs up to a blueberry field for
added privacy. 2.5 car garage
and a new 12'x16' shed. This
place is ready to go! Call John
Stanley at (989) 876-8171 for a
tour today!
RE-3-3
HUNTING CAMP - 70 ACRES
A unique 70 acre parcel tucked into
the middle of a section of land in Missaukee County. Butterfield Creek, a
little bit of swamp and plenty of mature woods making it ideal for wildlife.
Two beautiful cabins, well, septic
with electric run in from the outside
world. Deeded access on abandoned
railroad right of way. Price $270.000
Michland Properties (231)826-3700.
RE-5-2

MAY 2016 - WNW NEWS

MISC.

87

Woods-N-WaterNews Classified Section

REAL ESTATE

REAL ESTATE

REAL ESTATE

54 ACRES IN SE MICHIGAN
near Adrian. Has it all: outstanding hunting, 20 acres woods, Black
Creek runs through. Across from golf
course. Unbelievable find at $5466
per acre. Call Larry at Faust Real
Estate, LLC 517-263-8666. F-831.
RE-5-1
................................................
SCHOOLCRAFT COUNTY
1700 SQ FT HOME on 10 acres
backed up to 1000s of acres of state
land. 3/3, with 1700 sq ft fully finished
basement with full bath. Heated
attached 2 car garage. 32x40 pole
barn. In the floor hot water heat, A/C,
generator hook up. Built 2007.
$270,000. Call for pics/info 906-3410515, Owner. RE-5-3
................................................

40 ACRE WOODED ACRE

PARCEL Excellent hunting 1320 x
1320 paved road frontage Jasper
Townshp Midland County Section 13
possible land contract asking
$99,900 call 989-681-3312 or email
carolaaldrich@yahoo.com RE-4-3
................................................

42 ACRES FOR SALE IN AU

GRES TOWNSHIP ASKING
$95,000. 20 acre marsh with fishpond great for deer and duck hunting. $39,000 in future CRP payments
over next 15 years to new owner.
Email john.porath64@gmail.com or
call 989-868-4518. RE-4-2
................................................

AN
ABSOLUTELY
IMMACULATE
HOME
THAT IS TRULY TURNKEY! This 3 bedroom, 2 bath
ranch has been meticulously
cared for over the last 11 years
of ownership with many updates
made to the home. Just some of
the updates include a new roof
in May of 2015, new appliances
this year, new flooring in family
room and utility room, new
water heater in 2014, generator
system in 2014, new windows
throughout nearly the whole
home in 2014, new carpet in
2015, new well just 8 years ago,
and much more! Back deck
overlooking 2 acres which
backs up to a blueberry field for
added privacy. 2.5 car garage
and a new 12'x16' shed. There
is nearby access to sandy
beach along Lake Huron that is
a short car/bike ride away, along
with bike trails and close proximity to Tawas City and East
Tawas! This place is ready to
go! Call John Stanley at (989)
876-8171 for a tour today!
RE-5-3

160 ACRES JUST 2 HRS

NORTH OF DETROIT
ANN ARBOR AREA & 10
MINS OFF I-75 BAY/GLADWIN
COUNTY PRIME HUNTING
LAND 100% VIRGIN WOODS
START YOUR OWN HUNTING
CLUB $265,000 CALL 989-6593373 OR bsjjj@tds.net
RE-5-3
U.P. 15 ACRE HUNTING
CABIN, deep water well. All plumbing, kitchen, bath, two bedrooms and
living room. $65,000 land contract.
313-286-4845 or 313-429-9688.
RE-5-1
................................................
CURTIS MI. UPS PREMIER
FISHING LAKES. LAKEFRONT
ESTUARY BUILDING LOT ON 4000
AC. SOUTH MANISTIQUE LAKE.
HOUR WEST OF BRIDGE. $ 24,900.
906-586-9812. RE-5-2
................................................
CONDO LOT/PERMANENT
BOAT
SLIP.
$18,500. Build single ranch
later. Connected to 7 other
lakes = 18 miles of boating.
WATERFRONT lot/boat slip
$48,500.
eastshores@
torchlake.com. www.northernmichiganwaterfronthomes.com.
Cell 313-570-9362. RE-4-2

PREMIER OUTDOORSMAN
PROPERTY. 20 wooded acres,
nature trails, borders state land by
McCormick Lake (rainbows, browns,
smallies). Montmorency County.
2008 Sweetwater home, log siding,
hickory cabinets, central heat/air,
walk-out basement, outside wood
burner plus hunting cabin and
garage. Wildlife paradise (deer, turkey, grouse, bear, elk). ORC trails
nearby. $195,000. 989-858-1182.
RE-4-2
................................................

Subscribe Today!
(810) 724-0254

MAY 2016 - WNW NEWS

Classifieds
work!
(810) 724-0254

Monday-Friday - 9am-5pm

88 woods-n-waternews.com

Heres your
guide to
success!

DOGS
BOONDOCK'S KENNEL
established 1963 Psalms 90
:10: time to sell my English setters and English pointers. 1 to 4
years old. Champion sired. 269567-8279 or boondocks1935@
hotmail.com. Andy Johnson,
Kalamazoo Area. D-5-2
BRITTANY PUPPIES - ready
mid June. AKC registered, parents
excellent hunters, $700. 269-6506644. D-5-1
GERMAN SHORTHAIR
POINTER PUPS: Males
and females available. Excellent hunting dogs and superb
family pets. Close working dogs
with strong point and retrieve
instincts. Reasonably priced for
the sporting family. Money back
guarantee. Eulenhof Kennels,
Gladwin, MI.
http://www.eulenhof.com
989-426-4884 D-5-2
BIRD DOG TRAINING: by
world record holder and Hall of
Famer David Grubb. Only trainer in
history to win all 5 gun dog championships. (did it twice) Dog training
book for sale and stud service. (248)
391-1446. D-7-TFN-15
................................................
GUN DOG TRAINING AT
ITS BEST! by Paul
Rheaume. Over 30 years
experience with pointing and
flushing breeds. All inclusive 4
week class that is customized
to meet your dog's needs.
Excellent for young dogs starting out, for experienced dogs
tuning up, or for dogs with
issues. $600. Find us on
Facebook or online http://gundogtraining.webs.com.
Rheaume's Kennel. (989) 8648606. D-3-7

D.J.'S COUNTRY KENNELS has A.K.C Brittany

pups. The Dam's grandfather:
CH/Magic Sir-ly you Jest was
the Top Show Dog in 1999
winning the Westminster Dog
Show. Sire is from John Weneley, one of his studs. He guides
for the Huntsmans. Has Hall of
Famer's; DC/AFC Renegade's
Kansas Kid, DC/AFC Hi-Spirit
Bazooka's Pistol, FC/AFC
Rimarda's Trademark, FC/AFC
AJAX VII, NF/DC/AFC Tequila's Joker. Will make excellent
pets and grouse dogs. Call
989-823-7180. D-5-1

It is estimated that 10% of all the fishermen

catch 90% of the fish. Regardless of which group
you fall into . . . theres a sure way to up your odds
. . . simply try new fishing waters. Fish where few
fishermen ever fish.
Michigan is loaded with great fishing waters . . .
many of them over-looked. From the AuSable River
to all of the Great Lakes tributaries to the Pere
Marquette River . . . thousands of miles of streams,
lakes and rivers are now easy-to-locate on one
map.
Professor Higbees Stream Map of Michigan is the
first and only highly detailed map of its kind. This
new 4 foot by 4 foot color map shows virtually all
for the 35,000 miles of Michigan streams & lakes on
both peninsulas. Thats almost two times the earths
circumference!
STREAMMAPOFMICHIGAN is available either
rolled or folded. And, in heavy gauge clear lamination, write-on-wipe-off surface with brass eyelettes
for easy hanging, rolled only.
ROLLED $26.00 FOLDED $26.00 LAMINATED $46.00
T a x

&

P o s t a g e

I n c l u d e d

NAME
ADDRESS
CITYSTATEZIP
Check/Money Order Visa/Mastercard
Card#Exp. DateSignature

Mail To: Woods-N-Water News

P.O. Box 278 Imlay City, MI 48444 (810) 724-0254

Improved Lot
174 ft. Lake Frontage on Jug Lake

Abundant Turkey and Deer

9.1 Acre, 300 wide x 1322 deep

White Pine, Birch and Hard Maple

Throughout Property

Easy Access to Highway 42

New Workshop Building on Lot
Septic System in Place
Lazer-Leveled Foundation

Near Manistique, MI

$85,000

Gated Gravel Driveway

For More Information

Contact Laura

Lot has been Surveyed and Staked

312-391-5594

89-97

MAY 2016 - WNW NEWS

9-Acre
Wooded
Lakefront

Hunters!
Fishermen!

89

Offices Serving Lower &

Upper Michigan
Bringing people and places together since 1945

VISIT OUR WEBSITE TODAY!

statewiderealestate.net

TIMING IS EVERYTHING!!!

U.S. DOLLAR BUYS

YOU MORE IN CANADA.
CHECK OUT OUR LISTINGS NOW!

HUNTING AND
INVESTMENT PROPERTY
TROPHY DEER, BEAR
AND GREAT FISHING
WINTER CLEARANCE SALE OF LAND
WATERFRONT AND HUNTING ACREAGES

DISCOUNTED 35%

CHECK OUT OUR WEBSITE!

CALL WITH YOUR INQUIRIES OR EMAIL

LAJAMBE ENTERPRISES INC.

Houghton

715 Finns Bay Road Echo Bay, Ontario CAN POS 1C0

Marquette

Curtis
Manistique

Escanaba

Powers
Menominee
Marinette

Phone: (705) 248-9663 Fax: (705) 248-1110

flajambe@lajambe.com
www.lajambe.com

Newberry

Fife Lake

Onaway
Hawks
Hillman
Alpena

Atlanta
Harrisville
Mio

Skidway Lake

Clare

Almont
Linden

Howell

CALL

800-387-7824
TO PLACE YOUR
AD TODAY!

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

HAWKS
8383 Hwy. 451, 49743
email: rita8383@yahoo.com
989-734-4846

MARQUETTE
856 W. Washington, 49855
email: sw@statewiderealestate.org
906-228-9312 Fax: 906-228-8069

ALMONT
844 Van Dyke Road
lafrancesharon@yahoo.com
810-798-8591 Fax: 810-798-8079

HILLMAN
14938 State Street, P.O. Box 98, 49746
email: statewidehillman@yahoo.com
989-742-4523 800-228-7856
Fax: 989-742-3931

MENOMINEE
3631 10th Street, 49858
email: statewideone@newbc.rr.com
906-863-9905
Fax: 906-863-7935

CLARE
308 E. 5th Street, 48617
email: statewideclare@voyager.net
989-386-3396 Fax: 989-386-3800
CURTIS/NEWBERRY
Main Street, P.O. Box 305, 49820
email: swcurtis@sbcglobal.net
906-586-9606 Fax: 906-586-9607

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

MAY 2016 - WNW NEWS

ESCANABA
2209 Ludington Street, 49829
IRON MOUNTAIN - KINGSFORD
email: escanaba@statewiderealestate.net
112 S. Carpenter Ave., Kingsford, 49802
906-786-1308 800-900-0777
906-828-9079
Fax: 906-786-1388

90

FIFE LAKE
127 State Street, P.O. Box 190, 49633
email: swfife@charterinternet.com
231-879-4471 Fax: 231-879-4362

MANISTIQUE
10 N. State Highway M-149
Cooks, MI 49817
906-644-2304
email: dekeysermary@yahoo.com

HARRISVILLE
430 S. US-23, 48740
email: sold@anjstatewide.com
989-724-5711 800-655-5735
Fax: 989-724-6833

MARINETTE, WISCONSIN
1460 Marinette Ave., 54143
email: statewidemarinette@yahoo.com
715-735-9964 Fax: 715-732-1107

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,
P.O. Box 478, 49765
email: bigdan@frontier.com
989-733-6522
Fax: 989-733-2427
POWERS
W3776 US2 & 41, 49874
906-497-4190
Fax: 906-497-5328
holly@statewiderealestate.net
SKIDWAY LAKE
2228 Greenwood Rd.,
Prescott, 48756
email: atlas@m33access.com
989-873-3601
Fax: 989-873-6914

P.O. Box 278 594 N. Almont Ave. Imlay City, MI 48444

Phone: (810) 724-0254 Fax: (810) 724-8552

Check out our website:

www.woods-n-waternews.com

ONLINE
AUCTION
Tues., May 10- Bid from
8am-2pm
200 Vacant Wooded Acres
in Vassar, MI

Selling as (1) 80 acre

parcel and (3) 40 acre
parcels. Great for hunting
and outdoor recreation!
See LASTBIDrealestate.com
Contact Dan
(231) 878-5356
DShaarda@1800lastbid.com

231-652-7000
- or -

231-250-8200

WE NEED LISTINGS 40+ ACRES AND LARGER

349,000

40 ACRES,
MECOSTA
COUNTY

12 Acre
Private Lake,
5,000 sq ft House

349,900

80 ACRES,
MIDLAND
COUNTY

House, Barns,
Pond, 25 Ac.
Tillable
NG

I
ND
E
P

Allegan County, 59+/- Acres. Good Trail Arenac County, 146 Acres Rifle River &
System, Excellent Deer & Turkey Hunting Saginaw Bay Access, Tri-Level House
$399,999
$99,900

Delta County, 39.6 Acres

1,000+ ft Frontage Lake Michigan
$79,000

Iosco County, 52.51 Acres

Food Plots, Trail System, Elevated
Blinds, Pond & Shed
$99,000

NG

LD
O
S

I
ND
E
P

Jackson Co, 47 Acres,

2000 ft. Grand River Frontage,
2 bedroom Home, Pole Barn
$244,900

Jackson County, 162 Acres CRP Program, 6 Elevated

Blinds, 115 Ac. Tillable, Pond, Big Buck Country
$599,000

Lake Co, 75 Acres, Borders National

Forest, County Road Frontage
$89,000

Lake Co, 5 Acres, 1,200 ft. Middle Branch Lake County, 330 Acres, Good Trail
Pere Marquette River, Rustic Cabin
System, Food Plots, Sm Creek
$59,000
$399,000

NG

Missaukee County, 77 Acres, Rough

Country, Big Bucks, Trout Stream
$77,000

Missaukee County, 200 Acres,

Cabin, Pond, Trails & Blinds
$289,900

Newaygo Co, 20 Acres

Log Home, Pond, Great Hunting,
Nice Woods
$199,900

Newaygo County, 125 Acres, Three

spring fed lakes, Excellent Deer,
Turkey and Waterfowl hunting
$375,000

Osceola County, 80 Acres

Lots of Deer, Excellent Bedding
Cover, Great Hunting
$89,000

Mecosta Co 28 ac 1320
Chippewa River, Nice Cabin
$150,000

G
IN
D
N
PE

I
ND
E
P

Missaukee Co, 40 Acres, Good Missaukee County, 75 Acres Pond, Creek,

Guest Cabin & 2 Bedroom House
Trail System, Excellent Hunting
$62,900
$199,000

Isabella County, 156 acres

5,000 ft on Trout Stream, Good
Trails, 30 Ac Tillable
$590,000

DI
EN

Newaygo Co, 99 Acres,

Planted Pines, Great Cover,
County Road Frontage
$225,000

NG

Osceola Co, 94+/- Acres, 1,000 ft.

Presque Isle County, 395 Acres $276,500
All Sports Goose Lake, Older Farm
Presque Isle Co, 63+/- Ac
House, Excellent Hunting
Carp Creek, Food Plots, Hunting Blinds or can be purchased in split, 195 Acres
$137,000 or 200 Acres $140,000
$75,600
$335,000

Schoolcraft County,
2282 Acres Fox River Frontage
$570,500

WildLifeRealty.com

www.

MAY2016 - WNW NEWS

Alcona County, 240 Acres, 3 Bedroom

2 Bath Home, 30x40 Pole Barn,
Stocked Pond, W Br Pine River
$499,000

91

TARGET REAL ESTATE SPECIALIZES IN

WATERFRONT HOMES AND HUNTING PARCELS
WE REPRESENT BUYERS AND SELLERS

OSCODA

EAST TAWAS

Van Etten lakefront building site. 1.16 acre parcel with 160 acre hunting camp, QDM is practiced here with food
57 of lake frontage. Potential for walkout bsmt and bor- plots, ponds, Kunze Creek and lots of mature cedar. The
turnkey camp has 1 bedroom and 1 full bath.
dered by state land.

MLS#1812369
Listed at $79,000

MLS#1806925
Listed at $259,900.00

GREENBUSH - REDUCED TO $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#1799955
GREENBUSH - $59,900, 45 acres of hunting land off the beaten path. This rolling parcel is heavily wooded with hardwoods and evergreens. Call today. MLS#1799569
GREENBUSH - $79,900, 50 acres of prime hunting land situated just north of Oscoda. Gated entrance to this park-like
setting wildlife sanctuary! Many trails for easy access, several additional cleared areas for camping, food plots or building sites.
There could be potential value in standing timber as well. Power and natural gas available at the road. MLS#1809059
MIKADO - $89,900, 61 acres of prime hunting land. Joins State land and agricultural land. Trails thru-out the heavily
wooded parcel with hardwoods and Tag Alders, and openings for food plots. MLS#1806759
EAST TAWAS - $125,000, 200 Of Lake Huron frontage accompanies this 9.87 acre parcel in AuSable Dunes Estates. Sandy beach frontage, partially wooded, some wetlands. MLS#1789219
AU GRES - $149,000, 71 acres of hunting land surrounded by other camps. Areas of thick swamp with some ridges and
road frontage with power. Lots of deer and turkey in this location. MLS#1809806

MORE PARCELS ARE AVAILABLE . . .

CALL TODAY FOR MORE DETAILS
866-496-4400

TARGET REAL
ESTATE COMPANY

701 W. Bay Street, East Tawas, MI 48730

Office (989)362-4400 Cell (989)370-2152

info@TargetRealEstate.com
www.TargetRealEstate.com

12412 STATE ST.

ATLANTA, MICHIGAN 49709

(866) 637-8851

Mary
Kucharek

NORTH FORK RANCH

* SEE OUR WEBSITE FOR

DRONE PHOTOGRAPHY VIDEO

One of a Kind Executive Home and Retreat with Trout Stream

and Ponds on 872-Acres of Pristine Rolling Woodland with
Grass Airstrip. Built with Full 16 Logs shipped from Montana,
Perfect for Entertaining. Motel Style Guest House with 3-Units
Sleeps 6. Bunk House sleeps 9 with Bathroom and Kitchenette.
2 Additional Out Buildings next to the Airstrip. Detached Garage
across from Main Home has Huge Commercial Kitchen that is
Heated with Central Air Conditioning. Corral is Fenced for Horses.

$3,800,000 MLS #296683

YEAR-ROUND OUTDOOR PARADISE

Experience Breathtaking Sunrises and Sunsets, Northern
Lights, Great Lakes Freighters, Beautiful Beaches, and wildlife from one of the Modern Cedar Log Cabins and housekeeping units that sit on Lake Hurons shore on Manitou Beach.
Year-round Outdoor Paradise with unlimited woods and water
recreation adventures: lighthouses, boating, hiking and biking
trails, mushroom hunting, fishing charters, shipwreck diving and
more. Additional 520-Acres available nearby see MLS# 297032.

$1,200,000 MLS #297034

Diane
Ives

JJ
Earl

Cathy
Bowman Green

Matthew
Farkas

DETROIT HUNT & FISH CLUB PRISTINE 800-ACRES WITH 2-LAKES

Huge Lodge Accommodates about 20-People with Large
Kitchen and Caretakers Quarters. Lakes are Exclusive to this
Property and have never had Gas Operated Motors on them.
The first Lake is about 20-Acres and about 90-Feet Deep with
Pike, Bass, Crappie. Lots of Wildlife including Deer and Bear
on the Property. The Second Lake is Shallower and excellent
Waterfowl Hunting. Miles of Trials Throughout this Property
give easy access.

SOUTH BRANCH - 800 ACRES

$1,450,000 MLS #299227

!!! OWN YOUR OWN ISLAND !!!

DRUMMOND ISLAND - 20 ACRES

Prestigious Standerson Island...Own your Own Island! AKA Island #9 Capitalize on this rare opportunity to own a
piece of history. Located across from Harbor Island National Wildlife Refuge.

$400,000 MLS #284786

MAY 2016 - WNW NEWS

REDUCED!

92

ATLANTA 537 ACRES

WILDWOOD LODGE

Diamond in the rough with 3 lakes, streams and an abundance of

wildlife. 5400 sq ft lodge facility, 1500 sq ft 4 bdrm, 2 ba home with
a spectacular view overlooking one of the 3 lakes. Horse barn and
workshop. Corp retreat, family getaway or outfitters ranch.

9 BR, 11 BA on 3 levels w/Finished Walkout on 2.5 Acres. 200-Feet of

frontage on All Sports Wildwood Lake, Bridge access and Fire Pit. Fireplace in living room, large fam room, Kitchen, 2 Gas Ranges, 2 refrig. Fully
Furnished. Excellent Rental History http://www.vrbo.com/9421

$699,000 MLS #264103

$549,900 MLS #297147

MIO - 240 ACRES

Former Organic Dairy Farm Certified Organic Beautiful Farm Land with Creek Running through it. Several Structures on the Property. Milking Equipment may be available as well. Excellent hunting property. Also available with 200-Acres at $380,000.

$475,000 MLS #294306

LEWISTON 80 WOODED ACRES

Log Cabin, private, Northwest of Mio. Sportsman retreat, has Generator Power for Well, Shower, and Bath. Kitchen and Loft. Food Plots/
Deer Blinds. Beautiful Rolling Hills and Ridges. Tons on Wildlife.

$145,000 MLS #301519

WEST BRANCH
M-33/M-55 OFFICE
1953 S. M-33
West Branch, MI 48661

HALE
OFFICE

ALE
S
R
O

3160 North M-65

Hale, MI48739

10 miles north of I-75 exit 202

Local: 989-345-2662
Toll Free: 800-535-6520

WEST BRANCH
LOOP OFFICE

ALE
S
R
O

2575 S. I-75 Business Loop,

West Branch, MI 48661

Gateway to Huron National Forest

www.CAHANES.com

Local: 989-728-2540
Toll Free: 800-495-2540

1 mile north of I-75 Exit 212

www.CAHANES.com

Local: 989-345-0315
Toll Free: 866-345-0315

GREAT WATERFRONT HOMES!!!

1798881

1800427

1805259

1809936

1803086

SOOTHING
MULESHOE
LAKE!!

BEAUTIFUL
CUSTOM
BUILT LOG
HOME!!

ALL SPORTS
HENDERSON
LAKE!!!!

BEAUTIFUL
RIVER
FRONT!!

CANAL
FRONTAGE!!

Quaint 2-bdrm home, freshly painted, on

no motor lake, 8.8 acre lake with some appliances and furnishings, nice deck, great
views and storage shed.

3-bdrm full log home with wood floors,

open floor plan, beamed ceilings, garage, covered porch, on 1.7 ACRES
w/232 frontage on Silver Creek!

2-bdrm cabin on 172 acre lake, newer

roof, flooring and water heater, freshly
painted, family room, beautiful views,
rear deck and boat dock!!

Mostly furnished 2-bdrm home with

brick FP, formal and casual dining, large
garage, guest bunkhouse covered porch
and riverside deck with gorgeous views!

Spacious and well-maintained 4-bdrm home

on canal to Feeding Grounds Lake, with FP,
garage, shed, master suite, fantastic views
and on 3.93 ACRES!!

$67,900

$89,900

$89,900

$99,900

$99,900

1808082

1811189

1809583

1802657

1784779

FOREST
LAKE!!

GREAT
TROUT
FISHING!!

POPULAR
SAGE
LAKE!!

TRANQUIL
'NO WAKE'
LAKE

SPECTACULAR
VIEWS!!

171 of water frontage on all sports lake, great

subd, 3-bdrm home w/lots of windows, garage,
finished walkout basement, FP, and extensive
decking w/ fabulous views!

Spacious 4-bdrm on 3.88 ACRES, just

steps from fishing with family room, FP, AC,
hardwood floors, large garage, screened
porch, nice deck and beautiful views!

55 feet of frontage on 785 acre lake, 2-bdrm,

full basement, appliances, enclosed porch,
beautiful views, sandy frontage, great swimming & boating!

Over 13 ACRES with nice 2-bdrm home and

285 feet of frontage on Wallin Lake, gorgeous setting & views, garage & polebarn &
lakeside deck!!

1800 square foot, 3-bdrm home, full walkout basement, all sports Lake Ogemaw, patio and deck for
relaxing, wood stove, appliances and much more!!

$119,900

$134,900

$139,900

$140,900

$159,900

1807867

1810533

1811285

1812240

OVER HALF
ACRE ON LAKE!!

ON CHANNEL
TO LAKE!!

330 ACRE
ALL SPORTS
LAKE!!

ALL SPORTS
LAKE
OGEMAW!!

Nice 2-bdrm getaway cabin or cozy year

round home w/60 on 785 acre, all sports
lake! Knotty pine, FP, encl porch, deck,
updates & more!!

Beautiful 3-bdrm custom built chalet, on

all sports George Lake, move-in ready,
open floor plan, AC, lakeside deck, boat
dock, furnishings & guest cabin!!

3-bdrm ranch-style in great shape, garage,

master suite w/jet tub, wrap-around deck an
ACRE of property and pond, on channel to
all sports Elbow Lake!!

Nice 2-bdrm home, full basement, private

lake, open floor plan, fantastic views, perfect year round, garage, blacktop drive an
178 water frontage!!

Spacious 4-bdrm, beautiful views from every

room, full walkout basement, garage, blacktop drive, nice deck, covered patio, boat
dock & more!!

$134,900

$164,900

$165,000

$179,900

$184,900

1813413

POPULAR
SAGE LAKE!!!

1798185

1795962

1799155

CANAL AND
LAKEFRONT

WATERFRONT
SALTBOX!!

IMMACULATE
MUST SEE!!

Immaculate 2-bdrm w/175 on N Dease

Lake and bonus 317 on canal for panoramic views, metal roof, polebarn,
garage, sandy beach, nice year round!

Nice 3-bdrm home, full basement, large

kitchen, custom oak paneling, 152 sandy frontage, all sports Lake Ogemaw,
deck, gorgeous views & dock!

$215,000

$264,900

1798150

1801737

GORGEOUS
CAPE COD!!

BEST OF BOTH
WORLDS!!

68+ feet of frontage, all sports Lake Ogemaw, 3-bdrm, 4 ba, full walkout bsmt, garage, some furnishings, AC, FP, lakeside
patio, 2 docks and so much more!

Custom built 3-bdrm home w/exception

qualities, views inside and out, wood floors,
FP, master suite, 8.8 ACRES, beautiful views
and 1170 on Au Gres River!!

10+ BEAUTIFUL ACRES and 369 water frontage on Silver Lake, 4-bdrm, FP, skylights,
custom cabinets, family room, garage, 2 pole
barns, gorgeous views!

$284,900

$289,900

$325,000

1797910

1808492

1811195

NEAR IT
ALL!!!

HOUGHTON
LAKE!!

1807454

1803706

JOHNSON LAKE
ACCESS!!

POSSIBLE 3
BEDROOM!!

LITTLE
LONG LAKE
ACCESS!

2-bdrm mobile with sunroom addition, wood stove,

appliances and furnishings, in need of TLC, with
access to very pleasant lake for fishing and swimming!!

Near access to all sports Henderson Lake,

on large lot, near beaches and state land for
huntin, some knotty pine, open floor plan,
newer well & nice getaway!!

Nice 3-bdrm on large lot updated over the

years like newer roof, siding and furnace,
and has FP, balcony, front deck and storage shed, affordable up north getaway!

Cute and cozy 2-bdrm cottage on OVER AN

ACRE, FP, knotty pine, newer furnace & well
pump, nice deck overlooking large pond and
you can walk to Elni Lake!!

4-bdrm, 3 ba home approx. 150 from

gorgeous Houghton Lake, FP, family
room, lots of other bonus rooms or more
bedrooms, fantastic up North getaway!

$22,900

$23,900

$43,500

$49,900

$43,900

1781909

BUSH LAKE
ACCESS!!

1791169

NOT TOO
FAR FROM
LAKE!!

Lake access is just across the road, 2-bdrm

home or vacation getaway, eep lot, garage,
knotty pine interior, FP, move-in ready and
some furnishings included!

Spacious 1500 sq feet, in Gladwin area, needs some

TLC, 3-bdrm, newer septic field, garage and pole building, large porch for relaxing has nice views!

$49,900

$49,000

FOR MORE LISTINGS

VISIT OUR WEBSITE:

1802608

1807023

NICE VIEW OF
HARDWOOD
LAKE!!

WALK
TO LOON
LAKE!!

1799953

ALL
SPORTS
GEORGE
LAKE!!
Deeded access with this cozy 2-bdrm,
on almost AN ACRE, large shed, movein ready, newer well & newer roof, some
furnishings, porch, deck & more!!

3-bdrm home Saltbox on full basement,

just across from lake, wood floors, large
rooms, some appliances and furnishings,
shed and great deck!!

Spacious 3-bdrm sits across from all sports

Loon Lake, with garage with finished upstairs for guests, storage shed, large workshop, deck, and fantastic area!!

$57,900

$99,900

$124,900

WWW.CAHANES.COM

MAY 2016 - WNW NEWS

WATER ACCESS HOMES

93

B
Carole Porretta

GIVE US A FEW CLUES AND WE WILL HUNT DOWN THE

PERFECT PROPERTY FOR YOU!

5600 GARDNER

DU

RE

5186 CURTIS

D!

CE
$695,000 Brick Country Estate. First floor master
suite with turret sitting area & 6 bdrms & 6.5 baths.
Finished lower level. 44 acres with Morton horse barn,
paddocks, pool and pond. Unbelievable value!

$2,199,000 - Amazing opportunity and exceptional home featuring an exquisitely designed European post & beam lodge
with 47+ acres of privacy, sandhill cranes, deer AND a trout
pond to fish before entertaining in River Valley Lodge.
Incredible Master with dressing room, dual staircase with
bridge to bedroom suites. Lower level walkout, Pub, recreation room, bedrooms, storage and generator.

4363 THORNVILLE

3248 SUTTON

www.mcdonaldrealty.com
906-647-9000
180 wooded acres near St. Mary's
River, good year round cabin with
all utilities, trails, pole barn, Food
plots and large blinds. Barbeau
$260,000
290 acres with mile road
frontage, rustic cabin, electric avail.
Raber $250,000
200 Acres wooded with mile
frontage on Gogomain River. Miles
of trails throughout property, food
plots. Raber $199,000
150 acres mostly wooded, seasonal
county road, electric avail., creek.
Dafter $120,000

$835,000 - Exceptional 5 acre parcel tucked in the

woods, partially paved drive to Vanderbilt Castle- $649,500 - Custom brick home with 25 acres bordering
inspired lodge, limestone in & out, English garden the Flint River. Horse barn with water, run-in and tack
courtyard & a huge value in reclaimed artifacts.
room. 3 large paddocks & outdoor riding area.

40 acres wooded on sand ridge,

newer camp with generator and
furnishings included. Goetzville
$94,900

BUILD YOUR DREAM HOME!

38 acres mostly wooded with upland ridge and meadow, newer

camp, well. Pickford $55,000

Metamora Rd.........$127,900
Metamora, 13+ Acres, Woods
Seven Ponds...........$29,900
Court, Dryden 3.5+ Acres
Bordman Road......$139,000
Almont, 11 Acres, Pastures

Genesee Rd...........$269,000
Elba Twp, 43 Acres, Splits
Medford Hills...........$55,000
Metamora Steeplechase Beauty
E Sutton Road.......$598,000
Metamora, 90 Acres, Wooded

N Maple Leaf Rd......$84,900

Elba, 8 + Acres Pond, Woods
Peters Lane.............$48,500
Dryden, 3+ Acres, More land
Casey Rd...............$179,900
Metamora, 23+ Acres, River

Metamora Golf and Country Club, Several lots available starting at $28,900

MAY 2016 - WNW NEWS

THOUSANDS OF
ACRES AVAILABLE
FROM $5500 TO $526,000.

94

575 acres wooded with high ridge,

trails, floodings and creek, frontage
on M-134 and S. Caribou Lake Rd.
DeTour $287,500

IG RIVER

PROPERTIES

BIG BASS LAKE 8756 N. HOMESTEAD CIRCLE IRONS Year around

home or cottage with 116 frontage on Big Bass Lake which is a 290 acre all
sports lake with a sandy bottom. There is 2970 square foot of finished living
space. The home features 4 bedrooms, 3 full baths, spacious kitchen which
was recently remodeled with cherry cabinets, easy close doors, pull out
shelves, granite counter top and tile back splash. There is a pass through
counter to the dining area. The living room has a wood burning field stone
fireplace, built in shelves on both side of it and a wall of sliders out to the
screened in deck and large open deck with great views of the lake. The
walkout basement is finished and has 2 of the bedrooms and 1 bath, rec
room with fireplace and a bar all ready for entertaining. Many updates to this
home makes it ready to move into! There is a 2 car attached garage, concrete driveway and well manicured yard down to the waters edge. Two
docks in the lake, a deck and fire pit to enjoy those summer evenings. Must
see all this has to offer! $389,900 (RAD)
LITTLE MANISTEE RIVER 9568 E. RIVERSIDE DRIVE IRONS Log
sided home on the famous Little Manistee River with 370 frontage and 2.5
acres. The home features over 2000 sq foot of living space plus the basement, 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, open floor plan with kitchen with hickory cabinets, dining area, and large living room with a stone fireplace with an insert
that you can use gas or wood in it. There are hickory hardwood floors. The
home was built in 2004 and is all set up for a generator if you want, yard
lighting and a security system. There is also a full basement that could be
finished off into a family room or extra sleeping quarters. Great log home
features throughout the house including lot beams, stairs made out of half
logs. You must see all this has to offer! NEW PRICE $319,900 (VANS)
MIDGET LAKE HOME - 11545 N MIDGET LAKE DRIVE IRONS Nature
at its very best surrounds this 3 Bedroom 1 Bath Chalet style home on
4.32 acres with 544+/- feet of frontage on Midget Lake. Pride of ownership
throughout this well maintained home located at the end of a private road.
Most windows have been replaced with custom Amish windows, double
doorwalls open to the large covered porch overlooking the lakeside. Full
walkout basement with a wood stove and workshop area. Large main floor
bedroom and main level laundry area. 2 Car garage offers great storage
space. Fantastic setting on this fishing type lake. $189,000 (WIT)

HARPER LAKE COTTAGE 9811 N KESSLER DRIVE IRONS This

charming updated cottage sits on a cove of beautiful 78 acre Harper Lake.
With a dock, 48 of frontage and an easy slope to the waters edge you can
enjoy lots of fun and family time on this all-sports lake. The home features a
large 25x14 living room with a row of picture windows affording lots of natural
light overlooking a spacious deck and the lake. The galley kitchen has laminate flooring, a cook top, built in oven, and a dishwasher. There are two
bedrooms and a bathroom with a washer/ dryer hook up. The roof was new
in 2011. Updated electric and plumbing, newly painted inside and out, it is a
perfect getaway place with many of the features of home including highspeed and cable. $134,900 (SET)

Hunters Call for our Acreage Parcels

5963 W. 10-1/2 Mile Rd. Irons, Michigan
231-266-8288 877-88-NORTH
www.BigRiverVentures.com Info@BigRiverVentures.com

3 Bdrm, 2.5 bth home/cottage. Unique Aframe

on private Lk, peaceful. Must see! Manistique.

2 Bdrms 2 Bth Escanaba River Retreat Custom

Home, garage, Cottage & 2 Acres. Cornell

2 Bdrm, 2 bth home. 252 Sturgeon River. 10

Acres. 30x40 Pole bldg. 3 Season Rm. St. Jacques.

$154,900 1083871

$209,000 1089107

$218,900 1089445

4 Bdrm, 2 bth home.

Lakefront property close to Fox Park.
Cedar River.

3 Bdrm, 2 bth overlooking Stevens Lake.

Pole Building. Wetmore.

1 Bdrm, 1 bth camp. 20 Acres, well, septic,

electric new in 2012. Rock.

$159,000 1093130

$239,900 1092875

$63,900 1083817

3 Bdrm, 3 bth home. 100 on Whitefish River.

Two car gar, deck, shed. Rapid River.

2 Bdrm, 1 bth log home. 2 Car log garage. 88 Acres

with State land nearby. Watson.

3 Bdrm, 1 bth home. 240 Acres. Built 2005.

1200 Sq. Ft., fireplace, gar, sauna, trails. Rock.

$135,000 1093061

$185,000 1089004

$399,000 1090655

2 Bdrm, 1 bth home or camp. 10 Acres, great country setting. 26x50 Pole bldg. All appliances. Arnold.

40 Acres and comfortable camp. Hardwood ridges

border Federal land. Co Rd access. Great hunting. Osier.

3 Bdrm, 1 bth home/camp. 40 Acres. Nice! Pole bldg

with power. 2 Car gar. Fireplace. 2 sides Federal. Ensign.

$104,900 1090757

$59,500 1090852

$139,900 1090258

MAY 2016 - WNW NEWS

95

VERY RARE LAKE FRONT - On Hillview Lake, east of Big Rapids, 23 acres,
cabin and 1700+ feet of waterfront. Family, Corporate, Development potential. $449,000
MUSKEGON RIVER SOUTH OF BIG RAPIDS - THE VIEW worth 10x the price,
great boating. Newly renovated. This is a Knock-Out Waterfront property. $169,900
YOUNGS LAKE - Delightful year round, 2-3 bedrooms, one bath. Great
view from both decks, 20x40 garage with work/shop area. $89,900

EXCLUSIVE
RESORT FOR SALE
LOST ARROW RESORT

on Tittabawassee River near Gladwin. On 35

Acres, Restaurant/Lounge, Motel Suites, Log
Cabins, River Cabins w/Jacuzzis.

CORNER 20 ACRES - 3 bedrooms, 2 bath, home with finished work

shop in garage plus 48x44 pole barn, Quality construction. $249,000
DEER HUNTERS 40 ACRES - On paved road, wooded and tillable.
McDuffee Creek flows through, great place to build your cabin. $80,000

Jack Frizzell
(231)598-6700

http://jackfrizzell.fivestarmichigan.com

Asking only $2.2m

Indoor Heated Pool w/Jacuzzi, Banquet
Hall, Equestrian Riding Arena. More acreage
available and possible Hunting Lodge.

CONTACT JAY 586-484-1120 OR ROBERT 586-246-6100

CANADIAN REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

DEER CAMP

VACANT LAND

2 BEDROOM, LIVING RM, KITCHEN, BATH, ENCLOSED FRONT

PORCH ON 25 ACRES OF PURE HUNTING PROPERTY (829 X
1364) JUST NORTH OF IMLAY CITY (I-69) ABOUT 5 MILES.

121 ACRES IN FREMONT TOWNSHIP, WEST OF

CROSWELL, EAST OF M-19 ON BURNS LINE RD
AT THE NW CORNER OF BROWN RD.

Hunting is
superb on
this land, at
least 1 deer
off it for the
last 25 years,
usually 3 or 4.

1320 ft X 3960
ft. Asking
$500,000. Call
Sharon @ 810441-6002 or
810-798-8591

$199,900

$500,000

FOR ALL YOUR REAL

ESTATE NEEDS CALL

Sharon LaFrance
810-441-6002
Im not #1, you are.

MAINSTREET
844 Van Dyke ALMONT

www

.landncanada.com

Hunting Fishing Waterfront Land

CARIBOU LAKE LOG CABINS - Private resort 80 acres waterfront, 3

properties, House, shop, 9 cabins, 10 trailer sites. 4800 ft. waterfrontage. $349,900. Cdn. = $267,464. US funds*

ABERDEEN ADDITIONAL TWP 80 Acres, cabin, hardwood and

swamp, storage building, 2 good road frontages $99,900. Cdn =
$76,374. US Funds*

SEARCHMONT, ONTARIO - 48.5 Acres recreation land on Achigan

River, private road in. Adjacent public lands fishing, hunting, trails,
skiing. $39,900. Cdn = $28,728. US funds.*

LAKE SUPERIOR WATERFRONTAGE WITH VIEWS, 719 Acres,

mature hardwoods, windmill income, private hunting sanctuary,
good road access $850,000.US Funds

LAKE LAUZON WATERFRONT - 1200 sq ft home, 155 ft on water,

HARMONY BAY LAKE SUPERIOR - Entrance, septic, sheltered bay
immaculate updated with Walk out bsmt. Dock, deck, carport 1.6
$79,900. Cdn = $99,296. US Funds*
hrs. From International Bridge. $259,900. Cdn = $198,668. US funds.* ST JOSEPH ISLAND - 40 Acre commercial corner plus hardwood lot
NORTH CHANNEL WATERFRONT ON ST JOSEPH ISLAND. 2 bdrm
$99,900. Cdn = $76,344. US Funds*
cottage, guest cottage and garage. Clean clear water, fishing, sailPLUMMER ADDITIONAL TOWNSHIP 158 Acres 2 road frontages,
ing, swimming , some sand at water. Ready for your family. Asking blinds, stands, ponds creek, moose, bear, deer country. 45 Minutes
$154,900. Cdn = $118,406. US Funds*
from bridge $69,900.Cdn $53,416. US Funds*

*Exchange Rate Subject to Change*

ERIC BRAUNER
Broker of Record

(705) 256-0680

MAY 2016 - WNW NEWS

BraunerRealEstate@shaw.ca
28 Years Experience

96

MAY 2016 - WNW NEWS

97

DAN DAN

LOG CABIN
FURNITURE

THEMATTRESSMAN.COM

WHOLESALE TO THE PUBLIC

Queen Log Bed $19999

Queen Size Log Headboard

CHECK
US OUT
ON THE
WEB!

7500

5 Drawer Chest Only

$

199

4 Drawer Chest
$

189

2 Drawer Night Stand

$

149

Finished Cedar Log Bed

ONLY

29999

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MAY 2016 - WNW NEWS

from

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39999

MORE SIZES,
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AMERICAN MADE!

Mini
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99

N
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(989)-832-1866
D
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Not Included

THEMATTRESSMAN.COM 802 ASHMAN ST., MIDLAND

Let's Go Fishing!

Best Prices Of The Year!

-INs
E
D
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MED
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STARTING AT:

2016 Polar Kraft 165 SC

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Chene Anchor

Holding Power
Retrievability Durability

201 Industrial Way, Fenton, MI

available at...

THE KNOWLEDGEABLE BOATERS

BEST CHOICE

SPORTS
CENTER

Visit us at www.freeway-sports.com for a complete listing of boats!

FULL SERVICE PARTS & ACCESSORIES

Service Department Indoor & Outdoor Storage

(810) 629-2291

Exit 84 on US-23

FLINT
EXIT 84
59

FREEWAY
SPORTS CENTER

FENTON

23

3241 Thompson Rd.

Fenton, MI 48430

Hours:
Mon.-Fri. 9am - 6pm
Sat. 9am - 5pm
Closed Sunday's

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The Henry Guarantee . . . by Owner, Anthony Imerato

Henry owners have my personal guarantee
to make certain that they are 100% safisfied
with their purchase of our rifles. If you are
going to spend your hard earned money on a
Henry, I can assure you that we will do
whatever it takes to make sure that you are
happy that you bought a Henry.

Henry Golden Boy Rifle

One of Henrys most
popular rifles!
31516 Harper Avenue
St. Clair Shores, MI 48082

Phone (586) 296-2360

Fax (586) 264-8307

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

Henry Classic Lever Action .22 rifle

Henry Varmint Express .17 HMR
Henry Lever Action Octagon Frontier Model
Henry Small Game Carbine and Rifle
Henry Lever Carbine .22
Henry Lever Action Magnum .22

Michi-GUN
Available at:

Layaways Welcome

www.michi-gun.com